ScanSource Security is the only distributor to offer configuration services for the Axis video encoder line of products. Configuration services include installing blade encoders, loading customer supplied IP addresses, verifying channel connectivity, indentifying and labeling the encoder rack to the corresponding configuration sheet, custom reporting and shipping.

“By offering configuration services on the Axis video encoders, integrators can focus on sales and customer service while we administer the additional services that they may not have the time or manpower to manage,” said Tony Sorrentino, vice president of sales, ScanSource Security. “What’s more, we can drop ship the configured solution to the end user on behalf of the integrator, taking an additional step out of the process and saving the integrator money.”

“ScanSource’s configuration and kitting services enable integrators to conveniently and efficiently offer our video encoders to their end-user customers, ensuring quick delivery and improved productivity,” said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager of Axis Communications Inc.

ScanSource Security exclusively serves the reseller community and is committed to never competing with its dealer or reseller partners. The company offers access control, surveillance/CCTV, wireless infrastructure, intrusion, and identification products. ScanSource Security also provides competitive pricing; free ground shipping; products in stock and ready to ship from a centralized location, allowing for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness; highly trained sales representatives and technical support specialists with extensive product knowledge; and custom configuration services.

About ScanSource, Inc.
ScanSource, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCSC) is a leading international distributor of specialty technology products, consisting of seven sales units in North America, Latin America and Europe.

ScanSource POS & Barcoding in North America, Latin America and Europe delivers AIDC and POS solutions; Catalyst Telecom in the US, and ScanSource Communications in North America and Europe, provide voice, video and converged communications equipment; and ScanSource Security in North America offers physical security solutions. Founded in 1992, the company ranks #854 on the Fortune 1000

The £1,000 security cameras have been placed inside properties but are trained on the streets to gather evidence of anti-social behaviour.

Each device is linked to a laptop computer and accessible online by police and council officials 24 hours a day.

But the trial inside two homes by Croydon council in south London has sparked new fears about invasion of privacy and Britain’s ‘surveillance society’.

And critics said the extra surveillance was only needed because police had failed to tackle the problem.

A council spokesman said the cameras would allow the authorities to respond quickly to anti-social behaviour and gather evidence for criminal prosecutions.

He denied they would be used to spy on neighbours and said more cameras could be installed if the pilot proves a success.

But critics say the scheme has echoes of the East German Stasi secret police, which recruited members of the public as spies.

Charles Farrier, of No-CTV, said that the move was ‘a step further in our Big Brother society’.

He said: ‘There is no evidence they act as a deterrent and we should be concentrating on the root problem anyway and working to gel our communities.

Alex Deane, director of Big Brother Watch, warned the cameras would create a ‘culture of fear and mistrust’.

 He said: ‘People accept these cameras into their homes because they are afraid.

‘The council might be installing them with the best intentions, but the end result is a culture of fear and mistrust driven by a failure on the part of the borough and the police to have proper law enforcement in this area.

‘Better to have real action from the failing authorities than to extend once more our surveillance society.’

A Croydon spokeswoman confirmed that the cameras cannot be seen from the street and refused to say in which areas they had been installed.

Residents taking part did not want their families or locations identified for fear of reprisals.

Images can be viewed on a computer and accessed remotely and the evidence used to take people to court.

The trials have been running for the past week.

But some local residents have backed the idea. Kirenna Chin, 30, said: ‘Louts use my hedge as a bouncy castle and urinate in my front garden. It’s very intimidating.

‘It’s a fantastic idea to fit hidden CCTV. If they offered me one I would definitely take it.’

Gavin Barwell, Croydon’s cabinet member for community safety, said: ‘This is good news for residents.

‘These CCTV kits give us another weapon to fight anti-social behaviour quickly. We’ll be working together with the police to put them to best use.’

Croydon has one of London’s most advanced CCTV networks.

The three-day exhibition held between October 29 and 31 on fire and security equipment held here recently saw gadget makers and suppliers signing a number of deals with the Indian security agencies generating business of over Rs 460 crore, organisers of the 3rd edition of commercial, homeland security and fire technology exhibition said here.

Around 11,557 security professionals from across the globe dealing in safety equipments displayed their high-end products during the exhibition, they said.

Companies like Panasonic, Samsung Electronics, Turbo, G4S, Honeywell, Hitachi Global storage technologies, Sony, Urmet were the main beneficiary to get a pie in the Indian security business estimated to be worth $600 million.

The systems which were displayed at the exhibition are armoured carriers, bullet proof vehicles, anti-riot gear, bulletproof clothing, night vision devices, surveillance and counter-surveillance equipment, radar tracking devices, electronic devices and wireless equipment.

According to a report commissioned by the British Security Industry Association, the security and fire market in India, estimated at around $530 million in 2007, is growing at a rate of about 25 per cent annually.

About 220 firms from 16 countries, including the US and UK, participated during the ‘IFSEC India 2009′ event.

“We look forward to working with DHS headquarters, its component agencies and Entrust to implement the department’s strategic plans for HSPD-12 card issuance and usage,” said Kevin Kozlowski, XTec’s vice president of government initiatives.

Under the terms of the contract, XTec will provide three key components to support DHS’ logical access control: an HSPD-12 compatible smartcard Minidriver; the AuthentX online certificate status protocol solution, or OCSP; and a PKI license.

The Minidriver is HSPD-12 compatible with the Microsoft Smart Card Base Cryptographic Service Provider or Crypto Next Generation Key Storage Provider and with the Smart Card Management Interface. Built on the Microsoft kernel, XTec’s Minidriver solution makes logical access to DHS networks simple by eliminating the need for complex middleware, which can tie up a system and limit the Microsoft operating system.

To maximize the efficiency of smartcard use for logical access, XTec will provide its GSA APL-approved AuthentX OCSP Server solution. This solution incorporates both the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol and the Certificate Revocation List in a single-server environment.

The enterprise license for PKI, provided through partner Entrust, entails a digital signature – as well as certificates for PIV authentication, key encryption and card authentication – for each DHS identity.

“PKI technology remains such a valuable and versatile tool, regardless of the scope or type of environment it secures,” said Entrust President and CEO Bill Conner. “The Department of Homeland Security should be lauded for not only unifying their security architecture, but for doing so in a manner that enhances cross-component efficiency and helps save money by reducing the number of solutions securing different offices and locations.”

“XTec has years of proven experience as a security solutions integrator for the U.S. government, and opting for a strong, proven PKI will help DHS meet their immediate and long-term security needs,” said XTec CEO Albert Fernandez. “We’re looking forward to collaborating with Entrust on this critical government project, and our team innovation will serve as a strong security model for other U.S. agencies to follow.”

In competing for this contract, XTec capitalized on its reputation for excellence throughout the federal government in achieving end-to-end, HSPD-12 compliant programs. XTec’s AuthentX product line, a complete COTS solution, allows not only immediate issuance of PIV-II credentials, but also the capability to implement physical and logical access control by using PIV cards enabled with the NIST high-security profile. XTec’s ability to rapidly deploy a proven COTS solution has contributed to the company’s continued success in the HSPD-12 marketplace.

About Entrust

Entrust provides trusted solutions that secure digital identities and information for enterprises and governments in 2,000 organizations spanning 60 countries. Offering trusted security for less, Entrust solutions represent the right balance between affordability, expertise and service. These include SSL, strong authentication, fraud detection, digital certificates and PKI.

About XTec

XTec is a leader in secure, interoperable authentication and verification systems. XTec develops, produces and licenses enterprise-level security solutions for credentialing, access control, information systems and electronic commerce for a wide range of government and commercial uses. XTec’s focus is providing a secure foundation from which customers can build secure enterprise Web-based applications and cryptographic systems. XTec is the leading systems integrator for HSPD-12 card issuance in the civilian federal government space and is recognized as a leader in both government and commercial circles for its expertise and products for credentialing, identity, secure payment and access control.

SANTA CLARA, CA–(Marketwire - November 16, 2009) - Avenda Systems, the innovator in identity-aware network security, today announced that it has been selected to present at Interop New York 2009, being held Nov.16 - 20 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Bhagya Prasad, lead deployment engineer at Avenda Systems, will outline scenarios based on the adaptive policy provisioning model in the “Understanding, Designing, and Deploying Network Access Control (NAC)” pre-conference seminar led by Joel Snyder, senior partner of Opus One, on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Attendees will learn how to address limitations of early NAC solutions and identify how today’s identity and NAC functionality will address current network access concerns.

“As a vendor that supports both single-vendor solutions and multi-vendor NAC architectures, we’re pleased to have Avenda participating in Interop’s pre-conference technical seminar this year,” said Interop General Manager Lenny Heymann. “It’s a real benefit to our attendees to meet with industry experts that are engaged with customer deployments on a daily basis.”

Adaptive Policy Provisioning takes a phased approach to Network Access Control deployment that accommodates the ever-changing use cases for enterprise access security. With a phased model and tools, Avenda provides network managers with the ability to build a strong link between users and endpoints, and access to network resources.

About Interop

Interop drives the adoption of technology, providing knowledge and insight to help IT and corporate decision-makers achieve business success. Part of TechWeb’s family of global brands, Interop is the leading business technology event series. Through in-depth educational programs, workshops, real-world demonstrations and live technology implementations in its unique InteropNet and InteropLabs programs, Interop provides the forum for the most powerful innovations and solutions the industry has to offer.

About Avenda

Avenda Systems introduced the industry’s first multi-function platform for network access security that breaks through past deployment barriers — complexity, compatibility, compliance and cost. Avenda’s flagship eTIPS solution is a scalable AAA platform that utilizes identity-based policies for access control, endpoint health and device authorization for wired, wireless and VPN networks.

Available as both a basic version (freeware) and a premium version (shareware), Zamzom allows users to detect all computers, both authorized and unauthorized, utilizing a wireless network. From computer and user names to Mac and IP addresses, Zamzom wireless networking tool even identifies computers unseen in a program neighborhood and computers that can’t be pinged. With this information in hand users can go about protecting their personal and company information.

“A study of financial districts showed that 57 percent of the wireless networks were open or used weak WEP encryption,” says Hansen.

As wireless technology has developed and increased, so have the number of security risks. Hacking methods have become much more sophisticated and innovative, leaving companies, personal computers, and any other wireless device wide open and vulnerable. While there are a number of different methods of accessing a wireless network, there are also various manners in which to secure a network and counteract threats.

The Zamzom wireless network tool does not only inform users of precisely who is accessing their networks, but the tool will also help users take valuable steps toward properly securing their wireless networks for good. Zamzom’s wireless network tool is compatible with Windows and the user-friendly interface requires no specific computer knowledge to operate and even gives users the opportunity to save information results.

The all-new Italian version of Zamzom is available for download at Zamzom.net, and the English freeware and shareware versions are still available at Zamzom.com.

Live images always accessible
The surveillance cameras send live images to a monitor, computer or cell phone. As a result, the video images are easy to access, anytime and anywhere. Connect a VGA-monitor to the digital video recorder to monitor a building. Connect the camera surveillance system to the Internet and visit a secured website to watch the images. Another option is to receive images on a cell phone. In case a burglar enters the building, and no one is at home, the system sends an email warning to the owner. Now the owner can immediately check live images via the Internet and take appropriate action.

Evidence is available right away
As soon as the surveillance cameras notices a burglar, the system automatically starts recording images. This is the result of the motion detection, that the cameras are fitted with. The recorded images serve as evidence and help the police to identify the burglar. Copy the stored images from the video recorder to a USB stick. Or use your computer to burn the images to a CD-rom. It is also possible to set time schedules for recording images, for instance during nighttime. All digital video recorders have an internal hard disk, 250GB or 320GB, depending on the type. The system may record images non-stop – as soon as the hard disk has reached its capacity, it replaces the oldest video recordings.

Record and playback at the same time
The digital video recorder has a powerful H. 264 processor that enables users to playback and record at the same time without losing image quality. While playing back the stored images, the system keeps recording in the background. Thanks to the built-in H.264 compressor, the digital video recorder stores high-quality video for extended periods.

Additional accessories for a tailor-made camera surveillance system
The camera surveillance systems, including a digital video recorder and one, two or four surveillance cameras, are easy to extend with additional cameras and accessories. There is a solution available for many specific demands. Connect for instance a zoom camera, EM6029, in order to zoom 30 times on an object. For optimal image quality during nighttime an infrared illuminator, EM6058, is available. And make use of dummy cameras, EM6050, in order to prevent burglars from stealing valuable items. Visit the Eminent site (Eminent-Online.com) for the full product line up.

Specifications EM6015
Infrared security cameras: 4 • Resolution: CIF (360×288 PAL) • 8x Video-in (BNC) 1 Vp-p 75ohm • 2x Video-loop out (BNC) 1 Vp-p 75ohm • Frame rate: up to 25 FPS each channel (pal) • H.264 hardware compression • 10/100 Ethernet support • RS-232/485/Pelco-D/P PTZ support • VGA output: yes • Motion detection and timer: yes • Accessories: mouse and remote control • HDD: 320Gb • Recommended retail price: 799,00 euro.

Specifications EM6005
Infrared security cameras: 2 • Resolution: D1, Half-D1 and CIF (720×576, 720×288, 360×288 PAL) • 4x Video-in (BNC) 1 Vp-p 75ohm • 2x Video-loop out (BNC) 1 Vp-p 75ohm • Frame rate: up to 25 FPS each channel (pal) • H.264 hardware compression • 10/100 Ethernet support • RS-232/485/Pelco-D/P PTZ support • VGA output: yes • Motion detection and timer: yes • Accessories: mouse and remote control • HDD: 320Gb • Recommended retail price: 550,00 euro.

Specifications EM6001
Infrared security cameras: 1 • 4x Video-in (BNC) 1 Vp-p 75ohm • 2x Video-loop out (BNC) 1 Vp-p 75ohm • RS-485/Pelco-D/P Pan-tilt-zoom support • Format: CIF(352×288) • Refresh rate: 100 IPS (pal) • MJPEG compression engine • VGA Output • Key-lock function with password • Power: 12V DC, 4A • HDD: 250Gb • Recommended retail price: 399,00 euro

The latest: Two interesting and very different products, Avaak’s Vue and the Astak Mole. Both are very easy to get up and running, and neither require monkeying with arcane router settings to get offsite access to the video streams–something that can be a problem with the Panasonic BL-C131a cameras that I otherwise favor. (I’ve also tried the Logitech WiLife system, and find it quite good.)

The Vue
The Vue is the most unusual remote camera I’ve seen. The product is unchanged from my March 2 preview, but I had a chance to experiment with the shipping version recently. The big benefit of the Vue: The cameras are tiny, battery-powered and thus completely wireless, and the system is extremely easy to set up. You plug an included controller box into your router or switch and tuck it out of the way, and then you can place the cameras anywhere in your house on their clever little stick-on magnetic dome mounts. The standard kit comes with two cameras.

The Vue is great for monitoring a location but there’s a big downside: The cameras don’t have motion sensors. If they did, the batteries wouldn’t last. So you can see what’s happening when you want, or record images on a schedule, but this product doesn’t work as a security camera. It is very easy to share the output from a camera with friends, though. A two-camera kit is available now for US$299.

The Mole
I also recently received the Mole, from Astak. This is a single camera for US$299, but unlike the Vue cameras, this unit must be plugged in for power (it has Wi-Fi as well as Ethernet for connectivity). It can be panned and tilted by remote control over the Web, so one camera can see more than two Vues in some setups.

The Mole also has infrared illuminators for low-light capability, and a microphone, so you can see and hear what’s happening at all hours. Since the camera is always on and can see in all conditions, it can also watch for motion and perform actions–alerting you and recording video and stills either to the Web or to its own memory card–when it detects movement. It even has a speaker so you can talk back through the camera. It is black and industrial-looking, however, befitting its name –not so great for installation in a nice white-painted hallway.

The Mole is capable and complex if you dive into all it can do, but initial setup is easier than with many other IP cameras. You don’t need to monkey with too many settings to get it to work, since the Mole uses the Yoics, Web-based remote access service. Registering a camera for viewing over the Web is straightforward. Advanced services include automatic video upload to YouTube when the camera is triggered, and alerts sent out to Twitter.

There’s still work to be done on the Mole/Yoics integration, though. Users need two IDs and passwords to access a single Mole: One for their Yoics account and then a separate ID for the camera itself. That should be fixed.

The Mole/Yoics system gives you a nice iPhone-optimized Web page, so you can view live video from your mobile. The Vue cam team says it’s working on iPhone capability, but it’s not available yet.

Ugly and capable wins over cute and simple
I like the Vue system’s size and simplicity but its lack of a motion sensor relegates it to toy status, at least for me. (I know other people who feel it offers just what they need.) The Mole, on the other hand, does everything a nervous parent wants, but it’s more complex than the marketing materials will lead you to believe, it’s ugly hardware, and the Web integration is unfinished.

The roles of the facilities manager and risk manager is ever evolving into much more complex and diverse positions, with responsibilities encompassing multi-disciplinary activities across several different environments.

Particularly in the current climate as companies tighten their budgets and look to restructure their man-power, the facilities manager is increasingly pulled in to assist other offices and senior management. Together they must ensure that security measures are considered and appropriately implemented to safeguard an organisation physically and virtually.

This transition requires them to have a much greater awareness of security issues and to be more involved in the delivery of security in all of its forms across an organisation.

Historically, the facilities manager in particular has not been adequately informed for overseeing such security measures, or given the appropriate guidance to implement suitable procedures or technologies to tackle potential threats. This is now a situation that needs to change, with legislation such as the National CCTV Strategy, a report that reviews the use of CCTV and the legal requirements of CCTV footage, should it be needed as evidence in court for prosecution purposes.

With the advent of enhanced technology, businesses work in different ways and with this, it has become unclear who should be responsible and held accountable for certain roles. In the past, it has been extremely clear who is responsible for IT security and physical security across an organisation.

Now with processes being conducted differently, this is not the case and raises questions as to whether it should be the IT manager or the facilities manager that is responsible. Facilities managers and security managers now need to jointly agree the security provision, whether it is within the IT department or as part of the estates and facilities management.

In this instance, it is useful for a facilities manager to be aware of the security concept as a bare minimum along with the standards that come with physical security compliancy requirements. This reduces the blurring of territory and responsibility, which can leave employees confused, as well as encouraging a better work culture with security raised higher up the business agenda.

Security threats to an organisation can occur from both internal and external sources. The security business is constantly aware of the increased risks associated with the current economic climate and how it could (and probably is) affecting the UK workforce, especially with regards to information assurance and the general protection of assets. It is fair to say, that the threat from the insider has always posed a significant risk to businesses across the UK and indeed is now a contagious global concern with more disgruntled staff through redundancy.

By working together with IT, the facilities manager can now ensure that there are procedures in place to restrict disgruntled former employees entering buildings and knowing shortcuts or passwords.

One of the key aspects a facilities manager must recognise is that technology is an enabler of safer systems but it is not the complete solution. Facilities managers need to manage the working environment to control how technology, information and physical assets are shared and kept safe.

This entails them working closer with the IT Manager to control systems that protect Information Assurance. These same systems also need a back-up plan to ensure Business Continuity, so that if a disaster or major disruption occurs that could impact virtual and physical assets, the company will be able to recover and restore partially or completely interrupted critical (urgent) functions in a timely fashion.

Additionally, the physical security of a building is becoming an important part of both the Facilities Manager and the Risk Manager’s role with many issues that need to be taken into consideration.

The first step these workers should take when considering the physical security of a building is to conduct a Threat Assessment.

When addressing building security, Facilities Managers should consider from where the risk initiates. Is it from an outsider looking to force entry or potentially an inside worker with authorised access to the building? Has there been a thorough Threat Assessment conducted to assess ‘real’ risk to ensure the security design can be based upon analytical findings and not from perception or rumour?

This will pay dividends in the long-term and achieve significant savings during the design phase of any security plan. It is vital that every security design is overseen by an independent security consultancy and sufficient commissioning takes place for sourcing additional security components or systems (e.g. CCTV, access control, intruder detection and lighting).

There are also a number of compliance documents and guidelines issued by the UK government that today’s facilities manager should be aware of, recognise and understand. One of particular note, is the government’s ‘Security Policy Framework’ (SPF) – which contains the most recent primary internal protective security policy and guidance on security and risk management for government departments and associated bodies.

Another is ‘BS7858’; the British Standards Institute code of practice which urges employers to screen all individuals who have unescorted access. In the current economic climate, fraud and crime will undoubtedly be on the rise both from the inside and out. Consequently, it is paramount that each company safeguards themselves from a serious threat; the people. An employee screening process should be conducted for all prospective workers, regardless of their position, in an attempt to confirm legitimacy.

Those facilities managers who are lucky enough to have a source of security expertise in-house should have the capacity to address the physical security issues that affect their building. This is however, not always the case and we know from experience that many facilities managers are seeking expertise in this field on a consultancy basis.

Many security companies are keen to offer a plethora of security products including CCTV and alarms for example, where in reality, fewer products are needed. By handling a comprehensive threat and risk assessment, the type and volume of products will become instinctively clear.

Facilities managers seeking counsel should request that this security consultant mentor their interests throughout, keeping them abreast of the assessment and of any suggestions to permit a useful and feasible plan of protection. Regular independent reviews are also paramount.

At a corporate level, a well-structured physical security plan contributes to the delivery of strategic and operational objectives. Further to this, on a day-to day level, effective facilities management provides a safe and efficient working environment, which is essential to the performance of any business – whatever its size or role.

The new dome cameras will provide high quality images, are able to operate in low light and poor weather conditions, and can be moved easily to new locations to respond quickly to changing circumstances.

With 24-hour remote access to images, CCTV operators in the control centre, as well as police, will be able to respond quickly to problems or act to take preventative action.

Breckland Council’s executive support member for communities and benefits, Lynda Turner said: “The council’s former CCTV system was installed in 1995 using the best technology available at the time, and this had become outdated.

“Breckland has opted for a new system which is extremely flexible and can be easily amended and upgraded in future years.”

Supplied by AMS (Advance Monitoring Solutions), the new CCTV system uses the wireless technology so images picked up by cameras can be transmitted digitally to local storage devices. This does away with the need to store bulky tapes.

Over the next two months new cameras will also be installed in Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham and Watton, and several “roving” cameras will be available to provide additional flexibility.

A series of public roadshows will be held in the five Breckland towns over the next few months.

Council and AMS officers will explain the benefits of the scheme, and how residents and businesses in the district can buy into the new system and have their own monitored CCTV or intruder alarms.

Traditionally, physical networking infrastructure has been considered as an “upfront cost” but we are now starting to see that the chosen solution can also have a significant impact on ongoing operational cost and this will become a more significant factor for future.

The so called “green IT” is starting to have a major influence on networking. The usual technology drivers which demand ever-increasing speed and bandwidth have not disappeared, but the need to deliver this enhanced performance now comes with additional constraints and the challenge to increase data throughput whilst at the same time finding ways to improve efficiency and reduce power consumption. Green IT is nothing to do with saving the planet and good PR – it has become an essential commercial necessity.

The other major driver is linked to the changing use of IT networks – both physically and in terms of management and responsibility. In the past the IT department had clear ownership of the computing functions – the PCs, servers, and the LAN network etc. in a company.

Telephones, access control, CCTV, and building management services such as air conditioning etc. were all handled by a separate facilities team. However, as more devices become IP-based and need to communicate with each other, the line between IT and facilities departments has been become increasingly blurred.

As an example, the humble mobile phone is no longer a stand-alone tool to improve voice communication for mobile workers; it is now a sophisticated IT device which not only sends texts, takes pictures, plays music, and links to the web, but is used for email, contact lists and diaries etc which are linked to the IT network. As a consequence, the mobile phone is now a device which needs to be managed by IT to ensure both data integrity and security is controlled.

This constant change adds new complexity and challenges, all of which impact the needs of the network infrastructure.

Speed and bandwidth

The need for increasing performance has been the one factor which has remained unchanged, and application speeds have roughly followed the predicted “Moore’s Law” curve with speeds doubling approximately every 18 months. However some experts now believe that speeds will start to increase even faster than this.

10 Gb Ethernet is the latest application for copper to be standardised and like its slower predecessors has brought many new challenges for the cabling infrastructure. The main issue for 10 Gb over copper is that it is very sensitive to external interference induced by signals in other cables. The use of a screened cabling has proved to be by far the most effective, reliable, and cost-efficient method of overcoming this problem and as a result, screened solutions are becoming increasingly popular.

But if 10 Gbps is started to be adopted now, and speeds are increasing even faster, then what will follow next? Traditionally we have seen application migration in tenfold leaps from 10 to 100 to 1000 Mbps and now 10 Gbps − so it would seem rational that the next step would be for 100 Gbps.

However, such a solution would be financially premature and prohibitively expensive and as a consequence, volume deployment of 100 Gbps Ethernet in servers is not expected within the next 10 years. As a result, the IEEE has decided to work on a 40 Gbps copper solution to bridge the gap between 10 and 100 Gbps as a more affordable next step.

Although it is too early to specify cabling requirements for such an application, tests conducted at Penn State University have demonstrated that Category 7A cabling has the capability to support 40 Gbps over 100 m and even 100 Gbpd over shorter distances.

A greener future

As mentioned already, speed is not the only driving factor. In 2007 the IEEE 802.3az, supported by US Federal Executive Order 13423 and the US Green Building Council, identified Energy Efficient Ethernet as a priority project. This was, amongst others, prompted by the fact that the IT sector emits a considerable amount of CO2.

One of the negative outcomes of designing applications to run over existing cabling technology is that a large percentage of the processing power of active components is spent on noise cancellation. For 10 Gbps Ethernet this represents about 40% of the energy consumption. If active components were developed that were geared towards energy efficient ethernet, the potential savings would be significant.

