EverFocus announces IP speed domes EPN4220p and EPN4220pi

Editor / Provider: EverFocus | Updated: 12/26/2013 | Article type: Security 50

EverFocus Announces Product Release of EPN4220p / EPN4220pi, the newest 2 Megapixel, 20X Optical Zoom, PoE, True Day/Night IP Speed Dome Camera.

The EPN4220p / EPN4220pi are 2 Megapixel outdoor and indoor IP speed domes delivering image quality of up to 30fps at resolution of 1920 x 1080, built-in 20X optical auto focus zoom, with removable IR cut filter for true day/night function. The outdoor model is equipped with a vandal-proof IK10 and weather proof IP66 housing. Both model feature 360°rotation, 0.01°~180° pan and tilt travel along with sheer position accuracy, making it excellent in providing the fast and accurate tracking ability. A maximum of 192 preset positions are available to be programmed for precise location of target areas. The EPN models are designed for simple installation and can be applied to indoor and outdoor usage: airports, ports, casinos, shopping centers, station and parking lots.

According to the product marketing manager Tony Lin, “The biggest difference between the new EPN4200p / EPN4200pi models and previous EPN models is that the new EPN4200p / EPN4200pi models are equipped with Power over Ethernet, which provides the power and network connection through one network cable.”

The camera supports H.264 and M-JPEG multi-stream output for simultaneous live monitoring and high-resolution recording. Moreover, the camera features the Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) function, which can offer high quality images even under back light circumstances where intensity of illumination can vary excessively.

T In addition, a built-in micro SDHC card slot and Power over Ethernet features are provided. Since the camera conforms to ONVIF / PSIA for compatibility with other network video devices, it interoperates with a wide variety of hardware and software systems. EPN4200p / EPN4200pi also support live monitoring of video from mobile devices via EverFocus's CMS & MobilFocus / MobileFocus Plus Apps (iOS and Android), which make it easier for users to monitor their real time images with convenience.

2014 market forecast: Innovate integration with video analytic is the trend

Editor / Provider: Andre Greco, Johnson Controls | Updated: 12/25/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Recovering US security
When discussing the growth momentum of government sector in the US, the market is predicted to flat-line in 2014. Within federal government space, there proves to be very little momentum in terms of new projects. The process is moving more cautiously than in the past. Projects begin with procurement followed by bids or task orders related to the program. There has been more required involvement with integrators owned by minorities, women, disabled or veterans.

Large commercial sectors have been showing an ongoing slowdown and will likely do so in 2014, due to more retrofit projects to drive security and efficiency, trying to get more out of available space. Same could be said about small to medium sized business market, most of which are dependent upon larger companies for much of their business.

On the topic of Vertical markets, healthcare is predicted to be the fastest growing in 2014 due to legal and marketing requirements to deliver better patient experience. On the contrary, gaming sector is said to be the slowest market as expendable income slims. The retail industry, on the other hand, gains benefits from video surveillance systems, using cameras and analytics, not only to secure but also to monitor retail behavior to optimize traffic and sales.

IP Video technologies
The predominant trend of IP-based video and retrofits involve migrating from analog to IP across all market segments. These trends are not only the integration of video and access but also integrations of all security systems. Users will no longer accept standalone technology, as integration helps create a safer and more efficient environment.

Although working with legacy systems, fire and visitor management as well as emergency notification systems are all part of an integrated system, creating efficiency taking fewer people to manage a system and a single integrator can service it.

The topic of intelligent video commonly adopted for several applications and vertical markets. The retail industry for one is leading the way with its use of video analytics to monitor patterns among shoppers. Intelligent video is also common in transportation industry, playing an important part in infrastructure by creating perimeters around facilities and using analytics to alert first responders before an emergency happens.

Access Control Technologies
Access Control commonly mentions physical access and logical access. Looking at the physical access market, the migration from mechanical locks to electronic locks as well as wireless locks has grown substantially over the past few years. In a retrofit, wireless requires no additional cabling making it easy to add at a fraction of the costs, whilst existing Wi-Fi networks make it easy for wireless locks to communicate over a wide area.

As for NFC and biometrics in a physical access control environment, biometrics continues to remain a solution for high-security environments where dual- or tri-certification is necessary. There has been little adoption of biometrics within the commercial space and there is debate within the industry over the reliability of technologies.

That said, there are more requests for combined physical-logical access systems. The driver is able to use the same credential to enter a building and then log into a computer. If the card hasn't been used for building access, then it can't be used on a computer, printer or other device.

Alarm Technologies
Not much can be said about video verification however as access control and intrusion become more tightly integrated with cameras; video verification is expected to be used more often.

Increase of rmr
As systems integrators and service providers believe that some growth in RMR in 2014 will be based on end users looking to maximize their investments. Users are trying to get as much as they can from each piece of equipment, users want proper maintenance to keep equipment lasting for another couple of years instead of settle for a five year of service. They are open to service and maintenance plans that result in RMR for integrators. Also access and video monitoring become more accepted, this will offer more RMR opportunities for integrators.

