Arecont Vision megapixel cameras pass with flying colors at Texas school district

Editor / Provider: Arecont Vision | Updated: 7/22/2014 | Article type: Education

Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) is a recognized leader in college and career readiness in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, offering a comprehensive curriculum to meet the needs of every student. The District consists of roughly 41 square miles tucked along the Texas/Mexico border and serves almost 16,000 students in four high schools, four junior high schools, fourteen elementary schools and two special needs schools. Administrative offices and warehouses are also part of the facilities belonging to Mission CISD.

Challenge
For school districts across the country, video surveillance and security systems are no longer an option – they are must-haves. Mission CISD had an analog surveillance system in place, but found that its effectiveness was hampered by many limitations. First, the resolution of the images produced by the analog cameras was too low for identification. Next, after-the-fact forensic investigations were more difficult, if not impossible, to conduct due to the poor quality of the video that was captured. Finally, because the pan/tilt units were often facing the wrong direction at critical times, there was always a strong possibility that they would not capture video of an event that would be helpful in an investigation. For these reasons, the analog system was deemed unable to meet the district's current and future security needs without a significant upgrade. As a result, Mission CISD made the decision to deploy a new digital video system.

Megapixel Solution
After conducting research over the course of five years, school administrators concluded that the best solution for their application was a megapixel video system. Once this had been decided, they set out to find the cameras that would provide the performance necessary to deliver the level of image quality Mission CISD required. Working with the project integrator, American Surveillance Company Inc., located in Brownsville, Texas, the district selected Arecont Vision as their provider based on the company's wide selection of high-quality megapixel cameras that include 180- and 360-degree panoramics and audio-enabled models. The many additional features standard in the company's megapixel cameras, such as motion detection, day/night functionality, vandal-resistant housings, and remote focus/remote zoom, made the decision to use Arecont Vision's products even easier.

American Surveillance Company installed more than 700 Arecont Vision cameras and a storage system in a two-phase implementation across 28 Mission CISD locations, which are connected via fiber optic cable. The cameras transmit video to a central command center for storage and monitoring. The center is equipped with a video wall that allows operators to view live images or archived video of any of the installed cameras.

Megapixel Benefit
It was immediately apparent that the Arecont Vision cameras were able to capture greater detail in higher resolution than from the analog system, making facial recognition a reality. Post-incident investigations had been difficult using the analog system, and the remote zoom feature of the Arecont Vision cameras made that process much more effective and efficient. Operators can zoom in on any area of live or recorded video for better situational awareness and identification of individuals involved, along with the small details of an incident. Since the 180- and 360-degree cameras continuously capture a much wider field than the previous analog cameras, there was no need for pan/tilt cameras and the associated field-of-view challenges.

Another benefit of megapixel cameras from Arecont Vision is that fewer cameras are needed to provide the significantly improved surveillance coverage the new system provides. “Having a complete field of view 100 percent of the time allowed Mission CISD to go back and have an important digital zoom capability for investigation needs. With one Arecont Vision camera, Mission CISD can now cover the same area as six or seven analog cameras,” said Jaime Escobedo, President and CEO of American Surveillance Company Inc. “The resolution of the video is so high that you can easily see all the details that you need to help resolve disputes or handle situations, both live and after the fact.”

Using H.264 compression technology to dramatically reduce bandwidth and storage requirements, the Arecont Vision cameras can capture full motion video at 30 frames per second at full resolution without compromising image quality at any point in the process. Among the Arecont Vision megapixel cameras selected for installation at the Mission CISD were the AV2155DN and AV5155DN MegaDome cameras, the AV1125 MegaView camera and the AV20185DN and AV20365DN SurroundVideo panoramic cameras.

FLIR and Aimetis provide solar plant in Spain with perimeter security solutions

Editor / Provider: Sponsored by FLIR | Updated: 7/22/2014 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Solarpack is a multinational integrated management company focusing on electricity generation projects in the field of solar photovoltaic energy and is specialized in the development, financing, construction, operation and management of these projects. Controlling a large area where high valuable equipment is deployed all over the site, is not an easy task and it usually requires investing a great amount of money to keep the facility well protected.

For one of the most important solar plants in the West of Spain, Solarpack is now protecting its perimeter of 41 acres with an intelligent analytics solution of Valencia based company CCTV CENTER, combining FLIR thermal imaging cameras and Aimetis Symphony powerful analytics software.

Business challenge
Solarpack is continuously investigating new security solutions to have a pragmatic security system to protect its installations, considering the complexity that involves a solar plant. In this project, the challenge was saving investment costs and maintenance costs, as well as improving the security system towards a more effective and reliable solution, offering automatic notification of alerts and events. Quick search and review of video images was also an essential requirement. A number of tests made with other security systems lead Solarpack to determine that thermal imaging cameras were the best solution and, specially, FLIR thermal imaging cameras. It was then when Solar Pack contacted CCTV CENTER, FLIR's official distributor and integrator in Spain.

Solution
CCTV CENTER's presented a solution combining FLIR thermal imaging camera and Aimetis Symphony analytics software. Aimetis Symphony is award-winning intelligent video surveillance software that offers a single, innovative, open IP video platform for video management, video analytics, system integration and alarm management. The superior quality images from the FLIR thermal imaging cameras together with Aimetis Symphony analytics were a really great solution for the whole system. The end user had a previous experience in projects with thermal imaging cameras and a good image quality was always a main requirement.

Due to the high contrast of their images, thermal imaging cameras are specially recommended for analytics and perimeter applications. Thermal imaging cameras can detect a human target at a distance of up to 2,000 m and produce clear and crisp images in total darkness, light fog and rain where color CCTV cameras can't. Thermal imaging cameras provide an ideal solution for 24/7 surveillance, saving costs in IR illuminators or any other additional illumination system.

