Honeywell on 2013 mega tech trends

Editor / Provider: Honeywell Security | Updated: 4/1/2013 | Article type: Security 50

The cloud, mobile-device proliferation, and easier system integration are some of today's key technology trends reflected in the new products and services. The lineup will include enhanced versions of several Honeywell products that have drawn praise from the security dealer and integrator communities for their abilities to simplify installation, operation and maintenance, while also helping those professionals distinguish their businesses.

The newest versions of LYNX Touch 5100 and Tuxedo Touch wireless security systems highlight the residential systems, while commercial offerings such as Pro-Watch access control, the MAXPRO family of NVRs and the recently announced MAXPRO Cloud 3.0 hosted video will also be demonstrated.

Specific enhancements visitors will learn about include:
LYNX Touch 5100 – Scheduled for release later in Q2 is an updated version of the award-winning, self-contained, wireless system with Z-Wave integration and Wi-Fi alarm communications. The LYNX Touch 5100 wireless system extends its connected home capabilities by offering advanced sensor technology for garage-door control, as well as alerts for severe weather such as tornadoes. Beyond the ability to simply control garage doors, however, the LYNX Touch system can sense if a garage door is accidentally left open during a pre-designated time set by the owner – and then closes the door itself automatically. This sensor advancement can pave the way for future capabilities in the connected home space.

Tuxedo Touch touchscreen controller with Honeywell Total Connect Remote Services – Pairing Honeywell's popular touchscreen controller with Honeywell Total Connect remote services ties together all of the technology in users' homes and businesses – such as security, cameras and Z-wave enabled lights, thermostats, locks and shades – to increase comfort, enhance lifestyles and make more homes and buildings energy efficient. Integration with Honeywell Total Connect allows home and business owners to control the system from any Internet-enabled device, including smartphones, mobile tablets, PCs, laptops and others from anywhere in the world. The combined solution will be available in late Spring.

MAXPRO Cloud 3.0 hosted video service – Announced earlier this month, the latest version of the award-winning, hosted-video system gives companies more options for storing surveillance clips; it's among the first in the security industry to combine local storage, USB-based storage, a networked attached storage appliance, and cloud-based backup. Its enhanced online tools, including a digital dashboard, allow users to easily manage surveillance across multiple sites, improving overall security while reducing costs.

MAXPRO NVR 2.5 – The latest portfolio of MAXPRO network video recorders and their software-only options are fully compatible with Honeywell's new line of ONVIF Profile S-compliant IP cameras. Other enhancements include integration with smart video motion detection, 360-degree camera support and a calendar search. Its new virtualization support for NVRs saves end users time and money by allowing them to use existing servers to virtualize video surveillance on the same infrastructure.

Pro-Watch 4.1 security management platform – The newest version of the widely used Pro-Watch security management platform allows security professionals to more-easily design “connected-business” systems using a Honeywell software development kit. The open system also now supports Salto disconnected readers, which secure entry ways more effectively without traditional hardware and wiring. Additionally, the latest version is compatible with Honeywell's Vindicator Standard Edition intrusion detection system, which now enables large commercial sites to use military-grade protection to secure their perimeters and manage event information gathered from interior and perimeter intrusion, video detection, access control and fire systems.

2nd largest bank in France upgrades to digital recording

Editor / Provider: Grundig Security | Updated: 3/29/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Societe Generale, the second largest bank in France recently deployed Grundig Security video surveillance equipment to help combat armed assaults that target ATMs and cash-in-transit vehicles. The bank upgraded each of its branches to a digital video recording solution, each with local and off-site recording capability, which amounted to 1,200 video recorders. It also added 2,000 hidden and external Grundig cameras at its branches, vehicles, and ATM points.

According to a recent survey by the National Observatory of Crime and Criminal Responses, such incidents have increased by 75-percent within the last 2 years. “Banks, cash-in-transit and cash handling providers are being targeted by criminals and this type of crime can often be violent,” explained Andre Molinengo, Alarm Monitoring Center Manager for Societe. Societe chose Grundig because its systems offered the level of security required, without compromising business operations, and due to its comprehensive understanding of the statutory requirements.

