Surveillance cameras

In a move to make a real difference to the lives of personnel who have sustained injuries and illness attributed to their service in the British Armed Forces, UK CCTV manufacturer, 360 Vision Technology, has recently donated £6,000 to the Help for Heroes charity. PTZ surveillance cameras expert 360 Vision Technology, the manufacturer of a range of market-leading ruggedised PTZ surveillance cameras, handed over an initial cheque to Help for Heroes Area Fundraising Manager for the North West, Trevor Fudger, at the company’s Cheshire based manufacturing facility and headquarters. Commenting on the donation, Adrian Kirk, Strategic Account Director at 360 Vision Technology said “When we launched the Invictus Ultra-Low-Light HD PTZ camera, the company decided to make a contribution to the charity based on camera sales, to help support military service people, who in turn, over the years have been a major user of 360 Vision’s video surveillance products.” 360 Vision’s charity donation Since Help for Heroes was founded in 2007, it has supported over 21,000 individuals “Handing over the first cheque was a tremendously proud moment for us all at 360 Vision, and the proudest moment of my career. Some of our staff have family members currently in service, and our Chairman’s father flew Spitfires in World War II, so it felt like a natural fit for us to support serving personnel, veterans and their family members. We’re hoping that other UK businesses will help the charity too, as it really does make a major difference to people’s lives.” Since Help for Heroes was founded in 2007, it has supported over 21,000 individuals. This is done in a variety of ways, from welfare advice and psychological support; new career and fellowship opportunities (for both the wounded and their loved ones), to courses and activities designed to benefit their physical and mental wellbeing. Much of this support is available at the Charity’s four Recovery Centres. Help for Heroes Trevor Fudger, Area Fundraising Manager for the North West said: “When signing up to the Armed Forces, Service personnel make a promise to protect our country. In return, Help for Heroes makes a commitment to support the wounded and their families, whenever they need us. To enable us to do that, we need the help of the public and of organisations like 360 Vision Technology, who we can’t thank enough for their generous donation.” 360 Vision Technology will continue their support for Help for Heroes with another donation based on Invictus camera product sales earmarked for this summer.

After a busy three days of business exchanges in Mumbai, the 2019 edition of Secutech India was hailed as a success, with many participants commending the new smart home zone as a welcome addition to the show. A consensus was also reached on the effectiveness of the fair’s fringe events, which updated the market on smart city infrastructure and security technology. Travelling from the subcontinent and beyond, more than 20,000 security industry professionals visited the fair from 25 – 27 April 2019 at the Bombay Exhibition Center. “The new smart home zone and exhibitors of intelligent transportation technology were added to help participants take advantage of the growing market for smart devices and intelligent solutions,” said Ms Regina Tsai, the Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd. “The enthusiastic response to the new additions and the positive sentiments expressed about the fringe seminars demonstrate that the fair remains firmly in touch with the needs of the local market.” Commercial security and fire safety products The fair showcased the very best commercial security and fire safety products from regional heavyweightsOn top of smart home and intelligent transportation solutions, the fair showcased the very best commercial security and fire safety products from regional heavyweights. To the satisfaction of trade visitors, over 200 exhibitors were in attendance at the fair, including brands such as AAAG, Avigilon, Biomax, CP Plus, ESSL and Mantra. Altogether, the fair spanned 15,000 sqm, with the commercial security exhibitors forming the largest section. The applications of AI in video surveillance systems was a hot topic of conversation in the exhibition hall, where exhibitors such as Hikvision and Veracity demonstrated how the technology can be used to support processes such as facial recognition and automatic security alerts. Live demonstrations of threat detection systems also attracted great interest from trade visitors. Ideal occasion to launch new products From the standpoint of many international exhibitors, positive conditions in the domestic security market and a strong turnout of quality buyers, meant that the fair was an ideal occasion to find strategic partnerships and launch new products. A good example of this was the Shenzhen pavilion, which hosted an array of OEMs and ODMs from the smart home and intelligent building sectors. The participating companies at the pavilion were looking to find business partners, distributors and re-selling partners for the Indian market, but the pavilion was also of great interest to system integrators and consultants, who could find an array of security surveillance cameras, smart home devices and access control systems. Detection and alarm systems As part of the fire and safety event, a fire safety volunteer training took place on the third day of the fairAnother success was the concurrent fire and safety event, which returned for its 2nd edition as the destination for buyers to locate the latest firefighting products, emergency response systems and evacuation equipment. With the number of high-rise buildings in India increasing, the event was an important hub for the market to locate the relevant safety solutions, such as detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting and escape ladders.  