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No. 35/2010 (Oct. 25, 2010)
Better "eyes", improved "brains".
The image sensor and signal processor can be compared to the eye and brain of a camera. Introduction of new technologies to both of these elements is crucial for the development of modern CCTV cameras, including analog devices, still the most popular group in the video surveillance market.While the development of the technologies of CCD and CMOS image sensors has been going fast due to their applications in many fields (digital still cameras, camcorders, smart phones), it has not been clear how the manufactures will care about development of signal processors for traditional CCTV market.
The dynamic development of IP CCTV cameras and loud announcements of the manufacturers on lower prices, harmonization of standards and the rapid expansion of the market, were the reasons that many customers began to think about analog cameras as obsolete products.
But their huge popularity and continued interest of consumers caused that several leading companies have chosen to invest in development of the "old" technology. The results are impressive - they have developed a new generation of digital signal processors, which represent a major breakthrough in video surveillance.
Thanks to the new generation of digital signal processors (DSPs), analog cameras have numerous features that improve the quality of the image (HLC - High Light Compensation, DIS - Digital Image Stabilization, DNR - Digital Noise Reduction), and allow to introduce elements of intelligent image analysis.
The new DSPs enable the cameras to perform such functions as:
- face recognition,
- motion detection,
- detection of abandoned objects (packages, suitcases),
- detection of the disappearance of objects from the scene (theft),
- detection of the crossing of a certain line (e.g. a fence),
- detection of the driving into a certain area (e.g. into a no parking area),
- tracking of objects with direction control (e.g. whether the observed person has entered through the right entrance),
- privacy zones.
In recent months, one could observe the dynamic development of the digital signal processors.
The new signal processor called Effio (Enhanced Features and Fine Image Processor) has been a huge success and a great competitor in the fight for the market share with IP CCTV cameras. The successful implementation of modern solutions and considerable improvement in image quality has inspired the producer to develop a broader product line.
Effio series is to be composed of 4 models: Effio, Effio-E (currently produced), Effio-S and Effio-P (which are expected to be launched in early 2011).
Even the functions implemented in Effio-E version (HLC - High Light Compensation, ATR - Adaptive Tone Reproduction, 2D-NR - Digital Noise Reduction) rank the chipset among the category winners.
Other manufacturers do not waste time as well. Pixim has developed Seawolf chipset that also implements noise reduction and improved white balance algorithms.
In the second half of 2009, Samsung unveiled a new line of digital signal processors called A1 (All In One). Its latest Winner DSP series features intelligent image analysis, extended dynamic range (XDR), and VPS scanning technology.
The new signal processor called Effio (Enhanced Features and Fine Image Processor) has been a huge success and a great competitor in the fight for the market share with IP CCTV cameras. The successful implementation of modern solutions and considerable improvement in image quality has inspired the producer to develop a broader product line.
Effio series is to be composed of 4 models: Effio, Effio-E (currently produced), Effio-S and Effio-P (which are expected to be launched in early 2011).
Even the functions implemented in Effio-E version (HLC - High Light Compensation, ATR - Adaptive Tone Reproduction, 2D-NR - Digital Noise Reduction) rank the chipset among the category winners.
Other manufacturers do not waste time as well. Pixim has developed Seawolf chipset that also implements noise reduction and improved white balance algorithms.
In the second half of 2009, Samsung unveiled a new line of digital signal processors called A1 (All In One). Its latest Winner DSP series features intelligent image analysis, extended dynamic range (XDR), and VPS scanning technology.
Analog camera recognizing human faces and recording their images on the built-in memory card
The introduction of new DSPs gives the manufacturers of analog cameras a new weapon in the battle for video surveillance market. At the same time it confirms the view that both technologies, analog and digital, will grow in parallel to match their capabilities to the specific needs of customers.
SatKrak 2010.
SatKrak digital television exhibition in Krakow was held from October 14 to 16, 2010. DIPOL received Special Recognition for the range of equipment allowing to do and test antenna systems and receive DVB-T broadcasts.More on these products you can read in the article "Ready for DVB-T".
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DIPOL at SatKrak 2010
Readers voting - "Engagingly about Antennas".
Of the 182 images submitted for the contest we have chosen 21, the most interesting in our opinion. The authors of the pictures have been awarded with "Magic mugs".We ask you, dear reader, to vote for the one you like most. You can cast only one vote.
"DIPOL Hungaria" has funded a bottle of brand-name Tokay for the author of the photo that will get the most votes.
