Embedded Analytics for Speedy Deployment

Editor / Provider: The Editorial Team | Updated: 7/27/2010 | Article type: Hot Topics

Intelligent devices are becoming more common, with component suppliers now offering embedded hardware. A recent collaboration between Stretch and IntelliVision illustrates the benefits of smart security equipment.

Stretch announced in May it integrated IntelliVision's video analytics into its DVR SDK. The partnership signals the growth of embedded devices and the advances in video analytics.

“The Stretch and IntelliVision partnership goes back several years and over a series of joint customer engagements,” said Mark Oliver, Director of Product Marketing for Stretch. “During this time, the IntelliVision analytics have been tightly integrated with the Stretch DVR SDK and have been optimized for use with the (Stretch) family of software-configurable processors. This has resulted in a series of algorithms that work very efficiently with the shipping SDK.”

This partnership allows intelligent edge devices to reach the market quickly and cost-effectively. True integration of software and hardware is a time-consuming process, making the Stretch-IntelliVision collaboration a significant cost-saving alternative. “Our customer base consists mainly of OEMs and system integrators that differentiate their products by bundling value-added software,” Oliver said.

Vaidhi Nathan, President and CEO of IntelliVision, said, “The power and flexibility of Stretch softwareconfigurable processors gave us the platform to port our algorithms on.”

For a component supplier like Stretch, value-added features make their offerings attractive and competitive. “Complete systems reach end users through an infrastructure of integrators, distributors and installers who have the expertise and, therefore, the responsibility to install and fine-tune the systems at the customers' locations,” Oliver said.

Stretch is a member of the PSIA and HDcctv Alliance, and is ready to integrate other vendors. “If ObjectVideo were to port its analytics suite to the Stretch platform, we would welcome the company as a valuable member of our growing infrastructure of third-party providers,” Oliver said.

The IntelliVision analytics suite features about 10 applications, including intrusion detection, camera tampering detection and face detection, Nathan said. It is customizable, with parameters that can be fine-tuned.

The software suite is designed for flexibility, so DVR makers can differentiate their final solutions. IntelliVision's API/SDK functions can be integrated with software from other vendors to shorten development time. “Our third-party partners have the ability to use our existing user interface, or to create a section in the interface where our parameters and functions can be called on,” Nathan said.

The final product cost, including software licenses, will depend on the maker. “IntelliVision analytics will, in most cases, be licensed directly from IntelliVision because it's better able to support the OEM through integration and deployment,” Oliver said. “Licensing fees will vary according to the algorithms and the number of channels involved.”

COE Helps Manchester Airport Move to IP

Editor / Provider: COE | Updated: 7/26/2010 | Article type: Infrastructure

As part of an ongoing US$1.53 million upgrade scheme, COE has been chosen as a major supplier for an upgrade of Manchester Airport’s surveillance network. Recognizing the very important role that video information plays at international airports, the necessity to provide high quality and reliable video transmission at such sites is paramount. At Manchester Airport, COE’s video encoders have been selected by main contractor, Advanced Integrated Systems (AIS) to provide IP encoding of analog video for digital transmission around the airport’s LAN. Superior video quality and very low latency were key decision factors which led to the decision to integrate COE equipment.

COE multichannel video encoders will provide digital encoding at the H.264 Main Profile standard to convert four channels of analog video to compressed IP digital video for transmission across an Ethernet network. The encoders can convert up to four channels of analog video each if box mounted or up to 56 channels if rack mounted. At Manchester Airport, 246 encoders will be installed to provide as many as 984 channels of analog video encoding and transmission for the airport, enhancing the functionality of existing analog cameras, and providing a high performance, yet cost effective IP upgrade path.

“COE’s history of providing equipment for high profile surveillance sites combined with the high quality performance of their products made them an excellent choice for the IP encoding and transmission solution at Manchester Airport. The powerful integrated solution provided by COE with partner ImPerium Integration’s front end control system will enhance our operational efficiency and the scope of all surveillance activities across the site. In addition, COE encoders provide a road map for future analytics opportunities,” said Geoff Densham, Project Manager with Manchester Airport.

China Update (Part II): Ensuring Product Quality and Marketability through Stringent Control

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 7/23/2010 | Article type: Hot Topics

Users' buying behavior is not the only thing that has been changed by the economic downturn. Chinese manufacturers continue to lower their production cost with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities while improving product quality and marketability through stringent control, increased R&D investments and value-added features. Branding becomes more important as vendors want customers to recognize that made-in-China products are not only affordable but are also of good quality.

More companies are developing IP-based technologies, including wireless alarm systems, 3-G surveillance, hybrid DVRs, NVRs and CCD megapixel cameras. Advances in components and transmission, such as intelligent pan/tilt mechanism in domes, lenses, dome cover optical designs and fiber optics, can also be seen.
The following eight Chinese companies are presented in alphabetical order.

Chuango Electronic
Chuango Electronic's current overseas sales account for roughly 60 percent of the overall revenue. Founded in 2001, the company's main products include wireless alarm monitoring systems and DIY alarm modules for residential installations.
Aside from its OEM sales, 90 percent of its revenue last year was generated from its own brand. Asia, Australia and the U.S. are its major overseas markets, with sales channels ranging from security system distributors and integrators to consumer electronics retailers.

