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Physical Security

3 Questions to Ask When Considering P/T/Z Security Cameras

There are a few basic-yet-critical criteria that school safety officials need to consider when comparing network pan/tilt/zoom cameras.

May 11, 2015 Chrissy Winske Leave a Comment

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JVC H.264 1080p P/T/Z Security Camera

The VN-H557U by JVC is a 1080p Super LoLux HD network pan/tilt/zoom (p/t/z) dome camera that is ideal for use in applications such as casinos, shopping centers, airports and school campuses, according to the company.

The camera features 10x optical zoom with 350° pan and 120° tilt operation. With JVC’s famous Super LoLux HD™ technology, it delivers high-definition resolution and light sensitivity and produces color images at just 0.45 lux. The camera features powerful dual stream operation (30ips / 30ips JPEG / H.264 High Profile), along with SD card recording with alarm record function and direct MPEG 4 export. It also has 3D dynamic noise reduction and supports the latest ONVIF protocol for network cameras (Profile S).

Audio and alarm support is built in and the camera allows multi-angle installation.

MSRP: 1,475

AVUE Wireless IP P/T/Z HD Camera

The AVP561B by AVUE is a wireless IP pan/tilt/zoom (p/t/z) camera with HD 720P over internet.

It has built-in recording ability that can save video to Micro SD card of up to 32GB of storage. The advanced P2P technology allows anyone to set up and install in minutes, according to the company. Installers simply need to plug it in with the provided power and Ethernet cord, download the AVUE CAM app, and scan the QR code on the back of the camera, which allows users to have full access and control over AVP561B Cloud Camera.

Infrared cut filter removable (ICR) technology, motion detection and two-way audio have been designed into the model to enhance performance. The app enables full control of settings such as lighting, push notification, motion detection, date and time, firmware upgrade and use of various other functions and features.

Speco Technologies Full HD 1080p Indoor Outdoor P/T/Z IP Camera

The O2P30 by Speco Technologies, is a full high-definition, 2-megapixel indoor/outdoor IP camera and is part of the company’s new EZ Focus line.

Specifically engineered to reduce installation times, the camera features a motorized pan/tilt mechanism to eliminate guesswork, according to the company.

The ONVIF Profile S listed and IP66-compliant camera also supports full HD 1080p at 30 frames per second (fps), as well as H.264 and MJPEG codecs. Other features include a 4.3-129mm 30x optical zoom lens, built-in PoE+, wide dynamic range (WDR), true day/night operation, and two-way audio communication.

There are numerous suppliers of video surveillance cameras. While competition is generally a good thing, driving the pace of technology development up and prices down, having too many suppliers also poses problems related to commoditizing products. In this case, it helps to propagate the mindset that all video surveillance cameras are essentially the same. The fact is this perception couldn’t be further from the truth.

Case in point is the availability of network pan/tilt/zoom (p/t/z) cameras that are available in many form factors and at extreme price points. Yet network p/t/z cameras are more frequently being categorized as commodities. Aside from making purchase decisions based on brand preference and reputation, there are a few basic-yet-critical criteria to consider when comparing network p/t/z cameras (beyond the other typical considerations such as performance and feature specs). Here are three to consider adding to your checklist:

1. How is the PTZ mechanism engineered? It’s important to understand what drives the p/t/z cameras you’re evaluating. Are there motors with belts that can snap or stretch, and are there a lot of plastic components that can compromise durability? As a point of reference, camera robotics systems used in broadcast applications are predominantly engineered with direct-drive motors and die-cast parts. As a result, they are inherently accurate and reliable, with precise positioning capabilities. The same holds true for p/t/z surveillance cameras engineered with direct-drive mechanisms. In fact, there are high performance p/t/z surveillance cam-eras that deliver positioning tolerances of .03° to precisely maintain preset positions even after years of operation.

Direct-drive pan/tilt mechanisms are also much faster with speeds of up to 400° per second that are extremely accurate and smooth, enabling them to track fast action at high zoom magnification. High-quality, direct-drive p/t/z mechanisms are also much quieter. One of JVC’s direct-drive p/t/z cameras, for example, operates at just 37dB, making it suitable for hospitals, museums, libraries and offices. Direct-drive p/t/z cameras also employ fewer parts than belt-driven mechanisms, which greatly reduces malfunctions and increases reliability.

2. Does the p/t/z feature optical or electronic zoom, or both? There’s no question that optical zoom lenses deliver better image quality than electronic zoom features, but they’re more expensive and add bulk and weight. A highly cost-effective solution is employing a hybrid optical/electronic zoom configuration. For example, a leading p/t/z camera on the market features a high-quality 18x optical zoom with 10x digital zoom, yielding a combined 180x zoom range without compromising HD image quality.

3. Is the p/t/z easy to install and maintain? Time is money for every installation. What if you could dramatically reduce the amount of time technicians spend installing each camera? The savings can be significant when dealing with dozens or hundreds of cameras. And a reduction in installation time translates to increased profits. New p/t/z-mounting systems employ features like “one-touch lock” mechanisms that allow technicians to easily “snap” the camera into its bracket. This new mounting system also reduces maintenance costs as technicians can replace just the camera head without removing the base which maintains all of the p/t/z’s presets.

Although there are literally dozens of features and functions to evaluate when comparing today’s best-in-breed network p/t/z cameras, these three criteria — p/t/z drive mechanisms, optical and/or electronic zoom configuration, and ease of installation — are often overlooked for the sexier “speeds and feeds” found on most comparison tables.

The truth is these three factors can dramatically affect performance and the overall profitability of your next installation. Keep this in mind when sorting through the hundreds of p/t/z cameras on the market. And remember that at the end of the day, that adage “you get what you pay for” still applies even in today’s technology-driven networked world.

Take a look at our slideshow for a look at a few p/t/z cameras.

John Grabowski is National Sales and Marketing Manager for JVC’s Security Division.

Tagged With: K12, Surveillance

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