Sony unveils SRG series HD PTZ cameras with Exmor sensor, View-DR and XDNR technology

Editor / Provider: Sony Electronics | Updated: 10/7/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Sony Electronics unveiled its new SRG line of high-definition, remotely-operated cameras, designed to deliver high-quality imaging, powerful capabilities, ease of use and affordability for a range of commercial applications. The first two models in the new line are the pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) SRG-120DH and SRG-300H cameras.

The new SRG series joins Sony's widely used EVI and BRC product lines, giving customers a greater choice of high-quality remote camera options.

The new SRG-120DH camera is designed for desktop use, while the SRG-300H model is desktop- or ceiling-mountable. They are capable of full HD (1080/60P) imaging, incorporate industry-standard HDMI interfaces, and can be controlled via VISCA protocol over IP connections.

The SRG-300H also features a 30x optical zoom (the highest in Sony's PTZ line up) making it perfect for a variety of room sizes and venues in corporate, education, and government.

High production values with Sony latest imaging technology The high-image quality SRG cameras incorporate Sony's most advanced Exmor CMOS technology designed to deliver the highest video production values for broadcast, in-house, or online viewing.

According to Mark Bonifacio, Sony Electronics' Director of Industrial Cameras, the SRG-120DH and SRG-300H PTZ cameras are especially suited for nearly any remote shooting and monitoring application, including lecture capture, house of worship use, videoconferencing, and telemedicine.

”High quality, high definition video has become an expectation, and the new SRG line is an easy to operate, cost-effective solution for a variety of applications,” said Bonifacio.

The SRG-300H and SRG-120DH PTZ cameras both feature a high-sensitivity Exmor sensor and Sony's latest enhanced features including View-DR dynamic range enhancement and XDNR technology (eXellent Dynamic Noise Reduction). View-DR provides superb visibility even in challenging back-lit conditions resulting in clear images. This allows the cameras to pan across an area and stay sharp despite shifting from front-lit to back-lit views. XDNR technology reduces noise and provides clear images in both moving and still objects under low light conditions.

Another essential feature of the SRG cameras is their easy operation due to new PC control software that enables intuitive operation and full access to camera functions such as color adjustment. The full range of VISCA command protocols are accessible through standard IP connections. The SRG-H300 has RS-232 and RS-422 capabilities, while the SRG-120DH is RS-232-capable).

Image E-flip allows the SRG-300H to be used in a desktop position or ceiling mounted while maintaining proper right-left/up-down orientation. Each camera has 16 programmable presets using VISCA so operators can click from one camera shot to another without having to reframe. This allows smooth transitions rather than jarring shifts.

The SRG-120DH PTZ camera features a 12x optical zoom and a 12x digital zoom, with a 71-degree horizontal viewing angle. The SRG-300H model combines a 30x optical plus 12x digital zoom with 65-degree viewing angle and is available in both black and white casings.

The SRG-300H will be available in November and the SRG-120DH will follow in December with pricing to be announced.

VIVOTEK secures Indonesia's Jakarta-Cikampek toll road with network cams

Editor / Provider: VIVOTEK | Updated: 10/1/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Background : Secured Toll Roads, Secured Economic Dynamics
A toll road, a roadway that requires a fee for access, is designed more organized and straight for transport. Toll roads are generally planned as a country's key land-based transportation links, facilitating the seamless connection of diversified economic activities and supporting economic growth across the entire country. Hence, a comprehensive security system for toll roads should be highly valued and prioritized. The implementation of a reliable security mechanism with an effective and robust surveillance system along the toll road or installed at each stopping spot is undoubtedly making great contributions to the smooth operation of and a safer environment on toll roads since traffic volume, toll collection and license plates can be clearly and precisely identified and recorded for any further analysis or investigation. Toll stations built for fee collection are the key stopping spots, making them ideal for a more comprehensive surveillance installation, as closer and clearer monitoring of vehicles can be performed.

PT Jasa Marga (Persero) was established in 1978 by the Indonesian government to plan, build, operate, and maintain all toll roads in the country. After amendments made to applicable laws, Jasa Marga now functions fully as a toll road operator and developer. Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road, a 73 kilometer-long toll road stretching from East Jakarta to Cikampek, Karawang (West Java), has been under the administration of Jasa Marga since it opened in 1988. Earlier this year, Jasa Marga embarked on a project to upgrade surveillance video quality to a level that could not be achieved with the toll road's existing analog cameras.

Solution: Higher Quality, Better Security
After receiving professional consulting services from PT Hotware Indonesia, a leading surveillance products supplier and also VIVOTEK's official distributor in the Indonesia market, Jasa Marga decided to install 70 of VIVOTEK's IP8335H 1-megapixel network bullet cameras outside toll stations for traffic monitoring.

Cameras that are installed outside of toll stations must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions and cope with challenging light conditions while securing video of usable quality. The IP8335H, designed with the WDR Pro function and a weather-proof IP67-rated housing, was the ideal choice to this project. With WDR Pro, even under high-contrast lighting environments the camera can deliver video of quality close to that of human vision by capturing both the dark and bright parts of an image with double shutters, enabling two frames to be combined to generate a highly accurate image of the original scene. In addition, equipped with an IR-cut filter and built-in IR illuminators with coverage for up to 20 meters, the IP8335H can capture high-quality video at all hours.

