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VIDEOSURVEILLANCE By Fredrik Nilsson The Sound of Security Success How to integrate audio into a video surveillance system W hile a picture is worth a thousand words, the spoken word can be worth much more in the physical security world. Video only tells half the story, regardless of how many megapixels are captured. Audio cues separate perception from reality. Having audio as an integrated part of a video surveillance system can be an invaluable addition. A cry for help, the sound of breaking glass, a gunshot or an explosion in the vicinity of a camera — yet outside the camera's field of view — could escape notice without audio. Still, integrating audio into a video surveillance system is still not widespread. And frankly, excluding new compression methods, better quality microphones and improved analytics, not much has changed since I wrote a similar article for SecurityInfoWatch.com five years ago. Nevertheless the audio technology available today is more than enough to improve surveillance intelli- 36 gence. It is all about implementation and knowing when to add audio. When to Add Audio Outside of legal ramifications, audio uses in video surveillance are limitless. That's not to say that audio capabilities should be suggested as part of every RFP, but if there's an idea for how audio can improve a system, then there's a solution. First and foremost, audio detection complements video motion detection to react to events outside of the camera's field of view or in a low-light situation when a highly light sensitive camera is not used. Video recording can be initiated when audio hits a certain decibel threshold, and it can be used to turn on lights or other systems. Visitor management or intruder communication could also be an important auditory need for the customer. Instead of investing in an entire intercom system, the surveillance system could be used to meet the needs of communicating to visitors or warding off intruders. Additionally, audio can be integrated into the surveillance system for remote monitoring of a restricted area or in a remote helpdesk capacity at, for instance, parking garages or bus stations. IP-based access control systems provide another medium for leveraging audio. In a perfect visitor management system, all three — video, access and audio — combine for a true integrated solution with video and audio verification. Then, of course, there are non-security uses of video surveillance with audio that can open doors to new business opportunities: telemedicine, distance learning, www.SecurityInfoWatch.com | SD&I; | November 2013