Security installation

Altronix, the provider of power and transmission solutions for the professional security industry, is showcasing the new eBridge1600F 16-port EoC receiver with integral PoE switch here at GSX 2018 (booth #1950). The new and innovative eBridge1600F power and transmission solution further bridges the infrastructure gap by integrating coax, Ethernet and fibre along with PoE eliminating the cost and labour associated with installing new network cabling. “Altronix continues to design and deliver new power and transmission solutions that merge infrastructure with emerging technologies to accommodate greater capacity and speed for today’s advanced IP installations,” said JR Andrews, National Sales Executive, Altronix Corporation. “The new eBridge1600F allows coax users to cost-efficiently upgrade analogue systems to IP with the ability to take advantage of new or existing fibre infrastructure to deploy IP devices at greater distances.” Embedded LINQ technology Altronix eBridge1600F is an all-in-one, head-end solution for upgrading coax to IP that combines a PoE+ switch and EoC Receiver into a single integrated unit. It features 16 Ethernet ports rated at 100Mbps (full duplex up to 300m without repeaters) with 30W full power per port (500W total power), one 1Gb SFP (fibre port), and two 1Gb Ethernet uplinks. Additional features include a built-in battery charger, and embedded LINQ Technology to monitor, control and report power/diagnostics from anywhere over the network connection. As with all Altronix products, eBridge1600F is manufactured in the U.S.A., and is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Altronix, the provider of power and transmission solutions for the professional security industry, has enhanced the ACMS8 Dual-Voltage Access Power Controller with bi-colour output LEDs to visually indicate 12VDC or 24VDC at-a-glance. The unit’s switch-selectable versatility adds greater flexibility when combining 12VDC and 24VDC devices further facilitating ease of installation and adding a new level of protection in the same system. The ACMS8 distributes voltage from two 12VDC and 24VDC power sources simultaneously over any of the unit’s eight (8) individually selectable outputs allowing for a wide range of lock options. New bi-colour LEDs indicate power on each of the ACMS8 outputs with green indicating 12VDC, and both green and red simultaneously indicating 24VDC. Magnetic locks and electric strikes ACMS8 features include: emergency input trigger enabling egress and alarm monitoring; a disconnect feature that’s individually selectable for any or all of the eight outputs “The ACMS8 is another example of how Altronix is continually looking to improve existing products using customer feedback, introduce new solutions and integrate them to provide greater efficiency,” said Ronnie Pennington, National Sales Engineer, Altronix Corporation. The ACMS8 can provide power to a variety of access control devices, including magnetic locks and electric strikes. Additional features include: emergency input trigger enabling egress and alarm monitoring; a disconnect feature that’s individually selectable for any or all of the eight outputs; spade connectors to daisy-chain multiple ACMS8 or PDS8 modules for larger system applications; and protection using PTCs (ACMS8CB) or automotive style fuses. The eight trigger inputs isolate power from the access controllers providing further system protection. Single power source reduces costs Ideal for use in Altronix’s Trove Access and Power Integration Series, the ACMS8K1 kit which combines the ACMS8 with the Altronix VR6 Voltage Regulator, provides the ability to select different voltages for multiple outputs from a single power source. This reduces the requirement and costs for multiple power supplies and batteries, while conserving valuable enclosure space due to its unique stackable design. As with all Altronix products, the ACMS8 is manufactured in the U.S.A., and backed by a lifetime warranty. 

Viakoo, provider of the security industry’s first proactive automated system and data verification solution, is featuring their Camera Firmware Update Manager (CFUM) at GSX 2018. This solution provides capability across a distributed geography, to automatically update firmware on camera devices from one or more vendors and performs these updates with a chain-of-trust method that ensures integrity of the firmware. CFUM adds to other foundational capabilities provided by Viakoo that help organisations achieve reliable and sustainable cyber hygiene. Network IP surveillance cameras In the past two years, a number of cyber threats have directly targeted networked IP surveillance cameras, including well-reported malware such as WannaCry, Devil’s Ivy, and Mirai. The solution to these growing threats has been to update the camera device firmware, yet for many organisations the time and cost of manually upgrading their camera devices is prohibitive. Viakoo’s CFUM is the industry’s only solution, from a single management console, to automate firmware upgrades across a distributed security system with multiple camera vendors and VMS manufacturers. “Firmware updates often include patches for security issues and are released on an unpredictable schedule. Installed cameras, and even newly added cameras, may be connected to the network with outdated versions of software and, over time, fall even further behind, creating cyber vulnerabilities,” said Bud Broomhead, CEO, Viakoo. “It has been difficult for many firms to keep up with this changing environment by routinely identifying and cataloging the camera devices and their firmware status. Automating and managing firmware updates can provide assurance that your camera devices are running on the most recent and secure version of camera firmware.” Viakoo’s CFUM makes it simple to navigate and update a large deployment of devices across an organisation Single security management interface “For anyone who has many cameras or multiple sites – and particularly for anyone that has an extensive system with cameras from more than one manufacturer – keeping track of the firmware status of those cameras and applying the firmware updates in a timely manner is a real headache,” said Henrik Sydbo Hansen, Group Manager of Devices and Integrations at Milestone. Viakoo’s CFUM makes it simple to navigate and update a large deployment of devices across an organisation through a single management interface. It is a cost-effective and simple method to easily update firmware before out-of-date software or security problems become an issue. Viakoo has incorporated a firmware chain-of-trust mechanism to ensure what is installed is correct and secure — a higher level of integration that helps reduce risk and simplifies the firmware update process.

