I’ve talked about how video servers are a great way to start converging your analog CCTV surveillance cameras to a network based system and how video servers provide poweful intelligent video features.

Just like installing a video graphics card or more memory in your computer, you will get instant and noticeable benefits from adding a video server to your analog surveillance system.

With the addition of a video server your system can be configured to:

• Respond to triggered events and sent alerts.
• Connect to and enable external devices

Respond To Events And Send Alerts

Video servers with their built-in intelligence can detect events that are out of the ordinary, as determined by your inputs, and send alerts.  Some of the common responses that can be configured are:

• Activate Output Port:   Output ports can be connected to devices such as alarms (more detail below).
• Send E-Mail Notification:  An email is sent to notify you that something strange has happened.  Images can be attached to these messages.
• Send HTTP/TCP Notification:  An alert to a video management system to, for example, begin recording.
• Go to PTZ  IP Camera Preset: With PTZ IP Cameras (pan/tilt/zoom cameras), the camera can be instructed to point its lens to a specific position when an event happens.
• Sent Text Message:  Send a text message with an image showing an event.
• Activate Audio Alerts
• Enable On-Screen Pop Up Windows

Input / Output Ports

Unique to IP cameras and video servers compared to analog cameras are their integrated input/output ports.  External devices can be connected to these ports and managed over your network.

Just about any device can be connected.  The rule of thumb is that any device that’s capable of toggling between and open and closed circuit can be connected to a video server’s ports.

The main purpose of input/output ports are to trigger external devices automatically or, remotely by an operator.  Types of devices and their capabilities include:

• Door contact:  Magnetic switch that detects windows/doors opening and video recording and event notification is activated.
• Infrared Detector:  Motion detector based on heat emission.
• Glass Break Detector: Measures air pressure.  A sudden drop in pressure breaks the circuit and an event is triggered.
• Door Relay:  Solenoid that controls opening/closing of door locks that can be automatically or remotely controlled.
• Siren:  When an event is detected a siren can be sounded.
• Alarm/Intrusion System:  Security system that continuously monitors a normally closed or open alarm circuit.

 For more information about the pratical application of a video server in your security system, check out “Professional video surveillance:  From basic recording to advanced video monitoring.”