What is Gunshot Detection?
Gunshot detection is the intelligent audio feature where the special audio sensor or the camera with the built-in microphone detects gunshots using its built-in audio analytics. It is able to distinguish gunshots from the other types of loud sounds.

How does it work?
The camera would be listening at all times using either its built-in or connected microphone. When the gunshot occurs, all the cameras with the built-in Gunshot Detection capability within the hearing distance would then recognize it and send the gunshot alarm to the NVR. The operator would then look at the site map with the camera locations to see which cameras were triggered in order to specify the potential location of the shooter.

Camera-based vs Sensor-based Gunshot Detection
There are also special sensor devices with multiple built-in microphones that are able to detect gunshots together with the specific direction of the gunshot. The IP-camera based gunshot detection uses only 1 microphone - it can detect gunshot, but does not specify the direction. While the special sensor requires additional investment, the IP-camera based gunshot detection does not require any additional hardware at all. Depending on the project requirements, you can choose either camera-based or sensor-based solution.

Nowadays, the most commonly used gunshot detection application is the schools where instant response to the gunshots is extremely important.

You can combine ACTi's gunshot detection cameras with ACTi's VMS, such as NVR 3 Corporate. When the camera detects the gunshot, it will send an alarm to the NVR 3 and the VMS can then handle the event by sounding an alarm, showing the incident on the map, notifying the staff and much more.