Axis introduces high-density video encoder chassis

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 5/15/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications announced the release of its Q7436 video encoder blade and Q7920 video encoder chassis, which is one of the industry's highest-density encoder chassis with support for up to 84 analog cameras. The new high-performance video encoder solution is ideal for demanding locations such as airports, railway stations and city surveillance–where high performance, flexibility and reliability are required.

“This new video encoder system is an ideal, future-proof video surveillance solution offering outstanding performance and great flexibility,” said Erik Frannlid, Director of Product Management at Axis. “It allows customers with large scale analog video surveillance installations to connect their cameras to an IP network, giving instant access to digital benefits, including intelligent video capabilities, remote access and scalability.”

The video encoder blade has support for 60/50 fps, providing smooth video even in high motion scenes. It delivers multiple, individually configurable video streams from each channel, at full frame rate in all resolutions. Furthermore, this six channel video encoder blade offers great image features such as reduced noise, enhanced sharpness and optimized contrast, allowing for even better image quality output.

For larger, centralized systems, high-density rack solutions with encoder blades offer the most flexible and reliable solutions. The Q7920 is a rack mount encoder chassis, providing an expandable solution for migrating large-scale analog installations to network video. It holds up to 14 hot-swappable video encoder blades supporting up to 84 analog cameras. Furthermore, with hot swapping there is no need to power down the entire system when installing or removing the video encoder blades.

The video encoder chassis is also highly reliable with its power and network redundancy. Featuring both RJ45 ports as well as SFP slots, this video encoder solution offers fully flexible and cost-effective long distance network connectivity.

Further features included in AXIS Q7436 Video Encoder Blade:

• Provides powerful event management capabilities with embedded intelligent video features such as tampering alarm and motion detection.
• Supports AXIS Camera Application Platform that enables development of third party applications that can be downloaded and installed on the encoder.
• Offers significant installation savings, by allowing PTZ control over the coaxial cable, in addition to the standard support for PTZ cameras using the serial ports. 
• The video encoder blade is supported by the industry's largest base of VMS through the Axis application development partner program and Axis VMS. Furthermore the video encoder includes support Hosted Video and ONVIF for easy camera system integration.

The video encoder blade and video encoder chassis is planned to be available for order in third quarter of 2013 through Axis distribution channels.

Dutch rail keeps track of stations with heightened awareness

Editor / Provider: Nice Systems | Updated: 5/14/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

ProRail, the government agency responsible for rail infrastructure in the Netherlands, is deploying Nice Systems's situation management solution to help identify, verify and manage security, safety, and operations in real time. The solution will also be instrumental in post-event investigation, analysis and the ongoing evaluation of event handling. Nice is partnering with Geodan, an expert in geographic information system and crisis management systems, to implement this project.

From a single, centralized control room, ProRail will be able to manage tens of thousands of incidents a year across the Netherland's rail systems, including on-track malfunctions, fire incidents and other crisis situations. With the situation management solution's automated and semi-automated tools, together with predefined response plans, security operators will be able to rapidly and effectively respond to unfolding events as they occur. This is expected to enable ProRail to substantially decrease operational downtime caused by accidents. Hundreds of ProRail employees from across the organization will play a role in the operation of the system and will benefit from improved communication, collaboration, and information sharing.

With the ability to identify, verify and respond to events in real time, the Nice-Geodan solution will enable ProRail to mitigate risk and improve operations. Since the solution can integrate with existing and new systems, ProRail is able to leverage its current infrastructure and enjoy a lower total cost of ownership.

“Handling incidents faster and more efficiently is a high priority within the rail sector, as our ultimate goal is to provide our customers with safe and reliable transport,”said Hans Smits, Director of Incident Management at ProRail.“The joint solution offered by Nice and Geodan allows us to unify and centralize operations.”The rail company can now provide stakeholders with a single picture of the situation, quickly inform relevant parties, and make decisions faster.

“The ProRail deployment highlights the many facets of our advanced situation management technology, including its ability to help organizations respond quicker and more efficiently to unfolding incidents,” said Yaron Tchwella, President of the Nice Security Group.

“We also recognize the value that this solution could bring for seaports, airports, government bodies, and other local organizations that are responsible for managing critical assets and infrastructure,” said Henri van Mil, Director at Geodan.

