Hikvision delivers webinar training for UK installers and users

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

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

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

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

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

US health care analytics firm streamlines access control

Editor / Provider: Lenel Systems International (UTC) | Updated: 5/6/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

WhiteCloud Analytics, a healthcare analytics company– headquartered in Boise, Idaho, recently utilized Lenel's security management platform, and web-based access control system to accommodate business expansion. Apex Integrated Security Systems, one of the leading providers of integrated security systems in Northwest U.S.–also of Boise- that handled the security management platform for the complex was taking part in a pilot program for the launch of web-based access control system.

Until late June 2012, security and access control at WhiteCloud, which has a staff of more than 30 people, was based on what could be termed a traditional solution: brass keys and locks. To accommodate business expansion, WhiteCloud recently acquired more physical space in the building where they were already leasing space. The office building utilized Lenel's security management platform, and web-based access control system targeted to smaller organizations. “Everyone thinks that our office security system is the same as the building's system but it isn't,” said Jerry Loyd, Help Desk Expert and System Administrator at WhiteCloud.

The traditional mechanical locks in place at WhiteCloud created the expected security issues. “Every lock could be unlocked permanently by clicking a mechanical switch,” said Loyd. “So any one person could essentially compromise our entire security operation. And, of course, we had the usual misplaced keys, individuals locked out who needed to get in, and so forth. At the end of each work day, one of us did a complete survey of our offices to ensure that we were all buttoned up for the night.”

As WhiteCloud deals with a great deal of confidential information and protected Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act data, enhanced security became a high-priority need. “As we discussed options with WhiteCloud, it became more and more apparent that...They did not need an advanced system, but streamlined, superior access control was mandatory,” said Uli. Every WhiteCloud employee already possessed an access control card for building entry, and the ability to utilize these same cards with web-based access control system delivered an added advantage to adoption.

Training – principally on the system software – went quickly and easily, and within two days Loyd notes that he was relatively fluent on the system. The other operator is not a big technology fan but has also quickly understood and embraced the system. Following the access control system's hardware and software installation, access control cards were programmed into the system. And today, “It only takes a minute for us to add someone to the system,” said Loyd.

Loyd, and Director of Administration Natalie Shores anticipated some employee pushback when the new system was introduced, so they developed a transition plan that took employee concerns into account. “We permitted everyone to keep their keys for a few weeks,” said Shores. “They retained the physical ability to open and lock doors with keys while they became acclimated to and accepted the new system.”

In addition, the system's remote function has been particularly handy. “It's very cool to be able to allow someone entry to the offi?ce on a weekend via the iPad app,” said Loyd. “There's no need to drive across town, so the convenience is greatly appreciated.” With the web-based access control system's iPad app, administrators can permit access, check on activity, and review the events log remotely. The addition of the access control software strengthens the power of WhiteCloud's security and affords greater peace of mind to all parties involved.

EverFocus wins IP Camera Excellence Award at Secutech International 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congressman Mike Honda visits Morpho US headquarters

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

Morpho (Safran), through its subsidiary Morpho Detection, welcomed Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17) at the Morpho Detection offices in Newark, California.

Employing more than 200 people in Newark, Morpho Detection's Bay-area offices and manufacturing facility houses the Morpho Computed Tomography (CT) Center of Excellence research and development lab. As a result, some of the most widely deployed CT-based solutions used globally to screen checked baggage for dangerous explosives and other threats are developed and manufactured in Newark, among them Morpho Detection's CTX automated explosives detection systems (EDS).

“Morpho Detection thanks Congressman Honda for being here today and his long-standing support of local businesses,” said Brad Buswell, president and CEO, Morpho Detection. “Morpho Detection has been developing advanced explosives detection solutions in Newark for more than 20 years. We look forward to continuing our work with Congressman Honda to ensure our district remains a global hub for innovation and technology.”

As part of his visit, Rep. Honda met with employees and viewed the production area of the CTX line of EDS. The most widely deployed in the world, with nearly 2,000 units assembled in Newark since 1990, Morpho Detection's CTX EDS screens checked baggage at the busiest airports in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Commenting on his visit, Rep. Mike Honda (CA-17) said: “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and my own Blue Ribbon Task Force on Aviation Security, I know firsthand both the fiscal challenges we face as a nation and the importance of investing in advanced technology to ensure the safety of the traveling public in the future. Silicon Valley has long been a global hub for innovation in a variety of markets – allowing businesses to be more efficient and creating jobs that sustain communities. I have enjoyed learning more about technologies like those Morpho Detection manufactures and that can allow us to approach safety more intelligently and cost effectively."

