Luxriot CCTV Software

The healthcare sector is a crucial part of a functioning society as it provides life-saving care and reassurance to the population. A key part of ensuring the professionals in this industry have the best work environment is the ongoing security of the facilities. Overcoming environmental challenges Hospitals are challenging environments for security integrators. There is little room for mistakes because staff, patients and assets cannot be compromised. Medical centres and their facilities can be vast complexes and security teams must be confident in their ability to identify and nullify threats as soon as possible.  Chubb provided Queensland Children’s Hospital's security team with a simple and easy-to-use tool Chubb Fire & Security offers a range of intelligent video and access control systems to solve these challenges. The Queensland Children’s Hospital in Australia, formerly named Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, is the major specialist children’s hospital for families living in Queensland and Northern New South Wales. The facility not only provides care to the local families but also the state’s sickest and most critically injured children who need highly specialised care. This state-of-the-art hospital, coupled with a leading academic and research facility and the high calibre staff, provides a platform to continue to develop as a leader in paediatric health care, education and research. Comprehensive security solution Chubb developed a solution for Queensland Children’s Hospital that included access control, video management, communications and asset tracking. By creating a common infrastructure for all security systems managed through a comprehensive user interface, Chubb provided the hospital’s security team with a simple and easy-to-use tool that enables them to resolve situations as they happen and action events automatically on command. Chubb also developed a 3D model of the building that allows the security team to respond quickly to a wide variety of events. The protection of patients and staff is naturally a hospital's number one priority Also crucial to the implementation of security systems in a hospital is minimal disruption to its everyday operations. Professionals in hospitals are working 24/7 so there is little time when it comes to disabling security systems for maintenance or repairs. Continued maintenance and upgrades are vital elements to Chubb’s work and key to this is a great deal of collaboration with clinical and operational stakeholders. Securing mission-critical environment Hospital facilities are not always state-of-the-art and often face the slow upgrade process that a limited budget imparts. However, through the audit and update of security systems, steps can be taken to ensure continued operations without external disruption. The protection of patients and staff is naturally a hospital's number one priority and Chubb shares the same commitment to making sure the environment is safe and secure. Carrying out a technically demanding project in a large, mission-critical environment like a hospital takes strong teamwork, including expert strategic partners, and collaboration between stakeholders.

There’s almost no installation that goes 100-percent smoothly in the field of video surveillance. Unexpected issues routinely arise that can increase time on the job, cost of the project and frustration. Manufacturers work on the product side to help ensure their products are easy to install and – when troublesome situations do arise – are flexible enough for installers to quickly find a remedy. Importance of ease of installation Ease of installation is a very important part of the project to the system integrator because the cost of labour is variable  Ease of installation is a very important part of the project to the system integrator because the cost of labour is variable and can be very expensive. In some cases, the cost of labour to install a camera can be more than the cost of the camera! If labour costs are high – or are more expensive than a system integrator planned – they can lose a great deal of money on a project. If a cautious system integrator includes too high of an estimate for labour in a project bid, his overall bid will to high and it could cost him the project. The easier the camera is to install, the lower the labour cost, subsequently achieving higher savings for end-users. Hence it is essential that camera manufacturers develop products that are easy to install or are flexible in the field for system integrators and installers who know that time is money. Enterprise projects can involve thousands of cameras installed Simplifying installation of cameras Camera installation typically involves an electrician, the camera installer and the person who configures the VMS (Video Management Software). Of course, one person can play all three roles, and in many cases, does, but enterprise projects can involve dozens, hundreds or even thousands of cameras with teams of individuals involved in an installation. The electrician runs conduit with an electrical or