Introduction to the Different Technologies

Video Surveillance Technologies

This guide is designed to educate you on basic system design and application. It is intended to help you make the right choices when designing a video surveillance system that will meet your expectations.

The first step is to understand the different technologies, their operations and benefits. The technologies range from 20 year old "Analog" to cutting edge "Digital". Your goals and what you want to accomplish will dictate which technology is right for you.

There are 3 types of surveillance technologies to consider: They are:

Analog/Time Lapse Systems

PC Based Systems

Hardware Based Systems

There are a few acronyms which you may or may not know. Just for the record here are the ones that matter.

• BNC: Fitting used to connect coax cable to cameras and equipment.
• CCTV: Closed Circuit Television
• DVR: Digital Video Recorder
• Mux: A four, nine or sixteen camera analog video multiplexer.

Analog & Time Lapse Systems

Monitors & Multiplexers:

Monitors are analog TV monitors which can display one video signal. In other words they have one video input. They are nothing more than high resolution TV's. They range in size from 9" to 25" screens. They are the only way to view cameras with a time lapse recording system. With the addition of a multiplexer you can display 4, 9 or 16 video signals on one monitor. The multiplexer only provides the ability to view multiple cameras on one screen. It does not provide the ability to record.

Color Analog Monitors	4, 9, and 16 Input Video Multiplexers

Time Lapse Recorders:

With the addition of a Time Lapse Recorder you can record the video signal from a single camera, or a multi-camera view from a multiplexer using a standard VCR tape. Time Lapse Recorders are available in several different versions. Some even record up to 960 hours on 1 VCR tape. But be aware, when you are recording 960 hours on one VCR tape you are only recording 1 frame or picture every 9 seconds. When programming a time lapse recorder we recommend you do not set the recording duration for more than 3 days or 72 hours. This will allow the minimum amount of tape changing and still record enough frames to make the recording useful. This also allows you to record over a weekend without changing the tape. Three days of recording on one tape records 1.5 frames or pictures per second. Not great, but not bad considering this is a 20 year old technology.

Time Lapse Recorder	Standard VCR Tape

Playback:

If a video is recorded in time lapse mode you must use a time lapse recorder for playback. The standard VCR's we all have in our homes can not process the time lapse format and will not provide a useful playback.

Tapes:

Time Lapse Recorders use standard 2 hour VCR tapes. Always make sure you buy only the highest quality tapes. You should also have 10-12 tapes which are rotated in order. For example, if the recorder is set to 72 hour recording or 3 days, the tapes would store 30+ days of video. Changing the tapes also increase the life of the recorder and the tapes.

Analog/Time Lapse System Wiring:

The video signal from each camera (usually transmitted with RG59 coax cable and BNC twist on fittings) are plugged into the multiplexer. One coax cable is connected from the multiplexer to the video input on the TV monitor. A cable from the VCR (out) on the multiplexer is connected to the video (in) on the time lapse recorder. The system is programmed through the VCR's control panel. The monitor displays the programming options. On playback the recorder feeds the multiplexer the video in a special format that allows the multiplexer to provide the monitor a multi camera playback of the video which was recorded.

Analog / Time Lapse System Overview

Benefits:

• The systems are very reliable and no computer skills are required to operate them

Limitations:

• The video quality is considered fairly low compared to the digital systems
• The tape must be changed every three days or more
• The system requires regular cleaning and maintenance on the VCR
• The video quality degrades over time
• The systems do not have the ability for networking or remote viewing, i.e.: Internet & Dial-up

PC Based Digital Video Systems

A PC based DVR is comprised of a computer, video capture cards and custom written software. These systems are considered to be the best bang for the buck. They provide far better video recording clarity over Time Lapse and are easier to use and more flexible than Hardware DVR's. These units are available as kits which you install on your PC or as complete factory built recorders. Some factory models can be expanded as your needs grow, this is not the case with Time Lapse or Hardware DVR's.

4 Camera Kit You provide the PC	4 Camera PC/DVR	16 Camera PC/DVR

PC based DVR's are available in 4, 8, 12, 16 & 32 camera configurations:

PC based DVR's are programmed and operated with a keyboard and mouse. The video is recorded to the computers hard drive in a compressed format. This compression allows a huge amount of video to be stored. On average, a four camera system recording continuously should record at least 30 days of video for all 4 cameras on one single 80 gig hard drive. To double the recording days simply add another 80 gig hard drive.

These systems are designed so they do not require any scheduled action to maintain the video recordings. They record video to the hard drive until a certain amount of disk space is left. Then the system will delete the oldest clips and record the new video. This provides a continuous 30+ days of recordings at anytime.

