HD CCTV

KBC Networks will be present at ISC West 2020 with their industrial transmission and remote power solutions on booth 29093 from March 17th – 20th. Well known in the industry for their trusted fiber transmission solutions, KBC will highlight their broad range of fiber products, including their direct replacements for the discontinued IFS and Fiber Options legacy products. KBC’s fiber optic range offers multimode and singlemode solutions for static and PTZ cameras; industrial data systems including RS-485, 232 and 422 telemetry; single and multi-channel contact closure and Ethernet media conversion including Power over Ethernet. Digitally encoded video transmission Both the Mobile and Fixed Base Surveillance Systems are fully compatible with KBC industrial transmission products Solutions include simple point-to-point transmission links, self-healing ring, daisy chain and BUS to custom-build, multi-interface modems with provision for up to 128 real-time video signals plus other signals over a single fiber. The range supports video, audio, data, Ethernet, telephone, contact closure, DVI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI and USB, and features 8- or 10-bit digitally encoded video transmission. Designed for faster installation and to maximize product density, KBC fiber products are available in compact, wall-mount, DIN rail, 19” rack and cards for 3U or 4U chassis. Built to perform in non-conditioned environments, they are housed in industrially hardened casings and have extended operating temperatures. Mobile Surveillance Systems Also on display this year will be the newest Mobile Surveillance Systems (MSS). After successfully introducing the MSS at ISC West last year, KBC will debut a fixed base unit available for stand-alone design or multiple unit installations. This custom configured solution is ideal for applications requiring semi-permanent or mid to long term video, audio and data security. Both the Mobile and Fixed Base Surveillance Systems are fully compatible with KBC industrial transmission products, including the gigabit wireless and ThruLinkTM hardware-based VPN device. 

Mitsubishi Electric will launch the latest version of its high-end LCD video wall system at ISE 2020. The LM55P4 is the latest iteration of Mitsubishi Electric’s flagship 55” professional-grade LCD monitor, which has been successfully employed in a wide variety of mission-critical control room installations around the world. The LM55P4 offers a significantly improved visual experience when used in video wall applications thanks to the greatly reduced bezel width compared to earlier versions. At just 0.44mm, the obtrusive gaps between individual LCD tiles are virtually eliminated to create a near-seamless display. LM55P4 provides an attractive, high-specification and cost-effective alternative to DLP video walls where installation space is limited. Designed and built in Japan to the same exacting standards as its DLP rear projection systems, the LM55P4 is aimed at the most demanding applications where long-term reliability and low maintenance are key considerations. Built-in dynamic brightness controls The LM55P4 offers Full HD (1920x1080 pixel) performance and is rated for 100,000 hours operation. High brightness and contrast, together with an anti-glare screen surface makes it an excellent choice for small control rooms, breakout suites or meeting rooms. Built-in dynamic brightness controls ensure screens are always perfectly colour-balanced and tiling compensation ensures accurate screen geometry is maintained. LM55P4 is equipped with an OPS slot for extended functionality and features DisplayPort (1.2a), HDMI (HDR supported), DVID (with HDCP) and analog video inputs. Monitors can be daisy-chained together via DisplayPort to create simple video wall applications with no external controller required. Visitors to ISE 2020 will be able to see the new LM55P4 along with an extensive range of rear projection and flat panel displays, including a new 1.25mm direct view LED screen designed specifically for control room use. 

CES, the annual consumer tech show in Las Vegas, is the one of the biggest technology event over the world. As a professional company in the field of infrared thermal imaging, Guide Sensmart participated in CES 2020. New products such as T series entry-level thermal camera, handheld infrared thermal imaging monocular--TrackIR, and consumer-grade thermal imaging camera for smartphone--MobIR Air, which were released in 2019, also attracted a large number of audiences to experience on the show. GUIDE T120 Series Entry-level Thermal Imaging Camera is an affordable temperature measuring tool widely used for building diagnostics, HVAC inspections, electrical system inspections and more. It perfectly overcomes the shortcomings of the single spot infrared thermometers and helps work smarter, safer and faster. Infrared thermal imaging monocular Equipped with Guide’s self-developed 120x90 WLP IR modules, T120 series thermal cameras can display radiometric data of 10,800 pixels instantly which helps quickly detect large areas and pinpoint fault spots accurately. It can also easily save images and data, and download fast via USB, removable TF card or WIFI. In addition, GUIDE TrackIR Handheld Thermal Monocular also attracted the audience’s attention to look around and experience. In many western countries, it shares a large number of populations of outdoor enthusiasts at CES. Guide Sensmart's TrackIR handheld infrared thermal imaging monocular, which was launched in 2019, has won the favor of the majority of outdoor sports enthusiasts at this CES. TrackIR is a professional handheld infrared thermal imaging monocular, including 25mm / 35mm / 50mm three lens models. Infrared thermal imaging camera for smartphone TrackIR captures sharp thermal imaging throughout dynamic and rapid motion in distance Using 400 × 300 resolution vanadium oxide uncooled focal plane infrared detector and 0.4-inch 1280 × 960 full-color high-resolution HD display, the thermal imaging effect is excellent. Support smooth zoom, built-in stadia metric rangefinder, image quality adjustment, picture-in-picture functions. At a high frame rate of 50Hz, TrackIR captures sharp thermal imaging throughout dynamic and rapid motion in distance. It also supports connecting accessories to realize more functions. The Guide Sensmart's star product at this CES is a MobIR Air infrared thermal imaging camera for smartphone. MobIR is a kind of cellphone phone accessory which makes the cellphone phone into a thermal camera by plugging it into the phone. It has received unanimous praise from ordinary consumers and professionals in the past year after launching at the beginning of 2019. Breakthroughs in core technologies As Chinese companies represented by Guide Sensmart continue to make breakthroughs in core technologies, China's international voice in the field of infrared thermal imaging is constantly improving. Guide Sensmart is also actively participating in international exhibitions to take Chinese products out of the country and bring Chinese creation to all parts of the world.

