Arecont Vision Camera wipers, demisters & heaters

The term ‘marine’ comes from the Latin mare, meaning sea or ocean, and marine habitats can be divided into two categories: coastal and open ocean. Video surveillance (VS) applications can cover both types of marine environment with system for ships, maritime ports, onshore and offshore installations, etc. We should want to further analyze VS for ships and try to explain the types of ships on which it can be used, the ways in which VS can be used on ships, the typical certifications in use and what features a camera station must have to be installed on a ship. Starting with ships that have a minimum tonnage, around the world we have: liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, passengers ships, chemical tankers, crude oil tankers, container ships, general cargo ships and bulk carriers.As the LNG market grows rapidly, the fleet of LNG carriers continues to experience tremendous growth, offering more opportunities for VS Video surveillance for all marine vessels An LNG carrier is a tank ship designed for transporting liquefied natural gas. As the LNG market grows rapidly, the fleet of LNG carriers continues to experience tremendous growth. A passenger ship is a merchant ship whose primary function is to carry passengers by sea. This category does not include cargo vessels which have accommodation for a limited number of passengers, but rather includes the likes of ferries, yachts, ocean liners and cruise ships. A chemical tanker is a type of tank ship designed to transport chemicals in bulk. These ships can also carry other types of sensitive cargo which require a high standard of tank cleaning, such as palm oil, vegetable oils, tallow, caustic soda and methanol. An oil tanker, also known as a petroleum tanker, is a merchant ship designed for the bulk transport of oil. There are two basic types of oil tankers: crude tankers and product tankers. Crude tankers move large quantities of unrefined crude oil from its point of extraction to refineries. Product tankers, generally much smaller, are designed to move refined products from refineries to points near consuming markets. Container ships are cargo ships that carry their entire load in truck-size intermodal containers: a technique called containerization. They are a common means of commercial intermodal freight transport and now carry most seagoing non-bulk cargo. Today, about 90% of non-bulk cargo worldwide is transported by container. A cargo ship or freighter ship is any sort of ship or vessel that carries cargo, goods and materials from one port to another. Cargo ships are specially designed for the task, often being equipped with cranes and other mechanisms to load and unload, and come in all sizes. Bulk carriers make up 15%–17% of the world's merchant ships and they are specially designed to transport unpackaged bulk cargo such as grains, coal, ore and cement in its cargo holds. For all these ships the protection of vessels, cargo and crew is a priority, that’s why the adoption of VS technology plays a key part in terms of security and safety. Human error is regularly named as a major factor in ship accidents, and one way to avoid it is to aid seafarers by providing them with technology and equipment that is reliable and easy to use in all weather and sea conditions. Marine VS encompasses liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, passengers ships, chemical tankers, crude oil tankers, container ships, general cargo ships and bulk carriers Emergency security solutions on ship One of the most important applications for camera stations is during “docking”. Mooring is the securing or confining of a vessel in a particular location with a fixed or a floating object (jetty, pier, ship, barge, buoy, etc.) as various cargo operations are carried out. Docking is the final stage of mooring operations when the ship docks to the jetty. This is a very delicate operation and cameras are very helpful in making sure docking is done without accidents.'Man overboard’ is an emergency in which a person has fallen off a boat or ship into the water, and can happen at any time during the day or night Another important application for camera stations is the Man Overboard detection system (MOB). ‘Man overboard’ is an emergency in which a person has fallen off a boat or ship into the water. Man overboard events can happen at any time during the day or night, in all types of weather and sea conditions, and from almost any location on the ship, ranging from a few tens of feet above the water, to over 180 feet.  When these events occur, the immediate availability of important data is crucial. Accurate confirmation of the event including time of occurrence, location on the ship and location in the sea is critical. A proactive detection system must immediately and accurately detect man overboard events and provide prompt, actionable data to response personnel. A typical man overboard detection system can report a MOB event in under 1 second. VS on a vessel can also monitor the engine room at all times and provide a good view of people working on dock, machinery and stowed equipment. But what are the most important features that a camera station must have to work in one of the most aggressive environments in nature? Ruggedized reliability in surveillance First of all, and perhaps it’s obvious, but it’s extremely important to have camera stations with amazing reliability. Housing units manufactured from AISI 316L stainless steel, passivated and electropolished, makes the cameras completely impervious to air, water, rusting and corrosion, therefore offering excellent weather protection and increased reliability.Housing units manufactured from AISI 316L stainless steel, passivated and electropolished, makes the cameras completely impervious to air, water, rusting and corrosion Sometimes ships also use cameras constructed entirely from technopolymer, which guarantees high impact resistance and superior protection from external weather agents. Keeping the camera glass clean at all times is another essential feature, and it can be done via a wiper/wash system that greatly reduces the need for maintenance. In the case of PTZ cameras, the best option would be a great pan and tilt speed (up to 100°/s). What is the operative temperature range for the cameras? Sea is everywhere and therefore ships go everywhere, from the Arctic Ocean to the Mediterranean, so we need cameras that have to be fully operational across a wide temperature range.  -40°C to +65°C covers almost all areas. Analog or IP Cameras? Actually, both options can be used, especially for applications like docking where it’s important to avoid image delay (as can happen with IP cameras due to the natural latency of data communication over a network). Marine certifications Last but not least, the certifications: Certifications guarantee the quality and reliability of camera stations. There is no compromise! One important certification is the Lloyd’s Register Type Approval which subjects cameras to rigorous testing for performance, vibration (critical on ships), humidity, etc. The application field of the LR Type Approval is VS in public places (e.g. passenger ships), open decks, enclosed spaces that are subjected to heat generated from other equipment, and technical premises. Often, VS cameras used in specific areas of ships, such as hazardous areas, are required to have ATEX and IECEX certifications.