F-Series thermal security cameras let you see intruders and other threats to your facility clearly in total darkness and in bad weather. Fully enabled for control and operation over digital and analog networks, F-Series thermal imaging cameras are available in 160 × 120 pixels, 320 × 240 pixels, and high-resolution 640 × 480 pixels formats, providing up to sixteen times the image clarity and longer threat detection range performance than lower resolution cameras.

Installation
For the perimeter protection of this solar plant 21 FLIR F-Series thermal imaging cameras with a resolution of 320x240 pixels are installed on 2 to 3 meter high poles, alongside a wired fence. The F-series are fully enabled for control and operation over digital and analog networks. The F-Series provide high contrast imagery optimized to get the most out of video analytics software. Digital Detail Enhancement ensures clear, properly contrasted thermal images in all weather conditions. The thermal imaging cameras are working together with an intruder detection system, both connected to a CSA (Central Station Alarm). All the thermal imaging cameras are integrated with Aimetis Sym+phony software so they can be controlled from a server PC placed at a remote workstation. "Integrating the FLIR F-Series cameras with Aimetis software was a great solution", says Pablo Campos from CCTV CENTER, in charge of this project. "We used FLIR thermal imaging cameras before with Aimetis Symphony and the FLIR F-Series are included in the list of compatible devices. Once calibrated, analytics performance is outstanding."

Target detection
Aimetis Symphony software is configured with a virtual fence, so when an intruder crosses the virtual line, determined by the operator, an alarm is triggered. The alarm is then sent to the CSA, where the operator receives the signal. The operator then connects with Aimetis Symphony client and checks the video stream associated to verify if it's a false alarm or a real threat. The system can make distinction between humans and animals. When the system identifies the target as a human, it will start tracking the target. The software doesn't trigger any alarm unless the target crosses the virtual line configured by the operator. When the system identifies a target as an animal or unknown object, it will not send an alarm at all, even when an animal crosses the virtual fence. This is because “animals” are considered as authorized intruders in the system. The high quality of the thermal imaging cameras and the reliability of the analytics makes it possible to make this distinction, resulting in a drastically drop in the number of false alarms.

Cost savings
Before the new installation 10 to 15 security guards were hired to protect the premises. Now there are no security guards patrolling or controlling the access to the solar park anymore. Everything can now be managed from a remote workstation by only one or two operators. “The new installation is saving a lot of money and is far more effective than having a team of security guards viewing daylight cameras that can't display images at night or in bad weather conditions. Furthermore, the use of thermal imaging technology saves costs of deploying and keeping an illuminating system running. Also not a lot of electricity is consumed, using thermal imaging cameras instead of other solutions, and maintenance costs are low as well”, concludes Pablo Campos.

Top 3 myths of physical access control technology

Editor / Provider: Ola Jonsson, Business Development Manager, Axis Communications | Updated: 7/21/2014 | Article type: Hot Topics

It is no exaggeration to say that network video has revolutionized the video surveillance market. Now the access control industry is on the verge of a similar development. Once again, it is the transition from analog to IP-based systems and with it the adoption of open standards which provides new opportunities and stimulates market growth.

Since the introduction of the first network camera in 1996, the market share of IP-based video surveillance systems has increased year by year. Today, network video solutions offer a host of benefits and advanced functionalities that cannot be provided by analog video surveillance technology.

There are a number of common misconceptions as the physical access control industry undergoes a similar transition from analog to IP-based technology. In the following, I will address the top 3 of these myths.

Myth #1 - It's not worth upgrading existing analog systems to IP-based technology
A typical analog access control system is dependent on having each device – card reader, handle, door lock, door position switch, etc. – hard wired with RS-485 cable into one central unit or central server. Besides being proprietary systems, which confines the end user to one single provider of hardware and software, these solutions often tend to be very complex and require expert personnel to handle installation and configuration.

Furthermore, when expanding analog systems the process is complicated by the need to consider that a typical central controller is built to accommodate a certain maximum number of doors, normally 4, 8, 16 or 32. Not only does this limitation make the system inflexible but also makes it difficult for the end user to match his requirements with products available, e. g. if there is a need for access control at for example 9 or 17 doors. This lack of flexibility also brings high marginal costs, which can make the addition of one extra door unjustifiably expensive.

Upgrading an analog access control system to IP-based technology therefore allows for more flexibility while lowering costs as the system needs to be expanded to include additional doors. IP networks can be used for more than one application. This way different security systems can use the same infrastructure and can be integrated with each other. Often remote monitoring and management of security systems is a key requirement. This can be easily implemented with IP-based solutions which feature web-based console access.

Myth #2 - Access control systems are only for large installations
Analog access control products and systems are normally designed and optimized for large installations with a lot of doors and maybe thousands of credentials (cardholders). The actual market looks very different. According to the Security Sales & Integrator Gold Book 2013, the average installation consists of 7 doors with less than 130 credentials. Only about 20% of the installations have more than 10 doors.

Without the need for hard wiring to a central control unit or central server, IP-based access control systems enable installations that are very flexible and scalable. This means not only a more versatile solution, but also a more cost efficient one. Freed from the constraints of enlarging the system in certain multiples, a network-based solution can – should it be necessary – be enlarged by one door, and one reader, at a time.

Additionally, IP-based technology enables “edge” solutions. An edge solution has one controller for each door, which is then connected to the existing local Ethernet through a regular network switch without the need for a central server for management. Since IP networks now are ubiquitous in offices, stores, factory plants and similar facilities the cost of adding an IP-based door controller would be minimal, as opposed to multiple serial connections wired back to a central server. Cabling work can be even further facilitated. By employing a PoE (Power over Ethernet) supported controller at each door the need for a separate power cable is eliminated, thereby reducing the total installation cost and time compared to that of an analog access control solution.