The video is played back on the computer monitor or is saved to a floppy or burned to a CD. Some systems such as the EZWatch Pro system save the video so it can be played back on any PC with Windows Media Player (a real nice feature). You can also print or save a jpeg image of any specific video frame. These systems allow you to view and playback any combination of cameras without interrupting the systems recording process. Systems such as the EZWatch Pro Series offers the following features:

EZWatch Pro is the most powerful, yet easy to use software on the market. Unlike hardware based DVRs, the software is flexible, easy to understand and simple to operate. Using our automatic searching options, playback is a breeze; saving you huge amounts of time compared to the various hardware DVRs on the market.

Feature Details

EZWatch 4.0 HiDef is available as complete digital video recorders (DVRs) in 4, 8, 12, 16 and 32 camera configurations or as kits that install on a PC you provide. either way you have the most advanced video surveillance system available....at a great price.

High-Definition Recording

EZWatch 4.0 software allows you to set different recording resolutions for each security camera. The resolution of a video image is defined by the number horizontal and vertical pixels used to create it. Our DVR software allows you to choose which resolution you prefer for each camera... (320x240) Standard resolution, (640x480) high resolution & (704x576) dvd quality.

Live Video Viewing

EZWatch Pro 4.0 HiDef is offered in two versions. Value grade which provides 7.5 frames per second live viewing per camera and professional grade which provides 30 frames per second live viewing per camera.

Custom Recording Speeds

Each security camera can be set to record at one of fifteen different speeds or frame rates referred to as frames per second (fps). You can choose from 1 frame per second all the way to 30 frames per second, which produces the equivalent of live video surveillance recording.

IP Camera Support & Integration

Version 4.0 offers the flexibility of integrating up to 64 IP based security cameras onto one video monitoring system. This ability makes 4.0 the smart choice for companies that are growing, have existing networks or multiple locations. Imagine being able to simply add an IP security camera to your companies network anywhere you need it, and in minutes seamlessly integrate it into your EZWatch Pro surveillance system.

Custom User Settings and Passwords

Each user can be assigned their own login name and password. During user set up each user is assigned the specific system functions and security cameras they will have access to. If a user is not assigned specific surveillance cameras, those cameras are never displayed for that user. Whether a user is accessing the surveillance system from the main PC or through a network (local or internet), the user's abilities are always limited to their user settings.

Multi-site / Multi-Camera Viewing

The system allows you to choose any combination of surveillance cameras from any site to be viewed from the same screen at any one time up to 64 cameras. You can also rotate to a new screen with another set of specifically chosen surveillance cameras. Any camera can be called to full screen by simply clicking on the video feed with the mouse.

30-60 days of video storage

Our high performance video compression allows you to store thirty to sixty days of video for each security camera on a standard PC hard drive. The video is recorded in a high performance compression format and produces an average file size of 1.1KB per frame for standard resolution recording and an average file size of 4.1KB per frame for high definition recording.

Motion Detection Recording and Alarm

Each security camera can be set to start recording its video surveillance feed and launch a video alarm to a remote PC or CCTV monitor when motion is detected. Each camera can be programmed to only record in motion detection mode during a custom time period and you can choose which areas of the cameras view triggers the motion alarm. The system monitors the pixels being received from the security camera and can detect a change in the pixel pattern which occurs when there is movement in the viewing area.

Automatic Email Alarm Notification

Any video surveillance camera can be programmed to send a custom email when a defined alarm occurs such as motion detected. The email can detail the type of alarm, the camera that generated it and attached an image file.

Automatic Recording Schedules

Each surveillance camera can be independently programmed to automatically record on predetermined time periods. You can choose between continuous recording, motion activated recording, or any combination of the two during a day, a week or any custom time period.

Multi Camera Playback

With the EZWatch Pro 4.0 video player any combination of surveillance cameras can be played back simultaneously. The controls include: play, pause, stop, zoom in, zoom out, copy video to cd, previous frame, next frame, first frame, last frame, repeat, delete, manual review slide bar, snap shot, resize, next video, previous video, slow frame rate, increase frame rate, adjust screen size, quick search.

Pan/Tilt/Zoom Camera Controls

The system provides complete control of PTZ security cameras on-site as well as remotely via the internet on a PC. The security cameras can be programmed for auto scanning and pre-set positioning. When an alarm occurs a camera can be programmed to pan, tilt and/or zoom to a predetermined location or view. Panning, tilting and zooming a camera is quick and easy with our graphic user interface.

