When nature calls

Editor / Provider: Christine Chien, a&s International | Updated: 4/23/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

Not all surveillance deployments are meant solely for security and safety purposes. In this feature, a&s explores security equipment and management software in a “wilder” perspective — nature watching.

The main purpose of VMS is to provide users efficient management of all video files streaming from all cameras, from past to present. It is the basis of video surveillance, recording, analysis, and sharing, with multiple functions such as remote access and control via a Web browser or smartphone, playback, audio support, content search, and much more depending on the user's needs and specifications. As more and more VMS packages are becoming open-architecture, integrators and users are able to freely customize their VMS, adding additional programs to further enhance their operational efficiency. Truly successful VMS lies in its ease-of-use, so users can quickly learn to operate the system even with minimal training.

Nowadays, the common requirements of retaining video recordings for a prolonged period of time makes it easy to get lost amid the large quantities of stored data, but great VMS will help users navigate through the database to find what they need or provide them with important updates and information, even for nonsecurity matters. With a click of the mouse, users are able to quickly retrieve the files that they need, while simultaneously keeping an eye on live conditions in real time. In emergency situations, users are able to immediately make informed decisions if all the necessary data can be quickly gathered in front of their eyes for a quick assessment.

The following series of applications showcases how users utilize their VMS for different forms of applications more akin to nature.

The Greenhouse Effect
The state of Colorado in the U.S. approved a new legislation governing the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sales of medical marijuana in 2010. Due to the high sensitivity of this matter, a customized, full blown security measure including lighting, physical security, video surveillance, face recognition, access control, and alarm was provided and implemented by AxxonSoft at all the medical marijuana-related facilities. After all, if the herbal remedy originally intended for medical use is stolen or falls into the wrong hands, it will immediately and most likely be sold or used illegally.

Despite the various strains of weed available, approved medical grade marijuana comes from only two strains, the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, as these are the only strains with enough potency to provide medical benefits. In order to properly cultivate these plants, the light, air, water, nutrients, temperature, and growing medium must all be carefully controlled for optimum growing conditions. With the help of the integrated VMS, the operators can easily target areas or plants that need more attention or determine the plants that are ready for harvest and optimize plant yields."ViewOptix has developed a video surveillance solution that enables us to record and monitor plant growth, health and nutrient levels, and automatically adjust environmental controls," said Ryan Geller, President of Operations at Pain Management of Colorado. "The system is also integrated with our dispensaries for security at POS kiosks.” With these implementations in place, the operators will also be able to monitor the transaction and transportation of the medical marijuana to the separate dispensaries and the transactions that will take place thereafter.

Storm Chasers
The BAM chase team, led by Bryan Kilgore, Amanda Kilgore, and Michael Clark, follows and tracks down different storms and tornadoes to capture these powerful natural occurrences live on camera. The data they gather and share are extremely useful to scientific research.

When Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast of the U.S. on Oct. 28, 2012, the violent storm wreaked havoc in its path and left behind a trail of destruction. Having successfully tracked and recorded more than 20 significant storms in the past, the BAM chase team began to forecast the storm's future course of action, destruction, impact, and monitored Sandy through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, and online video feeds. “We forecasted Sandy using the latest in a package of computer models available online. We used our knowledge to predict the path that we felt best that the storm would take. We felt that most of the other forecasters were too far east so we stuck to our guns and kept it west. We were getting comments that we were out of our minds but kept posting about it that east coast needed to keep an eye on it,” said Bryan Kilgore. The team also verified their forecast from what was being reported on the news and online. Despite their efforts, Mother Nature is not easily tracked, nor is it easily predictable. Hurricane Sandy affected a total of 24 states, left 17 states without power, affected millions of people, caused 72 direct deaths, and cost the government an estimated US$75 billion worth of property damage.

Using OnSSI's VMS, which the team installed themselves, they were able to simplify the management of six network megapixel cameras used to document the storms and tornadoes that they chase. The software is loaded onto the server and is able to capture all the videos recorded from the cameras at once. This was the first and only VMS the team has used for their system, while additional software were used to make their live stream happen. Based on the storm's movements, the VMS helped the team topinpoint video from multiple network cameras for a quadrant view. The videos were also able to be exported and distributed through wireless connectivity to any centralized video storage station so it can be instantly distributed to the National Weather Service, National Severe Storm Laboratory, and various media sources as well. This way, their local offices can see the progression of the storms and how it was progressing. “The footage allows us to see things we didn't catch in the field first hand. With the cameras we have installed, we can see 360 degrees around the outside of the vehicle. We can't see everything so this allows us to go back and review that,” said Kilgore.