Boon Edam Inc., a global provider of security entrances and architectural revolving doors, is proud to announce the launch of the Lifeline Boost access control pedestal mount, an attractive and welcoming addition to the Lifeline Speedlane series of optical turnstiles. The Lifeline Boost was created in response to the many requests for a well-designed, innovative and unobtrusive pedestal to accommodate a long list of authorisation technologies and complement the existing Lifeline Speedlane series. The Lifeline Boost has been engineered with the comfort of the end-user in mind; it is ergonomic, at a comfortable height and features the classic tapered V-shape synonymous with the Lifeline Speedlane series and of course, offers the same outstanding energy saving features our customers have come to expect from Boon Edam. Easy and fast to install The Boost pedestal is easy and fast to install due to its enclosed raceway that can house electrical and ACS conduit along the surface of any finished floor Using modern and intuitive technology, the Lifeline Boost pedestal mount guides each visitor through to their destination without delay or inconvenience. As with the Lifeline Speedlane series, a selection of proven and intuitive light symbols indicate what the visitor needs to do next, from their initial approach, through the authorisation steps and their exit into the secured side. The latest Lifeline Boost access control pedestal is available in three models: Standard Premium: Suitable for the integration of a card reader, barcode reader or biometric devices. Card Collector: Suitable to integrate a third-party card collector device. Nortech Card Collector: Built/integrated with the Nortech MRC350 card collector. In addition to accommodating a wide variety of authorisation technologies, the Boost pedestal is easy and fast to install due to its enclosed raceway that can house electrical and ACS conduit along the surface of any finished floor. Its small footprint and sleek design complement the clean lines of the Lifeline Speedlane optical turnstiles with minimal visual impact. Streamlined and compact pedestal Intuitive LED lights detect the visitor approaching and guide them through clearly and easily Users will find the Boost uncomplicated and intuitive to operate as they provide their credentials and then pass through the lane. Intuitive LED lights detect the visitor approaching and guide them through clearly and easily – without any compromise to the journey flow. The directional indicator symbols stand out beautifully against the premium dark, tempered glass and installation does not require any cables to go through the floor. Daan van Beusekom, Product Manager, Royal Boon Edam International B.V. says: "We believe in creating welcoming and secure security access solutions and saw there was a need to develop a pedestal to enable more integration possibilities for the Lifeline Speedlane series." "The new Lifeline Boost fulfills this mission - it is streamlined and compact – with the same ergonomic and sleek features of the Lifeline Speedlane series – and can accommodate almost any authorization technology available. We’re proud to launch this clever and compact addition to the family," he further added.

