Hikvision Mobile Surveillance Keep Chinese City Buses Safe

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 9/7/2010 | Article type: Infrastructure

The Ningbo city bus mobile surveillance project, one of the transportation installations in China, covers more than 3,600 buses belonging to 14 transportation companies in Ningbo city.

The Ningbo Transportation Department faced many of the common problems with security on their buses. They needed to protect their assets and provide passengers and drivers safety and security. Their security system needed to provide evidence in the event of theft or injury, helping to settle disputes between passengers and staff.

The surveillance system had to support high-quality video playback and store video data tracing back to two weeks ago. Antishock technology was adopted to ensure normal function of the mobile surveillance system when the bus is in motion. Hikvision provide a mobile solution which consisted of the mobile DVR, backup device and colored dome camera to meet these requirements.

In this elegant mobile surveillance system, four Hikvision cameras were installed separately in the windshield, carriage, front door and exit of each bus providing surveillance coverage of more than 90 percent of the bus.

The camera installed in the windshield mainly monitors whether the drivers go through a red light which would lead to traffic accidents. The camera fixed above the driver monitors whether passengers enter the bus without tickets. The camera in the middle of the bus monitors the security conditions like theft or dispute throughout the bus and the camera at exit keeps an eye on the passenger behavior getting on and off the bus.

This system creates a deterrent effect on criminals as well as unruly passengers, effectively ensuring the safety of the drivers, passengers and their property. In addition, if there are complaints about drivers from the passengers, or dispute between passengers, the related video footage can be retrieved and viewed for reference.

Different from mobile surveillance systems in other cities, the Ningbo city bus surveillance system delivers a high-quality video stream. Using the H.264 video codec, the Hikvision mobile DVR supports real-time viewing and playback with the resolution of up to 4CIF. Moreover, the color dome camera delivers horizontal resolution of 480 TVL, and it also features color and B/W auto switch, ensuring high image quality for 24/7 monitoring.

“As more than 3,600 buses are equipped with surveillance products, it’s unrealistic to pay attention to the on-site status of each bus simultaneously,” said Chongguan Jin, VP of Scientific and Information Department in Ningbo city public transportation head office. “In addition, the real-time video transmission means higher cost. So we chose to store the video data locally for playback and retrieving instead of real-time monitoring in this project at moment.”

To realize high-capability local storage, the Ningbo transportation department chose the hard disk drives with the capability of up to 750 GB each, which can store video data at least 15 days. The Hikvision mobile DVR backup device was also used in this project for video data backup.

“To date, this project has covered most of the public bus routes in Ningbo city,” said Jin. “After evaluation of the products’ utility, stability and reliability by actual use, Hikvision’s products have proven to be superior to the surveillance products that have been used in the buses of other cities in China.”

"The video monitoring system created by Hikvision has improved the security of Ningbo bus transportation routes and dramatically decreased the rate of crime or illegal action on our buses,” said Dezhi Zhu, GM of Ningbo city public transportation head office. “The safety of passengers and their property was ensured, and the service quality of transportation companies also has had a positive change accordingly."

Where Quality is the Operative Word

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Geutebruck | Updated: 10/4/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

．Geutebruck video system supports simulated surgery

In an operating theatre at the German Heart Institute in Berlin, open heart operations are carried out on a sophisticated dummy. A Geutebruck hybrid recorder stores video, audio and metadata, while streaming real-time images and sound to the trainer in the control room and to fellow students in a lecture theatre. Learning to deal with simulated situations may well mean the virtual patient dies but real lives are saved in future.

Here in this academy for cardio-technology, surgeons, anesthetists and cardio technicians practice open heart surgery on a special medical torso, complete with beating heart and simulated responses to different drug treatments and interventions. In a fully equipped operating theater they learn new procedures and are given realistic practical training in dealing with the kind of unexpected problems which occur in practice.

The re_porter-based video system designed and installed by Berlin-based Alarmsysteme Richter & Co. is integral to the training process. It enables a trainer to realistically control the dummy and the operating theater equipment remotely; it allows operations to be observed live and in close-up from a nearby lecture room; and it enables the participants themselves to review, analyse and learn much more from their experience.

In the operating theatre a GSD-671 high resolution indoor dome camera focuses on the operation site, while a megapixel camera provides pictures of the surrounding activity. Testing the dome camera's zoom lens for themselves, the doctors found to their satisfaction that it could provide large razor sharp images of the 1mm tall lettering on their surgical instruments, and that it could instantly autofocus on the indistinctly shaped heart. — In contrast to conventional cameras, this auto-focus function works even when there are no sharp edges in the image.

The medical trainer who sits in the control room behind a glass partition has all the video pictures and sound from the re-porter system. He controls the machinery and events in the theatre by mouse click on a screen and by talking to the surgical team via their headsets. As a result he is able to simulate all kinds of scenarios many of which put the patient in critical danger and the surgical team under considerable pressure. Better, so goes the philosophy, for the heart-lung machine to break down here and the patient die, but learn from the experience, than meet the situation for the first time with a real patient on the operating table.