More uniquely, the IP8335H incorporates a P-iris lens, which controls the iris with extreme precision using a built-in stepper motor, maintaining the aperture at an optimal size at all times, resulting in superior sharpness and depth of field.

Achievement : VIVOTEK Technology Cemented the Safety on the Road
William Ku, Vice President of VIVOTEK's International Business Division, stated: “VIVOTEK has accumulated quite a breadth of experience in transportation projects worldwide. We are delighted that PT Jasa Marga chose VIVOTEK's cameras to complement the rest of its surveillance infrastructure. More importantly, thanks to our local partner PT Hotware Indonesia's great support for and deep involvement with the entire project, the surveillance enhancements for the Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road were completed smoothly and successfully."

Assa Abloy / Traka expands global reseller appointments

Editor / Provider: Assa Abloy / Traka | Updated: 9/30/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Traka, a developer of intelligent key and asset management solutions around the world, has appointed 16 new resellers in 2013 including 10 in Europe and 5 in Asia. These new channels join a network of 40 global resellers spanning countries such as Hong Kong, Turkey, Colombia and Poland.

2013 has seen the highest rate of reseller appointments for the company so far as a direct result of the indirect channel strategy being implemented by Brenda Taylor, sales & marketing director, since her appointment in January.

To continue the growth of the business internationally, and pursue the channel strategy, Stephanie Hensler was recruited last month as International Channel Manager and will play a key role in maintaining the 30 percent growth rate year-on- year that Traka has celebrated through an expanding network of resellers and distributors.

“Having managed the North American and International Channels based in the USA, I am very excited at the opportunity of building Traka's partner relationships in Europe, the Middle, Far East and the rest of the world” said Hensler. She continued: “Traka has had tremendous growth in the UK and USA and, being part of ASSA ABLOY for a year now, we will use our strengths to capitalise on our EMEA growth along with the rest of the world, a challenge that I am relishing.”

Secure Technology Solutions Ltd is one of the recent distributor appointments for Traka and Justin Barrett, Director, said: “We are very proud to be associated with Traka and immediately saw the potential for a scalable electronic asset control solution that provides comprehensive compliance and audit capabilities for keys and other assets. As a value-added distributor for the European and African region we reinforce our commitment to integrated solutions as we provide higher levels of support for Traka's regional customers, resellers and integration partners. The opportunities are immense.”

Jonathan Predonzan said as a brand new reseller setting up Traka in Colombia: “We are delighted to be working with Traka and part of its global expansion as the fastest growing access management specialist in the world. We will work to establish Traka as a leading solutions provider across Colombia and South America as there is huge potential for technology-driven security solutions that complement existing architecture. I feel so passionate about this I am relocating from my home in France to start this business in Colombia because I believe that there is massive potential in this growing market. Colombia is often referred to as the rising star of Latin America. It is also a hub to penetrate the whole South American market. We are very excited to be a part of Traka's growing business.”

Brenda Taylor, global sales and marketing director of Traka, said: “Traka holds the leadership position for market share in key management in the UK and it is no secret that the international growth opportunity is exponential. This is truly an exciting time in Traka's history and we will have a strong team to deliver the next chapter in Traka's evolution. My expectation and growth strategy is to grow the Traka business by over 300% over the next five years. The addition of 16 resellers already this year is a testament to the viability of our strategy.”

Honeywell releases more value with managed access control system

Editor / Provider: Honeywell | Updated: 9/25/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Honeywell has released the WIN-PAK CS 4.2 managed access control system, which lets security dealers provide a wider range of value-added services to all types of organizations while reducing their installation and service costs.

WIN-PAK CS 4.2 takes the complexity and cost out of maintaining an access control system by moving the operating software and server hardware from the customer's site to the dealer's data center, providing operational cost savings and reducing capital expenses for dedicated computers or servers. Dealers benefit because they can create new sources of recurring monthly revenue (RMR) by delivering more value-added services to their customers including photo-ID badging, video verification of alarms and events, and enhanced report functionality from the new web interface.

“Companies want to simplify their security management and increase the value it brings to their businesses, and managed security services can help achieve this goal,” said John Smith, senior marketing manager at Honeywell Security Products Americas. “Having to dedicate security staff to manage the system, create photo-ID badges and provide updates to the access control software and server hardware are all time-consuming tasks for staff. WIN-PAK CS 4.2 lets dealers take these tasks off their customers' hands and payrolls while helping streamline business operations. These services are also a great way to create long-lasting customer relationships and reduce attrition.”

*Photo-ID Badging as a Service: Badge printers are expensive and cost-prohibitive or organizations with fewer than 100 employees. By providing badging services, security dealers can reduce the investment it takes for organizations to issue photo-IDs to employees. It's a service that provides more value to the customer by streamlining business operations and strengthening security procedures.
*Redesigned Web-based Interface: The new web-based interface provides users with the required functionality to manage day-to-day business without the hassle of installing expensive onsite software. Through the web-based interface, organizations can monitor their system's status, control doors, manage users, create customized report templates and automatically run reports, access video tutorials, and generate card audit trails and operator action reports.
*Video Verification: Video verification allows dealers to receive access control alerts and notifications tied to video events. Dealers can determine whether the alert is a potential threat and dispatch the appropriate authority to handle the situation. This can save organizations money by reducing false alarms and reduce law enforcement response times by verifying that the threat is real.

