A Video Management System (VMS) is a software platform that is designed to manage video surveillance cameras and video recordings in a security or surveillance system. A VMS enables users to view live or recorded video footage from cameras located at one or more physical locations, typically through a web-based interface or a dedicated application.

A typical VMS provides the following functionalities:

  1. Video playback: The VMS enables users to search for and play back video footage from the recorded archive.

  2. Live video monitoring: The VMS provides a live view of the video feed from cameras in real-time.

  3. Video analytics: Some VMS platforms provide advanced video analytics capabilities, such as motion detection, facial recognition, license plate recognition, and other tools for identifying and analyzing patterns in the video data.

  4. User management and access control: The VMS allows administrators to manage user accounts, permissions, and access levels to ensure that only authorized personnel can view or manage the video data.

  5. Integration with other security systems: The VMS can be integrated with other security systems, such as access control systems, alarms, and sensors, to provide a comprehensive security solution.

KEY POINT:

Overall, a Video Management System is a powerful tool for managing and monitoring video surveillance footage, providing enhanced security and surveillance capabilities for a wide range of applications:

  • Public safety

  • Retail

  • Transportation

  • Water Treatment

  • Other forms of Critical Infrastructure and more

Call Ups

In a Video Management System (VMS), a "Call Up" is a function that allows users to view live video from a specific camera or a group of cameras on demand. This feature is often used in response to an event, such as an alarm or a security breach, to provide real-time situational awareness to security personnel.

A Call Up can be initiated through various means, such as clicking on a camera icon on a map or floor plan, selecting a camera from a dropdown menu, or entering a camera ID number. Once the Call Up is initiated, the VMS software establishes a live video stream from the selected camera or cameras, which can be viewed on a monitor or a video wall.

In addition to providing real-time video, a Call Up may also trigger other actions, such as sending an alert to security personnel, activating a pre-defined response plan, or recording the video stream for later review.

KEY POINT:

Overall, the Call Up feature is an important tool for enhancing situational awareness and enabling quick response to security incidents in a VMS environment.

Application Servers

In a Video Management System (VMS), an "Application Server" is a software component that is responsible for managing and controlling the various components of the surveillance system. The Controller typically runs on a server or a dedicated appliance and communicates with the cameras, recording devices, and other hardware components to manage the flow of video data and control the system behavior.

An Application Server is a piece of software, not an physical server, though it usually resides on a physical server or a virtual server.

The main functions of an Application Server include:

  1. Feature management: The Application Server manages the configuration, settings, and any other customization of features done in the VMS.

  2. User management: The Application Server manages the user accounts, permissions, and access levels for the VMS system.

  3. Alarm management: The Application Server manages the configuration, activation, and response to alarms triggered by the cameras or other sensors in the system.

  4. Integration with other systems: The Application Server manages the integration of the VMS with other security or IT systems, such as access control systems or enterprise software platforms.

KEY POINT:

Overall, the Application Server is a critical component of a VMS, providing centralized management and control of the video surveillance system, enabling efficient and effective security monitoring and management.

Keyboard Controllers

A keyboard controller is a device that is used to control and navigate a video management system. It is typically a physical keyboard that is designed specifically for use with a VMS software, although some controllers also include a joystick or other input devices.

The keyboard controller provides a quick and efficient way to access and control the various features of the VMS. This includes tasks such as live viewing of camera feeds, playback of recorded footage, and the ability to control cameras such as zooming, panning and tilting.

Keyboard controllers are particularly useful in large-scale surveillance systems where there may be a large number of cameras to monitor and control. The keyboard allows the user to quickly and easily switch between (or “call up”) cameras and perform complex camera control tasks with ease, without having to navigate through multiple menus and options using a mouse or touchpad.

AD2089

The American Dynamics AD2089 is a keyboard controller designed for use with American Dynamics Victor Client systems. It provides an intuitive way for operators to control cameras, monitor video, and access system features. This is the most common controller you will see out in the field.

The AD2089 keyboard features a joystick for PTZ control, as well as various function keys and control buttons that allow the operator to quickly and easily navigate through the VMS software. It is designed for use in demanding surveillance environments and is built with a rugged, durable construction that can withstand heavy use and abuse.

One of the key features of the AD2089 controller is its ability to control PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras. It allows the user to easily adjust the camera's position and zoom level, as well as access presets for specific camera positions. The keyboard also has a jog/shuttle dial that allows for more precise control of recorded video playback.

KEY POINT:

Overall, a keyboard controller provides a more intuitive and efficient method of controlling a video management system, particularly for users who need to monitor and control a large number of cameras.

Matrices

In a Video Management System (VMS), a "matrix" is a function that allows users to organize camera feeds and assign a “virtual number” so that cameras can be called up according to the customer’s needs. The matrix function is typically used when a keyboard controller is being used. This allows them to assign a virtual number to all cameras and then call the camera up by entering that number into the keyboard controller.

The matrix function in a VMS also allows the user to define a limit on how many cameras are viewed on any given monitor. This helps to keep the monitors at a reasonable capacity for viewing.

KEY POINT:

Overall, the matrix function in a VMS is a powerful tool for enhancing situational awareness and enabling effective security monitoring and management, providing a comprehensive view of the surveillance environment in a single or multiple displays. It also gives the customer control over how they want to view their system as a whole.