Axis introduces high-density video encoder chassis

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 5/15/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications announced the release of its Q7436 video encoder blade and Q7920 video encoder chassis, which is one of the industry's highest-density encoder chassis with support for up to 84 analog cameras. The new high-performance video encoder solution is ideal for demanding locations such as airports, railway stations and city surveillance–where high performance, flexibility and reliability are required.

“This new video encoder system is an ideal, future-proof video surveillance solution offering outstanding performance and great flexibility,” said Erik Frannlid, Director of Product Management at Axis. “It allows customers with large scale analog video surveillance installations to connect their cameras to an IP network, giving instant access to digital benefits, including intelligent video capabilities, remote access and scalability.”

The video encoder blade has support for 60/50 fps, providing smooth video even in high motion scenes. It delivers multiple, individually configurable video streams from each channel, at full frame rate in all resolutions. Furthermore, this six channel video encoder blade offers great image features such as reduced noise, enhanced sharpness and optimized contrast, allowing for even better image quality output.

For larger, centralized systems, high-density rack solutions with encoder blades offer the most flexible and reliable solutions. The Q7920 is a rack mount encoder chassis, providing an expandable solution for migrating large-scale analog installations to network video. It holds up to 14 hot-swappable video encoder blades supporting up to 84 analog cameras. Furthermore, with hot swapping there is no need to power down the entire system when installing or removing the video encoder blades.

The video encoder chassis is also highly reliable with its power and network redundancy. Featuring both RJ45 ports as well as SFP slots, this video encoder solution offers fully flexible and cost-effective long distance network connectivity.

Further features included in AXIS Q7436 Video Encoder Blade:

• Provides powerful event management capabilities with embedded intelligent video features such as tampering alarm and motion detection.
• Supports AXIS Camera Application Platform that enables development of third party applications that can be downloaded and installed on the encoder.
• Offers significant installation savings, by allowing PTZ control over the coaxial cable, in addition to the standard support for PTZ cameras using the serial ports. 
• The video encoder blade is supported by the industry's largest base of VMS through the Axis application development partner program and Axis VMS. Furthermore the video encoder includes support Hosted Video and ONVIF for easy camera system integration.

The video encoder blade and video encoder chassis is planned to be available for order in third quarter of 2013 through Axis distribution channels.

Milestone releases 2012 financials, surpasses $55M

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

Milestone Systems has delivered solid financial results for 2012 and demonstrates continuous growth. A constant focus on product innovation, business strategy, employee leadership development through management training and partner program expansions have been key factors in the company's success.

Now in its 15th year, Milestone continues to accomplish strong growth both in their home market and internationally. Milestone has recorded revenue growth of 19.5 percent to US$55.62 million (DKK 318 Million) against $46.89 million in 2011. Operating income before depreciation (EBITDA) reached $9 million and net income reached $2.21 million. The number of employees grew by 13 percent, from 310 on average in 2011 to 351 employees globally in 2012.

"Demand for IP-based video surveillance is increasing globally. With the solid results in 2012, our compounded average growth rate has been 26 percent over the last five years. Milestone continues to grow because we go to market with the right products, and Milestone solutions are based on an open platform so they can meet the different needs of various segments. Our success is shared worldwide through strong relationships with our partners," says Lars Thinggaard, President and CEO of Milestone Systems.

A constant focus on the business strategy, including partner, employee and leadership training, helps to sustain this positive outcome.

"We have followed our strategy and are proud of the result in 2012. Milestone attained success especially in Europe, the Middle East and the US, and we achieved very impressive growth rates in Brazil and Russia. There are good opportunities for us in Russia, and in Brazil we won some significant customers, including the Mineirao football stadium whose new IP video surveillance solution will manage the safety of 65,000 guests when Brazil hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2014," says Lars Thinggaard.

Growing people fosters a growing business
In 2012 Milestone invested $9.67 million in R&D as well as additional millions in employee development and leadership training.

