Learning Center

 There is often a lot of confusion between pixels and the terms which go along with them. Everyone knows the phrase “1080p”, but in actual context what does it mean? Often when you hear the phrase “1080p”, or even “720p”, it is referring to the vertical lines of Pixels.  A pixel (short for picture element) is a single point in a picture. On the monitor of a computer, a pixel is usually a square. Every pixel has a color and all the pixels together are the picture.

When you hear the phrase “1080p”, it actually means 1920 x 1080. The first set of numbers is always the width, or the horizontal lines of resolution. The second number is always the height, or the vertical lines of resolution. The higher the resolution (AxB) the crisper the picture looks. Remember how boxy those arcade style video games looked? The resolution of Pac man was a staggering 224 x 288.

Although you are recording at 1080p, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are viewing it at 1080p. Most PC monitors do not have a 1920×1080 resolution. You might be recording at 1080p, and viewing playback at 1080p, but your viewing monitor will convert the resolution to your current settings.

For example my screen display is 1280×1024, so my “1080p” picture will actually convert to a 1.3MP image.  This can cause distortion on the actual image.

A table which lists the terms to the actual Resolution:

Name/ Pixel Count	Horizontal x Vertical
VGA/.3MP	640×480
720p/1MP	1280×720
1080p/2MP	1920×1080
3MP	2048×1536
5MP	2592×1944
4K/8MP	3840×2160
10MP	3648×2752

 

What does IP66 mean on Security Camera Spec Sheets

On the occasion, while looking for cameras you will come across the term: IP66 compliant, but what does that mean? IP66 is usually a rating that is giving to outdoor cameras and it defines the camera’s ability to keep out foreign objects. The IP stands for Ingress (the act of entering) Protection. The first numerical digit (in this case being 6) describes the rating that is given for solid objects. The rating of 1, the lowest rating, defines the entering object being greater than 50mm. The rating of 6, the highest rating, means the camera would be dust tight. The second numerical digit (again, in this instance a 6) defines how well the camera can keep liquids out. The rating of 1 means no special protection at all. The rating of 8, the highest rating, meaning the camera would be suitable for continuous submersion in water.

Below is a chart that describes the rating of the two numerical digits that follow IP:

Protection against solid objects
1st Digit	Description	Definition
0	Non-protected	No special protection
1	Protected against solid objects greater than 50 mm	A large surface of the body such as the hand (no protection against deliberate access). Solid objects exceeding 50mm diameter
2	Protected against solid objects greater than 12 mm	Fingers or other objects not exceeding 80 mm in length. Solid objects exceeding 12 mm diameter
3	Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm	Tools, wires, etc. of diameter or thickness greater than 2.5 mm. Solid objects exceeding 2.5 mm diameter.
4	Protected against solid objects greater than 1.0 mm	Wires or strips of thickness greater than1.0 mm. Solid objects exceeding 1.0 mm
5	Dust protected	Ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of the equipment
6	Dust-tight	No ingress of dust

 

 

Protection against liquids
2nd Digit	Description	Definition
0	Non-protected	No special protection
1	Protected against dripping water	Dripping water (vertically falling drops)
2	Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15º	Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15º from its normal position
3	Protected against spraying water	Water falling as spray at an angle up to 60º  from the vertical shall have no harmful effect
4	Protected against splashing water	Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect
5	Protected against water jets	Water projected from a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect
6	Protected against heavy seas	Water from heavy seas or water projected in powerful jets shall not enter the enclosure in harmful quantities
7	Protected against the effects of immersion	Ingress of water in a harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time
8	Protected against submersion	The equipment is suitable for continuous submersion in water under conditions, which shall be specified by the manufacturer

ONVIF Compliance

The surveillance industry has created an open standard protocol called ONVIF.  By definition it is a standard for physical security equipment, which is open to anyone and ensures interoperability regardless of manufacturer.  Initially focused on video, ONVIF is being extended to other areas of physical security including Access Control. ONVIF standards vary by version, which dictate feature compatibility and system integration.

