Remote monitoring security applications

Opening up new possibilities for competitive video surveillance deployments in retail, restaurant and small business applications, IDIS has launched a compact range of robust, high performance cameras and recorders. The IDIS Compact Solutions series is designed for rapid installations and both single and multi-site roll outs, allowing for the mixing and matching of analog and IP technologies, making upgrades and system extensions more affordable than ever. IDIS Compact Solutions The new line includes a choice of network and HD-TVI cameras and recorders, all of which are easy to install through one-click network configuration. A highly competitive price point comes without any compromise on IDIS’s signature reliability and performance, while hardened network security protocols provide complete reassurance against hacking risks. The new Compact Solutions line features 4-channel compact recorders that can be conveniently desktop or wall mounted, and for end-users and operators - including branch managers, small business owners and security personnel – the line combines high performance features with simple operation and a choice of client software. The IDIS Compact Solutions range is hard-wearing, making it particularly durable and perfectly suited for busy environments where reliable capture of high definition video images is important. IDIS Dome And Bullet PoE Cameras IDIS’s DC-D4212R dome and DC-E4212WR bullet PoE cameras are perfect for confined spaces yet deliver full-HD performance IDIS’s DC-D4212R dome and DC-E4212WR bullet PoE cameras are perfect for confined spaces yet deliver full-HD performance in live view and playback (including on remote devices such as smartphones) and come with motion detection, tamper alarms, zoned privacy masking, day and night ICR and IR LED up to 20m. A choice of four and eight channel IP or HD-TVI recorders allows fast and trouble-free installation and lets installers take advantage of existing coax cabling. The IP recorders also benefit from H.264 live view which eliminates the need to upgrade hardware peripherals. For highest performance streaming capacity, H.265 and IDIS Intelligent Codec compression deliver bandwidth savings of up to 90 percent, ensuring smoother real-time viewing and full evidence retention. “The new IDIS Compact Solutions line continues our longstanding tradition of market-responsive offerings, designed and developed in house to meet the real-world needs of our industry partners and end-users. This new line of fills an important need in the market, for high value, high performance technology from proven market leaders able to reliably meet highly specific requirements in vertical spaces, such as retail, and smaller business operations,” noted Keith Drummond, Senior Director, IDIS America. IDIS Total Solution As with all IDIS products the Compact Solutions range is backed by industry-lauded technical support and service, including the company’s global technical support operation, co-located with IDIS America’s regional headquarters near Dallas, Texas. The new IDIS Compact Solutions line is the latest offering in the powerful and award-winning IDIS Total Solution—an end-to-end, single sourced offering that delivers unrivaled plug-and-play simplicity (combined with highest-quality performance, compatibility, now featuring the longest recorder warranty in the industry), with a low total cost of ownership.

Two giant video surveillance companies have responded to a United States government ban on use of their products included in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Both Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company and Dahua Technology Company are mentioned by name in a section buried in the giant military reauthorization bill. A ban on use of their products will take effect “not later than one year after” the law is enacted. Response From The Manufacturers Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress. “This legislation was quickly drafted without sufficient evidence, review, or investigation to warrant the video surveillance technology restrictions outlined in section 889,” says Hikvision. “The process resulted in an ambiguous provision with potentially far-reaching implications for American business and represents a rejection of the U.S. government’s commitment to use a standards-based approach when evaluating security risks in federal procurement.”  Dahua was less direct and did not specifically mention the ban in its statement. “Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market,” says the statement from Zhejiang Dahua Technology Ltd. The rest of the statement centers on Dahua’s ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market and addresses possible motivations for the ban (see below). Impact On Contractor Business Dahua’s statement expressed its ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market Hikvision also cited a recent article published in The Hill that quoted Chris Nickelson, a Missouri-based contractor, who argued that a ban on Hikvision products would actually harm small American businesses like his. According to the article, Nickelson said allegations against Hikvision have hurt his business, and he decried a lack of evidence supporting the allegations. “Somebody still needs to show me that there’s any real meat and potatoes behind any accusations that have been made towards Hikvision,” Nickelson is quoted in The Hill. The rest of Hikvision’s statement: “Hikvision is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations and has made efforts to ensure the security of its products go beyond what is mandated by the U.S. government, including certification under the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 and opening our Source Code Transparency Center (SCTC), which makes the company’s source code available for review by law enforcement authorities and government agencies in the U.S. and Canada.”We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge" Company Statement On The NDAA Here is more of Dahua’s statement on the National Defense Authorization Act: “Dahua Technology is a global leading IoT video surveillance solution provider operating in 37 countries and dedicated to bringing our customers innovative solutions. Dahua Technology has been publicly traded on Shenzhen stock exchange market since 2008 and is not a government-owned entity. We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge. We have provided remedies to correct those issues with our customers. We take cybersecurity very seriously by implementing a seven-module cybersecurity baseline into our product design. Meanwhile, we continue to work with 3rd party partners like DBAPP Security and Synopsys Technology, to rigorously test our products to combat against current cybersecurity vulnerabilities."To personalize our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor" Dahua’s statement continues: “With over 6,000 R&D Dahua professionals, we strive to provide secure products and solutions to our valued customers to secure what they care about. Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market. We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market. "We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market.” Hikvision Comments On GSX Presence Hikvision has also issued a statement about its downsized presence at the upcoming GSX trade show (formerly ASIS) in Las Vegas. A Hikvision spokesperson confirmed that the decision to abandon Hikvision’s large booth presence was made earlier this summer and was not a result of the ban. Here is Hikvision’s statement about GSX: “As in previous years, Hikvision will be well represented at the GSX show in September in Las Vegas. To personalize our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor. Instead, a contingency of Hikvision professionals will attend the conference and host partner meetings and product demonstrations in meeting facilities throughout the trade show. "As a total solution provider, Hikvision looks forward to meeting with end users, A&E consultants, integrators and other partners to discuss how Hikvision's full suite of products can help address the challenges facing security directors and the broader C-Suite.”

