Security devices

BCDVideo announces the addition of their new line of Access Control Servers and Workstations. Their Access Control portfolio is built to suit a wide range of projects from small to large, to fit any size project specification. BCDVideo also offers a superior 5-year, Next Business Day, On-Site Warranty, along with a Keep Your Hard Drive Warranty to ensure data integrity and customer satisfaction. Dual OS SSD BCDVideo offers three types of Access Control Servers: Pro-Lite, Professional, and Enterprise. Their Access Control Servers are all powered by Dell EMC and carefully built to deliver high throughput and read/write performance. In addition, they have the capability to use the latest Intel Core, Xeon E3, or Scalable Processors. Not only do their Access Control Servers have the latest technology, their Enterprise Access Control Servers have fast spinning 10k or 15k dual port SAS drives, while Professional and Pro-Lite versions have 24/7 duty cycle SATA drives. Each of the Pro-Lite, Professional, and Enterprise Access Control Servers have Dual Operating Systems (OS) Solid State Drive (SSD) options as well. 2-Bay tower workstation BCDVideo has two types of Access Control Workstations: Small Form Factor and a 2-Bay Tower, also powered by Dell EMC. Both Workstations include an Nvidia Quadro P620 Graphics Card, Intel Core Processor, and 16GB of RAM. The Small Form Factor Workstation packs a lot of horsepower in a small enclosure which saves you space. The 2-Bay Tower Workstation is uniquely engineered to ensure it meets the demands of access control management systems which is valuable for large projects. “All of BCDVideo’s access control servers are configured with throughput in mind – built from the ground up to provide the highest I/O performance possible at an affordable price,” says Tom Larson, Vice President. “Taking it one step further, BCDVideo has certified over ten Access Control software partners on BCDVideo platforms.”

By 2020, video surveillance using fixed, body and mobile cameras is expected to capture an astounding 859 PB of video daily. Increasing retention regulations and higher resolution cameras, are forcing the video surveillance industry to reassess its approach to data storage. Large capacity primary storage tends to be expensive to procure and costly to implement – especially without a sound architecture that can balance storage performance levels with the speed of access needed to recall video footage. Active archive strategy These challenges are thrusting storage tiers to the forefront of system design. Storage tiers in video surveillance had previously meant simply using a separate archive or attaching add-on capacity directly to network video recorders. Many of the new storage options designed for video surveillance are pulling together different storage tiers into a single storage architecture Many of the new storage options designed for video surveillance are pulling together different storage tiers (and in some cases storage media) into a single storage architecture, such as an active archive solution. This balance can be achieved with an active archive strategy that automates migration of data between different storage types, to ensure the data is on the correct storage type at the correct time to meet performance and retention requirements without blowing the budget. This approach also ensures ease of access while automatically moving content from more expensive tiers of storage to more cost-effective long-term tiers of storage. This allows for greater efficiencies in how recorded footage is treated throughout its lifecycle. In some cases, it includes moving data from edge devices to centralised storage, and then to the public cloud. Scalable video storage solutions As storage demands have increased, video management vendors have turned to storage specialists for solutions that can accommodate large numbers of high-resolution video files, metadata associated with the footage for easy searching, along with much needed scalable solutions. In terms of video management software, this means the integration of video content from different storage types, tiers and physical locations is required, and which considers the performance profile of each storage type. With an active archive solution, video content is searchable and accessible directly by the end users regardless of where it is stored. Deploying an active archive solution enables surveillance users to reduce the complexity and costs of managing data for long term retention As seen in many product categories, camera and storage vendors continue to provide extremely competitive offerings. But, storage-specific solutions for video surveillance have lagged behind the roadmaps for video equipment and, as more and more cameras have entered the market, less attention has been placed on video storage capacities. Tiered storage strategy The surveillance industry has evolved considerably from the days of the 8mm video recorder; however, enterprise storage solutions will be forced to evolve further to cope with changing storage retention requirements. Video storage is quickly becoming one of the most expensive parts in a surveillance solution, but there is hope. Deploying an active archive solution will enable surveillance users to reduce the complexity and costs of managing from terabytes to petabytes of data for long term retention. By finding a storage solution that delivers the ability to implement a tiered storage strategy, users can adhere to regulation requirements to retain video footage and meet their safety and security objectives, while also significantly reducing storage costs and operational expenses.

