IP Surveillance

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.

For the past several years, there has been a focus by integrators and customers to assure that their card-based access control systems are secure. To give businesses an extra incentive to meet their cybersecurity threats, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has decided to hold the business community responsible for failing to implement good cybersecurity practices and is now filing lawsuits against those that don't. For instance, the FTC filed a lawsuit against D-Link and its U.S. subsidiary, alleging that it used inadequate safeguards on its wireless routers and IP cameras that left them vulnerable to hackers.Many companies perceive that they are safer with a card but, if done correctly, the mobile can be a far more secure option  Now, as companies are learning how to protect card-based systems, such as their access control solutions, along comes mobile access credentials and their readers which use smart phones instead of cards as the vehicle for carrying identification information. Many companies perceive that they are safer with a card but, if done correctly, the mobile can be a far more secure option with many more features to be leveraged. Handsets deliver biometric capture and comparison as well as an array of communication capabilities from cellular and Wi-Fi to Bluetooth LE and NFC. As far as security goes, the soft credential, by definition, is already a multi-factor solution. Types of access control authentication Access control authenticates you by following three things: Recognises something you have (RFID tag/card/key), Recognises something you know (PIN) or Recognises something you are (biometrics). Your smart phone has all three authentication parameters. This soft credential, by definition, is already a multi-factor solution. Your mobile credentials remain protected behind a smart phone's security parameters, such as biometrics and PINs. Organisations want to use smart phones in their upcoming access control implementations Once a biometric, PIN or password is entered to access the phone, the user automatically has set up 2-factor access control verification - what you know and what you have or what you have and a second form of what you have.                 To emphasise, one cannot have access to the credential without having access to the phone. If the phone doesn’t work, the credential doesn’t work. The credential operates just like any other app on the phone. The phone must be “on and unlocked.” These two factors – availability and built-in multi-factor verification – are why organisations want to use smart phones in their upcoming access control implementations. Smart phone access control is secure Plus, once a mobile credential is installed on a smart phone, it cannot be re-installed on another smart phone. You can think of a soft credential as being securely linked to a specific smart phone. Similar to a card, if a smart phone is lost, damaged or stolen, the process should be the same as with a traditional physical access credential. It should be immediately deactivated in the access control management software - with a new credential issued as a replacement. Your mobile credentials remain protected behind a smart phone's security parameters, such as biometrics and PINs Leading readers additionally use AES encryption when transferring data. Since the Certified Common Criteria EAS5+ Computer Interface Standard provides increased hardware cybersecurity, these readers resist skimming, eavesdropping and replay attacks.            When the new mobile system leverages the Security Industry Association's (SIA) Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP), it also will interface easily with control panels or other security management systems, fostering interoperability among security devices.All that should be needed to activate newer systems is simply the phone number of the smart phone Likewise, new soft systems do not require the disclosure of any sensitive end-user personal data. All that should be needed to activate newer systems is simply the phone number of the smart phone. Bluetooth and NFC the safer options Bottom line - both Bluetooth and NFC credentials are safer than hard credentials. Read range difference yields a very practical result from a security aspect. First of all, when it comes to cybersecurity, there are advantages to a closer read range. NFC eliminates any chances of having the smart phone unknowingly getting read such as can happen with a longer read range. There are also those applications where multiple access readers are installed very near to one-another due to many doors being close. One reader could open multiple doors simultaneously. The shorter read range or tap of an NFC enabled device would stop such problems. However, with this said in defence of NFC, it must also be understood that Bluetooth-enabled readers can provide various read ranges, including those of no longer than a tap as well. One needs to understand that there are also advantages to a longer reader range capability. Since NFC readers have such a short and limited read range, they must be mounted on the unsecure side of the door and encounter all the problems such exposure can breed. Conversely, Bluetooth readers mount on the secure sides of doors and can be kept protected out of sight. Aging systems could cause problems Research shows that Bluetooth enabled smart phones are continuing to expand in use to the point where those not having them are already the exceptions With that said, be aware. Some older Bluetooth-enabled systems force the user to register themselves and their integrators for every application. Door access – register. Parking access – register again. Data access – register again, etc. Newer solutions provide an easier way to distribute credentials with features that allow the user to register only once and need no other portal accounts or activation features. By removing these additional information disclosures, vendors have eliminated privacy concerns that have been slowing down acceptance of mobile access systems. In addition, you don’t want hackers listening to your Bluetooth transmissions, replaying them and getting into your building, so make very sure that the system is immunised against such replays. That’s simple to do. Your manufacturer will show you which system will be best for each application. Research shows that Bluetooth enabled smart phones are continuing to expand in use to the point where those not having them are already the exceptions. They are unquestionably going to be a major component in physical and logical access control. Gartner suggests that, by 2020, 20 percent of organisations will use mobile credentials for physical access in place of traditional ID cards. Let’s rephrase that last sentence. In less than 18 months, one-fifth of all organisations will use the smart phone as the focal point of their electronic access control systems. Not proximity. Not smart cards. Phones!