“One of our highest priorities in 2012 has been to continue investing in the training of our approximately 55 managers, who are now through the second wave of Milestone Leadership Academy - a development program that makes our leaders become even better at dealing with human, financial and technical issues to ensure that these support our common goals. We do it because we believe that growing people contribute to a growing business: it is essential for us to give our employees the opportunity to take leadership and influence the development of the company," says Thinggaard and continues:

"Moreover, world-class research and development has always been a key priority for Milestone, so we invest a substantial portion of our revenue in R&D every year. Milestone continues to grow because we consistently listen to market needs and act on the feedback. The investments support Milestone's aim to stay competitive in the world market."

Expectations for the future
Milestone Systems has high expectations for the future and will continue to invest in growth, and to service and support the company's ecosystem of partners and customers in more than 100 countries. About 60 percent of the physical security market is estimated to be using analog equipment, so there is considerable potential business that will be moving to IP networked solutions over the coming years. Therefore, Milestone has created three new business units to address a broader range of market opportunities, including Incubation and Ventures with an office in Silicon Valley, USA.

Samsung Techwin launches 1.3-MP PTZ dome

Editor / Provider: Samsung Techwin | Updated: 5/2/2013 | Article type: Security 50

With users almost spoilt for choice as a result of the large numbers of megapixel cameras now available, Samsung's new SNP-5300H 1.3 Megapixel IP network PTZ dome is able to stand out from the crowd by offering a 30x optical zoom capability that provides operators with the opportunity to observe close up detail of far away people or objects without pixilation occurring.

“The combination of 1.3 Megapixels and 30x optical zoom has until now been an expensive option,” said Tim Biddulph, IP Product Manager for Samsung Techwin Europe. “The good news is that Samsung's innovative 1.3 megapixel lens technology has made it possible for us to offer the SNP-5300 at a price point which makes it affordable for a wide range of applications.”

Another key feature incorporated into the SNP-5300 is PoE which offers the potential for substantial savings on cable and installation costs, as it means that power can be drawn from the network. It is able to provide sufficient power for all of the dome's features as well as for a built-in heater to work effectively when the outdoor temperature may be as low as -30°C.

The SNP-5300H, which supersedes the highly successful SNP-5200H, has a totally new design. With an IP666 rated external housing, it is smaller and lighter than its predecessor and is equipped with a fan as well as a heater.

With a true day/night capability, WDR technology which makes it ideal for locations where there may be strong contrasting lighting conditions, the Samsung SNP-5300H provides a highly effective PTZ dome camera option for video surveillance projects such as airports, ports and other transport facilities, as well as retail and industrial parks.

Utilising H.264 and MJPEG compression, the SNP-5300H provides the option to simultaneously transmit images to multiple locations at various frame rates and at different resolutions. Up to 10 different users can monitor live images simultaneously on a PC, smartphone or tablet via Samsung' license free NET-i viewer software. At the same time JPEG images of an incident can be attached to an alarm email notification with the facility of storing pre and post-alarm images on an internal SD memory card.

Samsung Techwin updates VMS

Editor / Provider: Samsung Techwin | Updated: 4/29/2013 | Article type: Security 50

A recently introduced updated version of Samsung Techwin's SmartViewer Central Management Software is able to support the company's IP network video surveillance devices, as well as its analogue cameras, domes and DVRs

SmartViewer V4.0 is designed for video surveillance systems with up to 36 cameras and enables any authorised user with access to the Internet to view live or search for recorded video captured by connected cameras via a Samsung DVR or NVR.

Users can choose to simultaneously display images from up to 16 cameras in various split-screen modes and can save a ‘favourite' configuration for future use.

A key feature of SmartViewer V4.0 is a device manager which automatically scans for connected IP cameras, encoders and NVRs and enables the importing/exporting of device settings. It also facilitates the remote updating of a device's firmware and can therefore save time and money by negating the need for an installer to carry out a site visit. Other user-friendly features include drag & drop camera selection, H.264, MPEG-4 and MJPEG support, a real-time event list and a 24 language display.