The external cameras operate effectively, day and night, in busy town and city environments. The cameras also provide privacy zones when used in residential areas. Each branch is centrally monitored, so remote access and multiple, simultaneous user operation is enabled. The bank implemented full HD video for evidential purposes, and by combining video and audio detection technologies operators could respond to incidents in real time, said Molinengo.

Keep an eye on Brazilian juvenile rehabilitation

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 3/29/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Beginning in early 2011, 23 juvenile detention facilities in Rio de Janerio, Brazil have deployed Hikvision Digital Technology both analog and IP video surveillance equipment to help monitor inmates. Local system integrator, Interimagem, implemented the systems consisting of Hikvision Digital Technology IP cameras, mini domes, analog cameras, to meet the different needs of the two different types of facilities, Degase and Criaad. The system integrator worked in partnership with Hikvision official distributor in Brazil, VMI Sistemas de Seguranca.

Degase, the first type of detention facilities was reserved for more serious juvenile offenders. The facility has a higher number of inmates and faces higher risks of violence and vandalism. There are a total of six such facilities located within Rio de Janerio. One of the challenges was preventing inmates from disabling, manipulating or vandalizing the cameras at the low ceiling facility, said Alvaro De Souza, CCTV Manager at VMI.

For indoor monitoring, 2-megapixel vandal-proof mini network domes were installed in corridors and rooms to prevent camera tampering. The cameras come with alarm system that notifies security control room of camera tampering. In addition, 5-megapixel network cameras were placed indoors at key access points and other areas of high importance. The cameras 5-megapixel function reduces infrastructure costs, and could be placed in higher locations to prevent tampering, said Alvaro De Souza.

At Degase, 540 TVL IR bullet cameras housed in IP66 rating enclosures that met Brazilian government's request for weather-proof cameras were deployed for outdoor surveillance. The cameras utilize 40 meter IR distance range, with D/N and automatic color or black/white capability. The final touch to the center's surveillance system was a H.264 compression card. “This card saves on video storage capacity by utilizing the card's motion detection feature with analog cameras, and using an IP camera's internal motion detection ability,” Mr. Souza noted.

The second detention facility, called Criaad, is referred to as a semi-liberty facility used by less-serious juvenile offenders. There are 17 Criaad facilities located throughout the state of Rio de Janeiro and require lower level security than Degase. As with Degase – and for the same reasons – Criaad's primary outdoor cameras were 540 TVL IR Bullet Camera. The detention facility also used a Hikvision standalone DVR. “One helpful feature of the DVR is when a system crash is imminent; an alarm automatically sounds, allowing the DVR to automatically save its video data and information is not lost,” said Souza.

Tying this solution together is Hikvision's VMS – a full platform, capable of controlling not only DVRs and compression boards in the same interface, but also IP cameras. This software can manage up to 256 pieces of equipment (cameras, DVRs, etc.). The installation of the system has curbed and eliminated vandalism, prisoner riots, and other misbehavior.

Belgian and Dutch ports entrust security to biometric smart cards

Editor / Provider: Lumidigm, Ingersoll Rand | Updated: 3/28/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Under the International Maritime Organization's International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities, Belgian and Dutch seaports have turned to smart cards and biometric systems to help track access by employees and visitors across private terminals. Port of Antwerp and Zeebrugge in Belgium recently replaced its old biometric system at registration stations with Lumidigm multispectral imaging fingerprint readers. The Port of Antwerp is Europe's second largest port, while Zeebrugge is the central port for Europe's automotive industry and has the largest liquefied natural gas terminal complex in Europe. Alfapass, the provider of security smart card system at the ports, is in the process of enrolling 17,000 truck drivers and 10,000 longshoremen at the two ports on the new system.

The Port of Antwerp has been using a biometric system since 2005, but the former system could not differentiate one person from another at the required level of certainty and security and had high FAR, explained Piet Hadermann, Operations Manager for Alfapass. One major access control requirement at the port was the efficient identification of individuals that travel between multiple port facilities.

