Slick IP Cams from EverFocus and VIVOTEK

Editor / Provider: Judy Lin, asmag.com | Updated: 5/24/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Surveillance specialists EverFocus Electronics and VIVOTEK highlighted compact IP cameras at Secutech International 2013, Asia's largest international physical security exhibition, in Taipei in late April. The cameras are equipped with motion detection and alarm notification features — increasingly common for IP cameras targeting the SMB, retail and transportation segments.

Triangular and resembling a Japanese onigiri with a glossy black plum in the center, EverFocus' EMN2220 is an IP67-rated, weather-proof camera for, for example, train ceilings and car roofs. The design was built with reducing wind resistance in mind, and the water-proof encasing enables it to endure car washes, said Diane Chen, Public Relations Coordinator, Global Brand Marketing, System Planning and Development Center. The camera is vandal/tamper-proof and shock-resistant. Its motion detection and tampering detection features send out email notifications and upload video recordings onto dedicated websites or servers during alarmed events.

The 2-megapixel WDR camera, released in January 2013, is operable between -40 to 50 degrees Celsius and has been deployed on buses in Taiwan and Russia, as well as by the Ukrainian police force. The camera is EN50155-compliant for in-vehicle applications, but EverFocus hopes to expand applications for the EMN camera series to include indoor surveillance for hotels, cars, retail stores and others. The company is looking to tap into Australia and Singapore, as well as some developing markets, with this product line, Chen pointed out.

** Don't forget to check out the video introductions! **

No bigger than the average smartphone, VIVOTEK's compact network camera CC8130 was designed to target SMBs and retailers. The 1-megapixel camera, coined Counter Cam, provides surveillance with discretion to retailers, as it is less noticeable by customers and potential thieves alike. As one of the smallest 180-degree cameras on the market, the camera allows cost-conscious retailers to cover a wider area with fewer cameras, said a VIVOTEK representative. The VCA features embedded can detect motions and missing objects, and has an alert function utilizing HTTP, SMTP, FTP or NAS servers. A built-in microphone also enables retailers to check audio recordings when customer disputes arise, and allows managers to verify whether staff followed preset procedures.

Released in 2011, the compact VIVOTEK camera has been particularly popular in Japan, having sold about 3,000 units in the country. In particular, Pachinko shops (gaming parlors) have embraced the camera and deployed it in between machines, as its vertical setup and 180-degree view can cover two machines at a time. The U.S. is the next on the product rollout map.

Combining surveillance smarts and style, slick IP cameras offer nickel-and-dimed retailers with affordable discreet surveillance, and can be developed to meet the challenges of tough working environments.

Avigilon on adaptive IR

Editor / Provider: Avigilon | Updated: 5/24/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Lighting is one of the most important factors in image quality. As it gets darker, a surveillance camera's ability to capture evidentiary detail such as faces and licence plates rapidly decreases. In order to overcome this, artificial sources of light can be added to the scene, the most common of which is IR illumination.

While the human eye can detect visible light in the ranges of 390 to 750 nanometer (nm), IR light is at a higher wavelength (typically 850 nm), making it invisible to the human eye while providing the camera the ability to “see.” Since IR light has a higher wavelength than the color spectrum, the resulting image will be in monochrome (black and white), but can capture crucial detail in complete darkness.

However, using IR as a source of illumination has a few side effects. For example, the IR illumination must be calibrated to the camera's field of view to provide the most effective illumination over the entire imaging area and remove unwanted side effects such as hotspotting and dark edges. This calibration is especially problematic when using a camera with a varifocal lens, as the camera's field of view changes based on the position of the lens' focal length. Another challenge of using IR as a source of illumination is that objects that come close to the source quickly become oversaturated and evidentiary detail can be obscured.

Advances in camera technology, notably adaptive IR technology, can help overcome these challenges and improve the quality of the evidence captured in the image. This paper provides an overview of the adaptive IR technologies currently available, their purpose, and their short comings.

Adaptive IR technology
There are many cameras in the market, both analog and IP, that offer integrated IR.However, almost all of these cameras provide only static IR settings that cannot be changed to meet different environments.

Avigilon's Adaptive IR technology combines multiple adaptive processes:
Content Adaptive – Optimizes camera settings dynamically based on changes in the imaging area to improve the quality of the evidence captured through two methods:

Oversaturation Detection: Removes oversaturation while reducing motion blur and providing more effect license plate illumination.