As for OnSSI, seeing its products being implemented in a non-security application also struck as interesting. “Even with the advancement in technologies supporting physical security today; the operating procedures are still mainly reactive where collection of evidence to a situation is done after the fact. This trend is changing, however in the case of BAM they installed the system strategically to actively capture live data of storms that have immediate impact to lives and properties as it is occurring and feeding this back to meteorologists so they may make the public aware of their efforts toward public safety,” said Julio Montalvo, Director of Technical Services at OnSSI.

This year, the BAM chase team hopes to help more offices and the NSSL with the amount of footage they gain.

Animal Planet
The 50-acre Akron Zoological Park is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and preservation located in Ohio, U.S. The zoo had chosen to use Milestone's VMS as a way to supervise and observe the behaviors and health conditions of its wide range of animal inhabitants, especially the dangerous species, and ensure the safety of their handlers. Outside each animal holding area, a monitor displays the live video feed of various cameras placed inside. This allows the animal caretakers to check if animals are properly contained. Not only does the solution raise the safety level of its staff, it also minimizes human interference of the animals, allowing the animals to be observed from afar, so as not to disturb their natural habitat and cause them distress. "Animal safety was our main concern. Cameras were mounted inside the enclosure where it was in a secure location and did not harm the animal, or the animal was unable to reach it," said Tzviah Dank, Information Systems Administrator/IT Projects Manager, at the Akron Zoological Park.

After integration with mobiDEOS' remote viewing application, the video feeds were able to be accessed through the smartphones of relevant staff. This way, animal handlers will be able keep an eye on the zoo animals 24 hours a day, even when they are away from the facility. With the help of the VMS, the caretakers can monitor the animals' breathing patterns and even the contractions of a cat giving birth in real time. All video footage can be stored for a week or longer, if necessary. Prior to these installations, a camcorder was connected to a VCR when recording was needed, according to Dank.

Similar to the Akron Zoological Park, Brookfield Zoo has also installed video surveillance systems throughout its entire premise controlled by Milestone's VMS, in order to ensure crowd control and other security-related incidents. However, the last couple of projects have been geared towards animal health and care. Cameras were placed in rooms where animals were quarantined or giving birth. New habitats have also been built, integrating the cameras into their surroundings for general monitoring but with access also only limited to animal care employees.

Having the constant access to the zoo's animals also allow the caretakers to study the interactions between the animals, as sometimes, the interactions may not be so friendly. If an animal becomes sick, the zoo veterinarians are able to check past videos in order to determine possible causes. They can also check on the animals while on the way to the zoo. Only a select number of zoo employees have access to this private application, as video feeds are not opened to the public.

“For security or general park locations there have been no special circumstances. When the locations involve animal locations, then we have to coordinate work schedules with the animal care professionals and be mindful of their schedules,” said Chris Moomey, Director of Product Development at Current Technologies, sharing his experiences from when he installed the system for the zoo and comparing them to his previous installations. “When the new habitats were built over the last couple of years, the cameras were installed during the construction so it was like any construction site, just with a cool walk to work.”

Asia Update: Etherwan successfully moves from networking to security

Editor / Provider: The a&s Editorial Team | Updated: 4/23/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

When IT companies shift to physical security, many fail to recognize the importance of product reliability and engineering efficiency in security. Security products demand unique qualities such as high customization and reliability. Etherwan, a company providing Ethernet products, found security to be a good fit. Six years ago, the company entered the security market. Through the design concept of modularization, Etherwan provides a wide range of Ethernet products, even for small orders. The network management features were also customized from a general IT approach to make it more user-friendly to security applications.

To ensure reliability, its products go through many rigorous tests to ensure that they are exactly what were promised to the customers and fully conform to industry standards. For example, its PoE devices are all required to achieve the maximum power requirement without any issue. With high engineering efficiency, it can quickly solve any technological problems and carefully review all possible factors that might result in product malfunction.

