TI releases ZigBee single-chip based on ARM for BA/HA applications

Editor / Provider: Texas Instruments | Updated: 5/15/2013 | Article type: Component

To simplify the development of ZigBee wireless connectivity-enabled smart energy infrastructure, home and building automation and intelligent lighting gateways, Texas Instruments (TI) announced the availability of the CC2538 SoC. The SoC is cost-efficient with an ARM Cortex-M3 MCU, memory and hardware accelerators on one piece of silicon. The SoC supports ZigBee pro, ZigBee smart energy and ZigBee home automation and lighting standards to deliver interoperability with existing and future ZigBee products. The SoC also supports IP standards-based development using IEEE 802.15.4 and 6LoWPAN IPv6 networks for maximum flexibility.

"The dynamic nature of smart energy, home automation and lighting systems require performance and flexibility to meet the varying memory, security and standard support needs of manufacturers," said Mark Grazier, Program Manager, Wireless Connectivity Solutions, TI. "The CC2538 is truly a unique product in the market with its integration and support of ZigBee and other IP-based standards like 802.15.4 and 6LoWPAN IPv6."

Additional features and benefits of the CC2538:

• Efficient processing for centralized networks and reduced bill of materials cost through integrated ARM Cortex-M3 core
• Support smart energy infrastructure applications with scalable memory options from 128K to 512K Flash
• Sustain a mesh network with hundreds of end nodes via integrated 8K to 32K RAM options that are pin-for-pin compatible for maximum flexibility
• Enable a secure, fast bring-up a system while using less energy through AES-128/256, SHA2 integrated hardware encryption engine, optional ECC-128/256, and RSA hardware acceleration engine for secure key exchange
• Optimized for battery-powered applications using only 1.3uA in sleep mode
• Temperature operation up to 125 degrees Celsius
• Support fast digital management—no interfaces are required externally or between system-on-chip components

Development tools and software
The CC2538 development kit (CC2538DK) provides a complete development platform for the CC2538 allowing users to see all functionality without additional layout. It comes with high-performance CC2538 evaluation modules (CC2538EMK) and mother boards with an integrated ARM Cortex-M3 debug probe for software development and peripherals including an LCD, buttons, LEDs, light sensor and accelerometer for creating demo software. The boards are also compatible with TI's SmartRF Studio for running RF performance tests.

The CC2538 supports current and future Z-Stack releases from TI and over the air downloads of software for easier upgrades in the field.

Pricing and Availability
The CC2538 comes in an 8mm x 8mm QFN56 package and is available through authorized distributors for under $3.00 in high volumes. The CC2538 is also available through TI's free sample program. The CC2538DK costs $299 and can be ordered on TI's eStore.

Napco lock division revenues grew 20% in 2013 Q1

Editor / Provider: Napco | Updated: 5/14/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Napco Security Technologiesannounced financial results for its third fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Highlights:
- Net sales for the quarter were $17.2 million, unchanged from the year-ago period. Gains from door-locking product revenues were offset by decreases in revenues from intrusion products and, to a lesser, extent, access control products.
- Sales within the Marks brand of products grew 29% in the quarter, representing the third consecutive quarter of growth in this unit.
- Sales of NAPCO's high-margin commercial locking division and recurring revenue products delivered continued growth versus a year ago with StarLink2 recurring revenues increasing 20%, sequentially.
- Year-to-date (nine month) gross margins were relatively flat compared to last year (27.1% vs. 27.6%) despite $1.5 million in lower revenues due to weakness in the intrusion division and an incremental $700,000 in R&D investment in the current year.
- Debt, net of cash, has been reduced by $21.0 million from $35.9 million to $14.9 million since acquiring Marks in August of 2008. $2.4 million of this reduction occurred in the past nine months.

As a result of the lower debt levels and reductions in interest rates, net interest expense for the nine months decreased by $449,000 or 51% to $440,000 as compared to $889,000 for the same period a year ago.