"Customers will find SmartViewer V4.0 very easy to use,” said Peter Ainsworth, Senior Product Manager for Samsung Techwin Europe. “Our software engineers have given it the look and feel, and in many respects it is a simplified version of, our SSM (Samsung Security Manager) software which we know from customer feedback is helping users worldwide achieve maximum benefit from their video surveillance systems.”

Tomorrow's distribution model

Editor / Provider: Memoori Business Intelligence | Updated: 4/7/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

The traditional distribution model for physical security products right across the globe was often referred to as “box shifting;” it offered products off the shelf but with few value-added services, according to a recent Memoori Business Intelligence report. This is now rapidly morphing into a sophisticated system delivering value-added services that its clients are now demanding.

There are five main reasons why the change in the structure of the physical security industry is causing the distribution model to change.

1. Manufacturers have over time extended the range of their products, which now have a rich layer of features and capabilities. The supply chain must be able to understand and identify where their clients can benefit from them.
2. A strong brand and channel infrastructure giving reach and efficiencies. Marketing across the globe can now be achieved by small companies through the Internet at lower cost and this has increased the number of suppliers and solutions.
3. The pace of innovation is speeding up. Edge based storage and advances in analytics are creating more and more applications for IP video.
4. Open standards are starting to take a hold. This will open up competition even further and will reduce the barrier to smaller companies. Real competition will then kill off weaker companies and consolidation will come about through open market forces.
5. Increasing demand for full integration across all aspects of physical security solutions and now the business enterprise.

The channels of distribution in the physical security industry are changing to take account of these factors, particularly in the video surveillance sector, where IP network products have taken a major leap forward in the last three years requiring new skills for designing and installing systems. In the vast majority of cases the manufacturers don't want to be directly involved in providing these services to the end user and they therefore require the distribution chain to take on these responsibilities.

This has required new and existing suppliers to set up under the broad classification of distributors but broken down into resellers, system integrators and solution providers. Normally they buy directly from the manufacturer and some have a strong partner relationship to one or a few brands. The term distributor is still used by larger companies from the traditional supply chain and new ones from the information and communication technologies (ICT) business, but these companies now offer to supply all the components necessary to deliver a solution to installers. In addition, many of these companies will also operate straight online sales. Finally, a few manufactures normally having specialist products selling to a few verticals have opted to sell direct to the end user and install themselves. So one size does not suit all. However, for those manufacturers that want to obtain huge global scale (hundreds of millions in revenue) they need to operate through all the distributor channels, but not confuse the market by selling direct.

Since 2006 there have been major changes across the developed markets of the world in how products reach the end user. Our research shows that the value of product passing through the distributor channel has fallen off drastically from over 50 percent in 2006 to around 30 percent in 2011. Their market share has been taken by direct sales to resellers, system integrators and solution providers which have increased share to approximately 50 percent in 2011. The installer system integrator route has been joined by specialists from the ICT industry, and it would appear that the distributors have lost most of their share to these companies that have partnered with the manufacturers of IP network products to offer packaged solutions.

Whilst these trend appear to be most marked in the developed markets of Europe and North America similar trends are now being realized in Asia, and at the same time are now taking place in the access control market; but as yet it's not as pronounced. Getting IP network products to market is going to be a challenge for distributors and one they will have to meet because it will eventually take 100 percent of the business.

These changes are not so startling when taken over a six year period, but their consequences are now being felt, with the recent exposure of weaknesses in the distributor chain and the major European distributor Norbain's demise and fall into receivership. IP network products do not lend themselves to the traditional box shifting treatment of analog products and require more sophisticated application of skills; but few distributors have seen the need to work with the manufacturers to acquire the necessary skills.

Distributors that have become more IP savvy, such as the AES Group and Digitalcom in Thailand and Tri-Ed / Northern in the USA have been able to maintain their share by taking on more system integrator duties especially with regard to system / network design and commissioning. But not all distributors have taken up the challenge and have opted to beef up their eCommerce operations, which may well work provided they can achieve scale on this low margin business.

