South Africa News

Understanding the complexities of the transform matrix In the concluding part of this 3-part review of the H.264 video compression standard, Kate Huber, Peter de Konink and Piet Nieuwets of Siqura discuss the transform, quantisation and entropy encoding - various block-encoding steps following motion estimation. Describing data in the transform matrix In contrast to the motion estimation step, the transform phase in the encoding process is relatively similar in H.2...

Video analytics enables security teams to take action as soon as incidents occur  Video analytics can boost security efforts by automatically alerting personnel to take action when a security event occurs. Intelligent sensors never tire, can cover large distances and “see” what the eye would miss, even in absolute darkness. Based on such intelligent analytics, people can make smart decisions when actual violations happen. John Romanowich, CEO of SightLogix believes...

  Using card-based access control solutions alongside IT password management provides an additional layer of security A mandatory part of any organization's relationship with its employees is the requirement to set up a secure password, which allows access to important documents needed to ensure fluid day-to-day processes of the business. Ken Scotland, Sales Director at ADT Fire & Security, discusses the best ways to build a more secure modern day enterprise by co...

  Migration to IP-based systems is a necessary way to future-proof an organization To say that IP security offers myriad benefits will merely be stating the obvious. The value proposition of IP is strong, as can be seen from its growing adoption. However, navigating the road to IP requires careful consideration of many factors, from network infrastructure to physical security needs. Jeremy Kimber of Honeywell analyses the true benefits of IP and provides some insights on c...

Video surveillance systems can be used in a variety of ways within the mining industry The development of specialized, integrated video security systems for specific environments has vastly increased the benefits they deliver to users. However, the mining industry has considerable scope for exploiting the more sophisticated functions provided by integrated systems with data mining techniques which have added significant value in other business environments. In this article Jan de Be...

The NPS award is the 4th award the tailgate detector has won over the past year Sensing specialist IEE was honored with the best access control product award for its tailgate detector TDflex, an innovative access control solution based on 3D technology, at ISC West. The New Product Showcase (NPS), sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA), is held annually in conjunction with ISC West in Las Vegas to recognize the best security product innovations. This year's comp...

SightLogix showcases its outdoor video analytics system in this videoSightLogix, manufacturer of video analytics systems for perimeter security applications, is showcasing its automated outdoor video system at ISC West this year. The SightLogix solution accurately detects, provides assessment detail, and locates intrusions over large outdoor areas and site perimeters in the toughest outdoor environments. SightLogix systems are being selected and deployed for perimeter security projects for...

  Migrate to a better system by adopting an all-IP video surveillance solution With declining prices for IP cameras and advancements in video compression technology such as the latest H.264 compression standard, IP video surveillance is increasingly becoming the preferred security solution. The convergence of voice, video and data in the world of surveillance has truly  arrived, a fact amply highlighted by the projected growth of the network video market to over $2.6...

Avigilon, the performance and value leader in high definition (HD) and megapixel video surveillance systems, recently announced a new version of its popular Online System Design Tool. A powerful three step system design tool, the Avigilon Online System Design Tool allows consultants, integrators, and customers to create predictable and consistent surveillance solution designs by enabling them to quickly identify the appropriate video quality level and recommended camera, lens, and NVR combinatio...

MEL Secure Systems, the leading developer of surveillance and security solutions, has announced the immediate availability of Domehawk HD, a new rapid deployment CCTV solution.  Incorporating the latest mega-pixel technology, Domehawk HD is available with either a full zoom or fixed lens and will help cut crime and reduce the incidence of anti-social behaviour in a wide range of environments. Domehawk HD features a powerful day/night 5 megapixel camera.  It delivers compressed video s...

Optex Europe, the leading detector business, has launched the HX-80 (HX Long) - the latest in its series of proven BoundaryGard external sensors including wireless options with all the benefits of easier installation and dramatically reduced install times and costs.The HX Long, which is ideally suited to a range of home, business and rapid deployment applications, provides a multi-layered detection pattern covering an area 24m x 2m. The two separate Pyro elements, mounted one above the other, ca...

Image quality of objects in motion is greater with H.264 technology In the first part of this three part series, the authors described the H.264 video compression standard including its history. In part two, the authors discuss motion estimation, the phase during which H.264 really distinguishes itself from other MPEG standards. Differentiating from other MPEG standards: Adapting raster block sizes for more detailed images H.264 distinguishes itself from the other MPEG s...

Dr. Magnus Ekerot spoke about MOBOTIX's success and unique approach to marketing its productsMOBOTIX prepares to dominate IP security solutions with new products and foray into new market segments SourceSecurity.com attended the recent analyst briefing hosted by Mobotix AG at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel in Heathrow. Chief Sales Officer Dr. Magnus Ekerot, Project Manager Jorg Steuerwald, UK and Ireland Business Development Director Mike Lewis and International Marketing Director Peter McKee were...

Dan Eames, Operations Manager, receives the Project of the Year award on behalf of SeSys Ltd."Decentralised" MOBOTIX hi-res cameras a success, demonstrates partners at National Partner ConferenceSourceSecurity.com recently attended the much-anticipated MOBOTIX UK and Ireland National Partner Conference (NPC) at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Heathrow. The event consisted of technical and product releases, partner presentations, live demonstrations and the prestigious MOBOTIX Gala Awards...

In the retail banking sector, requirements for intrusion detection and related security measures are necessarily more stringent and more specialized than in most other areas of business and commerce.  Alistair Enser of Siemens Building Technologies Division, Security Products business segment, addresses some of these special requirements, and explains how they are being met by modern security systems. In the banking world, the threat of unwanted intrusions into premises leading to loss of...