Even though RMR has significant growth, there are still challenges which integrators are faced with. Attracting high-tech sales talents has become as such. Those need to be able to identify business challenges, communicate sufficiently with IT people, results in recruiting from non-traditional markets such as telephony, software development, IT and related industries or recruit at the college level to build sales staff, however that would require much time on training.

Technology is exploding therefore there is a new leap forward every month. Staying current on all the new equipment offerings and standards can be challenging, however it is important to be able to explain how security can benefit and help a customer meet its business goals. Those that show an understanding of how to build and add value to their products, services and operations will florish.

Consumer interest spikes with platform proliferation

Editor / Provider: Parks Associates | Updated: 12/25/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

According to recent Parks Associates research, consumers rank traditional safety and security capabilities high among their desired connected home features. Real-time and mobile notification capabilities have really enhanced traditional security features: smoke, gas and water leak detectors. Energy management features — monitoring electricity usage and automatically adjusting devices to minimize electricity usage — rank behind security features at this time.

Companies are recognizing this opportunity and formulating their own visions for the connected home, including scenarios for the caretaker, energy manager, security service and household mate. Each use case is perceived as a pathway to a stronger customer relationship.

When asked about specific devices and their associated price points, consumers rank security-related devices highest for home control devices they are likely to purchase, and they find lighting control modules and appliance switches less appealing than security and safety features when these are tested at $54 (€39.99) each. Predictably, appeal of specific use cases varies segment to segment and market to market as well. For example, energy management provides a strong entry case for a large segment in Denmark, where according to www.energy.eu, the residential cost for electricity is the highest in the European Union.

Connected products such as network cameras, thermostats, door locks and lighting controls have been on the market for the past few years. Approximately 5% of households in France, Germany, the UK and the US own at least 1 of these devices. The net promoter score for these early adopters is marginal, at 16%. Looking more closely at the net promoter score numbers, it becomes clear that perceived value expands with device volume. The more connected devices present in a home, the more likely the early adopter is to recommend them to their family and friends.

Security systems that include motion sensors, door and window sensors, and network cameras serve as an excellent base package of connected products. The sensors that are used to detect intrusion can also be used to determine occupancy or activity level. Those inputs can then be used to dramatically reduce energy consumption by setting back temperatures and turning off devices when the home is unoccupied.

Manufacturers are launching individual connected products, each with their own app. While these products are functional, the user experience is less than ideal, especially as multiple products enter the home. Integrating those individual products into a smart home platform expands the capabilities of the system and enhances the experience with the individual product. For instance, while manufacturers can sell electronic door locks and their associated apps separately, the user experience is drastically improved when the lock is integrated into a smart home platform and becomes part of a larger home control and security system.

Smart home platforms will, therefore, play a critical role in providing a seamless user experience. Successful platforms must be capable of integrating new products and their full feature sets, providing users with a complete and fully integrated experience. Platforms must be able to integrate these new devices, even if they use different home network technology. Given the huge amounts of data that are generated within the smart home, platforms must also be diligent and provide an elevated level of digital robustness and privacy protection.

In this market segment, trust and brand are highly important, especially in the early stages. Consumers prefer to do business with vendors that have a solid reputation in a specific industry, and brand helps simplify the complex decision process associated with buying first-generation products and services. Companies and brands with solid reputations as trusted caretakers of private information are best able to allay consumers' data privacy and security concerns.

Home safety and security products and services are well understood and accepted by consumers. Home security companies in Europe, for instance, can extend their daily interaction with the customer to include interactive services that enable consumers to use their smart-phones, tablets or computers to monitor and control the security system remotely. Extending the capability of security systems enhances the relationship with the consumer by increasing interaction with the system.

Home security companies are also well-positioned to lead in the broader market. Security companies already have an effective go-to-market model and service organization, which in many cases means large sales and service forces in the field. Just as in the States, the security channel can use its sales channel advantage to extend home controls beyond existing home security customers. Consumers who are already paying a recurring fee for security monitoring services are the ideal targets for home control features that add significant value through energy savings and convenience with only a minor incremental monthly cost.

Home controls are new to the market, and consumer awareness is low. In addition, the smart home has numerous value propositions but not a single killer app that fits into a 30-second sound bite and sells itself. A face-to-face sales approach is ideally suited to overcoming lack of consumer awareness by allowing consumers to interact with systems and ask questions. The sales agent can also explain in detail the many value propositions that systems deliver— adding home control components to the security system is a natural extension.

Axis monitoring system empowers Xiamen Wucun Police Station

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 12/24/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Siming, an economically booming district located in Xiamen city, China, has installed Axis solutions to elevate its overall management and security control. “Axis' Lightfinder technology is a perfect solution to our long-term issue of poor image quality in the low light environments, significantly helping with our criminal investigation.” Says Xu Shijin, instructor at Wucun Police Station, Siming Sub-bureau, Xiamen Public Security Bureau.

