FOURCC is the acronym for Four Character Code. The code is a sequence of four bytes that can identify data formats. The most popular use of FOURCCs is for identifying video codecs used in AVI files. FOURCCs describe the software technology that was used to produce video data. The FOURCC value that is assigned to each compression format allows video data from the files to be passed from the file to the proper codec.

Digital Video Security Systems that create AVI files may use a proprietary codec to compress the file. This typically causes difficulty for the Forensic Video Analyst when trying to play back the video file. If the FOURCC can be identified, then the Forensic Video Analyst can locate the appropriate codec for playback.

Websites like www.fourcc.org and msdn.microsoft.com list many of the FOURCCs used in video files. Codec information applications are also available for identifying FOURCCs. During Resolution Video's class, Forensic Examination of Digital Video Security Systems, a variety of codec information applications are explained and utilized in hands-on exercises.

For more information on this class, Forensic Examination of Digital Video Security Systems, including a class syllabus and location information, click here.

IP Surveillance systems transmits digitized video streams over a wired or wireless network. This allows video to be monitored and recorded in any location the network touches. The surveillance system can also be integrated with other types of IP systems including access control, biometrics, and data mining.

The "IP" in IP Surveillance is an acronym for Internet Protocol. IP is a standard used for communicating across the Internet. Cameras in the IP Surveillance systems are connected directly to the network and use this protocol to communicate to devices in the surveillance system.

If the cameras connected to the network are IP cameras, then the IP Surveillance systems is a true digital system. IP cameras consist of a digital camera and a computer in one device. The camera captures a digital video stream that is transmitted over a network. Since the camera also incorporates a computer, each camera can be independently programmed for image size, frame rate, and compression standard as well as motion detection, alarm management, and video content analysis.

Network cameras, IP cameras and IP Surveillance systems are clearly emerging as the leading technology for digital CCTV systems. Understanding the facets of this technology will assist the Forensic Video Analyst in understanding the resulting video files from these systems. During Resolution Video's class, Forensic Examination of Digital Video Security Systems, IP Surveillance technologies are discussed and the associated issues and concerns regarding this technology's admissibility in court.

For more information on this class, Forensic Examination of Digital Video Security Systems, including a class syllabus and location information, click here.