FLIR Systems expands IP NVR series DNR300

Editor / Provider: FLIR Systems | Updated: 9/23/2013 | Article type: Security 50

FLIR Systems announced the expansion of the SyncroIP NVR series with a more powerful and robust NVR line. Building upon the company's popular entry level line, the DNR300 Series offers advanced functionality for more demanding applications while maintaining the original models' distinguishing characteristic… ease-of-use. FLIR DNR300 Series NVRs feature 8 integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports, greater bandwidth for turbo processing speed, and a more sophisticated CMS application.

Available in 8 and 16 channel configurations, DNR300 Series NVRs include an internal 8 port PoE switch for quick and simple connection. With a recording bit rate of 80 Mbps, the system supports real-time recording (30 fps per channel) at full HD 1080p resolution in 8 channel mode (240fps @ 1080p). A wide range of the industry's most popular IP cameras of up to 5MP are fully compatible and automatically discovered by the Onvif 2.0 NVR with no configuration required.

Along with the DNR300, FLIR introduces the Syncro-C software, an intuitive 36 channel CMS with Client/Server support for managing multi-site applications, accommodating both NVRs and independent IP Cameras. A Mac version of the software is available.

SyncroIP NVRs can be accessed remotely via mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices. Advanced features of these apps include remote playback, push notifications for motion/alarm, E-map, and manual record / snapshot to the device.

New shape of Chinese manufacturing

Editor / Provider: Jill Lai (Reporting with a&s China) | Updated: 9/18/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

While China is quickly taking up the position as the worldwide manufacturing hub, the stereotypical image of “made-in-China” still made global buyers hesitant about working closely with some Chinese companies. However, based on the latest 2013 survey on worldwide major professional security buyers by a&s, Chinese products are ready to prove their worth with improved quality and service, which provides a major boost for all Chinese manufacturers. From our recent interviews with those buyers, Hikvision Digital Technology was the Chinese company that was mentioned most often, winning the highest satisfaction and recognition.

Global Recognition
Hikvision, originally renowned for its DVRs, has now become a total solutions provider in video surveillance. In the recent world market report for CCTV and video surveillance equipment from IMS research (an IHS company), Hikvision was ranked as the number one supplier under the category of “CCTV and Video Surveillance Equipment,” with 8-percent market share in 2012. In the category of “Security Cameras,” Hikvision was also ranked third with a 9.7-percent world market share, while maintaining first place in “DVR suppliers” for four consecutive years in 2012.

Hikvision's success wasn't achieved overnight. Yangzhong Hu, President of Hikvision, still remembers the many hardships the company went through to launch its first auto-focus camera module in early 2000, marking a major technology milestone for the company. Since then, Hikvision's sales revenue in surveillance cameras has started to double and even triple, and the company gradually became an actual total solutions provider in video surveillance.

Core Competitiveness
Positioning itself in the middle- to high-end market sectors, Keen Yao, International Marketing Director said “Hikvision's main competitiveness are product innovation and cost optimization, which support Hikvision in providing quality products plus a reasonable price. Both factors also make the company achieve good gross margin continuously since establishment.”

The cost optimization, Yao added, is achieved by the company's increasing production scale. “By keeping innovating in products and expanding production lines, complete from front end to back end devices, the overall cost of production and purchasing can be well controlled.”

Hikvision has been dedicated to security industry for over 12 years. Its thorough understanding of the industry and continuous R&D investment help the company maintain product innovation and technology leadership in global security market.

R&D Investment
Several major factors contributing to Hikvision's success are its previous OEM experience with some well-known global companies, which pushed Hikvision to strengthen its product development capability, as well as strictly focus on its quality control and production process. The company's high penetration in its domestic market provides Hikvision with a clear direction of product innovation.

Over these years, Hikvision's R&D, and quality and process control have achieved international standards.

CMMI Certified Management
In 2009, Hikvision started to work with some consulting firms to enhance its internal efficiency of R&D, quality control, and production. Since then, the company has introduced Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) to greatly improve its process management of product research and development. CMMI is a process improvement training and certification program and service administered and marketed by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University. With them, “we are able to have a set of unified protocols to well manage different departments and have the same language to conduct cross-department communication,” said Junke Chen, R&D Director.

R&D Matrix Project Management
To optimize new product development and maintain technological leadership, Hikvision employs a matrix management structure for its R&D department, which allows them to succeed in cross-department project cooperation between its resource teams and product teams. Hikvision's product teams are categorized by its product lines, including DVR/NVR, network cameras, analog cameras, vertical-specific VMS and others while the resource team is divided by several key technologies – hardware, image processing, video/audio codec, compression, networking, streaming media, FPGA applications, video data storage, embedded applications, software structure and others. At Hikvision, a specialized project team, from groups of resource teams and the corresponding product teams, is usually formed to develop a new product. This means each group of resource teams has to be responsible for several product development projects and must be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

It is worth mentioning that software is the core value of Hikvision product development. “Although we sold mostly hardware, software is the key inside hardware. Hikvision has a powerful software capability. A large amount of work is on the software side, even in hardware manufacturing,” said Yao.