As part of the event, and in partnership with the Maharashtra fire services, a fire safety volunteer training took place on the third day of the fair, allowing participants to learn about the fundamentals of fire, safety precautions and evacuation drills. Bringing smart city fraternity together In addition to the fire safety training, the organisers of Secutech India, together with knowledge partners PwC India and Mitkat Advisory, formulated two days of seminars and conferences to deliver the most relevant market intelligence for India’s security professionals. Led by high profile industry members and representatives of local government departments, discussion points included the next five years development prospects for India’s smart cities, emergency response mechanisms and cyber security. A speaker at the Secutech Smart City Infrastructure Conference, Mr Samrendra Kumar, the Co-founder and MD of Mitkat Advisory, said that the forum was effective in bringing the regions smart and safe city fraternity together for productive discussions: “You have government officials, policy makers, law enforcement and other government departments in attendance. There are also OEMs and systems integrators. So, this is a great place to interact with a full array of people who are going to make tomorrow’s cities smarter and safer.” AI products and big data analysis This year we are focussed on AI products, deep learning technology and big data analysis"“We provide total solutions in the security and surveillance industry and we have participated at the fair several times since the first edition. This year we are focussed on AI products, deep learning technology and big data analysis. The industry is seeing the arrival of advanced solutions. Not just AI, but also things like big data. In just three days at the fair, we can get a complete picture of the market and an understanding of customer requirements." “It’s also an opportunity for us to exhibit our capabilities and new products. The quality of visitors is improving. A lot of systems integrators are coming in and we see people from different regions such as the South of India. The feedback from visitors has been positive and we will return again next year,” said Mr Ashish Dhakan, Managing Director, Prama Hikvision, India. Innovative LPR system “ESSL has been in existence since 2004 in the field of biometrics and over the years we have become market leaders. Our license plate recognition system, which we call LPR, is new and innovative. There are very few companies that are offering this solution in India. With the maturity that we have reached in this market, Secutech India is an ideal forum to meet up with our present channel buyers, interact with them, showcase our products, and more importantly, get feedback that we can use to make visions for the next year. “Our stand has great visibility and our booth is large with lots of space for customers to spend time with their products of interest. The feedback so far has been excellent, and we are definitely satisfied with the flow and quality of visitors. We will return again next year,” said Mr Roshan Bohra, Director, eSSL, India. UL listed CO2 separation system We specialise in different kinds of gas separation systems for the fire safety sector"“We specialise in different kinds of gas separation systems for the fire safety sector. Our CO2 separation system is a UL listed product. This is our second time exhibiting at the fair. We have returned because the quality of this show is high. Our main objective is to increase our brand exposure and show our presence in the market. “The organisers of the fair are doing a great job of connecting us with end users through the ‘connect’ business matching programme. The visitor quality has been good; it’s not just the numbers but it’s also the type of visitors. We have met decision makers from companies such as Reliance, HPCL, and BPCL, so we are happy with the result,” said Mr Kunal L Zatakia, Director, Swastik Synergy Engineering, India. Learning about the new products “I work for the Meteorological department of India, a Central government organisation in Bombay. This is my first time at the show, and I’m looking for products and solutions that can be used in our offices and buildings, such as biometrics. I have found a lot of new devices which I didn’t know about such as facial recognition products. The show is wonderful with a lot of visitors – it helps us understand the new products that are in the market,” said Mr Sunil G Kamble, Director, Met Department, Govt of India. The quality of exhibitors is good and some of the exhibitors have done a great job at reaching out to customers at the fair"“I am a system integrator from Mumbai, and I’ve been coming to the show for the past five years. I’m searching for new CCTV products and advanced technologies. The fair helps me to research any new solutions that the large companies are offering, and I have been able to learn a lot about new developments. I will definitely return again next year,” said Mr Ronald Rodrigues, Systems Integrator, Classic Network, India. “My company is involved in CRM solutions and I am here at the fair to network with companies from the same field. We would like our company to expand globally and this is a good step to meet others in the industry. The quality of exhibitors is good and some of the exhibitors have done a great job at reaching out to customers at the fair. This is a good place to explore different players in the industry. I will return again next year,” said Ms Pooja Khedekar, Customer Success Manager, Edge CRM, India.

Larson Electronics, a Texas-based company with over 40 years of experience spearheading the industrial lighting sector, announced the release of an explosion proof portable surface mount infrared LED fixture operating on 120/240V AC 50/60Hz for vision systems, cameras, security systems, sensors and more. This light is designed for use in Class I, Divisions 1 and 2 hazardous locations and comes in either a spot or flood beam configuration. This unit offers 750 nm, 850 nm or 940 nm infrared wavelengths. Infrared LED fixture The EXHL-TRN-LE2-IR-1227 explosion proof infrared LED fixture is rated for use in Class I, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups B, C and D; Class I, Zones 1 and 2, Groups IIB+H2 and IIA; Class II, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups E, F and G; and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 hazardous locations. The spot beam configuration on this unit offers a 10-degree beam measuring 225 feet long by 25 feet wide and a flood configuration that offers a 35-degree beam measuring 45 feet long by 40 feet wide. Operators can control the direction of the beam by tilting the unit towards the desired target. The housings are made of extruded aluminum and the lenses are made of unbreakable polycarbonate Larson Electronics’ explosion proof infrared light is rated NEMA Type 3, 4, 4X, 7 (B, C, D) and 9 (E, F, G) and can operate in temperatures between -40˚C and 60˚C. This unit is waterproof up to three meters and can resist dust, dirt and humidity. The housings are made of extruded aluminum and the lenses are made of unbreakable polycarbonate. This unit features an adjustable surface mount bracket for easy control and two set screws. Terminal strips The terminal strips inside of the fixture allow operators to make necessary electrical connections where wiring is fed through rigid pipe to the 3/4-inch NPT hubs on either side and tied to the fixture’s terminal strips to complete the electrical connection. Suitable applications include security systems, cameras, sensors, covert operations, vision systems and more.

