UK boutique hotel operator rolls out standardized surveillance at 14 locations

Editor / Provider: Samsung Techwin | Updated: 5/21/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotels, a luxury hotel franchise in UK with 14 distinctive hotels ranging from bijou boutique to large-scale luxury, located in London, Heathrow, Guildford and Manchester, recently upgraded its more than 700-camera analog video surveillance system with a new standardized analog system consisting of Samsung Techwin cameras and 40 DVRs. The hotel has entered a long term single source supply relationship agreement with Samsung, to equip all its hotels with Samsung video surveillance solution.

The safety of guests and staff has always been the hotel's top priority and Radisson has never hesitated to invest in the latest video surveillance technology. However, this resulted in many different types of cameras and recording devices from various manufacturers being deployed across its hotels. Mohamed Elsebahy, Group CCTV Manager, held a strong opinion that significant operational advantages could be achieved by a process of standardization. The hotel researched whether it would be possible to single source all the components of a video surveillance system from one manufacturer, said Elesbahy.

The starting point for the detailed research as to what products would best match Radisson's demanding requirements was the video recording solution. Although images from the 700 plus domes installed across the 14 hotels can be viewed live at control rooms located at Heathrow and London, the key objective has always been to record activity captured by the cameras so that any incidents or suspicious activity can be investigated, and if appropriate, video evidence can be retrieved and passed onto the police for prosecution purposes.

Samsung's DVR, which can simultaneously record real time images across all of its 16 channels at 4CIF was chosen after a four month trial, however, the hotel required certain adjustments. “We identified from our operational perspective some shortcomings in the list of features available in the VMS that is provided with the DVR,” said Nick Kalsi, Technology Consultant of the hotel. “What we felt was missing was the ability to name the DVRs, make brightness adjustments and also to manage the printing of images via the software.” Samsung customized the DVRs to meet the hotel's specifications.

Images from the 700 domes are recorded at different frame rates depending on the type and level of activity anticipated at each camera location and all of the images are stored for 30 days. So far 200 units have been replaced with either IR internal domes, WDR indoor domes or with vandal-resistant external domes. The remaining 500 units will be replaced in the near future as part of a phased upgrade program.

"Working closely with a single manufacturer has proved to be a great success as they have been able to provide objective advice on the correct camera model for every location,” said Mohamed Elsebahy. Local police officers have also commented that the video surveillance system at Heathrow hotel is one of the most reliable of many hotels on the A4 strip. Radisson is in the process of testing Samsung's NVRs with a view to migrating from an analog based system to a networked IP solution.

EverFocus launches 16-CH 960H DVR

Editor / Provider: EverFocus Electronics | Updated: 5/20/2013 | Article type: Security 50

EverFocus is pleased to announce the launch of its new ECOR960 X1 16 channel, 120FPS 960H resolution DVR, targeting professional users with the highest image quality and the best recording experience. With a superior function set and an affordable price, while still providing critical CE, FCC and UL certifications, the ECOR960 X1 is especially ideal for homes, retails, SMB, and factory surveillance applications.

Thanks to its WD1 (960x480/960x576) resolution capabilities, the ECOR960 X1 digital video recorder gives users of the latest 960H cameras the ability to capture fast moving objects at enhanced detail levels, with a choice of WD1 or D1 formats. The new 16 channel ECOR960X1 also provides an upgrade to the ECOR264 feature set by incorporating 1080p Full HD Video output capability to VGA and HDMI monitors. Also available is an optional built-in DVD burner to preserve evidence and for secure video and data export.

The ECOR960 X1 can be used in complex multi-site installations when paired with powerful EverFocus centralized management software and tools, and is supported by the EverFocus MobileFocus line of remote video surveillance applications on iOS and Android devices, which help easily extend video surveillance from fixed location to mobile environments using a smartphone or pad devices.

Tennessee rehabilitation center keeps recovering residents in check

Editor / Provider: Sponsored by Qnap Security | Updated: 5/20/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Recovery Ranch, located in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S., is a special rehabilitation center for clients with addictive, eating or mood disorders, or in need of psychosomatic recovery for improved quality of life. The ranch employs 160 therapists and administrative personnel, serving more than 75 clients at a time, with 24/7 care for different treatments; hence, it is a large facility with residents of diverse backgrounds.

