Brickcom Network / IP Cameras

Today’s environment has evolved into something that according to some may seem unexplainable. But in the context of video surveillance, this is something that we understand. Allow me to shed some light and understanding in terms of security and why it truly is a necessity. Security is not a luxury, it is a necessity. An essential practice now peaking the interests of all businesses small and large. A video surveillance system is a cost effective option that does not require monitoring fees. As business slows, temporarily shuts down or closes, an increase in vacant properties is inevitable. This pandemic will continue to put severe pressure on many businesses around the country. With so many considered non-essential, it is really sad to see how many must shutter their doors and lay off employees. Keeping an eye out for suspicious activity using a commercial grade surveillance system that supports advanced analytics, may end up saving your potential customers thousands of dollars down the road. Demand for video surveillance and security products We can certainly draw on the conclusion that security is a “need” more so than a “want”. Times like this just further cement that thought process. In today’s economic spiral, people aren’t actively looking for lighting controls or home theaters. What they look for is a way to keep their loved ones safe, protect their homes, businesses and property. Video surveillance technology provides added security for you, your family and your business In my opinion, you will see video surveillance and security product sales skyrocket in the coming months and years. It has been reported that response times for first responders may be impacted as a result of COVID-19, leaving those with bad intent more time to ransack a property knowing that law enforcement may be slow to respond. Criminals will always take advantage of the situation. All we can do as a community is use common sense, stay vigilant through these odd times and watch out for one another. For some of us that may mean mitigating risks with technology. Affordable video monitoring solutions Having a solution that can quickly and securely share video footage may be the difference between identifying a perpetrator and becoming a victim. Ella, a video search platform developed by IC Realtime, makes every second of video instantly searchable and shareable, either with the authorities or your neighborhood social apps. Plus it is compatible with any RTSP streaming device. To wrap this up, it’s not about pointing out the obvious, it’s really about bringing awareness as to how technologies can be implemented to provide peace of mind without breaking the bank. Video surveillance technology is a way to do that and provide added security for you, your family and your business.

The safeguarding of premises through the monitoring of entrance and exit points has traditionally been a very manual aspect of security. Human operators have been relied on to make decisions about who to admit and deny based on levels of authorization and the appropriate credentials. The access control business, like many industries before it, is undergoing its own digital transformation But the access control business, like many industries before it, is undergoing its own digital transformation; one where the protection of premises, assets and people is increasingly delivered by interconnected systems utilising IoT devices and cloud infrastructure to offer greater levels of security and protection. Modern access control solutions range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification, right through to complex networks of thermal cameras, audio speakers and sensors. These systems, connected through the cloud, can be customized and scaled to meet the precise requirements of today’s customer. And it’s the ease of cloud integration, combined with open technologies and platforms that is encouraging increasing collaboration and exciting developments while rendering legacy systems largely unfit for purpose. Remote management and advanced diagnostics Cloud technology and IoT connectivity means remote management and advanced diagnostics form an integral part of every security solution.Cloud technology and IoT connectivity means remote management and advanced diagnostics form an integral part of every security solution. For example, as the world faces an unprecedented challenge and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause disruption, the ability to monitor and manage access to sites remotely is a welcome advantage for security teams who might otherwise have to check premises in person and risk breaking social distancing regulations. The benefits of not physically having to be on site extend to the locations within which these technologies can be utilised. As an example, within a critical infrastructure energy project, access can be granted remotely for maintenance on hard to reach locations. Advanced diagnostics can also play a part in such a scenario. When access control is integrated with video surveillance and IP audio, real-time monitoring of access points can identify possible trespassers with automated audio messages used to deter illegal access and making any dangers clear. And with video surveillance in the mix, high quality footage can be provided to authorities with real-time evidence of a crime in progress. Comprehensive protection in retail The use of connected technologies for advanced protection extends to many forward-looking applications. Within the retail industry, autonomous, cashier-less stores are already growing in popularity. Customers are able to use mobile technology to self-scan their chosen products and make payments, all from using a dedicated app. From an access control and security perspective, connected doors can be controlled to protect staff and monitor shopper movement. Remote management includes tasks such as rolling out firmware updates or restarting door controllers, with push notifications sent immediately to security personnel in the event of