Using Infrared and White LED Illumination may be the key to improved video
This article looks at two technologies; Infrared and White LED illumination that are extremely helpful when nighttime surveillance is a primary focus of the surveillance camera system. Each lighting type can benefit video quality and depending on the environment and particular application one technology may be preferred over the other. Also available is a “hybrid” lighting which combines the two technologies and can offer superior video performance when used properly for your CCTV system.
First we will examine infrared illumination. This technology has been used in video surveillance for many years. Color cameras cannot detect the infrared light spectrum but black and white cameras can. Today’s camera manufacturers offer cameras that are color during the day and black and white at night. They do this by removing the IR cut filter in the camera.
Removing the IR cut filter allows the camera to view the infrared light spectrum. Using what is called today a “Day/Night” camera combined with infrared lighting these cameras can see in almost complete darkness. The human eye cannot see the infrared light spectrum so to potential intruders this light in nearly invisible. Using infrared lighting is ideal for covert application or when lighting an area may not be neighbor friendly.
White LEDs are a fairly new technology being used in surveillance camera systems. White LEDs are white light that can be seen just like traditional lights. The white light they produce is visible to both color cameras and the human eye. White LED lights offer a number of benefits compared to traditional lighting systems.
1. Less Power Consumption
White LEDs use low voltage and require very little power compared to traditional 120/240 or 480 Volt outdoor lights. Lower power consumption provides an energy efficient “green” solution that saves on power costs.
2. Lower Installation Costs
Since these lights are low voltage they can be installed by the CCTV installation company at the same time the cameras are being installed. This leads to a lower cost of the installation and a single point of contact for the lights and cameras.
3. Built-in Photocell
These lights come with a built-in Photocell that automatically turns the lights on when it gets dark. This further saves on system costs.
White LEDs also offer benefits over infrared illumination because they allow the camera to still produce a color image. Color images are far superior than black and white images and can offer far more forensic details. Allowing a Day/Night camera to remain in its color mode will improve video quality and provide details that would otherwise be missed by the camera system. Visible light and well lit areas are always a crime deterrent so using White LED’s for illumination can provide protection of property and assets.
For the best of both worlds there are “hybrid” illuminators. These illuminators have both an IR and White LED lighting system. They work by providing IR light at night when there is no motion. This allows live viewing of the camera by guards or anyone wishing to remote monitor the camera. When motion is detected the White LED lights turn on and the area is lit up. The camera will produce a color image and can potentially scare off a potential intruder or vandal.
When nighttime surveillance is a goal of your camera system then exploring the use of these lighting options is critical to the success of the system. Select the lighting that best suits your security goals and ensure that the cameras work seamlessly with the illumination chosen.
Daniel Cogan is the president of Access Security Corp. which is a member of the PSA security network. He has over 15 years experience is the design, installation and servicing of access security systems and specializes in CCTV camera systems. Access Security is a certified iPro reseller for Panasonic camera systems.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Cogan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Light-Up-the-Night-and-Improve-Video-Quality&id=3596169