Established in 1950 in a small chapel in downtown San Diego to serve San Diegans experiencing homelessness and poverty, Father Joe’s Villages has since grown to include a comprehensive campus and scattered-site programs that provide comprehensive housing and services to people struggling with homelessness in San Diego. The organization provides housing to over 2,000 people every night and serves more than one million warm, nutritious meals annually. In addition to offering hope to those experiencing homelessness in San Diego, President and CEO, Deacon Jim Vargas, and the organization’s senior leadership team made a commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for program participants, volunteers, and employees. Video Management System We selected Hanwha due to the innovation of their cameras and its overall solution being very cost-effective"  “The safety of our staff, volunteers and clients is one of our top priorities, so we initiated a new surveillance project as soon as we had someone on the team who had the experience to help with this type of project,” said Deacon Jim Vargas. In 2016, shortly after Frank Paredes joined Father Joe’s Villages as Director of Information Technology, the organization evaluated their physical security solution to determine how they could upgrade their existing collection of mix-and-match analog cameras to achieve an overall improved video surveillance system. After an RFP process and with input from security integrators JMG Security Systems and American Security Group, Paredes and his team chose to replace their existing solution with Hanwha video surveillance cameras managed by Hanwha’s Wisenet WAVE Video Management System (VMS). Network IR Bullet Camera “Our cameras were the best in class when they were purchased years ago, but we had an aging, disparate analog system and it was time to step up to a platform that was innovative and would bring us the latest in technology,” said Paredes. “We did our research and looked at several manufacturers. Ultimately, we selected Hanwha due to the innovation of their cameras which provide crystal clear images, but more importantly, Hanwha’s overall solution is very cost-effective.” For the Father Joe’s Villages deployment, they installed cameras from the Hanwha Wisenet Q series – including the QNO-7080R 4MP Network IR Bullet Camera, QNV-7010R 4MP Network IR vandal-resistant camera, PND-9080R 4K IR dome camera– as well as IP PTZ cameras including the SNP-6320RH. Father Joe’s Villages currently operates more than 400 video surveillance cameras across their facilities including housing, program, administrative, retail and warehouse space. Manage video surveillance The ability to customize WAVE to your liking with all of the different building layouts is also impressive" Paredes said they are very pleased with the WAVE VMS because it is so easy to use. Additionally, it has given them the capability to consolidate operations and easily manage video surveillance across the different locations. Even though blocks of cameras at each different facility might have a separate NVR, they unified the system via WAVE, enabling them to call up cameras from any of the locations throughout their campus and scattered site locations. “Wisenet WAVE has an outstanding user interface which makes it extremely easy to operate for all our users. We are all very happy with it,” said Paredes. “Whether they’re beginners, intermediate, or advanced users, it’s just as easy to manage because it’s all drag and drop. The ability to customize WAVE to your liking with all of the different building layouts is also impressive. It’s just a well-thought-out video management system.” Video surveillance cameras Paredes said in addition to ease of use, cost was a determining factor in choosing WAVE to manage their video surveillance cameras. “We like that with our Hanwha camera solution we only pay a one-time license fee per camera for the WAVE VMS,” he said. “I’ve had experiences with other VMS providers that require users to pay an annual licensing fee every year or have astronomical recurring costs—that made those types of solutions unaffordable for us.” Paredes and his team installed and maintain the system, while security personnel view the cameras from an upgraded 24/7 control center outfitted with several large monitors. If the surveillance team sees something of concern in a certain location, they dispatch security personnel to investigate. Security solution The Hanwha camera and WAVE VMS solution have provided us both outstanding quality and affordability Father Joe’s Villages developed a CCTV policy for governance, which allows their security department – along with the legal department – to manage requests from throughout the organization to review footage in the event of an incident. Because they have been so impressed with the Hanwha solution, Paredes and his IT team completed the Hanwha training and earned certification. As a result, they can design, implement and support Hanwha cameras internally which means they do not have to rely on the cost and time associated with depending on a third party. “Earning Hanwha certification was a great move that we made to be more efficient in the operations of our security solution and to show our commitment to Hanwha and to the product we’ve invested in,” he said. Quality and affordability Father Joe’s Villages will soon break ground on an exciting addition – a high rise building that will double their affordable housing inventory by adding 407 units and additional program and administrative offices. This expansion will call for the addition of 250-plus cameras to their existing video surveillance system. Paredes said they plan to add Hanwha cameras that feature analytics as they expand the system to the new facility. “Being a nonprofit organization, cost is very important, but we can’t sacrifice quality when it comes to security,” said Paredes. “The Hanwha camera and WAVE VMS solution we have installed have provided us both outstanding quality and affordability. The pictures we get from the cameras – the vividness and the colors – are just phenomenal. We are grateful to have a solution that provides our community with a top-notch security solution.”

Paxton has announced the integration of its networked access control system, Net2, with Hanwha Techwin’s newest video management system, Wisenet WAVE. The integration means Net2 users are able to instantly view event-driven video captured by high-definition IP network cameras connected to Wisenet WAVE. Available via a free Net2 plug-in, the integration also allows users to visually verify anyone attempting to gain access to a site, as well as provide video verification of alarm incidents from within the Net2 Client software. Video surveillance cameras The plug-in simplifies the process of integrating the two systems and offers an improved graphical user interface (GUI), offering live, replay and exporting of associated video surveillance cameras directly in the Net2 Client application. The plug-in supports Net2 versions 5 and 6 and is available from Hanwha Techwin’s Technical Support free of charge. Wisenet solutions are specified alongside Net2 and offers full advantage of their IP network-based access control" Gareth O’Hara, Paxton’s Chief Sales Officer, said: “We put our core values of simplicity and quality at the heart of everything we do, to provide our customers with a world-class service. It’s a pleasure to work with Hanwha Techwin, who share our values of providing a simple yet powerful user experience. This integration offers customers an enhanced functionality, so they can get even more out of our market-leading Net2 system.” IP network-based access control Uri Guterman, Head of Product & Marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe, said: “Wisenet solutions are now regularly being specified alongside Net2 and we believe, therefore, that this integration offers real-life practical benefits to users who wish to take full advantage of their IP network-based access control and video surveillance systems.” Net2 is Paxton’s networked access control system. It can be administered using one or more PCs and can be monitored and managed from a central location. It is a complete solution that encompasses wireless and door entry. Motion detection and video analytics Wisenet WAVE is designed to make it almost effortless to monitor up to 64 high-definition video streams. An auto-discover feature ensures connected cameras and third-party IP network devices can be addressed and set up in just minutes. An intuitive ‘drag & drop’ tool makes it easy to set up a display of live and recorded images on a single screen or video wall, with customizable layouts and sizes. Other key features include a virtual PTZ which, with just a click of the mouse, enables operators to zoom in to see close-up detail of any suspicious activity, while motion detection and video analytics support can be configured to generate alerts when user-defined incidents occur.

The Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza, located in the heart of Philadelphia, is a living testament and tribute to the victims of the atrocities of the Holocaust. The goal of the Memorial Plaza is to educate visitors on this shameful time in history and compel them to work towards a world of tolerance and enlightenment wherein nothing like this could ever occur again. The Delaware Valley Intelligence Center (DVIC), weighed in on the needed security measures. Under the institutional umbrella of the Philadelphia Police Department, DVIC serves as the regional fusion center and utilizes a collaborative and proactive approach to forecasting, preventing and/or responding to all-threats, all-hazards and major events. They assessed the video surveillance requirements of the Memorial Plaza. Video surveillance cameras The Foundation’s construction company then compiled the specifications, based on the DVIC’s recommendations, and Convergint Technologies, a global, service-based systems integration company, delivered the best proposal to suit their needs. Convergint specified video surveillance cameras from Hanwha Techwin. Because of the large size of the Memorial Plaza and park area, a standard definition camera wouldn’t suffice, so Convergint opted for Hanwha’s high resolution PNO-9080R 4K Network IR Bullet Camera. This model allows the viewer to zoom in and see, in close detail, the face of someone passing by the camera who may be a suspect. The PNO-9080R from Hanwha's Wisenet P series performance IP camera line is a 4K camera key in capturing people and events in full detail. IR bullet camera This 5 megapixel resolution camera works well in both day and night conditions For the actual Memorial site at large, such high resolution wasn’t required, but Convergint, in the interest of overall protection, recommended and installed the XNO-8080R 5 megapixel network IR bullet camera to ensure safety all around the perimeter of the park and Memorial Plaza area. This 5 megapixel resolution camera works well in both day and night conditions, and features analytics for loitering, directional detection, fog detection, audio and tampering detection, as well as digital auto tracking and sound classification. The Hanwha cameras are tied into a Genetec Security Center VMS, which allows authorized administrators from as well as the local Police Department to log in and view the video footage at any time. The Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza was not spared from anti-Semitism. Positive identification of suspect It was vandalized by a man who etched the initials “REM” and two SS bolts – a known Nazi symbol – into the memorial’s pillars. With the help of the Hanwha surveillance cameras, the perpetrator was quickly apprehended. “The cameras proved to be fantastic in resolving the June incident,” said Jennifer Wright, Project Manager at the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation. “I looked at the footage and was able to get a few different angles of the person responsible for the crime. The footage was of good quality and I could clearly see him. We sent it to Philadelphia Police Department and they put out a media advisory; we also shared images of the person responsible for the defacement of the Six Pillars on Facebook. Footage of the incident was shared thousands of times on social media. Public sharing of these images eventually led to a positive identification of a suspect.”