Further enhancing the depth of its customer support operation, Intercoax (EMEA), the global manufacturer of high-performance Ethernet-over-coax and twisted pair video, data & PoE transmission products, has introduced two new schemes. Intercoax’s Proof of Concept (PoC) scheme is a ‘free of charge’ service that allows Intercoax customers to confirm equipment performance by on-site evaluation of any combination of Long Reach Ethernet (LRE) products (for coax, UTP or 2 wire cable)- prior to committing to a project specification. PoC 1 features 2 LRE managed receiver switches, and single channel transceivers, whilst PoC 2 features single channel transceivers, for both coax and UTP cable PoC kit with LRE managed receiver switches The portable Intercoax 19” rack mount PoC demonstration kit includes everything required to test any combination of LRE products/applications, using either of two Intercoax kit formats. PoC 1 features 2 LRE managed receiver switches (coax and UTP), and single channel transceivers, whilst PoC 2 features single channel transceivers, for both coax and UTP cable. “Demonstrating the power of Intercoax technology in the field is the best way to illustrate the performance advantages of our Ethernet technology,” commented Vincent Matthys, CEO of Intercoax EMEA. “By providing this service, customers can confirm the technical capability of our transmission solutions before they commit to specifying the technology. By demonstrating the products on-site, it’s easy for customers to see why we are industry leaders at providing a simple migration path from analogue systems to IP over existing coax, or UTP cable infrastructure – and all at extended distances up to 2.4km, including PoE for IP end-devices such as IP cameras or VoiP telephones.” Intercoax’s new Project Registration Scheme ensures system designers can provide customers with the most efficient, economical and high-performance Ethernet solution High-performance Ethernet solution In addition to the PoC Kits, Intercoax’s new Project Registration Scheme ensures system designers can provide customers with the most efficient, economical and high-performance Ethernet solution possible. Accessed via an on-line form available at intercoax-emea.com, installers and integrators can complete the form to receive support benefits including technical liaison with the Intercoax project design team, and up to 20% discount off project equipment costs. Vincent continues: “The combination of our PoC demonstration technology combined with our new Project Registration scheme ensures that Intercoax customers receive the highest-level of local support - right from the initiation of a project through to handover of the system.”

Matrix exhibited its Telecom and Security solutions at Matrix Impact, its maiden event held in Kolkata at the Hotel Radisson. The event was conducted in association with regional partner Chalissery. Matrix presented PBX, PRASAR UCS – Pure IP Solution for modern enterprises that support up to 2,100 IP users from a single box at the event. The product finds its applications in hospitality, multi-location, retail, healthcare and other industry verticals where mobility is the key for productivity. The SIMADO range of GSM Gateways was the limelight for apparent benefits of wireless connectivity and pocket friendly telephony costs. Matrix displayed its hospitality PBX that supports calling activities in hotels from 40 to 3,000 rooms. The PBX offers integration with well-known Property Management Software (PMS) without any middleware, helping hotelier manage routine operations and create an enhanced guest experience. Matrix also exhibited their scalable gateways which can be deployed in standalone mode and offer easy switch between PRI, GSM, IP and Analog networks from a single chassis. Matrix SPARSH VP710 - Smart Video IP phone also remained in the spotlight at the event. Matrix Extreme series NVR Matrix displayed their new Extreme series of Network Video Recorder (NVRX) at the event. These high storage NVRs are equipped with 4K Decoding Capacity and H.265 Compression, along with characteristics like cascading (up to 20 NVRs), camera-wise recording retention and database level integration. It also has plenty of other distinct features like high resolution recording, playback, and simultaneous local and remote monitoring along with storage retention for a higher number of days. Moreover, these latest NVRs are also backed with intelligent video analytics that helps detect threats and send instant notifications for real-time security. These comprehensive, flexible, reliable, and integrated NVRXs provide a proficient, persistent and preventive security solution, suitable for enterprises and multi-location offices. Additionally, Matrix also exhibited a wide range of IP cameras and their video management software – SATATYA SAMAS. To cut down the server cost, Matrix presented its standalone access control solution where one can connect with 255 devices and 25,000 users Biometric access control solutions Matrix also unfolded its latest range of biometric time-attendance and access control solutions. Mobile being the next generation technology in terms of security, Matrix displayed its “Your Mobile is Your Identity” solution. In mobile-based access control, a user either scans the QR code through his/her mobile or just twists the mobile to get access using Bluetooth. Using mobile application, a user can mark attendance automatically using GPS or Wi-Fi. To cut down the server cost, Matrix presented its standalone access control solution where one can connect with 255 devices and 25,000 users. Additionally, to enhance security, Matrix biometric solutions can be integrated with any video surveillance solution. It will capture real-time images when any pre-defined event occurs. Furthermore, Matrix showcased access control for data centres – a centralised biometric authentication for data centres and data racks. “The event was successful to meet its objective. The engagement of system integrators in different applications was highly appreciated. We look forward to have mutual growth while working with these system integrators,” said Ruchir Talati, National Sales Manager.

