VIVOTEK launches miniature H.264 1-CH video server VS8100

Editor / Provider: VIVOTEK | Updated: 11/21/2013 | Article type: Security 50

VIVOTEK announced the launch of its miniature H.264 1-CH video server VS8100. With its compact size and power sharing feature, VS8100 is an ideal option for front-end installations and discreet surveillance applications, such as homes, offices, retail stores, banks, and city surveillance, allowing for easy migration from an analog to digital surveillance system.

With the evolution of network technology and a substantial increase in demand for high resolution image quality, IP cameras are the driving force behind transformation in the security market. While the IP camera market is continuing to expand, the transition from analog takes time when considering the existence of currently-installed legacy systems. VIVOTEK's video servers act as a reliable and user-friendly facilitator for the transition from CCTV to IP-Based Surveillance. Through VIVOTEK's video servers, data received from analog camera can be encoded by VIVOTEK's self developed advanced codec system and broadcast via an IP network for monitoring and recording.

VIVOTEK VS8100's compact size, no larger than that of a human finger, means that minimal footprint is required to deploy the technology in a variety of applications. The power sharing feature also makes installation easy by allowing the unit to share power with an existing 12V DC power supply from an analog camera. The high-performance H.264 compression format is able to reduce video file sizes, enabling bandwidth efficiency maximization and storage capacity optimization. In addition, by supporting multiple simultaneous streams, the video streams can be transmitted in either H.264 or MJPEG formats for versatile applications. Together with the ST7501 multi-lingual 32-channel recording software, an IP surveillance system can be set up with minimal difficulty.

Tyco CEM Systems and ADT secure Inverness Airport

Editor / Provider: Tyco Security Products | Updated: 11/21/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

CEM Systems, part of the Security Products business unit of Tyco, and ADT Fire & Security, Europe's provider of physical security solutions, announced that the CEM AC2000 AE security management system has been installed at Inverness Airport, Scotland to manage passengers and staff. AC2000 AE is the industry's only airport specific access control system and is designed to monitor and manage access to the airport areas and services, helping to ensure the safety of staff and passengers alike.

With almost 615,000 passengers a year, Inverness Airport is the largest airport in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and is a key gateway for the north of Scotland. The airport's route development and rise in passenger footfall have been catalysts to the airport's overall growth year on year, and ADT has responded by installing the AC2000 AE system and CEM intelligent hardware to accommodate the expansion.

AC2000 AE encompasses powerful core access control features with a host of modules designed specifically for airports including check-in desk enabling, air-bridge monitoring, vehicle management, passenger reconciliation and much more. With a suite of powerful applications, and through seamless integration with other airport systems, CEM's AC2000 AE system provides a fully integrated business solution designed to help airports run more efficiently.

Inverness Airport uses CEM innovative access control hardware which features an LCD to provide staff with instant feedback on the system including crucial cardholder information. The reader offers the highest level of reliability as it features an internal database for offline card validation. This means that should communication be temporarily lost with the host AC2000 server, airport staff can still validate cards using the card records stored in the reader's internal memory, ensuring zero downtime at critical doors which is mandatory for Inverness Airport.

Inverness chose the CEM reader with DESFire smart card technology, one of the most secure card technologies available. The CEM DESFire card stores information securely on the card ensuring the card cannot be cloned and only valid staff cards are granted access. The CEM DESFire smart card delivers the perfect balance of speed, performance and cost efficiency.

Inverness Airport also uses CEM AC2000 VIPPS (Visual Imaging & Pass Production System) application. The VIPPS application gives the operator a range of video imaging facilities for capturing personnel details and images and incorporating these onto professionally designed ID passes. The VIPPS application allows ID unit administrators to create bespoke permanent or temporary printed ID passes that can be color coded.