Richard Soloway, Chairman and President of Napco stated, "For the third consecutive quarter, our Marks product line delivered a quarter of solid growth and is recovering nicely. We saw an up tick in our high-margin commercial locking division revenues as well as increases in recurring revenue from installations of StarLink2. These gains, however, were offset by lower revenue from the Intrusion product line as demand from distributors remains temporarily subdued, owing to continued effects of 'Superstorm Sandy' in some of our key markets, the consolidation of a few large intrusion distributors and decreased demand from one of our large intrusion dealers. Napco's StarLink2 wireless GSM alarm communicator continued to grow sales again this quarter, fueling the steady growth of products, which provide Napco with recurring revenue income. There is a strong and growing trend in the industry to install GSM-equipped signal communication versus traditional wired phone lines. We are seeing this same focus on technology in all areas of our industry and it is a primary reason we continue to invest heavily in research and development to deliver the next generation of technology-driven security products. For example, iBridge and iRemote comprise a suite of recurring revenue services, allowing consumers to remotely control their security systems, video cameras, thermostats, door locking, and lighting remotely from any smart phone or PC. Home automation is driving demand for this series of products and we are poised to benefit from this trend.

"Looking ahead, we expect our investments in next generation access control technology to contribute to our revenues beginning in the June quarter. In particular, we are pleased to announce that iBridge product shipments to dealers have now begun, and based on growing interest from distributors and installers, we expect solid sequential growth from this technologically advanced product throughout the remainder of this year and beyond. As iBridge begins to contribute to our Intrusion division's sales, combined with continued strength in our locking division and expected growth in our access control segment, we expect to deliver top-line growth, which should ultimately translate to even faster bottom-line expansion. As we move into the fourth fiscal quarter, historically our strongest quarter of the year, our optimism remains strong as we have the right products, supported by best-in-class technology, and the advantage of a low-cost manufacturing capability." Soloway concluded, "Subsequent to the end of the quarter, Continental access control booked a significant contract with a major university to install and integrate over 1,500 Networx wireless locks to enhance campus security and provide state-of-the-art access control. This sale, which represents the largest single order ever for Continental access control, and is among the largest in the history of our Company, validates our commitment to serving this important segment and we believe this could be the first of several in this growing market. We secured this contract, based on superior technology, our ability to deliver it quickly and also our ability to customize the product to meet the university's exacting architectural specifications. We are hard at work to deliver as much of this as possible in the fourth quarter, and we expect additional orders from other universities who are looking to improve on-campus security using state-of-the-art technology. As a recognized leader, we are well positioned to meet this demand."

Napco reports high demand for home automation

Editor / Provider: Napco Security Technologies | Updated: 4/19/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Napco Security Technologies, recently reported high demands for home automation and alarm system products from dealers at a U.S. trade show. Other products that received great level of interest, included radio communicators, wireless lock systems, as well as physical security integration software, said Richard Soloway, Chairman and President of Napco. Soloway went on highlighting rising security concerns and other factors behind growing demands for these products in the security sector.

Napco's home automation app for smartphones and tablets enables home owners to remotely control alarm functions, lighting, thermostats and door locks, said Soloway. The company and its dealers will be able to charge end user customers additional recurring revenue over and above alarm monitoring for all these additional services. Future proof radio communicators that can be upgraded using plug-in radio modules to 3G, 4G or 5G radio services have also become a strong growth area as traditional dial up phone lines are being phased out in premises.

Electronic wireless lock systems and low cost mechanical door locks were also well received by dealers, added Soloway. The wireless lock system can lock down any section of a school, university or business facility with the operation of a remote control device/console located in the security or management office. Dealers also showed interest in physical security integration software that integrates all Napco alarms, radio controlled locks and access control into a single network.

"The timing is right for these products because security concerns have risen to higher levels”, explained Soloway. "Demand for security equipment is being driven by numerous factors including (1) stabilizing economic conditions, (2) concerns about crime and terrorism, (3) technology improvements which are enabling further market penetration and spurring a strong replacement and upgrade market, and (4) by giving security dealers an opportunity to trade up their customers monthly monitoring rates for additional remote service functionality."

