Video compression: what are the security advantages?
What is the point of video compression?
Have you ever heard of video compression? This is a technique for compressing videos, i.e. reducing the amount of data with little or no change in image quality . But what is the point of compressing videos, especially in the field of security ? This is what we invite you to discover in this article.
Video compression in detail
It was in the 1950s that the first experiments related to video compression began. But it was not until the 1980s that the results obtained were truly satisfactory. Since then, techniques have continued to evolve and video compression now offers many advantages.
How does video compression work? To put it simply, let’s say that it is based on the correlation between pixels. Thus, the neighboring pixels, that is to say almost similar, are compressed to form a single pixel. The rendering is the same, or almost, but we still reduced the number of pixels and therefore the size of the video . In other words, information that is unnecessary, redundant and invisible to the human eye is removed in order to reduce the number of data.
An algorithm is used to process the source video and create a compressed version. To play the final video, an inverted algorithm is used. Two algorithms working together form a video codec (encoder/decoder). Latency refers to the time it takes to compress, send, decompress, and display a video. Latency is greater if the algorithm used is sophisticated.
Two main techniques can be used to compress videos: DCT (discrete cosine transform – either the discrete cosine transform or even TCD), but also DPCM (differential PCM). They can be combined in order to compress a maximum of data.
There are standards for video compression . These are very important, as they guarantee compatibility and interoperability, ie the “ability of different hardware, software or protocols to work together and share information” (Larousse definition). Among these standards, we find Motion JPEG, MPEG-4, but also H.264. The latter is one of the most recent, but also one of the most efficient.
The benefits of video compression
Reducing the number of data in a video reduces its size and weight . It therefore takes up less space. For businesses and others dealing with a large volume of data, this saves storage space, but also reduces storage costs. The savings are twofold: saving money and saving space.
Transmission of video files is also made easier with compression. Since they are small in size, their transfer is done more quickly. This time saving is also a financial gain.
In sum, video compression offers three main advantages: saving storage space, saving time and saving money.
In the field of video surveillance , video compression is an appreciable technique . It allows you to store a maximum of images for a minimum of space and to transfer them quickly and simply if necessary.
Video surveillance: the various quality equipment offered by At-Electronics
As you probably already know, at At-Electronics , we make every effort to offer you high quality solutions and equipment to ensure your safety , that of your loved ones, but also that of your property.
In terms of video surveillance , for example, we offer various models of IP cameras and recorders . The resolution of our IP surveillance cameras is between 1.3 and 3 megapixels and they allow filming day and night. Practice ! Our IP recorders also have multiple advantages that make them essential equipment.
Don’t forget that we also sell fire protection devices as well as access control systems . We also offer a remote monitoring service in partnership with Securlink. You can count on us 24/7 to take immediate action if something goes wrong.