Hikvision introduces night vision analog cams

Editor / Provider: Hikvision Digital Technology | Updated: 5/13/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Hikvision, is pleased to announce the release of its new IR analog camera series at the upcoming IFSEC 2013 trade show at NEC Birmingham, UK, in May. This series is comprised of the DS-2CC52A2P-IT3 700TVL IR Dome Camera, DS-2CC12A2P-IT3 700TVL IR Bullet Camera, and the DS-2CC12A2P-IT5 700TVL IR Bullet Camera. These cameras incorporate Hikvision's EXIR infrared array technology to provide best-in-breed illuminators for any zero-dark environment – indoors or out. Compared to conventional IR analog cameras, Hikvision's high-performance EXIR series delivers the most advanced levels of night-time surveillance available on the market today.

These EXIR cameras provide a highly-efficient light source and enhanced LED light strength. By employing the most advanced thin-film and light-emitting technology, this series provides up-to 30% more illuminant efficiency over traditional LED array technology. Furthermore, the EXIR series even provides a 40% light-extraction rate improvement when compared to traditional models, resulting in stronger light for long-range visibility usage.

To make the most out of IR LED light, EXIR analog cameras produce LED light in the form of a rectangle. This allows a better fit for a screen's normal size (4:3 or 16:9). Additionally, it helps improve LED utilization efficiency and reduce light pollution in the surrounding environment. Images are further optimized with EXIR's luminance uniformity functionality, which eliminates traditional LED lens issues, such as over-exposure at the center of images, as well as darker areas at the corners. Featuring an excellent horizontal resolution of 700TVL, these EXIR analog cameras deliver superb image detail in poorly lit environments, better providing for solutions at industrial parks, harbors, roads, airports, etc.

Specifically, all three models offer a minimum illumination of 0.001 Lux @ F1.2 (0 Lux with IR). However, all provide different IR ranges, giving consumers various additional options. The DS-2CC52A2P-IT3 and DS-2CC12A2P-IT3 provide a viewing range of 30m ~ 40m, while the DS-2CC12A2P-IT5 is designed with a farther IR range of 50m ~ 80m.

Furthermore, excellent heat dissipation, longer lifespan, and greater energy savings are but a few of the advantages that Hikvision EXIR cameras bring. IP66 protection, in both bullet and dome styles, further provide users with options to best fit their specific needs.

Additionally, a horizontal resolution of 600TVL is standard with the EXIR series line, models comprise of Hikvision DS-2CE5682P-IT3 600TVL IR Dome Camera, DS-2CE1682P-IT3 600TVL IR Bullet Camera and DS-2CE1682P-IT5 600TVL IR Bullet Camera.

CEM Systems releases new software version

Editor / Provider: CEM Systems | Updated: 5/13/2013 | Article type: Security 50

CEM Systems, part of Tyco Security Products, announced the release of version 6.7 of AC2000 SE (Standard Edition) and AC2000 AE (Airport Edition) integrated access control and security management software. The latest release offers a host of new features that increase the performance and improve the functionality of the CEM AC2000 access control system.

“CEM AC2000 is a powerful access control system that is designed with the customer in mind” said Andrew Fulton, Senior Director of Global Sales, CEM Systems. “The enhanced features and functionality in this new release are based on valuable customer feedback and will ensure that AC2000 continues to provide a flexible access control solution that helps increase security, improve business efficiency and operational effectiveness for CEM sites around the world.”

New in version 6.7 are updates and enhancements to AC2000 WEB, CEM's powerful suite of browser based applications for AC2000. The AC2000 WEB menu has an improved and more intuitive look and feel to enhance user experience. In addition to the current suite of WEB applications, AC2000 now provides a unique WEB Zonal Control application for anti-tailgating. This new web based tool discourages tail-gating or passing back of cards to facilitate strict policy control of cardholder movements for operational efficiency. The AC2000 WEB Visitors application has also been updated with a ‘Batch Visitor Request Import' tool and new powerful WEB Reports. All these features continue to provide the power of the AC2000 system but through a web browser.

In addition, AC2000 v6.7 software includes enhanced support for emerald, CEM's revolutionary touch screen intelligent access terminal. emerald features a reader & controller in one, integrated VoIP intercom functionality and a range of remote applications that enable elements of AC2000 software to be accessed directly at the door. This latest v6.7 software release offers customers even more enhanced functionality including ‘Live video pop-up on intercom request', display of company advertising messages while emerald is idle and six new remote applications. When integrated with a CCTV system, operators can now see who they are talking to when a user initiates an emerald intercom request.

