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Video Surveillance Training Resources
by John Honovich, IP Video Market Info posted on Jun 27, 2009 About John Contact John
This report recommends on-line resources that teach the basics on using, selecting and deploying video surveillance. The focus here is on introductory materials that help those new to the video surveillance industry.
Challenges
The two main challenges in video surveillance training are: (1) there's no school or formal education and (2) most of the resources are from vendors, resulting in material being biased towards their product offerings.
While there are a number of helpful resources, readers should keep these challenges in mind.
On-Line Resources
- IP Video Market's Guide to Video Surveillance - Designed for managers, the guide is an independent examination of the key issues in choosing and using video surveillance. Downside: does not explain technical elements and presumes some knowledge of security systems.
- Axis's Technical Guide to Network Video and Vivotek's IP Surveillance Handbook - Both provide extensive explanation on technology basics for cameras and IP video. Must reads if you are an IP installer/integrator. Downsides: ignores analog video and glosses over major challenges in IP video.
- Video Security Systems Training Guide - Designed for the installer, the guide provides a comprehensive, gentle introduction to analog CCTV. Downsides: no coverage on IP, costs $45 to purchase.
Print Books
- Vlado's CCTV Bible - Comprehensive coverage of both analog CCTV and IP networking with deep engineering explations of key optical/video elements of surveillance. Downside: very technical requiring an engineering background to get the most out of it.
- Axis on Intelligent Network Video - Gentle and broad introduction to video surveillance technologies that can be read without previous technical or domain expertise. Downside: surveys the basics broadly but does not dive in-depth; slanted towards IP and IP video benefits.
Videos/Courses
- Charlie Pierce on CCTV - In-depth coverage of design, deployment and use of CCTV systems plus very entertaining presentation. Downside: out of date (little on IP), costs $350 for the DVDs.
- Physical Security Network Associate - Extensive coverage of IP networking and computer systems helps in integrating IP video. Downside: little coverage of camera optimization and video surveillance design/use, costs $495 per person for on-line access.
Government Guides on Best Practices
Both the US and UK governments have issued best practices and guidelines in the use of CCTV/Video Surveillance. See the UK's CCTV Operational Requirement's Manual and the US's Recommendations and Guidelines for the Use of CCTV Systems.
Physical / On-Site Training
Most manufacturers offer on-site training. If you are deploying or selling a specific manufacturer's products, going to their training is usually valuable. Be careful, though, as many of these trainings are basically sales pitches. Moreover, even the technically focused events tend to focus on the benefits/technical approach of their product offerings.
Other Resources / Things to Improve
What other resources would you recommend to include in this list? I am also trying to determine what materials I should add to compliment or improve on what's currently available.
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