Rodrigue Zbinden, CEO at Morphean, discusses the business benefits from merging video surveillance and access control technologies as demand for ACaaS grows. The big question facing businesses today is how they will use the data that they possess to unlock new forms of value using emerging technologies such as the cloud, predictive analytics and artificial intelligence. Some data is better utilized than others: financial services were quick to recognize the competitive advantages in exploiting technology to improve customer service, detect fraud and improve risk assessment. In the world of physical security, however, we’re only just beginning to understand the potential of the data that our systems gather as a part of their core function. Benefits of ‘Integrated access control’ The first thing to look for is how multiple sources of data can be used to improve physical security functionsWhat many businesses have yet to realize is that many emerging technologies come into their own when used across multiple sources of data. In physical security, for example, we’re moving from discussions about access control and CCTV as siloed functions, to platforms that combine information for analysis from any source, and applying machine learning algorithms to deliver intelligent insights back to the business. ‘Integrated access control’ then looks not just to images or building management, but to images, building management, HR databases and calendar information, all at the same time. And some of the benefits are only now starting to become clear. The first thing to look for, of course, is how multiple sources of data can be used to improve physical security functions. For example, by combining traditional access control data, such as when a swipe card is used, with a video processing platform capable of facial recognition, a second factor of authentication is provided without the need to install separate biometric sensors. CCTV cameras are already deployed in most sensitive areas, so if a card doesn’t match the user based on HR records, staff can be quickly alerted. Making the tools cost-Effective In a similar vein, if an access card is used by an employee, who is supposed to be on holiday according to the HR record, then video data can be used to ensure the individual’s identity and that the card has not been stolen – all before a human operator becomes involved. This is driving growth in ‘access control as a service’ (ACaaS), and the end-to-end digitalization of a vital business functionThese capabilities are not new. What is, however, is the way in which cloud-based computing platforms for security analytics, which absorb information from IP-connected cameras, make the tools much more cost effective, accessible and easier to manage than traditional on-site server applications. In turn, this is driving growth in ‘access control as a service’ (ACaaS), and the end-to-end digitalization of a vital business function. With this system set up, only access control hardware systems are deployed on premise while the software and access control data are shifted to a remote location and provided as a service to users on a recurring monthly subscription. The benefits of such an arrangement are numerous but include avoiding large capital investments, greater flexibility to scale up and down, and shifting the onus of cybersecurity and firmware updates to the vendor. Simple installation and removal of endpoints What’s more, because modern video and access control systems transmit data via the IP network, installation and removal of endpoints are simple, requiring nothing more than PoE and Wi-Fi. Of all the advantages of the ‘as a service’ model, it’s the rich data acquired from ACaaS that makes it so valuable, and capable of delivering business benefits beyond physical security. Managers are constantly looking for better quality of information to inform decision making, and integrated access control systems know more about operations than you might think. Integrating lighting systems with video feeds and access control creates the ability to control the lightsRight now, many firms are experimenting with ways to find efficiencies and reduce costs. For example, lights that automatically turn off to save energy are common in offices today, but can be a distraction if employees have to constantly move around to trigger motion detectors. Integrating lighting systems with video feeds and access control creates the ability to control the lights depending on exactly who is in the room and where they are sitting. Tracking the movement of employees Camera data has been used in retail to track the movement of customers in stores, helping managers to optimize displays and position stocks. The same technology can be used to map out how employees move around a workspace, finding out where productivity gains can be made by moving furniture around or how many desks should be provisioned. Other potential uses of the same data could be to look for correlations between staff movement – say to a store room – and sales spikes, to better predict stock ordering. What makes ACaaS truly exciting is it is still a very new field, and we’re only just scratching the surface of the number of ways that it can be used to create new sources of value. As smart buildings and smart city technology evolves, more and more open systems will become available, offering more ways to combine, analyze and draw insights from data. Within a few years, it will become the rule, rather than the exception, and only grow in utility as it does.

Critical infrastructure facilities that must secure large areas with extended outer boundary and numerous entry points, present a particularly difficult challenge when it comes to perimeter protection. As such, true end-to-end perimeter protection calls for the utilization of a sophisticated, multi-layered solution that is capable of defending against anticipated threats. Integrated systems that incorporate thermal imaging, visible cameras, radar and strong command and control software are crucial for covering the various potential areas of attacks. Let’s look at these technologies and the five key functions they enable to achieve an end-to-end solution that provides intrusion detection, assessment and defense for the perimeter. 1. Threat Recognition The first step in effectively defending against a threat is recognizing that it’s there. By combining state-of-the-art intrusion detection technologies, facilities can arm themselves with a head start against possible intruders. An exceptionally important aspect of effective perimeter protection is the ability to conduct 24-hour surveillance, regardless of weather conditions, environmental settings, or time of day. Visible cameras do not perform as well in low light scenarios and inclement weather conditions. However, thermal imaging cameras can provide constant protection against potential intruders, regardless of visual limitations, light source or many environmental factors. In fact, facilities such as power stations located near bodies of water can use thermal cameras to create what is known as a “thermal virtual fence” in areas where they are unable to utilize the protection of a physical fence or wall. Deterring suspicious activity can be achieved through real-time two-way audio, a simple but powerful tool Critical infrastructure applications require not only continuous video surveillance and monitoring, but also a solution that yields highly reliable intrusion detection, with fewer false alarms. This need makes advanced video analytics a must for any adequate surveillance system. Features like dynamic event detection and simplified data presentation are game changing in supporting accurate intrusion analysis and facilitating a proactive response. Advanced analytics will provide multiple automated alarm notification options, including email, edge image storage, digital outputs or video management software (VMS) alarms. Incorporating high quality, unique and adaptive analytics can virtually eliminate false alarms, allowing security personnel to respond more efficiently and effectively, while also lowering overall cost for the end user. While surveillance technologies such as radar, thermal imaging and visible cameras, or video analytics work well on their own, utilizing all of these options together provides an advanced perimeter detection system. For example, ground surveillance radar can detect possible threats beyond the fence line as they approach and send a signal to pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, triggering them to slew to a specific location. From there, embedded analytics and visible cameras can further identify objects, notify authorized staff, and collect additional evidence through facial recognition or high-quality photos. 2. Automatic Response Systems Once an intrusion attempt is discovered, it is important to act fast. Organizing a response system that can initiate actions based on GPS location data, such as the slewing of PTZ cameras, automated intruder tracking or activated lighting sensors, greatly increases staff’s situational awareness while easing their workload. For instance, thermal imagers deployed in conjunction with video analytics can be used to generate an initial alarm event, which can then trigger a sequence of other security equipment and notifications for personnel to eventually respond to. Having all of this in place essentially lays the entire situation out in a way that allows responders to accurately understand and evaluate a scene. Power stations located near bodies of water can use thermal cameras to create a “thermal virtual fence” in areas where they are unable to utilize the protection of a physical fence or wall 3. Deterring Suspicious Activity  After the designated auto-response mechanisms have activated and done their job, it is time for responders to acknowledge and assess the situation. From here, authorized personnel can take the next appropriate step toward defending against and delaying the threat. Deterring suspicious activity can be achieved through real-time two-way audio, a simple but powerful tool. Often, control room operators can diffuse a situation by speaking over an intercom, telling the trespasser that they are being watched and that the authorities have been notified. This tactic, known as ‘talk down’, also allows officers to view the intruder’s reaction to their commands and evaluate what they feel the best next step is. If individuals do not respond in a desired manner, it may be time to take more serious action and dispatch a patrolman to the area. 4. Delay, Defend, Dispatch And Handle The possible danger has been identified, recognized and evaluated. Now it is time to effectively defend against current attacks and slow down both cyber and physical perpetrators’ prospective efforts. Through the use of a well-designed, open platform VMS, security monitors can manage edge devices and other complementary intrusion detection and response technologies, including acoustic sensors, video analytics, access control and radio dispatch. A robust VMS also enables operators to control functions such as video replay, geographical information systems tracking, email alerts and hand-off to law enforcement. With the right combination of technologies, facilities can take monitoring and evidence collection to the next level The primary purpose of the delay facet of the overall perimeter protection strategy is to stall an attempted intrusion long enough for responders to act. Access control systems play a key role in realizing this objective. When a security officer sees a non-compliant, suspicious individual on the camera feed, the officer can lock all possible exits to trap them in one area all through the VMS. 5. Intelligence: Collect Evidence And Debrief More data and intelligence collected from an event equals more crucial evidence for crime resolution and valuable insight for protecting against future incidents. With the right combination of technologies, facilities can take monitoring and evidence collection to the next level. One innovative resource that has become available is a live streaming application that can be uploaded to smart phones and used for off-site surveillance. This app gives personnel the power to follow intruders with live video anywhere and allows operators to monitor alarm video in real-time. Geographic Information System (GIS) maps are computer systems utilized for capturing, storing, reviewing, and displaying location related data. Capable of displaying various types of data on one map, this system enables users to see, analyze, easily and efficiently. Multi-sensor cameras, possessing both visible and thermal capabilities, provide high-contrast imaging for superb analytic detection (in any light) and High Definition video for evidence such as facial ID or license plate capture. Integrating these two, usually separated, camera types into one helps to fill any gaps that either may normally have. Still, in order to capture and store all of this valuable information and more, a robust, VMS is required. Recorded video, still images and audio clips serve as valuable evidence in the event that a trial must take place to press charges. Control room operators can use data collection tools within their VMS to safely transfer video evidence from the field to the courtroom with just a few clicks of their mouse. More advanced video management systems can go a step further and package this data with other pertinent evidence to create a comprehensive report to help ensure conviction.