Italian housing complex keeps eye on underground parking with IP control center

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 4/16/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

The Aventis Tecnoliving housing complex, recently constructed and located in a strategic position for access to amenities and key location in the new heart of Brescia, Italy, deployed a closed-circuit video control system to give residents and visitors using its underground parking facility peace of mind, at any hour of the day or night. The system is based on a one-Gbps LAN network with around 39 Axis minidomes, a control room with remote connection, and VMS in its parking area. The system integrator for the complex is P.A. Integrated Systems.

The system covers both underground parking levels, the first of which is reserved for residents and the public, and the second, used almost exclusively by the stores that are located within the complex. The low light fixed domes were positioned to cover areas of particular risk: three cameras for each of the four sets of stairs present at every level, six cameras for the passageways on each floor, one for the entry and exit ramps on the first floor and two for those on the second. “Point-to-point” architecture is used for this system. The anti-vandal fixed dome model chosen has exceptional light sensitivity, and provides high quality video and color images even in low light conditions, a feature useful for identification purposes.

The control room in the stairwell uses Axis VMS, which allows users to schedule recording as required, making video data available in real time, and permitting 24-hour remote viewing. “The video surveillance architecture, equipped with Axis cameras, is discreetly integrated, with intrusion detection systems and home automation technology within apartments and shops,” said Cesare Allegri, Manager at Aventis.

The solution adopted led to the perpetrators of a car theft being identified, and the system guarantees the safety and security of the entire area without the need for on-site staff. The video surveillance system can also identify the location of traffic jams in the car park and detect the reason for these in real-time, while simultaneously collecting anonymous data for the study and analysis of vehicle flows. Looking at the future, the housing complex has requested that a further extension of the system be considered.

Honeywell expands home automation systems to include lighting control

Editor / Provider: Honeywell Security | Updated: 4/4/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Most residential and commercial models from Honeywell's popular VISTA series of alarm panels now support lighting, shade and temperature control technology from lighting-control pioneer Lutron Electronics, giving security and home-automation professionals a greater range of options when designing connected-home systems for their customers.

By supporting Lutron's RadioRA 2 Total Home Control System, the VISTA panels allow installers to offer homeowners the ability to save energy and create lighting scenes based on whether their security systems are armed. For example, the Lutron system can be programmed to turn off lights, close shades and roll back the temperature if the alarm panel is armed, either through a keypad or remotely. Additionally, the solution can turn lights on if the alarm is tripped by an intruder.

"Home protection should never be an afterthought, and more of our customers today understand that security needs to play a prominent role in any home-automation system," said Rich Black, director, residential product management and business development, Lutron. "Combining the RadioRA 2 Total Home Control System with the VISTA panels makes it that much simpler for system professionals to deliver value to their customers."

Both the Honeywell alarm and Lutron RadioRA 2 system are available through the ADI distribution network.

"Advanced technology has become an expectation for today's homeowners in terms of comfort, energy efficiency and personal protection," said Alan Stoddard, senior marketing director, Honeywell Security Products Americas. "As a result, interest in home automation has never been higher. Having our wider range of VISTA panels support the RadioRA 2 system means more homeowners have an easier path to a home automation system."

Mobotix aligns with Ingram Micro's Avad in new distribution agreement targeting HA market

Editor / Provider: Mobotix | Updated: 2/21/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Mobotix announced a new distribution relationship with Avad, an Ingram Micro subsidiary and a leading distributor of customer electronics and Pro AV products. The strategic agreement authorizes Avad to deliver the complete line of Mobotix IP technologies to the security and home automation markets.

Under the new North American agreement, Avad will market, sell and support the Mobotix suite of networked security devices including the hemispheric camera, double hemispheric camera and 6-megapixel dome camera. Avad will also help drive new business opportunities within the home automation market as an authorized distributor of the Mobotix IP video door station.The IP door station equipped with a high-resolution camera that utilizes Mobotix hemispheric technology to achieve a 180-degreefield of view, two-way communication and integrated keyless access. By aligning with Avad, Mobotix can build upon existing business while identifying new avenues for growth for its complete line of networked technologies.

