TCP VS UDP & IP Topics

Can you explain the difference between UDP and TCP internet protocol (IP) traffic and its usage with an example?
A. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP)is a transportation protocol that is one of the core protocols of the Internet protocol suite. Both TCP and UDP work at transport layer TCP/IP model and both have very different usage.

Difference between TCP and UDP

TCP	UDP
Reliability: TCP is connection-oriented protocol. When a file or message send it will get delivered unless connections fails. If connection lost, the server will request the lost part. There is no corruption while transferring a message.	Reliability: UDP is connectionless protocol. When you a send a data or message, you don't know if it'll get there, it could get lost on the way. There may be corruption while transferring a message.
Ordered: If you send two messages along a connection, one after the other, you know the first message will get there first. You don't have to worry about data arriving in the wrong order.	Ordered: If you send two messages out, you don't know what order they'll arrive in i.e. no ordered
Heavyweight: - when the low level parts of the TCP "stream" arrive in the wrong order, resend requests have to be sent, and all the out of sequence parts have to be put back together, so requires a bit of work to piece together.	Lightweight: No ordering of messages, no tracking connections, etc. It's just fire and forget! This means it's a lot quicker, and the network card / OS have to do very little work to translate the data back from the packets.
Streaming: Data is read as a "stream," with nothing distinguishing where one packet ends and another begins. There may be multiple packets per read call.	Datagrams: Packets are sent individually and are guaranteed to be whole if they arrive. One packet per one read call.
Examples: World Wide Web (Apache TCP port 80), e-mail (SMTP TCP port 25 Postfix MTA), File Transfer Protocol (FTP port 21) and Secure Shell (OpenSSH port 22) etc.	Examples: Domain Name System (DNS UDP port 53), streaming media applications such as IPTV or movies, Voice over IP (VoIP), Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) and online multiplayer games etc

Further readings

UDP is the faster protocol as it doesn't wait for acknowledgement so it is not at all having reliability as  compared to TCP.

Bridging the Analog-IP Gap

The name "encoder" does not really do these technological miracles justice. These investment-protecting, budget-saving marvels build a bridge between two generations of surveillance technology and bring harmony to your network.

IP-based video surveillance systems bring many important benefits. The image quality they deliver is a vast improvement. The networks are more scalable and cheaper to run. Better still, computerization means you can automate systems to bring about event management and intelligent video. Nevertheless, it is too early to claim that this development has rendered analog CCTV surveillance systems obsolete.

One option to installers would be to replace everything analog. This would mean getting rid of the existing analog cameras, the coaxial cables that have been laid inside and outside the buildings, the recording systems (AVRs or DVRs) and the management system. It would then be necessary to introduce an entirely new Ethernet cabling infrastructure, which would involve not insubstantial disruption, along with new IP-compatible storage hardware and a management system suited to IP or network video.

In many cases, that would be a waste of time and money, and the people who bought analog systems are not going to write off their investment any time soon, especially when around 95 percent of the estimated 40 million surveillance cameras installed in the world are still analog.

While analog technology is being fast eclipsed by IP video, which is growing at 30 percent a year according to IMS Research, there is no reason why the two infrastructures cannot be rationalized together, apart from a few technological hurdles. These barriers to integration are, in most cases, easily surmountable.

For most installations, the most valuable service you can offer your clients is to migrate them from analog to IP video by making judicious use of their existing network. The key to this magic passage is the video encoder. Encoders help convert analog networks into IP-friendly formats, putting the existing investment in cameras and coaxial cable to good use.

Change the MAC address in Windows 7

To spoof your MAC address in Windows 7 there are a few facts you need to know. If your network adapter has newer updated drivers, then you can only spoof your mac address to an address that begins with 12. For example 12197ECD414A. You should enter the MAC address without the dashes.

If you would like to spoof your mac address to an address that begins with 00 (for example 00197ECD414A) you must downgrade your network adapter's drivers to an early version.

Go to Start and then click Run. In the text box type CMD (enter). In the command prompt type ipconfig /all. This command gives you all the information for any network card in your system including the wired network adapter, bluetooth adapter, and the wireless adapter. So you’ll have to look under the specific heading you need because each adapter will have it’s own MAC address. The MAC address is called Phyical Address.  Now you know your MAC address.

Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center -> Change Adapter Settings -> Properties -> Configure -> Network Address -> Value (type your new MAC address). Enter the MAC address without the dashes.

To verify the change of MAC address. Go to Start and then click Run. In the text box type CMD (enter). In the command prompt type ipconfig /all.

CCTV Illegal (90%) Ineffective (80%)

Whether CCTV is an existing element of your security/management strategy or you are considering investing in CCTV, you need to be sure that the system will provide unequivocal evidence.

