In today’s security world, systems need to be equipped with round-the-clock surveillance. Of specific note, a camera’s performance in dark areas is taking on a larger degree of importance. Realizing this, cameras capable of excellent low-light performance are gaining a bigger market share every year.

Hikvision is proud to introduce its advanced ISP (Image Signal Processing) technology: a technology that enables our cameras to excel in low-light environments. By utilizing an ISP algorithm, our cameras’ sensitivity in darker environments is greatly improved. This result in objects more clearly defined and identified. Additionally, Hikvision 3D DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) technology further helps the camera in delivering superior imaging by reducing the blurring of moving objects.

Utilizing this technology, Hikvision is proud to launch our DS-2CD855F-E 2 megapixel camera to better serve the surveillance market’s demand for clear images in low-light conditions. This product features an IR cut filter allowing the camera to automatically switch to B/W mode and the ability to operate under a minimum illumination of 0.005Lux@ F1.2.

These technologies allow the DS-2CD855F-E deliver superior low-light performance, and make it an ideal solution to ensure consistent high-quality images. As proof of this: DS-2CD855F-E was recently honoured with the “Camera Excellence Award” at Secutech 2012!

The principles of security are to deter, detect, delay and respond to criminal and anti-social behaviour. CCTV is a highly effective technology which contributes to the deter and detect objectives of the security function. Its use as a crime fighting tool is becoming increasingly widespread in the communities of the Western World. The technological developments in this area are occurring at an astonishing rate and the capabilities of CCTV are escalating significantly. A typical CCTV system consists of the cameras, the signal transmission medium, the monitoring station and the recording capability. Each of these components is important and the way in which they are integrated influences the overall effectiveness of the CCTV system. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the components of a CCTV system and to provide some insight into the variables which can be manipulated to achieve the desired outcomes for each particular system.

Light Conditions

Light plays a crucial role in video surveillance because without it a picture cannot be obtained. Therefore the area to be viewed must be illuminated either naturally, by the sun, or by artificial light sources. The colour, texture and physical shape of the object being viewed will affect the intensity of the reflected light and, in turn, the quality of the picture. Both low light and extremely bright conditions will result in poor image quality as will a lack of contrast between moving objects and the background.

CCTV Cameras

CCTV cameras are responsible for capturing the picture and they achieve this as a result of the light reflecting from an object which is then focused by a lens and captured by what is known as a charged coupled device (CCD) image sensor. The purpose of the camera lens is to focus incoming light onto the sensor producing a picture. The type of lens which is selected depends on the surveillance application for which it is required. Once the light is received by the camera's image sensor it is converted into an electronic signal and transmitted, via the transmission medium, to the display monitor. The most common type of image sensor found in CCTV cameras is the CCD which typically is available in different sizes: ½", 1/3"and 1/4".

June 1, 2011 - Bosch Integrated IR Cameras Deliver Effective Surveillance Day & Night

Affordable solution for in- and outdoors

The WZ Series Integrated IR Bullet and Dome Cameras from Bosch Security Systems, Inc. provide reliable round-the-clock surveillance in any lighting condition. The cameras offer resolutions up to 540TV lines and night vision imaging up to a distance of 50 meters. Integrated active infrared illumination delivers low-noise images at night to minimize video storage requirements. The photocell-controlled LEDs provide accurate on/off switching for optimum performance and energy efficiency.

At the top of the line, the WZ20 delivers 540TV lines high-resolution imaging and a 5 to 50 mm vari-focal auto-iris IR-corrected lens, which delivers the same sharp image quality day or night. With 30 high-power LEDs, the infrared capability provides night vision up to 50 meters, and CCD technology from Bosch delivers outstanding response to infrared illumination with low-smear and low-streak images.

The WZ18 features a 2.8 to 12 mm vary-focal auto-iris lens and a dual window IR-Cut and IR-Pass filter for vivid colour during the day. The WZ16 includes a 3.8 to 9.5 mm vari-focal lens with mechanical filter technology for accurate daytime colour. Both cameras deliver night vision up to 30 meters. In addition, the affordable WZ14 has a 4 mm fixed lens and infrared capabilities up to 15 meters.

The user-friendly WZ45 Integrated IR Dome camera uses a 540TV lines mechanical filter CCD and 18 high-efficiency LEDs for vibrant daytime colour and 30 meters of active infrared night vision.

The entire range is designed for indoor and outdoor environments with robust aluminium water-resistant or all-weather housings that survive the elements. Their compact and tough design makes the camera series ideal for a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial sites, including hotels, service stations and warehouses.

Versatile mounting options and easy adjustment of focus and zoom with no special tools required also make the series very easy to install.

Bosch is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2011.