System Design Questions for K-12 School Campus

[armoreltech 0]

A little background to start: I'm the technology director for a small school district which means if it computes, prints, projects, or generally has one or more cords/cables coming out of it, odds are I'm liable to be responsible for it some way or another.

 

About 9 years ago, we had security cameras installed on our campus (mix of GE and Honeywell cameras connected to GE storesafe dvrs with siamese coax). As you can imagine, those systems are pretty tired at this point, so we're looking to do a major (forklift) upgrade. Last summer we completely rebuilt our campus data network to be able to support, among other things, an IP camera system. I do have a couple of contractors preparing proposals for this, but am also supposed to look into doing it in house as way to get more bang for our buck. The cabling, except for a few exterior cameras, is already in place, as are the PoE+ switches (all HP ProCurve gear). Any additional cabling will be contracted out to the company that did the network overhaul last summer. The recording server seems pretty straightforward (decent processor, ram, and nics, and all the raid array I can squeeze into it). The cameras are where I'm running into the most question. I do have some background in audio/video production, so the terminology and "bits and pieces" aren't completely foreign, but I've not done CCTV before.

 

After discussions with the contractors and looking at our current systems and their deficiencies and the layout of our buildings, I've identified about 60 camera positions I would like to cover. The majority are indoors covering corridors (width generally 10'-12' and drop ceilings varying from 8' to 10' in height), so I'm looking primarily at vandal resistant domes. Megapixel might be good enough, but I find myself looking more at 3mp cameras for zoom/enlargement capability (blame too many years of squinting at blurry analog images trying to identify what that kid is taking out of a locker 60 feet down the corridor). The thing I find myself debating most at the moment is fixed lens or vari-focal. I'm thinking if I go with vari-focals, I'll probably end up installing most of them at their widest setting anyway to get the most coverage, so why not just go fixed. But then I'm leery to go fixed and leave myself no possibility of a minor adjustment improving matters. Obviously fixed tend to be cheaper, which wouldn't hurt the bosses' feelings any at all. So, advice any welcome. The primary cameras I find myself looking at for this role are the ACTi B53 (fixed) and the E65A (vari-focal). Thanks in advance.

[CYANiDE 0]

A little background to start: I'm the technology director for a small school district which means if it computes, prints, projects, or generally has one or more cords/cables coming out of it, odds are I'm liable to be responsible for it some way or another.

 

About 9 years ago, we had security cameras installed on our campus (mix of GE and Honeywell cameras connected to GE storesafe dvrs with siamese coax). As you can imagine, those systems are pretty tired at this point, so we're looking to do a major (forklift) upgrade. Last summer we completely rebuilt our campus data network to be able to support, among other things, an IP camera system. I do have a couple of contractors preparing proposals for this, but am also supposed to look into doing it in house as way to get more bang for our buck. The cabling, except for a few exterior cameras, is already in place, as are the PoE+ switches (all HP ProCurve gear). Any additional cabling will be contracted out to the company that did the network overhaul last summer. The recording server seems pretty straightforward (decent processor, ram, and nics, and all the raid array I can squeeze into it). The cameras are where I'm running into the most question. I do have some background in audio/video production, so the terminology and "bits and pieces" aren't completely foreign, but I've not done CCTV before.

 

After discussions with the contractors and looking at our current systems and their deficiencies and the layout of our buildings, I've identified about 60 camera positions I would like to cover. The majority are indoors covering corridors (width generally 10'-12' and drop ceilings varying from 8' to 10' in height), so I'm looking primarily at vandal resistant domes. Megapixel might be good enough, but I find myself looking more at 3mp cameras for zoom/enlargement capability (blame too many years of squinting at blurry analog images trying to identify what that kid is taking out of a locker 60 feet down the corridor). The thing I find myself debating most at the moment is fixed lens or vari-focal. I'm thinking if I go with vari-focals, I'll probably end up installing most of them at their widest setting anyway to get the most coverage, so why not just go fixed. But then I'm leery to go fixed and leave myself no possibility of a minor adjustment improving matters. Obviously fixed tend to be cheaper, which wouldn't hurt the bosses' feelings any at all. So, advice any welcome. The primary cameras I find myself looking at for this role are the ACTi B53 (fixed) and the E65A (vari-focal). Thanks in advance.

 

ACTi makes some great cameras. Your biggest limitation is simply going to be your budget. Also, at 60+ cameras, you will also need to set aside money for video management software and licensing for it.