There is a place for the distributor but not in the traditional role, at least not for long. Knowledge is paramount, especially in a market increasingly connected through integrated building and security environments and bringing together packages that meet these needs and the IT services that they require is now necessary across the distribution network.

The Controlware Group has provided IT communications networking solutions since 1980. During this time Controlware has accumulated extensive experience in the design, delivery and maintenance of cost-effective IP networks. Since 1997 they have also specialized in the integration of applications such as IT security, storage and video surveillance systems. They can now offer total packages of IT communications networks, CCTV cameras, encoders, VMS, recording, and video content analytics systems. They work closely with installer and integrator partners to provide security systems for users from all vertical markets. Their value-added services range from consultancy, product advice and supply through to systems design, project management, commissioning, maintenance and installation through their channel partners.

Alliance and partnership is playing a major role in winning market share in the security business as manufacturers extend the range and depth of their alliances and partnerships with other manufacturers of adjacent products and their system integrators and solution providers. More formal arrangements of sharing data within the distribution chain has resulted in many new solutions for the end users going well beyond improving security. In the last 12 months we have identified more alliance arrangements between manufacturer's distributors and system integrators, working together to provide a solution for a particular vertical market and sharing the development and promotion costs.

Some 2012 IFSEC exhibitors showed a number of case studies on how business intelligence can be gained through IP video surveillance systems brought together through partnerships. Two companies Axis Communications and Panasonic had displays showing how, in particular vertical markets, they had used video streams to provide business intelligence. In both case the concept was instigated by the camera manufacturer as a means to increase sales, but they have worked with other suppliers of surveillance products and access control systems to produce a seamless solution that fitted the needs of the end user. In addition, they have worked with system installers and distributors not only to orchestrate the marketing sales strategy, but identify new applications where they can add value for the end user.

The trends show that alliance has moved on from just joining different manufacturer's products together to providing a total solution between all the stakeholders and is driven by what the end user needs in order to deliver real benefits over and above improving the security performance. So if you want to compete with the top camera manufacturers you not only need to be up there close on performance, but also drive innovation in providing solutions that deliver more value-added and a quicker ROI for the buyer. The distribution network has a vital role in making this happen.

Increasingly the shape of the market is changing as security systems supplied for new projects are increasingly delivered as fully integrated systems, whereas in the past they were supplied as three separate and discreet systems. This has changed the balance within the routes to market with more of this business going through resellers, system integrators and solution providers.

We believe that as the physical security manufacturing business further consolidates the distribution network will be forced to follow suit, and over the next five years we shall see fewer but larger distributors playing an enhanced role. The market share of the resellers, system integrators and solution providers will increase as systems become more sophisticated and integrate with the business enterprise.

Mind the gap in a diverging market

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Honeywell Security | Updated: 3/28/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

One trend that today's economic climate is significantly influencing is the nature of analog to IP migration. An age-old debate in the industry, much has been written over the years about how quickly and completely a transition from analog-based to IP-based security solutions would take place. It seems the European economy is writing us all a new chapter.

At Honeywell, over the last few years, we have started to observe a significant market shift in the migration. Specifically, we have seen the economy creating a divergence in IP adoption between the mid-to-lower end of the market and the top end. On the one hand, a recessionary environment is leading to a slower uptake of IP as businesses try to “make do,” for the most part avoiding any noncritical capital expenditure. On the other, larger businesses — many of whom embraced IP prior to the economic downturn — are seeking to optimize their initial investments with highest specs, highest performing IP system at a premium price. So, what is the industry impact, and how can installers respond?

Mid-to-Low
In a period of belt tightening, it is understandable that security managers would encounter resistance from procurement or finance sign-off on a brand new IP-based solution, particularly if your existing one still works. In this context, the focus of the business is less on future-proofing for the long term and more on making cost-based decisions in the short term. With this in mind, we are still seeing strong demand for analog products and systems, a trend that shows a still significant financial opportunity for the industry.