Retail banking is facing increasing pressure from customers, investors and other stakeholders to take a proactive stance on safety issues relating to people and financial assets. Whether it's ATM robbery or bank hold-ups, safety is becoming a key feature of corporate governance.To address these issues reliably and cost effectively, retail banks can protect their staff and assets more effectively with Sony Network Video Monitoring solutions.Small, discreet IP cameras can be positio...

 SightLogix intelligent video systems offers cost savings and improved perimeter security to seaportOverviewOriginally, this major seaport had designed a perimeter security system calling for 80 megapixel cameras mounted 300 feet apart. However, several practical problems arose when the port security project went out for bid. First, much of the perimeter was in areas with little or no lighting, making the megapixel technology ineffective, while cutting down on each camera’s range, lea...

HID Global, trusted worldwide leader in solutions for the delivery of secure identity, and Wincor Nixdorf, the premier global provider of intelligent transaction and payment solutions for the banking and retail markets, have developed an ATM solution with an integrated contactless smart card reader. The jointly developed solution enables a single piece of equipment to process ATM and automatic fare collection transactions, enhancing customer convenience and efficiency.HID Global and Wincor Nixdo...

Overwhelming industry leadership of SourceSecurity.com confirmed by reputable Google Ad Planner See larger image  Graph showing unique visits statistics to corresponding websites in October 2010 (source: Google Ad Planner) See larger imageGraph showing average monthly unique visits from April - October 2010 (source: Google Ad Planner)The following websites DO NOT meet Google Ad Planner's threshold for monitoring, as their traffic is estimated to be less than 15,000...

One of the most important factors to recognize when looking at the security requirements of any airport is the vital role of integration.  If the potential solutions - be they access control, perimeter protection, intrusion detection, video surveillance or a combination of them all  - are considered in isolation, this will inevitably lead to gaps in the security provision. Command & control A central feature of this integrated approach is how to manage all the different inputs an...

  Taking time to evaluate some do's and don'ts before buying an IP network camera IP network-based surveillance cameras offer enticing possibilities. However, you need to evaluate several factors before deciding on the type of IP camera installation you'd like to go for.  For example, do you want full or partial IP? How much bandwidth? Simon Nash, Senior Marketing Manager at Sony Europe explains the entire process. Transition to IP surveillance Network cameras f...

Dedicated Micros will be showcasing its Closed IPTV products at Intersec 2011CCTV specialist Dedicated Micros - part of AD Group - will be using the Intersec 2011 exhibition in Dubai (16 - 18 January 2011) to showcase its Closed IPTV next generation, deterministic, IP video security solution to prospective customers from across the Middle East region and to unveil a wide range of Closed IPTV compatible products.The award-winning, zero configuration, Closed IPTV has been brought to market by Dedi...

 VideoIQ celebrates on its product highlights, partnerships and record growth in 2010VideoIQ, the leader in video surveillance innovation, today announced record results for 2010, more than doubling its customer base and unit shipments vs. 2009. VideoIQ's record growth was fueled by strong adoption of new products launched in 2010, including the iCVR-HD High Definition line of dome cameras with full onboard NVR storage, the iCVR standard definition line of indoor and outdoor dome cameras wi...

More attention needs to be given to wireless security technology Despite major developments in radio technology and increased demand in the market for new solutions, wireless systems are still not fully embraced by the security industry. Tony Makosinski of Honeywell Security Group asks why, and explores what the future holds for wireless technology. Although wireless technology -specifically radio - has been used in the security industry since the 1980s, penetration rates in...

Uwe Karl, BT Head of Airport Solutions at Siemens, addresses some of the security issues faced by airports Q: Can you tell us more about the security solutions Siemens has to offer? The main focus for Siemens is an integrated approach to airport security, one that seeks to recognize all the threats throughout the process rather than looking at them simply in isolation.  This means considering all the angles, from the perimeter protection of the airport through to preventing thefts f...

 H.264 has become the compression standard of choice in the security industry The rising popularity of the H.264 video compression standard has established H.264 as ‘the buzzword' within the video surveillance industry. With all this talk of the possible enhancements brought to the fore by H.264, Kate Huber, Peter de konik and Piet Nieuwets of Optelecom-NKF present the true benefits and shortcomings of this popular standard in the first of a three-part review.H.264...

The Tailgate Detector offers an enhanced security solution Luxembourg-based sensing specialist IEE has won the GSN Homeland Security Award for its Tailgate Detector, an innovative access control solution based on 3D technology. The award was issued by Government Security News (GSN), a leading US industry publication featuring content concerning physical, IT and homeland security. IEE’s Tailgate Detector won for Best Physical Security Authentication/ Identification Syste...

Environmental implications are important considerations in surveillance system designs Rising energy costs are compelling many organizations to optimize their computing environments. In fact, energy costs have quickly become the fastest growing operating cost, propelling many corporations to embark on new conservation and "green" initiatives. Marc Holtenhoff, CEO of Aimetis, explores ways to reduce energy consumption within video surveillance applications, that could pave the...

Security from Siemens is at the heart of an integrated solution for Montenegro's most exclusive hotel.  The Hotel Splendid Conference & Spa Resort in Becici near Budva required a complete security and communication package from a single source, with Siemens selected for what proved to be a challenging project. The hotel belongs to the Montenegro Stars hotel group - the first five-star hotel in the country and among the most exclusive in the entire region. It was erected on the site of...

The latest NetVu Connected Digital Sprite 2 (DS2) DVRs from Dedicated Micros - part of AD Group - are playing a pivotal role in helping US movie theater managers and owners to effectively tackle real world activities away from the larger than life figures appearing on the "silver screen".  These include anti-social behavior, employee theft and the occasional faked slip-and-fall. A leader in the application of this CCTV technology is Muvico, which owns 13 theatres in Florida, Mary...