There is still a demand for packaged CCTV solutions, especially for domestic and small business applications …
Starter kit
Baxall has launched a Destiny-IP starter kit, following the response to the launch of its range of equipment supporting Internet Protocol for video transmission. Described as portable, swift, accurate and effective, it acts a demo kit for video over IP networks. Users are able to see a demonstration not only of the performance of the video technology, but also the flexibility of a network solution.

This includes the ability to transmit full motion, real time, digital quality video, audio and data over any physical network that is IP compatible. It also gives a wider selection of camera positions, a choice of video quality and the ability to view the same image simultaneously from numerous locations.

The kit enables a plug and play demonstration of many of the features it supports, while the full feature range can be seen when the kit is connected to an existing IP compatible network.

The starter kit comes in a flight case containing a CDSP9313/LV analogue camera and IP camera with lenses, IP decoder and encoder, CD ROM containing configuration and viewing software and web server, IP switch, power leads, cables and power supply.

It works with a Pentium III 600MHz or equivalent PC and traditional CCTV monitor for a standalone starter.

Face-lift for CCTV lamp
From home security manufacturer Micromark comes a combination of a lantern, CCTV camera and PIR. And the Vigilantern now has a stylish new stainless steel version, available from this month.

The MM40004 is an outdoor lantern with an in-built CCTV camera and a movement activated PIR. It offers a combination of discreet surveillance with an attractive lantern, suitable for customers who want the protection of CCTV without having a visible camera outside their house. The benefits include:

  • Ease of use. The Vigilantern plugs into the scart socket of the TV – simply change the TV channel to view the camera picture.
  • The PIR sensor can automatically switch the TV channel to show the camera picture or sound a buzzer, whenever a visitor is detected.
  • The PIR sensor automatically turns on the light whenever movement is detected (from dusk to dawn) but the override facility can be set so that the lantern stays permanently on or off.
  • Adjustable "time on" control sets the time the camera picture is shown temporarily on the TV (from 30 seconds to five minutes).
  • Adjustable "range" control to set the range of the PIR, up to a maximum of 6m.
  • 135 deg lateral and vertical camera adjustability to achieve the best viewing angle.
  • High quality black & white images.
  • Weather resistant.

Bejul Shah, product manager at Micromark, commented: "The Vigilantern is still the only product of its kind in the market. The existing range has proved very popular with consumers because of the combination of security and style."

Multi-camera, event-led
Voltek Automation was an early entrant into this market with its Guardsman and EyeCam ranges. The Spectrum is a multi-camera, event-led system. It lets end users know who is on their property by showing the camera pictures on their TV and automatically recording them on to their own domestic VCR.

When a PIR detects movement a local alarm sounds and if the record mode has been armed, it will record the relevant camera image directly on to a VCR, with the addition of the time and date superimposed on the picture. The event is then logged to let the user see on their return that the system has been activated.

Four or eight camera versions are available with combined camera/PIR units, or separately housed cameras and PIRs, with colour and mono CCD camera options to suit installation needs.

The programming is done through very simple on-screen menus with the options kept to a minimum. The Spectrum range was designed to allow the installer to provide his customer with an easy-to-operate product.

When our Bench Testers ran their eye over the Spectrum system, their conclusion was: "It would be more than adequate for routine domestic and small-scale commercial installations. The controller and cameras are sensibly priced – it is a competent and simple-to-use system."

Does more than observe
When intruder alarm stalwart ADE entered the CCTV package market, the result was the Opti-Cam observation system, which offered a flexible, innovative and simple solution to domestic and light commercial CCTV applications. The unit, consisting of a combined eight-camera control unit and VCR, was designed "to deliver a degree of professional functionality within the observation system price bracket".

ADE decided to offer an integral mechanical solution to camera control as a means of eradicating compatibility issues that have arisen from similar products that may use a domestic video.

ADE felt that previous observation products did little more than observe. By building intelligent surveillance, lighting control and intruder features such as 'tamper' into the new product, the system offers a more imaginative and practical security solution.

ADE offers an extensive range of colour and black and white cameras to work with the system. Security Installer Bench Tested the system and the verdict was: "It all fits together quite well. The system is an affordable and reasonably flexible solution for situations where previously the cost of a multi-camera system would have been prohibitive."

Plug and play
The Kinetic observation system is an easy-to-install four-camera system suitable for applications from shops and pubs to industrial units. System features include:

  • Compact CCD camera with infra-red sensors and electronic auto-iris.
  • Built-in intercom system offering two-way communication
  • 10-inch high-resolution monitor that allows auto-sequential or manual switching between up to four cameras.
  • The monitor can be connected to any compatible recorder.
  • The system also offers plug-and-play installation.

Wireless system
The Videx Video Sender is a wireless CCTV system designed for the domestic market. Incorporating CCTV technology into a user-friendly system, the Video Sender was one of the first of its kind to be available in the UK. The range was subsequently expanded to include the four-way Video Sender IR kit.

The IR kit allows a user to incorporate up to four Video Sender cameras into a video monitoring system. Users can flick from one camera to another using an infrared remote control. As with the original Video Sender, the IR kit is compatible with any standard television set.

The system is intended to provide a comprehensive surveillance system for the individual homeowner. Cameras can be trained on front or rear entrances or any other area where security may be a problem, while another could keep watch on the garage or street outside.

The IR kit also provides a child monitoring solution. Parents can keep an eye on younger children as they play in the garden, or monitor a sleeping infant.

It can also transmit video, satellite and DVD pictures from one TV to another.

The system is fully approved and transmits on a 2.4GHz ISM band, so no licensing is required.

Clean bill of health

BC Access Control distributes Italian manufacturer ACI Farfisa’s CCTV observation kits. The TVK10, TVK12 and TVK10C are designed to satisfy a wide range of video surveillance requirements in retail premises, petrol stations, small offices, reception areas and warehouses. Each kit comprises a ten-inch monitor with built-in cyclic switcher, compact camera (colour or black and white) and connection cable. The basic kit is modular and up to three extra cameras can be added. The camera can also be equipped with a PIR. When the PIR detects movement, it gives an audible alarm and the monitor automatically switches to display from that camera. Farfisa also offers external housings, IR sensors and 20m or 80m extension cable with adapters. The kit should be up and running in minutes and require little maintenance. Bench Tested in our December 2001 edition, our experts concluded: “The system gets a reasonably clean bill of health. Picture quality is good enough for domestic and small-scale retail applications, build quality is satisfactory and the facilities compare well with rival systems. “Some features, such as the VCR and alarm options, are rarely seen on this type of product. And it is keenly priced.”

Major advance

Small businesses, hotel and retail outlets can now benefit from a “major advance” in low cost CCTV observation systems. The REO colour system from Philips CSI – part of Bosch – now comes with digital recording. It is based around a switcher monitor that takes up to four camera inputs and a multiplexer monitor that can handle up to eight cameras and provides real-time, time-lapse and alarm/event digital recording with motion detection for up to one week at ten images per second with all eight cameras. The monitor has manual or auto sequencing picture selection, including day/night switch, video motion detection and remote control. The cameras can be programmed from the monitor and the kit comes as a plug and play system.