For those of you old enough to remember, video matrix switchers were once the heyday of surveillance camera control. These cumbersome antiques were at the heart of every major video surveillance system (video surveillance at the time) in premier gaming properties, government installations and corporate industrial complexes. They required more physical labor to construct and configure than perhaps the pyramids – maybe not – but you get the picture. And then digital video made its way in to the market and everything changed, transforming the physical demands for camera control and management from a hardware-centric to a software driven process. We’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely There’s no doubt that this migration also presented significant challenges as many security professionals often struggled with all things IT and software programming being one of the industry’s soft spots. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely. However, the complexities of today’s VMS functionality can be intimidating for anyone tasked with installing one of these systems given all of the user-defined options available from the simplest camera sequencing and bandwidth allocations to mobile management and enterprise level integration. This is where truly advanced VMS solutions need to shine on both the operations and the design/build sides of the equation. Smart VMS Design There are more solutions products labelled “VMS solutions” out there than ever before. The issue is the fact that many of these “solutions” really don’t fall into the category of a true VMS by today’s standards but offer basic camera and NVR control. No doubt that there is a place for such software programs in the market. However, VMS solutions from the likes of OnSSI and other industry-leading companies offer distinct and superior management and control capabilities for demanding security and business intelligence applications. Perhaps of equal importance, these top-tier VMS solutions incorporate provisions for installers, so they have a clear and easier implementation path. OnSSI offers VMS solutions with smart camera drivers Here are seven attributes that can assist with the design and implementation of an advanced VMS solution: 1) Open Architecture Platform We need the ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth  The ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth is largely dependent on a systems platform architecture. Here’s where VMS solutions with open architecture provide a distinct advantage. Open-architecture solutions expand functionality by facilitating greater integration between multiple systems and components. This not only makes VMS solutions with open architecture easier to implement, it makes them extremely cost-efficient by eliminating the need for proprietary solutions. Open architecture systems also provide adherence to industry standards such as ONVIF and PSIA, as well as compression formats such as H.265 and MJPEG, and help ensure system integration and support of an extensive range of manufacturers’ cameras and off-the-shelf hardware. Be wary of VMS solutions with limited camera manufacturer support. 2) Simple Licensing Processes And Pricing Camera licenses and pricing is always a touchy subject, as any misunderstanding of a specific VMS solutions’ licensing terms can prove to be costly after the fact. And it often seems that some VMS suppliers have gone to great lengths to complicate the process as to obscure actual Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Perhaps the most direct, simple and straightforward camera licensing and pricing method is to have one license per IP address used by each camera/encoder on multi-channel devices. These should be perpetual licenses with no required annual fees or subscriptions. Additionally, the licensing agreement should be all inclusive without added fees for multiple clients, failover servers, active directory support, I/O devices, redundant management servers, technical support or security patches and updates. 3) Mixing And Matching Camera License Types The ability to mix and match different camera license types within the same system helps facilitate a seamless and simple migration of new and pre-existing systems with minimal downtime or interruption in operation. The ability to mix and match camera licenses not only saves valuable design and installation time, it can provide considerable savings when integrating large, multi-tenant systems. Mix and match capabilities also allow system designers to apply specific feature sets to specific groups of cameras to best leverage functionality and budgets, as well as providing the flexibility to implement an on-site, virtual, or cloud-based VMS solution, without any additional cost. 4) Auto Camera Detection And Configuration Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements. This functionality allows installers to instantly locate cameras on the network and configure them centrally so they can easily replace older cameras while seamlessly retaining video recorded from them. The auto detection capability should also include the ability to detect and import CSV files, which can then be stored and used to configure camera templates for future camera installation profiles. 5) Smart Camera Driver Technology VMS solutions with smart camera drivers offer valuable assistance during system implementation, and any time new cameras are added to the network or replace older models. Manufacturer-specific smart camera drivers expand the range of model-specific static drivers. Instead of storing the device’s information (codecs, resolutions, frame rates, etc.) statically, a VMS with smart camera drivers queries devices for their capabilities using the manufacturers’ proprietary protocol. All that is required for configuration is that the camera is available on the network. Smart camera drivers eliminate the need to wait for model-specific drivers or installation of driver packs, allowing for newly released cameras to be used immediately. Network security is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers  6) Importance Of Network Security Network Security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today Network security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today. This is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers. New security developments to look for include TLS 1.2 encryption protocols for camera-to-server communications (SSL 3.0 supported for older cameras), as well as server-to-server communications. Additional safeguards to consider include: randomized video databases with no camera identification information to secure recorded data; support for Active Directory authentication; AES encryption between servers and clients; and AES encrypted exporting. 7) Automatic Updates Regardless of the supplier you select for your VMS solution, they should be consistently providing new updates and security patches on a frequent if not regular basis. Keeping up with these updates can be a burden and are often overlooked leading to system failures and breeches. Advanced VMS solutions now feature automatic update service checks on a system-wide basis, eliminating the need to manually update individual servers and devices. This ensures that your VMS system always has the latest drivers, fixes and updates which assures overall security while reducing TCO. So next time you’re getting a demo of the latest and greatest VMS solution, remember to ask what it offers in terms of design and implementation tools. Half the battle with new technologies is getting them installed and working properly. Without the right tools to accomplish these critical first steps, all the functionality in the world will do you little good.