What really differs Etherwan from other companies is it's core business motto — integrity and honesty. For example, Etherwan is committed to designing its products strictly according to standards. If the product is designed to fit the IEEE802.3af standard which requires the proper wattage to be 15.4 watts, then Etherwan will insist on giving each PoE port the full 15.4 watts. The same goes for products designed in compliance to IEEE802.3 which requires 30 watts for each PoE port. Etherwan understands that such integrity to power source conformance is an important factor to project success. “Integrity for us is the company's central value,” said Maggie Chao, Associate VP of Sales Division at Etherwan.

Etherwan's security business includes OEM sales and original brand manufacture (OBM) of its own products. During the last six years, Etherwan successfully introduced its Ethernet products from IT clients to the security industry. Now, two out of Etherwan's top 10 clients are pure security companies, cementing the importance of its security business. For Etherwan, the security market holds strong potential. Its security business unit has grown almost 30 percent in recent years.

Etherwan also has a good reputation in the transportation sector, particularly for traffic and railway monitoring. In 2013, the company is concentrating on transportation and security in its target countries — the U.S., Benelux, Southeast Asia and South Africa. In the U.S., Etherwan attends one to two road shows every month to educate its clients on the basics to the advanced knowledge of Ethernet network infrastructure. Etherwan is also anticipating significant growth in the Malaysian and Thai markets.

"In the near future, we can expect more challenges in price competition. When clients who used to purchase IT networking products started to buy security equipment, they were more likely to compare brands and prices," Chao said.

Technology wise, networking technology should follow the nature of the security product application. “For Etherwan to win in the price competition, product reliability is key,” Chao said.

Asia Update: Qnap targets SMB segment

Editor / Provider: The a&s Editorial Team | Updated: 4/23/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Qnap, a NAS supplier, unexpectedly entered the video surveillance industry after inspiration from one of its customers. David Chiang, GM of Surveillance Business Division at Qnap, recalled Qnap's first NVR for a Japanese client who requested a customized NAS with Qnap enhanced surveillance functions. This request later led Qnap to launch its own NVR.

As a pioneering NVR manufacturer with a strong background in NAS, Qnap is able to meet specific surveillance requirements for product design and reliability. “Video surveillance equipment should serve as a useful and reliable tool for security guards, especially in forensic investigations,” Chiang said. “Product reliability should be key, instead of product specifications.”

Therefore, Qnap takes several considerations seriously to ensure reliability. For example, the most common cause of system failure of NVRs is from overheating. To ensure NVR performance and IT efficiency, Qnap adopts a fanless thermal heatpipe CPU cooling system. Other features are designed with usability in mind, such as a VGA/HDMI local display in a series of Qnap's NVRs. Solution for long-term recording is also taken into account.

Qnap will support its own NVR with a NAS device via network for storage expansion this April, and release more new high bay models, including 16-bay in the second half of 2013. In 2009, the company began to provide free multi-server monitoring that can support up to 128 channels by grouping multiple NVR servers for simultaneous monitoring. For large scale projects, Qnap will unveil a new easy turnkey CMS solution to manage a maximum of 1,024 channels collectively in May 2013. By connecting multiple NVR servers to a central management system, Qnap brings the convenience for surveillance and efficiency for system management over the network.

The strength of Qnap products is ease of use. “We provide an easy turnkey solution,” Chiang said. Qnap products can be easily set up in just six steps.

Qnap focuses on its own brand business. To penetrate project markets, Qnap provides timely and extensive support to integrators. “Knowing how to cooperate with local system integrators is key,” Chiang said. “Once you have won your first project, the second and the third will come along.”

Qnap actively looks for partnerships of third-party camera providers, who help promote Qnap to their clients. Currently, Qnap has a strong presence in the following regions: Japan, Europe, the U.S., Central and South America, and India.

Chiang is optimistic about 2013, which is expected to be a fruitful year for the mid-end NVR market as it has just started to bloom. He also predicted that eight-to-16-channel NVRs with high scalability will be standard for the mid-end market. “We now have the edge in the battlefield because we entered this market early on,” he said. “In my point of view, the same prospective outlook for NVR market will last for the next 10 years.”

