Arecont Vision CCTV Lenses

According to IHS Market, it is estimated that there are over 60 million security cameras in the United States, and other reports say these cameras capture more than four billion hours of footage per week. Over the last decade, IP camera technology has dominated the conversation as it has provided users with a broad offering of enhanced image quality and features. With a large percentage of existing security systems relying on analogue, many end users looking for high definition (HD) video quality have been forced to take on a complete system overhaul. Infrastructure overhaul for HD video To make the switch, customers would need to change everything, from cameras to hardware to wiring– not to mention the lengthy installation process that would ensue. IP cameras also require higher Internet speeds and more cloud space. Whether constrained by budget, bandwidth or storage, many end users have been unable to adopt this new video surveillance method.Thanks to technological advancements within the security industry, HD over Coax offers a viable solution for integrators and end users alike Thanks to technological advancements within the security industry, HD over Coax offers a viable solution for integrators and end users alike. By utilising the current Coaxial cables, this offering yields high definition video, while requiring minimal infrastructure changes and is an optimal surveillance choice for security customers. Plus, with new advancements and updates being made frequently to this technology, there is a solution for every security need. The enhanced alternative of HD over Coax has been warmly welcomed in the security industry, thanks to its simple solutions and ever-evolving features. Many new analogue HD cameras are “plug and play,” able to connect directly to existing Coaxial cables. This eliminates the need for a complete system change, creating cost-savings for the end user and an enhanced video quality offering. Easy solutions for HD video As a result, integrators can cost-effectively upgrade their customer’s surveillance solution while using their legacy infrastructure, making it an attractive option for end users and an easy sell for dealers. Latency in video is another common issue with network-based camera systems, where even the slightest delay in video surveillance can hinder security response HD over Coax cameras themselves are always expanding and evolving to meet a wide array of security needs. With the introduction of fisheye and multi-sensor cameras, users now have a multitude of coverage options, not to mention the introduction of 4K bringing resolution options to the same level as IP. Some newer technologies are even touting 4K cameras paired with 4K digital video recorders (DVRs) made specifically for analogue systems. Longer cables grant transmission for up to 1600 feet, double the distance of standard analogue solutions, and triple that of IP systems. This single cable is able to transmit both HD video and audio. Recently, broadcast quality audio over Coax has become available in limited models, a substantial improvement over older analogue technology, which was unable to transmit audio. Stopping video delay Latency in video is another common issue with network-based camera systems. Even the slightest delay in video surveillance can hinder security response. IP cameras are forced to compress and packetise their video for transmission. The outcome of this is a reduced number of images per video, which in turn causes delay. HD over Coax on the other hand, delivers an unlimited amount of HD images in real time, with smooth motion and impressive clarity. Additionally, the point-to-point transmission delivers uncompressed video free of lag. Another touted benefit is that, unlike IP networked cameras, analogue systems provide a more secure video transmission. With so much sensitive information housed on a businesses’ network, adding another point of network access through an IP camera can create concerns for cyber security risks. HD over Coax delivers an unlimited amount of HD images in real time, with smooth motion and impressive clarity Preventing network hacking With HD over Coax, the physical connections between the camera and DVR prevent network hacking. By keeping the video surveillance system offline, security professionals are able to direct their attention to the physical threats at hand, rather than having to focus on deterring cyber security risks. One of the primary difficulties of deploying HD video solutions is the fact that many older systems utilise a wide variety of HD standards and platforms. To make matters more complicated, after HD over Coax was brought to market, manufacturers raced to create their own version of this technology. Today, the most popular proprietary standards are HD-CVI, HD-TVI and AHD. However, integrators and customers found that attempting to manage multiple HD technologies proved to be near impossible.Integrators and customers found that attempting to manage multiple HD technologies proved to be near impossible Diversifying surveillance through one DVR To combat these issues, manufacturers have introduced products with more flexibility to their portfolios. One example of this is the penta-brid DVR which grants the ability to seamlessly integrate multiple technologies deployed across one application. This means that systems with diverse camera brands and technologies, such as a mix of HD-CVI, HD-TVI, AHD, analogue or IP, can be connected through one DVR. For many end users with legacy analogue systems, penta-brid DVRs give them greater freedom to choose between a variety of solutions, rather than being limited to one option. With video resolution increasing, the space needed to store the footage is similarly rising. Penta-brid technology has been able to adapt to these evolving needs, giving users ample storage space to house the HD and 4K surveillance video with some of the newest models including H.265 compression.  