Streamlining DVR Storage

Geovision's storage system is a high-performance storage system based on iSCSI technology for users looking for a cost-effective and shared storage solution within a network. If you have an existing network, it is easy to implement the GV-Storage into it without having to establish a new one. You don't need any specialized adapters, switches or cables for DVR servers in order to integrate the GV-Storage into your system, and it is perfectly scalable.

If you use Backup Server, the GV-Storage System can store recorded files from GV-System version 8.2 or above on the network itself. With Backup Viewer you can access the video recordings and log data backed up on the GV-Storage System from any computer in the network. The GV-Storage System is a powerful addition to any video surveillance system.

Key Features:

• Extended storage over Ethernet
• No license fee for each connection
• Easy to operate and maintain
• 16TB storage capacity or higher (Max. 480 FPS for 16 Weeks)
• Dual Gigabit iSCSI ports
• Hardware health monitor
• Easy data backup with Backup Server

The Difference Between DVR and NVR

Digital Video Recorders (DVR)
Traditional DVRs use dedicated point-to-point analog cabling to bring the analog signal from a security camera location to the DVR. The analog video signal from the security camera is a one-directional signal carrier that ends at the DVR station.

GeoVision's DVR series is a PC-based surveillance system that processes, records and stores video and audio data from local (or remote) security cameras. All video, audio, data and I/O devices are combined into one system. GeoVision's DVR is an all-inclusive system and through their unique uniform software platform interface, the system is very versatile and can be a solution to many surveillance requirements. The special features this DVR offers convert into low cost installation and unlimited connectivity options.

Network Video Recorder (NVR)
An NVR is an IP-based video recorder that uses TCP/IP network technology as the mode for transporting information. The digitized video and audio streams of a network IP security camera can be transmitted by connecting its LAN port to the network. So essentially, the NVR can be placed anywhere as long as it has network access. NVR is multi-directional, allowing information to be sent and received from the IP camera. There are several benefits to an NVR system such as higher image quality, remote accessibility, scalability, cost effectiveness, and more flexible storage.  

GeoVision's NVR series records video and audio data over TCP/IP networks. Like the DVR, this system is very comprehensive and can fulfill many surveillance requirements. It stands as one of the most sophisticated IP surveillance software systems on the market. With monitoring features, video analytics, integration with license plate recognition, Point of sales/ATM, Access Control systems, as well as compatibility with a wide range of third party IP cameras, it's easy to see why it is one of the best solutions for industrial, commercial and residential IP surveillance.

If you're interested in a GeoVision NVR or DVR, check our our GeoVision DVR Surveillance Packages or call one of our specialists at 877-422-1907.

Video Analytics With The GV-Smart Box

One of the possible functions of a video surveillance that often gets overlooked is video analytics. With the proper features in a DVR, a surveillance system can double as a security system and as a tool for gathering relevant data on what passes through the view of a strategically placed camera. The various features that allow for this kind of video analysis are discussed in Security & Marketing Analysis: Two Birds With One Stone. Discussed here is the Geovision Smart Box, which can be used in conjunction with some of Geovision's analytic features.

The GV-Smart Box is a standalone device that is specifically designed for counting various kinds of objects. The Smart Box can count the number of visitors, vehicles or faces, and can work with any analog camera. Having this data not only helps you deter theft, violence or vandalism on or around your assets, but also helps identify peak traffic hours, providing valuable information that can inform marketing decisions. The GV-Smart Box requires no software, and you can access the live camera feeds with counting data from anywhere on a computer using an IE browser.

Key GV Smart Box Features:

• Counts the number of visitors
• Counts the number of faces
• Counts the number of vehicles
• Easily accessible Web-based interface to watch live views, query database, and customize settings
• Triggers alarm when faces covered with masks are detected
• Supports adjustment of video attributes
• Sets detection mode by schedule
• Supports UMTS and WiFi
• Integrates with GV-Web Report, GV-System or GV-Compact DVR
• Connects to VSM and sends alerts in the event of I/O trigger, video lost and network disconnection
• Supports adjustment of video attributes

Geovision's GV-Smart Box is definitely a great asset for any surveillance system, and you can contact a security consultant at CameraSecurityNow.com to get a quote on a complete video surveillance system that includes this feature.

Solutions for Challenging Surveillance Lighting

Lighting challenges are very common when setting up a surveillance system. However, it is usually one of the last things people think about when setting up their security cameras. It's not until the cameras are installed that the user looks at the feed, only to be disappointed by bad or challenging lighting. Challenging lighting can come in a variety of flavors: very dark, low light, too bright, and the really annoying case of back lighting where the intensity of the light can vary a lot, namely areas when there are both very bright and very dark areas simultaneously in the camera's field of view.
 

Solutions

Areas that are too dark: Sometimes the area is too dark or even pitch black. This can be solved simply by using an Infrared (IR) Security Camera. By using IR emitters (usually IR LEDs), the camera can send out infrared light to illuminate its target area. The image below was taken from an IR camera in a pitch black room using an iPhone application. The more emitters a camera has, the more effective is it at illuminating a target.

