Peter Ainsworth

The high cost of thermal imaging cameras historically made their use more likely in specialized law enforcement and military applications. However, lower pricing of thermal imaging technologies has opened up a new and expanding market for thermal cameras in the mainstream. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the new opportunities for thermal cameras in mainstream physical security?

Video analytics are undergoing a fundamental change in the market as machine learning enhances their accuracy while expanding their capabilities. But what are those expanded capabilities and how are they impacting the operation of security and video systems? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What new video analytics are having an impact in the market and how?

The new school year is a good time to reflect on the role of security in protecting our schools. From video to access control to some newer technologies, our Expert Panel Roundtable found plenty to talk about when we asked this week’s question: How does security technology make our schools safer?

With the advent of online shopping, brick-and-mortar retail businesses are challenged to make transactions more convenient while enhancing the “experience” aspects that differentiate real-life shopping from the simpler route of clicking on a website. Technology is helping retailers create that differentiation, including technologies such as video systems, deep learning analytics and point-of-sale (POS) integrations that have evolved from innovation in the physical security market. For more insights, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What new security industry technologies are having an impact on the retail market?

Tyco, the security brand of Johnson Controls, launches a new video support portal which offers a comprehensive and easy to use one-stop resource for installers, system integrators and distributors who may require technical support for American Dynamics and Illustra video solutions. Visitors to the support portal are able to raise a support ticket for any product under warranty or use a Live Chat facility to instantly connect with a member of the video technical support team based at Tyco’s Centre of Excellence in Belfast. They are also able to participate in a Tyco video Q&A forum which provides the opportunity to share information with other customers, as well as register to receive regular product updates. Premium video solutions An easy to navigate technical library provides a wide range of support material An easy to navigate technical library provides a wide range of support material, such as installation and user guides, knowledge articles, ‘how-to’ guides and technical advisory bulletins, in support of American Dynamics and Illustra cameras, recording solutions and Video Management Software (VMS). “We believe that our premium video solutions should be matched with premium pre and post sales support services,” said Peter Ainsworth, VP Customer Experience Security Products for Johnson Controls. “In this respect, the launch of the new Tyco video support portal, which follows on from the successful introduction of the Software House portal, represents a giant leap forward in terms of our efforts to streamline how our customers are able to efficiently access all of our technical support resources, either from a desktop PC or via a mobile App.” Two-Way exchange of files The ability to raise a support ticket via the portal negates the need for customers to visit individual brand websites to report a troubleshooting issue or spend time queuing on telephone support lines. The portal also provides a platform for a two-way exchange of files and directories The portal also provides a platform for a two-way exchange of files and directories, which significantly enhances the ability of the Tyco support team to quickly diagnose and resolve any technical issues. Available in iOS and Android versions from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the free to download AD Support Portal mobile App enables users to access all the portal’s features via a smartphone or tablet. Real-Time sharing of files and images When installed on an iOS device, the App offers a number of additional time saving and practical features. These include: Live Chat: With Live Chat functionality available on the mobile App, as well as on a desktop PC, customers can trouble shoot video issues in real time via intercom with Tyco’s dedicated support team. Live chat and real-time sharing of files and images whilst an engineer is on site facilitates a quick diagnose and faster resolution of customer support issues. QR Scanner: Installation and user guides can be quickly viewed by simply scanning the QR code on a product’s packaging. Camera Configuration Tool: By simply entering a camera’s IP address, a systems integrator is able to conveniently configure or adjust the camera’s settings. Highest level of technical support “We are confident customers will be impressed with the functionality and breadth of support currently available at support.americandynamics.com, regardless of whether they access it via a PC or mobile device,” said Peter Ainsworth. “However, this is only the start. Over the coming months, we will be looking to take on-board feedback from customers to ensure the portal meets their requirements and is continually improved. We will, for example, shortly be adding our exacq brand to the portal. This will enable customers to experience the same level of support for exacqVision NVRs and VMS that they are currently able to receive for American Dynamics and Illustra video solutions. It is all part of our mission to offer the highest possible level of technical support.”

Video analytics are undergoing a fundamental change in the market as machine learning enhances their accuracy while expanding their capabilities. But what are those expanded capabilities and how are they impacting the operation of security and video systems? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What new video analytics are having an impact in the market and how?