Trent Valley Academy installs MOBOTIX cams for campus security

Editor / Provider: MOBOTIX | Updated: 11/21/2013 | Article type: Security 50

In 2009, Trent Valley Academy opened its main 4 storeys, 15000 square metre building set on a 12 hectare site in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. The purpose built facility is attended by just over 1000 pupils, staff and guests each day and is a $56.36million project. Although a magnificent learning environment, when Andy Smith was appointed as Facilities Manager to the Academy in 2009, he felt that there were some clear deficiencies in the site security arrangements, especially around the prevention of anti-social behaviour with the aim of protecting both pupils and staff.

Smith approached Proxis, a highly regarded security specialist that had successfully installed effective CCTV solutions at several leading schools including Minsthorpe Community College and Bingley Grammar School. Following a detailed risk assessment and site survey, it was decided that an initial 12 MOBOTIX cameras would provide base line security covering high traffic areas within the campus. The initial installation would also allow senior Academy managers to understand the capabilities of a mega-pixel and in some cases fully hemispheric cameras with the ability to cover an entire room with just a single ceiling mounted, 360 degree “fish eye” lens.

The installation proved an unobtrusive but effective method of monitoring a wider area with both video and sound to help create a safer environment. All video is accessible quickly using the MOBOTIX Control Centre software from any authorised PC within the school while footage is held securely indexed on fully redundant NAS servers for an extended period of time.

Overall, 99% of the site is monitored by discreet CCTV systems which blend into the décor as devices similar to smoke detectors. In the last few years, the Academy has upgraded its external cameras to MOBOTIX giving it full visibility over car park areas down to the ability to recognise individual car registration numbers. Smith believes that the school which has few instances of bullying, vandalism or aggressive behaviour is able to act far more effectively to any incident with the backing of high quality CCTV images.

2013 Security50 video trend(9-8): VMS and Intelligent video become business-enabling technology

Editor / Provider: Jill Lai, a&s International | Updated: 11/19/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

VMS and intelligent video has emerged from video stream monitoring or analytics to become a business-enabling technology. In different verticals, VMS and intelligent video should enable end users to accomplish their business-related tasks more smoothly.

“Intelligent video analytics is an important headline grabber when marketing products. Its effectiveness and actual adoption in the market is growing, but for specialists, it is still a niche market. Samsung Techwin's adoption of the open platform in the cameras ensures that both the general and niche markets are supported. This is achieved by engaging with specialist video analytics companies that integrate their features into a Samsung camera when the requirement arises. These are not ‘special' cameras but the everyday Samsung camera that customers buy on a daily basis,” said Jonas Andersson, Senior Vice President for Product Planning and Strategic Marketing, Samsung Techwin.

Other related articles:
2013 Security50 video trend(9-7): Edge and cloud storage increased in residential and SMB
2013 Security50 video trend(9-6): Mobility becomes a basic feature
2013 Security50 video trend(9-5): VMS preloaded appliances are on the rise
2013 Security50 video trend(9-4): Total IP solutions are preferred
2013 Security50 video trend(9-3): Integration of video and access control
2013 Security50 video trend(9-2): IP continues to penetrate SMB sectors
2013 Security50 video trend(9-1): IP to overtake analog in 2014

2013 Top Security50

2013 Security50 video trend(9-6): Mobility becomes a basic feature

Editor / Provider: Jill Lai, a&s International | Updated: 11/18/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Tablet shipments will surpass total PC shipments annually by the end of 2015, according to IDC reports. Smartphones will continue to ship in high volumes, surpassing 1.4 billion units in 2015 and accounting for 69 percent of all smart connected device shipments worldwide. To follow the trend of mobility, security devices further enhance their connectivity by integrating with smart mobile devices.

“Honeywell also developed an easy-to-use mobile application that connects end users to the entire family of one series of Honeywell's IP-based video surveillance solutions while on the go. The application is designed for iOS and Android devices and can be used anywhere a customer has Internet access. It allows customers to view live video, access full-screen monitoring, playback and search videos by date and time, take a snapshot of a video frame, and drag and drop cameras for custom viewing,”said David Gottlieb, Director of Marketing Communications, Honeywell Security.

