Watching over gaming tables with HD

Editor / Provider: Tevin Wang | Updated: 9/20/2012 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Faced with challenges such as false claims, theft, game scams, money laundering and drugs, casinos are upgrading their surveillance and security systems to ensure safety for all. Many casinos, to date, are still tied to analog solutions. “Of the hundreds of thousands of cameras monitoring and recording the 700-plus gaming properties in North America, we estimate less than 10 percent are currently IP and, even fewer are full HD (1080p) IP,” said John Katnic, VP of Global Gaming at Synectics. Pace of migration varies. “In North America, most new builds are opening with IP infrastructure, or at least a hybrid combination.”

According to Scott Paul, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Pelco by Schneider Electric, Neveda is changing. “Roughly 25 percent of the operators are fully digital. The remaining have yet to make the transition to digital or HD.”

“The casino and gaming market is expected to experience a gradual increase between 5 to 10 percent in network video surveillance product sales through 2014 in North America,” said Steve Surfaro, Security Industry Liaison, Axis Communications. “The gaming industry is one sector where the adoption of IP-based technology has been slower. As this market continues to accept and adopt network cameras, the market share for analog cameras will shrink approximately 2 to 5 percent. The Gulf Coast in the U.S. will be a prime target for system upgrades in a few years, especially in Mississippi and Louisiana. Native American gaming in Mississippi and Alabama is also expected to drive considerable growth. The Oklahoma gaming market continues to upgrade from analog to IP with virtually all new installations on the gaming floor using IP video. You even have certain local gaming commissions, like the South Dakota Gaming Commission, who are mandating that any table with US$100 or more limits must be covered by HD cameras.”

Avigilon is optimistic about the HD drive. “If we take into account that more than 500,000 analog cameras are operating in North American casinos and the total number of units worldwide likely exceeds 1 million, that translates to huge growth potential for HD,” said Douglas Florence, Business Development Director for Global Gaming, Avigilon. “HD adoption has picked up greatly since 2007 when we first saw a few Native American casinos install their first megapixel or HD cameras.”

Other conditions for business development have improved as well. “Lower TCO for complete HD systems, cheaper storage technology, and vendor policies that avoid charging recurring software licenses all help with the growth,” Florence added.

Follow the Money
Cash cages, registers and table games are where most HD deployments are found. “Game tables, slot machines, cashiers, PoS terminals and the vault are usually monitored by HD systems while standard definition (SD) IP cameras focus on remaining areas,” said Scott Bartlett, CEO of Southwest Surveillance Systems.

Being able to visually confirm currency denominations or hands is a bare minimum, Katnic said. “Table games benefit by being able to distinguish a queen of spades from a king of clubs from a ceiling-mounted camera 20 feet away. This is particularly true of fixed cameras because operators can digitally zoom in to an HD shot with less pixilation compared to a fixed analog unit.”

HD resolution is best suited for when money is being handed out. “It provides much better visual information for card handling, money exchanges, card identification and chip values,” Surfaro said. “HD is very well-suited for dispute resolution when discrepancy between the cashier and the patron arises. The use of HD cameras and redundant coverage on ‘high stakes' slots and tables is also becoming a ‘standard' as recognition of negative behavior like card counting is much easier.”

According to Paul, entry and exit points are other “hot spots” for HD solutions as most casinos have excellent relationships with local authorities and are frequently requested to provide quality footage for identifying people of interest.

HD solutions might be more widely used if the cost is justified by the content being monitored. “Most demonstrations start out at table games, and once security directors experience the clarity HD cameras provide, the desire to add more HD products grows. HD cameras have been added to areas such as restaurants, count rooms, casino entrances and parking areas,” Florence said. The investment pays for itself when operation executives learn that they can make a more informed decision on a dispute or reduce false liability claims.

Legal Issues
In the U.S., continuous real-time recording is mandated for all gaming activities, and the minimum duration is seven days. However, many casinos opt for longer retention times for various operational and security reasons. “Retention requirements vary by country, state and what's being recorded or viewed,” Katnic said. “A few states, like Wisconsin, require 30 days of recording for all cameras. Most others, including Nevada and other major gaming jurisdictions, require a minimum of 7 to 14 days. Some regulators require 14 days for gaming, cages and count rooms and just a week for slots, parking lots and so on. Singapore and Macau casinos typically require 30 days of retained video for gaming areas.”

Most regulations were drafted around analog technologies, and there are few specific requirements in relation to a particular HD resolution such as 720p or 1080p. “The standard across most international, regional and local regulations is that the video produces 30 fps to provide real-time monitoring,” Florence said.

Most operators, thus, choose said frame rate for almost everything, according to Paul. “Nevada requires 30 fps for a minimum of seven days for gaming operations and 2 to 7 fps for nongaming. Live viewing is always 30 fps. Everything digital is required to be redundant and as failsafe as technically possible.”