Imagine your frustration at having your CCTV evidence rejected in a health & safety claim or employment law dispute due to poor quality images or procedural mistakes. The financial impact of such cases could amount to tens if not hundreds of thousands of currency; by comparison most instances of theft can appear almost inconsequential in terms of loss.

The quality of images as seen on TV News and crime reporting programmers is a damning indictment of CCTV standards. Consider the numbers quoted in the headline, 90% Illegal stated by CameraWatch is based on ‘initial research’ and refers to total or partial shortfall in Data Protection Act compliance. 80% Ineffective refers to the efficacy of CCTV evidence examined by the Police and is stated in the Home Office National CCTV Strategy.

These statistics are largely based on anecdotal evidence, nevertheless practical experience of those professionally involved in the assessment of CCTV systems would broadly agree with these estimates.

Another interesting number is the 3.2 to 4.2 million CCTV surveillance cameras employed in the India. Which figure is closest to reality no one knows, but there is probably 1 camera for every 15 members of the population, capturing our images as we go about our lives.

According to current folklore our image is captured 300 times a day and stored for a month or more. Should we be worried?

Provided that CCTV images are managed in accordance with Data Protection Act principles and you are a law abiding citizen, there should be no concern and in countless high profile cases CCTV has proven to be an invaluable aid to investigation. Evidence of the immediately preceding terrorist bombings was of fundamental importance to the Police investigation.

Data Protection Act legislation is at the very core of protecting our Human Rights when it comes to the use of CCTV, so are we safe to assume we are protected from its misuse? The law is certainly adequate and has been since the 1998 Data Protection Act encompassed CCTV images. The Information Commissioner is responsible for enforcement and serious cases of non compliance can result in a substantial fine or even a custodial sentence.

You must let people know that they are in an area where CCTV surveillance is being carried out. The most effective way of doing this is by prominently placed signs at the entrance to the CCTV zone and reinforcing this with further signs inside the area. The signs should contain details of the organization responsible for operating the system, the purposes for using CCTV and contact details.

The Data Protection Act does not prescribe any specific minimum or maximum periods which images should be retained for, the archive period should reflect the organization’s own purposes although 30 days is the accepted norm.

A little known aspect of DPA law is Right of Subject Access, you have a legal right to request a copy of your images captured on CCTV and subject to certain reasonable conditions the organization responsible for the CCTV system (the Data Controller) must provide a copy.

You will need to make the application in writing: stating where you were, the time & date and provide photographic identity so that the relevant images can be searched for. The Data Controller is entitled to charge something for the search including the cost of providing a CD or DVD. The images must be provided to the applicant within 40 days of the date of application or a valid reason for not being able to comply must be given within 21 days.

Legislation is weighted in favor of the applicant and the Data Controller can incur substantial costs in producing the copy recording, particularly if it is found to include images of third parties as well as the applicant. These third party images must be masked in order to protect the identities of others.

A frequent dilemma faced by Security / Facilities Managers of multi tenanted buildings is when a tenant demands access to recordings that may assist them in criminal or civil law matters. In the case of criminal investigation the response is clear cut, the tenant must report the matter to the Police who will request a copy of any video evidence they may require.

Non criminal cases are more complex and disclosure of images directly to the tenant may result in a breach of Data Protection Act law, on the other hand refusal may result in bad feeling if tenant holds the reasonable view that; ‘security is included in the service charge that I am paying and I should be allowed access to CCTV recordings that relate to my business’.

A reasonable response would be to establish the parameters of the recording; date, time and cameras. Then download images in the same manner as for a criminal investigation, but without allowing the applicant to view the images. You have at this point protected the required images from being overwritten by the recording equipment. The next move is to suggest that the tenant instruct their lawyer to request a copy, subject to an undertaking that the law firm becomes Data Controller for the issued copy.

In this article we refer to digital recording only, on the basis that video tape is redundant technology that is no longer serviceable and unlikely to be effective.

Digital images are primarily recorded to hard drive and are only downloaded on demand, the recording equipment should be held in a secure enclosure fixed to the building fabric or located in a security control room. Access to the system to download images should be password protected and only available to nominated Data Processors.

Images should be downloaded to non rewritable media such as CD or DVD and be playable on any video enabled PC or laptop without the need for additional software. It is good practice to download two copies of an incident, one being the Working Copy for issue and the other being an Archive copy held securely on site for backup or verification purposes. It is vital that a robust audit trail is created by means of Unique Reference Numbers printed on the disc during the printing process. The audit trail should be supported by suitable documentation. Download to memory stick, re-recordable media or the internet without secure encryption will compromise the veracity of the evidence.