 

As far as 1.3MP vs 3MP, you need to do storage calculations depending on how you want to setup the system (stream type, recording setting (motion, continuous, etc)) and see the price difference in storage using both types of cameras. For a school environment, I honestly think you should save your money and go with 1.3MP, but when I go out to my customers I will always recommend 3MP from the get go because of the clarity (they are always impressed when you demo a 3MP cam).

 

Vari-focal or fixed will depend on what views you are trying to get. If you have very little camera overlapping wider will almost always be better.

 

Again, your biggest constraint will be budget. Doing it yourself would be cheaper, but I'm not sure you want to be in charge of a 60 camera project on your own while you manage the other details of the school. Outsourcing it to a company will allow you to get them to handle all the networking parts and troubleshoot issues that will arise.

[armoreltech 0]

Oh, the budget is definitely the limiting factor, and really the main reason I'm considering doing it myself. I'd love to outsource the whole shebang, but if it comes down to contracting out and getting stuck with a sub-par, low-end system because that's all that fit the budget, or using better hardware and doing it myself, then I reckon I'll be getting out my ladder. The company that does my network cable plant work put together a proposal with Axis cameras and a BCD server running Milestone, and my superintendent looked at it and about passed out from sticker shock as it was about double what she had in mind to spend. They're supposed to be coming back with a lower-cost proposal, but I haven't seen it yet. Thus looking for alternatives.

 

I've got Dell putting together a quote for server, and have been looking at software (leaning toward ExacqVision Pro), so do have those items in mind. The other contractor (local guys who did the current systems) who is giving me a proposal wanted to do cameras only, so I'd have to do the server and software either way on that one.

 

I plan to use H.264 streaming, and either motion recording or a mix of motion and continuous. I'm thinking would get best result from continuous during school hours and motion during nights and weekends. Our building interiors are fairly dark in the evening/overnight hours, so there's no point in continuous recording then, even with IR. There's just not really anything to see. But, during the school day, I'm thinking continuous would be the way to go. Our current cameras are motion only and there have been way too many times we've missed something because the person walked out of the motion detection area. Newer/better cameras might do better in that respect, but for now I'm working with continuous in mind. I may go ahead and pick a megapixel camera and get pricing, then pitch both options with some explanation of the differences. The powers that be are looking to see vast improvement over the current systems, and megapixel might do it, but 3mp would likely do it better (clarity and enlarging ability).

 

Like I say, most of what I'm covering is corridors. They're broken into sections of 140-160 feet in length and I'm looking at using four cameras to a section. Two in roughly the center of the section with one pointed at each end, and then one at each end pointed toward the center. Currently, in most sections, we've got one at each end pointed toward the center, so anything that happens toward the center basically gets lost. Even with four cameras to a section, there won't be much overlapping though, so wider will likely the way to go.

[Owain 0]

Some Axis cameras have a special 'corridor format' which may be useful for some of your locations.

 

http://www.axis.com/products/video/about_networkvideo/corridor_format.htm

 

A big issue is security; if possible keep the cameras completely off the same physical network used by pupils. You don't want your supposedly secure CCTV footage ending up on websites.

[armoreltech 0]

Can't really do physically separate network. The required additional switching infrastructure isn't in the budget. But plan to do the next best thing and set up a VLAN specifically for the cameras and server (except for 1 NIC on the general network for viewing purposes).

[ilk 0]

You can also consider using 360 degree cameras in the centre of the corridor and at junctions.

 

This could significantly reduce camera count.

 

Ilkie

[CYANiDE 0]

Oh, the budget is definitely the limiting factor, and really the main reason I'm considering doing it myself. I'd love to outsource the whole shebang, but if it comes down to contracting out and getting stuck with a sub-par, low-end system because that's all that fit the budget, or using better hardware and doing it myself, then I reckon I'll be getting out my ladder. The company that does my network cable plant work put together a proposal with Axis cameras and a BCD server running Milestone, and my superintendent looked at it and about passed out from sticker shock as it was about double what she had in mind to spend. They're supposed to be coming back with a lower-cost proposal, but I haven't seen it yet. Thus looking for alternatives.

 

I've got Dell putting together a quote for server, and have been looking at software (leaning toward ExacqVision Pro), so do have those items in mind. The other contractor (local guys who did the current systems) who is giving me a proposal wanted to do cameras only, so I'd have to do the server and software either way on that one.