The ranch encompasses two sites: the main campus with two buildings and a new campus with six buildings, individually located one mile apart. On land stretching over 2,000 acres and multiple campuses, it is necessary to have a powerful surveillance system to secure the community and archive records of any incidents that occur. The two original buildings, dated back to late 1800s, were not designed with network wiring. Also, they had unstable power supplies due to the age of the buildings and the location in a rural area, where bad weather could easily cause a power outage. Therefore, wireless became very important, and a good mechanism to sustain system power supply was essential, too.

Moreover, Recovery Ranch required 16 to 18 cameras installed around the campuses and a system able to store videos for two to three months. Prior to the installation, Recovery Ranch surveyed CCTV and DVR solutions, but all lacked advanced management functions and did not have sufficient storage capacity.

Road to Recovery
In the end, Recovery Ranch turned to the Qnap VioStor NVR surveillance system because of its robust, IP-based design and the many unique management features. Two units of VioStor NVR VS-6020 Pro, powered by dual-core Intel Atom processor, were installed on each campus, monitoring 25 VIVOTEK fixed domes and Mobotix fisheye cameras. “Qnap NVRs definitely play a central role in the video security for Recovery Ranch, as this is a one-stop solution that is well-integrated with multiple brands of IP cameras and hence can fulfill very diverse indoor/outdoor monitoring requirements,” said Jeff Chase, IT Manager. “Moreover, the system is very scalable in camera deployment, and with free software updates, it is open to more features at no additional cost, making it a future-proof investment for many years to come.”

The VS-6020 Pro supports high-quality H.264, MPEG-4, M-JPEG and MxPEG recording, and can efficiently stream videos wirelessly while maintaining high-megapixel image quality. In addition, the 6-bay VS-6020 Pro accommodates up to 24-TB storage capacity to satisfy Recovery Ranch's needs of storing videos for up to three months. The VS-6020 Pro also solves the problem of unexpected power outage. With support for UPS devices, the VS-6020 Pro is programmed with USB-connected UPS to ensure 24/7 service. Detailed event logs of system warning, network disconnection and the UPS status are also recorded for diagnosis. What Recovery Ranch favored most was the intelligent video analytics. By using the motion detection algorithm in playback mode, the security administrator can set up areas of interest and time frames for the NVR to automatically find events of interest. It is, overall, less labor-intensive than manually watching each channel at 16x fast-forward play. It is quick to review — for example, an individual, in a specific area, at a certain time of the day — the day's video, and reviewing evidence is more efficient than ever.

Since the two units of VioStor NVR VS-6020 Pro were installed, the ranch has required little maintenance. The Linux-based operating system and RAID storage volume are very reliable; at the same time, it is more power-efficient than running the VMS server on a PC. Therefore, Recovery Ranch does not have to keep the PC running 100-percent of the time. It shows power consumption changes from 200W to 43W (with six HDDs installed) in average, resulting in up to five times of savings in utility. “The VS-6020 Pro is an easy-to-use and intuitive product, enabling the security administrator to fully utilize the features of the surveillance system. We can spend less time on IT, and more time on running the center,” Chase concluded.

Sponsored by:

EverFocus partners with Digiever for better networked solutions

Editor / Provider: EverFocus Electronics | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Security 50

EverFocus is pleased to announce their new partnership with Digiever. For almost 20 years, EverFocus has been a leading integrated security solution manufacturer of CCTV cameras, DVRs, HDcctv, IP surveillance solutions, access control systems, as well as surveillance and access control peripherals. With Digiever DIGISTOR NVR series' support, EverFocus' network cameras can now satisfy various surveillance scenarios requests, and users can easily adapt the operation under more circumstances.

Established in 1995, EverFocus has been working diligently in the security business for almost 20 years now, with branches in the US, Germany, UK, Japan, India and China, EverFocus provides rapid response with optimal solutions to meet customers' satisfaction. The skilled R&D team works diligently to bring safety to our life through innovative ideas and advanced technology.

"We are pleased to gain an innovative partner in Digiever. This corroboration helps us to provide robust and powerful solutions for a wide range of applications. Digiever's platform is able to maximize benefits of the full lineup of EverFocus cameras, and allows us to bring value to an even wider customer base." said Joe Jen, Manager at EverFocus. The integration of EverFocus and Digiever is exciting, as it is the first cooperation for both parties. It will bring better service and more satisfied solution for more customers.

