Tablet PCs Adopted in Surveillance Industry for Viewing Stations

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You are starting to see a lot of new technology being implemented into security product line-ups. For example, Seneca has just launched a new line of specialty network video recorders (NVRs) which includes NVRs for niche markets such as in-vehicle mobile transportation. But what is next?

The Rise of Mobile Technology for Security and Surveillance

Roughly 5 billion people in the world have a mobile phone, a fifth of them have smart phones. How can the security industry take this trend and apply it to assisting their deployments? As this trend evolves you will see security integrators and end users managing surveillance alarms on their phones and tablets as an addition to their desktop viewing stations.

Integrators, manufacturer reps, and end users have the opportunity to expand the functionality of their deployments with mobile technologies, providing the ability to manage systems remotely, through mobile applications. Instant notification anytime, anywhere is powerful multiplier.

Importance of Real Time Monitoring

How can mobile applications help an integrator be successful in the industry?

Think of the importance of monitoring a surveillance deployment. In today’s market it is essential to understand the events that occur in a scene. The digital security and surveillance industry is rapidly growing and because of that, most scenes are utilizing multiple cameras.

The main issue is that many video surveillance feeds are not being monitored and analyzed in real time. Without the ability or time to monitor scenes in real time, you will not be able to assist in the main purpose of your security solution – whether it is crime prevention, accident identification, or public safety. So what do you do to ensure that your surveillance is being monitoring and responded in real time?

Using Mobile Tablets for Viewing Stations

How many times are you able to constantly monitor every scene in your project? Think of city surveillance: how you are able to monitor every camera constantly? Through the use of video analytics you are able to capture flagged events in real time. Flagged events can be high volume areas or alerts. Think how powerful it would be to have an alert of “flagged events” directly to a mobile phone or tablet. This way you are able to monitor all cameras and scenes from anywhere.

Monitoring events in real time is essential. With real time monitoring you are able to respond immediately, wasting little to no time. By combining video analytics with remote viewing you can ensure your surveillance deployment is successful. 

Benefits of Mobile Viewing Stations

• Real time monitoring from anywhere

• Direct alert to events and alarms

• Instant response to events

• Ability to manage multiple surveillance projects on the go

There are multiple benefits of using mobile applications in the surveillance industry. A disadvantage of using a tablet as a viewing station is the display screen capabilities. Obviously when using a mobile tablet you are only able to manage one camera, one screen at a time. Having video management software coupled with video analytics will help point out which events to monitor at what time. I do not see tablets replacing viewing stations. I see the power of the tablet PC as a tool to assist in managing your multiple projects and/or cameras.

VMS Certification

Seneca engineers are constantly thinking of ways to stay ahead of the industry by adopting and researching new trends. Our engineers are currently investigating the feasiability of using mobile tablets as remote viewing stations. 

All of Seneca's xVault security and surveillance products are optimized and certified for video management software (VMS). To learn more about the certification process Seneca follows download the free certification guide below.

Sarah Colson is an OEM Marketing Associate for Seneca where she is responsible for marketing and communications for digital security, signage, broadcast, and healthcare.