Mivatek Smart Connect (formerly “Mivatek”) announces the signing of a partnership agreement with Asia Pacific Telecom (APT), whereby APT will use Mivatek Smart Connect’s plug-n-play Smart Home solutions and service. Mivatek’s mobile-cloud IoT platform and smart devices will form the foundation of APT's Home Guardian program - a DIY MIY Smart Home service available to 2.6 million APT's customers. The new APT Home Guardian program is the company’s first offering in the smart home arena. Home Guardian provides APT customers with a turnkey video-integrated interactive security, safety, and wellness service solution. Each system package gives users advanced ‘one-touch-to-responder’ features that allow them to make video-integrated protection and control with family, wherever they are. The collaborative protection design allows the user, their family members, caregivers, and even neighbors to protect their homes and achieve peace of mind. All Home Guardian systems can be easily expanded with additional Mivatek devices to cover security, safety and/or care capabilities Home Security And Safety There are three in-a-box starter packages available to APT customers. The entry-level package allows the user to create a basic Home Security system comprised of a Mivatek Cube Camera, two door and window sensors, and a hub for system control. All Home Guardian systems can be easily expanded with additional Mivatek devices to cover security, safety and/or care capabilities; the zero-pairing technology allows the expansion of accessories in seconds. Ultimately, these packages cover the areas that APT believe will bring their customers the most peace of mind: home security and safety; care of elderly to allow them to independently and safely in their own homes as long as possible (the ‘aging in place’ trend); and the care and safety of infants and pets. The creation of Home Guardian evolved as a result of APT’s desire to bring additional value and service to its cellular subscriber base, currently at 1.9 million and growing. The zero-pairing technology and the comprehensive capabilities of the Mivatek Smart Connect platform and associated devices, spanning from security, safety, care, and video, really impressed us" Cost-Effective Platform “We looked at a number of value-added solutions to make our wireless products and services more attractive,” said Oscar Kuo, APT Senior Project Deputy Manager. “The zero-pairing technology and the comprehensive capabilities of the Mivatek Smart Connect platform and associated devices, spanning from security, safety, care, and video, really impressed us.” Joe Liu, CEO of Mivatek Smart Connect, emphasized that this new project dovetails well with the company’s new focus on service providers, brand owners, and telco’s. “We are excited about serving global service providers and brand owners with our turnkey Smart-Connect-as-a-Service,” said Liu, emphasizing the company’s commitment to a private label and OEM business strategy. “We are also thrilled that a leading telecom and cellular service provider like APT chose Mivatek's Smart Connect platform. We made video-integrated Smart Connect easy, reliable and cost-effective, and we’re confident that APT and its customers will appreciate these advantages.” Additional Capabilities Of The Home Guardian System: Multi-point installation: Use a single account to simultaneously manage devices in different locations and monitor multiple locations at the same time. Collaborative protection: Five family members can be authorized to receive instant video push notifications and five emergency contacts. Service in tandem: Strengthen the home security/care function, connect hospitals, care centers & security operators in series, providing users with more comprehensive services. Privacy encryption: Multiple patented firewalls and anti-intrusion technologies protect the user’s image privacy and account information.

