Chicago Area High School Deploys Arecont Vision Megapixel Cameras

Highlighting the capabilities of IP-based megapixel camera technology in the education market, Arecont Vision recently announced installation of 89 Arecont Vision megapixel video cameras to provide superior image quality at Lake Forest High School near Chicago. An assortment of 1.3 megapixel and 3 megapixel single sensor cameras as well as 8 megapixel panoramic cameras are enhancing administrators' ability to effectively monitor the entire Lake Forest campus.  The school employs Arecont Vision AV1300 1.3-megapixel IP network cameras to provide 1280 x 1024-pixel video at 32 frames per second (fps). In addition, Arecont Vision AV3100 3 megapixel IP network cameras are used to produce 2048 x 1536-pixel high-resolution images. Camera features include image cropping, region-of-interest viewing and the ability to zoom into an image during and after it is recorded to see close-up details.  Lake Forest High School has also installed Arecont Vision AV8180 SurroundVideo 8 megapixel 180-degree panoramic IP network cameras to view large areas with extreme detail. The units provide coverage equivalent to as many as 24 conventional cameras.

The AV8180 employs four 2 megapixel sensors and provides up to 6400 x 1200-pixel images at 6 fps, or can be set for lower resolutions at higher frame rates. 

“The addition of Arecont Vision’s megapixel camera solutions allows us to get better picture quality from cameras that cost less than competing VGA cameras,” said Brad Balonick, Information Technology Systems Coordinator at Lake Forest High School. “Since superior image quality could be purchased for less than some standard IP cameras, we opted to upgrade the system with Arecont Vision megapixel cameras, and we got a great system. It has great picture quality, works easily and is reliable."

"The education market can benefit from the performance advantages and cost efficiencies inherent with megapixel cameras,” said Wayne Ridinger, Central Regional Sales Manager, Arecont Vision. "Covering larger areas with fewer cameras contributes to return-on-investment at a time when education budgets are stretched to the limit.”

Arecont Vision's camera line ranges in image resolution from 1.3 to 20 megapixels, including camera models providing advanced capabilities such as dual day/night and panoramic viewing. 

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.