Chinese city keeps streets under watchful network of 30,000 eyes

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 4/22/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Guilin, a municipality in northeast China, is expanding its large network of more than 8,000 existing cameras known as “Sky Net” to 30,000 cameras within one year. The city deployed Axis Communications fixed network cameras with low light sensitivity primarily for capturing images of license plates on dark streets, and city surveillance in alleys and areas with poor lighting conditions. Value-added distributor Beijing Xiaotong supplied the cameras for the project, while Network Science & Technology, a Guilin optic fiber manufacturer, provided fiber optics for the network.

According to the Guilin Police Bureau's “Social Management Video Surveillance System Construction Program 2012” Guilin police program, Guilin municipality planned to complete a network compromising of 23,000 video surveillance points in 2012, and build supporting infrastructures that consist of a video transmission network and a surveillance system platform, achieving interoperability, intermodulation and mutual control. The network is used to classify image data from sources, such as criminal cases, public security cases, traffic violations, city management violations and others to provide reliable image data that can be used to strengthen the integrated management of the city, to prevent and solve crime, and to manage unexpected disasters.

Each camera will have a range radius of 300 to 400 meters, with a 360-degree ring-shaped rotation. Video surveillance equipment is installed at traffic arteries, public security access points, public gathering locations, hotels, schools, hospitals and places with potential security threats. The fixed network cameras is mainly employed in locations with existing cameras, and where there is high incidence of unsolved cases committed in poor light conditions at night, including remote areas of the city and at the city fringes. The camera is able to effectively differentiate pedestrian body shapes, and the style and color of clothing, without the need for extra lighting. “This will provide more clues for night-time criminal investigation work, “ said Liang Gong, Guilin Municipal Public Security Bureau.

In addition, the camera's WDR has a glare suppression effect that can successfully suppress strong train headlights, and enable license plates of passing vehicles to be captured in real-time, laying the foundation for critical images of license plates meant for subsequent retrieval and accurate determination of suspect vehicles.

Axis' front-end products are able to seamlessly access the existing Keda security platform of Guilin's Public Security Bureau. The system is compatible with the original analog system, and the implementation of the “Sky Net” project has played an important role in the social security of Guilin. The police have relied on it to successfully solve more than 1,500 various cases.

Cloud-based services simplify security deployment

Editor / Provider: The a&s Editorial Team | Updated: 4/22/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

After entering a strategic, multiyear agreement with Microsoft, Genetec unveils its cloud-based security solution, aiming its services at the SMB sector. With this new product, Genetec launches itself in the cloud, and shares with a&s its goals and how the company plans to help its customers start their adoption of this new solution.

Having come a long way from the garage where it was first created 15 years ago, Genetec has grown into a global entity with 458 employees, maintaining strong and steady growth in every region where it operates. Pierre Racz, President and CEO of Genetec, started with a vision for IP video management which was originally seen as being “too disruptive” to the already established industry of analog video surveillance. However, his pioneering objective has driven Genetec to evolve beyond IP video to create a unified security suite that encompasses IP video surveillance, access control, and automated license plate recognition/license plate recognition (ALPR).

Genetec is a global company serving customers of all sizes in the retail, transportation, education, gaming, and government sectors worldwide. “With an initial focus in North America, we are now further expanding our leadership into other markets around the world. We are currently undertaking a significant expansion of our APAC, EMEA, and Latin American operations to support strong market growth and enhance customer support,” said Racz. The company has recently expanded its office to Singapore, Tokyo, Paris, and Dubai with training facilities and solution centers. Furthermore, new subsidiaries were opened in the U.K., Brazil, and Mexico.

Open platform in video & access control
In 2013, Genetec is continuing to see strong growth opportunities in all global regions it has targeted. The company is positioned to not only deliver the most optimized physical security, video surveillance, and ALPR platform for its customers, but also to penetrate new markets with its recently announced web- and cloud-based video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) targeted at SMBs.

Already pinpointing several strategic areas of focus, Genetec has started with planned updates and new features for its unified security platform. The company also plans to assist customers in migrating and upgrading their traditional analog video surveillance and access control to an IP infrastructure that offers a superior, unified, and scalable approach to physical security. This transition reduces excessive equipment costs and moves away from proprietary wiring and cumbersome architectures, helping simplify communications, surveillance, access control, and network ALPR systems.