ISS - Intelligent Security Systems, a global provider of intelligent VMS and analytics, announces the latest release of the company’s renowned SecurOS Video Management System at GSX 2018. The new SecurOS v.10 features an updated, highly intuitive GUI designed to accommodate multiple clients and the ability to easily manage large systems with infinite scalability. Additional enhancements include a new web client for remote access, robust cyber security updates, 64-bit edition for faster throughput and larger capacity, enhanced native failover operations, H.265 Intel QSV support and a brand-new Evidence Manager. Seamless integration SecurOS v.10 is designed to seamlessly integrate with a host of powerful analytics developed by ISS. This unique combination allows ISS to offer a wide range of specialised packages to fulfill users’ specific physical security and business intelligence needs. The release of SecurOS v.10 builds upon our powerful open platform with numerous enhancements designed to further facilitate ease of use" “ISS provides a more holistic approach to camera management and control by seamlessly integrating native analytics with our VMS platform, enabling us to provide users with truly innovative and unique solutions for their specific security challenges,” said Cody Flood, Vice President of North American Sales, ISS. “The release of SecurOS v.10 builds upon our powerful open platform with numerous enhancements designed to further facilitate ease of use for today’s more advanced and larger surveillance installations.” SecurOS v.10 new enhancements SecurOS v.10 features a long list of new enhancements that increase ease of operation, performance and functionality, system scalability and security, including: An updated Client and Administrator GUI featuring new Operator Workstation Profiles to manage large numbers of clients on a unified platform along with new object groups/categories for more intuitive, customised system configuration. A new web client, SecurOS WebConnect to facilitate seamless remote access and operation. New Cyber Security enhancements including: secure HTTPS connection to all cameras with tunneling of both video and audio; digital signature of all exported files using digital certificates to verify the authenticity and source of exported files; and encryption of all data stored on ISS server HDDs. New Native Failover Cluster capabilities including: native cluster failover of many or 1-1 cameras using as few as 2 servers; failover of all features including analytics modules; failover operation within 30 seconds and the ability to manually assign any video server to any workstation. New Evidence Manager with many new features to manage exported video. 265 Intel Quick Sync decompression support. Decompression of H.265 on Intel HD Graphics adapters to concurrently view large amounts of cameras on client workstations. 64-bit Server Edition to increase the number of cameras and throughput per server. Innovative VMS solution SecurOS v.10 is also available pre-bundled with ISS’ native analytics ISS SecurOS v.10 is available in five configurations: MCC (Monitoring Control Center), Enterprise, Premium, Professional, and Xpress to deliver the perfect balance of functionality and cost-efficiency for every size and level of application. SecurOS v.10 is also available pre-bundled with ISS’ native analytics to provide VMS solutions for specific applications. Some of the SecurOS v.10 analytic modules include: SecurOS Auto which provides license plate recognition (ANPR) and comparative analysis for all types of vehicles. SecurOS Auto works in a wide range of internal/external conditions and delivers recognition accuracy for US and international locations. SecurOS Face captures and recognises faces from a video stream. SecurOS Face is a solution with active recognition where subjects know their image is being captured or passively, where they do not have knowledge of such surveillance. SecurOS Cargo provides recognition of cargo container ISO codes in a variety of applications. It implements the most advanced native image processing software, the ISS SecurOS framework, and advanced algorithms for the recognition of codes on cargo containers. SecurOS Tracking Kit provides a suite of situational awareness detectors such as loitering, crowd detection, object left behind, object counting, etc. Integrated hardware-software solutions ISS is a true provider of intelligent surveillance solutions that we refer to it as ‘intelligent video defined'" Additional specialised SecurOS v.10 hardware and software solutions include: SecurOS UVSS, an integrated hardware-software based solution for remote under-vehicle surveillance. SecurOS Velox, to detect speeding violations with automatic license plate recognition (ANPR) of all passing vehicles. SecurOS Motus, an IP-camera designed with integrated ALPR for high-speed and high accuracy commercial and law enforcement applications. SecurOS Cargo Terminal, which provides remote visual inspection of cargo containers and control of vehicles which carry them. SecurOS Crossroad combines specifically engineered hardware and software to provide real-time detection of complex types of traffic violations. “ISS is a true provider of intelligent surveillance solutions that not only sees and documents events but provides the rich data necessary to analyze what may otherwise be perceived as disparate events, and alerts management of impending threats. We refer to it as ‘intelligent video defined,” concluded Mr. Flood.