Higher performance cabling such as Category 7A, not only supports higher bandwidth but also could allow the electronics to be simplified so that 10 Gbps could be transmitted using significantly less energy. In addition, the improved attenuation of enhanced cabling, means heat build up in the cabling is reduced which in turn reduces the amount of cooling required – a major issue and cost within data centres.

Monitoring and control

Monitoring and control of networks is becoming increasingly important, and is of particular interest in modern data centres where cost of cooling and power, and increasing regulation means that maximising efficiency and reducing operational cost is vital. Intelligent infrastructure management (IIM) has been available for some time to monitor and log network events and map these against physical locations.

The inclusion of environmental monitoring and access control into an IIM platform enables users to monitor and report energy consumption and even switch individual ports on or off. This functionality enables the remote management of network devices and gives the ability to hard reboot a device such as a server without visiting the rack.

The ability to monitor power consumption can be used to support “green IT” initiatives and potentially to allow power costs to be attributed to different cost centres or customers in a co-location environment.

AverMedia® Information, Inc. USA, a leading provider of Digital Multimedia Technology,  announced the latest addition to its line of laptop and desktop entertainment devices, AVerTV HD DVR. This Digital Video Recorder allows users to connect a Cable/Satellite Set-Top-Box, HD Gaming Console or an HD Video recorder and capture High Definition video content to their PC.

The AVerTV HD DVR is a PCI Express x1 internal High Definition video capture card with HDMI and Component Video input interface. It offers real-time H.264 recording so you can record your favorite programs in 320 x 240 resolution with advanced H.264 encoding technology. Users can also upload and play back HD content on their iPod, iPhone, PSP or any other portable player device. For gamers, the AVerTV HD DVR can record game play in HD while playing, without delay. Gamers can post their game online so others can see their progress in any given game.

“As more and more digital content is being viewed and accessed from a PC or laptop computer, consumers demand an all-in-one solution that gives them the ability to enjoy that content in the best video quality available on the market today,” said Stephen Dix, vice president of sales, Multimedia Division at AVerMedia Information, Inc. USA. “With the ability to capture, record and play back any multimedia content in high definition, the new AVerTV HD DVR provides the ultimate in TV-to-PC entertainment.”

The AVerTV HD DVR includes AVer MediaCenter software program, which offers a built-in schedule recording feature so users can program a start and end time of a TV show from an HD Cable/Satellite Set-Top-Box. It comes equipped with an advanced video decoder chipset controller for best in class digital video signal processing. It can handle up to 1080i RAW HD video data transfer in real-time.

Pricing and Availability:

The AVerTV HD DVR will be available November 6, 2009 for $99.99 MSRP. For more information about this product or any of AVerMedia’s other Digital Multimedia products, please visit us at: http://www.avermedia-usa.com/AVerTV/

About AVerMedia Technologies:
AVerMedia is the technology leader in Digital Multimedia Video Convergence Technology. Aside from its full line of TV Tuners and Personal Video Recorder products, AVerMedia provides Hardware and Software DVR Board Security Systems, Document Cameras, Digital Video Makers, TV Photo Viewers, and PC-to-TV Converters for consumer and corporate/ educational markets. AVerMedia also partners with ODMs for the development of AVerMedia’s technologies for integration applications. Materials:

AVerMedia uses RoHs Certified manufacturing processed metals and plastics. Products are not only committed to RoHS/WEEE Directive, but conduct EMI and safety countermeasure to ensure consumers’ health and environment protection. All products are available with lead-free finishes and flame retardant.

AVerMedia is a registered trademark of AVerMedia Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

“As more and more digital content is being viewed and accessed from a PC or laptop computer, consumers demand an all-in-one solution that gives them the ability to enjoy that content in the best video quality available on the market today,” Stephen Dix, vice president of sales, Multimedia Division at AVerMedia Information, Inc. USA, said. “With the ability to capture, record and play back any multimedia content in high definition, the new AVerTV HD DVR provides the ultimate in TV-to-PC entertainment.”

Among the devices from which the AverTV HD DVR can draw its resources are HD gaming consoles, Cable/Satellite Set-Top-Boxes and HD video recorders. The DVR can connect to any of these products and perform real-time H.264 recording. Users can record their favorite programs in a 320 x 240 resolution, and even upload and play back the same content on iPods, iPhones, PSPs or any other portable player device capable of rendering the respective file formats (MPEG 2, H.264 and iPod format). Additionally, it is possible to directly scribe the recorded media on a DVD or VCD.

A feature of the AverTV HD DVR that could be considered a plus is the incorporated AVer MediaCenter software program. With it, it is possible to program the start and finish times of TV shows transmitted through an HD Cable/Satellite Set-Top-Box, allowing for users’ favorite videos to be stored as HD files on their PCs, even when not at home. No longer must TV enthusiasts hurry back home to catch reruns. With a few simple commands, the reasons to brood over missing your favorite shows are swept away.

The gadget also has a very appealing feature for players, namely the possibility to record the ongoing game progress. It is now possible to record gaming successes, instead of them remaining mere pleasant memories, and the obvious possibility for online distribution allows for a simpler sharing of game progress, puzzle solutions and tactics. The 1080i RAW HD video-data transfer that the device can achieve in real time will surely satisfy any such enthusiast.

The great thing about security cameras is the fact that they let you record things without needing to have a human being physically there.

The downside is that, in most cases, it takes a human being to figure out whether there is anything interesting there. Sure, there is motion-sensing technology, but such systems are often fooled by animals, cars, or even by a tree rustling in the wind.

Three former Palm executives think they have some software that could help shake things up. Their company, Vitamin D, is releasing a public beta on Monday of software that can detect and isolate human motion, potentially allowing the growing number of surveillance cameras out there to be a whole lot more useful.

The software, which works on either PCs or Macs, puts a yellow box around any human motion it detects and can be further refined to show only someone coming or going from a particular area–say entering or leaving through a particular door. The software is designed to work with any IP camera or even an inexpensive Web cam.

Getting in the surveillance game is admittedly a bit of a shift for early Palm employees Greg Shirai and Rob Haitani–two guys who have spent most of their careers creating consumer gadgets.

But, after years of listening to Palm and Handspring founder Jeff Hawkins talk about his brain research, Shirai and Haitani, along with Celeste Baranksi, another ex-Palm executive, thought they had a way to make a business out of it. “We were always fascinated by what Jeff was doing,” Shirai said. Vitamin D’s software is powered by artificial intelligence technology licensed from Hawkins’ Numenta start-up.

Shirai and Haitani say they are starting with the security camera industry because that’s the first application the technology can be used in. But over time, they hope to refine the technology such that it can have broader uses, such as powering object-based search within video streams.

Haitani gave a preview of the technology at this year’s Demo conference. There’s also a video of the technology in action on Vitamin D’s Web site.

Using artificial intelligence makes the system remarkably adaptable, Haitani said, something that is not the case even with very high-end systems that use various rules to try to identify humans.

Vitamin D’s software, for example, is able to pick out two people carrying a lawn mower, someone crawling, or even a person pushing a stroller–all shapes that don’t look a lot like what an algorithm might think of as human.

“You can see how the shape-based rules quickly break down,” Haitani said.

The technology isn’t perfect. It isn’t well suited to nighttime work, or anything where there isn’t sufficient light. “We actually would not do well in poorly lit scenes,” Shirai said.

Shirai and Haitani have been using the software at their homes and office to try it out. They haven’t caught any thieves yet, though there was one scare, Shirai said.

He noticed a group of people struggling at the company’s front door early one morning.

“I thought, oh my gosh, there are these people breaking into our office,” Shirai said. In reality, he had found something far less sinister–what time his office’s cleaning crew came each day.

Haitani said he also learned that his house is frequented by hummingbirds when he is not there. “Apparently my front lawn is this crossing path,” he said.

For those who have security cameras, particularly consumers and small businesses, Vitamin D’s software can offer significant time savings. Going through all the motions detected in hundreds of hours of video–even if one only spends 5 seconds on each clip–could require hours of work. By contrast, narrowing it down to just humans might cut that workload down to just minutes, as the two demonstrated last week, showing me examples from their collection of surveillance tapes.

The software will be free during the public beta, though the company hopes to start charging for a final version in the first half of next year.

Other potential customers could be law enforcement or even the intelligence community. Indeed, In-Q-Tel, the investment vehicle for the intelligence community, is among Vitamin D’s early investors, along with HTC, the cell phone maker that Haitani and Shirai know well from their Palm days.

We were impressed by those video alerts, too. Demonstrated on an iPhone, each alert is labeled with information to quickly let you know what the video contains (a man stepping onto your porch, for instance), and all you do is tap the screen to play a video so you can see for yourself. All of the footage the Solo records is uploaded to a portal — and what it records is determined by you — which you can sift through later if you so choose.

The aforementioned portal is the meat and potatoes of the Solo’s security monitoring system. There you can keep track of multiple cameras, search through the events the cameras capture to review, and set how exactly you want your camera to respond to said events (whether or not you’d like it to send you one of those video alerts, for instance). You can also save the footage from your Solo system on SD cards or DVR, meaning you don’t need a computer to operate them (though you probably should have one to make full use of that portal). Each unit weighs less than six ounces, and comes with a kit so you can mount it outside.

Of course, this kind of security doesn’t come cheap. Each Solo camera will cost a whopping $400 when they become available. It’s also worth mentioning that the Solo system has a monthly fee tacked onto it for use of the portal. It’s only $8 a month for the first unit, and then $4 for each Solo after that.

This follows a major row at a Salford school last week. Two new were installed over the holidays which were filming children getting changed for PE lessons. Unsurprisingly the parents were not impressed with this.

Some began protesting outside Charlestown Primary School to get the cameras switched off or at least pointed away from areas where kids were changing. Worried teachers then called local police to get the protestors removed.

But after the police had spoken to parents they performed a rapid U-turn and entered the school to seize the CCTV footage. A computer hard disk was also taken by officers.

One worried parent told the Manchester Evening News: “We were originally told that the cameras would hardly ever be used. But in the last week we have just found out that they are recording all the time.

“The children have to get changed in the classrooms because there are no changing facilities. We think it is wrong that the cameras are there. It is a breach of their privacy.”

The primary school has switched off the two cameras which caused the problems. Salford Council is promising a wider review of its use of the technology in schools.

Jonathan Bamford, assistant Information Commissioner, said:

CCTV should only be used for a pressing need. It is perfectly reasonable for a school to use CCTV to help secure its premises, but it shouldn’t be left switched on capturing images of school children changing during the day. When a school is staffed and children are on the premises, cameras will not generally be required for security purposes. Organisations that do capture images using CCTV are required by law to adhere to the Principles of the Data Protection Act.

Police are taking no further action against the school or teachers

Norcross (PRWEB) November 11, 2009 — ControlByNet today announced a partnership with Isonas Security Systems to use Isonas IP-based access control readers in conjunction with ControlByNet’s popular i-flashback browser-based hosted surveillance solution.

ControlByNet’s i-flashback software is used in many applications and the addition of access control under the same web interface adds significant value to the product line.

“Adding integration for IP-based access control is a natural progression for our i-flashback solution. It’s especially important for our hosted solution, allowing us to be a full-solution provider and giving integrators a real sales advantage” said Ryan Strange, founder of ControlByNet. “In addition, being able to take the flexibility of the Isonas PowerNet IP reader direct to doors will play an important role in the design and development of security for our customers and integrators.”

ControlByNet designed i-flashback to allow additional applications and hardware be ‘plugged’ into the solution providing flexibility and customization. The functionality allows integrators to be confident in future product growth without being locked into one hardware manufacturer. Combined with 100% browser-based management, multi-location solutions and guard station software i-flashback offers an ideal solution for any size organization.

About ControlByNet
ControlByNet offers software for remote hosted surveillance as well as local solutions. As the first company to offer a 100% browser-based software system, ControlByNet offers a digital surveillance system utilizing exciting technology and motion capture methods to provide an exceptional IP-based security system.

About Isonas
Isonas Security Systems provides advanced, Internet Protocol (IP) Access Control solutions for customers who require the superior, real-time access control enabled by a true network appliance. Isonas is the first and leading developer of IP-at-the-door reader-controllers.

Home Automation, Inc. (HAI), leading manufacturer of integrated security and home automation products has announced the improved integration between HAI’s Lumina central lighting and home automation product line and Tyco’s DSC PowerSeries security panels, allowing Touchscreen control and energy management.   With the award-winning integration (Best Security Product, Consumer Electronic Associations’ TechHome Mark of Excellence Award) the Lumina or Lumina Pro can trigger events from the DSC security zones when they are opened or closed such as turning the foyer light on when the front door is open if it is dark.  The Lumina or Lumina Pro can also trigger events when the DSC PowerSeries security panel goes into alarm such as turning on all inside and outside lights when a burglar or fire alarm is tripped.

The latest feature of this integration provides the ability to control the DSC PowerSeries security panels from HAI’s OmniTouch 5.7e in-wall Touchscreen and OmniTouch 10p wireless Touchscreen.  A graphic screen is projected, replicating the DSC keypad.For energy efficiency, the Lumina or Lumina Pro can change modes when the DSC PowerSeries security panel is armed or disarmed.   When leaving the house and arming the DSC alarm in the AWAY mode, the Lumina or Lumina Pro will automatically set back thermostats and turn off lights.  Additionally the integration allows the arming or disarming of the DSC PowerSeries security panel over the Internet via HAI’s award-winning Snap-Link software.

November 10, 2009: 12:00 PM ET

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — An integrated physical and logical security solution from Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) enables Ascend Federal Credit Union to enhance security, improve efficiency, reduce information technology (IT) costs and simplify access management at its corporate headquarters in Tullahoma, Tenn. The complete solution integrates physical and logical access control via smart card technology. It also includes managed access control and an Internet Protocol (IP) surveillance solution.

“We turned to Diebold with the goal of improving efficiency and simplifying access management,” said Missy Cleveland, assistant vice president, Ascend Federal Credit Union. “Diebold’s solutions have helped us to achieve those goals while realizing additional benefits, such as increased asset protection and reduced help desk costs.”

By working with Passlogix, a sign-on, provisioning and authentication solutions provider, Ascend deployed a smart card solution that allowed the credit union to migrate from traditional key and password controls to a single, secure card that permits access to both physical assets and computer applications. It utilizes the v-GO(آ®) SSO((TM)) Enterprise Single Sign-On (ESSO) solution, which is a part of Passlogix’s Access Accelerator Suite. The ESSO and authentication password management solution allow users to log into a computer system just once using a single, highly secure credential. The smart card has helped Ascend virtually eliminate the need to enter passwords. This represents a time and cost savings for the credit union’s IT staff, as help desk calls for password-related support have the potential to drain valuable IT resources.

“Integrating physical and logical access controls opens up several opportunities to streamline operations, enhance security and reduce duplicative efforts and costs,” said Bradley J. Stephenson, vice president, Diebold Security division. “In the case of Ascend Federal Credit Union, the institution was able to consolidate access control management to a single computer server. That means one less system to manage and update, which frees up time and resources to address other security needs.”

In the near future, Ascend plans to utilize Diebold’s Managed Access Control solution to grant authorized personnel access to specific areas of branch locations with the option to define access by specific dates and times. Credit union security managers control access permissions and supervise the cardholder database using a secure Web site or by working directly with Diebold’s Event Monitoring Center. Additionally, Diebold’s Managed Access Control solution eliminates the need for Ascend to invest in front-end servers and software traditionally required by physical access control systems. This managed service also meets Ascend’s disaster recovery and business continuity needs without requiring additional equipment or manpower investments.

Diebold is also providing Ascend with a pure-IP surveillance system enabling remote, web-based viewing and analysis in real time. In addition, the IP surveillance system helps Ascend quickly digitize and transmit video images, intrusion detection information, access control data and various reports.

While Diebold’s solutions decreased Ascend’s password requirements, the credit union chose to keep some password controls in place. To minimize help desk calls, Diebold installed a self-service password reset (SSPR) tool, which allows employees to reset passwords by answering specific personal questions.

About Diebold

Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery and security systems and services. Diebold employs more than 17,000 associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in Canton, Ohio, USA. Diebold is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ’DBD.’

ISLANDIA, N.Y., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — CA, Inc. (Nasdaq: CA) today announced that CIGNA, a global health services company, has chosen CA Access Control to help secure personal health information and corporate data on CIGNA’s host systems, including Microsoftآ® Windowsآ®, UNIXآ® and Linuxآ® platforms. CA Access Control will also help support CIGNA compliance with regulations such as those promulgated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

“As we execute on our security goals, we continue to streamline security processes, particularly in how we manage our user privileges and access on both physical and virtual servers across all distributed platforms,” said Craig Shumard, Chief Information Security Officer, CIGNA. “By adding Privileged User Password Management capability to CA Access Control for individuals with elevated system-level privileges, we expect to improve our audit process and the security of our data.”

Use of CA Access Control will help CIGNA improve its ability to:

• Protect personal health information and private data from being exposed either accidentally or maliciously. CA Access Control helps control, manage and report privileged user access to physical or virtual servers across UNIX, Microsoft Windows and Linux platforms. This includes controlling access and system-level entitlements of privileged or root users, such as network administrators. By reducing and delegating the privileges associated with administrator accounts, CA Access Control adds a layer of granularity that assigns and enforces permissions based on specific roles. This helps ensure a separation of duties and accountability critical to security and compliance.

• Have a simplified capability to grant temporary root/administrator privileges for select support functional roles. This will also assist when needing to grant emergency privilege access.

“CIGNA has been at the forefront of managing privileged users, their passwords and their access rights–an internal threat for all types of businesses and institutions,” said Dave Hansen, corporate senior vice president and general manager, CA Security Management. “CA has been in the host access management business for more than 10 years and is proud to support leaders such as CIGNA with technology to control privileged user access across physical and virtual environments and multiple platforms.”

About CIGNA

CIGNA (NYSE: CI), a global health service company, is dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and security. CIGNA Corporation’s operating subsidiaries provide an integrated suite of medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, as well as group life, accident and disability insurance, to approximately 46 million people throughout the United States and around the world.

About CA

CA (Nasdaq: CA), the world’s leading independent IT management software company, helps customers optimize IT for better business results. CA’s Enterprise IT Management solutions for mainframe and distributed computing enable Lean IT–empowering organizations to more effectively govern, manage and secure their IT operations

Dortmund, Germany, (November 10, 2009): Tandberg Data, the global supplier of data protection solutions, today announced that it has signed an important partnership agreement with security provider, ClearView Communications, where data protection solutions from Tandberg Data will form the backbone for automatically capturing data intensive CCTV imagery across important public and private sector installations throughout the UK.

At the heart of the partnership is the drive to increase the length of time that CCTV footage is stored and also to increase the number of images per second that are stored (from 6 images per second to 25 images per second in some installations.)

Paul Main, Sales Director for ClearView Communications, takes up the story. “The need for organisations to store more data for increasing lengths of time is symptomatic of our litigious society where CCTV is being used as a method of maintaining records for legal, insurance, financial or health and safety purposes. The new Shard Building in London Bridge is a classic example. The 87 floor building, currently under construction for completion in 2012, is set to become the capital’s tallest landmark, and the constructors, Mace Construction, use high density image per second CCTV to record deliveries, track site progress and contractor activity to over 12 CCTV stations generating over 4.8TB of data per month. All this data is backed up on Tandberg Data LTO-4 tape cartridges and secured offsite in a disaster recovery centre for 7 years.”

Gary Preston, UK Sales Director for Tandberg Data, commented. “Customers who require reliable and clear CCTV footage are looking for high capacity, encrypted technology to secure their assets. With Tandberg Data’s LTO-4 tape hardware and media, they are receiving this and at a low cost per Gigabyte (3p per GB as compared to 21p per GB for disk). If you calculate how much CCTV data is being stored and for how long, this can amount to significant savings. Prior to the advent of LTO-4 tape technology, users simply had to add more hard disks to extend the recording duration. Now they have a cost-effective, securely encrypted alternative.”

The partnership between the two companies also includes the ENDURANCE monitoring system which archives CCTV recordings from analogue or IP cameras onto tape. Through this system recordings are initially stored on disk across a 30-day access period and then automatically moved off onto the Tandberg Data StorageLibrary T40, that uses LTO-4 tape, one cartridge of which can hold a staggering 800GB of uncompressed data. The beauty of this archiving system is that the Tandberg Data StorageLibrary T40 can hold up to 182TB of data without requiring any human intervention. Data can then be archived on or offsite and easily located and accessed within minutes due to the barcode indexing.

The ENDURANCE system has seen acceptance throughout Europe with some extremely high security applications within both public and private sectors, with one client alone rolling out to 150 locations.

Lord mayor Robert Doyle has unveiled two security vehicles fitted with CCTV cameras that have 360 degree views.

Councillor Doyle says they will patrol city hotspots over six months.

“These vehicles will patrol Friday and Saturday nights from 10 pm until 6am,” he said.

“They will be able to report incidents in the same way as our fixed cameras. We will be able to respond to police in the same way we do with our fixed cameras.”

The trial will cost $150,000 but the Councillor Doyle says the safety benefits should well and truly outweigh the cost.

“When there are big events in the city and we have large crowds, these vehicles can be right in the middle of them,” he said.

“When we have hot spots, these vehicles can be directed there by ourselves or by the way by police.”

“There are areas of the city where we do not have fixed camera coverage. These vehicles provide that coverage.”

Ingram’s physical security group will make available solutions in alarm and fire, monitoring services, access control and video surveillance to channel partners in North America. The unit, currently staffed with 10 people, will maintain a separate profit and loss statement.

Tom Burns, Ingram director and head of the physical security unit, said that the group will handle products from several IT manufacturers with physical security portfolios, including Cisco Systems Inc., Axis Communications, Sony and Panasonic, and others the distributor is considering.

Channel partners working with the unit will receive dedicated technical advice, pre- and post-sales support, configuration and integration services, training, education and marketing resources, he said.  

Ingram also will train channel partners on physical security solutions built for specific vertical markets, including government, education, retail, healthcare and the casino gaming industry, Burns said.

Designating a unit specifically for physical security solutions enables Ingram to “aggregate channel partners with similar interests and practices and do our part to support those parties in executing their strategies with all the tools we can bring to bear,” he said.

Burns said that the unit will leverage Ingram’s data analytics tool to help stir up net new business for channel partners.

A recent report by the Security Industry Association, a 400 member trade group for businesses in the electronic security industry, pegs the U.S. non-residential market for electronic physical security equipment at about $20 billion, a noticeable jump from a $12 billion market size two years ago.

The report identifies key sectors as government, commercial offices and industrial organizations.

In particular, the demand for video surveillance products, driven by an upstream migration from older closed circuit television (CCTV) equipment to newer IP technologies, is expected to change substantially in the next five years, according to the SIA report.

Burns called IP video surveillance the “tip of the spear” for its potential to guide the growth of the entire segment upward.

“Businesses want more than just a new camera platform,” he said. “Access control as well as software platforms that enable the integration of alarm, access control and IPVS technologies will also see a good level of activity.”

Impending convergence with IT security

Burns said that a number of factors spurred Ingram to launch the new division.

“There are three things in the market that make this exciting for us,” he said. “The evolution from closed circuit to IP technology for surveillance infrastructure, the convergence of the IT and physical security markets, and, businesses asking for better options to integrate their alarm and access control systems into a single, coherent platform.”

As the IT security and physical security markets converge, IT managers are taking on a bigger role in corporate decisions regarding physical security installations.

According to a recent study conducted by IMS Research, a U.K.-based specialist in market sector research, IT managers now are involved in about 60 percent of purchase decision for IP-based physical security equipment.

“This shows just how much physical security is converging with IT,” said Mark Visbal, SIA director of research. “A few years ago they were in different worlds. Now, in many cases, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to separate one from the other.”

The IMS research also revealed that 60 percent of system integrators installing electronic physical security equipment believe that vendors do not meet their support needs, particularly for training, demonstration equipment, telephone and web-based assistance.

Burns said that the physical security unit is tasked with supporting channel partners and vendors.

“We are providing sales and technical resources to resellers that understand the technologies and focus on this market while simultaneously providing our vendor partners a dedicated business manager to help them reach those resellers that are important to them,” Burns said.

“Having these Ingram resources in a single division accelerates the speed of business and enriches the relationships between all channel partners involved.”

Although timetables may be sketchy, the movement of 911 networks to an IP-based platform is “pretty much inevitable … there’s no turning back,” said Walt Magnussen, director for telecommunications at the Texas A&M University Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center, who has played a key role in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s NG-911 project.

Migrating to next-generation architecture will allow many more methods of communication within the 911 network, as well as greatly enhance information exchanges between PSAPs, such as when an emergency call needs to be transferred between call centers. However, as with any IP-based network, next-generation emergency calling networks could be susceptible to computer viruses and hackers trying to infiltrate and disrupt the system.

It’s important that PSAP officials and personnel not “underestimate the threat, because it’s real,” said John Pirc of IBM Internet Security Systems. Fortunately, the first version of a cyber security standard — dubbed NG-SEC, Version 1, focusing on edge networks of the 911 system — released by the NENA working group is expected to be released by the end of this year or early next year, said Jeremy Smith, senior cyber security consultant for Kimball and co-chair of the NENA security working group.

Such standards are particularly important within the next-generation architecture, because PSAPs will be connected via IP links, meaning that a virus could spread quickly throughout the 911 system if not handled properly, Magnussen said.

“You don’t want any holes [in the network],” he said.