Genetec also noticed a great opportunity in access control. End users continue to face being stuck with using proprietary hardware, software, cards, and readers since the cost of switching is high. Seeing an increasing need for open solutions for access control, its newly launched network door controller introduces an open architecture door controller with device and hardware flexibility, allowing customers to deploy industry-standard equipment from HID and Mercury that is integrated with the Genetec unified security platform. With this new controller, customers are able to modernize their existing installations, allowing them to transform their infrastructure to a fully network-based access control system while offering them the opportunity to also integrate video surveillance as part of the system when/if desired.

Migration to cloud
Leveraging the 2013 launch of its new web- and cloud-based product, Genetec plans to offer SMBs an enterprise-strength way to realize the benefits of a fully hosted VSaaS solution. Genetec recently partnered with Microsoft, engaging in a strategic multi-year alliance, to develop a hosted, cloud-based security solution that will include video surveillance, access control, and ALPR as-a-service, built on the Windows Azure cloud computing platform. This new approach combines Genetec's unified security platform with the global reach, scalability, and reliability of Windows Azure.

Unique architecture
Genetec's unified security platform, released four years ago, is designed as a data-center friendly architecture to address the vast and varied needs of its customers. The base of the architecture allows customers to centrally manage large numbers of cameras, door controllers, and monitoring/recording systems in a single system. Leveraging this strong technology foundation, the company's knowledge of physical security and thousands of deployed systems across the world, Genetec was able to put together a strategy to deliver a cloud based system to address the industry's desire for internet based solutions. Genetec's focus is to deliver a truly hosted VSaaS solution and to help its customers break away from having to manage on premise networked servers and infrastructure hardware.

Also unique to the Genetec approach is its ability to offer a hybrid system where its unified security platform can centrally manage satellite locations that are federate to the central system via the cloud. Instead of standing up dedicated servers in remote office locations, it is possible to connect these sites to the platform at the organization's security head office.

Utilizing the cloud, Genetec is able to remove the repetitive IT-centric work that can cause difficulties for integrators by delivering a system where they can focus on security needs, while leaving the IT requirements for Genetec to manage, especially as constant software updates make it a challenge for the integrators to stay up-to-date.

Security in the cloud
It is possible that some people may be uncomfortable with the idea of hosting their potentially sensitive video footage in the cloud. In order to address this issue, Microsoft has designed the Azure platform with security in mind, building in a number of different security features and mechanisms in every layer of the cloud infrastructure to implement a defense-in-depth approach. This includes Microsoft running Windows Azure in geographically disbursed data centers that are managed and operated with both physical and data security practices.

"We understand very well that people are worried about the cloud and the security of their data. We think that in three years time, about 10 percent of businesses will be hosting their video surveillance in the cloud. The rest will remain on premise. But of this 10 percent, we see both small and enterprise businesses leveraging the flexibility that the cloud offers," said Racz. If users need additional storage, to install temporary or satellite facilities, or are rebuilding facilities, the cloud can play an integral part in their security strategy.

Different product, different crowd
Genetec plans to continue developing its unified security platform for larger business and to concentrate on its hosted, cloud-based video service for the SMB sector. While suitable for all business verticals, the hosted video is especially fitting for the needs of SMBs, because it offers them the opportunity to realize the enterprise level video surveillance features at an attractive entry-level price point and lower cost of ownership. Customers need not invest in additional storage solutions at their physical locations or install other IT infrastructure, thereby eliminating many expenses. With the new cloud-based solution, Genetec customers can view live and recorded videos that are stored safely in the cloud from any laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The solution can also be quickly set up and federated to the unified security platform for any temporary installation, satellite offices, and remote sites. “The retail market is one very important vertical for our cloud offering in North America as we introduce this new technology, but literally any SMB entity will be able to benefit immediately,” Racz said.

Partnership
In 2013, Genetec is expanding relationships with a broader network of third-party hardware providers, including camera vendors, access control hardware vendors, and infrastructure providers. Genetec is committed to offering its customers' the most flexible solution, offering pre-integrated support for other important industry technology. Working with its integrator channel, the goal of Genetec is to deliver solution that will fit any job requirement and budget. “Our recently launched Genetec Infrastructure Partner Certification Program is designed to qualify and certify solutions from storage vendors and ensure optimal use with the unified security platform. This is a Genetec ‘In-house' certification program that offers Genetec customers additional storage choices, and warrants the most efficient configuration for their security installations,” said Racz.

