Airport surveillance

Surveon Technology, the enterprise NVR solutions provider, introduced its Milestone certified EonServ 7000 Series, which provides Milestone system integrators the best price-performance option for enterprise surveillance tenders. With Milestone XProtect Corporate VMS, the EonServ7000 Series supports up to 680 channel 2MP cameras with continuous recording and 436 HDDs with high density 4U 60-bay expansion enclosure. It is the perfect surveillance NVR for a wide range of industries, including airport, factory, city and traffic, and commercial building, just to name a few. Certified with Milestone XProtect VMS With Milestone XProtect Corporate VMS, EonServ 7000 Series supports up to 680 CH @2MP / 570 CH @3MP / 360 CH @5MP cameras recording. In the Milestone test, the single CPU model of EonServ 7000 outperforms the competitors’ dual CPU models. This demonstrates the power of Surveon’s unique drive handling as well as the proprietary firmware/software integration capability. Together with HDD S.M.A.R.T, IDR offers smart media scan, which detects errors before they actually become a problem With a hardware design that adopts two Intel E5 8-core processors, EonServ 7000 Series can handle a great amount of I/O and file transfers even under high workloads and deliver a high level of recording throughput of over 3500 Mbps, ensuring cameras can record and be viewed reliably. Robust data protection Intelligent Drive Recovery (IDR) provides superior RAID protection and recovery, increasing integrity and system efficiency while preventing your data from errors and loss. Together with HDD S.M.A.R.T (self monitoring, analysis, and reporting technology), IDR offers smart media scan, which detects errors before they actually become a problem, and uses spare drives for copying and cloning data before a disk fail. With IDR, the video data can be retained under robust protection. The EonServ7000 Series comes in 2U12-bay or 3U16-bay form factors, and offers maximum storage capacity of 4 PB when combined with high density 4U60-bay expansion enclosures. Now Surveon is ready to accept the orders of EonServ7000 Series.

Star Defense Logistics & Engineering (SDLE) is exhibitor, for the third consecutive time, at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi. This week at the National Exhibition Center of the city, SDLE showcase its new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for security indoor operations, in addition to its full range of unmanned aerial vehicles and its Anti-drone system for threats detection and inhibition. Indoor light drones in military use The indoor light drone is one of the latest SDLE developments about to hit the market The indoor light drone is one of the latest SDLE developments about to hit the market. This UAV was specifically designed for security forces operations, and it exceeds the performances of all the UAV indoor solutions known so far. It is a small dimensions drone, operable with one hand, with more than 15 minutes endurance and stability control for GPS-denied environments. The SDLE Aeronautical division designs and adapts its unmanned systems to specific needs, such as surveillance and reconnaissance, critical infrastructure protection and inspection or improvement of the situational awareness of land vehicles. Besides the UAV for military use, SDLE offers unmanned aerial systems for security and emergency operations. The Madrid-based company has rapid deployment multicopters, fixed-wing systems specially designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and fixed-wing UAV with the added value of vertical takeoff and landing capability (VTOL). All of them fully manufactured by SDLE with a secure warranty. Fixed-wing VTOL Zarek v2 UAV One of the SDLE’s better-performing systems is the Zarek in its second version, a fixed-wing UAV with VTOL capability. Its weight is less than 25 kilos, it reaches nine hours endurance -the maximum flying time for a UAV of these capacities- and a cruising speed of 100 kilometers per hour, achieving higher altitudes than its competitors this segment. The SDLE Anti-drone system is one of the fewest having demonstrated effectiveness on neutralising a limitless number of unmanned aerial vehicles, an increasingly demanded capacity due to the criminal use of drones and its use as swarms. SDLE anti-drone system This Anti-drone gun is portable and works properly to protect fixed infrastructures The SDLE anti-drone gun is portable and works properly to protect fixed infrastructures. It is highly ergonomic to transport and effective against aerial threats, neutralises the remote control, telemetry, video link and GPS / GLONASS transmission. SDLE just turned 10 years old, time in which it got a leader position as supplier of spare parts, maintenance and modernisation services for military land vehicles. Nowadays, SDLE has presence in more than 25 countries, is official supplier of NATO and United Nations. Thanks to the effort made on R&D, the company has been growing every year. SDLE set up its own engineering department which allows to develop innovative solutions being requested for civilian security and industry risk prevention. IDEX holds NAVDEX 5th edition On its previous edition held in 2017, IDEX was attended by 1,235 exhibitors from 57 countries, and more than 100,000 visitors. This year IDEX is celebrating its 14th edition and the fair includes the naval security exhibition NAVDEX 5th edition. More than 1,000 exhibitors from all over the world will participate, exhibiting the latest land, naval and aerial technologies. The naval security area holds the manufacturers specialised in equipment for maritime, shore and border security.

Pelco by Schneider Electric, a global provider of trusted video surveillance solutions, announced the immediate availability of the new Spectra Professional 4K cameras to their portfolio of high resolution (4K) fixed and Pan Tilt Zoom cameras. From license plates to faces, the rugged outdoor camera features state-of-the-art surveillance camera resolutions and compression standards to clarify details of interest in crowded or poorly lit areas such as city surveillance, airports, metro stations, waterways, roadways, bridges, and other outdoor commercial applications. Ability to zoom in with greater detail With 4K resolution, one camera can cover a large area and offer the ability to zoom in with greater detail"Areas such as seaports and waterways are particularly in need for better surveillance technology, with an estimated 50 billion U.S. dollars in loss annually according to the National Cargo Security Council. The Spectra Professional 4K provides a solution for organisations who are frustrated with the inability to zoom into crowded, outdoor areas with low levels of light. “Traditionally, when operators zoom-in on 1080P video, the details can become indistinct because there are only so many pixels,” explained Rob Yockey, Pelco’s Senior Product Line Manager. “With 4K resolution, one camera can cover a large area and offer the ability to zoom in with greater detail. This technology greatly improves security operations in both live monitoring as well as in forensic analysis.”  Infrared illumination up to 150 metres The Spectra Professional 4K camera technology enhances the ability to recognise and identify objects at greater distances. It also provides infra-red illumination up to 150 meters, streams video in H.265, H.264 or MJPEG formats, and can see 15 degrees above the horizon. Spectra Professional 4K’s features capture outstanding detail in low-light conditions and is ideal for tracking people and vehicles" “Pelco continues to expand its 4K resolution camera offering with the Spectra Professional 4K line of PTZ cameras by providing detailed images more clearly than ever before at greater distances,” Yockey continued. “Spectra Professional 4K’s innovative features capture outstanding detail in low-light conditions and is ideal for tracking people and vehicles across wide spaces.” Key features of Spectra Professional 4K In addition to the benefits that the Spectra Professional 4K camera provides with outstanding image quality, smart compression technology and sharp 4K detail, the new camera also includes the following key features: Improved detection: With up to 4K resolution at 30ips, the Spectra Professional 4K can cover a large area with clarity of detail to record information such as license plates numbers or faces of people. Primarily for outdoor applications with poor lighting conditions, the camera provides IR capabilities like Esprit Enhanced IR modelsIntegrated IR: Primarily for outdoor applications with poor lighting conditions, the camera provides IR capabilities like Esprit Enhanced IR models. In response to some cities passing laws to restrict white light pollution near apartments or in empty parking lots, the camera provides IR illumination that enables operation in the absence of visible light. Operational efficiency: The camera offers operators H.265 video encoding and Pelco Smart Compression that reduce the storage required while preserving image quality. With excellent PTZ responsiveness and features such as patterns and frame scan, Spectra Professional 4K enables close manual tracking of people or vehicles as well as ability to cover spaces in an automated fashion. Tilt to + 15º Above the Horizon Look-Up: Allows for extended viewing area above most dome cameras that can only see to the horizon. EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization): Reduces blurring associated with camera motion in environments subject to vibration.