Market-Oriented Product Development
What is worth mentioning is that Hikvision's R&D team also has to meet the sales target, along with sales team. “The product should be market-oriented and clearly meet the needs for the customers. The KPI for each product line is to meet certain sales targets. R&D also takes the responsibility if their products don't meet the real market demand,” said Chen.

Product Usability
Product usability requirements are quite high in overseas markets. Many Chinese products are usually weak in this part. This year, Hikvision put a lot of R&D resources in product user interface, client software, and mobile APP to elevate the ease of use in its products. Hikvision also started to outsource the language-related design and the external design of its latest network cameras, including aesthetic outlook and internal software design, two or three years ago. The product usability of Hikvision's products now is greatly improved.

Supply Chain Collaboration
Hikvision also follows the “integrated supply chain” concept, proposed by Huawei Technologies. The supply chain includes suppliers (manufacturing partners), Hikvision (the company), and Hikvision's clients. Tim Zhang, Quality Manager said “We invite all these parties together for joint product evaluation and collaboration, advised by our consulting company. We also ask our suppliers to join our product development. They provide suggestions on how to make those products meet international standards and how to optimize the structure/system.”

Quality Control
Hikvision has developed a comprehensive and strict management system in process. In Hikvision, the quality control department is independent from R&D and production department. These three departments are positioned equally to complement and evaluate each other.

Quality control, a complete system from R&D design, manufacturing to service, is categorized into reliability verification, test, process control, productivities, and after-sales service. “Under each item, we have a specific objective and indicators to measure the outcome,” said Zhang. With this system, Hikvision is able to provide further assurance for customers -- Design Quality Assurance (DQA) and Manufacturing Quality Assurance (MQA).

Design Quality Assurance
DQA is under the R&D product testing department mainly for product reliability verification. Hikvision has more than 2,000 people on their R&D team--the largest in the security sector. Around 350 engineers on the R&D team, which accounts for over 15 percent of the team, are responsible for product testing. The product testing group is in charge of software tests, hardware tests, and reliability tests, which all play an important role in product development and guaranteeing product quality. The tests include anti-interference, anti-radiation, extreme temperature, vibration, drop, water-proof, electrostatic surge and electrocution prevention, salt spray, and anti-wind/dust tests, etc.

The product testing group conducts tests in many different testing laboratories, such as a 960-square-meter (10,333 square feet) stability and pressure testing laboratory, two image quality testing rooms, and a large laboratory for integration, monitoring, and management systems testing. In total, all of the laboratories combined occupy 1,300 square meters (13,993 square feet).

Manufacturing Quality Assurance MQA is divided into four categories: raw materials quality control, productive process, tests, and outgoing quality control.

Boasting over 100,000 square meters (1.1 million square feet) of manufacturing space, Hikvision's production facilities are underpinned by state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and resources. As an example of this point, in 2011, Hikvision introduced Siemens' fully-automatic SMT equipment for production lines, ensuring world-class technical capability.

Hikvision also has dual dustless workshops for precise component assembly of camera lenses. Occupying 800 square meters (8,611 square feet), the workshops measure up to the highest cleaning standard - a class of 100,000.

In addition, to ensure high product quality, all the products need to pass the high-temperature aging test and the company also developed foolproof equipment, such as auto focus tester and auto testing software, to efficiently reduce human errors and poor visibility during production.

SAP System for High Production Efficiency
To meet its huge sales volume target, Hikvision purchased a SAP system from Germany to avoid any problems in materials preparation cycles which may lead to downtime of the production line. With the barcode, the whole production and quality control process can be traced: each machine can be analyzed for the specific time for production, and identification of every supplier and operator. “With the SAP system, we can efficiently optimize material management to achieve low inventory and turnover rate with guaranteed quality,” continued Zhang.

International Marketing Strategy and Customer Service
In addition to its technological and quality improvements, Hikvision is also focusing on providing local after-sales support to ensure better services for its partners. International buyers have expressed concern about Chinese products--one of the reasons is product quality--particularly about Chinese manufacturers being unable to provide efficient service and support to address problems. Therefore, the most crucial part of service localization is to implement better commitment to customers.

“With 12 regional branch offices in other parts of the world, Hikvision has devoted itself to offering customers in-depth local services via thorough maintenance, an after-sales service system, a complete customer complaint handling process, and a professional training program,” said Yao.

With the efforts and improvements of these past years, Hikvision has successfully transformed and became a trustworthy and quality-guaranteed solutions provider. Hikvision has shaped the new image of Chinese manufacturers and the company's future development in the global market can be highly anticipated.

Thai economy uncertain but interests remain

Editor / Provider: Christine Chien (with reporting by John Shi), a&s Asia | Updated: 10/1/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Past Performance
In 2012, Thailand's economy grew like a child hitting puberty, making a speedy recovery from the massive 2011 flood that had caused great detriment to the nation. The Phoenix Capital Group reported that the total value of investment from January to November 2012 was just below US$29.6 billion, which confirmed the continuous confidence of foreign investors in Thailand. According to the Industry Minister, Prasert Boonchaisuk, the number of investment applications reached 1,943 projects during the first 11 months of 2012, which is 24.5 percent more than the total number of projects applied for the same period in 2011.