While securing the next-generation 911 system will be challenging, it is “doable,” Magnussen said. A prime example of the ability to make security work is online banking, which has become commonplace in recent years. With proper security measures in place, a device with a potentially damaging computer virus can connect to the 911 without hampering the emergency network, he said.

“In other words, it lets the information in a call through, but other information that is not legit is chopped off and eliminated at that point,” Magnussen said.

Such a solution would allow PSAPs to receive calls, text, photos and video from devices that have been infected with a virus — perhaps unknowingly to the user seeking emergency help — without compromising the network and without having to block potentially legitimate communications, Magnussen said.

A nine year-old robbed a Kensington Carphone Warehouse outlet on October 8, pinching 14 handsets. He was accompanied by a gang of adults in the theft, who distracted store staffers while he relieved Carphone of around £3,500 in the latest consumer electronics. The incident, and the youth of the chief perpetrator, appear to demonstrate what easy targets mobile retailers are.

Staff, on the industry’s front line, face the threat of robbery every day. They also face verbal and sometimes physical abuse from ‘customers’, more personal and often more distressing than store thefts.

Trade union Connect last month launched a campaign to support mobile retailers’ efforts to reduce violent or abusive cases, which often lead to thefts, and to raise awareness among staff.

A 2008 Connect survey of 1,100 retail staff found 80 per cent of respondents had been abused verbally in the work space, and seven per cent claimed to have been victims of physical violence.

In 2006, it also found 16,000 physical attacks in the UK on retail staff and 83,000 verbal abuse cases.

These are scores for general retail in the UK. But mobile retailers handle easy-to-shift high-value items, and are considered primary targets.

Most mobile retailers applaud the theory of the campaign, although few came out in support of Connect itself - mobile providers have apparently little truck with the traditional trade union movement. They would prefer to be left to deal with the issue without unions engaging directly with their staff.

Everyday threat

A straw poll of retail staff says experience of abusive behaviour from customers remains unchanged, while shoplifting is on the rise. The suggestion is most retail outlets receive a visit from at least one abusive customer every day, whilst stock goes missing from stores at least each month.

Live demonstration handsets on shop floors have encouraged opportunist thieves, while products in stock cages continue to be a target. Of course, live units are a necessary tool for retailers to showcase increasingly complicated technology.

Mobile stores are increasingly fitted with devices such as panic buttons and CCTV cameras. Staff also now receive training to handle  difficult customers. Retailers are not about to disclose how many, or which, stores house CCTV. But a well-placed

Carphone source claims only 50 per cent of its shops are fitted with working security systems.

Phones 4U staff, meanwhile, claim it is common knowledge among them the “majority” of stores do not have any form of CCTV. “The flagship Oxford Street branches do have CCTV cameras, but most of the cameras in Phones 4U stores are dummies with no actual recording being made. There are panic buttons on the shop floor in all stores, but from my own experience, they do not always work,” says one senior source.

All O2 stores are fitted with surveillance cameras, but it has reduced the number of security guards it employs. Orange’s entire retail estate was fitted with security cameras last year, and staff say the equipment has helped to reduce shoplifting and physically abusive customers.

But staff claim such measures have little impact upon verbal abuse from customers.  

Orange actively bans abusive customers from stores, directing them to its telephone customer service department. O2 also bans customers they find to be a threat to its staff.  

An O2 spokesperson says: “Our legal team writes letters to abusive customers, asking them not to visit a particular store. Ultimately, we can (and do) disconnect the phone of a customer who has been abusive or violent towards staff.”

Staff training

Connect project leader Ben Bellamy says staff must also be equipped to deal with difficult customer situations, and training is vital. Vodafone’s NVQ includes such training as does O2’s induction training and Orange’s health and safety training programme.

“Our NVQ includes information on how to avoid confrontation and how to handle tough situations including crime and violence,” says a Vodafone spokesperson.

“If people are involved in such cases, there is additional support offered. Staff can call the employee assistance programme free of charge. This is a common support programme for large businesses.”

Says an O2 spokesperson: “We provide induction training and posters [about best-practice] in the back office. This is combined with a counselling service for staff, and the reporting of all incidents and investigations being completed.”

Carphone refuses to comment upon training, but staff claim there is little in the way of training on how to deal with abusive customers, or robberies.  

One staffer says: “It’s important staff handle the situation appropriately, or else it can escalate, so training would benefit us.
On occasion, a situation may become worse because the staff member becomes confrontational themselves.

“If they had the training to understand how to approach these types of customers, the matter can be diffused more easily.”

First used by the geospatial and gaming industries, Feeling Software’s technology uses CCTV cameras to generate a 3D surveillance map of a facility. Among the Pelco products to feature Feeling Software solutions includes the NET5301T encoder, IP110 camera, IP3701 camera, Spectra IV IP camera, Spectra Mini IP camera, and Sarix megapixel cameras.

“Pelco cameras are easy to integrate and work with: Their specification is thorough and easy to understand. They had multiple good choices for interacting with the camera and we chose the one that fits our solution best,” said Guillaume Laforte, vice president of research and development for Feeling Software.

According to a statement issued by Pelco, Feeling Software will continue to add support for new Pelco products, including its new Endura VMS platform in the near future.
 

Henley Town Council’s finance strategy and management committee had recommended removing one camera to save money but this was rejected by the full council on Tuesday.

At the same time, councillors put pressure on South Oxfordshire District Council to reduce the charges to the town council.

Councillor Barry Wood revealed: “Last week, the district council volunteered another £700 off our bill as a result of pressure from this council.”

Councillor Allan Follett said: “We were looking into the possibility of turning one off because if one wasn’t being used effectively it could save money but we have had some success in the reduction of charges.”

A plan to ask the River and Rowing Museum to contribute to the cost of one camera because it overlooks the museum was also scrapped.

Cllr Follett said: “The museum has its own CCTV system and security.”

Industry analysts claimed that DVR “potentially threatens the very lifeblood of how television is funded and how it’s used for marketing and advertising.” A coalition of television studios including Viacom, Disney, and NBC filed suit against SonicBlue, makers of ReplayTV, arguing that skipping commercials “effectively circumvents the means of payment to copyright owners for the programming being viewed… (and) thus constitutes copyright infringement.”

Fast-forward eight years, and these claims turn out to be — surprise! — wrong. This weekend, The New York Times announced that “DVR ratings now add significantly to live ratings and thus to ad revenue.”

A mystified NBC President Of Research called the situation “completely counterintuitive.” But the reason behind the revenue isn’t counterintuitive at all — it’s obvious: When consumers are granted the ability to watch television whenever and however they want, they watch more TV — not less. That’s a simple result which could only be “counterintuitive” to an industry that all too frequently treats its own best customers like criminals.

It’s a cycle that by now has become sadly familiar: When the industry meets a new technology, it panics and fights it tooth-and-nail. Eventually, the industry loses this fight, often squashing innovation or arbitrarily singling out a few citizens for punishment along the way. Finally, the same technology ends up benefiting the same short-sighted industry — but rather than learn their lesson, the same corporations are usually busy repeating the same cycle all over again with something else. It happened with the VCR, the audio cassette, and even the turntable.

With a track-record like this, it’s mind-boggling that the entertainment industry’s schemes to “fight piracy” retain any credibility whatsoever. Unfortunately, thanks in large part to the industry’s deep coffers, many in government continue to take their claims seriously. As a result, the UK is close to implementing a “three-strikes” policy of disconnecting illegal file-sharers from the Internet — even as a new poll reveals that those same file-sharers are the industry’s best customers. Here in the USA, Hollywood is once again lobbying the FCC to introduce “Selectable Output Control” — a scheme which would grant the industry veto-power over new technologies.

Until legislators learn to stop trusting the entertainment industry’s faulty “intuition,” laws will continue to hurt innovation, consumers, and — yup — even the very industry they’ve been designed to protect.

The SNC-1300 incorporates Samsung Techwin’s proprietary MPEG-4/JPEG dual-codec technology to achieve clear images and real-time multi-streaming with a high data compression rate - up to 20ips at 1,280 x 960 resolution or up to 25ips at 1,280 x 720 resolution.

Supporting multiple protocols and equipped with privacy masking and motion detection features, the SNC-1300 is a true day/night camera with built-in IR-cut filter.  When movement is detected or an alarm is activated, the SNC-1300 can be programmed to immediately transmit the alarm-generated image to a client’s e-mail address.

An SD card slot enables easy file storage and back-up with a 2GB memory card supplied as standard. Bi-directional audio ensures not only can sounds and conversations be listened to at a remote site, but also warning messages and instructions can be issued from the control room to those remote sites.

The SNC-1300 delivers up to 1,280 x 960 resolution images utilising Progressive Scan technology. Progressive Scanning is a method for displaying, storing or transmitting moving images in which all the lines of each frame are drawn in sequence. This is in contrast to the interlacing used in traditional CCTV cameras where the odd and even lines of each frame are alternately drawn. The benefits include the absence of any visual artefacts and a higher vertical image resolution.

A built-in web server allows up to five users to simultaneously monitor video captured by the cameras from the comfort of their individual PCs and the SVM-S1 Centralised Management Software (CMS) supplied with the SNC-1300 camera helps users to establish an effective network management system with convenient visual monitoring options including various events and map images.

Varifocal lens option

To ensure users can achieve maximum benefit from the SNC-1300, Samsung Techwin has also introduced the SLA-M2882 lens specifically for use with megapixel cameras. The SLA-M2882 is a  1/3″, 2.8-8.2mm varifocal Megapixel lens making it possible to achieve the desired field of view.

One of the main attractions will be the launch of a state of the art IP TV system and digital signage application from Direct Streams (France) which is based on Apple System. This solution will be highlighted by product live demos and a presentation by Ms. Pascale Chatelain, the Board Executive of Direct Streams who will be visiting the UAE specially for this event.

During its participation, PRO TECHnology will also focus on its line of enterprise solutions that include storage, back-up and security solutions, the end to end wireless (Wi Fi) Networking solutions from Trapeze and IP CCTV cameras from Mobotix.

The event brings together the regional and international users and suppliers and will serve as a worthwhile ground to leverage the growth in the hospitality and tourism industries and with the significant integration of the technology industry.

With an unparalleled portfolio in the IT industry and backed by a reputation of successful high-end technology implementations, PRO TECHnology further breaks through the ground of the hospitality industry through this event.

“We have been involved in several projects concerning the hotel business and for us, it is something which we consider a mark of achievement. For an IT company like PRO TECHnology, it took a lot of time and hardwork to prove our efficiency and gain confidence from hoteliers to entrust us their needs. To provide something effective for the hospitality industry is like imparting your skills to the whole world. It is one industry which is imperative and literally “global” as it caters to every nationality 24/7,”

said Jamal Maraqa, Managing Director and Founder of PRO TECHnology.

Equip’Hotel show will run from November 9 - 11, 2009 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

The teens are accused of taking thousands of dollars in power tools, guns and other stuff on two occasions in late July and early August from an unoccupied Beaver Creek, Minn., farm site.

In connection with the incidents Eric Jon Kooistra, 19, Beaver Creek, Shane Kevin Oehlerts, 19, Luverne, and Chaiden Peter Kuehl, 18, of Beaver Creek, were each charged with two counts of second-degree burglary and three counts of theft, all felonies. Ethan Warren Rozeboom, 19, of Hills, and Ashley Lynn Kurtz, 19, of Luverne, face one count each of second-degree burglary and theft, all felonies.

According to court documents, owners of the property had long been suspicious of possible vandalism and burglaries and so they set up a digital video recorder system on the property.

After the first theft, an acquaintance of the landowner was able to identify two of the suspects on video taken by the system. The owner inventoried what was taken and took it to authorities.

Shortly after the same farm site was hit again and this time the DVR system was taken along with thousands in other items.

Authorities then contacted Kooistra, whom allegedly was recognized from the video of the first incident, and he allegedly confessed.

All five are scheduled for a bail hearing on Nov. 16 in Rock County District Court.

RemoteSight captures both audio and video from the host Mac’s iSight camera (or any attached video input device), and streams it out through an integrated Web server; video is accompanied by a live timestamp. The Web server also provides an option to remotely view what is happening on the Mac’s monitor as well. Any Web browser has the ability to connect to the Web server across an internal network, and Internet remote viewing should be possible if the nonstandard additional ports used by the Web server are opened on the router to allow this traffic. Administrative users can turn off monitoring feeds individually, and you can protect all connections to the Web server by username and password registration.

RemoteSight runs as a faceless application, with no indication in the Dock that it is operating; however, a menu-bar item appears that cannot be easily removed, and (where available) the iSight LED light is turned on to indicate that the camera is in use. RemoteSight costs $27, and a fully functional demo is available as well, so you can give it a try.

System requirements call for OS X 10.4.11 or later, 512GB of RAM (I’ll assume that’s a typo and you only need 512MB), and a video input device, such as a built-in iSight camera or external FireWire or USB camera.

Intelligent Video Analysis (IVA) is an emerging trend in IP surveillance since it provides convenient and efficient management for the surveillance system, according to Brickcom. The company said it has delivered IVA functions in a lineup of IP cameras, such as people counting, motion detection, forbidden area, added and missing object, etc.

Brickcom has system integrators and distributors worldwide, providing flexible customization with offering to accommodate different business models. Products include network cameras, network video recorders and a full range of accessories.

Brickcom has recently launched its CB-100A and WCB-100A series of megapixel network security cameras designed for 24-hour home security and surveillance. Both models feature viewing live motion images from anywhere via the Internet.

Unlike general webcams, Brickcom said its recently-launched network security cameras are stand-alone and do not need to be connected to a computer. Through the models’ built-in web server, users are capable of accessing over a LAN or Internet connection for real-time viewing and intercom functions. The megapixel cams support MPEG4, MJPEC and H.264 video codecs to provide resolutions at 640×400 or 1280×800 for high-quality video and real-time viewing.

In addition, Brickcom’s IP cameras are able to transmit video to portable devices via other technology, for instance, WiMAX, NAS, Digital Frame and power line.

While analog closed circuit television (CCTV) system were once the norm, they can be expensive, requiring complicated installation and constant uptake. They also do not allow remote monitoring. Grandstream`s IP camera products not only dramatically reduce the cost and time associated with installing surveillance systems, they also offer greater functionality and increased flexibility for remote video monitoring/control and 2-ways audio communication based on industry standard such as VoIP/SIP. The VoIP/SIP capability is unique because it enables seamless convergence between video surveillance and Voice-Video-over-IP
communication applications. The use of VoIP/SIP essentially turns these cameras into smart camera phones not just for video monitoring but also 2-way audio intercom/monitoring using the prevailing SIP standard. Live video feeds from
Grandstream`s surveillance cameras can also be routed through Grandstream`s GXE502x IP PBX and streamed onto Grandstream`s IP video endpoints like the
GXV3140.

The GXV3601_HD delivers high quality video streaming with resolution of 1600 x 900 at 20 frames per second and 1280×720 at 25+ frames per second resulting in razor sharp image clarity critical to real-time surveillance and archived video used for investigative purposes. The GXV3601_LL is designed to capture and stream high quality real time video under low light conditions (as low as 0.05Lux) and at up to 30 frames per second with full D1 (720×480) or VGA
(640×480) resolution. Both GXV3601_HD and GXV3601_LL support H.264 (a more efficient advanced compression technology than MPEG4 or Motion JPEG), integrated
PoE and microphone, comprehensive peripheral interfaces, embedded video analytics.

“We are very pleased to introduce these two new IP video cameras to our portfolio of surveillance products. The GXV3601_HD and GXV3601_LL offer mission critical high quality video solutions to the surveillance market at very
competitive price-performance point. Like other models in our surveillance line, these products also offer bi-directional SIP/VoIP calling capabilities with Grandstream`s entire voice-over-IP and video-over-IP line including IP phones,
video phones and IPPBX system. We look forward to creating more innovative solutions for the IP Surveillance market in the future,” says David Li, CEO of Grandstream.

The GXV3601_HD and GXV3601_LL will be available through Grandstream`s worldwide distribution channels at a list price of $449 and $299 respectively by the end
of November, 2009.

The leading private schools of the city have announced extension in vacations as they were unable to fulfil the security measures ordered by the government in order to ensure the safety of the students, while the parents seems concerned over the current situation which is adversely affecting the studies of their kids.

Now the new date for opening of the schools has been given 9th of November and the students have been assigned homework in order to lessen the academic loss that they are facing due to the closure of schools.

The leading private schools which were scheduled to open on Monday (today) had sent messages to the parents of its students on Saturday evening informing them about the extension in vacations saying that they were taking extreme security measures in the wake of security threats to the educational institutions.

The message regarding the extension in vacations perturbed the parents of the students. “What kind of security arrangements they are trying to make for the last one month?” asked a mother of two kids studying in a leading private institution.

She said the closure of school was causing huge academic loss to the students while the administration of the school seems unaware of it. For what we are paying to school if we are to teach our kids by ourselves, she asked.

She said that the span of one month was more than enough to make security arrangements besides the administration could not ensure foolproof security to a school, which was facilitating hundreds of students.

Another parent Mustafa Yawar said that if the other schools could continue their studies then why not a few of these schools could. “Every time they call parents to collect the homework for their kids. Why are they collecting fee for?” he said.

Yawar said that the parents were asked to submit Rs50 few months back as the administration were to issue security pass but it never happened.

According to the media reports the private schools were ordered by the special branch of the police to adhere to the strict security standards which include verification of security guards deployed at schools, stickers for school vehicles and office cards for the employees. It also advises that school boundary walls be minimum eight feet high.

The prescribed security measures also include arms licences to all owners of schools for security purpose. Schools concentrated in one area should jointly arrange security. Walk-through gates are mandatory for schools where student enrolment is over 1,000. Other schools shall place scanners at entry points. The schools should also install CCTV cameras. These security arrangements would be monitored by area police officer and magistrates.

The management of the private schools on the other hand seemed perturbed over the situation as the security arrangements prescribed by the police cost dearly to them.

Talking to ‘The News’ an official of a leading private school said that the demand of extreme security measures by the private organisations was just unfair.

“The cost of walk-through gates starts from Rs30,000 while the other arrangements including private security guards, purchase of their weapons and security cameras and raising boundary walls maximum eight feet is also very expensive,” said the official.

Meanwhile Private School Network President Afzal Baber said that majority of the private schools would start functioning from Monday while a big number of schools have already been opened.

“The Franchise schools which are not more than five in numbers are not opening but they neither contribute in literacy rate nor they have any significance in mainstream educational system,” he said.

According to Baber, leading private schools were not opening because they have already collected their fee for four months in advance and they are not at all in hurry to complete their syllabus.

“If they were to collect fee in the month of November they would have completed the security arrangements,” he said while adding that the huge money they were grabbing in the name of fee is quite enough to make security arrangements.

Derby City Council announced earlier this year that it wanted to scrap two of the eight cameras covering Allenton district centre.

But people who live and work there say the shooting of teenager Kadeem Blackwood by members of Allenton-based gang the A1 Crew highlighted a need for the cameras.

John Bestwick, chairman of the Allenton Traders’ Association, said they were a vital security measure that made people feel safer.

Mr Bestwick, who owns JG Bestwick Car Spares, said: “The traders are aware there needs to be cutbacks but we don’t feel Allenton is the right place for that to happen, given the recent gang activity.

“It gives the wrong message, especially after the millions that was spent regenerating the area.

“The cameras were added to make people feel safer.

“We certainly believe that removing them will have a detrimental impact on the area.”

Kadeem, 15, was shot dead in Caxton Street Recreation Ground, Sunny Hill, by members of the Allenton gang after allegedly insulting one of their mothers.

Over the summer, Boulton ward councillor Ranjit Banwait submitted a 1,500-signature petition against the plans to remove the cameras.

He has now written to the leader of the council, Hilary Jones, with several demands.

These include keeping the camera at Spider Island, covering the Enthusiasm youth club, and moving the one at Derbyshire Building Society, which covers the same area as another camera.

It should be relocated to shops around Allenton Food Stores, in Chellaston Road, said Mr Banwait.

He said: “I am even more determined to stop the administration from removing the cameras in the wake of the recent gang problems.

“It will show criminals that the council is soft on crime and undermine public confidence.”

A spokesman for Derby City Council said council officers had met with Allenton ward members and business leaders to discuss the petition.

He said: “The meeting was purely fact-finding, with the aim of listening to more specific questions from local business owners about CCTV cameras in Allenton.

“No decisions have been made about the cameras. A decision is likely in the near future.”

Councillor Jones said: “Research has shown that CCTV is not as strong a deterrent against crime as popular perception would have it.

Also, the two cameras that we are proposing to remove have no recorded incidents in our system.

“We will, of course, listen to all the feedback we’ve received before making a final decision but our

The trees situated in the way of the Governor House, Chief Minister Secretariat and foreign embassies have also been chopped to avoid any untoward incident.

Police sources told that these measures have been taken due to the wave of terrorists attack across the country.

On the other hand, the concerned authorities have constructed 70 towers at different sensitive points for the installation of CCTV Cameras to monitor security situation. At some places branches of trees and tree have been uprooted for the clear and vast view of through the cameras.

Each tower would have four CCTV Cameras. The Control room of these cameras will be set up in office of Zonal DIGs, DIG Special branch, DIG Traffic, Main Control Room Police Head Office.

India, where video surveillance is limited to closed environments, is poised to jump the curve—analog (closed circuit television, or CCTV) technology to digital—from closed spaces to public places.

“Some South-East Asian and East European countries are doing the same, which is different from countries like the UK, which has heavily deployed public cameras—some four million of them—and is now resisting change,” said Ray Mauritsson, president and chief executive of Axis.

With over a dozen corporate and government customers in India including a few international airports, the Reliance-Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, D.Y. Patil Stadium in Mumbai, Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd, Wipro Ltd and ITC Welcomgroup, Axis is now eyeing large infrastructure projects in the country.

The projected $10 billion (Rs47,500 crore) cumulative spend on homeland security in India by 2017, according to the market research firm Frost and Sullivan (F&S), is the market that “intelligent” surveillance providers are eyeing.

Having deployed at least 15,000 cameras in one of the most advanced security installations of the world at Moscow Metro, Axis is looking for tenders in the Indian transportation sector, which F&S estimates, will spend $3.6 billion in security by 2017.

With India being a victim of terrorist attacks, there is a surge in the awareness and demand for electronic security, said Dhiraj Wali, vice-president and head, Bosch Security Systems India. Moreover, due to the Commonwealth Games next year, the whole infrastructure needs to be beefed up to meet the security standards, he adds.

Axis, which leads the global market with 31.2% market share according to an IMS 2009 report, is currently deploying a city surveillance project in Kolkata. It intends to add significantly to the 200 system integrators in India it already works with since it made its direct entry into the country in 2007. Cameras comprise only 40-50% of the networked security system, information technology comprises the remaining 60-50%, said Brijesh Vijh, national head for security at HCL Security Ltd, a year-old subsidiary of HCL Infosystems Ltd. HCL provides system integration to Axis and other vendors including Sony and Bosch.

Vijh estimates the “exponentially growing” Indian IP surveillance market to be at Rs1,000 crore. Most of the requirement today is from the government, he said, having recently completed a city surveillance project in Bhopal that uses about 500 cameras. “Several cities and critical infrastructure managers are seeking IP surveillance.”

Axis’ India country manager Prakash Prabhu likes to draw an analogy from the GSM (global system for mobile) communication adoption in India, which though late, has proven spectacular. “We expect the IP surveillance sector to witness the same acceptance,” said Prabhu, whose job right now is as much selling Axis technology as educating the end customers and surveillance sales channels that security is not a cost.

Apart from the traditional sectors, retail holds promise in India, said Mauritsson, since outlets can use analytics in network video to create “heat maps” and analyse customer behaviour to optimize space utilization and promotion. He speaks from experience, having deployed thousands of cameras across the US retail stores of Target Corp.

For around 50 years, the world has relied on analog systems, where the technology has pretty much remained static. Now, IP video is transforming CCTV surveillance, Wali said. The digital medium allows added functionality and reduction in system cost, he said. In fact, claims Axis, IP-based systems of 40 cameras have a lower total cost of ownership than analog-based systems, and 32 cameras is the breakeven point for IP systems versus analog.

Any IP-based technology has found good acceptance in India, said Parminder Kaur Saini, program manager, information communication and technology, F&S.

So far it’s been gaining ground in large enterprises and governments because of the initial cost but as volume picks up, costs will dip. Users should choose the applications that suit them, she said. “IP surveillance is out of the test and trial period but people should choose applications and accompanying technologies with care.”

In the fragmented global security market, Axis, Sony and Bosch, are currently driving the adoption of open standards through the Open Network Video Interface Forum Alliance to address interoperability issues. “Some 100 vendors, representing 60% of the market, are part of this but we aim to make it pervasive within a few years,” Mauritsson said.

Incidentally, HCL’s Vijh worries not about interoperability but the entry of inferior technology to India.

“We have to be careful about not allowing obsolete technology, for instance from China or Taiwan, to enter India,” he said.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico, November 02, 2009 –(PR.com)– This action determines a constant monitoring, reliable and secure video streaming of students, staff, visitors and general facilities day and night, this new video surveillance technology is through the web.

Colegio El Papalote is located at Avenida 25 with Calle 30, it is the first educational institute in the Riviera Maya that gets the benefit and safety assurance in using high technology at low cost from Advanced Security Systems.

These cameras are a preventative measure that certainly raises security and because of its excellent performance and result, Colegio El Papalote is considering to invest in 2 more cameras to ensure security of the Quintana Roo’s families. Anthony Spadaro - Director of Advanced Security Systems - said: “Security is a simple and specific matter when you have technology in the palm of your hand.”