Strategy and Core Competence
Chuango is ISO9001-certified and uses computer-aided surface-mount technology for mass production. High radio frequency is its core technology. “With more than 8 percent of our resources dedicated to R&D, we develop our own software and hardware,” said Ken Li, GM. The company is now focusing on developing 3-G network surveillance accessible via cellular phones. Reliability and ease of use make its products competitive in the residential segment. “Our four-channel wireless intelligent alarm system is SMS/GSM-enabled and complies with the requirements set by the International Mobile Equipment Identity,” Li said. “It can adapt to different countries' different network operations.”

Future Outlook
Smooth integration between video surveillance and intrusion alarm is critical in providing a reliable home solution. “We want to increase our product value and strengthen our brand name,” Li said. Chuango's resources will be allocated to R&D efforts in developing integrated video and alarm systems and market expansion plans.

Dahua Technology
Founded in 2001, Dahua Technology's overseas sales had a 50-percent growth rate in 2009. Currently, the company's overseas sales make up about a quarter of the overall revenue. NVRs, hybrid DVRs and megapixel network cameras are its latest offerings.

About 40 percent of the revenue is generated from its own brand, Dahua. Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe are its fastest growing markets, and public safety, finance, transportation, power plants and communications are its major verticals.

Strategy and Core Competence
R&D is highly valued. “Apart from partnering with reputable software companies, 10 percent of the company's revenue is earmarked for R&D every year,” said Michael Chen, GM for Overseas Business. Video/audio encoding and decoding, image processing, network transmission and control are the company's core competence. “We design our own chipsets and offer value-added products,” Chen said. “Our HDMI DVRs allow users to switch back and forth between regular TV channels and surveillance footage on a regular HDTV display. Remote smart-phone surveillance is also supported.”

Future Outlook
Dahua will continue to strengthen its place in the domestic market and expand its overseas market shares. “We will push forward our technology advancements and add more network capabilities to our portfolio,” Chen said. In China, Dahua's products have been deployed at the Three Gorges Dam, some Olympic venues and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit.

Eversafe Electronics
Eversafe Electronics was founded in 2002 and has been exporting surveillance-grade lenses to more than 20 countries. In 2009, 90 percent of Eversafe's revenue was generated overseas. The U.S. and Europe are its major markets, constituting about 50 percent of its overall sales. EverSafe, the company's own brand, made its debut this year, targeting small domestic residential installations.

Strategy and Core Competence
Megapixel varifocal lenses and IR day/night varifocal board-mount lenses are the company's key offerings in 2010. Every year, at least 30 percent of the revenue is dedicated to R&D. The company also actively collaborates with local universities and research facilities. “Our reputation was earned through our high-quality products and good customer services,” said Allan Cai, GM. “With capable R&D personnel and well-trained employees, our manufacturing process is efficient and yields less defective products.”

Future Outlook
In addition to furthering market penetration in the developed countries, Eversafe will explore more new markets. Increased collaboration with international R&D teams will also take place to increase product competitiveness.

“We want to extend our reach and create brand awareness, especially in the various
domestic markets and developing countries. South America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa will be our key regions to watch in 2010,” Cai said.

Fran M&E Technology Development
Fran M&E Technology Development has been manufacturing high-quality dome covers since 1998, one of the earliest Chinese manufacturers of camera housings and optical covers.

The company experienced growth in 2009, through increased exports. Partnerships with well-known international brands have also increased since 2008. “We aim to increase our OEM sales and strengthen our market share in the domestic market,” said Min-Zhong Pan, GM.

Strategy and Core Competence
Quality, product innovation and fast market response are the company's key strengths. With growing numbers of megapixel cameras and speed domes, 36x zoom optical dome covers are in demand. “Our dome covers ensure the best refraction angle for cameras,” Pan said. Covers can be tailor-made to be explosive-proof, pressurized for submarines or rugged for mobile applications such as high-speed trains. “In a fast-changing market, understanding customer needs helps us serve better,” Pan said.

Future Outlook
To keep its technology up-to-date, the company is partnering with a local university in Fuzhou. Improved internal management processes will further help the company expand its global market. Target regions include Japan, Korea, Europe and North America, with increased OEM sales. “We want

Hikvision Digital Technology
Established in 2001, Hikvision Digital Technology has moved from manufacturing mainly back-end devices such as DVRs and compression cards to developing network cameras. With R&D personnel taking up more than 43 percent of employee resources, the company's R&D investment over the next three years will exceed US$100 million. Hikvision is part of a 2010 Shanghai World Expo project, opening in May. “It's one of the single largest HD video surveillance installations, where more than 10,000 HD cameras are installed to secure the venues and the streets all around,” said Tony Yang, International Marketing Director. The company's major products help with the migration to IP, and its latest releases include 2-megapixel real-time CCD network cameras and embedded NVRs.

Strategy and Core Competence
Solutions with high system flexibility are often expensive, but Hikvision makes its products cost-effective. To allow for better image quality and accelerated product rollout, the company engineers its own image-processing algorithms and works with major suppliers of DSP chipsets. Global branding and local marketing strategies also make market penetration easier for Hikvision. “It's vital to meet user requirements and create confidence among our customers about our services,” Yang said.

Future Outlook
Banking on its R&D capabilities and advanced technologies, Hikvision is anticipating a higher growth rate in 2010, with the annual revenue expected to reach $400 million.

JEC Electronics Technology
Founded in 1995, JEC Electronics Technology's current overseas sales take up about 50 percent of its overall revenue. OEM and ODM sales are the company's main focus.

