Worlds first video-over-GSM security system
16 Feb 2000
News
Dr Olinga Taeed
What is claimed to be the first open-circuit television (OCTV) security system to allow anyone with a mobile telephone and a desktop PC, laptop or handheld palm computer to transmit and receive high quality video pictures to and from anywhere in the world has been developed by a British company.
The system, from Shawley, provides remote surveillance via the mobile phone network over any distance through a camera that can be held in the palm of the hand, or fixed to the wall or ceiling in homes and offices. Monitoring can be carried out at any time by authorised personnel with a mobile phone and computer combination, and the appropriate PIN. The system can also be used with traditional wired telephone systems.
Applications include the replacement of CCTV systems in town centres, covert surveillance by security services, access control on building sites and anti-vandal surveillance in schools, sports stadiums and other public places. The system will even allow users to watch their homes from tens of thousands of kilometres away.
According to the manufacturer, cost savings over CCTV systems can be as high as 80%, as there is no need for expensive wiring, special monitors, or cables that may have to be buried beneath the ground. OCTV transmits colour video over GSM and PCN networks and through any other network that allows the transmission of data. The video pictures are stored at the camera end but compressed and transmitted to the monitor for remote storage and viewing. They use analog colour and black and white twin CCD cameras for the pan, tilt and zoom heads and static cameras, and digital cameras for handheld or palm PC devices.
All images are encrypted on receipt before transmission and before storing on local camera positions. All hardware is encoded so that only specific monitoring positions can access specific camera positions and the company says replicating the hardware will not give 'hackers' access to the image even if they have the OCTV software.
For further information, contact Dr Olinga Taeed,
Tel:(0944) 1633 619999,
e-mail:Shawley_CCTV@compuserve.com,
URL:www.shawley.co.uk
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