PoE (Power over Ethernet) connection to the housing or the backplate of the camera; the installer then installs the camera at that location, hooking it up to power; and then a configurator adds cameras to the network and makes adjustments – renaming the camera, setting the frame rate, enabling WDR (Wide Dynamic Range), and the like. When it’s a project that involves different players for any of these functions, there is the potential for a bottleneck and delay in project completion. And if a system integrator is paying an electrician, installer and software configurator – and they are all three on site waiting for each other to finish – that’s a system integrator’s worst-case scenario. Enhancement through modular cameras Video surveillance camera manufacturers like Hanwha Techwin are producing products that take different roles Video surveillance camera manufacturers like Hanwha Techwin are producing products that take the different roles of electrician, installer and configurator into consideration, allowing them to complete their tasks independently. With a focus on modular design which includes a USB dongle, a device manager, magnetic module and included accessories, the Wisenet X series Plus is one of the fastest cameras to install, service and upgrade – saving installers time and money. Wisenet X series Plus cameras have a detachable camera module that utilise magnets to lock into the housing for instant configuration. Electricians can run conduit with a single PoE connection to the back plate/housing while the configurator is working on configuring the camera module, allowing security professionals to later snap the camera into place in just minutes. The VMS configurator can then come and add the cameras to the network and program their functionality. Modular cameras offer flexibility  In the past, an end user might determine after the camera is installed that there aren’t enough pixels on target, or they need certain different functions like video analytics for example, resulting in the time-consuming replacement of the entire camera. With modular-designed cameras, the camera module can be swapped with a new one without having to focus or replace the camera – even to change the resolution or field of view, also Wisenet X series Plus has optional PTRZ modules that can be remotely adjusted to the field of view and the position of the camera lens. Making camera adjustments in the field is also now easier and perhaps even safer. Installers have been known to climb a ladder and juggle a bulky laptop to access the network to be able to see video of how the camera is positioned. Or they’ve had to use analogue video output to view the video feed on a separate monitor which provides the field of view, but not megapixel quality. Using a smartphone, the installer can wirelessly see full and not cropped quality video directly from the camera Wisenet X series Plus cameras have a USB port that allows installers to connect it to a small dongle that converts the camera to a Wi-Fi device. Using a smartphone, the installer can wirelessly see full and not cropped quality video directly from the camera. It’s a much easier way to evaluate video while at the camera. Eliminating the second person looking at live view on a computer guiding through a cellphone to the installer to accurately point the camera to the proper position. If system integrators can do some of the legwork prior to even getting on site, it can reduce cost and improve efficiency. Imagine having 300 cameras ready to send to a project site. To configure those cameras, a system integrator has to take each camera out of the box, plug each into a switch, configure it, take it off of the switch and put it back in the box. To improve this process, camera manufacturers have now developed packaging that provides access to the camera port without even having to remove it from the box. It’s an innovative solution that saves time. Modular cameras have optional PTRZ modules that can be remotely adjusted to the field of view Software programs help in enhancing installation Whether it’s a one-man show or a team of electricians, installers and configurators, software programs can greatly enhance the installation process. Device managers are important tools in adding multiple cameras to a project. Using that 300-camera project, for example, it’s easier when a manufacturer has a device manager that allows the mass programming and configuration of cameras. Adding 300 cameras one by one is time consuming and leaves room for error when making so many multiple entries. A device manager should be able to scan the network and locate its devices, allowing them to be grouped, configured and much more. Every video surveillance camera project is going to have its ups and downs. But camera manufacturers can do their part in the production process to address the many issues known to slow down progress. It’s impressive that many are taking the lead in producing innovations like modular camera design, flexibility in the field and accessible packaging that can truly reduce installation cost and improve efficiency.