Honeywell is expanding its Performance Series video line with the launch of six new cameras and upgrades to 11 existing products. The enhanced Performance Series Video 2/4/8 MP IP Solution native integrated cameras deliver faster notification and verification of potential threats along with powerful insights to support small-to-medium businesses and enterprise level applications at a lower installation and operating cost. The Performance Series video cameras feature new Face Detection and Smart Search tools that eliminate hours of video review by allowing end users to quickly search video for more efficient identification, tracking and viewing of specific individuals. New Pin-hole camera enable discreet surveillance with banking applications such as ATMs or self-check-out registers. Key benefits and features: Improves end-customer revenue and reduce operational costs: Provides customer behavioural analysis with People Counting feature which is ideal for retail environments by helping users increase revenue by monitoring traffic and flow for optimising store layouts, staff planning and merchandising strategies. The camera line provides more efficient storage options, including H.265 Smart Codec support, which can help lower storage costs by nearly 50 percent, and reduces training costs with unified GUI and multiple language support. Minimises inventory shrinkage: Features 4K technology for high-definition video across larger coverage areas in day or night settings; users can zoom in from greater distances to reduce the number of cameras required. Ensures efficient and effective security: Increased cybersecurity features protecting the end-user investment and estate infrastructure. Integrates with MAXPRO cloud for easy access control and multi-site management. The cameras allow users to access one or multiple sites through a single user interface using the HDCS software. The Performance Series is part of the Honeywell connected security portfolio which can provide customers a complete solution with video, access control, intrusion and integrated security products.

Hikvision, the supplier of innovative security products and solutions, launches the latest generation Turbo HD Series - Turbo HD X, which is a complete system to help stopping intruders in real-time, and avoiding damage and loss of property. The Hikvision Turbo HD X series of cameras has a built-in detector that captures infrared light emitted by human bodies, distinguishing it from other visual ‘noise’. Once the camera detects a potential intruder, its built-in siren flashes red and blue light and a loud sound with the aim of frightening the intruder away. Change perimeter protection Users can also receive alarm information remotely, via an application on their mobile devices The Turbo HD X series can support a broad range of perimeter protection and security system processes for in-process warning, and evidence collection after an event. It enables transformation of the traditional monitoring and post-event investigation approach, and helps to change perimeter protection from passive monitoring to active deterrence in order to protect people and assets. It can be used in warehouses, residences, jewellery stores and more. More importantly, the Turbo HD X is a complete and unified system, featuring front-end devices linking to back-end devices and a remote application. As the front-end alarm sends a warning to potential intruders, the system also triggers an alarm at the back-end, to notify security personnel. Users can also receive alarm information remotely, via an application on their mobile devices. False-alarm reduction technology Turbo HD X cameras can also be integrated with Hikvision’s cutting-edge AcuSense DVRs. The intelligent false-alarm reduction technology within these DVRs will disregard irrelevant movements picked up by the camera – such as rain, leaves and animals – and instead focus exclusively on human or vehicle movement. Together, this integrated solution dramatically reduces the number of false alarms, and ensures security staff focus on actual targets for greater efficiency. The last six years of Turbo HD products have delivered a wealth of innovations to the market All of this builds on the impressive functionality that has been delivered by Hikvision’s Turbo HD DVRs and cameras since their launch in 2013. In addition to impressive HD image clarity, the last six years of Turbo HD products have delivered a wealth of innovations to the market, including super-efficient bandwidth and storage usage and ultra-low-light video recording – all helping customers to enhance their security and perimeter protection. Video surveillance records Frank Zhang, the President of the International Product and Solution Center at Hikvision says, “Once again, we are bringing fresh ideas and new possibilities to the industry. Usually, video surveillance records are only searched for evidence after someone has suffered the consequences of an intrusion.” “However, criminals may give up further actions if they believe their behaviour has been detected. By stopping intruders in their tracks, the Hikvision Turbo HD X can help our customers to avoid costly damage and loss of property.”

Security industry stakeholders from across the subcontinent have descended upon Mumbai for the 8th edition of Secutech India, which opens its doors today at the Bombay Exhibition Center. Taking place from 25 – 27 April, the fair offers business, networking and sourcing opportunities for India’s commercial security, smart home and fire safety sectors. In addition, plenty of educational value can be gained through the fairs fringe events, which include a fire safety training and two full days of smart city and security technology forums. Ms Regina Tsai, the Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd, spoke about the distinguishing features of this year’s fair: “In response to market demands, this year’s show features more exhibitors from the smart home and intelligent transportation sectors. “Exciting products gaining traction in these sectors include home surveillance systems, integrated home networks and vehicle tracking solutions. We have also refined the fringe programme to incorporate the most relevant topics for the Indian market, including smart city solutions, cyber security, and the growing role of artificial intelligence.” Altogether, 100 exhibitors representing over 400 brands are featured across 15,000 sqm of exhibition space Security products on display The ‘Make in India’ initiative has sparked a renaissance among Indian OEMs, with many domestic security and fire safety brands such as ESSL, Mantra, Biomax and AAAG represented across the show floor. In addition to the domestic companies, there is also a significant international presence. Brands Avigilon, Hikvision, Vanderbilt and Veracity, join the fair’s strong exhibitor line-up to display the latest surveillance cameras, access control systems, intrusion alarms, police equipment, and perimeter security systems for the commercial and government sectors. Altogether, 100 exhibitors representing over 400 brands are featured across 15,000 sqm of exhibition space. A highlight of the international contingent is the Shenzhen pavilion, where buyers are able to find security, smart home solutions, components, networking communication systems and peripherals. Shenzhen is one of China’s powerhubs for security manufacturers, and the attending exhibitors were carefully selected to represent a wide array of solutions for visitors seeking OEM opportunities. Smart home zone The new smart home zone features a selection of smart cameras, locks and integrated networksAnother convergence point at the fair is the new smart home zone. Featuring a selection of smart cameras, locks and integrated networks, the zone serves as a hub for suppliers to connect with property developers, architects, system integrators and other related buyers. Elsewhere, the concurrent ‘Fire and