Boon Edam Inc., a global provide of security entrances and architectural revolving doors, announced the launch of an updated Turnlock full height turnstile that offers increased performance and an improved experience for users and installers alike. The update focuses on the design of the speed control mechanism and the overall construction of the turnstile’s top channel, providing improved rotation action and a significant reduction in overall weight of the top channel. In addition, the optional, emergency backup battery lasts twice as long as before. Controlling access in harsh environments Boon Edam’s Turnlock full height turnstiles are used around the world to allow only authorised personnel access into secure environments. Typically installed outdoors, their durable construction and efficient operation provide security access even in harsh weather conditions. They serve as visual deterrents against intrusion at perimeter fence lines of corporate headquarters, critical infrastructure locations, distribution centers, amusement parks and more. The speed control mechanism in a full height turnstile ensures a safe rotation speed during use by dampening or absorbing excessive force Speed control mechanism The speed control mechanism in a full height turnstile ensures a safe rotation speed during use by dampening or absorbing excessive force when the rotors are pushed. The new and improved mechanism fulfills this purpose by providing a smooth rotation experience while also minimising the force needed for a user to push the rotor. The rotor also slows down gently as it completes rotation, stopping in place to await the next user. The operation is quiet, smooth and subtle, without vibration, creating an optimal user experience. Doubled battery backup time The updated Turnlock now features a narrower top channel that weighs 70 lbs. lighter than the previous version, making installation much easier for contractors. The top channel is now only 8 inches wide, compared to the 18-inch diameter used previously. Finally, the optional battery backup has been completely redesigned and updated using the latest technologies. The battery backup keeps a turnstile working in case the power goes out and the coverage period has now doubled from two hours to four hours of protection. The size and weight of the battery system has also been cut in half, contributing to ease of installation. New Turnlock turnstile update The updated features are available on all 3-rotor, single and tandem Turnlock 100, 150 and 200 models The updated features are available on all 3-rotor, single and tandem Turnlock 100, 150 and 200 models. Also, the redesigned top channel and speed control can be easily retrofitted into existing, installed Turnlock turnstiles. “We are always taking steps to improve our products, even a workhorse like the Turnlock, demonstrating our objective of ‘Basic Done Well’,” said Tom Schneider, Engineering Manager at Boon Edam Inc. “The quiet action and smooth rotation work well indoors or outdoors and contractors will definitely notice a significantly lighter top channel that is much easier to lift and install in the field. We think our customers will appreciate these performance upgrades and we’ll continue to listen to their feedback.” All Boon Edam full height turnstile models have been tested and certified to conform to UL Standard 294, a prevalent industry standard for ensuring the safe operation of turnstile equipment in the United States.

With a heritage stretching back over 500 years, Gebrüder Weiss is one of Europe’s oldest transport and logistics companies. Based in Vorarlberg, Austria and with more than 7,000 employees in 150 locations around the world, it is also one of the largest. Sony video security in logistics centers Customers of all sizes trust Gebrüder Weiss to ship their consignments quickly, safely and undamaged to their destination Customers of all sizes trust Gebrüder Weiss to ship their consignments quickly, safely and undamaged to their destination. To guarantee this and make the entire logistics chain traceable, the service provider relies on comprehensive video surveillance in its logistics centers, which is regularly updated to reflect the latest state of the art. Gebrüder Weiss has now expanded its existing monitoring solution at the company’s largest distribution centre in Maria Lanzendorf near Vienna that previously featured almost 500 Sony cameras and Milestone's video management software (VMS). This has been supplemented with the addition of 33 Sony SNC-VM772R 4K video security cameras. Sony 4K cameras The upgrade ensures greater security, comprehensive package tracking and the ability to track any damage. The new Sony 4K cameras are used mainly to monitor reloading from larger trailers into smaller trucks. Their field of view covers the actual transfer area as well as the interior of the trailers and conveyor belts. The SNC-VM772R features a large CMOS sensor with 4K resolution that combines excellent image quality and large depth of field, even in difficult lighting conditions. The camera’s robust design with integrated image stabilization ensures smooth, clear video images despite vibration, dust and exhaust fumes from passing trucks. Video monitoring The new 4K cameras can track several objects simultaneously with either VGA or Full HD resolution The cameras’ installation ensures that the entire transshipment area is monitored at all times, with no blind spots caused by vehicles or pallets. In addition, the new 4K cameras can track several objects simultaneously with either VGA or Full HD resolution. The SNC-VM772R's 20-megapixel image sensor also enables capture of high-resolution Evidence Shots – still images with greater than 4K resolution that allow even the smallest details to be viewed clearly. For Gebrüder Weiss, the Sony solution is thus an outstanding alternative to multiple PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) cameras or multi-sensor systems. Installation and integration into the existing environment were carried out by local Sony partner ÖWD Österreichischer Wachdienst Security & Services. With 2,800 employees, ÖWD is one of the largest security companies in Austria and maintains 24/7 technical teams in all Austrian states. "Since it opened in 2006 we have been using Sony cameras at our terminal in Maria Lanzendorf, which is our largest in the world" says Werner Drnec, Operations Manager at Gebrüder Weiss, Maria Lanzendorf. "Both the image quality and reliability – with failure rates close to zero – have always exceeded our expectations, and even in the current project they proved themselves in a direct comparison. Our confidence in the Sony brand plus easy, seamless integration into our existing environment added to this."

