If you ask experts what they mean by video surveillance, the answer will be something like this, that this is a procedure that is carried out using optoelectronic devices designed for visual monitoring or automated image analysis. And if you ask ordinary people who have encountered cameras in a bank or a store, then the answer will be that this is part of the security of the facility. Both definitions will be correct.
Why is video surveillance needed?
Each manager has his own motive for installing such a system. Someone is watching customers and employees in the store, someone is watching warehouse workers, and someone is watching office workers in order to evaluate labor productivity. Video surveillance is also used in private homes. To control children, nanny or pets. But the main goal is to control the situation at the observed object around the clock or during selective hours.
What is a video surveillance system
What is video surveillance, it was described above, but there is also a second part of the term - "system". What elements does it consist of?
Video recorder
This is the central part of the system. Without it, the installation of a video surveillance system is impossible. Actuators and control devices, video cameras and security sensors are attached to it. Recording is carried out on a hard disk of various sizes, depending on the model of the registrar. The recording period is controlled by the hard disk capacity and can be from 5 to 30 days. Cameras can take a picture in three ways: around the clock, according to a schedule, by motion detection (presence). The DVR can be connected to a local network or connected to the Internet to control it remotely.
At large facilities, video information is stored and analyzed not by recorders, but by special servers with their own software.
Camcorders
Another important element of the video surveillance system is the camera. Their design features are selected depending on the installation site and goals. They come in color and black and white, outdoor and indoor, with and without IR illumination for night shooting.
Main video camera groups
CCTV cameras can be divided into the following groups:
- Modular and case. The first is a board with a lens. Can be built into almost any piece of furniture. The second are stand-alone surveillance devicesindoors and outdoors (requires thermal enclosure).
- Analog and digital. Analog cameras are great for solving simple tasks (in a small shop, office, home), when there are not so many controlled objects and there is no need for high image detail. Digital cameras are installed on more serious objects, have more functionality.
- Outdoor and indoor. Outdoor cameras are protected by their body from various environmental influences. Indoor cameras do not require this protection and may have a more aesthetic design.
- Stationary and controlled. The stationary camera monitors only the area to which it was originally directed when the installation was carried out. A video surveillance system built on controlled cameras can change the viewing direction according to the specified settings or through remote control, which increases the radius of the control zone.
- Color and black and white. The cameras are black and white, and the pictures are clear. Color cameras are more informative. In recent years, color cameras have become as clear as black and white cameras. And the latter have only one advantage left - a lower price.
- Wired and wireless. For wired cameras, the video signal is transmitted over a cable. Wireless cameras transmit via radio signal.
Power supply
Every electrical device needs power to function. Elements of the video surveillance system are no exception. For these purposes, it is better to use speciallydesignated power supplies. They come in direct and alternating current, different current strength and design. They may be powered by the building's power supply, or they may be self-contained. The last factor allows even in the dense forest to make installation. The video surveillance system is becoming more and more autonomous.
Cases. Brackets
To allow modular cameras to work in outdoor conditions, special protective devices were developed - thermal casings. They protect the device both from overheating, freezing, excessive humidity, dust and other weather conditions, and from damage while installation is underway. The video surveillance system today received a different type of camera, in which the lens and other electronic filling are initially installed in a specially protected case. Brackets are used to mount cameras on various surfaces: walls, poles, roofs, canopies.
Monitors
The full cycle of video surveillance includes not only recording what is happening, but also the possibility of watching events live. To make this possible, a monitor is connected to the DVR. Since the operation of the video surveillance system must be uninterrupted, professional devices are required to display a live picture. They are able to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and do not spoil the view of the operators sitting behind them.
Cable
To connect cameras to the DVR, use a coaxial cable or twisted pair,when installation is in progress. A video surveillance system built for long distances (over 50 m) requires additional signal amplifiers, which can be active and passive, to transmit a high-quality image.
Lightning protection devices
Because wires running outside attract lightning and static electricity, protective devices are required.
Design
If the plans do not include do-it-yourself installation of a video surveillance system, then a project development will be required. And this requires the participation of a specialist with architectural and engineering abilities in the process and some time. He needs to take into account all kinds of security threats and the desires of the client, as well as regulatory requirements. A well-defined terms of reference will greatly facilitate the work of a design engineer.
Installation and installation of video surveillance systems
You can try the installation yourself. Do-it-yourself installation of a video surveillance system is possible. Moreover, many sellers offer ready-made kits. You only need to decide on the number and type of cameras, calculate the cable footage, the number of connectors for connecting cameras. Then the installation itself takes place. The video surveillance system does not require special knowledge during installation, especially since most manufacturers provide detailed instructions for most cameras. A video signal cable is pulled from each camera to the recorder, and a cable from the power supply is laid to each camera. Cables canfit into the cable channel, can be laid in the plinth, under the ceiling or in any other convenient way. After the cables are laid, and the cameras are connected to the recorder and powered, the system is launched and adjusted.
However, if you approach the issue of installing a video surveillance system more seriously, then it would be more correct to contact a specialized company. As a rule, such organizations have specialists with extensive practical experience in the design, installation, commissioning and subsequent maintenance of such systems. It is enough to conclude a contract for the installation of a video surveillance system.
Installation is carried out after the client approves all the characteristics of the future system: which cameras and how many, which information processing and display devices, how long information should be stored, what options for controlling the video surveillance system the customer prefers.
When the system is installed, commissioning works are being carried out. Each camera is configured based on the wishes of the customer and technical conditions. The readiness of the system for operation is confirmed by a signed certificate of completion.
As an additional service, organizations specializing in the installation of video surveillance systems offer their subsequent maintenance. Moreover, the best option is when installation and maintenance are carried out by the same organization.
The cost of installing a system can be extremely different and depends on many factors:the number of cameras and their characteristics, the video recorder or server, the remoteness of the cameras from the recorder, the location of the cameras (rooms, street), etc. An estimate for the installation of a video surveillance system is provided by any organization involved in the installation, which will indicate all of the above factors affecting the installation cost. The accounting department may have questions about how to properly write off money for this work.
Installation of video surveillance system, KOSGU
Accountants who have to transfer money for work performed should pay for the installation service under sub-article 226 of KOSGU, and for the supplied equipment - under sub-article 310 of KOSGU.
Those who want to open their own business and install video surveillance systems should know the OKVED code - "Installation of a video surveillance system" - 45.31. There is one more code that needs to be taken into account. OKPD - "Installation of a video surveillance system" - 32.30.91. However, in this business without work experience and special education, it is not only difficult to work, but very difficult. And if there is no such experience, then it is better to hire specialists, which, of course, is a little expensive.
First customers are found among acquaintances, through advertisements in newspapers and on bulletin boards on the Internet. Posting ads around the city also does not hurt, as well as visiting shops, offices to offer their services. Do-it-yourself installation of a video surveillance system will help until the staff and luggage of private clients are formed. Then you can try to enter the marketcorporate clients, where both the scope of work and profitability are much higher. The profitability of this business can be over one hundred percent.
