In the last decade, the in-car video industry has undergone significant growth and change with the transition from analog to digital video systems. The new digital technology introduced many advances and features, such as improved video quality and pre-event video that forced manufacturers to develop new products and meet increasing expectations.
In-car video has become a highlight of the law enforcement market, and garnered national and international attention in the process. Few products demand such scrutiny and investment on behalf of an agency. Few programs within the daily operations of most agencies demand such significant attention and generate such enormous benefits. Sgt. Charlie Walker of the Winfield (Texas) police department says, “I don’t work without my camera. It’s the second most important piece of equipment I take to work, after my sidearm.”
Once again, a new wave of technology is sweeping through the industry. Since video has permeated the consumer market with advanced features like high definition (HD), live streaming and the ability to transfer files over a wireless network, the law enforcement industry has begun to have these same expectations of their in-car video systems. The obvious question is, “If I can record HD video and upload or stream it wirelessly from my cell phone, shouldn’t my in-car video system be able to do the same?”
Once this decision is entertained, it also brings into question how to efficiently manage HD files with their increased size over standard definition.
What solutions are on the market?
Currently, there are several manufacturers that are offering High Definition In-Car Video products. WatchGuard Video introduced the 4RE in 2010, and at IACP 2012, Coban Technologies, CopSync, and Stalker announced the introduction of their new High Definition Systems. Here is an overview of these systems.
Coban Technologies
Edge HD
Release: Reported to be Q1 or Q2 2013
Smart HD technology takes two camera inputs and records both High Definition and standard definition simultaneously from the front camera, keeping the preferred resolution based on event tagging. Standard definition images are recorded in a 4:3 aspect ratio at 720x480 resolution (480i), while High Definition is recorded in 16:9 aspect ratio at 1280x720 resolution (720p). The Edge HD is a wireless transfer, server-based evidence retention deployment.
Key Specifications:
- Video Format: HD (720p), D1
- 55 degree viewing angle
- 28x optical zoom
- www.cobantech.com
CopSync
VidTac
Release: Q4 2012
The VidTac system is designed on the premise of software driven video. The computer in the patrol car functions in place of a DVR and system operation is controlled through the computer software. VidTac records one video stream, which can be set to either HD or SD, and this is controlled in the software to allow agencies the ability to use more or less storage.
Key Specifications:
- Video format: Variable/Preset, 1080p, 720p, 480p, D1, CIF
- 60 degree viewing angle
- 10x digital zoom
- www.copsync.com/vidtac
Stalker
CopTrax
Release: Q4 2012
CopTrax utilizes the patrol vehicle’s laptop to provide processing power. Built on the Windows Azure web app platform, it can be deployed as a cloud-based storage system. This system records a single stream in 1080i HD resolution.
Key Specifications:
- Video Format: 1080i
- More Information: www.stalkerradar.com/coptrax/about
WatchGuard Video
4RE
Release: Q3 2010
4RE utilizes a patented multiple resolution recording scheme to capture 720p High Definition (1280x720) and 480p Enhanced Definition (864x480) simultaneously and stores recordings based on event tags. All video captured by the 4RE is in a 16:9 aspect ratio. The 4RE also provides the flexibility of a full wireless transfer deployment with server based storage or a basic, stand alone manual transfer with desktop software for localized evidence retention. There is also the option of choosing between the traditional HD Zoom Camera and the Ultra Wide Dynamic Range Zero Sightline Camera.
Key Specifications:
- Video Format: HD (720p), (480p)
- Viewing Angle: 55.2 degrees (Traditional HD Camera), 68 degrees (Zero Sightline)
- 18x Optical Zoom (Traditional HD Camera)
- www.watchguardvideo.com/4re/overview
Marc Palmieri | Technical Sales Director WatchGuard Video
Marc joined WatchGuard Video in January of 2006 as the Regional Sales Manager for the Lower Northeast Territory. His background in security camera sales and computers made him an ideal candidate to build this new territory for WatchGuard. Marc quickly grasped the technology, along with the demands of the industry, and immediately became committed to serving the law enforcement community. Marc spent more than two years developing and implementing a successful sales strategy, and in August of 2008 he moved to Florida to manage the Southeast Territory. During his four years in the Southeast, Marc was able to build on the prior success of this territory and helped WatchGuard maintain its position as the leading in-car video manufacturer utilized throughout the law enforcement industry. In July of 2012 Marc relocated to WatchGuard Video Headquarters in Allen, Texas to assume the position of Technical Sales Director. Marc’s key roles and responsibilities include bid and RFP responses, contract and project management, as well as various responsibilities with product management and training.
