VIVOTEK product catalog gone mobile

Editor / Provider: VIVOTEK | Updated: 4/11/2013 | Article type: Security 50

VIVOTEK announced the launch of the iVolume e-catalogue app for iOS and Android tablet devices complete with comprehensive information on VIVOTEK's full product portfolio and technical documents. iVolume is available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play, allowing key information to be viewed on tablet devices.

The launch of iVolume demonstrates a commitment to the environment as well as creating more convenient access to VIVOTEK product information. With the boom in mobile device use, easy and convenient online access to VIVOTEK's product information for partners and clients makes specifying and quoting VIVOTEK products highly convenient. Moreover, to comply with VIVOTEK's continued commitment to green IT initiatives, the launch of VIVOTEK's iVolume will undoubtedly contribute to the reduction of printing and paper use, minimizing a negative footprint to the environment.

The iVolume consists of VIVOTEK's complete product lineup, including detailed information on the Supreme, V and C series network cameras, as well as accessories, network video servers, network video recorders, software and introduction and background information for our Solution Integration Alliance.

Steve Ma, Executive VP at VIVOTEK, stated, "Along with our dedication to global business expansion and market development, the launch of iVolume demonstrates our strong commitment to green initiatives. In addition, because of iVolume, information about our high-performance products is available at the touch of a finger and can be shared and acquired easily without geographic limitations, enabling the VIVOTEK sales team, distributors and system integrators to more effectively sell VIVOTEK solutions."

Exacq releases latest version VMS

Editor / Provider: Exacq Technologies | Updated: 3/19/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Exacq Technologies has released version 5.4 of its exacqVision VMS for use with network video surveillance systems. The latest version adds simplified archive drive search, a new direct driver for Samsung IP cameras, enhanced client control for panoramic/fisheye cameras, support for the new Axis M3007 panoramic camera, remote server software updates and ONVIF Profile S support. Nearly 200 new IP cameras from many of the industry's leading manufacturers will be supported by exacqVision through the release of version 5.4.

This release introduces the new Search Archive drive—the first phase of archiving for the exacqVision VMS. The exacqVision 5.4 client searches and retrieves video from both the local video server and the archive drive location seamlessly, with the results displayed as if all the video was from the same server.

With version 5.4, exacqVision adds support for nearly the entire line of Samsung IP cameras and encoders with the addition of a new Samsung IP camera direct driver.

Panoramic and fisheye cameras now have more enhanced control from within the exacqVision client. Users can now choose from three different views from most panoramic/fisheye cameras in live or recorded view in order to obtain better video evidence. The latest version of exacqVision also adds support for the new M3007 panoramic camera from Axis Communications. This camera features multi-streaming capabilities which are also supported by the exacqVision VMS. This allows users to create several live views of the camera in different view modes and resolutions simultaneously.

This new release also makes it easier for customers to update their software subscription. exacqVision 5.4 supports the updating of servers remotely. With Internet access enabled, exacqVision will check for available server software updates and will download the latest version based on the subscription end date.

Spanish university hospital combats theft with IP video

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 3/8/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

The Miguel Servet University Hospital that opened in 1955 in Spain installed a network video surveillance system to protect the 1,345-bed facility from theft. The hospital with 4,800 employees previously had no video surveillance system and had experienced a spate of property thefts, with one particular case amounting to the loss of more than US$7,800 (€6,000) in a month. After consulting hospital staff several times, Axis Communications' local partner and system integrator, DeInta, installed the system that comprises 18 IP cameras, video servers and encoders, and Milestone VMS.

DeInta chose the networked approach because of its flexibility and scalability, and implemented in several stages. Initially, network cameras were installed in the main corridors to monitor the hospital entry and exit points and were connected to the building's network. In the second stage, a dedicated VLAN was created within the main network. A storage server was then installed to store the video feeds sent by the cameras. Cameras installed in the project include 15 cameras streaming at 15 fps, two cameras with varifocal DC-iris lens for outdoor light conditions, and one with simultaneous M-JPEG and MPEG-4.

