VIVOTEK Switchers & Switches

In 2017, DITEK saw how power surges from the many natural disasters that took place damaged many businesses. In a natural disaster, or even everyday business operations, a facility’s entire investment in security, life safety and surveillance systems technology can be disabled or rendered useless in a few seconds. Surge protection solutions can mitigate those risks and protect security investments. Proactive Approach To Risk Mitigation Throughout 2017, we also witnessed a change in how enterprises view surge protection, which included how investments are being made in surge protection to protect valuable security, life safety and surveillance systems, while also reducing downtime, manpower costs, liability vulnerabilities, and possibly compliance issues that can force businesses to actually cease operations. Effective security management is about mitigating risks. But risks cannot be mitigated without a proactive approach. Enterprises and integrators, who take the time to assess risk and to develop a strategy to incorporate effective detection, deter and response criteria to protect physical assets will be successful in 2018. 2018 And Beyond That strategy includes designing surge protection into new security systems, while also adding surge protection to existing systems. Enterprises and security integrators who implement a surge protection strategy during security planning processes – or after – will be exercising prevention and mitigation, and they will be successful in 2018 and beyond.  Surge protection devices have an untapped potential for enterprise surveillance and security systems In 2017, Ditek continued to offer security end users a solid surge protection solution. We also successfully educated system integrators, who are seeking value-added products or services to incorporate into their portfolios, on the importance of surge protection devices. Educating Security Integrators We believe that surge protection devices have an untapped potential for enterprise video surveillance and security systems, because they can and do meet safety and security challenges that have been rarely identified in the past. We are looking forward to 2018, when we will continue to develop new surge protection products – including a new product engineered to protect up to twelve individual fuel dispensers, which is critical to the financial operation of convenience stores. We will also continue to educate security integrators about the importance of including surge protection in the design/build RFP, to not only secure an enterprise’s valuable security equipment, but also to help integrators to differentiate their capabilities and knowledge from the competition.

Technology is changing the look and function of today’s security control rooms. Old-school CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitors are giving way to the thinner, flat screen monitors in the control room environment, but the transition is gradual. Randy Smith of Winsted still sees many control rooms that need to make the conversion, which is a boon to his company’s business. Furniture today is designed differently to accommodate the thinner monitors, often with larger screens. Need For Integrated Rack Systems With the increase of IP-based systems comes the need for integrated rack systems that include advanced functionality such as cable management, adds Jim Coleman, National Sales Manager, AFC Industries. Server rooms are environmentally controlled by cooling systems and power systems monitored on the IP network. Low-profile flat screens allow centers to utilize space vertically, thus creating a smaller footprint for the consoles. Additionally, with IP-based systems, workstations will have a smaller footprint because there is less cumbersome equipment. In most cases the servers are stored in a secured, climate controlled environment to eliminate overheating of the servers and maintain their security, says Coleman. This environment also helps with cable and power management. AFC builds technical furniture racks that adhere to the precise needs of computer network server room operators. The company designs and fabricates LAN workbenches with versatile functionalities, and server room workstation racks that are scalable. There is a complete line of IT workbenches, IT computer racks and computer server rack mounts with flexible mounting options. In most cases the servers are stored in a secured, climate controlled environment to eliminate overheating of the servers and maintain their security Flexible Control Room Designs Matko Papic, Chief Technology Officer of Evans Consoles, says the transition from bulky CRT equipment to flat-screen (lower profile) monitors was a major disruption in control room design; it changed the whole dynamic. Another evolution is the use of IP video streaming, which allows more flexibility in manipulation of audio-video content, and requires more flexible control room designs. Another shift, driven by larger, higher-definition monitors, is a shift to fewer monitors that display more information. Instead of a smaller monitor for each information stream, larger monitors now consolidate that information into “dashboard” displays. Looking ahead, control rooms will need to be more flexible, both in the initial design and the ability to adapt to changing technology, says Papic. Legacy customers who are currently using PCs may be moving to more remote applications. Sit-stand equipment will continue to be increasingly prevalent. “There will be more emphasis on flexibility, technology integration, and the ability to change over the life of the system,” says Papic. Consolidation Of Multiple Operations Into A Single System A trend in security is consolidation of multiple physical operations into a single system, says Papic. As a result, more customers are taking more interest in alarm management and situational awareness. How is the technology being used in terms of alarm triggers? How can the systems react rapidly and provide information to a larger audience in the control room? These questions impact how control rooms are designed, and Evans Consoles can adapt lessons learned from other markets to these trends in the security arena. Greater use of technology is inevitable, says Coleman of AFC Industries. “It is virtually impossible for humans to monitor all security data at the street level in our cities,” he says. “As computers become more powerful and their programs more all-encompassing, we will see a greater shift to robotic and technology uses that will provide enhanced monitoring capabilities and safety reactions.” Read our Control Rooms series here