"The home automation and security markets are merging together as users and technology providers find new ways to combine technologies for increased efficiency," said Cynthia Menna, Senior Manager of Commercial Sales for Avad. "Mobotix has an outstanding reputation as one of the premier providers of integrated IP-based security solutions and its products will provide our dealers with profitable solutions designed to easily integrate with various systems and devices."

Mobotix will now have access to Avad's robust network of more than 15,000 professional integrators and its 24 North American branches. The local branches deliver comprehensive sales and support to provide dealers with the tools and information necessary to provide systems that exceed customerexpectations and ensure profitability.

"Our advanced security products, together with Avad's security, home automation and IT expertise, will fuel new opportunities forresellers and integrators across North America," said Steve Gorski, GM for the Americas, Mobotix. "By aligning with Avad, we are able tap into their extensive market reach while building upon our goal to ensure that customers can benefit from our cost effective and industry-leading IP-based innovations."

Mobotix welcomes outdoor lighting tech partner Totus Solutions

Editor / Provider: Mobotix | Updated: 1/31/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Mobotix, an provider of high-resolution, network-based surveillance systems, announced that Totus Solutions, a manufacturer of outdoor lighting-based security platforms, has joined the Mobotix global technology partner network. Participation in the program ensures seamless integration of Mobotix IP surveillance devices with Totus technologies.

The global partner network is designed to help Mobotix partners take advantage of the business opportunities within the fast growing IP video surveillance market. Partners benefit from direct contact with Mobotix for sales and marketing tools, as well as professional training, technical support and the latest developments in IP video technology and home automation from Mobotix.

Totus' security platforms use LED lighting as a deterrence mechanism in commercial and government applications. The Totus technology incorporates Mobotix megapixel IP video surveillance, multi-day media storage and communications options to provide reactive capabilities and evidentiary support.

Robust IP video surveillance capabilities are provided by Mobotix Q24 hemispheric cameras, which deliver 360-degree views and feature a compact, weatherproof design. The Mobotix Q24 hemispheric camera is an ultra-compact, IP network dome camera with a special hemispheric lens. When mounted on the ceiling, the camera is capable of providing a complete 360-degree all-around view or when mounted on the wall, provides a 180-degree panoramic view. The Q24s high image quality is achieved through the use of a 3.1 megapixel sensor. An integrated Micro SD/SD card provides up to 80 hours of continuous recording with audio. Furthermore, the Mobotix Q24 includes MxControlCenter, a professional video management system with event search, image processing, lens distortion correction, PTZ support and more, at no cost.

The Totus security platforms also benefit from video analytics built-in to the Q24 to trigger lighting control and audio functionalities. When a Mobotix camera detects motion according to user-defined alarm parameters, the solution flashes lights, plays pre-recorded messages and sound, and emails video clips to predefined users. Since the Mobotix cameras feature edge-based recording, all data is processed within the camera to lower network bandwidth, which maximizes the use of virtual PTZ, video analytics and 360-degree hemispheric technology with panoramic view.

"Totus security platforms incorporate ‘green' LED lighting optimized for video surveillance. These purpose-built platforms transform passive surveillance into a deterrent to provide an all-in-one solution for a vast number of market opportunities," said Gregory G. Williams, President and CEO of TOTUS Solutions. "As a leader in the IP surveillance space, Mobotix is an ideal partner to help further improve upon the robust capabilities of our products."

"The Totus security platforms are highly effective for crime deterrence in remote and perimeter applications," said Steve Gorski, GM for Americas at Mobotix. "Our partnership with Totus will capitalize on their innovation by adding evidentiary support, powerful analytics and 360-degree surveillance. We look forward to being able to serve even more customers by integrating our surveillance technologies with this feature-rich solution."