“Earlier this year, Panasonic announced its first mobile security control room solution designed to enable remote access to our advanced IP-based surveillance cameras and recorders using Panasonic tablets. This solution combines the mobility of Panasonic's rugged, enterprise-grade tablets with the power of our cutting-edge surveillance technologies to provide additional flexibility and put security operations right into the palm of our customers' hands,” said Greg Peratt, Senior Director of the Video Solutions Integration Team, North America, Panasonic System Communications.

Other related articles:
2013 Security50 video trend(9-5): VMS preloaded appliances are on the rise
2013 Security50 video trend(9-4): Total IP solutions are preferred
2013 Security50 video trend(9-3): Integration of video and access control
2013 Security50 video trend(9-2): IP continues to penetrate SMB sectors
2013 Security50 video trend(9-1): IP to overtake analog in 2014

2013 Top Security50

HID Global access solution safeguards Beijing metro stations

Editor / Provider: HID Global | Updated: 11/18/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

In operation since the end of December 2010, the Fangshan Line of the Beijing metro is 24.79 km long with 11 stations. The line runs north and east from Suzhuang Dajie in the Fangshan District to Guogongzhuang in the Fengtai District. A backup control centre is located at the Yan Village line.

Challenges
As a key component to the success of Beijing's public transport system, strict requirements are imposed on the access control system to safeguard the passengers and staff. Line sections and stations are the core management areas in the metro's operating system, most of which are operated remotely. To ensure the metro is running safely, it is necessary to prevent unauthorised access and closely manage access to all stations, electrical substations, parking lots and major facilities at metro line sections. The new access control system also had to safeguard the equipment and staff at key locations such as fixed plants, offices, equipment areas, the machine room, the automatic fare collection system management office and central station, communication equipment rooms and public areas.

To improve the operation, the system was required to enable central monitoring for every passage area and location that housed equipment management facilities. The access control system needed to cover an extensive network and all cardholder information from different entry points with a wide range of access control rules that have to be transmitted to the central station. The new access control system also needed to be reliable with a versatile architecture. In addition, the metro network comprises complicated installation environments such as underground, narrow door frames, channel gates and glass surfaces. As a result, the access control products must withstand harsh environments, providing reliable performance and resistance to fire and electromagnetic interference.

Solutions
With the HID Global VertX V1000 controller and partner software, HID offered a centralised, web-based access control system to monitor all stations and site equipment in real-time. The system manually controls the access of high-risk zones, creates access rights settings and performs database management. At the same time, each station control centre can independently operate using an HID V100 reader interface when communication is lost with the host. HID iCLASS R10 readers were also installed at the entry points of the offices, equipment and mechanical rooms, automatic fare collection system management office and central station and other locations. All iCLASS R10 readers were connected to a VertX network controller for central access management and report generation.

The metro line control centre performs all central management functions and it consists of the central server, access authority management station, central station and system software. The control centre network primarily monitors the operation of station equipment; manages access authority such as cardholder access rights and operator administrative levels; and facilitates system functionality and database management. Every metro station office performs station-level management, database management, report generation and data tracking. An HID VertX V1000 controller was installed to enable the metro station offices to monitor the station's system real-time status, entry records and card access information.

The administrator can also check the event logs and control the access to entry points remotely. Both the control centre and station offices are connected to the central server via TCP/IP for data transmission. Finally, the metro's network features complicated installations and extreme operating environments in which the small footprint of iCLASS R10 readers for mullion-mounted door installations and the VertX controller featuring an average MTBF of over 1 million hours and water-resistance to damp environments were ideally suited for the project. The products are also UL94-certified with fire-resistant capability.

Results
The resulting access control system from HID Global enables Beijing Metro to centrally monitor all stations, fulfilling their needs for a top-to-bottom management approach. The administrator at the central station can also track and manage the door access in all metro stations, offering greater flexibility and faster response to network failures. The new system also provides multi-layered security and fail over support. Remote computers are deployed at high security level zones where access is manually controlled by the administrator and a V1000 controller is used for station access management, enabling metro station offices to work independently when offline with the central station. A V100 reader interface provides emergency support when communication between V1000 controllers and the V100 reader interface is lost. In case of communication failures, the station office executes all commands and once communications are restored, all buffered transactions are uploaded to the host, enabling real-time monitoring and data transmission.

