FAQ
CCTV (closed-circuit television) is a TV system in which signals are not publicly distributed but are monitored, primarily for surveillance and security purposes.
CCTV relies on strategic placement of cameras and private observation of the camera’s input on monitors. The system is called “closed-circuit” because the cameras, monitors and/or video recorders communicate across a proprietary coaxial cable run or wireless communication link. Access to data transmissions is limited by design.
In the past, CCTV systems used small, low-resolution black and white monitors with no interactive capabilities. Modern CCTV displays can be high-resolution color, providing the CCTV administrator with the ability to zoom in on an image or track something (or someone). Talk CCTV allows the administrator to speak to people within range of the camera’s associated speakers.
CCTV is commonly used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Maintaining perimeter security.
- Monitoring traffic.
- Obtaining a visual record of human activity.
In industrial plants, CCTV equipment may be used to observe parts of a process from a central control room, for example when the environment is not suitable for humans. CCTV systems may operate continuously, or only as required, to monitor a particular event.
A more advanced form of CCTV, utilizing digital video recorders (DVRs), provides recording for possibly many years, with a variety of quality and performance options and extra features (such as motion-detection and email alerts).
More recently, decentralized IP cameras, some equipped with megapixel sensors, support recording directly to network attached storage devices, or internal flash for completely stand-alone operation. Surveillance of the public using CCTV is particularly common in many areas around the world.
Video surveillance offers powerful, effective, and affordable security protection for both residential and commercial areas. Technological innovations have made video surveillance options easy to operate, customizable, and scalable tailored specifically for your purpose.
Initially, video surveillance employed analog technology, as CCTV or closed circuit television, recording video on videotapes. This method, however, had limited functions and was unable to transmit live information in real time.
Hence, it was not an efficient method of video surveillance when you needed information immediately. For example, when you monitor a storefront remotely, you need information on an ongoing basis instead of after the event. In addition, CCTV technology required manual transfer and changing of tapes regularly and did not offer great picture quality.
Cameras on a modern analog CCTV system send their video in the traditional base band format over coax or UTP cabling back to a digital video recorder (DVR).
Here, video is digitized and stored on hard drives. Most modern DVRs are a network device, and as such can be accessed remotely from the LAN, or with the proper configuration, from across a WAN or internet.
There are no tapes to change and video is kept on hard drives, typically on a FIFO basis so there is always a rolling video archive of the past X days. So, despite the fact that video is being transmitted from the cameras in an analog format, live and recorded video is still available over the network.
IP video cameras broadcast their video as a digital stream over an IP network. Like an analog system, video is recorded on hard drives, but since the video is an IP stream straight from the camera, there is more flexibility as to how and where that video is recorded.
The DVR is replaced with an NVR (network video recorder), which in some cases is just a software since it doesn’t need to convert analog to digital. Video footage can then be stored on new or existing network RAID drives as directed by the NVR software.
Hybrid CCTV systems combine IP and analog video, and can be a great way to transition an analog system to IP without needing to replace all of the existing cameras.
Many NVR boxes on the market today, are actually Hybrids to suit analog cameras, and IP cameras and combine them into a single platform for the user.
Cost. IP video security systems are generally more expensive.
But, because the systems are designed differently from the ground up, there are situations where the cost difference between analog and IP is minimal, and even scenarios where IP video is cheaper.
Resolution. One of the biggest factors driving interest in IP video systems is the high resolution that it offers. Analog cameras max out on resolution at about 700 TVL which equates to roughly 0.5 mega pixels. High end IP cameras on the other hand are currently available at resolutions above 5 mega pixels. This high resolution gives users the ability to zoom in on video, and still have usable video.
The other significant benefit to IP video is that it is compatible with wireless. Wireless analog systems are available, but they either have to convert to IP and broadcast over the 802.11 IP network (which adds cost for encoders), or they get crammed onto the over saturated regulated frequencies and often encounter interferences.
- Cost-Effective.