For those of you old enough to remember, video matrix switchers were once the heyday of surveillance camera control. These cumbersome antiques were at the heart of every major video surveillance system (CCTV at the time) in premier gaming properties, government installations and corporate industrial complexes. They required more physical labour to construct and configure than perhaps the pyramids – maybe not – but you get the picture. And then digital video made its way in to the market and everything changed, transforming the physical demands for camera control and management from a hardware-centric to a software driven process. We’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely There’s no doubt that this migration also presented significant challenges as many security professionals often struggled with all things IT and software programming being one of the industry’s soft spots. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely. However, the complexities of today’s VMS functionality can be intimidating for anyone tasked with installing one of these systems given all of the user-defined options available from the simplest camera sequencing and bandwidth allocations to mobile management and enterprise level integration. This is where truly advanced VMS solutions need to shine on both the operations and the design/build sides of the equation. Smart VMS design There are more solutions products labelled “VMS solutions” out there than ever before. The issue is the fact that many of these “solutions” really don’t fall into the category of a true VMS by today’s standards but offer basic camera and NVR control. No doubt that there is a place for such software programs in the market. However, VMS solutions from the likes of OnSSI and other industry-leading companies offer distinct and superior management and control capabilities for demanding security and business intelligence applications. Perhaps of equal importance, these top-tier VMS solutions incorporate provisions for installers, so they have a clear and easier implementation path. OnSSI offers VMS solutions with smart camera drivers Here are seven attributes that can assist with the design and implementation of an advanced VMS solution: 1) Open architecture platform We need the ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth The ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth is largely dependent on a systems platform architecture. Here’s where VMS solutions with open architecture provide a distinct advantage. Open-architecture solutions expand functionality by facilitating greater integration between multiple systems and components. This not only makes VMS solutions with open architecture easier to implement, it makes them extremely cost-efficient by eliminating the need for proprietary solutions. Open architecture systems also provide adherence to industry standards such as ONVIF and PSIA, as well as compression formats such as H.265 and MJPEG, and help ensure system integration and support of an extensive range of manufacturers’ cameras and off-the-shelf hardware. Be wary of VMS solutions with limited camera manufacturer support. 2) Simple licensing processes and pricing Camera licenses and pricing is always a touchy subject, as any misunderstanding of a specific VMS solutions’ licensing terms can prove to be costly after the fact. And it often seems that some VMS suppliers have gone to great lengths to complicate the process as to obscure actual Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Perhaps the most direct, simple and straightforward camera licensing and pricing method is to have one license per IP address used by each camera/encoder on multi-channel devices. These should be perpetual licenses with no required annual fees or subscriptions. Additionally, the licensing agreement should be all inclusive without added fees for multiple clients, failover servers, active directory support, I/O devices, redundant management servers, technical support or security patches and updates. 3) Mixing and matching camera license types The ability to mix and match different camera license types within the same system helps facilitate a seamless and simple migration of new and pre-existing systems with minimal downtime or interruption in operation. The ability to mix and match camera licenses not only saves valuable design and installation time, it can provide considerable savings when integrating large, multi-tenant systems. Mix and match capabilities also allow system designers to apply specific feature sets to specific groups of cameras to best leverage functionality and budgets, as well as providing the flexibility to implement an on-site, virtual, or cloud-based VMS solution, without any additional cost. 4) Auto camera detection and configuration Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements. This functionality allows installers to instantly locate cameras on the network and configure them centrally so they can easily replace older cameras while seamlessly retaining video recorded from them. The auto detection capability should also include the ability to detect and import CSV files, which can then be stored and used to configure camera templates for future camera installation profiles. 5) Smart camera driver technology VMS solutions with smart camera drivers offer valuable assistance during system implementation, and any time new cameras are added to the network or replace older models. Manufacturer-specific smart camera drivers expand the range of model-specific static drivers. Instead of storing the device’s information (codecs, resolutions, frame rates, etc.) statically, a VMS with smart camera drivers queries devices for their capabilities using the manufacturers’ proprietary protocol. All that is required for configuration is that the camera is available on the network. Smart camera drivers eliminate the need to wait for model-specific drivers or installation of driver packs, allowing for newly released cameras to be used immediately. Network security is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers  6) Importance of network security Network Security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today Network security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today. This is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers. New security developments to look for include TLS 1.2 encryption protocols for camera-to-server communications (SSL 3.0 supported for older cameras), as well as server-to-server communications. Additional safeguards to consider include: randomised video databases with no camera identification information to secure recorded data; support for Active Directory authentication; AES encryption between servers and clients; and AES encrypted exporting. 7) Automatic updates Regardless of the supplier you select for your VMS solution, they should be consistently providing new updates and security patches on a frequent if not regular basis. Keeping up with these updates can be a burden and are often overlooked leading to system failures and breeches. Advanced VMS solutions now feature automatic update service checks on a system-wide basis, eliminating the need to manually update individual servers and devices. This ensures that your VMS system always has the latest drivers, fixes and updates which assures overall security while reducing TCO. So next time you’re getting a demo of the latest and greatest VMS solution, remember to ask what it offers in terms of design and implementation tools. Half the battle with new technologies is getting them installed and working properly. Without the right tools to accomplish these critical first steps, all the functionality in the world will do you little good.