About Advanced Security Systems
Located at Av. Constituyentes between Avs. 40 and 45 in Playa del Carmen; provides surveillance and security solutions to mid-size and large companies as well as home security systems to residences in Cancun and all over the Riviera Maya.

With years of security and surveillance experience and dedicated to helping you find the best security solution in the areas of Video IP cameras, Access Control, Intrusion systems, Fire Prevention and Home Automation. We also offer local 24/7 monitoring services 365 days/year.

About Colegio El Papalote

Educational Community El Papalote turns 15 years of educating children in Playa del Carmen, inspired by the Waldorf philosophy. We are bilingual, work based on the official SEP’s program and have a multicultural environment.

We are a community where children are allowed to be children and not young executives, where we give priority to the needs of the child, not what we need from him, where creativity and imagination play an important role in our study programs, where the child learns that every action has a consequence, where the childreen are thought to be a free human being, with a purpose and initiative.

A classic example is the reluctance by previous government administrations to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) security cameras outside police stations and other vulnerable public buildings.

The Greek Police does have the cameras collecting dust somewhere in storage, while the few that have been installed at strategic locations have been destroyed by vandals over the past few years.

The need for cameras to be installed at sensitive locations is now more apparent than ever; they are necessary, both in order to protect citizens’ lives and to safeguard public property.

The truth is that there is nothing to fear from such a measure, so long as the placement of CCTV cameras is strictly governed by rules protecting the public’s privacy.

As the most recent events have underscored only too clearly, terrorism does exist in Greece and it is a problem that needs to be handled with courage and determination by the new PASOK government of Prime Minister George Papandreou.

He was addressing a meeting held to review the security arrangements for all the 35 government colleges in the city, including 10 for boys and 25 for girls. Director Colleges Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf, Principal Government Gordon College Prof Abdul Qayyum and heads of other colleges attended the meeting.

CCTV cameras: Saeed directed the principals to install Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in their institutions to avoid any untoward situation. He said the CCTV cameras should have the ability to record round the clock movement on their premises.

Threats: He directed the principals to close down those girl colleges, which received threats till satisfactory security arrangements.

Security guards: He asked the administration of colleges to hire security guards on three months contract. He said District Coordination Officer (DCO) would issue arms liceneces to the heads of the institutions and the arms would be used for security purposes.

Saeed asked the principals to beef up security in and around their colleges. He said the government would help the colleges facing shortage of funds so that the students could get education in secure environment.

Guidelines: The principals were directed to build walls around the main building of their respective colleges and put barbwire on it.

The commissioner directed the principles to depute more than two armed guards at main entrance with metal detectors and some guards on rooftop of the main building and build a concrete bunker. He said the college administration should also install searchlights in and around the colleges.

He asked the colleges to establish concrete-barriers in front of main entrance and install walk-thorough gates. He asked the college administrations to nominate a faculty member as security officer who should give security guidelines to students and staff members.

He directed the colleges to issued special student and staff cards and special security stickers for staff vehicles to avoid entry of suspicious vehicles or person to their premises.

He said the college security guards should ensure proper locks to the classrooms and other rooms after college timings and not to allow any vender set up stall near the college.

On the demand of educational heads, the commissioner assured that their request to open the recruitment of employees of grade-I to grade-IV would be dispatched to the provincial government so that the appointment letters could be issued to those whose selection had been completed.

Patil made these suggestions at a meeting of police officials and representatives of banks in Pimpri-Chinchwad township at Chinchwad. The meeting was called to improve security at banks and create awareness about the need to be alert in view of the theft of an ATM containing Rs 10.5 lakh from the Union Bank of India’s Kasarwadi branch on October 27. This is the first such incident in Pune district. Around 250 representatives of banks attended the meeting.

Patil said: “95 per cent of thefts can be prevented if banks adopt adequate safety measures. In many banks there are no security devices like CCTV cameras, alarm systems and sirens. Where they are installed, they are not in working condition. He called for the banks to install these devices and maintain them in good condition so that they can prevent thefts or help in nabbing the thieves if a theft occurs.

“Display the telephone numbers of nearest police station, police chowkey, police control room and other emergency numbers in the banks. The bank employees should take adequate precaution in the morning to prevent thefts. The doors of the bank premises should be closed when the premises are being cleaned and cash is being shifted from safes to the cashier. The employees should be alert and detect if anyone is present on the premises without any reason as normally thieves conduct a recce of the bank premises before attempting any theft,” Patil said.

About the security guards, Patil said: “Armed guards should be posted at banks. They should be posted at such places where they cannot be overpowered easily. Moreover, the officials should not ask them to run errands. Some agencies employ security guards who are old, unhealthy and untrained. The bank should put conditions in the contract with security agencies that young, healthy and trained guards be provided to them. They should also check that the security agencies follow these conditions.”

Patil said that there are 15 ATMs in Zone III that do not have security guards. The policemen have been directed to visit the banks in their areas. The banks should maintain books where the policemen will sign on every visit.

Patil also said that a security audit of banks will be conducted within 15 days to check what improvements they have made in their security arrangements after Friday’s meeting.

Sharad Ugale, senior inspector at Nigdi police station said that the ATMs should have a solid foundation of bricks and concrete so that the machines cannot be easily removed. He said the people should be allowed to enter the bank premises in a queue and guards should check their belongings and look for suspicious people.

Mahesh Joshi, senior inspector, Chatushrungi police station, said that the banks should direct the security agencies to give daily report on whether there were adequate guards working on the previous night. He called on the banks to employ ex-servicemen as armed security guards. Banks should ensure that the security guards who come from other states do not have any criminal record.

Joshi also called for a hotline to connect the banks and the police station.

S.S. Chaudhary, general manager at Bank of Maharashtra’s Masulkar colony branch, said that the police should check the private security guards so that the banks can employ good quality guards. The banks will make stickers containing contact numbers of nearest police station, police chowkey, police control room and other emergency numbers and distribute them among nearby shops. The shopkeepers or their employees can alert the police if there is any theft in nearby banks so that nakabandi is conducted to nab the thieves.

A bank representative urged the police to check the gun licences of security guards from UP and Bihar as it is believed that many do not have genuine licences and are not trained to use guns. The police should also inform the banks of names of security agencies that have been blacklisted.

He said the installation of the cameras was specified in the Iskandar Malaysia Security and Protection Master Plan aimed at turning the corridor into a Safe Town and achieving the National Key Result Area (NKRA), namely to reduce the street crime index by 20 per cent at the end of 2010.

“As a futuristic development area, Iskandar Malaysia must place the security aspects and Safe Town elements as its priority. This will give an impact and direct implication to the confidence of investors, tourists, foreigners and the local people on peace and safety in the area,” he told reporters after the handing over of the police station and facilities in Danga Bay, here Saturday.

He said that besides the CCTV cameras, emphasis was also given on the deployment of auxiliary policemen which would involve an allocation of RM7 million as well as 138 Community Police Posts costing RM55 million.

At the same time, Hishammuddin urged more private companies to contribute in helping the government to provide facilities including community police stations, CCTV cameras, mobile police stations and patrol cars in the housing schemes developed.

CCTV cameras have captured the unnerving scenes of a Mafia boss being executed in broad daylight by a hired gun as outside a bar in Naples, Italy.

53-year-old Mario Bacio Terracino was shot in the back of the head in what police believe was an ongoing feud with a rival gang over the control for a profitable drug trafficking ring.

Terracino was known to police as a bank robber and was accused, but not convicted of a $2 million heist in 1991.

The Mafioso’s trademark was said to be entering buildings through the sewer tunnels.

Police have released CCTV footage from a security camera in a bid to catch the hitman.

Police said in a statement: ‘We are taking the unusal step of releasing this graphic footage in an attempt to catch his killer.
‘His face although hidden is visible and someone out there must recognise him and we would appeal for them to come forward.’

Tarracino is seen smoking a cigarette outside a bar in the central Sanita neighbourhood in the southern Italian city of Naples, where the Mafia are known as the Camorra.

The killer enters the bar then emerges and shoots Tarracino at point blank range.

When Tarracino falls to the ground, the assassin kills him off with a bullet to the head.

A woman is seen scratching a lottery ticket as Tarracino is killed in front of her.

There have been more than 30 Camorra murders in Naples this year alone, many of which remain unsolved.

The Italian government has flooded Naples with troops in a bid to stem organised crime, but with little effect.

One of the goriest hits happened last September, when six Africans were shot dead outside a shop for trying to muscle into the drugs trade.

The wholesale dealers and shopkeepers are unable to meet the demand of security instruments. The educational institutions are the biggest clients of these dealers, as they have been ordered by District Coordination Officer (DCO) Imdadullah Bosal to improve security arrangements in their respective educational institutions otherwise they will not be allowed to open their schools or colleges. They have been given only three days to improve the security arrangements in their respective schools or colleges. The DCO has also issued arms licenses to the educational institutions as part of security improvement plan.

Muhammad Waheed, a wholesale dealer of security instruments, told ‘The News’ that they were not able to meet the ever-increasing demand of CCTV cameras, metal detectors and glass safety papers. “Particularly educational institutions are purchasing the safety equipment and we are finding it hard to meet their demand,” he added.

He said that the security instruments are being imported from China and United Kingdom.

‘The News’ learnt that different brands of CCTV cameras, metal detectors and glass safety papers are available in Commercial Market, Imperial Market, Raja Bazaar, College Road and Kamran Market in Saddar, but brands of China and UK are high in demand. A CCTV camera is being sold at Rs5,000 to Rs25,000, a metal detector is being sold at Rs3,000 to Rs15,000 and glass safety paper is being sold for about Rs100 per square feet to Rs450 per square feet.

The dealers and shopkeepers also charge hefty amount for installation of CCTV cameras and glass safety papers.

Zaman Ahmed Khan, a shopkeeper of security instruments told ‘The News’ that his business was very good these days. “But I am not happy with the overall law and order situation of the country, which has forced people to buy these items,” he added.

Executive District Officer (EDO) Education Muhammad Ashraf Malik told ‘The News’ that he ordered all institutions to buy security instruments in three days and if any institution fails to comply with the orders that it would be closed down. Therefore, the heads of institutions are buying security instruments on priority basis, he added.

Online adds: The sale of security gadgets is on rise in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad due to prevailing law and order situation.

Close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, spy cameras, beam sensors, motion sensors and fire alarms were used by law-enforcement agencies, especially police, private security companies, multinational firms, banks, five-star hotels, moneychangers and sensitive departments. However, due to prevailing law and order situation people are using these devices at shops and houses to keep a close eye on terrorists.

According to a shopkeeper dealing security gadgets said that a good CCTV camera with high quality zooming of over one-and-a-half kilometre distance is selling between Rs100,000 and Rs150,000.

Muhammad Umar, the owner of an electronics shop in Saddar, said the CCTV camera with a digital video recorder, which could save data for four to six months, was popular among people looking for one for domestic use.

Barings traces its origins back to 1762 when it was established as a firm of merchants and merchant bankers.  The Baring Asset Management (Barings) operation was established in London more than 40 years ago.  Today the company is a global investment management firm with offices, clients and business lines spanning the world’s major markets.

The situation:

Barings operates two facilities in the London area.  The first, in Bishopsgate, City of London, is the company’s worldwide headquarters, housing 450 staff.  Barings shares occupancy of their building, renting space across the ninth to twelfth floors.  Whilst the building has a main reception and manned guard station on the first floor, Barings manages security across its individual floors which includes operation of its own reception and security desks, access control and CCTV.

A second facility opened earlier this year, located in South London.  The facility is used as the European Data Centre and a disaster recovery office so that, in the event of a crisis at the Bishopsgate office, staff could work at this location without too much disruption.

The security system at the Data Centre needed to be easy to manage remotely whilst performing all of the required functions including continuous synchronisation with the access control system at Bishopsgate.  Barings also wanted a solution that offered proven reporting so that, in the event of a security breach, it could quickly and easily interrogate the system’s history.

Banks are at risk from all manner of internal, external and cyber threats, hence security and business continuity are pivotal to Barings strategy. 

The solution:

When Barings first moved into its Bishopsgate office in 1989, there was an access control solution already in place.  Whilst initially meeting the needs of the business, over time it had become unreliable and difficult to manage with costs increasing for maintenance and support, as well as frequent system downtime.  The reporting functionality was slow andf ineffective, making it impossible to track history when security issues occurred.

In 2000 Barings took the decision to replace its outdated system and, following an extensive tender process, chose the Honeywell WIN-PAK™ access control system with PW5000 controllers and approximately 50 proximity card readers, all of which were installed by partner of choice Reliance High-Tech Ltd.

For the Data Centre - Reliance demonstrated Honeywell WIN-PAK™ and the Honeywell Fusion Digital Video Recorder (DVR), which offer an integrated video and access control solution, enabling staff at the Bishopsgate site to monitor the Data Centre remotely.  The cameras would be linked to the graphical user interface (GUI) of the access control software so that, in the event of an alarm being triggered, the remote operator could receive instant pop-ups showing a live camera view or click to easily retrieve historic event images.

Reliance High-Tech Ltd also proposed installing the Neverfail disaster recovery software that would monitor WIN-PAK™ and maintain a replica of the application environment as a back-up in the event of a problem.  This meant that the Access database running at the Bishopsgate site would be continually replicated on a server at the Data Centre, ensuring full service continuity.  This was a critical consideration in Barings’ Enterprise Continuity Planning (ECP) requirements.

Implementation of the new system, including ten readers, one Fusion DVR and a number of cameras, was carried out during working hours without any disruption to staff and no impact on business security.  The system runs on a VLAN within Barings’s own IT network with a fibre backbone to the Data Centre supporting the Neverfail back-up.  “The installation went very smoothly and I doubt staff even noticed” added Dave Matthews, Security Manager at Barings.

The benefits:

As a financial institution, Barings is accountable not only to its customers and shareholders but also to the Financial Services Authority (FSA).  The latter has stringent legal requirements with which companies such as Barings must comply, covering all manner of areas from accounting to disaster recovery.  The new access control and video system supports Barings’ ECP disaster recovery planning.

Dave Matthews, Security Manager at Barings, says:

“Barings has always taken a pro-active approach to IT, recognising that new technology can provide a real competitive advantage in this market.  We could immediately see the advantages that the Honeywell system offered including the search and reporting functionality, the database back-up and being the sole supplier for both CCTV and Access”.

On a day-to-day basis the system is proving easy to manage.  As well as handling the main office systems, security staff based at Bishopsgate are able to monitor activity at the Data Centre, responding to alarms remotely.  The integrated networked solution enables them to visually confirm the identity of visitors to the site as images from the CCTV cameras can be instantly compared with access card photo-id pop-ups within the WIN-PAK™ software.

Reporting is straightforward and when searching through history, both access control and CCTV logs can be quickly and simply accessed.  The system has already proved its value; following a recent incident, Barings was able to provide police with CCTV evidence which helped police to detain an individual at other premises in the City.

Barings is confident that, as its requirements change over time, the Honeywell system will be able to accommodate these changes.  In fact, Barings is so impressed with the security system that it has now asked Reliance High-Tech Ltd to upgrade the Bishopsgate site to include Honeywell Fusion DVRs, to gain the full benefits of access control and CCTV integration across its entire operation.

Partner of choice:

Reliance High-Tech Ltd specialises in the provision of fully integrated electronic security solutions, closed circuit television surveillance (CCTV) and access control systems.  The company offers a comprehensive range of services, based on cutting-edge technology, for the commercial, industrial and public sectors.

Reliance High-Tech Ltd is a NSI Gold certificated company, complying with ISO 9001:2000 requirements for the installation and maintenance of CCTV, access control and intruder alarm systems.  It is proud to have received accolades for the quality of work including ‘Best Integrated Security Solution’ awarded at the 2005 industry Security Excellence awards.

After a two year search for the best available system, the Barona Gaming Commission, an independent regulatory body that also monitors casino surveillance in the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, selected the Dallmeier Casino Team to design a tailor-made surveillance solution.  The result is the first fully Digital Matrix system in North America with real-time monitoring 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

“We previously used an analogue monitoring system and we decided to implement a more innovative program,” said Raymond Welch, Director of Surveillance with the Barona Gaming Commission.  “Regularly changing the tapes and archiving them was simply too expensive and searching for relevant pictures was very laborious and tedious.  While analogue systems are easy to use, the simplicity, reliability and functionality of the Dallmeier digital system are even better.”

Since the award-winning property opened in 2003, Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino has been heralded in the gaming industry as being the first to develop and adopt a number of technological innovations.  Barona developed and launched the gaming industry’s first cross platform “ticket-in and ticket-out” technology which is now found on almost every casino floor in the country.  Barona’s next innovation was a patented thumb-print technology used by guests in the resort’s high-end private gaming rooms.  Most recently, in December 2005, Barona became the first casino in America to offer Server Based Gaming.  Barona and IGT are jointly developing games and attributes for IGT’s server-based platform on the floor at Barona, which has the potential to significantly change the way casinos deliver new games, themes and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) to their guests.

Given the Barona Tribe and casino management’s penchant for embracing leading technology, the system offered by Dallmeier was a natural choice.

“Dallmeier develops and produces products for the future,” said Lester Stanley, Executive Director of the Barona Gaming Commission.  ”Barona’s new monitoring system will become a model for many other casinos in North America.”

Stanley continued, “One of the most important factors in choosing Dallmeier was their understanding of our vision to create a customized solution using the best available technology.  With the launch of this new system, Barona is once again raising the bar for technology not only for Native American casinos but across the industry.”

System design

When the Dallmeier Casino Team visited the site they got a first impression of the situation and designed a tailor-made surveillance solution to meet the needs of the Barona Gaming Commission.  The result was the first fully digital matrix in North America with real time monitoring 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  More than 1100 DIS-2/M MPEG encoders with a total recording capacity of more than 330 TB record with full redundancy.

The DIS-2/M is a modular audio/video recording and transmission system in a 19″ rack construction with slide-in units.  Its construction makes it the ideal solution for monitoring critical areas in casinos where compact high-quality recording and real-time transmission are required (broadcast quality).

The system consists of modules, each based on the Linux secure operating system. In each module the connection to one video and one audio signal is possible.  The video input has been designed as a composite and Y/C input. Four input contacts and four output contacts are available on each channel for control and switching tasks. In addition, each module features a RS232/485 interface for controlling PTZ cameras.

The modular construction of the system and the hot-plug function of the individual modules, that the redundant power supply units of the rack also possess, ensure highest availability of the complete solution.  An additional advantage is the space saving of over 50% in the IT rooms which obviously has a positive impact on the costs.

The systems record directly to the integrated memory and thus ensure maximum availability of the recorded data, even in cases where the network experiences problems or fails.  Furthermore, the requirements to the network (e.g. the bandwidth) are minimised through this memory concept. It is possible to simultaneously record, transmit live video signals and replay recorded images in an unrestricted manner.

Furthermore the Barona Casino started replacing existing cameras by Dallmeier CasinoCams^® with Cam_inPIX^® technology.  Through the innovative sensor concept of Cam_inPIX^® technology, based on the most up-to-date “Digital Pixel System^® (DPS)” platform from Pixim, every individual pixel of the picture information is converted digitally as soon as the picture is taken and then optimally processed.  This means that even sites affected by high-contrast lighting conditions can be captured and documented with an outstanding picture quality that was simply not possible previously.  Thanks to specially developed software the CasinoCams^® supply top quality picture material in specific casino conditions.  There is, for example, the “Gambling” preset for the surveillance of roulette tables.  The clear colour playback makes it possible to reconstruct disputed situations correctly so as to resolve problems once and for all. The reflections from shiny chips are suppressed.  The “Poker Table” preset is ideal for the clear identification of playing cards on various felt surfaces (green, blue, black, brown, etc.).  Thanks to the high-contrast and true colour playback, it is possible to identify the print on playing cards, for example, perfectly.  The CasinoCams^® also include a “Wheel” and a “Slot Machine” preset.  The members of the Barona Tribe are convinced by the high quality of the Dallmeier cameras; further camera installations are already planned.

To operate the system, workstations and analogue monitor walls with a number of monitors were installed.  The system can be controlled and managed using keyboard, jog-shuttle and graphical user interface which is specially customized for Barona Casinos.

Tested in every detail

“To ensure optimum reliability and functionality the system was tested in every detail before being put into service”, says Konrad Hechtbauer, Manager of the Dallmeier Projects and Applications Team.  “The complete installation was assembled 1:1 in the Dallmeier works in Regensburg so that when it had its works inspection, not just part, but the whole system had been examined and tested, including the complete infrastructure and the network environment.  Because of the flexibility of the management software further adjustments could be made for the special conditions in the Barona Casino during the works inspection and before the commissioning.”

To ensure that the change-over to the digital solution goes smoothly and without any interruptions to the continuous operation, for a time the new system was running alongside its predecessor.  Some of the security staff was working with the new system and was trained so that there were no hitches caused by human-error either.  Only once this was completed satisfactorily the old system was switched off completely. In this way the customer is guaranteed to get a solution which is ideal for his requirements.

With the CCTV system running faultlessly since September 2006, the decision makers already plan further expansions of the video surveillance system with Dallmeier.

The members of the Barona tribe are very impressed. Director of Surveillance Raymond Welch commented, “Surely the most important factor in choosing Dallmeier was that our vision was correctly understood for the first time.  Dallmeier did not just try to sell us some products - they developed an individual solution which met our requirements perfectly.”

Cameras have helped identify more than 230 instances of criminal activity or incidents, Transit Police Deputy Chief Lewis Best said.

MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo said in an email that the MBTA has more than 1,000 surveillance cameras in the subway system and on buses.

“The mere presence of cameras is a deterrent to anyone who is even contemplating a criminal act,” he said. “Cameras also allow MBTA personnel and Transit Police to monitor the subway stations and tunnels 24 hours a day.”

Currently, more than 300 MBTA buses are equipped with eight cameras each, Best said. More than 700 cameras are also installed in subway stations on the Red Line and Orange Line for security and operational needs.

“The camera system is one effective layer of security in our overall mission to safeguard the transit system,” Best said. “It’s a great investigative tool for the Transit Police, and also helps us as a preventive measure.”

A bus surveillance camera captured a head-on collision between the bus and a car that drifted across the median line in Holbrook Wednesday. The video was posted on the MBTA’s website Thursday.

Station and bus cameras have also helped identify suspects for crimes committed in the system. Last Wednesday, police arrested five suspects allegedly involved in a fight last month on the 28 bus from Mattapan Station to Ruggles Station, according to an Oct. 14 Metro article.

The test cameras on Green Line trains, announced Saturday, are part of an MBTA safety initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Best said.

“It’s part of the MBTA Pilot Program, a test for us to see if this technology works,” he said. “It also goes along with our ‘See Something, Say Something’ campaign, asking the riders to report criminal activities.”

Pesaturo said vigilant staff and police, new technologies and upgraded security facility will ensure security in T stations in case of emergencies.

 “The T is constantly developing new methods and procedures designed to enhance safety and security,” he said. “MBTA personnel and Transit Police have trained with local police and rescue personnel to be prepared with an appropriate response for any type of emergency.”

Simmons College junior Cara Shiraka, who rides the T daily, said she doesn’t believe the T can handle emergencies well.

“I fainted on the T once, and there were no personnel to help me,” she said. “There are so many cars and you never know what’s going on.”

She said installing cameras may increase security on the T.

“It’s probably a positive thing if they can keep an eye on the trains,” she said.

Many Boston University students said although they are not conscious of the security system in the T, they try to stay cautious while riding.

College of Fine Arts junior Jaki Doyka said she feels secure on the T.

“The T stops running at 12:30 [p.m.], which is a big inconvenience, but I think it also eliminates after-hour criminal activities,” she said.

College of Communication junior Melanie Prescott, a Los Angeles native, said the T is more accessible than the subway in LA and she feels safe on the T during the day.

 “I’m always a little paranoid and aware of my surroundings, but I feel fine taking the T during the day,” she said. “I don’t enjoy taking the T at night, but I take it when I have to.”

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA–(Marketwire - October 28, 2009) - D-Link, the end-to-end computer networking solutions provider for consumer and business, today released the D-ViewCam™ Add-in for Microsoft® Windows® Home Server, a software application that, when paired with a home server, lets users quickly and easily manage and access D-Link’s most popular home security cameras from any computer with a web browser.

Windows Home Server helps families and the small office/home office with multiple PCs economically connect their digital experiences, providing a familiar, easy and reliable way to protect, connect and organize what’s most important. Windows Home Server offers automatic backup, system restore, and enhanced data protection; remote access; centralized storage and sharing of files; the ability to increase storage capacity; and more.

With the D-ViewCam™ Add-in installed on Windows Home Server, video and motion monitoring are recorded from D-Link security cameras directly to the server. Users can configure the recording schedules and access recorded or streaming video from the home server using a web browser.

“We are pleased that D-Link is continuing to extend the value of Windows Home Server with the D-ViewCam Add-in,” said Steven Leonard, Microsoft Senior Product Manager for Windows Home Server. “Windows Home Server provides a perfect platform for D-Link’s popular surveillance solutions, providing peace-of-mind for customers at home and in their business.”

The D-ViewCam Add-in for Windows Home Server provides viewing, recording, playback and streaming of video, along with camera and storage management. Users can remotely access their IP surveillance system from any computer with Internet access. Four cameras can be viewed at once on a single screen.

The D-ViewCam Add-in can be downloaded free from http://hq.dlink.com/whs and works with the following D-Link network camera models: DCS-1100, DCS-1130, and DCS-920.

“We’re working on developing more D-Link devices that are Microsoft Windows Home Server compatible so our customers can quickly and easily derive more benefits from some of our most popular products,” said AJ Wang, chief technology officer, D-Link. “I believe our customers will appreciate how simple it is for network devices to be recognized and installed on the server and will value the remote access that it provides.”