Myth #3 - Access control systems are proprietary solutions that can't be integrated with other security systems
Very much like in the video surveillance market the shift from analog to IP-based technology in the access control industry will cause a transition from proprietary systems to open solutions. And these solutions will most likely be based on international industry standards.

Open solutions and standardized interfaces are a prerequisite in any industry that wants to establish its own equivalent of "plug-and-play". There are many gains from such a development also in access control. It will allow end users to freely pick and choose between components – reader, door controller and software – that best satisfy their needs and preferences. This freedom of choice makes the system future-proof and means the end user no longer has to rely on a single brand or supplier. Equally important, it can also enable integration with other security related systems and third party applications, without the need for costly hardware boxes to provide the “bridge” between the different systems. For example, a very common request is to integrate physical access control with video. People entering a building will automatically trigger a camera; the live images can then be used for investigation of incidents or identity control.

In the network security systems market there is already a clear trend to develop open or standardized application platform interfaces (APIs), which can be used by all competing market participants on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. Naturally, this will increase supply and promote competition and bring a new level of innovation to the industry, while simultaneously making it even easier for end users, system integrators, consultants and others to take advantage of the different possibilities offered by IP-based solutions.

For example, the Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF), which is a global and open industry standards body with the goal to facilitate the development and use of IP-based security products, announced in 2010 an extension of the organization's scope of standardization to cover physical access control. Ideally, access control devices from manufacturers that comply with the ONVIF standards will in the near future interoperate effortlessly and seamlessly with each other, as well as with other video surveillance products and systems conformant with the standard.

Future outlook
According to a market forecast by analyst firm ARC Advisory Group, IP-based access control systems will comprise more than 35% of the market in terms of shipments by 2016. A key factor will be that new buildings are increasingly being equipped with IP-based building control systems. This provides the basis for integration of previously often separate systems such as access control, intrusion detection, fire alarms or video surveillance.

Open standards and the ability to base different security systems on the same IP network architecture allows installers to build solutions based on products from various manufacturers. This way they can better meet customer demand, price projects more competitively and offer custom solutions to particular installation challenges and requirements. End users benefit from a future-proof and adaptable technology that can easily scale to their growing needs without being locked into any one manufacturer.

Preemptive problem solving with RFID

Editor / Provider: BY EIFEH STROM, a&s International | Updated: 7/18/2014 | Article type: Hot Topics

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is commonly used to track items, but its usefulness in helping manufacturers prevent production errors is becoming more widespread. As more and more manufacturers begin to integrate RFID technology into their production processes, the RFID market is seeing growth. By using RFID for error detection and not just tracking, the higher price tag of RFID will prove its worth in overall savings.

The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) to track and tag objects dates back to the 1940s. Nowadays, not only does RFID help supply chain visibility, but it is also used to improve inventory management and operational efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance information accuracy. These benefits are helping to spur the growth of global passive RFID market, which in is expected to reach US$11.6 billion in 2018, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan. Continuous research and development in the RFID industry along with growing end-user awareness are thought to be some of the main drivers for growth. However, one of the main challenges facing the market is the hesitation of end users to invest in a technology that has a higher price tag than other systems such as barcodes. Without sufficient knowledge of the benefits of RFID and concerns that customer return on investment (ROI) does not match its startup costs, growth in the RFID market will be hindered.

One way manufacturers are utilizing RFID to not only improve their ROI but also the overall efficiency of their facility is by using RFID technology on the production line. Manufacturers are no longer looking to just track products throughout the production process, but use RFID to detect errors during the processes before they become major problems down the line. By using RFID for both error detection and production efficiency, manufacturers are able to save both time and money.

EARLY DETECTION MEANS SAVINGS
Not falling behind schedule on a production line is extremely important in a manufacturing facility. Manufacturers are on strict deadlines set by customers to get their products to them in a timely manner. One delay on one production line not only costs the facility time, but starts a chain of events that can end up costing the facility a lot of money. In order to stop problems on the production line before they get too far out of control, manufacturers across industries have begun taking advantage of RFID technology in helping to reduce errors.

Brian Ma, Sales Representative at GIGA-TMS, a manufacturer of RFID readers and antennae, pointed out that every RFID project is unique with its own set of challenges. “Every successful ultra-high frequency (UHF) project has three major components — the transponder, the antenna, and the reader. All three of them have to be carefully chosen and configured.” As such, finding the right equipment can be a RFID project's biggest challenge.

NOT ALL FUN AND GAMES
While RFID, whether it be active or passive, LF, HF, or UHF have many advantages, the technology is far from perfect with limitations like any other technology. RFID tags cannot be bent, nor can holes be punched into them without it damaging the data. Also, RFID readers are prone to being flooded with data by those RFID tags with longer detection ranges. Pallets full of RFID tags may get read every time it passes a reader if the sensitivity is set too high. Additionally, a general lack of know-how on how to properly, efficiently, and successfully implement specifically UHF solutions means that more time is needed before the use of RFID in manufacturing for more than just tracking becomes common place.

Vietnamese Textile Printing Factory Uses RFID for Error Detection
Textile printing factories receive large shipments of fabric bundles for printing. Several shades of the same color, which are difficult to distinguish, may come to a factory for printing. This can easily lead to errors if a worker is told to simply pull a general color and throw it onto the line. If a mistake is made and the wrong bundle gets put onto the production line, not only is precious time wasted, but money and resources as well. To cut back on errors, a top textile printing factory, which prints for internationally well-known brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, etc., wanted to find a solution that would help detect errors. Ultimately, a passive UHF RFID solution by GIGA-TMS was chosen. 