At ISC West 2018, visitors to the Genetec Inc. booth #26065 will be able to learn about the company’s new range of market-specific solutions specifically developed to address the needs of airports, cities, educational institutions, retailers, and transportation customers. “By leveraging the growing availability of valuable yet untapped sources of data, these portfolios create a host of new opportunities for organisations to find synergies between their security, operations, and business intelligence needs,” comments Jimmy Palatsoukas, Director of Product Marketing at Genetec. Genetec Citigraf is a decision support system ideally suited for law enforcement, emergency services, and public safety agencies Genetec Airport Sense At ISC West, airport customers will be particularly interested in looking at Genetec Airport Sense, an advanced operational analytics solution that correlates data provided by existing security sensors to produce actionable intelligence about passenger flow, airport security, and overall operations. Attendees will also be able to see how Genetec Security Center, a unified security platform, Genetec Clearance, a digital evidence management system, and Genetec Mission Control, a collaborative decision management system, are helping leading airports around the world heighten security, improve operations, and grow retail revenue. Genetec Citigraf Already installed in several cities around the world, Genetec Citigraf is a decision support system ideally suited for law enforcement, emergency services, and public safety agencies. Citigraf was first introduced in the city of Chicago, where it is helping to improve collaboration, shorten the first-response time of reported incidents, and significantly reduce crime. Featuring a powerful correlation and analytics engine, as well as a unified view of public safety operations, Citigraf instantly detects and displays relevant information from disparate systems for inter-agency collaboration. The proliferation of new surveillance systems, body-worn cameras, in-car video and mobile phones has created more ways to gather evidence, while exponentially increasing the quantity of data collected. A digital evidence management system, Genetec Clearance allows cities, police officers, investigators, and security managers to collect, manage, and share digital evidence from a variety of sources. To help solve challenges such as traffic congestion, roadway accidents, and parking scarcity, Genetec recently introduced Genetec Traffic Sense Genetec Traffic Sense The efficient flow of people, vehicles, and goods throughout cities and communities is a fundamental aspect of everyday life and business activities. To help solve challenges such as traffic congestion, roadway accidents, and parking scarcity, Genetec recently introduced Genetec Traffic Sense. This unified traffic operations platform brings together traditional traffic operations systems with security and incident response platforms and uses advanced analytics to detect road incidents and slowdowns, automates response, and provides operators with a consolidated view of events. Genetec Security Center And Mission Control Teaching, research, and learning happen best when faculty, staff, and students feel safe. With thousands of students and staff to protect, sprawling campuses, and emerging threats, campus security is often left feeling overwhelmed. Working together, Genetec Security Center and Mission Control increase situational intelligence and enable security personnel to prepare for, and effectively respond to, common occurrences and emergency situations. By unifying all aspects of campus security, such as access control, video, ALPR (Automated License Plate Recognition), communications, and intrusion, Security Center enhances the efficiency of campus police. Not only do they benefit from a global view of all their buildings and campuses, but they are better equipped to centrally act on threats at a moment’s notice. Genetec Retail Sense Genetec Retail Sense enables brick and mortar retailers to increase operational intelligence to enhance customer service Retailers today are behooved to gather and rely on the same insightful customer analytics that online merchants can harvest automatically. Security Center offers retailers enterprise-wide visibility of sales floors, point-of-sale (POS) and cash-handling areas, distribution centers, and parking facilities so that they can efficiently safeguard staff, patrons, buildings and equipment. When used with Security Center, Genetec Retail Sense enables brick and mortar retailers to increase operational intelligence to enhance customer service by transforming existing video surveillance content into powerful consumer insights. Genetec solutions are designed to help public transit agencies develop and maintain the most efficient operations and processes to provide passengers with positive experiences in a secure environment. When transit and security personnel manage operations from a single, unified platform, such as Security Center, they have easy access to all the data being collected by their physical security system. With this bird’s-eye-view of their environment, they can respond quickly and knowledgeably to any incidents as they arise.

Galaxy Control Systems, a provider of integrated access control and security solutions, is showcasing enhancements made to its Cloud Concierge cloud-based access control solution here at ISC West 2018 (booth #5089). The featured addition to Galaxy’s Cloud Concierge includes integration of LENSEC’s Perspective VMS and Launchpoint App, enabling users to view live or recorded video from virtually anywhere via web browser or App. “The latest enhancements to Cloud Concierge provides users with unprecedented control of their access control and video surveillance systems from a single cloud-based solution,” said Rick Caruthers, Executive Vice President, Galaxy Control Systems. “From the reseller’s perspective, Cloud Concierge provides them with the opportunity to expand their access and video surveillance offerings with a SaaS solution that is highly attractive to users who could not otherwise afford the capital outlay required to implement physical security solutions with this level of performance.”Galaxy Control Systems hosts over 300 access control system locations in the cloud controlling a total of over 1,000 doors Integrated Surveillance And Monitoring Cloud Concierge is a complete turnkey, cloud-based, fully hosted and managed access control and monitoring solution that integrates video surveillance, visitor management, elevator control, locks and turnstiles onto a unified platform. Three configurations of Cloud Concierge are available, including on-site user-managed, remote user-managed, and remote-integrator managed to best meet user’s specific needs. Since its launch in April 2017, Galaxy has signed on 33 reseller partners that have added Cloud Concierge to their portfolios, and now hosts over 300 access control system locations in the cloud controlling a total of over 1,000 doors. Live And Recorded Video Monitoring Cloud Concierge’s integration with LENSEC’s Perspective VMS and Launchpoint App provides the added ability to view live and recorded video via web browser or mobile devices. Available on a monthly subscription basis, the integrated cloud-based access control and VMS solution eliminates licensing and maintenance fees to provide resellers and users alike with a highly cost-effective and scalable physical security solution.

Qognify, the pioneer in big data solutions for physical security and operations, will be presenting a new packaged solution, Qognify ISM - Intelligent Security Management, at ISC West 2018. Qognify is introducing a Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) based solution, featuring pre- or auto-configured components, to minimize the time and cost of implementation, reducing the time for the security organization to gain value from this unified operational system. Compared to standard PSIM solutions, Qognify ISM takes away much of the configuration drain associated with complex PSIM projects. Newly introduced automation tools, provide simplicity for the operator and optimized security operation, after the implementation phase, generating much of the security value through smart technology, pre-configuration and adaptive integrations. Challenges Addressed By Qognify ISM Examples of the challenges which are addressed by Qognify ISM: Video verification configuration automated: Qognify ISM uniquely features automatic alarm-to-video associations, based on advanced technology, to allow easy verifications of alarms through visual validation. No longer you need to manually associate cameras to alarm sources of any kind. Qognify ISM, with its inherent intelligence, will do that for you. Smart data intake: security operators need to record information from phone calls, take resolution steps, and dispatch as needed. Qognify ISM provides standard procedures and intake forms based on common call types, enhanced by context-driven auto complete options, and by automatic incident geo-placement on the map, to simplify and optimize incident handling. Security subsystems advanced dashboards: most organizations have so many security sub-systems that it becomes difficult to keep track of these assets. With Qognify ISM, information such as sensor activity and failures are easily provided. Dashboards allow users to filter or expand this information for better understanding of maintenance issues, utilization of security subsystems, and overall performance. Management dashboards: overall organizational performance can be difficult to monitor while managing the emergencies of the day. Qognify ISM dashboards provide illustration of trends and data for organizational improvement by monitoring key metrics such as number of incidents, user activity, resolution times, and incidents location. Qognify ISM is part of Qognify’s Packaged Solutions, a library of pre-designed and pre-configured bundled solutions to address common and specific security-related challenges. Using the intelligent capabilities of the market-leading Qognify portfolio, including Situator, VisionHub and video and data analytics, Qognify Packaged Solutions provide organizations with access to powerful capabilities, with minimal installation and faster deployment.

