Argentinean country club deters crime with IP eyes

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 6/19/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

Founded in 1969, the 235–hectare Los Lagartos Country Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina deployed an integrated IP-based video surveillance system consisting of Axis Communications network cameras, fixed PTZ domes, video server and Netcamera VMS to deter crime at its sports and residential facilities. The club has 616 housing units, 380 families of resident members, and sporting facilities including 27-hole golf course, 30 tennis courts, six fields for soccer, hockey, squash and equestrian facilities and others. Local installer Cameras Overnet implemented began implementing the project in early 2007, and new equipment is currently being added to the system.

With its large surface area and concentrated sporting, social, and cultural activities, this country club found it necessary to install a modern, agile, and flexible video surveillance system that would: Allow for real-time monitoring of events affecting security at access points, perimeters, and public areas to provide greater protection for critical areas of the country club. In addition, the system needs to perform video surveillance from a central monitoring room and facilitate remote access to images captured at various points throughout the facilities. Serve as an additional deterrent to crime that complemented other security systems and allow for the retrieval of archived images for security audits.

A preliminary study was conducted in each sector of the country club to determine the points to be monitored, analyze the current network, and determine the infrastructure needed to achieve the client's security objectives. After the study was completed, the project moved on to the implementation phase and the deployment of the proposed solution. Camaras Overnet professionals also conducted training sessions to ensure that the club's security team was fully prepared to handle all aspects of the new system.
 
In addition, because it is based on an open architecture, the system supports new enhancements and updates. The Axis network cameras, fixed PTZ domes and video server were installed outdoors, equipped with protective housings. A video recording system controlled by Netcamara VMS was also employed.

The club now can control, monitor, and save images captured by cameras at each of the sectors. Cameras Overnet suggested that the solution architecture should be installed in a centralized fashion (several locations managed from one central operating point). This means that live and recorded images from any camera can be accessed from the control center. The level of security at the country club has been significantly improved, which is reflected in a better quality of life.

Albanian university-hospital complex upgrades to IP-based video surveillance

Editor / Provider: Hikvision Digital Technology | Updated: 6/19/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Founded in 1993, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Catholic university-hospital complex based in Tirana, Albania recently upgraded from an analog camera system to an IP-based video surveillance system consisting of Hikvision Digital Technology network cameras and six NVRs to improve security and ensure physical safety of patients.

Prior to the implementation Hikvision's surveillance solutions, the five-building complex utilized simply analog cameras to address its need for security. However, these analog cameras were unable to capture sufficient details of activities in the video footage. Specifically, face recognition was impossible and even license plates were hard to decipher. Furthermore, security personnel did not have access to the monitoring system. “We considered increasing the number of cameras, but the problem clearly was not the coverage, but rather the quality of surveillance,” said Nikolin Gjonaj, Head of Security at Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Three-megapixel IR bullet cameras were installed in the complex to ensure proper capture of activities on the premises. Detected motion can be configured to trigger alarm. The 3-megapixel outdoor mini dome and 2-megapixel mini dome  boast vandal-proof housing, which gives added physical protection. Like the 3-megapixel IR bullet cameras, these network cameras support the common network protocols, ensuring maximum integration in a complex-wide, and in this case, all five buildings, surveillance system. The three cameras provide the necessary and impeccable image detail to capture activities, including faces of individuals within range, license plates and many other minute details.

To complete the system, the eight channel standalone NVR and 5-megapixel resolution NVRs ensure the detailed camera footages are recorded efficiently and effectively for viewing. Four 5-megapixel NVRs were installed in the monitoring office, enabling security personnel to have full access to the system, while two standalone NVRs were installed in each security guard room. The NVRs were integrated with the entire network via fibre optic cables.

“ Now we can see everything clear from a far distance,” said Gjonaj, who also explained that in the past the large areas and distances among buildings made it impossible to monitor activities. In addition, the cost efficient installation was a much-welcomed bonus to the project. Incidentally, the system is highly scalable and will serve Our Lady of Good Counsel for many years.

Axis ranked No. 1 in video encoders and network cameras

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 6/19/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications retains its global market-leading position in network cameras and security cameras and has also taken first place in video encoders. This is shown in a new report from information and analytics firm IHS.

“We have further strengthened our position due to our long-term strategy of continuous releases of innovative network video products and the fact that we offer high-quality security solutions in a global market in conjunction with our loyal partners,” says Ray Mauritsson, President of Axis Communications.

