Verint presents expanded intelligence solutions for retail sector

Editor / Provider: Verint | Updated: 6/12/2014 | Article type: Security 50

Verint Systems has newly expanded its portfolio of security and business intelligence solutions for the retail sector to continue delivering advanced technologies to help reduce fraud and loss, boost operational efficiency and improve the customer experience.

At the upcoming NRF Loss Prevention event this week, Verint will highlight a variety of intelligent solutions designed to reduce shrinkage and theft, according to Alex Johnson, senior director of retail, Verint Video and Situation Intelligence Solutions. “At Verint, we're committed to providing technologies that limit and negate vulnerabilities in loss prevention operations and reach beyond traditional security uses by integrating with common retail platforms through open standards and interfaces,” he added.

To help reduce shrinkage and achieve a significant return on investment, Verint provides retailers with Verint solutions, which include a comprehensive portfolio designed to meet the specific needs of a variety of retailers—from enterprise-class to specialty stores.

Advancements to Network Video Recorder (NVR)
Verint's comprehensive NVR platform, the EdgeVR, is designed to deliver scalable and enterprise-class video monitoring and recording capabilities. The NVR platform enhances security and streamlines investigations for retailers, allowing them to close cases quickly and proactively minimize losses. The latest version delivers all the benefits of an embedded NVR, including bandwidth optimization, remote access and robust surveillance analytics. It easily scales to support up to 64 IP and analog cameras, providing a path to migration for budget-conscious retailers.

Additional features include H.264 and MPEG-4 compression options and scalable storage options up to 16 terabytes. Consistent with the EdgeVR's open platform design, it integrates with various edge devices helping retailers leverage current infrastructures and expand to meet future system demands.

Further updates to the EdgeVR include advanced investigation tools, such as face detection, license plate recognition and a variety of surveillance analytics, providing retailers new levels of situation awareness. Other capabilities include:

Surveillance Analytics-- it  provides loitering detection, directional movement, line crossing, object left behind and missing item identification. Once the system identifies a predefined movement, it can send emails or SMS to the appropriate personnel, or relay messages to associated systems.

Mobile Client--it  allows security operators to remotely access video and view live and recorded video from multiple cameras simultaneously. Accessible from Apple iOS devices, the application delivers 10 pre-defined screen layout options, zoom capabilities and the ability to access recent camera views.

IP Camera Integrations--they  include supportfor the new economic line of Verint V3300 IP cameras, the Oncam Grandeye 360 camera when larger fields of view are required, and a Height Strip Camera for store entrances and exits.

Intelligent video from LILIN ensures situational awareness

Editor / Provider: Sponsored by LILIN | Updated: 6/9/2014 | Article type: Commercial Markets

The increasing numbers of thefts as well as terrorist attacks have become the driving force in explosion of security surveillance market in order to protect assets and lives. The security awareness is even stronger in the hospitality sector. Hotel/serviced apartment surveillance has become more important than ever. Installed surveillance system can well protect both the hotel and the guests.

 

Challenges
Everyday Home Apartment at Beijing Xizhimen branch, one of the region's most established serviced apartment hotel chains, has installed LILIN video security surveillance systems to reach total situational awareness. Beijing Xizhimen serviced apartment provides 40 rooms and suits, and is able to accommodate more than 100 guests. The management team requested a long-term security solution, and they chose an integrated and highly scalable security system based on open standards, provided by LILIN.

Solutions
In this project, Beijing Xizhimen serviced apartment hotel installed 21 L series IP-based cameras, 9-channel NVRs (NVR109) and 4-channel NVRs (NVR404c / NVR104). The system is managed through the intuitive and user-friendly video management software, CMX.

Besides, Beijing Xizhimen serviced apartment deployed 9 IP cameras( LR7022) in the hotel. LR7022, 2-megapixel IP Day/Night outdoor IR dome, is idea for both indoor and outdoor environment; they achieve high-performance WDR, 3D noise reduction, and true Day / Night function that delivers high quality image and meets the vandal proof needs that the serviced apartment required at the same time.

The advantages of using front-end NVR devices are able to save bandwidth and cost. Front-end NVR109, NVR104, and NVR404c work exceptionally well for remote locations or extended facilities where there is poor bandwidth back to the monitoring location, as it eliminates maintaining a remote server.