The recent incident at London Gatwick airport caused major travel disruption for more than a day after drones were spotted flying over this sensitive area. This incident once again highlighted the need for anti-drone technologies to address this evolving threat and secure the safety of airplanes. Following the episode, the US Federal Aviation Administration was instructed to develop a strategy to allow wider use of counter drone technologies across airports. Detecting drones, and any UAV threat is a real challenge for many reasons. HGH Infrared Systems with its family of renowned SPYNEL thermal sensors offers a unique set of solutions to address this evolving threat and ensure true, real-time airport security. SPYNEL IR imaging camera The SPYNEL IR imaging camera provides an innovative solution which guarantees the ability to detect, track and classify any types of drones In these times of heightened UAV threats, the SPYNEL IR imaging camera provides an innovative solution which guarantees the ability to detect, track and classify any types of drones. Whereas the drone technology is constantly evolving, bringing on the market many different types of drones including fixed wing, multi rotor drones, drones with GPS, autopilot and camera, autonomous drones emitting low or no electromagnetic signature, the SPYNEL thermal imaging technology, makes it impossible for a UAV to go unnoticed: any object, hot or cold will be detected by the 360° thermal sensor, day and night. Driven by the CYCLOPE intrusion detection software, the panoramic thermal imaging system tracks an unlimited number of targets to ensure that no event is missed over a long-range, wide area surrounding. SPYNEL is thus fully adapted to multi-target airborne threats like UAV swarming. SPYNEL is a versatile, multi-function sensor with a large field of view enabling real-time surveillance of both airborne and terrestrial threats at the same time. CYCLOPE automatic detection software The CYCLOPE automatic detection software provides advanced features to monitor and analyse the 360° high resolution images captured by SPYNEL sensors. The ADS-B plugin enables aerial target identification and the aircraft ADS-B data can be fused with thermal tracks to differentiate an airplane from a drone. With the forensics analysis offering a timeline, sequence storage and playback possibilities, it is also possible to go back in time to analyse the behavior of the threat since its first apparition on the CYCLOPE interface. Moreover, the latest CYCLOPE feature makes 3D passive detection by triangulation available when using several SPYNEL sensors at the same time. The feature consists in analysing the distance and the altitude of multiple targets, creating a kind of “protective bubble” around the airport. Spynel 360° panoramic thermal camera and its Cyclope software are frequently used against drones to ensure the security of national and international events, critical infrastructures and airport" Edouard Campana, Sales Director at HGH Infrared Systems, said: "Spynel 360° panoramic thermal camera and its Cyclope software are frequently used against drones to ensure the security of national and international events, critical infrastructures, airport and more. The real-time visualisation and detection of multiple targets makes it a unique sensor for ultimate situational awareness. This solution is rapidly deployable and offers HD playback capabilities, very useful for events clarification.” Spynel 360° panoramic thermal camera  A key advantage of the SPYNEL detection system for airport applications is that it is a fully passive technology, meaning it will not be a source of disturbance in the electromagnetic environment of the airport, unlike radars. Indeed, a concern often raised by air-safety regulators is that anti-drone systems designed to jam radio communications could interfere with legitimate airport equipment. Part of the complete surveillance equipment of an airport, the SPYNEL thermal imaging sensor is the must have security equipment for such a high-risk infrastructure, operating with complementary detection sensors. Military facilities, correctional institutions, stadiums and other critical infrastructures have already chosen to integrate the SPYNEL sensor with their other security and facility systems, such as radars, PTZ cameras, Video Management System (VMS) and more. SPYNEL can also be rapidly deployed as a standalone solution for temporary surveillance, to face urgent cases. With its 24/7 and panoramic area surveillance capabilities, the SPYNEL thermal camera provides an early warning and an opportunity for rapid and accurate detection over large areas, to support proactive decisions.

CeComunica, a Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) operator in Panama, is slated to launch in December a Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) Tier III trunking network supplied by Hytera, global provider of innovative PMR solutions. This new nationwide network will provide advanced and reliable mission and business critical communications services to a large number of users from sectors such as ports, airports, ground transportations, hospitality, retailing and security companies in Panama. DMR Tier III trunking network The DMR Tier III trunking network has been set up with 15 sites of Hytera DS-6210 base station and multiple models of industry-leading digital two-way radios from Hytera DMR portfolio, including PD6, PD7, PD9, X1, MD6, MD7 and its flagship Multi-mode Advanced Radio PDC760 which can provide high quality narrowband voice under DMR protocol and fast data transmission in LTE broadband. To realise the full capability and maximise the productivity, this network can interoperate with other communications systems of different technologies by adopting Hytera SmartOne solution. “We are excited to supply our DMR trunking system and facilitate CeComunica’s further penetration into the PMR operator business, and we have been looking forward to introducing more cutting-edge products and technologies for Panamanian users to increase productivity and security of their daily operation, as well as unexpected scenarios,” said Fernando Camelo, Regional Sales Director of Hytera.