Standards for camera manufacturers presented a new challenge with the introduction of security cameras that require more than 30 Watts of power Standards for camera manufacturers presented a new challenge with the introduction of security cameras that require more than 30 Watts of power. Many of these involve pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) domes and heaters and blowers that require additional power. This development created two areas of confusion which is highlighted in this article by Neil Heller - Vice President, Vigitron. The first is the ability to define what a 60-watt camera is and what power sources are actually required. The second and more serious is how to provide that power. Both share a commonality in that they lack any form of standardization. PoE To Power 60-Watt Security Camera Alone? Let’s start with the definition of the 60-watt camera. As the term suggests, it requires 60 watts or greater, but that doesn’t necessarily mean all the required power comes from a single PoE source. In many cases, camera manufacturers require that PoE only power the camera itself. Looking at these cameras’ power specifications will indicate a required PoE power of 802.3at or 30 watts, thus leaving power to the heaters and blowers requiring a local AC power source. This situation brings into question the value of PoE power if it is restricted to only providing camera power. Another group of PTZ cameras does use PoE for both camera and heater/blower functions, but only when the heater operates within a restricted temperature range. This usually means if your camera is installed in areas where the temperature that can fall below -20 degrees C (approximately -20 degrees F) you will still need a local power AC power source. The third type of security camera relies only on PoE power for both PTZ and heater blower operations.  This is confusing, and is often the source of users finding their PTZ has failed at the most inopportune time. Any attempt to transmit 60 watt power over coax cable that is only a single pair should be considered with a great deal of caution, requesting from the transmission equipment provider that they will accept liability for any damages PoE For Greater Than 30 Watt Applications The three different operations of how these “PoE” cameras are powered brings into question the value of using PoE for greater than 802.3at, 30 Watt applications. Value exists in the ability to centrally control power operations from a single accessible point. Certainly those cameras that are solely dependent upon PoE have the greatest advantage. This brings to the second point of confusion, the composition of the PoE power. To review a brief history, 802.3af (15.4) was the first PoE standard used for IP cameras and is for the most part a standard. 802.3at (30 Watts) was introduced as four different standards, two of which, Type 1 and Type 2 are supposed be compatible, but in reality are not.     Transmission Restriction Over Physical Cables 60 watts has no standards. To understand this, we need to look at the limitations of transmitting power over physical cables. Any form of transmission over a physical media has limitations in the form of resistance. As resistance increases, so does the heat generated by this process. The higher the power, the greater the resistance and resulting heat generated. Based on CAT5e cable, a single wire can handle about 0.75 amps. In PoE transmission, power is transmitted on a pair of wires or 0.75amp X 2= 1.5amps.  According to the 802.3at specifications, Class 4 specifications generally are considered to start around 48 volts. So we take 48 x 0.75= 36 watts or 72 watts for the pair. Dual PD (Power Device) System So how do we get to 60 watts? For “over” 30 watts, camera manufacturers use a dual PD (power device) system. In short, it operates as if it where two IP cameras and requires use of all four pairs within Cat cabling. Exceeding these power limits can be dangerous in overheating the cable and its installation. Therefore, any attempt to transmit 60 watt power over coax cable that is only a single pair should be considered with a great deal of caution, requesting from the transmission equipment provider that they will accept liability for any damages. The need to operate two PDs within a single camera is where the incompatibility exists. There are no standards as to the sequence of turning on  separate PDs in a single camera The need to operate two PDs within a single camera is where the incompatibility exists. There are no standards as to the sequence of turning on separate PDs in a single camera. Most such camera manufacturers provide their own PoE source in the form of a PSE or camera power supply; however, don’t try to interchange these power sources among different cameras from different manufacturers as they will not work. If you attempt to use a third party version, make certain you confirm that the power source manufacturer has actually conducted certification testing and can provide proof of compatibility or provide any operational limitations. Distance Of Transmission Finally, there is the question of transmission distance. This takes us back to the physics of high-powered PoE transmission. Even with manufacturer-supplied PSEs, the distance limitation is still 328 feet (100m), the Ethernet standard. Most applications such as perimeter and parking lots will be hard pressed to find a power outlet within 328 feet of where the cameras needs to be installed. This is where third-party transmission equipment providers come into play, but again the ability of transmitting 60 watts PoE power for distances greater than 328 is more complex that standard 802.3af and 802.3at, and more limited. This combined with the non-standard make a detailed knowledge and interaction with the manufacturer critical to a successful installation.