It is important to note that not all cameras manufactured are ONVIF compatible. ONVIF is a relatively new standard. Some manufacturers may have produced equipment before the ONVIF standard was introduced, therefore some cameras may not be complaint. As an example, a non- ONVIF compliant camera may only provide basic video connectivity and viewing but lack the ability for more advanced features, such as motion detection.

ONVIF Profiles

Profile S:

• IP-based video systems
• Video & audio streaming
• Pan-tilt-zoom control & relay output
• Video configuration & multicast

 Profile C:

• IP-based access control
• Site info & configuration
• Door access control
• Event & alarm management

Profile G:

• Edge storage and retrieval
• Video & audio streaming
• Configure, request and control recording from conformant devices
• Receive audio & metadata stream

What is the difference between Optical and Digital Zoom?

Zoom on a security camera can make a big difference. A lens with the capability to capture details will record superior video footage when compared to its competition. Sometimes intricate video footage is necessary, especially in places which need top of the line security. Therefore, someone purchasing a security camera needs to know exactly where the security camera will be placed. They will also need to be aware of any specifications the camera will need to meet.  When this is done, the zoom can be optimized to meet every need.

Optical Zoom on Security Cameras

Optical zoom makes the lens of the security camera move inwards or outwards to get a better view of an object. In fact, people who use security cameras with optical zoom are often amazed at how detailed the pictures become. It is almost like they are right next to the object, observing it with a microscope. Security cameras that use optical zoom are fantastic for someone that is looking to have a complete surveillance system that records footage in amazing clarity and resolution. If someone is carrying an identified object that looks like a gun or a pole, an optical lens can zoom in and clarify if the person is a threat. Optical lenses have the capacity to make images clearer without much effort.

 Digital Zoom on Security Cameras

Digital video footage is completely comprised of pixels. When digital zoom is used, it simply enlarges the pixels of an image. Often, this can result in blurry or pixelated footage if the camera is not set up properly. It is easier to move digitized video onto a computer or any other electronic device. When used properly, digital zoom in video surveillance can be just as effective as optical lenses.

Summary of Optical and Digital Zoom

Security cameras which use optical zoom are best for an individual, company, or business that is looking for clear images with high resolution. However, someone who is interested in the convenience technology has to offer would benefit a lot more from a camera which uses digital zoom. Both cameras have their advantages and drawbacks.  Both cameras have great zooming features that work best in different situations. So long as the camera is used for what it is designed for, both pieces of technology are amazing security cameras that any home, company, or place of business would benefit from.

What does LUX actually mean?

A LUX is the International System of Units (SI) measure of the intensity of light. It can be thought of as the strength of light as determined by the human eye.

In order to put things in perspective, here some are some setting examples with their equivalent LUX rating:

• A quarter moon-lit night produces about .01 LUX
• A full moon on a clear night produces about27 LUX
• A full moon on a clear night produces about5 – 1 LUX
• An average family room produces about 50 LUX
• An overcast, dark day produces about 100 LUX
• Typical office lighting ranges from about 300 to 500 LUX
• Direct sunlight can range from about 30,000 to 130,000 LUX

The LUX rating of a security camera is based on several factors, three of which are the lens, chip, and aperture.  The lower the LUX rating of a security camera, the less light is needed for the camera to produce a usable image.

When considering chip technology, there are basically two types of chips used to produce an image, CMOS and CCD.  CMOS sensors usually require a brighter intensity of light then CCD sensors.

Lens can also affect the LUX rating.  Light must pass through the lens, and some of that light is absorbed.  If the lens has any special filter technology, or if it is shaped in a unique way, it can increase the LUX rating of the camera.

The aperture is an opening or hole that the light passes through before activating the sensor. The lower the aperture the closer to the camera the image will remain in focus. If the aperture is at a higher, the objects farther away are in focus. Less light is needed for low aperture to produce a clear image.