When installed on a bus or coach, the dual purpose NetVu Connected TransVu Media is able to feed on-board display screens with stored advertising messages together with travel information, whilst simultaneously recording CCTV images from inside the cabin.  This capability can be supplemented by the use of text at the bottom of each screen to, for example, indicate the next stop on the route.  A powerful facility even allows certain screens to be triggered to play when the vehicle passes GPS co-ordinates of local shops or areas of interest. In addition, with security and vehicle management in mind, the driver also has his own mounted, full screen display with sequencing and alarm functions, such as a reverse camera view.  On returning to the depot the TransVu automatically downloads its recorded images via a Wi-Fi connection and the PC based software allows simple uploads for the screen displays. 

Said Julian Moss, Strategic Projects Manager for Transport, at Dedicated Micros: “We are delighted with the award for TransVu Media, recognising as it does our ability to challenge convention by delivering new and innovative CCTV solutions, and would like to thank everyone across the business who worked so hard on this project.  The genesis of TransVu Media was a request from major European bus company Arriva and integrators Chubb who approached Dedicated Micros to come up with a viable solution, based around the TransVu unit, within three months!” 

“The flexibility of the NetVu Connected server architecture provided the perfect platform on which the Dedicated Micros development team, using PowerScript, a unique suite of adaptive scripting capabilities, could create a clever API which provided the additional functionality required.  The rapid development of this solution was achieved without any changes being made to the core application code, speeding up the time to market for this customer, and demonstrating that we or an integrator can develop bespoke solutions, by creating unique functionality and adding value to the system.”

“The future for TransVu Media is extremely bright and we expect other bus and train operators to follow this initial example and select this revenue generating opportunity to seamlessly combine security and promotional capabilities in one industry-leading solution.”

There are now 19 security cameras watching over the streets in the retail district 24/7.

The business association says the expansion comes following the success of the first round of cameras installed last year.

“While many others are throwing their hands up in despair, Newmarkets no nonsense, zero tolerance approach is working,” says chief executive of the association Cameron Brewer.

All CCTV footage is stored for 31 days, with personnel monitoring the cameras from the Newmarket Police Station at dedicated times.

Newmarket’s officer in charge, Senior Sergeant Wendy Spiller supports the move.

“Newmarket’s CCTV system has proven to be a great tool in helping prevent crime, detect offenders and gather evidence,” she says.

Ms Spiller says the cameras seem to have lifted the perception of personal safety around the retail district.

Official statistics released last earlier this year showed the installation of CCTV cameras had helped reduce high volume crime in Newmarket, such as theft from people, cars, and shops, Ms Spiller says.

Mr Brewer says the installation of more cameras is part of the overall security strategy, which includes zero tolerance graffiti education, an alcohol accord between licensees, and a daytime on-foot street security patrol.

“Business are open to funding more CCTV cameras, simply because they are getting results,” Mr Brewer says.

Newmarket’s CCTV camera network is the largest operating in any town centre in New Zealand.

Business in Grand Drive campaigned for the cameras after a spate of robberies and vandalism, and this week a spokesman for the group said they had hit their fundraising target.

Since starting their bid for better security earlier this year, fundraising activities have included a party and auction at the Beverley pub on September 19 which brought in thousands of pounds.

On Tuesday the shops revealed that about £4,200 had been collected and, with the council set to match the amount, the CCTV should be installed in the next two to three months.

Canute D’Aguiar, campaign organiser and owner of Clothesline, said: “This is great news for all the local residents, shoppers and all who live and work in and around Lower Morden.

Jenny Paton with her daughters Thea, left, and Esme last month at their home in Poole. A school application by a third and youngest daughter set off a local council’s surveillance of the family.

But the intrusions visited on Jenny Paton, a 40-year-old mother of three, were startling just the same. Suspecting Ms. Paton of falsifying her address to get her daughter into the neighborhood school, local officials here began a covert surveillance operation. They obtained her telephone billing records. And for more than three weeks in 2008, an officer from the Poole education department secretly followed her, noting on a log the movements of the “female and three children” and the “target vehicle” (that would be Ms. Paton, her daughters and their car).

It turned out that Ms. Paton had broken no rules. Her daughter was admitted to the school. But she has not let the matter rest. Her case, now scheduled to be heard by a regulatory tribunal, has become emblematic of the struggle between personal privacy and the ever more powerful state here.

The Poole Borough Council, which governs the area of Dorset where Ms. Paton lives with her partner and their children, says it has done nothing wrong.

In a way, that is true: under a law enacted in 2000 to regulate surveillance powers, it is legal for localities to follow residents secretly. Local governments regularly use these surveillance powers — which they “self-authorize,” without oversight from judges or law enforcement officers — to investigate malfeasance like illegally dumping industrial waste, loan-sharking and falsely claiming welfare benefits.

But they also use them to investigate reports of noise pollution and people who do not clean up their dogs’ waste. Local governments use them to catch people who fail to recycle, people who put their trash out too early, people who sell fireworks without licenses, people whose dogs bark too loudly and people who illegally operate taxicabs.

“Does our privacy mean anything?” Ms. Paton said in an interview. “I haven’t had a drink for 20 years, but there is nothing that has brought me closer to drinking than this case.”

The law in question is known as the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, or RIPA, and it also gives 474 local governments and 318 agencies — including the Ambulance Service and the Charity Commission — powers once held by only a handful of law enforcement and security service organizations.

Under the law, the localities and agencies can film people with hidden cameras, trawl through communication traffic data like phone calls and Web site visits and enlist undercover “agents” to pose, for example, as teenagers who want to buy alcohol.

In a report this summer, Sir Christopher Rose, the chief surveillance commissioner, said that local governments conducted nearly 5,000 “directed surveillance missions” in the year ending in March and that other public authorities carried out roughly the same amount.

Local officials say that using covert surveillance is justified. The Poole Borough Council, for example, used it to detect and prosecute illegal fishing in Poole Harbor.

“RIPA is an essential tool for local authority enforcement which we make limited use of in cases where it is proportionate and there are no other means of gathering evidence,” Tim Martin, who is in charge of legal and democratic services for Poole, which is southwest of London, said in a statement.

The fuss over the law comes against a backdrop of widespread public worry about an increasingly intrusive state and the growing circulation of personal details in vast databases compiled by the government and private companies.

“Successive U.K. governments have gradually constructed one of the most extensive and technologically advanced surveillance systems in the world,” the House of Lords Constitution Committee said in a recent report. It continued: “The development of electronic surveillance and the collection and processing of personal information have become pervasive, routine and almost taken for granted.”

The Lords report pointed out that the government enacted the law in the first place to provide a framework for a series of scattershot rules on surveillance. The goal was also to make such regulations compatible with privacy rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights.

RIPA is a complicated law that also regulates wiretapping and intrusive surveillance carried out by the security services. But faced with rumbles of public discontent about local governments’ behavior, the Home Office announced in the spring that it would review the legislation to make it clearer what localities should be allowed to do.

“The government has absolutely no interest in spying on law-abiding people going about their everyday lives,” Jacqui Smith, then home secretary, said.

One of the biggest criticisms of the law is that the targets of surveillance are usually unaware that they have been spied on.

Indeed, Ms. Paton learned what had happened only later, when officials summoned her to discuss her daughter’s school application. To her shock, they produced the covert surveillance report and the family’s telephone billing records.

Close-circuit television cameras (CCTV), spy cameras and beam sensors are high in demand as many private establishments including hotels, jewellery stores and electronic shops are showing interest to buy them.

Local shop owners selling gadgets say security gadgets has registered a significant increase in the sale.

“We deal in CCTV cameras and Infrared cameras. We give advertisements and get around 10-15 calls per day. When we give a demonstration of these cameras to customers they usually get satisfied and give us orders,” said Saleem Ahmed, a dealer of security cameras, Srinagar.

“I feel that the local public need to be aware of its positive aspects,” Ahmed added.

Ghulam Hassan, a shop owner, said security devices are a technological boon which should be used by people.

“For the past 20 years there has been turmoil here. Houses get burgled and even shops; hence installing these cameras would help reduce the crime rate,” Hassan said.

San Juan Capistrano, CA, and Lancaster, PA, October 21, 2009—IQinVision (http://www.iqeye.com), market leader in high-performance HD megapixel network cameras, smart IP cameras, and network video recording systems, today announced that the St. Stephen’s Community House in Columbus, Ohio has received a new state-of-the-art video surveillance system, donated to the community institution by IQinVision, Anixter, Milestone Systems, and the installation integrator, EPS.

St. Stephens is a 90-year old community center that houses a childcare facility, 25-exam room medical facility, gymnasium, and activity space for many service projects performed for the community. The center is located in Linden, a neighborhood burdened by a high crime rate and previously it did not have a security system beyond lock and key and common sense. Things began to look up for St. Stephens earlier this year when a representative from Anixter toured the facility and happened to discuss security issues at the center with President and CEO, Michelle Mills.

The Anixter staff member, Chad Biniasz, had a relationship with integrator Charles Wilde and together the two men decided that St. Stephens needed and deserved some help. At Anixter, Biniasz’s colleague, Heather Miller, got busy and put out a call to numerous security providers. IQinVision and Milestone were quick to respond with offers of IQeye HD Megapixel cameras and a Milestone open video management software system. Wilde’s company, EPS, organized technology specifications and oversaw system design and installation.

“We were experiencing a problem with damage and vandalism at the center, said St. Stephens’ President and CEO, Michelle Mills. We house a childcare facility and we have materials for all our service projects as well as a number of agency vans. In addition, our hours of operation vary each day and we have a huge parking lot—we needed to provide a better sense of security for those we serve and to protect our assets.”

Being a non-profit organization at a time when all non-profits are struggling, St. Stephens had little money to spare on a “luxury” like a high technology video surveillance system. “This was an amazing gift,” said Mills, “the value is immeasurable.” “Even in these difficult times, when businesses are scaling back, it is such a blessing these companies found a way to give of their time and materials.”

The Milestone system manages video input from 13 IQeye HD Megapixel cameras monitoring strategic areas throughout the 70,000 square foot center, the playgrounds, and parking lots. The system is designed for staff to do live monitoring by a staff member located at the center’s front entrance desk. Mills and her staff quickly recognized the system will provide an excellent resource for investigating any incidents, and it will also serve as a strong deterrent to any future crime.

“We say we’re a safe haven,” remarked Mills, “and now we’re even more so.”

 About EPS
EPS is a family owned company founded in 1984 by Chuck and Mary Beth Wilde and located in Canal Winchester, Ohio. Our central location allows us to serve the entire state of Ohio without jeopardizing our small town values. We specialize in innovative application of advanced technology in such areas as fire detection, security, access control and video surveillance, including multi-site CCTV, access control and long range wireless networking. We feel that we have been able to meet each client’s needs with our innovative approach to security solutions by remaining on the forefront of technology. Our client list contains banks, government buildings, public utilities, schools, retail centers and construction sites. In an industry where client attrition is high, we are proud of the fact that our first clients remain clients to this day. We feel this is due to our commitment to treat each client as if they were our only client and they return the favor by referring us to their friends and business associates.
About IQinVision
Since 1998, IQinVision has been designing, manufacturing, and marketing the IQeye line of HD Megapixel cameras. IQinVision is a world leader in IP video and Intelligent Network camera products and is committed to continued industry leadership with highly-valued products and superior customer service. IQinVision was first to market with megapixel IP cameras, HD cameras with on-camera recording, and intelligent network cameras, while receiving prestigious industry awards from Frost & Sullivan, Security Technology Executive, Detektor, and the IP UserGroup.

IQeye HD Megapixel network security camera systems are renowned for image quality, stability, and reliability in the most demanding network conditions and environments. IQeye cameras are integrated with all leading Network Video Recorders (NVR) and can also be used for fail-over recording, as stand-alone event recorders, and as distributed processing platforms for video analytics. IQinVision products are widely deployed in government, military, city center, property management, education, retail, casino, transportation, and multiple other vertical applications and are available as IQeye-brand, private-labeled, or OEM models. IQinVision is a privately-held corporation headquartered in San Juan Capistrano, California with regional offices in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Though the statistical impact of CCTV on overall crime rates may be up for debate, there’s no question that the technology has played a critical role in solving some high-profile cases. Last week, for instance, the first barrister ever sentenced for “perverting the course of justice” in the UK found out that he could spend up to a year in chokey [prison] after forging some legal documents for a case he was involved with. A CCTV camera in London captured pictures of the barrister sending the bogus e-mails from a shop.

London Evening Standard, 2007

George Orwell lived until his death in 1950 in a fourth-floor flat overlooking Canonbury Square in Islington, North London. Within 200 yards of the flat, there are 32 CCTV cameras, scanning every move. Orwell’s view of the tree-filled gardens outside the flat is under 24-hour surveillance from two cameras perched on traffic lights. The flat’s rear windows are constantly viewed from two more security cameras. . . . [At] Orwell’s favorite pub, the Compton Arms, a camera at the rear of a car dealership records every person entering or leaving the pub.

BBC, August 2009

Only one crime was solved by each 1,000 CCTV cameras in London last year, a report into the city’s surveillance network has claimed. The internal police report found the million-plus cameras in London rarely help catch criminals. In one month CCTV helped capture just eight out of 269 suspected robbers. David Davis MP, the former shadow home secretary, said: “CCTV leads to massive expense and minimum effectiveness. It creates a huge intrusion on privacy, yet provides little or no improvement in security.”

no-cctv.org.uk, 2009

The UK is the most spied upon nation in the world. Why doesn’t it have the lowest crime rate? Whatever happened to the UK’s common law value of “innocent until proven guilty?” Research shows that CCTV simply does not work, so isn’t it just a huge waste of money? Why do the media, police and government portray CCTV as an effective tool? Why has there been no public debate?

David Aaronovitch, Times 
of London, 2008

CCTV doesn’t “spy” on us in any meaningful sense. You aren’t “followed” by cameras “monitoring your every movement” (as some suggest). It’s worse than that: unless you’re doing something odd, or a crime has been committed, no one watching the pictures even notices you.

James Button, The Age, 2005

The “big brother” analogy is often used but isn’t quite right. There is no central surveillance bureaucracy. Rather, much of the spying is done by private security outfits on behalf of companies, councils and transport operators. They will contact police when they see a crime or — as with the London bombers — the camera footage will be taken and viewed by investigators.

 The Gilwilly Industrial Estate has been targeted by burglars from outside the county who have used a variety of sophisticated means to break into warehouses and steal goods.

These have included raids at Lloyds, in Myers Lane, and Lowry’s Cash and Carry, among others. In one incident, raiders used sledgehammers to beat down the back wall of one building, using knowledge of the warehouse’s layout to gain entry.

Now Penrith’s neighbourhood policing unit has used money from the Eden Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership to install a mobile CCTV camera on the estate in the lead up to Christmas.

Sergeant Adrian Hill, from the Penrith team, said that similar problems tend to arise during the Christmas period, along with ‘curtain slashers’ who cut open high-sided HGVs to steal the goods inside.

“It is a recurring trend by people who are not local to the area,” he said.

“They are obviously quite organised, as in one raid they came very well equipped with a lorry and lifted the things over a fence, possibly with something like a forklift truck.

“We do see an increase in commercial crime with the run-up to Christmas.”

The cameras have previously been deployed elsewhere in town, in Castletown, where they were used to clamp down on a spate of criminal damage, and in St Andrew’s Churchyard in the town centre where anti-social behaviour was causing problems for local businesses.

The camera will be run alongside the ongoing Business Watch scheme, which encourages businesses to work together to share information and identify suspicious activity.

Members of the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (www.psialliance.org), a consortium of approximately 50 physical security product providers, continue to tackle the issue of interoperability between IP-enabled security technologies. The group recently released a draft of what it hopes will become the second specification to standardize IP-enabled video platforms.

The so-called ‘Recording and Content Management’ (RaCM) draft specification builds on a specification released earlier this year that created standards for how a video stream goes from a camera to viewers or recording devices. This latest RaCM specification takes the second step. RaCM would standardize the way recording and content management products communicate with other devices in the security ecosystem, according to PSIA member Dave Fowler, senior vice president of marketing & product development with VidSys, who co-chairs the RaCM working group.

“This second area is: If you send video to recording device, how does the device handle storing it, playing it back and being able to create metadata so you can find it again?” said Fowler.

Fowler said the goal is for recording devices and video management systems to enable users to have a single video management system (VMS) to view recorded video. The end result, he said, would reduce significant headaches and expensive changes that are necessary now because there is currently no interoperability protocol for existing DVR/NVR solutions.

“While they (DVRs/NVRs) typically have the functionality of this specification in their technology, they don’t have a standard way of communicating with systems outside their box,” said Fowler. “So this says: Instead of communicating in a proprietary format that only you can understand, here is a mapping of a format you can put your technology into that will allow anyone else that wants to talk to your box, to talk to your box.”

After the group assimilates public comment from security industry professionals on the specification, it will be open for input from a wider group, said Fowler.

The use of CCTV plays an important part in supporting the role of the security department, as well as providing critical evidential footage when investigating accidents or potential breaches of health and safety procedures in the warehouse. Morrisons recognised that deploying a traditional CCTV system along with the necessary infrastructure to provide effective coverage of such a large site would prove cost prohibitive and unwieldy to manage.

They turned to security providers Intrepid Security for a solution. Intrepid already has a well established reputation in the logistics sector with a number of major retailers for providing a fit for purpose, reliable and cost effective CCTV system through its mobile Smart Track technology.

Developed by SentryVision® in the United States, SmartTrack is the only travelling camera system offering the option of both one and two pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) camera carriages that travel along a ceiling or wall mounted aluminum rail. The SmartTrack camera system is particularly suited for the distribution warehouse environment and provides excellent coverage of large areas because it offers unobstructed, continuous tracking of people and events, with a capability to provide flexible coverage of picking aisles and loading bays. With a camera range of up to 200 metres, a single track can achieve what would otherwise require a large number of fixed or independent positioned PTZs.

SmartTrack also offers software features including programmable inputs to direct the camera to respond to open doors, as well as other vulnerable areas linked to motion detectors, or burglar and fire alarms. Some users have also employed SmartTrack to monitor areas where staff work alongside potentially dangerous machinery to ensure there is compliance with on-site safety rules. The versatile system can be programmed with up to six automatic tours and 60 carriage presets per tour. There is an added bonus in that because of its unique opaque housing, the coverage and flexibility achieved when employing SmartTrack can save the cost of installing temporary covert cameras for later identified problem areas.

SmartTrack operates either as a stand alone system or integrated with other CCTV products including conventional PTZ and fixed cameras. Sentry software engineers have built interfaces to integrate SmartTrack with most of the world’s leading CCTV brands and it can be operated using a conventional CCTV joy stick console or a wireless PDA and can be monitored remotely over the internet.

Alison Hudson, Head of Security at Morrisons says “Sittingbourne is our largest distribution centre to date and required a different approach to that in our existing sites. Such a large site was always going to be difficult for CCTV coverage but with the track camera solution we have been able to overcome this problem and we are particularly pleased with the quality of the system and its versatility. The SmartTrack CCTV technology has enabled us to implement our preferred security arrangements at a significant cost saving to a conventional system.”

Noel Verbruggen, Managing Director of Intrepid Security said, “Our customers have found that SmartTrack simplifies their CCTV requirements in warehouse environments which are often difficult for traditional systems to achieve without installing significant numbers of independent CCTV cameras and all the extras of wiring, mountings and multiple monitors. We have been installing SmartTrack systems for a number of years and its flexibility and reliability is well established. The system features provide a range of benefits that are especially useful in warehouses and larger store formats. We are delighted to welcome Morrisons to our list of valued customers.”

Morrisons joins ASDA, Sainsbury, Tesco and Boots amongst others in acknowledging that the SmartTrack solution delivers better functionality and value for money than conventional CCTV systems when equipping large format stores or warehouses.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire - Oct. 20, 2009) - Cantronic Systems Inc. (”Cantronic” or the “Company”) (TSX VENTURE:CTS)(PINK SHEETS:CRIXF) announced today that its China subsidiaries have recently been awarded three network video software and camera contracts worth approximately RMB5.6 million (CDN$0.85 million) with three customers in Beijing, Ningxia and Suzhou, China.

Two of the three contacts with a total of RMB3.3 million in value are primarily software contracts for intelligent video surveillance while the third one is a video surveillance solution contract involving both software and hardware valued at RMB2.3 million. We expect deliveries to happen within the next two to three months.

Previously, the company announced on July 14, 2009 that the company has been awarded through public tender a Safe City contract worth approximately RMB14 million (CDN$2.4 million) with the local government in Kaili City. With these recent contract wins, Cantronic’s Safe City related projects now total to approximately RMB20 million in new contracts since the completion of the acquisitions of Yellow River and ANINFO. Installation for Kaili City project is well underway and we expect it to be completed during Cantronic’s current fiscal year.

Geographically, China represents a unique opportunity, as the highly-fragmented Chinese surveillance and security market has been growing at an annual rate in excess of 30%. It is estimated to reach $43 billion by 2010, according to China Public Security Guide (published by the Chinese Security and Protection Association) due in part to the Chinese government’s mandate for nationwide installation of surveillance and security systems. Programs such as the Safe City Initiative cover 666 cities country-wide.

“We expect that China will be the most important growth market for Cantronic. In fact, revenues from China alone in 2009 will likely exceed our total revenues in 2008,” noted James Zahn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cantronic Systems Inc. “The RMB2.3 video surveillance solution contract is for an integrated solution using software from AVINFO and hardware from Yellow River, validating our strategy to acquire companies with complementary products. Total solution sales provide us an opportunity for repeat sales as cities build out their security and surveillance networks. Cantronic is benefiting from the USD$586 billion stimulus package from the Chinese government as cities speed up the installation of security and surveillance networks. We are making great progress in our strategy to become a leader in China’s growing security market through complementary acquisitions and organic growth.”

About Cantronic

Cantronic manufactures, distributes, and provides training and services in the fields of infrared vision and video security surveillance technologies, specializing in passive and active infrared cameras, infrared illuminators, low light infrared sensitive CCD cameras and long-range night vision surveillance systems for demanding homeland security and surveillance application.

Cantronic, through its US subsidiary QWIP Technologies, Inc. (”QWIPTECH”), holds a worldwide, exclusive license from the California Institute of Technology (”Caltech”) to produce and sell infrared detectors and sensors based on Caltech’s Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector technology.

Cantronic, through its China subsidiaries Cantronic Security Systems (China) Co. Ltd., Beijing Advanced Videoinfo Technology Co. Ltd. (”AVINFO”) and Shenzhen Huanghe Digital Technology Co. Ltd. (”Yellow River”), provides digital networked video surveillance solutions to government and corporate customers in China. Cantronic is a Tier 1 issuer on the TSX-V exchange, trading under the symbol CTS.

“High-quality video is clearly the next ‘killer app’ for Wi-Fi and many vendors and service providers have been waiting for the IEEE 802.11n standard to become officially ratified to fine-tune new offerings,” says Eran Karoly, VP Marketing at VeriWave. “Our new WaveVideo tests are currently the only way manufacturers, service providers and users can evaluate the ability of networked devices to handle video on WLAN networks. Our tests allow users to precisely measure streaming video quality and to actually see what the viewers will see on their end — from pixilation, to video jitter, and loss of synchronization between audio and video.”

The new WaveVideo test suite precisely measures the impact of WiFi networks and devices on streaming video of varying qualities including standard and high-definition. WaveVideo is unique in that testers can load the network by generating hundreds of video steams and measure how well specific devices will handle streaming video by viewing video clips before and after they pass through the System Under Test (SUT).

Seeing is Believing

“Evaluating video quality on any kind of network is a ferociously difficult task to begin with, and on wireless links such work can be more than challenging, even for experienced engineers,” said Craig Mathias, a Principal with the wireless and mobile advisory firm Farpoint Group (Ashland, MA). “I’m very pleased to see VeriWave’s new WaveVideo product, which will allow us to make objective and quantifiable measurements under the wide range of conditions inherent in Wi-Fi testing of any form.”

VeriWave Traffic Generator / Analyzers are used to create, view and analyze hundreds of independent video flows of varying type and qualities, such as HDTV 1920 X 1080i, HDTV 1920 X 720p , SDTV 480 X 480i, VGA 640 X 480, VGA 320 X 176, view the chosen video clips and analyze their content.

Along with the diverse library of test clips, the WaveVideo solution allows users to assign expected Service Level Requirements (SLRs) and other quality scores to individual clips and also to test the performance in specific network environments. The VeriWave solution also includes pre-defined traffic profiles representing typical users of wireless video such as healthcare, residential, education and corporate offices.

The solution targets both Wireless LAN (WLAN) Infrastructure and “user side” devices such as TVs, cameras and set-top boxes.

At the conclusion of each test, users receive detailed performance reports and quality metrics from the VeriWave system comparing actual performance to the desired SLR set by the tester. Each video flow is scored for quality using the Media Delivery Index (MDI) as well as individual average latency and jitter measurements, with quality compared to user-set Service Level Requirements (SLRs). Media descriptors such as the coding type, frame rate, and aspect ratio as well as I, P, and B frame distributed over time are monitored.

To aid in pinpointing variables impacting performance and to map and measure the effects of raw packet loss over time, the percentage of I, P, and B frames corrupted over time is reported.

Pricing & Availability

The WaveVideo application is available now and is priced starting at $7,500 per licensed VeriWave test port.