Mission
Xiamen city is recognized as a “Garden on the Sea”. In recent years, the Siming District of Xiamen has experienced robust development in its economy; its economic power comes out on top of all districts in the province, and takes 1of the leading positions among the downtown districts of the 15 sub-provincial cities nationwide.

The impressive economic performance has also raised the requirements for its overall management and security control. Under the strong leadership of the district party committee and government, the district-level monitoring system has been greatly improved, playing a crucial role in case investigation and security control.

However, there are still some issues within the system: insufficient coverage, too many blind spots, aging devices, and more. For these reasons, the district party committee and government were much concerned.

In order to enhance and innovate social management, both the district party committee and government planned to implement HDTV network video surveillance in the jurisdiction of Wucun police station, Siming District, with the purpose of improving public security capabilities with leading-edge technologies.

Solution
Within the jurisdiction of Wucun Police Station, the secondary trunk roads usually have 2-4 lanes; the main entrances/exits are 6 meters wide. There are streetlights on the roads; yet the small alleys are poorly lit. Hence, the city chose to use 4 Axis camera models, namely, AXIS P1354, AXIS P5534, AXIS Q1602 and AXIS Q1604, which provide: Lightfinder (low-light imaging), Wide Dynamic Range and broad coverage. Axis solutions with security and reliability are ensured with bare fiber transmission in conjunction with backbone link redundancy; at the core is the Aimetis platform for managing, storing and retrieval for the whole monitoring system.

Objectives of the project
To build an all-round security control system, thus assuring safety & security and improving comprehensive social management.

To effectively monitor the low light areas by using advanced technologies, resolve the issues associated with the existing monitoring system, such as obscure and noisy night images, and black & white IR images, and thus provide clear and useable images for crime investigation.

To leverage the cameras with frontline technologies, so as to address the functional requirements in the forthcoming years, extend the lifecycle of installations, and protect the value of products.

To choose the devices that meet GB/T 28181-2011 Technical Specifications for the Information Transmission, Exchange and Control of Network Video Surveillance Systems developed by the Ministry of Public Security, and implement the “police stations – sub-bureaus – municipal bureau” three-level network architecture.

Adopt bare fiber transmission and dual link redundancy for the backbone, thus ensuring the network security and reliability.

Outstanding results
AXIS P1354 Network Cameras were installed at the main entrances and exits, in the places where criminal cases are frequently reported, and in the perimeters of schools and small hotels, while AXIS Q1602 Network Cameras are deployed in the places with no or dim light, enabling nighttime surveillance with Lightfinder technology and providing clear color images for criminal investigation.

At the intersections between primary and secondary trunk roads, AXIS Q1604 Network Cameras were installed, which offer the Wide Dynamic Range capabilities for effective license number identification, which enables the police to successfully follow and apprehend suspects.

AXIS P5534 HDTV Dome Network Cameras were installed at the train stations and large markets, enabling broad coverage as well as the possibility to zoom-in images in the event of large gatherings or other events. This allows the police to obtain live information on the scene and leverage central command.

Axis network cameras with smart front-end analytics capabilities provide a solid intelligence foundation for public security administration. The simple but effective smart analytics are uploaded to the front-end cameras with scripts, for the built-in ACAP platform to conduct smart analysis. The more complex analysis is conducted on the central platform server, making it possible to optimize network bandwidth and reduce storage costs in the future.

Moreover, strict quality control in production of Axis network cameras and warranty services available for them assure their low failure rate and long service life, eliminating the risk of having no images for investigation and greatly improving the user experience.

Axis cameras consume less bandwidth than any other competitors, relieving the bandwidth pressure and storage cost of the entire system, reducing the number of switch and storage devices, simplifying its management, and allowing for future expansion.

Axis cameras conform with GB/T 28181-2011 of the Ministry of Public Security, enabling information transmission, exchange and control with the public security network platform; interconnection and intercommunications within the entire public security system; as well as the “police stations – sub-bureaus – municipal bureau” three-level network architecture.

HD-SDI(10): Real life cases and applications

Editor / Provider: Alf Chang | Updated: 12/20/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

More and more manufacturers are investing handsomely in HD-SDI cameras, SDI DVRs, and peripheral products. However, installers and users may not fully understand these new technologies and applications. The following sections shed light on real-life applications in traffic monitoring and banking.

Traffic monitoring is 1 of the first applications where HD-SDI solutions are deployed. Take road traffic monitoring for example, crucial challenges include day-and-night surveillance, snap shots of moving objects of various speeds, detailed identification of targets, longer distance transmission, and high density of monitoring spots. HD-SDI solutions are right there to satisfy such needs.