A passive UHF RFID solution was chosen for this project for several reasons, as pointed out by Brian Ma, Sales Representative at GIGA-TMS. First, UHF RFID has a longer reading range than either low-frequency (LF) or high-frequency (HF) RFID tags, which is useful in a high volume industrial setting. UHF RFID is also highly configurable as well as reusable. In this particular case, the reusable nature of the UHF RFID tag was a deciding factor to whether or not the factory opted to deploy a RFID technology. Unlike barcodes that cannot be reused, some UHF RFID tags can not only be reused hundreds of times, but can also withstand extreme temperatures. In this case, the factory needed the tags to be able to be reused at least 700 times in extremely high temperatures. Another advantage is that UHF RFID has multi-tag detection capabilities, which can save a lot of time when dealing with large quantities of fabric shipments. However, these advantages do come at a price — at over US$1 per tag this technology does not come cheap. For this reason, UHF RFID tags are most often used to track items of high value, advised Ma. Despite this, ROI for this technology will come to surface as long as end users are willing to invest in the costs for initial implementation and time to figure out the best solution. Mistakes in the printing process can cost the factory up to $100,000, according to Ma. This is not because the fabric itself is expensive, but because one mistake pushes back the entire printing process. Reducing the amount of errors on the production line, as well as being able to track fabric bundles throughout the entire printing process allows management to make sure the right fabric is being printed on. In the event an alarm is set off, management is able to fix the problem before it's too late. Additionally, the RFID information can be used to see which employees are most efficient. Since tags also record the duration of an item at a station, management can see which workers work most efficiently and which workers waste the most time.

RFID Helps Cheesemaker Save “Cheddar”
The cheese making process is a time sensitive process. Any mistake in the amount of time a batch of cheese is heated, cooled, and soaked results in the entire batch being thrown out. This not only wastes resources, but time as well. Having already implemented RFID technology to track the cheese production process on the conveyor belt at one of their sites, Tnuva, a global dairy products company, wanted to expand their use of RFID to more of their sites on some of the more complex processes that the cheese must pass through before being shipped out. Logitag, a RFID company, who implemented the initial solution, chose to expand the solution by deploying active RFID tags on the carts that move cheese through coolers, heaters, and pools of saline water, and passive UHF tags to track the cheese post-production.

Logitag had to deal with many challenges when choosing what type of RFID technology to use in the cheese factories. The harsh environment of the cheese manufacturing process posed a problem for RFID technology, as a large amount of metal and liquid are present in the factories. As a result, Logitag recommended different types of RFID technology to each of the different sites. Since both metal and liquid can compromise UHF RFID transmissions, both LF and active RFID tags were deployed. Using LF 125 kHz tags from HID Global to tag each box filled with cheese molds, Logitag's reader and software were used to read the information on the tag, which included time, date, and batch number. The tags are read along five different points throughout the production process. If any time abnormalities occur during the process an alarm is sounded, notifying management and giving them time to save the batch before it is too late. This has saved Tnvua money by reducing the number of batches that would have been discarded if Logitag's software had not detected the problem. With the information gathered from the RFID technology, Tnuva was also able to improve production efficiency by adjusting production processes, according to Shlomo Matityaho, CEO of Logitag. “There are many kinds of organizations where the production processes are not so organized. Cases like Tnuva are a very good example where RFID creates a very organized process. In this way RFID technology can create market change in production.”

VIVOTEK and Milestone unveil Video Server Promotion Program

Editor / Provider: VIVOTEK | Updated: 7/17/2014 | Article type: Security 50

VIVOTEK announced the launch of its Video Server Promotion Program for echoing Milestone's New Licensing Concept, which is only one hardware device license needed for each analog to IP encoder, regardless of the number of analog cameras connected to the encoder. Effective from today till the end of 2014, special prices will be offered to the purchase of VIVOTEK 4-CH video server VS8401 or 8-CH video server VS8801 with adopting Milestone XProtect video management software (VMS).

With the technology advancement, IP-based surveillance system has been proven to make significant contribution to business operation. The implementation of IP surveillance is on the rise. Steve Ma, Executive VP, VIVOTEK, indicated, "Companies with analog legacy might hesitate to invest in new IP surveillance systems because of the expenses. With adopting VIVOTEK's video servers, data received from analog camera can be encoded by VIVOTEK's advanced codec system and broadcast via an IP network for monitoring, recording and analyzing."

VIVOTEK's VS8401 and VS8801, performing 4-CH and 8-CH D1 resolution with high frame rate in H.264, are able to convert analog video into digital video with the highest quality. Moreover, designed with intelligent video functions as motion detection and tamper detection, the VS8401 and VS8801 are capable of upgrading an analog camera into an intelligent IP camera. Companies with analog legacy will be able to enjoy the same benefits that generated by IP-base surveillance systems.

Ma further added, "To fully support our software partner Milestone's New Licensing Concept and help users to lower down the cost effectively while improving the business efficiency, we especially designed the Video Server Promotion Program for our global clients. This Program, at an affordable cost, is truly cost-effective and value-added."

TOP10 most popular security products for June 2014

Editor / Provider: Erica Lin | Updated: 7/15/2014 | Article type: Hot Topics

asmag.com here presents the TOP10 products with the most click-through rate in June 2014.

First have a quick look: the TOP10 rank in June is taken by 7 manufacturers—Axis, D-Link, EL.MO. S.p.A., Exacq Technologies, Hikvision, VIVOTEK, and Theia. Among them, two are Taiwan manufacturers, D-Link and VIVOTEK, unsurprisingly. Of the 10 products, it is worth noticing that six cameras enter the June TOP10, with two of them fisheye cameras while panoramic camera has been  increasingly popular on market. And still two out of the six cameras are for the application of  smart home, one from Hikvision and the other from D-Link. Hikvision's 1.3M IR cube camera has successfully achieved the first place for six months in a raw, while D-Link's baby cam makes its first time on rank.