Hikvision Smart Surveillance designed for IP channel

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 11/15/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Hikvision Smart IP cameras are designed to fully meet all professional market requirements for efficient bandwidth and storage utilization, as well as unparalleled image quality and customer convenience.

As video surveillance continues to incorporate IP technology into their products, security manufacturers are considering how "SMART" technology can enrich their own product lines and strengthen product competitiveness. Hikvision's introduction of a professional 4-line IP camera range, aims to revolutionize the surveillance market by offering a kit of “SMART” features.

Smart is the latest concept which aims to bring video surveillance into every aspects of professional, intelligent, efficient, and convenient surveillance. Enriched with Smart technologies - such as Smart Codec, Smart Detection and Smart Control - Hikvision Smart IP cameras are specifically designed to deliver this concept to the market and convey the idea of smart security.

Smart on Bandwidth and Storage Utilization
Incorporated with an advanced codec algorithm, Hikvision's 4-line smart IP cameras deliver images at a very low bit rate without compromising on image quality. Hikvision 4-line cameras can boost image quality up-to 30% when under a 2Mpbs bit rate / 720p resolution mode. This significantly minimizes the system's load and storage requirements.

4-line smart IP cameras also support ROI (Region of Interest) codec. This allows the cameras to decrease non-ROI's image quality to save on maximum bandwidth and storage. Additionally, these regions of interest will be smartly transmitted with better detail and image quality under identical bit rate streaming conditions./p>

In vertically-shaped areas, Hikvision 4-line smart IP cameras utilizing a "Rotate Mode," which creates a vertically-oriented video feed from the camera. This further maximizes image quality while concurrently eliminating bandwidth and storage waste. As well, triple streaming is supported to perform live monitoring with up-to three independent streams.

Smart on Image Quality Delivery
Hikvision 4-line smart IP cameras bring imaging to a new level with the help of defogging technology, high frame rate, smart IR, WDR technology, starlight-level low-light capability, this improves image clarity in poor weather conditions, such as rain or fog.

In order to meet various applications where image detail is critically important (such as the handling of cash and financial transactions) Hikvision's 4-line smart IP cameras offer an ultra-high frame rate of 60fps in HD or Full HD resolution. This results in detailed and excellent image quality. Meanwhile, the improved Smart IR function allows IR strength adjustment and better visibility for the specific requirements of an application.

Smart on User Convenience
Hikvision 4-line smart IP cameras are equipped with various industry-leading technologies for user convenience. The Auto Focus feature allows cameras to focus the image automatically and brings users maximum convenience since there is no need for them to adjust the focus when scene of surveillance changes.

These models come with Intelligent Video Analytics to detect activity by various means such as Facial Detection which enables the camera to accurately detect human faces, while Intrusion Detection helps the camera to detect moving objects within a predefined area of interest. However, both features make it possible to automatically trigger an alarm and event recording simultaneously, allowing user to take whatever proactive response they deem necessary. Audio Detection gives users another tool to analyze local sound and trigger an alarm based on these parameters. Additionally, this tool can also filter out background noise interference to help avoid false alarms.

Besides, in the event of an issue relating to storage, network connection, lens redirection, defocus, or tampering, built-in VQD (Video Quality Detection) technology allows 4-line cameras to automatically self-diagnose and trigger an alarm accordingly.

Smart Solution
Hikvision's 4-line Smart IP cameras can be coupled with existing Hikvision Smart PTZ domes, storage devices, and video management software to deliver a truly vivid Smart solution for professional applications, such as casinos, banks, residential communities, airports, harbors, highways, and among others.

