US water facility turns to IP-based video surveillance

Editor / Provider: Indigovision | Updated: 6/13/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA) in New Mexico, U.S. has deployed an IP-based video surveillance system consisting of Indigovision's network cameras, encoders, and VMS to secure its 300-acre wastewater facility. The system was installed by Indigovision's local partner, Security USA.

Two of the biggest security challenges faced by the Water Authority included perimeter monitoring of a wide geographical area and protection of multiple remote buildings with limited connectivity. Because of the sheer size of the facility, shrinkage had also become an issue with thieves cutting through the perimeter fence with no prevention due to limited security camera coverage. Funding for the project was made available to the Water Authority via a grant given by the Department of Homeland Security due to the high risk, residential location of the facility.
 
The Water Authority did have a small number of existing analog cameras in place. However, the recording quality given by the existing DVR was poor and difficult to expand. In order to have a security system that would last at least 10 years, and would work on an existing network infrastructure, it was decided the new system had to be IP based.

The challenge was finding an IP security solution that could easily be deployed on an existing network over a wide geographical area, with no network bottlenecks. The solution also had to give smooth PTZ control, with high quality live and recorded video, from multiple viewing stations anywhere in the site. Finally the solution had to integrate with the existing analog cameras.
 
Indigovision's IP video security solution was chosen by the Water Authority due to meeting the stringent requirements, and the lower total cost of ownership. In addition to IP encoders being used network cameras were also deployed to monitor new areas within the site. NVRs were used to record video from both the network cameras and encoders with Indigovision's VMS being used to view, control and playback video evidence.
 
"Not only can we now view the video in our main security control room, several additional members of the team can now access video, from anywhere in the site, on their laptops,” said David Montgomery, SCADA Manager for the Water Authority. “With our previous system, this wasn't possible."
 
"Being able to deploy cameras easily in remote locations has given us better perimeter monitoring." Montgomery continued, "As a result, not only do we have a more secure site, we've reduced theft."
 

Honeywell unveils new NVR

Editor / Provider: Honeywell Security | Updated: 6/11/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Honeywell introduces the new and improved release of MAXPRO NVR SE – Rev B Server. The MAXPRO NVR SE hardware model now incorporates 6 removable bays with 1 operating system & storage hard drive and 5 storage only SATA hard drives. Optional storage of 1 TB, 2 TB or 3 TB drives can be addedenabling up to 18 TB of storage capacity.

The single box solution is ideal for medium to large-size surveillance applications, and is part of the MAXPRO Family of IP-based NVRs offering turnkey box solutions ranging from 8 to 32 channels of network video recording as well as software only options that range from 4 to 32 channels. Additionally, the MAXPRO NVRs (Turnkey boxes – XE, SE, PE and Software only) offer:
- Advanced IP video capabilities, which makes them easy to install with only 3-Clicks to Live Video. The system is available pre-installed right out-of- the-box and includes pre-licensed software.
- Support for ONVIF and PSIA interoperability standards, as well as RTSP, and features native integration to cameras and encoders from Honeywell, Axis and other manufacturers—making it a truly open system.
- Honeywell's FREE MAXPRO Mobile app to perform everyday video surveillance tasks from a remote location.

Just the solution for schools

Editor / Provider: Sponsored by LILIN | Updated: 6/10/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

Campus video systems generally require 1080p 2-MP IP video, distributed remote video monitoring at multiple sites, centralized PoE power management, foolproof vandal-resistant camera installation, and clear night vision provided by an IR solution. Covering all of these bases, LILIN's IP video products can provide a complete solution for campus video systems.

Many schools have an Ethernet network already installed. LILIN's fully digital IP video systems can utilize existing Ethernet infrastructure to stream camera footage to the NVR Touch. Compared to traditional PC-based NVRs, the NVR Touch series provides an eco-friendly embedded recording solution, with up to 24 TB of HDD capacity internally, and 16 TB on eSATA RAID. This can provide up to 2.5 months of 1080p IP video recording in real time for 16 channels. Or a 256-GB SSD for two days of recording.

LILIN PoE switches can provide centralized power management for LILIN PoE cameras. Unlike analog cameras, there is no need for visiting the camera site based on PoE architecture when checking for power failure. This can easily be monitored by the LED indicators of the PoE switch itself, reducing maintenance and installation costs.