Honeywell updates Total Connect interactive user guide on iTunes

Editor / Provider: Honeywell Security | Updated: 1/31/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Honeywell announced the update of the Interactive User Guide for Honeywell Total Connect 2.0. Total Connect Remote Services allows consumers to utilize smartphones, cameras and other compatible wireless devices to stay connected to their homes and businesses wherever they are.

The app—which serves as an excellent selling and training tool—demonstrates the rich capabilities and ease of use of Total Connect and highlights several new tutorials, including Z-Wave home automation for thermostats, lighting and locks, enhanced notifications, user management, location management, notification setup and weather, traffic and news.

Home Sweet Home

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu, asmag.com | Updated: 1/30/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

2012 would be remembered as the pivotal year for home security. A perfect concoction of investment, technology and new entrants has now changed the market landscape forever. Service/business models, ubiquitous broadband and smartphones have finally colluded to make home security and surveillance a more than affordable and viable solution. According to Frost & Sullivan, even the cash-strapped European region is expected to witness a CAGR of 7.7 percent in the home automation and security segment, to surpass US$450 million by 2017.

In 2012, Vivint was sold to The Blackstone Group for more than US$2 billion, and ADT in North America was spun off from Tyco International to form the independently operated ADT Corporation. Of course, everyone now recognizes that the big play here is not just security but home automation; offering numerous services with little extra "cost per user" required, by virtue of cloud computing. "This is the opportunity that has got markets and investors excited," said James McHale, MD of Memoori Business Intelligence. "But for all the hyperbole and talk of doubling residential penetration, have the ‘big boys' really embraced the revolution? Or, have they left the door open for smaller and more innovative companies to gain a foothold?"

Mark Richards of Hive Labs certainly thinks so. "Our vision is that everyone should have home security and not at $30 to $50 a month. The alarm business models are still exactly the same as they ever were, and it won't last forever. Long-term contracts, not being open and honest with pricing, and salespeople knocking on doors are from another era." Richards puts forward a persuasive argument, in McHale's view. Almost all the smaller companies entering the market have a background in software. They understand it. Web services, cloud, agile programming techniques and third-party APIs, for example, enable companies like Hive to offer video surveillance services for $5 per month with no contract. "It's services like Hive that have a shot at growing the US market to 40-percent penetration, not the incumbents," Richards said.

According to McHale, the home automation market in 2013 is up for grabs. “Winners will be the ones that can offer the same seamless experience that consumers have come to expect from the likes of Apple.”

While the market is seeing a shift in technology and increased demand for innovative products, the supply chain is also responding to such developments.

Tech Development
Home automation installation has always been of interest almost exclusively to professional home automation specialists. However, more manufacturers are currently determined to simplify home automation, and spread installation and programming know-how to more participants in the supply chain, according to Frost & Sullivan's latest European home automation and security market report. They have intensified their focus on training traditional electrical contractors, and are exploring other routes to market in order to reach a wider customer base.

"We expect to see continued expansion of home automation services, with lifestyle enhancement playing a major role as an additional offering to home safety and security," said Merlin Guilbeau, Executive Director and CEO of the Electronic Security Association. "These services are making customers' lives not only safer and more secure, but simpler, more energy-efficient, convenient and entertaining." Recent examples include the home automation/security panels, launched by the likes of Google/Motorola Mobility, Honeywell Security and SMC Networks, residing in tablet/pad form factors and remotely controllable/viewable via smartphones. "At the association, we're stressing the importance of being ahead of the game. Whether it's the 2-G sunset, the disappearance of POTS, or the continued rise of home automation as a source of RMR, it's important to be proactive rather than reactive," Guilbeau cautioned. "Even though none of the issues is a surprise to anyone, what remains to be seen is how security integrators and businesses can turn these trends to their advantage."

What follows is a helpful list of things to look out for when sourcing and implementing security systems for three different dwelling types: single house, apartment building and gated community.

Single Houses
The most critical requirement is the migration of backup dialers to 3-G/4-G, as the sunset on 2-G nears. Additionally, the price war on system equipment and services will only intensify, with more mobile technology providers and service carriers entering the scene, said Balázs Rózsás, Head of IP Cam Technologies, a Hungarian surveillance dealer that is also branching into home automation and security with its partners. "With the global economic backdrop, affordable price/performance will be sure to come up in every conversation and inquiry."