Security for banks can be a real challenge when faced with a multitude of threats including: fraud, theft and physical attacks. One bank which is setting new standards in the Middle East, when it comes to the application of surveillance technology to keep its infrastructure, staff and customers safe and secure, is National Bank of Kuwait (NBK). This is thanks to the roll out of an advanced NetVu Connected CCTV solution from Dedicated Micros part of AD Group which is focused on the centralized monitoring of all of its branches and critical ATM infrastructure.Awarded the Best Bank in the Middle East 2010 accolade by EuroMoney, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), which was incorporated in 1952 as the first indigenous bank in the entire Gulf region, remains the preeminent banking institution in Kuwait as well as being an established banking franchise across the Middle East and supporting a large branch network, spanning 17 countries, including many of the world's financial and business centers.Dedicated Micros connection with National Bank of Kuwait stretches back over four years. The catalyst for the surveillance specialist being brought on board for this ambitious ATM protection project was the bank's dissatisfaction with the CCTV solutions it tested from other providers. A spokesperson for the Engineering Services Division, NBK, takes up the story: "We looked at and tested several brands of DVRs as potential answers to our pressing ATM surveillance needs before deciding to go ultimately with Dedicated Micros. The solutions that fell by the wayside were simply too cumbersome and complicated in terms of all the extra equipment (and software licenses) that would have been required to activate the functionality we wanted. This was in stark contrast to Dedicated Micros which was able to meet our needs based around an effective hardware-based package." Said Salim Idris, General Manager (Middle East), Dedicated Micros: "When contacted by NBK we were delighted to assist Kuwait's foremost banking establishment, not only were we able to demonstrate that we had the solutions available, such as the DV-IP ATM, that could address their specific requirements head-on, without lots of add-ons, but could also point to an unparallelled track record. To put our extensive experience, protecting the banking sector, into some sort of context, across the Gulf Cooperation Council area alone, we can now count 10 major banks - in Bahrain, Dubai, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia - as customers. Significantly, as our CCTV systems are embedded, rather than PC based, they are recognized for their stability - essential in the banking environment - whereas PC dependent solutions have a reputation for crashing without warning."ATM FocusLooking in more detail at the systems from Dedicated Micros which have been put in place at NBK, since 2006, to support the effective monitoring of vital local and overseas ATM related infrastructure. These comprise 28 individual DV-IP ATM units which are used primarily to protect standalone Automated Teller Machines, with numbers expected to rise as part of the ongoing ATM project. There are also 145 NetVu Connected DS2 DVRs, with typically two systems connected at each National Bank of Kuwait branch plus an associated RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) unit giving additional storage capacity to the existing internal hard disk of the DVR.This set-up offers redundancy and resilience to ensure any recorded video images are securely stored. In the case of the larger Dubai branch this combination was doubled up and four (DS2s and RAIDs) were installed at NBK's extensive Bahrain site. To help with the management of the geographically dispersed NetVu Connected CCTV infrastructure, at an early stage, Dedicated Micros was called upon to assist NBK in the setting-up of centralized monitoring from a control room. This was achieved by deploying NetVu Observer video management software to allow operators to seamlessly view distributed images from any NetVu Connected product.     DV-IP ATM units from Dedicated Micros have proved useful in making transactions more secure and safe  The robust DV-IP ATM units specified for the National Bank of Kuwait project are designed to work, primarily, within the confines of an Automated Teller Machine. Certainly the security challenges with regards to banking are most keenly felt when it comes to the safe operation of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) whose accessibility makes them a convenient target for card skimming, shoulder surfing, and even physical theft from customers. It is CCTV systems, specifically remotely accessible DVRs, that are at the very heart of efforts to deal with these types of threat.Combining Video and Transaction DataThe Dedicated DV-IP ATM, based on NetVu Connected technology which ensures its interoperability with other DM and AD Group systems, is able to process transaction data which is then recorded with video footage. Post event analysis, via a powerful text search engine, provides video imagery of the ATM user plus the associated transaction information. For NBK this allows security staff to deal with any fraudulent activity and ensures that customer services representatives are well placed to quickly resolve any genuine customer withdrawal disputes.Marrying up the DS2 DVRs with RAID units at every NBK branch, also facilitated the effective monitoring of each location including the in-branch ATMs not covered by the DV-IP ATMs. With, in this case, the cameras in the ATMs connected to the DVRs which had been specifically programmed to have the capability to associate transaction data with the appropriate video footage.The ability of both the DV-IP ATM systems and DS2 DVRs, deployed for the NBK project, to apply Dedicated Micros' TransCoding technology to record evidential quality MJPEG locally and simultaneously support low bit rate data streaming in MPEG-4 compression format for remote viewing has proved to be advantageous in keeping bandwidth demands on NBK's network to an absolute minimum. Of course local recording (including the additional