safety India’ event is a significant attraction for the fire safety fraternity. The event returns for its 4th edition this year as the destination for visitors to get hands-on with the latest fire detection and alarm systems, firefighting gear, evacuation apparatus and rescue equipment. Whether trying to penetrate the Indian market or further bolster their brand exposure, exhibitors will be aiming to connect with as many trade visitors as possible during the show. Fair organisers are anticipating a similar visitor turnout to the previous edition, which attracted 22,720 trade visitors, including distributors, system integrators, architects and consultants. Smart City Infrastructure Conference On top of being a business and networking occasion, the fair adds even more value to the visitor experience through its fringe programme of forums, seminars and events. This year’s programme is headlined by the ‘Smart City Infrastructure Conference’, which takes place on day one. A panel discussion is set to examine how smart cities will develop in India over the next five yearsAs part of the conference, a panel discussion is set to examine how smart cities will develop in India over the next five years. Other discussions analyse emergency response mechanisms and cyber security in smart cities. In addition, the ‘Security Technology Conference’ takes place on the second day of the fringe programme to explore supply-chain security in e-commerce, as well as AI and its impact on the security industry. Fire safety training to raise awareness On the final day, industry experts will gather for the highly anticipated fire safety training day. As part of the concurrent ‘Fire and Safety India’ event, and run by the State of Maharashtra Fire Service and the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the training aims to raise awareness among corporate professionals and wider society. Important topics to be addressed during the training include the common causes of fire, fire safety precautions, fire drills, evacuation procedures and safety legislation. On top of providing a platform conducive to information exchange, the fringe programme is also a hub to celebrate the achievements of India’s security and fire safety fraternity. The SECONA Shield Awards return this year to acclaim OEMs, system integrators, consultants and end users for product innovations, R&D, successful projects, unique designs and outstanding individual contributions to India’s safety and security landscape. The awards are co-organised with the Security Consultants Association of India, and the winners will be announced on the 26th April.

Across the country, law enforcement officers are finding it increasingly difficult to respond to the near overwhelming number of calls coming from security alarms. Police departments commonly define a false alarm as a call, which upon investigation, shows no evidence of criminal activity, such as broken windows, forced doors, items missing, or people injured. While false alarms bog down police, they can also negatively impact customers and integrators. End users can expect hefty fines for false alarm responses, and when these customers receive large bills from the city, many turn to installers, dealers, and even manufacturers expecting them to accept the responsibility and pay the bill. What first brought the issue of alarm verification to your attention? It is crucial to both see a situation and concurrently listen to any corresponding sounds to gain full insight I’ve been aware of the problem of false alarms for about 5 years. I believed audio capture, through microphone deployment, could be an active part of the solution when used as a second source for indicating ‘out of the norm’ activity and as an equal component with the video surveillance technology. In 2015, I found similarly minded security professionals when introduced to the Partnership for Priority Verified Alarm Response. After reading PPVAR’s paper on ‘Audio Verified Alarms Best Practices; [April 2015],’ I knew that the Partnership was on to something important. In our lives, two of the five senses we count on day-in and day-out are sight and sound. It is crucial to both see a situation and concurrently listen to any corresponding sounds to gain full insight. What is the false alarm rate? In 2016, the International Association of Chiefs of Police reported that over 98 percent of all alarm calls in the United States were false. This number is obviously staggering, and something we need to work towards correcting. Why did this issue resonate so strongly with you? When I first investigated this issue, I was sure that the security industry would have already recognised this and was acting to ensure improved alarm verification, preferably through a combination of audio and video technologies. However, I quickly saw that this was not the case, or even close to the norm. I have questioned the rationale behind the lack of adoption and found the deployment of audio is often hindered by the concern of privacy. I’ve spearheaded many initiatives to explain the monitoring policies surrounding audio As CEO of Louroe Electronics, I’ve spearheaded many initiatives to explain the monitoring policies surrounding audio. I’ve had to reassure many security personnel and customers how the law supports the use of audio in public places as long as there is no expectation of privacy. By dispelling fears with facts around deploying and implementing audio sensors, customers can confidently include audio in their surveillance systems and gain a more effective security solution. Who is affected by this? Truth be told, everyone from the end user to the manufacturer is affected by this issue. Not to mention the strain this puts on law enforcement who are tired of ‘wasting time’ and effort out in the field on these nuisance alerts. When an end user receives a bill for their false alarm, many of them will immediately blame the integrator and or the monitoring center for a faulty set up and management and expect the integrator to remedy the situation, including carry the burden of paying the fines. The integrator, on the other hand, will turn to the manufacturer, assuming faulty equipment and installation instructions; therefore, looking for reimbursement for the cost. What is the average false alarm fee? It depends on many factors, and especially your first responder assigned location for responseIt depends on many factors, and especially your first responder assigned location for response. According to the Urban Institute, fees generally range from $25-$100 for the first offense, rising as high as a few thousand dollars per false alarm if a location has a large number in a single year. What’s worse, in extreme cases, alarm systems may even be blacklisted by the police dispatch center if they have raised too many false alarms in the past. Why do you believe audio is the ideal technology for secondary source verification? Video surveillance has been the main option for security monitoring and alarm validation for decades, however industry professionals are realising that video alone is not enough. Video only tells half of the story, by adding audio capture, the responsible party gains a turnkey solution with the ability to gather additional evidence to verify alerts and expand overall awareness. In reality, audio’s range is greater than the field of view for a camera. Sound pickup is 360 degrees, capturing voices, gunshots, breaking glass, sirens, or other important details that a fixed camera many not see. How would a secondary source verification system work with audio? Using a video monitoring solution equipped with audio, the microphone will pick up the sounds at the time a visual alert or alarm is triggered. If embedded with classification analytics, the microphone will send alerts for specific detected sounds. The captured audio, and any notifications are immediately sent to the monitoring station, where trained personnel can listen to the sound clip, along with live audio and video from their station. When law enforcement receives a validated alarm, they can better prioritise the response From here, an informed decision can then be made about the validity of the alarm, along with what the current threat is at the location. If the alarm is in fact valid, the information is then passed along to the law enforcement within minutes. When law enforcement receives a validated alarm, they can better prioritise the response. It also provides more information in a forensic evaluation. Are there any additional resources you would suggest looking into? Yes, we would suggest looking into the following to see a few different perspectives on the matter: NSA Support For 2018 Model Ordinance For Alarm Management and False Alarm Reduction Partnership for Priority Verified Alarm Response Support for the Term “Verified Alarm” and Prioritising Verified Alarm Responses Urban Institute Opportunities for Police Cost Savings without Sacrificing Service Quality: Reducing False Alarms