The U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Taiwan are JEC's major overseas markets, and city surveillance, traffic monitoring, airports and military installations are its key verticals.

Strategy and Core Competence
“We have 38 patented technologies that are crucial to product development, and each year we make more R&D investments,” said Jun Gao, Overseas Sales Manager. “With our own lab that generates all kinds of application scenarios, we are able to test and ensure product quality and reliability.”

JEC also teams up with a number of technology universities, research facilities and organizations to keep its offerings ahead of its competition. The all-in-one intelligent pan/tilt mechanism is JEC's core. “Our intelligent pan/tilt mechanism can operate under weight as heavy as 50 kilograms and as light as 3 kilograms,” Gao said.

Future Outlook
JEC will continue to advance its product developments and lower its production cost. Tracking with wireless technology for military installations is on the R&D road map. The company will also focus on increasing product compatibitliy between network cameras and 3-G networks.

OB Telecom Electronic Technology
Founded in 2000, OB Telecom Electronic Technology provides large-scale transmission solutions to the security market.Transportation and city surveillance are its major verticals overseas.

Its project references include the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and 2010 Shanghai Expo, and its customer base is growing fast in regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Strategy and Core Competence
Transformed from the Fiber Optic Communication Technology Research Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, OB Telecom has the experience and R&D capabilities to stay competitive.

“To ensure product quality, all the components we use are carefully selected from quality suppliers. Close cooperation with universities and institutions allows us to keep our R&D team up-to-date with the latest technology,” said Jack Xu, Marketing and Sales Director of Overseas Business.

OB Telecom solutions cater to a wide range of user requirements. The company's customized solutions can transfer data signals through fiber optic cables over 120 kilometers. All products are designed to support point-to-point, drop-and-insert and fiber-ring topologies for harsh environments.

Future Outlook
The fiber-optic transmission platform and compressed and uncompressed transmission solutions for HD video are its major products in 2010. The company will continue its overseas market expansion with different approaches in different regions. “By strategically increasing our production quantities and diversifying R&D know-how, we could further satisfy a wider range of users around the world,” Xu said.

Sunell Technology
Founded in 2002, Sunell Technology exports to more than 87 countries. The company's major markets include the U.S. and Europe, and banks, airports and city surveillance as its major verticals. “We work with Sony's sensor division and use CCDs in our megapixel network cameras,” said Ann Wu, VP. The company's main products include box cameras, vandalproof domes, IR domes, noiseless portable reflex cameras and megapixel PTZ cameras. The company mainly sells through its own brand, Sunell.

Strategy and Core Competence
“With a good handle on 3A algorithms, we supply the market with the latest technologies such as low-lux, long-range IR, ultrahigh-resolution and sense-up cameras,” Wu said. With more than 90 professionals on the R&D team, the company practices the rational unified process developed by IBM to ensure product quality. All products are designed and manufactured in-house with carefully chosen CCD and DSP components. “All of our products undergo ISO9001 and ISO14001 quality control, and are compliant with RoHS, CMA, FCC and CE requirements,” Wu said.

Future Outlook
Sunell products are now ONVIF-compliant. “We also want to work with the PSIA so that our network cameras can be integrated with more solutions, Wu said.” The company will allocate more of its resources to software development as well.

Hovering Under the Hood of Mixed Vendor Hybrid

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Visimetrics | Updated: 7/22/2010 | Article type: Tech Corner

One of the most impressive technical feats in designing and implementing video surveillance systems is mixing new technology with old to create fully integrated hybrid systems. In this article, Craig Howie, Commercial Director for Visimetrics, addresses some of issues involved.

Few dare to take on the challenge of designing a solution mixing new and old technology in a fully integrated hybrid video system. Instead, many are skipping around it with excuses of how the technology is incompatible, the existing system is too old to be supported or “new” technology is superior. In fact, just about anything goes but taking on the challenge of integrating legacy and IP video surveillance systems.

So exactly what are the challenges in integrating legacy video to create a true hybrid system? For the purposes of this article, the definition of legacy systems will be based on equipment conforming to PAL/NTSC-based standards. Typically, this would encompass all or some of the following:
● analog cameras
● video matrices
● DVRs
● standard definition (SD) monitors
Compare this with the newer technology of network cameras, video encoders, software matrices, NVRs, video management systems and HD displays.
How do all of these elements function together under that nominal term of “hybrid” system?

Constraints
Regardless of how you wish to integrate legacy with IP systems, the resulting hybrid system will always be subject to the practical constraints of:
● budget
● existing equipment
● existing physical infrastructure
● bandwidth limitations
● video or security management system
● manufacturer cooperation

The options available for each of these constraints will define the optimal course for integrating analog with IP. In practice, we need consider these constraints and work around them, while minimizing risk.

Stepping Away From Video Standards
Bridging analog systems with IP systems is a move away from standards-based systems, such as PAL/NTSC. For the moment, the world of IP video equipment is a land of bespoke systems sharing only the common transmission standard of IP. The actual format of the information passed from camera to recorder or video management system is known only by the equipment manufacturer. This poses a risk for users, as they invest in technology unique to the supplier.

There is some light on the horizon, with standards organisations such as the ONVIF and PSIA. However, the infancy and adoption of both organizations to date means we are still a long way from having defined standards shared by all. Hence, the only practical option is to use the manufacturers' SDKs to provide comprehensive integration for third-party access.

