UK boutique hotel operator rolls out standardized surveillance at 14 locations

Editor / Provider: Samsung Techwin | Updated: 5/21/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotels, a luxury hotel franchise in UK with 14 distinctive hotels ranging from bijou boutique to large-scale luxury, located in London, Heathrow, Guildford and Manchester, recently upgraded its more than 700-camera analog video surveillance system with a new standardized analog system consisting of Samsung Techwin cameras and 40 DVRs. The hotel has entered a long term single source supply relationship agreement with Samsung, to equip all its hotels with Samsung video surveillance solution.

The safety of guests and staff has always been the hotel's top priority and Radisson has never hesitated to invest in the latest video surveillance technology. However, this resulted in many different types of cameras and recording devices from various manufacturers being deployed across its hotels. Mohamed Elsebahy, Group CCTV Manager, held a strong opinion that significant operational advantages could be achieved by a process of standardization. The hotel researched whether it would be possible to single source all the components of a video surveillance system from one manufacturer, said Elesbahy.

The starting point for the detailed research as to what products would best match Radisson's demanding requirements was the video recording solution. Although images from the 700 plus domes installed across the 14 hotels can be viewed live at control rooms located at Heathrow and London, the key objective has always been to record activity captured by the cameras so that any incidents or suspicious activity can be investigated, and if appropriate, video evidence can be retrieved and passed onto the police for prosecution purposes.

Samsung's DVR, which can simultaneously record real time images across all of its 16 channels at 4CIF was chosen after a four month trial, however, the hotel required certain adjustments. “We identified from our operational perspective some shortcomings in the list of features available in the VMS that is provided with the DVR,” said Nick Kalsi, Technology Consultant of the hotel. “What we felt was missing was the ability to name the DVRs, make brightness adjustments and also to manage the printing of images via the software.” Samsung customized the DVRs to meet the hotel's specifications.

Images from the 700 domes are recorded at different frame rates depending on the type and level of activity anticipated at each camera location and all of the images are stored for 30 days. So far 200 units have been replaced with either IR internal domes, WDR indoor domes or with vandal-resistant external domes. The remaining 500 units will be replaced in the near future as part of a phased upgrade program.

"Working closely with a single manufacturer has proved to be a great success as they have been able to provide objective advice on the correct camera model for every location,” said Mohamed Elsebahy. Local police officers have also commented that the video surveillance system at Heathrow hotel is one of the most reliable of many hotels on the A4 strip. Radisson is in the process of testing Samsung's NVRs with a view to migrating from an analog based system to a networked IP solution.

Tennessee rehabilitation center keeps recovering residents in check

Editor / Provider: Sponsored by Qnap Security | Updated: 5/20/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Recovery Ranch, located in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S., is a special rehabilitation center for clients with addictive, eating or mood disorders, or in need of psychosomatic recovery for improved quality of life. The ranch employs 160 therapists and administrative personnel, serving more than 75 clients at a time, with 24/7 care for different treatments; hence, it is a large facility with residents of diverse backgrounds.

The ranch encompasses two sites: the main campus with two buildings and a new campus with six buildings, individually located one mile apart. On land stretching over 2,000 acres and multiple campuses, it is necessary to have a powerful surveillance system to secure the community and archive records of any incidents that occur. The two original buildings, dated back to late 1800s, were not designed with network wiring. Also, they had unstable power supplies due to the age of the buildings and the location in a rural area, where bad weather could easily cause a power outage. Therefore, wireless became very important, and a good mechanism to sustain system power supply was essential, too.

Moreover, Recovery Ranch required 16 to 18 cameras installed around the campuses and a system able to store videos for two to three months. Prior to the installation, Recovery Ranch surveyed CCTV and DVR solutions, but all lacked advanced management functions and did not have sufficient storage capacity.

Road to Recovery
In the end, Recovery Ranch turned to the Qnap VioStor NVR surveillance system because of its robust, IP-based design and the many unique management features. Two units of VioStor NVR VS-6020 Pro, powered by dual-core Intel Atom processor, were installed on each campus, monitoring 25 VIVOTEK fixed domes and Mobotix fisheye cameras. “Qnap NVRs definitely play a central role in the video security for Recovery Ranch, as this is a one-stop solution that is well-integrated with multiple brands of IP cameras and hence can fulfill very diverse indoor/outdoor monitoring requirements,” said Jeff Chase, IT Manager. “Moreover, the system is very scalable in camera deployment, and with free software updates, it is open to more features at no additional cost, making it a future-proof investment for many years to come.”