Other than opportunities for manufacturers and installers, this trend also has other implications. First, since analog installation requires less training, it could tempt installers to step back from investing as much in the education of their staff. Although manufacturers like Honeywell offer free training to their partners, it is typically a lack of IP skills that drives installers to invest in paid training; and, in a climate where analog is “good enough,” that need is less pressing. This is a threat that installers should be wise to.

Top End
In this bracket, we are increasingly seeing an “in for a penny, in for a pound” mentality. A fully integrated IP system allows for easy management, maintenance and control of multifaceted solutions across an organization in a cost-effective way. In addition, for IP-ready organizations, failure to embrace the latest is often viewed as a waste of the system's potential.

In the utilities sector for example, end users are keen to utilize IP networks in a much broader way in order to bring process efficiencies to managing multiple large sites over wide areas. IP networks allow utilities to monitor an unmanned site, analyze the activity taking place on the ground in real time before dispatching an engineer, cutting down on wasted time and expenses. In the retail sector, the higher-end shops are using IP networks to monitor footfall in certain areas of the store to make informed decisions on layout and stock. This requires upfront investment in sophisticated products, but delivers measurable ROI.

Given the prevailing pessimism regarding the UK economy, it represents an opportunity for installers to sell premium, integrated solutions to customers at the top end of the market. It will also boost the uptake of IP-based equipment and software that can ensure that the full power of the system is unlocked for the customer's safety, security and ease of use.

Industry Response
Returning to the market divergence, how can installers respond to these two interrelated trends, which represent both a challenge and an opportunity? First, it is essential that installers have the ability to understand and respond in an agile way to a customer's financial situation. It is about demonstrating flexibility and the willingness to help an end user implement an analog upgrade to keep immediate costs down, through to a cutting-edge IP system that delivers immediate ROI depending on their needs.

Relationships with trusted manufacturers that can deliver a wide range of products, solutions, services and skill sets at different price points are essential. Installers must not be tempted to underinvest in training. At the top end of the market in particular, the bigger and more complex the integrations, the greater the likelihood that IT specialists will take business away from traditional installers.

Milestone releases lean VMS for embedded, out-of-the-box solutions

Editor / Provider: Milestone Systems | Updated: 3/22/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Milestone Systems announces Milestone Arcus: an embedded video surveillance platform for low-complexity, low-cost security installations. Milestone Arcus runs on Linux, Mac OSX and Windows related operating systems, within network storage and cameras or other devices on the edge. This is a significant differentiator in today's security market offerings. Hardware partners embedding Milestone Arcus in any kind of hardware form factor will be able to offer a streamlined, video management tool that is simple and easy to install – at very competitive price points.

Milestone Arcus is a multi-platform VMS solution for hardware vendors to embed in their products, to be sold by their channels as an out-of-the-box solution, ready to use. These embedded solutions will be co-branded with Milestone to let customers know they are getting the best in video surveillance. Milestone Arcus is the most lean, yet high-performance product in the Milestone portfolio, which up to now has been Milestone XProtect VMS offerings that run on Windows and are sold by the worldwide Milestone Systems network of channel partners.

Milestone Arcus is a brand-new VMS product with new development code in its core that takes advantage of the company's 15 years of experience in video surveillance technology. It is the first delivery from Milestone's new Incubation & Ventures business unit that was created in 2012.

"Milestone Arcus is a multi-platform VMS that hardware vendors can embed in their products for customers wanting simple, inexpensive surveillance tools. Milestone Arcus makes the move from analog to IP easy and fast for partners and their customers," says Lars Nordenlund, VP of Incubation & Ventures at Milestone Systems.

About 60 percent of the physical security market is estimated to be using analog equipment, so there is considerable potential business that will be moving to IP networked solutions over the coming years.

Samsung Techwin U.K. relocates to Surrey

Editor / Provider: Samsung Techwin | Updated: 3/21/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Samsung Techwin's professional security division has relocated to Weybridge, Surrey on 18th March 2013.