A similar system is also to be installed in all the new buildings being constructed on the hospital site and to extend existing infrastructure to additional, vulnerable floors and other critical areas. The system supports existing analog equipment and enables staff to remotely monitor the hospital, record and review images generated by sensors or alarm triggers, and receive e-mail or text alert notifications. Staff can monitor the system using mobile devices or PDAs.

“Since the video surveillance system was installed, the improvement has been absolute; from an average of one theft a week, we had none during the first five months the system was operating,” said José Ramón Vera, Security Section Manager of the hospital. “We also have peace of mind knowing that with the new digital video surveillance system, the new control center and the security staff, the hospital is being constantly monitored.”

London brewery/restaurant chain enhances remote monitoring and management on IP

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 1/29/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Mission
Fast-growing microbrewery chain Zerodegrees, was dissatisfied with the limitations of analog-based CCTV cameras and DVRs that had been installed in some of the sites it acquired in London. For its new restaurant and microbrewery sites, chief executive and co-founder of Zerodegrees, Nick Desai, wanted the ability to ensure evidence caught on camera was usable for police identification purposes. He also wanted to be able to keep an eye on his growing business whilst at home or travelling abroad.

Solution
At its new Zerodegrees outlet in Bristol, Desai decided to install a total of sixteen Axis network cameras and four analog cameras. Inside the 1,160 sqm site, six Axis 2110 network cameras, four Axis 211 network cameras, three Axis 205 network cameras and one Axis 207W network camera were deployed. Four analog cameras feed into two Axis 241Q video servers with all images managed by a Milestone XProtect Professional Version 4 system.

Result
Soon after the installation, a Zerodegrees staff member stole a large sum of cash from the till on a busy Friday night. Images were captured on two Axis network cameras and the employee was successfully prosecuted. An additional benefit has been the ability to gain access to any Axis network camera in this restaurant from anywhere in the world so the manager can keep a close eye on how the business is doing without being physically there.

Zerodegrees – pure innovation
Desai, with partner Dipam Patel, already owned a successful restaurant and a nightclub in south-east London before embarking on the Zerodegrees concept in 1998 – brewing beer on-site and cooking food from fresh ingredients in a modern, stylish restaurant setting. The first Zerodegrees opened in Blackheath in 1999 and then expanded to Bristol in 2004 and Reading in 2006. Desai installed an Axis 2110 network camera at the entrance to the building site to check on the progress of construction work. The camera proved invaluable and Desai was convinced that network video was the way forward once the business was open and running.

The Bristol site has an 8 Megabit per second broadband access feeding in via routers to Zerodegrees head office in London via a virtual private network. CAT5 network cabling ran throughout the site, enabling Axis network cameras to be powered over the network using Power over Ethernet, saving on electricity cabling costs. All images are stored on a 2 Terabyte Dell server which stores 31 days of images.

Network cameras are used throughout the site. All external cameras run at four frames per second continuously but trigger up to 12 frames per second when motion is detected on the walkways approaching the two entrances to enable easy identification of customers as they enter or leave the restaurant.

In addition to capturing a member of staff stealing takings from a till, images have also been used to speed up an insurance claim after an expensively designed, reinforced plate glass door was accidentally broken whilst being heavily rattled by a person who didn't realize it was locked. Such has been the success of the system that the police force in Bristol has highly commended Zerodegrees' security systems for its effectiveness in preventing and dealing with incidents.

Effective remote management
As well as providing security surveillance, Axis network cameras have allowed Desai to monitor his growing business wherever he has access to a network. He can view any of his network cameras through a web browser and with his restaurants spread across southern England, it is easier and more efficient to gauge how a restaurant is performing on a particular night by watching images on his PC rather than bothering busy staff with a phone call.

No more free lunches at Seattle restaurants and bars

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 1/25/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Mission
Internet Camera Solutions (ICSs) had a number of Seattle-based restaurant owners who needed advanced remote monitoring systems for their restaurants and bars. Although a few of the restaurants already had analog cameras in place, the owners needed a way to access the video feeds remotely, as well as to easily record and manage the images.