In addition, at v6.7, emerald supports the display of company advertisements which can be uploaded to AC2000 in JPG format as well as offering six new remote applications including Suppress/Enable Alarms for filtering alarms during maintenance periods and One Shot which enables security to remotely open doors from an emerald terminal for a short period of time. Other new applications include Open/Close to enable or disable PIR's or lights with a simple swipe and Online Status which allows users to view the status of all readers directly from an emerald terminal.

Another new feature in v6.7 is alarm escalation, allowing unacknowledged alarms from multiple sites to be forwarded to a supervisory operator workstation after a set time scale. New ‘Soft Anti-Passback' functionality also sends a silent alarm to the operator workstation to notify of access cards passed back in breach of policy. This new functionality can be applied on a reader by reader basis or per cardholder for full flexibility.

Laying the foundation for the future

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu, asmag.com | Updated: 5/9/2013 | Article type: Security 50

For Bosch Security Systems, China is growing quickly to become its largest single-country market. Investments are heavy — the market is a region all on its own, on par with the Americas, EMEA and APAC; the CEO visits every quarter; and the local R&D and highly automated production facilities in Zhuhai are the group's largest prized possession. Yunping Fu, the new VP of Sales for the region, shares with asmag how he plans to take the organization to the next level, through deeper verticalization and localization.

To Fu, security is an intriguingly complex business. It is still undergoing a relatively slow transition to a better IT/IP-enabled world; the product life/selling cycle is longer; and there are a lot more players with widely different calibers and less consolidation. Nevertheless, his priorities are clear: to continue to drive double-digit growth, to be even more customer-focused across the entire organization, and to lay an even more solid foundation for a sustainable future.

Continued Growth
Fu's strategy is twofold: deeper verticalization and client relations. Take the transportation vertical for example; Bosch China will zoom in on airport projects (both new and retrofit). With the manufacturing vertical, a lot of investments are going into the tobacco industry. “It is this kind of laser focus that will carry us through the next few years.” The same can be applied to client relations; go-to-market tactics will be adjusted so that every customer can be served by the “right” partner more efficiently.

**Don't forget to check out video interviews!**

Customer Focus
This regional business unit is constantly growing and recruiting talent. To serve existing and potential clients even better, all the personnel in R&D, sales, marketing and technical support will be retrained to “walk in others' shoes” so that the added value that Bosch brings can be felt more clearly. “We will also partner with and cultivate more Tier-2 VARs to be even closer to our end users.”

Solid Foundation
The ultimate goal is to ensure sustainable profitability for the Bosch organization and its partners and clients. All the verticalization and localization efforts are meant for a greater solution fit, and Bosch's continued focus on optimizing customer experience and maximizing their business benefits will be the distinguishing feature that carries the company to the next phase of progress and prosperity.

Congressman Mike Honda visits Morpho US headquarters

Editor / Provider: Morpho | Updated: 5/6/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Morpho (Safran), through its subsidiary Morpho Detection, welcomed Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17) at the Morpho Detection offices in Newark, California.

Employing more than 200 people in Newark, Morpho Detection's Bay-area offices and manufacturing facility houses the Morpho Computed Tomography (CT) Center of Excellence research and development lab. As a result, some of the most widely deployed CT-based solutions used globally to screen checked baggage for dangerous explosives and other threats are developed and manufactured in Newark, among them Morpho Detection's CTX automated explosives detection systems (EDS).

“Morpho Detection thanks Congressman Honda for being here today and his long-standing support of local businesses,” said Brad Buswell, president and CEO, Morpho Detection. “Morpho Detection has been developing advanced explosives detection solutions in Newark for more than 20 years. We look forward to continuing our work with Congressman Honda to ensure our district remains a global hub for innovation and technology.”

As part of his visit, Rep. Honda met with employees and viewed the production area of the CTX line of EDS. The most widely deployed in the world, with nearly 2,000 units assembled in Newark since 1990, Morpho Detection's CTX EDS screens checked baggage at the busiest airports in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Commenting on his visit, Rep. Mike Honda (CA-17) said: “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and my own Blue Ribbon Task Force on Aviation Security, I know firsthand both the fiscal challenges we face as a nation and the importance of investing in advanced technology to ensure the safety of the traveling public in the future. Silicon Valley has long been a global hub for innovation in a variety of markets – allowing businesses to be more efficient and creating jobs that sustain communities. I have enjoyed learning more about technologies like those Morpho Detection manufactures and that can allow us to approach safety more intelligently and cost effectively."