The security industry will continue to see consolidation through acquisition in 2017. At the advent of IP camera adoption, we saw a great decline in large vertically integrated companies, which spurred a new era of innovation within smaller IP camera manufacturers, VMS providers and other hardware companies for storage and managed switches.   We are now living in a new era of consolidation that is taking us full-circle back to vertical integration. Ultimately, the industry as a whole suffers because this consolidation will stifle innovation until the next big technology disruption takes shape. Interoperability Across Different Verticals  This time last year, we noted that the marketplace was moving toward converged technologies and the need for alarm management across multiple platforms into a common interface, turned out to be a popular request. If anything, we are only seeing just the beginning phases of this transition. The biggest surprise is that interoperability is not only confined to security technology, but also extends to parallel systems such as building automation, safety and environmental controls, and even Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. Using Video Event Management Software (VEMS) alongside these intelligent platforms proves to be a valuable verification process for many new and exciting vertical markets. Arteco plans to continue the revenue growth and brand awareness achieved in 2016 Event-Based Video Security Software At Arteco, our highest growth sectors tend to be slightly insulated from economic fluctuation in the sense that we focus on securing critical infrastructure (electrical utilities and communications) as well as corporate and education campuses. Unfortunately, the continued growth in active shooter incidents have made physical security concerns top of mind for many organizations regardless of economic impact. The unexpected repercussions are that many new security technologies are emerging that cater to real-time event notification on both the macro and micro level. The exciting part of this trend is that users are leveraging a layered approach with multiple autonomous applications working together toward a common goal to improve security, which will hopefully ensure a high level of protection.  Business Growth And Challenges Business has continued to grow year-over-year, and 2016 was a huge step forward for Arteco not only in terms of revenue growth, but also increased brand awareness in the United States and abroad. Our biggest challenge continues to be the crowded VMS market, which is filled with lower cost or even free substitute products. We are making great strides in overcoming this challenge by having a wonderful team of people, both on the technical and sales side of the organization, who are focused on finding new and innovative ways to advance intuitive, open and affordable event-based and intelligent video security software into 2017. See the full coverage of 2016/2017 Review and Forecast articles here

CyberLink Corp., a pioneer of AI and facial recognition technologies, announced a strategic partnership with VIVOTEK, the global IP surveillance solution provider, adding CyberLink’s FaceMe AI facial recognition engine to VIVOTEK’s IP surveillance solutions. The new collaboration will be showcased in VIVOTEK’s booth (#SAD37) at Intersec 2020 in Dubai, January 19-21, 2020. CyberLink’s FaceMe AI Facial Recognition Engine will be integrated into VIVOTEK’s network cameras and back-end video management software, enabling security operators to receive accurate facial recognition alerts based on both blacklists and whitelists. “The demand for facial recognition is booming, driven by the latest IoT and AIoT innovations, and enabling a wide array of scenarios across industries such as security, home and public safety, retail, banking and more,” said Dr. Jau Huang, CyberLink’s founder and CEO. IP surveillance industry “Each application is dependent on the performance of the cameras used to capture faces. CyberLink is pleased to partner with VIVOTEK, a world provider in surveillance cameras, and to integrate FaceMe into VIVOTEK devices to provide accurate and reliable solutions to the market.” The image variability simulates real-world use cases where systems would be required to identify individuals “Founded in 2000, VIVOTEK has been dedicated to the IP surveillance industry for 20 years. Entering the era of AIoT, we will continue global partnerships to accelerate and enhance video applications by joining force with industry-leading analytic software providers,” said Owen Chen, Chairman of VIVOTEK. “By partnering with CyberLink, we are very pleased to see our partnership being elevated to a new chapter today, further enhancing our goal to provide advanced video value for users around the globe.” AI facial recognition engine Powered by deep learning and neural network algorithms, CyberLink FaceMe is one of the most accurate AI facial recognition engine. In a recent Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), CyberLink has ranked 12th among all participants in FRVT 1:1 (WILD 1E-4), confirming that FaceMe is a facial recognition engine. The NIST FRVT WILD 1E-4 dataset consists of faces extracted from surveillance camera footage or photos, encompassing a wide array of real-world situations including a range of capture angles, poor lighting, or partially covered faces. The image variability simulates real-world use cases where systems would be required to accurately identify individuals in multiple different settings.