VIVOTEK, the global IP surveillance provider, released four top-tier 4K cameras, the FD9391-EHTV, IB9391-EHT, IP9191-HP and IP9191-HT. These four brand new ultra-HD cameras provide 3840x2160 resolutions at 30 frames per second and 1920x1080 resolutions at 120 frames per second. Compared to other devices with standard 1080p resolution, the video quality in these cameras has seen significant advancement, delivering images of four times the resolution to viewers. Anti-intrusion software Taking into account security as well as image quality, these four flagship cameras have embedded Trend Micro’s anti-intrusion software to provide users higher levels of network protection. The resultant combination means that this series of cameras are well suited for city surveillance, transportation and industrial monitoring due to their outstanding image quality and ability to accurately render fine detail. Thanks to the unique combination of H.265 compression and Smart Stream III, video compression of these four cameras has been brought into a new generation, enabling savings on both bandwidth and storage consumption of up to 90%. This means that users can enjoy engaging and detailed imagery while compression technology reduces the size of recorded data to a level below that of a 2-megapixel camera. Moreover, VIVOTEK has launched four network video recorders (NVR), ND9424P, NR9782, ND9441P and ND9541P. All four NVRs are capable of supporting outstanding 4K imagery to offer a total solution for users. Smart Motion Detection Under the strategy of ‘See More in Smarter Ways’, the FD9391-EHTV and IB9391-EHT include VIVOTEK’s latest technology - Smart Motion Detection. Smart Motion Detection is able to recognise human activities with precise accuracy, without being affected by a change of lighting or other factors. In addition, the technology reduces time spent on configuration and fine tuning, thanks to its intuitive configuration panel and clear visual confirmation. Smart Motion Detection results in a significant reduction of false alarms and the continued protection of people in smarter ways.

The rise to prominence of smart cities should not go unnoticed. To the untrained eye, you might not realise just how connected your city is and how it’s helping your everyday life. From crossing the road to monitoring water levels, technology is allowing cities to think quicker and act smarter. Data-driven decisions A recent whitepaper by ABI Research has revealed that the total global cost-saving potential offered by smart cities stands at more than $5 trillion. This shows how technological improvements to the places we live offer a significant opportunity to not only improve our personal lives and wellbeing, but to also ensure our cities are able to continue contributing to the wider economy. One of the major areas of technology that is going to shift how we interact with our cities is the Internet of Things (IoT). One benefit will be the ability to use video surveillance to analyse data on large crowds at sporting events The IoT already accounts for swathes of technology and devices operating in the background. However, we’re increasingly seeing these come to the forefront of everyday life, as data becomes increasingly critical. In an IDC study sponsored by Seagate, Data Age 2025 estimates that by 2025, nearly 20% of data will be critical to our daily lives and nearly 10% of that will be hypercritical. Data is no longer just going to provide simple insights and recommendations, it is going to be making decisions that impact the fabric and quality of everyday life. Analysis and application The decisions that this critical data is attached to must be made quickly. A living, breathing city must constantly be monitoring, assessing and utilising data in order to ensure it keeps people safe and mobile. A prime example of this is in the Dutch city of Almere, where the local police force and parking management teams are using surveillance technology to improve congestion and manage traffic flow. This is hugely important when 20% of city traffic is caused by drivers circling around trying to find a parking space, according to Stuart Higgins, Strategic Lead - Cisco Impact. While older cities such as London may not be as equipped with new technology like modern cities, such as Dubai, an appreciation of the different ways individual cities can adopt technology is vital. For those that have the right infrastructure, one key benefit will be the ability to use video surveillance to analyse data on road congestion, or even large crowds at sporting events or national ceremonies. Using this data to spot patterns of behaviour will enable city planners to develop long term solutions to ensure city life runs smoothly. Instant access to connected devices By 2025, an average connected person anywhere in the world will interact with connected devices nearly 4,800 times per day — that’s one interaction approximately every 18 seconds.   