Market dynamics are changing the U.S. residential security market, creating new business models that better appeal to the approximately 70% of households without a security system. Smart home adjacencies have helped revitalise the traditional security industry, and alternative approaches to systems and monitoring for the security industry are emerging, including a new batch of DIY systems. Growth in the residential security market and its position as the channel for smart home solutions have attracted numerous new entrants. Telecoms, cable operators, and CE (consumer electronics) manufacturers are joining traditional security players as they compete to fulfill consumer demand for safety and security. Connected products also provide a layer of competition as consumers must decide whether having category devices such as doorbell video cameras, networked cameras, and other products suffice for their security. Increasingly competitive landscape Smart home services can provide additional revenue streams for the security industry For instance, IP cameras are a highly popular smart home device rooted in security, and Parks Associates estimates 7.7 million standalone and all-in-one networked/IP cameras will be sold in the U.S. in 2018, with $889M in revenues. Product owners may feel their security needs are fulfilled with this single purchase, as such dealers and service providers are under increasing pressure to communicate their value proposition to consumers. Categorically, each type of player is facing competition uniquely—national, regional, and local dealers all have a different strategy for overcoming the increasingly competitive landscape. Smart home services can provide additional revenue streams for the security industry. In Parks Associates’ 2017 survey of U.S. security dealers, 58% report that smart home service capabilities enable extra monthly revenue. Almost half of dealers also note they have to offer smart home devices and services in order to keep up with their competition. While white-label devices are acceptable in some instances, dealers need to integrate with hero products whenever possible when those exist for a category. For dealers who have added smart home devices and services are all potential benefits and good for business Improved customer engagement That 2017 survey also revealed 36% of security dealers that offer interactive services report security system sales with a networked camera and 16% report sales with a smart thermostat. For dealers who have added smart home devices and services, enhanced system utility, increased daily value, and improved customer engagement with the system are all potential benefits and good for business. Security has served as the most productive channel for smart home solutions, mainly because the products create natural extensions of a security system’s functions and benefits, but as smart home devices, subsystems, and controllers expand their functionality, availability, and DIY capabilities, many standalone devices constitute competition to classical security. Particularly viable substitute devices include IP cameras, smart door locks, smart garage doors, or a combination of these devices. Products that are self-installed offer both convenience and cost savings, and these drivers are significant among DIY consumers—among the 6% of broadband households that installed a security system themselves, 39% did it to save money. Enhance traditional security Self-installable smart home devices may resonate with a segment of the market who want security While many security dealers believe substitute offerings are a threat, some dealers do not find such devices an existential threat but instead view them as another path to consumer awareness. They argue that the difference between smart product substitutes and traditional security is that of a solution that provides knowledge versus a system that gives one the ability to act on that knowledge. A common theme among professional monitoring providers is that a homeowner who is aware of events happening in the home does not necessarily have a secure and protected household. For example, a Nest camera, a DIY product, notifies a consumer via smartphone about events in the home when it detects motion, but only when the notification is opened and identified will a consumer be able to act on the related event. Self-installable smart home devices may resonate with a segment of the market who want security but are unwilling to adopt professional monitoring; however, providers can leverage these devices to enhance traditional security features and communicate the value of professional monitoring. Smart home devices and features, while posing a threat to some security companies, are a potential way forward to increased market growth Increased market growth A key counterstrategy for security dealers and companies is to leverage their current, powerful role as the prime channel for smart home devices. Many security dealers now include smart home devices with their security systems to complement their offerings and increase system engagement. For example, as of Q4 2017, nearly 70% of U.S. broadband households that were very likely to purchase a security system in the next 12 months reported that they want a camera to be included as part of their security system purchase. In response, many security system providers now offer IP cameras as optional enhancements for their systems. Smart home devices and features, while posing a threat to some security companies, are a potential way forward to increased market growth. Security dealers have an opportunity to become more than a security provider but a smart home solutions provider rooted in safety. Provide status updates Comcast has entered both the professionally monitored security market and the market for smart home services The alternative is to position as a provider of basic security with low price as the key differentiator. Comcast has entered both the professionally monitored security market and the market for smart home services independent of security. It has discovered that monetising smart home value propositions through recurring revenue becomes increasingly challenging as the value extends further away from life safety. Since the security industry remains the main channel for smart home services, security dealers are in a unique position to leverage that strength. Value propositions must shift from the traditional arming and disarming of a system to peace-of-mind experiences that builds off the benefits of smart devices in the home to provide status updates (e.g., if the kids arrived home safely) and monitoring at will (e.g., checking home status at any time to see a pet or monitor a package delivery). These types of clear value propositions and compelling use cases, which resonate with consumer and motivate them to expand beyond standalone products, will help expand the home security market.