Most security cameras operate with a LUX rating of 1.0 or less. Some cameras have LUX ratings as low as .003 LUX.  If a camera has a rating of 0.0 LUX it must be an infrared camera. No picture can be captured at 0 LUX unless it is in Infrared

Setup Cloud P2P (CMS)

 

Add a Device to CMS from the Local LAN or Network Segment

1. Got to Encoding to and select add a new device
2. For a Device on a local LAN or Network
   1. Device Name – Enter an identifiable Name in this Field
   2. Address – Use the SADP Tool to scan your network for the IP Address of your devices. Most installations you will only need to use your NVR Address.
   3. Port – default setting will be Port 8000. This can be changed in Network Configuration.
   4. User Name and Password – Enter your device user name and password (Default User: admin Default Pass: admin12345)
3. Enter the requested parameters and press Add

Enable Cloud P2P on your Device (check device type to see if supported)

1. Login to your NVR via Web Browser
2. Select the Configuration Tab
3. Select Network – Advanced Settings
4. Select Platform Access
   1. Under Platform Access Select Enable
   2. From the Platform Access Mode drop down mode select “Cloud P2P”
   3. Note – Register Status will show “Offline” until setup is complete

Setup and Create a Cloud P2P Account (Also see Cloud P2P for Smart Phone)

1. Launch the CMS Client
2. Select Device Management from the home screen
3. Under the Server Tab, Select Add New Device Type
4. Select Cloud P2P Device
5. Create a Cloud Account for you device by selecting Cloud P2P and click “Register”
6. Enter Parameters
   1. Cloud P2P Account – Enter a unique name
   2. Password – create a unique Password
   3. Email – enter a email address where you verification code will be sent and your account will be registered to
   4. Retype the 4 digit code and press “Get Verification Code” – this will be sent to the email address in item C.
      1. NOTE: if you get invalid email the email might have an account already associated to it. Type a different email address.
   5. Email Verification Code – Enter the code send to the Email Address entered above
   6. Press Register
      1. NOTE: if you get an error account has already be used enter a new Cloud P2P Account Name.
   7. With successful registration you will get a Login Window requesting you to login. (user your Cloud P2P Account name and Password entered above).
7. Add a new Device- select the add a new Device icon.
8. Enter you serial number and verification code.
   1. The Serial Number and Verification Codes can be found on the label on the bottom of your NVR.

 

Tips:

1. Make sure a proper DNS is setup in the NVR. A good recommendation is Google DNS at 8.8.8.8
2. P2P configuration doesn’t provide a static URL to your NCR’s potentially-changing public IP address
3. P2P provides a video stream tied a user account not IP Address
4. It is more of a simplistic viewing platform as opposed to a DDNS service
5. Not Recommended for larger enterprise or corporate networks
6. There are some security risks – ask your IT manager
7. Video Images are not consistent like DDNS or Static URL configurations
8. You may see some but not all video streams and there is a connection timeout, bandwidth and quality limitations while using P2P.

Https protocol is Hyper Text Transfer Protocol over Secure Socket Layer. With this protocol,
the data transmitted can be encrypted to enhance security level.
NVR products provide self-signed certificate, which means the user can use a free Https
certificate on local area network. Or, user can install signed certificate or create
certificate request.

This article shows how to configure HTTPS protocol in 3 ways.

1. Self-signed certificate
Self-signed certificate is a private certificate which provides users with a secure
link to access to the NVR. It’s highly recommended to be used in local area network.
Access to the webpage of device (NVR is the sample device in this article), go to
Configuration-Network-Advanced Settings-HTTPS:

Choose Create Self-signed certificate and click create, input the basic information and
click ok.

Check Enable and click Save, a self-signed certificate will be installed into the device.

The address format of https is https://IPaddress:Port, notice that all self-signed
certificate will pop out below hint, click Continue to this website.

 

2. Create certificate request 
Our NVR products supports quick-export certificate request, you can upload this request
to some official certificate authorities.

Click Create, input basic information of certificate, notice that fixed public IP address or
domain name is required as Hostname/IP.
Notice: Don’t input request password for NVR which runs an older firmware version than
V3.4.62.

