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Adam Bannister is a contributor to IFSEC Global, having been in the role of Editor from 2014 through to November 2019. Adam also had stints as a journalist at cybersecurity publication, The Daily Swig, and as Managing Editor at Dynamis Online Media Group.
While several manufacturers have now released 4k surveillance cameras Avigilon’s 7k effort is still out on its own in venturing so far beyond ultra-HD resolution.
The Canadian company’s 30 megapixel HD Pro model was launched in April this year alongside a 6K (24 megapixels) version. The HD range already included 4K (8 MP) and 5K (16 MP) versions.
For a long time the quality of CCTV footage lagged the quality enjoyed by TV watchers by some margin, not just in terms of resolution but latency too.
The launch of several 4k models in 2014 finally bridged that gap so the images streamed into the control room of a provincial shopping centre can now be as crystal clear as a Game of Thrones massacre unfolding in someone’s living room.
In environments where identifying the finest details, sometimes at long range, was paramount, the latest step change in resolution was an exciting development. But how much appetite is there for even pricier, higher resolution cameras?
According to one system design specialist at a thriving CCTV installation firm, the resolution arms race is not yet an exercise in vanity.
Casinos
Chris Owen, Secure Engineering
“There are specific applications that would certainly benefit from a 7k camera, where very high definition is required,” says Chris Owen, systems design manager at Secure Engineering.
“Casinos would value this technology, as they obviously depend on cameras to pick up tiny details for the detection of fraudulent behaviour.”
As with a consumer stereo system, you’re only as strong as your weakest link, however. Strengthen one component and you place strain on the others.
“With high definition it is important to ensure that all 30 megapixels are maintained from the camera to the recording and monitor. Storage requirements need to be considered, as they increase with the larger file sizes.
Avigilon claims that the first-ever 7k CCTV camera offers maximum scene coverage while minimising bandwidth and storage consumption.
Continues Owen: “I will also be interested to learn the recommended method of viewing live and recorded images – just ‘zoomed in’ or using multiple monitors?”
As a reputable designer of surveillance solutions, Owen suggests that anyone excited by the sheer power of Avigilon’s 7k model consider the needs and budget of their business.
“For all sites, the most important factor is to identify and deliver the operational requirement,” he says. “Every job is different, and our priority is to ensure the right camera is selected for each application, installed well and able to present the correct coverage.”
The 7K HD Pro camera, which usesAvigilon Control Center (ACC) software featuring Avigilon’s patented High Definition Stream Management (HDSM)™ technology, offers a horizontal resolution in excess of 7,000 pixels and more than 30 million pixels in total.
The HD Pro family of cameras, which were showcased at IFSEC International 2015, harness Avigilon’s H4 platform and H.264 compression through the company’s latest patented HDSM technology, HDSM 2.0.
The cameras are also supported by Avigilon’s LightCatcher technology, which boosts low-light performance.
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Beyond 4K: How Much Appetite is there for Avigilon’s 7K Camera?According to one specialist working in a successful CCTV installation firm, the resolution arms race is not yet an exercise in vanity.
Adam Bannister
IFSEC Insider | Security and Fire News and Resources
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Adam – Interesting article on the 7K Avigilon camera! Given Mr. Owen’s comment, “… interested to learn the recommended method of viewing live and recorded images… perhaps in the future, you might look to gather insight from those who actually use or potentially work with the product. Avigilon’s software is so unique and flexible that the 7K image can easily be “viewed” across any number of screen views. Example: The image can be separated across 6 screens breaking the 30 MP image into six 5 MP frames. Additionally, since nobody’s ever been prosecuted from a live image monitor does it really… Read more »
I was about to write something similar to Brian’s comments – Its the exports that count!
I would be more than willing to review and assess how investigators could deal with this stuff and do a follow up report.
So, if anyone from Avigilon is listening – The balls in your court, I look forward to hearing from you.
Adam – Interesting article on the 7K Avigilon camera! Given Mr. Owen’s comment, “… interested to learn the recommended method of viewing live and recorded images… perhaps in the future, you might look to gather insight from those who actually use or potentially work with the product. Avigilon’s software is so unique and flexible that the 7K image can easily be “viewed” across any number of screen views. Example: The image can be separated across 6 screens breaking the 30 MP image into six 5 MP frames. Additionally, since nobody’s ever been prosecuted from a live image monitor does it really… Read more »
I was about to write something similar to Brian’s comments – Its the exports that count!
I would be more than willing to review and assess how investigators could deal with this stuff and do a follow up report.
So, if anyone from Avigilon is listening – The balls in your court, I look forward to hearing from you.