Three years after its original decision to single source video monitoring solutions from Hanwha Techwin, (previously known as Samsung Techwin) the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is now investing in the latest Wisenet camera and recording technology to help create a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors within its mental health units. Over 380 Wisenet X H.265 network cameras have recently been installed at 9 mental health units located throughout the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust estate. These are in addition to the large numbers of earlier generation Wisenet cameras which were installed at 19 other units during previous phases of the project. “We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the price of the Wisenet X cameras is lower than the older models which they supersede and yet they deliver superior performance and enhanced feature sets,” said Mark Milliard, Capital Projects Manager at the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. “It was an easy decision therefore to deploy various Wisenet X models throughout the 9 mental health units.” Safeguarding staff, patients and visitors We are committed to the Safewards’ initiative, whose key aim is to reduce the rates of conflict within in-patient mental health settings" The safety of its staff, patients and visitors is fundamentally important to the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and it needs to be able to constantly and unobtrusively monitor patient activity. The Trust, which currently provides care for over 40,000 people with mental health problems, offers a range of specialist services that are dedicated to the care and recovery of anyone experiencing mental ill health or substance misuse issues across Norfolk and Suffolk. Although some of the mental health units are secure, the majority allow the free movement of patients. “We are committed to the Safewards’ initiative, whose key aim is to reduce the rates of conflict within in-patient mental health settings,” said Mark Milliard, “We believe that the use of smart technology, such as IP network-based video monitoring systems, can play a large role in helping us achieve this objective.” Upgrading to IP network-based systems Mark, who has worked within NHS Estates since 1986, has over recent years overseen the migration of the Trust’s analogue CCTV systems to IP network-based solutions. “The analogue systems which were installed a number of years ago became increasingly unreliable and we made the decision to upgrade them with IP network-based systems,” explained Mark. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the images which could be captured by the Wisenet cameras" “A key advantage of being able to transmit images over the network is that it provides the flexibility for any authorised user to view live or recorded video captured by any of the cameras from their PCs. We realised that this would provide us with much more flexibility in terms of how we monitor activity at the mental health units, compared to the analogue CCTV systems which could only transmit captured images to a central location.” Monitoring high-definition images “It made sense to source the cameras from just one manufacturer and from an ongoing maintenance point of view, to deploy the minimum possible number of different camera models,” said Mark. “I decided to carry out my own research as to which manufacturer had a product portfolio which could best cover all our requirements, as well as offering us the value we were looking for. “Part of the value formulae had to include a rock-solid reputation for reliability, as well as cameras with advanced technical features which would allow us to capture and monitor high definition images, regardless of the location or environmental conditions.” Mark’s extensive evaluation of a large number of manufacturers resulted in a shortlist of two, from which Hanwha Techwin emerged as the winner. “Both companies were able to show evidence as to the reliability of their cameras,” said Mark. “However, I was particularly impressed with the quality of the images which could be captured by the Wisenet cameras and the fact that each camera, depending on its location, could be configured to multi-stream images at different frame rates and at different resolutions. This offers a significant benefit from a network bandwidth management point of view.” Wisenet cameras with 150dB WDR technology Among the Wisenet X cameras recently installed are a number of XNP-6370R two megapixel 37x network IR PTZ domes which allow operators to zoom into observe close up detail of any activity The majority of the cameras installed at the 9 mental health units are Wisenet XNV-6080R two megapixel vandal-resistant network domes which have built-in IR illumination and utilise H.265 compression to minimise bandwidth and video storage requirements. Equipped with the world’s best 150dB Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology and the world’s best motorised varifocal F0.94 low light lens, Wisenet X cameras such as the XNV-6080R, are supercharged by the most powerful DSP chipset ever incorporated into a full camera range. Together, these features ensure superb quality colour images are captured, regardless of the environment or the time of day. The processing power of the Wisenet X chipset also provides the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust with the option to run multiple on-board third-party analytics applications. PTZ domes, fishnet and panoramic cameras Also, among the Wisenet X cameras recently installed are a number of XNP-6370R two megapixel 37x network IR PTZ domes which allow operators to zoom into observe close up detail of any activity. In addition, a number of Wisenet XNF-8010R 4 megapixel 360° fisheye and Wisenet PNM-9020V 7.3 megapixel 180° panoramic cameras have been installed, in order to efficiently reduce the number of cameras which would normally be needed to monitor wide open areas within the mental health units. With 4HDDs, the XRN-1610S offers a potential on-board storage capacity of up to 24TB, with additional storage possible via e-SATA Images from all the recently installed cameras are being recorded onto Wisenet XRN-1610S Network Video Recorders (NVRs). With 4HDDs, the XRN-1610S offers a potential on-board storage capacity of up to 24TB, with additional storage possible via e-SATA. It also supports 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. Relaxed and secure working environment “There is nothing wrong with the earlier generation of Wisenet cameras which we currently continue to use at most of the mental health units, but there is no doubt that the Wisenet X models are making it even easier for us to maintain a relaxed and secure working environment for our colleagues whilst keeping our patients safe,” added Mark Milliard. “Over the coming months we will continue our programme of updating the systems at other mental health units and in this respect, we have decided to continue to single source the cameras and recording devices from Hanwha Techwin.”