 

I plan to use H.264 streaming, and either motion recording or a mix of motion and continuous. I'm thinking would get best result from continuous during school hours and motion during nights and weekends. Our building interiors are fairly dark in the evening/overnight hours, so there's no point in continuous recording then, even with IR. There's just not really anything to see. But, during the school day, I'm thinking continuous would be the way to go. Our current cameras are motion only and there have been way too many times we've missed something because the person walked out of the motion detection area. Newer/better cameras might do better in that respect, but for now I'm working with continuous in mind. I may go ahead and pick a megapixel camera and get pricing, then pitch both options with some explanation of the differences. The powers that be are looking to see vast improvement over the current systems, and megapixel might do it, but 3mp would likely do it better (clarity and enlarging ability).

 

Like I say, most of what I'm covering is corridors. They're broken into sections of 140-160 feet in length and I'm looking at using four cameras to a section. Two in roughly the center of the section with one pointed at each end, and then one at each end pointed toward the center. Currently, in most sections, we've got one at each end pointed toward the center, so anything that happens toward the center basically gets lost. Even with four cameras to a section, there won't be much overlapping though, so wider will likely the way to go.

 

It seems like you have a good grasp of what you want (most customers don't really know or are unrealistic with their expectations). Honestly, for corridors get some 1.3mp cameras, depending on ceiling heights they should definitely be enough for facial identification. A mix of 1.3mp and 3mp would be the best bet and can save some money.

 

If you are looking to save cash, hire a local Low Voltage AV company to run wires to your comm/server room. Once cables are terminated into a patch panel in the room you can definitely take care of the rest with your experience.

 

Exacqvision should be fine, but get pricing for other software as well (Genetec is nice as is OnSSI).

 

Do you have any floor plans of the school? I would start with some PDF floorplans and make a symbol that indicates a camera and start dragging and dropping to see an accurate count and measure if you have adequate coverage.

 

DIY will save tons of money but you also need to look at it from a troubleshooting standpoint. Having to deal with the configuration of the VMS server and client software on top of other stuff on your plate can be more costly in the long run. Also, going with an integrator/installer, any issues with cameras/server will be handled and you can sign up for a service contract as well.

[armoreltech 0]

Ok, new question. I'm looking at two virtually identical ACTi indoor dome cameras. The only difference I see on the spec sheets is WDR levels. One has "Basic" WDR listed as 74dB while the other lists "Superior" WDR at 110dB. The superior WDR model might fit my budget, but the basic WDR model would definitely be an easier fit. I've done some reading on WDR, but am not sure how much benefit it will really be in my sitution. Majority of what I'll be recording will be lit by good ol' flourescent lights with a bit of natural light added into the mix from exterior doors and whatever light filters into the corridors from the windows in the classrooms. I do have one decent sized lobby area and a cafeteria both of which have a fair amount of glass in them, so more natural light issue there. I'm assuming any WDR is better than no WDR, but should I stress over trying to do the Superior WDR cams, or just go with the Basic WDR model and give the budget some breathing room. From one of the vendors I'm looking at, there's almost $100 difference retail between these two cameras, so when you go talking about buying 40 of them (for hopefully less than retail) it adds up to a significant difference. Or maybe do a mix of the two? Superior WDR in the lobby and cafeteria and in the corridor locations that will be aimed at exterior doors, Basic WDR everywhere else.

[CYANiDE 0]

Ok, new question. I'm looking at two virtually identical ACTi indoor dome cameras. The only difference I see on the spec sheets is WDR levels. One has "Basic" WDR listed as 74dB while the other lists "Superior" WDR at 110dB. The superior WDR model might fit my budget, but the basic WDR model would definitely be an easier fit. I've done some reading on WDR, but am not sure how much benefit it will really be in my sitution. Majority of what I'll be recording will be lit by good ol' flourescent lights with a bit of natural light added into the mix from exterior doors and whatever light filters into the corridors from the windows in the classrooms. I do have one decent sized lobby area and a cafeteria both of which have a fair amount of glass in them, so more natural light issue there. I'm assuming any WDR is better than no WDR, but should I stress over trying to do the Superior WDR cams, or just go with the Basic WDR model and give the budget some breathing room. From one of the vendors I'm looking at, there's almost $100 difference retail between these two cameras, so when you go talking about buying 40 of them (for hopefully less than retail) it adds up to a significant difference. Or maybe do a mix of the two? Superior WDR in the lobby and cafeteria and in the corridor locations that will be aimed at exterior doors, Basic WDR everywhere else.

 

You will benefit from WDR if there are certain areas in images where it is much darker than the surrounding area.

 

See this link on the Axis site: http://www.axis.com/products/video/camera/about_cameras/wdr.htm

 

You probably wouldn't need WDR for anything lit with fluorescent lights. WDR is really beneficial outdoors, but I'm sure some indoor applications would require the use of a camera with good WDR.