For years, black-and-white infrared (IR) cameras have been the standard for nighttime security. These cameras, or those capable of switching to black-and-white IR mode in low light, have been the go-to solution for homeowners, businesses, and security professionals seeking to capture clear footage in environments with minimal lighting. However, recent advancements in technology have introduced a revolutionary shift in surveillance systems: color night vision. This breakthrough technology allows users to capture critical visual details—such as the color of a vehicle or the clothing of an intruder—at any time of day or night, even in low-light or no-light conditions. But what exactly is color night vision, and is it essential for your security needs?

What is Color Night Vision?
Color night vision technology goes beyond the capabilities of traditional IR systems, which typically deliver high-quality black-and-white images. This advanced technology maintains vivid, high-quality color images in low-light conditions, enhancing video surveillance in ways that were previously unattainable.
Color night vision cameras are equipped with large aperture lenses and sophisticated sensors that can detect both visible light and infrared (IR) light. When ambient light levels are low, these sensors amplify the available light to provide clear footage. In complete darkness, the camera can activate supplemental lighting, such as a built-in spotlight, to ensure that night vision remains in full color.
It’s important to note that not all color night vision cameras are created equal. While many manufacturers claim to offer color night vision, some cameras only operate effectively in environments as dark as 0.004 LUX and may switch to black-and-white IR mode when light levels drop further. For true color night vision performance, a camera must utilize large aperture lenses and advanced CMOS sensors capable of functioning in environments as low as 0.0005 LUX. This ensures vibrant, high-quality color images, even in near-total darkness.

Do You Really Need Color Night Vision?
While traditional black-and-white IR cameras have been sufficient for many surveillance needs, color night vision offers distinct advantages that could significantly enhance the effectiveness of your security system. Here are some key benefits:

1. Improved Identification of People and Objects
   With color night vision, you'll capture full-color video even in near-total darkness. This makes it easier to identify crucial details, such as the color of a car or the clothing of an intruder—details that are often lost with conventional IR cameras.
2. Enhanced Deterrent Effect
   Many color night vision cameras are equipped with built-in spotlights or floodlights that activate upon detecting motion. These lights not only improve visibility but also serve as a deterrent to potential intruders, much like motion-activated outdoor lighting. The added visibility can make intruders think twice before approaching.

The below Images are from the same camera location taken before and after the upgrade to color night vision.  

​Upgrade Your Security Today with Color Night Vision
Don’t settle for grainy, black-and-white footage when the stakes are high. Color night vision technology empowers you to capture clearer, more detailed video—regardless of lighting conditions. Whether it’s identifying key details like the color of a car or observing the clothing of an intruder, color night vision provides a significant advantage in maintaining a secure environment.
Ready to elevate your security system? Invest in a color night vision camera today for enhanced protection, better identification, and an added layer of deterrence against unwanted activity. Contact us now to explore the best options for your home or business security needs.

​Ryan Bell 
Vice President of Technology 

Smarter Security Starts Here: AI-Powered Surveillance for Business
Unlock the power of artificial intelligence (ai) in your video surveillance system
The current world of security using video surveillance in your business is very reactionary. Let’s face it, once you have a CCTV camera system installed in your business there is a false sense of security believing the camera system will help protect your business, staff and inventory. The reality is that these systems are often only going to help see what has already occurred with the hope that law enforcement can act on the event. The addition of AI in video surveillance is changing this game and allowing businesses to use their camera systems to be proactive in protecting the business.
 
AI technology never sleeps, never gets bored and can analyze more video data faster than humans will ever be able to. AI technology is designed to bring the most important events and suspicious activities to a user’s attention, allowing them to make critical decisions when it’s most effective. The use of AI in video surveillance has created new possibilities for businesses with features like facial recognition and predictive analytics to proactively handle security risks and enhance operational efficiency.
 
Several hardware and software manufacturers are spearheading the development of AI technology and its application in the security market. Companies like Axis Communications, i3 International, and Avigilon to name a few are creating solutions that can support the use of edge devices and cloud computing to quickly support businesses critical decision making in their security needs.
 
Although video surveillance in businesses has been used mainly for security the adoption of AI in these systems has opened the use for space optimization, people counting, asset tracking and resource management. Industry experts are reporting that AI-powered video solutions are being deployed in sectors like retail, manufacturing and logistics at an unprecedented rate with a consistent theme of AI’s ability to deliver significant cost savings and operational improvements.
 