Precise Biometrics' iPad 4 sleeve approved by Apple for payment applications

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

Tactivo is the first mobile smart card and fingerprint reader based on the new Lightning connector, which has been approved by Apple. This new version also supports payment chip cards.

Thomas Marschall, President and CEO of Precise Biometrics, says: “We are pleased to announce that Tactivo for iPad 4th Generation has been MFi approved by Apple and thereby is ready for global launch. We already have pending orders from both old and new Tactivo customers.”

Tactivo for iPad 4thGeneration is the first mobile smart card and fingerprint reader, based on the new Lightning connector, available in the market. It proves, once again, the market leading position Precise Biometrics has within this segment.

Together with apps and solutions from Precise Biometrics' partners, Tactivo enables government agencies and companies to maintain a high level of authentication and security when employees use mobile devices to access sensitive information. Tactivo supports both traditional smart cards, such as the US Government PIV and CAC cards, as well as payment chip cards.

VIVOTEK wins IP Camera Excellence Award at Secutech International 2013

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

VIVOTEK is honored to announce that it has won the Camera Excellence Award at Secutech Taipei 2013 for the past three consecutive years. This year, the award was bestowed on the new IP8371E 3.1-Megapixel Bullet Camera, complete with brand-new features such as Smart Streaming.

Secutech Taipei, an annual international security expo promoting global security solutions, is held each year by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media, at the Taipei World Trade Center, Nangang Exhibition Hall. The Camera Excellence Award, a competition event held at Secutech this year on April 24-26, 2013, has not only been regarded as a platform for leading camera manufacturers' product showcases, but also as an index of outstanding IP cameras and technology achievement.

VIVOTEK's IP8371E, a bullet type network camera especially designed for outdoor use, is equipped with a 3.1-Megapixel CMOS sensor, enabling the camera to capture 1920x1080 resolution video at 60 fps. By supporting high-performance H.264/MPEG-4/MJPEG compression technology, the IP8371E guarantees extra-smooth video quality while reducing the file size and saving the bandwidth and storage. With the addition of 30-meter IR illuminators and WDR enhancement, the delivery of superior image quality around the clock is assured, with images great distances under challenging lighting conditions captured precisely. Furthermore, being designed with a weather-proof IP67-rated housing and wide temperature range capacity, the IP8371E is protected against rain, dust and extreme weather, ensuring the camera's operation in all types of challenging weather conditions.

Steve Ma, VIVOTEK's Executive VP, indicated: "I would like to thank Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media and the honorable judges for their support and recognition. It is a great honor for us to be granted this prestigious award three years in a row. VIVOTEK will continue our commitment to the product excellence and technology development based on a foundation of profoundly innovative R&D."

IP-based video solutions for banks taking root in Malaysia

Editor / Provider: LILIN | Updated: 5/6/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Bank Muamalat Malaysia has moved ahead to adopt IP-based HD video surveillance at its headquarters. The Full HD IP system of 16 LILIN IR, vandal-resistant, 2-megapixel dome cameras is managed on a 16-channel LILIN Multi-Touch stand-alone NVR.

The LILIN NVR116 is a 16-channel, 1080p, real-time NVR with a maximum network throughput of up to 48 Mbps. It also supports up to 8 pieces of SATA HDDs and 1 eSATA.

With this Full HD 1920x1080 HDMI output coupled with a touch-screen monitor, operation of the system and zooming in and out of camera display are made effortless and intuitive by simply touching the monitor screen with one or more fingers.

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.

Indonesian bank deploys self-secured ATMs

Editor / Provider: Diebold | Updated: 5/3/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

For more than 10 years, Diebold and Bank Mandiri, the largest retail bank in Indonesia, have partnered to provide consumers with robust and secure self-service technology available. As a continuation of this partnership, Bank Mandiri has signed an agreement with Diebold to add 1,421 automated teller machines (ATMs) with built-in cameras to its existing Diebold ATM fleet and network.

The bank provides secure and convenient access to a broad range of transactions through its 10,985 ATMs across the country. By offering a variety of advanced technologies and a strong service organization that delivers differentiating ATM availability, Diebold is able to meet the bank's strategic business needs.