a breach or a door left open. Remote monitoring access control in storage In the storage facility space, this too can now be entirely run through the cloud with remote monitoring of access control and surveillance providing a secure and streamlined service. There is much to gain from automating the customer journey, where storage lockers are selected online and, following payment, customers are granted access. Through an app the customer can share their access with others, check event logs, and activate notifications. With traditional padlocks the sharing of access is not as practical, and it’s not easy for managers to keep a record of storage locker access. Online doors and locks enable monitoring capabilities and heightened security for both operators and customers. The elimination of manual tasks, in both scenarios, represents cost savings. When doors are connected to the cloud, their geographical location is rendered largely irrelevant. Online doors and locks enable monitoring capabilities and heightened security for both operators and customers They become IoT devices which are fully integrated and remotely programmable from anywhere, at any time. This creates a powerful advantage for the managers of these environments, making it possible to report on the status of a whole chain of stores, or to monitor access to numerous storage facilities, using the intelligence that the technology provides from the data it collects. Open platforms powers continuous innovation All of these examples rely on open technology to make it possible, allowing developers and technology providers to avoid the pitfalls that come with the use of proprietary systems. The limitations of such systems have meant that the ideas, designs and concepts of the few have stifled the creativity and potential of the many, holding back innovation and letting the solutions become tired and their application predictable. Proprietary systems have meant that solution providers have been unable to meet their customers’ requirements until the latest upgrade becomes available or a new solution is rolled out. This use of open technology enables a system that allows for collaboration, the sharing of ideas and for the creation of partnerships to produce ground-breaking new applications of technology. Open systems demonstrate a confidence in a vendor’s own solutions and a willingness to share and encourage others to innovate and to facilitate joint learning. An example of the dynamic use of open technology is Axis’ physical access control hardware, which enables partners to develop their own cloud-based software for control and analysis of access points, all the while building and expanding on Axis’ technology platform. Modern access control solutions range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification Opportunities for growth Open hardware, systems and platforms create opportunities for smaller and younger companies to participate and compete, giving them a good starting point, and some leverage within the industry when building and improving upon existing, proven technologies. This is important for the evolution and continual relevance of the physical security industry in a digitally enabled world. Through increased collaboration across technology platforms, and utilising the full range of possibilities afforded by the cloud environment, the manufacturers, vendors and installers of today’s IP enabled access control systems can continue to create smart solutions to meet the ever-changing demands and requirements of their customers across industry.

Large event venues spend significant resources on physical security, and the vast majority invest in video surveillance systems as a way of monitoring public areas such as parking lots, garages and seating, as well as “backstage” areas such as loading docks and offices. Even though the camera footage is often preserved for investigating incidents, for the most part, video footage goes untapped because – realistically – security staff cannot constantly and efficiently monitor cameras in real-time or review the high volumes of archived video. Video Analytics Powered by Artificial Intelligence Increasingly, event venues are overcoming this challenge and maximizing this video data by investing in intelligent video surveillance. In this article, I’d like to explore how the combination of traditional surveillance and groundbreaking video content analytics enables event venues to not only optimize physical security and safety, but also improve customer service, streamline operations, and gather valuable business intelligence. Deep learning and artificial intelligence-based video content analytic systems detect, identify, extract, and catalog all the objects that appear in video footage, based on classes and attributes such as gender, appearance similarity, color or size. This – along with behavioral detection, such as object interactions, dwell times, and navigation paths, as well as face and license plate recognition – enables searchable, actionable and quantifiable analysis of video. The technology makes it easy for users to accelerate post-event investigations, improve situational awareness, and derive critical business insights from video data. Accelerate post-event investigations, improve situational awareness, and derive critical business insights Accelerating Investigations and Real Time Response Where there are crowds, it’s not uncommon for medical or criminal incidents to transpire. In the aftermath, security teams must quickly understand the scene and, by making video searchable, video analytics helps them efficiently gather information or evidence from multiple camera. Whereas a manual search of video footage would require hours, if not days, of valuable time and staff resources – while being subject to human error – a video content analytics system enables effective multi-video search using a variety of filters, so that post-incident investigations can be focused and, thereby, accelerated. For instance, if witnesses claim that a man in a yellow shirt caused a