After the operation synchronised video and sound recordings enable participants to analyse their actions step by step, and edited clips may be readily incorporated into PowerPoint presentations for teaching purposes.

In the nearby lecture theatre a lecturer provides other trainees with commentary on the procedure as it is carried out. On the display screens he can bring up pictures from both cameras as well as the medical equipment data which is also handled by the re_porter system.

Although the re_porter is a product with high-end technology designed for security applications it Alarmsysteme Richter and Co.'s choice for media and presentation systems projects too. “Where high quality solutions are required it can't be beaten on performance or price,” Richter said. “We have been doing an increasing amount of business in this area and use re_porter because it provides excellent value for money.”

Sponsored by: 

Infinova Cameras Watch from the Top at World's Tallest Hotel

Editor / Provider: Infinova | Updated: 7/15/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, the world's tallest hotel, uses a combination of Infinova PTZ, fixed and dome cameras in order to protect its guests, staff and property. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, the 72-story Rose Rayhaan by Rotana has a height of 333 meters and features 482 rooms and suites.

With such a massive edifice to be a temporary home to many of the world's most influential people, management knew that watching over the hotel would be an important job. A surveillance system would be needed to help protect customers and assets as well as to control access. A major objective would be to monitor antisocial elements from disrupting the hotel and its guests.

“While cameras have proven to be a deterrent to crime, we needed them to be at their best when used to monitor customers in this hotel,” said Parag Vadodaria, CEO of Dubai-based Zio Technologies, the security integrator for the Rose Rayhaan by Rotana. “Visitors see the cameras and assume someone is monitoring them. Used properly, they prove to be a great enhancement to security and loss prevention. For instance, cameras used to monitor the front desk may help reduce the number of hostile entries and antisocial activities in and around a hotel such as Rose Rayhaan by Rotana would typically experience.”

According to Vadodaria, because of the prestigious location, Zio needed to work with a brand of cameras and other video equipment that would provide a complete solution tailored to the premises. Zio especially wanted to make sure the system would not limit the number of cameras the hotel's surveillance solution needed. They also wanted the flexibility to remotely monitor over either LAN or WAN, having complete freedom to select their transmission medium of choice.

Today, the system is comprised of 47 PTZ, 143 fixed and 246 dome Infinova cameras. Among these cameras are high resolution day/night models. The cameras capture all patron areas of the hotel and are networked so that the hotel's dedicated security staff can operate them from a central location. The system also includes a 2TB hard drive that holds 31 days of recordings.

“The cameras perform many duties,” said Daniel Mathew, GM of Rose Rayhaan by Rotana. “The cameras at the front desk reduce article theft, including stopping pickpockets, and are a very useful way to detect credit card fraud and manage alcohol-induced problems. Cash register shortages are minimized and we have decreased driveway issues by identifying entrants.

“An added benefit is that we can burn a CD of an event and immediately provide evidence to both the police and our archives,” said Mathew. “Another plus of the system is that we don't need a player or playback software because an autoplay CD is automatically created with the relevant footage.”

It was determined that the Rose Rayhaan by Rotana would need 2 TB of storage to record 16 video channels running at the specified frame rate. With eight SATA slots available in the Infinova DVR, it provides the flexibility to have disk capacity as high as 8 TB versus the typical offering of only 1 TB with most systems. When the hotel wants or needs more storage, that challenge has already been solved.

Local law also demands that RG 59 coaxial cable be used to carry the video signal from the cameras to the Infinova DVRs, matrixes and monitors. At present, the system is analog but anytime the Rose Tower decides to migrate to an IP-based system, the addition of Infinova encoders to the present cameras will make the switchover easy.

For the time being, other security systems, such as the access control system, intruder alarm system and parking barrier system are all standalone.

“In case the need arises, they also can be integrated with the Infinova solution using alarm followers and other Infinova devices,” said Vadodaria. “For instance, if the hotel wants, the camera installed at the parking barriers and other parking area cameras can be implemented and integrated as an ALPR for better management of the parking area.”

“With this system as a foundation, we have so many ways that we can enhance security here at the hotel,” Mathew said. “We are confident that anything we need is technologically possible.”

Genie CCTV Monitors Regents College

Editor / Provider: Genie CCTV Ltd. | Updated: 7/8/2010 | Article type: Education

Expanding surveillance equipment provider Genie CCTV Ltd has provided surveillance monitoring for Regent's College, London, the largest college of private higher education in the U.K.. Situated in the heart of the capital within Regent's Park, the College's 3700 students are internationally diverse and multicultural – over 100 different nationalities are represented and more than 110 languages spoken on campus.

Comprising seven specialist schools, four of which offer undergraduate programmes, the College has three schools offering UK degrees while the fourth follows the US education system and allows students to gain an American degree in the centre of London. Scott Costello, Facilities Manager for Campus Services at the College, explains that the main quadrangle of classrooms is surrounded by halls of residence, lawns and tennis courts, and beyond this the ornamental gardens and lakes of the Royal Park. In addition to the college's students, up to 1,500 conference delegates can be on-site at any one time, while commercial receptions and similar corporate events are regularly held in the grounds from spring until autumn.