Security’s intersection with consumer electronics is on view at CES 2020, the world’s largest technology event, Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas. The giant show features more than 170,000 attendees, 4,500 exhibitors and 1,100 industry thought-leaders featured on the CES stage. A range of technologies will be on display, from artificial intelligence (AI) to 5G, vehicle technology to AR/VR (augmented and virtual reality), robotics to home automation. Security plays a prominent role, too.The impact of this event for the smart home could be about delivering home analytics and enhancing privacy" Smart home market on the forefront The smart home market is a major focus. “For the smart home market at CES this year, we expect to see numerous announcements regarding home awareness,” says Blake Kozak, Senior Principal Analyst at IHS Markit. “This will include brands offering up additional analytics for consumer security cameras with a focus on edge-based solutions.” “The impact of this [event] for the smart home could be about delivering home analytics and enhancing privacy through cloudless architectures and new electronic door lock approaches,” he adds. An example of cloud analytics is the Resideo Home app, introduced in December, which will make whole-home monitoring possible for four critical networks of the home – water, air, energy and security. Resideo promises a “simplified and integrated smart home experience.” Video is also prominent at the show. “For cameras, we can expect to see more cameras focused on the outdoor space and possibly new form factors for video doorbells,” says Kozak. Familiar security industry brands exhibiting at CES 2020 include ADT, Ring, August Home and Yale (both part of ASSA ABLOY), Bosch and Alarm.com. Focus on Cybersecurity In 2020, companies will continue to focus on solutions for protecting consumer data" Cybersecurity is an aspect of many of the devices on display at CES. “Device security and data privacy play a key role in the adoption of connected devices,” says Elizabeth Parks, President, Parks Associates. “Consumer security concerns for smart home products will continue to be a barrier to adoption in the U.S. and Europe, and these concerns can actually intensify with device adoption-71% of U.S. smart home households are concerned about cybersecurity. In 2020, companies will continue to focus on solutions for protecting consumer data. One big area of interest is protection on the network router, providing whole home solutions, which are very appealing to consumers.” “At CES we will see the traditional players introducing new DIY (do-it-yourself) products, as well as new players announcing new product features, services, and partnerships,” Parks adds. Smart access control Smart locks will be among the security products at CES 2020. For example, PassiveBolt, a lock company, will show the Shepherd Lock, a touch-enabled smart lock with enhanced security through sensors and AI. The add-on lock converts existing locksets into touch-activated devices. Another lock manufacturer is Kwikset, whose door locks and door hardware include Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks, Bluetooth-enabled smart locks, keyless and keyway-less locks and connected home technology. Video doorbells, including industry-innovator Ring, have been a hit in the consumer market. At CES, Ring will expand the mission to make neighborhoods safer by creating a “Ring of Security” around homes and communities with a suite of home security products and services. The “Neighbors by Ring” app enables affordable, complete, proactive home and neighborhood security. Homeguard offers a range of affordable CCTV solutions for home and small business DIY CCTV demonstrations DIY security systems are another market. Homeguard is a leading DIY consumer brand offering a range of affordable CCTV solutions for home and small business, including wired and wireless CCTV kits, smart cameras, home alarm systems and wire-free HD CCTV kits. Swann Communications is also at the forefront of surveillance and monitoring with new products developments including wire-free HD cameras and doorbells, professional CCTV video surveillance systems, and 1080p full HD systems with “True Detect” heat and motion sensing. AVTECH, and subsidiary YesGo Tech, will demonstrate a compact Wi-Fi home security set, a series of special cameras with face recognition, thermal detection and license plate recognition, customized central management software and a university ID tag that is compatible with access control, OEM and ODM opportunities. Security and automation solutions D-Link’s home networking, security and automation solutions will help consumers connect, view, share, entertain, work and play. SECO-LARM, manufacturer of a Room Occupancy Monitor that shows whether a room is in use, has a line of keypads and proximity readers with built-in Bluetooth for convenient access. Another smart home security solutions provider, Climax Technology, integrates wireless security, home automation, energy management, home emergency monitoring and live visual monitoring. Personal safety mobile application Manufacturers are positioning outdoor cameras as deterrents to theft before a burglary happens" WaryMe designs and develops a personal safety mobile application to improve a user’s security in public places, schools, transports and companies by addressing major risks such as terrorism attacks, intrusion, fire and even industrial accidents. An all-in-one mobile application integrates alerting, crisis management and mass notification features. “Market players are looking to expand beyond established smart home devices like smart thermostats and networked cameras to products like smart water leak detectors, smart pet feeders, and smart air purifiers,” says Elizabeth Parks. “Manufacturers are positioning outdoor cameras as deterrents to theft before a burglary happens. This trend is part of a broader security marketing effort to extend the perimeter of home security beyond traditional home access points.” “Familiarity with smart home devices lags behind familiarity with smart entertainment products; it even lags that of smart speakers, which are quite new in the market,” adds Parks. “In 2020, we will see players working to advance the visibility and marketing around device integration, and specifically focus on use case scenarios around safety, security, and convenience, which have always been the primary drivers of adoption of these types of products.”