Hikvision, the provider of innovative video surveillance products and solutions, announces the launch of its Security Radar intrusion detection solution. The solution uses cutting-edge Hikvision technology to accurately pinpoint the location and motion trail of up to 32 potential intruders per radar, even in the harshest weather conditions. Hikvision Security Radar is ideal for monitoring large, exposed spaces with harsh weather, and where the perimeter environment is too complex for deployment of only video surveillance cameras. Thanks to its reliability in all weathers, wide detection angle and ultra-accurate intruder detection capabilities, this cutting-edge solution is perfect for locations such as ports, airports and large open industrial areas. Accurate detection over a wide area Hikvision Security Radar can offer accurate detection over a wide angle of 100°, and up to a distance of 60mTraditional cameras or motion detectors such as Active Infrared and Video Motion Detection have limitations in pinpointing the exact location of a potential intruder related to their detection area. Hikvision Security Radar, however, can offer accurate detection over a wide angle of 100°, and up to a distance of 60m. Hikvision Security Radar uses digital beam-forming technology and intelligent analysis algorithms to accurately detect all target movements in all weather conditions, keeping false alarms to a minimum. What’s more, IP67 rating gives peace of mind that the hardware itself is all-weather approved. Visual verification of the intruder Hikvision Security Radar can also link with as many as four Hikvision PTZ dome cameras at once. This configuration will not only trigger an alarm when an intruder is detected – it will also trigger video recording, to help with visual verification of the intruder. Furthermore, the cameras and the radar can be installed in different locations. This Hikvision-patented video linking solution is unique, and enables users to view, accurately track and record multiple images of targets simultaneously, all while identifying their precise movements such as running, walking, crouching and crawling. Suitable for multiple applications Hikvision Security Radar is compatible with a variety of brackets, such as Bullet-PTZ brackets, for easy installationThe Hikvision Security Radar has multiple scene modes, making it suitable for a variety of applications. Shrub Mode, for instance, is best suited to areas surrounded by dense forest, as it will filter out false alarms such as shaking trees or heavy rain. Open-Area Mode is ideal for large, open, sensitive locations such as ports. And the Custom Mode enables users to fine-tune settings to suit their particular needs. Hikvision Security Radar is compatible with a variety of brackets, such as Bullet-PTZ brackets, for easy installation. It also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) so users can just plug and play. Jiang Feng Zhi, Head of Hikvision’s alarms division says, “We are excited to bring our cutting-edge Security Radar solution to the market, and in such an innovative way. We hope that being able to accurately detect tens of intruders at once, day or night, and in all weather conditions, will bring incredible value to a whole variety of organisations globally.”

The use of facial recognition has become a highly debated topic recently, and has increasingly and misleadingly been criticised by some for being an unethical tool used to spy on the public. The reason for such criticism is however largely due to lack of information and regulation around the technology. Used proportionately and responsibly, facial recognition can and should be a force for good. It has the ability to do a lot more to increase security in the future – from street crime to airport security, all the way through to helping those battling addiction, the technology can take security and operations to new heights. These systems can memorise the faces of persons of interest, networks of gang members, wanted criminals and those suspected of involvement in serious violent crimes The rise in knife crime Knife crime has dominated the headlines in the UK throughout the year. Recent statistics show the number of people being admitted to emergency care due to attacks by a sharp object to be up by nearly 40 per cent from two years ago, whilst the number of children under the age of 18 being admitted to hospitals with stab wounds is up by 86 per cent in only four years. This recent surge in knife crime has put police forces under immense pressure, and the intelligent use of facial recognition has a role to play in enabling more informed stop & search interventions. Currently UK police can stop and search an individual they suspect to be carrying drugs or weapons or both, or they can stop and search a person in a location where there have been or are considered likely to be “incidents involving serious violence.” In both cases they must do so with access to limited information, leaving themselves open to accusations of bias or discrimination. Knife crime dominated the headlines in the UK throughout 2018 Police systems benefiting crime investigations This is where facial recognition can offer up additional intelligence. These systems can memorise the faces of persons of interest, networks of gang members, wanted criminals and those suspected of involvement in serious violent crimes. Furthermore, these systems don’t need prior personal engagement to recognise an individual and see only data, not gender, age or race. Facial recognition thus helps eliminate both weapons and criminals off the streets and potentially prevent crimes before they have a chance to take place. The technology doesn’t take the decision away from the human police officer. However, it does bring greater transparency and context to the decision-making process of whether a stop and search intervention is justified.  Similarly, the advanced technology can recognise and match an individual seen on a CCTV camera at a crime scene to someone the police encounters on the streets some time later, justifying a stop and search on that individual. Its ability to check in real time if a person is on a criminal watchlist adds an extra layer to the decision-making process prior to conducting a stop and search, lowering the likelihood of discrimination. Facial recognition thus helps eliminate both weapons and criminals off the streets and potentially prevent crimes before they have a chance to take place. Gambling addiction and how facial recognition can help There are an estimated 593,000 people in the UK currently battling a gambling problem, making it a serious public health issue in the country. Having understood the gravity of the issue, the UK gambling commission have set limits and advice in place to help those suffering this addiction; yet as with all addictions, gambling is a tough habit to beat. In order to put effective limitations in place and make a real difference, the gambling commission needs the right technology to protect those most vulnerable in the industry.   Facial recognition technology is able to keep track of customers and thus help gambling companies in protecting their customers Facial recognition technology is able to keep track of customers and thus help gambling companies in protecting their customers to a higher degree. Monitoring those entering and moving around gambling areas is an extremely difficult task for human staff to do alone, especially in large crowded areas such as casinos. Facial recognition technology installed around the premises would be able to help the company and the staff to identify people who have registered as gambling addicts, and keep record of their day’s play in order to inform staff if and when it was time for them to stop. It would also be able to ensure effective self-exclusion procedures, by identifying a self-excluded individual via CCTV as soon as they entered the venue to then allow security staff to respectfully escort them out. Utilising facial recognition at airport security Facial recognition has by now become a normal sight at many airports around the world. Several people today hold a so-called biometric passport, which allows them to skip the normally longer queues and instead walk through an automated ePassport control to proceed to the gate faster without having to deal with control officers. Facial recognition used in this way has managed to significantly cut waiting times at the passport control, but it also has the ability to enhance security in and around airports. Facial recognition uses algorithms to match physical characteristics against photos and videos of people's faces Earlier this year, facial recognition technology managed to catch an imposter trying to enter the US at the Washington Dulles Airport. The false passport may have been uncaught by the human eye, yet due to the accuracy of the facial recognition technology it managed to help officers catch the imposter and bring him to justice. Facial recognition thus allows officers to identify an individual faster and more accurately than the human eye. Facial recognition uses algorithms to match physical characteristics against photos and videos of people's faces, which have been collected from visas, passports and other sources.   Facial recognition allows officers to identify an individual faster and more accurately than the human eye At airports the use of facial recognition has proved to both enhance security as well as speed up processes such as check-inWhilst some critics may worry about issues of privacy related to the technology, at airports the use of facial recognition has proved to both enhance security as well as speed up processes such as check-in and, in the future, even boarding proceedings. If used correctly and proportionately, facial recognition can help safeguard the public and improve national security on several fronts. Whilst the many benefits of facial recognition are evident, the lack of regulation and understanding of the technology has led to misconception around how it works and what it is used for. Facial recognition technology can match faces in crowded public places against criminal watch lists, and register faces that match with those on criminal watch lists – whilst ignoring everyone else.