After creating request, download the file to PC. This request should be used to apply for official
https certificate.

3. Install signed certificate
After certificate is signed by official authority, user can install it to the NVR. Notice that
the public IP address or domain name must match the device’s actual IP address. User
can access to device with https link in public network.

Notice:
(1) Only PEM format certificate is supported;
(2) NVR can only recognize the certificate which is generated basing on the request
exported by itself;
(3) A new signature is required when user re-uploads the certificate

The information provided below is current at the time of this posting. The following is not to be used as legal advice. State and local laws may change or be periodically updated. It is your responsibility to educate yourself about the current status of local laws governing the use of video and audio surveillance equipment. If you know of a change or see an error, please contact us. If you have specific questions about the use of audio or video surveillance equipment in your area please contact your local law enforcement agency or an attorney that is educated in your local statutes. States not listed have no specific laws at the time of this writing.

In General:
In general, it’s illegal to obtain video surveillance of someone with malicious purposes. It is also illegal to take video surveillance of an individual in a place of “expected privacy”, where the surveillance will violate specific privacy laws. These “expected privacy” or “private places” may include:

Use of Hidden Cameras in Your Home or Residence
In general, you are entitled to install a hidden surveillance camera in your home for purposes of safety or home security. The footage captured may be able to be used in court when prosecuting an individual caught breaking the law within your home. However, some states do prohibit the use of hidden surveillance cameras that also capture audio. This means that a surveillance tape with audio may not be able to be used in a court prosecution. States that don’t allow you to capture audio without the person’s express consent include:

Hidden Cameras in Businesses
Many businesses use video surveillance systems (either hidden or within view) in order to promote the security of their business. These cameras can help catch thieves or shoplifters within a business, and can also allow the company’s security to identify any dangerous or illegal activity, and it is legal.

Audio & the Law
Audio Recording features are built into all the systems we offer. Recording both video and audio can be a very effective tool for security and legal surveillance purposes. However there are liabilities you may assume if you use these features incorrectly. Ultimately it is your responsibility to make sure your use of such equipment abides by the local laws.
The recording of covert or hidden audio without consent of at least one party is almost always illegal. Nearly all audio recording without consent of one or all parties is unlawful. Recording audio is very different from video, and there are definite federal and state laws prohibiting surreptitious recording and monitoring of audio interactions. These laws are taken extremely seriously by authorities and failure to adhere to them could result in serious consequences. There are two types of defined recording situations for audio recording. They are usually identified as “One Party Consent” and “Two Party Consent”.
• “One Party Consent” means that only the person doing the recording has to give consent and does not have to notify the other party or parties that the conversation is being recorded.
• “Two Party Consent” means the person recording the conversation must notify all of the other parties that the recording is taking place and they must consent to the recording.
Federal Audio Recording Laws The federal wiretapping statute, also known as the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, permits phone calls (traditional, cellular and cordless) and other electronic communication to be recorded with the consent of at least one party, or “one party consent”, to the conversation. This means that should you be among the people taking part in the conversation, it may be recorded because one person has consented to the recording.

States with “One Party Consent” for Audio Recording
• Alabama • Minnesota • Virginia
• Alaska • Nebraska • West Virginia
• Arizona • New Jersey • Wisconsin
• Arkansas • New Mexico • Wyoming
• Colorado • New York
• District of Columbia • North Carolina
• Georgia • North Dakota
• Idaho • Oklahoma
• Indiana • Oregon
• Iowa • Ohio
• Kentucky • Rhode Island
• Louisiana • South Carolina
• Maine • South Dakota
• Minnesota • Tennessee
• Mississippi • Texas
• Missouri • Vermont
States with “Two Party Consent” for Audio Recording
• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• Pennsylvania
• Utah
• Washington

Intent Matters!
Since many US states have a “gray area” in regard to hidden camera surveillance, the concept of “intent” has often been brought into the legal spotlight. Should you be taking hidden video surveillance of your nanny to ensure that she is keeping your children safe; this is acceptable intent. However, if you are taking video surveillance of visitors to your home in order to blackmail, this can be considered malicious intent. It’s also illegal.