SJohnson Controls introduces the Tyco 360° Radar Detection, a low-cost, early threat detection family of radar sensors that can be easily integrated into existing video management systems for a more complete surveillance solution. Tyco Radar 360° Detection solution An ideal answer for advanced perimeter security needs, Tyco Radar 360° Detection offers long-range protection, which means quicker detection of breaches for areas seeking upgraded perimeter safety, such as power plants, transportation hubs, critical infrastructure and other governmental, industrial and commercial sites. “The addition of radar for detection will help those with perimeter protection concerns take their situational awareness to the next level,” said Peter Ainsworth, product general manager, Video, Global, Building Technologies & Solutions, Johnson Controls. “And knowing it can be easily and cost-effectively integrated into an existing VMS for an end-to-end solution just enhances and simplifies the process.”  Perimeter Protection With a high level of power efficiency, onboard signaling and processing, and superior performance in all weather and lighting conditions, Tyco 360° Radar Detection ensures 24/7, 360-degree coverage for sites of all sizes. The radars will be available in 250, 500, and 1,000-meter range sensors, with accessories and management software also available for purchase. Using its slew-to-cue capabilities, the radar can point pan /tilt /zoom (PTZ) cameras to a targeted location for improved surveillance. It will also have the added benefit of quick installation involving less hardware, easy maintenance and a low false alarm rate.

Maciej Polak has been appointed the new Product Marketing Manager for Tyco Security Products Intrusion brands for the EMEA region. Maciej, who holds an M.A in Administration as well as an MBA from the University of Warsaw, is a seasoned sales and marketing professional. He has worked within the electronic security industry since 2002, during which he has performed application engineering and sales roles for Tyco Security Products and Visonic in Central and Eastern Europe. Most recently he has been responsible for presentations and technical training of the Tyco Security Products’ DSC, Bentel and Visonic intrusion brands. “We are delighted to have someone of Maciej’s experience to take on this very important role,” said Peter Ainsworth, Director of Product Management and Marketing EMEA. “Maciej will be working closely with colleagues throughout the region to ensure we continue to deliver the right products and solutions at the right price, together with highest possible levels of pre- and post sales support for our customers in the region.”

Foot traffic remained at respectable levels during Day Two of IFSEC International 2016 at ExCeL London. Attendees are bombarded with sensory overload as manufacturers look for new ways to stand out from the crowd. The result sometimes seems more like a lot of noise. Everyone is looking for ways to stand out from the noise of competing product features and claims at the show. One exhibitor, Tyco Security Products, is taking a different approach at this year's show, abandoning traditional emphasis on individual products and opting instead to focus on customer solutions targeted to end users. Tyco Security Products’ End-User Targeted Solutions Peter Ainsworth, Tyco Security Products' Director of Marketing for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), says everything at the Tyco stand -- from the layout to collateral material -- is built around the need to answer "so-what" questions from customers. "They want to know how we can save them money and make their lives better," says Ainsworth. A single brochure provides the "ultimate takeaway" for Tyco's visitors at this year's show; the "augmented reality" brochure has images that can be scanned with a smartphone to provide additional information, data sheets, etc. Tyco Security Products is also giving away a "magic cube" that can be configured as a cube showing Tyco's product lines, and then reconfigured into a multi-sided "star" shape that depicts various vertical market applications. There are "trigger points" on the cube that can be scanned using a smartphone app to provide additional information for potential customers, including videos. The design of both the brochure and the cube emphasize the message that Tyco Security Products understands customers' businesses. "This is where we see our product fitting within your establishment," says Ainsworth. "We take them through the journey at our stand." The brochure depicts the same journey and "helps the end customer understand what we can do for them," he adds. "It's not about intrusion, access or video, but about the total solution." "At a trade show like IFSEC, we are one of hundreds of stands," says Ainsworth. "We want something that people will remember us for. It's different and innovative, and reflects who we are as an organization." TDSi Gardis Access Control "At a trade show like IFSEC, weare one of hundreds of stands.We want something that peoplewill remember us for. It's differentand innovative. It's not aboutintrusion, access or video, butabout the total solution" In addition to getting customers' attention, some manufacturers have other agendas. Gathering feedback for product development is another way exhibitors can get the most out of IFSEC. For example, TDSi is previewing its new Gardis access control platform at IFSEC, including all-new, intuitive software that is easier to navigate, and a new hardware controller, both conformant to ONVIF Profiles A and C. Two years in development, the system will be easier to integrate with third party systems, using a REST-based application programming protocol (API). The new TDSi products are six months or so away from launch, and TDSi is using the IFSEC show to get feedback about changes customers might like to see as the software is fine-tuned; then it will undergo extensive field trials in the next several months. Getting feedback from potential customers is an invaluable tool for TDSi's development engineers, and IFSEC is an ideal venue to provide the feedback. "We can do an awful lot in three days that would take us weeks driving around in a car or flying around," says John Davies, TDSi's Managing Director. "It's a cost-effective way to achieve the same thing. Also, every year at the show we dig up a couple of projects that pay for the stand. This year we met with a customer that has 900 sites. We're in the early stages of talking with them about the new platform." IFSEC 2016 provides a first look at the new TDSi technology, which Davies says the company will introduce to the U.S. market by 2017, likely as a hardware component of an OEM partner's access control system. The open, ONVIF-conformant strategy makes it possible. TDSi has not been active in the U.S. market for 10 years or more; developing the open-architecture product is a favorable alternative to entering the large market with an older, "me too" product, says Davies. HID Global Seos And Mobile Access Solution Also at the show, HID Global introduced new high-definition direct-to-card printers, and showed its HID Mobile Access solution, powered by Seos. The company also emphasized integration of its Seos mobile credentialing system with time and attendance, fleet management and hand-held devices. There is a related managed services offering. A lot of buzz has surrounded Seos since it came on the market in September 2014, and currently there are several hundred mobile access systems installed worldwide, including hundreds of thousands of mobile identities in use in Western Europe and the United States. There have been several notable installations in the United States, especially among colleges and universities. HID Global is currently in the process of building out a "global wallet" in cooperation with chip manufacturer NXP, which is preloading its computer chips with Seos, usable for many applications beyond physical access control. At IFSEC, HID Global announced it has been selected by Vodafone Italy to modernize the company's physical access control system by providing a group of employees a mobile access solution across multiple sites and applications at the Vodafone Village in Milan.