“IHS estimates continued high market growth, however, slightly lower than previously, over the next five years. IHS also indicates the market today is more fragmented, with many vendors offering network video products for security solutions.”

Axis is still ranked number one and is global market leader in the network cameras and security cameras categories. The security cameras category includes both analog cameras and network cameras. Last year, Axis further strengthened its market position by taking first place in the video encoders category, a video encoder is a product that is connected to an analog camera, which makes it possible to use the advantages of a network solution.

According to IHS, network cameras will account for more than 50 percent of global surveillance camera sales by 2014. This may be compared to network cameras' share of global sales in 2012, which amounted to approximately 40 percent, according to IHS Research.

Argentinean highway toll booths operator identifies vehicles with smarts

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 6/18/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Four Aumar-operated toll plazas along the 647 kilometer corridor of highways in the province of Buenos Aires in Argentina recently deployed eight Axis Communications network cameras with Neurallabs ALPR to help identify about 16,000 vehicles that are exempt from tolls or qualify for special rates. The system was designed by system integrator Telectronica.

In July 2011, a new concession was created for highway linking Routes 2, 11, 63, 56, and 74. Within this corridor there are four tollbooths: Samborombón, La Huella, Gral Madariaga, and Mar Chiquita. The Concession Agreement stipulates that users residing within a 10 kilometer radius of a toll plaza are exempt from tolls, and there is a different rate for those who live in certain parts of the coast.

At first, different technologies such as ID cards or RFID tags were considered to meet this need. However, these options involve high investment costs that are difficult to recuperate. It was therefore decided to test ALPR technology with different types and brands of cameras. After several tests, Neurallabs ALPR was completed with Axis network cameras, with image control and shutter control software. Initially eight sets were installed: four at the La Huella toll plaza, two at the Madariaga plaza, and two at the Mar Chiquita plaza.

With the implementation of ALPR technology and Axis IP cameras, Aumar succeeded in automating vehicle identification for most residents within the zone in question, and the system achieved an extremely high recognition rate. Furthermore, the solution allowed the concessionaire to improve both its auditing processes and security.

“At first we were a little skeptical regarding recognition rates and processing speed after everything was integrated into the toll collection system; we even thought that cars might have to stop for the system to recognize and authorize them,” said Claudio Reynaga, System Administrator, Aumar. “But the numbers show us that the recognition rates are excellent, and users can go through the plazas without stopping, just as if there was a free-flow type system in place.”

Following these excellent results, AUMAR evaluated the use of the same technology for other applications. “ALPR technology is very interesting to us and allows us to think of many applications: for example, to measure average vehicle speed between toll stations, or using it as a backup in electronic toll lanes when the device tag is not recognized but the license plate is,” said Reynaga.

British brewery migrates to scalable access control system

Editor / Provider: Grosvenor Technology | Updated: 6/18/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Robinsons Brewery, an independent family brewer in UK, recently upgraded its ageing access control system at facilities in Stockport and Bedbury to Grosvenor Technology's scalable network access control system consisting of HID cards and network door controllers. The new access control system was installed by Advance Security UK.

The original access control system at Robinsons' Unicorn Brewery in Stockport and Packaging Center at Bredbury was rapidly becoming obsolete when, with the assistance of their electrical contractors Piggott & Whitfield, they approached Advance Security to help update the system. Advance Security immediately recognized that the flexibility of the Janus technology was the ideal solution for the project. However, before they could even start the upgrade, the original system failed and Robinsons had problems with a new batch of cards, as Des Collins, Robinson's Health, Safety and Security Advisor explains:

“We had a batch of cards from our existing supplier that was delivered without the magnetic strip being programmed. When we couldn't get a response from the suppliers Grosvenor stepped in and designed an encoder that allowed us to program the cards ourselves, saving us time and money...Advance also made some temporary repairs to the system to keep us going during the upgrade – all free of charge.”

A phased approach has been adopted that allows the system to be upgraded with minimum disruption and to accommodate available budgets. The access control system also allows Robinsons to upgrade existing swipe card readers to proximity readers. Dual function HID proximity cards that also include the magstripe technology, work on both systems.