Axis surveillance solution to safeguard 101st Grey Cup Festival

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 11/15/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications, a renowned network video surveillance company, announced that the security team at the 101th Grey Cup Festival in Regina, Saskatchewan will utilize a mix of Axis thermal, fixed dome and pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) network cameras controlled by AXIS Camera Station video management software to help protect visitors and volunteers of the five-day festival.

The all-digital, temporary security system will allow Festival staff and local police help maintain crowd control, locate lost children and prevent unauthorized entry into the festival grounds after hours. Installation of the system will be completed by Axis partner Reliable Security, a division of Reliable Heating and Cooling, to provide 24/7 monitoring capabilities.

With more than 60,000 people expected to embark on downtown Regina over five days, the Grey Cup Festival is known as the ultimate party on the prairie as fans celebrate leading up to the Canadian Football League's championship game. The temporary digital camera system will give the Grey Cup Festival security team additional eyes to help keep this influx of visitors safe while they enjoy the activities in the heart of Regina.

An All-Axis, All-Hours System
Reliable will begin installing the all-Axis end-to-end solution of IP cameras and video management software (VMS), including a mix of outdoor-ready fixed and fixed dome network cameras like the popular AXIS P33 Series and AXIS P13 Series.

As 24/7 surveillance is critical for the Grey Cup Festival, AXIS Q19 Thermal Network Camera Series can detect people entering the Festival grounds in complete darkness while AXIS Q1602 Network Cameras with award-winning Lightfinder technology can provide clear, color video at night with minimum illumination – even down to moonlight on a clear night.

AXIS Camera Station will be utilized to view, manage and record all video from the Grey Cup Festival. Axis' VMS is designed to perfectly match the company's wide range of network video products and features, and will provide the security team and Regina police with superior image quality, easy and intuitive video control, intelligent video, multi-view streaming and the ability to monitor video feeds from multiple locations, including at the Regina Police Service headquarters.

Interlogix, Fluidmesh and Pantascene Technologies protect NY Waterway ferries

Editor / Provider: Interlogix | Updated: 11/15/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Extensive, state-of-the-art video surveillance system has been installed on the NY Waterway ferries to protect the 8 million annual passengers traveling the New York Harbor. The safety system includes hundreds of Interlogix IP and analog cameras, transmitted from moving ferries to a land-based security command center via a fast-roaming wireless mesh network based on multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) by Fluidmesh Networks. Interlogix is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp.

NY Waterway is the nation's largest privately owned commuter ferry company, has always placed a high priority on security, monitoring real-time events on 35 ferries traveling up to 45 miles per hour, often in harsh weather conditions, can be a major challenge.

The solution is to deploy Interlogix cameras connected via Fluidmesh's MPLS-based wireless mesh network. The network spans the service area and provides seamless connectivity to transmit live video from the ferries, terminals and landings for review by company security personnel.

A.A.S. Technologies, the system integrator, specified Interlogix TruVision analog cameras onboard each ferry to monitor the passengers and crew weather and vandal proof, day/night dome cameras with infrared capabilities for low-light situations. These cameras, along with TruVision digital video recorders and IFS switches, also from Interlogix, provided the open-source platform for real-time, high-quality images that the application demanded.

The IFS switches connect each TruVision DVR to the MITO and ENDO Series radios from Fluidmesh, supporting patented FLUIDITY technology for fast-roaming applications. The New York Harbor location includes water, ice, three major nearby airports and constantly changing sight lines, all in one of the most densely populated cities in the country. Fluidmesh's experience in providing broadband connectivity with its award-winning FLUIDITY MPLS-based technology for moving vehicles resulted in a system that delivers up to 100 Mbps of usable throughput onboard, while supporting Interlogix video, voice and data.

Pantascene provided dashboard control software that integrated the various systems. “Running in the cloud and being completely Web-based, the Pantascene platform gives NY Waterway the capability to access and share their security assets with other agencies anytime, anywhere,” explained Andrea Orioli, CEO, Pantascene.