Users will be able to access Tyco’s extensive range of BIM objects for security and fire protection products Tyco Fire Protection Products and Tyco Security Products will launch their own living BIM (Building Information Modeling) library from January 2016. Users will be able to access Tyco’s extensive range of BIM objects for security and fire protection products, including detection, mechanical and suppression solutions. The library will also feature the company’s BIM user guide to support architects and engineers, providing additional information about Tyco’s BIM objects. Raj Arora, Vice President and General Manager P.E., Fire Detection and Special Hazard Products at Tyco Fire Protection Products, comments: “The creation of BIM tools and families of objects is critical in supporting the technological advances in the design, construction and maintenance industries. At Tyco, we are already seeing demand for BIM. Our investment in creating a range of BIM content based on a selection of our core products means we are well placed to help designers, specifiers, contractors and engineers working within the BIM framework.” Improving Planning And Efficiency By increasing the amount of data available and making it fully sharable from building design through to construction and maintenance, the BIM process enables users to immediately access and interrogate objects and models, helping to save time and unnecessary costs. The technology will also enhance the accuracy of the planning and design stages of fire protection and security systems, improving efficiencies and delivering cost savings for the construction industry. Available in Revit format, Tyco’s BIM objects will prove invaluable to users thanks to the depth of information made accessible. The files will comprise a 3D geometric representation of the product and contain all details about its specification, including size, dimensions and materials. BIM objects for Tyco’s fire detection solutions will also provide further relevant information such as voltage, color code and electrical data. Translated versions of Tyco’s BIM files will be available during 2016. New Era Of Digital Modeling “This is an exciting time for the construction industry,” says Peter Ainsworth, Director EMEA Marketing, Tyco Security Products. “Tyco is ready to be part of the new era of digital modeling, supporting the UK government’s Construction Industry Strategy mandate that all public procured construction projects from 2016 achieve BIM Level 2. Thanks to its future-proofing ability, BIM can provide facility management information throughout a building’s life, making maintenance and repairs simpler and more cost-effective.” “Offering BIM objects for our security, detection, mechanical and suppression products will enhance the design process for architects and engineers, providing them with an abundance of valuable information to work more efficiently. A key feature of BIM when looking to install fire protection solutions in a building is the process’ spatial coordination capability. BIM enables multiple trades to integrate objects concurrently as if they were in a single model, therefore detecting any potential clashes which can be resolved in the design process ahead of the construction phase, saving time and money,” adds Raj Arora. By making its fire protection and security products accessible through BIM files, Tyco is helping the construction industry in its mission to reduce build and operation costs, lower carbon emissions, and save production time by 2025.

