Vanguard Video announces real-time, pure software H.265 encoder

Editor / Provider: Vanguard Video | Updated: 2/22/2013 | Article type: Component

Vanguard Video, a supplier for broadcast quality video compression technology, announces the availability of V.265, a new professional encoder based on the next-generation HEVC (H.265) International Draft Standard. Vanguard Video first demonstrated its HEVC encoder technology at IBC 2012, and now releases V.265 for evaluation by companies involved in high-demand video applications. V.265 can deliver up to 50% reduction in bandwidth and improved video quality compared to that of the existing H.264 standard.

HEVC is expected to be ratified as International Standard H.265 in the first quarter of 2013 and will be the dominant video compression technology deployed for the next decade. Application developers, hardware manufactures, and content distributors are all ramping up efforts to take advantage of the new standard, and Vanguard Video is the first to provide a software-only solution that performs real-time, broadcast quality encoding compliant with the protocol.

V.265 allows OEMs to determine HEVC's improvements in quality and performance and can take advantage of Vanguard Video's patented video compression technology yielding high-quality video while maintaining real-time operation. In addition, V.265 provides a powerful toolset for offline encoding especially suited for Cloud-based encoding implementations.

"Video distribution and broadcast companies around the world are searching for higher quality video solutions, especially with the huge increase in mobile video. HEVC provides a dramatic increase in bit-rate efficiency delivering high-quality video at half the bandwidth," said Irena Terterov, CEO and Founder of Vanguard Video. "We were the first to launch a professional level H.264 encoder, and now with V.265, Vanguard Video continues that tradition with the HEVC standard. In addition to our software encoder, we are also hard at work on an HEVC hardware codec for FPGA and ASIC implementations."

Honeywell Total Connect in action via DIY market

Editor / Provider: Honeywell Security | Updated: 2/21/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Safe Security, one of the nation's largest security alarm companies has launched a new division, SAFE@home. This new division will enable a consumer to self install a wireless security system at their home with ease. This DIY home alarm system will include professional UL certified Five Diamond monitoring by Safe Security and will not require a phone line. The home security system can be controlled remotely by a smartphone or tablet via Honeywell's Total Connect.

"With an increased demand in the residential security market for a self installed alarm system coupled with increased technology that allows for a wireless security system to be setup in minutes, SAFE@home is well positioned to be a leader in the DIY security space," said Paul Sargenti, President and CEO of Safe Security. "We've partnered with Honeywell to provide a state of the art wireless security system and will accommodate Wi-Fi for IP alarm communications. This will allow our customers to take advantage of being able to self-install their wireless security system. By enabling our customers to self install, they will save money by not requiring an alarm company to install the alarm system."

Customers can select from 3 complete packages and add on additional hardware to best fit their needs. SAFE@home is working with the leader in security, Honeywell, to provide cutting edge equipment.

Axis and Axxonsoft sponsored seminars for Russian retailers

Editor / Provider: Axxonsoft | Updated: 2/18/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Russian retailers learned about video management solutions in two recent seminars held by AxxonSoft and Axis Communications, on 12 December in Moscow and then on 29 January in St. Petersburg.

Mikhail Baburin, Corporate Client Manager for AxxonSoft, introduced attendees to the core principles for building smart video surveillance systems for retailers, as well as the benefits and deployment process of IP technologies and networks. Several existing installations based on the Axxon Intellect security management system were demonstrated. Alexander Zubov, Director of Checkout Analytics, talked about the role of transaction analytics and cash control in identifying fraud.

Axis-made products and retail-oriented technologies were presented by Stanislav Guchiya, Director for Business Development in Russia, the CIS, and Eastern Europe for Axis Communications. Besides the latest hardware releases, his remarks described application for this equipment and video surveillance and analytics technology overall. Speaker information was tailored to the specific needs of retail establishments and what IP video surveillance can do for security, responsive store management, and merchandising.

The participants did not pass up the opportunity to learn and network during the presentations, coffee breaks, and lunch. The comfortable venue provided numerous opportunities for knowledge sharing, including by specialists from leading retail companies.