As anyone who has ever flown on a commercial airline since 2001 knows, security measures at airports are well enforced and the emphasis on traveller safety is all around the airport and its grounds. Mass transportation, meanwhile, presents a special but not any less significant challenge when it comes to determining security issues. These facilities need to develop the means to protect a constantly changing and large population of passengers. And unlike airports these facilities often have hundreds of points of entry and exit on multiple modes—buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, even ferries. About 2 million Americans will use the nation’s airways on a given work day, while 35 million people will board some form of public transportation. In fact, statistics have shown that nearly 11 billion trips are taken on public transportation every year. In some large metropolitan areas in North America where mass transit is well established, more than 20 percent of the area’s inhabitants get around via public transportation.About 2 million Americans will use the nation’s airways on a given work day, while 35 million people will board some form of public transportation Solving mass transit security For transportation officials and their security providers, solving the mass transit security issue begins with determining the key concerns and then creating the proper responses via security systems, policies and procedures to mitigate the risks. Although vandalism and graffiti are very visible signs of criminal behaviour in mass transit settings such as bus stops and subway stations, this is not where transportation officials typically focus their energy. Fences and gates can secure out-of-service buses and train cars, as can remote surveillance methods to keep such vandalism at a minimum. Instead, it is the day-to-day safety and security of transit riders and employees that should become the highest priority. This begins with creating the safest environment possible that is highlighted with appropriate signage and, when necessary, audible warnings, and supporting that with technology, such as surveillance cameras, that will document what has happened if an incident occurs.Analytics can also be useful in alerting security about other suspicious behaviours at a transit stop, such as an untended bag or package Crime prevention in transportation Analytics can also be useful in alerting security about other suspicious behaviours at a transit stop, such as an untended bag or package Incidents of concern within a transit setting can take several forms, ranging from legitimate accidents or crimes to false claims such as faked fall down the stairs to potential and actual suicides. Bus and subway stations also have become magnets for homeless people who may put themselves and others in harm’s way by trying to access less secure public areas within a station as temporary shelters. If someone is injured on a subway platform and the transit provider is held liable, it could be on the hook for hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars. Suicides are a major concern for operators, with personnel now being trained to look for individuals who seem distressed, are loitering in the area or are intentionally putting themselves in a dangerous situation, such as standing too close to the edge of a platform. The deployment of video analytics, which can be programmed to send alerts when certain pre-set actions occur, can help determine when such dangerous behaviours come into play. Analytics can also be useful in alerting security about other suspicious behaviours at a transit stop, such as an untended bag or package or a person going into a restricted area. Whether it is on the bus, train or ferry or at the stops themselves, cameras and intuitive video management systems are the key to both active and forensic transit security. Some cities use buses that are up to 60 feet long and those can be equipped with up to a dozen cameras Train security and safety By using the proper cameras and recording systems in a transit environment, quick-acting personnel can locate a person of interest who boarded a train at one station, follow him during his trip and produce a crisp, clear identifiable image at the end. Those setting up the system thus should keep in mind proper camera positioning, resolution and motion-based changes to framerates or other compression settings. A typical 30-foot bus often has six cameras—one each at the front and middle doors, two more within the bus and then one looking forward and another looking behind the bus. The latter two are important in the event of accidents to verify liability. Some cities use buses that are up to 60 feet long and those can be equipped with up to a dozen cameras.Train stations often deploy high-definition cameras to better support facial recognition software to get that actionable image Train cars are similarly equipped with two to four cameras to view activity down the centre aisle. Within the stations themselves, there can be from 15 to 30 or more cameras capturing wide-angle shots. Train stations, which have a restricted point of egress, often deploy high-definition cameras to better support facial recognition software to get that actionable image. Installing the right technology for the solution Although bandwidth and storage can be a concern, with motion-based recording, the resolution can be bumped up during event, resulting in a 1-megapixel stream jumping to 4 or even 8mbps when needed. By changing the resolution on demand, end users can cut their storage needs significantly. Transportation settings often rely on the same technology used in other security installations, primarily mini dome cameras, although there are some mini transit domes built specifically for the environment with the proper aesthetics. Because of vandalism threats, transit typically avoids pendant mounts, which can be more easily grabbed and damaged. Temperature ratings for cameras also come into play in cold climates with cameras often getting outdoor exposure.Today’s new buses and trains are constructed with the cameras onboard and newer stations also take security into consideration at the earliest design stage As trains and buses move along their routes, especially those that service outlying areas, Internet connectivity becomes an issue as well. Because it may be difficult for video to be sent in transit, security bus barns are equipped with Wi-Fi so video from onboard cameras can be downloaded at the end of the day. And the use of hardened recorders at the stations allows security personnel to retrieve recorded video. Transit security with modern technology Today’s new buses and trains are constructed with the cameras onboard and newer stations also take security into consideration at the earliest design stage. Older infrastructure from long-standing subway and bus terminals can prove to be a challenge when adding security, but these issues aren’t insurmountable. Often the solution is to add more cameras to cover the same square footage because of less-than-ideal sight lines and to place conduit wherever it works best, which may mean positioning it under platforms or in other out-of-the-way places within older stations. Looking ahead, transit security will continue to evolve, not only as new stations and modes of transportation are added to the system, but in terms of communicating with commuters. People can expect to get mass notification alerts on their mobile devices, and those same devices can provide vital data to transportation entities to better develop their overall systems.