  Products at a glance
1080P HD Dome IP CameraLD2222 x 6
Day/Night 1080P HD IR IP CameraLR7022 x6
Day/Night 1080P HD Vandal Resistant Dome IR IP CameraLR6122 x9
1080P real-time multi-touch portable 4 channel standalone NVR NVR404c x 9
1080P Real-time Multi-touch 4 Channel Standalone NVR NVR104 x 1
1080P Real-time Multi-touch 9 Channel Standalone NVRNVR109 x 1
PoE switch PMH-POE24390WAT x 1 

Customer Feedback
With the installation of the LILIN video surveillance, not only the hotel can keep guests of the serviced apartment safe from violence and theft, but also provides evidences and prevents crimes to create a pleasant stay for all the guests visiting Everyday Home Apartment at Beijing Xizhimen. Moreover, the executive team of Everyday Home Apartment intends to use LILIN solutions for other branches in the future.

 

Sponsored by: 
LILIN is a global IP video manufacturer with over 30 years of experience. Throughout the years, the company has maintained its dedication to Creativity, Progress, and Excellence providing expertise in digital video with a strong focus on innovation moving forward.

Chinese home camera makers' aggressive moves for exports

Editor / Provider: Weili Lin, a&s SMAhome | Updated: 6/5/2014 | Article type: Hot Topics

China makers deem the home security camera industry to be uprising in the following years. Being export-oriented, they smell a business opportunity in the global market demand of usability and trendy outlook. They also addressed importance of the emerging domestic market where surveillance kits are still in high demand and the sales of affordable own-brand models has been growing.

China is the largest sourcing base for home security cameras with hundreds of direct manufacturers and traders, offering both OEM/ODM and own-brand business. There are large companies like Foscam, Hikvision, Dahua, and SMART EYE (Wansview), along with much more small and midsized suppliers. The China camera suppliers are clustered in Guangdong and Zhejiang. They consider Europe and North America to be two major markets. They rely on distributors and resellers for export business. A few of them like Foscam put their own-brand cameras to physical or online stores like Amazon. Langshixing exports part of its products under its own brand Slinda. The majority of the China-made cameras are distributed worldwide under their customers' brands nevertheless. For example, Yiant offers OEM and ODM services to worldwide branded companies, mostly in Europe, Asia and the US.

EXPORT-ORIENTED
About export markets, Keen Yao, International Marketing Director of Hikvision sees the US as the largest and most potential export market due to its mature network infrastructure. Asia is a promising area over the next few years to China makers. I Vision, whose major export markets are in Europe and the US, regards Southeast Asia as the fast-growing area. As for the domestic market, China market is still at the introduction stage, having relatively lower growth rate over the next few years. The penetration rate seems to grow at a slow pace due to low consumer acceptance and incomplete network infrastructure.

COMMON FORM FACTORS, DIFFERENT APPROACHES
The major three types of home security cameras offered by China makers are cube, PTZ and all-in-one (robot-type) models of wireless IP cameras. The latter two are generally called the robot type. The cameras from China offer diversified and security-oriented designs. Integration with other features like push alarming is China makers' next focus.

Hikvision, Dahua, Lingshi, Yiant and Langshixing pointed out the importance of a total solution containing network cameras, software and cloud or NVR storages. It is a trend to sell home security cameras via surveillance kits to residential communities and complexes. Most of them are surveillance companies who offer both NVRs and security cameras. A few of them are NVR suppliers to offer surveillance kits by working with IP camera companies. For example, Yeastar, a NVR provider, offers surveillance kits with an IP network camera company Milesight.

It is an emerging trend for China makers to sell their own-brand products via the online stores like tmall.com and Amazon, or via physical channels like Walmart, JCPenny and Auchan.

FOCUS ON USEREXPERIENCE AND WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY
User experience is an emphasis for China makers, referring to application-oriented design and ease of use. They try to offer products with easy setup and user-friendly experience that are important for home users. Yao of Hikvision indicated that ease of use is a major design direction for the consumer market. Jimmy Cai, Sales Director of Huanso indicated that wireless systems are more suitable for home users than those wired solutions without complicated wiring. Cai added that plug-n-play is essential for the DIY market. So far, Wi-Fi and RF2.4GHz are two major wireless standards. Wi-Fi connectivity is the major adoption for new products.

We can see application-oriented solutions like baby monitors which can also be used to watch the elderly and pets. The cameras usually come with cute shapes and wireless connectivity with small-sized monitors or wireless mobile devices. In terms of functionality, users can setup configuration within minutes by the mobile phone or control by the remotes. Besides, Huanso's IP cameras features non-stop vibrating alert to notify users more effectively unlike most systems sending solely message alerts. Regarding ease of use, Milesight's mini dome features a click-open enclosure to offer easy maintenance.