Solution
ICSs selected Axis video servers to digitize the video feeds from each restaurant's analog cameras. In addition, various Axis network cameras were added to the system to provide enhanced coverage. Milestone XProtect software was installed to enable the restaurant owners to easily manage and store the video.

Result
With the Axis equipment in place, ICSs' customers can view live images from their restaurants and bars via the Internet from anywhere in the world. This allows them to keep track of customer service practices and employee safety, or prevent theft and vandalism, without spending as much time in each restaurant.

An expanded presence
ICSs develops high-tech digital surveillance systems that allow clients to maximize profits, control costs and deter loss through the ability to monitor businesses from anywhere in the world. In order to meet the growing customer demand for a remotely accessible system, the company turned to Axis network cameras and video servers.

Before ICSs began installing Axis network video products, restaurant owners were unable to efficiently monitor their stores without being physically present. For owners with multiple locations, it was extremely difficult and tiring to travel between the various locations and monitor all employees. In addition, if stock or money was missing, it was nearly impossible to determine who was responsible.

"Restaurant owners don't like to feel that they need to live in their restaurants in order to know what is going on," said Bruno Pirecki, VP and managing partner of ICSs. "They need their surveillance systems to function as a remote set of eyes so that they can be more efficient in managing their facilities."

Before the Axis equipment was installed, images from the analog cameras were recorded to VCRs. However, the image quality degraded as the tapes were constantly reused and the restaurant owners had to spend hours winding through video just to find one particular event.

Less time, more management
With the Axis equipment, digital images can be stored on hard disks, so there is no loss in image quality. Images can also be accessed on-site or remotely via the Internet. In addition, search functions allow restaurant owners to zero in on a particular instance almost immediately, and the system can even be configured to store images only when motion is detected.

"Viewing activity via the Internet is a huge time saver, and the digital recording abilities allow owners to easily determine who is responsible should anything be stolen or vandalized," Pirecki said.

In fact, Maltby Pizza and Pasta, one of ICSs' first restaurant customers, was able to use the video from the Axis network video equipment to protect the business against a lawsuit. One night, the restaurant's employees had to remove an intoxicated customer who was disturbing others. Once outside, the man fell, injured himself, and ultimately threatened to sue Maltby Pizza and Pasta. However, the restaurant was able to produce digital video from the incident that proved the man's claim was false.

In addition, Toi Thai, a restaurant and bar in downtown Seattle, experienced trouble with liquor theft from its supply room. ICSs installed an IR-sensitive camera and Axis video server that allowed the restaurant's owner to view and record images of all activity in the storeroom, even in complete darkness. As a result, Toi Thai was able to catch a patron stealing a bottle of high quality scotch, and theft from the supply room has not been a problem since.

The flexible placement options with network cameras are beneficial because the cameras can go anywhere there is a connection to the network. If none is available, then a wireless connection can be used. This helps restaurants install cameras in very discreet locations, where they are not easily noticed.

According to Pirecki, it is common for restaurants to see a 3-5 percent decrease in liquor and food costs after they start using Axis network video. In some extreme cases, the cost savings can be as high as 15 percent. The technology also helps restaurant owners and managers keep an eye on safety procedures and minimize the risk of accidents.

Taking mini cams out to the field

Editor / Provider: Basler | Updated: 1/4/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

Application
More and more clubs, stadium owners, sports federations, leagues and rights holders in the sports industry have started to professionalize. Burgeoning revenues from broadcasters for sports content licenses help finance the large budgets for these sports stakeholders. They also want more content control over game footage, training sessions, surveillance activity and player analysis through video capture and management.

Traditional industry players such as facilitators and TV producers have built their businesses around mobile production methods for broadcasters. Many of these methods are cumbersome and inefficient, and they do not give their customers full control. Camargus, a Belgium-based supplier of multi-camera and video stitching systems to the broadcast and media production market, have come up with a solution for these issues: permanent stadium video infrastructure technology based on camera virtualization. The application is sold as a boxed infrastructure component and comes in the form of an advanced video server with unmanned, passive camera frontend. This package gives the user full control over content creation, live and in post-production.