Traffic monitoring
In the past, 4 to 8 analog cameras might be required on the side of the road in order to have “full” coverage. With HD images brought by HD-SDI cameras, end-users can save 50 % of analog cameras deployed. In addition, road toll stations used to need at least 3 cameras to monitor license plates, vehicle models, and driver images. However, these workloads can be done with just 1 HD-SDI camera. Furthermore, these HD images can be integrated with toll gate transaction records.

Data Transmission on highways
Data transmission infrastructure on highways was mainly built with fiber optic devices. Hence, regardless of the kind of existing infrastructure, front-end products can be switched to HD-SDI cameras, and incorporate HD-SDI video servers to convert signals into TCP/IP-enabled signals. The network-enabled HD-SDI solutions fit well for transmission over long distances via fiber optic transceivers.

Alternatively, installers can directly replace IP-enabled fiber optic transceivers with those models supporting HD-SDI conversion, which send signals from HD-SDI cameras to the back-end and generate restored real-time HD-SDI signals to be sent to DVRs, matrix switchers, or a multiple screen wall.

Back-End Control
In network surveillance or traditional matrix systems, monitoring signals are sent bit by bit back to the monitoring center. Those signal terminals could be DVRs/NVRs with network switchers or routers. For analog signals, they are output from fiber optic transceivers and directly sent to video matrix switchers for distribution or management.

If installers are keen to use HD-SDI products at the back-end of the existing IP-based infrastructure, they just need to direct the original video data from IP-enabled fiber optic transceivers to the existing network paths without rewiring. On the other hand, if installers want to restore signals to HD-SDI signals, they have to adopt HD-SDI video servers then. This way, the restored SDI signals can be directed to multiple monitors.

However, it is yet to be confirmed if those SDI signals transmitted over networks suffer any latency or reduced resolutions. It is also unclear if those signals sent back to HD-SDI DVRs are collected as TCP/IP-enabled signals by monitoring platforms can be restored as intact as the original HD-SDI uncompressed signals. Even with the uncertainties, video signal rendering, processing, and storing are more beneficial and cost-efficient in SDI traffic monitoring surveillance applications.

Financial Applications
The banking sector has requirements for HD-SDI solutions. Banking locations require day-and-night surveillance operations, specified position monitoring, local short distance transmission, and seamless and detailed rendition.

Indoor and Outdoor HD-SDI Cameras
Traditionally, cameras in a bank need to cover areas including tellers' counters, vaults, business areas, entrances, exits, and ATMs. Since the cash transactions are dealt with at the counters and must be monitored with great attention, there must be at least 1 camera above each teller. Specific counters with frequent cash transactions require 2 to 4 groups of cameras to monitor, not to mention waiting areas, entrances, exits. In total, a bank will deploy an average of 30 cameras inside and outside of a bank, not to mention those for ATMs.

HD-SDI cameras can not only save 40 to 50 % of analog cameras in banks to achieve better coverage, but also offer greater image details – license plates of vehicles parked nearby and their models can be captured without a sweat.

Transmission in Banks
Surveillance in a bank tends to be a closed environment with closed transmission architecture, suitable for either IP systems or coaxial infrastructure. However, banks usually are largely deployed with analog systems. Therefore, taking advantage of existing infrastructure and upgrading to HD-SDI solutions would be more cost-efficient than migrating to IP solutions. For remote monitoring and management, 1 can always use HD-SDI DVRs supporting TCP/IP connections.

Storage and Management
In the past, surveillance systems have utilized DVRs and disk arrays for storage. Signals are sent 1 bit at a time back to DVRs, making DVRs the core of security systems. HD-SDI DVRs allow the architecture remain intact. With the advantages of latency-free and intact video data, HD-SDI solutions suit perfectly for bank surveillance.

More Than Meets the Eye
Innovations HD-SDI solutions have proved to be good alternatives for users and installers wishing to obtain HD in IP-challenged environments. In addition, the easy transition from analog to HD-SDI is definitely a plus for cost-effective upgrades.

Related article

HD-SDI(9): HD-SDI video distribution
HD-SDI(8): Benefits of HD-SDI
HD-SDI(7): HD-SDI made in Korea, Taiwan and China
HD-SDI(6): Hybrid approaches to integrate HD-SDI and IP solutions
HD-SDI(5): Camera components, features, and efficiency
HD-SDI(4) : Revolution of HD-SDI matrix systems
HD-SDI(3): Storage in SDI
HD-SDI(2): Transmission extendable in distance
HD-SDI(1): Another option for HD video surveillance

HD-SDI(8): Benefits of HD-SDI

Editor / Provider: Alf Chang | Updated: 12/20/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Serial digital interface (SDI) is a family of digital video interfaces. There are 3 types of SDI standards: SD-SDI, HD-SDI and 3G-SDI. SD-SDI is defined for standard definition digital signals, while HD-SDI and 3G-SDI are for HD video signals. Among them, the most popular adoption in security and surveillance industry is HD-SDI.  See more products here.