The online voting lasts until November 28.
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Intersection in the red Radosław Kazmierczak | On the Narwia river Andrzej Montwill | A thunderous reception Mariusz Daciuk |
DVB-T receiver, PVR and multimedia player - Signal HD-507.
Signal HD-507 A99250 is the only device on the market, which in a small, practical case houses DVB-T receiver and multifunctional multimedia device. The use of this digital receiver is one of the cheapest ways to adapt an older CRT, LCD, or plasma television (if the LCD or plasma TV has only an MPEG-2 tuner) for the new world of digital television using MPEG-4. Even the owners of fully-featured televisions equipped with MPEG-4 tuners may also be interested in such a multifunctional device due to its integrated media player and Personal Video Recorder option (PVR Ready - possibility of recording DVB-T broadcasts on external USB memory). Signal HD-507 can also play pictures, music and videos - including those in high definition.The biggest practical advantage of the A99250 receiver is compact size. The device can be directly plugged into the SCART input of a TV set - it remains virtually invisible to the user. The receiver is also ideal for any LCD/Plasma TV placed on a wall - depending on the TV model and mount, the user can arrange the device so that it fits in between the TV set and wall (adequate ventilation is required).
Day/Night camera Sunell SN-BXC59/30CDN M11209.
The camera involves new solutions for processing video in analog CCTV cameras: Sony ExView HAD CCD II with effective resolution of 976(H)x582(V) and Sony Effio-E DSP. It is also equipped with mechanical IR Cut Filter (ICR).
The much higher sensitivity can also be utilized in IR spectrum (800 - 900 nm).
Graph showing the dependence of sensitivity from the wavelength for Exview and a typical image sensor
The application of Sony Effio-E digital signal processor (DSP) extends the possibilities of image processing and in combination with the advanced image sensor used in the camera allows to achieve horizontal video resolution of 650 TVL. The processor also allows to use advanced video processing features and OSD, define motion detection zones and privacy masks.
High resolution of the video allows to enlarge a part of the image without significant loss of quality; additionally, 2D-NR (noise reduction) minimizes blur effects, saving sharp edges of objects.
Good quality of an enlarged part of the image
Image quality in various lighting is improved by ATR (Adaptive Tone Reproduction) function which lowers the contrast between the darkest and brightest areas and allows to see details in the both parts of the image.
The influence of ATR function (on the right) on readability of the image
(A - in the brightest area, B - in the darkest area)
(A - in the brightest area, B - in the darkest area)
Flexible CCTV systems based on hybrid AverMedia DVRs.
The users of analog monitoring systems who wish to expand their CCTV networks by IP cameras with a higher resolution are not forced to create a separate installation. The new hybrid AverMedia DVRs of EH series combine the features of a DVR and an NVR.We offer two models - 8-channel EH5108H+ M75108 and 16-channel EH5216H+ M75216. Each channel can support analog or IP camera. The device is capable of recording video streams encoded in H.264, MPEG-4, or M-JPEG, from cameras coming from more than 45 manufacturers. The maximum resolution of recording IP channels is 2.3 Mpx.
An example of video surveillance system based on AverMedia DVR
The above diagram shows an example of hybrid CCTV system. The existing analog cameras can be connected to the BNC inputs on the rear panel. The additional IP cameras can be connected to the LAN, the same that is used by the DVR , or can be installed in any location (recording over the Internet.)
The DVR can be controlled using the mouse or remote control. It is a standalone device which can cooperate with a VGA monitor and additional video monitor (e.g. with an existing CRT monitor). If the DVR is connected to the Internet, it can be configured, managed and monitored remotely via the network.
The manufacturer provides a powerful software pack:
The DVR can be controlled using the mouse or remote control. It is a standalone device which can cooperate with a VGA monitor and additional video monitor (e.g. with an existing CRT monitor). If the DVR is connected to the Internet, it can be configured, managed and monitored remotely via the network.
The manufacturer provides a powerful software pack:
- Central Management System (CM3000/CM3000 Gold) - client software integrating multiple NVRs in the network
- Remote Console - remote monitoring and management of a single NVR
- WebViewer - network interface for remote control via Internet Explorer
- Dispatch Server - software for streaming data to multiple users
- JavaViewer, PDAViewer, iPhoneViewer, iBlackberryViewer
- 3GViewer (through Dispatch Server, which increases the possibilities for connecting several clients simultaneously)
AverMedia DVRs are known and appreciated throughout the world. Sophisticated hardware and software architecture ensures stable operation of the CCTV system. In contrast to systems based on PCs, there is no need for additional expensive software, there is no risk of improper selection of equipment, there are no problems associated with additional processes performed by the computers. First setup takes a few minutes, and the device can operate continuously without any intervention of the operator. With a remarkable flexibility in the selection of cooperating devices and their parameters, the DVR/NVR of EH series can work in any kind of video surveillance system.