disturbance and then drove away in a blue pickup truck, security could filter video to review instances where people or vehicles matching those descriptions appeared, and then focus their investigation on relevant video evidence. For the same example, if the perpetrator was still at large in the venue, security managers would want to track the person’s movements and, ultimately, apprehend him. Using the same cataloged metadata that drives video search, intelligent video surveillance accelerates real-time response to developing situations from threats and suspicious behaviors to emergencies, or even any behavior that requires closer monitoring or intervention. Something as mundane as an unwieldy queue forming at a concession stand, can translate into alerting logic that increases operators’ situational awareness and ability to effectively intervene when time is of the essence. By understanding developing situations in real-time, they can respond more quickly to prevent or solve a problem. Rule-based real time alerts Users can configure rule-based real-time alerts, based on specific scenarios – such as when people counts in the defined space next to the cashier are higher than the specified threshold, indicating a queue, or when vehicles are detected dwelling in a no-park zone or sensitive security area. In the case of the offender in the yellow shirt, security could configure alerts to notify for appearances of men in yellow shirts or blue pickup trucks within the event complex. If they’re able to extract the perpetrator’s face or license plate from the video search, security officers can also identify and track the specific person and vehicle of interest. Intelligent video surveillance users can compile “watchlists” Object recognition is helpful for tracking specific, identified threats, but it can also be leveraged for locating missing persons or vehicles or offering VIP services to guests who comply. Intelligent video surveillance users can compile “watchlists” – that include persons of interest, such as past agitators, recognized criminals or terrorists, missing persons or VIPs – to be alerted when matches for these faces appear in video. Face recognition can also be used to differentiate recognized employees from visitors that are not authorized to be in certain spaces, to prevent security breaches. Because camera conditions aren’t always optimal for “in the wild” face and license plate recognition – where lighting conditions or camera angles don’t always allow for a pristine face or plate capture – it is critical to have a comprehensive video content analysis tool for triggering alerts based object classifications and non-personally-identifiable parameters is critical. Optimizing Operations Based on Business Intelligence While having real-time situational awareness is crucial for proactive intervention to developing situations, understanding long-term activity and trends can be equally important for an events venue or stadium. With video analytics, video surveillance data can be aggregated over time to generate statistical intelligence, trend reports, and data visualizations for operational intelligence. This capability transforms video surveillance from a siloed security tool to an intelligence platform with broad value for business groups across the organization: Marketing departments can gain visitor demographic information for targeted advertising and product placements. On-site retailers can uncover how visitors navigate their stores and the products or spaces that draw the most attention. Property management can follow heatmaps demonstrating where visitors dwell and the durations they stay at certain exhibits or areas, to base rental and leasing fees on actionable and quantifiable intelligence. Operations managers can more effectively plan and hire staff for events, by analyzing visitor traffic trends, entry and exit points and occupancy statistics.   Video surveillance data can be aggregated over time to generate statistical intelligence For these reasons and more, event organizations that already rely on CCTV networks, should consider how to better leverage those existing investments to deliver substantial value across the organization: By making video searchable, actionable and quantifiable, intelligent video surveillance empowers event managers to enhance public safety and physical security, while also streamlining operations and improving customer service.

Wireless surveillance systems are attractive to customersas they are cost-effective and easy to install Various studies, market statistics and forecasts project growth for the surveillance market from 2016 to 2020. Besides needs ranging from traditional analog cameras to IP network cameras, more and more consumers also have a high interest in intelligent surveillance systems. Along with safety, these systems provide additional details for users in applications such as people counting and object tracking. As terrorist attacks become more serious, people and governments are eager to find solutions to prevent incidents and protect safety and property. Therefore, with the increased demand for security products, surveillance companies are pushing themselves to launch more innovative and higher quality products for customers to satisfy a variety of needs. Wired vs. Wireless Surveillance System Surveillance applications can be separated into two types – wired surveillance systems and wireless systems. An original wired surveillance system requires much more equipment to complete an entire system, such as switches and cables. However, wireless surveillance systems are attractive to customers as they are easy to install and also save the cost of wiring. Hence, more and more consumers tend to search for wireless surveillance solutions for their flexibility and cost effectiveness. What Are WiFi, 3G and 4G? Before introducing wireless surveillance systems, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the differences among WiFi, 3G and 4G. WiFi is a local area wireless computer networking technology that allows electronic devices to network without cords or cables. WiFi is based on the IEEE802.11 network standard, and different protocols will provide different features. WiFi mainly uses the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ISM radio bands. Meanwhile, the data transfer is protected and encrypted by WPA and WPA2 security standards, and the EAP authentication standard. WiFi could be the most popular wireless communication protocol, which can be used for indoor and outdoor applications. Differences between WiFi, 3G and LTE (4G) 3G is short for third generation, which means the third generation of mobile telecommunications technology. 