Distributed remote video monitoring is one of the most important requirements of campus projects. LILIN's VD022 video decoder provides remote monitoring for IP cameras without the need of a power-consuming PC. The VD022 can decode live video remotely from the NVR Touch, as well as perform remote playback and backup.

Vandal-resistant cameras are a common choice for campus projects due to the unpredictability of the student population on and around the school facilities. LILIN's IPR320ESX provides vandal resistance with built-in IR LEDs. A tamper detection feature is also included to provide extra protection for the surveillance unit. Embedded intelligent video surveillance allows for motion and audio detection (IPD6220 model), in addition to tamper detection, for use in classroom applications at night or on weekends. This feature has the ability to notify the operator in front of the NVR Touch series with alarm snapshots for instant playback.

IR lighting providing clear video on campuses at night is one of the most important features required by campus security. IR cameras provide clear video at night time, allowing for full surveillance even when it is impossible for the naked eye. In open fields, LILIN's IR illuminator acts as an additional light source, reaching up to 250 meters. If IR cameras are installed in places that are outside of built-in IR range, the IR illuminator IM05108/05308/05608 can be used as additional support.

Sponsored by:
LILIN, dedicated to innovation, creativity, progress and excellence, is a global developer and provider of IP video solutions with more than 30 years of experience.

Geovision releases PoE switch for IP-based surveillance

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

GeoVision has released Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch to fulfill demand of powering PoE IP cameras. The GV-PoE Switch is designed specifically for IP video streaming. It delivers sufficient PoE power and network connection required by 4 to 24 PoE IP cameras (70W for 4ch, 130W for 8ch, 250W for 16ch and 400W for 24ch).

When integrated with GV- NVR, company's surveillance video management platform, PoE power can be controlled remotely, as well as IP camera's on/off. SPF (optical fiber) interface is included in most of the models, which is useful for long distance installation projects.

Wafer fabrication factory in Taiwan puts production lines under watchful eyes

Editor / Provider: Sponsored by LILIN | Updated: 6/4/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Semiconductor production requires stringent quality control, putting unusually high demand on both manufacturing processes and time-sensitive deliveries. As a result, wafer fabrication fabs are often required to utilize all means available to analyze and remotely monitor production lines, in order to expedite product outputs.

In doing so, companies are better positioned to remain in the ultracompetitive market, as well as better meet customers' requirements to ensure satisfaction. In order for the Wafer Fabrication Factory in the Tainan Technology Park in Taiwan to better monitor production lines and surrounding areas more comprehensively, it decided to install a complete IP-based surveillance system, with deployment of IP cameras at every production station and important entrance.

All the cameras are PoE-based products, so there was no need to install any additional power cables. This investment also prevents interference with existing fab equipment. Through a total of 200 IP cameras in the fab and management software from Milestone Systems, remote monitoring of all production processes from every angle is possible, and management can keep an eye on operations and quality assurance at all times. All department heads can view live or recorded surveillance video on dedicated servers, effectively reducing cost and upholding product quality and company reputation.

System Installed:
●  IPS0358N – 20 units
●  IPG1022ESX3 – 5 units
●  IPD522EX – 119 units
●  IPR712S – 56 units
●  PMH-POE24390 – 6 units

Sponsored by:
LILIN, dedicated to innovation, creativity, progress and excellence, is a global developer and provider of IP video solutions with more than 30 years of experience.

Innovations and strategic acquisitions continue to drive the industry

Editor / Provider: Memoori Business Intelligence | Updated: 6/3/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

The first 5 months of 2013 have shown that the physical security market continues to grow despite poor economic trading conditions in the developed markets of the world.

There are 2 reasons why growth has been robust.
●The first is the perceived increase in the need to protect people and property from theft, crime and terrorism.
● The second is the development of new innovative products that have improved the capability to detect crime in all its forms and through connectivity with other services improved the business performance of end user companies.

In the video surveillance industry, in one form or another, IP Video Network cameras have been at the cutting edge of innovation and in particular have provided connectivity to other IP devices to help provide total solutions that have increased productivity and reduced the cost of ownership.

This technology is now gaining traction and is expected to open up new opportunities particularly in the small-to-medium business market where there are 16 cameras or less; because it will eliminate as much of the storage cost as possible. Another benefit of an edge-based system is less costly maintenance. With no server maintenance, no complex proprietary hardware and software, and no storage or scaling limitations, edge-based technology provides a simplified solution that requires relatively little on-going maintenance.