Samsung's new offices are in the Heights Brooklands, a prestigious riverside commercial office development where each building benefits from the landscaped grounds and views overlooking the River Wey.

"We outgrew the offices in Chertsey which we have shared for some time with a sister division," said Johan Park, MD of Samsung Techwin Europe. "Our new facilities will provide our administration, customer care and technical support teams with an excellent working environment to continue to offer the highest possible levels of pre and post sales support to our customers throughout Europe. In addition, our new home will provide a base for our expanding UK sales teams as well as our product management and marketing colleagues."

The move to the Heights Brooklands creates an opportunity for Samsung Techwin to offer fully equipped training facilities and a state-of-the-art demonstration room where all of the company's very latest IP Network solutions will be on show.

IT-centric players on the rise

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu, asmag.com | Updated: 2/26/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Advances in physical security technologies and system migration to IP networks have ushered in a new breed of IT-savvy distributors and system integrators, while blurring the distinction between the two at the same time. With a more in-depth understanding of network capabilities and software development and deployment, these “new players” are offering more possibilities in terms of solution offerings, applications and business models, which are particularly appreciated in times of uncertainty and slow growth. This feature looks into one such player that is able to bring more to the table — and perhaps something to be modeled after.

An IT systems integrator and managed services provider in Germany and a value-added distributor worldwide, Controlware made physical security part of its portfolio since 1997 when owner Helmut Woerner invested in a German company called VCS. VCS was a developer of IP video products known for Videojet encoders, network cameras and Vidos management system, so this was a natural progression for the company. IT security and communication solutions are still the core of Controlware; the introduction of physical security solutions was more of an extension to the core products and services than a transitional move, since both sit happily side by side.

Adding value to both worlds is the ultimate goal. Controlware is not a “box mover,” but with value-added services and support engineers. The Controlware ethos is about helping integration and installation partners deliver advanced systems that meet customer expectations on all levels. It is all about assisting partners as much as possible and making them look good in the eyes of their customers and end users. Dedication to IP-based security systems and the specialist IP knowledge and experience developed over the course of more than a decade set Controlware apart from the others. It does not have its own branded product range like some distributors, which allows it to be more agile and provide independent, best-of-breed solutions for installers and integrators.

Not only does Controlware provide products from well-known names such as Axis, Bosch, Cisco, Genetec, JVC, Samsung, Sanyo, Siqura and more, but it also adds value with system design and support services. Controlware also has IT specialists for networks, security, IT management, applications, operation and service.

Riding the Wave
Controlware's internal strategies and policies are highly flexible and constantly adapted to meet actual business requirements and conditions. Inventory levels have not had to be altered as a consequence of the recession, since agility in the back end of the business has been a fundamental ingredient for Controlware from Day 1. Continuity and long-term customer loyalty, as well as varied/extensive know-how in information and communication technologies, are crucial to ensure that it has the flexibility to meet challenges head on.

Building long-term relationships with customers and understanding user requirements allow Controlware to identify the products and solutions that are truly needed. This is achieved chiefly through its value-added services that include design and consultancy. By working alongside installers and integrators and adding value and support services, Controlware gains a better understanding of the solutions that users require than traditional distributors and box movers. Controlware also maintains close relationships with suppliers, by understanding what its solution partners' products can do and how they fit into the overall project while meeting customer needs.

Controlware bench tests hardware and software rigorously in order to understand them thoroughly and identify their strengths and weaknesses. This enables the company to identify at what level to position the products and specify the correct product for clients. It often arranges hardware “shootouts” or soak testing in challenging environments to prove or disprove manufacturers' claims. It actively tests and retests equipment in different scenarios to see how equipment performs and what the limitations are.

