Photo © BigStockPhoto/Michal Mrozek
5. Search and analytics
When video analytics were first introduced, some believed the software could scan video and instantly identify all threat vectors, akin to something out of a science-fiction movie. Since then, Google and other search sites and applications have driven awareness about the true power and capabilities of search and analytics.
Today, a search involves much more than just simple timestamps. In addition to facial recognition, video can now be searched for motions, colours, license plates, and numerous other elements. Visual data can also be integrated with additional sources and be structured with POS, access control, teller line, and other types of data, all while being delivered to users in a way that is easy to read and understand. In 2012, searching will continue getting smarter; analytics should be expected to be a natural part of any discussion about video security.
6. Affordability
Video technology is also becoming more affordable, making it easier for companies to start investing in security again. Downward price pressures are also giving smaller companies access to advanced equipment and software previously out of reach.
Just because technology is less expensive, of course, does not mean it is the best choice. Instead of picking the cheapest commodity option, one should look for efficient, flexible technology that will help future-proof security. One does not have to give up features or functionality to get a good value.
Photo courtesy SEQ Security Surveillance Services Inc.
7. Technology standards
VHS or Beta? Blu-ray or HD-DVD? As numerous format wars have proven, no one wants to invest in technology that will quickly become obsolete. This is why standardization in the video security industry is good news. Make no mistake, there have been ongoing standard wars in the video security industry, but particular compression standards, pixel counts, and other mechanisms are becoming universally accepted. Standards will not be completely set this year, but one should look for groups like the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) and Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF) to keep advancing the discussion.
Meanwhile, it is important to remember today’s video security technology can support multiple standards, so there is no need to take sides and choose one over another. When exploring options, one should only consider open integration platforms that can ensure compatibility between different hardware and software elements.
8. Faster, smarter, smaller technology
As with just about any technology, the quality of cameras, recording devices, storage appliances, and other video security hardware is improving while prices are coming down. This trend will continue throughout 2012, and is something that will make it easier for businesses to integrate various types of cutting-edge technology into their security architectures.
Simply because some products are faster and smaller does not necessarily mean they can support enterprise-class deployments. In the market’s race to the top, one should look for products that provide the richest features at the best price, and specify technologies that provide open platforms for integration.
Photo © BigStockPhoto/Val Thoermer
9. The power of video
Consumer electronics and pop culture drive expectations about the power of video. Consumers are surrounded by video—from their televisions, to their computers, to mobile devices, and beyond. Shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation also drive perceptions about what video security can—or should—be able to do. Consumer perceptions are one thing, but the focus should be on how video technology can solve tangible business problems.
The true transformative power of video lies in the ability to search visual data and correlate it with information from external sources, such as finding the face associated with a fraudulent credit card transaction using video and data from a POS system. Real-use cases like these are far more valuable than paying attention to the latest consumer video product.
10. Not everything leads to video security
Consumers may be exposed to lots of video technology, but that does not mean every consumer trend will take off in video surveillance. Three-dimensional cameras may be all the rage on Hollywood movie sets and for sports coverage, but wide adoption in the video security industry will be slow (if it happens at all). Further, there are now more video products being offered in the home security market. These may work in a house, but they probably will not be feasible in industrial, commercial, or institutional environments.
Consumer video systems rarely offer the ability to manage video across multiple sites, have video storage that meets enterprise compliance requirements, or offer analytics to gain valuable business intelligence from the video security system. Consumer technologies will only make the crossover to the security space if they can solve business needs effectively, so one should be wary of any predictions that say 2012 is the year video security will catch up with consumer electronics.
Ross Ma is the owner of SEQ Security Surveillance Services, and a partner of 3VR Video Intelligent Platforms. He has more than 10 years of experience in designing and integrating video surveillance technology and has a bachelor of arts from York University, with a major in information technology. Ma can be reached via e-mail at ross@seqsecurity.com.