New video surveillance enables airport to manage both new IP cameras and current analog cameras on one integrated platform Tyco Security Products has announced that Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport in Izmir, Turkey, has chosen its unified security solution for managing live and recorded video and access control at its new 200.000 square meter domestic terminal and 2,500 space parking garage. Migration To An IP-Based Platform Working in conjunction with systems integrator Sensormatic Guvenlik Hizmetleri, airport operator TAV Airport Holdings and its contracting arm TAV-Ege selected the victor video management system along with multiple VideoEdge network video recorders (NVRs). The new video surveillance solution enables the airport to manage both new IP cameras in the new terminal as well as the current analog cameras in an existing terminal on one integrated platform. The VideoEdge NVRs allow multiple streams of video for live or recorded viewing, including alarm-based incidents. Embedded video analytics also helps the airport’s security officers easily identify and address suspicious activities in real time, including people loitering and objects/luggage left behind. VideoEdge automatically detects objects in certain areas where no people are present to alert security for immediate action, improving response time and simplifying the security operator’s job. “The migration to an IP-based platform was our main goal and we easily achieved that by continuing our relationship with Sensormatic and selecting Tyco Security Products on which to build our surveillance and access system,” said Adil Akkaya, Electric and Electronic Systems Coordinator for TAV Construction and Operation Co. “For Izmir Airport, the decision to go with victor as the primary platform means they can continue to leverage their existing infrastructure while stepping up to an IP-based system without missing a beat, ” said Peter Ainsworth, Director, EMEA Marketing, Tyco Security Products. Integrating CCTV And Access Control With C•CURE Platform Using the Software House C•CURE 9000 access control platform for security and event management, Izmir airport security personnel are now able to better monitor restricted areas in the terminal, along with customs and apron areas. The C•CURE platform also serves as the backbone for integrating CCTV and access control, so operators can view video triggered by alarms. The system also integrates with other key airport systems such as fire, public address and intercom. Founded in 1997, TAV Airports is Turkey’s leading brand in the global airport operations sector, operating airports in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Gazipasa-Alanya in Turkey, Tbilisi and Batuma airports in Georgia, Monastir and Enfidha-Hammamet airports in Tunisia, Skopje and Ohrid airports in Macedonia, Madinah Airport in Saudi Arabia and Zagreb Airport in Croatia. Its businesses include other airport services as well such as duty-free, food and beverage, ground handling, IT, security and operations.

Tyco Security Products, part of Tyco, the world’s largest pure-play fire protection and security company, introduces a significant temperature performance improvement to the Illustra Flex Series of IP cameras. These cost-effective, high definition video cameras give end users a better IP video solution in demanding, colder environments. Cost-Effective Installation The new 1 and 3 megapixel Illustra Flex Outdoor Mini-Domes will operate in -40°C to 50°C (-40°F to 122°F) temperatures using standard PoE (Power over Ethernet). Using PoE instead of a 24vAC power supply lowers the overall power consumption and greatly simplifies the wiring infrastructure necessary for outdoor camera installations. The new Flex outdoor mini-domes make installation more cost effective since there is no longer a need for specialized PoE+ network switches or separate 24vAC power supplies and cabling, saving customers’ time and money. “The Illustra Flex Series Mini-Dome IP cameras provide our customers with an affordable, yet feature-rich solution,” said Peter Ainsworth, Director of Product Management, EMEA, Tyco Security Products. “The new low temperature performance enhancements enable the outdoor mini-dome cameras to operate in the most demanding conditions using PoE power which is the preferred installation standard used by most customers.” Excellent Low-Light Color Video Quality Beyond the new temperature performance enhancement, Illustra Flex outdoor mini-domes offer excellent low-light color video quality with true day/night, integrated IR Illuminators and IK10 vandal rated performance. These affordable, high quality IP cameras also feature 3D dynamic noise reduction to provide clear, stable video while reducing storage requirements, varifocal lenses for maximum viewing area, and IP-66 rating to protect against water and dust damage. The Flex Outdoor Mini-Domes also offer a range of optional mount brackets and accessories making the cameras an attractive solution that can be tailored for almost any installation environment.

