University of Sydney Reduces Crime by 25 Percent With Avigilon HD System

Editor / Provider: Avigilon | Updated: 8/30/2011 | Article type: Education

Avigilon, the performance and value leader in high definition (HD) and megapixel video surveillance solutions, announced that the University of Sydney,Australia's oldest university, has deployed the Avigilon HD Surveillance System across its Camperdown/Darlington and Cumberland campuses with plans to expand across the entire 530 hectare property. The Avigilon HD Surveillance System is a key element of the University's campus-wide security plan to create a safe and open learning environment.

After undergoing a thorough review of seven HD surveillance system manufacturers, the University of Sydney selected Avigilon for its superior image quality, ease-of-use, and cost-effectiveness. "We wanted to find the best way to achieve our surveillance goals for the best value," said Morgan Andrews, Manager of the campus security unit at the University of Sydney. "It made more sense for us to deploy a higher grade system like Avigilon's than one that would require multiple, less powerful, cameras-and the resulting image quality is phenomenal."

With 32,000 full-time students, 16,000 part-time students, and 16,000 staff and affiliates, the University of Sydney faces the same security risks as a small city including theft, disorderly conduct, assault, and vandalism. The University deployed 100 Avigilon HD cameras ranging from 1 MP to 16 MP to provide coverage of its two main campuses, monitoring all entry and exit points, 24-hour learning areas such as computer labs and libraries, and much of the high use open areas. The University uses Avigilon HD 360 Panoramic Dome Cameras to monitor smaller classrooms and labs. To improve the performance of its existing 190 analog-based cameras, which are located within campus facilities, the University installed more than 45 Avigilon analog video encoders. Security officers monitor the Avigilon HD Surveillance System 24x7 from a central control room using Avigilon Control Center Enterprise Network Video Management Software (NVMS) and the University stores 30 days of continuous surveillance footage on virtual servers that are located offsite. The University plans to expand the HD Surveillance System to 400 cameras over the next couple of years.

Leveraging Avigilon's superior image quality and zooming capabilities, the University was able to install fewer Avigilon HD cameras and leverage its existing network infrastructure to save on installation and maintenance.

Security officers have improved investigative capability and reduced investigation times from days to minutes. By integrating surveillance with its access control and intruder alarm system, guards can be better prepared to respond appropriately to emergencies. The Avigilon HD Surveillance System has also played a key role in reducing crime by 25 percent year-over-year since 2009.

"The Avigilon HD Surveillance System delivers superior image quality and advanced management features with lower installation and operational costs,"said Keith Marett, Director of marketing and communications at Avigilon. "By deploying the Avigilon HD Surveillance System at its two main campuses, the University of Sydney has demonstrated a commitment to providing a safe and secure environment in which staff and students can achieve their teaching, learning, and research goals."

Nine Shopping Controls and Registers Access in Real Time

Editor / Provider: Axis Communication | Updated: 8/17/2011 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Nine Shopping Center's main activity is commercial; it has approximately 80 tenants distributed in different areas, movie theaters, a food court, and open and underground parking lots. The center operates nearly every day of the year. Monitoring and controlling such spaces during the operating schedule requires an important amount of security staff, which makes this expense difficult to address. Nine Shopping considered it necessary to control and register all vehicle accesses, the parking area and aisles with a modern, flexible, economic, and flexible video surveillance system.

Cameras Overnet executed the project, which was developed in 2010 and proposed a solution with Axis IP video products, both with fixed cameras as well as dome cameras. In each parking area and accesses, they performed a pre-installation study to determine the surveillance points, analyze the current network and the required infrastructure.

With the provision and installation of Axis network cameras, the Center achieved visual control of the accesses and parking lots and now, all actions occurring in the parking lot and aisles can be recorded. Nine Shopping can monitor events that affect the security in accesses, perimeters and parking areas, perform video surveillance from a central monitoring room and have remote access to images from different locations. Also, cameras become an additional dissuasive element that complements other security systems and the system allows access to the recorded image files when necessary for security audits.

Messoa Ensures VIP Safety at the Congo Presidential Pavilion

Editor / Provider: Messoa | Updated: 8/11/2011 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

Messoa, a leading forefront of complete high-resolution IP video solution have released details of an installation of its IP solution which is protecting Presidential Pavilion in the Congo. Situated by the Congo airport, sits President Pavilion, this has VIPs from all over the world stay with them.

Guest security was of the utmost importance. A guard station checked every vehicle that entered through the gate. With such a high emphasis on security, only the cutting edge in surveillance security would do. That's the reason Democratic Republic of Congo government chose to use MESSOA IP security cameras. The Messoa High Quality Indoor and Outdoor IP Cameras Were Both Required.

The Messoa NCR870 cameras were installed outside. The NCR870 was chosen because the camera is a ready to go out the box infrared (IR) camera that is able to see even in total darkness. 24 high quality IR illuminators built around the lens reveal crystal clear pictures even in the darkest night as far as 25 meters (82 ft). With IP67-rated all-weatherproof, aluminum casing, the NCR870 ensures reliable operation in any environment. This camera proved ideal for the hot Congo weather.

The Messoa SDS750PRO cameras were installed outside. The SDS750PRO is a speed dome security camera with low lux capabilities. A Sony EXview CCD, 128X Wide Dynamic Range and Day/Night function with ICR ensures 24 hour monitoring in even the most difficult conditions. An LED Illuminator was added for long distance illumination of up to 160 meters (525 ft.).

The Messoa IP D/N Vandal IP Dome cameras -NDF820 were placed throughout the inside of the building. The NDF820 IP camera is a cost-effective full HD camera designed to show you extremely detailed images. It features Lumii technology that significantly increases light sensitivity to deliver crisp image in the dark. Motion detection and day and night functionality ensures that all visitors can be recorded at any time.

The Messoa IP Dome cameras with WDR and ePTZ -NDF831 were also installed for entrance. The premium NDF831 is a cutting edge 1080p camera equipped with mechanical (ICR) day/night switch for 24/7 surveillance. As part of MESSOA MegaSmar IP products family, the NDF831 features intelligent detection capabilities including motion, audio, blur and network disconnection detection. Completely vandal-proof and IP67 water-proof, along with an optional heater, the NDF831 can withstand even the harshest of conditions.

Speaking from the main control room, a security official who did not wish to be identified said that these new cameras were unlike any he had seen before. Pictures were sharp and the features were helpful. Smiling, he said this would make his job just a little bit easier.

Hong Kong Retailer Uses Arecont Vision Megapixel Video for Loss Prevention

Editor / Provider: Arecont Vision | Updated: 8/1/2011 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Lauren Bright is a leading wholesale and retail enterprise that specializes in importing European apparel and operates more than 40 outlets in major Chinese cities. Lauren Bright's Pinko store in Harbour City, Hong Kong features the Pinko clothing line, an Italian fashion brand designed specifically for young women.

When opening a new shop for the Pinko brand, Lauren Bright was looking for a video surveillance system to monitor internal staff and to provide anti-theft protection. They were looking for high-resolution imaging to do the job more effectively. As always in the retail environment, overall system cost was a consideration.

Arecont Vision megapixel cameras were chosen for installation in the store based on their clearer, high quality images and the ability to increase operating efficiency, according to Jerry So, Sales Manager, ADT Hong Kong.

ADT Hong Kong designed the video surveillance system and performed the installation. The integrator is the Hong Kong branch of ADT, the leader in electronic security solutions, specializing in design, sales, installation and monitoring services for more than 7.2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers worldwide. With $7 billion in annual sales, 60,000 employees globally and operations in more than 40 countries, ADT protects 90 percent of the world's Fortune 500 companies and more than 80 percent of the world's top retailers.

The integrator and end-user evaluated analog cameras for the installation but decided instead to go for the superior image quality and expanded functionality of a system based on megapixel video. Cameras installed at Lauren Bright's Pinko store were four Arecont Vision 1.3 megapixel cameras and Arecont Vision's AV2155DN, a 2 megapixel day/night camera.

Arecont Vision's 1.3 megapixel camera provides 1280 x 1024-pixel images at 32 frames per second using a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor. Capabilities of Arecont Vision megapixel cameras include motion detection, image cropping, region-of-interest viewing and the ability to zoom into an image after it is archived (forensic zooming).

Arecont Vision AV2155DN is a 2 megapixel MegaDome camera that provides 1600 x 1200-pixel images at 24 fps, with low-light sensitivity of 0.1 lux at F1.4. The MegaDome all-in-one integrated camera, lens and IP66-rated environmental dome housing use a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor and Arecont Vision's MegaVideo image processing at 80 billion operations per second. The camera employs H.264 (MPEG 4, Part 10) compression to minimize bandwidth and storage requirements while maintaining real-time image resolution. The day/night model used at the Pinko store features a motorized IR cut filter. The dome features a camera gimbal with 360-degree pan and 90-degree tilt adjustments.

The network video recorder is supplied by Genius Vision Digital (GVD) and is fully interoperable with Arecont Vision megapixel cameras. The Pinko system is monitored centrally from a main control room. A hard disk drive (HDD) provides 1 terabyte of storage.

Arecont Vision works closely with industry leaders such as GVD to ensure integration of Arecont Vision's megapixel cameras with their NVR platforms.

The system has performed well to date, and Arecont Vision has been responsive to the needs of the user and integrator. The improved video quality of megapixel imaging is especially important in retail applications. For example, better video quality makes it more likely an operator could clearly see the denominations of paper bills changing hands in a questionable point-of-sale transaction.

The picture quality and digital zoom capabilities of Arecont Vision cameras far exceed analog technology and allow retailers to retrieve usable video that can be used as prosecutable evidence. Megapixel imaging represents a significant upgrade in system functionality compared to standard-resolution cameras. In addition to lower bandwidth and storage requirements, megapixel cameras can dramatically decrease costs related to other elements of a system, such as fewer software licenses, fewer lenses and a decrease in man-hours needed to bring it all together. These advantages play especially well in the retail environment, where costs are always a consideration.

This application of megapixel cameras to provide unparalleled image quality and resolution in a small retail environment illustrates the flexibility of megapixel solutions and their cost-effectiveness for a wide range of uses.

Comprehensive Hikvision Solutions Ready Oman Hotel for Travel Season

Editor / Provider: Hikvision Digital Technology | Updated: 7/29/2011 | Article type: Commercial Markets

The coastal city of Sohar in Oman is heating up. While this statement is certainly applicable to the weather – with an ambient temperature of 35°C – it is also representative of the local economy as well.

While Sohar has long been considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Middle East; much of its recent economic success is directly due to the Port of Sohar. This relatively new port, one of the largest and most expensive in the world, has greatly helped turn this Omani city into a major regional and international point of commerce. Specifically, Sohar has now become synonymous with exportation for its shipping of metals and petroleum-based products.

To accommodate this influx of foreign and domestic business; a variety of infrastructure was developed. Of note was the establishment of a variety of hotels, such as the Al Wadi Hotel, to serve this new clientele. But, it was not simply a matter of building new hotels; equally important was the issue of developing high-quality security. For this, the Al Wadi Hotel turned to Hikvision and its extensive variety of high-tech cameras.

Hikvision's Variety: General Interior
Haja Mohideen, Project Engineer at OHI Electronics, oversaw the development and installation of the Al Wadi Hotel's security system. As such, Mr. Mohideen chose to utilize a number of Hikvision cameras in order to specifically meet the security challenges this project offered.

One such challenge was the indoor environment, where hotel management had requested a model of indoor camera that was aesthetically pleasing, largely unobtrusive, and provided top-of-the-line performance. Additionally, management wanted all of these features embedded in one single model of camera, instead of a smattering of various models.

In order to satisfy these request, Mr. Mohideen selected the Hikvision DS-2CC591P-A Analog Dome Camera. This camera specifically oversees the hotel lobby, each floor's corridors, and the elevators. Mr. Mohideen explained “this dome camera is particularly suitable for the Al Wadi Hotel. This has to do with the camera's excellent aesthetics and high-performance capabilities.”

Yet, Mr. Mohideen also had one additional factor to consider in his decision-making process. In this case, hotel management was not the catalyst; instead it was the Omani government.

Oman has enacted a law that cameras responsible for public-meeting areas must now be manually monitored. This is to say, cameras can no longer simply be pre-set and left to record on their own. This change was stipulated to prevent the possibility of random pre-set coverage missing potential incidents. Mr. Mohideen related: “This has had a direct impact upon what type of camera we are interested in. We need a camera that can be mounted some distance away, but still quickly focus upon specific areas of interest. This is why we chose a Hikvision dome – we get the same excellent coverage in our bright lobby as we do in a darker corridor.”

And it is this Hikvision dome's features, such as the day/night auto switch and a resolution of 540 TVL, that greatly allow the Al Wadi's security staff the ability to acquire these clear images – regardless of condition and on demand.

Hikvision's Variety: Reception Desk
While the above-mentioned dome camera provides excellent general coverage of the lobby; it was deemed that high-priority areas in the lobby – particularly the reception desk – may require an increased level of resolution. As such, Mr. Mohideen chose the DS-2CD852MF-E 2 Megapixel CMOS-based Network Camera to provide this high resolution.

“Obviously, the lobby is of great security importance. This is why we've adopted a dual-system: dome cameras are used for a general overview; but at critical points like the reception desk, we use a Hikvision 2 megapixel camera. Not only can we monitor every step of the customer, from the front door to the front desk; we can see with tremendous resolution ‘who' the customer actually is – including facial recognition,” Mr. Mohideen explained.

This tremendous detail provided by the DS-2CD852MF-E 2 Megapixel CMOS-based Network Camera is a result of Hikvision technology; foremost among this is H.264 / MPEG4 dual stream video compression and UXGA (1600 x 1200 pixel) resolution.

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Hikvision's Variety: Outdoor Areas of Importance
Moving outside the hotel, hotel management initially chose a number of areas that required an elevated level of security. These areas are the front and rear entrances, the pool, and the parking facility. While the commonality among all four was security importance; each of the four presented a differing set of specific challenges that had to be met.

Mr. Mohideen explained that “the pool needed clarity and a wide angle, the parking lot needed to be able to view tremendous detail – such as license plate numbers; while both entrances required a high-level of resolution to see who was entering or leaving. Fortunately the DS-2CC193P-A High Definition Box Camera provided a solution for them all.”

Obviously, having high-definition resolution in each of these areas was vital. It was also essential that this camera work in extreme temperatures – a stark reality in outdoor Sohar. In order to ensure continued functionality and longevity, Mr. Mohideen decided to use DS-1313HZ Outdoor Camera Housing. This housing is weatherproof and includes both a heater and fan to enable these cameras to continue operating smoothly in the extremely hot day and markedly cooler evening. Mr. Mohideen noted, “For the Al Wadi Hotel, we need high-tech cameras; but since this is Oman: these cameras also have to be extremely durable. As such, the Hikvision internal fan and heater is very important for our needs.”

Hikvision's Variety: Security Nerve Center
Linking all of these cameras together is a central security office that employs the DS-8116HFI-S Standalone DVR.

This DVR unit has allowed the Al Wadi Hotel to successfully comply with the Omani law requiring video storage for 30 days' worth of recordings. This is largely due to the H.264 video compression utilized by this Hikvision DVR, and the 8 SATA HDD at 2TB each per DVR.

Additionally, the Al Wadi hotel employs 4 security personnel, 24-hours a day, to actively view the variety of Hikvision cameras throughout the interior and exterior of the hotel. Mr. Mohideen explained, “Since none of our cameras are pre-set, it is imperative our DVRs have excellent functionality. One example of this is the being able to view multiple cameras at the same time, and with this DVR we are able to view 16 channels simultaneously.”

The Future As the new Port of Sohar indicates, the future looks very bright for Sohar. But with this new influx of business-related tourism, there is also the need for new security.

In this vein, Mr. Mohideen envisions purchasing additional Hikvision cameras: “In the future, we plan on installing additional Hikvision cameras, especially the DS-2CC591P-A Analog Dome Camera that we are currently using.” Mr. Mohideen noted future areas of installation would be restrooms, bars, and any additional meeting point that customers often frequent. “We are very pleased with the quality of Hikvision cameras, and the excellent results they provide,” Mr. Mohideen summed up.

Arecont Vision Cameras Keep Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando in Clear Focus

Editor / Provider: Arecont Vision | Updated: 7/29/2011 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Mercedes-Benz is one of the most highly respected and established global brands with high profile dealerships located around the world. As “The Home of Unparalleled Luxury and Performance”, Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando, Florida promises to help customers discover the “true joy of driving” from the moment they enter the showroom. The dealership maintains a large selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz models on-site to meet any driving style, and to provide their customers with the gratification of driving away in their new luxury vehicle as quickly as possible.

Over the years, the dealership has had several of its luxury vehicles stolen from their facility, as well as thefts of accessories, wheels and tires according to Michael Brown, owner of Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando. To help resolve the problem, the dealership installed an analog video system, but the system did little to thwart theft due to its limited resolution and inadequate nighttime viewing capabilities. Additionally, Mr. Brown wanted to use the video system to help manage operations by keeping track of staff, customers and vehicles throughout the dealership facility and grounds.

Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando turned to United Security Alliance, a nationwide integrator of video surveillance and access control systems, to design and install a new video surveillance solution they could rely on. United Security Alliance designed a new video system and installed 35 Arecont Vision cameras inside and outside the facility. The new system provides 24-hour surveillance of the premises with remote monitoring capabilities for surveillance after-hours, according to Terry Ottinger, President, United Security Alliance. This was not possible with the analog cameras previously installed. Given that United Security Alliance provides 24/7 service, maintenance and support to Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando, the overall performance, proven stability and reliability of Arecont Vision cameras were a deciding factor in their selection. The Arecont Vision cameras not only provide United Security Alliance personnel with high-resolution images capable of capturing minute details like license plate numbers, they provide reliable operation which assures continuous surveillance while virtually eliminating costly service calls.

The advanced video surveillance solution provided by United Security Alliance includes 18 AV2155DN all-in-one 2 megapixel MegaDome cameras outside the dealership and 17 Model AV1355 all-in-one 1.3 megapixel domes inside the facility. The higher resolution and superior picture quality under all lighting conditions provided by Arecont Vision's megapixel cameras enables comprehensive coverage of the entire facility using far fewer cameras compared to conventional or analog cameras.

The Arecont Vision megapixel IP cameras were integrated with the GeViScope's video management system (VMS) from Geutebruck, a German digital video supplier. GeViScope's video analytics include motion detection which automatically alerts United Security Alliance security personnel in the event anyone enters the dealership's grounds after hours.

Arecont Vision's model AV2155DN is an H.264 IP MegaDome integrated camera, lens and IP66-rated dome providing 1600 x 1200-pixel images at 24 frames per second (fps). Features include a 1/2” CMOS sensor and Arecont Vision's MegaVideo image processing at 80 billion operations per second. The cameras employ H.264 (MPEG-4, Part 10) compression to minimize bandwidth and storage requirements while maintaining real-time image resolution. Capabilities include motion detection, image cropping, region-of-interest viewing and the ability to zoom into an image after it is archived (forensic zooming). Light sensitivity of 0.1 lux at F1.4 enables low-light viewing and recording, and the day/night version of the camera used at Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando has a motorized infrared (IR) cut filter for greater sensitivity in nighttime conditions.

The Arecont Vision Model AV1355 is a 1.3 megapixel H.264 MegaDome IP camera providing 1280 x 1024-pixel images at 32 frames per second. It has other features similar to Model AV2155.

Mr. Ottinger stated that installation of the system and Arecont Vision megapixel cameras went extremely smooth, and that the entire process was “outstanding”. One of the reasons is that Arecont Vision collaborates with leading network video recorder (NVR) suppliers such as Geutebruck to ensure smooth integration of systems using Arecont Vision megapixel IP cameras. Arecont Vision also works with technology partners to streamline the integration of complementary systems products such as servers and related edge devices.

Arecont Vision cameras provide expanded coverage using fewer cameras that feature higher resolution than conventional cameras. In addition to the ability to electronically zoom into any area of the image with perfect clarity, the highly detailed images also provide the precise image data required for advanced – and accurate – deployment of video analytics resulting in superior overall security. The new system installed at Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando takes advantage of these performance characteristics to detect and prevent intrusion and theft on the facility's premises after hours. The cameras also deliver superior image quality, smaller image files and improved video streaming using H.264 compression, which results in smaller file sizes and reduced storage requirements. All of these benefits result in lower total cost of ownership for Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando.

Since their installation, Arecont Vision's megapixel cameras have been successful in capturing individuals entering the facility late at night. Alerted via the motion detection analytics integrated in to the system, personnel at the central station were then able to use remote audio speakers to let the intruders know they were detected and that the police were en route to the location. The same system features have also been used to inform after-hours shoppers that the dealership was closed and that they should return during business hours.

According to Mr. Ottinger, the system has performed flawlessly to date, and has prevented losses likely totaling many thousands of dollars, given the expensive luxury vehicles on the Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando lot.

Adding Armor to Security Systems

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 7/27/2011 | Article type: Tech Corner

As video surveillance systems find their way into new markets and applications, it is important to protect increasingly sophisticated cameras from not only good old vandalism, but also harsh weather conditions and environments.

Weather and environmental stress that can disrupt service in the surveillance system must be evaluated and accounted for. Enclosures are to cameras what shells are to turtles, except much more durable and versatile. Different environments will require different considerations, as one will definitely not fit all.

Recent trends in camera enclosures include smaller form factors, customized designs, increased tolerance to extreme temperatures and more offerings that include both the camera and lens, said Barry Lawson, Global Marketing Manager for Schneider Electric. “Advanced materials, such as plastics that are resistant to any type of challenging environment, are being used in camera enclosures.”

Developments in camera housings are leading to new, cost-effective, indoor plastic camera enclosures and vandal-resistant aluminum and polycarbonate outdoor camera enclosures,Marketing and Product Management for Arecont Vision. “Also becoming more available are all-in-one designs that include the camera, mounting hardware and IP66 enclosure. In general, cameras are reducing in size yet provide higher resolutions.”

Fine-tuning materials to eliminate any form of rust or oxidation on the exterior of the housing ensures longevity of the housing itself, as well as its aesthetics, said William Ferris, Engineering Department of Dotworkz Systems. “In addition, the use of different types of vandaland gunshot-resistant materials in outdoor housings allows for more design flexibility." Cameras of all types can be placed closer to the action, without the risk of damage.

Some types of housings see new developments more rapidly than others, but it has more to do with the standards than anything else, said Kostas Mellos, Commercial Leader for Video and Transmission, Interlogix (a UTC Fire & Security company). “Explosion-proof housings that are intrinsically safe against sparks are governed by specific NEMA and UL conditions. They must adhere to the conditions specified and do not see rapid changes.”

CONSIDERATIONS
There are mainly three types of housings targeted for adverse environments, Mellos said. “There are ones that withstand atmospheric conditions, such as extreme heat and cold; explosion-proof; and pressurized bubbles.” As environmental conditions vary widely from project to project, the characteristics of the site must be accounted for differently and accordingly.

For example, electronics have specified operating temperatures; when mounting an outdoor, vandalproof dome camera outside a building in a very cold region, you must have at least heaters in there to ensure the electronics do not malfunction, Mellos continued. “Plastics have come a long way and some can deal with this type of environment, but you still can't use them in explosion-proof settings. They simply do not conform to the specifications that are needed.”

For projects that face corrosion and extreme conditions, the enclosure can deteriorate quickly and cause the camera view to be compromised, the housing mounts to be altered or the wires to be exposed, said Lem Blanco, Engineering Manager at CPS Security. “All these may lead to countless issues, such as falling housings or loss of video.”

Natural factors, such as insect infestation, temperature and climate, salt, humidity and wind, must be evaluated, Blanco continued. “For example, airports need to address the constant jarring movements caused by landing planes, while oceanfront projects such as seaports must factor sea breeze and salt water into the equation.”

Protecting the inside of the housing is just as important, through added pressure using dry nitrogen or other types of gas, Mellos said. “When the inside pressure is greater than the outside pressure, outside elements can't enter the inside, effectively protecting it from harm.”

Cable management is another issue. How the housing manages the cables that come out of the camera or heater is critical in some cases. In the UL standard for explosionproof environments, a certain type of conduit is required to avoid any risk of sparks within that space.

POWER
System requirements such as power supply also need to be examined. For truly extreme locations, directly powering camera housings ensures that the cameras are set up for long-term reliability, Ferris said. “PoE injectors can create a point of failure in the long term. Furthermore, many professionalgrade brands of video hardware have higher power requirements than PoE can provide. For example, a high-end extreme cold weather system can easily require 65 watts just for the heating system, exceeding current PoE limits.”

Products that incorporate heaters/ blowers or IR illuminators currently require separate auxiliary AC or DC power sources, but there are companies developing technology to support power for these accessories via PoE, Calderon said. “Gaskets and fillings are provided to facilitate proper installation and protection from outside elements. When properly installed, they maintain protection for the auxiliary power wiring as well as the PoE/ data cable.”

MAINTENANCE
Maintenance should not be overlooked, either. For a high-performance, 360-degree, HD camera housing that oversees high-value assets, performance can quickly deteriorate due t o dus t and salt buildup on the lower lens.

Commonly it only takes a few weeks before cleaning maintenance is required, Ferris said. “Properly scheduling maintenance and purchasing the needed cleaning tools are often overlooked. Products designed to safely clean all shapes of exterior lenses and camera housings from ground level are available.”

The biggest issue for pressurized housings, or housings that are intrinsically safe such as explosionproof housings, is maintenance. A pressurized dome in an environment with a lot of dust will need the typical cleaning, wiping down and pressure cleaning as any other appliance, Mellos said. “However, the internals do not necessarily need maintenance. If it's pressurized, the camera tends to be more stable than its non-pressurized counterparts since no outside elements can find their way into the components. If there is something wrong with the camera, or if you need to do something to the camera itself, you need to depressurize the housing, which is not a big deal, but you need to have the proper tools.”

Frequent maintenance is necessary for really adverse environments. For mills or furnaces, it is very possible that the cameras themselves will not last long, due to the sheer heat generated, no matter how much you try to cool the housing, Mellos said. Factors to keep in mind differ per location or need, Blanco added, but one thing to always be on the lookout for is quality.

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STANDARDS
IP66 rating is the typical, minimum standard, and yet not all housings are IP66-rated, Calderon said. “Many outdoor housings are IP65-rated or even offer no IP rating. In addition, many lower-end housings and integrated cameras are offered without integrated accessories such as wall mounts, pendants, corner mounts or pole mounts.”

Buyers should be wary of self-certified products offered by obscure manufacturers, said C.C. Yu, Senior Sales Manager for Unitechno. “Certification by independent laboratories ensures that a product meets its claimed specifications. An official report of the details of the testing procedures and results can be provided upon request for additional peace of mind.”

“IP66 is what you normally need for outdoor settings; IP67 is what is required of pressurized PTZ domes. There are multiple standards for hazardous locations,” Mellos said. Other standards include the NEMA and UL. Moving devices, such as PTZ, usually adhere to these standards as they are common in hazardous environments such as mills or oil-processing facilities, Mellos said.

An integrator should not feel the need to beta-test an IP66 housing unless they question the quality of the installation, Calderon said. “When subjected to an environment appropriate to the IP rating and properly installed, long-term reliability of the housing seals and materials should not be an issue. Performance will be equal to any equivalent IP-rated product on the market.

If bought from a reputable manufacturer, additional testing should not be necessary as the product will generally perform as specified, Mellos agreed. “There may be some bench testing, but it is more about understanding how the units are installed rather than testing the units themselves for performance.” Testing equipment is generally too expensive and not necessary for system integrators and installers. Some manufacturers have testing chambers in their own laboratories, Ferris said. “Manufacturers may be willing to provide a live demo or live camera uplink so that their customers can see these systems in action.” The customer can see how the units perform in extreme hot or cold chambers, as well as pressure, explosion and corrosion chambers.

STAY CAUTIOUS
An average warranty should cover two to three years, Mellos said. “However, in very adverse environments, such as a watercooled housing installed in a furnace, a one-year warranty can be appropriate.”

“Housings of higher quality come with more parts for added durability and to keep them intact, which is important for long-term use,” Blanco said.

The devil is always in the details. “Most low-end products look good on paper, since product specs are often written by marketing teams. However, many unforeseen problems can arise in the long run. Higher-end products tend to be built better and engineered with real-world factors in mind so that known and common problems are avoided,” Ferris said.

For example, most low-end housings allow insects to nest the warm camera units, causing the camera view to be compromised within three months of the installation, Ferris added. “Similar issues can be seen when water leaks inside and freezes or causes rust and induces condensation.”

Housing costs reflect the materials and manufacturing processes used, as well as what accessories are provided, Yu said. “Die casting is a more complicated and expensive process compared to extrusion and greatly affects the unit price.”

Some products have model names such as “arctic” or “cooled,” but these can be misleading, Ferris cautioned. “If they have not been properly tested by the manufacturer or verified to adhere to standards via independent bodies, buyers may end up with a product that does not meet their expectations.”

Brand names are important, but specifications must also be carefully evaluated, Mellos said. “A housing must be installed in the environment it's specified for. For places where temperature is a problem, the customer should ask the manufacturer what the tolerated range is and what happens if exceeded.”

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
Camera housings must be used in the exact environment they were meant for and according to the specified parameters, Lawson said. “Items like lens charts and site surveys are invaluable.”

For example, a few years ago in the Middle East, there was a project that specified plastic housings with a metal sun shield, Mellos said. “In the very hot months, the housings quickly deformed. Although the damage was minimal, the housings had to be changed.” The problem is not necessarily always the quality, but rather the wrong specification or installation.

Proper installation ensures the housing performs as expected. After taking the housing off for maintenance, it is necessary to confirm the unit is installed properly with special attention to the gasket, Calderon said. “If a wall mount is placed over a masonry seam, there will be obvious water ingress into the housing.”

Specifications cover installation practices as well, Mellos added. “You must adhere to the whole thing to ensure expected performance.” Since cameras are the most critical components in a surveillance system, it makes sense to protect those investments; proper housings are a small price to pay to avoid future headaches

Security at Delhi Airport Duty Free Services Enhanced by CNL Software

Editor / Provider: CNL Software | Updated: 7/18/2011 | Article type: Commercial Markets

CNL Software, a world leader in Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software, is pleased to announce that Delhi Duty Free Services (DDFS) has chosen to deploy its PSIM software on a Cisco IP physical security network to safeguard merchandise and shoppers.

With the commencement of operations at Terminal 3 (T3), the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has become India's and South Asia's largest and most important aviation hub. With a current capacity of handling more than 46 million passengers, the Delhi airport is set to become a premier global duty free shopping destination and DDFS.

With five locations within the T3, DDFS has thousands of shoppers moving in and out of its stores daily. In order to ensure the safety & security of people and merchandise, and to create a world-class retail experience, DDFS was looking for a solution that provided detailed reporting and the ability to see every item in the stores.

The solution had to operate without downtime, provide high scalability, and enable staff to monitor, assess, and deliver information reliably and securely across its locations while maximizing staff productivity. In addition to preventing theft, the solution had to enable DDFS staff to locate lost children, baggage left behind, identify serial offenders and manage aggressive customers on a daily basis. DDFS had to implement a security management system that would comply with the corporate as well as other legal obligations at T3.

The solution provided by Cisco included the seamless integration and inter-operability of Cisco LAN, Unified Communications, Wireless, Cisco Video Surveillance and Cisco Physical Access Management.

A total of 300 Cisco cameras including high definition (HD) cameras, standard definition (SD) wired and wireless cameras and SD dome cameras are being managed using the Cisco Video Surveillance Management (VSM) Platform. Cisco's Physical Access Management (PAM) is being used to provide access control capabilities. All the video and access control information along with data from Point Of Sale transaction terminals are being integrated within IPSecurityCenter from CNL to provide an enhanced loss prevention posture.

According to Mr. Abhay Pandey, Head IT, Delhi Duty Free Services Pvt. Ltd, “Spread across a sprawling 40,000 square feet, Delhi Duty Free has been conceived and designed to provide travelers with an incredible shopping experience. Cisco is an industry leader and our association with them is a reflection of our endeavor to strengthen the security systems at Delhi Duty Free, and ensure that our customers get a comfortable shopping environment, one which is free of security concerns”.

The use of IPSecurityCenter as a platform in this implementation, will allow DDFS to build cost-effective, modular physical security solutions that will integrate all components of different technologies and verticals while proactively reporting possible events such as fraud and revenue loss. The solution will empower DDFS to detect and respond immediately in case of security lapses or events that can cause retail revenue loss. The solution's ability to store and manage data will serve as an invaluable tool to provide business intelligence such as customer behavior trends for marketing purposes.

Axis Protects French City of Revel against Vandalism and Theft

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 7/11/2011 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Axis network dome cameras incorporated into city's daily life for citizen security and heritage protection

“We have opted for Axis because they're the only manufacturer who offers PTZ dome cameras powered by PoE. Thus, the structure of the project meets the technical needs at an attractive cost.“ Mr. Pascal Pujol, market coordinator for Groupe Scopelec.

About 45km from Toulouse, the city of Revel in France is coping with a problem well known to many French cities: protecting its 9,800 citizens and 120,000 annual visitors from vandalism and theft while preserving the visual beauty of its architectural heritage.

After sending out a call for bids, the city of Revel's choice was Scopelec, who offer both technical display capabilities and fast turnaround maintenance with cameras that fulfill various requirements. The constraints of the structural network, along with the cameras need for discretion, led logically to the choice of the AXIS Q6032-E and AXIS P3344 Network Cameras. Three months after the call for bids, 10 cameras were installed. This new system has already resulted in two arrests and no further property damage has been witnessed. The populace and shop owners are satisfied, and the latter consider these cameras a supplement to the services that they offer. The Revel city council plans to expand installation of the cameras.

Security Management Taking Off

Editor / Provider: UTC Fire & Security, CEM Systems ,System Development Integration and Bosch Security Systems | Updated: 7/6/2011 | Article type: Infrastructure

Airport projects — both new and expansions/upgrades — are taking place all over the globe. These projects aim at putting integration-friendly systems in place for total security and safety management at major air travel hubs.

Zurich Airport Monitored by UTC Fire & Security
Unique (airport operator) operates Switzerland's renowned traffic hub, the Zurich Airport, and is responsible for the airport's daily management. The airport houses around 180 different companies. Unique employs approximately 1,400 people, and together with more than 260 airport partners, the combined total roughly equals 21,000 employees.

The Zurich Airport needed to upgrade its aging video surveillance system, for which obtaining replacement parts was often very difficult. Furthermore, the system could not be expanded, but scalability was demanded along with the expansion of the airport.

UTC Fire & Security offered a combined solution that integrates the existing 330 analog cameras by using 46 digital encoders. The encoders digitalize the camera data so that it can be transferred to the monitoring stations. Each monitoring station is equipped with 40 TB of local storage space, storing more than 400 million images, and events can be saved to the central storage (800 GB) when and if necessary. To avoid the costs associated with establishing a new network, the existing IP network was used to transfer all data.

An additional advantage of the system is that it easily allows for future expansions. With UTC Fire & Security's system installed, Unique is able to monitor all events on its premises and, thus offers a safe environment to those passing through the Zurich Airport.

CEM Systems Refines Access to HKIA
Hong King International Airport (HKIA) has about 900 aircraft movements, serves more than 160 worldwide destinations daily, and had more than 50 million passengers in 2010 pass through the airport, making it one of the busiest international passenger airports.

In 2010, HKIA awarded CEM Systems (a Tyco International Company) a US$2-million security management system upgrade contract. The HKIA upgrade was significant as more than 1,000 serial readers were seamlessly upgraded from Wiegand technology to PicoPass smart-card technology using existing IP connectivity at the airport for simplified installation.

The contract also included a further expansion of fingerprint card readers to all air bridges. The progressive move to biometric card readers was achieved to increase the overall efficiency of the airport.

The fingerprint readers increase HKIA's security by providing three levels of identity checks, including ID authentication, PIN check and fingerprint verification. Each reader has a large internal database which holds card and encrypted biometric templates at the door. This ensures zero system downtime at air bridges. The reader also features an LCD to show personnel meaningful user messages and has many airport-specific door modes such as “Passenger Mode” and “Lobby Mode” for extended doors-open times at air bridges. With the readers in place, only authorized and trained personnel can use the air bridges.

HKIA also uses portable readers for mobile security. The reader allows security personnel to make roaming checks throughout the airport and can also be used at temporary entrances where there is no mains power. This ensures the highest level of security at all times

SDI Upgrades a Midwest Airport's Access Control
System Development Integration (SDI) was contracted by a US international airport in the Midwest to upgrade all hardware and infrastructure to support the biometrics component of its access control system (ACS). The ACS controls the passage of staff (not passengers) into secure and sterile areas of the airport. In order for the ACS to be fully secure, the system must address three checks for an individual's identity: something s/ he has (ID badge), something s/he knows (PIN) and something s/he is (fingerprints).

To minimize service disruption, three subprojects took place. The first challenge was to issue new smart-card ID badges containing unique biometric data to more than 45,000 active holders in a period of less than three months. During this process, every active badge holder was required to submit a new badge application, have his/her badge photo updated, and enroll in the system with two fingerprints that were subsequently stored on an encrypted smart card as a biometric template.

The second subproject targeted the installation and deployment of biometric card readers at each of the employee checkpoints in the airport in order to enhance employee screening. Biometric verification would now be required to allow employee access through each checkpoint. A new fiberoptic network and new control panels were installed throughout the airport as the badge enrolment process took place.

The third subproject focused on the biometric validation of badge holders entering the airfield at a busy drive-in post. The post witnesses airfield access to between 6,000 and 7,000 vehicles per day. This high-traffic entrance screens not only airline employees, but contractors and other service personnel. With the implementation of wireless handheld biometric card readers, all access is now granted through validation of biometric information. A customized gate software application provides the security officer with instant visual verification that all people entering with vehicles are valid badge holders.

Bosch Secures Berlin International
Bosch Security Systems was selected to install security and safety systems at the new Berlin Brandenburg International (BBI) airport. The scope of the order includes the planning and installation for the fire alarm system, electroacoustic emergencywarning system, emergency exit door controllers, intrusion detection system, video surveillance, access control and building functions.

BBI represents the most important infrastructure project in Germany's capital region and is Europe's largest airport construction site to date. It is built to better connect Berlin and the entire region with major destinations in Europe and throughout the world. Further, it will be an important contributor to the regional economy; BBI is expected to create up to 40,000 new jobs.

Optimal protection against fire hazards with around 19,000 automatic and manual fire alarms and a whole host of fire control systems will be installed. They will be connected to a total of nine networked UGM universal security systems. The networked public address (PA) and evacuation system with around 11,500 speakers is planned for passenger information and evacuation in the event of a hazardous situation. The PA and evacuation system will also be used for voice announcements for passenger information and for the gate-paging stations.

In addition, an intrusion detection system will be integrated with the fire, PA and evacuation systems. The information for surveillance is recorded using around 1,200 emergency call couplers. The video surveillance system consists of 300 network dome cameras, 260 HD video cameras as well as 900 video cameras of different types. It will be managed by the Bosch video management system. Bosch will also install more than 600 kilometers of copper cable for the fire alarm and intrusion detection systems as well as the electroacoustics.

The new BBI airport will most likely go into operation in June 2012. With 280,000 square meters of terminal and pier space, a baggage sorting hall of 20,000 square meters, as well as a 9,500-meter conveyor line, it will be one of the largest airports in the world.