The VS-6020 Pro supports high-quality H.264, MPEG-4, M-JPEG and MxPEG recording, and can efficiently stream videos wirelessly while maintaining high-megapixel image quality. In addition, the 6-bay VS-6020 Pro accommodates up to 24-TB storage capacity to satisfy Recovery Ranch's needs of storing videos for up to three months. The VS-6020 Pro also solves the problem of unexpected power outage. With support for UPS devices, the VS-6020 Pro is programmed with USB-connected UPS to ensure 24/7 service. Detailed event logs of system warning, network disconnection and the UPS status are also recorded for diagnosis. What Recovery Ranch favored most was the intelligent video analytics. By using the motion detection algorithm in playback mode, the security administrator can set up areas of interest and time frames for the NVR to automatically find events of interest. It is, overall, less labor-intensive than manually watching each channel at 16x fast-forward play. It is quick to review — for example, an individual, in a specific area, at a certain time of the day — the day's video, and reviewing evidence is more efficient than ever.

Since the two units of VioStor NVR VS-6020 Pro were installed, the ranch has required little maintenance. The Linux-based operating system and RAID storage volume are very reliable; at the same time, it is more power-efficient than running the VMS server on a PC. Therefore, Recovery Ranch does not have to keep the PC running 100-percent of the time. It shows power consumption changes from 200W to 43W (with six HDDs installed) in average, resulting in up to five times of savings in utility. “The VS-6020 Pro is an easy-to-use and intuitive product, enabling the security administrator to fully utilize the features of the surveillance system. We can spend less time on IT, and more time on running the center,” Chase concluded.

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Milestone VMS integrated into Tdsi access management platform

Editor / Provider: TDSi | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Security 50

The new EXgarde 4.1 version of integrated security solutions manufacturer TDSi's access control software features integration with Milestone's Enterprise and Corporate VMS. From a single IP-enabled access portal, security operators are able to use EXgarde 4.1's Explorer to directly monitor CCTV feeds via Milestone's XProtect Corporate or Enterprise software range, tagging events and using video verification whilst also controlling the physical access control of automated doors. EXgarde 4.1 also integrates directly with Microsoft Active Directory, so physical security systems can be directly synchronized with logical security and the central business facility database can provide an overall view of any situation.

TDSi's MD, John Davies, commented, “EXgarde 4.1's integration with Milestone's software means security operators can take advantage of its wide scope of video surveillance solutions to provide exactly what they need. With our software at its heart, any business can directly link and manage its entire security enforcement from one place. With direct links to CCTV feeds (through Milestone's software or TDSi's own VUgarde2 CCTV management software), along with input from Texecom's alarm systems, EXgarde 4.1 can then collate this information and rapidly advise security staff. At the same time, as users gain access their location is logged with Microsoft Active Directory, which is the keystone to many modern build control systems. Any security breach can also trigger IT system protocols that control the level of access available in certain areas, to minimize the possibility of unwarranted removal of data. This offers a superb way to integrate physical security with the IT security systems to provide a total picture of organizational security”

EXgarde 4.1's integration with both Milestone's XProtect Enterprise and Corporate VMS is part of a wider drive to unite traditionally disparate components of business security. Recognizing the power of compatible systems, TDSi and Milestone's systems are designed to be highly complementary to one another, providing excellent results and superb value for money. In the case of the CCTV integration, users can view live video from any camera within the EXgarde Explorer window, so an incident reported by the access control system, for example, can immediately be investigated visually.

This is further enhanced by the ability to use Video Verification, whereby when specific events are generated (e.g. access is denied on a reader) a window will pop-up displaying live video from a chosen camera. The operator can then choose to unlock the door from the pop-up window if they are certain access should be granted.

Integration with Milestone's systems is also ideal for event tagging and compliance. Specific events can be tagged as they occur (or during playback) so an incident can be thoroughly investigated. This makes the review of recorded footage simple when the tagged events occur in the event list the recorded video can be played back corresponding to the event timestamp.

EverFocus partners with Digiever for better networked solutions

Editor / Provider: EverFocus Electronics | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Security 50

EverFocus is pleased to announce their new partnership with Digiever. For almost 20 years, EverFocus has been a leading integrated security solution manufacturer of CCTV cameras, DVRs, HDcctv, IP surveillance solutions, access control systems, as well as surveillance and access control peripherals. With Digiever DIGISTOR NVR series' support, EverFocus' network cameras can now satisfy various surveillance scenarios requests, and users can easily adapt the operation under more circumstances.