As access to data becomes the central component to a functioning smart city, the way data is stored has become more important than ever It isn’t just new-paradigm services such as Uber that are causing this. Increasingly, the ability to instantly access data relevant to many aspects of our lives will drive our interactions with these devices, and industries around the world are undergoing a digital transformation motivated by these evolving requirements. The benefits of data access is best shown through Project Green Light in the US city of Detroit, where the police department has partnered with gas stations across the city and the community to improve the quality of life within the neighborhood. The result is a strengthened relationship between public services and private businesses operating in the area. As access to data becomes the central component to a functioning smart city, the way data is stored has become more important than ever. When it comes to surveillance in our cities, the need for not only the technology but the hardware to analyse this data is of imperative importance. Real time data storage availability The growth of real-time data will cause a shift in the type of storage needed in the future – with fast, uncompromised access to data being non-negotiable. Data Age 2025 predicts that by 2025 the global datasphere will grow to 163 zettabytes. The security of our data and how it is stored will be the foundation to any future smart city strategy That’s ten times the 16.1ZB of data generated in 2016. This increase in data will propel the need for data to be available in real-time to heighten the focus on low-latency responsiveness from enterprise edge storage, as well as from the endpoints themselves. The rise in edge computing exemplifies how this demand is already present. The stakes are rising and with them, the critical importance of our data’s veracity and timeliness. It is important to identify city-wide data partnerships, architecture, and standards for effective and safe data sharing when developing a data strategy. Securing stored data It’s important to note that the security of our data and how it is stored will be the foundation to any future smart city strategy, ensuring that safety, regulatory, speed and access requirements are all met. Securing the data that underpins life as we know it is circular, not linear. Every company that creates, uses or touches data has to have a role in keeping it secure and should be the backbone of any smart city. What’s evident however is that digital transformation is shaping the surveillance industry and in turn how our cities operate. As a result, data is the fuel that will ensure the impact is a positive one. People, government and businesses all contribute to the cities of today, so no one can afford to ignore the shift we are seeing. The cities that utilise surveillance data when considering any changes to their infrastructure will ultimately become the cities of tomorrow, not only future-proofing, but prospering in the data-driven age.

Global and domestic threats have highlighted the need for tighter security across all verticals. One of the technologies that has redefined situational awareness and intrusion detection is thermal imaging. Once a technology exclusively manufactured for the military operations, thermal cameras today are deployed across hundreds of security applications and continue to see strong demand in existing and emerging commercial markets. With thermal technology, security personnel can see in complete darkness as well as in light fog, smoke and rain Technology overview and early adoption What distinguishes thermal cameras from optical sensors is their ability to produce images based on infrared energy, or heat, rather than light. By measuring the heat signatures of all objects and capturing minute differences between them, thermal cameras produce clear, sharp video despite unfavorable environmental conditions. With thermal technology, security personnel can see in complete darkness as well as in light fog, smoke and rain. Originally a military developed, commercially qualified technology, the first thermal cameras for military and aircraft use appeared in the 1950s. By the 1960s, the technology had been declassified and the first thermal camera for commercial use was introduced. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s - when FLIR Systems introduced a camera with an uncooled thermal detector - when the technology began to see substantial adoption beyond government defense deployments. Installations at critical infrastructure sites In the 2000s, industrial companies were some of the first adopters of thermal, using the technology for predictive maintenance to monitor overheating and machine malfunctions. In the years following the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, there was an increase in thermal camera installations across critical infrastructure sites. Stricter security requirements drove the deployment of thermal cameras for perimeter protection, especially in the nuclear power sector. Thermal cameras produce clear video in daylight, low light or no light scenarios and their sharp images result in higher performing analytics In 2010, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Committee released its 73.55 policy, which states nuclear facilities must “provide continuous surveillance, observation and monitoring” as a means to enhance threat detection and deterrence efforts onsite. Because thermal cameras produce clear video in daylight, low light or no light scenarios and because their sharp images result in higher performing analytics, thermal cameras quickly became the preferred option for nuclear facilities. Likewise, following the 2013 sniper