Auto-Tracking

The system supports PTZ cameras with auto-tracking. These cameras can detect motion and actually pan, tilt and zoom in the direction of movement. This allows the camera to actually follow and monitor a person automatically.

Audio Monitoring & Recording

Each system can record one to sixteen channels of audio depending on the version you choose. Our 30' radius microphones can be placed in any area you wish to monitor. The result is clear, high quality audio/video recordings and live on-site or remote audio monitoring.

Operates on Windows XP, Vista, and 7

EZWatch 4.0 HiDef will operate reliably on any of the following platforms assuming the PC meets the listed requirements. Windows XP, Winows Vista and Windows 7 in 32 or 64 bit.

Pre-Alarm Recording

This feature allows you set the system to actually record the video of any selected security camera 5 seconds before an alarm occurs. The system constantly buffers 5 seconds of the video feed. When an alarm occurs the system attaches the buffered video to the video being recorded.

Remote Access

The digital video recorder system can be accessed via the company network or internet (cable or DSL) with dynamic or static IP addresses on a PC. All functions of the system are available remotely as long as the users access level allows.

Remote Alarm Monitoring

The digital video recorder system can be easily programmed to transmit remote video alarms to a remote PC or email when a camera's motion detection feature is activated.

Web Browser Access

Using Internet Explorer you can access the system through the internet. No custom software is needed to view remotely, playback video or control pan/tilt/zoom security cameras.

Multi Site & Multi Camera viewing

EZWatch Pro 4.0 allows you to remotely view any combination of cameras from a remote location on one screen. Our software allows you to view and playback up to twenty five cameras on one screen from up to twelve different location.

Remote Audio Monitoring

The system can provide a remote audio feed assuming the audio feature is configured on-site.

I/O Control

The system supports complete alarm input and relay output mapping controls. Allowing you to connect panic buttons, motion detectors, burglar alarm panels and other alarm input devices into the system. The inputs can be programmed to start recordings, launch remote alarm notifications via email or PC and control output devices such as auto dialers, sirens, warning lights etc.

Dual Monitor Display

Our dual view features allow live and video playback to be viewed on separate monitors.

DVD and CD Backup

The system can burn any group of video clips to a DVD or CD assuming the PC is equipped with such a drive.

Multi-Drive Recording

EZWatch Pro 4.0 HiDef allows you to set the system to automatically record to multiple hard drives. When the first one is full the system will automatically switch to the next drive. When the drives are full the system will erase a small amount of the oldest video surveillance clips on the first drive and continue recording (first in-first out).

EZ Backup

Our back up feature allows you to quickly select and back up stored surveillance video on to external storage devices such as HDD, CD-RW, DVD-RW etc

Digital Picture Adjustments

EZWatch Pro 4.0 HiDef allows for quick and easy adjustment of the video picture quality. With a click of the mouse you can adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation and hue of any security camera.

Snap Shot

Taking a still frame snap shot from a live video surveillance feed or from a video playback is as easy as a click of the mouse. The still frame image can be saved as a bitmap (bmp) or (jpg) image or sent directly to the printer.

Missing Object

This feature alows you to select an object in a camera's view and setup alarm signaling if the object is removed. This is great for monitoring high dollar items or setting a surveillance operation in an area where theft has occurred.

Watermark Verification

A watermark is the hidden image embedded into a video, it's used to prove a video clip has not been tampered with. This is very helpful if the video clip is required in a court of law. Our watermark feature does just that. If a clip is tampered with or altered, the watermark becomes damaged or completely disappears. Being able to prove the clip is authentic can be the difference been winning a court case or having your video deemed inadmissible.

Foreign Object

This feature monitors a predetermined area of a camera's view and can create an alarm which is emailed or transmitted to you in a number of ways. An alarm is created if an object or obstacle is placed in the predetermined area for longer than a preprogrammed time period. This feature is great for monitoring halls, warehouses and traffic areas where items or obstacles should not be placed.

Remote Dynamic IP Access

EZWatch Pro 4.0 HiDef supports dynamic IP addresses for remote internet access. If your internet provider will not provide a static IP address, simply use our dynamic IP identification feature. This feature monitors the IP address the dynamic IP is pointing to and updates the system with the static address.. problem solved.

Log Viewer

This feature provide detailed reporting of all actions performed by a systems operator as well as all automated systems functions. A complete history of events is at your finger tips.

Triplex Operation

EZWatch 4.0 simultaneously performs live viewing, playback and remote viewing.

Counting Application

This clever feature allows you to select a predetermined area of a cameras view and will actually count each time a person, car or object has entered this area. The count is displayed on the screen and can be programmed to reset at specific times or a maximum number.

