Network video, IP cameras, and Zoneminder
Do you need a modern video recording solution that includes web based playback? Our experience with AXIS IP network cameras, the ZoneMinder CCTV solution, and PoE (Power over Ethernet) installations allow us to provide a high quality video solution at lower cost.
AXIS Communications
AXIS is well known for super quality and performance. They have a wide range of IP cameras: indoor and outdoor, PoE and non-PoE, colour and black/white, fixed and PTZ, and indoor and outdoor. The AXIS cameras are suitable for both security (eg recording and motion detection of lobby area) as well as construction project monitoring with PTZ and vandal resistant housing. All AXIS cameras run an embedded version of Linux, which helps provide a tremdous degree of flexibility and customization.
ZoneMinder
ZoneMinder is the top Linux video camera security and surveillance solution. It is licensed under the GNU GPL and is thus open source software. We have deployed ZM multiple times in commercial situations, using both IP cameras (such as AXIS) and typical coaxial cameras such as those left over from previous video recording systems. ZM handles the capture, analysis, recording, and monitoring of video data coming from the camera(s). We can install ZoneMinder for you on a proper server, using the Debian Linux distribution as a base. Modern hardware using Intel Quad Core processors, lots of RAM, and lots of disk space is fortunately very cheap now. However, tweaking of both the IP cameras and ZoneMinder is critical to the success of your CCTV project. That is where we come in.
Power over Ethernet
We highly recommend the use of PoE in the successful implementation of any network video or VoIP deployment. This simplifies the installation, since no local power outlets are needed at the actual camera. Only one CAT5e or CAT6 cable needs to wired to the device. Integrated Layer2 and PoE switches have become quite economical. A further benefit is that a single UPS can power the PoE switch, providing simple battery backup for all of the attached devices in the likely event of a power outage.
