Digital Video Surveillance and Security [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

This may be the most accessible technical book I've ever used. I was interested in setting up multiple cameras, quality images, night capability and having enough information to understand the technical-economic tradeoffs. I was tempted to buy a catalogue system, but couldn't find anything that really seemed to do what I wanted. That's a viable solution if your requirements are simple and you don't care much about quality or long term storage. A professional was the next step, but even if I'd hired a pro, I wanted to know enough to make the decisions and manage the project. After reading this though, I decided to skip the expense and markup of a pro. No, the book doesn't make you a "pro" and I wouldn't take on anyone else's project.

The book is divided into two parts, Part 1 is about chosing the equipment, Part 2 is about executing the project. Chapter 2&3 cover digital video overview and equipment, 3&4 cover wired and wireless networking; for me that was the value and substance of the book. Part 2 on the project execution is good, but by the time you've waded through Part 1, a lot of the implementation is obvious with a couple of important exceptions. For example, some of the technical issues that impact stored image quality are in part 2 rather than the earlier equipment chapters.

The chapter on networking would make a terrific stand-alone synopsis for people who want a better understanding of the underlying principles. Caputo does an fine job of separating the wheat from the chaff. For example, the difference between a router and a switch is clear in two short paragraphs.

These are observations, not criticisms. Some of the things Caputo includes seem to be a little on the elementary side and given the total context, some things seem to be missing. There's basic information about the history of networking that's interesting, but doesn't seem to be quite on point. On the other hand, he doesn't belabor it. This is written with a Window OS expectation. The details of cutting and crimping a coaxial cable using top of the line professional tools are shown, but the less expensive tools a DIY'er (and my local cable guy) might use are not shown. Nothing is shown about terminating ethernet cable (CAT5). I prefer, at least with CAT5 to buy to length, but given all the other details, this seems an odd exclusion. No big deal. Caputo doesn't mention much about on-site physical security of storage medium. The book does not include a list of recommended vendors.

If you are a reasonable do-it-yourselfer, are comfortable with computers (say you know what a disk image is and can make one and restore from it) then with this book, you can build your own security system and be happy with it. Otherwise, hire someone. I won't tell you what decisions I made as a result of this book, but they weren't the ones I expected, especially for storage and the cameras I bought cost in total about $2K. I'd like to think too that I saved someplace between $2K and $5K.

For my home system in a major city, this answered all the questions except actual vendors or specific equipment to select. I would like to put a system in a rural setting that isn't occupied for long periods, doesn't have internet, is subject to temperature extremes and would best be served with covert cameras, including night vision. The book comes up a little short for that application, but that's outside the norm.

I recommend this book to everyone. It is well researched and very informative. So professionally done but you don't need to be a tech head to understand it. The troubleshooting flow charts alone make worth the money. Very well done.

Anthony Caputo has spent more than 20 years in the digital video surveillance field and currently works with IBM Global Technology Services on the Digital Video Surveillance Homeland Security Projects. In short, Caputo knows whereof he speaks and he is kind enough to share it with the rest of us.

As a result of my work, I have a small degree of familiarity with digital video surveillance systems and a much greater understanding of networking. I am impressed by how much information Caputo packs into a mere 314 pages of text. His writing style is clear, even though many of the concepts he addresses are quite complex.

Caputo's focus is on larger scale projects. If you're interest is in setting up a remote controlled camera to monitor the baby's room, you'll find the information here, but may not know how to navigate all the information extraneous to such a project. If, on the other hand, you need to design and implement a networked multi-camera surveillance system for a large office complex, stadium or even a city, this book will serve as you guide.

It is difficult to convey just how much information Caputo crams into ten chapters. The chapter titles do not do justice to their contents: 1) Introduction to Digital Video security; 2) Digital Video Overview; 3) Digital Video Hardware; 4) Understanding Networks and Networked Video; 5) Wireless Networked Video; 6)Site Survey (really excellent and filled with information you might not think of when designing or considering a system); 7)Choosing the Right Software; 8) DVS Archiving and Storage; 9) Project Implementation and 10) Security Integration and Access Management.

Overall this is an excellent reference for the working professional in the security area and the person who has to oversee even a single medium to large scale project.

Jerry