Fuller, Smith & Turner plc (Fuller’s) is an independent family-owned regional brewer and premium pub operator, founded in 1845 in Chiswick, West London. It is based at the historic Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, where brewing has taken place continuously since 1654. Fuller’s is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Renowned as the home of such famed ales as the iconic London Pride, Frontier Lager, ESB and 1845, Fuller’s produces a variety of cask and craft keg beers supported by a changing seasonal range. The company owns Cornish Orchards, a craft cider maker producing a range of award-winning ciders and premium soft drinks, and Nectar Imports, a wholesale drinks business. In February 2018, Fuller’s also acquired Dark Star Brewing, a craft cask brewer based in Sussex. Hikvision-Maxtag video security system With such a wide range of locations, Fuller’s decided that the time had come to upgrade and synergise its security surveillance systems Fuller's also owns and operates over 380 pubs, inns and hotels across the South of England. These include more than 200 Fuller’s managed pubs and hotels, and over 170 tenanted pubs, with the accommodation on offer consisting of in excess of 780 boutique rooms. The Fuller’s pub estate stretches from Brighton to Birmingham and from Bristol to the Greenwich Peninsula. With such a wide range of locations, Fuller’s decided that the time had come to upgrade and synergise its security surveillance systems. In place across those facilities were a diverse range of analogue equipment from a myriad of manufacturers. In most cases these legacy systems were offering poor, low resolution images and no remote access to onsite video. “The systems had been installed in an ad hoc fashion, and in some instances needed upgrading as they were no longer really fit for purpose,” says Glynn Gordon, managing director of retail security systems experts Maxtag, who were called in by Fuller’s to address the security issue. IP camera technology “Fuller’s wanted to unify all of its locations within the estate over time,” he says. “The aim was to bring everything onto one platform, whilst having an upgrade path for new and refurbished sites going forward, utilising IP camera technology.” A key consideration in the project was that while there was no doubt the existing equipment would need to be upgraded, the costs of re-cabling each site looked prohibitive – not to mention difficult to achieve in practice, given the way many of the buildings were constructed. To overcome the challenges posed by this cabling conundrum, Maxtag proposed supplying and installing Hikvision Turbo HD systems to those Fuller’s sites where an upgrade was required for the cameras, the recorder, or both. “This would allow the group to record 1080p HD images utilising the existing cabling,” Gordon says. Turbo 5.0 AI-powered tech Since 2013, Hikvision’s Turbo HD range of products has brought high definition clarity to analogue surveillance systems Since 2013, Hikvision’s Turbo HD range of products has brought high definition clarity to analogue surveillance systems. The Turbo products make the very most of legacy cabling, delivering innovations including ultra-low light recording and super-efficient bandwidth and storage usage. The very latest iteration of the Turbo HD range, Turbo 5.0, incorporates Artificial Intelligence-powered technology to boost colour performance even in the lowest light conditions, and to automatically detect, identify and extract relevant images from vast video datasets, saving time and resources. For the Fuller’s project, Maxtag would be using a variety of Turbo cameras, and initially utilising the Turbo DS-7316 digital video recorders, which provide 16-channel HD recording and storage, and support analogue, HD-TVI, and IP cameras, a key requirement of the extensive ongoing project. Turbo DS-7316 DVRs Maxtag’s plan was that the cameras and recorders could be upgraded in stages. “As and when cameras or recorders failed or were beyond economical repair they could be swapped out,” Gordon says. “The recorders could also be networked to HQ for remote access when recording evidence for the police if an incident occurred.” While the Turbo equipment would go into the existing sites, any new or refurbished Fuller’s pubs and hotels would have Hikvision IP cameras and NVRs installed, capable of recording images at 3 or 4-megapixel HD quality, and all networked for remote access. Hikvision NVRs The Hikvision network video recorders are both 16 and 32-channel models and are capable of connecting to 160Mbps of incoming bandwidth “The beauty would be that both the Turbo HD and the IP systems would have the same familiar operating systems across the group,” Gordon says,” which makes it very easy for managers and staff to quickly familiarise themselves and operate as required.” The Hikvision network video recorders are both 16 and 32-channel models and are capable of connecting to 160Mbps of incoming bandwidth. Maxtag’s plan was agreed upon and put into place, and as a result Fuller’s has