When a child goes missing in a large, crowded mall, we have a panicking mom asking for help from the staff, at least a dozen cameras in the area, and assuming the child has gone missing for only 15 minutes, about 3 hours’ worth of video to look through to find the child. Typical security staff response would be to monitor the video wall while reviewing the footage and making a verbal announcement throughout the mall so the staff can keep an eye out for her. There is no telling how long it will take, while every second feels like hours under pressure. As more time passes, the possible areas where the child can be will widen, it becomes more time-consuming to search manually, and the likelihood of finding the child decreases. What if we can avoid all of that and directly search for that particular girl in less than 1 second? Artificial neural networks are improving every day and now enable us to search for a person across all selected camera streamsWith Artificial Intelligence, we can. Artificial neural networks are improving every day and now enable us to search for a person across all selected camera streams in a fraction of a second, using only one photo of that person. The photo does not even have to be a full frontal, passport-type mugshot; it can be a selfie image of the person at a party, as long as the face is there, the AI can find her and match her face with the hundreds or thousands of faces in the locations of interest. The search result is obtained in nearly real time as she passes by a certain camera. Distinguishing humans from animals and statues The AI system continuously analyses video streams from the surveillance cameras in its network, distinguishes human faces from non-human objects such as statues and animals, and much like a human brain, stores information about those faces in its memory, a mental image of the facial features so to speak. When we, the system user, upload an image of the person of interest to the AI system, the AI detects the face(s) in that image along with their particular features, search its memory for similar faces, and shows us where and when the person has appeared. We are in control of selecting the time period (up to days) and place (cameras) to search, and we can adjust the similarity level, i.e., how much a face matches the uploaded photo, to expand or fine-tune the search result according to our need. Furthermore, because the camera names and time stamps are available, the system can be linked with maps to track and predict the path of the person of interest. AI Face Search is not Face Recognition for two reasons: it protects people’s privacy, and it is lightweight Protecting people’s privacy with AI Face Search  All features of face recognition can be enabled by the system user, such as to notify staff members when a person of interest is approaching the store AI Face Search is not Face Recognition for two reasons: it protects people’s privacy, and it is lightweight. First, with AI Face Search, no names, ID, personal information, or lists of any type are required to be saved in the system. The uploaded image can be erased from the system after use, there is no face database, and all faces in the camera live view can be blurred out post-processing to guarantee GDPR compliance. Second, the lack of a required face database, a live view with frames drawn around the detected faces and constant face matching in the background also significantly reduces the amount of computing resource to process the video stream, hence the lightweight. Face Search versus Face Recognition AI Face Search Face Recognition Quick search for a particular person in video footage Identify everyone in video footage Match detected face(s) in video stream to target face(s) in an uploaded image Match detected face(s) in video stream to a database Do not store faces and names in a database Must have a database with ID info Automatically protect privacy for GDPR compliance in public places May require additional paperwork to comply with privacy regulations Lightweight solution Complex solution for large-scale deployment Main use: locate persons of interest in a large area Main use: identify a person who passes through a checkpoint Of course, all features of face recognition can be enabled by the system user if necessary, such as to notify staff members when a person of interest is approaching the store, but the flexibility to not have such features and to use the search tool as a simple Google-like device particularly for people and images is the advantage of AI Face Search.Because Face Search is not based on face recognition, no faces and name identifications are stored Advantages of AI Face Search Artificial Intelligence has advanced so far in the past few years that its facial understanding capability is equivalent to that of a human. The AI will recognise the person of interest whether he has glasses, wears a hat, is drinking water, or is at an angle away from the camera. In summary, the advantages of Face Search: High efficiency: a target person can be located within a few seconds, which enables fast response time. High performance: high accuracy in a large database and stable performance, much like Google search for text-based queries. Easy setup and usage: AI appliance with the built-in face search engine can be customised to integrate to any existing NVR/VMS/camera system or as a standalone unit depending on the customer’s needs. The simple-to-use interface requires minimal training and no special programming skills. High-cost saving: the time saving and ease of use translate to orders of magnitude less manual effort than traditionally required, which means money saving. Scalability: AI can scale much faster and at a wider scope than human effort. AI performance simply relies on computing resource, and each Face Search appliance typically comes with the optimal hardware for any system size depending on the customer need, which can go up to thousands of cameras. Privacy: AI Face Search is not face recognition. For face recognition, there are privacy laws that limits the usage. Because Face Search is not based on face recognition, no faces and name identifications are stored, so Face Search can be used in many public environments to identify faces against past and real-time video recordings. AI Face Search match detected face(s) in video stream to target face(s) in an uploaded image Common use cases of AI Face Search In addition to the scenario of missing child in a shopping mall, other common use cases for the AI Face Search