About VeriWave

Testing with VeriWave ensures maximum performance for mobile networks, devices and applications in the real world. From development through deployment and beyond, VeriWave helps leading manufacturers, service providers and users measure, analyze and improve speed, quality, interoperability, compliance and other pivotal aspects of mobile performance.

Taupo’s central business district is now a safer place, due to an additional fifteen CCTV cameras now operational.

The CCTV (or closed circuit television) project has been led by the Taupo Safer Community Trust, with funding provided from Taupo District Council.

Trust spokeperson, Ted Swanney, said that the CCTV installation one was of the first projects tackled by the Trust.

Our Trust was formed just over a year ago, and we’ve been working on a variety of projects to help improve the personal safety of residents and visitors”, said Mr Swanney.  “The CCTV project was one of the first things we looked at, and it’s great that the cameras are now up and running.”

“The camera network now covers all of the main retail areas of the town centre, and stretches from the Tile Warehouse on Spa Road, down to Wairakei Polytechnic on Heu Heu Street, and along the lakefront to the Taupo Mini Putt,” said Mr Swanney.  “The high foot traffic retail areas, and the entertainment area along Tuwharetoa Street are well covered too.”

All the camera footage is fed directly into the Watch House at the Taupo Police Station, and is monitored by Police Officers and a team of trained volunteers.

“As well as our volunteers in the Watch House viewing the incoming video footage, we also record all the footage for a period of four weeks,” explained Mr Swanney.  “This means that if an offence occurs, the Police have ample time to go back and review the footage around the incident.”

Taupo Police have already used the camera footage to aid in prosecuting persons committing crimes in the Taupo central business area.

“The enhanced CCTV has already proven its worth,” said Senior Sergeant Tony Jeurissen.  “I am aware of two serious crimes of violence that have been resolved because of it in the past month.  There are also many other examples where the CCTV network has assisted Police, such as apprehending drunk drivers, people breaching the liquor ban, acting disorderly and committing theft.”

“The new CCTV network is far wider than the just the Taupo CBD, and is a valuable tool in our tool box,” says Mr Jeurissen.  “I am sure that over time it will be used to assist police and volunteers to make Taupo a safer place for everyone.”       

Towncentre Taupo Co-ordinator, Kylie Hawker, shares Mr Jeurissen’s sentiments.

“We’re very pleased that the CCTV network has been expanded throughout the whole of the town centre,” said Ms Hawker.  “A major aspect of welcoming visitors and locals into our CBD is by ensuring their personal safety, and with the camera network up-and-running, I feel we are one step closer to achieving that goal.”

“We’d like to thank all the business owners and landlords who generously allowed us to install a camera on their property.  All of these businesses are also paying the electricity expenses to run the cameras, so we are most appreciative of their support of the project,” said Mr Swanney.

The businesses who have assisted by allowing a camera to be installed on their property are; The Tile Warehouse, Pak n Save, Noel Leeming, Harvey’s Real Estate, Caltex, Waiariki Institute of Technology, Taupo Mini Putt, and Farmers.  A number of cameras have also been installed on Taupo District Council owned buildings around the central business district.

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — As attacks against automated teller machines (ATMs) and customer transaction data become increasingly sophisticated, effectively authenticating all users at the self-service channel is growing more critical by the day for financial institutions.  To help strengthen access control during service calls, Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) has released ValiTech(®),( )a two-factor authentication technology that uses a secure USB device to identify and authorize technicians who service ATMs.  An important component of Diebold’s multilayered security strategy, ValiTech works in concert with Diebold security technologies designed to protect the entire ATM channel.  

Engineered in-house by Diebold for heightened security efficiency, ValiTech is an innovative solution that provides authorized Diebold service personnel with secure access to the system level of the ATM.  This technology not only
delivers an additional layer of protection for financial institutions through access control, it also provides a detailed audit trail.  Moreover, Diebold’s ValiTech technology helps financial institutions comply with important Payment
Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) developed and enforced by PCI’s Security Standards Council.

Prior to the introduction of ValiTech, Diebold technicians had to secure a temporary password, provided by the financial institution, each time a service call required a technician to access the system level of the ATM.  This practice holds true for any service technician accessing an institution’s ATM,
requiring multiple calls and generating numerous temporary passwords.  Diebold’s ValiTech links each authorized service technician to a USB hardware cryptographic device - or token - using a digital certificate from
VeriSign(®). 

Access is further controlled through a PIN or pass phrase, set by and known only to the technician, which ties the technician to the digital certificate and the USB device.  Through ValiTech, the ATM can uniquely identify the
authorized Diebold associate who is accessing the system and grant restricted authorization to the unit’s system functions based on the technician’s role and status.  ValiTech then creates a unique audit trail documenting each time
a technician is granted access and records all menu activities executed during the service call.

“Deploying effective authentication for an entire ATM fleet can be time-consuming and costly.  ValiTech, which can be expertly implemented, managed and maintained by our Premier Services’ technicians, offers our customers a higher level of security while relieving them from the additional
workload and resources needed to create, track and reset system-level user names and passwords,” said Charles E. Ducey, Jr., senior vice president, global development and services, Diebold.  “At a time when sensitive cardholder data requires increasing protection, ValiTech can help financial
institutions close the security gap between temporary passwords and ATM access.”

About Diebold
Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery and security systems and services.  Diebold employs more than 17,000
associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in Canton, Ohio, USA.  Diebold is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ‘DBD.’ 

“In an airport environment, CCTV systems provide many benefits including improved security, better personnel deployment and assistance with the
resolution of suspicious items,” said PHL’s Federal Security Director Robert
Ellis. “The installation of these additional cameras, along with upgrades to
our existing cameras, will be a tremendous asset to our security efforts.”

The award, which comes from fiscal 2009 funds, will enhance the CCTV systems currently in place at PHL.

CCTV technology is in place at hundreds of airports across the country. In addition to Philadelphia, TSA has collaborated with other individual airports
to expand these sophisticated and integrated security networks.

The GV7601 is an Aviia HD Receiver with integrated cable equalization technology. In conjunction with the GV7600 Aviia HD Transmitter announced in February 2009, the solution provides a complete two-chip, long-reach A/V interface over a single coax. This offers a brand new option for customers to bring legacy cabled systems into the High Definition era.

Both the GV7600 and GV7601 are being designed into first generation High Definition closed circuit television (HDcctv 1.0) cameras and DVRs today, allowing closed circuit television system customers that currently use coaxial cable to support the high resolutions of HD. By using Gennum’s HD Transmitter/Receiver solution customers can avoid the expense and disruption of a full system infrastructure upgrade while gaining all the benefits of full bandwidth HD over existing coax cables.

“Aviia brings the image quality benefits of HD to a variety of industrial applications like security and surveillance where leveraging installed cabling infrastructure enables economical and quick upgrades,” said Vijay Sharma, Director of Product Marketing, Gennum. “Aviia’s innovative approach is changing the way Gennum’s customers deliver HD video solutions.”

Aviia is a real-time A/V interface ideal for low latency, frame rate critical applications where high image quality and reliability are required, and provides bi-directional communications and Power-over-Coax, allowing both control and powering of remote devices, such as cameras. The bi-directional communications channel can be used to send Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) configuration and status data. The Aviia interface can also be configured to provide bi-directional audio for intercom applications.

About the GV7601

The GV7601 is an Aviia HD Receiver with integrated cable equalization technology. When used in conjunction with the GV7600 Aviia HD Transmitter, it provides a complete two-chip long reach A/V interface over a single coax. The GV7601 supports both Standard Definition (SD) & High Definition (HD) video formats up to 1080p at 50/60 Hz (Full HD) and features an integrated audio de-embedder supporting extraction of up to 8 channels of digital audio. Long reach HD cable performance includes up to 230m using high quality 75-ohm coaxial cable (Belden 1694A or equivalent) and up to 160m typical using RG59 or equivalent (commonly used in analog video CCTV installations). The GV7601 offers low power operation, typically 570mW at HD and comes in a small 100-BGA package (11mm x 11mm). The GV7601 is ideal for a wide range of industrial A/V markets and applications, including: Video Surveillance, Videoconferencing, Machine Vision, Digital Signage & Large Venue Displays, Industrial A/V and Medical Imaging.

GV7601 Availability

The GV7601 and GV7600 are in full production with a reference design kit for both parts available now. For pricing and ordering information, contact sales@gennum.com.

About HDCCTV and the HDcctv Alliance(TM)

High Definition Closed Circuit Television (HDCCTV) embodied in Aviia is built on technology pioneered for broadcast television. Video is transmitted uncompressed and without being encapsulated in TCP/IP, resulting in a system in which a camera can be plugged into a receiving device and video can be displayed with minimal latency and with little, if any, further configuration. HDCCTV operating at 720p provides almost three times the video resolution of analog CCTV, and 1080p provides six times the resolution. In addition, all HDCCTV systems are progressive, eliminating the flicker and blurring associated with conventional analog CCTV systems.

HDcctv Alliance(TM) standards specifications bring all of the benefits claimed by megapixel IP cameras to the CCTV market with the ease of use of conventional analog CCTV equipment. HDcctv Alliance specifications are intended to provide a point-to-point system that will require minimal, if any, additional infrastructure to deploy. New and existing installations can use CCTV industry standard coaxial cable (RG59, RG6 and RG11). HDcctv Alliance specifications permit users to enjoy a drop-in replacement for existing analog CCTV, that would require only a change of camera and receiver. Future revisions of the HDcctv Alliance specifications are expected to be backward-compatible, meaning early adopters will be able to continue to use current HDcctv Alliance compliant equipment as more features are added to the HDcctv Alliance specification.

About Gennum

Gennum Corporation (TSX:GND) designs innovative semiconductor solutions and intellectual property (IP) cores for the world’s most advanced consumer connectivity, enterprise, video broadcast and data communications products. Leveraging the company’s proven optical, analog and mixed-signal products and IP, Gennum enables multimedia and data communications products to send and receive information without compromising the signal integrity. An award winner for advances in high definition (HD) broadcasting, Gennum is headquartered in Burlington, Canada, and has global design, research and development and sales offices in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Germany, United States, Taiwan, India and the United Kingdom. www.Gennum.com.

Gennum, Aviia and related logos are trademarks of Gennum Corporation. HDcctv Alliance is the trademark of HDcctv Alliance Limited (a New South Wales corporation). All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.

Other highlights of the report include:

- DVR owners watch on average a total of 4.2 hours of television a day, made up of 2.9 hours of broadcast TV and 1.3 hours of recorded TV

- 86 percent of respondents said they would recommend owning a DVR because it means that they do not have to rush home to watch a particular programme

- 84 percent of respondents said that they were more likely to find something good to watch on TV now that they owned a DVR

- 84 percent of respondents said that operating a DVR was a revelation - it is so easy to use

- 22 percent of respondents already have a second DVR and a further 31 percent would consider getting a second one in the future.

“DVRs allow families in India to watch what they want on TV when they want, which makes for a happier, less stressful home life,” said Sue Taylor, NDS Senior VP and General Manager Asia Pacific. “A DVR is one of those items that, once tried, is difficult to give up, because it opens up a whole new world of TV viewing possibilities.”

The survey was carried out by MPA Consumer Research, a division of MPA on behalf of NDS during August-September 2009. The telephone survey involved 250 people across India, aged 18 to 83 years’ old, who have a DVR at home.

“I am extremely pleased to have Neel serving in this new capacity,” states David Crawford, LenSec’s CEO. “Neel’s contributions to the organization have been immense and he is the right person to assume control of our day-to day operations and help lead us into the future. His knowledge and experience in the industry as well as the knowledge he has of our core business will be paramount in moving us forward during these times of economic uncertainty.”

“It is my honor and privilege to serve as Chief Operating Officer for a reputable company like LenSec,” says Adhikari. “I look forward to leveraging my experience in helping us continue to improve upon the value we offer to our customers by delivering highly reliable physical security solutions on time and with-in budget. We appreciate the support and quality products and services we receive from our strategic partners thereby helping us deliver the value we promise to our customers. We will continue to closely engage with our strategic partners in the areas related to new product introductions, solution design, supply chain planning, and business development. I am excited about the growth opportunities we have in front of us and will work closely with our operations team to fulfill the increased demand as we move forward.”

About LenSec

LenSec, founded in 1998, and based in Houston, Texas, is a premier provider of Enterprise-Wide Video Surveillance solutions to Federal, State & Local Government, and Education clients that allow more effective remote management of facilities and enable instant, real-time collaboration with third-party agencies during an incident. Its offerings include specifically designed video management solutions with surveillance cameras, complete installation and on-site monitoring, providing customers with a more affordable, reliable and secure multi-facility / multi-system solution which offers instant access to all security system data, regardless of the source. With over 2,000 installations in 30 states across the country, LenSec has the experience and expertise to deliver the most effective solution to manage personnel and facilities at any location by integrating video surveillance security cameras, access control, and other security and operational applications.

Fusco is now using the TrueHybrid® SP for 24-hour surveillance on their commercial holdings including shopping centers and other commercial properties. Their properties can be monitored from one central location, allowing them to efficiently track what is happening at their locations at any given time. Fusco owns 42 properties primarily in Delaware and New Jersey.

“VMS was instrumental in helping build a truly customized system so we could have a birds-eye view of our properties from one central location. Prior to VMS, we had to have the servers at the individual property location. Because of TrueHybrid® SP’s unique software which leverages the power of the internet using IP technology, we were able to save money reducing hardware, increase picture quality and manage our properties from one central location and server. Not only is the TrueHybrid® SP easy to use, it provides the needed security for us as owners and managers as well as our tenants. The TrueHybrid makes our employees more accountable, helps address tenant issues without spending extra manpower on a site visit, can help us in reducing false claims and helps with insurance and safety issues,” stated Frank J. Vassallo IV, Vice President of Fusco Enterprises, L.P.

“Fusco is a committed property owner who has always put the security needs of its tenants and store owners at the forefront. We are very happy that our technology helps give them peace of mind by knowing that their property holdings are being monitored 24-7,” states Jason Gonzalez, President and CEO of Visual Management Systems.

About Visual Management Systems

Visual Management Systems, Inc. (OTCBB: VMSY) (’VMS’) provides video surveillance solutions to small and mid-size enterprises. VMS’s products and services help businesses, government agencies and educational institutions prevent crime, ensure safety, enhance productivity and improve service. Businesses using VMS technology include 7-11, Applebee’s, Best Western Hotels, Duncan Donuts, KFC, NAPA, Residence Inn, Taco Bell, TGI Fridays and more. Since its inception, VMS has been committed to developing and implementing industry-leading video security technology at affordable price points. For more information, visit http://www.vmscctv.com or call 877-323-CCTV.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain statements in this press release constitute ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements express or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, changes in levels of competition, possible loss of customers, the company’s ability to attract and retain key personnel, the company’s ability to raise capital, the continued cooperation of creditors and vendors, national and local economic conditions, the ability of the company to reach agreements with the proposed distributor, joint venture and integration partners discussed in this release, conditions and trends in the video surveillance and security industries in general, the ability of the company to attract enterprise-scale customers, changes in interest rates, commercial acceptance of the company’s products, the effect of government regulation on the company’s operations and other factors described from time to time in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The windfall for a regional CCTV centre was landed after a delegation representing all six counties and North Wales Police visited officials at the Senedd in Cardiff a month ago.

The location of the centre – probably to be run by local authorities – has yet to be decided, but officials say it will be among the best in Europe.

Existing CCTV cameras across the region will be hooked up to the system and additional cameras are being planned.

Members of the successful North Wales presentation team, which submitted a bid for the Invest to Save scheme, won funding over 102 other projects.

The hopefuls were whittled down to a shortlist of 37 before the winning bid was chosen.

The teams had to compete for the money in a Dragon’s Den-style format and it was the North Wales group’s presentation which convinced the money men and women that the CCTV centre was vital.

The team included Conwy Conwy Council chief executive Byron Davies, Conwy’s head of regulatory services Phil Rafferty and Conwy County Cllr Bob Squire.

It also comprised representatives from Wrexham County Borough Council and North Wales Police.

Cllr Squire said: “The money will be spent on a central control room in North Wales. I hope it will also include more CCTV cameras.

“The existing cameras and any new cameras will cover the streets of our communities. I hope it will all make our streets even safer.”

Cllr Squire added: “I feel very proud to have been part of the team but most of the credit must go to Conwy’s chief executive Byron Davies and Phil Rafferty.”

A Conwy County Council spokesman said the authority is waiting for the WAG to announce the outcome of bidding and a WAG spokesman said that the official announcement will be made soon.

By IndigoVision
IndigoVision’s IP-CCTV solution has been integrated together with access control and intruder detection to provide one of Madrid’s newest hospitals with a state of the art security system. Opened in 2008, the Infanta Sofía Hospital is located in San Sebastián De los Reyes and was built by the Madrid Regional Government as part of plans to improve healthcare services for towns in Northern Madrid. The hospital consists of several buildings on a 25 square mile site with the main facilities in an 8-storey tower block. “Hospitals create a demanding security environment, where the protection of staff and patients is paramount, especially in frontline areas such as emergency and psychiatry departments,” explains Francisco De Diego, Project Manager with Cybsegur, the System Integrator that designed and installed the system. “It was therefore important to choose the very-best CCTV system, both in terms of performance and picture quality.”

IndigoVision’s IP Video system was integrated with the access control and intruder detection systems using Fabricom’s ICAROS system to provide the hospital’s security team with a complete solution for managing the security of the site. Consolidation of alarms centrally from CCTV, access control and intruder systems create a more efficient operator environment and a vastly improved incident response.

“The distributed nature of IndigoVision’s system means that cameras, recorders and CCTV workstations can be located at any point on the network,” continued Diego. “Compared to traditional analog/DVR CCTV systems this saved us a considerable amount of time and money during installation. It also gives us a great deal of flexibility to re-deploy cameras when required with little extra cost for the hospital. High-quality evidential video has already helped the police during an investigation of a robbery and assisted the hospital identify potential security weaknesses, which were easily corrected due to the flexibility of the system.”

Seven IndigoVision standalone Network Video Recorders (NVRs) record video continuously at 25fps, directly from the network, providing a typical 15-day archive. In the event of a NVR failure or routine maintenance, video can be sent to the other NVRs while the unit is swapped with a hot-spare. Indigovision’s IP Video system provides end-users with a range of redundant solutions, from simple hot-spare swapping as used by the hospital to fully resilient recording configurations using mirroring or automatic failovers with individual NVRs being distributed around the network.

Over 80 analog cameras are installed inside the hospital and externally around the grounds. A combination of internal domes and external vandal resistant cameras are connected to IndigoVision 8000 transmitter/receiver modules which converts the analog feed to DVD-quality MPEG-4 digital video for transmission over the network.
 

The cameras are extremely robust, with durable metal casing which can be used within a wide range of temperatures varying from below freezing up to extreme heat 14°F to 122°F (-10°C to +50°C).

PRO-610 Wide Angle Security Camera - a powerful, day & night camera with 4mm wide-angle lens.

The Swann PRO-610 Wide Angle Security Camera is perfect for those who require a professional quality camera capable of seeing a broader view of their home or business. The 35 infra-red LED’s switch on automatically in low light to project infra-red beams for excellent night vision up to 50ft or 15m. This camera is perfect for stairwells, parking lots, building exteriors, lobbies, foyers, warehouses or hallways as it can see perfectly well at night or in darkened conditions.

Everything you need is included in the pack including extra-long 60ft 18m BNC cable for connecting to a recording device and power, BNC to RCA connector for connecting to a TV, mounting bracket, mounting screws and plugs, power adapter, user guide, security stickers and more.
Available SRP £119.99 inc

PRO-620 Professional Long Range Security Camera. Night Vision 82ft/25m

The Swann PRO-620 is a high powered, day & night camera with a 12mm long-view lens providing excellent image quality for day or night. The camera is perfect for those who want a professional quality camera capable of seeing a longer view of your home or business. The 35 infra-red LED’s switch on automatically in low light to project infra-red beams for superior night vision up to 82ft or 25m. This camera is ideal for stairwells, parking lots, alley ways, building exteriors, warehouses or hallways as it can see magnificently at night or in poorly lit conditions.

The camera is easy to install and can be mounted to walls or ceilings where there is a requirement for a visible deterrent to discourage intruders and protect property.

Available SRP £129.99 inc

PRO-630 Vari-Focal Security Camera. Night Vision 115 ft/35m

The PRO-630 is a heavy duty, high powered, day and night camera with adjustable external zoom and focus control. The PRO-630 produces amazing night vision up to 115ft or 35m generated by 72 infra-red LEDs. The camera has a 4-9mm vari-focal lens and also has external controls for zoom and focus located on the underside of the barrel. In addition, it has a robust, weather resistant aluminium construction and for added durability and protection the BNC cable threads through the mounting bracket.

Everything you need is included in the pack including 9ft 3m BNC cable for connecting to a recording device and power, BNC to RCA connector for connecting to a TV, power adapter, user guide, security stickers and more.
Available SRP £149.99 inc

The PRO-610, PRO-620 and PRO-630 are all easily connected to a TV and DVR. All models are now available from Maplin Stores.

Tony Morgan, of Dawlish, has launched Internet Eyes, a website which involves people watching live feeds from shop camera systems looking for would-be criminals.

Anyone who catches someone committing a crime can be eligible for a prize of up to £1,000.

But outspoken civil rights campaigner Peter Harry condemned the service saying it would encourage ‘Big Brother-style snooping’.

Dawlish resident Mr Harry believes there are serious privacy implications. Mr Harry is a well-known campaigner who exposed flaws in the legality of speed restrictions on the A379 Starcross road in 2006.

He said: “This is obviously a form of snooping and I think it would encourage a ’spying’ element. I find that very concerning.”

He said, according to the Government’s Information Commissioner’s Office, CCTV operators are not allowed to disclose images of identifiable people to the media or to put them on the internet for ‘entertainment’.

Mr Harry added: “I think more research needs to be done on this.”

Internet Eyes has been created by Mr Morgan along with David Steele and James Woodward.

It is not yet being used in South Devon but is being launched in Stratford-upon-Avon where Mr Steel and Mr Woodward are based. It is hoped it will be rolled out across the country later this year.

Concerned Dawlish Mayor Geoff Wills dubbed it a legal minefield.

He said: “In theory it sounds like a good idea but there are so many practicalities and legalities to think about. We have a CCTV system here in Dawlish and are very mindful of the Data Protection Act and privacy.

“I am sure the company has thought about all that. How do they monitor who is being monitored? What about children? It’s full of potential minefields.”

Internet Eyes is a chargeable service for businesses and shops. Shop owners pay £20 per week, or £1,000 a year, to have their CCTV wired up to the site.

Cameras show CCTV images in real-time with different scenes being shown on rotation every 20 minutes. Viewers can click a button every time they see something suspicious taking place.

Points are awarded to people and the top earners in a ‘league table’ stand the chance of winning up to £1,000 in a prize pool fund.

Mr Morgan refuted claims Internet Eyes would encourage snooping, saying their legal advisers had given the service the go ahead.

He said it was not entertainment but a tool for crime-fighting.

He said: “Internet Eyes has been set up to reduce shoplifting and street crime in this country.

“We are just helping small shop keepers who can’t be watching their CCTV systems 24/7. We are not doing anything wrong.

“We think it will be”

According to Pelco management, the integration of the DX4500 and DX4600 DVRs is part of a strategic partnership between Pelco and SureView, where the full line of Pelco DVRs, IP cameras, and other security and surveillance equipment will be fully integrated into Immix. These integrations enable central stations and their integrators the confidence to deploy any of the Pelco products knowing that they will be fully supported within the Immix video monitoring platform.”We are very pleased by this next step in the integration process of our IP products with the Immix solution,” says Stephane Lantoine, API Business Development Manager for EMEA with Pelco. “We were attracted to building a relationship with SureView based on the solid reputation of its Immix platform, and thanks to the partnership between SureView and Pelco our joint customers are able to take full advantage of one easy-to-manage security solution.” “Integrating with the DX4500 and 4600 is a critical part of rounding out our existing integrations with the DX8100 and Digital Sentry DVRs from Pelco. Through our strategic partnership we will continue to improve and enhance our integrations so that we can take advantage of the full feature set of Pelco’s suite of video surveillance products,” says Simon Morgan, SureView Systems’ Technical Director for North America.

The DX4500/4600 Series is a fully featured and affordable entry-level digital video recorder. Equipped with an embedded operating system, it offers camera capacity, features, and functionality exceeding other DVRs. The DX4500/4600 is designed for the entry-level market that requires 8 or 16 camera inputs; greater internal hard drive storage capacity; fast frame rate recording; and efficient playback, search, and export capability.

About Pelco Pelco, Inc. by Schneider Electric is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of video and security systems and equipment ideal for any industry. Pelco produces the security industry’s most respected offering of discreet camera domes and enclosures, video matrix systems, next-generation digital video recorders, Full HD LCD displays and megapixel cameras, IP solutions and fiber optic transmission systems for video/data - and much more.

About SureView Systems SureView Systems is a security software developer providing a video-based automated alarm management software platform for central stations and other command centers. SureView’s UL classified Immix product provides users with a single platform to receive alarm events from industry standard receivers, video cameras or DVRs, video analytics, and access control systems. Immix integrates a wide range of security systems providing a single control platform and service delivery for diverse hardware configurations to support developing customer needs.

March Networks has announced that the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service has selected the Company’s VideoSphere™ solution to enhance its security operations in multiple airports across the country. The integrated systems include March Networks’ Video Management System (VMS) software and Edge encoders, as well as host and storage servers from Sun Microsystems.

VideoSphere was selected based on the system’s high reliability, advanced video management, and ability to support existing CCTV cameras.