Multifunctional or integrated design is kind of China's innovation. Milesight, one of a few companies to offer integrated function, releases cube IP cameras supporting remote surveillance over SIP phones besides smartphones and PCs. Moreover, JMC Electon offers JMC-WF28 Wi-Fi home security camera, resembling alarm sensors and featuring wall-mounting and remote control. The sensor-like outlook is designed to warn intruders and avoid sabotage. EAZZYDV bulb-shaped IP cameras work as both Wi-Fi cameras and LED bulbs. The device can just be screwed in like a bulb and comes with the rechargeable backup battery for emergency use. The product supports universal AC voltage range from 100 to 240V, applied for worldwide markets. Those two are kind of hidden-type cameras.

Axis, Grantfen and Genetec watch over Manchester City Council offices

Editor / Provider: Axis | Updated: 6/5/2014 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Axis partner, Grantfen Fire and Security Ltd (Grantfen), won a competitive tender to implement an efficient IP- based video and access control solution for Manchester City Council following the redevelopment of its central accommodation, which comprises Manchester Town Hall Extension and Manchester Central Library. The council specified that the project must include cameras that not only delivered clear picture quality and advanced feature applications, but that were also aesthetically pleasing and did not diminish or detract from the historic buildings. The system must be futureproofed, support multiple third-party integrations, and have a single user interface with centralized control.

Solution
A state-of-the-art solution was developed that combined Axis network cameras and Genetec's Security Centre video management software (VMS). To effectively cover the 680,000 sq ft area of both sites, the surveillance specification for the project included over 200 Axis network cameras.

Result
The integrated solution featured intrusion detection, fire alarms, a building management system, emergency lighting protocols, flood and leak detection, lift alarms and network-enabled intercoms. Thanks to the unique scalability of the Axis network cameras in combination with Genetec's software, Manchester City Council has room to grow the system as its requirements develop over time. Further integration is also on the horizon, with the possibility of adding mobile connectivity and automatic number plate recognition systems.

Updating an aging system
Manchester Town Hall Extension is Grade II listed and of distinct architectural significance. It was built between 1934 and 1938 to provide additional accommodation for Manchester City Council services. Along with Manchester's Central Library the buildings comprise the main seat of local government in the city. The civic nature of the sites means that they are required for public access – for meetings, enquiries, transactions and admission to other facility services.

Over time, both the Town Hall Extension and Central Library buildings had been fitted with an assortment of mismatched analog CCTV systems, controlled by various incompatible management software packages. Concerns were raised that, as the current security system aged, its vulnerabilities were becoming pronounced and it was essential that archived video footage is appropriately safeguarded.

Grantfen, led a proof of concept trial at the start of the project in which Axis was chosen as the preferred supplier. The palm-sized AXIS M3005-V Fixed Dome Network Camera tested best in the line-up: it met all of Manchester City Council's requirements, combining HD-quality video, with a modest, unobtrusive footprint and robust reliability in a wide variety of applications. The camera's broad-spectrum of feature-rich functionality was also crucial.

Adaptability in every environment
Graham Cole, operations director at Grantfen, said: “Thanks to their broad product range, partnering with Axis meant that we could use one manufacturer throughout, with one consistent user interface to achieve a high degree of synergy across the system.” Custom integrations between the Axis and Genetec systems meant that alarms would be relayed to the centralized control area in case of emergencies, with detailed procedures added to instruct security operators how to proceed in the event of an exception alarm.

For the Central Library, one of Manchester City Council's specific surveillance requirements was the ability to accurately monitor visitor numbers and ‘people count' those entering and exiting the building. To do this, Grantfen specified the use of the AXIS M3005-V IP camera, which has an exceptional range of view and the ability to look straight down onto entrance doorways. In the case of the main entry way, this proved to be a challenge because of the door's unusually narrow transom, which was too small to accommodate most surveillance cameras. To account for the discrepancy, Grantfen selected Axis' P1214 Miniature HDTV pinhole camera for discreet surveillance, which encompassed the required technology and performance to run the video analytics application.

Effectively safeguarding staff and visitors
Ian Jackson, sales director at Grantfen, said: “This technology is steering Manchester City Council towards greater efficiency and improved customer service. Despite more access being granted to the public, the new security system has made the buildings feel more secure and the management team confident in the knowledge that Manchester City Council staff, visitors and important archive documentation are all being effectively protected.” Discussions are now underway to replicate the success of the installation to cover the main Town Hall building.

Samsung Techwin builds partnership with icomply

Editor / Provider: Samsung Techwin | Updated: 5/30/2014 | Article type: Security 50

The open platform V-TAS Pro integration software offers Samsung Techwin customers the opportunity to use traditional analogue cameras with the latest generation of WiseNetIII 1.3, 2 and 3 megapixel network cameras and domes.

icomply, the UK software developers of V-TAS Pro, a PSIM integration platform, provide integration solutions for critical national infrastructure (CNI), government, retail and transportation applications. Under the technology partnership, icomply have committed to fully integrating Samsung Techwin IP camera and VMS technology into the V-TAS Pro software platform, to enable seamless control of the Samsung Techwin product range through the V-TAS Pro software.