HD-SDI solutions all employ coaxial cables with BNC connectors to transmit processed digital signals. For this reason, many installers and customers may misunderstand HD-SDI to be a high resolution analog solution. However, HD-SDI belongs to the digital video category. Here are some of its benefits:

Re-cabling unnecessary
BNC connectors allow easy installation of HD-SDI without any significant modification of existing analog cabling. Meaning, when upgrading from existing system to HD-SDI, only front-end and back-end products need to be replaced. This approach increases time efficiency while cutting labor costs.

Easy Knowledge transfer
Since HD-SDI adopts the same infrastructure with analog systems where coaxial cables are largely deployed, installers and operators can quickly adapt to the new technology and ensure quick and correct installations.

Latency-free HD image
HD-SDI signals are transported in latency-free and uncompressed digital signals over coaxial cables, plus crystal-clear HD images. HD-SDI solution is able to meet the demands of real-time monitoring without any latency caused by network issues.

Cost-effective utilization of devices
HD-SDI outputs images of 1920×1080 resolution. Hence, the number of cameras needed to capture vivid details such as facial features or license plate is largely reduced.

Project scale makes the difference
Small-scale HD-SDI systems require fewer cameras. These systems can be directly upgraded from analog to HD-SDI; therefore, installers can simply replace front-end products. 　

For middle- to large-scale HD-SDI systems with numerous cameras and bigger storage requirement, installers can adopt HD-SDI video encoders to compress front-end HD-SDI signals into H.264 digital signals and transmit to IP storage area networks (SANs).

Users may question why HD-SDI signals still need to be digitalized. This is because when integrating SDI and IP systems, the front-end HD-SDI real-time video streams are captured into a video encoder, then the converted digital signals are distributed to a video matrix switcher for real-time monitoring. The signals are then further sent to an encoder for storing. This approach ensures HD rendition in monitoring and storing.

Some prerequisites include:

Cabling
Analog camera installations are different from HD-SDI camera installations. While bad connections or false linkage of connectors in analog systems simply cause horizontal strips or jitters on the video, HD-SDI camera installations, on the other hand, cannot stand any false connections because the video will be lost. Analog video signal frequency is in waveforms whereas HD-SDI signal frequency looks like serrated edges.

Some installers tend to cut off BNC connectors of video cables, however; this can seriously weaken the HD-SDI video outputs.

Transmission
Currently, HD-SDI supports a limited transmission distance of 100 meters on regular video coaxial cables. Distance larger than 100 meters can result in less stable transmission. For a longer distance, installers are suggested to use fiber optic to ensure video quality and reliability.

Output Conversion
When HD-SDI video signals are converted and transported via High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) signals, low quality of HDMI cables may significantly disrupt these video signals. The proven and tested distance limitation is 20 meters, but video signals would be weakened after 15 meters on HDMI.

Display
HD-SDI solutions incorporate signal amplifiers to boost the signal transmission distances. However, different brands of front-end signal sources may have compatibility issues that may possibly block signal outputs. Currently, dedicated HD-SDI monitors are more expensive and rarely used in surveillance installations. The most cost-efficient display option is HDTVs with HDMI support. The drawback for this is that different brands of HDTVs have different predefined settings of video signal inputs, which cause the compatibility issues among individual brands of HD-SDI video sources. This may result a prompt indicating “unsupported format” in operations. 　

These mentioned issues seem to be the limitations of HD-SDI solutions. However, with careful product investigations and tests before implementations, a successful upgrade to HD solutions can be carried out. HD-SDI continues to evolve in the security industry and flourishes in the market with its unique advantages.

Related article
HD-SDI(7): HD-SDI made in Korea, Taiwan and China
HD-SDI(6): Hybrid approaches to integrate HD-SDI and IP solutions
HD-SDI(5): Camera components, features, and efficiency
HD-SDI(4): Revolution of HD-SDI matrix systems
HD-SDI(3): Storage in SDI
HD-SDI(2): Transmission extendable in distance
HD-SDI(1): Another option for HD video surveillance

HD-SDI(7): HD-SDI made in Korea, Taiwan and China

Editor / Provider: Alf Chang | Updated: 12/20/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Great numbers of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean companies manufactures HD-SDI solutions. How HD-SDI evolved in these countries and how they position themselves will be discussed.

Evolution from Korea, Taiwan, and China
The first generation of HD-SDI cameras were introduced in 2009; Comart and SANYO showcased and launched SMPTE-292M-complaint cameras. Comart is a provider of HD solutions; the company started to develop and apply HD-SDI solution to local projects in Korea since 2006. At that time, the markets had adopted network solutions for 2 years, so their HD-SDI cameras did not gain much attention.

In 2010, approximately 20 Korean manufacturers started to enter the business, developing HD-SDI products ranging from cameras, DVRs, signal amplifiers, signal distributors, monitors, fiber optic devices, etc.