HD casino surveillance made simple For casinos, HD images are critical for identifying unauthorised personnel and unlawful behaviours to create a safe environment for guests and staff While HD over Coax is beneficial to many end users and integrators, those in the casino and hospitality markets find it crucial. With a combination of high profile guests, large amounts of cash on hand, constant crowds and strict industry regulations, reliable video surveillance is a must. Deploying new IP systems comes at a stiff price. When looking to upgrade their video surveillance, casinos must also be mindful of the installation process. When moving to an IP-based system, ripping out old wires and replacing them with new is the standard practice. This practice can be both disruptive and costly, not to mention gaming regulations require casino activities be monitored at all times so a complete system shutdown would result in revenue loss. This cost can be hard to justify, especially when the current legacy analogue system remains in working condition with only the lower image resolution to date it. For these scenarios, the most cost-effective option is to leverage the legacy infrastructure, replace the existing cameras with new devices, and reap the benefits that HD video has to offer without any lapse in security. For casinos, HD images are critical for identifying unauthorised personnel and unlawful behaviours to create a safe environment for guests and staff. HD over Coax cameras now offer the same resolution as IP cameras with a plug and play approach, that cuts down on expense without sacrificing quality. For businesses and applications that are unable to adopt IP technology, whether it be cost or time prohibitive, HD over Coax now features most of the same benefits IP has to offer without breaking the bank. By providing clear images in real time, maximising existing infrastructure, and affording cyber security benefits, HD over Coax provides an attractive solution for many end users and integrators.

When people think of control rooms, images from James Bond movies or intense action stories come to mind. What they fail to realise is the incredible level of ergonomics, technology, precision and craftsmanship required to create a top-notch command and control room. “These are rooms of complex functionalities, where hundreds of elements must be integrated and function in sync,” says Jim Coleman, National Sales Manager, AFC Industries. Professional teams from several different industries must coordinate every single detail in order to ensure that functionality occurs each and every time. Reconfigurable furniture for control rooms AFC Industries is one company that specialises in equipping control rooms for security and other applications. AFC Industries was established in 1994 as a family-owned business that focuses on the design and construction of ergonomic products. Their height-adjustable units guarantee the right height for standing desks as well as traditional sitting levels. The company produces an array of Command and Control ergonomic security consoles and mounting solutions. Modular racking systems facilitate efficient storage of electronic and audio-visual equipment. As technology changes, older traditional consoles are no longer a necessity. Many organisations instead are choosing to use lighter, less costly, reconfigurable furniture that allows more flexibility. Command Centres need to be able to reconfigure the space at will. Because most systems are housed in secure data centres, users should be able to quickly move their positions by relocating their workstations, utilising different network connections. Simple control room features, like those addressing lighting or operator comfort, can make the difference in a correct or incorrect decision during a crisis Emergency operations centres A positive trend driving the market for control rooms is an increase in emergency operations centres (EOCs), says Randy Smith, President of Winsted. “Everybody is concerned about what happens in an emergency,” says Smith, and the centres are popping up as a tool for emergency preparedness. It’s another environment where sit-stand work stations are the rule. Winsted’s product lines include stock modular and customised elements in good-better-best categories – from basic to lots of “bells and whistles;” jobs can be configured from modular elements or customised as needed. Customised control rooms for seamless operation There is a lot at stake in control room design: Lives can depend on how effectively a control room functions in an emergency. Control rooms should seamlessly accommodate both everyday occurrences and crisis situations, says Matko Papic, Chief Technology Officer of Evans Consoles. Better-operating control rooms can increase efficiency and reduce and/or mitigate risk. Simple control room features, like those addressing lighting or operator comfort, can make the difference in a correct or incorrect decision during a crisis. Addressing operator comfort can reduce the possibility of workers’ compensation claims. End users are seeing multiple benefits of creating a better operating environment, better sightlines, more comfort and attention to ergonomics. As a fully integrated control room solutions provider, Evans Consoles approaches the needs of a control room environment beginning in the conceptual/operational planning stage. They consider broad issues such as how information will be processed, the interface between technology and operators, and the cognitive and physical interactions of operators – understanding that these factors drive the layout and function of control rooms. After analysing tasks to be performed in the environment, Evans lays out the consoles to meet those needs. Rather than a predesigned solution, each installation is tailored around a specific application. Read part 2 of our Control Rooms series here