If CCTV is an existing element within your security & management strategy, make sure that you have a CCTV policy in place describing how it should be managed in compliance with Data Protection Act law. Don’t then file and forget, but ensure that your security staff are issued with a copy and carry out an annual assessment of management and equipment performance, thereby ensuring that your CCTV continues to meet current needs and best practice.

If you are considering the installation of CCTV get a professional to assess your risks and system requirements in the form of an Operational Requirement based on the Home Office model. This is in effect a performance specification that can be issued to those responsible for the technical design and bid process, you can thus be sure of obtaining comparable quotations on which to base your buying decision. Furthermore you will have created a benchmark against which performance can be objectively assessed as a part of an effective professional handover process that will include; System Operating Manual, CCTV Policy, Management Documentation, Statutory CCTV Warning Signs and training of those responsible for managing the system.

Products Designed to Provide Home Security

When it comes to protecting your home and your loved ones, you really can't be too cautious. To help homeowners protect the things they cherish, manufacturers of home security products have made a variety of different systems available for use.

Home Alarm SystemsProbably the most used systems for home security are those which come with alarms. The most basic alarm system is a simple device which attaches to an entrance. This economical alarm is usually placed on the front entrance to the home along with a warning sticker informing any would be intruders of the home's protection. On a larger scale, alarm systems can include multiple alarms wired to several entrances as well as first floor windows.

Home security systems with alarms can also include other devices for monitoring the area. Motion sensor cameras and outdoor security lights can be connected to an alarm systems so when they detect motion in the area, the alarms will sound. Some indoor systems use infrared lights to detect motion in the area, which in turn will sound the interior alarm. Alarms are available with different decibel levels making them audible for different ranges. An inexpensive front door alarm will usually be audible to everyone inside the house and possibly to the next door neighbors.

Fake Security DevicesSome people want the security of having deluxe systems installed, but do not have the funds available to invest in these systems. One way to scare off possible intruders is to purchase fake security equipment. Most of the fake items are designed to look like real security cameras. The outer casing is identical to all of the most common types of security cameras, but the inside is empty. These fake cameras come with mounting hardware so they can be attached to any outside wall.

Homeowners can also purchase signs and stickers indicating there are security devices installed on the premises when in fact, there is not. Many people purchase these signs and stickers and place them in their yards and on their doors and windows to deter any potential intruders.

Home Improvements for SecurityIn addition to the alarm and home automation system homeowners can purchase for security, there are also home improvements which can help make a home harder to break into. Replacing screen or service doors on entrances with wrought iron doors will make it much harder for intruders to enter. These doors are made with wrought iron bars designed in attractive styles so they add appeal to the outside of the home.

Installing windows that have interior latch locks can also make them harder to open from the outside. Front doors and garage door sensor can have electronic keypads installed to replace traditional key locks. Keypads require the person to enter their special code number in order to unlock the door. Installing outdoor lights around entrances and on garages will also add protection to a home when the lights are connected to an automatic timer designed to turn them on in the evenings whether you are home or away.

Edge Recording in CCTV System

What is Edge Recording?

Edge recording, also called local storage or on-board recording, is when a camera records video directly onto a SD or memory card in the camera instead of a separate NVR or storage device. Edge recording gives you more flexibility in recording video.

How Edge Recording Works

Saving video files on an on-board memory card is called edge recording because the file location is on the “edge” of the surveillance system network where the camera is located, instead of a “central” location like a NVR where all cameras and other devices are connected.

The SD cards surveillance cameras use can have limited space compared to large computer hard drives or NVRs, making them a great solution when you only want to record small numbers of files. Motion detection-activated recording, where your camera only records if it detects motion and can go long stretches of time between recorded events, work well with edge recording.

Edge recording is also an alternative to larger storage systems if you’re on a budget. While you will need to purchase the SD card separately from the camera, NVR systems can be more expensive and intensive than you need if you don’t save many files.

How Edge Recording Can Help You

Edge recording provides a cost-effective storage system for small systems. But it can also add flexibility to your system, and provide a backup storage method. While specific features will vary by manufacturer, edge storage can:

·         Record files to the memory card in the event that the connection to the central NVR is lost

·         Store video for cameras that cannot easily connect to a central NVR, including remote locations and mobile camera systems

·         Minimize bandwidth by not sending large video files over your network

When used as the main storage location for small video files or as part of a larger system for saving and retrieving files, edge recording is used by many industries and system installers:

·         For businesses who only save motion-activated video at night when the office is closed

·         For home owners, who only record when they are out of the house

·         For public transportation, included busses and trains, who cannot stay connected to a central NVR while traveling

Edge recording is available on cameras from all major surveillance camera brands includingAxis, Optica, and Mobotix.

