Network-oriented digital video surveillance and recording technology from Bosch Security Systems has been installed at the London headquarters of The Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd by nationwide specialists Bell Security as the starting point to a potentially larger system to be added as the needs of the Bank change.
The surveillance solution comprises a mix of fixed and PTZ dome cameras from Bosch, central to which is its proven Dinion range, as well as two DiBos 8 recording systems featuring advanced MPEG-4 digital encoding technology for the highest levels of image quality, information content, and data storage efficiency. The two DiBos 8 units are running in parallel for back-up (i.e. redundancy) purposes.
The decision to install Bosch was taken after lengthy analysis and evaluation by the Bank's Head of IT, Ian Lewis, in consultation with Bell Security. He explains, "The system is typical of the way security and IT technologies are converging, and Bosch answered all of the questions I put to them as regards how their technology would impact our network. I was also satisfied that the operating platform was restricted, such that the security of the network was harder to compromise."
Although the technology chosen by Ian Lewis is IP compatible, to date it has been installed using ‘traditional' co-ax. As Mr Lewis continues, "We opted for co-ax as being better suited to our needs currently - although we record 24/7, we do not need to view cameras constantly over the IP network, and felt that using our IP network would therefore be an unnecessary use of bandwidth. By installing technology with an IP capability, however, we are ‘future proof', so that if our needs change, the system can change with it."
"I am very impressed with the image quality from the Bosch cameras and recording technology," he adds. "The flexibility of the installation means that I can add further cameras as required, simply by ‘plugging' new ones onto the network, and have the ability to control the PTZ dome over the browser so I can see what is happening in the bank any time I need to."
DiBos 8 allows viewing of both live and recorded images on as many as 62 video channels, and has extensive communication, networking and systems interfacing features. It is designed for a range of applications including banks, retail chains, railway stations and airports, public and corporate offices, city centres, industrial facilities, and various other internal and external locations.
"MPEG-4 encoding means more images can be recorded in greater detail than 'traditional' JPEG or wavelet recorders, and without using up valuable storage," explains Jeremy Hockham, Bosch Security Systems' Managing Director. "The ability to combine MPEG-4 and conventional JPEG data streams allows DiBos to be used with a wider range of video cameras, from local analogue devices through to remote IP cameras and servers."
DiBos gives authorised users fast, convenient access to view live or recorded images. For live images, DiBos allows up to 30 local cameras and up to 32 IP-networked cameras to be selected instantly, with multi-image or full-screen display. Date/time, location, zone and selected camera information are also displayed. A powerful search function enables recorded images to be found easily, and playback speed can be specifically controlled to pinpoint exact events. Searches can be made either locally or remotely, over a company network or via the internet. Bosch's Dinion cameras use 15-bit imaging technology, and with their 540 TV-line resolution, are able to produce extremely sharp and detailed images and handle difficult lighting conditions. They also feature Bosch's innovative motion tracking capability AutoTrack.
