Bristol Zoo has used IP infrared bullet and dome cameras to observe a range of mammals, birds and reptiles as part of a BBC documentary. Bristol-based Icon Films wanted to record animals in total darkness to study their nocturnal behaviour and required night-time footage from equipment that would not disturb the creatures.
The animals for TV included seals, lions, gorillas, monkeys and zebras. Naturalists were investigating to see whether animals dream, how marine mammals manage to sleep while in the water and why flamingos sleep with one eye open. An HD IP CCTV system of bullet cameras, domes and Network Video Recorders (NVRs) was set up to monitor the animals over two months.
Xvision’s Pro HD CCTV range includes 4MP (2288 x 1712) H.265 compression vandal-resistant domes and mini-domes with up to 30 metres of smart infrared night vision. The cameras were selected for their optical performance and the infrared LEDs. These cameras have Smart IR built in that adjusts the intensity of the camera’s infra-red LEDs to compensate for the distance of an object so that the infrared does not over-expose the object.
Vandal-resistance in the strictest sense was not required; but a male zebra can weigh up to 300 kilograms, so vandal domes in some places were selected to prevent any damage. While making the programme, the documentary company used an IP network to transmit images. Local storage is also an option with the Xvision range; 32 GB SD memory cards can be used at the edge as a primary recording device or for network back-up.
Multiple feeds on NVR
The programme-makers at Bristol Zoo also used remote access using a smartphone app (iOS or Android). They compared the sleep patterns and behaviour of a range of animals in real-time across a night. Because the animal pens and compounds at the zoo are spaced widely apart, a central studio was created from which the production staff could view multiple feeds on an NVR, which became the equivalent of a bank of monitors in a CCTV control room.
Xvision’s 16-channel network video recorders with built-in 16-port PoE switch were also used with some of the company’s own cameras for the zoo research as they were compatible with other major camera brands. When reviewing footage of subtle aspects of behaviour among the smaller animals, the team was able to enjoy picture detail with these NVRs, even when fully zoomed-in.
Xvision adds that its NVRs can be triggered by motion if required and this proved useful at the zoo when an animal emerged from its burrow. Xvision products use the latest H.265 video codec, but even with this level of compression efficiency, recording on motion has major storage and bandwidth benefits. It also helped to alert filmmakers of any animal activity as it happened.
Raj Bhudia, Xvision’s Sales Manager said: “The dispersed locations of the animals meant that the architecture of an IP installation was ideal for the documentary-makers as cameras could be easily moved and redeployed anywhere on the network. The BBC has used further Xvision equipment for another major programme involving animal studies and it’s rewarding to see surveillance technology meeting needs in areas that don’t involve crime for a change.”
About Xvision
Xvision, a Y3K company, is a supplier of three levels of surveillance systems – Premium HD-IP CCTV, HD-IP CCTV and Professional HD CCTV.
Xvision Elite – this product line is a range of High-Definition IP Cameras and Recorders, giving system integrators and installers the right products to suit their requirements and to meet end-user demands where CCTV is required – not just for security monitoring, but also by providing Video Analytics.
Xvision Pro HD – IP video surveillance that uses an IP network, rather than complicated cabling setups, as the backbone for delivering information. This allows for remote video monitoring, improved storage, and very High-Definition images up to 3 Megapixel.
Xvision AHD – The Xvision XHD range of AHD2.0 CCTV products offers an answer to providing High-Definition 1080P over coax. It allows High-Quality 1080P images to be transported up to 500 metres over coax cable and also provides dual functionality to enable compatibility with analogue systems. XHD technology enables the ongoing replacement of cameras and DVRs.
All Xvision products offer an optional three-year warranty and one-year advanced replacement. Visit www.y3k.com.