Whether it is video analytic platforms to monitor traffic patterns or cameras deployed to help law enforcement ensure public safety, many cities are looking at advancements in video technology. Upgrade costs and technology compatibility issues are often front-and-center when it comes to blending new technology with existing infrastructure. For example, if the city law enforcement officials want to improve video camera image quality, which can improve the evidentiary value of footage in prosecutions, they may look at newer HD or IP-based video systems. Upgrading to a hybrid DVR system Applications include perimeter monitoring, public parking, city transportation, square/town safetyTo stretch a tight budget, a migration plan to an IP-based camera system could be phased in over time by centering the upgrade on a new hybrid DVR system. This way, both existing analog and newer IP-based cameras can be hooked into the system. For example, Hikvision’s Smart City Solutions include systems for government services, transportation and traffic management, or any combinations of these. Applications include perimeter monitoring, public parking, city transportation, square/town safety and temporary surveillance. Data capture form to appear here! Heart of City strategy Dahua Technology, a video-centric smart IoT solution and service provider, has introduced its ‘Heart of City (HOC)’ strategy, which is in line with the top-level design experience from hundreds of city projects. The strategy is based on the maturity of five technologies – artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, IoT and 5G. The combination will enable the evolution of smart city 3.0 and bring great changes to our life, according to Dahua. A 300-plus camera city center video surveillance scheme in the UK city of Lincoln has been installed and commissioned using Dahua's cameras, monitors and switching equipment A 300-plus camera city center video surveillance scheme in the UK city of Lincoln has been installed and commissioned using cameras, monitors and switching equipment from Dahua Technology. The design of the new all-wireless encrypted system was based around delivering flexible technology, reducing the total cost of ownership, ease of installation, lower maintenance requirements, smart edge analytics and remote connectivity. Future-proof radio network design Environmentally friendly aspects of the project included specifying lower-energy equipment, integrating remote support and recycling hardware wherever possible. The council employed independent consultants Lever Technology Group to help them ensure they had a robust and future-proof radio network design. The installation of the new IP full HD system and network is part of Lincoln’s smart city strategy – Vision 2020 – which seeks to drive innovation in the city and harness new technologies to improve the lives of citizens. One of the results is the provision of free Wi-Fi in the city, working alongside the Dahua cameras using the same IP wireless network. Wearables for city surveillance Wearables are another new aspect of city surveillance system. For example, FLIR Systems, Inc. has announced FLIR TruWITNESS, a wearable sensor platform designed for city-level security and public safety operations. TruWITNESS combines video, audio, location data, Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, and cloud and management software in one solution, allowing organizations to reach a new level of situational awareness. TruWITNESS is worn on an individual’s body or mounted inside vehicles and is designed for any public safety organization that requires on-scene, real-time mobile surveillance TruWITNESS is designed for any public safety organization that requires on-scene, real-time mobile surveillance. Worn on an individual’s body or mounted inside vehicles, TruWITNESS includes visible-video, audio, global navigation satellite system (GNSS), gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer sensors. These sensors combine to send alerts and stream data to a central command center in real-time to ensure full situational awareness and global event handling. Featuring FLIR Neighbor Aware inter-device connectivity, TruWITNESS acts as an IoT device, triggering nearby TruWITNESS devices, fixed and motorized Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) security cameras, and other connected sensors to act upon an alarm event. TruWITNESS becomes a key component of FLIR Systems’ Video Management System, United VMS, which command centers use to manage video surveillance. United VMS combines video, audio, and other related data and makes it available for real-time situation management and forensic purposes. Video analytics for crowd monitoring Crowd monitoring video analytics solutions monitor vast areas instantly alerting police of any overcrowding areasCrowd monitoring video analytics solutions continuously monitor vast areas instantly alerting police of any overcrowding areas. Qognify’s crowd monitoring video analytics solution was successfully used during the Maratha Morcha in the city of Kolhapur, India, on October 15th, 2016. The system monitored approximately one million protestors through 165 cameras installed across city. Smart threshold alerts were streamed directly into the control room while the crowd was building up, so that action could be taken before the crowd density reached dangerous levels, alleviating crowd safety and stability. At the core of the solution is Situator, Qognify’s advanced PSIM/Situation Management solution, which manages a myriad of security systems and sensors, including Qognify’s video management solution, from a newly built state-of-the-art Command and Control Center. Security operators and officials have advanced situational awareness of what is happening in their city and where. Automated, pre-defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were designed, in the local language Marathi, for handling routine security incidents as well as disaster management, ensuring that the most effective response is initiated, and procedures are executed in a consistent manner. Maintaining law, order and safety Qognify also implemented its Safe City solution in Navi Mumbai, a planned township that was established to handle the population overflow from the overcrowded and ever-growing city of Mumbai, India. Together with CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation, the agency established for managing the new city) and system integrator WIPRO, Qognify designed an integrated and holistic solution that helps Navi police to maintain law, order and safety.  Qognify’s Video Management Solution controls hundreds of surveillance camerasAs a planned township, Navi Mumbai officials have the benefit of operating in a modern environment, allowing them to maximize Qognify’s Safe City solution. The Qognify Situator is an advanced Situation Management platform, and Qognify’s Video Management Solution controls the hundreds of surveillance cameras throughout the city. Role of standards in smart cities “Standards can assist in successfully deploying a comprehensive [safe cities] system with multiple technologies into a single, cohesive entity,” said Per Björkdahl, Chair of the ONVIF Steering Committee. “With the ability to integrate various sensors and data from many different devices synthesized through one interface, government officials and law enforcement are afforded a more complete picture of their city’s security.” Deployment of facial recognition technology Live video streaming within the smart and safe city’s infrastructure means video’s capabilities can go beyond simple evidence recording and evolve into a tool that allows operations teams to monitor and remediate against incidents as they are happening. Facial recognition technology can be added on to any video surveillance camera that is recording at a high quality This can be taken one step further with the deployment of facial recognition via live streaming video. Facial recognition technology can be added on to any video surveillance camera that is recording at a high enough quality to identify faces. The technology works by capturing video, streaming the live video back to a control center and matching faces against any watch lists that the control center owns. Importantly, the data of people who aren’t on watch lists is not stored by the technology. This technology can work to make the city safer in a number of ways. For example, facial recognition could spot a known drug dealer in a city center where they weren’t supposed to be, or facial recognition could identify if a group of known terror suspects were visiting the same location at the same time, and this would send an alert to the police.

Safety and Security Things GmbH (SAST) will be both a first-time exhibitor at ISC West and also feature a larger booth – 1,800 square feet. The Bosch startup is looking to make a big splash in its first-time appearance at the largest security trade show in the United States. The International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC West) will be held April 10-12 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. Founded in September 2018 and based in Munich, Germany, SAST is building a new Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem for the security and safety industry, including an app store, an open and secure camera operating system, a software developer environment, and a portal for providing knowledge and functionalities tailored to integrators. SAST’s Open IoT Platform The open IoT platform is based on an open standardized operating system for video security cameras The open IoT platform is based on an open standardized operating system for video security cameras that creates a common basis for innovation and growth for the security industry. Apps built on SAST will enable airports, restaurants, stadiums and other facilities to transform security cameras into smart devices. The first partners are already developing apps based on the SAST ecosystem. “We will bring all the partners of our platform together and will showcase the first applications already realised on the platform,” says Nikolas Mangold-Takao, SAST Vice President of Marketing and Product Management. “In order to showcase this effectively at ISC West, we will create a space to demonstrate solutions effectively. At the same time, we are using the booth as our meeting space and will create a collaborative environment for our partners and all participants.” IoT And Access Control  “We want to ensure that all visitors of our booth (No. 10073) are getting to see first-hand solutions which are already realised based on first apps and cameras using our Operating System,” he adds. “We also want to demonstrate the benefits of the SAST platform for solution developers, integrators and manufacturers.” SAST is about bringing different players from the industry together in order to deliver better solutions" SAST will be looking for measurable results at ISC West. “On the one hand, we measure results by hard facts, such as the number of new partners who will join us and how satisfied our current ones are with the output,” says Mangold-Takao. “On the other hand, direct feedback from visitors at the booth, especially professionals from our industry and end-customers, is also extremely important to us, and we will measure it. SAST is about bringing different players from the industry together in order to deliver better solutions.” Openpath Access Solution Another new exhibitor with a relatively large booth is Openpath, whose booth (No. 23051) will be 1,200 square feet. Openpath Access combines cloud-based software and sleek hardware with an app to enable hands-free access to an office using a smartphone that doesn’t need to leave your pocket.  Although large for first-time exhibitors, the Openpath and SAST booths fall squarely in the “medium range” of overall exhibit sizes at ISC West – larger than the smallest 100-square-feet exhibits typical for many first-time exhibitors, but still smaller than the largest booths such as Hanwha Techwin America (5,500 square feet). In addition to the new exhibitors on the main show floor, the Emerging Technology Zone, located in the Venetian Ballroom, will welcome new startups in the security marketplace.

Revader Security has supplied a fleet of rapid redeployable CCTV cameras to Merthyr Valleys Homes, a housing association which owns and manages over 4,200 homes across Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. The Transit range of mobile cameras are ruggedized outdoor surveillance solutions which have been proven over many years to deter crime and secure the vital video evidence necessary for prosecution. The CCTV team at Merthyr Valley Homes are able to regularly reposition each camera around the locality to respond to the movement of crime hotspots, antisocial behavior, burglary and vandalism. As the units can be installed in virtually any location within minutes, only minimal planning and notice is required. Tackling issues of crime and antisocial behavior Each unit delivers live and recorded footage to the Merthyr Valley Homes control center Each unit delivers live and recorded footage to the Merthyr Valley Homes control center over a combination of wired, wireless and mobile networks and are powered by a variety of sources, including mains and battery. The mobile CCTV products were provided through Caerphilly-based Seren Fire & Security Solutions, an established supplier and installer operating across the region. Merthyr Valley Homes has gradually expanded its stock of Transit redeployable cameras following consistently positive results in tackling long-running issues of crime and antisocial behavior within local neighborhoods. Great build quality and performance Huw Powell, Anti-Social Behavior Officer at Merthyr Valley Homes said: “We have been delighted by our new mobile CCTV capability. The redeployable cameras from Revader Security really are great in terms of build quality and performance – and they have proven to be an invaluable investment.” Revader Security continue to work in partnership with Seren Fire & Security Solutions to support Merthyr Valley Homes and a variety of other clients in the public and private sector.