Regent's College's high profile status and location requires commensurate security measures and Genie CCTV cameras and advanced digital recording systems have been introduced to survey a variety of exterior and interior areas including the college car park, main reception space, corridors, student accommodation walkways and the immediate perimeter. Midlands-based installation specialist Unison Integrated Technology has been involved from the outset, starting 10 years ago with a 16-camera system and rising to 132 cameras currently. Pete Rodden of Unison says a decision was made three years ago to switch to Genie CCTV-sourced systems and already 102 Genie VRCD-5351 day/night vandal resistant dome cameras are in action internally, and 30 Genie GSDNR-5358/DV super high resolution day/night bodied cameras with SDNR are used for external viewing. This helps protect the 11-hectare site's boundary.

The cameras are linked to nine of Genie's latest 16-channel quadraplex DVRs, GDVR-M616. These MPEG-4 digital recorders provide simultaneous recording/playback/backup, network access, 400FPS recording @ CIF, up to 3Tb internal recording capacity and a host of other features including free multisite client software with E-map. “We recently changed over from multiplexed VCR recording to digital and were so impressed with the Genie DVRs' combination of superior playback facilities, real-time recording quality and cost-effective pricing that it made no sense to specify anything else,” Costello said.

He adds that the surveillance system is integrated with the college's access control system, enabling security staff to review images of incidents such as students forcing doors. The main problems that have been successfully tackled using the cameras are thefts and vandalism, with walk-in thefts falling dramatically from up to 10 per day to a maximum of three per year now.

Besides the main protection role of the surveillance measures, the college's video system is also used to prevent any other incidents from escalating and provide useful management functions including safe people movement around the site, plus health and safety cover. Car park management, along with checks on daily deliveries, environmental waste collections and contractor visits are other practical examples of on-site activity monitoring by Costello's security team.

Bosch Equips Thai Convention Center with Surveillance and Communication Systems

Editor / Provider: Bosch Security Systems | Updated: 6/24/2010 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Bosch Security Systems, a supplier of comprehensive physical security solutions, was granted a contract from Thailand Prince of Songkla University International Conference Center (PSUICC), the largest venue in southern Thailand.


PSUICC was established in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne. It is Thailand's latest convention center and the largest in the country's southern region. It is situated within the Hatyai campus of Prince of Songkla University and located just nine kilometers from Hatyai International Airport. The conventional center is also in close proximity to the full spectrum of modern amenities and features southern style architecture.


The convention center provides an international-scale convention center, which can host a range of large local and international events. Security and communication systems were essential to protect guests for big events.


In conjunction with the Bosch partner Libra Network and Security, PSUICC chose Bosch security and communication systems.


The purpose of the surveillance system is to observe, recognize and identify everyone in the area. Therefore, recorded images are relayed to the control room, where they are displayed on a video wall for the people. The system provides a complete overview, with the help of 19 network cameras, 27 dome cameras as well as 47 other cameras. All footage is stored to two DVRs and managed by two controllers. Security operators can zoom in on specific situations or areas, then decide what measures should be taken.


Full control of meetings and discussions without being dependent on any operator is provided by DCN wireless systems consisting of eight basic central control units, 80 basic units and eight chairman units in every conference room. The system can be easily extended and provides ease of use for every of its various functions, its unique features as well as its state-of-the-art system.


PSUICC is pleased with the benefits of this flexible and easy-to-use conference and surveillance system, which helps facilitate the numerous meetings at the center.

Avigilon HD Surveillance Kept Watch Out at Vancouver Winter Olympics

Editor / Provider: Avigilon | Updated: 6/22/2010 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Avigilon , a provider of HD and megapixel video surveillance systems, announced the City of Vancouver deployed its HD surveillance system during the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to provide situational awareness to city-emergency-management staff and the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) in their effort to maintain public order and safety at the main pedestrian corridors in the city's downtown core while respecting the privacy of individuals.


Facing an influx of millions of visitors during the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, the City of Vancouver recognized the need for a real-time situational awareness tool that could provide all agencies with an up-to-the-minute view of what was going on in key areas of the city, including Granville Street, Robson Street and Hamilton/Mainland Street in the city's entertainment district.


"The Avigilon HD surveillance system is a powerful, flexible and scalable end-to-end surveillance solution that gave us a bird's-eye view of the downtown core during the Olympic Games, unobtrusively delivering the situational awareness we needed to ensure public order and safety while maintaining privacy rights," said Kevin Wallinger, Director of Emergency Management for the City of Vancouver. "With the Avigilon surveillance solution in place, we gained faster access to critical information that we used to mitigate potentially difficult situations."