The solution was a single ID card that covers all facilities. Therefore, visitors to both Belgian ports carry an Alfapass smart card that includes the visitor's biometric template. By checking and verifying the information stored on the card, facility personnel can assure that the card is being presented by its rightful owner. Alfapass enrolls user cards with two fingerprints. When a card is lost or stolen, or the person no longer works for the company, the card is automatically blocked from all participating facilities. All port visitors are now being enrolled with the Lumidigm fingerprint readers. The readers are placed and used at port registration offices and administrative kiosks located at the “gate in” for truck drivers and elsewhere.

Previously, The Port of Antwerp deployed a hand geometry access control system from Ingersoll Rand that recognizes a person hand's 3D features. The system consisted of 71 individual terminals, and issued more than 8,000 credentials. RFID smart cards stored employee information, work experience, access restrictions and biometric identifier. The system's open architecture design enabled terminals to integrate additional security and safety technologies, such as video surveillance and time-and-attendance. In addition, a web-based card management system was used to carry out the credentialing process across the terminals and other systems.

In 1998, a similar Ingersoll system was installed in Port of Rotterdam in Netherlands. As one of Europe's largest container ports, the port required an access control system that was robust enough to withstand the North Sea's severe weather conditions, easy for truckers and stevedores to use, fraud-proof, portable and flexible enough to integrate with the port's logistics systems. Ruggedized biometric readers were installed at the port's gates, plants, loading docks, staging areas and other critical entry points to meet this demand.

Ingersoll outlined the hand geometry system was chosen because of its automatic identification capacity, and because truck drivers refused to use iris recognition. The system was also more accurate than fingerprint recognition and offered lower FAR when used en masse, claimed Ingersoll. Drivers were issued smart cards that were embedded with chips that contained their personal personal identification, company information and a biometric template of the driver's left hand. Implementation of the system has helped the Dutch port avoid costly transport delays while ensuring security.

 

UK luxury hotel near Hyde Park reopens with style and security

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 5/3/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

The recently remodeled La Suite West, formerly The Hyde Park Hotel in London, deployed a discreet surveillance system consisting of Axis Communications network cameras to upgrade hotel security and blend in with hotel decor. The luxury boutique hotel is the latest minimalist creation of British designer Anouska Hempel. The system was installed within budgetary constraints by Trident Systems UK, and the products provided by Axis' distribution partner Anixter.

The design of the hotel meant that discreet surveillance was essential and therefore the hotel wanted to upgrade its security system to reflect this. As well as being discreet, the solution needed to produce high-quality images and offer the ability to monitor video streams both on and off-site.

La Suite West has worked with Axis partner, Trident for a number of years to specify and manage the hotel chain's telecoms, networks, security and video surveillance system. The hotel specified IP surveillance cameras and chose discreet fixed dome, recessed-mount fixed dome and HD dome with remote focus and zoom. The HD dome met the high specification required by the hotel, whilst also keeping within budgetary constraints. The system provided discreet surveillance with added monitoring functions, including HD quality images, multi-view streaming and P-Iris.

The system has been flexibly designed to provide numerous benefits to the hotel including, remote access and viewing in real-time, night surveillance, the ability to e-mail images and remote monitoring via smartphones. The discreet but effectively installed cameras are utilized to monitor staff movements and ensure quality control. It has allowed hotel management to have greater control and monitor all of the hotel's operations. It has also been a valuable tool for the food and beverage department as it has been able to use the footage to monitor the kitchen and restaurant floors. An unexpected additional benefit of the system is that it has assisted staff training and allowed the hotel to further improve customer service.

"I didn't realize just how much I had in one system,” said Meir Abutbul, Director of La Suite West. “There are many features and layers and the footage can be analyzed in various different ways.”

“We continue to work with large and small hotel chains across the globe, assisting them with the transition from legacy analog CCTV systems, demonstrating the plethora of benefits with IP-based security systems and helping them strike the delicate balance between the need for effective security measures and the high expectations of their guests,” said Atul Rajput, Regional Director, Northern Europe, Axis. “Hoteliers are really starting to appreciate that IP video surveillance based on open platform standards, offers endless possibilities for integrating into third-party analytic applications that focus on improving business efficiency and performance.”