"We are excited by the integration between Digiever and EverFocus, as the integration has been smooth and successful. The integration with EverFocus provides users of both parties with solid surveillance bundle solution” said Allen Tseng, Product Manager of Digiever. "As the most reliable and ideal provider of Linux-based standalone NVR solution, Digiever keeps working on expanding the compatibility of IP cameras from reputed global brands and continues to support IP camera partners. Digiever devotes to giving users experience of more efficient network surveillance solutions. "

EverFocus works closely with third party technology partners to satisfy customers' needs in vertical markets such as mobile, city surveillance and banking solutions.

Storage specialist grows ecosystem to target surveillance applications

Editor / Provider: Sponsored by Seagate | Updated: 5/16/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

From April 24th to the 26th, 2013, the 16th Secutech International Exhibition and Conference took place in Tapei, Tawain, once again offering a venue for security professionals to present their business value.

Alongside an array of other exhibitors, Seagate teamed with eight industry-leading surveillance vendors to display storage solutions that address a variety of surveillance usage requirements:
● IP Surveillance
● Video Analytics
● Centralized Storage
● Embedded DVR
● Video as a Service
● Surveillance in the Cloud

These demos addressed the major technological advancements that continue to change the storage industry. According to forecasts from IMS Research (recently acquired by IHS), 2013 will be the year when global network video surveillance equipment sales surpass analogue video surveillance equipment sales. Centralized storage is gaining prominence as well for its scalability and easy management. Cloud computing in surveillance is also rising, due to its relatively low cost, while Managed Video as a Service (MVaaS) and Hosted Video as a Service (HVaas) are often part of the package.

As technologies converge and surveillance architectures improve, surveillance needs and usage models also evolve. To meet client demands, surveillance storage will need to be purpose-built with the following key capabilities:
1. Video accuracy, which ensures maximized data integrity, in addition to accurate read-and-write metadata and control data
2. Sequential writing performance, enabling more HD and megapixels video feeds are supported and more bandwidth is available for higher resolutions
3. Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), without compromise to reliability, scalability and power efficiency in the long term
4. Video data security, including data encryption and secure erase technologies

In collaboration with renowned providers of surveillance services at this year's conference, Seagate demonstrated a wide range of surveillance-related products in different capacities, with Seagate HDDs as the core technology.

Each demo station established the importance of using the right hard drive in the particular surveillance application displayed. This lesson can vastly influence a provider's ability to offer distinguished surveillance systems with improved reliability, performance and affordability—all key elements to differentiate from competitors' offerings.

Sponsored by: 
For more information, please visit the company website.

Hikvision delivers webinar training for UK installers and users

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 5/7/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Hikvision, in conjunction with Tavcom Training UK – a leading security systems training company, has recently launched a webinar training program specifically designed for the understanding of the latest Hikvision video surveillance products and solutions.

This online webinar training program is specially tailored towards installers, system integrators, and end-users throughout the UK market. The goal of this program is to better facilitate detailed and specific knowledge of Hikvision products to these vital market segments. Included in this curriculum are key product features and basic operation skills overall, this program will allow Hikvision partners/customers to more fully construct surveillance solutions catering to market demand – all conveniently utilizing Hikvision's broad range of products, and experienced service professionals, that form the core of Hikvision – the world's leading CCTV & video surveillance equipment provider.

This online training course will be divided into three modules: DVR/NVR, IP cameras and Hikvision client software. Hikvision offers the first 1,000 participants free access to the webinar training.

“Hikvision has made significant strides in its ongoing effort to gain market share in the UK market. After our established UK technical support hotline, this webinar training program is another great Hikvision step in delivering new levels of excellence in both service and support. Additionally, we relish this opportunity to further enhance our customer and partner relationships in the UK,” noted Tony Yang, Hikvision's GM for the UK market.

EverFocus wins IP Camera Excellence Award at Secutech International 2013

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

EverFocus awarded the camera Excellence Awards in IP camera contest at 2013 Secutech in Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall last week.

2013 Secutech, International Security Expo held from Apr. 24 -26, attracted over 520 manufacturers and professional visitors from 19 countries to Taiwan. EverFocus - an a&s 2012 Security Top 50 manufacturer -- received 2013 Secutech Camera Excellence Awards with their EAN3300― a 3 Megapixel IP Camera. With this award, the well-known CCTV manufacturer made a clear announcement to the world that they are ready for the IP battle, and once again proved their continuous hard work in IP producing is paid-off.