Capturing Crystal Clear Images With Megapixel Technology

Megapixel surveillance is not a new concept — its applications and benefits are starkly clear. What has changed are smarter cameras, taking advantage of the added pixels and a better understanding of illumination in real life. In the first of a two-part report, A&S examines how smarter megapixel cameras are getting; the second part looks at best practices for optimal performance.

The big picture for megapixel surveillance cameras looks bright, in the wake of the recession. HD and megapixel cameras are expected to make up nearly 30 percent of network camera shipments in 2011, according to IMS Research. By 2015, it is forecast that more than 60 percent of network cameras shipped will be of megapixel resolution.

The resolution increase has a noted effect on the whole surveillance system. While a 2.1-megapixel or 1,080p HD image is six times larger than a D1 image, the additional pixels require a bigger pipe to transmit more data. The infrastructure and storage costs for megapixel are well-documented, with ROI and TCO being used as arguments in favor of bigger pictures. The fate of megapixel is linked to the future of IP networks, with HD forecast to make up most high-resolution cameras compared to megapixel, according to IMS.

Megapixel surveillance requires careful planning, but the benefits of added resolution boost the accuracy of analytics. Edge devices take advantage of faster processors, resulting in smarter use of pixels. Analytics can help reduce bandwidth, as an event will trigger video streaming, rather than constantly sending the same still images over the network. A more distributed architecture puts less strain on networks and makes life easier.

Clarity is the main driver for megapixel. “At the end of the day, you're putting in a security system to protect life and provide evidence in a court of law,” said Stephen Moody, Security Development Manager for ViS Security Solutions, an integrator in Ireland.

Cracking the Code
H.264 is the de facto standard compression for megapixel cameras, due to its efficiency in crunching large data files into smaller ones for transmission and storage. As compression evolved from M-JPEG's stills to MPEG-4 and now to H.264, a variety of profiles yield differences in performance. With 17 profiles in all, three are the most common: baseline, main and high, said Sachin Khanna, PM for CCTV, Bosch Security Systems.

By profile, the baseline is appropriate for video conferencing; the main profile is good for broadcast video; and high profile is most applicable for HD broadcast video. “H.264 requires a fair amount of processing power for encoding and decoding; this may limit the camera's frame rate and dictate the NVR platform to achieve the desired performance,” said Rich Pineau, CTO of Oncam Global.

Most H.264 profiles stem from 2-D applications, with not all profiles being capable of integration. “Even if both cameras are H.264 and the manufacturers are partners, the system could still not work,” said Patrick Lim, Director of Sales and Marketing for Ademco Far East. “The I/O and output are hard to integrate. Some engineers say it's easy to plug and play — there's no such thing.”

Security Camera Selection Guide

ON Sunday, November 8, 2009 we discuss a Guide for choosing the CCTV system, now we know how to select a Security camera.( http://arindamcctvaccesscontrol.blogspot.com/2009/11/guide-for-choosing-cctv-system.html )

Security cameras are literally the eyes of a video surveillance system. Cameras should be deployed in critical areas to capture relevant video.
The two basic principles of camera deployment are (1) use chokepoints and (2) cover assets.
Chokepoints are areas where people or vehicles must pass to enter a certain area. Examples include doorways, hallways and driveways. Placing cameras at chokepoints is a very cost-effective way to document who entered a facility.
Assets are the specific objects or areas that need security. Examples of assets include physical objects such as safes and merchandise areas as well as areas where important activity occurs such as cash registers, parking spots or lobbies. What is defined as an asset is relative to the needs and priorities of your organization.

1. Security Camera Selection

Once you determine what areas you want to cover, there are four camera characteristics to decide on:
1. Fixed vs. PTZ: A camera can be fixed to only look at one specific view or it can be movable through the use of panning, tilting and zooming (i.e., moving left and right, up and down, closer and farer away). Most cameras used in surveillance are fixed. PTZ cameras are generally used to cover wider fields of views and should generally be used only if you expect a monitor to actively use the cameras on a daily basis. A key reason fixed cameras are generally used is that they cost 5 to 8 times less than PTZs (fixed cameras average Rs.12000 to Rs. 22000 whereas PTZ cameras can be over Rs. 75,000 INR).

2. Color vs. Infrared vs. Thermal: In TV, a video can be color or black and white. In video surveillance today, the only time producing a black and white image makes sense is when lighting is very low (e.g., night time). In those conditions, infrared or thermal cameras produce black and white images. Infrared cameras require special lamps (infrared illuminators) that produce clear image in the dark (but are significantly more expensive than color cameras - often 2x to 3x more). Thermal cameras require no lighting but product only silhouettes of objects and are very expensive (Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 1000,000 on average) In day time or lighted areas, color cameras are the obvious choice as the premium for color over black and white is trivial.

