Digital Security Systems

We are now using and can supply and install various security devices, specially designed to work on computers. These systems can either use an existing computer or network, or be used on a dedicated unit specially designed for them. Due to the reduction in
cost of PCs and the availability of specialised security software and hardware, they can now be considered as an affordable alternative to traditional monitoring and recording devices, e.g. time lapse VCRs, monitors multiplexers etc. Digital systems can offer many advantages over traditional systems, some of which are fisted below.

• Speed of Operation
• Digital Image Storage
• Versatility
• Less Labour Intensive.
• Reliability
• Less Maintenance
• Can use Existing Equipment
• Remote Monitoring
• Easy Future Updates

1. Speed of Operation
When an alarm condition is detected, by  PIR detector, door contact, panic button, motion detector or any other type of input, the computer can trap the desired length of action within 1/10th of a second. The speed of this reaction means that "activation only recording" is now an economical proposition, in many circumstances this can be a much more efficient method, especially where multiple camera systems exist. There are many benefits from "activation only recording" that can be beneficial to any business.

• No need to review hours and hours of tape, resulting in great savings in both labour costs and staff satisfaction.
• Can be used to monitor staff movements throughout your establishment, e.g., stock room doors, fire doors, cars or people entering and leaving car parks etc.
• It's ideal for monitoring little visited areas and remote sites, as there is no need for staff to visit the sites to change the video tapes, that have been recording nothing.
• By using a modem and alarm can be triggered and the reason for the alarm confirmed over a normal telephone line by viewing both the live and the recorded video, so reducing false alarms.

2. Digital image Storage
Because the images are stored as digital information inside the computer there is no need to keep replacing worn out video tapes in order to keep up the quality of the image.

• There is no degradation in picture quality when copied, unlike
  videotape which degrades each time.
• The images generated can be enhanced, using the software package included, allowing you to digitally zoom in, alter the brightness and contrast, sharpen the image and many other useful features. This can be useful for blowing up a number plate, for example.
• Being digital, the image can be saved to floppy disc, sent down telephone lines, transferred to video or printed out on paper.

3. Longer Life and Less Maintenance
Because of its digital design and the extra design features that we have built in, the computer should prove far more reliable in the
long term.

• There is no requirement for the routine maintenance, of the type associated with VCRs, e.g. head cleaning and replacement etc.
• The computer system is also less likely to become obsolete as time goes by, being easily updated with new software.
• There is less need for staff to visit sites just to change tapes when maybe there has been no activity.

4. Can Use Existing Equipment
Where there is a suitable computer already installed, the hardware and software can be simply added to it, allowing the computer to be used for its normal tasks, while the security software runs in the background.

• Reduces cost of buying VCRs, monitors etc.
• Allows for colour cameras to be used at reasonable prices.
• Easily expanded by using inexpensive hard disc memory.
• Very useful for schools & colleges, where computers are idle
  in the holidays & changing tapes means visiting the premises.