Other alarm system considerations include:
- WCDMA/HSDPA/GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900/2100MHz for remote setup and viewing
- Preconfigured and remote arming/disarming
- Wireless motion/intrusion detectors with adjustable sensitivity levels, independent zoning and arming/disarming
- Integratable with nighttime megapixel cameras (video at UXGA or 1,600×1,200 or stills at QVGA or 320×240, with onboard audio/video storage and motion detection with proper timestamps
- Auto dialing, texting, video texting, emailing, voice/video over IP and mobile apps, and a combination of the above while notifying the security service provider or authorities

Apartment Buildings
Video door phones and video intercoms are increasingly blurred. Key purchasing considerations include the following.

Main Gate
- Aesthetically pleasing, vandal-proof, weather-proof video cameras with easily adjustable viewing angles
- Ergonomically adjustable keypads or touch panels
- Intuitively designed, easy-to-use pads or panels that visitors do not need to squint and study for a few minutes and can find whom they want to reach and where to press in seconds

Property Manager/Guard Unit
- Easy-to-use interface for visual/audio verification of visitors/guests, preferably available on a mobile unit (with GPS), and for paging a specific tenant (without looking into their home)
- Mass notification capability where there are multiple managers/guards, without affecting system reliability and cost
- Centralized management software, with digital maps, for overseeing multiple buildings and guards

Apartment Unit
- More discreet wall-mount
- 4” to 7” color displays (TFT-LED)
- Wireless handsets or pads that are open to home automation integration and software upgrades

Gated Communities
Access control of tenants, visitors and vehicles can be extremely complex, so the No. 1 requirement would be scalability and versatility. Reliability of IP networks can also be shaky at times, so a dedicated VPN architecture must be put in place, with auto system diagnostics, backup power and emergency maneuvers.

Equipment Security
-Temperature/moisture/mold/smoke/fire/weather/shock/explosion/lightening/interference-proof

Functionality
- Tenant/visitor/vehicle management open for building automation and guard/service management integration

Scalability
- Open platform for various software and communication protocols, with readily available standardized parts, modules and apps

Vivotek IP cams integrated with Elan home automation and A/V systems

Editor / Provider: Vivotek | Updated: 1/30/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Elan Home Systems, an industry provider in home automation and A/V technology, has integrated Vivotek's 8000 series IP camera lineup into its award-winning g! Entertainment and Control System. The cameras are supported in core module version 6.1 or newer, which allow for video streaming, PTZ, motion detection, and image flip functions in the cameras. The g!Tools Network Manager can be used to discover Vivotek cameras on the network, which, once configured, can be used to view video from a residence or premises to deter intrusion or view family members.

Vivotek's IP camera line ranges in image resolution from VGA to HD to 5-Megapixel, including models that provide many advanced features such as supreme night visibility, H.264 compression, removable IR-cut filter with built in IR illuminators, P-iris, remote zoom & focus, and much more.

"We are very excited about this new partnership with Elan," said Harry Hu, President of Vivotek USA. "Everyone has seen the convergence of voice, video, and technology that new innovations are bringing to the industry. Now, Vivotek has further broadened the scope of this convergence with Elan's exciting platform."

According to Elan Home Systems Brand Manager Robert Ridenour, "Elan partners with best-in-class entertainment, climate, security, lighting, irrigation, and custom home electronics manufacturers to make sure our products and theirs work together seamlessly. Our dedication to third-party component integration makes the Elan g! system a powerful foundation for any home control or entertainment system, including the Vivotek line of IP-based security cameras."

"The ability to easily integrate high-definition video cameras and microphones that can be controlled and viewed remotely has broadened the appeal of complete home control solutions," Ridenour explained. "Elan and Vivotek are on the cutting edge of home security, and Elan will stay on the cutting edge by always integrating the industry's best third-party solutions."