SUV offers an IP-based security system boasting D1 resolution, remote/local monitoring and recording, snapshot, OSD, multirecording method and optimal audio/video synchronization.

Replacing analog systems, IP-based security solutions prove themselves better at surveillance and monitoring.

Through the years, surveillance systems have gone through significant technological transitions. Departing from the obsolete video cassette recorders (VCRs), the surveillance industry welcomed the rise of network digital video recorders (DVRs)—an important milestone in the history of closed circuit television (CCTV). Today, it is slowly veering away from the analog systems of yesteryears as it begins to recognize the myriad benefits of going IP.

The scalability, flexibility and efficiency of IP-based security systems have facilitated the convergence of information technology (IT) and security applications, such that data management is optimized, potential risks are mitigated, costs are controlled and valuable time is saved.

IP-based security systems generally feature remote/local monitoring and recording, optimal audio/video synchronization, PTZ control and system management. Today's IP system suppliers need to have extensive IT knowledge to be able to understand and manage complex IP structures. On top of this, they have to compete with network DVR makers.

The acquisition of IP-based security systems requires cooperation among suppliers, system integrators and specific clients. Product quality, technical features and system installation timetable are some of the criteria buyers must use when selecting system integrators.

In most cases, clients favor mainland China and South Korea suppliers and system integrators due to their extensive experience in the field. In other cases, clients in need of IP-based systems ask pre-qualified system integrators to take part in a formal bidding.

To show examples of successful IP-based security system installations, Global Sources closely examined the systems of two organizations, finding out how the integrators were selected, how the installations were carried out and how the systems benefited actual users.

NCHU officials wanted a safe and secure campus for its students, faculty and staff. With several buildings occupying the university grounds, NCHU needed a digital network solution that can integrate surveillance and access control systems, as well as trigger alarms to notify campus guards of emergencies. In addition, the solution must protect existing investments and allow for seamless technology upgrades in the future.

The problem—NCHU formerly had an analog CCTV system that made it difficult for guards to monitor the different buildings within the campus, receive emergency alerts and conduct 24hr recording. It was also nearly impossible for building administrators to continuously monitor their respective areas. NCHU decided to upgrade to an IP-based surveillance system that will enable 24hr recording, remote surveillance of each building, and monitoring via a LAN- or Internet-enabled PC.

The search—NCHU used the following criteria in the selection of a system supplier:
• Experience and expertise
• Ability to integrate its old analog system into the new IP-based solution
• Network and IP-based implementation for easy maintenance
• Flexibility to add more hardware such as cameras and servers, and extend the system to cover buildings that will be constructed in the future
• Strong alarm mechanism

NCHU tapped UniSVR Global Information Technology Corp. (UniSVR) by virtue of its vast experience in surveillance system implementation.Established in 1999, UniSVR maintains its headquarters in Taiwan's Hsinchu Science-based Park and has offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Taipei.

UniSVR offered to the university its leading product, UniArgus, an intelligent surveillance management system that boasts centralized management of security devices. The system has the following features:

• UniArgus supports both analog cameras and digital cameras.
• Networked and IP-based, the system is powered by cascaded management technology that allows headquarters to manage thewhole system, track all surveillance events and monitor critical videos, and remote stations to manage local sites only.
• With built-in multifunctional modules, UniArgus can manage up to 4,000 cameras, and simultaneously receive and record signals from at least 1,000 cameras.
• It sends event-driven alerts through e-mail and phone calls, and provides instant remote access to information.

The migration to IP—NCHU installed its IP-enabled security system three years ago. The installation and system configurationtook all but one week. Thenew system was considered a mere addition to the old analog system.

The company did not have any difficulty transitioning from the old system to the new system. Compared with the analog solution, the new IP-based system, particularly the UniArgus server, made it much easier for campus security guards to monitor buildings and receive event alerts round-the-clock.

The server is capable of both central management and distributed processing. It allowed building administrators to access video footages of each building and define user privilege access. The system also has the scalability and flexibility needed to add more cameras and servers based on the future needs of the university.

In the future, the IP-based solution can be integrated to assist the university's remote learning system. If such a system is implemented, only additional license numbers and video servers would be needed, thus optimizing investments.

The product/solution—Based on the existing fiber optic networking infrastructure, 50 IP cameras and 130 digital input (DI)/digital output (DO) devices were installed in the following buildings: Hung Tao, Agricultural Environment Science, Water and Soil Conservation, Student Center, Forestry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Science and Chemistry.

Each building was equipped with a UniArgus server. Videos taken from the buildings were stored in their respective servers. The guard station has access to these videos, and can monitor and receive event alerts.

In its desire to increase production and address safety issues, Desay installed a comprehensive security system to monitor factory operations, cut labor costs and implement 24hr surveillance. The new security system was also in line with the company's expansion plans.

The problem—Most large enterprises need CCTV IP security systems to monitor production lines, logistics departments and warehouses. Before shifting to an IP-based security system, Desay had an entirely analog solution. With expansion plans in the offing, the company realized that its original analog system could no longer satisfy its safety requirements.

Given their hardware and software advantages, IP-based security systems are fast gaining popularity among security-conscious companies. Compared with DVRs, which are usually limited to 16 channels and cables, IP-based systems can accommodate over a thousand. Moreover, they require simple installation and maintenance.

The search—In its quest for a competent IP-based system supplier or integrator, Desay used these parameters:
• Relevant project experience
• Advanced IP-based system that can be easily installed, maintained and upgraded
• Extensive possibilities for more channels, lines and hardware
• Provision to use part of the original analog system
• Reliable after-sales service

In January, Desay purchased an IP-based security system from Shenzhen Sino Universal Video Tech Co. Ltd (SUV) to enhance its existing solution and cut operating costs. Desay chose SUV as its new supplier, not only for its extensive experience in surveillance system implementation, but also for its vast product portfolio and competitive price. Specializing in CCTV IP cameras, SUV is run by specialists who have worked with Huawei or Foxconn. It has clients in more than 40 countries.

The migration to IP—According to Desay, the installation of IP cameras costs more than that of analog and digital cameras. However, IP cameras have obvious advantages, some of which are AD exchange, MPEG-4 compression and intelligent control.

In 2002, SUV installed for another client an IP-based security system made up of 300 IP cameras, at a cost of $800,000. According to SUV, had the same project used network DVRs, the actual cost would have reached $1.8 million. Network cables usually increase the total cost of the system since they affect the quality of displayed images.

"It's only natural for clients to want to keep their current network DVRs. We need more time to introduce the IP-based concept to system integrators and consultants. But we see IP-based security systems becoming more attractive to users soon," SUV sales managerCindy Cheng said.

The product/solution—Desay's IP-based security system is composed of IP cameras, hardware and software such as network servers, MPEG-4 encoders and cell blocks. CCTV cameras and MPEG-4 compression technology were utilized, and then connected to cell blocks so that video can be converted to IP for transport over Ethernet.