Many end-users shell out the cash to acquire the newest high-end devices, plug in, and expect to be wowed A well-developed surveillance system can give a single security guard the power to see what otherwise might take a hundred pairs of eyes to see. But what happens when all the components are all connected and powered up, and the resulting image on the screen is, well, indiscernible, or, at the very least, terribly pixelated? Many end-users shell out the cash to acquire the newest high-end devices, plug in, and expect to be wowed. Often enough, however, what they see on the screen is not what they were expecting – and they wonder what they just paid for. In a good high-definition system, what factors actually create the best image quality? With so many variables involved, from the camera’s lens to the imaging algorithms to the monitor resolution – just to name the obvious ones – how do system integrators achieve the best on-screen images?   The lens The first component to handle light from an object, this may be the one most taken for granted in cameras of any sort. (Just try scratching or cracking one and you’ll agree.) In the days of analogue cameras, it seemed that any old lens would do just fine. However, as the technology inside cameras evolved and more powerful sensors (more pixels) became available, engineers and programmers demanded more from lenses. Moreover, intelligent video content analyses would be impossible without high-accuracy lenses.In what way do lenses impact the image quality? The key factor here is light transmission. The quality of light passing through the lens itself will forever be critical to the quality of image reproduced. A lens made using ultra-precision molding aspherical technology achieves more accurate colour, better light, and clearer images. Multilayer broadband anti-reflection coating further maximises a lens's light transmission while minimising the residual reflection of light on the surface of each optical lens. Variables involved include the camera’s lens, the imaging algorithms and the monitor resolution When it comes to fabricating a megapixel lens that hits the mark, the materials used and the processes by which lenses are produced are the two most critical criteria. The materials most often used to create lenses are glass and specialised plastics. An HD lens made of ultra-low-dispersion optical glass – which, by using dispersion characteristics that are different from those of conventional optical glass – will deliver better HD performance. Machine-automated lens production using specialised plastics results in high output for camera producers, and the lenses produced are more uniform in design and quality. For an HD vari-focal lens, its image quality depends largely on the precision of the cam. The cam rotates to drive the zoom and focus lens groups forward and backward for a smooth continuity of focal length and adjustment of the focal point. A lack of precision with the cam inevitably causes an offset or tilt of the lens' optical axis during zooming and focusing, leading to a serious loss of image quality. Lens production is a delicate balancing act. The slightest errors or imperfections will be very noticeable when tested Lens production is a delicate balancing act. The slightest errors or imperfections will be very noticeable when tested. The features of a lens that affect image resolution, clarity, and contrast must be perfect. Achieving uniformity of image resolution at the centre and the edges of a lens requires high-precision machinery. And once a lens has been properly crafted, the assembly of the camera, the lens housing materials, and the alignment of the optical axis demand utmost accuracy. To put it mildly, quality control must be rigorous. Image signal processing As light passes through the lens, the sensor captures it and converts it to data. Raw RGB data is transmitted by the camera sensor and undergoes Image Signal Processing (ISP) such as noise reduction, white balance, WDR, curve correction and colour correction, etc. The data is then transformed to true colours for each pixel point, for people to see images that look “normal” to the human eye. It is the Image Signal Processing that defines the final image quality on the screen. Collecting data in different conditions is vital, for instance, outdoor data should be analysed with natural light on days with sun, overcast, rain, and fog, at dawn, at dusk, and so on. Similarly, when using cameras equipped with infrared sensors, testing the IR light signals in various conditions is necessary as well.  