3. Standard Definition vs. Megapixel: This choice is similar to that of TVs. Just like in the consumer world, historically everyone used standard definition cameras but now users are shifting into high definition cameras. While high definition TV maxes out at 3 MP, surveillance cameras can provide up to 16 MP resolutions. In 2008, megapixel cameras only represent about 4% of total cameras sold but they are expanding very rapidly.
4. IP vs. Analog: The largest trend in video surveillance today is the move from analog cameras to IP cameras. While all surveillance cameras are digitized to view and record on computers, only IP cameras digitize the video inside the camera. While most infrared and thermal cameras are still only available as analog cameras, you can only use megapixel resolution in IP cameras. Currently, 20% of cameras sold are IP and this percentage is increasingly rapidly.

Most organizations will mix and match a number of different camera types. For instance, an organization may use infrared fixed analog cameras around a perimeter with an analog PTZ overlooking the parking lot. On the inside, they may have a fixed megapixel camera covering the warehouse and a number of fixed IP cameras covering the entrance and hallways.

2. Connectivity

In professional video surveillance, cameras are almost always connected to video management systems for the purpose of recording and managing access to video. There are two main characteristics to decide on for connectivity.
• IP vs. Analog: Video can be transmitted over your computer network (IP) or it can be sent as native analog video. Today, most video feeds are sent using analog but migration to IP transmission is rapidly occurring. Both IP cameras and analog cameras can be transmitted over IP. IP cameras can connect directly to an IP network (just like your PC). Analog cameras cannot directly connect to an IP network. However, you can install an encoder to transmit analog feeds over IP. The encoder has an input for an analog camera video feed and outputs a digital stream for transmission over an IP network.
• Wired vs. Wireless: Video can be sent over cables or though the air, whether you are using IP or analog video. Over 90% of video is sent over cables as this is generally the cheapest and most reliable way of sending video. However, wireless is an important option for transmitting video as deploying wires can be cost-prohibitive for certain applications such as parking lots, fence lines and remote buildings.

3. Video Management System
Video management systems are the hub of video surveillance solutions, accepting video from cameras, storing the video and managing distribution of video to viewers.
There are four fundamental options in video management systems. Most organizations choose one of the four. However, it's possible that companies may have multiple types when they transition between one to another.
• DVRs are purpose built computers that combine software, hardware and video storage all in one. By definition, they only accept analog camera feeds. Almost all DVRs today support remote viewing over the Internet. DVRs are very simple to install but they significantly limit your flexibility in expansion and hardware changes. DVRs are still today the most common option amongst professional buyers. However, DVRs have definitely fallen out of favor and the trend is to move to one of the three categories below.

• HDVRs or hybrid DVRs are DVRs that support IP cameras. They have all the functionality of a DVR listed above plus they add support for IP and megapixel cameras. Most DVRs can be software upgraded to become HDVRs. Such upgrades are certainly a significant trend and is attractive because of the low migration cost (supports analog and IP cameras directly).
• NVRs are like DVRs in all ways except for camera support. Whereas a DVR only supports analog cameras, an NVR only supports IP cameras. To support analog cameras with an NVR, an encoder must be used.

• IP Video Surveillance Software is a software application, like Word or Excel. Unlike DVRs or NVRs, IP video surveillance software does not come with any hardware or storage. The user must load and set up the PC/Server for the software. This provides much greater freedom and potentially lower cost than using DVR/NVR appliances. However, it comes with significant more complexity and time to set up and optimize the system. IP video surveillance software is the hottest trend in video management systems currently and is the most frequent choice for very large camera counts (hundreds or more).

4. Storage

Surveillance video is almost always stored for later retrieval and review. The average storage duration is between 30 and 90 days. However, a small percentage of organization store video for much shorter (7 days) or for much longer (some for a few years).
The two most important drivers for determining storage duration is the cost of storage and the security threats an organization faces.
While storage is always getting cheaper, video surveillance demands huge amount of storage. For comparison, Google's email service offer about 7 GB/s of free email storage. This is considered to be an enormous amount for email. However, a single camera could consume that much storage in a day. It is fairly common for video surveillance systems to require multiple TBs of storage even with only a few dozen cameras. Because storage is such a significant cost, numerous techniques exist to optimize the use of storage.
The type of security threats also impact determining storage duration. For instance, a major threat at banks is the report of fraudulent investigations. These incidents are often not reported by affected customers until 60 or 90 days after the incident. As such, banks have great need for longer term storage. By contrast, casinos usually know about issues right away and if a problem is to arise they learn about it in the same week. Casinos then, very frequently, use much shorter storage duration (a few weeks is common).
Three fundamental types of storage may be selected:
• Internal storage uses hard drives built inside of a DVR, NVR or server. Today this is still the most common form of storage. With hard drives of up to 1 TB common today, internal storage can provide total storage of 2TB to 4TB. Internal storage is the cheapest option but tends to be less reliable and scalable than the other options. Nonetheless, it is used the most frequently in video surveillance.