Over all, each of the top 3 winners— Hikvision, VIVOTEK, and EL.MO. S.p.A..—has received higher total click-through rates than those in May!

1. Hikvision DS-2CD2412F-I (W) 1.3M IR Cube Network Camera

As expected , Hikvision's 1.3M IR cube network camera again becomes the number one on the rank! Receiving a total of 553 clicks this month, it has also got more clicks from last month. Of them, more than half came from America. For six months in a row, the DS-2CD takes the first place on the rank. Though, the other IR cube network camera, Hikvision DS-2CD2432F-I (W), falls out of the rank this time.

2. VIVOTEK FE8174v 5MP 360 degree Fisheye Fixed Dome Camera

The FE8174v is the latest fisheye fixed dome network camera dedicated by VIVOTEK. It jumped from No.7 last month to No.2 in June with a total of 402 clicks. The FE8174v features a detailed 5-Megapixel resolution sensor and is able to provide surveillance coverage in wide, open areas, such as airports, shopping malls, parking lots, retail stores, offices and more. Its high-performing ePTZ function enables smooth shifts of zoom in and focus on a region of interest (ROI). Just in July, asmag.com has released a video to introduce this sleek and durable panoramic cam. Check here: Spot the fishy incidents — 11 perspectives from the industry

Go for more up-to-date panoramic cameras at here.

3. ELMO ANIMA touchscreen control keypad

The No.3 is taken by ELMO ANIMA, control/management keypad with a total of 354 clicks. ELMO ANIMA sees the most of its total viewers from America(42%). Presented by the Italy company, EL.MO. S.p.A., provider of wireless intrusion detection control unit, ELMO ANIMA owns sleek design as well featuring LCD touchscreen and backlighted foldaway buttons. 

4. VIVOTEK MD8531H 1.2 MP WDR Mobile Dome Network Camera

Among the first five seats, two (No2 and No.4) are taken by VIVOTEK cameras. The No.4 goes to VIVOTEK MD8531H, 1.2MP WDR camera, which is also a new comer on the rank with a total of 286 clicks. Nearly 80% of tis viewers came from America and Europe(46%, 33%). The MD8531H is designed ideally for transportation applications such as buses, trains, and other vehicles.

5. D-Link DCS-820L Wi-Fi Baby Camera

The No.5 is taken by another new comer, D-Link DCS-820L Wi-Fi Baby Camera, which was just released in May. With a total of 267 clicks, this baby cam had more than half of the viewers from America(55%), which is a growing market for the manufacturers. The Wi-Fi Baby Camera includes advanced features like motion and sound detection, instant push alerts, integrated lullabies, night vision technology, two-way audio and temperature measuring.

6. exacqVision VMS version 6.0

The six place goes to exacqVision VMS version 6.0, with a total of 256 clicks. ExacqTechnologies, part of the Security Products business unit of Tyco, has just in March released the latest version of the Video Management System(VMS), Version 6.0 since the prevision version 5.2 was launched in 2013. Among the views, over half of them came from America(52%). The new release comes with new features such as radically-faster search through new SpeedSearch, advanced camera configuration, faster more responsive PTZ control, and over 80 new IP camera integrations.

In May, exacqVision is integrated with Connect ONE, a web-based physical security information manager(PSIM). Live video from exacqVision video management system(VMS) software is linked to events within the Connect ONE interface.The integration of exacqVision with the Connect ONE interface allows users to view live video associated with events from one or more locations, generate customized reports, set up alarm or event alerts for instant notification of security concerns, manage users and access privileges and more.

7. Hikvision DS-2CD6362F-I (V)(S) 6MP Fisheye Network Camera

The No.7 goes to the second fisheye camera on this rank — Hikvision DS-2CD6362F-I (V)(S). It is the latest fisheye camera from Hikvision. This 6MP fisheye network camera supports up to 3072 x 2048 real-time streaming, with multiple viewing modes available. As expected, fisheye cameras have become increasingly popular across various verticals. Go find out more about 360-degree cameras on asmag.com June feature: Spot the fishy incidents — 11 perspectives from the industry.

8. AXIS Q16 Series-- Q1615/Q1615-E HDTV Network Camera

The No.6 goes to Axis Q16 Series HDTV Network Camera. This HDTV network camera series, just released in June, receives a total of 246 clicks. This new camera is Axis' first fixed cameras to provide 50/60 frames per seconds in HDTV 1080p resolution. With twice the normal frame rate, the cameras can even better record smooth video when people or vehicles are moving fast.

9. VIVOTEK ND8321 8CH Standalone NVR

No.9 is taken again by VIVOTEK. The ND8321 8CH Standalone NVR enters the rank with a total of 238 clicks. It is also the only NVR ranked on June Top10. ND8321 and IP8355EH are VIVOTEK's key products included in smart and simple solutions for smart city. Interestingly, IP8355EH, outdoor bullet network camera, was the No.2 in April Top10. To improve staff's security, efficiency, and productivity, and to ensure a safer shopping environment for customers, VIVOTEK has developed a user-friendly “Convenient Retail Solution,” comprising the ND8321, a plug-and-play network video recorder, elegantly designed ultra-mini bullet network cameras, and ultra-mini dome network cameras.

10. Theia SL183 Ultra Wide 5MP DN Lens

The last seat on the rank is taken by Theia SL183 Ultra Wide 5MP DN Lens with a total of 235 clicks. Over this period, SL183 has most of its viewers from Europe(47%), the highest on the rank. Theia SL183 features unique, distortion-corrected megapixel lenses, with 1.8 - 3mm varifocal range and Theia's patented Linear Optical Technology.