Actual image performance depends upon variables such as low light illumination, signal to noise ratio, dynamic range of light, and more. ISP algorithms aim at increasing the signal data and decreasing noise. Cameras with Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) will yield improved video imaging with both background and foreground objects in high contrast or high-backlight environments, maximising the amount of detail in brighter and darker areas in one field-of-view. In scenes with low contrast and low light, the sensors deliver digital image signals and at the same time send some amount of digital noise that directly hinders image clarity. Three-dimensional digital noise reduction (3D DNR) removes unwanted artifacts from an image, reducing graininess. Where cloudy weather poses a challenge, auto-defogging technology helps to identify the density of fog or rain with gray-white colour ratio analysis, and imbues images with true colour reproduction. Ramping up the megapixels and frame rates yields great video, but also results in more bandwidth used and more storage occupied Matching megapixels to image quality When the factors mentioned above line up well, correlating cameras and monitors creates the best viewing experience. When a high definition camera is in place, a monitor with a high resolution will display images much more clearly. But if the monitor’s resolution is low, it will not deliver the high-quality images expected – or possible – from that HD camera. For an 8 MP camera, for instance, users do best to apply monitors with 4K × 2K resolution. Though common sense, this deserves to be mentioned because users might decide to upgrade their systems with 4K monitors, but with perhaps 1.3 MP cameras installed. In such a scenario, there’s no guarantee the on-screen image quality will automatically improve. Managing data and bandwidth In terms of a complete, high definition surveillance system, when the right factors come together and the calibrations are set, image quality – even in a standard HD 1080p setup – can be extremely good. The final piece of the puzzle is managing the data. Ramping up the megapixels and frame rates yields great video, but also results in more bandwidth used and more storage occupied. Squeezing bandwidth threatens image quality and clarity, but keeping ample room for signal transmission and storage will eventually increase the overall cost for customers. Is it possible for integrators to optimise their customer’s system and, at the same time, stay within budget constraints? Luckily, it can be done. Squeezing bandwidth threatens image quality and clarity, but keeping ample room for signal transmission and storage increases the overall cost for customers To do this, a more efficient video encoding solution would allow an improvement in compression efficiency of 40–50% over H.264. Improvements to algorithms that are adaptive to a particular scene give users control over bitrate. Another option would be to start recording video only when an event triggers an alarm, since most security guards are primarily concerned with moving objects rather than a scene’s generally stagnant background. This intelligently helps optimise bandwidth and storage consumption. Another method is to use a single panoramic or fisheye camera in place of several HD cameras for coverage – the reduced number of security devices will reduce bandwidth demands and the rate of storage consumption as well. Getting the best image quality Now let’s put this all together. Naturally, integrators and users will refer to their product specs to understand features and functions, fine-tuning each component for best results. Also, as suggested above, users should select an HD camera comprehensively in terms of lens performance, pixels, image quality, and overall system compatibility and performance. Next, matching the backend device and management platform should be carefully considered in a complete security system. Installing equipment that has been engineered for a given scene is a must, along with strategising how to get the most coverage out of the lowest number of cameras. Finally, product quality, warranty, price, and on-going customer service are all important factors that customers should take into account as well.

Arecont Vision Costar, global provider of network-based video surveillance solutions, will release several advanced surveillance cameras at the GSX 2019 show in Chicago, Illinois this week. The new models are all part of the company’s Total Video Solution, and will be on display in the Costar Technologies, Inc. booth (#693). The expo will be held at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center, from September 10th through the 12th. The Total Video Solution combines advanced megapixel cameras, video management system, and video recorders in a cyber-secure, cloud-managed offering that is easy to use and affordably addresses today’s access-from-anywhere, anytime video surveillance requirements. Arecont Vision Costar will showcase the power of the solution via live, interactive demonstrations simultaneously using both booth monitors and smartphones and tablets to access local camera video and sites across the country. Outdoor EX Dome/Bullet cameras Each EX model includes True Day/Night capabilities with integrated IR illuminators for use indoors or outside The ConteraIP Outdoor Dome EX and Bullet EX cameras first unveiled at ISC West in April are now available for ordering for customer surveillance needs. Featuring Arecont Vision Costar’s new Advanced Video Analytics suite, each high-performance EX model delivers 5MP resolution. Included analytics are camera tamper detection, intrusion detection, line crossing, and loitering detection. An optional additional suite of analytics is also available, including object classification (person/vehicle), object left/removed, and people/vehicle counting. Each EX model includes True Day/Night capabilities with integrated IR (infrared) illuminators for use indoors or outside. Each includes a motorised varifocal lens for rapid focusing during setup and offers the full suite of powerful Arecont Vision Costar single-sensor camera capabilities. These include a SDXC card slot for onboard storage, PoE (Power over Ethernet) capability, H.264/H.265 encoders, plus advanced SNAPstream+, SmartIR, Advanced WDR, and NightView technologies. EX cameras are ONVIF Profile S, G, Q, and T compliant. Fisheye Dome indoor/outdoor camera The new ConteraIP Fisheye Dome indoor/outdoor camera is immediately available.  