Samsung Techwin launches 1.3-MP PTZ dome

Editor / Provider: Samsung Techwin | Updated: 5/2/2013 | Article type: Security 50

With users almost spoilt for choice as a result of the large numbers of megapixel cameras now available, Samsung's new SNP-5300H 1.3 Megapixel IP network PTZ dome is able to stand out from the crowd by offering a 30x optical zoom capability that provides operators with the opportunity to observe close up detail of far away people or objects without pixilation occurring.

“The combination of 1.3 Megapixels and 30x optical zoom has until now been an expensive option,” said Tim Biddulph, IP Product Manager for Samsung Techwin Europe. “The good news is that Samsung's innovative 1.3 megapixel lens technology has made it possible for us to offer the SNP-5300 at a price point which makes it affordable for a wide range of applications.”

Another key feature incorporated into the SNP-5300 is PoE which offers the potential for substantial savings on cable and installation costs, as it means that power can be drawn from the network. It is able to provide sufficient power for all of the dome's features as well as for a built-in heater to work effectively when the outdoor temperature may be as low as -30°C.

The SNP-5300H, which supersedes the highly successful SNP-5200H, has a totally new design. With an IP666 rated external housing, it is smaller and lighter than its predecessor and is equipped with a fan as well as a heater.

With a true day/night capability, WDR technology which makes it ideal for locations where there may be strong contrasting lighting conditions, the Samsung SNP-5300H provides a highly effective PTZ dome camera option for video surveillance projects such as airports, ports and other transport facilities, as well as retail and industrial parks.

Utilising H.264 and MJPEG compression, the SNP-5300H provides the option to simultaneously transmit images to multiple locations at various frame rates and at different resolutions. Up to 10 different users can monitor live images simultaneously on a PC, smartphone or tablet via Samsung' license free NET-i viewer software. At the same time JPEG images of an incident can be attached to an alarm email notification with the facility of storing pre and post-alarm images on an internal SD memory card.

Wisconsin public buildings centralize security feeds on fiber

Editor / Provider: Milestone Systems | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Brown County in Wisconsin, U.S, has upgraded disparate, time consuming and unreliable DVR systems to an improved system designed to keep workers and public property safe with streamlined efficiency. The county installed a fiber communications network with an IP-based surveillance system. Network cameras from Axis Communications are interconnected through Milestone Systems' VMS. Brown County now efficiently monitors public buildings including the museum, library, courthouse, jail, community treatment center – even the solid waste facilities. At the county's Austin Straubel International Airport, Agent Vi analytics was integrated with the VMS platform for critical alerts. Technology Resource Advisors (TRA) installed and designed the future-proofed VMS with multi-phase scalability, and could be integrated with third-party systems.

The county covers 1,372 square kilometers (530 square miles) and is home to the Green Bay Packers, 13 townships, nine villages and two cities. With departments scattered throughout, the new surveillance system had to be centrally administrated and controlled with restricted access from specific areas, enabling all departments to share video, with fast and efficient views of security related events.

“When the information came from TRA about Milestone's IP open platform allowing analytics integrations and other security systems for access control, we were very impressed,” said Kevin Raye, Network Support Manager, Brown County. The Milestone technologies pricing, compatibility with a large variety of cameras were the main reasons why the county chose the surveillance solution.

For users logging in from multiple sites, the central administrators securely and rapidly allow or deny access to views as needed. For example, the community treatment center is a state-licensed psychiatric facility where surveillance may be used for medical instances. Patient privacy concerns are considered, so the assigned roles set up in the system mean that unauthorized users are blocked.

The system's storage capabilities give the flexibility to determine video backup on a camera-by-camera basis. A minimum of 30 days of full video backup is kept for the entire county and can be adjusted if archived images are required for longer periods.

"We were able to develop a solution that combined multiple aspects including Milestone federated architecture and Agent Vi analytics to fit the large-scale needs of Brown County,” stated Tom Reminga, CTO, TRA.

Throughout the international airport, an analytics system from Milestone Solutions Partner Agent Vi has been integrated with the VMS. Rather than stationing TSA agents or security guards at additional checkpoints in the airport, Agent Vi's real-time detection and alert software monitors the video footage for predefined security scenarios. When an event is detected, an alert is sent to the VMS, which triggers various actions including live video pop up from the relevant camera.

Agent Vi's analytics are used in other applications at the airport, including ‘sterile zone' monitoring where the analytics system alerts security personnel of movement by people in restricted areas. This enables an immediate response in line with the level of threat associated with the event.