“We are continually expanding our integration portfolio which now includes several hundred OEM technologies, from advanced IP cameras and VMS solutions, to access control, intruder and perimeter protection systems and our innovative V-TAS Pro software delivers innovative integration solutions at their best,” said Michael Gallagher, Business Development Director of icomply.

V-TAS Pro provides a centralized security platform which enables a wide range of security applications, such as intruder detection, building management and fire systems to connect concurrently on a common interface. It is designed to provide integration solutions for a wide range of market sectors, from government and retail, to transportation.

“We are very pleased to have been able to form a technology partnership with icomply,” explains Tim Biddulph, Product Manager for Samsung Techwin Europe Limited. “The Samsung Techwin and icomply technical teams have successfully collaborated to achieve a high level of integration. As a result, our mutual customers now have the option to extend the life of their existing security infrastructure, whilst taking full advantage of the features and functions incorporated within the latest generation of Samsung Techwin WiseNetIII IP cameras which are revolutionising the way installers, systems integrators and end-users can capitalise on the benefits of Video over IP.”

Spot the fishy incidents — 11 perspectives from the industry

Editor / Provider: Erica Lin & Michelle Chu | Updated: 5/30/2014 | Article type: Hot Topics

Panoramic fisheye cameras have seen fast growth in the surveillance industry. With the key feature in surround view monitoring and the advantage in reduction of installation cost, they are becoming the popular adoption in security system. With a promising market ahead, differentiation of product and market strategy from competitors is the way for major manufacturers to think when planning next moves.

asmag.com here presented 11 worldwide providers from the security industry – 3S PocketNet Technology, AMG System, Axis Communications, Dahua Technology, EverFocus Electronics, Hikvision Digital Technology, Merit LILIN, Panasonic System Networks, SamsungTechwin, Sony, and VIVOTEK – sharing their experiences and observations of the market with all asmag.com readers.

3S PocketNet Technology｜Taiwan 
With fisheye camera, user can deploy fewer cameras, less cabling, less HDD storage, but remain a 360-degree monitoring without blind spot; however, it is worth noting that fisheye camera is not suitable for monitoring area from a long distance due to the limited length of fisheye lens, stated Kevin Cheng, Director of APAC at 3S Pocketnet Technology. 
“We expect the price of fisheye cameras can decrease to the level of dome camera – the user will then have options to choose from different features such as fixed lens fisheye dome and vari-focal dome,” Cheng concluded.

 

AMG｜UK  
Fisheye cameras, compared to other types of cameras, offer a number of key advantages — monitoring of surround view without blind spot and reduction of installation cost and work — whilst still keeping high-resolution recording quality, David J. Myers, Technical Director of AMG, highlighted. AMG have noted that 360-degree fisheye cameras are becoming the mainstream when analog CCTV is gradually replaced by IP CCTV systems. 
“We are not sure that there is one particular market deploying the most 360 degree cameras. In the USA, the retail market is strong. And transportation is a natural market for wide-angle camera when one single camera can cover whole view of a bus, or a train carriage,” Myers said. “Banks, schools, colleges, museums, and public buildings are also the target market of 360-degree cameras. So are car parks and outdoor perimeters.”

 

AXIS｜Sweden  
“According to IHS Research, sales of network video start to overtake analog in 2014 due to the powerful functions of advanced video processing and analytics. This is especially true in the retailer sector, as 360-degree cameras allow for an overview of all activities in a given area while being affordable for users having to work with tight-budgets in for example the retail and education sectors,” said Petra Bennermark, Product Manager at Axis Communications. 
“In a study by Axis Communications, more than half (58%) of UK retailers are planning to migrate from analog to network video in order to integrate network cameras with business intelligence (BI) applications. BI application integration was considered the most significant reason for UK retailers to move to network video.”

 

Dahua｜China  
Fisheye cameras are mostly deployed for indoor surveillance, getting more and more popular in public buildings, pointed out by Peter Pan, Product Manager from Dahua. Seen as the economic choice for security system deployment, one single fisheye camera can achieve wider coverage of monitoring than other non-panoramic camera.
This is even true to public units, hotels, and schools. They often have budget concerns; theses users are not too demanding in security image details while their purpose of surveillance system is mainly for prevention, Pan suggested. 
“At present, many surveillance camera manufacturers have proposed new thoughts of design,” he continued. Currently, end users start to use 360-degree cameras and PTZ speed domes altogether, featuring both wide-coverage and detailed monitoring views. The 360-degree cameras are going to become an essential solution in surveillance systems, according to Pan. 
“Although fisheye cameras are expecting fast growth in the near future, the 360-degree cameras won't become the majority in surveillance camera market due to their own pitfalls such as low pixel counts at the edge of images, and image distortion,” explained Pan.
However, as Pan mentioned, the technical improvement related to these pitfalls has been essential to manufacturers in the industry. Meanwhile, some manufacturers have started enhancing camera capacities in IR support for advanced day/night monitoring.