* Please note that the above statistics are not based on the sum of clicks but the accumulation of IP addresses.
For last month's TOP10 products, click here.

Market demand spurs versatile commercial building solutions

Editor / Provider: a&s Editorial Department | Updated: 7/14/2014 | Article type: Hot Topics

In Asia, the commercial building market has relatively strong potential compared with other parts of the world as private funds, such as those in the U.S., have been showing great interest in the region in recent years. Some US private funds are either buying commercial properties in countries like Singapore or taking on new construction projects. Due to a great number of new constructions in Asia, the demand for integrated building automation (BA) systems are also on the rise.

INTEGRATED BA SOLUTIONS WITH SECURITY
In some developed economies like Singapore and Hong Kong, office buildings and financial buildings are common types of commercial structures. Office buildings can range from state-of-the-art skyscrapers housing regional headquarters of multinational corporations (MNCs) to mid-end buildings accommodating small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Financial buildings are those whose tenants are banks and financial institutions.

Office buildings used as regional head offices and financial buildings are the types that would resort to an integrated solution that bundles security and BA systems at the same time. As to the commercial building market in Asia, where building codes are not as clear as those in Europe or North America, what devices and functions should be included in an integrated system and how they should be done are largely dependent on the whims of building owners. But in general, the integrated BA solutions which highlight the improved energy efficiency and identity management is getting popular in these countries.

Identity Management in High Demand
The type of commercial buildings whose occupants are MNCs are required to protect physical and non-physical intellectual property, since the wealth of intellectual property, be it product prototypes, business letters, or customer information, can fall prey to break-ins and database infiltration. Moreover, the flow of of the outsourcing trend among some MNCs has caused a need for stringent security control. On the other hand, financial buildings that have safety deposit boxes, ATM machines, counters, and employee offices all within one construction also demand rigorous control as cash and client profiles require extra protection.

Therefore, a highly-integrated security solution focusing on identity management has become an answer to the protection of intellectual property, cash, and crucial client information. Identity management is an integrated solution that coordinates BA systems, security hardware, and oftentimes, biometric identification. Patrick Lim, Director of Sales and Marketing at Ademco (Far East) put it this way: “The management of identity using several ID technologies is important as not a single piece of information can properly authenticate an identity.”

What makes identity management so special in a highly-automated building is that as BA leaves the control of a building's access and other security matters to a computeroperated system, identity management, oftentimes with the help of biometrics, exerts a more humanized influence to the system.

Besides, identity management also works with a BA system to provide a customized environment for an individual. Lim took a CEO's office as an example. When a CEO steps into a building, the executive lift is already there waiting for him/ her and their office has been tuned to his/her preference upon arrival (e.g. the blinds are opened to allow in more sunshine).

Energy Efficiency Becomes Unique Selling Point
Both headquarters and financial buildings have added energy saving to in their integrated solutions. Ricky Law, Account Manager at Ensec Solutions, said lighting controls can go with access controls to achieve light saving functions, such as switching lights on and off with an access control card. Lighting controls can also be bundled with a building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for more energy savings.

New building projects in Asia's developed countries are also increasing demand for a highly automated security and energy saving systems. “Developers and engineering consultant firms [are] looking for energy saving and a more cost effective solution for building projects,” Law said, noting that the incorporation of more energy saving functions into an integrated automated security solution can be a selling point to new construction projects. In new constructions, energy saving functions like how lights and air conditioning systems should be controlled and preconfigured in the BA system have been considered in advance when buildings are under construction.

However, for SMEs, instead of occupying the whole or part of a commercial building, they are often only tenants of a floor or sometimes just a room. Energy saving “can be too rigid and creates inconvenience to tenants,” said Lim, referring to the complexity of integrating too many functions into existing building.

The re-modeling and re-deployment of pipes and wires in buildings can be a painstaking process, not to mention all SMEs in the building have to sit down, make negotiations, and reach agreements to get an integrated system done.

In addition, money is also an issue, Lim said. “The high cost of some of these systems can prevent smaller buildings and cost-sensitive organizations from adopting energy saving solutions,” he explained.

SECURITY PLATFORM SECURES MULTIFUNCTIONAL BUILDINGS
Developing countries are investing heavily in their shopping centers and retail stores as it is the most efficient way to bring cash in. Building fancy malls and enticing tourists to buy have become a fast lane towards economic growth for countries like Thailand, which is a self-proclaimed “shopping paradise.” The shopping industry in Thailand is so strong that one of the country's mall developers, Central Pattana Pcl (CPN), is actually expanding its business to other parts of Southeast Asia and building shopping malls in Malaysia in 2016, followed by more shopping centers in Indonesia and Vietnam, according to Reuters.

The vibrant shopping industry in Thailand has brought in the demand for multifunctional buildings, where shopping centers occupy the first few floors while companies and other type of offices take up the upper layers of the building. The massive flow of shoppers downstairs and office workers upstairs have created a special demand for security.

The latest security solutions in multifunctional buildings in Thailand are adopting a security platform, close to the concept of physical security information management (PSIM), integrating all security data obtained from surveillance monitoring devices at all entrances and elevator doors, according to Nuttawaj Chieobangyang, CEO at Coretech Corporation, a security solution distributor in Thailand. This allows for “easy control and checking of all events inside the building.”

The security platform can grant different levels of control according to different layers of activities in the building. It can set a tighter control for company offices upstairs and less control to shopping centers downstairs. Aloysius Loy, MD at ACTAtek, a service provider of web-based security solutions, stressed that a security platform is able to provide a more comprehensive picture of a building's security conditions as the solution organizes all security equipment in the building, such as video surveillance systems, glass breaker detection, fire alarms and smoke detection, and temperature control systems, putting all information into a single platform and displaying it on a touch screen monitor.

