Video Surveillance

A video surveillance system uses video streams from cameras to help organizations detect and respond to security events. Modern systems consist of several hardware and software components: video cameras, a Video Management System, storage devices (a Network Video Recorder or cloud storage), analytics, and even mobile applications to view videos and manage events.

With so much variety, finding the right solution for your organization depends on clearly defining your needs and working with a knowledgeable partner who understands the full range of video surveillance options. 

Video surveillance adds a powerful visual component to your security program. It makes it possible to see what is going on in real-time as well as see what happened in the past to investigate an event. Video images can be used to verify alarms from your intrusion, access control, and other systems, so that you can take appropriate action. Video analytics can also automatically identify a potential event and alert you to investigate. 

In addition, you can leverage your video surveillance for a range of interactive video monitoring services from Securitas Technology, including video verification, remote access, remote tours and safe escort.

Video surveillance uses video cameras to help you manage and improve your security. Cameras are installed in the areas you wish to monitor, with the video sent to a recorder for storage and/or distribution. Video can be accessed by authorized users via computers on your network with appropriate permissions or from mobile devices; or video can be monitored by professionals at a security monitoring center.  

Security response can be triggered by the video itself, or by other security systems. Automated video analytics can identify events that may require response; for example, someone entering a restricted area. Or an alarm from another security sensor, like an intrusion system, can trigger the video surveillance system to automatically send video footage of the period around the event.

In addition, security monitoring professionals can access the video surveillance system to provide video monitoring services: everything from remote touring and escorting to granting access.

We offer secure, 24/7 cloud recording options to help eliminate the need for additional hardware, and also provide access to live and recorded video clips.

Video surveillance cameras are cameras that record the site where they are installed. Modern cameras are digital, meaning that the image is recorded and transmitted in an encrypted digital stream. There are many kinds of cameras available, with different resolutions, lenses, form factors, and other functionality: 

• Fixed cameras that cover a single area, like an entrance

• Multi-sensor cameras that provide up to 360° coverage 

• PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras that can be rotated, titled and zoomed at will  

• Low-light cameras

• Thermal imagers for intrusion detection

Some cameras also have built-in analytics to support applications like detecting activity in a restricted area.

Our network cameras cover a variety of needs, from robust outdoor cameras for harsh climates to more discreet products. Our cameras provide several capabilities, including HDTV, wide dynamic range, infrared and light finder. The different options we offer are: 

• Fixed dome cameras - discreet and non-intrusive, highly resistant to vandalism, and the popular choice for many hotels, restaurants and retail stores
• HD and megapixel network cameras - effective, reliable and cost-efficient
• PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras - wide area coverage, ideal for larger facilities 
• Fixed bullet cameras - high-resolution cameras with de-warping technology
• Fixed network cameras - once it’s mounted, it has a fixed viewing direction

Depending on the cameras used, our video surveillance solutions use advanced analytics such as: 

• motion detection
• audio detection 
• tampering alarms  
• object classification 
• color detection

In terms of physical security, a number of vandalism- and tamper-resistant cameras are available with both physical deterrents like sturdy housings and no grip surfaces, as well as analytics that can detect if the camera is spray-painted, covered or moved.

When it comes to data security, it’s best to look at the whole picture when planning data security with video surveillance. Digital (or IP) cameras support data encryption, but data should be protected the entire route from camera to user. That means securing transmission from cameras to the Video Management System, the storage system, and the various user interfaces (workstations, mobile apps, etc.). 

Securitas Technology can help you architect a solution that is both secure and easy to manage, leveraging the same advanced encryption technology used for computer networks and devices.

There are many excellent security camera options, and your choice should be guided by a careful review of your needs. It’s not uncommon to use several different kinds of cameras in one system to get the best result for each location where a camera is needed. Here are some key considerations: 

• What area is being monitored? For a small area like a single entrance, a fixed camera may be fine, whereas a multi-sensor camera may be better choice for a large open area like a lobby with a lot of activity in all directions. These are just two possible scenarios, so always consult with an expert. 

• What’s the environment? Outdoor and low-light installations require particular hardware, and it’s important to know how the camera will be mounted: on the wall, on the ceiling, recessed, etc.

• Do you want to integrate existing video equipment? If you’re expanding your video surveillance, make sure you have compatibility. Talk to your security partner about the best options for a hybrid system mixing older and newer technology.

• Do you need video analytics? Some cameras are able to automatically detect different types of activity that you may need to investigate or be alerted to. This is a useful feature for use cases like perimeter protection where any human movement inside the area is cause for concern.

The basic requirements for installing a digital video surveillance camera are a proper mounting location that will support the camera, mounting hardware, and cabling for communications and sometimes also power. However, installing the camera is only one part of setting up a video surveillance system. You must plan the type and location of the Network Video Recorder (NVR), how long video will be stored, and how users will use the video footage. All these considerations make it essential to work with an experienced video security specialist in the design, installation and use of your system.

CCTV stands for “closed-circuit television”. It is the older term for video surveillance, based on the original analog technology that is a closed loop between the video camera and a video recorder that stores images and sends them to monitors for viewing. Modern video surveillance systems are IP-based (networked) and include a wide array of video cameras – differing in form factor, resolution, and advanced features – that record to a local server (Network Video Recorder or NVR) or a cloud hosted storage location.