“For example, IP cameras that have embedded people-counting analytics can allow hoteliers to measure hourly traffic levels and evaluate performance across the whole chain, which is particularly relevant to those hotels that offer public access to their bars, restaurants, shops or fitness centers,” explained Rajput. “The ultra-discreet system provides the hotel with the control it needs to meet future security requirements that is notoriously difficult with analog CCTV systems and allows staff to deliver best practice and provide a safe and secure environment to all hotel guests.”

 

Cali beach club shaded from risk

Editor / Provider: Hikvision Digital Technology | Updated: 3/27/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

Founded more than 75 years ago, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club in San Diego, California recently upgraded its security by integrating two Hikvision Digital Technology HD cameras and VMS with existing analog and cabling infrastructures. For more than 15 years, ACS Cable Systems has been supporting the club's cabling infrastructure, and the club sought to integrate a security system into its network.

The main challenges encountered in the project was covering security on the large premise and integrating the system into ACS cable network. Two cameras were deployed on the ceilings to cover the extensive ground. One was a 2-megapixel mini dome camera, and the other a vandal-proof network camera with a wide-angle view of 101 degrees to 30.4 degrees. Essentially, the existing analog PC based DVRs were maintained and upgraded to an embedded DVR, which makes the most out of the legacy analog system.

The system is managed with Hikvision VMS, which covers the HD cameras and DVR's to achieve a well integrated video surveillance system. The software functionalities include multi-live video, playback, event alarms, remote configuring, and multi-level user management.

The new IP cameras enabled security personnel to have a comprehensive view and complete control from a single workstation through the VMS remote client software. Camera feeds were sent in real time and recorded for further investigations if needed. Data integrity in its legacy system was maintained and the new scalable system could serve the club for many years to come.

Milestone promotes sales manager to Sales Director for Asia

Editor / Provider: Milestone Systems | Updated: 3/27/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Milestone Systems, the open platform company in IP VMS, has appointed Sunny Kong as Director of Sales in Asia.

“Milestone Systems is the market leader in open platform IP VMS in Asia and we are expecting an annual growth of 30 to 40 percent over the next five years. I find the Asian market very exciting because the requirements and expectations vary from region to region. Therefore, in my new role as Director of Sales, one of the primary tasks will be to continue developing the channels of our mainstream markets and to set up new ones in developing markets such as Vietnam and the Philippines,” says Sunny Kong.

Kong comes with more than 19 years of experience as a manager of sales, business development, products and support. He has worked more than 10 years with CCTV and IP video surveillance at Prowler International and Milestone Systems, where he was Sales Manager of APAC the last four years.

Kong holds a Bachelor of Science in Computing with Management from Bradford and has demonstrated that he is a talented strategist. He has had great success with setting up channel partner models and building good relations with the Manufacturer Alliance Partners of Milestone Systems.

Eric Fullerton, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Milestone Systems, is pleased that Sunny Kong has been promoted to Director of Sales in Asia: “Sunny Kong has proved to be an excellent Sales Manager at Milestone Systems and has demonstrated strong leadership all the way. He is the perfect person to continue elevating the sales of our open platform software in the Asian market.”

Axis to present smarter surveillance experiences

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 3/27/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications announced its plans to unveil several new products, participate in multiple educational sessions and debut its new Partner Pavilion at ISC West 2013, April 10-12, Las Vegas (Booth #14057). This year, attendees will "Experience Smarter Video Surveillance" with Axis' hands-on approach to demonstrating the latest in IP video technology, including covert solutions, small system solutions and WDR Dynamic Capture and Lightfinder technologies. Axis industry experts will present on network video innovation in several educational sessions and show attendees will be able to connect with leading surveillance solution providers in Axis' new Partner Pavilion.

Axis will hold live demonstrations of its latest network video innovations and solutions, featuring the exceptionally discreet AXIS P12 Network Camera Series, the world's smallest HDTV-bullet style AXIS M2014-E Network Camera, the 360° fixed mini dome AXIS M3007-P/-PV Network Cameras, Lightfinder-enabled AXIS P13 Series and the 60 fps AXIS Q7411 Video Encoder. The recently expanded North American business development team will be present to discuss technology and trends in IP video. Partners, consultants and end-users can also learn more about the Axis Certification Program and full educational offering. The new Axis Mobile Command Center Vehicle, featuring integrated video surveillance technology, will also be on display.