Robinsons has realized additional savings by using Grosvenor's Ethernet version door controllers. These are installed directly onto the brewer's existing LAN without the need for extensive new wiring. Each IDC can control two doors/locks and interface to a wide range of industry standard card readers and lock mechanisms. Every card profile associated with a specific IDC is downloaded to the controller to ensure uninterrupted access to the buildings in the event of a network or power failure. Each new version of access control software maintains backwards compatibility with previous versions of controllers, maintaining a client's investment with existing access control hardware that may have been installed over the last 15 years.

Infinova partners with Dell for server and storage solutions

Editor / Provider: Infinova | Updated: 6/18/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Infinova and Dell join hands to provide its partners a one stop solution for video surveillance, server and storage needs. With this association, their partners would now be able to target small scale, mid-sized and large scale installations, with a bundled solution of Infinova VMS and Dell server and storage options available for each of these segments, and that too at an affordable cost. Infinova and Dell will closely work together to ensure deliverance of complete support to their partners into the designing, implementation and pricing support for all their projects.

Infinova's solution encompasses a wide spectrum of product technology to meet the security needs of government, industry, banking, retail, and service companies across the globe. Infinova's industry experience in HD megapixel, IP, analog and fiber optics reinforces its reputation for flexibility with both integrators and end users. With its latest acquisition of Canadian Based Surveillance Company March Networks, the combined ranking now stands among the top 10 largest video surveillance security players in the industry. Since Infinova is a manufacturer, they have full control over the design and specification of its products. This gives their channel partners, the flexibility to meet specialized project requirement, where customized solutions are needed.

Dell, an information technology company, provides a range of technology solutions worldwide. The company offers rack, blade, tower, and hyperscale servers for enterprise customers and value tower servers for small organizations, networks, and remote offices; networking solutions; and storage solutions, including storage area networks, network-attached storage, direct-attached storage, and backup systems. In addition, the company offers support and extended warranty services, enterprise installation services, and configuration services; and infrastructure and security managed services, cloud computing and infrastructure consulting services, and security consulting and threat intelligence services. Further, it provides applications services, such as application development and maintenance, application migration and management, package implementation, testing and quality assurance functions, business intelligence and data warehouse solutions, and application consulting services; business process services comprising back office administration, call center management, and other technical and administration services; and system management, security software, and information management services. It serves corporate businesses; educational institutions, government, health care, and law enforcement agencies; small and medium-sized businesses; and consumers directly, as well as through retailers, third-party solution providers, system integrators, and third-party resellers.

Infinova and Dell will be catering to its customers and channel partners across Africa, ME and SAARC countries.

Construction equipment manufacturer in Brazil monitors 50-acre factory with HD eyes

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 6/17/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

British construction equipment manufacturer JCB recently deployed an HD video surveillance system, consisting of 17 Axis Communications cameras and Digifort VMS , to monitor its new 50-acre factory in Sorocaba, Brazil. Betta Group, an Axis partner, designed the surveillance system for the US$100-million facility, with 9.87 acres of built area.

Ten outdoor cameras from Axis' Q-line were used, including seven PTZ domes and three outdoor network cameras. To monitor indoor areas, the system uses six HD network camera and one discreet HD dome. All 17 cameras are managed by Digifort VMS, from Axis partner Digifort.

The Betta Group video surveillance project met JCB's expectations in maintaining their standard of 100 percent IP devices in the factory, for ease of access and management. The surveillance covers all areas of the outdoor yard, parking lots, logistics facilities, the lake, and the building facade, which has minimal lighting. Images are used not only to ensure asset security but also for third-party monitoring, cargo handling, construction projects in outdoor areas, and for on-the job safety (Internal Occupational Safety Board, or CIPA, for its initials in Portuguese).

One concern that arose early in the project was in relation to data traffic on the network - and how it would reflect in system performance. To answer this question, the Betta Group conducted some simulations with the technical support of the distributor, Delta Cable. The simulated situations included items such as filming time and information aggregation.

“This simulation proved to JCB that, given the architecture of assets and the quality of materials in the optical backbone, performance would remain unchanged,” said Fabio Petrere, Technical and Sales Manager, Betta Group. Then, JCB requested a study to gauge the size of the storage needed. Betta calculated that the amount of information for up to 45 days would be one Terabyte.