How to view IP cams with Honeywell Tuxedo Touch

Editor / Provider: Honeywell Security | Updated: 2/18/2013 | Article type: Security 50

One of the Honeywell Tuxedo Touch's major selling features is the ability to locally view cameras on the keypad. If users have been strictly installing security panels, this can prove to be challenging to users' installation team, especially if users are installing non-Honeywell cameras.

General Compatibility Requirements
If users are familiar with IP video, users know there are many different protocols that have been introduced to the current market over the last several years. The Tuxedo Touch keypad was developed to connect to IP cameras that support the following network and codec features:
- UPnP for camera discovery on LAN
- RTSP streaming
- MPEG4 for streaming on Tuxedo Touch
- MJPEG for streaming to browsers

Important Note
Every camera manufacturer has a different twist on how their cameras are configured. As a manufacturer, Honeywell cannot guarantee that the Tuxedo Touch will work with every IP camera that supports the above network and codec features. Due to the rate of change in technology, the camera manufacturers can make changes via hardware or firmware updates that can impact the functionality of the camera rendering it no longer compatible with the keypad. What this means is the list provided above has been deemed compatible based on the spec sheets with the current versions of the Tuxedo Touch keypads.

Training Opportunities
With this particular product we are blending multiple technologies together into one controller, which can be an installation challenge if users have not received the proper training. It is strongly recommended that users confirm proper functionality between the two products before installing them on the customer's site.

Ease of use is the name of the game

Editor / Provider: Christina Phillips, a&s International | Updated: 2/12/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

With the advent of affordable IP cameras and storage devices, the drastically enlarged surveillance market has given birth to a mammoth amount of surveillance data that needs to be properly maintained. Ease of access and management has become the name of the game.

Affordable IP products from major manufacturers have helped accelerate the digital migration, said Tim Biddulph, IP Product Manager for Europe, Samsung Techwin. "The main driver behind the migration from DVRs to NVRs is standardization. The vast majority of current buildings utilize a structured cabling system designed to support all the systems within, from telephones to building management. It is only logical that security systems should also use the same infrastructure."

New projects, as well as upgrade projects, in EMEA are gradually moving to IP, while in the Americas, government and enterprise sectors have already adopted IP solutions, said Evelyn Kao, Product Manager at Qnap Systems. "However, some developing countries are still using analog solutions," for presumably even lower prices and technical entry barriers

While larger projects are demanding networked solutions of some sort, analog is still the dominant choice for smaller installations or home applications, Biddulph added. However, with the advent of network home cameras and cloud solutions, even these sectors are starting to go with IP.

"Worldwide NVR sales will certainly expand. Among others, Asia's migration to IP systems is remarkable, and such a trend will reinforce the growing number of NVR sales," noted Alex Iida, Senior Manager of Visual Security Solutions for APAC, Sony Electronics.

NVRs are also starting to be used in more scenarios, especially with the launch of 4- and 16-channel units that look and feel much like analog DVRs, Biddulph said. With a monitor output and DVD writer, these NVRs make IP solutions easier for smaller installers and operators.

Another factor is PoE-enabled NVRs that allow for plug-and-play. "We are the first manufacturer to develop and successfully implement PoE NVRs. The plug-and-play capability makes everything much easier, especially for the SMB and DIY markets," said Colin Wang, PM for NVRs at Dahua Technology.

These days, NVRs are rack-mountable and are even available in one-rack unit sizes. Many NVRs are open platforms to facilitate maximum flexibility and scalability, which is especially useful when deploying large or enterprise solutions. Many of the embedded NVRs' functions bear resemblance to their DVR predecessors. In addition, many NVRs' GUIs are exactly the same as DVRs, so switching from DVRs to NVRs does not put any unnecessary burden on users as they do not need to change their usual routine or undergo additional training.

For 16 channels and under, only basic IT knowledge is required. With PC-based NVRs, the number of channels is "unlimited," and even more convincing is the VMS providers who offer free software that is preinstalled in their NVRs. For an even smaller number of channels such as 4 or 8, one can opt for a PC-based NVR approach by using a desktop PC and entry-level VMS; however this set up offers limited flexibility and functionality.