We regularly identify innovation designed to improve security equipment to meet the needs of particular applications which in the short term may not have such game changing implications as edge storage; but together these developments will make a significant mark on increasing the demand for physical security equipment. 2 recent examples of these include;
1. A camera created by a research team at the University of Illinois which is about the size of a penny and mimics insects' bulging eyes. It features 180 micro-lenses, giving it a panoramic field of view and the ability to focus simultaneously on objects at different depths. The bug's eye camera is likely to be developed for uses ranging from security cameras to surgical endoscopes.
2. Smart grid technology firm GridSense has introduced a wireless camera to inspect high-voltage assets rated up to 500kV. Introduced in 2013, the hotstick-mountable, high-resolution HighV Camera initially inspected a lower phase-to-phase voltage rating and the rating has now been increased to 500kV phase-to-phase. The HighV Camera, with its accompanying 7″ Android tablet, meets the utility industry's need to safely examine energized, substation-level high-voltage assets in great detail. The present design is for mobile use but there are many thousands of remote sites in the US alone which would benefit from permanent installation.

Strategic acquisitions that bring together innovation to make “2+2 = 5″ have also played a part in driving demand for physical security products.

Lorex Technology is a market leading manufacturer of home and personal video surveillance products with very strong and successful retail sales channel relationships. As Flir continues to drive the price lower for infrared thermal imaging cameras and viewers, Lorex's retail channels and advanced eCommerce capability will provide widespread access to consumer markets for Flir's new thermal camera products.

In December 2012 Flir acquired Traficon a Belgium company that is a leading provider of video-based intersection control and roadway incident detection products. Traficon's core capability is its video image processing software for ITS applications. This technology requires little modification to be applied to security and other applications, so the Traficon acquisition brings high-performance video analytics capabilities to Flir.

Thermal cameras are often paired with video analytics for perimeter intrusion detection applications. Combining Traficon's video analytics capabilities with Flir's thermal camera technology completes the task of integrating a powerful roadway monitoring solution for cities and municipalities around the world.

Five ways to hacker-proof your IP system

Editor / Provider: Avigilon | Updated: 6/3/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Last March, the Crown Casino in Australia made international headlines after a group of high-rolling card players were able to gain unauthorized access into the casino's video surveillance system in order to cheat Crown out of US$33 million in illegal winnings, according to a recent article posted on Avigilon's website. Journalists were quick to compare the elaborate heist to the storyline of the 2001 feature film, Oceans 11, where Brad Pitt and George Clooney starred as the masterminds behind robbing a high-profile Las Vegas casino for $150 million.   
 
Given that Pitt and Clooney's characters were perceived as the good guys in the movie – to whom the audience rallied behind to pull off the impossible - it was no surprise that the crime in Australia was glamorized and was taken lightly in the public eye.

While it is easy to dismiss the Australian casino heist, many people within the security industry were hit with the reality that new approaches needed to be taken with advanced technology.
 
Making sure your IP surveillance system is secure from outside threats is vital no matter if you are a well-known Las Vegas casino or a privately owned retail store. We spoke to Michael Miller, the president of The Wire Guys, a surveillance system integrator based in the eastern U.S, to discuss this topic. Miller came up with five ways end users can protect themselves from getting hacked.  
 
Use a Dedicated Network for Your Clients and Your Servers
Miller: I don't know the particulars as far as the Australia casino heist, but if you have your security network on your same corporate network, which is tied to your wireless network, and if it's all on the same subnet, it's pretty wide open at that point. That would be my guess to what might have happened in Australia. It would be absolutely crazy for a casino to be set up like that if they were. But technically in a casino, just like in hospitals, everything is separate and dedicated. There's absolutely no way to get to the cameras from their corporate network.

If their network is set up like that we will step in. But a lot of times, the IT departments are in control already, so they set the rules and regulations and we conform to what they recommend to us. What we would typically recommend is having a totally dedicated separate network. Separate switches, separate cables, separate everything. Even the client machines are on their own dedicated networks. Make it so that it's physically impossible to go from your corporate network to your camera network. That's the best way to do it.
 
Change Your Passwords
Miller: Make sure you change all of your passwords on your cameras and your switches. You can use authentication on your network to make sure that only the devices that you want on your network are on your network. Those are the things that you would typically want to do.
 
