Video Surveillance Glossary from Alpha Card Security

802.11 – A set of standards developed for computer networking on wireless LANs. 802.11 signifies an over-the-air modulation technique between two wireless clients or a client and a station. The 802.11 family consists of several different specifications:

802.11a – Uses the 5 GHz band, provides up to 54 Mbps of bandwidth
802.11b – Uses the 2.4 GHz band, provides up to 11 Mbps of bandwidth
802.11g – The most common standard, uses the 2.4 GHz band, provides up to 54 Mbps of bandwidth
802.11n – The next generation standard, still under development, with estimated maximum bandwidth of 540 Mbps

Algorithm – A formula in which a clearly-defined series of steps is followed to systematically solve a problem, before terminating at a predetermined end-state. Algorithms are commonly applied as procedures in computer programming languages.

Behavioral Recognition – An advanced form of video analytics used to track people, vehicles, and objects, discerning unusual activity from typical behavior.

CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) – The use of video cameras to transmit a signal directly to a specific group of monitors for viewing. As opposed to broadcast television, a CCTV system is closed, meant only for a limited number of select viewers. While CCTV is often used as a generic term to describe any form of surveillance video, traditional CCTV systems operate in analog format. The advent of digital technology is making conventional CCTV a thing of the past.

DVR (Digital Video Recorder) – A device that records video and stores it onto a hard disk in digital format, eliminating the need for video cassette tapes. In the surveillance industry, DVRs are often used to convert video feeds from analog cameras into a digital medium for easier storage and enhanced searching/analytical capabilities.

Digital Video Surveillance – The successor to analog CCTV, digital surveillance systems primarily operate using networked architecture and IP technology to transmit digital video feeds over the internet. Footage can be accessed remotely, and is stored digitally onto either a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or NVR (Network Video Recorder). Digital systems provide improved image quality and storage, enhanced search capabilities, ease-of-use, and the potential for integration.

Ethernet – A standard technology for network area communications in local area networks (LANs). Ethernet uses bus or star tropology, meaning all devices in the network are connected to a central cable or hub.

Fiber Optics – The use of optical fibers to transmit digital information over long distances at a high data rate.

Image Analysis – The use of digital processing techniques to extract valuable information from images. In the surveillance industry, image analysis is often used to gather data from seemingly unusable footage such as dark or blurry images, and for specific applications such as license plate recognition and facial recognition. Real-time image analysis can be used to recognize predefined scenarios.

Intelligent Video – Another term for video analytics, intelligent video is the integration of intelligent algorithms into video surveillance networks and cameras for applications such as people counting, license plate recognition, left objects, and behavioral recognition.

IP (Internet Protocol) – A network protocol used for transmitting information over the Internet. Data is sent inside of packets/datagrams which are reassembled into information upon meeting a specified destination. IP is what allows computers to communicate on the Internet.

IP Address – A specific identifier designated to a participating network device so that it can communicate with, and distinguish itself from, other devices on an Internet Protocol network.

IP Camera – An Internet Protocol camera captures and streams live digital video footage over an IP network. The footage can be viewed and managed remotely from a Web browser, and is archived in digital format. IP cameras have wireless connections, are capable of advanced video analytics, and offer much more flexibility than their analog predecessors.

IP Video Surveillance – A video surveillance system that allows analog and/or IP cameras, operating over a standard IP network, to transmit real-time video feeds over the internet. The video footage is processed and recorded digitally onto an NVR (Network Video Recorder) where it can be accessed remotely by any PC connected to the network.

MIMO (Multiple-In, Multiple-Out) – A wireless technology that combines multiple transmission signals, sent over a single line, resulting in increased bandwidth and range. MIMO algorithms send information over two or more antennas, allowing for a significant boost in capacity and enhanced reliability over single antenna systems.

NVR (Network Video Recorder) – A hardware box that receives digital video streams and images over a network and records them onto a hard disk in digital format. Recording and playback is controlled remotely via a network PC.

Network DVR – The same as an NVR, a network DVR is a digital video recorder equipped to allow remote access for viewing, playback, and management over the Internet.

Remote Video Monitoring – The ability to monitor live and archived video footage over the internet from a remote location. IP surveillance allows secure remote access from any network computer.

Smart Camera – An intelligent video camera with built-in image processing capabilities.

Video Analytics – Software technology that uses computer algorithms to intelligently monitor real-time video for specific information in areas such as facial recognition, people count, left objects, and abnormal movement.