Two of the most important ports of the Panama Ports Company (PPC) will from now on be protected by MOBOTIX cameras: the container harbours Balboa and Cristobal (both in Panama). The local MOBOTIX partner, Mutitek, installed a system with more than 50 M12 DualNight cameras.

The decisive factor for the MOBOTIX cameras was especially their robustness since they operate even in an ocean climate with very little maintenance. In addition, MOBOTIX combines a high image resolution with an internal loudspeaker and microphone, thus fulfilling important safety requirements so that the cameras can also be used to warn employees of dangerous situations. Using the MOBOTIX system, the total number of cameras needed was reduced significantly in comparison to an analogue system.

"When we saw the images from a MOBOTIX camera for the first time, it was like watching a DVD - the images were so clear. This sort of quality has become an absolute necessity in our sector", explained Michael Hernandez, Chief Investment Officer of PPC. Those were the main reasons for choosing MOBOTIX. He adds: "It is not enough to see what is going on - we also have to be able to hear it. Our entire safety depends on these two features."

When it comes to future-proof video surveillance systems, it's not a matter of analogue or digital; it's a question of high-resolution or not. Since HiRes video can only be implemented cost efficient (and even less expensive than any other kind of video surveillance) when decentralised network camera technology is deployed, centralised, analogue, low-resolution systems will gradually disappear from the market during the next few years. The German Mobotix AG has been producing only megapixel cameras for years and, in this area, ranks as the global market leader in high-resolution video systems.

Why use high-resolution systems?

The higher the resolution, the more details are in an image. Using traditional (analogue) technology, a live or recorded image has no more than 0.4 or even 0.1 megapixels. On the contrary, a MOBOTIX camera with 3.1 megapixels records around 30 times more detail. As a result, larger image areas are possible, thus reducing the number of cameras and therefore the costs.

Disadvantages of the old centralised solution

Usually cameras only supply the images while the processing and recording is done later on a central PC using video management software. This traditional centralised structure is unsuitable for high-resolution video systems, since it requires not only high network bandwidth, but also needs enormous PC processing power to support several cameras. Traditional centralised systems are therefore neither cost-efficient nor suitable due to the large number of PCs required for high-resolution systems.

The decentralised MOBOTIX concept

Unlike other systems, the decentralised MOBOTIX concept incorporates a high-speed computer and, if necessary, a digital memory (SD card) for long-term recording in every camera. The PC is now used only for viewing, not for analysis or recording. As a result, MOBOTIX cameras can record events even without a running PC and digitally record videos with sound for archiving purposes.

Robust and low-maintenance

MOBOTIX cameras do not require any lens or positioning motors. Without any moving parts, they are so robust that maintenance is reduced to a minimum. The unique temperature range from -30° to +60°C (-22° to +140°F) is achieved without heating or fan at only 3 watts power consumption.