Mixed Vendor Software Integration
SDKs are a set of software tools that allow access between software applications
such as VMS, DVRs or NVRs. SDKs are commonly used by NVRs to integrate network cameras from third-party manufacturers. Conceptually, this seems practical and easy, allowing users to mix and match on individual preference or derived benefit from specific products. This is until the practicality of the commercial world rears its ugly head.

Practicalities such as branded manufacturers choosing to source OEM'ed equipment from different suppliers result in different ranges of equipment from the same manufacturer not working together. Other commercial influences include manufacturers unwilling to provide SDKs due to perceived competitive risks, unsupported SDKs unless covered by licensing royalties, undocumented SDKs or simply SDKs that become antiquated. Most manufacturers never use their own SDK, so it places a burden on them to continually update and support it. This all goes on in the background, usually unknown to the end user who is simply keen to develop his video system.

Hybrid Models
There are a few practical options for hybrid systems, to maximize your existing analog investment. Frankly, there is no image or performance gain when using an SD network camera over an analog camera.

Model 1 makes full use of the existing analog system in its native form. All existing cameras, cabling and recording equipment remain in place. Additional megapixel cameras are added and recorded to an NVR. A VMS would be used for the configuration, control and management of both systems. To the users of the system, the external equipment now seems as one integrated unit.

But there are technical risks. Firstly, there is the integration and capability of the VMS with the DVR and NVR respectively. Secondly, there is also an element of risk in the capability of the integration between the NVR and the network cameras.

Model 2 takes a more wholesale approach. It converts the existing analog system over to hybrid from as close to the analog source as possible, while keeping the original analog cameras. This approach is closer to a true end-to-end IP system, though it doesn't provide any improved performance output over a high quality analog system. It does require additional hardwarecosts, however, for the image conversion to allow for IP transmission from encoder to NVR.

Moving Forward with Megapixel
Without doubt, megapixel cameras will become the tipping point towards full adoption of end-to-end IP systems. However, they shouldn't be perceived as the panacea for all until their generic capability is refined and the investment costs become more bearable. Like all video surveillance technology, some implementations are better than others, but one must cite caution on capability, configuration and integration.

Megapixel cameras provide superb tools for post-incident review. They enable much wider fields of view to be achieved than SD cameras are capable. However, they come with higher price tag, not only for the cost of the actual camera, but also needing much higher storage and potentially delivering lower frame rate. Certain applications require the ability to view scenes in real-time or near real-time, such as cash counting or casino tables. Many megapixel cameras simply can't deliver real-time images at the highest resolution yet.

Summary
The application and surveillance requirements should be the deciding factors for use of the most appropriate technology. Key to the advantages of one technology over another must be the information available in one image, when compared against any another.

In wide fields of view overlooking large areas, megapixel cameras can provide extensive amounts of information and detail unavailable from SD cameras. However, for real-time applications having narrow fields of view, SD cameras can provide just as much practical surveillance information.

Recommendations
If you are considering integrating legacy and IP video systems, the checklist below will help you to ask the right questions.
● Understand the extent of software integration between all of the equipment you have and are considering. Do you have complete control over all configuration and functionality centrally?

● If possible, get a demonstration which allows you to view the full capability of the integration, rather than simple video display.

● Make sure your vendor has an SDK, and that it is maintained and upgraded with backward compatibility. Find out if they use the SDK within their products or solutions.

● Be clear on performance expectations from the hybrid solution. For example, at which point will the system start to slow down from higher bandwidth, storage and processing requirements of megapixel cameras.

● Understand any limitations the solution is confined by, such as the absolute limit of cameras supported or limit of cameras displayed/played back together.

● Be clear who holds responsibility for integration, to ensure “ownership” of any proble
 

US Financial Institution Gives Credit to 3VR Surveillance Solutions

Editor / Provider: 3VR Security | Updated: 7/22/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

3VR Security, a vendor of intelligent surveillance and search, announced that Members 1st Federal Credit Union has leveraged the 3VR DVRs and NVRs to cut investigation times in half and increase prosecution success with higher quality evidence. The combination of 3VR analytics, transaction integration, and advanced capture and storage techniques means the credit union’s highly trained team can build a strong case in half the time it took them with its previous recording platform.

Members 1st is a sixty-year-old member-owned full service financial institution with 40 branches located in South central Pennsylvania. The credit union is currently running 3VR’s solution in a quarter of its branches and is in the process of installing the solution in the remainder, with the goal of rolling out the 3VR platform throughout its entire infrastructure by 2011. On average, each branch has 22 cameras, with about half the cameras running 3VR advanced video analytics covering teller lines, ATMs, exits and backdoors. Members 1st also has a number of megapixel cameras in place so 3VR’s hybrid capabilities enable the credit union to use both analog and megapixel, as well as PTZ and network cameras in its video system as needs evolve.

Leveraging the full gamut of 3VR’s search and analytics features, Members 1st has drastically cut investigation times and captured high quality, valuable evidence to facilitate speedy and successful criminal prosecution. Security personnel are able to search by the date and time of an incident, capture the face of the perpetrator, and then search for that face throughout video captured from all branches. Alerts can also be set up to notify branch security and head office personnel if a person who has been previously tagged of interest enters any location. The credit union is also using 3VR’s LPR feature, which means that once they have located a suspect, they can find video of that person in the parking lot, capture an image of their car and register the license plate even from a partial plate shot, drastically increasing the chances of identifying and capturing the individual.