 

EverFocus Electronics｜Taiwan
Douglass Wang, Deputy Project Manager of EverFocus Electronics, emphasized the importance of fisheye and speed dome cameras' synergy, combining advantages from both types of cameras, and adding value for wide-area surveillance without compromising the optimal image quality. “The end users can finely utilize pan, tilt, and zoom functions on speed dome to keep tracking region of interest, while monitoring the entire area through 360-degree camera view, more importantly, without any blind spot,” Wang said.
As panoramic camera is favored to be applied with speed dome in areas such as airport, warehouse, public space, and parking lot, end users might hesitate due to complicated cameras configurations. “EverFocus provides end users a 4-steps image calibration which dramatically reduces configuration time,” Wang highlighted.

 

Hikvision Digital Technology ｜China
“Normally, SMB users may tend to use entry-level fixed cameras instead of panoramic cameras, since the latter are mainly targeted for middle-to high-end project use, and price are relatively higher. Therefore, Hikvision plans to introduce economical mini panoramic cameras to penetrate into SMB market in the middle of this year,” said Adler Wu, Product Marketing Manager of Hikvision Digital Technology.
“And for Hikvision, we forecast to increase at an annual growth rate of 60%-70% [before 2017], according to our company strategy, product planning and the market development. Panoramic camera would develop in two different ways in the future, one for SMB adoption and the other for high-end application. With more and more manufacturers joining in the competition, the price of panoramic camera may decrease to a level, allowing the cameras to enter SMB market; for high-end use, due to the wide coverage of panoramic camera, more images/ scenes could be achieved compared to common IP camera. Therefore, how to well make use of this advantage could be a breakthrough to eventually benefit the end users.”
“Considering lots of manufacturers have introduced their panoramic cameras, it becomes very important for us to provide innovative products to differ from the others at this stage.”

 

Merit LILIN｜Taiwan
“Fisheye cameras are all about seeing everything in a scene more efficiently than with multiple cameras; therefore, providing security managers the ability to cover an entire scene in a logical way without gaps of coverage is prominent,” according to Chris Hsu, Global Marketing Manager at LILIN. “LILIN panoramic IP camera is an ideal choice for open-ended lobby areas such as entrances, exits, and lobbies.”
“The current leading technology trend in global market is ‘less is more'. We expect cameras can cover a range of area such as 360-degree fisheye camera is an ideal all-in-one product will definitely continue to shine in the following years.”

 

Panasonic｜Japan 
It is forecast that a growth of more than 50% will be seen in the panoramic camera market – more than current security market trend expectation – as higher image resolution will expand the deployment and acceptance of fisheye camera in more vertical markets, commented Akihito Akiyama, product planning manager at Panasonic.
According to Mr. Akiyama, Panasonic has strengthened its 360-degree cameras by continuingly progressing at technology development, including dewarp, super dynamic function, and vandal resistance. With the solid technical base, the 360-degree cameras are capable for high-resolution image quality with even edges, stable performance under various lighting environments, and last but not least, durability.

 

Samsung Techwin｜Korea 
“360-degree cameras are increasingly being specified for projects where there is a requirement to monitor activity 24/7 in environments such as banks, offices, retail, transportation and warehouses. The advantage they offer is that a single 360-degree observational camera is all that might be needed to efficiently and cost effectively covers a whole area where a much larger number of standard cameras might normally be required, to avoid any blind spots,” suggested Tim Biddulph, Product Manager of Samsung Techwin Europe.
Samsung Techwin's 360 degree camera is part of the company's extensive range of IP network cameras. Tim Biddulph emphasizes the importance of fully understanding clients' needs first, before endeavoring to persuade them to migrate to 360-degree or other products and technologies.

 

Sony｜Japan
“With its multiple security benefits and associated cost savings for end users, it is easy to understand why the 360-degree security camera has been highlighted by IHS as one of the key drivers for the video surveillance camera market in 2014 – which is slated for double-digit growth this year. Sony also recognizes the importance of these cameras in addressing the ever changing security environments of the modern world, and will continue to advance in the 360-degree security camera market with our end users,” said Riki Nishimura, General Manager of Visual Security Solutions, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP) at Sony Electronics Asia Pacific.

