The True Cost Of 4K
It’s a game changer, cost saver, and a total solution
- By Charles McCready
- Oct 01, 2015
High definition (HD) and megapixel camera technology continues
to evolve, and now 4K is emerging as the latest advancement to
video surveillance imaging for security applications.
For specific applications, it actually costs less to deploy 4K
cameras versus traditional HD or megapixel units, and the advantages
are inherent in the technology. The use of 4K means integrators can deploy
fewer cameras and that can equate to significant cost savings, especially for
large open areas and public gathering spots, intersections, stadiums, parking facilities
or any enterprise location. Fewer cameras equate to lower labor and installation
costs, and may also enable the installer to more quickly move onto the next
project. The technology in 4K adds up to operational efficiencies for the user in
live viewing, search, playback and storage.
As with most video technologies, 4K Ultra HDTV, now referred to as 4K, first
debuted in the consumer electronics entertainment industry, where customers demanded
the best images to enhance their viewing experiences. It has now made its
way to the security industry, providing the ability to capture more detailed images
than ever before with this ultra-high-definition megapixel camera technology.
BASED ON STANDARDS
4K is based on a standard defined and approved by the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) and offers a video resolution of 3840 x 2160 or 8.3 megapixels
at 30 frames per second (fps). Like HDTV, UHDTV adheres to specific
entertainment industry standards via the Society of Motion Picture & Technology
Engineers (SMPTE) as well as ITU to ensure and deliver consistent image quality.
With twice the horizontal and vertical resolution of 1080p HDTV, 4K also
features frame rates of up to 120 fps; an aspect ratio of 16:9; and superior color
fidelity coupled with a much larger color palette than HDTV.
The technology behind 4K raises the bar, once again, on imaging. But, 4K is
most effective when it’s a total solution. To take advantage of all the benefits 4K
offers, every aspect of a surveillance system needs to be 4K compatible from head
end to final output (monitors). While initially the use of 4K for security applications
was hindered by the availability of lenses that could handle the level of resolution
required, that is no longer the case. And that’s where the ability to realize the
benefits of true 4K optical solutions begins.
It all starts with the image; if the image is inferior, then every other dime your
end user spends on the solution from capture to storage, has less value. The reality
is that some 4K cameras on the market only result in about half the resolution
advertised because of inherent losses due to less capable optics, weak lens performance
and other parts of the camera system that have not been optimized for 4K.
Another important step in the evolution of the technology is the adaptation
of the entire security infrastructure to the 4K ITU standard, including hardware,
video management systems, displays and bandwidth use. Now, 4K monitors are
available to view the feed from the camera or the storage appliance and advanced
image sensors are capable of managing the light required to activate the smaller,
more numerous pixels. For local-based storage, the increased resolution means
more bandwidth and greater storage capacities on servers, while addressing overall
network bandwidth capacities and utilization.
As such, edge recording via an SD card and new, increasingly efficient bandwidth
compression algorithms play a critical role in the proper deployment of 4K
technology. In addition, because 4K cameras will most often be applied in selective
specifications or strategically added to existing systems, the addition of 4K and
fewer cameras overall results in a negligible impact on bandwidth, video recording
channels and overall storage capacities.
THE EFFICIENCIES OF 4K
Because the use of 4K cameras effectively reduce the number of cameras required
for selected applications, they successfully lower the lifetime cost of the system
solution. Fewer cameras covering the same or more area means less capital outlay
for surveillance and more efficient security surveillance by command center personnel.
All these efficiencies bring additional value to the surveillance solution for
both integrator and end user.
Not only can systems integrators install fewer cameras, but their time on the
job is reduced, giving them the opportunity to move to other projects for the same
customer or new projects. In addition, their service and maintenance costs are
reduced with fewer cameras.
With a wider area coverage by a single camera, 4K resolution provides 4x larger
view compared to a 1080p FHD camera and 9x larger view compared to a 720p
HD camera. As such, 4K cameras can be deployed for greater efficiencies in a
variety of applications and vertical markets. They also set a new standard for lowlight
performance, offering high sensitivity in color at less than 0.3 lux illumination,
which means they can be installed at areas where lighting may be reduced or
simply not optimal.
Some of the early adopter markets for 4K include: public safety and city surveillance
(intersections, squares, prisons, parking lots); transportation (airports,
stations, hub terminals); industrial (port facilities, plant, energy utilities); shopping
malls; stadiums and banks.
The latest 4K cameras include many features that make them highly suitable
and customizable for a variety of applications while delivering substantial cost
savings. For example, in a retail parking lot deployment of approximately 11.75
acres, 4K cameras enable the end user to effectively reduce the number of units
from 70 HD cameras to 21 4K cameras, reducing overall installation, maintenance
and server costs by as much as 50 percent.
In a public safety intersection, a single 4K camera can provide complete coverage of all four corners, monitor
traffic control, identify traffic violation
license plates and observe pedestrian
movement for general safety. In
this application as well as any location
where there are large numbers of
people gathering, 4K cameras enable
“virtual” PTZ operation.
PLENTY OF CAPABILITIES
With virtual PTZ capabilities, multiple
users can virtually zoom around the
entire image simultaneously and focus
in to capture an incident in progress
and quickly deploy the necessary
support. For example, using 4K cameras
in a stadium environment allows
operators to get clear shots of each
person’s face, monitor people’s movements
and detect abnormal situations,
such as a fight, fire or smoke, and take
more targeted ground and response
action. Users can achieve a 9X efficiency
in viewing, recording and storage.
They can also click on areas of
interest while still looking at a bigger
picture view simultaneously.
In a stadium environment where a
very wide area of coverage is required,
as few as four 4K cameras can effectively
replace a 36-camera HD (720p)
system due to their ultra-wide coverage
area and high-resolution.
Applying 4K technology has a
trickle-down effect on system solution
efficiencies. This translates to reduced
labor and camera management by the
end user, shortening operational time.
For the integrator, there are fewer
cameras to mount, reduced network
drops and conduit pulls, as well as reduced
number of switches which have
to be applied.
Overall, a 4K camera system offers
as much as a 57 percent cost reduction
compared to an HD camera system.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Camera—70 HD units (at $755 each
for camera only) cost $52,870; 21 4K
cameras cost $35,700, a cost reduction
of 32 percent.
- Installation maintenance cost—$96,
108 for HD units; $28,451 for 4K, a
cost reduction of 70 percent.
- Server cost—$32,046 for HD camera;
$14,498 for 4K, a cost reduction
of 55 percent.
- Total—HD, $181,024 and 4K, $78,648,
a total cost reduction of 57 percent.
The true cost of 4K camera technology
is not simply documented by
the price of the device, but the ability
to use fewer cameras while enhancing
the safety and security at the end-user’s
business. Operational efficiencies and
the need for less storage also make for
a more cost-effective solution. For the
integrator, not only does 4K provide
a differentiator and lower job costs, it
gives them the ability to offer customers
new options for more efficient video
surveillance operations—at truly, a
lower cost.
This article originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of Security Today.