FIRE PREVENTION MAIN CONCERN IN VIETNAM
As one of Asia's rising economies, Vietnam launched its economic reform in 1986 and has since enjoyed economic growth second to China. The Vietnam government's GDP growth rate surpassed 7 percent during the 1990s and was even able to register an over 5 percent growth between 2009 and 2012 when world economy slumped into recession, according to the World Bank. Also since the 1990s, more than 30,000 private businesses have been created.

The revitalized economic conditions of Vietnam have reflected on the construction of new buildings, including those for commercial purposes. The Vietnam Country Report 2012 showed that construction demand for office buildings surged to 493,000 square meters in 2010 from 245,000 square meters in 2008.

Mid-end office buildings are the major commercial building type in Vietnam. Unlike commercial buildings in other parts of Asia that place emphasis on intellectual property or unauthorized trespassing, buildings in Vietnam stress fire prevention, according to Thomas Tran, MD at Citek, manufacturer of surveillance equipment.

Fire prevention is also the main theme of the building's integrated security solutions. Centered on fire alarms, a buildings' security system can combine with video surveillance, access control, and intrusion alerts, said Tran. Fire alarms can also be bundled with public address (PA) systems for evacuation purposes. “In addition to fire, unauthorized entries and malfunctions on supervisory control and acquisition data (SCADA) systems are also security concerns,” said Tran.

Integrated Solutions Vary Based on Demand
Different types of commercial buildings have been presented in Asia based on business activities. Regional headquarters, financial buildings, and smaller office buildings housing tenants like SMEs have been particularly noticable in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Thailand's tourist-driven industry has led to the construction of multifunctional buildings that combine shopping centers and offices. Vietnam has initiated massive construction projects, including office buildings for the country's growing number of enterprises. Each type has different demands as to how its security can be done. Types of commercial buildings may vary, but further integration of all systems in a building is a foreseeable trend in the future in most parts of Asia.

Next station is security- centralized surveillance in real time

Editor / Provider: Axis | Updated: 7/14/2014 | Article type: Hot Topics

A revolution is going on within the security industry – the shift from analog to digital technology. It brings new, valuable possibilities to increase actual and perceived security within public transportation systems. Already today, several station owners and transit authorities benefit from high-resolution surveillance video, automatic security alerts and centralized security systems.

One of the driving forces of the revolution is the Swedish company Axis Communications. In 1996, Axis invented the digital surveillance camera, which more often is referred to as a network camera or an IP camera. Today, Axis is fully focused on network video solutions and has more than 1100 employees. One of them is Patrik Anderson who is responsible for the company's offering for the transportation industry.

“Decades ago, the transportation sector was one of the early adopters of CCTV surveillance as security plays a central role in making public transportation the preferred choice for commuters,” says Patrik Anderson, director business development transportation, Axis Communications. “A key concern of the transit authorities is to keep their systems running with as few interruptions as possible. To achieve this, they need to know what is going on at all times – whether at stations, on board individual trains or along the transit infrastructure. And this is where network video makes a big difference.”

From forensic to real-time security
Stations and transit systems are exposed to a number of security incidents every day, ranging from vandalism and graffiti to robbery and violence. With a traditional, analog surveillance solution, video from the security cameras is mainly used forensically to investigate incidents after they have occurred. In a network-based solution the video plays a much more crucial role, offering new possibilities to efficiently monitor and respond to incidents in real-time.

“One of the overall advantages of network video is the possibility to access and share live video from the security cameras over a computer network, also wirelessly. This enables a transit authority to efficiently monitor all stations, vehicles and infrastructure from one or a few security centers,” explains Anderson. “Even if several incidents happen at the same time, a network video solution provides the real-time video images needed to get a complete view of the situation.”

Efficient incident response
To fully understand the value of access to live surveillance video, one has to consider what happens in a security center when an incident occurs. “Each incident, minor or major, has to be evaluated and followed by an active decision on what action to take – if any at all,” says Anderson. “For many of the incidents, someone also has to decide on appropriate response resources. Taking such decisions based on an emergency call from a passenger in shock or a stressed security guard is often very difficult.”

Authorities that implement network-based video surveillance systems benefit from:
-More efficient evaluation and prioritization of incidents
-Quicker and more accurate decisions on appropriate response resources
-Fewer unnecessary delays and traffic interruptions

“Networked video can also be shared with the response resources via portable computers, PDAs or mobile phones,” says Anderson. “This allows them to get a good understanding of what to expect when they arrive at the scene and prepare their response accordingly.”

HDTV video quality
Another significant improvement that comes with network video is the high image quality. “In our homes we have become used to the sharp and crisp images from high-definition television (HDTV). The very same image quality is now available in many network cameras,” says Anderson.

An HDTV camera can be used in one of two ways; it can enable viewers to see greater details in a higher resolution image, or it can be used to cover a much larger part of a scene than an analog camera. “Video from HDTV network cameras is stored in megapixel resolution. This can be a great help in investigations by facilitating positive identification and providing detailed information of the persons and objects involved,” says Anderson. “When used for overview of larger areas, HDTV cameras are a cost-efficient option as one camera covers a larger area than four analog cameras.”

Intelligent video applications
The last few years, there have been many discussions about intelligent video capabilities that enable a security camera to automatically alert when something suspicious is going on. Anderson is a little careful when discussing this topic. “It is easy to set the expectations too high, making the market believe that capabilities that are a few years away are available today. However, there are several reliable intelligent applications available – and in use – that bring great value to the security staff. Examples of such applications include motion detection, license plate recognition and tampering alarms,” he says.