Pixord cameras with H.264 compression.
The new series of Pixord cameras: P606 K1530, P606W K1531, P600E K1532, and PL-621E K1533 - all employing H.264 compression, ensure considerably lower bandwidth requirements than MPEG-4 or MJPEG devices.H.264 compression is of great importance in multi-camera systems with very high network traffic. It should also be used when one needs to post live video from a camera on a website, having connection with a limited bandwidth.
Thanks to free Software Development Kit, the Pixord cameras with H.264 encoding allow to create a website with embedded video.
Within minutes, anyone can spice up their website by inserting into it a few lines of code that will allow to display online video.
More advanced users can use RTSP protocol, then pass the video through a streaming server and make it available to multiple users simultaneously.
Live video from Pixord cameras:
Within minutes, anyone can spice up their website by inserting into it a few lines of code that will allow to display online video.
More advanced users can use RTSP protocol, then pass the video through a streaming server and make it available to multiple users simultaneously.
Live video from Pixord cameras:
Multimedia home based on 802.11n standard.
The 802.11n standard enables data transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps, which perfectly meets the needs for transmission of home multimedia. Wireless transfers of music or video to a laptop connected wirelessly can take much less time than sending the same files with the use of a wired "Fast Ethernet" connection.The 802.11n devices are compatible with the older 802.11b and 802.11g equipment, so the 802.11n router will cooperate with 802.11b and 802.11g wireless cards.
The available "n" devices
A reliable multimedia home-networking platform - 802.11n devices of TP-Link
The list of devices for use in multimedia home:
- Access Point N3251 TP-Link TL-WR941ND 802.11n 300 Mbit/s with built-in router - the device enables the user to create a wireless network (with wireless client cards) and share the Internet connection provided via DSL (RJ-45);
- Wireless PCMCIA Adapter N3231 TP-Link TL-WN910N, 802.11n 300 Mbit/s - ideal solution for laptops and notebooks equipped with PCMCIA interface;
- Wireless-N PCI Adapter N3271 TP-Link TL-WN851N, 802.11n 300 Mbit/s - due to PCI interface it is suitable for desktop PCs;
- Wireless 802.11n Mini-PCI Adapter N3261 TP-Link TL-WN861N, 802.11n 300 Mbit/s - due to miniPCI interface it is suitable for mobile computers with this interface;
- Wireless 802.11n USB Adapter N3221 TP-Link TL-WN821N, 802.11n 300 Mbit/s - due to USB interface it is ideal for all mobile computers.
We have written about:
Why 360-degree infrared LED dome Redbeam illuminators are ideal for room surveillance? In terms of radiation angles there are two main kinds of IR lights: directional and omnidirectional (in the case of IR illuminators it means 180-degree radiation angle in vertical plane and 360-degree in horizontal plane)...
Instead of the range, it is better to describe their capacity by the maximum floor area that can be effectively illuminated. In the case of Readbeam series - it is 60 m2 ( M1642 ) or 120 m2 ( M1643 )...
Why 360-degree infrared LED dome Redbeam illuminators are ideal for room surveillance? In terms of radiation angles there are two main kinds of IR lights: directional and omnidirectional (in the case of IR illuminators it means 180-degree radiation angle in vertical plane and 360-degree in horizontal plane)...
Instead of the range, it is better to describe their capacity by the maximum floor area that can be effectively illuminated. In the case of Readbeam series - it is 60 m2 ( M1642 ) or 120 m2 ( M1643 )...
Wireless home IP CCTV monitoring with TP-Link TL-SC3130G camera. The wireless IP camera TP-Link TL-SC3130G K1150 is ideal solution for improving security in an apartment.
54 Mbps transmission speed ensures smooth video streaming from places without wired networks, on the condition that walls and/or ceilings do not block the wireless signal...
Index of published issues
54 Mbps transmission speed ensures smooth video streaming from places without wired networks, on the condition that walls and/or ceilings do not block the wireless signal...
Index of published issues
