Video: Under New Management

What should you look for in a modern Video Management System (VMS)? Will it encompass analogue and digital legacy systems? What kind of man-machine interface do you need? Are there any special requirements regarding IP-based video? And what are the key benefits from such an integrated VMS? This article provides an overview of the main features and benefits of a video management system for the early 21st century.

By Jan-Bart Mul

Currently, there is much talk about video or CCTV systems becoming IP- or network- based.  And of course, this is true; many new systems are IP-based.  But for every new pure IP system being installed, there are tens, hundreds, or maybe even thousands of analogue or hybrid analogue/digital systems installed.  In these systems, upgrading or expansion will generally mean adding IP functionality.

A typical hybrid system will have grown over time.  Initially, most of the systems were fully analogue-switching and matrix-based.  Different locations would be connected as a satellite from a master matrix, minimizing the cabling requirements.  Examples of these systems can be found in virtually every application, from highway surveillance to airports, from casinos to supermarkets.  In all these situations, the video management system must take into account all the subsystems involved.

KEYBOARD OR GUI?

The vast majority of analogue systems use a dedicated keyboard for control -- often said to be the first choice of CCTV system operators.  These generally have a joystick for PTZ camera control and push-buttons to select cameras, monitors, and various functions.

A small percentage of systems have been equipped with Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs).  GUI controls are often used when a system has a large number of cameras, is spread over a large area, has many operators, or when there is large staff turnover.

A GUI can present additional information in a more user-friendly way than a dedicated keyboard.  Nevertheless, many full-time CCTV system operators prefer the speed and perceived simplicity of a dedicated keyboard, and especially the fine control of using a joystick for PTZ camera operation.

GOING DIGITAL...

Since the late 1990s, virtually all but the smallest CCTV systems have employed Digital Video Recorders (DVRs).  Multi-channel recorders have been a combination of switcher, multiplexer, and recorder.  These recorders generally allowed remote viewing of the video (live and recorded), and control of the recorder over a network, LAN, WAN, or Internet -- and the hybrid age was born.

In advanced systems, multiple remote users can access a recorder simultaneously, and of course, video from multiple recorders can be displayed on the remote-controlled center screens.  In these cases, local control has usually been through a dedicated keyboard or panel, and remote viewing through some form of GUI.

...AND THEN FULLY IP

When we come to a fully IP solution, a controller -- a PC -- manages the system (including recording), and shows video either as part of a graphical display, or decoded onto dedicated monitors.  The user can control the system from a GUI or conventional CCTV keyboard.

TODAY’S VMS

A modern Video Management System (VMS) must be able to integrate all these new and legacy systems.  Operation should be transparent to users.  Displaying video from a camera attached to matrix or DVR should be no different than selecting an IP camera.  Playing back recorded video should require the same operation, whether the video is stored on a DVR, locally in an IP camera or encoder, recorded ‘at the edge’ or on a Network Video Recorder (NVR).

One significant advantage of edge recording is the lack of dependency on the network.  While major network failures are very rare, some network downtime is difficult to avoid.  When using centralized recording for high-security applications, it is essential to take precautions such as redundant networks or Automatic Network Replenishment to ensure that no vital recording is lost.  Edge recording also reduces network load, and while bandwidth is getting less expensive, it can still be a significant system cost.

STANDARD, SCALABLE AND MODULAR

A modern VMS makes use of standard IT technology: PCs and servers, storage devices, and network elements.  This ensures cost-effectiveness due to the massive economies of scale of the IT industry.  In effect, a VMS is simply software that runs on industry-standard hardware.

A key advantage of IP-based video systems is that they are scalable.  It is possible to add IP cameras and video servers to systems simply by connecting them to the network, and if necessary adding extra storage devices to meet the needs of an expanding system.

It is very likely that a VMS will be modular, and allow for stand-alone operation in the case of relatively small systems with 20 or 30 cameras, and fully redundant client server systems for large or ultra-high security systems such as those used in airports, prisons, casinos, power plants, and sensitive government and military establishments.