Ignoring Background Oversaturation: Ignores stationary oversaturated areas to provide the most detail of moving objects, even in the darker regions of the image.

Zoom Adaptive
When a camera comes with a varifocal lens, for example a three-nine mm lens, the user has the ability to change the field of view of the camera, narrowing the size of the area covered as the camera is zoomed in.

When using IR light to illuminate the imaging area, a camera with zoom adaptive IR technology will dynamically focus the IR light to the area covered by the camera. As a result, as we zoom in, the IR beam angle is focused along with the lens, to illuminate an area that is smaller but farther away. Without zoom adaptive technology, the manufacturer sets the camera's IR illumination to a pre-set beam angle, covering a fixed distance and area, generally somewhere between the two ends of the lens' focal length.

When IR settings are fixed, the illumination area cannot be changed based on the camera's field of view. As a result, static IR only provides optimum illumination when the camera is at the same zoom position as the IR illumination area. If the camera's field of view is wider than the illumination area (the camera is zoomed out further), edges of the imaging area will not be illuminated and important detail can be lost. On the other hand, if the camera's field of view is narrower than the illumination area (the camera is zoomed in further), IR light is being wasted on areas not captured by the camera. As a result, less light is available for the imaging area. This creates darker, noisier, and less-detailed images.

Zoom adaptive IR ensures uniform illumination over the entire imaging area at every zoom position, and eliminates wasted IR by focusing all the available IR to the camera's imaging area.

Content Adaptive
While zoom adaptive technology provides the most effective illumination based on the angle of view of the camera, during operations, the camera's imaging area can change dramatically. Changes can come from either subjects moving through the scene or from other sources of illumination. Avigilon's content adaptive technology dynamically adjusts the camera's settings based on the changes within the imaging area to improve the quality of the evidence captured through the two methods of oversaturation detection and ignoring background oversaturation.

Oversaturation Detection
At any given time, a camera can “see” objects within a specific range of lighting conditions. Let's say you have a light source in the corner of the room and three objects at different distances from the light source.

Automatic Settings
The camera's automatic mode will set the camera's settings based on the average scene illumination. The most likely result is that the second object is clearly displayed while the other two objects are either oversaturated or completely dark.

Shortest Exposure
Some camera features, such as backlight compensation and exposure, allow the user to bias that range towards darker or brighter lighting conditions. For example, the camera's shortest exposure will likely display the first object clearly but leave the other two objects completely dark.

Longest Exposure
The camera's longest exposure will likely display the last object clearly but leave the other two objects oversaturated.

WDR
Cameras with WDR can see objects within a larger range of lighting conditions. However, this range is still limited as it clearly displays the first two objects, while leaving the last object in the dark.

Content adaptive technology adjusts the image brightness to the part of the image that is of most interest (moving objects) by ignoring the parts that are least interesting (stationary oversaturated objects such as street lamps).

Since WDR cameras can see a wider range of illumination, a larger portion of objects within the scene will have appropriate brightness and therefore adjusting the image brightness for specific objects will have a smaller effect on the overall picture. On the other hand, cameras without WDR have a much smaller range of illumination and adapting the image brightness for specific objects is likely to result in a much bigger difference in the image.

While cameras with WDR feature will still experience the benefits of Content Adaptive technology, those cameras without WDR feature will experience a larger benefit in similar lighting conditions.

Achieving the right level of illumination on objects of interest is particularly important when using IR illumination at night or in dark environments. Since the general environment is extremely dark and the source of illumination is extremely bright, oversaturation can happen quickly when objects come closer to the camera and the camera is trying to balance what it can see.

Oversaturation is further heightened by the fact that different materials have different light reflectivity properties. For example, license plates and safety vests have highly reflective coatings that will oversaturate the object and its surroundings. Cameras without content adaptive technology will set the camera's imaging settings based on the average illumination in the imaging area. Since most of the imaging area is extremely dark, the average will allow important objects to be oversaturated and detail to be missed.

Cameras offering content adaptive IR technology analyze the relative size of the oversaturated area and will adjust the camera to remove the oversaturation when the area occupied by the object is large enough. This technology effectively prevents objects closer to the camera from becoming oversaturated (since the object occupies a larger area in the image) and ignores oversaturation that is caused by a light source (car lights or street lamps in the background). It is a very effective way of ensuring that the objects you care most about have the right level of illumination and detail.