Based on Thailand's 2012 economic performance report from the country's National Economic and Social Development Board, the Thai economy grew by 6.4 percent, with headline inflation of 3 percent and current account surplus of 0.7 percent of GDP in 2012. The hotel and restaurants sector expanded by 11.5 percent and the number of foreign tourists rose by 16 percent, mostly coming from China, Malaysia, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. Meanwhile public construction increased by 27.1 percent, owing to a higher disbursement in capital budget compared to the lagged disbursement caused by the flood in the fourth quarter of 2011, and the real estate sector expanded by 3.9 percent.

By year's end, everyone had high expectations and hopes for Thailand's economy in 2013. Predictions such as continued growth, increase in public and private investments, inflow of foreign investments, etc. were projected from the World Bank.

Unexpected Jolt
China's economic slowdown started a chain of events, affecting economies across the world, especially those that relied on Asian exports. Thailand was not exempt from its influences. According to a report from Trading Economics, growth of the Thai economy moderated from a slowdown in domestic demand and exports. The Bank of Thailand (BoT) reduced gross domestic product (GDP) forecast for 2013 from 5.1 percent to 4.2 percent. However, the BoT maintained its forecast for 2014 GDP growth of 5 percent because “sound fundamentals should help bring the economy back to normality,” according to a statement made by Assistant Governor Paiboon Kittisrikangwan at a news briefing.

After a second meeting on Aug. 21, 2013, the Monetary Policy Committee of the BoT kept its key policy rate at 2.5 percent, unlikely to change for the remainder of the year. One of the factors of maintaining this rate is the high household debt in Thailand. The remainder of 2013 is expected to see gradual recovery as the U.S., E.U., and Japan are seeing signs of improvement, according to the Bangkok Post.

Opportunities and Challenges
Prior to this unexpected turn of event, Thailand had been going through numerous changes, and expectations have been high. New government incentives had been rolling out, along with the anticipation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and its effects on all ASEAN countries. The resulting impact of many changing social factors is also seen in the current situation of the country and its people.

Government Incentives
Starting April of 2012, the Thai government implemented a new minimum wage in Bangkok, Phuket, and a select few of its 75 provinces, raising the wage from around $6.70 to around $10 per day – an unprecedented 60 percent wage hike. The increase in wages aimed to rebalance wealth and increase purchasing power of the Thai currency. However, economists believe the stronger Baht will very likely cause a decline in foreign investments, which will affect the general workforce of Thailand as a whole. This was affirmed by Henny Beeber, CEO of AES Group, stating security “growth drivers in Thailand include the increase of the minimum wage by 60 percent, driving up the costs of security personnel and causing facilities to increase electronic security to reduce security manpower.” Though the government meant well by this policy, economists believe the wage hike should only remain a short-term solution to improve situations of low-income workers.

Guarding companies must face the challenge of gradually integrating security equipment into its services. This phenomenon will be occurring at a rapid pace, so the security industry and guarding companies can soon be expecting to have in-depth cooperation.

AEC and Its Effects
The introduction of AEC will come into effect on Dec. 15, 2015, with a goal of creating a single regional economic market. The AEC promotes free trade amongst the ASEAN community, which so far comprises of Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and new entrants such as Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Burma, and Cambodia. With the existence of AEC, ASEAN members will be able to conduct businesses inside the region much easier than before, thus eliminating or alleviating previous obstacles in terms of obtaining business permits and duration of stay for ASEAN foreigners. Currently, the ASEAN community has free trade agreements with China, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, and India. It is also in talks with the E.U. about promoting free trade. However, most believe this goal will be unlikely until 2020. The Bangkok Post reported that despite their skepticisms, a survey showed that US companies are optimistic about overall business prospects in the region. Indonesia was named the most attractive country for new business expansion, followed by Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar.

The AEC is also an important deciding factor on Thailand's small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME). If the local SMEs intend to survive the intense competition that will arise once the single regional market begins, they need to start gathering themselves together and pick up the pace. “AEC will open the doors between the countries benefiting from free trade and will ensure that Thailand will need to continue to develop their resources including streamlining import/export regulations, education, infrastructure, manufacturing, and farming to become more competitive in the region and globally,” according to Beeber.

Impending Withdrawal of QE4
After the US announcement of the possible withdrawal of the QE4, the whole world is focused on its commencement, and also the moves that the U.S. decides to make, along with the effects it will have on the global economy. As a result from the withdrawal speculations, Thailand's 10-year government bonds and the Thai Baht had been declining, reducing the demand for emerging-market assets. The termination of quantitative easing by the U.S. tends to have the biggest effect on emerging countries.

“I believe that Thailand's economic development growth, infrastructure development, and trade balance will ease most long-term effects of the US changing policy,” Beeber said, remaining hopeful. Some companies have a careful outlook on the future of Thailand's economy. They believe when the Baht is cheaper due to inflation, it encourages tourism, but Thailand will be heavily influenced by whatever is happening around the world, since its economy relies heavily on exports.

Rising Crime Rates
The unwillingness to perform manual labor is affecting the country and its crime rate. “Most Thai people do not want to perform hard labor and would rather work in offices or factories where they can make easy money. A lot of them only want jobs in Bangkok, which results in hard labor being performed only by low-level workers who are imported from Cambodia and Myanmar, which explains the crime rate,” according to Arnon Kulawongvanich GM of Chubb Direct.

