Modern High Definition School Bus Video Camera Surveillance systems employ smart technology that is constantly performing self-checks due to operation to ensure proper function and perforce of the system.
When the DVR processor detects a condition outside of the normal operating parameters, it provides an audio alert to the driver to signal that there is a condition or error in operation that needs to be checked.
These System Errors or operational “conditions” generally fall into one of the below categories:
DVR Status Error Alert
School Bus Video Camera Surveillance systems DVRs will alert you if the DVR cannot record.
Camera Error Alert
School Bus Video Camera Surveillance systems DVRs will alert you if the DVR cannot receive a Video Signal from the cameras. There are 4 channels so, if you have only 1 camera purchased and connected, it is necessary to turn the other not used aka non-connected channels, within the DVR menu.
Memory Error Alert
School Bus Video Camera Surveillance systems DVRs will alert you if the DVR cannot record to the SDXC memory card. Some of the most common reasons for this are; the memory card not being formatted to FAT32, the memory card being damaged, the memory card protection tab engaged (Card Locked when the protection tab on the card slid down aka locked position).
#2 "There are no files to view on the SD memory card":
High-Quality School Bus Video Camera Surveillance systems employ the same encryption to proactively prevent the chance of tampering and help ensure their admissibility in court as expert witnesses as the Police Patrol Wagon Suspect, Prisoner & Inmate in-Custody Transport Camera and the Elderly Day Care Shuttle & Assisted Living Transportation Vehicle Video Camera systems for the same reasons, chain of custody and court admissibility in litigation lawsuits.
The PC Windows environment cannot see some of these encrypted files, which is why even low-cost professional student transportation safety camera systems require the viewer of the files to only use their dedicated Video Player, as that will often have built-in decryption for the encrypted files.
When you use the dedicated video player to view the files it automatically decrypts the files so the PC can then view them.
Some higher-level encryption systems require the use of Linux drivers to view and open the files so those programs must be run under limited or full Administration User privileges. So if you do everything right to view the files and the PC still cannot see them, then you are not running under the proper Administration level.
One simple way to verify cameras for your Low Cost School Bus Video Camera systems are working properly is to view the files on the SD memory card or SSD on the DVR in the bus. When you see hundreds of files created in segments in folders separated by the date it is clear your PC settings or Administration User privileges may be the issue. Even Affordable School Bus Video Camera systems offer an LED display panel on the face to let the driver know the system is powered up and recording.
#3 "New DVR not working with the older system cameras in the bus":
DVR technologies differ greatly within the Bus Safety Camera systems and Private Service Contractor Charter Transport Compliance Bus Camera System markets. Most require cameras specifically matched to the DVR or the DVR cannot recognize them.
When purchasing a DVR to replace an older DVR in an existing school bus, it is imperative you purchase: Analog High Definition (AHD) mobile DVRs if you plan to use them with the older analog CCTV cameras already installed in your bus.
Analog High Definition (AHD) mobile DVRs, can employ older technology Analog cameras as well as the new High Definition 2 Megapixel cameras, so by design, they can make use of older existing Analog cameras in your older buses and not require the district to constantly replace functional cameras with more expensive cameras and the much more time-consuming process of reinstallation of said cameras in the older buses every time the DVR technology changes. In this way, the Low Cost Best Value School Bus Camera system can be used with the older previously installed cameras in the bus when the older tech DVR reaches the end of its service life.
The Low Price Analog High Definition (AHD) School Bus Video Camera Surveillance System DVRs are backward compatible and can use Analog CCTV cameras from older installations in school buses.
#4 "Can we add Stop Arm Cameras to existing School Bus Cameras":
The simple answer is “Yes if you have a High Definition 720P or 1080P system.”
Stop Arm Cameras are basically similar to interiors cameras used in Special Needs Wheelchair Bus Student Transportation Safety Camera system with the following exceptions:
Environmentally protected from water with an “IP” rating of 66 or higher.
Audio is usually unavailable due to the need to waterproof the housing to the specified “IP” rating.
The focal lens is much narrower 12mm to 16mm so the camera view is zoomed in to the area the cars will be passing the bus to get a clear image of the front and rear-mounted license plate.
The shell or casing should be streamlined to prevent massive damage should the vehicle pass a student closely and impact them. The large protruding metal boxes some put on the sides of their buses are nothing short of lawsuits waiting to happen, as even slight grazing of a child with a large metal protruding steel box could severely damage the child and potentially cause the death of the person the entire system was designed to help protect. A maximum of 3” height of any of these external cameras or boxes would help ensure that there is little or no chance of causing damage to those the system was made to protect.
Dual Stop Arm Cameras (Forward-facing and Rear facing) are usually required if there is any desire to issue citations, as you must usually prove the owner of the vehicle was actually the one driving it in court.
#5 "Need the video files of a crime on the bus, no files recorded":
The most tragic lessons are often learned the hard way and the world of student safety surveillance camera systems is no different in that respect them may than lives other hard-learned lessons.
With both sadness and compassion, we offer our sincere sympathies to those who purchased our systems, install our systems and then years later contacted our office when something tragic occurred on the bus, everyone demanded the bus video evidence of the event and they found for whatever reason the event was not captured and worse yet the system had not recorded any files for several years.
These tragic oversights and lack of periodic checks on the system recording status are not just experienced in the School Bus Video Surveillance Bus Camera applications.
Professional Fleet Vehicle Video Camera applications such as the below have also experienced these issues and they usually pay someone to maintain their systems.
Armored Vehicle VIP Transport Video Camera Systems
Waste Collection Recycling Video Camera Surveillance Systems
Alternative School & Juvenile Detention Bus Security Camera
Transportation Ministry Youth Activities Church Bus Camera System
School Bus Video Camera Surveillance systems are electrical/mechanical devices that require service verification just like brake lights, stop arms, and tire pressure checks on a school bus.
American Bus Video Inc. is here to assist, help and support our customers, but some cases are nothing short of a study in apathy.
The below is attached to every School Bus Video System quote we send out addressing this specific need for:
Operational Verification:
It is solely the responsibility of the user of the product to provide verification of product functionality when installed and each time it is operated to prevent missing the documentation of important events due to operational problems that could have been detected before they prevented important video evidence from being documented. Even in cases where the products are covered under the Testudo School Bus Surveillance Cameras Lifetime System Warranty, in the case of school bus pupil transportation camera systems or the Testudo Vehicle Surveillance Cameras Lifetime System Warranty, in the case of vehicle video camera systems in other applications, it is important to maintain the system hardware and not permit it to be abused or vandalized.
Operational verification can be a simple daily visual verification of the DVR LED Status LEDs displaying on the unit faceplate to verify the unit is powered up and recording or by use of the Remote DVR Status module (option). ABV Recommends weekly verification via memory card files playback test to ensure the cameras are all properly aimed, that the camera lenses are clean, that the audio is functional for each camera, and that the DVR is recording when the ignition is on. The investment in a Low-Cost School Bus Video Surveillance Camera system is wasted if you do not maintain the system's integrity.
"Agency implies Stewardship," meaning if you own a product, it is your responsibility to maintain the product to ensure you are able to obtain value from the use or operation of that product.
ABV recommends daily LED DVR status and weekly video recording system checks to ensure all systems are recording properly so when you need them most in an incident; you do not learn the DVR blew a 10-cent fuse seven years ago (actual case) and has not worked a day since. To learn more, visit our website: American Bus Video Inc.
