Video Surveillance Training Resources

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.