Over the course of the past few months, I have discussed a myriad of topics, from Big Data, the Internet of Things and emerging video surveillance-use cases, to analytics, storage complexities and IT technologies like virtualisation and hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI). All of these trends have a significant effect on the security market, and in April they were highlighted in spades at ISC West. It’s great to talk about these trends but it’s far better to see how they are being leveraged in real-world applications. That’s really where we can all see the true value of new solutions and concepts. We’re lucky enough to work with some leading organisations that want others to benefit from their experience and I’m happy to have the opportunity to share two of these applications with you. Protecting educational facilities UCF has adopted advancements in technology, particularly video surveillance solutions, to help ensure stronger security on campus Educational institutions face an increasingly complex risk environment. Recent high-profile incidents emphasise these risks and magnify the vulnerabilities that educational facilities face. These incidents have led to more public demand for improved security solutions across campuses. The primary mission of these organisations is to deliver quality education to students, and they face the challenge of balancing between a highly secure facility and one that supports open interaction. The University of Central Florida is no different. This organisation, one of the largest universities in the country, has adopted advancements in technology, particularly video surveillance solutions, to help ensure stronger security on campus. Active shooter incidents In March 2013, UCF faced an active shooter situation in which a former student planned to pull the fire alarm in a residence hall and then attack his classmates as the building was evacuated. However, the shooter’s gun jammed, and as officers were closing in on the gunman, he took his own life. During the university’s response to the incident, accessibility to critical video data was a major issue. Educational institutions face an increasingly complex risk environment UCF had cameras in the area where the incident took place, but first responders had no way of viewing the footage without being at the physical location of the video recorder. At the time, UCF had a wide variety of standalone systems in place, including non-integrated video surveillance, access control and intrusion systems. As a result, there was no way to centralise video management, viewing and analysis. Upgrading from analogue systems Altogether, its security system consisted of older analogue platforms that were reaching end of life, 58 standalone servers, 12,000 access points and a wide variety of DVRs — all being managed in a siloed manner. UCF needed a solution that would allow officials to centralise system management, store video data more effectively and reliably, and enable the security team to deliver situational awareness to responders when needed. Security leaders sought a way to further modernise its security, surveillance, access control and IT infrastructure The university deployed an HCI solution, one that is optimised for demanding, data-intensive workloads like video surveillance. Using standard off-the-shelf server hardware, the system aggregates the storage and compute resources from multiple servers into a single unified pool that all cameras can access, which maximises performance and storage capacity utilisation. The platform also hosts the university’s video management solution, which serves as a centralised source to manage video and effectively protect its security data. Because of the growing demand for video across UCF's campuses — for both safety and business purposes — the HCI solution’s ability to eliminate the opportunity for data loss and easily scale were key components in its selection. Protecting air travel and airports In 2012, Charleston International Airport embarked on an ambitious upgrade project dubbed the Terminal Redevelopment and Improvement Program. The $200 million initiative was designed to modernise and expand the facility to meet increased passenger demand. While the aesthetics and amenities of the airport were under construction, security leaders sought a way to further modernise its security, surveillance, access control and IT infrastructure. The IT and security teams needed to address the challenges of their existing standalone server environment, which included siloed systems, management complexity and high administrative and equipment costs. Charleston International Airport embarked on an ambitious upgrade project dubbed the Terminal Redevelopment and Improvement Program Considering the high value of the airport’s video, security and IT data, it required a solution that could deliver reliable data protection, system resiliency and fault tolerance. The airport is required to store video for 30 days, but it seeks to expand its retention time to 60 days. Therefore, technology that can scale simply was key in the selection process. Storage system updates It also required a storage platform that could manage the demanding and write-intensive nature of its nearly 250 IP surveillance cameras — a challenging task for traditional video recorders. The airport deployed HCI appliances to better manage captured video data and expand its archive capability for video surveillance. Users rely on video to validate whether something did or did not happen - and this is essential in airports HCI surveillance solutions are designed to provide industry-leading resiliency. Even if multiple hardware failures occur, including an entire appliance, video management servers will remain online and recording, and any previously recorded video will continue to be protected and accessible. Reducing expenses and costs The solution also reduced total cost of operations by consolidating servers, storage and client workstations into one enterprise-class solution that is easily managed from a single user interface, without the need for specialised IT skills. These use cases demonstrate the value emerging technologies bring to these types of modern environments. And they show that solutions like HCI are no longer simply much-talked about technology trends. Video, IT and security data is critical to organisations of all types and they need to ensure their investment in capturing this data is protected. From a security standpoint, users rely on video to validate whether something did or did not happen. If that video data isn’t protected, they lose a very valuable investigative tool. That isn’t an option in today’s complex environment. That’s is why it is paramount to understand how new technologies can help expand current capabilities and evolve security operations. This can’t be left to chance.

Security is arguably at the heart of the United States partial government shutdown: President Trump’s demand for $5.6 billion to start building a wall along the southern border with Mexico is the major bone of contention as gridlock in Washington prevents passage of a spending bill to keep the government in full operation. The partial government shutdown has affected security in other ways, too, and some of the impact could continue long after the impasse is settled. Some 800,000 federal employees are impacted, some on full or partial leave as a result of the shutdown and others working without knowing when they will get paid. Cybersecurity initiatives delayed Furloughed federal employees tasked with cybersecurity are not on hand to address the constant threat to government IT systems from possible hackers and other bad actors. In fact, hackers may decide the government shutdown is a vulnerable time to launch an attack. Data capture form to appear here! Hackers may decide the government shutdown is a vulnerable time to launch an attack Specifically, the new Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency, launched last fall, is operating with a skeleton staff. If the shutdown encourages cybersecurity experts to seek other employment, the resulting drain of “knowledge capital” could be a lasting detriment. New cybersecurity initiatives are also being delayed, such as the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act, aimed at creating a baseline of security defense across government web sites. Some government websites have had their Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption certificates expire during the shutdown. Impact on TSA agents Although Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents remain on the job at major airports, they will not be paid again until after the shutdown is over. The resulting negative impact on morale has arguably slowed down airport security operations, although airports have not reported any major problems. In addition, some agents have called in “sick” and/or sought other employment to provide income during the shutdown. In the Dallas-Fort Worth airport, the number of agents calling out sick reportedly increased by 200% to 300%. The absences can aggravate existing TSA staffing shortages. Impact on border protection agents Customs and border protection agents are also on the job with no assurance of when they will be paid. Other immigration agents in the Department of Homeland Security are also currently without pay. Hearings on immigration cases are being canceled, which can result in a large backlog to be addressed after the shutdown ends. Customs and border protection agents are also on the job with no assurance of when they will be paid What about worker documentation? A consequence of the shutdown is unavailability of the government’s E-Verify system, which is used to verify a worker’s immigration status prior to being hired by an employer. During the lapse in government appropriations, employers will not be able to access their E-Verify accounts, create an E-Verify case, edit company information, terminate accounts, run reports, etc. Long-term impact on government employment The longer the shutdown continues, the more employees will be encouraged to seek work elsewhereThe shutdown may lead federal employees to seek work in the private sector, where their paycheck is not likely to be delayed because of a political impasse. The longer the shutdown continues, the more employees will be encouraged to seek work elsewhere, whether on a temporary basis or as a permanent alternative. Manpower shortages can translate into security risks. Trump has argued for funding of the border wall on security and humanitarian grounds and has sought to put pressure on newly empowered Democrats. However, adding physical barriers at the border is only part of the solution to border security, says the conservative Heritage Foundation. Also needed are improved technology to monitor the border and appropriately equipped border patrol agents. Holistic approach to border security This holistic approach of combining barriers, technology, and people is the cost-effective way to secure the border, says Heritage Foundation. It’s also important to enforce immigration laws, and border security does nothing to stop visa overstays, another source of illegal immigration. The Democratic opposition has said Trump’s urgent call to build the wall is a “manufactured crisis,” and the wall would be “immoral” and “ineffective.” Weeks into the impasse, there is no end in sight.