With outstanding 4K (8 megapixel) picture clarity, the H.265 Wisenet PNP-9200RH dome features 20x optical zoom lens and IR viewable length up to 656ft enabling users to closely monitor activity or far away objects. The ability to monitor is enhanced with the help of endless 360° pan rotation and 190° tilt control, as well as advanced Auto Tracking for smooth, anti-vibration monitoring. Key features The PNP-9200RH, which is IP66 and IK10 rated for vandal-resistance and outdoor use in the harshest environments, utilises Progressive Scan technology to provide sharp edges on moving subjects and vehicles. It shares many of the innovative, practical features with the four other models in the Wisenet P series. These include, bi-directional audio support, privacy masking, defog and an SD card slot to ensure that video is automatically recorded in the event of network disruption. Integrated WiseStream compression technology dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression according to movement in the imageEdge-based video analytics Analytics such as appear/disappear, tampering and audio detection (with metadata) are provided as standard, whilst the power of the open platform DSP chipset built into the PNP-9200RH, provides end-users with the flexibility to run edge-based video analytics which match their individual requirements. Unique WiseStream Technology Completing the long list of innovative features built into the PNP-9200RH is WiseStream, a complementary compression technology which dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression according to movement in the image. Bandwidth efficiency is improved by up to 75% compared to current H.264 technology when WiseStream is combined with H.265 compression. This ensures that Hanwha Techwin Europe’s Wisenet P series is one of the most bandwidth-friendly camera ranges available.

A North West demonstration venue launched by eyevis UK has generated £3million of new businesses and provided a boost to the local economy. The control room video wall and audio-visual experts launched the facility at the Business First Burnley Business Centre in 2016 so potential customers could see their ground-breaking technology in action. The control room video wall and audio-visual experts launched the facility at the Business First Burnley Business Centre in 2016 New demonstration facility eyevis UK managing director Steve Murphy said that more than 300 representatives from a wide range of national sectors, including national and regional government, security, police, security, transport, facilities management and broadcast had all visited the venue. He added that it had also hosted a number of open days and catered for growing demand for the Burnley-based company’s products in the North West and across the North of England.  eyeUNIFY wall management software He said: “Many of our clients and potential clients are either in the Lancashire and North West area or can arrive quickly and easily at our front door thanks to the M65 and the motorway network and the superb rail links. It makes sense to provide a demonstration venue that gives an easily-accessible destination where people can come and see what we have to offer. As well as being directly responsible for £3million of new business, the venue has also provided a boost for the local economy in terms of the overnight accommodation, food providers and transport that many of our visitors have utilised.” Among the products at the showcase venue are: eyeUNIFY is the only open-source video wall management application available today eyeUNIFY, a unique and revolutionary professional wall management software. eyeUNIFY is the only open-source video wall management application available today. It is fully code transparent, making it the most secure video wall management software on the planet. Additionally, it can be adapted to specialist wishes and customer needs. Netpix video wall controllers for the very latest in control room video wall technology The new INFINITY network distributed display wall feature with IP-streamed sources delivered to displays via the network whilst retaining all the unique eyevis control software functionality. eyevis UK industrial LCD display technology including ultra-narrow bezel LCD and QHD Touch screen displays eyevis LED illuminated rear projection technology The venue is operated on an appointment basis and clients can provide details of the issues they face in advance so eyevis UK can demonstrate how their technology can help. Control rooms and video walls are used in a wide variety of applications, such as traffic control, transportation, energy plants, aerospace, airport and data centres" Control rooms and video walls eyevis UK managing director Steve Murphy added: “Control rooms and video walls are used in a wide variety of applications, such as traffic control, transportation, energy plants, aerospace, airports, water and sewage plants, public utilities, emergency services and data centres. Our demonstration venue provides the opportunity to see eyevis technology in action and learn how it can help make any operation in any sector more efficient and provide operational staff with a real-time overview.” eyevis UK provides video wall displays and audio-visual solutions to a range of clients across the UK. It has just launched a new London demonstration venue to cope with increased demand for its technology. CCTV video surveillance The move will allow a wide range of sectors, including CCTV, security and traffic control to see state-of-the-art products which can help them. The venue, at Woburn Place, a short walk from Euston Station, is operated on an appointment basis and clients can provide details of the issues they face in advance so eyevis UK can demonstrate how their technology can help.