[NextPage] NVR Requirements
Thanks to the advent of storage media such as IP-SAN, eSATA, NAS and FireWire, embedded NVRs have overcome the perceived notion that their storage capacity is limited. Without storage capacity concerns, embedded NVRs are quickly gaining traction; now both types of NVRs are on a level playing field. Although everything is embedded, embedded NVRs offer more than what meets the eye; they support the interfaces of other surveillance devices to enable convenient integration with alarm and access control systems, as well as PTZ remote control systems.

Functions and features that a decent NVR should encompass are flexible recording and playback capabilities, a user-friendly and remote-controllable GUI, intelligent motion detection and PTZ camera control. "Based on our experience and industry reports, the CAGR of embedded NVRs is approximately 40 percent. Therefore, we predict the global market for embedded NVRs to reach $460 million in 2013," Kao said. "Both APAC and EMEA regions, especially with the popularity of smartphones and tablets, are showing strong demand for mobile surveillance. Access control, storage expansion, I/O and VCA features and capabilities are also frequently requested. For the Americas, most requests are for vertical integration, mobile surveillance and storage expansion."

SMB applications are taking an increasing market share of NVR products, especially with the price of embedded NVRs being relatively lower compared to PC-based NVRs (with additional VMS fees). "Embedded NVRs enable users to experience superior performance in terms of ease of use, system stability and decoding capability," noted Eric Shen, Product Manager at Hikvision Digital Technology.

Stability
Linux OS optimizes stability by only running relevant surveillance applications. Embedded operating systems contain only the software components necessary for the specific functions of the NVR, and are configured with optimum configurations (backed by rigorous testing) straight from the factory.

Reliability
The precise architecture of embedded NVRs ensures that they are less prone to crash, such as fanless designs and wide temperature operations etcetera. As the controls are embedded right into the NVR, the activity of users can therefore be more easily restricted to work-related use. An industry expert warned that many security personnel who, not surprisingly, get tired/bored from staring at monitors all day think to themselves upon seeing the Windows logo, "Perhaps it's ok that I play or download games like I do with my home computer or perhaps I can download or upload stuff from my phone through the USB port." Entire security systems have regularly been interrupted by staff members "merely" plugging in their phones. With embedded NVRs, foreign devices are not recognized. In addition, most run Linux OS, which is basically free from the risks of being infected with viruses, spyware, adware and malware.

[NextPage] Decoding
Embedded NVRs consistently outperform PC-based NVRs in terms of complex decoding as well as being able to provide more reliable video playback and preview. Some of these NVRs are able to perform both local decoding and playback, and can decode up to 16 channels at 1,080p. To achieve comparable performance, PC-based solutions require more expensive CPUs to accommodate the processing demands.

Environment-Friendly
The power consumption of an average embedded NVR is 70 Watts, which is less than a regular light bulb. In comparison, the average power consumption of a PC running an NVR is about 250 Watts.

Repair Process
Sending back faulty hardware through a manufacturer's return merchandise authorization (RMA) is costly, time-consuming and oftentimes frustrating. For mission-critical applications, extra hardware expenditure must be allocated for spares in order to eliminate down time. Another option is to look for NVRs that have VMS preloaded in the disk-on-module (DOM) chip. This way, instead of shipping the whole machine back, only the small DOM needs to be replaced, suggested Sara Lin, VP of Instek Digital. "Our NVRs can be equipped with a powerful DOM, which contains Linux operating system and management software."

Other Considerations
Perhaps choosing the right systems integrator (SI) is just as important as deciding between DVRs and NVRs. Common belief is that SIs with IT background have a distinct advantage over SIs without sufficient IT or network background, for they are thought to be able to offer better service and support. “Many SIs also act as the platform developer and provider, and because they have more experience in platform development, many times they can meet customer requirements in a shorter time frame,” Wang said. Solution developers now put more investment in software and services, transforming themselves from merely product providers to total solution providers.

"When choosing an SI for surveillance projects, it is important to look for a balanced level of knowledge with regards to surveillance and IT systems," Iida said. "In addition, we believe offering better service and support is part of the value and identity of SIs."