Redundancy and resiliency are crucial, as lost video can result in fines from $100,000 to millions. “We see requirements like RAID configuration on storage, but not specific to RAID 5, 6 or otherwise,” Bartlett said. “But there are more stringent requirements in Nevada that require no more than eight gaming cameras to a piece of hardware such as a network switch. This is in order to avoid catastrophic failure. We have gotten around this requirement with redundant power supplies, fans and the like. Again, the more resiliency, the better for casino applications.”

Winning Big Ain't Easy
Budget remains one of the biggest hurdles when considering upgrades. In this economy, the best option may be to phase slowly from an analog system to a hybrid system. Solution providers need to provide a simple, scalable migration path. “Most casinos currently implement hybrid/IP infrastructure using SD which allows them to leverage existing analog matrix technology,” Paul said. New system architecture needs to align itself with existing system design.

Another challenge with HD is the processing power of each camera, as not all HD cameras are as powerful as manufacturers claim. “We are seeing HD deployed in the gaming and money areas only. The drivers are the technology itself. We need to maintain a high frame rate with HD streaming on multiple channels,” Bartlett said. “A typical casino would like to have 10- or 20-megapixel cameras that can send multiple streams at 30 fps, but that isn't going to be feasible in a while. We are starting to see more 3- and 5-megapixel cameras and higher frame rates, but are still away from mass adoption. Once the technology ‘catches up' and can meet those needs, you will see a lot more HD deployments.”

Reshaping residential intrusion prevention business model

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Securewatch 24 | Updated: 9/18/2012 | Article type: Hot Topics

Securewatch 24 (SW24) is entering into the US residential intrusion market with a twist to conventional wisdom — no long-term monitoring contract, a move that will add convenience and portability for its customers. Customers will not be asked to sign a long-term contract; instead, the company said customers can select from several lifestyle intrusion packages, own their wireless equipment outright and move it when they want to, as long as they pay a fee upfront that covers installation and other costs. Monitoring is month-to-month.

"We are turning the conventional residential security model on its head in favor of a more customer-friendly model," said Jay Stuck, VP of Sales and CMO. "Lifestyle security sales positioning is opening up a huge potential consumer market, estimated to be another 30 million possible American homes. We believe consumers will willingly pay for this technology and the freedom from long-term monitoring contracts at the time of sale and stick with us for our customer service and the convenience we bring to the table. We believe the market is ripe for a new message and paradigm — no long-term monitoring contracts."

Stuck, who is widely credited with creating the first direct response TV commercial for ADT in the late 1980s and was one of the key people who helped commoditize the residential business for that company (which ultimately grew to a multibillion dollar business), said that proprietary research indicates that customers resent having to be tied to long-term contracts and to be responsible for the termination fees and other costs associated with relocation or dissatisfaction with alarm company service. He said SW24 believes this new model will resonate with consumers.

"For the past 25 years, residential security companies have gone to market in the same way: lose money up-front to gain the customer and then break even via the monitoring contract months later. When you stop to think about it, the model is no longer sustainable in this economy. What other industry loses money up-front on each sale and waits for years to break even, and then hopes to retain the customer for a few more years so they can begin to make a profit by nickel and diming the subscriber? We've looked at the future of the residential security business and decided to change the model; it's a fresh take on the business that is good for SW24 and for our customers," Stuck said.

"We are not prepared to put intrusion subscribers in this position any longer. We plan to show the security industry that just because we as a group have marketed that way over the past 25 years doesn't mean we have to market that way over the next 25," Stuck added. "This model will add value to the customer's experience by adding flexibility and convenience. Our subscribers will not be merely a faceless number to be sold and resold to other monitoring companies or be yoked to a long-term contract subject to expensive termination fees and other costs."

SW24 said it realized that the move was not without considerable risk and that they believed the rest of the industry would be watching closely to see if they are successful. They also said they were not concerned that the new month-to-month monitoring model destroyed the intrinsic resale value of a customer contract that has driven the dealer channel over the past decades.

"The industry is already shedding its old skin without realizing it. The success of the ‘summer program' companies, the rise of telcos and cable providers, and the foothold that DIY Internet sales-based companies have established have all combined to shake up the industry," Stuck said. "Inertia is ending. We believe that the security industry and our customers will look back on this move as a game changer for the better."

The new concept is being implemented next month in the New York City metro area by SW24's direct sales organization and will be followed later this fall by a major TV commercial push, SW24 said. The company said it is also readying its website and related materials to reflect the strategy. A key addition to the SW24 residential sales plan going forward will be the opening of SW24's 25,000-square foot Fusion Center based in northern New Jersey at the beginning of 2013, the company added.

SW24 has been aggressively moving into technology partnerships and into other strategic vertical markets (education, health care, hospitality, retail), including enterprise-level integration this year and now has a national footprint.

Georgian metro ensures travelers peace of mind with Qnap solution

Editor / Provider: QNAP Security | Updated: 9/14/2012 | Article type: Infrastructure

Background
Tbilisi Metro, operated since December 1966, is a rapid transit metro system in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. At present, the system consists of 2 lines with 22 stations. Constructed at the depth of 100 meters underground, Tbilisi Metro is one of the deepest subways in the world. Many people in the city depend heavily on Tbilisi Metro for daily traveling because of its convenience.