In a significant move for the video security market, BCDVideo has announced that it is set to become Dell EMC’s OEM partner in the video surveillance space. For nearly a decade, the Chicago-based company has been known as a key OEM partner of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), providing storage and networking technology to security integrators on a global scale. This latest partnership will allow BCDVideo to take their offerings to the next level. BCDVideo Vice President Tom Larson spoke to SourceSecurity.com to discuss the reasoning behind the deal, and how the programme will benefit partners, integrators, and end-users alike. Expanding BCDVideo's product offering For BCDVideo, the HPE OEM programme has been widely acknowledged as a success, allowing the company to leverage a globally recognised brand and provide high-quality, reliable solutions across video networking and access control. Nevertheless, explains Larson, HPE server solutions are primarily suited to large-scale enterprise projects, and are therefore unable to accommodate for the growth in small- and medium-sized surveillance applications. The global collaboration with Dell EMC will allow BCDVideo to open up a broader product offering, building on success in the larger enterprise market to offer tailored solutions to SMEs. Our aim is to look at all best of breed technology to serve the video surveillance marketplace, and that means multiple partnerships” Support for integrators By leveraging Dell EMC’s sophisticated digital storage platforms, BCDVideo will now be able to offer a more cost-effective solution to integrators, without sacrificing the resilience and IT-level service that BCDVideo is known for. With access to Dell EMC’s expansive global sales and technical teams, the company hopes to expand its reach, all-the-while providing partners with around-the-clock technical support and a five-year on-site warranty. Customers should be reassured that BCDVideo will continue to offer HPE platforms, service, and support. “Our aim is to look at all best-of-breed technology to serve the video surveillance marketplace, and that means multiple partnerships,” says Larson.  “The addition of Dell EMC to our portfolio is a major win for BCDVideo, for Dell EMC, and for our integrators.” The global collaboration with Dell EMC will allow BCDVideo to open up a broader product offering Meeting surveillance market demands At the technology level, assures Larson, Dell EMC’s server offering is well suited to handle the increasing video resolution and growing camera count demanded by the surveillance industry. At the larger end of the spectrum, the company’s Isilon Scale-Out NAS solution can handle tens of petabytes of data, making it ideal for large-scale security applications such as city-wide surveillance and airport security. Dell EMC storage solutions are already proving successful at major international airports including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, each with a camera count in the 1000s.Dell EMC and BCDVideo together are ensuring our customers get the right solutions designed for the surveillance market” For Dell EMC, the new partnership means the ability to expand on this success in the enterprise market, leveraging BCDVideo’s surveillance expertise and high-level customer service to offer tailored solutions for lower-volume applications. Since its inception, BCDVideo has differentiated itself in the security space by providing a high level of IT service to integrators making the transition to IP systems. By combining resources, the partners will be able to service VMS and analytics companies, software vendors, and access control providers, as well as traditional business integrators. Ken Mills, General Manager Dell EMC Surveillance, explains: “Surveillance storage is not just about capacity, it is also about performance and reliability. Dell EMC and BCDVideo together are ensuring our customers get the right solutions designed for the surveillance market.” Accomodating for growth BCDVideo is well placed to accommodate this anticipated growth. Last year, the company opened a new 51,000-square-foot global headquarters in Illinois, home to 90 separate stations within their Innovation Center where each system is customised according to integrator needs. The new facility allows for expanding business with new and existing partners in the security market.

Heightened security is the watchword throughout Europe and around the world after the recent dual terror attacks in Brussels. Two explosions at Brussels’ Zaventem airport were followed an hour later with a third bomb at the Maelbeek Metro station, just 100 metres (about 300 feet) from the headquarters of the European Union. In all, 35 people died (including three suicide bombers), and more than 300 others were injured, 62 critically. Raised security levels worldwide In Belgium, flights were cancelled and the terror threat was raised to the highest, fourth level. The Metro subway and the airport in Brussels shut down. There was extra security at French and Dutch airports, and cross-border traffic was halted in the immediate aftermath. France’s border with Belgium was closed. In London, security was stepped up at Gatwick and Heathrow airports, and UK nationals were advised to avoid crowded areas in Belgium. Thousands of miles away in the United States, security measures were also increased at transport hubs and landmarks. #Brussels airport attack only the 3rd against an aviation hub following post 9/11 clampdown https://t.co/3IzQjazkPE pic.twitter.com/ghnbRZmrRi — Bloomberg Business (@business) March 22, 2016 Both attacks took place essentially at public places. Although the Belgium airport screens passengers carefully before allowing them to board airplanes, the bombs went off in the ticketing/departures area where anyone can walk in, and no luggage had yet been screened. Witnesses reported gunshots fired and shouts in Arabic right before the explosions, and a Kalashnikov assault rifle was found next to a dead attacker. An unused explosives belt was also found. At the crowded subway station during rush hour, the Metro was leaving the station when there was a loud explosion. Hundreds of troops and police took to the streets in the aftermath, and two suspects were arrested later a mile away from the Maelbeek station. CCTV identifying bombers We remember that CCTV footage was critical in the investigation of the London terror attacks in 2005, and the same will certainly be true here. The technology has improved since then, and typical video quality is much higher quality. Undoubtedly, police are searching through that video for more clues. An early report said police already had video of one of the Brussels airport bombers including the moment he detonated his suicide belt. Just hours after the attacks, CCTV video from the airport made its way to YouTube, showing terrified passengers running for their lives out of the building amid the smoke of the explosions. Fires burned among bags and debris, including ceiling tiles and glass littered across the floor of the terminal building.   JUST IN: Belgian authorities have released an image of 3 suspects at #Brussels airport after terrorist attacks. pic.twitter.com/IQW5748wp6 — Fox News (@FoxNews) March 22, 2016 Every space in the city’s airport, including the area where the explosion occurred, is reportedly covered by four video cameras. Although passengers are not yet screened at that point, security officials watch the area carefully (and covertly). But identifying a bomb among all the unscreened luggage would be a challenge. Plainclothes security patrol public areas of most airports in addition to uniformed officers. Historically, security has been top-of-mind because so many politicians and dignitaries come through the Brussels airport in the EU headquarters city.   Security screenings at departures not enough? Ironically, Zaventem airport, like other airports in the European Union, is required to employ explosives trace detection on passengers as they pass through airport screening. But that screening happens minutes after passengers check in at the departures area before they are allowed to board an airplane. The attack will likely lead to some rethinking of security procedures in these public areas. Any additional security would likely increase congestion and delay travellers, reflecting the perpetual need to balance convenience with security. Typically, incidents like the Brussels terror attacks tip the balance toward greater security (even if it’s inconvenient). The attack comes just days after the capture of Salah Abdesiam, the main figure in the November 2015 Paris attacks. The latest tragedy is a sad reminder for us all to remain vigilant. Read more: Are ineffective airport screenings putting travellers at risk of attacks?