now converted more than 85 pubs and hotels over the last 18 months using a combination of Turbo and IP systems. Hikvision IP video surveillance solution “The clarity of images has vastly improved and on a few occasions has been instrumental in helping the police with evidence when incidents have occurred predominantly outside the premises,” Gordon says. “The group now has a planned migration path going forward and takes advantage of the latest Hikvision developments as they are released. That means they’re on top of the benefits of the newest technology without the need to begin the whole upgrade process again.” The ongoing project has been warmly welcomed by Fuller’s. Oliver Boardman, Head of Digital & IT Operations, said: “We have been very pleased with the progress that we have made with Hikvision and Maxtag over the last 18 months. We have an increasingly standardised estate with regards to CCTV, which is helping to reduce faults and improve the service that we can provide to our pubs. With the need to protect privacy becoming more critical, we expect centralised management to become increasingly important.”

Ava Group a provider of risk management services and technologies, announces that an Ava Group Company solution has been selected to protect a major military closed data network from the threat of tampering and tapping. The project to deploy its fibre optic intrusion detection and location solution is valued at around US $11M and asserts Ava Group’s status as a pioneer in data network protection. Ava Group Chief Executive Officer, Chris Fergus states: “We are proud that the Future Fibre Technologies (FFT) solution has been selected through a rigorous competitive tender, to deliver the very highest levels of protection to a closed data fibre optic network.” Asset owners can be potentially exposed to the threat of state-on-state action, terrorism and industrial espionage, as well as incident without motive Closed fibre network The principal task of this project supports The Ministry of Defence in India, who has the responsibility to protect its closed user group data network which is one of the largest in the world and used by more than one million military personnel. Any data network is as strong as its weakest link. Government departments, intelligence services, military organisations, financial organisations, nuclear facilities and commercial businesses with valuable intellectual property will have stringent measures in place to mitigate physical and cybersecurity threats yet are often oblivious to the danger of leaving even a closed fibre network unprotected. As such, the asset owners can be potentially exposed to the threat of state-on-state action, terrorism and industrial espionage, as well as incident without motive. Introducing additional vulnerabilities With low-cost readily available technology that requires little expertise, it is possible for an agenda-driven individual, or state-sponsored actor to tap and infiltrate a network at the fibre optic level and harvest data, without raising the alarm, or leaving an evidence trail. Chris Fergus, Ava Group CEO comments: “Any data breach is of grave concern, but those that pass undetected raise the stakes significantly. What’s more, in some instances fibre networks run across vast distances, meaning there could be tens of thousands of potential entry points for attack.” Unlike the widely used data encryption and protection schemes used to protect data in transit, Ava Group’s solution does not involve manipulation or processing of the data streams, thus avoiding third-party access to the data and therefore introducing additional vulnerabilities. Furthermore, processing or encryption of the data has a significant detrimental impact on bandwidth and latency, thus negating a major benefit of using fibre networks. Ava Group expects additional revenue from spares and support for seven years after the initial three-year warranty period Globally-recognised cybersecurity standards Kevin Berry, Ava Group’s Head of Information Security explains: “The FFT solution does not see or process the data, cannot access it and there is no requirement for encryption. Consequently, the network infrastructure is fully protected at every point and crucially performance is unaffected. Another major benefit of the FFT solution is that deployment is completed with zero network downtime and can be rolled out across live infrastructure utilising dark fibres.” A further reason for organisations to choose Ava Group company solutions is the recent launch of its Global Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CCoE). The initiative provides all customers with expert guidance and assurance that the products deployed on their data networks meet globally-recognised cybersecurity standards. The project is expected to be delivered in phases over a 15-month period, with the FFT solution beginning to strengthen the network from day-one of the installation. Ava Group expects additional revenue from spares and support for seven years after the initial three-year warranty period.