Vicon Industries Inc. (VCON: OTCQB Venture Market) ("Vicon"), designer and manufacturer of video surveillance and access control software, hardware and components, announced today that Louisa County Public Schools, in Northern Virginia, has completed installation of a district-wide Vicon Valerus video management solution that encompasses its six school buildings and connects nearly 400 cameras. The system includes multiple application servers and NVRs running Valerus VMS software, as well as a wide range of Vicon IP megapixel camera models. The district has opted to share camera access with the Louisa County Sheriff’s Department, whose officers can use iPads and smartphones to immediately call up video through the Valerus VMS interface in case of an emergency. This allows them to visually assess any situation and locate the perpetrator before sending in officers. Vicon sponsored training class The Valerus solution was chosen by Louisa County Public Schools because of Vicon’s willingness to provide the district’s in-house electricians and technical team with as much autonomy as possible in setting up and managing the system. After participating in a Vicon sponsored training class, the district has been self-sufficient in its ability to install, program and troubleshoot Valerus. David Szalankiewicz, LCPS Facilities Director, says "Vicon’s technical team has supported our in-house guys directly with training and certification so that we feel completely in control." Ron Lapsley, Vicon’s Regional Sales Manager who worked on the project, explains, "Vicon understands that the technical capabilities and service needs are different for each customer, and we’re glad to provide the right level of support that makes sense. In many cases, the manufacturer relationship is as important as the product itself in making sure a customer is satisfied."

Located one hour outside of London, the borough of Runnymede is a local government district with over 80,000 residents in the county of Surrey. It is one of the most prosperous parts of the London commuter belt and home to some of the UK’s most expensive real estate. In order to enhance public safety, the borough council contracted service provider Safer Runnymede. Working with Nottinghamshire-based systems integrator Central Security Systems, the experts installed a platform combining public safety technology with personal safety services such as care solutions for the elderly. Bosch video security system Today, Safer Runnymede coordinates all connected solutions in a Control Room in the town of Addlestone, where a staff of three operators monitor security feeds from over 500 security cameras deployed around various boroughs within Surrey. Next to public streets in the area, the flexible system also monitors schools, hospitals and other public buildings around the clock. Every year, the team responds to 20,000 incidents from cameras, and the video security system has proven an asset in monitoring traffic, preventing crime, as well as providing evidence and following suspects after incidents. But achieving this level of integration was a challenge. Connecting the solutions via the BVMS allowed Runnymede to become one of the first councils to invest in a fully IP-based infrastructure Initially, the video security system consisted of hardware from several different manufacturers including Bosch – making updates or replacements a time-consuming process – that was networked on a Bosch Video Recording Management (VRM) solution. Looking for a future-proof and scalable system built on an integrated software platform, the officials in Runnymede tasked Bosch to design a fully IP-based security camera architecture. IP video surveillance system Since the Safer Runnymede system already included a Bosch monitor wall plus encoders, cameras, VRM and storage devices, system integrators could leverage the initial investment into a full suite of Bosch solutions. The system now combines new high-resolution AUTODOME IP 4000, AUTODOME IP 7000, MIC IP 7000 moving cameras, and FLEXIDOME IP 7000 fixed cameras, plus older Bosch and third-party analog cameras paired with encoders, decoders, and DIVAR IP 3000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 recorders. Connecting these solutions via the Bosch Video Management System (BVMS) allowed Runnymede to become one of the first councils to invest in a fully IP-based infrastructure. The flexible system design and management has provided an integrated approach to our business delivery" As a result, Safer Runnymede has benefitted from superior image quality delivered by the added network video security cameras, without the need of replacing the complete existing analog video security infrastructure; all in a resilient, easily expandable system at a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO). What’s more, the customer has used the flexibility of Bosch solutions in a deployable video surveillance camera at remote locations. Installed in a custom-built enclosure provided by Central Security Systems, it streams video data from an AUTODOME IP 4000 camera via 4G and sends alerts via SMS to the Control Room upon detecting activity such as illegal waste dumping. Bosch video management system Migrating from a fragmented, analog system to an integrated IP network managed via BVMS (Bosch Video Management System) has proven a forward-facing decision. “The flexible system design and management has provided an integrated approach to our business delivery, allowing us to make better operational decisions and become more dynamic and competitive in the video surveillance marketplace, “says Les Bygrave at Safer Runnymede.