attack on PG&E Corporation’s Metcalf transmission substation, the Federal Energy Regulation Commission introduced the Critical Infrastructure Protection Standard 014 (CIP-014). The policy requires utilities to identify threats to mission critical assets and implement a security system to mitigate those risks. This statute also led to more thermal installations in the utility sector as thermal cameras’ long-range capabilities are ideal for detection of approaching targets beyond the fence line. The demand from both industrial and critical infrastructure entities, as well as other factors, helped drive volume production and price reduction for thermal, making the technology more accessible to the commercial security marketplace. Commercial applications In recent years, the increasing affordability of thermal cameras along with the introduction of new thermal offerings has opened the door to new commercial applications for the technology. In the past, thermal cameras were designed for applications with enormous perimeters, where the camera needed to detect a human from 700 meters away. Locations like car dealerships, marinas and construction supply facilities can be protected by precise target detection, thermal analytic cameras providing an early warning to security personnel Today, there are thermal cameras specifically designed for short- to mid-range applications. Developed for small to medium enterprises, these thermal cameras ensure property size and security funds are no longer barriers to adoption. Lumber yards, recreation fields and sports arenas are some of the commercial applications now able to implement thermal cameras for 24-hour monitoring and intrusion detection. Affordable thermal cameras with onboard analytics have become attractive options for commercial businesses Innovation and advancements Innovation and advancements in the core technology have also spurred growth in thermal camera deployment, providing faster image processing, higher resolution, greater video analytic capabilities and better camera performance. In particular, affordable thermal cameras with onboard analytics have become attractive options for commercial businesses that need outdoor, wide area protection. Car dealerships, marinas and construction supply locations all store valuable merchandise and materials outside. Without protection, these assets are vulnerable to vandalism and theft. However, by providing precise target detection, thermal analytic cameras provide an early warning to security personnel so that they can intervene before a crime is committed. By helping to deter just one incident, the thermal solution delivers a clear ROI. New market opportunities Not only are there more thermal cameras in use today than ever before, but there are also more thermal sensors being integrated with other multi-sensor systems, driving the adoption of thermal in new markets. For large perimeter surveillance applications, thermal is repeatedly being integrated with radar and drones to expand situational awareness beyond the point of fixed cameras. Users get immediate, accurate alerts of approaching targets and evidentiary class video for target assessment In the commercial market, thermal imagers are combined with optical sensors, analytics and LED illuminators into one solution that integrates with central monitoring station platforms. By bringing these technologies together, users get immediate, accurate alerts of approaching targets and evidentiary class video for target assessment. The result is a lower number of false positives, reducing the total cost of ownership for the solution. These multi-sensor solutions also feature two-way audio capabilities, which enable remote security officers to act as “virtual guards” and speak to intruders in real-time to dissuade them from illegal activity. The introduction of solutions that integrate all these state-of-the-art technologies under one unit reduces the amount of capital and infrastructure needed for deployment. Consequently, more small businesses and alarm monitoring companies can implement advanced perimeter security technologies like thermal sensors, some for the very first time. Thermal cameras have gone from military defense devices to widespread commercial security cameras Multi-sensor thermal solutions Multi-sensor solutions featuring thermal are quickly gaining traction and opening the door to new business opportunities for the security channel. One of the primary reasons for the strong market interest in these systems is they enable integrators to increase their recurring monthly revenue (RMR). With intense price competition and eroding margins on CCTV equipment, integrators have to rely on RMR to grow their businesses. Offering remote video monitoring services and virtual guarding technologies is one of the best ways to do so.  Additionally, there is a clear demand for it. Central stations are continually looking for new technologies to offer their customers and businesses are interested in economical alternatives to physical guards. In conclusion, thermal cameras have gone from military defense devices to widespread commercial security cameras that are a substantial segment of the outdoor security protection market. From nuclear power plants to construction locations, thermal technology is being implemented to secure sites around the globe.