• Directly Attached storage is when hard drives are located outside of the DVR, NVR or server. Storage appliances such as NAS or SANs are used to manage hard drives. This usually provides greater scalability, flexibility and redundancy. However, the cost per TB is usually more than internal storage. Attached storage is most often used in large camera count applications.

• Storage Clusters are IP based 'pools' of storage specialized in storing video from large numbers of cameras. Multiple DVRs, NVRs or servers can stream video to these storage clusters. They provide efficient, flexible and scalable storage for very large camera counts. Storage clusters are the most important emerging trend in video surveillance storage.
http://arindamcctvaccesscontrol.blogspot.in/2013/10/analog-cctv-storage.html

5. Video Analytics
Video analytics scan incoming video feeds to (1) optimize storage or (2) to identify threatening/interesting events.
Storage optimization is the most commonly used application of video analytics. In its simplest form, video analytics examines video feeds to identify changes in motion. Based on the presence or absence of motion, the video management system can decide not to store video or store video at a lower frame rate or resolution. Because surveillance video captures long periods of inactivity (like hallways and staircases, buildings when they are closed, etc.), using motion analytics can reduce storage consumption by 60% - 80% relative to continuously recording.
Using video analytics to identify threatening/interesting events is the more 'exciting' form of video analytics. Indeed, generally when industry people talk of video analytics, this is their intended reference. Common examples of this are perimeter violation, abandoned object, people counting and license plate recognition. The goal of these types of video analytics is to pro-actively identify security incidents and to stop them in progress (e.g., perimeter violation spots a thief jumping your fence so that you can stop them in real time, license plate recognition identifies a vehicle belonging to a wanted criminal so you can apprehend him).
These video analytics have been generally viewed as a disappointment. While many observers believe that video analytics will improve, the video analytics market is currently contracting (in response to its issues and the recession).

6. Viewing Video
Surveillance video is ultimately viewed by human beings. Most surveillance video is never viewed. Of the video that is viewed, the most common use is for historical investigations. Some surveillance video is viewed live continuously, generally in retail (to spot shoplifters) and in public surveillance (to identify criminal threats. Most live video surveillance is done periodically in response to a 'called-in' threat or to check up on the status of a remote facility.
Four fundamental options exist for viewing video:
• Local Viewing directly from the DVR, NVR or servers is ideal for monitoring small facilities on site. This lets the video management system double as a viewing station, saving you the cost of setting up or using a PC. This approach is most common in retailers, banks and small businesses.

• Remote PC Viewing is the most common way of viewing surveillance video. In this approach, standard PCs are used to view live and recorded video. Either a proprietary application is installed on the PC or a web browser is used. Most remote PC viewing is done with an installed application as it provides the greatest functionality. However, as web applications mature, more providers are offering powerful web viewing. The advantage of watching surveillance video using a web browser is that you do not have to install nor worry about upgrading a client.

• Mobile Viewing allows security operators in the field to immediately check surveillance video. As responders and roving guards are common in security, mobile viewing has great potential. Though mobile clients have been available for at least 5 years, they have never become mainstream due to implementation challenges with PDAs/phones. Renewed interest and optimism has emerged with the introduction of the Apple iPhone.

• Video Wall Viewing is ideal for large security operation centers that have hundreds or thousands of cameras under their jurisdiction. Video walls provide very large screens so that a group of people can simultaneously watch. This is especially critical when dealing with emergencies. Video walls generally have abilities to switch between feeds and to automatically display feeds from locations where alarms have been triggered.

7. Integrating Video with Other Systems
Many organizations use surveillance video by itself, simply pulling up the video management systems' client application to watch applications. However, for larger organizations and those with more significant security concerns, this is an inefficient and poor manner to perform security operations. Instead, these organizations prefer an approach similar to the military's common operational picture (COP) where numerous security systems all display on a singular interface.
Three ways exist to deliver such integration with video surveillance:

• Access Control as Hub: Most organizations have electronic/IP access control systems. These systems have been designed for many years to integrate with other security systems such as intrusion detection and video surveillance. This is the most way to integrate video surveillance and relatively inexpensive ($10,000 - $50,000 USD). However, access control systems are often limited in the number and depth of integration they support.

