Skip to content
NW Security Group

Improving Security, Safety, and Business Operations

Telephone
Get in touch
0151 633 2111
  • Services
    • Services
    • Axis Communications
    • Milestone Systems
    • NW Systems
    • Network Webcams
    • IP Video Support Desk
    • Cloud CCTV
    • Streamdays
    • RemoteManager
    • CCTV System-as-a-Service
  • Partners
    • Partners
    • Axis Communications
    • Milestone Systems
    • Bosch Security
    • Arcules
    • Morphean
    • Paxton
    • Raytec
  • Sectors
    • Sectors
    • Education
    • Logistics
    • Construction
    • Visitor Attractions
    • Industrial
    • Care
    • Retail
  • Our Company
    • Our Company
    • Our Team
    • Our Success Story
    • Why NW?
    • Excellence2020
    • Certifications
    • Career Opportunities
  • News
  • Contact Us

Latest generation of thermal network cameras ensure cost effective and reliable detection and fewer false alarms

Posted September 25th, 2018 by Daniel Miller

Home » Blog » Latest generation of thermal network cameras ensure cost effective and reliable detection and fewer false alarms

CCTV camera recording a dark roomNot to be confused with an optical camera which captures images based on light reflecting from objects, a thermal network camera generates a picture based on the heat that an object radiates.

This has made thermal devices an ideal solution for surveillance at night, where optical cameras are limited in their use due to a lack of light. Historically, however, thermal cameras have a reputation for being a costly investment, especially for a technology that many believe can only used in the hours of darkness.

But thermal imaging technology has evolved. The new generation of cameras is even more sensitive; and images are processed with sharpness and noise-elimination filters, so detailed images can be obtained from cost-effective 640×480 sensors, both at night and during the day. This combination of increased cost-effectiveness and suitability for round-the-clock surveillance means thermal network cameras are becoming more commonly deployed as part of modern-day integrated security systems.

Such technology is being utilised from company car parks to commercial airfields, acting as a first line of defence for detection, visual verification and analysis of scenes. While a new breed of thermal cameras, such as the AXIS Q87 bispectral series, are combining pictures from networked thermal cameras with high definition optical cameras within one shell, there are now more budget friendly alternatives to help all businesses benefits from thermal.

This includes the AXIS P1290 Thermal Network Camera, which delivers all of the benefits of thermal detection at a cost-effective price. This is giving more security operators the ability to receive a complete picture of what’s happening in front of them 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Why thermal imaging cameras matter

There are many scenarios which can trip up an optical-only system. For example, on a bright day, even wide dynamic range images might not be able to capture detail obscured by dark shadows, such as one cast by a large wall. Poor weather conditions can also make it difficult to capture clear images in rain, fog or mist.

Likewise, in busy environments such as a car park with lots of moving and stationary objects, it can be difficult to see exactly what’s happening in between solid parts of the scenery which hide movement. Is the movement behind parked vehicles a bag blowing in the wind or a potential criminal looking for an open door?

In both scenarios, there’s the danger that a CCTV operator will either miss an important incident or trigger a false alarm for investigation.

The same is true even for video surveillance systems where incidents are detected automatically using advanced video analytics – an intelligent network of cameras is only as smart as the data it is able to process, and sometimes even the best optical cameras can’t be sure

of what they are seeing, plus, event the best video analytics remain susceptible to false alarms.

Thermal cameras, linked with effective video analytics, can provide another layer of protection, detection accuracy and false alarm reduction.
Enhancing a visual-only image with the addition of a thermal network camera, even on a clear day, can provide more certainty to what a camera is seeing. The difference between a bag and a car thief may not be much in the corner of a colour picture, but to a thermal camera the difference is stark. Similarly, there are no shadows to hide in when body heat will compromise the individual.

Increasing operational effectiveness with thermal detection

For further removal of doubt, thermal cameras can also operate like a traditional passive infrared sensor using Video Motion Detection (VDM). If a warm object is seen moving, a camera programmed for VDM can trigger security lighting to turn on – for example – providing a control room with more information about a scene before sending someone out to investigate.

Thermal cameras, then, can quickly pay for themselves just in terms of reducing the costs of false alarms and adding an extra layer of protection for day and night surveillance. What’s more, they are simple to deploy and integrate into existing IP CCTV networks.

To receive the latest in terms of security, products reviews and expert advice, sign up to our quarterly newsletter.

Posted in SecurityTagged CCTV, Intelligent analytics, Thermal camera

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top 3 Popular Posts

  • Introducing the new Axis Q6215-LE: a long-range night vision security camera built for exposed locations
  • AXIS Live Privacy Shield
  • How to remotely monitor your machinery and reduce downtime through IP-based security systems

Categories

  • Company News
  • Industry News
  • Press Releases
  • RemoteManager
  • Security
  • SecurityStation
  • Streamdays
Find out how we can help - call us now on 0151 633 2111 or SEND AN ENQUIRY

Axis Communications - Solution Gold Partner Logo
Milestone - Platinum Channel Partner Logo
Paxton Logo
Industry Certifications - SSAIB
Cyber Essential Plus Logo
ISO9001:2015

Twitter @nwsecuritygroup

NW Security Group
NW Security Group @nwsecuritygroup
CCTV systems increasingly used to inform better management decision-making nwsystemsgroup.com/blog/2020/11/v…
21 Jan
ReplyRetweetFavourite
NW Security Group
NW Security Group @nwsecuritygroup
Eye in the Sky - Managing migration of CCTV into the cloud nwsystemsgroup.com/blog/2020/10/e… #IPCCTV #cloudcctv #vsaas pic.twitter.com/6RanHg5eme
16 Oct
ReplyRetweetFavourite

Latest Blog Posts

  • CCTV systems becoming more sophisticated, stimulating greater collaboration
    CCTV systems becoming more sophisticated, stimulating greater collaboration between IT, FM and Secur...
  • Press release: NW Security becomes Integrator Partner for Arcules as ‘Cloud CCTV’ sees increased adoption
    Leading IP video surveillance integrator NW Security has signed a partnership agreement with the lea...
  • CCTV systems increasingly used to inform better management decision-making
    Our research has shown that the use case for IP-based CCTV has changed because of the pandemic. More...

NW Security Group
Established in 2004, NW Security Group has been at the forefront of delivering high-performance IP video solutions and hosted video services with a strong commitment to improving the security, safety, and business operations of our customers. We do this by working closely with best-in-class technology partners and taking a collaborative approach in our relationships with customers. Our commitment is to deliver long-term benefits and investment protection to our customers.

Head Office Tel: +44 (0) 151 633 2111
NW Systems email address

© 2004 - 2021 NW Security Group Limited. All rights reserved
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Notice