The Supreme Court is the highest and final court of appeal for all United Kingdom civil cases, and criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Formed in October 2009, it replaced the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords as the highest court in the UK. At the time of writing, it has heard over 835 appeals and hears cases of the greatest public or constitutional importance. The building is located on Parliament Square, just opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The judges of the Supreme Court, known as Justices, have the final say on the biggest legal issues. For example, the Court recently heard the high-profile Brexit prorogation-related judicial review case of R (Miller) v The Prime Minister which sought to investigate the legality of the prorogation of parliament in Summer 2019. Live streaming and media coverage Westminster location were each equipped with four Panasonic HN130s, a RP150 camera controller "As the highest court in the land, any decision here is binding and final," explains Brian Shek, Senior System Administrator & Commercial Officer at the Supreme Court. The policy of the court is to record and broadcast hearings, in keeping with their commitment to transparency. Since its creation, all cases have been archived on their website ensuring fair and open access to all. "The reason we added live streaming and media coverage is because the justices wanted the court to be fully accessible to all members of the public," adds Brian. Shots of high production value Three court rooms at the Westminster location were each equipped with four Panasonic HN130s, a RP150 camera controller and NewTek Tricaster to efficiently record the high-profile cases. “We need PTZs because it’s not practical in a court room to have an operator manually controlling the cameras,” explains Dan Money, a technical architect and IT Manager at the Supreme Court. “You need a constant shot of the Justices bench, a back and front shot, and both a wide and close up shot to gain an understanding of what is going on in the court. PTZs are the least intrusive option that guarantees transparency in the courtroom but they also give the camera operator the right level of control and ensure shots of high production value,” highlights Dan. Panasonic PTZ camera The Supreme Court installed PTZ cameras as part of their initial set up in 2009 but were in need of an upgrade that could enable them to achieve better quality recordings. “Our first requirement was updating the camera output from SD to HD,” explains Dan. “The IT team wanted to implement a system that could do everything the original system could, but make the overall image quality look better with an intuitive system that we could understand.” For the upgrade, the IT team at the court required NDI-based PTZ camera technology. They wanted to use their own technical networking expertise to maintain the system themselves. The team were able to take the NDI IP connection from the Panasonic PTZ camera and convert it to fiber using existing runs in the building. From there, the stream was converted back to IP and into a NewTek Tricaster. Professional video output Being IP-based has made camera technology far more straightforward for individuals" “We are also planning to have the audio from all court rooms also over NDI in the future so that we can have networked video and audio over the existing building infrastructure. Being IP-based has made camera technology far more straightforward for individuals like ourselves to get to grips with providing a professional video output,” explains Dan. The communications team also wanted a HD output to enable the hosting of any events. The Supreme Courts broadcast contractor were engaged to support the Supreme Court with their broadcast operation needs and provide audio/visual engineers to operate the equipment. The first big test of the system was the high-profile Brexit prorogation-related judicial review. The case of R (Miller) v The Prime Minister investigated the decision to prorogue parliament in September 2019. 1080p network-based stream “We had originally planned to sign off the system during the recess period over the summer months – however, the case was scheduled two weeks before the system was scheduled to be implemented meaning that we had to push the project forward and deliver early to stream this case,” explains Dan. To deliver the streaming services, the team used Microsoft’s Azure Media Services platform. “This is what prompted us to implement the NDI architecture in the first place as the NewTek Tricaster is on their recommended equipment list. We had to work with the lead developer of Azure Media Services to tailor the platform to our requirements to run a 1080p network-based stream on the platform," says Dan. Two access points The R (Miller) v The Prime Minister case attracted widespread media interest and news agencies including both the BBC and Sky used the court’s live stream as part of their reporting. Two access points were installed at both the front and rear of the Supreme Court to take the camera streams accessed in the control room back to the broadcasters via an OB truck. PTZ cameras provided the correct combination of cost-efficiency, quality and service “This meant that if anything was to happen to the live stream on Azure, we had the redundancy in place so broadcasters would still be able to output video from the court room themselves,” explains Dan. This proved to be beneficial as the stream did get momentarily overloaded with an audience of four and a half million at its peak and ten million for the day. Cost-efficiency, quality and service Panasonic PTZ cameras provided the correct combination of cost-efficiency, quality and service that tended to the court’s needs. “From a feature perspective, we needed a system that was cost-effective in terms of an initial outlay but also to maintain and receive support as and when we need it. We wanted a long-term relationship, and with Panasonic we know that we’d get that. "We were very pleased with the feedback we have received on the picture quality, not only from those around the courts but also from feedback on the stream and the broadcasters too!" concludes Dan.

La Cité, Ontario’s largest French-language college, recently upgraded parking lot security on its main Ottawa campus with the installation of 15 IX Series 2 video intercom assistance (or emergency) towers from Aiphone, the international manufacturer of intercom and security communication products. With the press of a button, the towers enable students, staff, and visitors to directly communicate with the campus security staff. The towers’ embedded megapixel cameras provide security officers with live video to more accurately assess and respond to a situation. The Aiphone towers are topped with bright blue lights making them easy to spot at night. They are always on and officers immediately know the location of any calls for assistance. The IX Series 2 intercoms and towers replaced units that could no longer be repaired, and that downtime could potentially endanger students or staff, said Rock Levesque, Project Manager for Ottawa-based project integrator, ComNet Networks and Security Inc. Outdoor mass notification system ComNet created an outdoor mass notification system by adding amplified horns to each Aiphone tower" “Pressing the old units’ call buttons initiated a siren that made it virtually impossible for students to hear instructions from the security staff,” he said. “Campus administrators place a very high priority on the safety of their students and staff, so the decision was made to upgrade the entire system.” To replace the sirens, ComNet created an outdoor mass notification system by adding amplified horns to each Aiphone tower. The IX Series 2 towers include embedded megapixel cameras providing sharp closeup video. Levesque said the towers’ optional CCTV arms will enable the campus to add cameras for wider parking lot views. Emergency assistance system The three-module towers feature built-in mounting hardware for power supplies or accessories and rear access panels to easily pull wire from top to bottom. The towers also feature built-in UL-Listed electrical boxes to satisfy local electrical codes. Upgrades to the emergency assistance system on the La Cite Ottawa campus will set minds at ease and help protect the thousands of students and staff who call this campus home. La Cité, opened in 1995, offers its 5,200 students 140 postsecondary programs with degrees ranging from architecture to security management. The college has its main Ottawa campus, a satellite campus in Hawkesbury, a site dedicated to constructions trades in Orleans, and a business office with classrooms in Toronto.

After seeing a continued rise in anti-social behavior, littering and dog fouling, North Tyneside Council decided to invest in a mobile CCTV van, which along with extra wardens has been used to tackle environmental offenses in public places as well as in communities and schools. The service was launched last winter by Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE, and a new team was introduced to work throughout the day, including weekends, to help catch offenders in the act. Staff are able to enforce anti-social behavior legislation, which includes issuing those who break the law with community protection notices, issue fixed penalty notices, eviction orders, and injunctions to those who are going against what the community is trying to achieve. Traveling CCTV cameras Six businesses have also been challenged about the way they dispose of their waste The traveling CCTV cameras, as supplied by vehicle safety specialists Sentinel Systems, have led to a number of successes including identifying a suspected repeat fly-tipper and uncovering 14 areas being regularly used to fly-tip. By installing a PTZ camera (pan–tilt–zoom camera), the team has been able to use the remote directional and zoom control to stop and advise 120 people about keeping their dogs on leads in designated areas and issued several fixed penalty notices to people littering or not picking up after their dogs. Six businesses have also been challenged about the way they dispose of their waste, with two of them being subsequently fined £400 each. Tackling crime hotspots Richie Mitchell, Community and Public Spaces Protection Manager at North Tyneside Council, commented, “North Tyneside is a great place to live and we have seen noticeable results since introducing the CCTV van and environmental team to the borough. The council takes issues in the community extremely seriously and is always looking to do more to tackle any crime hotspots.” Installing the cameras has benefited the community in many ways and we are very pleased" He continued, “Residents had lots of concerns around littering and dog fouling, so the new service providing on-the-spot fines and CCTV footage that can be used to help with prosecutions has really made a difference. Installing the cameras has benefited the community in many ways and we are very pleased with what we have achieved for our residents so far.” Safety camera package Sentinel’s 360-degree camera system offers drivers an enhanced view around the outside of a vehicle and can be combined with Sentinel’s four or eight-channel DVRs, allowing for up to 30 days of footage to be recorded. Inside the vehicle, a seven inch in-cab monitor is installed with high image clarity so that anything around the vehicle is always visible to the drivers. Sentinel Systems’ safety camera package can be customized to meet the individual requirements of each fleet, depending on the size and operations of each vehicle. The camera system can be created using any number of Sentinel’s systems, including forward, rear and side facing cameras for a 360° view of the vehicle’s surroundings.