The increase in crime rates, however, heightens awareness for security systems and demand for unique product needs as more criminals are being sent to prison. “Due to illegal criminal activity in prisons, we are seeing additional requirements for other technologies such as cell jammers, x-ray scanners, and sophisticated integrated security systems to deter the smuggling of contrabands including drugs and cell phones in and out of prison, and stop certain inmates and drug dealers within the prison still controlling their ongoing criminal operations outside of prison,” said Beeber.

Move to 4G
In May 2013, one of Thailand's major mobile operators, True Move, started to provide 4G service trials with its existing frequencies. Nationwide availability will probably not be available until 2015, just in time for the AEC. The 4G network can be up to five times faster than 3G and is being trialed in Bangkok's central business district areas of Siam Square, Silom Road, and Sathon Road. As Thailand is a very technology-centric and accepting country – its usage of social media platforms such asFacebook is far higher than that of South Korea or Japan – the faster 4G networks will help operators meet the excessive demands for mobile data in Thailand.

According to Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn, Commissioner of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, 4G network licenses are planned for auction in September 2014 and the licenses are expected to be granted in late 2014. If all things go according to plan, the companies should be able to roll out 4G services by early 2015.

Once the network infrastructure is in place and stable, it will be much easier to promote hosted video surveillance, as well as other related services that will benefit from the high speed internet such as building automation and home automation.

Positive Outlook
Despite the challenges currently faced by the Thai economy, the future of Thailand is not lost. With the introduction of AEC and the implementation of 4G networks in the near future, along with the growing security awareness throughout the country, Thailand is still an appealing market for foreign investors. Thailand has proven itself to be a resilient country several times in the past, and many believe it will not be affected by its current economic situation in the long run.

Red Alert protect Royal College of Art with Honeywell IP surveillance

Editor / Provider: Honeywell | Updated: 9/14/2013 | Article type: Education

The Situation
The RCA's top priority is to provide a safe and secure environment for its staff and students at all times. Due to the diverse cultures and ages of its students, the College needs to address both differing learning styles and lifestyle needs. To ensure this is covered, access to the College buildings is provided from early morning until midnight seven days a week.

Due to the busy city location of the campus and in addition to ensuring the physical and personal safety of students, the RCA also needed to address safety in terms of protecting student work and intellectual property. These factors, coupled with a number of incidents where the College was unable to use poor quality recorded images as evidence for onsite events, it was agreed as part of the ongoing redevelopment that there was a need to upgrade and enhance the current CCTV system to deliver continued security for all.

After a comprehensive tendering process Red Alert, a Kent based Security Installation company, was awarded the project and asked to deliver an upgraded CCTV system that would meet the current needs of the university whilst allowing for future expansion.

The Solution
Red Alert had worked with Honeywell Security Group on a number of previous projects and asked Honeywell to demonstrate to the College the new range of Honeywell IP cameras. After an onsite demonstration, the RCA agreed that the proposed IP solution would provide the required enhancements to its existing system, deliver the enhanced images and quality of service needed, whilst also allowing for cost effective future enhancement.

“When we were approached to tender for this project, I knew that the Honeywell IP high definition solution would be perfect,” said Darren Martin, Technical Sales Surveyor at Red Alert. “The high quality images delivered by the cameras specified coupled with the fantastic customer and technical support from Honeywell ensured a smooth and timely delivered project.”

Honeywell's new HD IP PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) cameras were installed to monitor the perimeter and grounds, whilst a number of Honeywell's high definition indoor/outdoor minidome cameras were chosen to monitor activity in common and critical areas.

The Benefits
A Reliable Brand, a Trusted Security System Through expertise in similar security installations and experience with the tried and trusted Honeywell CCTV system, Red Alert was able to deliver a reliable solution that would meet the continued needs of the College. And with support from the Honeywell sales team, provide product expertise from introduction to installation and commissioning.

* Innovative Products
The installation of the new HD IP PTZ domes provides the College with brilliant, crisp picture quality which is ideal for areas that require detailed surveillance. These cameras provide high definition images, even in low light environments, and as such are ideal for external use at the College, monitoring car parks, storage areas and quiet access points ensuring complete safety for all around the clock.

* Enhanced Image Quality
The upgraded system delivers clear and concise images ensuring incidents are fully identified, recorded and auctioned accordingly, eradicating previous situations where prosecution was not possible due to insufficient evidence owing to poor image quality.

* Flexible and Scalable
Due to the continued redevelopment and ongoing upgrades it was essential that any new products integrated with the current system, whilst also allowing for future expansion. The introduction of IP technology has provided increased options and flexibility for future cost effective and strategic enhancement of the system.

* Ease of Use
The RCA required a user-friendly system that would be suitable for all staff to operate. The enhanced system installed allows easier and smoother security management for the site as it is managed from one location and from a single user interface enabling time and resource efficiencies.