From Remote Access Use Your VPN
Miller: There are two ways to give remote access to your system. The first option would be to open a hole in your firewall, or as we call it port-forwarding. The other option, which is more secure, would be to do a VPN access. So basically, from your mobile device, you can initiate a virtual private network back to your firewall which puts you on your network. That is much more secure than just opening up ports at that point. Then you have your username and password you have to enter for Avigilon's mobile VMS, so you have VPN and your username and password to get into the system.   

Don't Use Your VMS server With Company Information on it – Dedicate a System for Surveillance
Miller: If you circumvent the VMS and go directly to the cameras, then you can see the live feeds. If you can get into the server, you can access recorded footage potentially delete recorded footage. Typically, especially the way we build system and the majority of companies that know what they are doing - you're not going to share your surveillance system, with your SQL server, with you database with everybody's AR department, you wouldn't want to do it that way.
 
Check to See Who is Accessing Your Networks
Miller: Well Avigilon's system can do that and most VMS' can do that. It gets a lot trickier though if they're circumventing the VMS and going straight to the cameras. If you have a firewall in between, then you can track IP addresses and Mac addresses and see who's accessing your network. And even some of the cameras have logs in them as well so you can see what IP address and what user would have accessed them. [Editors note: Used with the permission of avigilon.com/connected.] 

Canadian solar farm operator keeps panels spotless with thermal and IP cams

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 5/30/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Canadian solar farm operators Firelight Infrastructure Partners and Great Circle Solar Management recently deployed a new security monitoring system comprising of Axis Communications thermal cameras, HD quality PTZ and fixed network cameras, and upgraded existing analog cameras to IP video system using video encoders at plants in Ontario. UCIT Online Security, an Axis partner and system integrator, recommended the solution to be implemented at the sites that each inhabits 100 acres of open ground outside of smaller population centers. So far, the systems' greatest ROI has been as a day-to-day management tool to keep solar cells free from snow and dust to effectively convert sunlight to electricity.

Firelight Infrastructure Partners, a Canadian infrastructure fund with US$300 million in capital to invest in renewable energy projects, works with Great Circle Solar Management to finance, own and operate solar plants in Ontario.The province is eliminating coal-fired electricity plants by 2014. To encourage private enterprises to invest in renewable energy, Ontario offers fixedpriced 20-year electricity contracts for providers of renewable energy.In partnership with Great Circle Solar Management, a portfolio of three 10-megawatt solar plants have been built or are under construction throughout the province.The plants seclusion necessitates a real-time security and monitoring system that operates 24/7, yet is still cost effective. 

 A remote monitoring system was needed to provide security and check the status of the far-flung plants. A number of options were considered, including guards, motion detectors and the use of IR and/or PTZ cameras. UCIT's solution delivers three critical prerequisites: large coverage area, durability and reliability. UCIT, which monitors 4,000 surveillance cameras in Canada, provides year-round monitoring. UCIT specializes in short-term surveillance initiatives like construction sites; in contrast the solar plants had to operate for 20-plus years. “We needed cameras that are durable and cover a lot of space,” said Erik Mikkelsen, President, UCIT. “Many would recommend IR cameras, but typical IR illuminators burn out every three to five years, so over 20 years you would replace them multiple times. Also, with IR illumination you can only see 20 to 40 meters at night.”

“The Axis thermal cameras [chosen] can see up to 1,100 meters in complete darkness,” said Mikkelsen. “So we need fewer cameras, less cabling and a lot less maintenance.”

All three sites leverage thermal network cameras with varying lens options for outdoor detection, and then use a mix of outdoor PTZ domes and 1080p HD network cameras for detailed recognition. Fixed network domes were selected to secure building interiors, and existing analog cameras were digitized using video encoders. The entire system is controlled by UCIT's own VMS. Video is recorded locally and archived for a minimum of two weeks. During an incident, UCIT begins live monitoring and recording at its Mississauga office.

Staff have a clear view of the grounds if an alarm is triggered by in-camera analytics or motion sensors, and can contact law enforcement and warn intruders using loudspeakers and controllable lighting. “If motion sensors or in-camera analytics trigger an alarm and we see trespassers, we can use the PA system to announce that authorities have been notified and they should leave,” said Mikkelsen. “If it's a work crew, we ask them to call our office and explain why they're there.”

The systems' greatest ROI has been as a day-to-day solar cell management tool. Great Circle and Firelight personnel can monitor the condition of the panels remotely and in real time. Without the cameras, costly trips to these distant locations would be required. “Theft and security have not been an issue to date,” said Noel McDonald, Associate, Great Circle Solar. “In fact, the cameras have been most useful from an operational standpoint.”