The move toward ‘frictionless' security experience

Editor / Provider: HID Global | Updated: 4/23/2013 | Article type: Security 50

The move to a more “frictionless” security experience, meaning a security experience that does not slow users down, is one of the key trends HID Global anticipates will drive the industry in 2013, according to a recent HID blog entry bu Debra Spiler. One way to remove friction is to embed credentials inside NFC-enabled smartphones and other mobile devices, so that users needn’t carry separate cards, keys and tokens. This not only removes friction but also meets the need for improved cost and convenience. For instance, organizations can still benefit from the use of strong authentication as a primary security pillar, without forcing employees to carry a dedicated security token. Instead, the token is on the user’s phone, which can also be used to open doors and conduct other secure transactions.

To make this frictionless security experience a reality, credentials will be embedded into NFC-enabled phones, and identity management will move to the cloud.

Organizations will enable frictionless user login using both SaaS as well as internal enterprise applications. In a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environment, employees will be able to use their personal devices. Cloud security becomes a critical ingredient. While much of today’s focus is on securing the platform, it will also be critical to resolve challenges around provisioning and revoking user identities across multiple cloud-based applications, while enabling secure, frictionless user login to those applications.

HID Global has worked with pilot partners including Netflix and Good Technology to test some of these frictionless security concepts in the enterprise. The goal was to see how users would react to a mobile access control model, with cloud-based provisioning of digital keys and credentials. Both companies realized that people carry their phones everywhere and consider them to be almost like an extension of their ID (having conversations, conducting bank transactions, storing photos). This makes the devices an extremely convenient access control platform.
 
Frictionless access control requires more than convenience; solutions also must be easy to use. HID’s enterprise pilot participants found mobile access control to be as easy as using a traditional plastic card. Another requirement identified by pilot participants was a high level of device choice. This creates the need for widely available NFC-enabled phones and solutions that are based on open standards to simplify adoption, especially in a world of BYOD deployment and IT consumerization. Frictionless access control solutions based on open standards will also future-proof the access control infrastructure, ensuring that investments in today’s technologies can be leveraged in the future.

In addition to delivering the convenience and simplicity of frictionless security, the industry will also need to define best practices for managing and supporting today’s influx of BYOD mobile phones. Authentication from a personal device to an application on a corporate network or in the cloud will be critical. It also will be critical to ensure the personal privacy of BYOD users, while protecting the integrity of enterprise data and resources.

As we meet these challenges, we will deliver an increasingly frictionless security experience in a new era of cloud-based applications and services. This experience can spread rapidly as we take advantage of the smartphone’s on-board intelligence. Consider the possibilities for physical access control, alone. Today, approximately five percent of all facility doors have some sort of electronic access control. The rest are unsecured, or secured by a mechanical lock and key. When we let NFC-enabled smartphones serve as both the key and the rules engine that makes the access control decision, we could see more than five times that number secured and delivering a frictionless mobile experience in the future.

French insurer opens shop with budget surveillance deployment

Editor / Provider: Hikvision Digital Technology | Updated: 4/19/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Generali, one of France's largest insurance companies, recently deployed an economic IP-based surveillance system consisting of Hikvision Digital Technologies network cameras and Onssi VMS at its iconic new office Espace Seine in Levallois-Perret, Paris. Local system integrator Novadis partnered local installer Phibor to implement the system at the modern building built in 2000.

The insurer recently moved one of their divisions into the new real estate, and required a significant amount of renovations, including interior decoration, landscaping, energy efficiency and security. After making substantial investment in the building, Generali consulted Novadis for a security system worth the quality/price comparison to match and protect their new office, said Nicolas Jdanoff, Sales Manager of Novadis. In addition, the insurance company required a high-end solution to cover surveillance at entrances, exits, escalators, and office hallways of the facility used to conduct important affairs.

To meet the requirements, Novadis chose vandal-proof network domes and network box cameras. The less obtrusive domes were employed prominently throughout the office building. In addition, the dome's anti-vandal features prevents tampering and manipulation. In contrast, the network box camera design provides an obvious visual deterrent, while its two-way auto provides a tool to proactively deal with potentially unwanted situations. The two cameras 4CIF resolution gives security personal tools for clear imagery, immediately making apparent specific individuals and their actions.

“The range of Hikvision products…allows us to meet project specifications without mixing different brands,” explained Jdanoff. In the case of Generali, Hikvision's versatility and Novadis's commitment to integrated solutions helped increase security and efficiency, while reducing costs.