- Easy Data Transfer and Storage, while digital surveillance can be transmitted over a LAN network. IP-based video surveillance enables easy transfer of digital information over TCP/IP networks, allowing remote monitoring worldwide. Data is easily stored on web servers and numerous forms of digital media for both convenience and long-term security.
- Flexible Camera Placement.
- You can easily hook your surveillance camera to any existing wireless network via an IP-based video surveillance system. Mount and position your camera onto your desired location. On the other hand, traditional analog video cameras are typically used in conjunction directly with a computer and needs to be placed within at least 10feet of the PC.
- Easy Setup; simply plug in and play! Installing an IP-based video surveillance system is very simple. After you set up an IP address, you are good to go.
- IP-based video surveillance systems are reliable and easy to upgrade. Since they are considered the wave of the future, you can keep adding to your existing system. On the other hand, CCTV and DVR hybrids are becoming outdated and are slowly being phased out.
The cost differences between IP and analog can be significant, but that depends on the particulars of the design. Let’s break this down into some prime factors that will affect cost:
IP Cameras are more expensive than analog. There are two reasons for that.
First, an IP camera needs an internal encoder which adds to the manufacturing costs. To put things in perspective, an external encoder runs from $400 to $1000.
Second, IP cameras don’t tend to come inclusive of outdoor housings or infrared emitters. If these settings are required, they have to be purchased and installed separately which drives up costs.
IP cameras are constantly putting high bandwidth video data onto the network, especially if megapixel cameras are in use. Without the proper network speed and traffic control mechanisms, an IP video system can bring your network to its knees. Also, it is important to mention that each camera needs its own switch port, so extra switches needs to be accounted in the budget
DVR costs are fairly simple to understand. A DVR is a single unit, and is a one off cost. NVRs on the other hand are more complicated. NVR software is typically licensed only by one camera and must be installed on a PC.
The storage requirements for megapixel cameras are significant, and may require additional network storage. When comparing costs, be sure to include the software, computer, and network storage in the total cost for the IP system’s NVR.
IP cameras use UTP cabling (at least 5), and analog cameras can use either coax or UTP (at least Cat3). In order to transmit analog video over UTP some inexpensive baluns are required, and coax cabling is slightly more expensive than UTP, so cabling cost for an analog system will be slightly higher.
Analog systems often involve a centralized power source for the cameras, and IP systems usually use Power over Ethernet (PoE). If the PoE switches are not already in place, they will be more expensive than the power supplies for the analog cameras.
Comparing Analog versus IP-Camera video surveillance features can help you choose the right option for you.
- Easy to operate, similar to a VCR.
- Poor Image Quality.
- Analog recording resulting in lower quality of images.
- Analog recording prevents easy searching and tracking.
- Requires frequent change of cassettes and rewinding. This process is highly inefficient and can easily result in numerous errors.
- Storage tapes erode over time.
- Storage is bulky.
- Impractical to broadcast live images.
- Only way to add DVR systems is via 16 channel blocks.
- Easy plug and play.
- Higher Image Quality and adjustable frame rate.
- Digital recording does not decrease recording quality over time, although playback.
- Multiple camera operation and addition from one remote location.
- High compression offers easy storage and transfer to numerous forms of media.
- Instantly transmits images to any location in the world through remote or shared viewing via the web.
- Easily encrypt digital images for security. Add updates and Extras with simple software upgrades.
IP Video will always be more expensive, but the availability of much higher resolution recorded images makes it a much more powerful system. The ability to digitally zoom in on recorded video makes identification much more accurate.
What is a compliance security specification certificate that is issued by Dubai police (protective department)?
It is a certificate that is issued by the Department of protective systems for certain business sectors. Those sectors are obliged by the law to install security systems in order to protect their companies. This certificate should be annually renewed to ensure compliance of the business with the security specifications.
What are the important business sectors that require a security specification certificate?
Business sectors that require a security specification certificate are:
- Hotels (hotel apartment).