Content Adaptive Technology (Avigilon HD Bullet Camera)
There are two predominant ways to remove oversaturation, each with its own strengths and side effects. The first way is to decrease the brightness of the IR illumination. Since the object is most likely oversaturated as a result of the camera's IR illumination, decreasing the IR illumination is an effective way of removing the oversaturation.

The second way is to reduce the camera's exposure. Exposure controls the amount of time that the sensor is exposed to light. Reducing the exposure reduces the amount of light entering the sensor for any given frame, and as a result effectively removes the oversaturation. The important thing to note is that in both of these cases, the overall image will be darker, as in the first case the amount of light illuminating the scene is reduced, and in the second case, the amount of light entering the sensor is reduced.

However, since you generally care more about objects closer to the camera rather than background objects, this is a very effective trade-off in the surveillance industry. Each of these methods of removing oversaturation, namely decreasing IR illumination and reducing the camera's exposure, has its own advantages. If there are other sources of light brightening the background of your scene, reducing the IR illumination allows the image's background to remain as bright as afforded by your other light sources. On the other hand, when you reduce exposure, the entire image will be darker.

There are also a number of advantages to reducing exposure rather than IR illumination. First, high exposure results in blurriness when objects in the scene are moving; therefore, reducing exposure provides sharper images of moving objects within the scene. In surveillance, the objects you generally care most about are those that are moving; for example a person entering the scene or a car going through it. Lowering exposure can make a large difference in both of these cases as motion blur can hide facial detail and obscure license plates.

Another advantage of reducing exposure rather than IR illumination is evident when capturing a license plate on a car, even if the car is not moving. As shown in the diagram below, a car's license plate is located between two headlights that are very bright sources of illumination. However, since that illumination is shining away from the license plate, the plate itself is not being illuminated. (Figure images courtesy of Avigilon.)
 

Telling industrial IP cams apart

Editor / Provider: Basler | Updated: 5/23/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

Industrial (machine vision) cameras are used for a variety of industrial quality assurance and process control applications, according to a recent white paper written by Bjorn Webe, PM of IP Cameras at Basler. They give machines the power of sight, which is a major enabling factor for quality assurance in production processes. What many industrial camera users don't know: network cameras, also known as IP cameras, are also an effective tool for monitoring production processes.

Typical Characteristics of a Network Camera
With network cameras, the reproduced images are inherently optimized for human viewing as well as for long-term storage of the data. To ensure this last aspect, the image data is compressed while still in the camera. This is beneficial on the one hand because it cuts down on the amount of storage space needed to archive the videos. On the other hand it also reduces the necessary bandwidth overhead for video transmission and allows the cameras to be used even in budget-minded networks built around low levels of capacity. For this reason various cameras can run parallel to one another.

Network cameras compress the image data within the camera.
Advantage: requires less bandwidth and less storage space.
Network cameras have another major benefit: uncomplicated operation. Once the IP camera is connected to a network, any computer on that network can then access its images by entering the camera's IP address into a browser. This makes it easy for an electrician to mount and activate the cameras. While industrial cameras offer a very broad spectrum of configurations and are often more complicated, network cameras are relatively simple, with a viewing angle and focus factor all that's needed for immediate use.

Network cameras can be used effectively anywhere where production processes or movement sequences (of any kind) are to be filmed and monitored by a human observer. They are especially well suited for applications that require good image quality despite changing light, weather or temperature conditions. IP cameras are especially crucial if the image data is to be stored.

Ideal Uses for Network Cameras
Given their technical properties, network cameras are the perfect choice for use in monitoring tasks. These range from classical video surveillance to anti-theft and anti-vandalism applications, as well as controlling of production processes and workflows and traffic monitoring. IP cameras are also well suited for remote control of machinery, cars and robots. The different characteristics are decisive for achieving optimal results with the different applications:

• For video surveillance it is especially important that the cameras deliver good images despite changeable or poor lighting conditions. Casinos, for example, are typically set up with dim lighting yet have strict quality standards to ensure safety.
• Cameras for traffic monitoring and video surveillance are frequently subjected to outdoor conditions, which means that the cameras must be able to adjust automatically for a wide range of light conditions. They must also be robust enough to handle both moisture and large fluctuations in temperature.
• In the surveillance field it's a benefit to have multiple network cameras running simultaneously. An observer in a central location can use the cameras to gain an overview of the different areas — from building and traffic management to monitoring of production workflows, such as for the printing and courier industries.
• Network cameras are especially well suited for use in the logistics and transport fields, since they are easy to integrate into existing video management systems.
• No local PC is required to examine the image data from a network camera, allowing them to be used in difficult-to-access spots (such as tunnels), locations subjected to extreme conditions (heat, cold, hazards), or far away from the control center (traffic hubs, etc.).. Because network cameras compress their image data for better storage, they are an excellent choice for a wide variety of areas where “documented proof” must be stored for extended periods. This is particularly true for traffic violation cameras, events such as soccer matches and surveillance videos.

Gainspan unveils development kit for wireless surveillance

Editor / Provider: GainSpan | Updated: 5/23/2013 | Article type: Component

GainSpan Corporation, a supplier in ultra-low power Wi-Fi connectivity for the Internet of Things, introduced a complete reference design for wireless video streaming applications such as remote security/surveillance cameras, car back-up cameras and video baby monitors. The new Video Application Development Kit (ADK) speeds and simplifies design and integration of video streaming services into end products based on GainSpan Wi-Fi modules.

GainSpan's Video ADK includes hardware and software that help reduce the time needed to develop products that deliver live video over Wi-Fi. With the development kit, users can stream the video feed from a Wi-Fi enabled camera to an iOS or Android based smartphone.

Included in the Video ADK is a video application board, complete hardware design package and software suite with reference source code for the embedded video application, and iOS and Android based mobile applications. An Application Evaluation Kit (AEK) is also available that provides a binary version of the software and video mobile application.

The Video application board features the GainSpan GS1011M Wi-Fi module that communicates with an H.264 video compression chip (VGA resolution at 30 frames per second) over the SPI bus, a VGA camera and imaging sensor module, a motion detector, a single snapshot trigger button, a WPS/Provisioning button for easy set-up of the wireless network and mode indicator LEDs. The GainSpan embedded software running on the Wi-Fi module offers complete Wi-Fi functionality including the networking stack and services and wireless security. It supports mDNS/DNS-SD based device and service discovery that allows users to automatically discover and connect to the embedded video profile. In addition, it includes provisioning software that allows configuration of the Wi-Fi module in Limited AP or Client modes, and supports over-the-air firmware upgrades.

Offering flexibility of design and customization, the new kit provides hardware and software building blocks that provide a starting point for product development while allowing the developer to add application software and services, and customize the end product's user interface. With the reference source code included in the kit, customers can rapidly build custom features suited to their video applications.

"IP video surveillance cameras will soon represent over 50% of the video surveillance market and the demand for Wi-Fi based cameras has increased significantly due to ease of installation. With our Video ADK we've made it simple for customers to develop battery operated or line powered Wi-Fi cameras that can be activated through motion control" said Bernard Aboussouan , vice president of marketing at GainSpan. "This is the latest ADK featuring a complete end application that we've brought to market and, like our other ADKs, is designed to help customers get their products and services to market quickly and reliably."

In addition to the new Video ADK, GainSpan offers six other application development kits: a Smartplug ADK, Audio ADK, Temperature and Light Sensors ADK, Renesas Wi-Fi Sensor ADK, and functional ADKs such as Provisioning and Over-the-Air Firmware Update.

Hikvision launches IR network series for up to 50 meters

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 5/23/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Hikvision expanded its low-light camera portfolio with the unveil of a new series of state-of-the-art surveillance cameras – the DS-2CD855-EI3 and DS-2CD855-EI5 2MP IR Bullet Camera – which are specifically designed as the perfect low-light, night-time, and completely dark monitoring solution, featuring IR range of 30m and 50m respectively.

This series is engineered to provide smooth, full HD 1080p video streaming with a 1/2.8 inch progressive scan CMOS. Combined with Super Low-light Technology and an IR cut filter with auto switch, this camera series is capable of delivering sharp images even in the absence of lighting. A valuable assurance that no detail is left undetected. The DS-2CD855-EI3 offers an IR range of up-to 30m, while the DS-2CD855-EI5 has a 50m IR range, with both offering a minimum illumination of 0.05 Lux @F.12 and 0 Lux with IR. Images are further enhanced by Hikvision's 3D DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) functionality, greatly reducing both noise and motion blur.