There are a handful of amazing things that set San Francisco apart from other global cities. Notably, there is the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown, the Twin Peaks overlooking the city skyline, San Francisco Bay, and The Moscone Center. Just how does a convention center fit into the list of places to see in beautiful San Francisco? It is the largest convention and exhibition complex in San Francisco, California. It includes three main halls spread out across three blocks and 87 acres in the prime South of Market neighborhood. The convention center originally opened in 1981 and has gone through several renovations. It is currently upgrading its security system to reflect a modern, state-of-the-art security solution. Securing SMG/Moscone Center Security at the SMG/Moscone Center is handled similar to the security at a Tier 1 airport. However, clients who use the facility are required to provide their own inside security. When the doors of the convention Center are open to the public, it plays host to people who want to come in and look around. Our new security system will provide analytics, and the ability to look at the images in real time" “We are responsible for facility security inside and on the perimeter outside. This is considered a soft target, so we do everything possible to harden the security,” said Damion Ellis, Director of Security at the SMG/Moscone Center. Damion adds, “The time is right for us to take out the old security system, including the old analog camera system. Our new security system will provide analytics, and the ability to look at the images in real time.” IP cameras installed for wide surveillance Like any major metropolitan area, the San Francisco metropolitan region has its own issues that have to be dealt with that aren’t pleasant. This includes keeping track of the homeless population and what they are doing. Damion Ellis further said, “We are able to place the new IP cameras in places where the homeless population congregates on the outside, in dark corners of the facility.” CompleteView VMS video platform The Moscone Center complex consists of three main halls. Moscone South is located to the south of Howard Street and is three-story tall. It opened in 2017, replacing the original Moscone Center building that opened in 1981. A Keith Haring sculpture stands outside the hall at the corner of 5th and Howard streets. Moscone North is located to the north of Howard Street, and Moscone West is a three-level exhibition hall located across 4th Street from Moscone North. Integration with ProWatch access control platform “One of the most compelling reasons Moscone deployed CompleteView video platform was the integration with Honeywell’s ProWatch access control platform, as well as newly designed multi-sensor cameras,” said Salient’s Regional Sales Manager in the Bay Area, Cindy Doyle. Cindy adds, “The ease of use and intuitive software allowed the guard staff to use maps in the system to identify where triggered events took place for guard dispatch.” Monitoring door alarms Prowatch access control platform is currently being used to monitor door alarms throughout the property Prowatch access control platform is currently being used to monitor door alarms throughout the property and triggering video call-up and/or alarm video event when there is a forced or held open door. In order to keep track of outside foot traffic and provide interior and exterior security, an analytics option was foremost on everyone’s mind, and integrator Microbiz Security Co., dove in with an initial site survey to determine the best course of action. Microbiz has partnered with the SMG/Moscone Center for several years. Video analytics solution “Our goal was to take a look at what it would take to secure the facility, but to do it properly,” said Todd Chritton, President of Microbiz Security. “The integrator had some suggestions in terms of offering better security coverage in some areas,” said Marco Escobar, Vice President of Operations at Microbiz Security, adding “What they knew was three buildings needed to update from its current 2002 technology, and upgrade to 2018 technology. It also was beneficial to the integrator having worked on site for several years and also having worked with Ellis during his tenure with the Hilton Hotel chain.” Multi-sensor and multi-megapixel IP cameras  Marco Escober further stated, “We’ve been a long-time vendor at the convention center, and we offer a pride of installation as well as using the best of the best security solutions. We began by updating current cameras to Arecont Vision multi-sensor and multi-megapixel IP cameras and Salient Systems’ CompleteView VMS, Dellintegrated server with RAID6 configuration and CompleteView Enterprise software." He adds, "The VMS is a fully open architecture, enabling convention center security staff to seamlessly leverage existing technology investments and minimize disruption.”