What enticed Korean manufacturers to invest in such technologies was the large utilization of HD-SDI in city and traffic surveillance projects by the Korean government. In addition, Korean vendors have found that through combing coaxial cables and fiber optic cables in an existing analog system, the challenges of limited HD-SDI transmission distances can be solved. Chip providers like Gennum (part of Semtech) also introduced various chip solutions for HD-SDI signal transmitters and receivers, thus enhancing related innovation and customization. The successful results have proven that HD-SDI is a quicker way to upgrade to HD surveillance with latency-free transmission capability. This finding allowed Korean manufacturers to deliver a new innovation to break away from compression accessories and technologies.

On the other hand, Chinese manufacturers first showcased HD-SDI cameras with chip solutions from Ambarella in 2010. Innovation continued despite skepticism until 2013, and there were plenty of Chinese manufacturers delivering full lines of HD-SDI signal transmission devices and matrix systems to heat up the competition. In particularly, Chinese HD-SDI solutions are not ambitiously positioned to replace IP surveillance applications, but are largely applied to the existing domestic analog surveillance market, such as education, retail, and banking sectors.

Across the strait, some Taiwanese HD-SDI pioneers started to develop their own HD-SDI products while others simply follow Korean HD-SDI trends. In 2010, there were only 2 or 3 manufacturers daring to test the water. However, in 2013, over 16 vendors have shifted their production from analog products to HD-SDI peripheral products.

Chinese HD-SDI market has the largest domestic support market-wise, while Taiwanese and Korean vendors are providing more technological innovations.

Factors behind the Uptake of HD-SDI
HD-SDI is a still a slowly-develping business. According to Todd Rockoff, Chairman and Executive Director of HDcctv Alliance, even with manufacturers' aggressive R&D investments and market demand for real-time HD surveillance, in 2011, only 5% of surveillance market adopted HD-SDI applications. While SDI chipmakers and IMS Research forecasted that by 2014, 15% of all HD equipments (including IP-based and HD-SDI video surveillance) may adopt HD-SDI solutions, and possibly in 2013, there are 10% of HD equipment adopting HD-SDI.

First, HD-SDI represents a new solution for installers encountering difficulties in deploying IP surveillance solutions in an environment ill-structured with wireless transmission. Furthermore, even though IP surveillance has run for years, there are still circumstances where conventional video surveillance systems cannot be replaced by IP solutions. Some believe that IP market shares to analog surveillance is 7:3, fact is IP is securing 50% of the market. Due to reasons including the varied network conditions in every country, high costs associated with replacement of existing infrastructure, IP is yet to be fully accepted in the market. However, the above mentioned challenges can be addressed with HD-SDI solutions, making HD-SDI solutions preferably adopted in retail stores, shopping malls, highways, stations, banks, casinos, airports, and other projects such as city surveillance and traffic monitoring. In addition, not only does HD-SDI features uncompressed digital signal high speed transmission, HD image quality, and excellent color rendition, but also supports existing analog infrastructure to ensure secured video data and reliability.

Nevertheless, a major drawback of HD-SDI is the huge data generated that lead to more investment in transmission and storage devices. HD-SDI ‘s capabilities to handle resolutions beyond 1080P or back-end management equipment are questionable.

Market Position
Chinese manufacturers have shown their capabilities through improved product performance, and created brand awareness internationally. The competition is fierce for Taiwanese and Korean manufacturers despite only 10% of Chinese HD-SDI products could really match up to Taiwanese and Korean HD-SDI products. Taiwanese and Korean manufacturers are more advanced in terms of their rich technological experiences in integrating sensors, SDI transmitters, image signal processors, and proper SoC solutions.

Currently, Taiwanese and Korean HD-SDI vendors position themselves to compete in Western and Asian markets. For them, Chinese market is unpredictable and the price-competition is too severe. In western markets, there are already some case studies indicating that several cities in the UK are using Taiwanese and Korean HD-SDI surveillance products. Western markets welcome HD-SDI solutions because they not only solve the latency issues of IP solutions, but also eliminate significant modification for existing analog system.

Related article
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HD-SDI(2): Transmission extendable in distance
HD-SDI(1): Another option for HD video surveillance

Hikvision solutions assist in Iraqi security industry rebound

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 12/19/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Obviously, Iraq has gone through a great deal of upheaval in its recent history. Where much of its infrastructure was damaged by the first Gulf War in the early 90s, 2003's second Gulf War had a far more crippling effect.

Ahmed Shakir, CEO at the Iraqi-based security integrator Khairat Annabaa, explained: "After 2003, the private security industry was dealt a variety of problems; however the lack of IT professionals really affected our ability to provide modern solutions and modern security for our businesses."

However, with a decade's worth of hard work and dedication, both Iraq, and its businesses, are starting to bounce back. Mr. Shakir noted that the private security sector is beginning to thrive and Hikvision products are a growing presence in this revival.

