Training: Basics for Using Video Surveillance

Published May 15, 2010 00:00 AM
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This report, including a 2 hour podcast inside, is designed to help those new to video surveillance learn the basics of using, selecting and justifying the purchase of video surveillance. Most importantly, we talk about real world limitations and issues that are regularly overlooked.

This podcast serves as the intro to our overall 10 part video surveillance training series.

Included Topics in the 2 hour Podcast

Key issues discussed include:

  • What are the approaches to viewing live surveillance video?
  • What are the major issues hindering live video monitoring?
  • What are the benefits and limits of automated alerting?
  • What are the most common types of investigations?
  • How many cameras are used?
  • What types of cameras are used?
  • Where are cameras deployed?
  • What are the key privacy issues impacting surveillance use?
  • What types of use are unrealistic or science fiction?
  • What types of products are used?
  • What is motivating the move from analog to IP?
  • How reliable are video surveillance systems?
  • What type of maintenance is used?
  • What does video surveillance cost?
  • What is the value of video surveillance?
  • Can you really prove ROI for video surveillance systems?

For Those New to Video Surveillance

This training is designed for those new to video surveillance. Experienced professionals will know these points and take them for granted. Review our over 50 video surveillance tests which are designed to help the advanced user may better decisions.

Free Preview

Before you think about products, you should understand how video surveillance is generally used. In the podcast, we review:

  • Different approaches to live surveillance monitoring
  • Types of alarm monitoring
  • Examples of conducting investigations
  • Common number of cameras being used
  • Common locations and types of cameras being used
  • Privacy issues in using video surveillance
  • Unrealistic or science fiction approaches to video surveillance

If you only listen to one of the 3 segments, this is the one we most recommend. The 52 minute podcast can be listened to or watched below:

In the podcast, we reference a number of other resources including unrealistic face finding, magical zooms and PTZ camera use

Product Use Basics for Video Surveillance

In the podcast below, we discuss the basic issues in selecting video surveillance products including the main types of products used, the difference between IP and analog, reliability and maintenance of video surveillance products:

The end of the podcast may be the most interesting as we discuss the lack of redundancy and maintenance issues that are common in surveillance.

The next step after the product basics podcast is reading the 'How to Design Video Surveillance' report.

Cost and Value/ROI Basics for Video Surveillance

In the podcast below, we discuss estimated prices for basic video surveillance components as well as installation and maintenance. We then explore how users justify the value and ROI for purchasing video surveillance:

The most interesting parts of this discussion is likely to be our skepticism of ROI proponents and our analysis of the most common ways video surveillance value is justified.

For more in-depth on cost and value, read our 'How Much Does Video Surveillance Cost?' report and 'How to Calculate Video Surveillance ROIs?'