The CCTV digital age has really arrived. Digital recording has dramatically changed the surveillance market with very affordable, high quality systems now available for all sectors of the market from the home to the bank, corner store to casino. The benefit of using a digital system is that these systems record multiple video images on a Hard Disc Drive, depending on capacity, for several weeks.

A digital system allows the user to instantly retrieve relevant data. There is no longer a need for screening through hours of video tape to find a few minutes of video. Data is now stored in a database which can be searched by camera, time, date, alarm-activation or motion detection. This saves the user time in identifying the target.

Alongside the development of digital video recording, is the development of the cameras. The Digital Witness cameras use only Sony CCDs (the sensor) together with Sony DSPs (digital signal processors) which convert the video output from the CCD to a digital signal for transmission to the recorder.

Infra-Red technology has added to the functionality of cameras which are know able to record video in excess of 100 metres away in pitch darkness.

Even at the most basic level digital video images are superior to video recorded on analog tape systems. Sharp, crisp images are stored which can be viewed over and over again without image deterioration.

Digital Witness was conceived in 2004, when it became apparent that the many new technological advances in the surveillance industry were not being taken advantage of locally. The father and son business started with offices in Port Shepstone and Johannesburg, and a nationwide network of agents and installers is growing.

Crime being as it is in South Africa, we all need to take precautions. Most of us have alarm systems in our houses which let us and our service provider know that we have or had unwanted visitors, but is this enough. Imagine if, when the police arrive, you are able to give them a CD copy of video footage of the incident and photographs of the culprits. Now they know who they are looking for. No more waiting for fingerprint matching which has very little chance of success.

Contact Bruce Walrond