Members 1st also plans to integrate its Symitar transaction system to enable the credit union to directly connect video footage with specific transactions and search by transaction type, amount, teller or any other number of factors. Relevant video can be easily identified by this information, which is included on screen with the actual footage. This capability will save investigators and fraud analysts enormous amounts of time by avoiding the need to pour through footage second by second searching for a specific transaction.

Furthermore, the superior quality of 3VR video recordings has enabled Members 1st to supply law enforcement and prosecutors with higher quality evidence. For instance, the credit union recently stopped a scam targeting its lending department in which individuals were applying for car loans with false identifications. The perpetrators were approved for the loans using the IDs but never made payment. Using 3VR’s intelligent surveillance platform, the Members 1st security team was able to locate the video footage of those transactions and pull up images of the people involved. They were then able to search across other branches for similar individuals and gather key evidence before handing the investigation over to the police.

Members 1st is also leveraging 3VR’s crime-investigating solution online network to share the information they collect and research suspects they are monitoring. The solution has proved very useful for the credit union to track criminals’ activity beyond Members 1st locations. As lawbreakers rarely conduct illegal activity only within a single institution or city, this capability has proven critical to help law enforcement professionals collect the necessary evidence to build enforceable cases.

“The 3VR solution purported to do a lot of innovative things that other products had promised but ultimately failed to do. Being able to search video quickly and get sharp, clear images that we can turn directly over to law enforcement as evidence is a huge advantage,” said Chip McBreen, Assistant VP, Fraud and Security Services, Members 1st Federal Credit Union. “Video with a clear face shot is valuable evidence. The ability to then tie that face to a car and license plate number simply seals the deal.”

A Checklist for Jumping from Analog to IP Surveillance

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Infinova | Updated: 7/20/2010 | Article type: Tech Corner

Organizations have experienced increasing demand for surveillance technology, to protect people as well as private and public assets. Mark Wilson, VP of Marketing for Infinova, explores how recent events, from boarding airlines to protecting embassies, highlight the growing needs for security.

One of the most challenging dilemmas facing security managers is when and how to take the leap from analog to an IP video system. They want to jump to IP surveillance but in a cost-managed way that extends the life of existing equipment. For most sites, this migration will take place gradually. During the process, analog and IP solutions will have to coexist.

Cameras
A key consideration for security professionals is whether the existing cameras or new IP ones will provide the image quality needed to achieve the functional requirements of the system. Each application has different requirements; some users require the ability to see and track suspects in changing lighting conditions, while others simply need to see that a corridor is clear.

In many migration plans, specific locations of greater vulne r abi l i ty or image detail requirements are ideal places for network cameras, including megapixel and high definition models. One needs to ask if higher resolution cameras can help at
each location.

As part of a coexistence plan, analogto- digital encoders at the camera end can transform images from an analog camera to digital transmission and storage. The analog control room equipment gets scrapped, but the new IP control room equipment controls the already-installed analog cameras.

Another approach holds down the budget at the beginning. The existing analog equipment, including cameras, control room, video wall and cabling remains untouched. VMS software, integrated with the present keyboard, sits on top of the system to manage the new IP equipment and the already-installed analog system.

Transmission Choices
Coaxial, shielded twisted-pair and unshielded twisted pair-cable, fiber optics and a variety of wireless approaches carry most security video. The differences and business advantages of the various transmission schemes are in the cost of installation and cost of maintenance. A question to ask is whether the new network
cameras will eliminate long-distance analog cabling.

One strategy to handle both analog and digital networks is to transmit all signals over a single fiber optic cable that is secure and immune to electrical or environ- mental interference. Installation is simplified by eliminating the need for multiple fibers, transmitters and receivers. Not to be forgotten are power supplies. Following a coexistence plan, power supplies that are multitap, addressable and programmable have advantages.

Other considerations include the increased bandwidth impact on the enterprise's network. This is a tricky assignment and IT can help. Will newer types of compression, decompression or codec, such as H.264, reduce bandwidth traffic load but at a cost of more storage and command center processing? Can the budget afford the increased transmission and storage associated with megapixel cameras?

Storage and Retrieval Challenges
Most security organizations already have DVRs for storage and retrieval. However, storage solutions have their own challenges, thanks to myriad features and benefits. These range from common specifications to helpful elements, such as intelligent PTZ control with preset positions, and e-mail or SMS message notification upon motion detection or event alerts.

At the camera edge, security managers are also deploying SD storage cards. This is important in applications where loss of connection to the rest of the system could lead to lost images.

Regardless, there are several questions to consider before selecting one mode or another on the pathway to IP:
● If the video is being monitored from a remote location, will one get exception reporting?
● Do files ever need to be shared with other departments, including law enforcement, in real time?
● How much does one need to record and how long does one need to keep those recordings?

Command and Control Options
There is a great deal to consider with command and control. Traditional matrix switching and joysticks are workhorses, but in a fast-approaching software world, a solid next step is the consideration of networked video matrix switchers.

Traditionally, in the leap from analog to digital video, organizations convert analog signals to digital signals by buying and installing rack encoders for their bank of analog cameras. They replace the analog control room equipment with new IP control room equipment. This can be expensive at the front end.

Some believe that a better way is to create a coexistent system. In this scheme, the system keyboards connect to a VMS, not the matrix switchers. The analog side of the coexisting system stays untouched.

Nothing is added to it. However, since the VMS sits on top of the system, operators use their traditional keyboard commands to manage both the analog and digital solutions.