Napco reports high demand for home automation

Editor / Provider: Napco Security Technologies | Updated: 4/19/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Napco Security Technologies, recently reported high demands for home automation and alarm system products from dealers at a U.S. trade show. Other products that received great level of interest, included radio communicators, wireless lock systems, as well as physical security integration software, said Richard Soloway, Chairman and President of Napco. Soloway went on highlighting rising security concerns and other factors behind growing demands for these products in the security sector.

Napco's home automation app for smartphones and tablets enables home owners to remotely control alarm functions, lighting, thermostats and door locks, said Soloway. The company and its dealers will be able to charge end user customers additional recurring revenue over and above alarm monitoring for all these additional services. Future proof radio communicators that can be upgraded using plug-in radio modules to 3G, 4G or 5G radio services have also become a strong growth area as traditional dial up phone lines are being phased out in premises.

Electronic wireless lock systems and low cost mechanical door locks were also well received by dealers, added Soloway. The wireless lock system can lock down any section of a school, university or business facility with the operation of a remote control device/console located in the security or management office. Dealers also showed interest in physical security integration software that integrates all Napco alarms, radio controlled locks and access control into a single network.

"The timing is right for these products because security concerns have risen to higher levels”, explained Soloway. "Demand for security equipment is being driven by numerous factors including (1) stabilizing economic conditions, (2) concerns about crime and terrorism, (3) technology improvements which are enabling further market penetration and spurring a strong replacement and upgrade market, and (4) by giving security dealers an opportunity to trade up their customers monthly monitoring rates for additional remote service functionality."

Tyco Security/AD enhances Critical DVR line

Editor / Provider: Tyco Security Products | Updated: 4/19/2013 | Article type: Security 50

American Dynamics, part of the Security Products business unit of Tyco, has announced significant developments to its current ADTVR Series of embedded video recorders.

Even as the company continues its accelerated development of network video recorders and IP solutions, it recognizes the importance of answering the increasing demand from customers in the vast DVR market.

"As a leading global provider of video solutions, we have a responsibility to listen to the requirements of customers who rely on digital recorders for their analog cameras,” said Steve Carney, Director of Product Management. “Our ADTVR Series of embedded video recorders delivers quality recording for businesses looking to protect their facilities in an intuitive way without sacrificing key video management features.”

The ADTVR Series is offered in two models: a powerful 4-channel model (VS3) and an 8-and 16-channel model (LT2). Both have been re-engineered with a new chassis, motherboard and chipset to provide even faster recording times than previous versions.

Both models boast an intuitive interface, with easy navigation, instant playback, remote client software, advanced dual streaming technology, mapping, and more. Leveraging the powerful PoS text integration, retailers can connect up to four PoS devices to record, playback, and view video, ultimately helping them minimize internal theft and provide cost-savings for their business.

For powerful video management on the go, the ADTVR mobile app provides access to live camera views across multiple ADTVR recorders. Control PTZ cameras, bookmark popular 2x2 multi-camera layouts, save image snapshots and send email alerts on alarm with optional JPEG snapshots to any email-enabled mobile device.

Arecont Vision partners with Brazilian distributor WDC Networks

Editor / Provider: Arecont Vision | Updated: 4/19/2013 | Article type: Security 50

WDC Networks, a distributor of IP-based video surveillance, wireless and VoIP products in Brazil announced a partnership with Arecont Vision. WDC has pioneered the distribution of IP surveillance solutions in Brazil. In 2002, WDC developed the first public surveillance project using IP cameras over wireless transmission. WDC will promote Arecont in Brazil and FOB - Miami to more than 1,000 active resellers.

"This partnership comes at an interesting time, as we create a new sales division, specializing in projects that serve digital cities and public surveillance projects that require robust products. The Arecont cameras with 180-degree panoramic view and 12-megapixel with WDR meet this demand," said Vanderlei Rigatieri, President of WDC.

"Arecont is very pleased with the beginning of this partnership because we know the potential of WDC in the Brazilian market, and the quality of support offered to their customers," said Alex Mathieson, Regional Manager for LatAm, Arecont Vision.

Robust security technology will be important for projects like the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, as well as all the infrastructure development surrounding these events. WDC will feature Arecont cameras during the 120 Digital City Expedition visits throughout Brazil.