Infinova/March Networks releases 8000 series hybrid NVR platform

Editor / Provider: March Networks | Updated: 2/7/2013 | Article type: Security 50

March Networks, a global provider of intelligent IP video solutions, is pleased to introduce its new 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs. The 8000 Series provides the high-performance needed to support advanced video surveillance and business intelligence applications today and in the future. The platform maintains the unparalleled reliability, centralized video management capability and scalability that have made March Networks the No. 1 supplier of enterprise video recorders in the Americas and a leading provider worldwide.

"These powerful 8000 Series recorders represent a real step forward in technology and innovation while remaining true to our core tenets of reliability and rich software functionality," said Net Payne, CMO of March Networks. "They ensure organizations can transition to all IP video without sacrificing existing analog investments, and are engineered to support our video intelligence applications and deliver real business benefits to our customers. In addition, we've built the recorders with our channel partners in mind – introducing industry-first features and tools that help them save time and cut service costs in the field."

For example, each 8000 Series platform comes complete with a QR code on the front panel. When the QR code is used in conjunction with the company's free GURU smartphone application for Apple and Android mobile devices, partners get instant access to product information, warranty status, express repair processing and troubleshooting tutorial support in the field.

Available in four flexible models with rack mount or stackable options, the 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs support up to 32 IP cameras, or any hybrid camera combination with as many as 16 analog cameras. Their optimized H.264 video compression – unique to March Networks – delivers detailed, HD video and noticeably sharper images from customers' legacy analog cameras without increasing storage requirements.

To ensure video is not lost, the 8000 Series incorporates an embedded Linux operating system, an internal backup battery, real-time health monitoring and additional security features that protect data and safeguard hardware functionality during unexpected power losses. They can be managed with either the browser-based March Networks Command client or Visual Intelligence (R5) software, allowing organizations to choose the best solution for their needs.

Helsinki regulates vehicular access with smarts

Editor / Provider: Nedap | Updated: 2/6/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

During spring 2012 the Finnish capital Helsinki has put an intelligent vehicle access control system for its city center into operation. Authorizing selective vehicle groups for access has proven to be an effective method for reducing unnecessary traffic volume in city centers. By applying this technology, the city of Helsinki strives to make its city center cyclist- and pedestrian-friendly, increase road safety and reduce hazardous emissions. The Dutch company Nedap developed the technology that enables selective vehicle access control and the installation of the system is carried out by Finnish company Visy. Helsinki considers expanding the vehicle restricted zone in its city centre in 2013.

To increase the liveability and economic vitality significantly, Helsinki wishes to reduce the volume of motorized vehicles in its city center and regulate the amount of traffic movements, while taking into account the dynamic aspects of the city traffic. Residents, retailers, suppliers, taxis and emergency services seek access to the heart of Helsinki at various times and for a wide range of reasons. The vehicle access control system enables selective vehicle target groups with a valid permit to enter the city centre automatically, securely and conveniently. The system offers a high degree of flexibility in granting access rights to vehicles, based on need, route, destination and time of day.

The Finnish company Visy installed the intelligent system at three access roads to the city center. At each gate various technologies for identification and communication are installed that are locally integrated and remotely controlled. Long range RFID technology is used to identify vehicles. A vehicle management controller (VMC) controls connects to barriers, traffic lights and RFID readers and controls their activity. The VMC hardware layout and purpose built embedded software enables a clean installation that is easily maintained. In the past decade, Nedap has successfully implemented these controllers in a large number of Dutch cities to enable intelligent vehicle access control. The city of Helsinki perceived the results as positive and currently considers to scale up the number of restricted traffic zones in the city.

Infinova/March Networks updates banking solution

Editor / Provider: Infinova/March Networks | Updated: 2/1/2013 | Article type: Security 50

March Networks, a supplier of video surveillance systems to banks in the Americas, is pleased to introduce its completely redesigned platform for the financial services market. With new 8000 series hybrid NVRs as the foundation, this platform provides all the power banks need for video surveillance today and performance for years to come. The 8000 series supports March Networks Searchlight, the industry's extensive video intelligence applications suite designed to increase the value of video surveillance investments by helping customers reduce fraud and improve branch operations.