With increased security a priority for school districts across the country, administrators are taking a close look at their technology to ensure it can deliver in an emergency. Concerns over active shooters and other violent scenarios have districts paying attention and putting heightened security measures in place. Christopher Lordi, Director of Administrative Services at Delaware Valley School District in rural, northeast Pennsylvania, knew it was time to upgrade his district’s surveillance technology, so he turned to the integration expertise of Guyette Communications to get the job done. Analogue DVR system The outdoor PTZ cameras that panned back and forth were causing them to miss a lot of activity The DVR system that covered Delaware Valley’s seven schools and nine buildings was state-of-the-art when it was installed a decade ago, but it was no longer meeting the district’s needs. Administrators complained that is was difficult to view and manage video from all of the cameras as a unified system. The analogue video made it hard to identify faces and see other important details. And the outdoor PTZ cameras that panned back and forth were causing them to miss a lot of activity. “We had a lot of blind spots,” says Chris. Guyette Communications, of Plymouth, PA, has worked with the district for over a decade supporting its technology needs, so Chris looked to them for guidance. Scott Surochak and Rick Scalzo, both of Guyette, recommended a new-to-market VMS, Vicon’s Valerus, that they felt would provide all the features and performance the district sought in a very cost-effective manner. They also recommended that the district abandon their analogue cameras and standardise district-wide on higher performance, megapixel IP models. Valerus VMS The significant expense of replacing not just the VMS system, but hundreds of cameras district-wide, required buy-in from the school board. Rick and Scott, along with Vicon’s regional sales manager, Doug Stadler, provided an in-depth demonstration of the capabilities of Vicon’s new Valerus VMS, along with its line of IQeye Alliance cameras, to the school board. The new system would allow them to clearly identify the faces of visitors, read license plates within the school parking lots, eliminate current blind spots throughout the campuses, and easily search video to quickly find evidence of crime or vandalism. Convinced of the long-term value of the investment, the school board gave a green light to proceed. Vicon Fixed and Cruiser cameras Approximately 400 cameras were installed throughout the district’s nine buildings, almost all of which are Vicon 3MP IQeye Alliance fixed domes Installation began in March 2017 and continued throughout the summer. Approximately 400 cameras were installed throughout the district’s nine buildings, almost all of which are Vicon 3MP IQeye Alliance fixed domes. These provide coverage of all entrances to buildings, busy hallways, and spaces like lunchrooms, auditoriums, playgrounds, parking lots and athletic fields. In addition, Vicon Cruiser domes with 30X optical zoom were installed in each parking lot to capture license plates. To support so many high-resolution cameras transmitting at full frame rates, Guyette installed a dedicated security network capable of handling the bandwidth. All cameras are hard wired with new CAT-6 cabling, which feeds back to CISCO switches and a fiber backbone that runs through each building. Installing security network To minimise bandwidth transmission between buildings, Guyette recommended that each school locally record video from its respective cameras. The five lower schools have each been equipped with a single Valerus server that both runs VMS application software and performs as an NVR. The middle school and high school, which share a building, have an application server plus four NVRs to support the higher number of cameras. Because the Valerus VMS software makes exclusive use of a thin-client, there was no need to install software on any workstations. Complete user and administrative functionality is available through a standard web browser interface. Rick says that “Installation went very smoothly. The system works well and it’s easy to navigate and program. I’m used to systems where we have to do everything manually, but with Valerus, it does a lot of things for you. For example, you can copy programming to multiple cameras. Setting up one camera and then copying it to 50 others is a huge time saver.”  “The system is also really easy to update,” he says. “Two new Valerus versions were released during the months we were doing the installation, and we just had to download it once each time to an application server, and then it was automatically pushed out to all the other servers on the network.” Efficient crime detection Two new Valerus versions were released during the months we were doing the installation, and we just had to download it once each time to an application server" There isn’t a lot of criminal activity in the Delaware Valley School District, thanks to outreach programs that create a collaborative relationship between the school police force, administrators, students and parents. However, sometimes issues do occur, and Valerus has already helped the district solve a theft. Chris describes an incident that occurred while the system was still being installed in the spring of 2017. “There was a theft from one of the administrative offices. The employee thought the office had been locked, but our surveillance video was able to show that it was not and