VIVOTEK, globally renowned IP surveillance solution provider, and CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), a pioneer of AI and facial recognition technologies, has announced they have entered into a strategic partnership, which will integrate CyberLink’s FaceMe AI facial recognition engine into VIVOTEK’s IP surveillance solutions. The initial collaboration will be showcased in VIVOTEK’s booth (#SAD37) at Intersec 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  VIVOTEK – CyberLink IP partnership We are honored to partner with CyberLink, also a Taiwanese company and to adopt CyberLink’s FaceMe" “Founded in 2000, VIVOTEK has been dedicated to the IP surveillance industry for 20 years. Entering the era of AIoT, we will continue global partnerships to accelerate and enhance video applications by joining force with top analytic software providers”, said Owen Chen, Chairman of VIVOTEK. Owen adds, “We are honored to partner with CyberLink, also a Taiwanese company and to adopt CyberLink’s FaceMe , which was ranked one of the most accurate AI facial recognition engines in the NIST Face Recognition Vendor Test (VISA and WILD tests.)”  Facial recognition intelligence “Through this strengthened alliance, facial recognition intelligence will be integrated with VIVOTEK’s network cameras and backend video management software, enabling security operators to receive accurate facial recognition alerts based on both blacklists and whitelists. We are very pleased to see our partnership being elevated to a new chapter today, further enhancing our goal to provide advanced video value for users around the globe.”  “The demand for facial recognition is booming, driven by the latest IoT and AIoT innovations, and enabling a wide array of scenarios across industries such as security, home and public safety, retail, banking and more,” said Dr. Jau Huang, CyberLink’s founder and CEO. “Each application is dependent on the performance of the cameras used to capture faces. CyberLink is pleased to partner with VIVOTEK, a world leader in surveillance cameras, and to integrate FaceMe into VIVOTEK devices to provide accurate and reliable solutions to the market.”

In the new version update of VIVOTEK’s video management software VAST 2, several advanced user-centered functionalities will be unveiled. The new features include the Deep-Learning Technology Smart Search II, Cybersecurity Management Solution, and License Plate Recognition Integration. With this update, users can enjoy the intuitive interface of VAST 2 while achieving a higher level of management efficiency. Video Content Analytics Three new user-oriented benefits will be highlighted in VAST 2 : Smart Search II Building on Deep-Learning Video Content Analytics, the Smart Search II of VAST 2 allows users to quickly search for specific objects and people in the specified region. While enabling People Detection feature, only people-based activities will serve as event triggers. The security operator no longer needs to search through extensive footage for critical videos, thus improving both efficiency and effectiveness. Cybersecurity Management Solution Offering the complete end-to-end cyber security protection, the new VAST 2 is fully integrated with VIVOTEK cameras and NVRs and becomes a powerful cybersecurity central management site. The protection includes Instant Alert Notifications, allowing users to receive notifications automatically, and the Cyber Risk Dashboard to visually identify common types of cyber-attacks. In addition, users can filter attack logs according to a range of criteria, making it quicker to find abnormal events and take necessary actions to minimize risks. License plate data License Plate Recognition Integration Now, the new VAST 2 is fully integrated with VIVOTEK’s LPR/ Automatic Number-Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera, IB9387-LPR. Users can see the live images with selected information, such as confidence level or black list status, which can in turn become a trigger source in Alarm Management, making it easy to intelligently manage license plate data.