Future-Proof, High-Performance 8000 Series
The 8000 series provides the crystal-clear video banks need to better identify fraud and build strong case evidence. The NVRs employ March Networks optimized H.264 video compression to capture HD video and provide March Networks customers with noticeably sharper analog video quality without increasing storage requirements. They support as many as 32 IP cameras, and any hybrid combination up to 16 analog and 16 IP cameras, enabling customers to take advantage of IP video capabilities while simultaneously leveraging existing analog surveillance investments.

The 8000 Series also offers industry-first features that streamline technical support for installers and reduce customer service costs. These features include March Networks' popular docking station design, and a QR code on each NVR that works in conjunction with the company's free GURU smartphone application to provide immediate access to product information, warranty checks, express repair processing and troubleshooting tutorials in the field.

Powerful Searchlight Application Software
An essential component of the company's financial platform is March Networks Searchlight. Incorporating an extensive suite of fraud detection and video intelligence applications, Searchlight helps banking customers reduce losses from ATM skimming, cash harvesting and other fraud. Now available as part of the March Networks Command browser-based client software, new Searchlight features include streamlined and more intuitive search tools to support faster investigations. The intelligent analytics that power Searchlight can be enabled on the 8000 Series platforms, so no additional hardware is required. In addition, Searchlight now provides operational metrics, such as people counting, queue monitoring and dwell-time data, via optional video analytics that help improve the efficiency of banking branch operations.

The Searchlight portfolio includes powerful financial transaction investigation, skimming detection, image tracker and license plate tracker. The integrated applications enable banks to proactively detect fraudulent activity across their organizations and gather stronger case evidence through centralized searches that correlate video, transaction information, facial images and license plate data.

Purpose-Built IP Cameras
For banks ready to migrate to IP video technologies, March Networks is offering two new IP cameras engineered to address the variable lighting often found in retail bank branches. The IP cameras, which include the HD MegaPX WDR MiniDome Z and the standard-definition CamPX WDR MiniDome, deliver all the clarity and detail of IP video in a cost-effective solution. Both surveillance cameras incorporate powerful WDR critical to capturing high-quality video in branch environments, where bright backlighting from large windows and low light conditions after hours can adversely affect video quality. They complement the company's existing IP cameras portfolio and offer enhanced redundancy as part of a complete March Networks solution.

Bosch IP cams compatible with Digiever NVRs

Editor / Provider: Digiever | Updated: 1/30/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Digiever, a manufacturer of Linux-embedded standalone NVR, is pleased to announce that Digiever DIGISTOR NVR series supports Bosch network cameras. Integration of cameras from Bosch Security Systems, a manufacturer of network cameras, and Digiever DIGISTOR NVR provides various segments surveillance application especially in high multi-megapixel definition, from SOHO to enterprise level, presenting extraordinary quality of surveillance recording systems. With the easy-to-use interface, Digiever DIGISTOR NVR can satisfy surveillance scenarios requests, and users can easily adapt the operation for various projects.

DIGISTOR NVR series provides outstanding performance in local display. For instance, DS-4200 Pro series, the 4-bay NVR, and DS-8200-RM Pro series, the 8-bay rack-mount type NVR, support 1/4/9/12/16/20/25-channel display modes and enable megapixel resolution hardware decode for video output via HDMI and VGA connector. Users can record in high multi-megapixel resolution and reach the local display performance up to 200fps at Full HD (1080p) or 300fps at HD (720p) resolution, and experience up to 25 channels real time outstanding performance of local display.

The throughput of above-mentioned models are capable of reaching up to 360Mbps which perfectly brings out high megapixel video transmission meeting the essential of HD IP cameras, the arriving trend of high megapixel video surveillance nowadays. Furthermore, Digiever DIGISTOR NVR series offers advanced event management for the diversified event types and the event handling options such as event triggered recording, e-mailing snapshots and video clips, SMS and user-defined actions by HTTP URL commands, etc. The event handling options also includes digital outputs reaction on built-in digital input and digital output interface of DIGISTOR NVR.