Challenges
From the perspective of surveillance system deployment, the environment of Tbilisi Metro is quite complicated. As the metro is built underground 100 meters deep, it requires advanced deployment that could support strong network connection. Hence, optical fiber is used for any network appliance in the metro system to fulfill the demands of high-speed intranet connection. On the other hand, being one of the busiest public transportations, Tbilisi Metro is always crowded with people, and the need for an intensive surveillance system deployment is necessary to provide people a safer environment.

The original surveillance system that Tbilisi Metro used was gradually outdated and failed to satisfy the need of monitoring a greater number of IP cameras. As a result, Tbilisi Metro started to look for new surveillance solution that could carry out superior performance of smooth video streaming from a large number of IP cameras.

Solution
Taking system performance and reliability of video/audio streaming as the first priority, Tbilisi Metro chose QNAP Security surveillance solution to upgrade its security system infrastructure, with totally 27 units of QNAP VioStor NVR VS-8040 deployed. The 8-bay NVR VS-8040, powered by Intel? Core? 2 Duo 2.8 GHz CPU and installed with eight 3TB hard drives, offers up to 24TB large storage capacity for long-term recording and presents remarkable performance with maximum 360 Mbps throughput to support simultaneous monitoring and recording from 40 IP cameras. The demand of Tbilisi Metro for an intensive surveillance deployment was well satisfied.

The security administrators were always busy and under pressure. A device with easy-to-manage and simple-to-use interface was the key concern for Tbilisi Metro. Even without much IT expertise, the security administrators could easily learn how to manage the VS-8040 and the installed IP cameras through the handy user interface. The work efficiency was therefore greatly improved.

"This is the second big project we adopt QNAP Security products, and the experience and result are still satisfying and impressive," said the managing engineer of GESCO Group. "The VS-8040 has delivered quality performance of video streaming and stability, which right fulfills our demands for the sophisticated surveillance environment."

Result
QNAP VioStor NVR VS-8040 effectively supports Tbilisi Metro's demand for monitoring a large number of IP cameras at each critical corner around the metro stations. Tbilisi Metro now provides people with enhanced protection with the assistance of QNAP Security surveillance solution. While additional line of Tbilisi Metro is under construction, the newer VioStor NVR models VS-8100 Pro+ series and VS-8100U-RP Pro series are considered in future deployment. Both models, available in 48, 40, 32, or 24-channel, are equipped with more powerful Intel Core i3-2120 processor and deliver better performance on video and audio streaming from multiple channels. While supporting up to 48 channels monitoring, the VS-8100 Pro+ series and VS-8100U-RP Pro series provide an ideal surveillance solution for Tbilisi Metro's need for wider scope of IP camera deployment, fulfilling closer look at Tbilisi Metro's security.

Scottish museum shields exhibits with VCA Technology analytics

Editor / Provider: VCA Technology | Updated: 9/12/2012 | Article type: Commercial Markets

William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke would no doubt be impressed that a unique set of armour made over 460 years ago for him and his horse, is being watched over by security cameras equipped with VCA Technology Video Analytics, at Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Despite the fact that the priceless exhibit is the only known surviving set of amour of its kind, the Museum's curator has been determined to allow visitors to have an unobstructed view of the highly impressive artefact. With the risk of unintentional damage being caused by visitors getting too close to the exhibit in their enthusiasm to have a close up view of the magnificent workmanship carried out by 16th Century craftsmen, the Museum has put its trust in the detection capabilities of VCA Technology Video Analytics software, to alert security personnel to the danger.

The VCA Technology Video Analytics software has been configured to analyse the images captured by ceiling mounted dome cameras which are constantly monitoring the exhibit. An alarm is generated the moment anyone strays into a pre-defined detection zone, allowing security personnel to quickly respond by guiding the visitor to a safer distance away from the exhibit.

This solution is just one of a number of projects carried out by Glasgow based Visual Management Systems Ltd (VMS) for Glasgow Museums, where VCA Technology Video Analytics software has been applied.

VMS have provided an IP network based video surveillance system which utilises 200 cameras to monitor activity across all of the Glasgow Museum buildings. Security personnel are able to control and monitor live or recorded images captured by all the cameras via VMS' proprietary Titan Vision video management software platform which also acts as an integrated security management platform to provide visibility and control over a variety of other systems, including intruder and fire detection, HVAC and access control systems.

“In addition to helping protect the 1st Earl of Pembroke's suit of armour, the VCA Technology Video Analytics has assisted us to provide Glasgow Museums with a security solution which has generated cost savings of more than ￡500,000 a year, whilst equipping security personnel with a powerful tool to react quickly to any security incident, “said Graeme Anderson, Regional Business Manager of VMS. “At some of the buildings we have installed new cameras which incorporate the software, but we have also been able to upgrade existing camera capabilities where necessary, by linking them to VCA Technology encoders.”