AI offers significant enhancement to video surveillance systems but comes with its own integration challenges. It’s important to bridge the gap between client expectations and system capabilities. Simply adding AI to a video surveillance system for the sake of having the technology will result in a poor outcome for the client, where leveraging the technology to address specific needs will generate tangible benefits. It is imperative that we as the integrator work closely with the client in selecting the right combination of AI software and hardware to effectively meet their needs, particularly when working with existing legacy systems. 

Ready to unlock the full potential of your video surveillance system?
Don’t let your cameras just record the past—empower them to protect your future. Whether you’re in retail, manufacturing, or logistics, AI-driven surveillance can help you reduce risks, save costs, and optimize operations.
👉 Contact us today to explore the right AI-powered solution for your business security needs.

Ryan Bell 
Vice President of Technology  

This is intended as a brief review of Shaw’s SmartSureveillance Security Camera offering VS a system provided by Watchdog Loss Prevention Inc.
We cannot comment on the installation quality, the quality of the equipment or the user friendliness of the system provided by Shaw as we have not actually seen or worked with an installed Shaw SmartSureveillance system.
We can however comment based on a review of their public documentation of their offering.  This comparison was originally done to as a sales tool for talking to an existing customer who was considering the Shaw offer.  For the purposes of this article I am going to use the comparison developed for this customer.

1. Cost Comparison:
Shaw is offering their system for 24.95 per month per camera for 60 months or $29.95 per camera for 36 months.
This is basically a rental agreement, so you never own anything and their price does not include installation which will vary depending on your site.   As of the date of this article, Shaw is offering an installation saving of $49.95 per camera if you sign up for 5 years, which may or may not be a good deal depending on what they charge you for installation.
In the case of our existing customer, the installation savings will not be a benefit because Shaw will need to rewire for the IP cameras.  Watchdog can install HD cameras of higher resolution without running any new cable.
Below is my comparison of an 8-camera installation comparing eight of Shaw’s cameras recording to their cloud based system and 8 of our HD cameras recording on an 8 channel recorder with two Terabytes of memory.

So even over 36 months you are spending nearly $3000 more for the Shaw system than the Watchdog system.  Remember the Shaw system is a rental so you will never own the equipment and it does not include installation.  Note that on the Watchdog system you may require an additional monitor and/or UPS power supply if you do not have existing compatible equipment.
 
Unfortunately for Shaw it gets worse, the Shaw system does not include installation and in this case the Watchdog system does.  Please keep in mind that installation costs will vary. In this case we are installing HD cameras on the existing cable; having to run new cable will increase the costs. 

2. Camera Comparison:
 Shaw is installing cameras that record at slightly less than 1-megapixel of resolution.  Our quoted cameras are 2.1 megapixels of resolution.  I believe Shaw is likely offering such poor cameras to more effectively store the video on their cloud storage.
The cameras provided by Shaw have their widest field of view at 80 degrees.  You will require two Shaw cameras to monitor a full room.  With our cameras you have a widest field of view of 90 degrees, so if 1 Watchdog camera is installed in a corner of the room, you will monitor the whole room at a higher resolution than 2 Shaw cameras.

3. Recording Comparison:
Shaw has a possible advantage in that they are cloud recording so that if someone were to break into your business they could not steal the recorder.  I cannot say that this never happens however I can think of only a couple of times that a recorder has been stolen from one of our customers in my nearly 30 years in the industry.  If this is a concern, Watchdog can install a recorder lock box for further protection.
According to information provided by Shaw they will record full time for 72 hours and then break out just the recording with motion for longer term storage.  My interpretation of this would be that Shaw would provide roughly 15 days of recording based on 25% motion activity in your business.
I anticipate that using higher resolution cameras and a 2 Terabyte hard drive should provide about 1 month to 6 weeks of recording on a Watchdog system under the same conditions.  Additional storage is available on our recorders. It is not clear on Shaw’s website if they can offer more storage.

It is also important to note that you must have Shaw Internet in order to take advantage of their camera cameras systems and with if you have more than 8 cameras they require you to upgrade your internet at an additional cost of approximately $21 per month.

Shaw appears to have a “one solution fits all” approach to their installations.  Watchdog has many options available at a competitive price and you will not automatically need to upgrade your whole system.

In conclusion the CCTV package offered by Shaw is not competitive financially and offers you limited choice in terms of equipment offered.

For a free no cost no obligation evaluation of your security camera needs, please contact us at 604-515-1001.