Solution and Benefits
To provide sports industry stakeholders with this increased freedom of choice for their content creation, Camargus developed a capture platform consisting of unmanned camera systems that “see everything” and produce software-based virtual views that are decoupled from physical cameras. An array of miniature cameras – Basler aviators – forms a panoramic view of a soccer match, for instance. The camera images are stitched together producing a virtual view, which allows the user to look around and zoom in as if he were operating the virtual camera himself. A software user interface combined with a joystick controller facilitates virtual camera operation and real-time video editing. The server backend continuously records all the streams so that nothing is missed, and the virtual camera operator can even have a look round after the match.

For sports video productions, high frame rates are an absolute must, which is why the Basler aviator camera was selected for this application in the first place. The cameras deliver 2MP at 60 frames per second over a single GigE connection. Its flexibility and excellent price-performance ratio made GigE the interface of choice for the required data transmission volumes. Smooth 50 or 60 fps videos in combination with high-quality CCD sensors deliver pictures that easily rival traditional broadcast cameras.

Until recently, the TV producer alone decided which scene was to be captured and broadcasted. Now all sports stakeholders in a stadium have access to this new camera system through a simplified management interface that allows them to shape the content mix to suit their individual needs. The cameras capture the decisive one-on-one scenes and everything else that is happening on the pitch as well. Half-time or post-match analyses can now provide more comprehensive, in-depth context for a crucial game situation and how it developed in the background, long before that one final picture that would normally be captured by a standard camera. As Tom Mertens, CEO of Camargus, proudly summarizes: “The panoramic camera system makes content creation ubiquitous: always on, always available, capturing everything on the field, all the time.”

Argentine mining facility improves safety and efficiency using IP surveillance

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 12/7/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Over the past thirty years, the Argentinean town Sierra Grande, located in the southeastern corner of the Rio Negro Province, has experienced a wide variety of ups-and-downs. During the 1980s, Sierra Grande was a bustling town prospering from its rich natural iron ore deposits and mining capabilities. Conversely, the 1990s brought government-ordered mining stoppages, the unemployment of thousands, and a mass exodus from this once proud town.

Thankfully, with government reversing their Sierra Grande mining ban, the 2000s have seen a sharp uptick in both the fortune of this region and in the lives of those who bring the ore out of the mines.

However, it took more than simply reopening the mines to allow Sierra Grande to thrive once again. To help do so, Hikvision was brought in to both secure the mining facility and increase efficiency.

MCC Minera Enters
When MCC Minera Sierra Grande acquired mining rights to this town in 2006; it knew a great many challenges needed to be overcome.

In particular, of the three existing underground deposits – labeled North, East, and South – only the South dig-site is currently in use. Currently, Sierra Grande's mine extraction capacity is approximately 2.8 million tn. of iron ore per year.

A High-Tech Solution
Of particular note, the natural environment of not only the mining area, but the entire region, of Sierra Grande was a major cause for concern. Specifically, this section of the Rio Negro Province is famous for its harsh desert landscape and even harsher desert weather. As such, before MCC Minera opted for Hikvision, a thorough examination of other security manufacturers' products was conducted Lic. Christian Uriel Solano, President of Security One Argentina – Argentina's official Hikvision distributor for this project – noted, “It came down to two main factors: technology and durability. Both of these aspects proved that not only would Hikvision products be up the task from a technology standpoint, but they would be able to withstand any weather this unforgiving desert could throw at them.”

MCC Minerva was not looking for a simple CCTV for basic security purposes. Instead, the goal was to build a comprehensive solution that provided security and improved overall mining efficiency. Not only would Hikvision products be asked to withstand the blazing heat and bitter cold, but they would be asked to do so outside in the bright light, underground in virtual darkness, as well as combining analog and digital components both indoors and out. “It was an extremely complicated and technologically advanced case, and we congratulate the integrator on this project, Krall Infromatica, for really doing an excellent job,” Solano summed up.