displayed the comings and goings of everyone who entered the office during the time in question. The video quality was so clear that the thief’s face could be identified. The footage was turned over to the local police who were able to apprehend the thief and recover the stolen property. With our old VMS system, the video wouldn’t have provided enough detail for us to identify the culprit.” High-end video surveillance Chris says he’d love to say that Valerus’ “museum search” made it possible to find the incriminating video in minutes. However, because the system was just getting installed, not all features were operational yet and his police force had to manually look through hours of video. “The officers are really looking forward to being able to use the search function in the future, now that we’re all up and running. They love how you can draw a box over an area of the video where you know something has happened, and Valerus will do all the work for you,” he says. In speaking about response to crimes and emergencies, Rick adds that because Valerus uses a thin client, the school district has the luxury of easily providing outside law enforcement with access to their system. If they ever needed help from local or state police, like in an active shooter situation, administrators can provide them with a link to the district’s network so that they can better coordinate a response. This would have been impossible with their old system. Ensuring Valerus system’s functionality The VMS thin-client interface allows the officers to view video from anywhere, including on their phones or tablets Unusual for a district of its size, Delaware Valley has its own, full-time, six-person police force. Among other responsibilities, this force is tasked with monitoring the new Valerus system. Each officer has been equipped with his or her own workstation from which they can monitor the cameras physically located at their assigned schools. Administrators at each building also have access to view local cameras. In addition, a centrally located, district-wide monitoring station has been set up to make it easy for officers and school officials to keep an eye on the district as a whole. Rick Scalzo explains that while the VMS thin-client interface allows the officers to view video from anywhere, including on their phones or tablets, his team recommended the purchase of high-performance, manufacturer-certified PC workstations for each officer’s monitoring station. This was to ensure that these computers would have the necessary processing power to display large numbers of high-resolution camera feeds simultaneously. These workstations are hard wired to the network to provide the fastest and most reliable connectivity to the application server. Chris Lordi says that the district has also provided all officers with iPhone 6s, which they use regularly to monitor what’s happening at their buildings. License plate recognition and PTZ cameras One of the capabilities that the district required of the new system is the ability to read license plates of vehicles entering or exiting school grounds. Officers are able to take control of the PTZ cameras in each parking lot and zoom in on the plates of any vehicles of interest. This can even be done via the iPhone interface. Chris explains that it has not been necessary to integrate Valerus with any special license plate recognition (LPR) software because his team of police officers has immediate access to databases where they can look up plates as needed. However, this integration is currently available for Valerus customers and can help automate the process for those who need it.  Intruder detection  They want top-notch safety, and Valerus delivers that" Chris says that “Our school board takes safety and security very seriously, so for them, this significant investment was justified as soon as we showed them what it can do. They want top-notch safety, and Valerus delivers that. Buy-in from teachers, and the union, who have expressed reservations over the placement of many new cameras that didn’t previously exist, has required additional communication and education. Both Chris and Rick have made it very clear that the upgraded system is not for the purpose of intimidating or keeping closer watch on employees as they perform their daily jobs. Our main concern is thwarting security threats and keeping everybody safe. The additional cameras and new software might help us break up a fight or address bullying issues, but it’s also important for much more serious situations, like dealing with an active shooter or act of terrorism. Now we can use cameras to follow an intruder throughout our buildings, and that can help us keep everyone safe while we apprehend him.” Chris says that “When we put it like that, everyone gets on board.” Counter Terror Chris is extremely appreciative of the support Guyette Communications has provided throughout this project, including individually training each school principal as their building was completed. “I can’t stress how well Guyette has delivered for us. They’re flexible, reliable and compassionate, and they’ve been a true partner at every step of the way. I’d recommend Guyette to anybody.” With school back in session, and the district’s police force busy implementing its many safety programs, Chris looks forward to another school year without any major security incidents. However, with a new Valerus system and high-resolution cameras in place, he knows he now has not only the right people but the right technology to handle any crisis.