These two cameras deliver multiple, individually configurable video streams in H.264 compression, greatly optimizing bandwidth and storage without compromising on image quality. MPEG4 and MJPEG are supported for increased flexibility. ONVIF, CGI, and PSIA protocols are also supported for the integration of other equipment and to meet differing surveillance requirements.

Both models are suited for detail-specific environments, such as finance and air transportation sectors that require precise video information. Additionally, with both cameras sporting an IP66 rating, outdoor environments suffering from rain, dust, and other challenging elements (such as ports, car parks, and other similarly exposed environments) are not a concern for either the DS-2CD855-EI3 2MP IR Bullet Camera or the DS-2CD855-EI5 2MP IR Bullet Camera.

Asia Update: Keda bringing vertical solutions to global security theater

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu, asmag.com | Updated: 5/22/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

There is no better “test bed” than China. With its land mass, population and security focus and budget, the country is a perfect breeding ground for security solution developers and providers, especially with large-scale networked systems. Here is one success story in the making.

Headquartered in Suzhou, China as a subsidiary of Keda Communications, Keda Technology has come a long way since its establishment in 1995 as a telecommunication and video conferencing system specialist and 2005 IPO in Singapore. With its 2012 revenue exceeding US$160 million and work force of 3,000+, the company is chomping at the bit to take its fine-tuned vertical solutions abroad, for government and MNC users that are looking for tried-and-tested quality HD surveillance video to tackle their security and management headaches.

Thanks to its decade-long cultivation and experience between 1995 and 2004, Keda had honed its network communication capability through its countless video conferencing projects at government agencies and business entities across the country. According to John Xue, Executive Director for Keda Technology, it was also during that period that the company realized the significance of easy-to-use software interfaces and seamless technical support. “Owing to our earlier partnership with Philips, we have exceled at hardware manufacturing, video imaging processing, and frame/bit rate control and management. But it was through these domestic but nationwide projects that we learned to be especially mindful of the unique implementation and day-to-day requirements of system integrators and government/enterprise end users.”

After the “Safe City” initiative swept across and started to take root in China in 2007/2008, Keda got to demonstrate how its intelligent, interconnected IP cameras, NVRs and management platforms could help end users better react to constantly evolving site conditions at many more multisite projects. “We were fortunate to be given the many opportunities to evolve as well, to grow to be application-specific in how analytics and automated alerts can be deployed in various environments,” Xue shared. To date, 14 to 16 percent of Keda's annual turnover is earmarked for R&D endeavors.

Open Arms
To continue to drive innovation and scale new heights, Keda is eyeing the cloud and global market. “We have an open-door, open-arms policy. With cloud-based applications growing exponentially, we want to collaborate with as many technology partners as possible because we can't do it all alone. We will also continue to work on optimizing image processing and bandwidth allocation management so that better and sooner preventive and preemptive measures can be taken.”

Keda is now active throughout Asia (from Japan and Korea all the way to Southeast Asia), the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa, and continues to look for capable and compatible distribution partners. “The security market is highly dynamic yet with a much longer selling cycle, so there is a lot more unpredictability. We are taking the time to groom our partners, grow our development and distribution networks, and hone our branding and sales management efforts,” Xue expressed.

Keda is ready and open for business — are you?

Dutch supermarket chain tackles losses with HD system

Editor / Provider: Idis | Updated: 5/22/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Albert Heijn Veldhoven, part of the Ahold group of international supermarkets, has rolled out an IP-based HD video surveillance solution comprising of 16-HD cameras and 32-channel NVR, and VMS at its store in Veldhoven, Netherlands, to reduce and prevent shrinkage while improving the overall retail experience. The system installed by technical integrator, Hollander Techniek, within two days is the first Idis plug-and-play HD video surveillance system to be implemented in Netherlands. Like many retailers, Albert Heijn wanted to use video surveillance and recording to limit the impact of shoplifting, deliver on their promise to prevent crime and improve the shopping experience for customers by analysing pedestrian routes and footfall, key factors in the selection of the video surveillance solution.