The Nuts & Bolts
Beginning at the perimeter, Hikvision' DS-2DF1-714 IR network high speed dome and DS-2CC5173P-VP IR Vandal Proof & Weather Proof dome camera were tasked with providing general surveillance of the area. Complementing this was the iDS-2DF1-517 WDR network high autotracking speed dome to man sensitive areas. In particular, both cameras' IP66 rating provide assurance against weather factors, while the latter's embedded intelligence algorithms allow an operator the ability to preprogram specific triggers and immediate notification features.

However, due to the fact that these outer perimeter walls stretch over a kilometer from the main administrative facility, it was impractical to connect these cameras with cabling. Instead, Hikvision's DS-6101HFI-IP digital video server was used to convert the perimeter cameras' analog signals to the digital IP network wirelessly; providing both higher efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Of particular note was the DS-2CD7153-E 2MP network mini dome amera, with its HD 720P real time video, and vandal-proof housing. Strategically placed on the port to monitor the loading process of raw iron ore onto waiting ships, this high resolution camera was able to both increase productivity and increase worker safety due. Additionally, its housing allows it to withstand the punishment from rock and other debris periodically catapulted upwards from the moving conveyer belt.

Moving lower, the DS-2CC192P(N)-IRT IR bullet camera's IR LEDs and vari-focal lens provided a similar ability within the darkened mines; while the DS-2CC192P(N)-IR bullet camera did the same in both administrative and other mining settings. Additionally, the DS-2CC1192P(N)(-A) box camera's low-illumination ability complemented all of the above throughout the many office and administrative settings comprising MCC Minera's facilities.

Rounding out this total solution were both the DS-7316HFI-ST standalone DVR and DS-7208HVI standalone DVR to record these closer cameras in 4CIF resolution real-time recording; while the DS-9516NI-R embedded NVR was responsible for recording the outer perimeter's wireless IR cameras on its embedded linux-based system.

French prison locks it down with Hikvision day/night solution

Editor / Provider: HiKvision | Updated: 10/19/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Launch’s Network Video Server Successfully Applied in Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park of Sanmenxia City

Editor / Provider: LAUNCH | Updated: 10/16/2012 | Article type: China Corner

Launch’s Network Video Server has been successfully applied in Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park monitoring system of Sanmenxia city, assisting the Wetland Park to enhance its security and their ability to handle emergencies.

The Wetland Park is a key project for Sanmenxia city government to create a more attractive city and also to strengthen the protection and development of the Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve. The most scenic spots consist of three parts, which include the white swan viewing area, Shan Zhou Park and Yan Huang ecological forest. The Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park is a perennial impoundment covering approximately 16, 8031 acres including the water surface and forest land. Each year from October to the following March the park attract tens of thousands of white swans which settle there for winter, hence why Sanmenxia is hailed as “Swan City “.

Launch’s products were chosen for this project due to its excellent quality and good value. Launch’s Network Video Server includes Network Video Encode and Network Video Decode. The Network Video Encoder is D1 resolution and adopts H.264 video compression and supports mobile surveillance , WiFi/3G function, SD/TF card is also optional. The easy to operate Network Video Decode supports one channel D1/HalfD1/CIF resolution and has a keyboard control with built-in GUI.

Due to the complexity of the wetland park environment, Launch have solved their previously over complicated surveillance system. Through the use of Launch’s network video server which is compatible with the Wetland park’s surveillance devices upgrading and optimization of the system was conducted. With a decentralized surveillance data collection point, large data can also be conveniently transmitted through the network, which lowers the surveillance system costs. More importantly the system can be managed centrally

Launch’s product successfully applied in Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park monitoring system of Sanmenxia city has been highly recognized because of the product’s function, quality and service. Launch will continue to improve product quality and with constant innovation contributing to the different fields in the security industry.

Demystifying HD-SDI Transmission and Storage

Editor / Provider: a&s China | Updated: 7/24/2012 | Article type: Tech Corner

IP-based video surveillance systems have been improving rapidly over the past few years, and there are fairly complete and sophisticated solutions out there, along with numerous product lines to choose from. But it was not always so.

High prices, few selections, lack of options… Sound familiar? HD-SDI is still maturing, just as network cameras began to gain awareness back in 2002.