Arecont Vision Costar (AV Costar), a globally renowned IP-based megapixel camera technology and video surveillance solutions provider, has unveiled multiple high performance cameras for the ConteraIP megapixel (MP) series. The four new models build upon the high performance, superior image quality, outstanding reliability, ease of installation, and competitive pricing that are the hallmarks of ConteraIP. “We’ve taken the most in-demand form factors from our proven MegaIP single, dual, and multi-sensor camera families to bring similar choices to our expanding ConteraIP series,” said Brad Donaldson, Vice President of Product Development at Arecont Vision Costar. “ConteraIP will now address an even wider variety of challenging customer requirements as these new NDAA-compliant cameras roll out in coming weeks.” ConteraIP MicroDome LX cameras Indoor models feature a built-in microphone, while the outdoor MicroDome LX includes integrated IR illuminators The newly unveiled ConteraIP MicroDome LX IP cameras offer customers the choice of indoor ultra-low profile flush mount models for discreet surveillance or compact surface mount versions for indoor/outdoor use. Indoor models feature a built-in microphone, while the outdoor MicroDome LX includes integrated IR illuminators. All MicroDome LX cameras deliver up to 30fps of megapixel video and include a motorized remote focus lens for rapid setup, with choice of 1080p (2.1MP) or 5MP resolution.  The new ConteraIP MicroDome Duo LX offers twin, independent domes with motorized remote focus lens, each capable of up to 30fps of megapixel video. The Duo is ideal for indoor/outdoor applications such as coverage of hallways, walkways, and corners, or for monitoring ATMs or POS terminals where a 4-sensor Omni or panoramic camera may not be suitable. The compact platform brings models with 4 (2x1080p), 10 (2x5MP), or 16 (2x8MP) MP resolution choices, each with twin remote focus motorized lenses. ConteraIP Omni LX cameras AV Costar continues to build upon its legacy of surveillance industry leadership in adjustable-view multi-sensor models with the unveiling of the new ConteraIP Omni LX. The highly flexible remote-focus camera series offers 4 high resolution megapixel sensors with motorized remote focus lenses for easy installation and setup.  Omni LX offers the choice of 8 (4x1080p) or 20 (4x5MP) megapixel resolution with the customer’s choice of interchangeable lenses. Each sensor can be adjusted to the perfect individual view then remotely focused. The Omni LX delivers up to 360-degrees of non-stop coverage of virtually any scene for complete situational awareness. The Omni LX reduces complexity and cost, using a single PoE IP cable, IP address, and VMS license (on most VMS systems) instead of multiples of each being required for individual single-sensor cameras. NightView low light technology and H.265 compression ConteraIP cameras offer enhanced WDR up to 120db for varied lighting conditions, NightView low light technology, and H.265 with SnapStream+ & M-JPEG support. Other common features are high frame rates, defog technology, on screen display, MicroSD card support (most models), and multi-streaming capability. Just as in the entire MegaIP camera family, all four of the new ConteraIP models include both NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act H. R. 2500) and ONVIF compliance, plus are IP66 environmental and IK10 impact resistance rated. 360-degree Fisheye Panoramic and multi-sensor cameras Existing ConteraIP models include compact single sensor 360-degree Fisheye Panoramic cameras With the addition of these newest megapixel models, the ConteraIP camera series covers an even wider range of video surveillance and security system needs for a wide range of applications. Existing ConteraIP models include the compact single sensor 360-degree Fisheye Panoramic cameras with built-in microphone and two award-winning multi-sensor cameras - the 4-sensor 180-degree Panoramic with integrated IR and the Omni LX Remote Setup, which features 4 remotely positioned and focused motorized sensors for the ultimate ease of installation and configuration with non-stop surveillance across up to 360 degrees of coverage. ConteraIP Indoor Dome and Micro Bullet cameras The ConteraIP family further includes single-sensor ConteraIP Indoor Dome and award-winning indoor/outdoor Micro Bullet, Bullet, and standard Outdoor Dome models. EX series Bullet and Dome models complete the ConteraIP lineup, offering choice of standard and optional advanced analytics. Visitors can see the newest ConteraIP series in action at the Costar booth, #8045, at ISC West 2020, which has now been rescheduled to July 20-22 in the Sands Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Arecont Vision Costar (AVC), globally renowned provider of IP-based megapixel camera technology and video surveillance solutions, will deliver live