“Our VideoSphere VMS-based systems deliver the centralized video management and live monitoring capabilities required to protect high-traffic ports of entry. Our open architecture allows the agency to easily deploy their systems over best-in-class Sun Fire servers, and benefit from the integration work undertaken through our recent partnership with Sun Microsystems,” said Peter Strom, President and CEO, March Networks.

March Networks and Sun Microsystems entered into a global partnership in 2008 to help organizations deploy advanced surveillance applications and intelligently manage the convergence of IP video technologies and IT infrastructure. March Networks VMS Application Server Bundles combine Sun’s server platforms with pre-installed VideoSphere VMS software and IP camera connection licenses. The offering enables customers to choose the best product bundle for their installation and benefit from the convenience of a turnkey solution that is already configured, tested and certified for optimum performance.

“Leading government and transportation agencies around the world are seeking to take advantage of next-generation surveillance technologies optimized to run over IP networks,” added Darrell Jordan-Smith, Vice President of Industry Vertical Markets, Sun Microsystems, Inc. “Our collaboration with March Networks combines industry-leading software and hardware products with common management software and a flexible architecture that can scale to support the most demanding security requirements.”

Legion chairman Brian Adams this week described the mounted camera, on the traffic island at the junction of Heston Road and New Heston Road, as an ‘eyesore’ and said it never should have gone up.

Ironically, the first he knew of it was when he attended a meeting at St Leonard’s Church, opposite the memorial, to discuss plans for Remembrance Day next month. The meeting took place last Thursday, the evening after the camera had been erected.

“Everyone at the legion’s pretty disgusted,” he told the Chronicle. “It’s a real eyesore and I can’t understand how the council could allow something like that around what’s a lovely war memorial.

“I know the council’s responsible for maintaining the memorial but I would have thought they would have contacted the legion before doing this.”

The camera, one of two installed in Heston to improve public safety, was approved by planning chiefs at Hounslow Council under ‘delegated authority’. These powers, which relate to minor planning decisions, means there is no need to inform members of the public or councillors.

However, Councillor Elizabeth Hughes said the council had promised to consult residents about all proposals affecting ’sensitive’ sites.

“This is outrageous. I know we need CCTV cameras to improve security but it’s unbelievable they allowed it to be installed here without consulting anyone,” she said.

“When I asked the officer concerned if it could be removed he said yes, but that would mean there would be no CCTV coverage for this part of Heston. There must be other locations they could put this camera.”

CHATSWORTH, Calif., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ — SANYO North America Corporation (SANYO) today introduces its high-end Dual Cameras, the VPC-HD2000A and the VPC-FH1A, as the world’s first camcorders to offer compatibility with iFrame, a next generation video format designed specifically to allow users to easily import, edit and share high quality videos. SANYO’s Dual Cameras have always
been at the forefront for compatibility with computers as well as online applications and networking. The two models announced today feature the iFrame video mode, which records in the same format used to edit on a computer,
dramatically speeding up the processes of importing, editing and sharing movies across multiple platforms and devices.
(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091013/LA91281)

These camcorders will be available nationwide through national and regional retailers beginning October 13, 2009, with a suggested retail price of $599.99 for the VPC-HD2000A and $499.99 for the VPC-FH1A.

“SANYO is proud to be the first manufacturer to offer camcorders that are compatible with the iFrame video format. This format offers a major breakthrough in reducing the time it takes for consumers to import, edit and
share high quality video,” said Tom Van Voy, General Manager of the Consumer Products Group for SANYO North America. “In addition to this new video format,
our Dual Cameras also offer the ability to shoot 8-Megapixel photos as well as a number of video modes, including Full HD 1080P/60fps, making them the perfect choice for sharing high quality movies with family and friends, for
video bloggers or budding videographers.”

iFrame is a computer-friendly video format that has been specifically designed to simplify the process of working with video recorded from a camera. With iFrame, the video recorded in the camera is in the same format that will be
used for editing, which means that importing video is fast and file sizes are small. This translates to quick and easy editing and sharing of movies across multiple platforms and devices. This new format can also be used with both Mac
and PC compatible applications due to the use of standards-based technologies such as H.264, AAC, MP4 and MOV.

The HD2000A and the FH1A Dual Cameras are automatically programmed to default to the iFrame mode for ultimate ease of use and convenience to the user. In
addition to the iFrame video format (960 x 540), the cameras can record in High Definition 1080P (1920 x 1080), as well as high speed video formats for slow motion playback.

The two new models are nearly identical camcorders in two different body designs. The HD2000A is in SANYO’s signature vertical form factor while the FH1A is a traditional style camcorder shape (horizontal).

Dual Cameras conveniently record photos and videos to SD/SDHC media cards (sold separately) and are thumb-operable for key functions, with separate video and photo buttons for easy switching between shooting video and photos. Unlike conventional camcorders, there’s no need to switch modes, enabling the capture of those once-in-a-lifetime moments as the cameras can take both
stills and videos simultaneously.

Main Features: VPC-FH1A and VPC-HD2000A
These highly advanced cameras not only offer a standard 1080i (interlaced)
format (recording at 60 fields per second), but with the SANYO proprietary
CMOS engine, recording is also available in an impressive 1080p (progressive)
format, offering ultra-smooth, professional-looking 60 frames per second. The cameras also offer 8-Megapixel still photos, sequential shooting, and a number of modes including macro photo capability.

Other Features include:
    –  iFrame video format H.264 960 x 540 (30fps)
    –  Full 1080p HD Video (60fps)
    –  8-Megapixel Digital Photos and High-Speed Sequential Shooting (12fps)
    –  High Speed Recording/Super Slow Motion Playback (240/600fps for 1/4 or
        1/10 playback)
    –  3-inch wide LCD Monitor (FH1A), 2.7-inch wide LCD monitor (HD2000A)
for
        HD Playback
    –  10x Optical Zoom for photos
    –  16x advanced zoom (more area included than standard zooming, 160x digital zoom) for video
    –  Digital Image Stabilizer (Movies & Stills)
    –  ‘Face Chaser’ technology (up to 12 faces) for photos/videos
    –  HDMI Output (FH1A); HDMI Digital Interface via Cradle (HD2000A)
    –  Optional lenses: Tele, Wide, Semi-Fisheye
    –  External microphone input (HD2000A)
    –  FH1A and HD2000A are available in Black

    –  Cold shoe mount for external light or microphone (HD2000A)
iMovie, Mac, and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Works with iMovie logo is a trademark of Apple
Inc.
The iFrame logo and the iFrame symbol are trademarks of Apple Inc.

For more information about the SANYO:
VPC-HD2000A, please visit http://us.sanyo.com/VPC-HD2000A
VPC-FH1A, please visit http://us.sanyo.com/VPC-FH1A

About SANYO
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a multi-billion dollar, leading company for energy and environment, providing solutions for environment, energy and lifestyle applications based on its brand vision ‘Think GAIA.’ SANYO North America’s
Consumer Solutions Division (SANYO North America is a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.), based in Chatsworth, California, is a service and sales division that markets digital projectors, digital still cameras, digital media
camcorders, home appliances, security video equipment, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics. For more information on SANYO, please visit http://us.sanyo.com.

For many properties however, a Dummy Security Camera will be sufficient to keep opportunistic criminals at bay – in most cases they will simply move on to less secure targets rather than take the risk of getting caught on camera. At a fraction of the price of real CCTV, not to mention removing the trouble of keeping taped recordings, this type of protection is an attractive solution for peace of mind.

There are other factors though to consider when choosing the right Dummy Security Camera. Firstly, while there are ultra cheap products on the market, buying one that looks obviously fake will be a waste of money. Ideally, consumers should choose to buy from respected companies who offer products that are built in real CCTV Camera casings (or ‘housings’), so that they are unrecognisable from the real thing even to the experienced criminal.

Terry Rattee, owner of Crime Prevention Products says, ‘Having been involved in the security industry for many years, we try to guide and encourage customers not only to opt for the protection that fits their individual circumstances best, but also to buy the kind of quality that will reliably keep them safe.’

When choosing a Dummy Security Camera, buyers are well advised to take the following into consideration to make sure they get the right product:

1. Dummy Camera’s built with a flashing light draw a criminal’s attention to the fact that they are present and in operation.
2. Most decoy camera’s come with false cable connected to them to look more authentic, some of these can be fitted by the supplier into a conduit, completing their realism.
3. If a property already has real CCTV, it is best to ask the supplier to match the Dummy Security Camera to them in appearance as much as possible.
4. Owners of real CCTV cameras are required by law to give notice to the public via warning signs that they are being monitored. Thus it is a good mark of authenticity to purchase these warning signs – not only could their absence be a giveaway to criminals, in many cases offenders will not even venture into a property if they see them.
5. The placement and type of Dummy Security Camera is important, since there are different types available for indoor and outdoor use. For example, if a person has high ceilings in their home or office they should consider a Dome style camera. There are even internal quality dummy cameras that are motorised and will sweep through 180 degrees, making it look as if the camera is watching a complete area of view. For larger outdoor areas such as large buildings, storage yards or car parks, then the use of a larger professional model is called for.

Terry Rattee of Crime Prevention Products concludes, ‘Whether for the home or office, with care and forethought you can implement a Dummy CCTV Camera System that will offer effective protection without hurting your pocket.’

“When he notices it he doesn’t seem to care,” Mark Plischke said.

The executive vice-president of Advanced Protection Network said trespassers and thieves are getting bolder.

“We’ve had times when the cameras get shot out with BB guns. We get times where they steal the cameras,” he said.

Last month a security camera taped a man stealing from a home on Liliha street. In February, James Hijii became one of 438 burglary victims on Oahu. After the crime he installed a surveillance system and upgraded his alarm system.

“It’s sad that you have to spend all that money just to protect what you own,” he said.

Plischke said security systems are in demand and alarms and cameras work best when they’re used together. He said orders for cameras are increasing. He said good video systems start at about $2,500 including installation. Alarms can range from $1,000 to $2,500.

KGMB has learned that the Hawaii Kai home being cased by the man on the YouTube video wasn’t burglarized, but a short time later a house around the corner was broken into.

Emery said during Monday night’s work session the district is working on obtaining a software packet that will generate a proposed routing system for the whole district as well as looking at safety measures to put in place for the future.

Board president Craig Allen said security cameras - one at the front and one at the back of the vehicle - would be installed on 25 of the 30 buses in the district’s fleet.

The cameras would have infrared-like capabilities and could digitally record and have a Global Positioning System that potentially could pinpoint a recorded incident should a known location be given, Allen said.

Allen added a committee will interview community stakeholders and members of the district’s administration to receive further input on the matter in order to be as “expeditious as possible.”

In light of the district’s recent busing incident where a 12-year-old boy was assaulted by upperclassmen, board member Shelley Helm suggested the board consider initiating a “bullying hotline” that could compile complaints of incidents to work in combination with recorded footage.

Director John Shireman said the bus company could review the tapes in 10-minute clips on a monthly basis to make sure things are in check.

Helm answered Shireman’s suggestion by describing it as “hit or miss,” as it would call into question the company’s employment of that review.

In other business, business manager Adrienne Craig said with the recent state budget approval, the district will see about a 4.1-percent increase in its basic education funding.

Craig said the increase is slightly lower than what was budgeted for the district, but it will still be all right.

She added the district will receive the same amount as last year for its accountability block grant - monies given to districts to improve student achievement - and special education funding.

In its only action item, the board approved a resolution for Public Financial Management Inc. of Harrisburg to refinance various bond issues within set parameters should the market become favorable for lower interest rates.

Even more provocative is Nathanson’s pitch that broadcasters and cable networks should push for a cut of the revenue cable and satellite operators receive from selling cable boxes with DVR capabilities.

“The emergence of this technology over the past decade has quickly altered the economics of the television industry,” Nathanson wrote. The bad news is that overall, live television viewership dropped 4 percent in the 2008-09 season. Nathanson doesn’t attribute that drop entirely to DVRs, but it is probably a factor. More disturbing is that the big four broadcast networks had declines of 13 percent in live viewership.

The good news, Nathanson said, is that the gradual change in ratings to include DVR viewership is helping broadcast television more than cable. DVR viewership has boosted broadcast ratings by 17 percent, and the skipping of commercials even went down a little this year compared with last year, according to Nathanson. “Our analysis shows that consumers are overwhelmingly ‘DVRing’ broadcast content compared to cable network content,” he said.

Content companies, Nathanson argued, should try to use the growing popularity of DVRs as leverage to squeeze money out of the cable and satellite companies that sell the service to consumers. “DVRs are being sold to watch content,” Nathanson said in an interview.

That’s true, but distributors will possibly respond by noting that programmers asking them for a cut of the revenue they receive from DVRs would be like auto manufacturers asking gas stations for a piece of the revenue they make from selling fuel.

“It is a great privilege to receive this significant award from Security Products Magazine,” says Jacky Cheng, the Product Manager of QNAP Security.” This award has recognized QNAP’s objective to provide outstanding network security solutions to secure the life and property of our customers.”

The VioStor VS-8040 Network Video Recorder is a high performance video surveillance system that can simultaneously record video from up to 40 IP cameras on the network and is an ideal solution for large office buildings, shopping malls, or manufacturing facilities. The embedded surveillance system allows each channel of video recording to have its own monitoring parameters including continuous recording, motion detection recording, time-scheduled recording, alarm recording, and even pre-alarm and post-alarm recording. The VS-8040 incorporates Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA) allowing efficient video data search by foreign object detection, object removal detection, and camera out-of-focus or obstruction. Security personnel can also search the video data by date/time, motion event, or timeline. The multi-server monitoring feature is provided for monitoring up to 120 channels from multiple QNAP NVR servers. All the system configurations and video monitoring can be carried out easily by the IE browser. The VS-8040 contains up to 8 hard disk drives for hours and hours of video recording, RAID 0/1/5 data protection is provided. The VS-8040U-RP is a 2U rack-mounted unit with dual redundant power supply to provide higher system stability. It is also in the nomination list to the “New Product of The Year Award”.

The VS-8040 is currently available. Please visit the QNAP Security website (www.qnapsecurity.com) for more information on the VS-8040 or to find a reseller.

About QNAP Security
QNAP Security is a world class provider of professional PC-less Network Video Recorder (NVR) surveillance solutions for small, medium, and large facilities that integrate IP cameras, advanced surveillance video analytics and RAID storage technologies to help companies provide a safe environment for employees and protect company assets. QNAP VioStor NVR solutions provide 1 to 120 channels of networked video surveillance with multi-server monitoring that allow individual monitoring and alarm generation parameters for each channel and are scalable for monitoring a single facility or an entire enterprise.

About Security Products Magazine
Security Products Magazine is a publication dedicated to innovative products and technologies for the security professional and covers technology products as well as physical security products, techniques, and best practices. For more information, visit: www.secprodonline.com

That’s where Qualcomm Chief Executive Paul Jacobs sees the wireless industry headed.

And the technology is a long way from where it began.

In 1985, Jacobs’ father, Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs, began championing a cellular technology that some experts wrote off as too complex to succeed commercially. A professor at Stanford University claimed the technology violated the laws of physics.

San Diego-based Qualcomm took that technology, called code division multiple access, and built it into an $11 billion business that employs more than 15,000 workers worldwide. Its chips or technology power many of today’s wireless devices.

Paul and Irwin Jacobs will give a keynote address today at the CTIA Wireless trade show at the San Diego Convention Center. The joint appearance is rare these days. Irwin Jacobs stepped down as the company’s chief executive in 2005 and retired as chairman of its board of directors this year.

Yesterday, they granted interviews to The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Qualcomm’s core technology had plenty of skeptics when the company was founded. “Everybody had 10 reasons why it wasn’t going to work,” Irwin Jacobs said.

It almost didn’t. Early on, Qualcomm invited telecommunications companies for a key demonstration of CDMA, but there was a glitch. Jacobs stalled, giving an hour-long speech while engineers frantically tried to solve the problem. In the end, they got it fixed.

“I often think back, if we didn’t find it in that hour time period and get it working again, we would probably be out of business,” he said.

Besides CDMA, Irwin Jacobs also established an unusual business model at Qualcomm in hopes of giving the technology a better toehold in the market.

He licensed the technology to phone makers, collecting a royalty of about 5 percent on the wholesale price of phones.

When the company was small, the licenses weren’t a big deal. Now that CDMA technology is a part of a lot of wireless phones, the licensing agreements have been contentious. Government agencies in South Korea and Japan have claimed parts of Qualcomm’s license deals with phone makers violate unfair trade practice laws in those countries. Qualcomm is appealing the rulings.

“I think they’re attacking the success more than anything else,” Irwin Jacobs said. “I can’t comment on the legal stuff really. It has become a huge business. . . . The competitors talk to their governments and their governments come after us.”

With the rise of Web-enabled smart phones, the Internet has gone wireless, bringing more computing functions and consumer electronics functions to cell phones.

What’s next for the industry is wireless capabilities embedded into a lot more devices, Paul Jacobs said.

“We’ve been talking about machine-to-machine communication, where your thermostat is networked,” he said. “But it’s also displays that are going to be accessible — speakers, microphones, the light switches — everything around you is going to be wirelessly accessible. Not only that, but content will be available.”

For example, a restaurant will broadcast wireless coupons to nearby cell phone users who have agreed to accept promotions.

Or cell phone owners will point their phones at retailers to get information about the store, such as customer reviews. This augmented-reality application is available on some phones, but in a simple form. Jacobs said he thinks it will be much more robust in the future.

“So in some sense, what the phone is going to be is this sixth sense for you,” Jacobs said. “There’s going to be all this virtual stuff around you, whether it’s services that can be provided to you, or content, or your ability to communicate with other people, and the phone will let you know that those things are available.”

Qualcomm is working on augmented-reality technology, trying to solve problems such as jittery imaging and power usage. It’s building secure, low-power “personal area network” technology so health can be monitored via tiny sensors that communicate through the cell phone.

“So wireless is everywhere,” Jacobs said. “It’s ubiquitous around you, and the phone either acts as a sixth sense or a remote control for your life.”

CapPlan Sewer allows utilities to plan system improvements by scoring both the probability and consequence of failure for each underground asset. Probability of failure is determined based on the pipe’s physical condition and location as well as its hydraulic performance characteristics. Consequence of failure ranking draws on data such as service to critical facilities, total flow carried, population served, adjacent vehicular traffic, and other related geospatial factors. Assets that affect system operation normally rate high on the consequence scale, while assets in poor condition have a high probability of failure.

Able to run on the ArcGIS-based InfoWater or stand-alone H2OMAP platform, CapPlan Sewer tackles the toughest data integrity and processing issues that slow typical large-scale asset management analysis projects. Leveraging the unique CapPlan Sewer architecture, users can seamlessly work between hydraulic modeling calculations and traditional GIS data to determine probability and consequence scores without cumbersome, error-prone exports and data synching to other applications. CapPlan Sewer also gives engineers the unique ability to directly view CCTV defect data and video footage, eliminating the need for specialized third-party viewing software.

Key new features in V4 include: new calculation methods for the consequence and likelihood of failure calculations, additional integration to hydraulic modeling results, new statistical classification methods for failure calculations, additional risk calculation methods, more granular budget-driven rehabilitation planning options, updated workflows to better support utilities with no or little CCTV data, and dozens of new and enhanced reports.

“A strong asset management and capital planning strategy is critical for any wastewater utility,” said Paul F. Boulos, Ph.D, Hon.D.WRE, President and COO of MWH Soft. “This newest version of CapPlan Sewer is a prime example of our company’s steadfast commitment to breakthrough innovation and end-to-end engineering solutions. It delivers the advanced functionality engineers need to strengthen and optimize their infrastructures and keep them operating efficiently well into the future. This release also sustains MWH Soft’s reputation for continuous product evolution and a steadfast commitment to meeting the ever-changing needs of our industry. These are traits our customers count on to help make them the best-run utilities in the world.”

Pricing and Availability

CapPlan Sewer V4 is available immediately by subscription worldwide. For the latest information on the MWH Soft Subscription Program, including availability, pricing, and purchase requirements, visit www.mwhsoft.com or contact your local MWH Soft Certified Representative.

Customs and Border Protection Service currently serves more than 20 million passengers annually at eight international airports throughout Australia, working closely with other government and international agencies to detect and deter the unlawful movement of goods and people. VideoSphere was selected based on the system’s high reliability, advanced video management, and ability to support existing CCTV cameras. “Our VideoSphere VMS-based systems deliver the centralized video management and live monitoring capabilities required to protect high-traffic ports of entry. Our open architecture allows the agency to easily deploy their systems over best-in-class Sun Fire servers, and benefit from the integration work undertaken through our recent partnership with Sun Microsystems,” said Peter Strom, President and CEO, March Networks. March Networks and Sun Microsystems entered into a global partnership in 2008 to help organizations deploy advanced surveillance applications and intelligently manage the convergence of IP video technologies and IT infrastructure. March Networks VMS Application Server Bundles combine Sun’s industry-leading server platforms with pre-installed VideoSphere VMS software and IP camera connection licenses. The offering enables customers to choose the best product bundle for their installation and benefit from the convenience of a turnkey solution that is already configured, tested and certified for optimum performance. “Leading government and transportation agencies around the world are seeking to take advantage of next-generation surveillance technologies optimized to run over IP networks,” added Darrell Jordan-Smith, Vice President of Industry Vertical Markets, Sun Microsystems, Inc. “Our collaboration with March Networks combines industry-leading software and hardware products with common management software and a flexible architecture that can scale to support the most demanding security requirements.” About March Networks March Networks(R) (TSX:MN - News) is a leading provider of intelligent IP video and business analysis applications that enable organizations to reduce losses, mitigate risks and improve security and operational efficiency. The Company’s advanced software suite includes enterprise-class video management, powerful analytics and comprehensive managed and professional services. Our software and systems are used by leading financial institutions, retailers, transportation authorities and other organizations in more than 50 countries. For more information, please visit www.marchnetworks.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains certain forward-looking information, including expectations of future business. This information is based on the company’s current expectations and assumptions that are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that may be beyond March Networks’ control. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements due to factors such as customer demand and timing of purchasing decisions, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party manufacturers, risks relating to intellectual property infringement claims, and other risks and factors identified in March Networks’ public filings with regulatory authorities in Canada. March Networks assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events. (x) MARCH NETWORKS, VideoSphere and the MARCH NETWORKS logo are trademarks of March Networks Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Solaris, Sun Fire, Solaris and The Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

On Thursday city workers bolted to the ground the three shipping containers that were used as barricades to stop traffic flow in Lansdowne Road in Khayelitsha’s BT Section, in Site C.

Residents watched fascinated as huge machines moved in to lift, turn and bolt down the containers which had obstructed traffic on the road for several weeks. Residents of BT Section had moved the containers, burnt tyres and strewn rubbish across the road during violent service delivery protests.

In August, an off-duty Stellenbosch policeman was attacked and beaten unconscious after he drew his service pistol when he was confronted by protesting residents there.

Seven people were arrested for public violence, and two charged with the assault on the police officer.

The road has been shut for at least three weeks. Vehicles have avoided the section of Lansdowne Road between the Nolungile train station footbridge and Capital Drive, which has been closed to traffic.

On Wednesday, municipal workers embarked on a major clean-up of the road.

There was a tense stand-off between police and a group of residents who had gathered earlier that day. The crowd dispersed after police agreed to release two of their members who had been arrested for inciting violence earlier that morning.

No violent outbreaks were reported on Wednesday night, and last night the area was quiet. But authorities are on high alert, with a heavy police presence expected in the area over the next few days.

On Thursday Kennith Patrick, executive support officer to mayoral committee member JP Smith, said that a mobile caravan would be set up, and that visible patrols would monitor the affected road during the day, while an armoured vehicle would be used to keep check at night.

Patrick said the clean-up effort and police presence had been well received so far.

“We’ve had no major incidents and everything’s going well. We will continue to increase the visible patrols and to saturate the area with enforcement agents,” he said.

Fisheries secretary Richard Lochhead is in Aalborg to address the Danfish International Conference. He ll also hold key talks with ministerial counterparts from Denmark, Germany and the UK.

Scotland has been working very closely with Denmark, Germany and the UK to explore what additional benefits can be delivered for fleets and the environment by expanding the use of CCTV.

Mr Lochhead is now seeking additional catch quota opportunities for vessels using CCTV next year. Developing more intuitive means of counting effort as actual fishing time, not just time away from port, is also a priority. This is potentially a major step in raising awareness of the benefits of CCTV as a management tool.

A Scottish CCTV pilot launched in August involving seven vessels is already producing hugely impressive results. This type of initiative rewards management measures, while at the same time cutting discards.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Mr Lochhead said: ‘I am determined to help find a way forward that will see our fishermen not only survive the current storm caused by economic pressures and European restrictions, but emerge even stronger.

‘We cannot afford to ignore problems such as discards and wait until 2013 for the broken Common Fisheries Policy to be overhauled. Decisive action is needed now to help secure a more sustainable and profitable future. We will do whatever it takes to ensure our fishermen are rewarded with catch quotas and effort that is actual fishing time, not simply time spent at sea.

‘Our fishermen are already international leaders on conservation issues. And by working with the industry and other nations I believe that we can make discards history. Allowing fishermen to catch for the market will help both the industry and the environment.

‘Scotland and Denmark share an appetite for change and it’s clear that CCTV has the potential to be an extremely powerful tool. It can deliver the confidence and evidence to managers and consumers alike that our fishermen are responsible and are not actively wasting valuable resources.

‘The initial results of our trial are very promising. We hope that the Danish and Scottish experience of CCTV will provide enough justification to allow a trial of a catch quota system next year.

‘I am calling on the Commission to keep an open mind and allow us to demonstrate innovative fisheries management. In return we will provide robust evidence to support our push to retain more control and flexibility in managing our fisheries.