• PSIM as Hub: In the last few years, manufacturers now provide specialized applications whose sole purpose are to aggregate information from security systems (like video surveillance) and provide the most relevant information and optimal response policies. These applications tend to be far more expensive (($100,000 - $1,000,000 USD) yet support a far wider range of security manufacturers and offer more sophisticated features.

• Video Management System as Hub: Increasingly, video management systems are adding in support for other security systems and security management features. If you only need limited integration, your existing video management system may provide an inexpensive (yet limited) solution.

8.Video Resolutions

1.Analog Video Resolutions
Video surveillance solutions use a set of standard resolutions. National Television System Committee (NTSC) and Phase Alternating Line (PAL) are the two prevalent analog video standards. PAL is used mostly in Europe, China, and Australia and specifies 625 lines per-frame with a 50-Hz refresh rate. NTSC is used mostly in the United States, Canada, and portions of South America and specifies 525 lines per-frame with a 59.94-Hz refresh rate.
These video standards are displayed in interlaced mode, which means that only half of the lines are refreshed in each cycle. Therefore, the refresh rate of PAL translates into 25 complete frames per second and NTSC translates into 30 (29.97) frames per second..

Table of Analog Video Resolutions (in pixels)
Format	NTSC-Based (in pixels)	PAL-Based (in pixels)
QCIF	176 × 120	176 × 144
CIF	352 × 240	352 × 288
2CIF	704 x 240	704 x 288
4CIF	704 × 480	704 × 576
D1	720 × 480	720 × 576

Note that the linear dimensions of 4CIF are twice as big as CIF. As a result, the screen area for 4CIF is four times that of CIF with higher bandwidth and storage requirements. The 4CIF and D1 resolutions are almost identical and sometimes the terms are used interchangeably.

2.Digital Video Resolutions

User expectations for resolution of video surveillance feeds are increasing partially due to the introduction and adoption of high-definition television (HDTV) for broadcast television. A 4CIF resolution, which is commonly deployed in video surveillance, is a 4/10th megapixel resolution. The HDTV formats are megapixel or higher. Table lists the typical resolutions available in the industry.

Size/ Format	Pixels
QQVGA	160x120
QVGA	320x240
VGA	640x480
HDTV	1280x720
1M	1280x960
1M	1280x1024
2M	1600x1200
HDTV	1920x1080
3M	2048x1536

While image quality is influenced by the resolution configured on the camera, the quality of the lens, sharpness of focus, and lighting conditions also come into play. For example, harshly lighted areas may not offer a well-defined image, even if the resolution is very high. Bright areas may be washed out and shadows may offer little detail. Cameras that offer wide dynamic range processing, an algorithm that samples the image several times with differing exposure settings and provides more detail to the very bright and dark areas, can offer a more detailed image.

As a best practice, do not assume the camera resolution is everything in regards to image quality. For a camera to operate in a day-night environment, (the absence of light is zero lux), the night mode must be sensitive to the infrared spectrum. It is highly recommended to conduct tests or pilot installations before buying large quantities of any model of camera.

Importance of CCTV

The full form of CCTV is Closed Circuit Television Cameras. These cameras can be fitted just about anywhere with the help of a simple process. Once set up, they help to record all the activities that are taking place in a specific area unless switched off or disabled. They are quite compact in size and are not really instantly visible to everyone. CCTV’s vary greatly in terms of the picture and sound quality that they can provide to their users. They may be colored or black and white. Some of them may show very clear pictures while others may showcase slightly hazy or disturbed videos. Thus, it is vital to choose carefully while buying CCTV cameras. CCTV cameras come with the following benefits and their importance cannot be undermined.

1.CCTV cameras are very useful in combating terrorism. This is because it is simply not practically possible to deploy police forces in every conceivable public area to look out for strange behavior from people or the placement of strange, unclaimed objects. CCTV cameras can look out for such things and prevent acts of terrorism before they have a chance to take place. The images captured on these cameras are transmitted to a central location where they are observed by the concerned person.

2.CCTV cameras are of unprecedented importance in the field of sporting. Some of them come equipped with high technology that helps to make crucial and difficult decisions in a game or match. Every single moment of play is recorded to be used later on too for making improvements.

3.CCTV cameras, if installed in a house or building, can help combat burglaries and thefts to a large extent. Just the knowledge about the existence of such cameras is enough to deter the possible intruders who may try to do away with your things at an available opportunity. CCTV’s can record footage and send it to another system over the internet. This can be done live or later on after the day has passed. So, it can help prevent burglaries and locate criminals whose faces may have been captured.