Established in 1995, EverFocus has been working diligently in the security business for almost 20 years now, with branches in the US, Germany, UK, Japan, India and China, EverFocus provides rapid response with optimal solutions to meet customers' satisfaction. The skilled R&D team works diligently to bring safety to our life through innovative ideas and advanced technology.

"We are pleased to gain an innovative partner in Digiever. This corroboration helps us to provide robust and powerful solutions for a wide range of applications. Digiever's platform is able to maximize benefits of the full lineup of EverFocus cameras, and allows us to bring value to an even wider customer base." said Joe Jen, Manager at EverFocus. The integration of EverFocus and Digiever is exciting, as it is the first cooperation for both parties. It will bring better service and more satisfied solution for more customers.

"We are excited by the integration between Digiever and EverFocus, as the integration has been smooth and successful. The integration with EverFocus provides users of both parties with solid surveillance bundle solution” said Allen Tseng, Product Manager of Digiever. "As the most reliable and ideal provider of Linux-based standalone NVR solution, Digiever keeps working on expanding the compatibility of IP cameras from reputed global brands and continues to support IP camera partners. Digiever devotes to giving users experience of more efficient network surveillance solutions. "

EverFocus works closely with third party technology partners to satisfy customers' needs in vertical markets such as mobile, city surveillance and banking solutions.

CEM Systems releases new software version

Editor / Provider: CEM Systems | Updated: 5/13/2013 | Article type: Security 50

CEM Systems, part of Tyco Security Products, announced the release of version 6.7 of AC2000 SE (Standard Edition) and AC2000 AE (Airport Edition) integrated access control and security management software. The latest release offers a host of new features that increase the performance and improve the functionality of the CEM AC2000 access control system.

“CEM AC2000 is a powerful access control system that is designed with the customer in mind” said Andrew Fulton, Senior Director of Global Sales, CEM Systems. “The enhanced features and functionality in this new release are based on valuable customer feedback and will ensure that AC2000 continues to provide a flexible access control solution that helps increase security, improve business efficiency and operational effectiveness for CEM sites around the world.”

New in version 6.7 are updates and enhancements to AC2000 WEB, CEM's powerful suite of browser based applications for AC2000. The AC2000 WEB menu has an improved and more intuitive look and feel to enhance user experience. In addition to the current suite of WEB applications, AC2000 now provides a unique WEB Zonal Control application for anti-tailgating. This new web based tool discourages tail-gating or passing back of cards to facilitate strict policy control of cardholder movements for operational efficiency. The AC2000 WEB Visitors application has also been updated with a ‘Batch Visitor Request Import' tool and new powerful WEB Reports. All these features continue to provide the power of the AC2000 system but through a web browser.

In addition, AC2000 v6.7 software includes enhanced support for emerald, CEM's revolutionary touch screen intelligent access terminal. emerald features a reader & controller in one, integrated VoIP intercom functionality and a range of remote applications that enable elements of AC2000 software to be accessed directly at the door. This latest v6.7 software release offers customers even more enhanced functionality including ‘Live video pop-up on intercom request', display of company advertising messages while emerald is idle and six new remote applications. When integrated with a CCTV system, operators can now see who they are talking to when a user initiates an emerald intercom request.

In addition, at v6.7, emerald supports the display of company advertisements which can be uploaded to AC2000 in JPG format as well as offering six new remote applications including Suppress/Enable Alarms for filtering alarms during maintenance periods and One Shot which enables security to remotely open doors from an emerald terminal for a short period of time. Other new applications include Open/Close to enable or disable PIR's or lights with a simple swipe and Online Status which allows users to view the status of all readers directly from an emerald terminal.

Another new feature in v6.7 is alarm escalation, allowing unacknowledged alarms from multiple sites to be forwarded to a supervisory operator workstation after a set time scale. New ‘Soft Anti-Passback' functionality also sends a silent alarm to the operator workstation to notify of access cards passed back in breach of policy. This new functionality can be applied on a reader by reader basis or per cardholder for full flexibility.

New focus, new momentum

Editor / Provider: Jill Lai, a&s International | Updated: 5/9/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Thermal imaging was once perceived to be suitable for high-end projects or demanded by military forces only. Today, things have certainly changed. Thermal imaging is now successfully deployed in a wide range of market segments. In 2013, market leader Flir Systems has adopted a vertical-driven approach to further expand and penetrate into the Asian market, as well as mid-end or commercial applications. Paolo Gianni Saranga, Business Development Manager for Security and Surveillance, Border Security Program and Maritime Products in APAC, shares with a&s on how the company makes it all happen.