Analog Inheritance
Besides a selected few subcontracted installations in China and Korea, HD-SDI currently does not have any large-scale applications. Why? This is associated with the price of the switching, and storage requirements, said Alan Hayes, founder and MD, AMG Systems. "This can be compared with analogue video where all signals come back to the control room rather than IP systems where storage and switching is distributed.

“There is, however, an advantage to this approach. With HD-SDI DVRs, the structure of the system does not require any change at all. All the user needs is an SDI signal distributor to push the signals to a TV wall or LCD monitor.

Another benefit is that existing infrastructure can potentially be reused. For example, since banks are largely still using coaxial cables, they are in a great position to upgrade from analog to HD-SDI, providing that their cables reach a certain level of quality. This reduces their time and cost of installation, which appeals well to the keepers of cash.

However, existing cables are not guaranteed to work. Since HD-SDI is digital, it does not degrade gracefully like analog does, said Todd Rockoff, Executive Director, HDcctv Alliance. "Once the return loss exceeds the prescribed range, the signal ceases to be transmitted." Ultimately, installers bidding retrofits will need field testers to verify the status of the cables. According to the HDcctv Alliance, the ability to reuse legacy cable depends on the physical properties of that cable and the quality of its terminations. "Length is just one factor; core composition, wire gauge, cable run geometry, the integrity of the insulating layers, and so forth, also affect the result."

Maturing at a Rapid Pace
Other enhancements are also being made to increase HD-SDI's feasibility, such as extending its transmission distance, developing specialized displays for HD-SDI, and improving manageability.

Extending Distance
While short transmission distance has been a major downside for HD-SDI, improvements in chip technology and the debut of fiber link breaks HD-SDI away from the chains of coax. The current selection of transmission solutions is still limited for integrators and end users, but recent improvements show that HD-SDI is now suitable for many more applications than previously assumed.

Besides increasing bit rates, chips also use lossless compression to extend the distance to 300 m. However, the most common practice is to use fiber optic transceivers, which can use WDM/DWDM/CWDM to utilize different wavelengths of light to extend HD-SDI's reach to 30 km to 70 km, up from the paltry 100 m.

Multiple channels can be put on one fiber, but this will involve using different optical wavelength channels, one for each video channel, using CWDM technology, Hayes said. "CWDM does have a price premium, so it comes out relatively expensive. But from a technical point of view it is perfectly doable.

“Other benefits of the fiber approach are that other signals — Ethernet, data and so on — can be multiplexed onto the same fiber, thus saving materials and installation costs on the infrastructure.”

Specialized Displays
For the most part, current video surveillance displays use CVBS and VGA interface. When it comes to high definition video, two prominent formats are 720p and 1,080p. The HDTV SMPTE-296M/274M requires that the interface used to be HDMI or DVI and YC.

Most HD display manufacturers directly assume HDMI when it comes to HD-SDI, but in reality BNC is a more apt interface for SDI. Many displays already support HDMI-1080p, and displays with embedded SDI receivers and that support SDI connectors are available as well, albeit choices are currently limited to either small or large displays.

Video Management Not a Problem
HD-SDI originally lacked a unified platform for video management, but it is now possible to run the video through an SDI server to convert the signals to IP. The data can then be managed by any NVR or VMS.

In addition, the DVR can also output the video through its network interface into the VMS. The claim that HD-SDI does not have management platform no longer rings true.

For a highway project in Korea that had such a requirement, coaxial cables and fiber optics were used at the front end to transmit the signals to the traffic control center, then converted via HD-RX and convert the signals to BT.1120 and input into a network enabled DVR or HD-SDI video server. The VMS can then collect and manage all the DVRs on the network and control camera PTZ, all via standards.

As little as a few months ago, there were still many that expressed concern over whether matrix switchers could handle HD-SDI signals. Many even assumed that SDI could not be controlled as easy as analog, since SDI is not a composite signal like CVBS. However, with the help of chipmakers and developments in SDI equalizer circuit and SDI distributor, manufacturers now offer SDI control matrices.