Security professionals working to provide the appropriate level of security and safety in schools need not just the right training but also the correct products. To provide the most robust product offerings for schools, ASSA ABLOY has partnered with School Guard Glass to develop complete attack-resistant door openings that comply with the 5-aa10 test standards recommended by the FBI’s Active Shooter Report. These attack-resistant openings are economically designed using hollow metal door and frame construction with accompanying ASSA ABLOY hardware. This ensures maximum security without sacrificing usability or aesthetics. Further, the solution ensures you never sacrifice fire and life safety as a result of implementing dangerous secondary locking devices. Withstands intense physical attack The attack resistant openings are rigorously tested to ensure they can withstand an intense four-minute physical attack with the use of hand tools and after being shot 60 times with 7.62 NATO rounds. While the door or glass may not stop a bullet from penetrating the opening, the attack-resistant door assembly will remain intact so as to prevent an attacker from breaching the opening. "Protecting the students, faculty and staff in our communities across the country is a core commitment we at ASSA ABLOY share with all schools," said Ron Baer, Director of Business Development - K-12 at ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions. "Deploying an opening that can withstand and repel a physical assault is a simple, affordable solution that makes schools safer from the moment they are installed."

As an innovator in airport security, Oakland International Airport (OAK) announced that it has installed the Evolv Edge, a physical threat detection and prevention system powered by artificial intelligence, to streamline its employee screening program. This installation enhances OAK’s security posture by protecting against metallic and non-metallic threats while simultaneously improving operational efficiency. Physical threat detection system OAK is committed to applying advanced, innovative solutions to complex security operations OAK is committed to applying advanced, innovative solutions to complex security operations. The TSA acknowledged this commitment by selecting OAK as a TSA Innovation Site, a prestigious distinction that promotes improved efficiency and allows the airport to try technologies to benefit its growing passenger and employee base. As the second busiest airport in northern California, passenger travel at OAK is on pace to surpass the 13.2 million travelers that passed through the airport last year. To accommodate this growth, more and more employees are being hired to work at OAK. Therefore, OAK began researching innovative solutions related to employee inspection methods and equipment. Evolv Edge provides OAK with the ability to screen employees for metallic and non-metallic threats with a fast, non-invasive process. Designed with built-in wheels for portability, OAK can easily move the system throughout the airport allowing maximum efficiency for its employee inspection program. Non-invasive employee screening With Edge, organisations, such as OAK, can adapt a risk-based security approach while balancing security with positive experience With this installation, OAK continues to be at the forefront of security through its use of modern technologies to combat today’s evolving threat landscape. By replacing traditional physical screenings with Evolv Edge’s precision, mobility and multi-threat detection capabilities, OAK can control access and respond to different threat scenarios quickly and efficiently. With Edge, organisations, such as OAK, can adapt a risk-based security approach while balancing security with positive experience. “With today’s threat landscape, the security perimeter has expanded beyond traditional checkpoints,” said Mike Ellenbogen, CEO of Evolv Technology and a 20-year veteran in aviation security. “Evolv Edge’s flexibility and portability provides Oakland International Airport with an added layer of security when it comes to employee screening. Oakland International Airport is always at the forefront of innovation, and we will continue working closely with their team to ensure success and safety.”