As for security purpose and avoiding unauthorized manipulation, DIGISTOR NVR comes with the digital watermark in recording video and snapshot files of live view and playback. While DIGISTOR NVR is recording video and snapshot files, the digital watermark will be embedded automatically in the images. Furthermore, Digiever also offers DIGICheck, a useful application for users can simply verify if the images were originated from DIGISTOR NVR. DIGICheck can be obtained when backup files or downloaded from Digiever official website. The digital watermark protection enhances not only the reliability, also security and genuine-prove of videos and snapshots from DIGISTOR NVR.

"We want to bring our customers a powerful integrated solution that combines the unique features of the complete Bosch product portfolio and of DIGIEVER products," said Rudolf Spielberger, Head of Integration Partner Program of Bosch. “The collaboration with Digiever and the ease of integration tools results in the fastest integration we have had to date- allowing us to focus on fulfilling the needs of our customers.”

"Digiever keeps continuing to support camera partners. As a provider of professional Linux-based open platform NVR solution, it is essential to cooperate with camera partners for providing high quality and reliable surveillance solutions." declared by Allen Tseng, Product Manager of Digiever. "Today, we are pleased to announce a remarkable integration with Bosch Security Systems. IP camera users of both parties will have a much more reliable and flexible bundle recording surveillance solution when choosing IP surveillance system."

Mifare making a comeback in Vancouver's green city initiative

Editor / Provider: NXP Semiconductors | Updated: 1/29/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

NXP Semiconductors announced that Canada’s South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink) has adopted its MIFARE technology platform for Vancouver’s public transport system. With the introduction of NXP’s MIFARE technology, TransLink can quickly roll out a reliable and secure contactless service across the entire infrastructure to further accelerate use of public transportation in the smart city of Vancouver.

Ranked among the world′s top 5 cities of Mercer′s Quality Living Ranking for four years, Vancouver is pursuing a Green City Plan to address urban challenges including the optimization of transportation over a 30 year period. To achieve its Green Transportation goal of accomplishing 50 percent of all trips by foot, bicycle or public transportation, Translink asked US systems integrator Cubic to create an efficient, secure and future-proof transit system powered by NXP’s MIFARE technology.

Vancouver is introducing the Compass Card, which will enable passengers to enjoy fast, convenient and secure transactions across buses, sky trains and ferries using just one contactless smart card. In addition, passengers can add travel products or values to their Compass Card at vending machines, online, by phone, or at a walk-in customer service centers. The new MIFARE DESFire EV1-based transport scheme including NXP‘s infrastructure solutions is currently being installed.

"Vancouver has identified smart contactless ticketing as a key way to expand the appeal and convenience of its citywide transportation network. Its selection of MiFare DESFire as the technology to deliver this further expands NXP’s footprint in smart cities around the world. ABI Research forecasts the consumption of secure smart card tickets in transportation to grow by 86 percent by the end of 2017", said John Devlin, group director security and ID with ABI Research.

"With urbanization being a significant megatrend in the 21st century, one of the greatest concerns for modern cities is ensuring that residents, vehicles and the economy itself is able to keep moving," says Ulrich Huewels, VP and GM, card security business line, NXP Semiconductors. "NXP solutions can address this challenge by optimizing public transport systems and individual traffic. NXP provides a complete end-to-end solution validated by more than 650 cities worldwide, and used by up to 1.2 billion passengers per day in megacities such as London, Moscow, Los Angeles or Beijing."

The MIFARE DESFire open architecture platform is based on open global standards for both air interfaces and cryptographic methods. In addition to offering data transfer rates of up to 848 kbit/s, MIFARE DESFire utilizes a triple DES, 3K DES, and AES hardware cryptographic engine for securing the data on the smartcards and data during transmission. Further, the MIFARE DESFire platform enables seamless extensions of ticketing solutions on banking cards or on NFC-enabled mobile devices both working with NXP’s SmartMX high security microcontroller technology, leveraging NXP’s leading position in the overall Identification market as well as in market segments such as transport ticketing, access, banking, e-government or NFC.