technology include: Retail management: Search, detect and locate VIP guests in hotels, shopping centres, resorts, etc. to promptly attend to their needs, track their behaviour pattern, and predict locations that they tend to visit. Crime suspect: Quickly search for and prove/disprove the presence of suspects (thief, robber, terrorist, etc.) in an incident at certain locations and time. School campus protection: With the recent increase in number of mass shootings in school campuses, there is a need to identify, locate and stop a weapon carrier on campus as soon as possible before he can start shooting. Face Search will enable the authorities to locate the suspect and trace his movements within seconds using multiple camera feeds from different areas on campus. Only one clear image of the suspect’s face is sufficient. In the race of technology development in response to business needs and security concerns, AI Face Search is a simple, lightweight solution for airports, shopping centres, schools, resorts, etc. to increase our efficiency, minimise manual effort in searching for people when incidents occur on site, and actively prevent potential incidents from occurring. By Paul Sun, CEO of IronYun, and Mai Truong, Marketing Manager of IronYun

The excitement of ISC West 2019 continued until the very end – almost. Exhilarated by the first two busy days of the show, attendees and exhibitors seemed to welcome a slower third day. There were no complaints about booth traffic, and still plenty of thoughtful conversations taking place, everyone determined to maximise the value of face time with customers until the last second. Building an IoT ecosystem in SAST At a show lacking in high-profile new technology announcements, the biggest news is perhaps the possible long-term impact of first-time exhibitor Security and Safety Things (SAST), a Bosch startup. SAST is building a new Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem for the security and safety industry, including an app store, an open and secure camera operating system, a software developer environment, and a portal for integrators. SOCs (system-on-chips inside cameras) are becoming much more capable" Their 1,800-square-foot booth was big for a first-time exhibitor, and the American football theme was well received, as was the substance of the company’s effort to drive innovation in a highly fragmented industry. Seeing actual cameras and apps on display at the ISC West booth is “more real than PowerPoint,” says Hartmut Schaper, CEO of Security and Safety Things (SAST). “For us, seeing is believing,” says Schaper. “It was important for us to show cameras and apps for the first time. People are surprised at how far down the road we are.” “This dynamic will change in the industry,” says Schaper. “SOCs (system-on-chips inside cameras) are becoming much more capable. Soon there will be more processing power on the edge. People will find a way to use the extra processing power.” “Seeing is believing” at the SAST booth at ISC West 2019, where CEO Hartmut Schaper showed several manufacturers’ cameras whose functionality can be expanded using Android apps Developing more apps Several large manufacturers are already involved in the initiative, but there are some holdouts. “We are having ongoing talks with everyone to convince them to join,” Schaper says. “Some of the bigger ones will come around. We are not a camera manufacturer, and not a threat. We are owned by Bosch but are managed completely separately. There will be more and more apps developed, and momentum will increase.” “A year from now we will have successful customers we can talk about, and more camera manufacturers on board,” he says. “This year we are taxiing on the runway, but next year we will have cleared the tarmac and be climbing.” If the approach succeeds, their first appearance at ISC West will be remembered as historic. Future of surveillance cameras Off the show floor, in a nearby meeting room, chip maker Ambarella demonstrated technologies that will be driving the future of video surveillance cameras, including more intelligence at the edge. “People have been using more traditional video analytics approaches, though most of them have been disappointing,” says Chris Day, Ambarella VP of Marketing and Business Development. “What is ground-breaking now is the use of neural networks and real artificial intelligence, which has increased capabilities 100x. "You will see camera products coming out over the next year that are massively better than before. It’s not just incrementally getting better. Cameras will be coming out later this year with analytics that are absolutely amazing based on [the new chips.]” Larry Anderson, editor-in-chief of SecurityInformed.com, talks about Ambarella HDR and Low Light Solutions with Jerome Gigot, Senior Director of Marketing for Ambarella. (Source: Ambarella) New systems-on-chips Ambarella has introduced four new systems-on-chips (SoCs) in the last year, with emphasis on computer vision (video analytics). The newest is the S6LM Camera SoC with 4K imaging technology, unveiled at ISC West. The S6LM includes Ambarella's latest high dynamic range (HDR) and low-light processing technology, highly efficient 4K H.264 and H.265 encoding, multi-streaming, on-chip 360-degree de-warping, cyber-security features, and a quad-core CPU. People shouldn’t forget what a good camera is, and there doesn’t have to be a tradeoff" “With so much focus on AI and computer vision, I’m concerned the industry has taken focus away from low light imaging, wide dynamic range and image quality,” says Day. “You have to see the details in an image. People shouldn’t forget what a good camera is, and there doesn’t have to be a tradeoff, it’s all included in one chip.” From products to systems With a new general manager on board (Daniel Gundlach, formerly of Bosch), FLIR Systems Security Division is continuing its transition from a product company to a solutions provider, removing internal silos to clear the path. FLIR offers a strong end-to-end portfolio for Smart Cities applications, including the TruWITNESS line of body worn cameras and newly acquired Aeryon drones. FLIR’s historical strength as the top thermal imaging provider continues, but today they are much more than a thermal imaging company, offering visible day/night cameras, infrared pan-tilt-zoom cameras, video management systems and other technologies to provide a broader platform. FLIR's Saros security cameras combine multiple security technologies, including thermal