A camera with a built-in tampering alarm automatically alerts the operator if the camera is covered, redirected or manipulated. Thanks to this capability, a security center can easily ensure that its cameras are up and running as intended. With motion detection, a camera can automatically detect and alert for activity in areas where there is not supposed to be any activity. This makes it easier to detect, for example, graffiti artists at depots, tunnel trespassers or suspect activity along the rail infrastructure.

Successful implementations
Madrid, Moscow, Oslo, Prague, Stockholm and Sydney are some of the cities where Axis network video solutions have been implemented in the transit systems. As the experiences are shared at security and transportation conferences, there is a rapidly growing interest among authorities and operators to learn more about the new possibilities. “More than 50,000 of our cameras have been successfully installed in buses, trains, stations, terminals and depots in different parts of the world,” says Anderson. “Our product portfolio also includes thermal network cameras and cameras with Lightfinder technology, making it possible to detect activity in complete darkness and see colors also in very low-light conditions. Looking at the response from the transportation industry so far, I believe that the network video revolution has only started,” concludes Anderson.

GKB ramps up Indonesia market

Editor / Provider: Sponsored by GKB | Updated: 7/14/2014 | Article type: Hot Topics

In response to the sharply rising demand for surveillance solution in South Asia, GKB has announced the opening of a new branch in Jakarta, Indonesian.

We are pleased to welcome Eko Titono as a General Manager for GKB Indonesian. His long experience with local system integrator and distributers is perfectly suited to represent GKB in Indonesia. He will focus on GKB as a local company bringing GKB's products closer to Indonesian customers and to provide them with superior services to meet various needs.

In order to promptly respond the Indonesian partners and customers' needs, we decided to hold a grand opening of GKB Indonesia to build up a strong connection and closer cooperation with local partners.

GKB Indonesia has been successfully wrapping up the grand opening seminar at Holiday Inn, Jakarta. The event brought the dealers, distributors, and system integrators altogether. GKB Indonesia presented a series of innovative technology and some of the latest featured products, including IP solution, HD-SDI systems, and Analog solutions. The impressive demonstration of GKB's products functionalities in this event has successfully captured the partners' attention and caused tremendous and positive feedback.

Sponsored by: 

About GKB GKB Security Corporation is a global security solutions provider with a full range of CCTV, IP, Mobile, Video Fire Detection System and Home Automation products and support services designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized system integrators and security installers.

ADT delivers tailored security to food and beverage industry

Editor / Provider: ADT | Updated: 7/11/2014 | Article type: Security 50

ADT announced the Food and Beverage Solutions Bundle as part of the company's strategic plan to deliver customized security and automation solutions to address the most common needs and concerns of business owners within a particular industry. In addition to the recently announced ADT Retail Solutions Bundle, the company also has further plans to deliver bundled solutions for small business owners of clinics, doctor's or professional services offices and mechanical shops.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in six Americans falls ill each year from foodborne diseases, underscoring major concern for small business owners in the food and beverage industry. Taking the wide gamut of threats into consideration, the new Food and Beverage Solutions Bundle is intended to help solve the most pressing issues that keep restaurant and bar owners up at night – from food safety and energy usage, to the safety of their customers and employees, and the security of their cash and other assets.

“The protection of small business owners and their assets is our bread and butter, and always a core objective in serving our customers,” said Luis Orbegoso, President of ADT Small Business. “With the increased threats faced by the food and beverage industry, ranging from food spoilage to sweethearting and inventory theft, our latest offering addresses these concerns head-on, and meets the specific needs of our customers in the food service business.”

The customized portfolio includes the ability to remotely control small appliances and monitor motion detection, door and window entry and video surveillance with event-triggered notifications. Additionally, smart thermostat features enable climate management throughout the premise, while freezer and refrigerator sensors can send alerts when temperature levels spike and breach a pre-programmed range, reducing the potential for food spoilage and increasing overall peace of mind.

“Our café is in a historic building that is a focal point of the close-knit Grandin community and a hub for customers to enjoy hearty, locally-sourced food with good company,” said Alan Porter, owner of Lil' Black River Café in Grandin, Missouri. “ADT has provided us with the peace of mind to focus on what we love to do – serve great food to great people – rather than worrying about potential theft or property damage. With multiple solutions installed throughout our cafe, we have around-the-clock visibility into our kitchen, refrigerator, dining room and basement, from anywhere, at anytime.”

The Food and Beverage Solutions Bundle addresses key security and productivity concerns across the food service industry, including the need to:
* Increase food safety and standards: ADT's new bundle can help business owners control their business environment through thermostat and small appliance control, as well as monitor the critical temperatures of their food inventory, helping to prevent perishable inventory from premature spoilage. Through remotely accessible video services, business owners can monitor sensitive merchandise and food preparation and ensure consistent hygiene standards are met by all of their employees.
* Remotely monitor and control: ADT Pulse Interactive Business Solutions allows business owners to remotely control and monitor all aspects of their business, whether they are physically on-site or not, including: regulating premise climate, monitoring deliveries, arming/disarming alarm systems and even turning lights on and off – all from any Internet-enabled device, including smartphones and tablets. Through Pulse, business owners can also schedule customized notifications via text or email when specific activities take place in their cafe or restaurant, such as activity in a restricted area like a back office or inventory room.
* Efficiently protect customers and inventory: Event-triggered video recordings and alerts help business owners monitor deliveries, inventory conditions and sensitive business areas, helping to reduce the risk of stock damage and employee and customer theft. These video monitoring capabilities can help to mitigate some of the common behaviors that hurt the bottom line, such as “sweethearting,” a major source of overall revenue loss.