At some of the Glasgow Museum buildings, such as the Riverside Transport Museum and the Burrell Collection, VCA Technology Video Analytics has been deployed as a highly reliable method of simultaneously accurately counting the number of visitors that stream through a large number of entrances. The statistical data gathered by the software, which can be configured to distinguish between adults and children, is used in support of Glasgow Museum's funding applications. The data can also be used to reduce costs by identifying busy and quite periods so that staff are efficiently deployed.

At other sites the software is being utilised to detect any unauthorised movement of exhibits as an early indicator that a theft may be taking place. From a potential terrorist activity point of view, it offers a feature which creates an alert if an item, such as a briefcase, is left unattended and is not moved for a defined period of time.

VMS have also taken advantage of VCA Technology Video Analytics' intruder detection capabilities to enhance Glasgow Museums' sophisticated out of hours detection system.

VCA Technology Video Analytics operates effectively with both indoor and outdoor cameras. The software can be used for a wide range of applications including intrusion detection, vehicle monitoring, abandoned object detection and loitering detection. It can even detect camera tampering and failure. The software can also be used to ensure Health and Safety compliance and is capable of indentifying potentially dangerous situations before they occur. Operators can be alerted, for example, when fire escapes are obstructed or when items are left in walkways.

Multiple overlapping detection lines and zones can be designated to ensure that only specific activity is recorded. Direction of movement is defined so that the software only triggers when individuals or objects move in a particular direction across a zone, or when they move into a zone but not when they leave it. A rapid 'learning time' of just two seconds means that images are detected and classified almost instantaneously.

“We found that the VCA Technology Video Analytics software was very easy to configure to match each of the building's requirements,” said Graeme Anderson. “Equally important, Glasgow Museums' control room operators, security personnel and facility managers have found that with very little training they can take full advantage of the highly valuable data collectively provided by the VCA Technology software and our Titan Vision video management platform.”

Glasgow Museums is the UK's largest local authority museum service with a collection of 1.2 million objects of national and international interest which are valued at over ￡400 million. The collection is curated in 13 different buildings most of which are themselves of outstanding significance. In addition to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the estate also includes the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre which is a 6,000 square metre environmentally controlled storage facility and visitor centre, and the Burrell Collection which can claim to be the UK's largest collection created by a single person. The estate receives approximately 2.6 million visitors every year.

Bangalore rapid transit protects 1.2M passengers per day with Nice Systems solution

Editor / Provider: Nice Systems | Updated: 9/11/2012 | Article type: Security 50

NICE Systems announced that Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has launched a successful go-live of NICE's security solutions at Namma Metro. This includes full implementation at the train's Operations Control Center (OCC) and across six metro stations.

Using NICE IP video surveillance and analytics, Namma Metro is enhancing passenger safety, securing its train lines, and ensuring efficient operations while also meeting the necessary compliance requirements. While BMRCL projects full operational capacity in 2014, Namma Metro is expected to serve 1.2 million passengers daily by 2013, with a capacity of 40,000 peak hour peak direction trips.

In addition to the advanced video management system monitoring the metro stations and depot areas, the solution being deployed includes video analytics to provide automatic intrusion detection for specified locations along the tracks and in restricted areas. It will also enable crowd control by monitoring overcrowding and queue wait time at the various stations. With NICE's video analytics, any surveillance camera can be configured with many predefined functionalities, including operating within specific time ranges to help optimize resources and reduce TCO. The integrated NICE solution also enables system access by multiple agencies to facilitate collaboration between Namma Metro operators and the police.

“Partnering with NICE Systems by the telecommunication system integrator for BMRCL was critical due to its domain expertise in public safety and mass transit systems around the world,” said Mr. A. S. Shankar, Chief Engineer (S&T) at BMRCL. “Through the user acceptance testing process, NICE security solutions have met our requirement to provide the Bangalore Metro with seamless surveillance of the Metro railway stations and passengers, mitigating operational, safety and situational risk.”

“The completion of the first important milestone at BMRCL is a strong testament to the joint partnership and collaboration fostered between NICE and BMRCL," said Guy Yaniv, General Manager, Surveillance Solutions Division at NICE. “Our deep understanding of the needs of the growing public transport market enables us to provide the best solution based on our unique technology. NICE will continue to focus on providing a holistic solution for targeted vertical markets and tailored for specific market needs.”

NICE's business partner for the metro project is the Thales Group, which designs and builds mission-critical information systems for defense and security, aerospace and transportation.

The NICE Security Offering addresses the needs of governments and enterprises with intent-based solutions for fighting crime and terror, by anticipating, managing and mitigating safety, security and operational risks. The offering enables capturing, analysis and correlation of data from multiple sensors and systems, including audio, video, radio, geo-location and web, providing a framework for fusing data silos into a single, holistic operational view.

Channel positive energy into ASEAN

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu | Updated: 9/12/2012 | Article type: Hot Topics

Compared to the other markets in the Southeast Asian region, Thailand's channel structure is rather mature. One can easily find capable master distributors/integrators that have a nationwide network of consultants, dealers and installers, serving respective cities or regions with different solutions tailored to specific project requirements. As the prospects of an integrated economic community emerge and become clearer, some are already looking to expand their reach over the borders and export their expertise to neighboring, underserved countries.