capacity provided by the RAID units) has the added benefit that, even in the event of a network failure, recording is not interrupted or vital evidence lost. Adding-Up the Benefits  NetVu connected solution from Dedicated Micros has enabled National Bank of Kuwait to monitor all the branches Reflecting on the success of the project to date, a spokesperson for the Engineering Services Division, NBK, commented: "The NetVu Connected solution from Dedicated Micros we have adopted has given us the opportunity, for the first time, to monitor all of our branches remotely 24/7 wherever they might be and to cover a large number of ATMs (181 at the latest count) through the ATM transactions interface. We have been very pleased with the performance of the NetVu Observer viewing software over the past four years - which we are in the process of upgrading to Pick-a-Point Icon - as it has made it extremely easy to retrieve footage and to playback recordings over the network. With numerous cases involving ATMs reported on a daily basis and, with the Dedicated Micros' solution in place, we have been able to provide recorded footage, in a timely manner, to offer proof of what has actually happened. In practice, we have found the speed that video can be delivered across the network to be extremely favourable, for management and archiving, when set against the limited bandwidth provided."The distributed architecture of the solution has also meant that even, when there has been a network issue, critical recording has been able to continue unabated. Testament to this is the fact that since the start of the project no footage has been lost in this way. A major benefit we have also seen, in terms of cost of ownership, is the fact that from an Engineering Services' point of view the DVRs have been much easier to maintain, compared to what was in place before, and we have been very impressed with the stability of the DVRs in operation with zero reported failures. Alongside this the web-based configuration for the Dedicated Micros' systems has proved to be very intuitive."Future Plans Looking ahead, Dedicated Micros is working closely with NBK to expand the capabilities of the surveillance infrastructure. One key development soon to go 'live' is the implementation of the Pick-a-Point Icon multi-site video management solution in the bank's main control room to further enhance the remote monitoring of all of the bank's geographically dispersed locations. The uplift in functionality provided by Pick-a-Point Icon's more extensive features, compared to NetVu Observer, should greatly enhance the ability of the bank's security staff to manage and control their CCTV infrastructure.     Dedicated Micros has formed many of the building blocks for the success of today's CCTV industry From the start Pick-A-Point Icon has been designed to be intuitive for operators, simplifying and speeding up image retrieval. In future, operators in the main NBK control room will be able to select cameras using Pick-A-Point Icon's enhanced GUI (Graphical User Interface) via multiple map screens and highly detailed map images, allowing them to pick a camera on-screen without having to know which digital video recorder the camera is linked to. Pick-A-Point Icon is based around a robust standalone hardware based workstation, which eliminates the reliability issues associated with PC based systems - a key consideration in the banking sector.Closed IPTV InvestmentCommented Salim Idris, General Manager (Middle East), Dedicated Micros: "As the surveillance solution moves ahead, we are delighted that National Bank of Kuwait has confirmed that it will also act as a trailblazer for the deployment of our award winning Closed IPTV 'IP Video' solution. This follows on from the successful testing of the Closed IPTV version of the SD Advanced hybrid NVR/DVR, which will now be rolled out gradually across all of the bank's extensive branch network, making NBK one of the first customers in the Middle East region for this new solution."Essentially, adopting Closed IPTV systems such as the SD Advanced - in conjunction with a Layer 3 Enhanced CCTV Switch which provides greater security for less configuration effort than a conventional managed switch - makes deploying an IP Video, CCTV system safe, secure and simple. Combining patent-pending innovation with zeroconf networking technology, Closed IPTV automatically allocates IP addresses to IP cameras by physical port. In this way the system is completely deterministic, creating firewalls and monitoring IP connections by individual network ports so they cannot be hacked or intercepted. This ground breaking solution provides a very simple and secure answer to IP Video, where no prior knowledge of IP networking is required. National Bank of Kuwait is going to adopt Dedicated Micros' HyperSense APNR cameras for its car park management A further enhancement, in the pipeline for NBK, is the adoption of Dedicated Micros' HyperSense ANPR cameras for its car park management, in this case combining an Overview and ANPR camera, with alerts triggered by car park barriers to monitor vehicles entering and leaving a location. The sophisticated HyperSense technology built in to the cameras removes ambient light from the scene leaving only the objects that strongly reflect the IR light emitted by the integrated invisible IR LED flash to be displayed. The ability to eliminate glare from vehicle headlights delivers a more distinct image for evidential purposes and the black and white ANPR camera ensures that details of the numberplate can be seen, whilst the 'overview' camera allows this to be tied-up with other details such as the color of the vehicle.Banking on SecurityUltimately, National Bank of Kuwait, through continuing investment in the latest surveillance infrastructure from Dedicated Micros, has demonstrated a real commitment to not only be a leader in the banking services it provides but also, crucially, to back this up with the best possible levels of security for customers, staff, and physical assets such as the branch network and ATMs making NBK ideally placed to deal expeditiously with any form of criminal attack.