Engineered to accommodate the most demanding financial self-services requirements in the Asia-Pacific market, the cash dispenser boasts the industry's smallest footprint while providing advanced functionality and enhanced consumer security. Its capacity and intelligent modules enable Bank Mandiri to forecast maintenance needs, driving increased efficiencies, maximized uptime and reduced operating costs.

In addition, the terminals are equipped with the latest fraud prevention solutions, including the newly introduced advanced skimming prevention and enhanced anti-fishing features, to combat growing card fraud. Functional enhancements, such as contactless card readers, facilitate e-purse and mobile top ups which increase consumer convenience.

"As a leading self-service terminal provider in Indonesia, Diebold is committed to meeting the needs of financial institutions in this region and provide secure, reliable technology that adds convenience and flexibility to consumers," said Wico van Genderen, VP, Asia Pacific, Diebold.

In addition to the ATMs, Diebold provides a wide array of innovative solutions and products to Bank Mandiri, including cash recyclers, self- service terminals fitted with one-to-one marketing using Diebold's Windows-based ATM integration software and ATM software that allows for convenient 24/7 access to personalized banking services.

NXP acquires Code Red Technologies to expand microcontroller business

Editor / Provider: NXP Semiconductors | Updated: 5/3/2013 | Article type: Component

NXP Semiconductors announced its acquisition of Code Red Technologies(CRT), an embedded software development tools provider, as a strategic addition to its microcontroller business line. CRT is recognized industry-wide for innovative tools enabling rapid development and debugging of full-featured applications for 32-bit ARM? microcontrollers. These tools include the popular LPCXpresso IDE (integrated development environment) – a very low-cost, end-to-end development platform for NXP LPC microcontrollers – enabling embedded developers to develop applications from initial evaluation through to final production. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

LPCXpresso is based on Eclipse, with enhancements specific to LPC microcontrollers. Since its release in 2009, the LPCXpresso community has grown steadily, with over 66,000 unique software activations of the LPCXpresso IDE since January 2010.

“With LPCXpresso, NXP has built a strong foundation for a vibrant embedded development ecosystem around LPC microcontrollers. Bringing the Code Red team into our organization gives us the ability to jump-start our in-house software expertise, deliver world-class software libraries and integrated tools to our customers, and rapidly build on the momentum behind the LPCXpresso IDE,” said Jim Trent, vice president and general manager, microcontroller business line, NXP Semiconductors.

“Joining forces with NXP enables us to focus on what we do best – simplifying the development experience for customers through tools and software. Through closer integration, we'll also be able to bring our ARM and LPC experience into new market segments on a global scale, developing and tailoring software for specific applications and solutions,” said John Rayfield, co-founder and CEO of CRT.

Axis introduces affordable outdoor D/N fixed mini domes

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 5/3/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications, presents Axis M3024-LVE, which provides 1-megapixel or HDTV 720p video with an 80° field of view, and Axis M3025-VE, which delivers 2-megapixel, HDTV 1080p video with a wide 93° viewing angle. Both cameras have an automatically removable infrared-cut filter. It allows the cameras to capture color video during daytime conditions and make use of IR light in low-light conditions for high-quality black and white video. Axis M3024-LVE further enables surveillance in complete darkness when using its built-in IR illumination.

“While Axis M30-VE cameras are small in size and price, they provide many benefits including HDTV performance, day/night functionality, input/output ports for external devices and support for the easy-to-use Axis Camera Companion and other VMS,” says Erik Frannlid, Director of Product of Management at Axis Communications. “They are also vandal-resistant and can be quickly installed in indoor or outdoor environments. Altogether, Axis M30-VE cameras are attractive solutions for professional installations with tight budgets.”

Axis M3024-LVE and M3025-VE enable quick and easy installation. They can be mounted on walls or ceilings, and the camera direction can be easily adjusted. The cameras support corridor format for vertically oriented video streams that maximize coverage of areas such as along walls and aisles. The cameras also come focused at delivery, which shortens the installation time. They have a 2 m (6.6 ft.) network cable and are powered using PoE(IEEE 802.3af). Separate outdoor housings are not required as the cameras are outdoor-ready with IP66 and NEMA 4X ratings that ensure protection against dust, rain, snow and corrosion.