In Thailand, a rapid transition from employing guards or guarding services to deploying electronic security systems, due to drastic rises in minimum wages (from an average of around US$600 per bilingual guard per month to $835), can be easily palpated, said Henny Beeber, CEO and CTO of AES Group. “A timely example would be the ongoing metro system expansions (purple, red and blue lines); the construction sites now rely more on security electronics for 24/7 monitoring than posting guards.”

Traditional guarding services have also evolved, due to increased competition. “Security services, and providers of such, in Thailand have come a long way,” said Vallop Kingchansilp, CEO and President of Guts Group. “Back in the 1980s, there were only foreign companies (such as Chubb and Secom) operating locally. We started as a guarding services company with less than 100 people, and have grown to be a force of more than 15,000 (thanks to assistance and support from our friends at Certis Cisco in Singapore), encompassing guards, personal protection and investigation teams, and system distribution, integration and installation. We expect to double our revenue from systems in the next five years. Our target verticals would be the ones where we are already strong with our physical presence, such as industrial and military sites. Spurred by legally mandated increases in guards' minimum wages, we will see a rapid switch to electronic security systems and solutions in these and other sectors.”

In Thai security, the business culture is such that relationships between local partners and local governments or users are valued most, stressed Suwich Chitkasemsuk, MD of Digitalcom. “Other than the three southern provinces that are experiencing social unrest and are directly monitored (via thousands of cameras) by the central government, solution providers or distributors are advised to foster and build rapport with individual provincial governors, city mayors and managers, police chiefs and local system integrators/installers/resellers. To facilitate proper channel development and communication, the Thai Security Association (TSA) was founded in April, of which we are one of the founding members.” The key mission of the TSA is to bridge all the gaps, through face-to-face events like seminars and road shows, among solution providers, channel partners, large users/buyers and academia.

Just like doing business in other sizable countries like the U.S., China and India, there is no one company in Thailand that can cover the entire geography alone. Various collaborative or business development models are thus adopted. “As a master distributor of Axis, Milestone and many other brands, we actively work with hundreds of dealers, resellers and integrators throughout the country, to compete in city surveillance, traffic/transportation, border crossing and commercial/enterprise projects,” Chitkasemsuk said.

National Reach, Targeted Approach
Having a national presence is pivotal, especially when many solution providers are moving toward system- and service-based models, Kingchansilp said. “Our four monitoring stations and 10 solid dealers throughout the country put us ahead of our competition (consisting of more than 2,500 security distribution, integration, installation and consultation companies). City surveillance is a national directive, and we, together with our partners, will focus on the increased funding in the north, northeast and south.”

When Smartcomputer started the distribution operation 14 years ago, no one would have thought that the Thai security market would get this big, shared Kittichai Samittiwuttikul, President of Smartcomputer Group (SMC). “Now, we have two separate teams, analog systems and IP solutions, servicing different clients with varied requirements. The IP team was formed three years ago, to cater to increasing market demand and to demystify that network-based security technology was too costly, too difficult to install and configure, and too cumbersome for operators or end users to handle.” IP shipments today account for 15 to 20 percent of SMC's sales revenue, of which government projects make up about 40 percent; it has been a significant rise from less than 10 percent three years ago.

Another IP-focused distributor agreed. “Over the last two years, growth in the adoption of IP-based security technology has been phenomenal; for example, one of the brands that we represent, Vivotek, has experienced 400-percent local sales growth, particularly in government projects (city surveillance, transportation, buildings), retail and department stores, and manufacturing and commercial sites,” said Sakchai Somsuk, MD of TSolutions. “To properly service and sustain this growth, we have a dedicated system integration team, offering training demos/courses and project design and commissioning support.” Affordable, easy-to-install/use systems and customizations fit for specific vertical markets are also offered.

In Thailand, where network infrastructure is shaky in most parts of the country, having an IT/IP background definitely helps. “When Advance Integrated Technology (AIT) was established in 1993, the company started as an IT system integrator, providing customized hardware, software, solutions and services,” said Nisakorn Charintharawuti, MD. “In 1997 as the Asian financial crisis hit, we shifted our focus to digital surveillance, working with Korean and Taiwanese DVR brands. One of the first prominent projects during the transition was a national bank with 600 branches, paving our way and reputation for the next 10 years. In 2009, global recession, fierce competition, low margins and heavy service loading pushed us to do something different. We began to focus on one brand, Mobotix, because of its pure IP approach and durable, reliable products. What Mobotix provides are turnkey solutions, not simple box cameras, so we took the time to educate the integrator and installer community on overall TCO and ROI through road shows.”

As the market matures and competition intensifies, change is in order. “The system integration market in Thailand was already a red sea, so we decided to focus on the distribution business, per agreement with Bosch Security Systems,” said Kritsada Phanbamrung, MD of CCTV Thailand. “In addition to the government, high-end hospitality and industrial sectors, we are beginning to serve mid-end hotels, banks, schools and retail shops with Bosch's new budget line (Advantage), both within greater Bangkok and the surrounding regions/provinces of the city.”

