3 6 · d e t e k t o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l
the
interview
storage is then a further additional
cost requirement. A hybrid cam
era allows the user to immediately
upgrade those cameras that need it
and plan the migration of the rest
of the system as budget and needs
dictate. By introducing a planned
replacement of analogue cameras
with hybrid cameras, perhaps un
der a maintenance contract with a
current service provider, end users
can get immediate access to HD
recorded images whilst making
their system ready for switch over
to a network solution "HD
ready" as we call it."
How did this
product range emerge?
"Customers wanted to see further
improvements in image quality,
particularly in analogue systems.
Also high up on the wish list
was the need for cameras to be
more installer friendly, especially
to those new to working with
IP cameras. Samsung Techwin's
response to the feedback from its
existing and potential customers
has been to pack the new models,
with a long list of new technically
advanced features, many of which
ensure that superb quality images
can be captured and recorded
regardless of the system type;
network or analogue." n
So how is it possible and
how does it work?
"It is possible because the cameras
uniquely have an analogue output
that constantly provides a one volt
peak to peak signal. It is true that
there are high definition cameras
available from other manufactur
ers which have an analogue output
signal, but this signal is intended
to only be used for test purposes
when a camera is being installed."
Which of these options is likely
to attract the most interest?
"They are all easy to implement
and it will depend on the individ
ual user requirements. All options
offer the ability to have constant
streaming from the cameras over
an analogue infrastructure and
all therefore offer the potential to
upgrade and extend the life of an
existing CCTV system. Clearly,
the most costeffective way of
converting an analogue system
to an IP system is to replace all
the elements camera, coax and
DVR allinonego but this is
often not viable for budgetary
reasons."
How about encoders?
"Encoders can be used to convert
analogue to IP but this is an addi
tional cost and NVRs or network
a Samsung WisenetIII camera,
whilst continuing to use existing
recording equipment that is still
fit for purpose. Increasingly we are
working with endusers who see
this as a viable strategy, especially
as there is no need for additional
cables; the install is quick and
more importantly there is no
disruption to the business."
In simple terms, what does the
hybrid nature of the WisenetIII
camera range mean and what
benefits does it deliver?
"It allows the cameras to be
installed and work as part of an
existing analogue CCTV system
that uses conventional coaxial
cable. The images captured by a
camera in this range can be trans
mitted over the coaxial cable and
remotely viewed alongside the im
ages captured by existing analogue
cameras, or transmitted over the
network for remote viewing and
transmitted over the coaxial cable
for local viewing."
Can you give some examples of
what kind of business would
benefit from this?
"The retail sector is an obvious
example. In a tough economic
environment, it may be difficult
for a retailer to consider totally
replacing an existing CCTV sys
tem, but at entrances/exits where
there are quite highly visible front
of house monitors to deter would
be thieves, or at checkouts where
you are trying to reduce shrinkage,
there may be a desire to replace
a small number of cameras with
full HD models. Banks, casinos,
indeed any environment where the
availability of the highest possible
resolution images can help combat
criminal activity, ensure compli
ance with health & safety policies
or introduce efficiencies, are likely
to benefit from this option."
Why would an end user need
both analogue and network
outputs?
"The reality is, there are many
thousands of existing analogue
CCTV systems which are working
perfectly. There are also many
situations where the enduser re
quirements have changed since the
original system was installed. There
may now be a need to capture
higher quality images at certain lo
cations, which they cannot do with
their existing analogue cameras. In
this scenario it is possible to get the
best of both worlds; protect your
existing investment by utilising the
current recording system, which
provides the desired results, whilst
at the same time adding special
cameras to benefit from simultane
ous analogue and digital HD video
streams."
But when these situations occur,
why would the end-user not just
ask their preferred installation
company to replace the existing
cameras with the latest genera-
tion of analogue cameras that
are able to capture higher resolu-
tion images?
"That is certainly one option,
but with full HD cameras now
being affordable for virtually
any application or project, why
would anyone not want to take
advantage of the superb evidence
grade images that can be captured
by them, as well as a long list of
technically advanced features that
can offer reallife benefits which
cannot be offered by traditional
analogue cameras? In many cases
the longterm vision to move to
an IP based solution has been
made, but budgetary restrictions
mean a phased approach is neces
sary. In this scenario endusers
can start the upgrade process of
moving towards a future proof
solution by adding for example
SimonShawley,SamsungTechwinEuropeLimited:
"There are many benefits of adding
IP technology to an existing analogue solution"
In this interview Simon Shawley, General Manager
UK and Ireland at Samsung Techwin Europe Limited,
explains the significance and the advantages of came-
ras offering a hybrid solution by way of providing
both IP and analogue outputs.
Simon Shawley, General Manager UK and Ireland at Samsung Techwin Europe
Limited.