Technology is front and center at a beautiful new City Hall in the Northwest U.S., where community members will find local government offices, city council chambers and the department of economic development. The building’s tightly integrated electrical, lighting, fire protection, telecommunications and security solutions is the work of Coffman Engineers. Ben Helms was project manager responsible for specifying Vicon’s Valerus VMS and VAX Access Control security solutions into the facility and credits Vicon’s A&E tools and support services with helping him to get the job done right. Access control and VMS solutions Ben says that his firm has a long history with Vicon through Vicon’s dedicated A&E outreach programs Ben says that his firm has a long history with Vicon through Vicon’s dedicated A&E outreach programs. In the past, he has attended Vicon’s annual A&E Summit, a 2 ½ day educational event filled with seminars and interactive learning for the specifying community on topics related to surveillance technologies and solutions. It was at one of these seminars that he was first shown a beta version of Valerus, Vicon’s new VMS that was still under development. “I thought it was really cool,” he says. “It’s a big jump to go to an all browser-based system and adds a lot of advantages over a hard system.” As for the VAX Access Control solution, Ben appreciated the over-the-door controllers, which he says, from his standpoint, “made the system a lot less work to design.” He says that “Normally, controllers are all lined up in an IT room and you have masses of wiring going out to the doors, so you have to worry about voltage drop and a lot of other factors. With the VAX controller, you just put it out there, connect it to a PoE drop, and you’re done.” VAX-Valerus integration With the built-in integration between Valerus and VAX, it just made sense to go that way" When Ben began work on the brand-new City Hall, which required a unified access control and VMS solution, he saw a perfect match. “With the built-in integration between Valerus and VAX, it just made sense to go that way.” Steve Helms, Ben’s father and the Principal in Charge of the project, had also attended Vicon’s A&E Summits in the past and had seen what Valerus and VAX could do. He agreed with Ben’s recommendation. For putting together specifications for the security portion of the City Hall project, Ben relied on ARCAT SpecWizard, a free online tool that automates the spec building process. Vicon is one of only a few VMS manufacturers who have invested in providing this resource to the A&E community. SpecWizard is particularly helpful for solutions that include a wide range of components and require a degree of customisation for each project. Ben says that he found SpecWizard really easy to use. “I just went in and checked the boxes for the cameras, servers and software that I wanted, and downloaded the completed spec in Word format. All I had to do was edit it a bit to cut out a few things I didn’t need. It made it really simple to grab all the parts and pieces and make sure that everything was covered.” High megapixel cameras The entire City Hall project was built in AutoDesk REVIT software for BIM (building information modeling) The entire City Hall project was built in AutoDesk REVIT software for BIM (building information modeling), allowing the architecture and engineering teams to collaboratively model the building’s components and simulate its systems and structures. Ben was able to access REVIT models of all of Vicon’s camera models, available through the AutoCAD360 library, drag them into the project and pop them right into place. “This part of the project was really fun,” say Ben. The models clearly showed the mechanicals for the cameras as well as their field of view. When presenting the drawings to the clients, it was easy to explain what could be seen from each camera and how they would all work together as a system to provide coverage of all critical areas. The City Hall project used several different camera models, with resolutions ranging from 2MP to 12MP. High megapixel cameras generate a tremendous amount of data and calculating bandwidth and storage requirements are complicated by factors such as frame rates, video quality, lighting, the types of images being recorded, and use of settings like motion activated recording. To guide him through this evaluation process, Ben says he relied on Vicon’s free calculator tools, which simplified the challenge of determining the system’s server and storage needs. Video-access control integration The City Hall project used several different camera models, with resolutions ranging from 2MP to 12MP While Ben greatly appreciated the many tools that Vicon offers to make his job easier, he says that the biggest reason he would absolutely use VAX and Valerus again is the support he received from the Vicon team. “I have a local Vicon rep here I can call, and I know their entire technical team is always available to help me if I have any sort of issue.” Ben says that it’s also very important to specify solutions that deliver value to his clients. It’s nice to be able to say to them, “Here’s a system that is not going to cost you a ton to install, you can have unlimited user groups, unlimited users, the video and access control will completely integrate with each other, it has all these features included that a lot of systems charge extra for, and the licensing cost is pretty low. From a consulting and specifying standpoint, it checks a lot of the boxes that we really like.”