Another great example of transformation is Bangkok OA Coms. “We started in the 1970s, selling office automation products (hence the company name). About 15 years ago, we began to dabble in physical security, with Samsung Techwin cameras,” said Dej Churdsuwanrak, MD. “It was not easy selling the security surveillance concept and breaking into new market segments, so we approached hotels and condominiums with existing, old equipment (mostly European, American and Japanese brands) that were looking to replace or upgrade. Then came an opportunity for change; the Bank of Thailand issued a mandate requiring all commercial banks to install security cameras and systems. We won two projects, each with about 900 branches nationwide, and became known as a system integration specialist in physical, electronic security. The success stories helped Bangkok OA secure other prominent retail accounts with national presence, and the boost of extra cash flow also allowed the company to extend its reach into neighboring countries Laos, Vietnam and Bangladesh in 2000. Three years ago, another change came as Samsung restructured internally; we transformed from a system integrator to a value-added distributor, by providing even better project support, knowledge transfer and profit-sharing models. We will also be working closely with Vantech from Vietnam, to promote the brand throughout the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC, Thailand and Indonesia first). The partnership can even go beyond security, to other home appliances and electronics.”

Multitiered
To cater to a huge market like Thailand, sealing deals requires a multitiered approach, in both partnerships and solution offerings. “The key brands that we represent (such as AVTech, CNB, Dahua and Nuuo) ensure that we have the right solutions at the right price points for each market segment, from small residential to large city surveillance applications,” Samittiwuttikul said. “For example, there are currently more than 3,000 villages nationwide undergoing ‘safe town' projects, with an average financing package (from the central and municipal governments) of $30,000. This is just Phase 1, as Thailand strives to become the center of the AEC by 2015; the ultimate goal is to rid the country of drug problems, starting from schools and town centers, before and after the borders open up. We design various systems that are fit for different budget ranges to help our dealers (more than 600) compete in project bids. It is about having functional, manageable, reasonably priced system solutions.”

While Pacific Technology Distribution (PTD) is a pure distributor, it takes a system-based approach, offering the ammunitions (surveillance, access, intrusion, scans and fire safety, bundled in every way possible) that its integrators (about 100, medium-size) need to build relationships and win projects, said Phitsanu Tamphanuwat, MD. “For the government and financial sectors that we excel at, European, American and Japanese brands, such as Bosch, OnSSI, Panasonic (Sanyo) and UTC, are still preferred. We also have other ongoing industrial (factories and oil/gas), high-end retail and hotel, and residential projects.” Software and services are where Tamphanuwat sees the most growth and where the company will invest more resources in.

A friendly competitor, Digital Focus, agreed on the service approach. “We have been around for more than 10 years, and currently partner with more than 150 dealers nationwide,” said Somchai Prajaksoot, MD. “We also work with system integrators on financial, highway and military projects, and with three types of retail outlets (Fortune Town, Digital Gateway and CCTV Outlet) for direct sales. Multiple brands (for example, AVTech, Hikvision and Honeywell) and multiple channel partner types ensure our reach to every segment of the Thai market, as a true total solutions provider.” And being a pure distributor in this market is simply not enough; the company is looking to provide monitoring services through an in-house, ISO9000-certified central station.

As an integrated solution and service provider that recently merged with Tyco Thailand, Takachiho focuses on offering everything that its Japanese clients and Tyco's global accounts in the country would need, said Bussakorn Kaewmorakot, Security Business Manager at Takachiho Fire, Security & Services. “We have been around for about 17 years, so we know those needs and the key decision makers well. For the clientele that we serve, individual brands don't matter too much; it's about delivering the right overall solution and getting the best result (from both business and security operations) possible.”

Beyond Boundaries
AEC is a hot topic right now, and Thailand is preparing itself to be the center and propeller of it by 2015. “Two thirds of our revenue comes from system integration work (the rest being distribution) within the region, especially in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar,” Beeber said. “It definitely helps having long-standing, cross-border relationships. For example, Gallagher Group, one of our technology partners, introduced us to a building project in Cambodia, as it has had close ties with one of the decision makers for almost two decades (since his school days); the entire project was worth $150 million, almost the same as another embassy project we had in that country. We are also working closely with a number of multinational mechanical and electrical companies active throughout the region.”

Digitalcom is considering setting up joint ventures in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, to help the region advance with appropriate security technology, and is also looking into cloud offerings with the right infrastructure, telecom and camera partners, Chitkasemsuk said.

“Chinese brands have significant penetration rates in AEC, but we believe it's a very high-potential market that can fuel the emergence of local brands like Vantech,” Churdsuwanrak said. “We have the upper hand in local knowledge, connections and credibility. Thailand comes first, but the region is for us to grab and grow.”