Thermal imaging technology is reliable and has been proven to be increasingly cost-effective; under extreme lighting conditions, its capability and performance significantly surpass traditional CCTV cameras. Global market leader Flir Systems predicts that thermal imaging technology will start to take up more market share across different applications (particularly the commercial market), projects and emerging countries.

Flir now offers both affordable COTS products and high-end, long-range systems. “We offer products at all price points for a variety of different applications,” Saranga said. “Price, for Flir, is a very important factor. Through our volume production of this niche technology, the cost is getting lower and lower. Another key to our offering is a wide and diverse product portfolio. These two factors have allowed us to penetrate the Americas and EMEA markets, and now Asia, especially with a focus on Indian and Chinese markets that have a vast and varied assortment of security and protection requirements.”

**Don't forget to check out video interviews!**

Asian Fever
After its long history of success in the Americas and EMEA regions, Flir is replicating the same vertical management approach in Asia to bring greater expertise and focus to the APAC security market this year. “In general, our thermal imaging is well-positioned in key projects and in key consultants' minds — that it is a superior technology for specific applications, such as perimeter security. However, there are still many market sectors and regions where we still need to make more efforts in increasing our brand awareness. That is why we will be present in 18 different exhibitions in Asia this year,” Saranga stressed. “We will also actively educate the market via distributor seminars and a dedicated Flir road show throughout APAC to provide knowledge on the integration capabilities of our products. We offer free-of-charge SDKs for integrating the cameras into other systems, and our complete line of IP cameras are ONVIF-compliant. Ease of integration is a key factor since many large projects composed of different applications require best-of-breed solutions. The philosophy of openness will significantly improve our success and penetration strategy.”

Strong Network
This year, with more hands on deck and more eyes on Asia, Flir will work more closely with its dedicated distributors. “Our strategy is to create a group of specific and concentrated partners for each vertical market,” Saranga said. “The key to becoming one of our partners is, again, focus. In addition to having a distributing mindset and a complete package of products, our partners need to have a clear position in a certain market. We care about how they represent themselves in the market and how our products can be positioned into that and best represented.”

Danish visual arts museum turns to discreet IP-based surveillance

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 5/8/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

The Danish government's main museum for visual arts, the National Gallery of Denmark in Copenhagen, upgraded its CCTV system in 2012 consisting of 60 analog cameras to a discreet IP-based surveillance comprised of Axis Communications one-megapixel HD cameras and Mirasys NVRs to prevent priceless artworks from theft and damage. The solution was developed jointly between Axis and partner G4S in Denmark, while the product supplier and distributor of the project was EET Europarts.

The gallery has approximately 115 employees and 60 students who occupy the building. Extremely valuable and priceless artworks are on public display in the galleries. Art pieces must be protected from theft and damage, and the safety of the employees and the thousands of people visiting the gallery daily must also be secured. In 2012 the entire CCTV system was extensively upgraded. An important consideration was that the cameras should be discreet and not distract attention from the paintings, and that they should also be easy to move, as the building is reorganized up to two to three times annually.

The museum still has a large number of analog cameras in the system, but the plan is to replace even more of these with IP cameras. The remaining analog cameras are currently connected and integrated into the system using Axis video encoders. “All you need to do is install the camera, program the IP address and run the cable. And then it takes a couple of minutes to adjust the camera angle and the lens,” said Claus Bjerg, G4S. Moreover, one cable per camera is sufficient, as the cameras are powered via the network cable. (This is important as SMK is a listed building in which running cabling, drilling and structural alterations are strictly limited).

Visitors do not even notice the cameras, and for designers the cameras are easier to locate, due to its HD images. “I've not heard any of the designers complain about the cameras,” said the museum's Security Manager Mike Coffman.“On the contrary, several have actually praised the decision to make the conversion.”

As the entire system is based on an open platform, it can be simply upgraded in line with technological development. There are also plans to exploit the opportunities of using intelligent applications, for example, to calculate the number of visitors and analyze how they move around the building. “Apart from using them to calculate how many people are in the building, it's possible to see how visitors move around and between the galleries,” said Coffman.“This is very useful information when planning exhibitions. It would also be good to be able to use intelligence in case of an evacuation, to know whether there are people left in the building and in that case, their location.”