Earlier this year, the EverFocus EPN4220 IP speed dome received this year's Taiwan Excellence Award. Winning another IP camera Excellence Award at Secutech shows that the expansion of their product line is continuing successfully. The award proved their R&D engineers have also developed an extensive expertise in IP products.

During the contest, organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media, cameras of various brands were set up to monitor the color saturation and restoration, effective frame rate, camera shutter speed, and resolution performance. The contest also had an on-site live demo component, that not only served as a clear buyer's guide for IP Cameras but also a big encouragement for EverFocus and its business partners.

The EverFocus EAN3300 is a box-type IP camera delivering 3 Megapixel image resolution. It features WDR functionality, which can provide clear images even under back light circumstances where intensity of illumination can vary excessively. H.264/M-JPEG multi-stream output is available for simultaneous live monitoring and high-resolution recording. The EAN3300 is designed for simple installation and supports all types of indoor mounting applications.

The HD-SDI Demonstration was also a highlight of the Secutech. HD-SDI cameras and DVRs were installed to monitor banking activities in a simulated environment. EverFocus showed off their EPHD04 DVR and EQH5202, providing a total banking solution and achieved resounding success in this demonstration.

The EverFocus EPHD04 DVR supports 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 resolution HDcctv cameras and offers real time HD recording and playback for all cameras at 1080p resolution. At the same time, all cameras are available for remote live display with reduced bandwidth. The built-in HDcctv DVR web server enables live display and playback of video footage without the use of specific software - a PC with web browser is all you require. Users can search video by date, time and event or filter by type of recording quickly and efficiently.

US hospital prescribes unified security

Editor / Provider: Tyco Security Products | Updated: 5/1/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

One of the largest hospitals in U.S., the Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH), has chosen an integrated security solution from Tyco Security Products. The solution that incorporates products from two Tyco brands, Software House's security and event management system and 22 American Dynamics NVRs will be used to secure the hospital's 1,500-bed flagship teaching hospital and more than 12 sites as part of its parent organization, Yale New Haven Health System. The system was implemented by system integrator Johnson Controls.

In selecting Software House's security and event management system and American Dynamics NVRs, YNHH will now be able to centralize the management of its security systems, both access and video, from the hospital's individual sites on the network. “This new system not only provides critical information to our department so we can make timely, strategic decisions, but it also offers system intelligence to provide data to the rest of our organization,” said Marvin White, Manager of Physical Security, Protective Services.

Working with Johnson Controls, YHNN's multi-tiered access control migration plan includes updating the access control credentials for more than 12,000 workers in the network, impacting more than 1,000 doors and readers. YNHH chose Software House's controllers, which are space-saving, time-saving tools in its small data closets because of the products' remote programming capabilities. The hospital also deployed Software House's business intelligence reporting suite to produce customized reports from the security and event management system .

Additionally, the hospital is migrating some of its DVRs to American Dynamics NVRs during the transition, YNHH will manage its IP and analog systems through one single interface using the American Dynamics VMS.

Once the transition is complete this spring, YNHH will have a system that will grow along with the hospital for years to come because of the scalability of the security and event management system and NVRs.

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.

Samsung Techwin updates VMS

Editor / Provider: Samsung Techwin | Updated: 4/29/2013 | Article type: Security 50

A recently introduced updated version of Samsung Techwin's SmartViewer Central Management Software is able to support the company's IP network video surveillance devices, as well as its analogue cameras, domes and DVRs

SmartViewer V4.0 is designed for video surveillance systems with up to 36 cameras and enables any authorised user with access to the Internet to view live or search for recorded video captured by connected cameras via a Samsung DVR or NVR.

Users can choose to simultaneously display images from up to 16 cameras in various split-screen modes and can save a ‘favourite' configuration for future use.

A key feature of SmartViewer V4.0 is a device manager which automatically scans for connected IP cameras, encoders and NVRs and enables the importing/exporting of device settings. It also facilitates the remote updating of a device's firmware and can therefore save time and money by negating the need for an installer to carry out a site visit. Other user-friendly features include drag & drop camera selection, H.264, MPEG-4 and MJPEG support, a real-time event list and a 24 language display.

"Customers will find SmartViewer V4.0 very easy to use,” said Peter Ainsworth, Senior Product Manager for Samsung Techwin Europe. “Our software engineers have given it the look and feel, and in many respects it is a simplified version of, our SSM (Samsung Security Manager) software which we know from customer feedback is helping users worldwide achieve maximum benefit from their video surveillance systems.”