Robson Street, Granville Street, and Hamilton/Mainland Street corridors in downtown Vancouver were monitored 24/7 using the Avigilon HD surveillance system. At the Granville corridor, 14 5-megapixel Avigilon HD cameras, two 11-megapixel cameras, and two 16-megapixel cameras were installed at intersections for maximum situational awareness while PTZ cameras were connected to 11 Avigilon analog video encoders for improved performance. At Robson Street and Hamilton/Mainland Street, a 5-megapixel HD camera along with additional PTZ cameras connected to 20 Avigilon analog video encoders were wirelessly connected to several city-owned facilities where fiber infrastructure was available. The City also installed six 5-megapixel HD dome cameras with integrated IR illumination and nine PTZ cameras connected to three Avigilon analog video encoders at two additional Olympic live entertainment sites. These installations were connected to the network via the City's fiber backbone.


Emergency Operations Centre staff managed the Avigilon HD surveillance system using Avigilon control senter network VMS (NVMS) with HD stream management on five workstations and stored up to 21 days of footage on four servers. Additional workstations were set up at the Vancouver Police Department and the City of Vancouver Transportation Operations Centre for added monitoring.


The Avigilon HD surveillance system delivered full situational awareness to the City of Vancouver and VPD at key sites during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, leading to improved communication between all agencies and the most strategic and effective crowd management possible. With clear access to real-time and archived events, the City was able to respond strategically to incidents and deploy only the necessary resources required, resulting in better public control and cost-savings. Managers also enjoyed faster access to critical information, receiving information at least 30 minutes faster than before to proactively mitigate situations much more effectively than before. Avigilon's flexibility, scalability, and intuitive software met the challenges of a complex and time-sensitive project, and could be easily adjusted to meet new requirements on the fly.

US Cancer Center Deploys Panasonic Surveillance Solutions

Editor / Provider: Panasonic | Updated: 5/17/2010 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Video surveillance systems from Panasonic System Networks Company have been chosen for a system upgrade at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Florida. The Panasonic solution was selected from a highly competitive field of five brands.


"Using Panasonic technology, the Moffitt cancer center can improve both its operational efficiency and the quality of the security they provide to patients, visitors and employees," said Bill Taylor, President, Panasonic System Networks Company of America. "We are proud to help the Moffitt team upgrade their systems, and happy to build on the long-standing relationship of the center with Panasonic surveillance solutions."


The center is part of the elite group of National Cancer Institute (NCI) comprehensive cancer centers and occupies more than two million square feet, spread more than 11 buildings in and around Tampa, Florida. The facility opened its doors in 1987, and a few of the Panasonic video surveillance cameras from the original installation are still in use there today.


The initial scope of the current project includes the design and implementation of a video surveillance system for the main hospital, a new parking garage and three research buildings, one of which is located approximately five miles away from the main campus. Securiteam of Wesley Chapel, Florida, a Panasonic i-Pro Certified Reseller, performed that installation which was completed in December 2009. Also assisting Panasonic in winning this high profile project was its manufacturer's representative, Security Representative of Jupiter, Florida.


Panasonic equipment used in the first phase included i-Pro NVRs, megapixel dome cameras, outdoor PTZ cameras, encoders and monitoring/management software.

China Update (Part I): Building Brands with Quality and Trust

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 4/30/2010 | Article type: Hot Topics

The global economic downturn has affected the security industry worldwide. While Chinese manufacturers have been less affected compared to other countries, they strive to overcome the "made-in-China" stereotype.


These vendors want customers to recognize that made-in-China products are not only affordable but are also of good quality. Honesty and trust are highly valued, together with services and fast market response.


Differentiation and value-adding make solutions stand out despite fierce price competition. A good handle on R&D is essential for company success. Self-developed technology and efficient production can help lower prices, making high-quality solutions more affordable.


More companies are investing in IP-based technologies, ranging from HD network cameras to NVRs with H.264 compression.


Video surveillance manufacturers are working to offer complete product lines in both analog and IP-based systems. Biometric and intrusion detection technologies are also becoming more mature and well-accepted.


The following 10 Chinese companies are presented in alphabetical order.


A&R Technologies
A&R Technologies, founded in 2004, began its international business in 2007. Overseas sales make up about 50 percent of the company's revenue, with the Americas and Europe being major markets. Sales is expected to grow 5 to 10 percent for 2010.


"We are focusing on the mid- to high-end market," said Alfred Lam, President. "We prefer offering top-quality products to show that we have good R&D and manufacturing capabilities. It helps us gain recognition."


A&R's major domestic verticals include museums, banks and government projects. For the U.S., the company's current sales are mostly OEM. For Europe, the company's own brand, Suren Systems, will make its debut in 2010.


Strategy and Core Competence
Motion sensors are core solutions. "We developed patented optical lenses and IR detectors," Lam said. "Our systems operate at temperatures under -40- to 55- degrees Celsius. With high-quality designs, our systems are sensitive and can prevent false alarms."


The company has tripled its R&D budget for 2010. "To keep our price competitive, we developed our own ASIC to lower production costs," Lam said.