Professional Security
For over 20 years, many private Iraqi businesses relied on an armed guard for security purposes. While this does provide a basic level of security, it also has a great many drawbacks and shortcomings. A guard is far from a comprehensive solution.

However, with the revival of professional solutions, its benefits have extended beyond solely better protection for a particular business. Khairat Annabaa's fuel storage distribution center project in Iraq's Amarah City illustrates this point.

Utilizing Hikvision's DS-2DF1-716 IR Network Speed Dome Camera, DS-2CD8254-EIS Network Bullet Camera, DS-2CD2012-I Network Bullet Camera, DS- 1100KI Keyboard, and DS-9616NI-SH NVR, this Amarah City solution not only provided an upgrade over guards, but also helped build security Infrastructure, improved overall security and most importantly, it promoted tourism

Building Security Infrastructure
Khairat Annabaa was initially an IT company. Now, through the improvement in both Iraqi infrastructure and economy, the time was ripe for Khairat Annabaa to use its IT knowhow and move into the security industry. Mr. Shakir noted, "The emergence of better Internet capacity, namely WiFi, has provided a great opportunity in the security industry for us."

Specifically, WiFi has greatly lowered the cost for solutions. In this fuel distribution center project, Hikvision's DS-2DF1-716 IR Network Speed Dome Cameras are placed on exterior towers to view the adjacent road; and utilizing its 30x optical zoom and 80m IR range functions, the license plates on cars entering the facility.

Additionally, the DS-2CD8254-EIS and DS-2CD2012-I Network Bullet Cameras are placed at specific fixed locations - such as critical areas such the primary fuel storage area - and along the borders to provide broader perimeter security. Both models can be as close as 100 meters or as far away as 4 kilometers from Hikvision's DS-9616NI-SH NVR.

For both camera models, WiFi makes this solution economically viable and provides the ability for managers and security personnel to access these cameras in their own offices; thereby providing an easier, cheaper, and more efficient solution. Additionally, Hikvision's DS- 1100KI Keyboard benefits by allowing 255 cameras to be used by 1 keyboard, and the ability to automatically utilize the cameras' zoom function on this keyboard.

Improving Overall Security & Terrorism Concerns
This fuel depot represents an important link in the overall Iraqi fuel supply chain. As a vital component to the economy, this site requires a suitable solution to the importance it holds.

Located on the main road between Amarah and Basurah, and near a logistically-important bridge for this road, this location is of obvious importance. However, the special nature of this specific site brings additional concern. Not only are important roads, bridges, and this fuel depot at this location, but also a thriving community with homes and an elementary school.

By utilizing WiFi to inexpensively link Hikvision cameras to Hikvision's DS-9616NI-SH NVR, managerial and security offices across great distances, this solution also provides improved overall security for the community at large.

Concurrently, this solution has "greatly reduced issues of terrorism. Now, with these Hikvision cameras monitoring not only the station, but the surrounding area, the community is much safer. This applies to common crime, but also to possible terrorism issues. Earlier, without cameras and WiFi, there wasn't a deterrent. Now, with these cameras and 8 hard disks of NVR hard-drive storage to record incidents, we can provide proactive safety measures," explained Mr. Shakir.

With Hikvision and Khairat Annabaa's IT abilities, Amarah City's fuel storage distribution center gained more than a simple solution. It gained a solution that provides protection - and civic stability.

HD-SDI(6): Hybrid approaches to integrate HD-SDI and IP solutions

Editor / Provider: Alf Chang | Updated: 12/19/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

IP megapixel, HD-SDI, and 960H solutions are gaining more traction as the pursuit of HD presses on. However, both manufacturers and installers, who relied on network products, have great hesitations in adopting HD-SDI and 960H cameras. Hybrid approaches to answer integration questions will be explained below.

Integration of IP, HD-SDI, and Analog systems
When HD-SDI solutions were first introduced in the security industry, people were discussing the pros and cons of HD-SDI and IP applications. The fact is these solutions were designed to enhance image resolutions. With the same built purpose, those products should be able to coexist in the infrastructure.

If it is an environment with coax cabling, there are a couple ways to install IP megapixel, HD-SDI, and analog cameras together. For example, by adding in Security Link Over Coax (SLOC) transmitters and receivers at the back side of network cameras, a hybrid approach is created, enabling cost-effective migration while combining the best features of analog and digital video. Since SLOC units (at the Transmit and Receive end-points) support both CVBS and IP at both ends, they are able to deliver TCP/IP digital signal over coax. This approach not only solves the cabling issues of IP cameras, but also eliminates significant modification for existing analog systems. With existing coaxial cables, received SDI signals can be sent to HD-SDI DVRs or video matrix switchers directly, allowing IP and SDI systems co-exist.