Ironing out the Kinks
Obviously, adoption differs from region to region. In high-density markets, such as the U.K., which have large amounts of legacy analog equipment, adoption is slower due to equipment churn. In real life, IP-based systems are not for everyone. For very low camera counts, there is still room for cost-effective DVRs or recent HD-SDI products; but for the majority, IP-based systems and the benefits they bring are the way to go. A couple of years ago, one manufacturer claimed that IP surveillance systems are expensive and unreliable compared to analog/hybrid CCTV systems. According to its marketing material, an IP-based system for 750 cameras would cost US$2.9 million, and the hybrid system proposed would only cost $1 million. Controlware put these claims to the test by developing a new system based on the components and products specified in the article. The result was a much more cost-effective IP system than the proposed hybrid system, with a new control room fit-out on top.

That is not to say everything with IP is fine and dandy. Too often, we have manufacturers blaming the bit of kit that does not have that manufacturer's name on it, like the switch for instance; so, we would like to see more interaction between complimentary manufacturers such as switches and servers/storage on one side and camera manufacturers on the other, for approved/certified compatibility. Also, IP-based video surveillance must become more plug-and-play as sometimes manufacturers make products too complex or add too many features, and they think that is the only way to make the products stand out from the crowd. There should be more interaction with other IP devices, as too often security systems drop into silos of their own fields rather than thinking about how they can work together to better alleviate end-user headaches.

Winning Combo
After 2009, the company has seen a few projects put on hold, but continued growth in the physical security sector is still anticipated as the market continues to move to IP-based systems. Positioned with the right business model, the right skills, and the right people and experience, Controlware will continue to incorporate new ways and hardware/software to help installers and integrators take advantage of the benefits of converged technologies.

Revenues are expected to grow in line with the general growth of the IP market share. Users are starting to see the benefits of IP but are not being given clear guidance and direction due to a massive knowledge gap in the industry from some consultants, system integrators and installers. The Controlware IP product line will also be expanded through the additions of IP access control and other IP-enabled technologies, such as ALPR, VCA, intrusion detection and unified management systems, so that it continues to ensure that the needs of its customers and its customers' customers are met.

China's homegrown 5-star hotel goes IP

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 2/23/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

Mission
Huabei Hotel is a 5-star business and conference hotel that offers various services including lodging, conference venues, restaurants and entertainment under one roof. It has a total area of 64,766 square meters and 15 stories. It is equipped with 15 high-end conference rooms catered for different types of conferences and other entertainment services. The hotel wished to build a HD video surveillance system for both the indoor and outdoor public areas. The system needed HD real-time display to bring a direct view of the sites through surveillance and planned control implemented at critical areas and locations.

Solution
The entire system was designed as a distributed system with an architecture that combines surveillance and storage. All 250 IP cameras used are 720P HDTV IP cameras. Effective surveillance along the hotel's corridors and other long and narrow areas normally requires coverage to be as wide as possible and yet be able to clearly identify faces at the same time. To fulfill these requirements, Axis network cameras with 9:16 aspect ratio Corridor Format are employed.

Result
Effective surveillance of the hotel's daily operations, property and the work performance and attitudes of staff are achieved through Axis IP video surveillance system. It has a significant deterrent effect on crime and theft prevention. The embedded intelligent analytics design and open architecture bring excellent flexibility and expandability to the entire system, meeting the current and future needs of the 5-star-rated hotel.

Surveillance at the main lobby, underground garage and the hotel's temporary parking area requires coverage to be as wide as possible but when incidents occur, the ability to immediately focus on detailed information is necessary.

Axis PTZ cameras are employed to meet these requirements. They allow panoramic surveillance under normal circumstances and are able to immediately turn the focus to show close-up details when an incident occurs. D/N outdoor IP cameras are employed at the hotel's outdoor entrance and exit areas to ensure excellent image quality under all lighting conditions. These IP-66 rated cameras are dustproof, waterproof, snow proof, sun proof and able to function normally under a low temperature environment of -40 °C (-40 °F).

The system uses the Aimetis management platform to centrally manage 250 HD IP network cameras. Forwarding of video stream, video retrieval and playback and equipment inspection are carried out via the Aimetis server. The Aimetis server is a data source for other clients and the most important server in the system. It is also responsible for storing the configuration of IP cameras, information of staff rights, number of users, user names, passwords, viewing rights and control rights.