3G telecommunication networks support services that provide an information transfer rate up to 700 kbps (3.5G uplink 5.7Mbps). Unlike WiFi service, which users access through networking hotspots, users of 3G must be subscribed to a service provider to get network connectivity. Most devices connect to the 3G network through their SIM card or a 3G data card. In contrast to 3G, WiFi has a distance limitation; the device must stay close to the access point to ensure network connectivity. However, 3G transmission is broader; as long as there is a signal, the device can connect to the network easily. 4G (LTE) is the fourth generation of mobile telecommunications technology. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution. It’s a term used for a particular type of 4G that delivers the fastest mobile Internet experience. 4G is ideally suited for services that demand more capacity, such as video streaming, mapping and social networking. Compared with 3G, users are able to have up-to-date information faster than ever, regardless of upload or download data. 4G means that a network offers peak data rates of at least 100 Mbps for high-mobility communication like users in cars or trains, etc., and at least 1 Gbps for low mobility communication such as pedestrians and stationary users. Wireless Surveillance System Advantages Wireless surveillance combines wireless transmission with network video surveillance to create a powerful solution that overcomes the challenges that prevent many people from installing surveillance and monitoring systems. These challenges can include distance, lack of network infrastructure, environmental conditions, and costs. Wireless systems can overcome these obstacles and work exceptionally well for monitoring separate building units or rural areas where there is a long distance between two sites. There are also numerous add-ons for wireless systems.   Wireless surveillance systems perfectly protect the structural integrity and maintaina building’s beauty without sacrificing safety Cost-Effective: Wire-Free Wireless surveillance systems are an undeniably cost-effective solution for the users, not only saving the material cost but also the time of installation and maintenance. Implementing a wired surveillance system can be a massive issue for installers and also extremely time consuming due to various challenges of placement. Therefore, a wireless IP surveillance system can offer a more affordable solution for the user, and this financial benefit can continue for a couple of years after the installation through maintenance cost savings. Building Protection And Aesthetic Wireless installations keep the building’s aesthetic appearance intact as users do not have to worry about wires and the means to conceal them. Instead, users can enjoy a safe environment with an aesthetic and clean placement. Wireless surveillance systems perfectly protect the structural integrity and maintain a building’s beauty without sacrificing safety. For users who have these particular kinds of surveillance needs, wireless solutions can perfectly match their expectations. Flexible And Scalable: Less Infrastructure Limitation For an environment that lacks a complete infrastructure, it would be difficult to build a wired surveillance system. Digging and burying a fiber network may not be desirable for all locations, such as historical monuments, farms, parking lots or wilderness. However, a wireless solution can conquer this challenge by using a wireless infrastructure for connectivity. Cameras do not need to be permanently located next to a wired network; instead, they can be set up anywhere as long as the signal can be reached. Moreover, wireless solutions are available for even the largest scale deployments, and are also available in ruggedised enclosures for deployment in all weather conditions. Meanwhile, the entire wireless surveillance system setup can be moved to a new location easily and quickly. Conclusion Consumers have more and more excellent options when it comes to wireless surveillance security systems. Wireless systems now offer complete functionality, flexibility, and ease of use compared to wired system. The innovative technology promises users a better and safer living environment, and surveillance companies will continue developing more valuable products and solutions.

AMAG Technology is proud to announce the release of the latest version of Symmetry CompleteView Video Management System. The new 4.6 software release is a powerful, scalable video solution that offers some of the best, most user friendly features on the video market today. Symmetry CompleteView 4.6 is compatible with the Symmetry suite of products offering the latest in integrated solutions for access control, video and visitor management. Symmetry products give customers a comprehensive end-to-end software platform so users can manage all their security needs while reducing risk and meeting industry compliance. Improved Features Known for its ease of use, Symmetry CompleteView 4.6 now offers a Thumbnail Search capability. Thumbnail Search generates chronological thumbnail images from a single camera, based on search criteria provided by the user. The user is able to search video for a selected camera in a specified date and time range. Operators can also choose a desired Thumbnail Count to be displayed on the screen, and use this highly efficient search capability to quickly locate images of video events.  