4.CCTV cameras are of great importance in places of work. They help establish a means of control and a system of keeping checks on the employees. If the employees are found to be wanting in a certain area, the requisite steps to correct this are taken by the management.

5.CCTV cameras in public places discourage vandalism and destruction of public property as the people involved in doing so know that they are being observed. Merely the existence of these cameras greatly improves the law and order situation of a city.

6.These cameras help keep a check on your babysitter’s method of working in case you have children and are worried about leaving them all alone with a stranger. You can be assured that your child is in safe hands and make changes if you find the nanny hired by you as incompetent in any way.

Uses of CCTV in India?

* CCTV provides a deterrent to crime and vandalism.

* CCTV system enables 24 hour monitoring of all the designated areas.

* CCTV security cameras enables in clear identification of miscreants within the range of the CCTV cameras.

* To provide continuous recording of all CCTV cameras in the system.

* To enable rapid movement of any CCTV camera to pre-set positions of pan, tilt and zoom.

* To provide independent viewing of any CCTV camera at the controlling station.

* To enable live, real time recording of selected CCTV cameras.

* CCTV systems can be used to remotely or locally monitor following areas- Finance and banking, Parking areas, Educational Institutions, Jewellery showrooms, Storage godowns and warehouses, Construction sites, Gas stations, Commercial buildings, Hospitals, Shopping complexes and malls, Manufacturing plants, Transporting companies.

CCTV system should be used at offices, factories, restaurants, shops, workshops, schools, colleges, hospitals, airports, banks, malls, industrial and comercial spaces.

Electronic Access Control Systems: A Global Strategic Business Report

Global Electronic Access Control Systems Market to Reach US$6.0 Billion by 2015, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Electronic Access Control Systems. Although the prolonged severity of the recent economic slowdown, and depressed key end-use sectors have elicited decline in value sales for electronic access control systems (EACS), the market is nevertheless expected to recover poise in the short to medium term period to reach US$6.0 billion by 2015. Primary factors fingered to drive this growth include increasing concerns over safety and security among individuals and organizations, post recession resurgence in key end-use markets and technology developments. Robust growth in demand from developing markets, particularly Asia-Pacific also augurs well for the market.
By product, Card-Based Electronic Access control systems market continues to be the largest product segment, holding a lion’s share of the global market. Smart cards represent the largest revenue contributor to the card-based EACS market. Audio and Video-Based Electronic Access Control Systems market is the fastest growing product segment, waxing at a CAGR of about 6.8% over the analysis period Major players in the marketplace include Aiphone Co. Ltd., ASSA ABLOY AB, BIO-key, International Inc., DigitalPersona Inc, Gunnebo Ab, Hirsch Electronics Corporation, Honeywell Access Systems, Ingersoll Rand Recognition Systems Inc., Linear LLC, Imprivata® Inc., Kaba Holding AG, L-1 Identity Solutions, NAPCO Security Systems Inc., PAC International Ltd, SAFRAN Group, SecuGen Corporation, Siemens Industry USA Building Technologies, The Chamberlain Group Inc, UTC Fire & Security, Chubb Securite S.A.S, and GE Security Inc.

http://www.gobeyondsecurity.com/forum/topics/electronic-access-control

What is the difference between "biometric identification" and "biometric verification"?

What is the difference between "biometric identification" and "biometric verification"?

Biometrics are used for different purposes, but they are generally part of either a verification system or an identification system. The differences between these two types of systems can make a difference in how quickly the system operates and how accurate it is as the size of a biometric database increases.

Verification Systems
Verification systems seek to answer the question “Is this person who they say they are?” Under a verification system, an individual presents himself or herself as a specific person. The system checks his or her biometric against a biometric profile that already exists in the database linked to that person’s file in order to find a match.
Verification systems are generally described as a 1-to-1 matching system because the system tries to match the biometric presented by the individual against a specific biometric already on file.
Because verification systems only need to compare the presented biometric to a biometric reference stored in the system, they can generate results more quickly and are more accurate than identification systems, even when the size of the database increases.

Identification Systems
Identification systems are different from verification systems because an identification system seeks to identify an unknown person, or unknown biometric. The system tries to answer the questions “Who is this person?” or “Who generated this biometric?” and must check the biometric presented against all others already in the database. Identification systems are described as a 1-to-n matching system, where n is the total number of biometrics in the database. Forensic databases, where a government tries to identify a latent print or DNA discarded at a crime scene, often operate as identification systems.


one-to-one comparison, biometric verification systems are generally much faster than biometric identification systems. Most commercial applications of biometrics for time and attendance or access control use biometric verification.