Future outlook
A&R will have more integrated solutions combining intrusion alarms with outdoor video surveillance. "Experience in the industry is our other key strength," Lam said.


Axview Technology
Axview Technology launched its international business in 2007 and expects a 100-percent sales increase in 2010. Traffic monitoring, airports and chain stores are some applications for the company's solutions, which are deployed mainly in the U.S. and Europe.


Coming from an analog background, Axview has moved into IP-based product developments. Its products not only include a complete lineup of analog cameras and DVRs, but also megapixel network cameras.


"We developed our cameras with high-quality optical lenses, enabling superior image quality even under insufficient light," said Hazel Chen, Overseas Marketing Manager.


Strategy and Core Competence
Reliable product performance has enabled the company to grow. The company targets the mid- to high-end market with solutions that use Sony's and Hitachi's chipsets.


Service is key to establishing overseas markets. "Although we don't have overseas offices, we provide good after-sales services despite time differences," Chen said. "If customers want, they can test all of our products to make sure they are of high quality."


The company joined the ONVIF for compatibility to standards and protocols.


Future Outlook
With solid experience in the domestic market, Axview aims to offer total solutions to its international customers. "We will continue our training and investments in R&D, sales, marketing and management to offer quality products and better services to our customers," Chen said. IP-based technology will be the company's R&D focus, apart from its continuous analog development.


Domenor Technology
Domenor Technology targets the mid- to high-end market with quality OEM products. Its area of expertise is in speed dome cameras, "The U.S. and Europe are our major markets," said George Zhang, GM. "Through partnering with local distributors, system integrators and importers, we are able to serve different markets with quality products."


Strategy and Core Competence
The company specializes in speed domes and software algorithms. "With an experienced R&D team and constant feedback from local partners, Domenor produces high-quality and tailor-made solutions that fit different user requirements," Zhang said.


Domenor's products, particularly its intricately designed speed domes, are mainly used for traffic monitoring, airport and public safety installations.


Future Outlook
The global economic downturn has affected customer buying behavior. However, Domenor insists on providing high-quality products that are cost-effective. "Apart from our dedication to product quality, we also offer economical solutions for the small-to-medium business market," Zhang said.


Domenor strives to provide vertical-specific solutions. To offer the latest HD and IP-based video solutions, the company is working toward more technological breakthroughs in the near future.


HTS
HTS, a subsidiary of China Security and Surveillance Technology (CSST), offers video surveillance solutions at affordable prices.


With growth in 2009, the company is expecting 40-percent sales growth for 2010. HTS acts as an OEM and ODM, and it also has its own brands — Viewse and HTS. Viewse is sold overseas, while HTS focuses on the domestic Chinese market.


Airport, transportation, residential and education segments are major applications for HTS. About 50 percent of the company's overall revenue comes from the U.S., India, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Italy, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.


Strategy and Core Competence
CCD and CMOS cameras are the company's core technology. "HTS has strong R&D to keep up with the latest technology," said Candy Lee, Manager of International Business Division. "We offer reliable IR cameras that have low image noise."


Under the umbrella of CSST, HTS has R&D support from Japan, the U.S. and South Korea. "In China, we have our own security school and our R&D team also partners with several well-known universities in China," Lee said.


Future Outlook
"We want to offer value-added products. China offers us the advantage of low labor and production costs, enabling us to offer affordable products with good quality and services," Lee said.


The company will offer 3-G network cameras with plug-and-play functionality. "We hope to move from the mid- to lower-end to the mid- to high-end markets," Lee said.


Jing Hua Long Safeguard
Established in 1999, Jing Hua Long Safeguard has experience in high-end applications domestically, including military, telecommunications and upscale residential communities. "Jing Hua Long maintains the largest market share in intrusion systems for the Chinese telecommunications industry," said Richard Lee, Sales Director.


Overseas markets originally accounted for the majority of sales but have waned due to the economic downturn. Domestic demand has picked up and become the biggest revenue generator since 2007, currently making up roughly 70 percent of sales.


For its OEM/ODM business, Jing Hua Long's main markets are Europe and Southeast Asia, with expansion to Brazil and Eastern Europe planned for 2010.


Strategy and Core Competence
With more than 20 patented products, Jing Hua Long solutions suit regional differences and specific applications. "The Association of Southeast Asian Nations provides an untapped market with a population of about 1 billion," Lee said. "Malaysia holds the greatest potential."


Future Outlook
The company will expand its portfolio for more applications, such as manufacturing and pharmaceutical factories. The company has also increased its branding efforts in Southeast Asia. In addition to brand expansion, 24/7 support and service centers will be established.


"A manufacturer's understanding of local needs should not depend solely on local partners," Lee said. "Combining accumulated technical experience and increasing research efforts are key factors to penetrate a market."


Lan Castle Technology
Lan Castle Technology dedicates itself to R&D, manufacturing high-quality consumer security products. In 2009, its revenue was US$29.2 million, with 70 percent of sales from overseas markets. The U.S., Europe and India are its main OEM and ODM markets.