Digital PTZ is also available when using the thumbnail feature, as well as taking snapshots of events for closer inspection or for sharing information.  Video events can be easily exported to a file, CD/DVD, or to a user created Export Queue used to export multiple video events in a single operation. Export Queue can contain video events from any camera on any server to which a user has access. In addition, the events can be from a single day, multiple days, or a span of days. The thumbnail video search capability is available from both the Symmetry CompleteView Video Client as well as the Symmetry CompleteView web client. Building upon Symmetry CompleteView’s user friendly operator interface, users will now have the ability from the video client to save PTZ Presets by user defined names for easy reference when calling a PTZ camera to a saved preset position (example:  N. Parking Lot, S. Parking Lot, N. Parking Ent., etc.). IP Camera Integration Symmetry CompleteView 4.6 also integrates with AMAG’s full lineup of Symmetry HD IP Cameras with support for advanced built-in Video Content Analytics (VCA).  The user friendly Video Content Analytics offers a cost effective solution by enabling the Symmetry HD camera to process and send video analytic alarms to the Symmetry CompleteView VMS. VCA alarms include: Object Appear / Disappear, Object Direction, Object Dwell, Object Enter / Exit, Line Counters, Object Presence, Object Stopped, Object Tailgating, and Camera Tampering.       In addition to AMAG’s full lineup of Symmetry IP Cameras, the Symmetry CompleteView 4.6 VMS integrates with an extensive list of IP camera models from manufacturers, such as: ACTi, Arecont, American Dynamics, Avigilon, Axis, Bosch, Brickcom, Hikvision, Honeywell, IDView, Immervision, IQinVision, Mobotix, Panasonic, Pelco, Samsung, Scallop, Sony, Toshiba, Vivotek…and more. CompleteView Design Tool The Symmetry CompleteView Design Tool Wizard was upgraded to include enhanced PowerDAS models, GuardStation Dual and Quad video client workstations, and the Extended Warranty options and Yearly Upgrade Program. Users can now select these options as they leverage the online Symmetry CompleteView Design Tool Wizard located on AMAG’s website. The Symmetry CompleteView Design Tool Wizard allows you to determine key design elements of your video security project. The design tool wizard will estimate the server hardware required to support your system design and will produce a printable report, either for a single server installation or for a multi-server/multi-site project. Results include: Required storage based on camera configurations Recommended server (or multiple servers) for Symmetry CompleteView software based on specified camera configurations Option to view with or without MSRP pricing and part numbers PowerDAS Enhancements    Available in North America, the powerful Direct Attached Storage (DAS) units may be used with the Symmetry PowerPlus and PowerUltra NVRs. The PowerDAS is a low cost, high capacity direct attached storage offering that improves density and performance for capacity-intensive video surveillance applications. New with Symmetry CompleteView 4.6, users will have twice the backplane speed (12 GB/s) for increased performance. The PowerDAS units are available in 11, 22, 44 and 66 TB RAID 5 usable video storage configurations.  Users can daisy chain up to two PowerDAS units to any PowerPlus or PowerUltra NVR.

OnSSI’s technology partnerships further expand the features and functionality of Ocularis At this year’s ASIS 2014 show, OnSSI is showcasing several innovative technology partnerships that further expand the features and functionality of Ocularis. Industry interest in the VMS platform’s open architecture and intelligent engineering continues to drive the development of new and exciting applications for Ocularis. “Technology collaborations provide users with higher levels of integration so they can better manage and control overall security. From its onset, Ocularis’ powerful engine has been cultivated to deliver a unified and intelligent platform to centralize a diverse range of security applications,” said Gadi Piran, President and CTO, OnSSI. “To realize this higher level of enterprise functionality, OnSSI continues to cultivate technology partnerships that yield new and expanded capabilities.” Partnerships featured in OnSSI’s booth include: IDentytech Solutions™ Ltd. delivers seamless management, operation and investigation of intrusion, fire, credentialing, video surveillance and IDM operations with on-the-fly video alerts and fast access to video and data using Ocularis. Razberi™ Technologies' ServerSwitch appliance combines an NVR, a high-powered PoE smart switch and Ocularis VMS and can function as a stand-alone recorder or as a distributed network of remote edge recorders centrally managed by Ocularis. Spectra Logic video retention products offer a cost-effective solution for recording, retaining and retrieving vast amounts of video for quick and easy search and playback via Ocularis at any time. INEX/ZAMIR License Plate Recognition (LPR) captures accurate digital information from a vehicle including license plate number, color, and make. IZ System fully integrates with the Ocularis platform and enables it with vehicle surveillance capabilities by providing instant notifications (alarms) for vehicles of interest and unusual driving patterns as well as LP based search for the surveillance video records related to the registered events. ImmerVision enables 360° video standard and delivers plug and play integration, full 360° coverage with no blind spots and immersive navigation of live or recorded de-warped videos on the Ocularis platform from major panomorph camera brands Sony, Brickcom, Arecont, Speco, CNB, UDP and more. Pivot3 hyper-converged infrastructure combines storage and server resources for surveillance into a single appliance. Pivot3 provides VMS failover, data protection, and 99.999% reliability to store and protect critical video data.