As mentioned in the previous post, video servers are a great way to converge analog cameras to IP camera technology.  You can gain the benefits of a network based surveillance system while continuing to realize a return on your coaxial cable wiring and analog camera investment.

Another big benefit of video servers, something that analog video systems cannot provide, is the ability to use event management and intelligent video functions.

Video servers enable a surveillance system to be constantly on gaurd with powerful built-in intelligent video features such as:

• Video Motion Detection
• Audio Detection
• Tampering Alarms
• Input ports for external sensors

Once an event (any occurence out of the ordinary that you can specify) is detected the system can automatically send email alerts, begin video recording, activate lights, open or close doors, and sound alarms.

Event Management

Event management means identifying or creating an event that is triggered by inputs from the built-in features in the video server or through the use of IP camera software.  You can then configure your system to respond by recording, sending alerts, or activating doors and lights.

Intelligent Video Functions

Intelligent video functions work together with event management to efficiently use precious bandwidth and storage space.  They are defined as the following:

• Video Motion Detection:  When a camera detects movement an event can be triggered.
• Camera Tampering:  This allows a camera to detect when it has been covered (e.g. lens is spraypainted), moved, or no longer in focus.  This can be used to trigger an event.
• Audio Trigger:  Events are triggered when audio is detected above or below a certain threshold.

Intelligent Video Advantages

• Efficient Use of Bandwidth & Storage:  Instead of continuous operation, video only needs to be recorded and sent over the network for analysis when an event occurs.
• Video Server Cost Savings:  Intelligent video algorithms are CPU intensive.  Relying on triggered events saves your video management server from having to have the fastest processing capability.
• Scalability:  A large number of cameras can be managed with a fast response time when intelligent functions are performed “at the edge.”  That is, they are performed in the video server instead of relying on the server exclusively to do all the work.

Possibilities

Already you can begin to see the advanced possibilities your existing analog cameras can provide with the simple addition of a video server.  But wait, there’s more!  Next up I’ll talk more in detail about the various event response options (alerts that can be sent) and the almost limitless range of external devices that can be configured with the video server’s input / output ports.