if (isset($_GET["cam"])) { print '
![]() |
|
Highlights >>>>>>
Implementing iCatcher
Learn how to implement an iCatcher system, from single camera residential to multi-camera - multi-site. read more... Sample iCatcher SitesMany thousands of people around the world use iCatcher software. See iCatcher images live. read more... Wildlife picture galleryi-Catcher Wildlife captures fantastic scenes from nature. Have a look at some of the best. read more... Capture equipmentFind out about suitable equipment for use with iCatcher, from cameras to lighting, and more. read more... iCatcher Business PartnersWould you like to learn more about how to do business reselling iCatcher solutions? read more... |
Camera Connectivity Guide if ($_GET["cam"]) { print 'For the ' . stripslashes(rawurldecode($_GET["cam"])) . ' '; } else { print 'What you need to use cameras with iCatcher '; } ?>iCatcher supports a wide variety of cameras, using different means of communication. There are three main types of camera that can be used with PCs and the iCatcher system. They are USB cameras, Composite Video cameras, and Network or IP cameras. This page discusses the three types and what you need to use them with iCatcher. function show_usb($thistype) { print 'USB Cameras '; print ''; if ($thistype) print 'The '.stripslashes(rawurldecode($_GET["cam"])).' is a USB camera. '; print 'USB Cameras (usually) require no additional power supply, and plug direct into the PC via the PC\'s USB port. If your PC does not have a USB port, you will need a USB card or equivalent adapter to connect a USB camera. Once the supplied driver is installed, the USB camera appears as a local capture device, and can be used in iCatcher by selecting "Local Device". '; print 'No additional cabling is necessary, although USB does have a maximum cable length of 5 metres. This length limitation can be overcome by using USB hubs which can extend the range as well as increase the number of available USB ports.'; print ' '; } function show_composite($thistype) { print 'Composite Video Cameras '; print ''; if ($thistype) print 'The '.stripslashes(rawurldecode($_GET["cam"])).' is a composite video camera. '; print 'Composite Video is the connection method of traditional CCTV Cameras, and is an analogue means of communication. The video image is carried by a single signal wire, and includes the frame timing, brightness, and colour information needed to display a complete image. Composite video cameras can be connected directly to monitors and televisions that have composite video inputs. On most televisions and VCRs this is via a SCART connection, though more recent televisions have seperate composite video phono sockets. '; print 'To connect a composite video camera to a PC you will need either a video capture card or an IP Video Server. A video capture card is a device that is installed into the PC and features one or more composite video inputs. iCatcher can make used of such capture cards as "Local" devices. '; print 'PCI Capture cards are not suitable for laptops, so a USB-based capture device or an IP video server will need to be used instead. USB capture devices work like USB cameras, but sometimes require a seperate power supply. '; print 'An IP Video Server operates like a network camera, and effectively turns an analogue camera into a network camera. They feature one or more composite video inputs on one side, and a network connection on the other. There are more suitable for laptops with network connections, or where a network is already in place close to an analogue camera but the CCTV server will be a long distance away. '; print 'Typically you will also require a connecting cable and/or suitable adapters as the camera will only have a short cable terminated with a video socket rather than a plug. Most composite video cameras are also supplied without a power supply.'; print ' '; } function show_network($thistype) { print 'Network or IP Cameras '; print ''; if ($thistype) print 'The '.stripslashes(rawurldecode($_GET["cam"])).' is a network/IP camera. '; print 'Network cameras and IP Video Servers provide an image digitally, typically encoded using either JPEG or MPEG4 compression. They are connected to a normal ethernet network, and must be assigned an IP address. While most cameras can automatically acquire an address from a router for example, it is best to manually set the IP address to ensure it does not change. Details of how to do this are provided in the camera\'s documentation. '; print 'iCatcher accesses these devices through the local network, and the PC must be able to "see" the camera. '; print 'Not all cameras are compatibie with iCatcher, as some use proprietary communication protocols and image encodings that iCatcher is unable to read. All network cameras on the i-Catcher CCTV Shop are compatible with iCatcher. '; print 'Network cameras typically include a power supply, though this is not always the case. Some can be powered from a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) enabled network connection, and some will only accept power from PoE. '; print 'Network cables will be required to connect the network camera or video server to the network, as well as connecting the PC to the network. Typically network cameras and video servers do not include network cables. '; print 'If you have more than your PC and the camera on your network, you will need a network switch to add extra devices. A number of internet routers now have built-in four port switches which can also be used. '; print 'Cables connecting switches to equipment should be of a "straight" type, whereas cables connecting two pieces equipment directly (i.e. without using a switch) need to be a "crossover" type.'; print ' '; print 'Wireless Network Cameras '; print 'Wireless network cameras have the ability to connect to a wireless network, eliminating the need for cables. Most wireless network cameras also have a network socket to allow configuration of the wireless information including any encryption keys required. Such cameras can be operated either as wireless or wired cameras. '; } if ($_GET["type"]) { if ($_GET["type"]=="C") { show_composite(1); show_usb(0); show_network(0); } if ($_GET["type"]=="U") { show_usb(1); show_composite(0); show_network(0); } if ($_GET["type"]=="L") { show_network(1); show_usb(0); show_composite(0); } } else { show_usb(0); show_composite(0); show_network(0); } ?> |