- Banks.
- Exchange shops and jewellery shops.
- Shopping and Jewellery centres.
- Warehouses and Precious materials and hazardous materials stores.
ABU DHABI AND AL AIN:
Banks, Exchange Shops, Jewellery, Retail with expensive materials:
- A Trade license for the activities that requires the certificate or the initial approval from Economic department.
- Tenancy contact.
- Maintenance contract valid for minimum six months with one of the security companies that is registered and approved with Abu Dhabi/ALAIN police.
- Security systems layout drawing stamped and signed by the security provider.
- Risk assessment report prepared by the security system provider.
- Subscriber form (Arabic & English) filled up by the premises owner as well as the security supplier.
- 4500/-DHS connection fees for the police call unit paid to the connection company.
- Security company need to provide a letter to ensure that system is recording up to 180 Days.
- Security Company need to provide a letter that all Alarm sensors are grade 3.
- Security company need to provide a brand list for CCTV & Alarm system installed at site together with quantities.
- Security Company should provide zone list.
- Security Company should provide the initial police inspection report.
Hotels (Hotel Apartment):
- A Trade license for the activities that requires the certificate or the initial approval from Economic department.
- Approved ADMCC inspection report regarding the CCTV of the premises.
- Valid AMC contract from the security provider.
DUBAI:
A Trade license for the activities that requires the certificate or the initial approval from Economic department
- Installation or maintenance contract with one of the registered security companies with SIRA.
- Approved Inspection report from one of the accredited consultants in Dubai.
- Security systems drawing.
- List of Security system installed on site.
- Makani Barcode.
SHARJAH:
- A Trade license for the activities that requires the certificate or the initial approval from Economic department
- Installation or maintenance contract with one of the registered security companies with Sharjah police.
- Approved Inspection report from one of the accredited consultants in Dubai.
- Security systems drawing
AJMAN:
- A Trade license for the activities that requires the certificate or the initial approval from Economic department
- Installation or maintenance contract with one of the registered security companies with Ajman police.
- Approved drawing form Ajman police ( NOTE : you can’t start a job without an official approval from Ajman police)
RAS AL KHAIMAH:
A Trade license for the activities that requires the certificate or the initial approval from Economic department
- Installation or maintenance contract with one of the registered security companies with Hemaya.
- Approved drawing form Hemaya ( NOTE : you can’t start a job without an official approval from Hemaya)
Click LAW 24 to download PDF file.
Please refer to ADMCC regulations as per this link.
- Alarm system should be Grade 3 generation.
- Alarm system should be designed by one of the approved registered security provider according to Abu Dhabi Police (Alarm Department) regulation.
Note: a list of approved companies can be given from the alarm department in Abu Dhabi police head quarter.
Refer to the below calculator.
Eurosec has the expertise to do a proper security as well as ICT systems design according to the latest regulations and system standard/specifications to fulfil all segment requirements.
Yes, Eurosec has local branches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah. And it provides high end IP, Hybrid and AHD CCTV products up to 3 years warranty.
Yes, Eurosec Approved in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.
Eurosec provides high storage NVR & DVR with one year recording capability without external storage devices supported up to RAID10 technology.
Eurosec provides an online Access control with the capability of connecting multiple sites to one control demand centre.
Eurosec provides Comprehensive as well as Non Comprehensive Annual Maintenance for the entire range of Security & ICT Systems either installed by Eurosec or any other third party. An experienced engineer provides you with fast and efficient solutions to your problem.
Eurosec has an expert residence engineer in each of the UAE emirates to handle all emergency requirements.
Eurosec has a very competitive, advance and affordable CCTV packages for home/domestic use.
Eurosec has a very competitive, advance, intelligent and affordable intrusion alarm system for home/ domestic users with the possibility of connecting the system with the police department or monitoring it online.
Eurosec has the expertise to make auto cad drawing as per the police’s requirement for all kind of premises.