Driverless metro in Milan rides on integrated surveillance and evacuation solution

Editor / Provider: Bosch Security Systems | Updated: 6/14/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Milan's new driverless metro line five which opened earlier this year has deployed an integrated security system that combines video surveillance with public address communication. Ansaldo STS designed the security system, which consists of 400 vandal resistant domes,10-bit digital processing technology, video and audio signal transmission encoders, as well as 10 iSCSI storage units. Ansaldo was supported by system integrator Tyco for this project. The Milan metro is the longest metro system in Italy, with a total length of 92 kilometers and 101 stations has a daily ridership of over one million people.

Due to the peculiarity of the city's ancient and magnificent architecture and the resultant constraints, lines of communication between the single security components needed to be as minimally invasive as possible. This was why the decision was made to install a wireless LAN network to cover the 13 kilometers of line, along with 19 new stations, where video cameras and a public address system needed to be integrated.

The main tasks of the surveillance and evacuation solution were to provide video monitoring and passenger movement control on trains and in stations. This included providing public information while guaranteeing increased passenger control and safety, as well as the management of any system alarms and diagnostics together with continuous event recording. All sub-systems operate independently, even in the event of a network failure or other outage, providing maximum operability and thus maximum security. Finally, all the systems supplied by Bosch were integrated via a SDK in the control room to form one complete solution.

This means that Milan's fully automated M5 line can be controlled by a single operations center, which processes all the information centrally. The center is able to issue all the necessary commands to ensure the correct functioning of the line, the safety of the passengers, timely maintenance measures, and the optimum use of operational personnel (mobile agents). As a result, the Italian city can rely on modern, LAN-based security technology for intelligent traffic control coupled with the highest standard of safety.

Bosch adds global channel partner Synnex

Editor / Provider: Bosch Security Systems | Updated: 6/14/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Bosch Security Systems has selected Synnex, a distributor of IT products and services with global reach, to distribute its security and communications systems solutions. The collaborative effort between Synnex's Visiualsolv Group and Bosch meets the needs of a wide range of channel partners, from physical security and AV integrators to IT resellers, in verticals where Synnex has built strong practices, including Federal government, state and local government, education, health care, small to medium-sized businesses and retail.

 “Synnex's market penetration, technical expertise in our product categories and its program depth in vertical industries with strong growth potential make the company an important new partner for Bosch,” said Jeremy Hockham, President of Sales – Americas, Bosch. “Synnex gives us access to untapped IT customers who are increasingly involved in security and communications projects as the migration to IP-based systems progresses. It also provides the opportunity to broaden our footprint in the public sector with inclusion on its GSA Schedule.”

Physical security remains a top priority for Synnex across vertical markets. A strategic and high growth category, Global video surveillance alone is forecasted to grow to $37.7 billion by 2015, according to a recent Technnavio report. Bosch security technologies available through Synnex include video surveillance, public address, intrusion detection, fire alarms, and access control systems. Its Advantage Line of products geared toward small to medium-sized applications is also included. Synnex provides “staging as a service”, delivering staged, pre-configured cameras to resellers for easy installation.

Communications systems also remain a top priority due to complementary mobility, networking and conferencing services offered by Synnex, which are at the forefront of industry trends. Bosch communications systems technologies include professional audio and conference systems for the communication of voice, sound and music.This includes the Electro-Voice (EV) and Telex brands.

“Synnex continues to make heavy investments in the physical security and communications systems markets with the inclusion of Bosch Security Systems to our technology solutions offering,” said TJ Trojan, Senior VP, Product Management, Synnex. “Our collaboration with Bosch not only expands our physical security and communications systems practices, but provides our resellers best-in-class products and solutions from one of the world's most trusted manufacturers.”

Vicon releases 16 channel hybrid video encoder

Editor / Provider: Vicon Industries | Updated: 6/14/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Vicon Industries introduces the H264-16CH-ENCDR, a high-performance, 16-channel H.264 encoder that allows for the use of analog cameras side-by-side with IP models within a VMS network. The encoder's seamless integration with ViconNet VMS provides full support of all ViconNet features and controls, including PTZ control, museum search, dynamic load balancing, automatic detection and alarm configuration and reporting. All this is delivered at a very competitive price-per-channel.

The H264-16CH-ENCDR transmits up to 480 fps at 4 CIF or D1 resolution (720 x 480). It supports dual streaming, provides dual network ports for redundancy and auto-senses NTSC and PAL input. Power can be provided by PoE, high-power PoE or 24 VAC.