Strategy and Core Competence
"Our strength is our ability to provide customized solutions based on customer requirements," said Jeson Sun, Deputy GM. "These include the exterior product design, operating system interfaces and other customized features."


The company has more than 20 years of experience in molding design and manufacturing. "Other than partnering with chipset companies and using high-quality and cost-effective components in our products, we have R&D resources in Taiwan, Hong Kong and the U.S. to develop quality products that are user-friendly," Sun said.


To satisfy users in different markets, Lan Castle offers integrated surveillance DVRs, 2.4-GHz wireless DVRs and DVR solutions tailored to supermarkets.


"We will add automated manufacturing facilities to increase our production volume and efficiency," Sun said. "This can lower our production and purchasing costs, enabling us to offer more cost-effective products."


Future outlook
Lan Castle puts customers first. "We will serve customers with high-performance video surveillance cameras, speed dome cameras and video communication systems," Sun said.


Minrray Industry
Founded in 1999, Minrray Industry expanded internationally in 2007, with significant domestic business. With 10 years of experience, the company enjoyed 40-to 45-percent growth in 2009, selling to the U.S., Europe and Southeast Asia.


Apart from OEM and ODM, the company also markets its own brand products. Analog PTZ cameras and radio conferencing cameras are the company's main products. "PTZ and HD cameras are our strength," said Jacy Xia, Marketing Manager. "Our PTZ cameras are especially popular in European countries such as the U.K."


Strategy and Core Competence
Differentiation keeps Minrray competitive. "We don't produce simple cameras with the usual designs," Xia said. "We target the high-end market but with affordable prices."


"An experienced R&D team and mature manufacturing build our success," Xia said. "All our products go through thorough quality checks."


Future Outlook
"To further improve our solutions, we listen to customer feedback to respond to market changes," Xia said. "Our R&D team also works closely with top companies in China and overseas partners, who advise us on better system design."


Apart from developments in HD, intelligent and IP-based video surveillance, Minrray will make its product line more comprehensive. "With more investments in R&D, sales, marketing and management, we're expecting another 40-percent sales increase in 2010."


Tungson Technology
Tungson Technology started its overseas business shortly after it was founded in 2001. Banking on its product quality and successful experience in the domestic market, Tungson's branded products are well-received in markets such as Europe, the Americas, Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia. "Our top market is Russia, and we believe Turkey is the fastest-growing market," said Wuling Zhu, GM.


Tungson's overseas sales currently make up about 30 percent of the company's overall revenue. "We will continue to expand our overseas market," Zhu said. "For 2010, we expect a 30-percent sales increase."


Strategy and Core Competence
Tungson's main products include video capture cards, network cameras and embedded DVRs with in-house compression and software. "Our R&D team has strong know-how and the capabilities to make our systems user-friendly," said Zhu.


Insisting on quality control, Tungson develops and manufactures all its products in the company's own factories. "Our customers know they can rely on us because our products reliably pass our stringent quality tests," said Zhu. "High quality guarantees high ROI."


Future Outlook
The company will continue to expand with more IP offerings, such as network cameras and video servers. "The market is moving toward IP-based solutions, and we will continue to advance in technology and offer better services to customers," Zhu said.


TVT Digital Technology
TVT Digital Technology grew 35 percent in 2009, recording strong growth in Southeast Asia, South America and the Middle East.


TVT solutions are suited for commercial business and residential security, making up 50 percent of overall sales. "We will increase market share in the mid- to high-end market for applications such as financial, transportation and government installations," said Mike Kwo, GM.


Technology and Core Competence
Experience in R&D, sales and services are the company's strengths. TVT started developing M-JPEG and MPEG-4 solutions in 2001 and H.264 in 2007.


TVT OEMs, ODMs and distributes to partners overseas. With feedback from local partners and TVT's R&D team, it provides products suited to local needs. "Continuous communication with local partners help us serve customers better," Kwo said.


"The global economic crisis brings opportunities rather than challenges," said Kwo. "Customers recognize our high ROI more easily. We will focus more on product quality, services and branding to satisfy a wider range of user demands."


Future Outlook
In the future, the company will continue its R&D investments to increase competitiveness and reduce production cost. "We will continue to complete our product line with cost-effective solutions," Kwo said. "Continued partnerships with important market players help us strengthen our market position."


Fast market response and robust R&D are TVT advantages. It will release new product lineups for high-, middle- and low-end user needs.


ZK Software
Founded in 1999, biometric provider ZK Software started its international sales in 2003. Its main overseas markets are the U.S., India and the United Arab Emirates. Its market segments include financial, public facilities, education, airports and weapon storage.


"ZK sells through partners, system integrators and channel dealers. We have about 80-percent market share in China and more than 50-percent market share in the Asia-Pacific region," said Allen Pan, Manager of International Marketing Division.


In 2009, ZK's revenue increased 8 to 12 percent, with expected 2010 growth at 70 percent. "Due to the worldwide economic downturn, we saw an increase in the U.S. and European markets for time-and-attendance systems," Pan said.