 

VIVOTEK｜Taiwan
“The 360-degree cameras can be especially ideal for intercom or retail applications. Retail stores especially demand for a cost-effective and comprehensive surveillance system, which dissuades shoplifting and pickpocketing,” said Steve Ma, Executive Vice President of VIVOTEK. “With several unique features and wide surveillance coverage that can be delivered by the 360-degree fisheye camera under complicated environment, retail stores tend to deploy 360-degree fisheye camera the most.”
“The deployment of 360-degree fisheye cameras could be financially and technically beneficial. It is worth to note that just one 360-degree fisheye camera can deliver the same coverage as 6 to7 cameras that have been used in the stores. With the installation of panoramic models, the total number of cameras needed by the clients can be significantly reduced,” explained Ma.
VIVOTEK has made our fisheye camera as a pro-active smart sensor through our superior algorithms, making fisheye cameras performing intelligently, like people counting, field detection, trip wire, according to Ma. “With the technology evolvement and rising awareness of cost-effective solutions, the prevalent adoption of 360-degree fisheye camera for wide open area surveillance in the following years is foreseen. In addition, a 360-degree fisheye camera with intelligent capacity is undoubtedly to be a trend.”

Hikvision Smart IP camera range integrated with Milestone's XProtect VMS

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 5/27/2014 | Article type: Security 50

Hikvision announces the full integration of its SMART IP camera range with XProtect VMS (Video Management Software) from Milestone Systems with the release of XProtect Device Pack 7.3.

Head of Manufacturer Alliance Program at Milestone Systems, Henrik Sydbo Hansen, says, “We are very pleased about the new possibilities for Milestone Channel Partners and customers brought to them by this announcement. The Milestone ecosystem of partners now gains full advantage from the new integration between Hikvision's cameras and Milestone's award-winning Open Platform Video Management Software.”

Hikvision SMART IP cameras deliver crystal-clear images under the most challenging of environmental conditions and incorporate Smart Imaging 3D DNR, digital WDR, auto-switching ICR and electronic image stabilization together with three simultaneous video streams and up to 20 concurrent live-view channels. The advanced encoding algorithm of the new Smart Codec enhances image quality by up to 30% at very low bitrates to minimize bandwidth and storage requirements while Smart Detection delivers unparalleled recognition capability.

Keen Yao, International Marketing Director at Hikvision, comments, “We are delighted with Milestone's decision to be the first VMS manufacturer to integrate the SMART IP feature set. As the global provider in open platform IP video management software, we are proud that they have chosen to initiate their support for smart camera features with Hikvision's SMART IP range. It sets up a win-win situation for both companies; Smart is the latest trend and we believe this integration will facilitate a revolution in the security market.”

Latest HD-over-coax solutions give new life to analog

Editor / Provider: Alf Chang,a&s Consultant | Updated: 5/21/2014 | Article type: Tech Corner

While IP-based video surveillance is becoming the dominant way of rendering high-quality video images, analog monitoring systems that transmit signals over good-ol' coaxial cables are not losing their grip, thanks to a series of newly-invented image enhancing HD-over-coax solutions.

Inevitable and unstoppable as the trend of IP surveillance may seem, shipments of analog video surveillance products still account for over 60 percent of the global market. In addition, the need to improve image quality while maintaining existing coaxial cable deployment is also strong. This has led the analog camp to come up with new ideas and solutions in terms of yielding better image quality. The latest HD-over-coax solutions include 960H, HD-SDI, ccHDtv, HD-MDI, HDCVI, and 800TV Lines (TVL) HD analog solutions. Among all solutions available, 800TVL HD analog solution is the most discussed and the most popular one in the analog arena. Chipset suppliers in Taiwan, China and Korea are all joining the fray, vying for a share in a market that is full of opportunities. In the following, we focus on the latest update of some particular solutions, which gained the limelight in 2014.

960H: SENSORS WITH EFFIO DSPS PRODUCE IMAGE QUALITY CLOSE TO HD
Sony has combined its Enhanced Features and Fine Image Processor, Effio DSP, with traditional CCD image sensors and boosting the analog image resolution Solutions to 960H. Images produced by the solution are not only high in definition, but also high in S/N ratio and color rendition.

Effio DSPs are compatible with 480K/570K CCD image sensors of both NTSC/PAL systems. When used in conjunction with WDR CCD sensors, video cameras using the solution can produce crisper and sharper images in the setting of back light and extreme light, compared to traditional analog cameras.

The combination of Effio DSPs and CCD sensors can produce over 650TVL of horizontal resolution, even up to 700TVL sometimes. Video images created by the solution excel in color saturation and in brightness, compared with traditional analog cameras. The built-in 2D and 3D digital noise reduction of Effio DSP decreases dynamic noises of images in low light environments and increases image clarity. The solution also enhances image clarity both in the dark and when objects are moving.