Security is important for any construction project, but the stakes are higher when the tenants are a team of professional athletes, the parking lot is filled with sports cars and luxury vehicles, the property includes a multi-million-dollar turf field, and a professional training facility where exercises held there must be guarded as corporate secrets. To meet these challenges, Vicon recently completed work with a professional national sports team to install an end-to-end, tightly integrated video management and access control solution that relies exclusively on Vicon software, hardware and cameras. Due to sensitive security demands the team remains anonymous in this piece. The professional team’s Security Director says that he needed a system that would capture footage of everything going on, inside and around the perimeter of the facility, and make sure that access was limited to only authorised personnel. At the same time, the technology needed to make it easy for players and employees to get through security. “It doesn’t do anyone any good if a system is so difficult to use that people just prop the doors open. We had to blend those two things together,” he says. VAX access controllers Twenty-six doors, including both exterior exits and interior doors throughout the building, have been secured with VAX access control door controllers. Employee’s permissions are based on their jobs. Administrators can’t enter the locker rooms or training areas and players can’t enter the marketing offices. Many of the players come to the facility wearing athletic apparel and prefer not to carry around a wallet and key card, so Vicon created customised proximity tags embossed with the team’s logo, designed for players and employees to stick on the back of their cell phone cases. This turned out to be a popular solution, as the players always carry their cell phones with them and the tags are attractive and support the team’s branding. VAX door panels The panic buttons are wired to open inputs on the nearest VAX door panels In the world of professional sports, athletes must sometimes be protected from overly aggressive fans. This particular training facility is equipped with panic buttons at several spots within the building that allow anyone who notices a problem to immediately instigate a lock down. The panic buttons are wired to open inputs on the nearest VAX door panels, eliminating the need for long electrical runs back to the server room. The player’s practice field is accessible through an external gate that’s used by the media, and VAX provides the ability to control visitors who enter there. As needed, members of the press are given temporary credentials that can unlock the gate only for a designated time period before expiring. Parking lot video surveillance The players’ parking lot also leverages the VAX system The players’ parking lot also leverages the VAX system. The transmitters that players use to open the parking lot gate from their cars are integrated with VAX, providing a record of each time the gate is activated, and by whom. In addition, a 12MP camera captures very high-resolution video of the vehicle entering and exiting, along with the person driving it, and that video is linked to the respective access control event. “Very expensive cars are left in the lot for extended periods, when the team is traveling, and this makes sure that absolutely nobody gets into that parking lot who shouldn’t be there – not even the office staff,” says the Security Director. The facility’s surveillance system includes close to 50 cameras, inside and outside the building, connected to Vicon’s Video Management System, Valerus. They range from 2MP to 12MP, depending on their use, and all are from Vicon. Any doorway equipped with a VAX controller has a dedicated camera mapped to it, so that video verification can be made of anyone entering a restricted area. Valerus VMS and 360-degree network cameras Special 360° cameras are mounted high on each of the exterior corners of the building Special 360° cameras are mounted high on each of the exterior corners of the building. Valerus VMS software dewarps their fisheye image and breaks it into four separate views from each camera. Those four cameras provide the security team with 16 different camera views from around the building’s perimeter, providing a very cost-effective way to cover such an expansive area. The same type of cameras is used within the team’s equipment room, where warehouse style racking is filled with valuable inventory. The system is managed by the team’s head of security and head of IT. Valerus’ thin-client web-browser interface provides monitoring access to support staff, including the team’s receptionist. The system’s video search capabilities have made it easy for them to conduct investigations. Video has helped to identify vehicles that were improperly driving on the turf field, document a theft on the property, and trouble-shoot when the parking lot gate had mechanical problems. Motion activated cameras Special motion-activated 2MP cameras are positioned at every door that provides access between the players’ area and the field One of the more unusual uses for the system is not related to security at all. The team’s professional athletic league requires team management to retain a full year’s documentation of the time each player spends on the practice field. To do this, special motion-activated 2MP cameras are positioned at every door that provides access between the players’ area and the field. Anyone walking from the field to the building triggers the motion sensor and is recorded in high-definition video. That way, if a player initiates a legal battle saying he practiced too long, there is clear documentation of exactly when he was on and off the field. Vicon’s Valerus delivers powerful, end-to-end security solutions that are easy to manage. Its work with this professional sports team also highlights its ability to deliver convenience to employees and operational efficiencies to management.

Coop wanted a security system to protect a number of their valuable instore goods, such as home electronics, cell phones, and tablets, perfumes, and jewelry. They wanted a modular alarm system that could transmit reliably with the most modern means of communication to the standard alarm receiving centers in Switzerland. They also wanted a solution that had proven reliability and fast alarm detection, and that was certified according to SES EN standards. It was essential that this solution would satisfy special customer-specific programming for the various Coop needs. For example, allowing overnight delivery without sacrificing optimal object protection. Vanderbilt SPC IP communication system Coop installed Vanderbilt’s SPC across their sites. SPC is a modular, flexible alarm system that is adapted to the respective needs. SPC can be deployed in various shops of different sizes with different security concepts. This greatly simplified the maintenance and training of Coop employees and had a positive effect on costs. SPC is a full IP communication system that provides cause and effect programming for custom solutions. SPC also includes self-monitoring capabilities for Coop’s security employees. Coop also chose a number of other Vanderbilt security solutions to protect their sites. These include PDM infrared detectors with mirror optics, Seismic detectors, glass break detectors, and magnetic contacts. Vanderbilt’s solutions provided easy integration of external systems such as fog systems, integration in building systems or in-house alarm receiving stations via EDP and Flex-C.