Vivotek introduces iVeiwer Android app

Editor / Provider: Vivotek | Updated: 9/10/2012 | Article type: Security 50

VIVOTEK announced that the iViewer app is now available on Android devices.

VIVOTEK iViewer is a mobile application (app) designed to run on mobile devices, allowing for remote, off-site monitoring. With support for network cameras managed by centralized management software (CMS) ST7501 or VAST, the application enables the user to access live view of VIVOTEK camera footages on a smart phone or a tablet computer. Cameras can also be accessed independently without the need for a server running CMS.

"This is an excellent opportunity to introduce the Android version of iViewer," said William Ku, Director of Brand Business at VIVOTEK. "It publicly demonstrates not only where VIVOTEK stands today but also where we are heading, which is embracing the mobile market."

Recognized as a vital part of a complete network-based surveillance solution, VIVOTEK iViewer meets various end users' demands for many vertical markets. The device adds an additional layer of usability to VIVOTEK cameras and provides more versatility to surveillance solutions and applications.

"The newly available Android version of iViewer tells our existing and future customers that we provide high-performance products as well as world-class solutions that are backed by our strong commitment to end users," Ku added.

As of September 6, 2012, VIVOTEK iViewer is ready for download for the Android platform. The cost to install the APP on both the iOS and Android operating systems is $1.99 USD.

US second-hand store protects its closet with Axis and Salient solution

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 9/7/2012 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Mission
Plato's Closet puts a luxurious spin on the typical consignment store concept: customers buy and sell brandname, high-end clothing and accessories. Buyers in each independently-owned store determine product price based on an item's brand, condition and the store's current stock levels. Steve Olson, franchisee of the successful West Des Moines, Iowa store, saw their retail space grow from 2,000 sq. ft. to a 7,000 sq. ft. megastore in just a few years, and the analog system could not keep pace. They sought a system that could deliver crystal-clear video detail and grow alongside their thriving business.

Solution
ICS Advanced Technologies, an Ames, Iowa-based provider of technology solutions ranging from Internet services to audio/video installations to security and surveillance solutions, designed a tailor-made IP video system based on Salient Systems' CompleteView VMS platform that strategically morphed to meet Plato's Closet's changing security and loss prevention needs.

ICS began with an encoder solution to migrate the store to an IP backbone, then shifted to a hosted video solution with redundant Iomega Network Attached Storage as new IP cameras were added, and then fully converted Plato's Closest to an all-IP Dell-server solution to add more functionality and high-definition cameras, including the covert AXIS P8514 Network Camera.

Result
The IP video system, which now covers more than 90% of the 7,000 sq. ft. store, has helped reduce theft to less than one percent. Video evidence has been invaluable in catching customers attempting to sell stolen goods, and the high-quality video even helps settle disputes over the amount of cash that exchanged hands in a given transaction. Remote video allows the Olsons to keep the store running smoothly when they are at home or on the road, and proves an important training tool for their staff. The store has also built an excellent relationship with the Des Moines-area police and video evidence has helped put more than a few people in jail, including busting up an organized retail crime ring.

This Closet is bursting
At Plato's Closet, each location's franchisee bargains with customers for the store's inventory: gently used brand name clothing and accessories. In this cash-heavy, bargaining atmosphere where luxury items line the racks, surveillance is at a premium. Steve Olson, franchisee of the West Des Moines, Iowa, Plato's Closet, owns one of the top-grossing outlets in the nation. What started out as a 2000 sq. ft. location has more than tripled in size, and Olson's responsibilities of inventory control, security and loss prevention have grown proportionally.

“We've talked to managers at major store brands and their head offices tell them not to even bother attempting to reduce shrinkage. Of course they try to minimize it as much as they can, but they resign to the fact that if you can't stop it, just build it into the cost of the merchandise,” shares Olson. “Our goal is to have shrinkage rates as low as humanly possible.”

Unfortunately, his analog system couldn't deliver the results he wanted nor could it keep pace with the store's growth. “The store was expanding every two years, and the most recent upgrade called for an increase from 12 to 24 cameras,” said Patrick Bailey, president of ICS Advanced Technologies, the Ames, Iowa-based integrator chosen by Plato's Closet. “Most importantly, however, was getting rid of six analog cameras and offering higher resolution with IP cameras.”

From analog to hybrid to hosted to in-house
ICS suggested a gradual transition to IP video. The first step was to digitize the few working analog cameras with two four-channel AXIS 241Q Video Encoders and install new AXIS M3203 Fixed Dome Network Cameras with SVGA resolution. With the small camera count of this original hybrid system, using a server-based solution would have been costly for Plato's Closet. Fortunately, as a local Internet Service Provider, ICS had the perfect solution: hosted video. It was an ingenious idea that leveraged Salient System's CompleteView Enterprise VMS and an Iomega NAS device for high-definition redundancy.

ICS immediately improved the store's resolution and system functionality, and remote monitoring became a favorite feature of the Olsons. “My wife can see all the cameras in action from our home computer or if we're on the road. With a quick phone call, she can make sure the store's running a tight ship even when we're not there.”