EchoGuard receives FCC Equipment Authorisation allowing widespread deployment of the radar for security, surveillance, and airspace management applications. EchoGuard radar Echodyne, the manufacturer of innovative, high-performance radars for government and commercial markets, announces that it has received approval from the FCC for widespread deployment of its EchoGuard radar for radiolocation and radionavigation in the United States. FCC Equipment Authorisation allows the radar to be used throughout the US for ground, airspace surveillance The FCC Equipment Authorisation allows the radar to be used throughout the United States for ground and airspace surveillance applications that detect and track potential security threats with high accuracy and for ground-based airspace management applications that ensure safe navigation of commercial drone missions. Electronically Scanning Array radar Echodyne's innovative metamaterials technology and powerful software combine to create an electronically scanning array (ESA) radar in a compact, solid-state format at commercial price points for the very first time. The radar has been demonstrating award-winning performance for government, law enforcement, security, and UAS / UTM customers for some time via experimental licenses. "We are excited that EchoGuard has received this authorisation allowing its widespread adoption in the US," said Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne. "With the growing number of troubling drone incursions at airports, stadiums, and other facilities, there is tremendous demand for high-performance radar sensors. Tackling drone threats Eben adds, "Our innovative radar technology and software greatly increases the ability for security systems to accurately detect and track drone threats, as well as improves ground tracking of people, vehicles, and vessels. Our radar outperforms every other radar in its class, is priced for commercial markets, and has proven to be the best mid-range surveillance radar in the market." Features of the EchoGuard high-performance radar include: True electronic beam-steering with market-leading C-SWaP attributes; Long-range detection with high reliability and accurate tracking of multiple, concurrent air and ground targets; and Easy integration into sensor fusion and security systems for unmatched 3D situational awareness.

BIRD Aerosystems, globally renowned developer of Airborne Missile Protection Systems (AMPS) and Special Mission Aircraft Solutions (ASIO), has received an order for additional AMPS systems from the UN Air Operations. Airborne Missile Protection Systems Under the contract, BIRD will provide its AMPS-MV solution, which includes the MACS sensor, and install it on the UN Mi-17 helicopters, that are operating in the most dangerous and complicated areas in Africa. The UN is already using BIRD's AMPS systems, and this is a follow-on order that will allow the UN to install the systems on additional helicopters. AMPS missile protection system provides enhanced protection for military and civilian aircraft against MANPADS BIRD's AMPS missile protection system provides the most enhanced protection for military and civilian aircraft against the growing threat of ground to air missiles (MANPADS). Directional Infrared Countermeasures The system is designed to automatically detect, verify, and foil SAM attacks through the effective use of countermeasure decoys (Flares and Chaff) and by Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) that jam the missile's IR seeker and protects the aircraft. The AMPS-MV includes BIRD Aerosystems' patented Missile Approach Confirmation Sensor (MACS) sensor, which performs unique confirmation of suspected incoming missile threats detected by the main electro-optical passive sensors, and practically eliminates any false alarms. MACS ensures that only real missiles will be declared by the system and reacted upon. Missile Approach Confirmation Sensor Ronen Factor, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Bird Aerosystems, "The UN Air Operations teams are operating in the most dangerous areas and conflict zones in Africa, and therefore have to make sure that their helicopters are safe and protected against the constantly growing threat of MANPADS. As caring for its soldiers is a primary goal for the UN, we are honored that once again, they choose to do so using BIRD's AMPS-MV, the most advanced and cost-effective solution that is available today."

Faced with a number of security challenges and planned future expansion, a major airport decided it was time to implement a scalable security surveillance solution. Let’s take a look at how to manage such a scenario to ensure the selected solution provides scalability for growth. With the existing proprietary solution at the airport locked down to one manufacturer and littered with issues resulting in high maintenance and expansion costs, a new solution was required that would allow the airport to scale its surveillance solution in line with future expansion plans. Difficult in identifying people The low-resolution analogue cameras made it difficult to identify people during incidents Not only was the existing surveillance solution analogue and proprietary, it wasn’t intuitive and was difficult for operators to use. There were several ‘satellite’ security installations scattered in the various terminal buildings that weren’t viewable in the centralised Control Room which meant extra operators were required. The low-resolution analogue cameras made it difficult to identify people during incidents and coupled with the lack of video coverage, it gave operators poor situational awareness. Reviewing past events with the existing VMS was difficult as playback wasn’t synchronised and, without bookmarks, it was time-consuming to find important events. The combination of multiple terminal buildings and the Centralised Analogue Architecture resulted in bottlenecks and latency issues as all processing must pass through the centralised server. There was also no redundancy so if there was any failure in the system, the Control Room would no longer have the capability to view live or recorded video. Additionally, as the system was locked down to one manufacturer and the whole system had to be hardwired to the centralised server, there were very expensive expansion costs. Addressing security and scalability concerns New NVRs were specified to cope with the increase in camera streams and an extra NVR for redundancy and failoverThe required solution had multiple requirements to ensure that the existing issues were resolved and that the solution could scale with the planned expansion. With expansion planned to facilitate growing passenger numbers, an open IP based solution was specified to replace the existing analogue solution to improve situational awareness, provide scalability and integrate with a number of other systems operating in the airport. The architecture needed to limit bottlenecks, reduce latency issues, provide redundancy advantages and be scalable to allow for multiple new terminal buildings to be connected with ease. New HD cameras were specified to improve image quality and coverage, with a Video Wall required in order to view and manage the increase in video streams in the centralised Control Room. New large capacity NVRs were also specified to cope with the increase in camera streams and an extra NVR for redundancy and failover. Distributed Architecture reduces data bottlenecks A solution with Distributed Architecture was chosen as it solved multiple issues with the existing solution and facilitated future expansion without the need for a centralised server. Distributed Architecture allows data to be kept close to where it is produced or needed. When cameras, surveillance workstations, NVRs, alarm servers, integration gateways, all participate in a Distributed Architecture, data bottlenecks are minimised as all processing doesn’t need to pass through a centralised server. Distributed Architecture provides a truly unlimited and scalable solution that can easily accommodate the largest airports in the world. Enhancing situational awareness Distributed Architecture enables future expansion as it can support thousands of cameras, workstations and NVRsDistributed Architecture minimised the existing bottlenecks, reduced latency, and provided higher availability and faster access to data. It also allowed all ‘satellite’ security installations to be viewed in the centralised Control Room enhancing situational awareness. New HD cameras were installed and due to the scalability of Distributed Architecture, future cameras can easily be connected when needed. Furthermore, the scalability of Distributed Architecture enabled the airport to build new terminal buildings and connect with ease to the security solution when ready. Distributed Architecture enables planned future expansion as it can support thousands of cameras, workstations and NVRs, dramatically reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The scalability of Distributed Architecture allows the airport to continue with planned expansion and add a single camera/NVR or a whole new terminal when needed.