The partnership will allow AMG-Panogenics 5 MP PanoCam360 camera range to integrate with Luxriot’s VMS AMG Systems, the British manufacturer of sophisticated Megapixel cameras and CCTV transmission technology, and Luxriot, market leading suppliers of Enterprise Video Management solutions in the USA, have announced a strategic technology partnership that will see the AMG-Panogenics 5 megapixel 360 degree PanoCam360 camera range integrated into Luxriot’s signature Video Management Solution (VMS). Aleksandr Jesikov, Account Manager at Luxriot EU, says, “Panoramic cameras are becoming increasingly demanded in the market. The reason is pretty simple – one panoramic camera can cover an area that previously required the use of several devices. This lowers installation expenses and simplifies the investigation process. AMG’s PanoCam360 camera offers a 5 megapixel resolution, very impressive for a fish eye camera. This created a demand from Luxriot VMS customers and the integration of PanoCam360 was a natural and logical decision. As AMG Systems adheres to standardised protocols and have a very helpful support team – the integration and testing of PanoCam360 integration went very smoothly.” Sara Bullock, International Sales & Marketing Director of AMG Group commented, “I am delighted to announce this new strategic partnership with Luxriot. The partnership is a significant move for introducing our range of cameras to Luxriot’s client base as it works with the company’s entire range of VMS solutions. Through the integration with Luxriot’s VMS solutions, users can de-warp video streams from PanoCam360, which allows full operational flexibility, and users can therefore take full advantage of the ability of the camera. This in turn makes the combined offering incredibly useful for applications in nearly all market verticals.”

Arecont Vision’s IP-based megapixel cameras cover the drive-in, parking area, entrance, as well as the office area Customer Tiskarna Kostomaj in Celje, Slovenia, is a family-owned and operated commercial printer. Five years ago, the company moved into a new two-story office building which includes additional facilities and a parking lot. Challenge The first attempt by Tiskarna Kostomaj to provide video surveillance for their new building using inexpensive network cameras was not successful. The first break-in at the printing business showed the cameras, which were standard definition VGA resolution with built-in infrared (IR) illuminators, were ineffective. The company also tried a 640x480-pixel camera from a major manufacturer, but it became evident that this low resolution camera did not meet the company's need for surveillance. The inexpensive cameras were also not dependable and ceased functioning within two years of their installation. Tiskarna Kostomaj ultimately concluded that a surveillance system would only be useful to them if it was able to recognise a person or vehicle within the camera field of view (FOV). Megapixel solution The new megapixel video surveillance system was designed entirely in-house, with installation completed in cooperation with a local security company and a local electrician, according to Marjan Kostomaj, chief information officer of Tiskarna Kostomaj. The company did not consider analogue cameras for a number of reasons. Whereas an analog camera can detect an intruder, IP-based megapixel cameras provide video image quality that makes it possible to also recognise the intruder. IP cameras use progressive scan which avoids flickering and provides critical detail in a moving image. Finally, megapixel cameras provide a good price/performance ratio. The commercial printer now uses a combination of Arecont Vision IP-based megapixel cameras outside to cover the drive-in, parking area and entrance, and indoors for the office area. All cameras are powered through the Ethernet connection (PoE). For highest resolution needs, Tiskarna Kostomaj uses the Arecont Vision AV5100DN, a 5 megapixel MJPEG camera providing 2,492 x 1,944-pixel resolution at 9 frames per second (fps). It delivers light sensitivity of 0.3 lux at F1.4. MegaVideo image processing