Video Monitoring Transformed by IP Networking

If a client wants to know if his child has arrived home safely from school, recent technological advancements in the video monitoring market are making that easier.

In fact, the advancements are transforming a host of offerings by providing highly evolved, accurate and cost-effective visual security solutions.

Accessing the latest key capabilities of a video surveillance recording system for security purposes has become easier over the past two years. The most recent video monitoring platform technologies provide homeowners with cost-effective solutions without requiring the advanced analytics of a dedicated digital video recorder (DVR).

They are also sparing the integrator the headache of a complex installation and maintenance.

With the price of IP network cameras dropping and the cameras themselves becoming easier to use, the price point of a video security solution has dramatically decreased. This, in turn, has enabled more people to access the technology.

As a result, video security services are fast becoming a popular home service offering. Video security services are now being readily bundled with cable, telephone and Internet offerings for low monthly fees that can give homeowners peace-of-mind around the clock from wherever they are located.

Through these new online monitoring platforms, viewers can easily capture specific critical video events, incorporate an integrated video verification system and utilize the power of the Internet for delivery of video without the hassle and maintenance of a dedicated DVR.

Security integrators are showing strong commitment and support toward this type of visually verified response. A true view goes well beyond the simple sounding of an alarm by being able to verify what is taking place as it is occurring.

Dispatchers themselves know first-hand the high rate of false alarms and just how costly emergency services can be when people and equipment are sent out to a non-event. Such second-guessing of what is actually taking place can also cause a delayed response to a true emergency as people attempt to verify what is going on.

Guard services can quickly be on-site to verify an event, but they are a pricey alternative and do not supply real-time information like video.

The event-based information of video monitoring integrated into a home monitoring solution -- offered in real-time -- gives people the opportunity to immediately track and manage an event as it is occurring at a substantially lower cost.

Linking 'Light' DVRs

In the past few years, two trends have emerged in video security systems, borne out of the commercial environment.

The first trend is the continued development and use of DVR systems with their enhanced sophistication and functionality. These are highly effective security tools for large-scale applications, such as larger retail-type settings.

A challenge of using them, however, is that security dealers and business owners have to become technology experts. With more DVR providers out there than ever, learning more features and systems makes becoming an expert increasingly complicated.

DVRs can also be prone to hard drive failure, potentially resulting in the loss of video if the unit fails. The units also require frequent updates to their operating systems.

The second trend, more attuned for residential, is the development of a hosted "light DVR" concept whereby a networked video device is installed on an IP network and managed on a central server off-site.

It may not offer the analytics of a sophisticated DVR, but it will record critical incidents (such as recording when someone enters the inventory room, opens the gun closet, safe or the liquor cabinet) and deliver real-time notifications. For a home or small business owner, it has the ease of a plug-and-play installation, which makes it accessible to most everyone.

An added convenience for homeowners from this latest technology is that they can remotely access and monitor the video surveillance footage or security data from wherever they are by utilizing a PC or mobile device.

In the case of an intrusion, for example, a person can receive instant notification via e-mail, SMS text message or automated phone call to their mobile device and be instantly updated on all alarms, events and alerts regarding their system. They can view video from live surveillance cameras to see exactly what is happening the moment it occurs.

For most homeowners, this fits their immediate needs and offers a solution that is a few hundred dollars instead of a few thousand for a DVR system.

Cost Based on Usage

These latest technologies have not only reduced costs for customers, but also for the service providers selling and installing these "light DVR" concept solutions.

Centrally located monitoring platforms sold as software-as-a-service (SaaS) can serve hundreds of customers without the requirement of additional hardware and still be customized for each specific solution.

This means that dealers can meet the need for increased demand of video offerings and brand online portals or notifications with their own company name, logos and colors to give customers a distinct look and feel unique to each business offering.

For customers, in addition to the equipment, a monitoring solution is subject to a small monthly service plan. A residential customer may only pay for two on-site cameras, whereas a commercial location may require more cameras, with a need for greater storage or bandwidth for information.

Service plans can be based on the number of events or number of cameras. This enables dealers to build a monthly revenue base from customers who, at one time, would have only paid for equipment and installation.

This small monthly service is possible since the customer is involved in viewing and verifying an event via video himself, instead of engaging a video monitoring company, where a person must keep an eye on the screen for all events at all times.

The "light DVR" concept solution integrates with security systems to capture events and sends real-time video to the customer. Automating this process reduces errors and costs less than a traditional video monitoring solution the costs of which are increasing due to falling unemployment rates and increasing labor costs.

This video solution isn't only real-time; centralized archiving and storage allows a registered property owner or delegate, such as a central station authorized by a property owner, to access archived video and event information through a secured Web site or mobile device at any time.

This safeguards personal information and removes concerns about who has access to view video in private locations -- a must for customers installing video solutions in their homes today.

Gilles Prefontaine develops strategy and planning at VOXCOM Security Systems/Active Response Monitoring (ARM). He can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).