* Cost Savings
By installing a professional security system Red Alert has provided the RCA with a cost-effective solution, offering significant material cost savings by supporting the limited manpower of the security team with innovative and reliable security protection.“The RCA has benefitted greatly from the enhanced security provided by this installation,” said Christopher Franklin, Facilities Manager at The Royal College ofArt. “The clear and concise images provided by Honeywell's high definition cameras ensures more robust and trustworthy security, whilst the ease of integration with our existing CCTV system ensured minimum disruption while maintaining safety at all times.“

BBW and Samsung Techwin upgrade surveillance system at the Univ of London

Editor / Provider: Samsung Techwin | Updated: 9/9/2013 | Article type: Education

The University of London is one of the oldest, largest and most diverse universities in the UK. Established by Royal Charter in 1836, the University is recognized globally as a world leader in Higher Education. It consists of 18 self-governing Colleges of outstanding reputation, together with a range of prestigious Central Academic Bodies and Activities.

The new CCTV systems provide fixed static camera monitoring of all points of entry/exit and security reception areas, with the captured high resolution images recorded in real time and stored at full frame rate for 31 days on Samsung SRD-1670DC Digital Video Recorders (DVRs).

The CCTV project was driven by on-site TFM provider, Balfour Beatty WorkPlace (BBW) which manages 31 buildings for the University, including the eight Halls of Residence buildings and a large external precinct in the Bloomsbury area, which provides access routes to several Colleges within the area, including SOAS and Birkbeck. Balfour Beatty WorkPlace provides total facilities management services to sites across the University of London's entire estate. Its dedicated team, working with the University's FM team, delivers a full range of services, including mechanical and electrical maintenance, grounds, security, reception, post and cleaning.

Of the 31 buildings that BBW manage, 14 buildings and the external precinct area were already covered by existing CCTV systems. With the safety and security of its students, visitors and guests being of prime importance, the University took the decision to embark on an improvement plan that would address any shortcomings in the existing systems and to introduce timesaving efficiencies.

BBW, under instruction from the University, put this improvement work out to tender and independent CCTV technology specialists Link CCTV Systems won the contract to project manage the operation, from survey and design through to installation and maintenance.

Challenges
Link CCTV Systems' brief was to increase CCTV coverage by providing fixed detailed views of all points of entry/exit and security reception areas and to improve the quality of the live and recorded images. At the same time, the company was tasked to improve the safety and security to the Halls of Residence buildings by way of enabling building management and security staff to remotely view high quality live and recorded CCTV images and as such, remove the need to visit each site to review footage of any incidents.

Link CCTV Systems were also awarded the contract to project manage the relocation of the University of London's CCTV control room from Senate House in Malet Street to Stewart House in Russell Square. The existing control room was due for refurbishment and this provided an opportunity to invest for the future and upgrade the CCTV system and associated equipment, enabling the University to have a platform for growth whilst ensuring the needs of all stakeholders and students were met.

Solution
Link CCTV Systems designed operators' workstations and a supervisor's desk for the new location in Stewart House, as well as deploying a new CCTV control room monitor display. The company also migrated all the existing CCTV cameras to the new control room. Once again, Samsung Techwin high performance‘real time' digital recording equipment played a key role in the solution by providing real time recorded images for all precinct and local building cameras.

The SRD-1670DC is able to simultaneously record in real time high quality 4CIF images across all of its 16 channels. It has the capacity for five SATA HDDs, offering the potential for a massive 10TB of on-board storage and utilizes H.264 compression to minimize bandwidth requirements whilst maintaining high image quality. It can also if required record audio across all channels and has USB ports for easy export of video.

Utilizing an existing high performance site-wide LAN, the live and recorded images are available for the University of London Building Management teams and Balfour Beatty WorkPlace security team, by using Samsung's Net-i Ware or SmartViewer software. By simply clicking on one of the multiple layered maps, relevant camera images can be displayed on the monitor wall or local operator's console. The existing control room was very small, enclosed and ineffective compared to the well designed new facility which is light, airy and spacious, and provides a platform for growth and the potential to move forward to 24 hour surveillance.

During the relocation Link CCTV supplied and installed more than 90 cameras in Senate House, Stewart House and the precinct areas, and in the process diverted approximately 400m of cabling while encountering issues such as Listed Building status, accessing cabling in underground tunnels and the logistics of moving men and equipment between buildings almost a quarter of a mile apart.

Allied Telesis, Axis, Firetide, Lenel secure Little League with IP video surveillance

Editor / Provider: Allied Telesis | Updated: 8/16/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Allied Telesis, a global provider of secure IP/Ethernet switching solutions, and an industry leader in the deployment and provision of IP Triple Play networks and networking infrastructures, announced that it has teamed again this year with Axis Communications, Firetide and Lenel Systems International to contribute an end-to-end IP video surveillance solution that will play a critical role in keeping the 2013 Little League Baseball World Series players and more than 400,000 expected spectators safe during the ten-day event, Aug 15-25.

The Little League Baseball World Series evolves and improves upon its security each year by leveraging state-of-the-art technologies. This year, Allied Telesis is contributing the backbone of the wired network with nine of its GS950 Gigabit WebSmart Switches driving complementary solutions that include Lenel's access control and a mix of more than 30 Axis Communications IP-based digital surveillance cameras. Firetide is supplying 13 outdoor HotPort 7020 mesh nodes to connect a network of multiple IP cameras that cover the vast majority of the 79-acre baseball complex and surrounding areas, delivering high-definition video surveillance.