Expandable

EZWatch 4.0 HiDef is expandable up to thirty two standard security cameras and up to 64 IP based cameras. This allows you to add security cameras to your system as your needs grow.

Custom Time & Date Display

Don't worry about the time/date stamp getting in the way. The software allows you to adjust the time/date stamp to any corner, any color, and even choose whether they appear on the live video feed or the video recordings.

User and Event Logs

The system provides easy to read event logs of each user's log in, video loss and motion detection activity.

Performance You Can Trust

Reliability is absolutely top priority. Our systems are designed to operate flawlessly without human intervention for months on end. The smart guard feature of our software monitors all critical aspects of the system and can alert you to any problems though alarm signals, email or text messaging. It can even tell you if a cameras out of focus!

Our Famous Support

Lots of companies sell video surveillance equipment, but few truly support it. That's the EZWatch Pro difference. We develop our systems and test all our components for compatibility with each other. We warranty every item we sell and we provide real, unlimited, factory technical support. The fact is we maintain one of the largest in-house customer support departments in the business. We're with you from start to finish!

• High-Definition Recording
• Live Video Viewing
• Custom Recording Speeds
• IP Camera Support & Integration
• 30-60 Days of Video Storage
• Multi-Site / Multi-Camera Viewing
• Custom Users Settings & Passwords
• Motion Detection Recording & Alarm
• Automatic Email Alarm Notification
• Automatic Recording Schedules
• Pan/Tilt/Zoom Camera Control
• Auto-Tracking
• Audio Monitoring & Recording
• Operates on Windows XP, Vista, & 7

• Multi Camera Playback
• Pre-Alarm Recording
• Remote Access
• Remote Alarm Monitoring
• Web Browser Access
• Multi Site & Multi Camera Viewing
• Remote Audio Monitoring
• IO Control
• Dual Monitor Display
• DVD & CD Backup
• Multi-Drive Recording
• EZ Backup
• Digital Picture Adjustments
• Snap Shot

• Missing Object
• Watermark Verification
• Foreign Object
• Remote Dynamic IP Access
• Log Viewer
• Triplex Operation
• Counting Application
• Expandable
• Custom Time & Date Display
• User & Event Logs
• Performance You Can Trust
• Our Famous Support

Hover over the features listed here to see a detailed description of that feature in the black screen above.

Cable & Maximum Distance:

CCTV video coax cable is used to transmit the video from the camera to the front end. The maximum distance the cameras can be from the front end is a function of the cable rather than the camera itself. Using RG59 coax, you can extend the camera out to 600'. Using RG6 coax cable, you can extend it to 1000'.

Cameras:

Any professional grade camera that uses RCA or BNC connectors will work with these systems. Please see the "Cameras" section for detail on the various cameras available.

PC Based Digital Video Recorder Overview:

Hardware Based Digital Video Systems

A hardware based DVR is built specifically for video recording. These units are built from the ground up to perform one specific function, record video. While they do operate some software internally, the video processing is hardware based. It is this hardware which provides the live viewing and high resolution recording.

Hardware DVR's are available in two different versions. The older style looks much like a VCR but has a hard drive built into it to record the video. A TV or CCTV analog monitor is used to view the video. Their programming is much like a VCR and can be quite confusing. The basic rule with this type of unit is, the more features they have the harder they are to operate. Most are programmed with a hand held remote much like a regular VCR. They do provide high resolution digital recordings which match the quality of a PC based DVR.

Old Hardware Based DVR System

640x480 High Res Recording Live Video Viewing Remote Access via Internet Motion Recording Automatic Schedules PTZ Control Alarm Monitoring Email Paging Password Protection

A newer version of a hardware based DVR is quite innovative. A high quality PC monitor is equipped with the DVR hardware and a hard drive built right into the back of the monitor. The cameras, internet and other connections are located on the side of the monitor. This design saves space, reduces cost and completely eliminated the need for a PC or old style DVR case. These units are programmed and operated with the buttons on the front of the monitor or with a hand held remote. While they are considered easier to operate than the old style hardware DVR they do have some pros and cons. The technology right now only supports a maximum of 4 camera inputs and 1 audio input for recording, and if the monitor goes out the entire system may have to be replaced.

Hardware Based DVR Trend - Monitor/DVR Combined

640x480 High Res Recording Live Video Viewing Remote Access via Internet Motion Recording Automatic Schedules Multiple Audio Recording Password Protection Saves Space Cost Effective Optional Wall Mounting

Hardware Based Digital Video Recorder Overview: