NYC credit union relies on IP-based HD surveillance

Editor / Provider: Avigilon | Updated: 3/21/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

The Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union, New York City's fastest growing credit union, has deployed Avigilon's IP-based HD surveillance system. Spanning an entire block in the busy city, the credit union required a security system that went beyond traditional measures, remarked Bryan Schmode, Executive VP of Global Sales at Avigilon.

The credit union, which serves two of the borough's lowest income neighborhoods, needed technology to secure US$14.6 million (CAD 15 million) in assets, protect staff and members, and meet insurance requirements, while maintaining an open and accessible environment. The system was chosen under the recommendation of a board member, who was responsible for physical security at a large bank in Manhattan, explained Samira Rajan CEO at Brooklyn Cooperative. The Avigilon system's image quality, advanced management features, and storage capacity has met the union's open environment security demands.

The credit union can better meet requirements set by the insurance provider to lower premiums. With coverage of the ATM vestibule, Brooklyn Cooperative can resolve claims of debit card fraud to lower liability costs. The union can also monitor storage area and offices, protecting confidential information from theft or loss. Footage searches are also much faster compared to the previous video surveillance system. The union has also eliminated the risk of false alarms by monitoring the system remotely during off-hours before contacting police.

Brooklyn Cooperative has had no network bandwidth issues since deployment and plans to integrate its new branch when it opens later this year for central management. Monitoring fees are now a third of the cost of its previous security provider.

Hikvision launches network speed dome series

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 3/21/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Hikvision unveiled a new series of state-of-the-art surveillance cameras – DS-2DF5274 1.3MP and DS-2DF5284 2MP network speed dome cameras –which are specifically designed to provide the ideal solution for airports, industrial parks, harbors, and any large area where high performance PTZ functionality is required.

The models incorporate true day / night cameras with an IR cut filter and are capable of a 1/3” progressive scan, works extremely well in low light environments and, with the benefit of 3D DNR functionality, the images are further enhanced since it greatly helps to reduce noise and motion blur.

The DS-2DF5274 offers a 1280x960 resolution at 25 to 30 frames per second, and a 20X optical zoom of 4.3mm to 86.0mm. It also has a zoom speed of 5s and 54.1–3.2 degree angle of view. Whilst the DS-2DF5284 is a similar camera with slightly different capabilities, gives consumers another option. It has an HD 1080p resolution at 25 to 30 frames per second, as well as a 20X optical zoom of 4.7 to 94mm. Its zoom speed is 2.7s with a 58.3–3.2 degree angle of view.

With a pan speed of 540°/s and an endless range of 360°, they are extremely effective in capturing the most minute activities when deployed. As network cameras, they can be integrated in a surveillance network through an RJ45 Ethernet connection, providing seamless functionality with other compatible network surveillance devices. The products offer dual streaming and H.264/MJPEG/MPEG4 compression to optimize bandwidth consumption. It even supports up to 10 users simultaneously monitoring live images at different locations. ONVIF and PSIA protocols are also supported for the integration with other equipments, to meet the requirements of different surveillance needs.

Other features include 24 programmable privacy masks, with a maximum of 8 zones masked on the same video screen. These customizable zones stay in place even though the cameras are moving, which meets the needs of today's users who wish to block certain parts of the cameras' view for privacy, without compromising their impeccable surveillance of the environment.

2013 access control trends

Editor / Provider: TDSi | Updated: 3/20/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

TDSi, a UK access control systems supplier and system integrator highlighted six major trends in the access control sector in a recent report. The last few years have seen a huge shift in the integration of security. This year is shaping up to be no different with the access control sector following the technology evolution. A number of technologies, such as near field communications (NFC), biometrics, PoE and wireless systems are maturing will dominate greater percentages of the market this year – mirroring much wider trends in the technology sector.

1. NFC
As a recognized standard, NFC promises to offer open connectivity (in a similar vein to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) enabling far more types of technology to successfully interact with one another. Whilst the concept is tried and tested it's the unquestionable dominance of smart devices that have fuelled the possibility and interest in using the technology in security and access control applications. Smart mobile devices already encompass highly sophisticated technology, with some utilizing facial recognition for secure device access. This in turn offers great opportunities for them to be used to help confirm identity. It could also be highly convenient for users, using something that they carry to authenticate access control.

2. Biometrics
Biometrics systems are continuing to evolve and the price point of more complicated systems will continue to fall. Facial recognition has become more accessible and cost-efficient in recent years. But systems developers are also looking at other biometric markers. An emerging technology is heartbeat readers. Like fingerprints or the shape of the human face, the electromagnetic signature of the human heart is unique and offers a new way to prove identity. Rather than having to present biometric data at an access point, systems could be attached to the body, automatically sending approval to entry doors and allowing authorized individuals to freely move between unrestricted and restricted areas with minimum fuss.

3. Cloud-Based Systems
Integration of access control systems continues unabated and following the IT sector, there are moves to make use of cloud technology to host systems and store access control data. Survey figures suggest that 65 percent of new security products will be delivered via cloud by 2014.

4. PoE
There is also a growing move towards PoE, which makes installation easier, quicker and neater – benefiting end users and installers alike by saving costs. This theme is continued with a growing trend towards wireless systems. In the past there had been reservations about using wireless systems with regards to security. The perception by some is that there is a greater risk of system hijack, but as the ubiquitous use of Wi-Fi usage has shown, properly protected, and configured, systems can use encrypted wireless signals. There is also a growing emergence of hybrid Wi-Fi/wired systems which minimize wireless dead spots.

5. Energy Saving Systems
Energy saving is continuing to be an added bonus to integrated access control systems. There has been a distinct move recently towards installing access control systems with switch mode power supplies, which saves money on the running costs of the control systems themselves.

6. Industry Standards
With all the exciting developments in technology that are going on in 2013 it's easy to overlook the IEC and ISO standards. The latest IEC 60839-11-1 is set to be an important one for the access control industry if it passes the voting stage later this year. This is an important piece of legislation which will affect the manufacturing and interoperability of thousands of access control systems. Like many standards a number of stakeholders need to agree before it becomes available, but in a sector that is noticeably less regulated than the intruder and fire markets, it offers a step forward from the current underused and outdated EN standards.

Axis releases indoor vandal-resistant PTZ dome series

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 3/20/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications announces indoor, vandal-resistant, hard-ceiling mounted PTZ dome cameras. Axis M50-V PTZ dome network cameras are a solution that can for example, help to cost-effectively monitor train platforms and boarding areas, entrances, exits and waiting halls. They also make it possible to manage one or more locations while improving security.

"Axis M50-V cameras are affordably priced, vandal-resistant PTZ domes that give the big picture," says Erik Frannlid, Director of Product Management of Axis. "These cameras bring the flexibility and benefits of PTZ cameras, and adding the high-quality of the sturdy casing, the cameras find their ideal application in those public places where many people are gathered, such as schools, train stations and warehouses. It's perfect for getting an overview of the ongoing synergy of the people and objects being monitored. If the layout of the place changes, the camera's view can be changed without having to relocate the camera."

Axis M50-V cameras provide a number of advantages and benefits when public areas need to monitored and secure. They offer a wide range of capabilities that provide an even safer and more efficient environment. These include automatic alerts, e.g. at motion, camera tampering or when someone enters a restricted area. The robust casing also provides protection against vandalism.

Axis M5013-V and Axis M5014-V are planned to be available in Q2 2013 through Axis distribution channels.

Further features of the AXIS M50-V include:
- Axis M5013-V provides SVGA 800x600 pixel resolution. HDTV 720p in Axis M5014-V entails a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution, progressive scan, HDTV color fidelity, full frame rate and a 16:9 format
- The camera is compact, lightweight yet tough and is both IP66- and IK10-rated, making it resistant to water, dust and vandalism
- Edge storage is included
- The cameras are powered using PoE IEEE 802.3af, which simplifies installation since a standard network cable will carry power, video and PTZ controls
- The network cable is protected in the ceiling mount to enhance tamper protection
- The camera can easily be integrated with existing security systems and with other products

Synectics subsidiary Quadrant extends nuclear decommissioning contract

Editor / Provider: Quadrant Security Group | Updated: 3/20/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Quadrant Security Group (QSG) has strengthened its partnership with nuclear management and operations contractor Magnox, with new project work including a UK first in decommissioning.

QSG's existing contract with Magnox, sees it provide and maintain a wide range of complex security systems across Magnox sites, one of which is still generating electricity, as well as those currently undergoing decommissioning. This involves the design, supply, installation and maintenance of integrated systems across the Magnox fleet.

As part of new work agreed, QSG has extended this contract from six to eight Magnox sites, and is also working with Magnox to find and test an appropriate security solution for two locations currently on a ‘decommissioning fast track' that will see them become the first of their type in the UK to move into a ‘Care and Maintenance'(C&M) phase.

How the C&M phase is managed at the two Magnox sites, including the security control and management measures employed, is likely to form an industry blueprint for future locations and as such is a high profile project. Additionally, QSG is also working on a US$2.0(￡1.3m) ‘site separation' project for Magnox. Some sites operate on a twin station basis, historically sharing a central security system. As the sites move further towards their end of life, separating such systems becomes essential. The first separation project is due for completion in June 2013.

Magnox, the generic term, is the name of the first generation of commercial nuclear power stations to operate in the in the world, 11 of which are now in various stages of decommissioning under the auspices of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). One is still operational. Operating under contract for the NDA, Magnox is responsible for the operation and decommissioning of the eleven sites.

With over 20 years' experience in the nuclear sector and expertise in high-security systems, QSG is uniquely placed to accompany sites through the decommissioning process and ensure fail-safe site security. It is one of only a few security service providers with the relevant experience, capabilities and accreditations (including Nuclear Skills accreditation from the National Skills Academy) to meet the exacting requirements of the nuclear sector.

During the next 10 years, the NDA expects all Magnox-type sites to have been defueled and most of them to have entered the C&M phase, reaching final site clearance between 2080 and 2120.

Asia Update: Next Chip revs up for automotive applications

Editor / Provider: Next Chip | Updated: 3/19/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

As the DVR market diminishes over time and imaging signal processor (ISP) chips can efficiently reduce the board size and total cost in a camera, Next Chip will concentrate on developing ISPs for security cameras. Next Chip, a total turnkey solution provider, is expanding its portfolio of components which can be used for HD, HD-SDI, network, and analog cameras with improved WDR performance.

Customers, such as purchasing personnel, are also able to benefit from one - stop shopping for different cameras. It is easier and more convenient for them to make comparisons when everything is in one location. Young-Jun Yoo, Sales Department GM of Next Chip, said the company fared better in 2012 than in 2010 in terms of sales revenue. Before, ISPs were sold on their own, but they can now be sold with an additional image sensor, boosting the company's revenue.

As the first company to produce ISPs for HD-SDI cameras, the company sees good prospects for HD-SDI in the upcoming years. Network PTZ cameras will probably experience a delay in growth, as there is little new construction in the current economy. HD-SDI equipment allows the reuse of coaxial cables, making it a great alternative. However, the market appeal will be even greater if HD-SDI prices are lower.

The company will soon launch a second-generation HD-SDI ISP with better wide dynamic range, at 60 frames per second in HD quality, utilizing 3G-SDI. Generally known as the successor of HD-SDI, 3G-SDI increases bandwidth and allows higher resolution and frame rates through a single connection.

In a separate move to counter increasing competition, Next Chip is planning to target the automotive market by providing ISPs for mobile DVRs, black boxes, and onboard cameras. Preparations have already been made, as Next Chip is the first ISP maker in the Korean industry to be AECQ 100-certified, a certification for the automotive industry.

The company plans to release its third-generation ISP especially for automotive applications. The ISPs can incorporate motion detection through its intelligent sensor, so even when the car is moving, it will be able to make the correct calculations. The sensor can also be used in black boxes, which is essentially a one-channel DVR integrated with passenger safety and navigation. This has good growth potential in Europe, Russia, Turkey, Korea, and other countries in Asia. In China, the black box market is quite mature but in Europe, it is still in the early stages.

Next Chip sees great opportunities in the future, when video quality in the automotive industry upgrades from VGA to HD quality. Its target clients are Asian DVR providers and navigation software developers who produce black boxes.

As most rear-view cameras used in cars have VGA resolution, blind spots are a common problem. If the cars were to switch to fisheye cameras, image distortion would be a problem as well. Overcoming these imaging issues will provide ample opportunities for ISP providers.

Cali beverage firm manages multisite access in the cloud

Editor / Provider: Brivo Systems | Updated: 3/13/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Nor-Cal Beverage, a family-owned beverage company founded in 1937 in Anaheim, commissioned a cloud-based access control system to manage five distributed facilities between Anaheim and Fullerton. The system from Brivo Systems was installed in March 2011 by Tyco Integrated Security. The system manages all critical access points at both external and internal doors, and keeps track of time and attendance of the 220 employees, temporary staff and vendors at the 7.3-hectare (18-acre) Anaheim production facility and Fullerton distribution center.

In the past, Nor-Cal had relied on standard lock and key to secure buildings and a Kronos time-keeping system to manage attendance and parking lot access. The company could only obtain information of personnel entering the facility; with the Brivo system, the company can receive bidirectional data, said Marcy Mackie, Office Manager. The changes in US bioterrorism-related laws were the driving factor behind the upgrade.

The new system allows Nor-Cal to divide its staff into 30 groups, with different day, time and location access privileges according to specific needs. At the Fullerton distribution center, the system manages key external doors and two parking areas, along with internal access points that include the administrative offices, engineering offices, a stockroom, a public scale trailer and dock doors. The Anaheim facility incorporates production, warehousing, administration and a public truck scale.

The system allows management to make changes on a day-to-day basis, and can be used to back up attendance information. For example, Mackie could use the most up-to-date access records anytime to hold employees accountable for failing to properly close gates in critical areas, and prevent future security lapses.

Brazilian prison adopts integrated platform

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 3/12/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

The Francisco Helio Viana de Araujo State Prison in Pacatuba, Fortaleza, Brazil recently became a pioneer in the implementation of an integrated security platform. The prison that houses 400 inmates installed a security solution that combines 180 Axis Communications network cameras (mostly HD), ISS facial recognition software (for turnstiles), motion detection, access control and IR cannons on ramparts. The platform was funded by the Ministry of Justice and Treasury of the State of Ceara, and implemented by local system integrator Imagem Seguranca, who is experienced in network video and prison security. The project serves as a model for other jails in Brazil.

The prison is privy to a comprehensive monitoring system, covering eight different areas and 20 vacancies for individual isolation. The facilities include social and legal care for the prisoners held in custody, medical facilities, library, computer room, classrooms with capacity for 120 students and workshops, as well as an industrial kitchen, bakery and multipurpose hall for social activities. Of the 180 cameras, 30 are fixed HD, four PTZ domes, six small HD and 140 small IP models. Steel boxes were installed on some cameras to combat vandalism. Imagem chose specific camera models to withstand internal or external environments and took into consideration video quality, real-time access and scalability. The network cameras, together with the ISS software, monitor the prison perimeters and movement among points of collective facilities.

"The main advantages of this design are the simple way to operate the system and the seamless integration of the entire security project,” said Mario Jorge, official responsible for the project at the Department of Justice.

Asia Update: LILIN revamps to embrace IP

Editor / Provider: LILIN | Updated: 3/11/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Merit LILIN, a company that is no stranger to the security industry, was established in 1980 in Taipei, Taiwan. Under the charismatic leadership of Cheng Chung Hsu, President of LILIN, it is one of the few dynamic Taiwanese companies that was able to confront and overcome the turbulent times associated with the economy. Today, it has successfully transformed and shifted its main strength from analog to IP video surveillance.

Hsu, the personification of honesty and determination, embodied his ideals into his company. Since LILIN cares a great deal about the quality of its products, its high manufacturing costs make it almost impossible for the company to accept orders for OEM/ODM. Hsu once joked that he had no other choice but to set up his own branches to sell his products. All humor aside, it is evident that LILIN is a company dedicated to upholding its ideals of product quality and company image. Over the past 30 years, though LILIN did not invest in flashy marketing hype, the company still earned a reputation for quality based on exceptional product performance.

Determination to Go IP
LILIN had originally focused mainly on hardware and analog video surveillance products, but the falling prices for analog products, along with the increase in competition from China, from 2006 to 2007, drove Hsu to redirect his focus to IP products. Slowly, Hsu led his company to embark on its journey of IP development. LILIN took four years to launch its IP line into the market. Underlying factors can be attributed to a number of reasons. IP requires vast software proficiency, but LILIN's strength had been in hardware. In comparison to analog, which required a team of no more than 10 to develop, IP needed a much larger team, including network communication and software specialists. To produce and manufacture IP products, LILIN sought experts in IP and software design.

After encountering a series of obstructions in its early stages of development, LILIN was able to overcome its obstacles and ensure the compatibillity of its products with third-party solutions. The company successfully launched its IP products in 2011. Currently, its products are fully compatible with the top 15 leading VMS brands.

LILIN's network cameras are aimed at the mid-to high-end market, and emphasize excellent quality and reliability, Hsu said. Taking into consideration its late entrance into the IP market, LILIN's prices are set to be more flexible, providing end users with more quality products at an affordable price.

Aside from network cameras, LILIN also developed back-end storage systems, such as NVRs, available in four, nine and 16 channels. LILIN launched the industry's first embedded stand-alone touch NVR that supports a multi-touch screen and records 16 channels in full 1,080p HD at up to 25 frames per second. This NVR is currently at the forefront of its kind, as NVRs of other brands can only record four channels in 1,080p or 12 channels in full D1. Hsu reasoned that if the NVR was stand-alone, it should not resemble traditional models with regular front panels. Thus LILIN incorporated touch-screen technologies into the device. When connected to LILIN's own network cameras, the NVR will automatically detect and connect to them, simplifying the setup process for end users.

The NVR touch is also supported by LILIN's own software, a VMS capable of face recognition, tamper detection, masking and other functions. LILIN had strict requirements for the VMS, since it plays a crucial role in an IP system. Not only does it have to possess smooth and reliable performance, it must not skip any frames, lag, or freeze. After all, each frame is critical in terms of video surveillance. As of now, LILIN's software is free for up to 36 channels, while registration is required for 72 channels and above.

Furthermore, LILIN wants to strengthen its solutions for vertical markets. The field of IP revolves highly around system integration, and that is something LILIN plans to concentrate on. It is focusing on the retail sector, which requires highly integrated solutions with POS, alarms and audio systems.

Reforms in Products, And New Organization for IP
Today, LILIN has successfully established 12 branch offices all over the world, including the U.S., the U.K., France, China, and even Germany and Australia. This is something rarely seen from companies founded in Taiwan.

In the five years since the company made the decision to go IP, about 70 percent of its foreign sales are from IP products and the remaining 30 percent come from analog. Each of the foreign branches is able to rapidly grasp the IP technology within a short period of time because each product manager must enroll in all the trainings. Strict implementations were set in place for new hires as well. Even new sales candidates must have prior knowledge of this technology or have previous experience in an IT-related environment. They must also be able to develop new clients, while they educate existing clients about the benefits of IP video. New employees with IT-related knowledge hired in foreign branch offices rose to 60 percent.

Staying Ahead
As for 2013, LILIN is more than ready to embrace this new year with a fresh start and leave 2012 behind. LILIN will begin a total restructuring of all of its offices worldwide. The company's regulations will also change accordingly to allow for further advancement. Not only will Hsu continue an internal review of all his branches, Hsu plans to have all marketing for its different branches centralized at its headquarter in Taiwan. As of right now, LILIN's US office assumes first priority since the U.S. makes up a larger part of the global market share. Hsu intends to increase the number of employees in his US branch and distribute the remaining employees evenly throughout his different branches. LILIN's Chinese branches assume the next priority of total restructuring, as the market potential is enormous and proper management must be put in place.

An industry veteran, LILIN humbly reforms its teams and products to accommodate the swift transformation to IP. The company is striding into the new world of IP with the same serious dedication it started with

Mobotix releases remote management app on iOS

Editor / Provider: Mobotix | Updated: 3/11/2013 | Article type: Security 50

The newly available Mobotix App is a mobile video management solution for Apple iPhone, iPad, iPad mini and iPod touch devices that improves everyday convenience and security. With this free-of-charge App, Mobotix users can access their video systems anytime from anywhere in the world and have mobile Internet access via WLAN (Wi-Fi) or UMTS/3G. Bandwidth-optimized remote access to live feeds and recordings, as well as an easy-to-use, easy-to-understand interface with a wide range of system functions make the Mobotix App an outstanding premium solution.

Thanks to the Mobotix decentralized system architecture for high-resolution IP video systems, data storage, alarms and recording take place directly inside the cameras. The networked cameras form a kind of data cloud that the App accesses to display the desired information in a user-friendly manner. This makes management and control of Mobotix cameras and the IP video door station easy and convenient. Thanks to the App's intuitive user interface, all cameras and recorded events can be viewed immediately at any time.

With the App, it is easy to establish an intercom connection with cameras that have microphones and loudspeakers. This works both for local networks and for remote access. The recordings from individual cameras and camera groups can be filtered by events or chronology, and played back via the integrated video player. If the Mobotix App is on the same local (WLAN) network as the video source, live feeds and recordings can normally be viewed in the App at full resolution. When the App is used on the road and the connection is too slow for high-resolution video, the requested live feeds and recordings can be compressed and scaled down inside the camera before being transmitted to the App.

The App automatically detects all cameras connected to the local network. Cameras that are outside of the local network can be connected via DynDNS. Once set up, the App remembers all the settings and automatically switches to the right configuration as soon as the iPhone/iPad joins a familiar WLAN network.

The App automatically provides mobile notifications when someone rings the doorbell, as well as offering options for two-way communication with the visitor and for remote door opening. Thanks to Mobotix hemispheric video technology, the entire entrance area of the IP Video Door Station can be viewed.

To avoid any unauthorized access to Mobotix video systems in the event of theft or loss, the device owner can set up a security PIN for accessing the App. Individual App functions can also be PIN-locked for persons that have access to the iOS device but should not have all user rights.