This compact, very low-profile single-sensor dome camera offers a full 360-degree image without blind spots at 12MP resolution. The Fisheye Dome is an affordable panoramic camera with advanced technology including a mechanical IR cut filter for True Day/Night use. This product is suitable for projects where a multi-sensor panoramic or Omni camera may not be warranted. PoE cameras Offering multiple de-warp display modes, the newly released PoE camera includes integrated microphone, speaker, IR illuminators, and SDXC card slot for onboard storage. H.264/H.265 encoders and advanced SNAPstream+, SmartIR, WDR, and NightView technologies are included along with the standard suite of Arecont Vision Costar single-sensor camera capabilities. The new Fisheye Dome is ONVIF Profile S, G, and T compliant. LX Series multi-sensor megapixel cameras Arecont Vision will soon release the newest member of the Omni adjustable-view camera family, the LX series Arecont Vision Costar is nearing planned release of the newest member of the award-winning Omni adjustable-view camera family, the LX series. The company first pioneered this technology for the security industry beginning in 2014, with 4 individual megapixel sensors mounted in multi-axis gimbals in a single dome. The sensors can be independently moved 360 degrees to virtually any position, covering the widest possible viewing range with a single, high performance camera. This capability reduces cost and complexity for many projects, by reducing the number of cameras, cabling, and VMS licensing required while delivering improved, non-stop, high resolution video coverage. Each motorised sensor gimbal in the upcoming ConteraIP Omni LX Remote Setup (RS) camera is equipped with a varifocal lens for time-saving hands-free setup. Simply mount the camera, connect the IP cable, and then remotely configure the device from anywhere on the network. Omni LX preset selections offer 360, 270, or 180o fields of view, and additional views can be set and saved by the user. PoE-supporting Omni LX camera The PoE-supporting Omni LX offers a choice of 8 or 20MP models capable of streaming video at up to 30fps (frames per second) with outstanding video quality for indoor/outdoor use, during both day and night conditions. The camera is ONVIF Profile S, G, Q, and T compliant. Visit the Costar Technologies, Inc. booth (#693) at GSX Chicago to see these powerful new additions to the Arecont Vision Costar Total Video Solution. Sister company, Costar Video Systems will also be displaying exciting new products and will join with Arecont Vision Costar personnel in answering any questions attendees may have throughout the three-day expo or in scheduling follow up meetings.

Arecont Vision Costar, globally renowned network-based video surveillance solutions provider, has announced that Intelligent Network Sales, LLC has joined the Authorised Manufacturer’s Representative Program. The experienced firm will deliver pre-sales support to AV Costar customers and partners across the New England Region of the United States. Intelligent Buildings expert “Steve Chase and his team bring years of experience in supporting customers throughout the New England region,” stated Kyle Parker, Vice President, Americas, Arecont Vision Costar. “I believe that customers and consultants in all six states – Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont – will quickly appreciate working with Intelligent Network Sales for their surveillance needs when employing our proven and award-winning Total Video Solution.” Intelligent Network Sales is a manufacturer’s representative agency based in Walpole, Massachusetts Intelligent Network Sales is a manufacturer’s representative agency based in Walpole, Massachusetts. The company brings a focus on intelligent buildings and data centers across multiple vertical markets that will be strongly complemented by the full suite of video surveillance cameras, NVRs, servers, video management software, and cloud services that form the Total Video Solution provided by Arecont Vision Costar Video surveillance products “We’re excited to add the Arecont Vision Costar portfolio of video surveillance products to our quality offerings from other global industry manufacturers,” stated Steve Chase, Principal, Intelligent Network Sales. “Our customers across biotech, data centers, education, financial services, government, healthcare, industry, smart and connected buildings, and the enterprise already expect the best products from Intelligent Network Sales. AV Costar products fit well into their needs.” “Intelligent Network Sales is respected by its customers and is counted on as a trusted advisor to address their unique requirements,” added John Bujarski, Senior Sales Director, who leads all of Arecont Vision Costar’s teams across the Eastern US & Canada. “We could not have partnered with a better organisation to provide pre-sales support our customers throughout New England.” Cyber-secure video surveillance Intelligent Network Sales and all other members of Arecont Vision Costar’s Manufacturer’s Representative Partner Program are focused on bringing the industry’s best, cyber-secure video surveillance offerings to their assigned regions. Participants in the program extend the reach of Arecont Vision Costar by providing expert pre-sales assistance while interfacing with and educating customers, consultants, system integrators, and distributors on available solutions for even the most challenging video surveillance requirements.