Gordon Buchanan, a freelance cameraman who sometimes works for the BBC, claims Bosch's AEGIS UFLED infrared illuminators have revolutionised night-time filming.Lost Land of the Volcano is a three-part nature documentary series that follows a scientific expedition to the island of New Guinea. During filming an international team of scientists, cavers and wildlife filmmakers ventured deep into the heart of the remote tropical island of New Guinea to explore a giant extinct volcano - Mount Bosavi. The team lived deep in the rainforest and searched for rare and endangered species.Using Bosch's AEGIS illuminators, the team found a previously undiscovered species of cuscus in the crater, where it has developed in isolation from its other relatives, in time becoming a sub species of the silky cuscus family. Identified as it left its daytime hideout and went in search of food in the forest at night, the Bosavi cuscus - which looks like a small bear - is a marsupial that lives in trees, feeding on fruits and leaves.Having struggled for more than a decade using what he describes as ‘Frankenstein' like lighting contraptions ranging from rally car headlights and hunting spotlights, Gordon has welcomed the advances in infrared technology that enable him to capture broadcast quality night-time footage. "Every lighting method I have used up until recently has had a drawback - carrying heavy acid batteries on my back and only having two hours filming power being just one of them," he says. "Now the team is able to access more remote areas as transporting compact infrared units is no longer an issue. The battery packs last for several hours and are interchangeable with our cameras."Field of view was another issue for Gordon. Historically illuminators have provided an uneven blanket of light causing ‘hot spots' in the captured image but, as Gordon explains: "The AEGIS UFLED units give the most consistent covering of light of any I have trialled. The distance the infrared light travels is also second to none. Whenever I am planning a shoot, Bosch's IR units will be one of the first pieces of kit in my bag."

It’s widely known that used copper commands a high price on the re-sale market worldwide; and it has turned out to be far higher than expected for thieves who broke into a recycling center in Denmark to steal copper-based cables. The thieves had taken action to bypass the CCTV system but ended up revealing themselves anyway, thanks to a Visonic RealAlarm™ visual alarm verification system – ending with their capture and arrest. Lars Ellesgaard, from ADI Denmark, tells the story: “AlmstenSikring, one of my customers, wanted to test the PowerMaster-10 security system with RealAlarm visual alarm verification at a recycle center that was being targeted by night-time thieves stealing cables in order to get copper,” says Ellesgaard. “The customer made a box for a Next CAM detector, so that the detector could sit outside on the building. We installed a PowerMaster-10 control panel with wireless connection to three Next CAM PG2 detectors. The panel is connected to our PowerManage server at the ADI central monitoring station, enabling our customer to receive alerts when the alarm is activated.” Security system installed in the right place, at the right time The action began right away, with an alarm activated on the first night after the system was installed. “In the alert that was sent in an email to the monitoring station, the team could see three thieves walk around in front of the Next CAM detector” recalls Ellesgaard. “The fun part is that the recycling center had a CCTV system on the building and on one of the video clips from the Next CAM, they saw one of the thieves with a covered face walk to the CCTV camera and tip it downward, remove the cover from his face, and then look straight up at the Next CAM (which got a good picture of him) and walk away. He thought the Next CAM was just a regular PIR detector!” Plans are underway to install Real Alarm at another five recycling sites around Denmark The thieves managed to get away that night, but their freedom was short-lived. “Two nights later there was an alarm again, and this time a guard and the police were ready and showed up with three dogs. Two thieves were captured in a little forest next to the recycling center and the third thief was captured two blocks away by the dogs,” reports Ellesgaard. ADI Denmark moved the Real Alarm system and three Next CAMs to another recycling center owned by the same customer. There too, thanks to the visual alarm verification system, three more thieves were captured, along with two girls who were waiting nearby in their getaway car. Having caught two teams of thieves red-handed, the recycling center management is planning to install Real Alarm with the Powermaster-10 control panel and Next CAM detectors at another five of its sites around Denmark.