Progress is being made with the installation of HENSOLDT’s ASR-S (Aerodrome Surveillance Radar, Series) for air traffic control modernisation at German military airfields. ASR-S aerial surveillance radar With a further ASR-S system having recently been handed over to the German procurement authority BAAINBw and the Air Mobility Training Centre in Celle-Wietzenbruch, 17 of 20 radar systems in total have now been supplied to and accepted by the customer. Following the successful final acceptance test, programme manager Thomas Oswald handed the latest radar over to the training centre commander, Colonel Jörn Rohmann. The ASR-S aerial surveillance radar systems are being provided by sensor specialist HENSOLDT The ASR-S aerial surveillance radar systems are being provided by sensor specialist HENSOLDT under a 250-million-Euro contract awarded by the BAAINBw are intended to replace older radar systems that have been used to date for military air traffic control. Military airspace surveillance The new radars are being used for approach control at the airfields themselves and for airspace surveillance within a radius of more than 100 kilometres (60 NM) in order to safely coordinate military flight movements with civil air traffic. As a facility for all branches of the armed forces, the Air Mobility Training Centre, which is subordinate to the German Army Training Command in Leipzig, facilitates testing of and training in different methods and processes in cooperation between ground forces and aircraft. Air traffic control and identification system HENSOLDT provides air traffic control and identification systems for military and civilian applications on a global scale. For example, the company has received orders for a complete approach control system for the Swiss Air Force as well as for different ASR versions for the German civil air traffic control authority DFS, Australia, the UK and Canada. HENSOLDT’s ASR-S radar is improving air traffic control and air surveillance at the airfields of the German Armed Forces.

OpenView Security Solutions, the UK’S largest privately-owned independent security company and a national supplier of electrical and mechanical services, has completed a major upgrade to the CCTV security systems used at Cardiff Airport, the national airport for Wales and a key gateway to the UK.  Upgrading airport security The project included a software upgrade for 40 cameras and replacement of a further 110 cameras with the latest high definition devices. The security network was expanded with an additional 80 cameras to meet the requirements of Cardiff Airport which is one of the UK’s key strategic assets that welcomes over 1.58 million passengers annually. Ian Godsell, IT Technician and GDPR Data Protection Officer at Cardiff Airport, said: “We have been impressed by the professional approach and expert advice provided by OpenView throughout the successful completion of this significant upgrade to our CCTV security systems. The safety and security of our staff and customers is our number one priority and the advanced technology in place supports our efforts to constantly monitor activity across the airport. This in turn supports our commitment to minimise risk and remain compliant in terms of regulatory standards.” IP cameras and VMS The first phase saw OpenView upgrading the CCTV control room with Indigo Vision’s Control Centre OpenView Security Solutions was invited to propose a solution for the staged upgrade of the security network as it was the airport’s incumbent CCTV systems maintainer and had received recommendations from Indigo Vision, which supplied the cameras, Video Management System (VMS) and Network Video Recorders (NVRs). The first phase of the upgrade project saw OpenView upgrading the CCTV control room with Indigo Vision’s Control Centre, the company’s latest VMS platform and a new video wall to give operators the clearest view of the expanded camera network. It also provides department heads with browser-based access to video footage to quickly review events and enhance decision-making. Indigo Vision NVRs Additional Indigo Vision NVRs were installed to capture and store images from all cameras for a 31-day period with an additional unit for failover applications. The upgrade was planned and completed to minimise disruption to the airport operation and ensure continued security vigilance throughout the process.  OpenView then replaced existing cameras which were obsolete and, as soon as new cat 5 cabling had been installed by the airport’s third-party contractor, was able to complete the new installation locations across the Airport including fire stations, management suite and hangars. HD CCTV surveillance system This upgrade confirms OpenView’s ability to handle major infrastructure projects for safety critical organisations throughout the UK" “With extensive experience of working with airports and a nationwide network of strategically located offices, this upgrade confirms OpenView’s ability to handle major infrastructure projects for safety critical organisations throughout the UK,” added Andy Ward, Sales Director at OpenView Security Solutions. Several challenges had to be overcome whilst completing this upgrade, including having to unexpectedly replace collapsed ducting in some of the car parks and the handling of all intricacies involved in risk assessments relating to working at height throughout the airport. OpenView continues to provide a high-quality maintenance support service to ensure the system consistently operates at peak efficiency and is working closely with the IT team to further enhance the CCTV network as the airport continues to expand.

Rasilient Systems, Inc., the pioneer in forensic-grade video surveillance systems, has completed Phase II of the video surveillance system upgrade at Fairbanks International Airport (FIA) in Alaska. Phase II at FIA continued the installation of modern video surveillance for the airport to meet the stringent demands needed to provide safety and security for the thousands of passengers FIA serves daily. FIA is a state-owned, public-use airport that averages more than 328 aircraft operations each day. The Phase II video surveillance deployment includes Rasilient server and storage technology that facilitates distributed IP megapixel camerasThe Phase II video surveillance deployment includes Rasilient server and storage technology that facilitates distributed IP megapixel cameras; recording transmission and storage of forensic-based, high-quality video signals; comprehensive live viewing and playback; utilisation of purpose-built/designed digital IP networks; and intelligent processing of archived video, said Rasilient Director of Strategic Sales Engineering Dr. Edward Wassall. Increased support for surveillance cameras “These are key components that have the major video surveillance system requirements of scalability, video quality and reliability that FIA sought to implement when they chose to upgrade their security system,” said Dr. Wassall. “This current upgrade increased the number of supported video surveillance cameras as well as the efficiency associated with the management related to storage.” Phase I, completed in the summer of 2018, included the initial deployment of Rasilient’s forensic-grade series video surveillance servers and storage. Rasilient’s purpose-built server and storage products provide a video surveillance system infrastructure designed to deliver reliable and continuous video surveillance with exclusive No Frame Drop (NFD) technology that eliminates recording gaps. Enhancing visibility and storage capabilities The Rasilient system has allowed FIA to meet the needs of today as well as to provide scalability for our future needs"FIA Building and Security Representative Dana Bowen said their primary decision to upgrade the multi-camera airside and landside video surveillance system was to enhance visibility and storage capabilities. The Rasilient system has allowed FIA to meet the needs of today as well as to “provide scalability for our future needs,” said Bowen. “We are really very happy with the new airport forensic enabled storage system,” said Bowen. Small, medium to large enterprise deployments are supported by Rasilient products and technologies, and they have been deployed worldwide to protect museums, government institutions, airports, seaports, military contractors, financial institutions, educational establishments, stadiums, and residential complexes.

Higher pixel count is better. It’s a basic tenet of the video surveillance market, or at least it is the implication as manufacturers continue to tout their latest products offering ever-higher pixel counts. But the reality is more nuanced, as our Expert Panel Roundtable panelists explain this week. Pixel count shouldn’t be seen as an end unto itself, but rather as a factor in determining what camera is applicable to which application. Pixel count is just one factor of several to consider, and the needs of the application must rule all decisions. We asked this week’s panel: How many megapixels are enough? At what point does additional resolution not matter, or not make economic sense?

The evolution of IP video has placed a lot of attention on the resolution of video, as measured in the growing number of pixels in a frame. But another variable, receiving less attention, is the number of frames captured per minute (fps). We inherited the idea of “full-frame-rate” video from the analogue world, but increasing numbers of pixels (and more data!) have sometimes led to use of slower frame rates. We asked our Expert Panel: What is the value of “full-frame-rate” video? Absent specific compliance requirements, what might suffice as an acceptable frame rate (i.e., less than 30 frames per second [NTSC] or 25 frames per second [PAL])?