EASY ACCESS FROM ANYWHERE

One of the great advantages of a networked client server system is that authorized users, from operators to system administrators, can access the system from anywhere on the network.  In normal operation, most of the work will be done from standard control rooms or central monitoring stations.  However, it is very easy and inexpensive to set up mobile or temporary control points.

A simple example is a guard patrol.  Given (wireless) network access points, a patrolling guard can receive alarm information and assess the situation to ensure the correct and complete response.  In emergencies, response teams can view the very latest situation during the operation.  It would be simple to connect the mobile command post to the system.

CUSTOMIZABLE INTERFACE

The Man-Machine Interface (MMI) of a VMS is a critical element of the system.  The system must allow for simple customization so that operators can access the correct level of information.  Most systems will be map-based, allowing operators to locate the available cameras and views.  Depending on how this is presented (e.g., on a PC screen or video wall), it is essential that the system’s navigation enables operators to acquire key details by zooming into the location in a simple and intuitive manner.

INTEGRATED SECURITY

A VMS is virtually never a stand-alone system, so it is essential that it can be made part of an integrated security management system.  In addition, it must have the possibility of high-level interfaces to other systems, such as fire detection and building management.  Conventional thinking is that the CCTV system must act as the slave of a larger management system.  This scenario must be broadened because the CCTV system’s modern video content analysis provides event or alarm information to complement these other systems.

A VMS IN PRACTICE

It is all very well talking in general terms, but within any organization there are a number of key stakeholders in the security system, not only the security department.  A modern system can affect many departments and can add benefits far beyond the security application. 

• At the sharp end are the system operators, who are tasked to monitor situations and ensure the correct response to events or emergencies. A well-designed VMS will present video of the event, recent recording (so users can see the pre-event situation), information on precise locations, and even action guidance.  If necessary, operators can obtain a second opinion from colleagues or supervisors who can view the same video simultaneously, wherever they are.   
• A VMS gives the security manager a number of major advantages, starting with the ability to intervene from anywhere when there is an incident or emergency.  Whether he or she is in another part of the organization, traveling, at home or even on vacation, the security manager can get an instant view of events.  In addition, as demands change, or as the system or organization grows, new situations can be seamlessly incorporated into the system without disrupting day-to-day operation.  In a large organization, VMS and security systems need a database of operators, supervisors and managers that can incorporated with other personnel data.  This can be achieved using LDAP, improving security and greatly reducing administrative costs.  
• For the IT department, to whom security personnel often report, the ability to use their own standard infrastructure solutions, even when the security network is separate from the operational network, is a major advantage, offering economies in purchasing and maintenance.  
• For operations, departmental managers or operators can be given access to selected cameras for both security purposes and to provide operational information.  Cameras that offer wide views of general areas in retail or transportation can be used to monitor queue length.  This gives users the opportunity to open additional checkout points, thus increasing customer satisfaction and reducing lost sales due to customers walking away without purchasing (because waiting times would have been too long) 

• The management team -- the CFO in particular -- will benefit from the integral savings a VMS represents.  In addition to the system’s direct benefits, the operational lifetime of legacy analogue and hybrid systems can also be extended, increasing ROI.  Expensive moves, additions and changes to the system become much more affordable, and can therefore be implemented cost-effectively, further optimizing the system.

In summary, a modern VMS needs to be based on modern IT hardware and networks, and allow the integration of legacy systems.  The man-machine interface must be flexible enough for a really customized solution for the application -- this will ensure optimum efficiency for all users.  For larger systems, client-server operation (combined with features such as LDAP for central management of users and their rights), simplifies system maintenance and reduces operational costs.  Flexibility in allocating rights ensures maximum system utilization by a wide range of departments and users.  This in turn ensures the maximum return on investment without compromising the system’s primary purpose: security surveillance.

Jan-Bart Mul is Product Marketing Manager for Digital Products at Bosch Security Systems (www.boschsecurity.com).

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