Rye Meads is situated next to the River Lee on the outskirts of Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire. Visitors can view the various wildlife areas including reedbeds, open water, woodland and meadow, whilst utilising the observation hides to watch the wildlife close-up.Summer attractions include a colony of common terns that nest on specially made rafts in the lagoons, whilst kingfishers breed in an artificial sandbank. During winter, shoveler, gadwall and tufted ducks can be seen on the open water. With this diverse wildlife resource has come increased visitor numbers and RSPB management felt a comprehensive update of their original CCTV system was called for. By taking advantage of the latest developments in CCTV technology, they aimed to increase visitors' enjoyment of the reserve, as well as providing a surveillance tool for disabled visitors to view the full array of wildlife attractions available. To progress the upgrade, Rye Meads management turned to Ron Rigby of Aaction Electronics, whose experience of large outdoor systems would prove invaluable in the delicate installation of the reserve's CCTV system. After a comprehensive site survey Aaction Electronics specified Dennard 2060 dome cameras to cover the sixty-acre site. These were positioned on the outside of the hides (providing visitors with a view of the site in poor weather conditions) and on the manmade rafts in the main lagoon (giving an unprecedented close-up view of the nesting birds). Due to the geographical nature of the area, Ron was required to address many issues when specifying a transmission system to relay images from the isolated cameras. Minimal disturbance to the reserve was a priority both in the time taken to complete the installation and the civil works required. As multiple cameras were sited on the lagoon rafts, the video transmission system had to cross a large amount of water. The answer was provided utilising Network Video Technologies' (NVT) video transmission equipment and Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cabling housed within a waterproof casing. As an alternative to coax cabling, this brought several advantages, Ron Rigby explains: "The hostile nature of the reserve's environment required a robust and reliable video transmission method. With NVT and UTP we were confident of its performance under these conditions. In addition, the cost savings over a coax-based system were substantial, with the additional advantage of a quick and easy installation resulting in minimal disruption to the reserves visitors and its wildlife." Using NVT's Active Transmitters and Receivers meant Ron could draw on NVT's technical resource and support to achieve a perfect signal. As Ron explains: "NVT's expert help and technical backup was invaluable in a diverse and challenging project such as this, and their products' consistent quality of interference free image meant that we could be confident of yielding the same high standard of picture display for each and every camera." RSPB Rye Meads now own and operate a high-tech CCTV system that provides visitors with an intimate view of the rare birds and their habitat. The high-quality images provided on NVT UTP are distributed to a central control point onsite. They can also be viewed on screens within the public areas and worldwide, via a live IP link to the RSPB website.

With a history spanning over 180 years, University College London (UCL), is one of the oldest and most well known seats of learning in the UK. Secured with a CCTV system comparable in size to most town center installations, UCL's security management are now reaping the numerous cost and performance benefits of a NVT UTP Hybrid Video transmission solution, designed to cater for ever-expanding camera numbers. Today, UCL continues to be London's leading multidisciplinary university, with 8,000 staff and 22,000 students, from over 150 countries, and is proud to be a true global university and research center of world-renown. With a central campus located on Gower Street in the Bloomsbury area of London, the university continues to expand within new buildings located throughout the area. UCL's mix of faculties, spread over an openly accessible campus area, has provided the university's management with quite a challenge to meet the requirement for an effective security surveillance solution.  A primary CCTV system, consisting of 25 external cameras, was installed eleven years ago, covering the main pedestrian and vehicular routes on campus. Growing through the years via a series of expansions, 2003 saw the disparate elements of the CCTV network consolidated into a more focused structure. Paul Hayden, Control Room Manager at UCL explains: "By this time we had quite a large system connected via an ageing and complicated coax cable network. At that time, we wanted to add a number of cameras and relocate the control room, so it seemed an ideal point to re-evaluate the system's direction. With technical input from our onsite contractor, Trio Security Systems Ltd we redesigned the system from the ground up. Taking into account the long-term needs and tight budget constraints of both our new and existing camera network, we established that our needs would be best served through the installation of an NVT UTP video transmission system." UTP vs. coax Andy Halcro, Director of Trio Security Systems explains: "Introducing the use of NVT UTP video transmission meant the university would no longer be tied to the existing coax network that had become cumbersome, as well as difficult and costly to expand, particularly in view of the kind of additional camera numbers they required. "The university consists of several, historically important buildings, some of which date from the beginning of its 180-year history. Using NVT UTP meant we could harness the video transmission potential of the university's Twisted Pair cable infrastructure, already installed as part of its internal telephone network, but not fully utilised. This comprehensive network, which connects all of the university's buildings, is contained in underground ducting alongside other building infrastructure, such as power and data communication services. Capitalising on NVT's inherent interference rejection capabilities allowed direct connection to this network, with no interference issues from other services being experienced whatsoever. "During the relocation of the control room, it was important that images from each live camera incurred minimal downtime. Using NVT transmission we were able to patch images across to the new UTP network utilising NVT's rack-mounted receivers, keeping images streaming into the old control room, before we simply unplugged the relevant connection and reconnected it into the new control room facility. This afforded a seamless transition between the two, and meant the university didn't lose any camera footage throughout the system change-over period." Superior video LCD monitors show live high quality camera footage at the entranceways of UCL's main buildings Paul Hayden adds: "The process of unplugging the coax cables and instantly replacing it with NVT UTP transmission from the same camera really highlighted the difference in image quality between the two transmission methods. The NVT UTP images were noticeably sharper and a clear improvement over the previous coax based pictures." Using NVT technology to transmit video on a Twisted Pair cable infrastructure that already existed at the site also meant ideal scene coverage could be achieved for each camera, by affording exact camera placement within these historical surroundings, Paul Hayden explains: "By utilising compact and flexible UTP cable runs, versus the burden of cumbersome coax bundles, we were able to mount cameras in the best possible locations, even within the 180 years old buildings, where disturbing historical fixtures