Axis' extensive partner network showcases cutting-edge solutions, which help give companies an edge over the competition in the increasingly competitive network video market. This year at ISC West, Axis will host a new addition to the booth – the Axis Partner Pavilion. Attendees will meet face-to-face with a variety of Axis' leading solution providers and experience the latest technologies and applications in video surveillance.

In addition to its booth and speaking presence at ISC West, Axis is participating in numerous events during the week, including the 4th annual Mission 500 Security 5k, the SIA Customer Appreciation Reception and the Young Security Professionals (YSP) at ISC West networking event. Attendees are encouraged to keep an eye out for Axis “Intelligence Agents” – a collaborative effort with Mission 500.

Polish stadium offers secure lifestyle

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 3/26/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

MOSRiR, a facility management of sports venues in Szczecin, Poland deployed an IP-based video surveillance system to monitor the Florian Krygier Municipal Stadium in September 2012. Local installer mvb installed the system consisting of Axis Communications high speed domes with 360 degrees pan capacity and fixed cameras equipped with directional microphones and supervisory, registration and protection position. New infrastructure was built to accommodate the installation of cameras.

The video surveillance covers all points of the stadium from the ticket counters to the gate doors, roads for emergency services, evacuation routes, parking areas, and seating sections for the fans up to the pitch itself. The sports venue also covers sports clubs and associations, physical culture, tourism organizations.

Axis was chosen for its stable and open platform and scalability, said Maciej Arndt, Technical Director for mvb. The installation of the cameras has allowed the stadium management to observe areas in real-time, and archive audio and video recordings, said Waldemar Gill, Director of Szczecin, MOSRiR. In addition, the cameras meet the revised technical requirements for the organization of mass events, which is currently regulated by the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration.

The system gives a professional support tool not only to MOSRiR employees but also to police and law enforcement officials. Safety of visitors depends on the continuous monitoring of critical areas. Moreover, if the operator detects a suspicious incident, they can immediately inform the police which significantly helps prevents incidents from occurring and allows quick response.

Asia Update: TOM targets HD-SDI DVRs

Editor / Provider: TOM | Updated: 3/26/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

TOM Technology has produced video surveillance products since 2000, with steady development of DVRs ranging from PC-based to standalone. As of today, the company has set its sights on developing HD-SDI DVRs. Thomas Jin, President and CEO of TOM, believed the time for HD-SDI is about to start. The company decided to shift its attention to HD-SDI products after experiencing fierce competition. Jin said HD-SDI has an advantage over IP because IP products have more installation requirements. Many clients who are accustomed to using analog products have great difficulty adapting to network products. If HD-SDI products are set at a reasonable price, there is no doubt that they will be seen as the more favorable option. Jin believed the market has shifted towards HD-SDI in the first quarter of 2012, and is likely to have reached almost 1 percent in global market shares by the end of 2012.

Recognizing the opportunity, TOM took time to develop its technology and solidify its place as a provider of sophisticated HD-SDI DVRs. Recently, TOM released its new hybrid DVR, which can simultaneously connect SDI and analog cameras, and is able to record and playback in real time for up to 16 channels. The convenience of this product will likely increase the use of HD-SDI. Aside from HD-SDI DVRs, TOM continues to carry analog DVRs, providing customers with more options. The company also plans on developing a further improved CMS and HD-SDI cameras.

In terms of future development, HD-SDI will mature with greater adoption rates. The company will have to direct its products at the professional niche. Though most of the company's revenue is generated from ODM orders, Jin hopes to increase the number of products under the company's own brand. Once the company has a competitive product, its brand will be more likely to succeed. TOM currently has clients in the U.S., EMEA, and parts of Asia. Its operations in the U.S. and Europe were established especially for the convenience of the buyers to support their sales. Jin has confidence that HD-SDI products will become part of the mainstream in the security industry in 2013.