Remote diagnostics was another major advantage of moving to IP. “If the system needs to be tweaked or upgraded, we're able to do so remotely from our desks close to 99% of the time,” says Bailey. “I can respond to Steve's needs much faster and keep his system up and running.”

Full-fledged IP with a covert twist
“Because of the success we've seen, we decided to invest quite a bit of money in the security system,” Olson said. “We wanted to be aggressive against theft and work jointly with law enforcement to stop shoplifting and vandalism.”

As the system has grown, they've added HDTV-quality AXIS M3204 Fixed Dome Network Cameras and installed a Dell server-based solution that continues to run Salient's CompleteView. With scalability in mind, ICS has covered more than 90% of the 7,000 sq. ft. store and can add intelligent functionality as the store's LP and security needs evolve. Video detail has settled buyer disputes over the denomination of bills that exchanged hands in a deal, as well as helped local police thwart an organized retail crime ring involving teenaged girls recruited to sell stolen goods.

Most recently, the store added the covert AXIS P8514 Network Camera, whose 720p HDTV clarity and unique eye-level position delivered perfect face shots to help capture a known local shoplifter as well as settle a family dispute of a mother who believed her eldest daughter was stealing and reselling her sister's clothes. Despite the advice from industry colleagues to let shrink take its natural course, Olson has been able to cut shoplifting below 1%. “Our system has helped put a few people in jail,” Olson said with a smile. “The police are very supportive of our efforts.”

Axis releases Camera Companion client software for small retail sites

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 9/6/2012 | Article type: Security 50

After the successful introduction of the award-winning AXIS Camera Companion, Axis Communocations announced a major upgrade of the free software client to further improve effective surveillance in retail environments. The new release includes new features such as audio, support for Public View Monitoring, Axis' Corridor Format and video authentication.

“The first version of AXIS Camera Companion was well received by the market. Until August 2012 we have registered around 20 000 downloads of the software. This indicates that users really appreciate the simplicity and the superb HDTV image quality offered by AXIS Camera Companion,” says Peter Friberg, Axis' Director of System and Services. “Based on input from customers and partners, we take the next step and introduce a selection of features that will add even more value for small business owners.”

The new version includes support for one-way audio to easily listen in on an area. The use of IP technology makes audio easy and affordable. A network camera with audio support sends both audio and video over the same network cable, removing the need for separate audio cabling. Another supported feature is Axis' unique Corridor Format for effective surveillance of, for example staircases, hallways and aisles. The new version also supports Public View Monitoring for loss prevention in retail environments. By downloading a third-party application to a mobile device the camera can stream live images to any standard monitor. To ensure that the video is accurately preserved for use as evidence, the new release also offers digital signing of exported material.

AXIS Camera Companion allows small business owners to use HDTV network cameras to help them clearly identify intruders, shoplifters and other incidents. Video can be viewed live and recordings played back from anywhere – onsite or remotely over the Internet. The system supports motion detection and pan/tilt/zoom control. Video clips and snapshots can be easily exported to colleagues and authorities, and the system supports third-party apps for viewing live and recorded video on leading smartphones and tablets, such as iPhone, iPad and Android.

Unlike analog surveillance installations, AXIS Camera Companion does not require a central recording device – a digital video recorder (DVR), network video recorder (NVR), or even a computer. All images are recorded onto a standard SD memory card in each camera, and the cameras keep recording even if the network fails. The cameras are powered over the network, eliminating the need for separate power cables. This reduces cost, simplifies installation, and makes the system more robust as there is no single point of failure. To further protect customers' investments, existing analog cameras can be integrated via video encoders.

From guarding with eyes, to guarding with systems

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu | Updated: 9/5/2012 | Article type: Hot Topics

Security services, and providers of such, in Thailand have come a long way. Back in the 1980s, there were only foreign companies (such as Chubb and Secom) operating locally. We started as a guarding services company with less than 100 people, and have grown to be a force of more than 15,000 (thanks to assistance and support from our friends at Certis Cisco in Singapore), encompassing guards, personal protection and investigation teams, and system distribution, integration and installation. We expect to double our revenue from systems in the next five years. Our target verticals would be the ones where we are already strong with our physical presence, such as industrial and military sites. Spurred by legally mandated increases in guards' minimum wages, we will see a rapid switch to electronic security systems and solutions in these and other sectors.

Having a national presence is pivotal, especially when we are moving toward system- and service-based models. Our four monitoring stations and 10 solid dealers throughout the country put us ahead of our competition (more than 2,500 security distribution, integration, installation and consultation companies). City surveillance is a national directive, and we, together with our partners, will focus on the increased funding in the north, northeast and south.

At the same time, we are trying to improve the quality and service standards of the entire security community (from technology, solutions and services to the people and companies providing them), through legislation and associations. We are also in talks with the Royal Thai Police and the cabinet to ensure that the necessary changes are effected, to guarantee a minimum CAGR of 10 percent in the next few years as we integrate into the larger ASEAN Economic Community and become the leader and know-how disseminator of it.