That's because the VMS interfaces with both the system's analog matrix switchers as well as the network cameras. As a result, on the combined video wall, the analog and IP solutions coexist but are still separate. Transparent to the operator, with no mouse needed, the system sends network camera images to the digital monitors and analog camera signals to the analog monitors. With this coexistent solution, agencies can use an IP solution simply by adding network cameras, digital monitors and VMS.

Integration
True security system integration is a goal of most security operations. Beyond relays and interfaces, seamless integration of security video with electronic access control, intrusion, perimeter and identification systems is a beneficial end-point of any operation and one made simpler through IP.

No matter the speed of migration, a solid plan is one in which both analog and network cameras can coexist. Such coexistence increases security's overall situational and domain awareness, as well as improving its operational effectiveness. A hybrid solution provides a growth plan that extends the life of existing equipment, is affordable and is easy to manage.

The Evolution of Video Surveillance

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Johnson Controls | Updated: 7/20/2010 | Article type: Tech Corner

Video has come to an intersection where analog, IP and hybrid systems' capabilities meet, as explored by Alan Randy Matchett, Security Project Development Engineer III, Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls.

As the surveillance industry transitions and many end users migrate towards an IP-based platform, some security directors with existing analog systems are facing a dilemma. There are legitimate questions that need to be addressed regarding the design, upgrade and installation of an analog, IP or hybrid surveillance system.
● Does the existing network have the bandwidth to support upgrades?
● Can we integrate products from multiple vendors?
● Do I need a DVR or NVR? What's the difference?
● What other regulatory standards or protocols need to be considered?

Step one: Assess your camera and network capabilities
Before any investments are made or vendor contracts are signed, assess your analog system capabilities against your organization's security and surveillance needs. Are the video recording devices, matrix switches and viewing hardware systems able to meet security objectives?

What you don't want to do is embark on extensive equipment replacements without considering the building's cabling, network and power supply. For example, analog cameras may be easily replaced with new versions while network cameras could require a deep dive into the structure's cabling design.

Make sure that you have a network that can handle your security system's needs. It is paramount that you work closely with your IT department to determine if the existing network will be used or if your system requires a new network. Failure
to consider these capabilities could result in a security malfunction. For example, an e-mail virus could plague the network.

Ideally, the security system should run on a dedicated, independent network that is layered with redundancies and operates outside of the regular business network.

Step two: Identify the appropriate head end
There are a variety of recording choices available on the market depending on your organization's size, protocol and monitoring needs. While DVRs are more
cost-effective for buildings with fewer cameras, both DVRs and NVRs can reside on a network and both recognize analog or network camera signals.

The system differences become more important when you consider recording, monitoring and video management needs. An NVR has more robust features, leveraging the network to record and archive video data. You are also protected against equipment failures through intuitive e-mail alert capabilities and the system
is future-ready and expandable.

If your organization requires more than 100 cameras, a larger PC-based system offers higher storage levels and real-time video management features, ideal for buildings with one or more live command-and-control operations centers.

Step three: Defining your video management solution
During the earlier assessment of your organization's security needs, you should have outlined your needs for video management. These considerations may impact
your needs for analog versus IP. The priority level may be defined as one of the following:
● Basic postevent playback and review: This function enables the end user to find or confirm an event that has happened in the past. In this scenario, the data is saved or exported for later use. Analog, IP and hybrid system designs should offer this capability.

● Intuitive, real-time video solutions: This function recognizes a live event and provides real-time and recorded data. Through integrated technologies, the video system can trigger predefined actions from a variety of systems, including access control. All system designs, including analog, IP and hybrid, can meet this demand.

● True integration of video surveillance with the building automation system (BAS): This solution expands past the surveillance and includes event management. The system is designed for end users with extensive security needs, including the protection of people, property and assets during live events. All building and business systems, including access control, fire, HVAC, lighting, human resources and others integrate together on a single IP network, through advanced sets of actions or real-time command-and-control dashboards.

Key considerations for surveillance system designs
If your existing system requires an update based on this assessment exercise, it is vital to plan for expandability and future upgrades. Your solution also needs to be vendor-neutral. For example, you want flexible head ends that recognize analog and IP signals. And most importantly, you need a network that is capable of meeting your camera and video management needs, both now and in the future. If you have not already engaged in discussions with your IT department, do so.

And if you have not considered a technology partner with full BAS integration expertise, you may be setting yourself up for future retrofits or unexpected costs. Even if your organization does not require a fully intuitive system now, your needs over the next 10 years must be forecasted, or at the very least, coordinated into a scalable surveillance system design.

Teleport with Remote Video and Audio

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 7/16/2010 | Article type: Hot Topics

Want to be in two places at once? The laws of physics won't allow it, but videoconferencing comes close. A&S examines this niche market's demand, applications and future outlook.

Boarding a plane is so passé. Instead, video and networking advances allow individuals to be anywhere in the world instantly, or even more than one place. A videoconference allows people at different locations to see and hear one another, saving them the hassle of travel.

A number of providers offer videoconferencing solutions. “Teleconferencing is enjoying spectacular growth due to increased globalization and the need to stay in touch without constantly traveling over long distances,” said Stefan Karapetkov, Director of Emerging Technologies for Polycom, a videoconferencing specialist. The volcanic eruption in Iceland grounded planes worldwide, making virtual meetings an attractive alternative.