Technology and Core Competence
ZK specializes in biometric algorithms and RFID. "Our biometric software can do 1:15,000 verifications at an affordable price," Pan said. "We have four-in-one biometric verification systems, and we also offer dual verification with fingerprint and facial recognition."


To keep its R&D team up-to-date, ZK partners with graduate students from well-known Chinese universities. It also works with overseas partners in Canada, Japan and the U.S. for product design.


Future Outlook
ZK's goal is to become the No. 1 biometric solution provider in China. The company will offer more biometric solutions, such as iris recognition and fingerprint recognition.

Dallmeier Secures World Cup Stadiums in South Africa

Editor / Provider: Dallmeier | Updated: 4/29/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

The preparations for the soccer World Cup in South Africa are in full swing. One of the most crucial aspects with such a major event is guaranteeing the safety and security of the thousands of visitors. The Soccer City as well as the Coca-Cola Park Stadium have fundamentally modernized their respective video surveillance systems. They both rely on a consistent IP solution supplied by German manufacturer Dallmeier .


Until the opening match of the World Cup, major reconstruction and modernization works will have to be completed at Soccer City. The building works are so comprehensive that they practically equal a new construction from the bottom up. Once completed, the stadium will accommodate approximately 95,000 spectators. Ninety-nine VIP lounges, 6,000 business seats and exclusive restaurants provide top-class convenience at the largest of the World Cup stadiums. Besides its size Soccer City primarily impresses with its extraordinary architecture. Its facade is reminiscent of a calabash, a traditional African clay pot. Furthermore, the stadium houses a museum dedicated to the history of South African football. Right next to the building are the headquarters of South Africa's football association SAFA, which will also accommodate the FIFA offices for the duration of the World Cup.


On the occasion of the soccer World Cup 2010, the Coca-Cola Park Stadium in Johannesburg, which was originally built in 1928 under the name "Ellis Park" as a rugby stadium, has also expanded its seating capacities. Now, a total of 70,000 enthusiastic fans can be seated at the stadium. The necessary reconstruction works have been completed and so the stadium could already be used during the FIFA Confederation Cup in 2009.


The additional numbers of cheering fans though also consequently increases the risk for potentially dangerous situations. Uncontrolled crowds, a tight squeeze, or physical fights between different fan groups are probably among the scenarios most feared by security staff. In order to be able to prevent any such escalations in the first place a sophisticated video security system by German manufacturer Dallmeier and local system integrator Engineered Systems Solutions, who was subsequently also responsible for the installation and commissioning of the system, provides for the necessary overview. "We rely on Dallmeier products because the technology is highly reliable and, yet, at the same time, easy to use for the security operator," said Jose Oliveira, Manager at Engineered Systems Solutions.


"Besides providing for increased safety and security for the visitors the new surveillance/IP systems also offer the stadiums a clear financial benefit. Considering the numerous international fans it's an advantage that the system can help to rebut potential foreign legal claims in case anything should happen," said Frank Oetjen, SM at Dallmeier.


When it came to choosing the cameras, it was decided to go with Dallmeier network cameras. The system includes both fixed dome and high-speed PTZ cameras.


The network cameras are equipped with the tried and trusted technology, which allows for the recording of clear, high-contrast images, even under the most difficult lighting conditions. Those include frequent changes between shadows and lights as they occur in sports stadiums. Individual persons' faces can also be clearly identified at great distances.


The camera images are recorded on Dallmeier recorders. These video network systems of the "In Memory of Leonardo" series, with up to 24 IP-based video channels, support MPEG-4, M-JPEG, and H.264 compression methods. The integrated functionality far exceeds the usual five Pentaplex standards. The system allows simultaneous recording, streaming, backup, live display and playback at the recorder or via a network. Additionally, remote network access for configuration and transcoding via a network is also possible. Every channel can be recorded up to 25 fps. The Linux operating system on Flash memory guarantees highest reliability and three high-performance fans, with automatic revolution adjustment, provide for optimal ventilation. In the case of a hard disk failure the Easy-Change functionality of the exchangeable hard disks located at the front side of the device ensures for highest possible maintenance-friendliness.


The respective systems are controlled and operated using the high-performance security management system. The system enables the easy control and administration of different streams of media data and offers live display and recording of video/audio data at any point within a networked system. Operating procedures and complex controls can be stored so that the security personnel at both the Soccer City and Coca-Cola Park Stadiums can operate their systems conveniently and intuitively. The GUI, into which site plans of the stadiums were integrated, gives every user a quick overview of the cameras and dedicated monitors via a comprehensive graphic display.


The systems are complemented by several video management centers. With its three components (joystick, jog-shuttle, and keyboard with monitor) it combines, neatly arranged, all the functionalities that one can expect from a modern video management system. Using the functions of the jog-shuttle it is easy to find images within video sequences. By turning the central Jog Dial security operators are able to conveniently move through individual frames. The joystick allows for smooth control of moveable cameras so that PTZ functions can be carried out intuitively. Furthermore, the joystick can also be used for navigating through the on-screen menu of the management software.


