Working on a system with about 22 cameras, 5 of which will be PTZs. The Customer wants to integrate them with an aging Vicon Nova matrix switcher with 128 analog cameras in a control center. The eventual goal (sooner rather than later) is to replace all the cameras with IP, but for now, he wants a solution that will make use of the Nova switch, but can be converted to IP (less the matrix) in the future.
What would you suggest?
Convince them to rip that old stuff out and recoup some real estate, this is how I would start:
Thanks, but it a matter of money.... he does not have any. He is aware of the benefits of IP, but simply cannot get into the cost right now and does not want to have two disparate systems. One option I gave him was install an IP camera that has an analog video out (Like Bosch Fexidome). Run CAT5 along with RG59. Using the RG cable, connect to the switch in the usual way and the CAT5 can provide POE power to the camera. This works until we get to the PTZs, then we need decoders and RS422 communications for the controls.
Money is surely a bitter thing in such migrations, but I'd like to ask what's the environment like? Is there a camera for each individual space, or could 1 IP camera replace several analog ones, just because of the superior coverage and image quality?
I always say, its not about the money, its all about the priorities. You don't go to the dentist to get preventive work done; then you have toothache and suddenly you don't care how much it costs to get it fixed.
Anyway, to answer your questions. The environment is a rather dingy public building (bush-hammered bare concrete circa 1970). There will be about 140 cameras, 20 or so will be mine to install. I'm not sure what you mean by "each individual space" but they have cameras scattered throughout the building in all the usual places (entryways, remote areas, elevator lobbies, stair entries and a few higher security spaces such as ticket counters).
Their existing system is not within my scope so i know little more. I know that the switcher is analog and it will (if they can be found) require more inputs and a couple of additional monitor cards.
I agree with you in that all should be changed out (that's a no-brainier that even the owner acknowledges). But that's not going to happen.. at least in this project. Perhaps what I come up with will be too expensive. If this happens I may have to go 100% analog.
Personally I'm not saying all should be changed because I understand sometimes it's just not gonna happen. About the individual spaces, I mean that if you consider four cameras in a lobby for example: one of them pointed at the staircase, one at the entrance, one towards the elevator and one having a general view of where people mostly move. If there aren't many occlusions, there might be situations where all of these four cameras could be replaced by a single, better camera. In very wide spaces, one could replace two dozen analog ones.
Swap out with Hanwha AHD DVRs, leave the existing cameras (they could be upgraded later to AHD). Use NVR's for for new IP cameras. Use SmartViewer software on PC. This is an inexpensive solution, way better than what he has now, with plenty of options to transition later to a full VMS.
A few questions.
Why does customer want to go IP?
Do the want to reuse the existing coax cable?
Does the control center have a video wall with active users moving the PTZs that will continue to want a keyboard/joystick vs. using a mouse to Pan, Tilt, Zoom, etc?
I am the one who wants to go IP. I think it is in his best interest. His system is old (1999-2003). My scope is just the cameras associated with a new rennovation; so I will be pulling both Cat6 and RG59 to these cameras.
Is ripping the matrix switcher out and putting in some encoders not an option? I know some manufacturers (e.g. Axis) will credit you some of the cost of encoders when they eventually upgrade to IP. It has to be hard getting parts for a matrix switcher... they may not be too far off from a forced upgrade.
Pulling out this complex matrix is not an option for now. I dont think Axis is still running that buyback program, but i will recheck it.
The forced upgrade could be minutes away for that matter. You are correct about the parts. They are still offered on E-bay however.
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