and fittings was just not an option!" Hybrid analog-IP solution "Images from each camera are transmitted to multiple NVT NV-862, NV-1662, and NV-3262 Active UTP video receiver hubs located in a purpose-built equipment room, adjacent to the new control room." Andy Halcro continues: "For the CCTV system's control and recording we made the decision at the start of the project to use a Pelco IP-based control system, but wanted to avoid the use of a total IP infrastructure and its associated limitations, such as equipment cost and control latency. This is where using NVT's UTP technology to provide a Hybrid Video solution gave us the benefits of both worlds, with none of the drawbacks, obviating the need for expensive and comparatively poor performing IP cameras, along with the latency control issues associated with an end-to-end IP network. The high-quality analog camera images received in the adjacent equipment room are now encoded and transmitted via a dedicated IP network, to the control room next door, where a team of two operators control and monitor the images via a video wall and spot monitors. Recording is provided by multiple DVRs, again located in the equipment room. "The system now covers all aspects of the university's buildings, many of which are Pelco domes supplied with NVT connectivity already built-in, making them very quick and easy to integrate. In addition, we now have a scaleable system, affording the ability to connect additional cameras in existing buildings to the ‘spare' UTP pairs installed. Being involved from the start with any new building works means we can specify dedicated UTP networks to be installed at the time of build. This kind of expert involvement right from the start of the project enables UCL to minimize the cost, whilst maximising the performance and flexibility of operation." Visual benefits Working in conjunction with access control and a comprehensive manned guarding team, the new CCTV system is used to protect students, staff and university facilities 24 hours a day. From the security control room, operators can access images from all campus exteriors and interiors, such as main entrances/exits, corridors, and refectory and leisure areas. "Thanks to the clarity of the NVT UTP video transmission based camera images, we can readily identify individuals from video footage, or forward prosecutional quality images if required, to the Police for further investigation." continues Paul Hayden: "The system is primarily designed to keep unauthorized people from entering the various campuses and buildings. As well as the safety of our staff, we have expensive equipment in many of the faculties, which could be targeted by thieves, so the extra ‘eyes' of the camera network are invaluable in assisting our security team, and give us an unparalleled overview of any areas of the site.   The new CCTV system provides 24/7 surveillance and operators can access images from all areas around campus "During the expansion of the surveillance system, both criminal and anti-social instances were reduced dramatically the moment new cameras were introduced, an effect that was particularly evident at the number of bicycle storage areas across all campuses. We believe this effect is greatly enhanced if the presence of the cameras is promoted effectively. That's why in addition to CCTV signage, we employ large LCD displays in the entranceways of main buildings. These show live camera coverage of the immediate vicinity and are a great way of reinforcing the quality of images we have available from the system. They also for example, provide a measure of reassurance for female staff leaving the building late at night, as they can check the surrounding area outside the building before they leave. "We also use the system to track vehicular movements around the campuses. With space being limited and having to manage quite a number of deliveries most days, it is important that we manage the onsite traffic movement in the most effective way. The system has also proved a great health and safety management tool in other instances too, such as within the clean environment rooms of our Nano Technology building, where the adherence to Health and Safety protocols is critical." The latest expansion to the system has included UTP video transmission runs of over 900 metres and uses the latest NVT Digital EQ hubs, sourced from Norbain. Andy Halcro enthuses: "The continuous self adjustment of the Digital EQ Hubs means as well as fast installation, any variation in video signal content is automatically compensated for. For instance, if university telecom engineers replace a section of old UTP cable across the university network, this can alter the signal received by the hub in the communication room, but with NVT's Digital EQ hubs, this is automatically compensated for, with no intervention being required by us, in the long term saving time and money on service call outs." As University College London continues to expand on, and improve its network of buildings, the NVT UTP Hybrid Video transmission solution will continue to provide the key to a high performance, cost effective and flexible future-proofed electronic surveillance network.

Established in 1923, Solheim Lutheran Home in Los Angeles is a non-profit nursing home that provides assisted living for seniors. Solheim Lutheran Home spans over two and one half acres and is home to residents from all walks of life, from former teachers to a World War II fighter pilot.Solheim Lutheran Home is a busy place. Licensed charge nurses are on duty 24/7 here and look after nearly 200 residents. They required a surveillance camera to help keep an eye on the residents. They had several requirements that had to me met. First, images had to be high quality, day or night. Staff had to be able to quickly ID a person. Next, the cameras had to be easy to use. Nurses needed to be able to do a quick playback and take snap shots with little training. Third, the parking lot had to be monitored. Car make and model, license plate and the surrounding areas all needed to be obtained.Several security solutions were considered. In the end, MESSOA cameras were chosenMESSOA cameras were handpicked for this job. They were chosen for their specific abilities.MESSOA NDR890 fixed dome cameras and NCR875 infrared bullet cameras installed outside to watch the whole street   With the Messoa cameras, the building perimeters could be closely monitored for increased safety The NDR890 was placed near the entrances to the building for wide area monitoring. Cameras covered every angle at the main entrance where a major street was located. The NCR875 was used for mid-range area monitoring.  These Messoa cameras were installed to watch the building perimeters including side streets and sidewalks. Most of these areas had little to no light. However, that wasn't a problem. The NDR890 and NCR875 could still see anybody who entered or exited the building and even track them down streets.Messoa NDF820 cameras were selected to be installed at the check-in points of the nursing home. They watched and recorded everyone who passed by these areas. Management at Solheim wanted a camera that was powerful yet affordable and packed full of features. That's what they got with the NDF820.Nurses found the MESSOA cameras simple to understand and operateAfter installation was complete, the nurses got to test out the new system. It was so simple that they hardly needed any additional training to learn how to operate the cameras. "It really is simple to use the camera software. I learned how to play back videos and take snap shots in less than 5 minutes. Most of it is common sense," explained one nurse.Nurses are satisfied with the ease of use. Management felt like they got the most bang for their buck and residents feel more comfortable knowing that their care has been given the utmost priority.