Airports, power plants, and data centers house mission-critical assets essential to everyday life. Without adequate physical security, these operations are at risk of intrusion and sabotage. The shutdown of any one of these critical infrastructure facilities would affect hundreds of thousands of people. Securing these entities from a physical breach starts by protecting the perimeter. While critical infrastructure sites pose their challenges for perimeter intrusion detection systems, new technologies, and solution integrations are addressing these pain points and enabling better detection, deterrence, and real-time response in the case of a threat. Trending technologies amplifying perimeter security Here are six trending technologies amplifying perimeter security for critical infrastructure: First-class thermal cameras - FLIR thermal cameras continue to remain the industry standard for 24-hour perimeter monitoring and are seeing strong adoption throughout the critical infrastructure sector. Greater thermal resolution, longer detection ranges, sophisticated edge analytics, and ONVIF compliance continue to distinguish premium choice FLIR thermal cameras from low-end options. Radiometric thermal cameras for business intelligence - Thanks to the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies, critical infrastructure customers are looking for a return on investment beyond the traditional functionality of their security cameras. Electrical substations, for example, are deploying thermal cameras for intrusion detection and predictive maintenance. These sites are installing radiometric thermal cameras, integrated with temperature trending software, to identify issues with assets before a component malfunctions, overheats, or fails. Being able to prevent even one electrical fire can save the customer thousands if not millions of dollars in damages, liabilities, and insurance claims, well worth the cost of the solution. Radar for redundancy - Critical infrastructure facilities are deploying radar solutions to expand coverage beyond the fence line. Providing continuous coverage, a radar conducts a full 360-degree scan of a property every one to two seconds. Radio waves are undeterred by rain, fog, or other adverse weather conditions that hinder standard surveillance cameras, making them an ideal solution for rugged environments. Users are also increasingly pairing radar with thermal cameras to ensure redundancy and reduce false positives. If both the radar and thermal camera are alerted to the same event, remote operators can see it is likely a true alarm. Cyber-hardened features - Because network cameras and sensors are now standard for enterprise-class deployments, the need for perimeter security has extended beyond physical security to edge devices. In this digital age, it is imperative that cybersecurity precautions are put in place to safeguard the network and devices from cyber breaches. FLIR has focused its research and development in cybersecurity. Today, all new lines of FLIR cameras are built with cyber-hardened features. Standard cybersecure protocols for FLIR cameras include running penetration tests, eliminating backdoor accounts, removing default passwords, and enforcing end-to-end encryption through secured TLS connections. 4K and UHD video - While thermal and radar sensors improve detection, other devices are needed for threat assessment and identification. The emergence of HD, Ultra HD, and 4K cameras offers end users a heightened level of detail, optimal for evidence capture and investigation procedures. Critical infrastructure customers are beginning to upgrade their visible cameras for higher resolution models, and for this reason, are opting for the latest FLIR Quasar and Ariel cameras. These cameras are attractive options, as they offer low predictable bit rate, improved wide dynamic range, and enhanced image stabilization features that enable crisp video quality, ideal for video analytics and suspect identification. Drones - For critical infrastructure sites like oil and gas refineries, dispatching security personnel to respond to an intrusion alert isn’t always easy, as these sites are often either remote or difficult to access. In order to improve response times, critical infrastructure sites are integrating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), or drones, with their overall security system. Upon a verified alarm, the drone is dispatched to the area of interest to provide additional surveillance. By equipping a drone with both an optical and thermal payload, operators can quickly get eyes and ears on the scene to assess the threat.

STANLEY Security, one of the UK’s renowned security providers, has completed a major CCTV installation for Bridgnorth Aluminum Limited, the UK's only manufacturer of aluminum flat rolled products. At 27 hectares, Bridgnorth Aluminum’s site in Bridgnorth, Shropshire is extensive. It is home to a casthouse, rolling mill, two litho centers, a multi-slitting line and finishing lines. IP CCTV system The IP CCTV system is critical to our business in terms of health and safety of our employees and site security" The company had previously been using three separate CCTV systems, each covering different parts of this large site, one of which was over 15 years old, had very poor image quality and was starting to show signs of failure. Furthermore, none of the CCTV systems had any level of redundancy, so if one failed access to those particular cameras were lost, along with any recorded footage.  Steve Denton, IT Manager at Bridgnorth Aluminum, explains the decision to upgrade, stating “We needed to consolidate everything into one single CCTV system, including all of the cameras from the other three systems, and we needed to add a level of redundancy. The IP CCTV system is critical to our business in terms of health and safety of our employees and site security.” IP video surveillance Following detailed discussions with Bridgnorth Aluminum, STANLEY Security designed a new site wide IP based CCTV system, covering external areas and the perimeter of the site, along with internal areas including key indoor production spaces.  The system takes advantage of Bridgnorth Aluminum’s existing IP network which is deployed in most areas of the site, negating the need to install COAX cable. Opting for an IP-based CCTV system has also enabled Bridgnorth Aluminum to make use of newer technology with better quality images, which was the key. STANLEY 2MP bullet cameras and dome cameras The cameras feed is stored in two Milestone Husky M500 Advanced Network Video Recording hardware platforms The new IP CCTV system features STANLEY 2MP bullet cameras and dome cameras, including 360⁰ dome models. The cameras feed is stored in two Milestone Husky M500 Advanced Network Video Recording hardware platforms; one of which is used in case of redundancy.  Bridgnorth Aluminum is pleased with the new CCTV system as Steve Denton comments, “The image quality of the new system is streets ahead of the old system. The area of coverage is also far greater thanks to the addition of 180-degree wide angle and 360-degree cameras. The software is very easy to use and has some very useful features to aid with playback of recorded footage. The software has already helped us to retrieve footage that we would have had little chance of retrieving before.” Enhanced site security STANLEY Security has been working with Bridgnorth Aluminum since 2017 when it took over the support of the company’s existing CCTV systems. “The transition period had proved successful” states Steve, commenting on their decision to appoint STANLEY Security for this project. He adds, “The service from STANLEY has been excellent, our account manager Amber is one of a kind and always goes above and beyond for us to ensure that we receive the best service possible.”

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?

They say that every choice has a cost. It's a basic principle that, economically speaking, nothing is free. If it doesn't cost actual money, it may be expensive in terms of time, attention and/or effort. These are interesting observations to keep in mind as one peruses the various "free" video management system (VMS) offerings available on the market. Some are provided by camera companies to unify their products into a "system", even if it's a small one. Other free VMS offerings are entry-level versions offered by software companies with the intent of the customer upgrading later to a paid version. For more insights, we asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the value of “free” video management systems (VMSs) and how can a customer decide whether “free” is the right price for them?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a current buzzword in the physical security market – and the subject of considerable hype. However, AI sometimes get negative press, too, including dire warnings of its potential and eventual impact from some of our most prominent technology thinkers. We decided to take the issue to our Expert Panel Roundtable with this week’s question: What are the negative impacts and/or new challenges of AI for physical security?