Top 7 books on video surveillance for systems integrators

admin, 2022-01-12 18:06
To many people, non-fiction books on a topic like video surveillance systems are limited to academia. The internet has become such an integral part of our lives that websites have replaced books. Anyone who wants to learn about video surveillance and CCTV would first look it up on Google and refer to online tech portals.
 
Websites do have the advantage of being up to date. In a world where technology advances at a fast pace, updating information is critical. What you learn this year could become obsolete next year. The process of learning, as with the process of work itself, should be flexible.
 
But having said that, books have several advantages. Books help you dive deep into a subject, which is essential if you wish to become an expert in a field. Websites distract you with links, ads, images, etc. Also, since reading on a site requires you to be connected to the web, there are other distractions like social media, emails, and messages. Hence, in this article, we compile a list of top books on video surveillance systems.
  1. CCTV – From Light to Pixels  

Author: Vlado Damjanovski
 
Vlado Damjanovski is an Australia-based author and educator of video surveillance systems. His work CCTV- From light to Pixels, published by Elsevier, is in its Third Edition now. The book covers surveillance cameras, lenses, coaxial cables, fiber optics, system design, compression technologies, and several other topics that are relevant to systems integrators, distributors, security consultants, and security managers.  
  1. CCTV Surveillance: Video Practices and Technology

Author: Herman Kruegle
 
One of the classic books in the security sector, CCTV Surveillance: Video Practices and Technology, provides in-depth information on system design, hardware selection, and installation. The book is aimed at installers, security managers, dealers, and consultants. But even an end user interested to know more about the solutions they use may find this book helpful.
  1. Smart Video Security Handbook: A Practical Guide for Catching Intruders Before They Act

Authors: John Romanowich, Danny Chin, and Thomas Lento
 
John Romanowich is the President and CEO of the surveillance camera manufacturer SightLogix. The book is written in a style that would appeal even to people without much technical knowledge but are interested in the subject. As the name suggests, the book emphasizes the concept of smart technology in cameras, offering ways to limit the impact of any incident proactively.
  1. Digital Video Surveillance and Security

Author: Anthony Caputo
 
Digital Video Surveillance and Security can serve as a comprehensive guide for installers and integrators in the security field. Anthony Caputo offers in-depth knowledge of camera positions, angles, and hardware selection through step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations.
  1. Intelligent Network Video: Understanding Modern Video Surveillance Systems

Authors:  Fredrik Nilsson and Axis Communications
 
The author of the book Fredrik Nilsson is the VP for Americas at Axis Communications. Intelligent Network Video: Understanding Modern Video Surveillance Systems offers a comprehensive guide to network cameras, video encoders, storage, servers, sensors, and video management. The latest edition of this book is also a good resource for using cloud-based systems and thermal cameras.
  1. Closed Circuit Television

Author: Joe Cieszynski
 
This is a rather old book, given that the last edition was published in 2006. But we would add this to the list because some of the information is still useful to people who may wish to begin work in this field. For instance, the section on lenses and cabling could benefit those who are new to this subject.

Bonus recommendation:

  1. Security Surveillance Centers: Design, Implementation, and Operation 

Author: Anthony DiSalvatore
 
This book is a bonus recommendation because it is not just about video surveillance systems. Anthony DiSalvatore focuses on the best ways in which a surveillance center can operate. This includes a detailed guide on policies, procedures, audits, effective patrol methods, and even legal issues and ethics. It’s an easy-to-read book aimed at users of different levels, from a trainee to a supervisor.