1. Customer Retention time (HDD)
How long does the customer want to be able to view back his recordings? How long will it be until he realizes there is an event he needs to view? Most customers are content with 1 month (plenty) some are more in lines with at least 2 weeks.

* See downloads section for  a HDD calculator to help determine the storage needed

2. What type of camera shot will the customer want?
When he says he wants a camera “here” ask him what he would like to see in the playback – what is he trying to achieve. Every customer will have a different expectation of what the camera can see. Depending on seeing details like Face Detail/ License Plates, or just being able to see make/model/color of a vehicle can mean the difference between a fixed lens and a varifocal lens.

3. Determining the type of camera to use:
Higher the MegaPixel (MP) the better Digital Zoom you get on live view/playback. A general rule I use if you are mounting to a ceiling/awning you can use a dome (as long as you are trying to look downward). If you mount to a wall mostly use Bullets.

4. Determining between Bullet and Dome Application:
I know some people who put bullets everywhere – but sometimes they can just be visually intrusive. If you care trying to look anywhere from straight down to about 45° a dome is perfect – once you try to start to look out (say across a parking lot) you will want to choose a Bullet.
Reason being: A dome has a limit to how far it can look due to its housing (the lens is inside the housing) where a bullet can even look to the sky when mounted on a wall.

5. Fixed or Vari-focal Lens:
A fixed lens is a point and shoot camera – mostly in 4mm (domes have a 2.8 option). Now with a 4mm you have roughly an 80° FOV (Field of View) from where the camera sites – relate the 80° to that of a Right Angle (I know bringing back Geometry). A 2.8mm Lens has a 98.5° FOV. So if you are sticking a dome outside a 4mm will work (or a bullet), but inside with a 2.8mm you have the option to cover from wall to wall (a whole room up to 100 ft in HD detail) with one camera. A Vari-Focal (VF) Lens will allow you to set them FOV you want – a 3MP FV has a FOV of 105.2° – 31.9° via manual configuration (adjusting a Zoom and Focus Lever on the camera). Now these
are set and forget – and have to be done manually at the camera so allow time for the
technician to get the shot desired.

6. When to use mounting?
Mounts for domes are available for indoor/outdoor. If mounting to a wall putting a Bracket for dome is always a good idea. VF Bullets have conduit Mounts. We have a wide selection and don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions or options!

Cloud P2P Setup Instructions (Smart Phone)

1^st – Create a Cloud P2P account

1. Install and Launch your CCTV Viewer Application on your Android or iOS Device

2. Select the Setting Icon on the Upper Left Corner.
3. Create a Cloud P2P account by entering a user name and password and select register.

4. Enter your email address and re-type the verification code on the right hand side of the screen. Press Get Verification and a new code will be emailed to you.

NOTE: if you get a pop-up message that “Email has been registered” this email account is already in use and you will need to enter a new email address.  This verification code will only be valid for 30 minutes.

 

5. Enter the Verification Code that was sent to your email address

6. Enter the user name and password that you setup in the previous steps
7. Your Account is now created and you can login.

*There is an option for Auto-login that can be selected

 

 

2^nd – Add a Device to your Account

1. Now that you are logged into your Cloud Account you can Add a Device to your account by selecting the in the Could P2P section.
2. Select the edit Icon to create device registration entry for your account.
3. Enter your device (NVR) serial number and press search. This can be found on the regulatory label on the bottom of your device.
4. Select your device by pressing the icon
5. Enter you verification code that is on the regulatory label that is on the bottom of your device (6 Characters) and press confirm
6. Your Device is now added to your Smart Phone Application

Notes:

1. P2P Cloud Technology is subject to numerous bandwidth, Security, and networking limitations.
2. NEC does not suggest using this type of integration for reliable or secure video or audio installations (use at your own risk)

1. Open the Milestone Management Client

2. Under Servers – Select your Recording server that you want to attach the camera to.

3. Right Click and Select Add Hardware