To start this week’s round-up, we begin with Wavestore, who has been chosen to upgrade the CCTV system of Citypoint, one of the City of London’s landmark buildings. At Oxford University Press, Integrated Security Design has installed Raytec’s RAYLUX Urban LED illumination to provide an eco-friendly lighting solution. In its latest report, IMS Research comments on the global growth of security cameras being sold through the retail channel in 2010.

In events news, Fujinon will be introducing its new 60x, day/night 2 megapixel resolution HD telephoto CCTV zoom lens at IFSEC 2011. At Counter Terror Expo, Vemotion Interactive will be showcasing its Rapid Deployment Encoder. Lastly, this year’s Tetra World Compress is set to take place in Budapest, offering a range of learning and networking opportunities. Read more security news…

To end the working week, we begin with Hikvision, who recently hosted ONVIF Technical Committee and Technical Services Committee meetings. At the meetings, ONVIF working groups advanced their efforts in developing specification of the global standard for interoperability of IP-based physical security products. Looking ahead to Counter Terror Expo 2011, CBC has announced that it will be showcasing its range of advanced CCTV systems and Procter Fencing Systems will also be at the show, demonstrating its high-security perimeter fencing and gates.

In the UK, Mul-T-Lock’s innovative Smartair standalone system has been supplied to the BMW showroom in Wollaston. At this year’s Luxury Motor Show in Nottinghamshire, Octavian will be providing complete security at the mega event. To monitor a number of custody suites, West Midlands Police has deployed an integrated surveillance solution from Visimetrics. Lastly, IMS Research reports that innovative video door phones are enabling residents to see who is at their apartment complex or front door from anywhere in the world. Read more security news…

To end the working week, we start with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), who has reported that following the second reading of the Protection of Freedoms Bill in the House of Commons earlier this week, many MPs are in support of the crime-solving capabilities of CCTV systems. For those interested in perimeter security issues, SightLogix has released an Outdoor Video Analytics Best Practices whitepaper which offers tips and practical advise for deploying accurate and cost-effective video security outdoors. TeleEye has adopted a new logo to strengthen its brand image and reinforce its core values.

In other news, Korean retail giants Home plus and Shinsegae E-mart are utilising HID’s FARGO HDP5000 high-definition printer/encoders to introduce a pilot digital gift card issuance project. Lastly, as part of a major upgrade at Huntingdonshire College, Guardian Security has selected SharpView from J2K Video to form the centre of a new enhanced CCTV security system. Read more security news…

On today’s news round-up, CBC’s Ganz C-AllView ruggedised PTZ and thermal cameras are helping the police to fight crime and track down criminals as they have been installed on a helicopter base. Basler and SeeTec have teamed up to provide an integrated video surveillance solution. In response to increasing market demand for its digital CCTV cameras, Lumenera is expanding its manufacturing facilities by 70-per cent.

In events news, Tyco Security Products will be unveiling a host of innovative access control, intrusion & video products from its security brands at Intersec, Dubai. Lastly, March Networks has launched Partner Connections - a new programme that provides their extensive Certified Solution Provider (CSP) community a greater competitive advantage in the marketplace through multiple sales incentives. Read more security news…

To kick off the first news round-up of the new week, Pelco and Gallagher have brought together their, respectively, Endura NVR and Cardax FT access control systems to create a bi-directional interface. Arecont Vision has launched a Reseller Partner Programme, which will “help systems integrators expand their business leveraging Arecont Vision’s leadership position in the megapixel IP camera market”.

Axis Communications has rolled out free online courses, allowing in-depth training at its Axis Communications Academy, while the Ertan power plant in Western China is now having its security handled by Infinova’s analogue CCTV system. And finally, SIA and CANASA have written a joint letter to Natural Resources Canada demanding that electronic security systems are exempt from energy efficiency requirements. Read more news…

This week, we take a look at different applications for surveillance systems.

According to Optelecom-NFK, CCTV cameras may be omnipresent in cities, but they are not used for detecting crime alone. Indeed, they are far more useful for ensuring the smooth operation of a city and its transport systems. This is further illustrated by the use of ASL’s IP-based public address system in the London Underground network. By now, over 130 LUL stations rely on ASL’s safety critical voice evacuation systems.

Also in London, Avigilon has installed a high definition megapixel video surveillance system on the Greenwich Peninsula, home to the spectacular O2 complex, in order to monitor traffic, as well as in the 2,350 capacity live music venue inside The O2. The security professionals are confident that they can achieve full coverage of the entire area. Read more news…

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On today’s mid-week round-up, we focus on security applications from around the globe, starting with an application in Thailand. The cement and mortar provider Siam City Cement has opted to upgrade its surveillance system with Aimetis’s intelligent video management software. At the port city of Bodrum in Turkey, Proxim Wireless’s WiMAX solution is helping to connect over 70 CCTV cameras.

In Norway, the national rail administrator Jernbaneverket is using ASL’s IP based public address solution to improve quality and intelligibility of PA announcements. Lastly, to facilitate comprehensive event monitoring across the breadth of diverse areas, the British Transport Police has chosen video management software from Synectics. Read more news…

In the world of security today:

Moving on from tradeshow updates, Dallmeier CCTV cameras go underwater for live coverage of Guinness World Records attempt, found out more…

And finally, Optelecom celebrates as it wins a major traffic management contract in South Carolina, USA.

Happy Friday! The weekend is upon us and to leave you with some informational snippets, we have a host of news updates for you to enjoy…

We start with LEGIC who are to secure the German House at the Olympic winter games with their access control technology solution.  At the Moonee Valley Racecource SALTO systems provides a state-of -the-art access control system. Raytec goes green by providing efficient Fusion IR illuminators at Vaisala fro 24-hour surveillance.

Last but not lease Chubb security have provided a comprehensive CCTV system protecting Manchester’s newly built Wright Robinson College from unwanted acts of vandalism, and boosting the school’s administrative function, found out more…

And the snow keeps coming down. Hope everyone’s been staying warm. The theme of new beginnings for the new year continues with HID Global’s extension of its iCLASS readers which can now be used by Dutch government agencies. Also, artec technologies AG and Teletec Connect will now be distributing MULTIEYE products in Denmark and Scandinavia.

Lastly we leave you with some food for thought. CCTV cameras may seem like a fundamental part of retail outlets these days but how effective are they really? Siemens Building Technologies discusses effectiveness in CCTV retail installations.