The runways also use Axis thermal IP cameras to monitor the movement of airplanes, service vehicles and personnel. The analytics system analyzes the images provided by the thermal cameras to differentiate between people, vehicles and static objects. Here the system has been predefined to detect and alert when there are people present in a vehicle-only lane, while disregarding the movement of vehicles in that area.

Safran reports 9.5% growth in 2013 Q1

Editor / Provider: Safran | Updated: 4/24/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Key figures for the first quarter of 2013
- First-quarter 2013 adjusted revenue was US$4,440 million (Euro 3,404 million), up 9.5% year-on-year, or up 9.6% on an organic basis.
- Solid revenue growth contribution from Aerospace activities, both in OE deliveries and aftermarket. Sales in - Defence were resilient. Positive dynamics in Security.
- Civil aftermarket[2] up 10.0% in USD terms, driven by first overhaul of recent CFM56 and resumption of growth in widebody engines.
- Full-year 2013 revenue outlook is upgraded further to first quarter revenue dynamics and the integration of Goodrich Electrical Power Systems (GEPS) from April 1, 2013: Safran expects adjusted revenue to increase by a percentage in the mid-to-high single digits (previously 5%). Adjusted recurring operating income should grow by a percentage in the mid-teens.
Free cash flow is expected to represent about 40% of adjusted recurring operating income.

Key business highlights for the first quarter of 2013
- The Narita International Airport Corporation of Japan purchased an additional 13 high-speed CTX-9800 explosives detection systems for hold baggage screening. Morpho's systems are the most widely deployed in the world, with nearly 2,000 in service.
- CFM: AviancaTaca (Colombia) selected LEAP engines to power 33 A320neo aircraft, in addition to CFM56 engines for 18 A320ceo and signed a 15-year RPFH agreement. Ryanair committed to purchase 175 single source CFM56-powered Boeing 737-800. China Aircraft Leasing Company (CALC) selected CFM56 engines for 25 A320ceo.
- Turbomeca unveiled “Arrano”, the brand new 1,100 shp engine designed to power 4-to-6 ton helicopters. In July 2012, Eurocopter announced that its new-generation X4 helicopter will be the first platform to be powered by the Arrano engine. Turbomeca also introduced the Arrius 2B2 Plus engine variant for Eurocopter EC135T3 helicopter. - Safran completed the acquisition of Goodrich Electrical Power Systems (GEPS) for Euro 300 million, creating a world leader in on-board electrical power systems.
- Safran reduced its stake in Ingenico by placing in the market 12.57% of Ingenico's share capital for proceeds of $374 million. The resulting after-tax profit for Safran is $170 million was recorded in the first quarter 2013 accounts. Safran will remain a significant shareholder, retaining 10.2% of Ingenico's share capital and 16.6% of voting right

Brazilian airport operator eyes runway with IP

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 4/23/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Brazil state-owned airport operator, Infraero, recently deployed eight Axis Communications network cameras to monitor Guararapes International Airport's (GIA) 3,000 meters runway, plus 300 meters unregistered in Recife. Local Axis partner, Security Solutions Systems (S3) implemented and installed the system. “The importance of this system is that, faced with any risk situation on the runway, it is possible to assess whether there is a defect in the infrastructure, “said Carlos Eduardo Almeida, Manager of Airport Safety at GIA.

The network cameras was chosen for the project due to its compatibility with majority of video and alarm management applications in the sector, and its designed to comply with the requirements of safety installations subject to variable light conditions, such as on airport runways. The camera provides clear and sharp images even of objects moving at high speed and in darkness, for example, aircraft during early morning hours. According to Almeida, the system allows all landings, taxiing and take-offs to be recorded in high resolution images. “Depending on the timetable, it is even possible to identify the aircraft's code,” said Almeida.

The greatest benefit of the system for Infraero was assistance with flight safety. Principally at the time of monitoring landings and take-offs, it is possible for the managers to assess the performance of the aircraft or detect the presence of objects which may pose a risk, like birds on the runway. “That increase in safety from the constant monitoring of runways will be essential in this period in which there will be an increase in aircraft traffic at national airports,” observed Reginaldo Campos, Technical Director of Integration at S3.

GIA was the first airport to implement the system, but other airports have quickly followed suit. Salvador International Airport, Manaus International Airport, and Viracopos International Airport in Campinas all recently installed the eight network camera system, while Aracaju International Airport, Macapa International Airport and Maraba Airport have each installed a five network cameras system.