As one of the largest IT companies in Scandinavia, EVRY provides comprehensive computing, IT consulting, and business solutions to Nordic companies, financial institutions, public sector entities, and health authorities. While security at EVRY facilities is paramount, so is maintaining a leadership brand and accommodating a high flow of staff and visitors. Boon Edam security doors Entrances of EVRY facilities must provide a high level of security given the value and sensitivity of the work they do, as well as the presence of clients’ intellectual property and other data. Management was looking for entry designs that would not only provide a secure entry way, but would also display excellence in design, innovation and quality – elevating and supporting the overall perception of the firm for both staff and visitors. The EVRY security team quickly zeroed in on Boon Edam as a premium entrance provider. When they heard that many Boon Edam entrances could be customised to meet aesthetic objectives or to match desired colors and finishes, they were compelled to come and see the samples in person. Bravida system integrator Bravida, the system integrator who installed the Lifeline Speedlane Swing speed gates integrated them with cutting-edge access control technology Bravida, the system integrator who installed the Lifeline Speedlane Swing speed gates integrated them with cutting-edge access control technology that communicated with security personnel. The combination of this physical and technological access control delivered a highly effective solution that met EVRY’s needs for both staff and visitor access control. “The reception area of an IT company like EVRY was an ideal application for the Lifeline Swing speed gates,” explains Daan Van Beusekom, Product Manager Security Access, Royal Boon Edam. “The sleek, high-tech design of the turnstiles support EVRY’s brand positioning, and they provide a high-throughput, secure solution that meet EVRY’s demanding access requirements. The turnstiles also integrate with leading access control systems, making it easy to tie them in with EVRY’s existing security strategies and systems.” Lifeline Speedlane Swing speed gates The Lifeline Speedlane Swing speed gates are available in a wide selection of dimensional and glass choices to support a range of needs, such as higher security levels or disabled access. It features a slim form factor that creates an almost invisible gateway – instantly conveying an impression of sleek design that is reinforced by futuristic light pulses that guide user actions. Available in a range of colors and finishes, it can be customised to blend in or stand out, depending on the need for the installation.

IDF Aluminium installs doors and internal screenwork at the new headquarters of iconic sportswear brand Fred Perry in Clerkenwell, London. The work includes use of transom door closers, pole handles and door handles from Alpro as part of the renovation of nineteenth-century warehouse buildings into a complex of offices, showrooms, exhibition space and a rooftop deck over 24,000 square feet. The project extends across seven floors and the client gave all contractors a brief that the site should benefit from robust security but preserve a welcoming atmosphere and an aesthetic that respected the fabric of the original Victorian warehouses. Overhead transom closers Alpro’s overhead transom closers provide a means of hydraulically controlling the opening and closing of aluminium doors and can have light, medium or heavy spring strengths to suit type of usage, with a 90-degree hold-open option. Transom closers are well suited for use at industrial heritage buildings such as the Fred Perry premises since the alternative options of spring hinges and floor springs often present problems with adjustment flexibility. The IDF installation also includes Alpro’s Functional 98 Series pull door handles on internal doors. These are manufactured from 316-grade stainless steel and can be straight or offset. The handles are supplied with bolt-thru or back-to-back fixings as standard and powder or nylon-coated finishes to the user’s precise colour requirements. In this case a powder finish was chosen to match the framework. IDF Aluminium ensures a quality service by designing and fabricating all its doors and shop fronts in-house with no use of sub-contractors Quality service The Fred Perry base is located on the corner of Mount Pleasant Street and Warner Street opposite the former Mount Pleasant sorting office. The many considerations for architects BuckleyGrayYeoman included preserving an iconic façade and working round plaques commemorating damage suffered by the building during World-War-II bombing. The interior fit-out including m & e systems was by Overbury and the base build contractor was Willmott Dixon. The new space was prepared to a demanding four-month deadline. IDF Aluminium specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of aluminium doors. The door solutions are designed for use in commercial and public-sector environments where usage may be high but maintenance costs must be minimised. The company has 30 years’ experience in the shop front and commercial door market. IDF Aluminium ensures a quality service by designing and fabricating all its doors and shop fronts in-house with no use of sub-contractors. The client portfolio covers transport, local government, healthcare and education from schools through to universities. This is IDF’s second heritage architecture project using Alpro equipment and follows works at Henry Wood House, a former BBC property in Marylebone.