Outdoor areas with low or varying light: The best solution for these types of areas are day and night cameras. These cameras have the ability to see the picture during the day, when there is plenty of sunlight, and also during the night in total darkness. Using photocell activation, the camera recognizes changes in lighting conditions so that once the infrared is no longer needed it switches to non-IR modes.

Areas with back lighting and high-contrast lighting: Take the scenario below as an example, you have a security camera in your lobby. These can be very frustrating areas because when the sun is shining through windows or doors, a standard IP camera will display the door area looking like a big white sheet of light and nothing can be seen outside [see photo 1 below]. Conversely, the dark areas inside the lobby will appear to be black and hard to see [see photo 2 below]. In these situations, Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) cameras work great. WDR allows the camera to filter the intense back light surrounding the area. In areas with back lighting (usually in areas where light enters from various angles such as a multi-window room) where the camera points towards the light source (doors or windows), the background washes out the area during the daytime [again photo 1]. With WDR the camera will be able to see through the intense sunlight (or artificial light) resulting in what you see in photo 3.

Photos from geovision.com.tw

For more information about lighting conditions or to purchase cameras equipped with these technologies, visit us at camerasecuritynow.com or call one of our specialists at 1-877-422-1907.

DVR Software Can Detect Theft As It Happens

One of the features not many people know about on the Geovision DVR system is the Missing Object Detection feature. This feature allows the DVR to look at a particular object, and if that object moves, this action will cause an alarm to be sounded. Geovision has a demo of this feature on their website here: http://www.geovision.com.tw/demo/vid/demo4.htm

There are many applications for a feature like this, especially in places where valuables may be easily accessible to the public. Imagine a sports bar that has a signed piece of memorabilia at the bar. Bartenders often get busy and may not notice if a patron were to quickly swipe the piece and leave. By setting up a Geovision DVR system to the watch the bar and especially the memorabilia, the bar owner can ensure that the piece doesn't get stolen regardless of whether their staff is paying attention to it or not.

This instant notification is much better for security protection than just being able to review the video after the theft. It is easy to conceal one's identity and hide one's face with the use of hoods, ball caps, etc. When reviewing video of a theft, oftentimes it is impossible to get a clear identity of the thief. With the instant notification that Missing Object Detection gives you, you can catch the thief while he or she is still on the premises and before they've disappeared.

If you'd like to see other demonstrations about the Geovision Missing Object Detection feature or get a quote on getting a Geovision DVR system in your business, contact CameraSecurityNow.com at 877-422-1907.

Security & Marketing Analysis: Two Birds With One Stone

Did you know that a Geovision DVR can count? Geovision has the technology to count the number of people entering and exiting a given space. By doing nothing other than setting up a video surveillance system with a Geovision DVR, you can instantly know how many people have passed by the visual field of a security camera. This built-in feature can have many interesting applications and can turn your surveillance system into a data gathering tool. While insuring security and gathering relevant data simultaneously and through the same means, you really can 'kill two birds with one stone' using a Geovision DVR.

Data Sampling For Marketing Analysis
You can keep a close eye on traffic to and from your store each day and even have an accurate ratio of customers who purchased to customers who were just 'window shopping'. If your cameras are placed strategically enough, you can even use this feature to gather data on how many people pass by a given product display or particular retail department, allowing you to gather market viability of a product or its display.

For Large Events
If an event like a convention or trade show is large enough, boosted video surveillance is a good idea. In addition to added security, you can also keep track of how many attendees you have. By setting up cameras connected to a Geovision DVR, you can let the People Counting feature run and always have an updated number on people currently attending your event. With strategically placed cameras, you can even keep track of where attendees tend to gravitate, giving you an accurate impression of the relevant markets that your event might focus on. If you are exhibiting at a trade show, you might even set up a small surveillance system to track how many people enter and exit your own exhibition space.

When in the market for a video surveillance system, it is important to be aware of all that you can get out of the system that you purchase or rent. With features like the People Counting feature, as well as other useful features, a Geovision DVR allows for multiple applications of a surveillance system over and above mere security. Which makes its purchase, lease or rental well worth your investment.

Find out what is going on in the Tech Army World.



What are the Top 10 Money Making Missions?

What other companies have joined and what do they do?

How do I join the
Tech Army Organization ?

GeoVision's new 5MP Fisheye

GeoVision's newest 5 Megapixel Fisheye is capable of doing what a system of several cameras does all by itself. With a 360 degree view that has no blind spot and features an interface that is both user-intuitive and user-friendly, this security camera makes a perfect addition to an inclusive surveillance system.

Features that make this camera so great:
5-MP: High resolution and clear, crisp images.
Moving Object Tracking: Target a person or object and track it. Simple as that.
Desired View: 360 degrees of source image allows the user to view at any angle and any zoom level.
Privacy Mask: Block out portions of the video to ensure privacy.
Rugged: Good for outdoor use.
Tampering Alarm: Alert beforehand any damage to the camera view
Other Features: Virtual PTZ, Auto Pan, Visual Automation, Electronic Day/Night, Built-in Microphone and Speaker

Having one of these cameras could reduce the number of cameras necessary in your surveillance system, saving you money.

To get an idea of what this camera is capable of, check out Andy's video demo below of the comparable 4MP Fisheye.