A hyper realistic videoconference is telepresence, which features enormous screens and intelligent cameras which can track faces. For users, it can seem like the other person is there, instead of conversing with thin air. “The telepresence illusion is so real that many execs forget the person they're talking to is not really in the same room,” said Stan Schatt, VP of ABI Research, in a prepared statement.

The telepresence is expected to reach US$2.5 billion in 2013, according to ABI Research report “The Global Telepresence Market.” While demand is high, the price tag can be astronomical as well. “What would induce companies to spend up to $330,000 for a telepresence setup? The high cost of travel — in money, wasted time and carbon emissions — is one reason,” Schatt said.

Overall, the whole videoconferencing market will grow, due to its maturity and cost-saving benefits. More businesses will purchase equipment, driving videoconferencing product revenues from $1.9 billion in 2009 to more than $8.7 billion in 2014, according to IDC study “Worldwide Enterprise Videoconferencing and Telepresence 2010-2014 Forecast.”

New Surveillance Application?
With so much demand for virtual “face-to-face” meetings, would security products fit the bill? The answer is yes and no, depending on user expectations. If businesses wanted to replicate the telepresence experience with off-the-shelf surveillance equipment, they're in for disappointment. “Using security cameras for video conferencing is not the right application,” said Philip Siow, Senior Technical Manager, Axis Communications.

However, security equipment can be modified. A network video system using standard video compression could be adapted for remote monitoring. “Teleconference systems compress the video using H.264 and packetize it in RTP/UDP/IP, then send it over the IP network,” Karapetkov said. “The receiver extracts the compressed video from the RTP/UDP/IP envelop and decompresses it to the original.”

H.264's efficient profile means it takes up less bandwidth, enabling real-time transmission. “It does not take much Internet resources to view video remotely,” Siow said. “As H.264 also has audio in its data stream, it is possible now to have a live view and hear audio.”

A surveillance camera yields better image quality than a webcam, giving security equipment another opportunity to shine, Siow said. However, videoconferencing is usually run over a dedicated network instead of commercial DSL. A security camera can get the job done, but not to the level of professional teleconference equipment.

Image lag is a concern for security cameras but not a deal-breaker, since they are installed for forensic purposes rather than real-time streaming. “Teleconferencing is very delay-sensitive, which is not the case for video surveillance,” Karapetkov said. “The encoding and decoding resources must be able to process video and audio very fast.”

Applications
Video surveillance has made leaps and bounds, but it cannot compare to real-time broadcast-quality teleconferencing. Several applications require the increased image quality that videoconferencing offers, such as telemedicine and manufacturing quality controls, Karapetkov said.

The closest security equivalent to videoconferencing is the “talking camera.” Only the security operators see the other party, who then address them as if over an intercom. Bristol's city surveillance deployed Synectics video management to streamline operations, with one-touch communication for cameras outfitted with speakers. The cameras were effective for minor situations, such as littering, and audio recordings ensured operators used the system responsibly.

IndigoVision deployed similar audiovisual integration for Malaysian town ship Cyberjaya. Cameras with speakers and an intercom system allowed control room staff to broadcast warning or help messages.

The same one-way approach can be used for distance learning. Cameras are required at all locations for both teachers and students to see each other. Video services are expected to increase, with 53 percent of administrators and information technology decision makers in K-12 institutions, community colleges and universities willing to invest in video for 2010, according to a Clarus Research Group survey commissioned by Cisco Systems.

Outlook
Remote video applications offer exciting possibilities. There is talk of videoconferencing coming to smart camera phones, with providers like Skype and Logitech aiming for the mass market. The latest iPhone 4 features a forward-facing camera for real-time video talk.

For professional use, a dedicated videoconferencing setup must record sound and video properly. “Implementing teleconferencing is not just about compression technology,” Karapetkov said. “Similar to photography, light plays a very important role.

Teleconference rooms have to be well-lit so that people appear in their natural colors.” Camera placement is tricky enough for video surveillance, but even more challenging for teleconference, when all participants need to be in focus. PTZ cameras help, but still need to be optimized for the best user experience, Karapetkov said. Microphone location is another issue, as how audio is perceived affects the teleconference experience.

Despite the higher price tag for videoconferencing solutions, they are unlikely to be replaced by surveillance cameras or webcams. “Security cameras are a niche of their own for surveillance applications,” Siow said. Advancements in video and networking are just being realized, making videoconferencing an exciting harbinger of things to come.

Physical Security at Microsoft: Driven by its Suite of Software

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Microsoft Global Security | Updated: 7/15/2010 | Article type: Hot Topics

Brian Tuskan, Senior Director of Microsoft Global Security, examines how MNCs handle physical security at different geographical locations.

Question: With a business that spans hundreds of countries, how does Microsoft manage its physical security seamlessly and effectively?

As a corporation expands its geographical locations, physical security management becomes more complex as the security systems implemented are often different platforms, and integration is almost next to impossible.

Configuration, not Customization
Recognizing the limitations of such a system setup, Microsoft Global Security saw the need for a system that can sustain a growing corporation globally. Leveraging Microsoft off-the-shelf software products and partners, Global Security integrates its worldwide physical security infrastructure to create a cost-effective and efficient security solution that can be managed from virtually anywhere in the world.

“Microsoft Integrated Security Solutions is a solution that simply configures readily available applications — Microsoft Office SharePoint Server, InfoPath, Microsoft Office, Communicator, just to name a few, to your corporate enterprise requirements. Not highly technical, no heavy IT infrastructure required and no customization,”said Brian Tuskan, Senior Director of Microsoft Global Security.