With 227 franchise stores in the Netherlands, Albert Heijn is renowned for quality and affordable everyday groceries. For over 10 years, Albert Heijn Veldhoven has relied on Idis OEM systems, and when the time came for an upgrade the supermarket security team decided to look into Idis plug-and-play HD video surveillance system.
 
The store surveillance system utilizes multi-spot monitors and a client PC with Idis VMS. The security team is now benefiting from full HD quality that is crucial in the recognition and detection of suspicious behaviour to drive down shrinkage. The security manager and cafeteria is equipped with 42 inch monitors displaying live camera views simultaneously and in real-time to provide a 360-degree view of the entire store.

“The Albert Heijn Veldhoven security team has quickly adjusted with little training, while benefitting from HD picture quality and simultaneous live view and record across multiple cameras,” said Carlo Kuijer, CEO, Benelux, Idis. “This allows the team to support their objectives to prevent and detect crime while improving the overall shopping experience for customers.” The initial reactions from the end-users and the installer was positive and Idis looks forward to working with Albert Heijn to further roll-out the HD video surveillance system across Benelux.

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.

Idis launches bundled VMS

Editor / Provider: Idis | Updated: 5/21/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Idis has announced, during Ifsec International, that it will bundle Idis Center VMS at no extra cost, as part of its DirectIP HD video surveillance solutions. The bundled offering provides customers with a complete VMS to install, configure, integrate and operate DirectIP solutions without licensing fees or complexity.

“VMS has too often become synonymous with cost and complexity within the industry. By bundling IdisCenter we are offering customers a true one-stop-shop solution without the need for expert IT or network skills, nor the cost involved in buying and renewing software licences,” noted Brian Song, MD of Idis.

Idis Center provides customers with plug-and-play management software to install and operate network cameras, NVRs and servers. Through an intuitive user interface very similar to that of traditional analogue systems, users are able to view live video and playback simultaneously. Idis Center further provides real-time event notification to improve incident response times, as well as a panic recording feature. The system provides easy and fast installation and configuration of up to 1024 devices and enables hassle-free maintenance via remote software upgrades.

Song commented, “This further builds on the Idis commitment to deliver simple, cost effective end-to-end HD video surveillance through our DirectIP solutions, all built on the quality and performance Idis customers the world over have come to expect.”

Milestone signs on UK distributor Oprema

Editor / Provider: Oprema | Updated: 5/21/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Oprema have secured the rights to distribute Milestone Systems open platform IP VMS as part of Milestone's strategic decision to work with specialist IP security suppliers in the UK. Milestone XProtect software has been keenly welcomed by Oprema's existing client base, and it is anticipated that this collaboration will further new business interest for the Cardiff based security distributor.

Oprema have been championing IP technology for a number of years, and it is for this reason that Milestone has added them to its exclusive UK distributor list. Oprema will offer not only the full suite of software products but will be hosting Milestone Certified and Milestone Professional training courses as the only authorised independent Milestone Systems training center in the UK. The training courses will cater for first time users through to experienced users looking to broaden their knowledge. The training will also include configuration, set up and use of supported hardware.

Milestone was Oprema's desired partner for IP video surveillance software because it is scalable and easy to use. Customers will be able to purchase software licences only or as part of a custom built server solution offered by Oprema.

Oprema's MD Matthew Epps commented, “We are delighted to be offering such a high-end and well regarded product as Milestone XProtect with our IP solutions. The agreement is a significant one for us, and shows how much of an impact Oprema are making in the market place, in moving the trade towards IP by offering cost effective packages as well as high-end solutions to suit any budget and application. Milestone fits in perfectly with its complete range of software options from XProtect Go right through to XProtect Corporate.”

Glenn Fletcher, Country Manager UK & Ireland for Milestone, adds: “Milestone Systems are happy to have Oprema on board as a new UK distributor. They will be able to help with technical training and server designs, leveraging the Microsoft and IP skills that they already have in house. Oprema are also our gateway into Wales as a distributor, which was another key reason for selecting them to be part of our expanding Milestone UK team of partners. We aim to grow together in the coming years as the Milestone open platform VMS approach continues to be embraced in the UK.”

Since the agreement was signed in January 2013, Oprema have successfully won a number of projects with Milestone VMS pre-loaded on Oprema's in-house manufactured servers. This is ensuring that the partnership is a winning combination for UK installers by offering a cost-effective solution with the highest level technology available on the market today.