Without having to alter existing deployments of cables, the solution is regarded as the most viable way of reaching high-resolution images for analog cameras. The solution has postponed the demise of analog surveillance systems and has prevented it from being phased out of market too soon.

 Comparison of HD-over-coax Solutions source: a&s

Solutions	960H	HDCVI	ccHDtv	HD-MDI	HD Analog	HD-SDI
Camera components	CCD+DSP	CMOS+ISP	CMOS+ ISP	CCD+DSP	CMOS+DSP	CMOS
Image format	Analog high resolution	Analog high definition	Analog high definition	Analog high definition	Analog high definition	Broadcasting high definition
Resolution	700TVL	720P/1080P	1080P@60FPS	1080P@30 FPS	800 TVL	1000TVL
Compatibility with existing systems	High	High	High	Switch required	High	Low
Technical complexity	Low	Low	Medium	High	Low	Medium
Transmission distance (M) without repeater (5C-2V)	200M	500M	500M	150M(Cat.5)	200M	150M
Transmission media	Coaxial cable	Coaxial cable	Coaxial cable	Twisted pair	Coaxial cable	Coaxial cable
Signals	CVBS	CVBS	CVBS	Digital	CVBS	SDI
Compression	None	None	None	None	None	None
Delay	None	None	None	None	None	None
Storage	960H DVR	HDCVI DVR	DVR	DVR	960H DVR	SDI DVR
Maintenance	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	Low	Low
Cost	Low	High	Medium	High	Low	High

Related article: New generation 960H cams: Looks better, works better and less noisy

HDCVI: UPGRADED ANALOG SOLUTIONS WITH THE COMBINATION OF CMOS AND ISP
Dahua Technology has developed a high-resolution composite video interface (HDCVI) by combining CMOS sensors with ISP. Based on the transmission technology of HD images over coaxial cables, the HDCVI technology is a solution that improves analog image resolutions and produces high-definition progressive scan images.

HDCVI released its first white paper, version 0.50, on July 31st, 2012, and its newest version 1.00 on November 15th, 2012. The white paper specified that HDCVI is applicable to two HD video formats: 720P (1280 X 720) and 1080P (1920×1080), which is similar to 700 to 750 TVL.

HDCVI uses point-to-point transmission of coaxial cables to produce uncompressed megapixel analog video images, without delay and without compromising image quality. The solution can transmit HD analog video images up to 500 meters over a SYV-75-5 video coaxial cable, breaking the distance limit of HD analog video image transmission. The HDCVI solution also synchronizes audio signals and demonstrates real-time, by-directional control of signals.

One of the biggest strengths of HDCVI is there is no need to change existing cable deployment where high-definition analog images are made possible. It also overcomes the 100-meter transmission constraint encountered by HD-SDI and IP Camera (IPC). HDCVI's noise resistant feature ensures quality transmission of high-definition images and prevents problems on vertical synchronizing and lost frames.

ccHDtv: UPGRADING VIDEO STREAMING QUALITY OVER A SINGLE CABLE
iTE Tech, a semiconductor manufacturer, has developed a ccHDtv solution based on the concept of digital TV transmissions. The system can transmit high-definition video images over coaxial cables, twisted pairs, and even over-the-air.

The ccHDtv solution allows transmission of multiple 1080P images at 30fps or 1080P at 60fps videos over a single 3C2V/5C2V cable, with a maximum transmission distance of 500 meters, without adding any repeaters.

The solution employs DTV technologies such as DVB-T, ISDB-T, and ATSC standards and solves bandwidth and storage problems faced by traditional analog CCTVs in the past. It has been a worldwide trend for DTV to replace CVBS analog TVs. DTV technologies such as DVB-T, ISDB-T, and ATSC all provide sturdy and ideal structures for transmission of HD video images.

The ccHDtv solution adopts DTV technology that is strong in audio and video transmissions. DTV technology solves the problem of insufficient bandwidth when transmitting multi-channel HD images that plagued traditional CCTV systems before. The technology also eliminates storage problems at the same time. Installation and operation of ccHDtv resemble those of traditional CCTV systems, making it easy for analog surveillance systems to transmit and store HD video images.

For those surveillance system end-users who are skeptical of IP network stability and for those who wish to maintain analog cable systems, ccHDtv has provided a shortcut to achieve high quality images.

HD-MDI: AN UPGRADED ANALOG SOLUTION OVER TWISTED PAIR
Based on twisted pair, HD-MDI transmits high-definition audio and video content using a structure that is similar to that of traditional analog surveillance systems. HD-MDI products include HD-MDI high-definition cameras, HD-MDI repeaters, HD-MDI DVRs, HD-MDI audio video capture cards, HD-MDI Optical, and HD-MDI matrixes.