Microsoft Integrated Security Solutions is a shift from cumbersome traditional physical security to one where the bandwidth for applications commonly used in business is now widened to manage global security mission control operations.

Virtual Management, Local Response
With 700 sites worldwide, about 186,000 active personnel access accounts, 11,000 access card readers, 10,000 video cameras connected to 850 IP-addressable DVRs and 330 fire panels, Microsoft Global Security manages its operations from three command centers, known as Global Security Operations Centers (GSOCs).

These GSOCs are strategically positioned worldwide — Redmond in the U.S., Thames Valley Park in the U.K. and Hyderabad, India. These sites also monitor more than 5,000 other devices. They include duress alarms, biometric security systems and environmental alarms.

Microsoft's GSOCs showcase best-practice use of Microsoft products in a real-world operational environment and highlight best-in-class partner products that are based on Microsoft technologies. These nerve centers leverage technology to enable relatively small staff to monitor and respond to issues quickly and with precision from nearby or from the other side of the globe.

Each GSOC monitors and responds to signal data and event notifications within its own region. The GSOCs also facilitate communications and dispatch on-site security in response to events. Below is an overview of some Microsoft applications used in the physical security solution.

● Geographic Mapping: Global Security uses geospatial mapping through Bing Maps to geographically display all 700 sites around the world and provide critical site-specific data. This helps the GSOC determine whether sites are within affected areas.

The GSOC uses click-through access to building maps with device overlays and relevant video feeds, which enables GSOC personnel to evaluate actual events when tracking and monitoring a high-priority incident.

● Critical Incident Reporting: Global Security uses InfoPath to track and report on critical incidents that directly affect Microsoft sites or personnel, providing a single source for up-to-date information.

● Internal Communications: Office Communicator's integrated instant messages, voice, video and online collaboration increases the speed with which critical information is communicated and ensures the interactions among GSOC personnel are accurate, self-documented and retrievable.

Interoperability
If any of the GSOCs is taken offline due to extenuating circumstances, such as power outage, monitoring loads can be transferred to another GSOC within minutes. The monitoring personnel can examine building maps and video on any of the cameras near the reported event.

While making an assessment using Microsoft Office SharePoint, personnel can send instant messages to local responders. This allows a local response to an event monitored from the other side of the town — or the other side of the globe.

Reduced Labor, Improved Security
As GSOC operations use technologies such as event-based monitoring and network cameras to remotely determine the appropriate response, labor requirement is reduced while the speed of response is increased.

The public sector and private security alike can improve their operations with the strategies that Microsoft Global Security has developed, without the need for a heavy IT infrastructure. Thus, Microsoft Integrated Security Solutions is a valuable tool for enterprises who seek to optimize management of multiple-site physical security operations and yet remain cost-effective.

US Hospital Goes Green with Pivot3 Serverless Storage Platform

Editor / Provider: Pivot3 | Updated: 7/15/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Pivot3, a provider of virtual servers and scalable storage in a single platform, announced the Muskogee Community Hospital deployed Pivot3 serverless computing as the compute and storage platform for multiple systems within the newly constructed health care facility. Initially purchased to store video from security cameras, the hospital now uses the energy-efficient platform to backup its exchange and file servers, and as a host for a clinical imaging system. As a result, the hospital is able to reduce power and cooling costs by up to 40 percent over alternatives that require physical servers.

Muskogee Community Hospital was constructed using the principles of the leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. LEED guidelines promote design and construction practices that protect the environment.

“Muskogee Community Hospital's commitment to limiting environmental output propelled us to leverage technologies for multiple uses to lower costs, reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency,” said Owetha Wilson, IT Administrator, Muskogee Community Hospital. “The Pivot3 storage array is allocated for video surveillance and IT system storage. Not only does the array substantially reduce our carbon footprint, but the cost of ownership is much lower as the Pivot3 array manages several functions.”

In-line with the hospital's desire to minimize power usage, Joshua Herron, President of Digi Surveillance System, Muskogee's integration firm, selected Pivot3 appliances, which combine virtual servers and shared storage in easy-to-use, scale-out appliances. Each appliance offers 12 to 24 terabytes of high availability storage and a virtual server. Up to 12 units can be joined in a single scale-out array, so the pooled storage can be shared among the 12 virtual servers. Furthermore, Muskogee Community Hospital achieves high reliability for both storage and server functions through appliance failover protection, which automatically protects data and restarts applications in the event of an appliance failure.

“With most storage units, arrays span the drives on a single unit, but with Pivot3, redundancy is created across all drives and appliances,” Herron said. “You also get the aggregate throughput of all the appliances, so there is the potential for more information to be written simultaneously.”

Muskogee's video surveillance system uses a mix of digital and analog cameras, including Avigilon HD cameras with remote PTZ controls. Three Pivot3 appliances were initially installed at the hospital to provide five weeks of storage of video surveillance feeds from the cameras. Since the appliances are extremely flexible and scalable, the IT department discovered that the appliances could be allocated for IT system use. The hospital used three terabytes of disk space for server backup, while an additional three terabytes are used for image storage for a colon imaging application.

“Whether used for storing medical images or for video surveillance, Pivot3 solves power and management concerns that face every IT manager,” said Lee Caswell, founder and CMO, Pivot3. “The Pivot3 system is turning heads as IT managers see that our innovation hardened in the surveillance market can be applied the meet the management and cost goals of the back-office.”