Increased processing power of DSP chipsets in cameras has created more opportunities to add value with Open Platform The BBC News magazine recently published an article online under the heading, 'The end of the CCTV era?'. The piece reported that some local authorities are questioning if further investment in video surveillance can be justified. So, is this the end of a long period of sustained growth for the video surveillance industry? Peter Ainsworth, Head of Product and Marketing for the Security Solution division of Samsung Techwin, confidently predicts that nothing could be further from the truth. “While over recent years Town Center monitoring schemes have represented a major source of revenue for all involved in the video surveillance supply chain, as a spokesperson for the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) states in the BBC News magazine article, public sector cameras are outnumbered by private sector cameras on a scale of 70 to 1. The private sector is continuing to invest in and rely on video surveillance to help deter and detect criminal activity, with the latest generation of high definition IP network cameras proving to be very popular among users who require evidence grade images. Open Platform ushers in a new era for video surveillance  The massive processing power of the DSP chipsets incorporated into latest generation of high definition cameras means that there are now some great opportunities to provide users with significant added value from their video surveillance systems. It’s a win-win situation for all parties, including manufacturers of cameras and recording devices who understand the value of working in partnership with specialist software development companies and it is certainly an opportunity for systems integrators and installers of video surveillance, whether they operate in the IT arena or are part of the traditional electronic industry. Endless Possibilities - Open Platform is a phrase that we will hear increasingly used. It relates to the opportunity to take advantage of the spare processing power of a camera’s DSP chipset to download and run edge based Applications in a similar way to adding Apps to a Smartphone, with the added bonus of reducing the need for dedicated video analytics servers by up to 90%. Most Open Platform cameras which are currently available can only run one Application, but the processing power of Samsung Techwin’s WiseNetIII DSP chipset provides customers with the option to run multiple Applications at the same time. "Most Open Platform cameras which are currently available can only run one Application, but the processing power of Samsung Techwin’s WiseNetIII DSP chipset provides customers with the option to run multiple Applications at the same time" Bespoke video surveillance solutions - Having the ability to utilize on board Applications creates opportunities for cameras to be used for multi-tasking, with various departments within a business or organization able to simultaneously collect and analyze valuable management information via different specialist video analytics Applications. It offers operation managers the potential to improve efficiency in areas such as process control, health & safety, marketing and human resource management, as well as enhancing the ability of security personnel to react quickly and effectively to any security threat. Retailers, for example, can use cameras with an Open Platform capability to integrate with other in-store systems, software and technologies, such as EAS, EPOS, Access Control, ANPR, facial recognition, people counting, heat maps and human resource data, to analyze customer traffic patterns, manage queues or understand the implications of customer behavior in relation to signage, store layout and promotions. Securing the Future Our team of design engineers are playing a key role in securing the future for the video surveillance industry by providing installers and systems integrators with the opportunity to offer bespoke solutions that meet the requirements of a range of market sectors. These include banking, education, healthcare, retail, transportation, etc., and indeed local authorities that want to achieve a higher ROI from their investment in town center monitoring schemes. ”

Samsung Techwin’s award winning open platform WiseNetIII network camera series has been successfully integrated with Milestone XProtect® video management software Milestone XProtect VMS is powerful, reliable, easy to use and proven in more than 100,000 installations worldwide. Based on a true open platform, XProtect VMS enables integration with the industry’s widest choice in cameras and best-in-class business solutions, such as access control and video analytics. All of the  1.3, 2 and 3 megapixel IP network cameras and domes with the WiseNetIII series have been integrated with Milestone XProtect, including the recently launched SNP-6320 which is the World’s first 2MP 32x PTZ dome and the 1.3MP SNP-5430, which can claim to be the World’s first 43x PTZ network video surveillance dome camera with intelligent auto-tracking. Samsung Techwin’s open platform WiseNetIII DSP chipset recently won the Video Hardware of the Year category of Benchmark Magazine’s 2014 Innovation Awards. The  spare processing power and open platform capabilities of the chipset provides users with complete freedom to choose their perfect combination of onboard video analytics, as well as video management software that best matches the requirements of individual video surveillance projects. “A key element of our product development strategy is based on the understanding that customers are looking for easy to implement and easy to operate integrated video surveillance solutions,” said Peter Ainsworth, Head of Product and Marketing for Samsung Techwin Europe Limited. “Integration with independently developed video management software such as Milestone XProtect is therefore essential in order to provide the option for the latest generation of Samsung Techwin WiseNetIII cameras and domes to be controlled and monitored alongside devices and systems produced by other manufacturers, as well as facilitate a gradual transition from an existing analog system to a full IP network based surveillance solution.” Samsung Techwin is a member of the Milestone Systems’ Camera Partner Programme enabling a tight collaboration with Milestone for developing new and innovative solutions.