”Scotland has already designed and implemented measures to improve fisheries management, and I am proud to see them at the forefront of developing new thinking for the future. New tools, new ways of working, and new attitudes are required if Scotland is to continue to set the pace in Europe.’

The Charleston Police Department has received a federal grant of more than $250,000 to enhance security systems at the schools, and the school district will match the grant. The funds will be used to buy and install cameras and electronic keyless access systems that require staff members to use electronic cards to enter buildings.

Schools that will receive the upgraded security systems are Buist Academy, C.E. Williams Middle, James Island Middle, St. Andrew’s Middle, James Simons Elementary and St. John’s High. Some of those schools lack camera systems, and all of those schools except for Buist ranked in the top 20 as most in need of video surveillance and access control systems. Buist ranked in the top 30.

Twelve district schools already have similar, comprehensive video surveillance and access systems.

“Ensuring safety at each of our schools and programs is our utmost priority, and this funding opportunity will better enable us to improve our level of security in and around our facilities,” School Superintendent Nancy McGinley said in a statement.

The police department was among 128 local law enforcement agencies and municipalities nationwide to receive a part of the $16 million in Secure Our Schools grants from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The new camera systems include a feature that enables police to tap into them remotely and pull up images, which will allow police to see live video from schools in emergency situations. The keyless entry system will keep track of who enters and leaves buildings and will enable police to lock and unlock building doors remotely.

The mayor said the city would use a $24 million federal Homeland Security grant for the project, which mirrors the Lower Manhattan Security Initiative put in place in 2005.

Construction on the Midtown portion, which extends from 30th Street to 60th Street, river to river, is expected to be finished in 2011.

After announcing the plan, Bloomberg accused City Comptroller Bill Thompson, his Democratic rival for re-election, of dragging his feet in approving construction of a new Police Academy in Queens, first reported in yesterday’s Post.

Thompson replied, “Every time the mayor and his people don’t do the jobs that they’re supposed to do, don’t provide the information, attempt to gloss over things, they say it’s politics.”

Nowhere is the split more apparent than in the half-mile passageway of blast walls leading to Samarra’s famed Shiite Askariya shrine, once a flash point for sectarian slaughter. On one side of the walls are struggling Sunni shopkeepers. On the other are their traditional customers, Shiite pilgrims who for decades provided a steady stream of income for local merchants.

The shrine — ravaged in a February 2006 blast blamed on Sunni insurgents — represents the quandary facing military and civic authorities across Iraq: How much can the lockdown tactics be lifted to restore some sense of normalcy.

At the Samarra shrine, the issue pits security against economic viability. In Baghdad and other cities where some of the 15-foot blast walls have been pulled down, the neighborhoods that sat behind them have been deeply reordered by years of bloodshed between Sunnis who had power under Saddam Hussein and the majority Shiites who claimed the upper hand after the invasion.

Few mixed areas remain and many Sunnis feel pushed aside in the effort to protect Shiite neighborhoods and places of worship. Both U.S. and Iraqi officials say that economic growth remains one of the keys to long-term stability in Iraq, but also acknowledge that the walls and other security measure remain a significant obstacle.

“It is very hard for us, and we have suffered with this wall,” said Abdullah Farr, 23, who runs a kitchen appliance store that sits a few block from the Askariya shrine, one of the main pilgrim sites for Shiites from both Iraq and Iran. “The government wants to protect the mosque. But what do they do for us? For our business?”

Many say Samarra city has been forever changed by the war — and then by the effort to keep the peace: From the damaged and destroyed buildings that dot the cityscape to towering concrete walls that block roads, businesses and homes.

In the business district surrounding the mosque, about 240 mostly Sunni-owned shops have been shuttered — blocked off by the blast walls that line a major street to create the walkway for Shiite pilgrims.

In 2004, the city fell under the control of Sunni insurgents, and al-Qaida in Iraq flags could be seen flying over some buildings in the city.

Then in February 2006, a huge explosion destroyed the shrine’s golden dome and ignited fierce fighting between Sunnis and Shiites, killing tens of thousands across Iraq and pushing the country to the brink of civil war. In June 2007, another bombing brought down the twin minarets on the mosque’s compound.

Today, with the steep decline in violence, the Shiite-dominated government has pointed to Samarra — and its peaceful streets — as an example of what is possible.

But U.S. commanders acknowledge those security gains have come with a price.

“The concrete walls that are providing some degree of security have a second and third degree negative effect,” said Lt. Col. Eric Timmerman, who commands U.S. troops at a joint U.S.-Iraqi command center in Samarra, about 60 miles (95 kilometers) north of Baghdad.

As a result, the U.S. military has been advising the Iraqi government on a new security plan for the mosque that would eventually tear down the concrete divide, replacing it with a series of decorative gates, security cameras and metal detectors. There also are plans to refurbish now closed streets as part of an $1.5 million Pentagon-funded plan, said Capt. Ryan Canady, 29, of Elko, Nev.

The improved security in Samarra allowed U.S. forces to turn over control of Camp Brassfield-Mora — named for two soldiers killed during fighting in Samarra. It’s another step in President Barack Obama’s plan to remove combat forces from Iraq by the end of Aug. 31, 2010, leaving up to 50,000 troops in training roles. Under a U.S.-Iraqi security pact, all American troops must leave by the end of 2011.

The current security barriers in Samarra, however, are expected to be kept in place through next January’s national elections.

Oday Taha, 36, said he longs for the days when pilgrims from Iraq, Iran and other countries flooded Samarra. Many came to his clothing store, which has been handed down in his family more two generations.

“These walls have destroyed the heart of Samarra. It has changed something forever,” Taha said. “It is very difficult to make business here.”

The reconstruction on the mosque has entered its final phase.

Scaffolding covers the minarets and the mosque’s dome where workers have been laying gold by hand. Restoration of the shrine has cost an estimated $16 million — with $8 million from the European Union and $5 million more from the United Nations. The Iraqi government paid the remainder.

Shiite tradition says the Askariya shrine is near the place where the last of the 12 Shiite imams, Mohammed al-Mahdi, disappeared. Shiites believe he is still alive and will return to restore justice to humanity.

The shrine also contains the tombs al-Mahdi’s father and grandfather, the 10th and 11th imams — Ali al-Hadi, who died in 868, and his son Hassan al-Askari, who died in 874. Both are descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, and Shiites consider them to be among his successors. The famed golden dome was completed in 1905.

Rashed Alawi, a classical literature professor working in Tikrit, used to make weekly trips to pray at the mosque. Since the war began, he had only made two trips.

“There is a before and after in Samarra, for everybody who comes to Samarra,” said Alawi after leaving the mosque and stopping in a nearby store to buy a snack for his trip home.

“Before, there was peace. After, no peace. Before, there were many businesses. After, no businesses

Office workers and tourists – and possible terrorists – will have cameras watching their every move as they visit Macy’s, shop for diamonds at Tiffany & Co., or gawk in Times Square. The apparatus, paid for by some $24 million in Department of Homeland Security funding, will expand a similar effort already underway in lower Manhattan where cameras focus on the Federal Reserve, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, announcing the program Sunday, said the goal is to detect terrorism threats and deter pre-operational surveillance. Sensors will try to detect chemical, biological, and radiological threats.

But some terrorism experts have questioned whether a camera network will deter terrorists. They also say that sensors are known to give off “false positives.”

Meanwhile, civil rights organizations are concerned that the project will be another encroachment on civil liberties.

“The fear is [that] the NYPD without any oversight or public scrutiny is creating a massive surveillance system, when we don’t know if this is the best use of $125 million designed to keep us safe,” says Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU). The NYCLU has filed two lawsuits to try to get more public information about the program.

In March, New York Police Department (NYPD) commissioner Raymond Kelly indicated in testimony before the City Council that 1,000 police officers are involved in anti-terrorism work daily, and that he hoped to add 500 more cameras to the 500 already installed.

But there did not appear to be any discussion at the hearing about whether the effort is worthwhile or what kind of civil rights safeguards might be needed.

“There are legitimate arguments on all sides here,” says Frank Cilluffo, head of George Washington University’s Homeland Security Policy Institute in Washington. “What I would like to see is a broader discussion that brings in the average citizen.”

Probably the largest use of security cameras is in London, which has put what it terms a “Ring of Steel” of thousands of security cameras all around the city. But some security experts question their effectiveness.

“They won’t stop any terrorist,” says Bruce Schneier, chief security technology officer at BT (formerly British Telecom) and a widely-published author on security. “None of them is going to look at a camera and say ‘I better go get a real job.’ ”

The only time cameras reduce crime is in parking lots and laundromats, Mr. Schneier says.

“It only makes sense if the tactics and targets are few, but there are billions of targets ranging from shopping malls to restaurants and dozens of tactics,” he adds.

However, Brian Jackson, associate director of the Homeland Security Research Program at the Rand Institute in Washington, says the cameras create “the possibility for prevention” of an attack. He says cameras add a level of concern for the terrorists.

“Surveillance is one ingredient that gives the terrorists more opportunities to make a mistake and be discovered,” says Mr. Jackson.

As for using sensors that detect biological and radiological weapons , Mr. Cilluffo says they often give off false positives or false negatives. “They tend to be only successful in events that can easily be contained like the State of the Union address or conventions,” he says. “Once they are in a more dynamic environment, I’m not sure where the science is on that.”

But the science of cameras is progressing fast, raising the possibility of even more “Big Brother”-like scenarios.

“Cameras are everywhere and you can see them,” says Schneier, “In ten years, you won’t even be able to see them.”

The combined solution, which is already being deployed at joint customers of the two companies, enables users in the public and private sector to authenticate themselves and access their sensitive data through fixed or wireless networks, in a secure and convenient way.

OpenTrust’s Smart Card Manager ensures flexible management of smart cards and certificates. Combined with Gemalto’s strong authentication solutions, it enables organizations to implement one-time password and certificate-based programs in a smooth manner. Since it is integrated prior to deployment, the new solution simplifies IT management and reduces total cost of ownership.

“We are proud to team up with the world leader in digital security,” commented Olivier Guilbert, OpenTrust Chief Executive Officer. “This collaboration facilitates future deployments of security solutions within organizations and constitutes a concrete answer to an increasing market demand.”

“This collaboration with OpenTrust brings about new opportunities for our customers,” added Cédric Collomb, Senior Vice-President, Identity and Access Management at Gemalto. “They can benefit from more innovative, convenient and easy to deploy solutions, and therefore optimize both data protection and access to IT resources while streamlining business processes.”

About Gemalto

Gemalto (Euronext NL 0000400653 GTO) is the world leader in digital security with 2008 annual revenues of €1.68 billion, and 10,000 employees operating out of 75 offices, research and service centers in 40 countries.

Gemalto is at the heart of our evolving digital society. The freedom to communicate, travel, shop, bank, entertain, and work—anytime, anywhere—has become an integral part of what people want and expect, in ways that are convenient, enjoyable and secure.

Gemalto delivers on the growing demands of billions of people worldwide for mobile connectivity, identity and data protection, credit card safety, health and transportation services, e-government and national security. We do this by supplying to governments, wireless operators, banks and enterprises a wide range of secure personal devices, such as subscriber identification modules (SIM), Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) in mobile phones, smart banking cards, smart card access badges, electronic passports, and USB tokens for online identity protection. To complete the solution we also provide software, systems and services to help our customers achieve their goals.

As the use of Gemalto’s software and secure devices increases with the number of people interacting in the digital and wireless world, the company is poised to thrive over the coming years.

Lombard, IL (PRWEB) October 5, 2009 — Scientel Wireless, LLC today announces a strategic expansion of their core networking and microwave business by appointing Randy Swets as Manager of Convergence Voice Technologies reporting to Dennis Broderick, Vice President of Security Integration.

“Strategically, we feel it is important to hire the best available resources. ” said Dennis Broderick, VP, Wireless Security Integration;” Randy is seasoned professional that will increase our capabilities in the Midwest region and then replicate that success to our Texas and Hawaii offices. We are excited to have him join our team.”

Randy has over 29 years of wireless voice experience and is well respected in the 2-Way Communication Industry. Randy’s key responsibility will be growing Scientel’s Convergence Voice Business through its existing sales force which is focused on State & Local Government, Health Care and Education vertical markets.

“Over the last few years the digital convergence of voice, data and video over a single network has dominated the wireless market.” said Nelson Santos, President of Scientel Wireless. He continued saying; “Mr. Swets will provide Scientel the ability to provide our customers with a full spectrum of products and services in the markets that we serve.”

About Scientel Wireless
Headquartered in Lombard, Illinois, Scientel Wireless is a single source for providing multi-site wireless communication systems to the municipal and business community. Since 1992, Scientel Wireless continues to deliver top quality services in consulting, design, implementation and support. Our innovative teams of experts deploy secure solutions that increase communications, reduce overall costs and improve the ability to service their customers.

“We chose FrontPoint over a number of other security vendors because their systems were very user-friendly and catered to our student residents who tend to only have cell phones,” said Matt Taylor, owner of Chimney Ridge at Clemson. “FrontPoint was also the only company that could complete this project in our time frame at a reasonable price.”

Every home at Chimney Ridge is equipped with its own FrontPoint system complete with wireless monitoring. Each resident has a unique code to arm and disarm the system, and codes are reassigned when tenants change in order to keep the most secure environment possible. All equipment and monthly monitoring fees are fully covered by Chimney Ridge at Clemson.

FrontPoint’s next-generation home security systems run over an all-cellular network that is safer than traditional alarm systems that run over a landline phone line, which can be disabled by simply cutting the phone line or power cord. This is especially important as most students do not have a landline phone and could not be serviced by a traditional alarm company.

“Chimney Ridge caters to Clemson students that have never lived independently,” Taylor added. “The addition of FrontPoint has provided peace of mind for parents and made our community a top choice for sophomores and juniors who want to live on their own but also stay close to campus and feel secure.”

The FrontPoint system includes small wireless sensors that can be placed on virtually anything inside or outside the home and the user can be notified instantly through e-mail or text message whenever a sensor is activated. All equipment is made by GE and can be monitored from any Internet connection, iPhone or BlackBerry.

FrontPoint Security is fully licensed to operate in the state of South Carolina and is also fully compliant in all 50 states.

North Kansas City, MO (PRWEB) September 27, 2009 — DuraComm Corporation, well known and respected for its innovative and high quality power and battery management products, is expanding its portfolio with new offerings designed for the security, surveillance and CCTV markets.

Joe White, DuraComm’s Senior Product Manager, states that “with heightened security awareness worldwide there is an increased demand (government establishments, corporations, hotels, airports, event venues, residential) for integrated, sophisticated solutions which parallels a growth (shift) of the global CCTV markets from analog to digital. We are pleased to announce several new product lines that are designed specifically for this sector.”

The first new product series is the DSD-PSC-100. The DuraComm Security DIN is a 100 watt multifunction PSU that is available with 12 or 24 VDC output. As with several existing DuraComm products, these units have built-in low voltage disconnect (LVD) for battery and equipment protection, built-in battery back-up & charge circuit as well as a relay contact alarm signal for AC OK and battery low indications. Both the 100A and 100B units incorporate the new DIN-MB - a universal mounting bracket for DIN applications, also designed by the company’s development team.

The DSN Series - DuraComm Security NEMA - offers 20 fused outputs in a NEMA “1″ enclosure. Weighing less than 10 pounds, this series (DSN-20-12 & DSN-20-24) of units can connect and power 20 devices simultaneously, thus making it ideal for those CCTV, timer and camera applications.

Also being introduced is the DSR-10-12/24 - the DuraComm Security Rack Mount model with Dual Voltage Output. Separate 12 VDC and 24 VAC outputs are combined in this one package with 10 (PTC 1.3 Amp) individually fused circuits (for each voltage). Front panel LEDs indicate individual circuit condition - at a glance. Also ideally suited for applications with cameras, timers and other CCTV equipment.

Each of these new products comes with the standard 2 year DuraComm warranty.

 Mr. Samarn Takort, General Manager of Security Systems Division, Robert Bosch Thailand, discloses that security system has played an important role in asset security and public safety today. In order to cater for such needs, Bosch is adding in 4 latest innovative products to the market including a new IP200 Series, which is the first multi-purpose all-in-one standalone IP CCTV, a new fire control panel, a new access control system completely compatible with Bosch CCTV tailored out to suit small to midsized segments, and a new Praesideo Digital PA system with new standard equipments added in to enhance system performance.
          “The local need for security system is tremendously expanding – private homes, offices, factories, banks, education institutions, department stores, high-rise buildings – you could name it. Given such demands, consumers are placing higher priority to the selection and procurement of good security system.  This will, of course, include good after-sale services, which is in fact one of the key strengths that Bosch possess.  Besides being One-Stop Solution Provider, Bosch also offer complete services from manufacturing, sales through to after-sale services.  In addition, Bosch also has constant and continuous technological developments and innovations, which have driven Bosch to the forefront in security systems.” added Mr. Samarn

NEW DELHI: International firms dealing in security technology and systems are looking for a pie in the Indian security business estimated to be

worth $ 600 mn.

“Indian companies are looking for global experts who can handle their security concerns, especially in the wake of Mumbai terror attack last year,” said Nigel Luke Brown, Regional Director, United Business Media, which is organising an exhibition on hi-tech security systems this month here.

Brown said, “The Indian security market potential is enhanced by the old legacy security systems in operation. Therefore, it is in need of advanced technologies. The market is eager to embrace the latest security, fire and building management systems and solutions available.”

According to a report commissioned by British Security Industry Association, the security and fire market in India, which was estimated to be about USD 530 million in 2007, is growing at a rate of about 25 per cent annually.

There is no official valuation of the Indian security market but experts put the figure about USD 600 million.

The key product areas in the Indian market are CCTV (which represents about half of all expenditures), access control and intruder alarms and retail security.

About 250 firms from 16 countries will be showcasing their high-end gizmos during the three-day long exhibition starting from October 29.

Responding to the growing demand for megapixel technology for monitoring locations such as parking lots, parks, shopping malls and transportation hubs, Vigilant has successfully certified Arecont Vision’s H.264 Megapixel cameras for integration with its NetVR network video recorder and NetView control center solution.

“We are extremely pleased that Arecont Vision’s megapixel cameras are now integrated with Vigilant Technology’s NetVR recording solution,” said Raul Calderon, Vice President of Strategic Relations, Arecont Vision. “As more of the security industry’s leading equipment suppliers continue to work together on an open platform, end users will continue to have a greater selection of solutions available to meet their specific needs.”

Vigilant Technology’s open architecture platform enables customers to integrate not only multiple types of cameras from multiple manufacturers, but also supports a wide range of third-party offerings including specialized video analytics, access control systems, storage, control room and situation management, displays, and wireless transmission.

“By integrating with best of breed manufacturers like Arecont Vision we enable our customers to pair world-class cameras with Vigilant’s NetVR recording platform,” stated Ohad Kleinman, director of product management for Vigilant Technology. “The ability to present a greater and more diversified selection to customers while still offering a seamless user experience is vital in today’s market and we are pleased to have partnered with Arecont Vision and their unique megapixel offering to enhance our open architecture platform,” Kleinman continued.

Featuring industry-leading video quality, intelligent event detection, highly-efficient streaming and storage, and seamless remote access, Vigilant NetVR is part of Vigilant’s end-to-end Video Surveillance Suite which includes Vigilant NetView Control Center, a fully digital management solution providing a mature virtual matrix, video-wall operation and powerful event handling. NetView provides enhanced video handling accuracy, flexibility and alarms management and is specifically designed to achieve higher security levels in mission-critical, multi-user environments.

About Arecont Vision

Arecont Vision is the leading manufacturer of high-performance megapixel IP cameras and associated software. Arecont Vision products are made in the USA and feature low-cost massively parallel image processing architectures MegaVideo^® and SurroundVideo^® that represent a drastic departure from traditional analog and network camera designs. These innovative technologies enable Arecont Vision to deliver multi-megapixel digital video at IP VGA camera price points.

About Vigilant Technology

Vigilant Technology is a pioneering developer and manufacturer of intelligent video recording and surveillance solutions for mission-critical applications. The focus is on adding value to the video that is captured by customers’ CCTV networks.

Vigilant’s high frame rate solutions allow customers to break free from ineffective time lapse recording solutions. They enable demanding environments to gain maximum benefit from today’s digital video recording technology.

The conference demo combines MIMO wireless infrastructure mesh from Firetide with high-definition network camera technology from Axis Communications and open-platform video management from Milestone Systems. Deployed in a matter of hours, the system is a real-world example of what public safety agencies can achieve in the field with the right combination of IP technologies, delivering evidence-grade video for officer safety, identification and investigation.

THE DEMO: The live demonstration will feature wireless capture, distribution and playback of high-resolution video over a wireless mesh network. Real-time video from Axis high-definition and megapixel cameras will be streamed over Firetide wireless infrastructure mesh network. The video will be captured and displayed using the open-platform Milestone video management system, including remote viewing via Wi-Fi enabled PDAs.

LOCATION: The demonstration will take place at IACP 2009 in Denver from October 4 through October 6 on the Firetide booth 2912.

EDITOR ALERT: Interested media are invited to set up an in-person interview with the Sandy Utah Police Department during the conference; PD representatives will be available to discuss Sandy’s wireless video surveillance system in operation since 2008.

About Firetide

Firetide is the leading provider of wireless infrastructure mesh networks that enable concurrent video, voice, and data for municipal, public safety, and industrial applications. Firetide provides reliable high performance wireless infrastructure mesh and access solutions for video surveillance, Internet access, public safety networks and temporary networks wherever rapid deployment, mobility and ease of installation are required.

About Axis Communications

Axis is an IT company offering network video solutions for professional installations. The company is the global market leader in network video, driving the ongoing shift from analog to digital video surveillance. Axis products and solutions focus on security surveillance and remote monitoring, and are based on innovative, open technology platforms.

About Milestone Systems

Milestone Systems is the leading global developer of open platform IP video management software. XProtect™ gives users a powerful surveillance solution that is easy to manage and proven in 50,000 customer installations. With support for the industry’s widest choice in network hardware and integration with other systems, XProtect provides best-of-breed solutions to “video enable” organizations.

DALSA Corporation (TSX: DSA), a global leader in machine vision technology, today announced the availability of the BOA vision system, a highly integrated smart camera that comprises all of the elements of an industrial machine vision system.

BOA is the first smart camera in its class to incorporate multiple processing engines. This enables algorithm optimization via DSP, application management via CPU, and sensor management via FPGA. It is also the first smart camera that offers truly embedded application software, which is easily set-up through a standard web browser. No software to install — no version control problems. BOA delivers greater flexibility for its users via a rugged, easy-to-mount enclosure, built-in factory communications, and a low deployment cost.

Steve Geraghty, director of DALSA’s Industrial Products group, states, “BOA sets a new benchmark for single point inspection cameras in the industry. It offers advanced vision capabilities that are easy to integrate at an affordable price, while consuming very little space and power.”

The ultra small BOA has been specifically designed for industry. Its 44 mm cube form factor is perfect for tight-fit applications. The IP67-rated housing means that the camera can be directly deployed in harsh, wash-down environments. This is particularly useful to meet cleanliness standards in the food and pharmaceutical industries, and eliminates the need for a separate, costly protective enclosure. BOA’s small form factor and easy mounting capabilities allow it to integrate easily into existing production lines, machinery or moving equipment.

Building on the strength of its software, DALSA has evolved and embedded the complete functionality of iNspect software in BOA. iNspect is ideal for both first time and experienced vision users alike; it offers excellent inspection capabilities that can be readily applied across a multitude of applications. This easy-to-use, graphical point and click interface, allows users to rapidly prototype and deploy solutions, and it is available with a fully featured emulator for offline application development and debugging.

The BOA vision system is available immediately in a monochrome version (model BVS-0640M). A color version will be available later in the year.

About DALSA Corporation
DALSA is an international leader in high performance digital imaging and semiconductors. Established in 1980, the company designs, develops, manufactures and markets digital imaging products and solutions, in addition to providing semiconductor products and services. DALSA is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “DSA” and has its corporate offices in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

All trademarks are registered by their respective companies. DALSA reserves the right to make changes at anytime without notice.

However, the true innovation in EyeSoft is how the software utilises the Nvidia Cuda graphics platform to offload processing from the computers CPU to the graphics card GPU resulting in faster processing of information and reduced hardware costs.

EyeSoft features advanced video analytics algorithms, a process of analysing video for specific events such as suspicious behaviour, illegal crossing or parking, loitering, object detection, object counting, cash fraud to detecting smoke & fire in real time. Video analytics can consume large amounts of processing power resulting in the need for more expensive equipment and slower processing of information.

BiKal’s CTO, Bippon Kalia commented ‘Integrating the software processes with Nvidia’s Cuda platform accelerates the processing of data which for the CCTV user means faster detection & response times to real time events. With lower computing requirements, the PC has more resources to conduct other tasks or adding to resiliency of the system!’

BiKal IP CCTV recently appeared on Sky News in response to concerns from the Metropolitan police on the effectiveness of CCTV and discussed where video analytics and the use of such an advanced system from BiKal could be of assistance in helping detect crime in live situations. The added benefits provided by the integration of GPU technology is a demonstration of how the new technology can be put in real life operation spear – heading BiKal’s pre-crime initiative.

BiKal IP CCTV is a UK based developer & integrator of innovative network video surveillance solutions from ip cameras to network video recorders and surveillance software. B Kalia is an independent CCTV & surveillance specialist and has appeared on national & international TV News channels and has contributed to or been featured in numerous global publications. For further information & video, visit www.bikal.co.uk