Watching the future

Video surveillance technology is undergoing a revolution and the Middle East is right at the forefront when it comes to adopting innovation. SFS focuses the camera on what’s helping businesses focus their cameras.

Video surveillance has been long established in places such as the US and Europe for several decades now and is commonplace in both public spaces and in corporate environments. Compared to these regions, the Middle East is still an ‘emerging' market, which means the market for video security in this region is wide open and positively booming.

"When it comes to video surveillance, the highest level of growth is going to be in the Middle East," says Alistair Hayfield, video surveillance research analyst at IMS Research. "We predict that the growth rate will exceed 30% for the next five years."

Compare this to a near stagnation of the markets in Europe and the US and it's clear to see why the Middle East offers such a great opportunity.

Adding to the exciting nature of the market here is the fact that it's the ideal place to showcase the latest and best technologies.

"This is a very technical market. Customers and end users are early adopters. They don't fear adopting new technology, and these are brand new markets," confirms Gilles Ortega, regional manager at Axis Communications.

This eagerness to adopt new technology could see the Middle East become a market leader in video surveillance. "Given the fact the Middle East market is a much newer market, people are willing to make the choice of using IP technology, and going directly to the best and newest technology out there. There's a much faster drive compared to the rest of the world towards IP video solutions," says Kris de Smedt, video project manager, GE Security.

Hip-ip-hooray

When it comes to discussing the latest video technology, there's really just one major game in town. "Network surveillance is the most significant trend in video surveillance," says Hayfield. Network or IP (Internet Protocol) video opens up far more possibilities than traditional analogue CCTV systems.

Key with IP video is the ability to access cameras remotely from any internet enabled device. Rather than having images located on a circuit only accessible from one certain location (as in closed-circuit television, or CCTV), IP video sends data through standard computer networks, the data feed being visible on any internet-enabled device - provided, of course, the user is able to supply the necessary security credentials.

Rather than having a guard stuck in a small basement surrounded by multiple monitors, the security feed can be viewed from a standard computer, or even the CEO's mobile phone.

"Everything is going through IP now," asserts Ortega. "The interest is to have cameras, access control, fire, alarms and even the BMS integrated in only one system. You don't have to handle five different solutions, it's only one, with access to different modules. Only IP can make this happen."

IP systems also allow limitless expansion of the system, making it ideal for companies who plan to expand their premises, or businesses requiring large amounts of cameras, such as airports.

Other opportunities opened up by the shift to IP video surveillance include increased image quality delivered by high-definition cameras, and intelligent video, whereby the video system is able to automate large parts of the surveillance operation and even add additional security features.

Defining the market

High-definition (HD) video allows a camera to record a better quality image, which can be useful when analysing the video. "You usually need 40 pixels per foot to have facial recognition and that's what most people require now," says Dawn Miller, marketing programmes specialist, IQinVision.

As well as facial recognition, HD also allows more accurate automatic numberplate recognition. Numberplate recognition can be combined with access control, so that a camera can record the numberplate of a vehicle attempting to access a private secure parking area, and the integrated system will only permit a barrier to rise for an approved vehicle.

Using HD cameras can also help reduce overall costs. "What HD does is allow you to have a fuller picture, so there's a greater region you can cover per camera," says Miller.  "Analogue only allows you to do a certain amount, so you need more cameras. You can reduce your costs and installation fees."

HD video surveillance is growing steadily in the region, thanks again to the technical nature of the market. "At the moment it's only a portion of the total cameras sold worldwide, but it's a growing market and people are recognising the value of having better resolution images," says de Smedt.

Khaled Al Saleh, market development manager, GE Security, warns though that companies should be aware of local regulations when it comes to installing HD cameras.

"Cameras can't be in certain locations such as toilets or swimming pools. You need special permission to locate cameras by pools. These regulations are likely to evolve over time, especially now," he says.

"High-definition makes it more essential to add to those regulations. Privacy is a big concern in the Middle East so it's something that will probably happen with time."

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