involves more than 6 million operations per second. The camera offers simultaneous full field-of-view and region-ofinterest (ROI) video, and image cropping allows streaming of full-density partial images. A motorised IR cut filter is used with the day/night (DN) version. Video management software for the video surveillance system is provided by Luxriot and video is monitored locally To provide better night vision, Arecont Vision's AV3130 series is a unique dual-sensor, day/night 3/1.3-megapixel IP camera that delivers up to 15 frames per second (fps) at 2,048x1,536 pixels of high-definition color resolution using a CMOS colour sensor. It is a robust, all-weather camera suited to variable 24-hour lighting conditions. In low-light conditions, the AV3130 changes from color to black-and-white mode (using a separate 1.3-megapixel CMOS sensor), and the camera’s frame rate increases to a maximum of 30 fps at 1280x1024 pixels. Light sensitivity is 0.02 lux at F1.4. The AV3130 provides superior night vision at Tiskarna Kostomaj compared to a competitive camera also tested. Model AV3130 also offers on-camera motion detection. Arecont Vision Model AV1300 captures 1280x1024-pixel video at 32 frames per second and has light sensitivity of 0.1 lux at F1.4. It also features forensic zooming, region-of-interest (ROI), image cropping and motion detection. The AI version used by Tiskarna Kostomaj includes an auto-iris lens. Video management software for the system is provided by Luxriot and video is monitored locally. All cameras are connected to a PoE switch using a separate virtual local area network (VLAN) and to a dedicated Gigabit server network interface controller (NIC). The server uses Windows with Luxriot and monitoring employs local and/or remote clients. Megapixel benefits The system has performed very well so far. The cameras provide the perfect combination of high resolution and night vision capability that the user needs. Arecont Vision cameras’ higher resolutions enable customers to minimise the number of cameras they use without compromising coverage. This brings a number of advantages to the user. The ability of fewer megapixel cameras to take the place of many more standard-resolution network cameras or analogue cameras contributes to an overall lower system cost. The use of fewer cameras also requires less labour and cabling while providing high resolution. Using fewer cameras to cover larger areas also translates into cost savings related to infrastructure (cables, mounts, housings, etc.), which makes it easier to realise a system return-on-investment (ROI). Also, the availability of higher-resolution images can provide prosecutable forensic evidence. Arecont Vision cameras, made in the USA, employ the company's MegaVideo technology to create the world’s fastest multi-megapixel network cameras supporting full-motion video frame rates. The Arecont Vision 3.0 megapixel camera provides up to ten times the resolution of an analogue camera, while the 5.0 megapixel camera provides up to 15 times the resolution of an analogue camera. The ability of these cameras to be connected to an existing network provides installation flexibility and keeps costs low.

ACTi’s open platform cameras work perfectly alongside the Luxriot VMS software Background The Centre Point Trakker Tower in Pakistan is a prestigious office tower development. It comprises of a single, 29-floor building structure with a covered area of 350,000 sqft. The first eight floors are reserved for parking with the upper 20 floors for corporate office space. Solution Centre Point tower is now the 7th high building in Pakistan. For better integration with other systems, the system integrator chose Luxriot for software solution. Thanks to ACTi’s open platform, cameras work perfectly under Luxriot VMS software. Benefit ACTi has full product line which provides high price/performance products. Meanwhile, ACTi work closely with third party software vendors that our product department will direct contact with software company for integration. That really provides customer a worry free experience of software/hardware integration.