Arecont Vision Costar, a provider of network-based video surveillance solutions, announces the 1st anniversary of its launch as a business unit of Texas-based Costar Technologies, Inc. The new company has committed itself to the delivery of the surveillance industry’s best customer experience and to fully addressing ongoing customer needs and requirements. 3 pillars of business “It’s been an exciting first year for Arecont Vision Costar,” said Shane Compton, Chief Engineering Officer, Costar Technologies, Inc., and General Manager, Arecont Vision Costar. “All aspects of the company are focused on the three main pillars of our business, which are Product Quality and Reliability, Customer Service and Support, and in delivering Innovation in everything we do.” Integrating and leveraging resources Arecont Vision Costar has been integrating and leveraging the wider resources of parent Costar The company marked its 1st anniversary with the launch of a new public website. Arecont Vision Costar launched on July 13th, 2018, following the acquisition of the product portfolio, patents, trademarks, and technology of the original Arecont Vision, LLC. A majority of the employees at time of acquisition moved to the new company, and Costar has been adding key personnel in executive leadership roles and across sales, development, operations, customer support, and other areas. Significant investment has been made in new technology to improve the customer experience and increase operational efficiency, including the implementation of a NetSuite ERP system, a Customer Support Portal powered Zendesk customer service software, an updated Partner Portal, and the new public website launched this week. Throughout this process, Arecont Vision Costar has been integrating and leveraging the wider resources of parent Costar. Ongoing strategic planning “Arecont Vision Costar is a key component of Costar’s ongoing strategic planning,” stated James Pritchett, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The leadership and team members of the new business unit have come together quickly and are already making a big contribution to Costar and to overall customer satisfaction. We expect the entire company will continue to grow and expand our business and manufacturing capabilities thanks in part to what has already been accomplished.” Costar product portfolio Costar Technologies, Inc. is a publicly traded corporation headquartered in Coppell, Texas. Costar designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes a full range of products for the video surveillance and machine vision markets. In addition to Arecont Vision Costar, the company operates four other businesses - CohuHD Costar, Costar Video Systems, Innotech Security, and IVS Imaging. The combined Costar product portfolio consists of video surveillance system software, cameras, NVRs and recorders, monitors, lenses, cables, and other electronic accessories with manufacturing in the United States and around the world. Expanding corporate operations Many headquarters functions moved to a new Collaboration and Development center Arecont Vision Costar expanded its corporate operations from a single headquarters and manufacturing facility in Glendale, California to three new locations over the past year. Many headquarters functions moved to a new Collaboration and Development center about one mile from the original facilities in Glendale. Manufacturing and warehousing operations were moved about 20 miles inland to the city of Duarte. When Costar added a new office facility located in Clovis in California’s Central Valley, Arecont Vision Costar opened a new Advanced Technology Center onsite. New showroom and demonstration facilities are also in planning. Arecont Vision Costar continues international operations from company facilities in Dubai, UAE. Both sales and field application engineering team members are located in regional locations around the world, backed by a network of authorized manufacturer’s sales representatives and partners. Total Video Solution The Arecont Vision Costar Total Video Solution™ continues as the premier offering of the one-year old business. The solution consists of a growing portfolio of ConteraIP® megapixel cameras and Made in USA products that include award-winning MegaIP® megapixel cameras, advanced ConteraVMS® video management system, cyber-secure ConteraWS® web services, and ConteraCMR® cloud-managed video recorders. Company products are ONVIF compliant and feature advanced integration with 3rd party offerings through the Arecont Vision Costar MegaLab™ program. Arecont Vision Costar products are sold by a global network of authorised distributors, systems integrators, and security dealers.