The addition of new 12 megapixel 4k ultrahigh resolution cameras, new dome and corner cameras and new systems to optimise video streams over constrained communications networks helps South African customers to design video surveillance systems that meet their specific needs, says Graphic Image Technologies (GIT) director Laurence Smith.

Users can design video surveillance systems for specific applications, integrate them seamlessly into other video systems and manage the different systems from a single platform. This means that the most effective, cost-effective and efficient cameras and mobile systems can be used without constraining future roll-out or hampering quality.

For example, the mobile Internet Protocol SerVision system allows the rate of video streaming to be adapted to the capacity of a constrained network, while recordings are stored at full- resolution for incident investigations. The system is often deployed to stream video from commercial vehicles and on security guards’ vests and vehicles for monitoring and evidence purposes. The cameras also have built-in global positioning system features to pinpoint locations.

The SerVision Mobile DVR system enables functionalities to be added, such as a panic button or a communication button for drivers to immediately talk to a control room using the audio in and out capabilities.

“The dynamic management of the streams from the SerVision mobile solutions is of considerable benefit to companies, and they can add these solutions to their existing surveillance systems,” says Smith.

Video equipment multinational Flir will release new 12 megapixel cameras, used for high-resolution surveillance applications such as at airports and retail outlets. These cameras are also available for dome camera systems. The new ultra-high-resolution dome cameras provide coverage normally afforded by pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, but with a 360º view.

Additionally, new PTZ ultra-high-resolution cameras help to reduce the number of cameras on closed-circuit networks, as they provide the same detail from further away as lower-resolution cameras closer to the incident. The new PTZ 30-times zoom format can provide detailed video recording of objects up to 200 m away from the camera. The cameras also have automatic tracking and perimeter detection functions.

Meanwhile, the new 12 megapixel 4k cameras can be housed in intrinsically safe bodies for use in mines and industrial environments. As the thermal imaging cameras can be integrated into housing, they can record even in pitch dark environments, such as those in mines.

Smith also highlights that the new Flir corner cameras are used to monitor sensitive closed environments, for example, elevators in mines, without any blindspots. These cameras also have infrared LEDs integrated into them to ensure that monitoring can take place in sensitive areas without light.

“Enquiries about and demand for the new solutions and the management suites remain robust, but the volatility of the currency is stalling purchase decisions. The Flir and SerVision camera solutions are available with built-in analytics capabilities, can be rolled out iteratively with their full suite of capabilities – enabling companies to grow their networks over time – and the data can be managed as if stored natively on the company’s network,” concludes Smith.