Videotec has extended its range of cameras that include the new DELUX imaging and encoding technology. It can now be found in models designed for surveillance in the Marine and Oil & Gas sectors, and significantly improves the day and night vision and competitiveness of these products.  DELUX imaging and encoding technology After recently being integrated into the ULISSE COMPACT PTZ, DELUX technology is now available across the IP, PTZ and fixed cameras of the ex-proof and Marine lines, namely the MAXIMUS MPX, MVX AND NXPTZ. These models are well regarded on the market for their high-performance levels and operational efficiency in extreme environments and where there is a risk of explosion. DELUX technology brings increased light sensitivity, which means the cameras deliver very high-quality vision during the day or night, with clear high-definition images and incredibly well-defined colours – even in very low light conditions. The improved precision and image clarity provides immediate added value to outdoor surveillance applications Day/Night surveillance The improved precision and image clarity provides immediate added value to outdoor surveillance applications, especially in sensitive areas where the need to identify people, objects, moving vehicles and other events, day or night, is crucial. In addition to improved colour rendering and greater noise reduction, DELUX technology has brought new advanced PTZ performance, namely in the control of speed proportional to zoom and the management of Privacy Masking. High-performance solutions The DELUX technology has been developed end-to-end by Videotec’s R&D team and this has led to considerable reductions to the costs of these new camera models. Videotec’s DELUX products are therefore extremely competitive, and are complete high-performance solutions, reinforcing their prominent position in an increasingly demanding and selective international security market.

The Palacio de Congresos, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is a state-of-the-art conference and exhibition centre in the heart of Valencia, Spain. Also known as the Palace of Light, due to its glass-fronted façade and distinctive roof design, the Palacio regularly accommodates large-scale international conferences organized by multinationals, trade associations and government organisations. Most events gravitate around the main auditorium with room for up to 1,481 participants, as well as smaller auditoria with capacities for 467 and 270 people. If needed, an IP-based video and audio network can connect up to 2,250 participants across these separate conference rooms. Bosch - DICENTIS Conference System Given the international character of most of the conferences it hosts, simultaneous interpretation is essential at the Palacio. The building management sought a solution that would take this into account, along with the facility’s existing architecture and infrastructure. Two of its three auditoria are equipped with fixed interpreter booths. Although the smallest auditorium and the conference centre’s ten smaller meeting rooms do not include interpreter booths, simultaneous interpretation is also often required in these spaces. It was also important that the new conferencing system would not require any additional investment for wiring or cable connections. The OMNEO Interface allows transportation of the language channels via the IT network from the auditoria with fixed interpreter booths The DICENTIS Conference System from Bosch provided the perfect solution. Because the system is IP-based and Ethernet compatible, the existing IT infrastructure of the Palacio de Congresos could be used. The OMNEO Interface allows transportation of the language channels via the IT network from the auditoria with fixed interpreter booths to the meeting areas that don’t have these facilities. DICENTIS streams the language channels from the interpreter desks to the DICENTIS Conference devices in the main auditoria, and also to all the active conference devices in the Palacio’s smaller meeting areas. The floor languages of the active conference devices, regardless of their location, are streamed back to the interpreter desks. Mobile installation To serve the smaller meeting areas, the DICENTIS central equipment is installed in a small mobile rack for easy transportation and setup. Additionally, the DICENTIS Conference devices with channel selector can be transported from one room to another in specially made, high-quality, lightweight and sturdy cases for protection during transit. The mobile rack simply connects to the room’s IT network plug to connect to the equipment in the various meeting rooms. This smart, mobile DICENTIS solution meets the requirements of all the meetings held in the Palacio de Congresos. The capacity for simultaneous interpretation in all the meeting areas means 2,250 participants can be connected across all conference areas big and small.