The solution uses a unshielded twisted pair (UTP), 720P CMOS sensors and ISP, without compressing the images, in order to achieve real-time monitoring without delay. The uncompressed method of transmission also allows HD-MDI to transmit video signals over CAT5 or CAT6 network cables without additional cost on cabling and switches.

HD signals of video cameras can be transmitted hundreds of meters away and directly to the back encoder, which processes dual or multistreaming. Compared to other IP and HD-SDI products, which do all the video processing in cameras, the HD-MDI solution can be cost-saving. In addition, HD-MDI uses point-to-point connection and has a simple structure with no operating system. Therefore, it is easier for the solution to achieve more compact sizes and less power consuming cameras than HD IP-based ones.

800TVL: HD ANALOG SOLUTION, COMBINING CMOS AND DSPS
While traditional analog surveillance cameras are built on CCDs and DSPs, some vendors have combined high-definition CMOS sensors with DSPs and have created image resolutions up to 700~1000 TVLs. This is by far the latest and the most popular analog upgrading solution, as well as the best one. CMOS sensors can be sourced from Aptina, Pixelplus, OmniVision, and SONY. Fullhan Microelectronics, Sonix Technology, and Nextchip, on the other hand, supply DSPs that can be used to achieve this aim.

 

The combination of 1.3-megapixel CMOS sensors and DSPs can increase resolution to at least 800 TVLs. It also improves sense-up function at night. The solution can achieve nearly 100 percent color retention and accuracy without color bias. It also produces 720p progressive scan images at 60 frames per second and can provide images with no motion blur when objects move in a high-temperature environment.

CONCLUSION:
These five solutions are evidence that the need for analog systems to upgrade to high-definition images has created a hotly contested market. And high-definition video images have been made possible while coaxial cables remain unchanged. These solutions have provided users with more options and have added more years to analog surveillance systems.

 

Dahua HD products receive recognition from int'l awards

Editor / Provider: Dahua | Updated: 5/19/2014 | Article type: Security 50

Dahua Full-HD TV box has recently included into “Red Dot Design Yearbook 2014” and online exhibition of its official website.

Red Dot is one of world's prestigious and professional design award and attracts nearly 2,000 entries each year. The final winner was evaluated by the international jury including 40 renowned designers all over the world.

Dahua Full HD TV Box met jury's criteria because of its multifunctional use and its classic appearance, allowing it to easily fit into any surroundings. As for its usability, the TV box fulfils all the functions of a home security system, offers multimedia entertainment and serves as a home gateway. With the help of cloud computing, it can be used, for example, to regulate household technology such as the intelligent light control. It can also be connected to a Wi-Fi IP camera, which can be managed and monitored from a mobile phone. Equipped with Android OS, this TV Box can also be used for video communication.

Another highlight goes to Dahua's DH-HAC-HFW2200E, 2-Megapixel 1080p Water-proof HDCVI IR-Bullet camera. It was named finalist for the Best of Camera PROTECTOR Award 2014.

PROTECTOR Award for security technology is an annual contest conducted by I.G.T. publishing house in Germany. There are four entry categories in total and Dahua HDCVI camera is classified under “Video Surveillance”, co-enlisted with 30 finalists from other international and high-credit security players. Dahua in-house HDCVI technology allows fast and seamless upgrade from analog standard definition to high definition without technical hassles at lower cost, featuring analog HD video transmission over-coaxial-cable or UTP.

Pelco by Schneider Electric updates Lenel NVR factory certification

Editor / Provider: Pelco | Updated: 5/14/2014 | Article type: Security 50

A number of newly released Pelco by Schneider Electric Sarix IP cameras have received factory certification from Lenel Systems International under the Lenel OpenAccess Alliance Program.

“We are pleased that the development and certification effort to establish interoperability between Pelco's Sarix IP camera offering to Lenel network video recorders (NVR) is now complete, which includes Pelco Thermal, Enhanced and latest Spectra HD series,” said Stephane Lantoine, director of integration operations with Pelco by Schneider Electric. “This certification continues a long-lasting track record of maintaining up-to-date certifications and continues to demonstrate the Pelco by Schneider Electric commitment toward openness.”

Lenel established the OpenAccess Alliance Program to enable its customers to easily interface its OnGuard system to third-party technologies — which now include the Pelco Sarix IP camera family and compatible Spectra HD domes with Sarix technology.

“Schneider Electric has completed required factory testing to validate the functionality of the interface of their Pelco Sarix IP network cameras to the Lenel NVR. We look forward to their continued involvement in the Lenel OpenAccess Alliance Program,” said Gidon Lissai, director of strategic alliances, Lenel.