Synectics extends contract with UK bus operator Stagecoach

Editor / Provider: Synectics | Updated: 5/8/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Synectics, announced a new three-year contract with Stagecoach, one of the UK's largest bus operators.

Synectics, which has worked with Stagecoach for 10 years, will supply, install and maintain new CCTV solutions across Stagecoach's fleet of vehicles under the continued partnership, worth more than ￡5 million over three years. The contract addresses new requirements, for example from Transport for London, for a higher quality of captured image and increased storage capacity.

“We are delighted to have been chosen by Stagecoach to continue our successful ten year partnership,” said John Shepherd, CEO of Synectics. “The Synectics solution addresses the needs for increased image quality and recording times, along with improved storage capacity. We look forward to working with Stagecoach to further improve passenger safety, reduce crime and combat fraudulent insurance claims over the next three years and beyond.”

Hikvision delivers webinar training for UK installers and users

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 5/7/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Hikvision, in conjunction with Tavcom Training UK – a leading security systems training company, has recently launched a webinar training program specifically designed for the understanding of the latest Hikvision video surveillance products and solutions.

This online webinar training program is specially tailored towards installers, system integrators, and end-users throughout the UK market. The goal of this program is to better facilitate detailed and specific knowledge of Hikvision products to these vital market segments. Included in this curriculum are key product features and basic operation skills overall, this program will allow Hikvision partners/customers to more fully construct surveillance solutions catering to market demand – all conveniently utilizing Hikvision's broad range of products, and experienced service professionals, that form the core of Hikvision – the world's leading CCTV & video surveillance equipment provider.

This online training course will be divided into three modules: DVR/NVR, IP cameras and Hikvision client software. Hikvision offers the first 1,000 participants free access to the webinar training.

“Hikvision has made significant strides in its ongoing effort to gain market share in the UK market. After our established UK technical support hotline, this webinar training program is another great Hikvision step in delivering new levels of excellence in both service and support. Additionally, we relish this opportunity to further enhance our customer and partner relationships in the UK,” noted Tony Yang, Hikvision's GM for the UK market.

EverFocus wins IP Camera Excellence Award at Secutech International 2013

Editor / Provider: EverFocus | Updated: 5/6/2013 | Article type: Security 50

EverFocus awarded the camera Excellence Awards in IP camera contest at 2013 Secutech in Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall last week.

2013 Secutech, International Security Expo held from Apr. 24 -26, attracted over 520 manufacturers and professional visitors from 19 countries to Taiwan. EverFocus - an a&s 2012 Security Top 50 manufacturer -- received 2013 Secutech Camera Excellence Awards with their EAN3300― a 3 Megapixel IP Camera. With this award, the well-known CCTV manufacturer made a clear announcement to the world that they are ready for the IP battle, and once again proved their continuous hard work in IP producing is paid-off.

Earlier this year, the EverFocus EPN4220 IP speed dome received this year's Taiwan Excellence Award. Winning another IP camera Excellence Award at Secutech shows that the expansion of their product line is continuing successfully. The award proved their R&D engineers have also developed an extensive expertise in IP products.

During the contest, organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media, cameras of various brands were set up to monitor the color saturation and restoration, effective frame rate, camera shutter speed, and resolution performance. The contest also had an on-site live demo component, that not only served as a clear buyer's guide for IP Cameras but also a big encouragement for EverFocus and its business partners.

The EverFocus EAN3300 is a box-type IP camera delivering 3 Megapixel image resolution. It features WDR functionality, which can provide clear images even under back light circumstances where intensity of illumination can vary excessively. H.264/M-JPEG multi-stream output is available for simultaneous live monitoring and high-resolution recording. The EAN3300 is designed for simple installation and supports all types of indoor mounting applications.

The HD-SDI Demonstration was also a highlight of the Secutech. HD-SDI cameras and DVRs were installed to monitor banking activities in a simulated environment. EverFocus showed off their EPHD04 DVR and EQH5202, providing a total banking solution and achieved resounding success in this demonstration.

The EverFocus EPHD04 DVR supports 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 resolution HDcctv cameras and offers real time HD recording and playback for all cameras at 1080p resolution. At the same time, all cameras are available for remote live display with reduced bandwidth. The built-in HDcctv DVR web server enables live display and playback of video footage without the use of specific software - a PC with web browser is all you require. Users can search video by date, time and event or filter by type of recording quickly and efficiently.