With about 5,000 visitors circulating through its facilities every day, the Hard Rock Hotel in Riviera Maya needed to strengthen its video surveillance system. The Hard Rock Hotel in Riviera Maya receives celebrities from all over the world, including couples celebrating anniversaries and families enjoying their vacation. The property covers 37 hectares and can host up to 3,800 guests in its 1,264 bedrooms. Additionally, several events are held at the hotel, from concerts to private celebrations, making the hotel a very crowded place. 5,000 visitors circulating through its facilities every day, the Hard Rock Hotel in Riviera Maya needed to strengthen its video surveillance  Outdated security system During those busy periods, the amount of people walking through the hotel really underlined the fact that the old security system was unable to monitor certain areas of the property, as there were only 16 cameras installed. Out of those 16 cameras, only 12 worked properly, which diminished this luxury property’s capacity to react to any incident captured by its outdated security system. With such large amounts of people walking through the hotel, ensuring effective and comprehensive security surveillance monitoring was becoming a big issue, one that needed to be resolved. For that reason, three years ago the hotel decided to invest in better security, so that its guests would not just feel comfortable, but also safe, especially those visitors arriving with expensive goods or with privacy requirements. In the analysis of the property, Julio Herrera López (security manager at the Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya), along with his team, evaluated the security conditions at the hotel and invited integrators to propose solutions. Out of the proposals submitted, equipment from Hikvision was chosen because the system fitted the parameters of the hotel’s project perfectly. Another factor in favor of the world’s leading supplier in video surveillance and security solutions was their favorable warranty terms. Out of the proposals submitted, equipment from Hikvision was chosen  Installation process The installation process of the new security system was developed in phases. In the first stage, 89 Hikvision cameras were mounted. Later, 30 additional units were installed and currently, the hotel has 324 EXIR Series IP cameras, two DS-9664NI-I8 NVRs and two DS-96256NI-F16 NVRs, and one 4-channel video wall. With the new Hikvision surveillance system now installed, the hotel can effectively monitor common areas, entrances, sectors with high flow of personnel and areas dedicated to hosting events, as well as external hotel areas. With the support of the new cameras it has been possible to protect 349 invaluable objects, including the ‘Memorabilia’ collection displaying celebrities’ items. These items include a guitar and a jacket from Elvis Presley, drums from Aerosmith and Matchbox Twenty, guitars from The Police and Bon Jovi (who starred in the inaugural concert at the hotel), and articles from Black Sabbath and the Rolling Stones. In the first stage, 89 Hikvision cameras were mounted Guest satisfaction Some guests have also expressed their satisfaction about the fact that thanks to the coverage of the security cameras, the hotel has the capability to avoid losses of guests’ belongings. “The challenge was to implement a system with the most up to date security technology,” says Gilberto Rocha, Operations Manager at Opcom, the systems integrator in charge of the project. “We installed a 10Km optical fiber trunk network for optimum video fidelity, which makes this project the first of its kind to use such an amount of Hikvision only IP cameras. Video surveillance system “Thanks to this video surveillance system we can be aware of any event happening at the hotel, so for example, we can provide timely first aid when required, or keep an eye on children and our hotel staff to make sure they are safe. Similarly, we can react to any disturbance in our premises. The new security system has remarkably improved security at the hotel and we are now also able to record evidence of any situations or accidents that occur,” says Herrera López. With this camera solution, the hotel’s 106 strong security team is able to monitor 2,300 hotel staff and 3,800 guests that occupy the hotel on a normal day, and if is necessary, up to 4,500 visitors during special events, such as concerts. With this camera solution, the hotel’s 106 strong security team is able to monitor 2,300 hotel staff Hikvision equipment According to Herrera López, “Hikvision has worked hand in hand with the hotel from the very moment the installation of the system began. Engineers from the company traveled to Mexico to supervise the operation of the security system. At the same time, integrator Opcom were prompt to provide any assistance required by the hotel.” The Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya is so satisfied with the performance of the new system, that Hikvision equipment has been chosen for the security system for the Wood Ward Campsite, which is due to open soon, as well as for the Único Hotel. This establishment is currently under construction and located less than 15km from Tulum, in Kantenah beach (Riviera Maya). Following the parameters of the video surveillance system and monitoring model deployed at the Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya, 164 cameras will be installed at the Único Hotel.