If the existing infrastructure is based on TCP/IP network architecture, where network cameras are the main focus, non-IP cameras such as HD-SDI and 960H cameras would need a transmission and conversion approach. There are two ways to convert HD-SDI signals into those signals that can be used by TCP/IP networks. One way is to adopt HD-SDI DVRs to collect the digital signals from all of the HD-SDI cameras and to generate TCP/IP signals for network routing. Then, users can manage the video data of HD-SDI cameras or perform fast remote manipulation of PTZ controlling with central management software (CMS) or the graphic user interface of these DVRs.

Another way is to use SDI digital video servers (DVS) to encode the signals from HD-SDI cameras to TCP/IP signals. Individual HD-SDI video streams then become IP signals, which support routing for network surveillance functions. Similarly, signals from 960H cameras can be collected through DVRs which generate signals for IP routing and surveillance. Taking advantage of DVS to encode video signals into TCP/IP signals in order to transport video streams over the network.

To Reach Maximum Transmission Range
One of the important transmission issues is the maximum range for coax-based analog signals vs. CAT5-based Ethernet IP communications. Some may criticize that HD-SDI signals have a major drawback; they support shorter distance than IP solutions. Fiber optic communications ease these concerns as they are widely used in large-scale security applications. Coax links can deliver HD-SDI signals in real-time over point-to-point cable up to 200 meters for standard-grade cable and up to 500 meters with a signal booster.

For the longer distance transmission of network system, it is commonplace to use fiber optic devices to transfer one or more HD-SDI or analog video streams over fiber optic transmission, which supports wavelength-division multiplexing technologies (WDM/DWDM/CWDM) to meet one-way or bidirectional transmission of multi-channel HD-SDI signals with a maximum distance from 30 to 70 kilometers.

Challenges in Shared Storage
HD images are able to be stored in embedded SDI DVRs and NVRs. However, HD-SDI has standard resolutions of 720P or 1080P at 25 or 30 fps, and the size of converted data is about 1.485Gbps. Storing such raw data requires huge costs. A more practical way is to take approaches such as network compression, D1 recording for general scenes, and HD recording for events to save storage footprints. Therefore, users can get benefits from both HD image recording and smooth latency-free real-time image sources. The numbers of DVRs and configurations of IP or HD-SDI recording can be defined based on the fact that resolutions of 720P or 1080P at 30 fps produce 400 to 650 MB of video data per hour, which means one channel of video data requires 350 to 500 GB of storage capacity per month.

Video Management
Many suppliers are introducing networked video platform to route the video data encoded by HD-SDI matrix switchers or HD-DVRs and to enhance integrated IP surveillance systems with VMS or NVRs to perform alarm triggering, information gathering and centralized administration. Such platform features strong data management capabilities to perform central management, indexing, searching, content analysis, and alarm noticing.

The front end installation can combine coax cables with fiber optics devices to transfer all captured signals to the control center, where those collected signals are routed to multiple screens and HD-SDI DVRs with networked feature for real-time monitoring or management. This system not only meets the requirements of network IP surveillance, but also enables quick and convenient configurations for different sites and resolution formats. Another aproach is to adopt video encoders to convert signals and transmit them to HD NVR/NAS/SAN for storage and management.

Related article
HD-SDI(5): Camera components, features, and efficiency
HD-SDI(4) : Revolution of HD-SDI matrix systems
HD-SDI(3): Storage in SDI
HD-SDI(2): Transmission extendable in distance
HD-SDI(1): Another option for HD video surveillance

La Marvella Reinvents with Axis Surveillance Solution

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 12/18/2013 | Article type: Security 50

La Marvella successfully reinvented itself by installing Axis surveillance solution, achieved effective surveillance as well as remote monitoring, and ensured the safety of its guests.

Mission
The hotel management was looking for surveillance and monitoring system that would provide security and safety and minimize pilferage. At the same time, the cameras were required to be discreet, in order to maintain aesthetics and to ensure that the guests' comfort is not compromised. Being a multi-nationally managed hotel, it was also necessary that image quality be superior to enable remote monitoring by the management team overseas.

Solution
The hotel deployed a total of 64 Axis camera models, a mix of PTZ and fixed network cameras (AXIS M1011, AXIS 209FD, AXIS 215 PTZ, AXIS 216FD, AXIS M3202, AXIS M10, AXIS 5532, AXIS M3011, AXIS P1311). These cameras are installed at different locations at the hotel including corridors, lobby, lift, main entrance, restaurants and bars. They have also been installed in utility areas such as material movement locations, electrical panel rooms and DG power rooms for monitoring.

Result
The solution has been successful in ensuring safety and security of guests, which was the primary concern for La Marvella's management team. The network recording and storage provision has brought down the necessity of staff dependency; thereby increasing efficiency while cutting costs. The superior image quality on IP has been acknowledged and appreciated by the hotel's senior management, which can now monitor the hotel from across the world.