A similar camera-transmission pattern is repeated at the ferry line's landings and terminals. In those facilities, Interlogix TruVision IP cameras were installed. The TruVision cameras have proven to be well-suited for the harsh marine environment, including water spray, diverse temperature ranges and adverse lighting conditions.

Axis cams integrated with X-ray scanners secure Korean airport customs

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 11/14/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Mission
Gimhae Customs, located in Gangseo-gu, Busan, has jurisdiction over Gimhae International Airport, the gateway to Korea's southwestern area which handles an average of 75 airplanes, including Korean Air and Japan Airlines, carries 9500 passengers.

Gimhae Customs imports repair parts, communication devices and marine engines, small quantities of urgently needed samples and advertising items, exporting agricultural and marine products. The nature of the air cargo needs to be handled efficiently and rapidly while blocking the inflow of illegal items.

Separate reading rooms are used for each of the 4 X-ray scanners without surveillance cameras caused difficulty for workforce management, with no separate monitoring system, leading to frequent disputes about lost and damaged items. To resolve these problems and proactively respond to changes in environment of the airport, Gimhae Customs introduced a suitable monitoring system to enhance surveillance competency

Solution
Gimhae Customs wanted a solution to minimize civil complaints and enhance speed and accuracy of monitoring and tracking, Gimhae Airport surveillance system is using Axis P5534 and Axis P3304 for capability of smoothly interfacing for more unified operations while providing high-definition video surveillance for clear and intuitive monitoring. The International Arrival Hall's special environment and low ceiling height, a camera with ability to monitor a wide area is required for each carousel.

Axis partner Darwin System used high-definition network cameras and built an effective system capable of monitoring all processes from check-in to check-out with a minimum number of cameras. The company selected and installed Axis P5544, which supports the panoramic function, at the International Arrival Hall; and maximized monitoring efficiency of the CIQ area.

Result
Gimhae Customs introduced the network surveillance system based on Axis P3304, Axis P5534 and Axis P5544, and effectively solved the problems of workforce management, monitoring and tracking. The X-ray scanner for checked bags ensures accurate reading and speedy monitoring and tracking. Checked bags can now be monitored as they move along their route, which has reduced civil complaints and improved the overall customer service. The system's simplified configuration has reduced management points and maintenance load while boosting monitoring system efficiency.

Efficient workforce management maximizes surveillance capabilities
Gimhae Customs has introduced the Axis network camera and integrated it with the existing X-ray scanners for checked bags into one location. This has allowed the client to manage its workforce more efficiently and enhance its monitoring capabilities through the “Choose and Focus” function.

The integrated X-ray reading room has allowed Gimhae Custom's management to divide the workforce into teams of two, and the accuracy of reading and individuals' reading capabilities have been significantly improved. Since the reading staff has been grouped into teams, their level of fatigue has been reduced, and they can concentrate and read multiple X-ray scans at all times.

Panoramic function improves surveillance/tracking
Gimhae Customs installed Axis P5544 Network Cameras with panoramic function in each carousel to monitor the CIQ customs, immigration and quarantine area that passengers must go through when departing or arriving. The client used Axis cameras to build a monitoring system optimized for international wing's low ceiling height, and can now accurately track and monitor customers as they claim their baggage because of Axis P3304 and Axis P5544 enable the integrated X-ray reading room to monitor all processes from check-in of carry-on bags and checked bags to their check-out, system management is more unified in terms of reading staff and quality.

After the introduction of Axis cameras, all stages from Check-in of checked bags to their check-out are carefully recorded, resulting in disputes with travelers about lost or damaged bags can be smoothly resolved. The high-definition network cameras allow the entire route to be monitored for abnormal cargo. It is much easier to identify risks and monitor movement during incidents.

Simplified system configuration reduces management points
Gimhae Customs used Axis cameras to build the network video system. This secures high-definition video of outstanding quality, and also simplifies the system configuration to minimize management points. The network system saved space in the equipment room and reduced energy consumption. The burden of maintenance due to the complicated structure of the analog infrastructure (MATRIX, SDU, screen divider, character generator, etc) has been eliminated.