“We started out looking for a basic security package, but we ended up with a tool that allows us to improve our operations,” Adam Reeds, Director, Firelight Infrastructure Partners. “This has actually turned into a project management tool, with security being the secondary consideration.“

TKH/Siqura releases Ethernet-over-Coax adapter

Editor / Provider: TKH Group | Updated: 5/29/2013 | Article type: Security 50

The Siqura ECOplug Ethernet-over-Coax converter inserts into Siqura IP cameras or video coders. It enables the streaming of IP video over coaxial cable and is manufactured by Siqura BV.

The ECOplug allows installers to re-use existing coaxial cable infrastructures, such as those used in traditional analogue CCTV systems, for new, IP-based surveillance systems. The nomination is in recognition of the savings this affords installers, through reduced cabling costs and installation time. It also recognizes the simple upgrade path ECOplug provides for installers migrating from analogue to IP video solutions.

The ECOplug is part of Siqura's ‘Small Form-factor Pluggable' (SFP) range; a universal connectivity solution for Ethernet networks. The full SFP range includes XSNet Ethernet over optical fiber and the ECOplug for Ethernet over coax. Siqura's HD camera and video encoder ranges can all be fitted with Siqura SFPs and connected directly to any network. This offers installers a simple and flexible upgrade path, from existing analogue-based coaxial networks to high-speed Ethernet.

The ECOplug transmits Ethernet up to 700m over coaxial cable. Installers upgrading to IP, using Siqura's SFP options, can take immediate advantage of many other network-enabled features.

These include Megapixel or Full HD video; system scalability; remote access for video management; video analytics for system efficiency; wireless technology for installation cost-savings; and simpler integration with other network-based security and management systems.

Gainspan unveils development kit for wireless surveillance

Editor / Provider: GainSpan | Updated: 5/23/2013 | Article type: Component

GainSpan Corporation, a supplier in ultra-low power Wi-Fi connectivity for the Internet of Things, introduced a complete reference design for wireless video streaming applications such as remote security/surveillance cameras, car back-up cameras and video baby monitors. The new Video Application Development Kit (ADK) speeds and simplifies design and integration of video streaming services into end products based on GainSpan Wi-Fi modules.

GainSpan's Video ADK includes hardware and software that help reduce the time needed to develop products that deliver live video over Wi-Fi. With the development kit, users can stream the video feed from a Wi-Fi enabled camera to an iOS or Android based smartphone.

Included in the Video ADK is a video application board, complete hardware design package and software suite with reference source code for the embedded video application, and iOS and Android based mobile applications. An Application Evaluation Kit (AEK) is also available that provides a binary version of the software and video mobile application.

The Video application board features the GainSpan GS1011M Wi-Fi module that communicates with an H.264 video compression chip (VGA resolution at 30 frames per second) over the SPI bus, a VGA camera and imaging sensor module, a motion detector, a single snapshot trigger button, a WPS/Provisioning button for easy set-up of the wireless network and mode indicator LEDs. The GainSpan embedded software running on the Wi-Fi module offers complete Wi-Fi functionality including the networking stack and services and wireless security. It supports mDNS/DNS-SD based device and service discovery that allows users to automatically discover and connect to the embedded video profile. In addition, it includes provisioning software that allows configuration of the Wi-Fi module in Limited AP or Client modes, and supports over-the-air firmware upgrades.

Offering flexibility of design and customization, the new kit provides hardware and software building blocks that provide a starting point for product development while allowing the developer to add application software and services, and customize the end product's user interface. With the reference source code included in the kit, customers can rapidly build custom features suited to their video applications.

"IP video surveillance cameras will soon represent over 50% of the video surveillance market and the demand for Wi-Fi based cameras has increased significantly due to ease of installation. With our Video ADK we've made it simple for customers to develop battery operated or line powered Wi-Fi cameras that can be activated through motion control" said Bernard Aboussouan , vice president of marketing at GainSpan. "This is the latest ADK featuring a complete end application that we've brought to market and, like our other ADKs, is designed to help customers get their products and services to market quickly and reliably."

In addition to the new Video ADK, GainSpan offers six other application development kits: a Smartplug ADK, Audio ADK, Temperature and Light Sensors ADK, Renesas Wi-Fi Sensor ADK, and functional ADKs such as Provisioning and Over-the-Air Firmware Update.