Hytera, a global provider of innovative Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) communications solutions, announces that it has signed contracts with Secretariat of Public Security of the State of Alagoas, Brazil to provide TETRA communications infrastructure as the expansion of the statewide mission critical communications network and four-year maintenance service. The total contracts value is around 6.5 million US dollars with the infrastructure contract around 1.3 million and the service contract around 5.2 million. “We are excited being chosen as the equipment and service provider of Alagoas’s statewide TETRA system. The state authority shows confidence in Hytera’s ability to deliver advanced and reliable public safety communications networks. For the expansion, we presented the latest development of TETRA technologies,” said John Zhou, the General Manager of Hytera Brazil. “The new contracts as a milestone for Hytera Brazil recognise us not only as a leading TETRA solution provider, but also a trusted service provider, and it is the embodiment of Hytera transformation globally.” In early 2014 Hytera delivered TETRA infrastructure, terminals and dispatcher to the public safety users of State of Alagoas TETRA communications network In early 2014 Hytera delivered TETRA infrastructure, terminals and dispatcher to the public safety users of State of Alagoas, who were modernising its communications systems to better serve the communities and prepare for the global soccer fiesta, the World Cup 2014. The newly signed equipment contract includes 31 sites with Hytera’s latest TETRA innovation, DIB R5 base station. It adopts a maintenance-free, space-saving design and can be installed on walls, antenna masts or in tunnels. Thanks to its low power consumption and passive cooling, it is ideal for use in areas where power supply is critical or where there is a need for battery-based, portable base station solutions. With the expansion of the TETRA network, different public safety forces such as police, firefighters and emergency response in the State of Alagoas will share the network to facilitate optimal cooperation when the situation requires, which is another big step forward by the local authorities to improve the security of the state.

An upgraded public area CCTV solution using robust video capture technology from IDIS, Korea’s global surveillance technology provider, is safeguarding Leybourne in Kent against anti-social behaviour. The new system, designed and installed by iC2 CCTV, has allowed the parish council to work within a limited budget to deliver extended coverage, improved image quality and no data loss. Leybourne is a village with a strong community feel and an attractive rural character however, with good transport links to the nearby M20, residents were concerned about the risk of crime coming in from outside the area. Budget constraints also meant that data-streaming had to be capped and as a result video evidence was only being recorded part time Devise a solution Prior to the upgrade the village had limited public area surveillance based on outdated analogue technology, but it was proving costly to maintain and difficult to adapt to changing needs. Budget constraints also meant that data-streaming had to be capped and as a result video evidence was only being recorded part time. London-based integrator iC2 CCTV was consulted and asked to devise a solution that would work within the funds available. To achieve the lowest total cost of ownership, iC2 CCTV recommended installing the latest IDIS technology on a 5GHz point-to-point wireless infrastructure. At the heart of the new system is a powerful 64-channel, full HD NVR recorder – model DR-8364D – which offers the important advantage of flexible H.265/H.264 dual codec performance. This feature allows recording in high-definition H.265 but viewing on a variety of older screens using H.2264, so it means existing display equipment can be retained. Significantly improved protection A combination of 3-megapixel and 5-megapixel IDIS domes and bullet cameras mounted on lamp-posts in key locations gives significantly improved coverage and image detail. And IDIS Smart Failover provides the best guarantee against data loss: if Leybourne’s network connection is compromised for any reason, all recordings continue to be stored on SD cards within the cameras and are then automatically downloaded as soon as the connection is re-established. The IDIS technology together with the wireless network, installed over five weeks by iC2 CCTV without disrupting the village, gives Leybourne significantly improved protection without high ongoing costs. Unlike the old analogue system, recordings are now easily searchable with time/date stamped footage and the high definition image quality is ideal for use in investigations and as evidence. IDIS Smart Failover ensures that uninterrupted evidence is always retained in the event of transmission failures Excellent quality data IDIS Smart Failover ensures that uninterrupted evidence is always retained in the event of transmission failures, without the need for time-consuming manual data downloads from individual cameras. “This robust, new video system is proving very popular with Leybourne Parish Council and the community and enables us to provide excellent quality data and images for Kent Police and the local authorities,” stated the chairman of the Parish Council Bob Ulph. “It has already deterred a lot of the anti-social behaviour that councillors and residents were concerned about and is providing reassurance that any crime in the future will be dealt with.” More cameras can now be easily added, or the location of cameras changed as the need arises, says James Min, Managing Director, IDIS Europe, and the system is protected by the IDIS Ultimate seven-year warranty and the assurance that the technology will be forward-flexible to meet future needs.