Aside from the stadiums themselves the outdoor areas are also monitored by high-resolution Dallmeier network cameras. Depending on the area of application, the system uses high-speed PTZ dome cameras, box cameras or vandal-resistant dome cameras. The latter also provide for the necessary security around critical areas. Therefore the complete surroundings of the stadiums, including streets and access roads, are reliably monitored. The combination of surveillance systems across various locations consequently enhances the security throughout each of the precincts.


The security concept is rounded off by incorporating the two train stations which are close to the stadiums into the surveillance system. The train station alone, which is just a short walk from the Soccer City Stadium, is monitored by more than 100 network cameras, and the same applies to the New Doornfontein Station at the Coca-Cola Park Stadium. In the course of the modernization works, the train stations were also completely rebuilt. After all, thousands of fans will be conveyed there during the World Cup.


Now, the new and well-lit train stations correspond to all the latest requirements, including security precautions. "Actually the stadiums currently have no plan for any further rebuilding and expansion works, but you never know what the future brings," Oliveira said.


In any case, the video systems could keep up with any construction developments as its open architecture makes it flexible and scalable. Thus, modifications and adjustments regarding future requirements can be made at any time. "The fact that the technology offers long-term investment protection was another decisive reason for choosing Dallmeier," Oliveira said. "The stadium operators are very satisfied with the surveillance system."

Milestone and Axis Watch over Italian City

Editor / Provider: Milestone | Updated: 4/28/2010 | Article type: Infrastructure

Milestone, a provider for open platform IP video management software, has been chosen as the foundation for a flexible surveillance system by the city of Venaria, Italy. Milestone platform provides future scalability and the addition of new innovations such as Axis H.264 network cameras and the integration of LPR video analytics.


Just a few kilometers from Turin, Venaria last year welcomed one million visitors attracted by a beautiful 17th-century palace erected by the house of Savoy. The cultural complex and surrounding gardens constantly draw high-prestige visitors like the President of Italy, former US president George Bush and current California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. On this basis alone, one can appreciate that Venaria’s security needs are of the highest level. In addition, the Ceronda Creek and Stura River flow through municipal territory where the effects of any flooding on the palace and historic center are dreaded.


The municipal administration had tried to address these needs earlier with an analog video surveillance system, to protect some of the town’s crucial areas. That experience, according to Municipal Police Chief Luca Vivalda, “produced sparse results and brought critique.”


In January 2008 they conferred the task of a new IP installation to ASM Venaria, a public agency that is carrying out the project and handling the maintenance. The advantages are two-fold: cost savings and maximum guaranteed discretion in meeting high security needs associated with visiting public figures, as well as protecting the privacy of its citizens. The image data never leaves the municipality because there are no external agencies involved.


ASM personnel are Milestone-certified and directly involved in setting up the command center operations. They designed a scalable video surveillance system that was flexibly accessible, easy to use, compatible with privacy laws, and able to meet the local prefecture's requirements pertaining to extraordinary events. The system covers the monitoring of traffic, the security of citizens, tourists and guests, and watching the rivers for the Civil Defense, where Axis cameras follow the watercourse flows in real time at critical junctures. The surveillance also monitors such areas as recreational parks and residential zones, schools and administration buildings.


ASM Venaria's IT Manager Ivano Voghera, said, "Chief Vivalda and I undertook inspections in other cities with video surveillance installations, carefully evaluating both hardware and software. We chose Milestone’s IP video software platform and Axis network cameras. The Milestone platform has the right functionality for the operations center, which fully met our requirements for a system simple enough for the staff to easily learn it, yet capable enough to guarantee immediate response to any need whatsoever."


The project is entirely financed by the municipality. The installation required a new network infrastructure and that choice fell to mesh technology, which is quick to set up and reliable: in case of a radio link crash, the data communication is passed to another link. It is supported by a fiber optic network.


About 90 Axis network cameras are installed. Initially Axis dome cameras and fixed cameras had been chosen, however, they have since been nearly all replaced with the newer Axis one, which is full HD and supports the H.264 protocol that uses less bandwidth.


The IP video software is preferred for its greater degree of functionality. "Milestone ensures a high level of service. For example, when we decided to go with the Axis camera, it was so new that not even Milestone had the proper drivers yet, but they supplied them in just 15 days, allowing the project to go forward as needed," Voghera said .


In 2009 LPR was also implemented, exploiting a much-appreciated capability of the Milestone platform to integrate new functions and video analysis modules that can be implemented as need arises by simply adding the required dedicated license, without having to modify the user interface.


The Milestone platform enabled the creation of a distributed architecture system in which all the images are converged onto a central server accessible by the municipal administration. Taking advantage of the Milestone video management for creating a varied and controlled user access hierarchy, the installation allows workstations to also be deployed at the traffic control center, municipal health authority, civil defense and the national police station. Operators are given rights to certain cameras by location, and to live or recorded images, as relevant.