demonstrations of its latest high-tech cameras from booth 252 at the ISC East 2019 exhibition and conference. The two-day security industry event will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, located in New York City, NY, from November 20 - 21, 2019. Total Video Solution AVC will highlight several powerful new cameras as part of the award-winning Total Video Solution AVC will highlight several powerful new cameras as part of the award-winning Total Video Solution, able to be securely and easily accessed anywhere, anytime, including from Security Operation Centers, desktop or laptop computers, smartphones, and tablet devices. Brad Donaldson, Vice President of Product Development for AVC, explains, “Our ConteraIP camera family continues to grow, offering the industry’s best image quality, performance, and reliability at an affordable price point.” Mr. Donaldson continued, “Each of the new cameras is designed to address customer requests for additional configuration options and features, while leveraging the power of our cloud-enabled Total Video Solution.” ConteraIP Omni LX Remote Setup dome cameras AVC has introduced multiple new products since initial launch in July of 2018 as an operating unit of Texas-based Costar Technologies, Inc. AVC is committed to the delivery of innovative product designs and features, outstanding product quality and reliability, and unmatched customer service and support. Now available, the newest member of the adjustable-view multi-sensor Omni camera series – first pioneered for the security industry in 2014 - is the most powerful and capable yet. The Omni LX Remote Setup (or RS) indoor/outdoor dome camera was unveiled at ISC West 2019 in April, and brings a choice of 8 or 20 Megapixel (MP) models each featuring four sensors mounted in individual, motorized gimbals. Remote focus/zoom capability with customisable views complements the default 180-, 280-, and 360-degree choices. NightView technology The compact dome enclosure brings a simple installation design combined with remote setup technology to position, aim, & focus each sensor. Together, these features reduce both installer effort, and eliminate the need to physically touch the camera from a lift or ladders for post-installation view, coverage, or focus adjustments. Standard Omni LX features include superior image quality at up to 30fps (frames per second) per sensor and full multi-streaming capability. Enhanced WDR (wide dynamic range) at up to 120db, NightView technology combined with mechanical IR cut filters for day/night use, both H.265 and SnapStream+ technology for reduced bandwidth use without loss of image quality, and PoE support round out the feature set. ConteraIP Fisheye 360-degree panoramic dome cameras The compact, very-low-profile dome camera offers a full 360-degree image without blind spots Released in September at GSX 2019 Chicago, the new ConteraIP Fisheye Dome indoor/outdoor camera is proving popular with customers seeking an affordable, single-sensor panoramic model with outstanding image quality. The compact, very-low-profile dome camera offers a full 360-degree image without blind spots at 12MP resolution. This product is suitable for day/night projects where a multi-sensor panoramic or Omni camera may not be warranted. Offering multiple de-warp display modes, this PoE camera includes integrated microphone, speaker, IR illuminators, and SDXC card slot for onboard storage. H.264/H.265 encoders and advanced SNAPstream+, SmartIR, WDR, and NightView technologies are included along with the advanced suite of AVC single-sensor camera capabilities. ConteraIP Outdoor Dome & Bullet EX Series The ConteraIP Outdoor Dome EX and Bullet EX cameras first unveiled at ISC West 2019 in April are available for customer ordering. Featuring AVC’s new Advanced Video Analytics suite, each high-performance EX model delivers 5MP resolution. Included analytics are camera tamper detection, intrusion detection, line crossing, and loitering detection. An optional additional suite of analytics is also available, including object classification (person/vehicle), object left/removed, and people/vehicle counting. Each EX model includes True Day/Night capabilities with integrated IR (infrared) illuminators for use indoors or out. Each includes a motorized varifocal lens for rapid focusing during setup and offers the full suite of powerful AVC single-sensor camera capabilities. These include a SDXC card slot for onboard storage, PoE (Power over Ethernet) capability, H.264/H.265 encoders, plus advanced SNAPstream+, SmartIR, Advanced WDR, and NightView technologies. Cloud-enabled ConteraVMS All of these new ConteraIP camera series are designed for use with the cloud-enabled ConteraVMS as part of the Total Video Solution. AVC MegaLab validation and ONVIF Profile S, G, Q, and T compliance provide easy integration with 3rd party VMS systems when needed.