“The annual Little League Baseball World Series draws teams and families from around the globe, as well as high-profile spectators, like heads of state and international dignitaries. Our top priority is keeping everyone safe and that requires a massive coordinated effort involving local, state and federal law enforcement,” said Jim Ferguson, director of security for Little League Baseball and Softball. “The technology solution provided by Allied Telesis, Axis, Firetide and Lenel is a critical part of that coordinated effort and enables us to provide our joint security forces with the high-performance IP video surveillance solution they need to ensure a safe, fun experience for all the players and fans.”

For more than six decades, hundreds of thousands of players and spectators have descended each summer on the small borough of South Williamsport, PA, which has a population of less than 6,500, to watch 16 of the world's best Little League baseball teams compete head-to-head to determine a world champion. Providing a safe and fun environment during this annual tournament is often challenging for such a small town, but with the cooperation of the technology partners, the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, Local South Williamsport Police and Little League Baseball World Series security forces, the annual tournament continues to provide a safe and secure, yet family-friendly atmosphere.

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 Given the short duration of the event, simplicity in configuring and deploying the IP surveillance network, as well as ease of use, are paramount, as the entire network must be configured and deployed in just a few hours. The Allied Telesis GS950 Gigabit switches are feature-rich, yet easily configured, with an intuitive, user-friendly interface accessible from any web browser. Point-and-click configuration allows the installer to quickly see and modify the configuration with minimal or no training.

In addition, the GS950 switch delivers the performance and features required for reliable delivery of high resolution for the 1080p HDTV standard video streams generated by Axis' state-of-the-art IP cameras deployed at the baseball venue. Each GS950 switch offers 95 Watts of intelligently managed PoE to drive the cameras with PTZ capabilities. The quality of service capabilities of the GS950 ensure that the operator of the PTZ cameras gets fast response and smooth video control for optimal performance.

Out-of-the-box features for loop prevention and options for copper or fiber connectivity allow fast and effortless connection and integration with the Firetide wireless network, which extends IP surveillance coverage to the entire Little League Baseball World Series venue including ball fields, retail outlets, walkways and parking areas.

The video surveillance network and cameras will be in open public view, providing a subtle yet authoritative presence that is critical for preventing crimes and maintaining crowd control. The video security network was designed and installed by Lenel Systems International, a Rochester, NY-based provider of advanced turnkey security systems that has contributed their products and services to the Little League Baseball World Series event for the past 15 years.

With Firetide's wireless infrastructure mesh technology, the Little League Baseball World Series has increased the video surveillance coverage area significantly over previous years. The Firetide wireless video network, coupled with a new mix of Axis Communications network cameras, will provide security forces with live video feeds of areas directly surrounding the baseball stadiums, public parking lots, and the dormitory complex known as the International Grove, which houses all players and coaches during their two-week stay.

In addition to the fixed camera locations, motorized mobile security vehicles will be outfitted with Firetide wireless mesh nodes, effectively turning them into roaming hot spots that provide network access to security forces roaming the grounds via portable devices such as laptops, smartphones and iPads. The roaming capability increases the overall coverage area of the video network, and provides security officers with live visibility even as they are approaching a scene.

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Little League Baseball security officers will have the ability to access the video network and control each camera from a centralized location, enabling them to help locate lost individuals, detect people approaching secured areas, track suspicious items, monitor public parking lots, count crowd size, and provide an overall sense of security for the players and attendees. Additionally, the wireless network now enables Little League Baseball safety and security personnel to monitor the highway adjacent to the facility, protecting family and fans as they cross the street to attend a game.

The Little League Baseball World Series security and operations departments will add some of the latest IP camera innovations from Axis Communications to complement existing cameras that have been in use over the last three years. New for 2013, Little League Baseball will incorporate more discreet surveillance options around the retail and operations tents with AXIS P2014-E Network Cameras, which are the smallest HDTV-quality bullet cameras on the market, and the pinhole-sized AXIS P85 Network Camera Series for eye-level surveillance. Additionally, the AXIS M3007-PV Fixed Dome Network Camera will be mounted atop the announcers' booth for the first time to provide a 360°/180° panoramic view of the stadium. These new additions complement the 1080p and 720p HDTV PTZ and thermal network cameras utilized over the last three years, as well as the color-video-at-night AXIS Q1602-E Network Camera featuring Lightfinder Technology for low light conditions and the AXIS Q1604-E Network Camera with Wide Dynamic Range with Dynamic Capture to combat the tough sun and stadium lighting that creates traditionally difficult viewing conditions.

“Over the years, the security and surveillance solution at Howard J. Lamade Stadium and surrounding International Grove has evolved into a showcase for the latest and greatest technologies,” said Robert Muehlbauer, business development programs manager of Axis Communications. “With the addition of Allied Telesis to the existing lineup of innovative technology providers, we can ensure that the sophisticated surveillance and access control network runs without latency so the Little League security personnel can do their jobs as efficiently as possible.”

“With increased security concerns, temporary wireless video networks make sense for securing special events, be it a baseball tournament or a presidential national convention,” said John McCool, CEO of Firetide. “And because the short duration of the Little League Baseball World Series event restricts any trenching to lay permanent fiber, our ability to quickly install a flexible, high-performance wireless video network with our partners—without any physical alterations to the facility—is a perfect match for this annual event.”