sensors, high-resolution visible imaging, IR and visible LED illuminators, onboard analytics and two-way audio and digital input/outputs. Products in critical infrastructure applications In addition to Safe Cities, FLIR installs a range of products in critical infrastructure applications, such as oil and gas and electric utilities. Ports also tend to combine traditional security with an emphasis on perimeter protection, a FLIR strength. Existing perimeter protection applications can open opportunities for the broader platform. For example, installing a complete system in an airport that already uses FLIR’s thermal technology represents “low-hanging fruit” for the company, says Fredrik Wallberg, FLIR Director of Marketing – Security and Intelligent Transportation Systems. Ambarella demonstrates its latest imaging technology for video security during ISC West 2019 (Source: Ambarella) Integrated solutions Bosch's focus At the Bosch booth, there was an emphasis on integrated solutions and the customer experience. A mock retail store setup demonstrated systems such as overhead cameras for people counting and alarm communication to provide an alert if a refrigerator door is left ajar. A wireless panic button generates a silent alarm, communicates with a 2-way radio, and triggers a camera to focus on the area. An AVIOTEK IP camera alarms if there is a fire, based on observing actual flames rather than smoke. A new Bosch fixed dome camera series offers wireless remote commissioning capabilities that reduce installation and set-up time by up to 75 percent. Set-up only takes three steps: install the mounting bracket, connect the cables, and attach the camera module. Commissioning can be done wirelessly or remotely with no need for ladders or lifts. Dahua marks five years in the U.S. An IR illuminator is attached to each lens module to ensure there is always illumination in the field of view Time flies in the security industry, and it has already been five years since the Dahua brand entered the U.S. market. Today the company offers products through ADI and some 20 distributors, and has more than 30 technical consultants and technical support employees and 50 or 60 sales people in the field (including independent rep firms). “We are growing,” says Tim Shen, Director of Marketing at Dahua Technology USA. “It’s exciting for the company.” At ISC West, Dahua introduced a line of Multi-Flex panoramic cameras with lens modules that can be repositioned along an internal track for 180-, 270- or 360-degree views, providing flexibility for integrators. An IR illuminator is attached to each lens module to ensure there is always illumination in the field of view. Cost savings come from ease of installation (one camera instead of four) and only one VMS license (instead of four). AI and night colour cameras  Dahua is also emphasising its Night Colour cameras that remain in full colour mode regardless of how dark it gets. There is no IR illumination or IR cut filter – the camera stays in color mode and displays any visible image in colour with as little as 1 lux of illumination. The 2 megapixel version is on display at ISC West, and a 4 megapixel version will come in the fall. A year ago at ISC West, Dahua emphasised its initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI) in order to position the company as a technology leader. This year, the message was more general – ‘Power Through Technology.’ The range of Dahua technologies includes AI, Night Colour, Starlight low-light imaging, fifth-generation HDCVI, and e-POE (Enhanced Power over Ethernet). Dahua USA's Director of Marketing says "the market itself likes AI", and expects more AI applications to follow (Source: Dahua USA's LinkedIn) “When we present AI to customers, they are happy, but when it comes to the budget they don’t have it,” says Shen. “The market itself likes AI, and it’s very much a buzzword. But we still need a proof of concept that it can do something good for end users. We need time to develop broader applications. The ‘smart retail’ market and education are good places to start.” he says. “AI is for project business,” adds Jennifer Hackenburg, Dahua’s Senior Product Marketing Manager. “Projects that are looking at AI haven’t come to fruition yet; they are still in the pipeline. It’s not for your everyday business. They are implementing it, but not as fast.” Access control beyond doors Access control should extend beyond doors. That’s the message I heard at the ASSA ABLOY booth, which displayed a variety of physical locks and intelligent access systems. An example is traffic cabinets, those metal boxes in public locations that could potentially be accessed to invade an internal network. ASSA ABLOY emphasises the need to secure the variety of enclosures, cabinets, drawers and small spaces ASSA ABLOY emphasises the need to secure the variety of enclosures, cabinets, drawers and small spaces throughout an enterprise. The company’s ‘security continuum’ message draws attention to the need for the right level of security for the right opening, using existing infrastructure as well as new electronic technologies. “Customers face a combination of non-traditional access control and questions on how they can secure things that are not doors,” says David Corbin, ASSA ABLOY Director of Access Control Accessories. The security message is resonating beyond the traditional security department to involve other stakeholders in an enterprise, including IT directors. There is new awareness of vulnerabilities that have been there forever, such as traffic cabinets that can be opened with a key purchased on eBay.

Constantly optimising deep learning algorithms yields better video analytics performance, even in complex applications such as facial recognition or in scenarios with variable lighting, angles, postures, expressions, accessories, resolution, etc. Deep learning, a form of artificial intelligence (AI), holds the potential to enable video analytics to deliver on long-promised, but not often delivered performance. Our AI series continues here with part 2. Adapting existing hardware Today, low-cost system-on-chip (SoC) camera components enable deep neural network (DNN) processing for the next generation of intelligent cameras, thus expanding the availability of AI processing to a broader market. AI software can even add learning capabilities by adapting existing hardware to AI applications AI software can even add learning capabilities by adapting existing hardware to AI applications. Today’s smartphones include cameras, gyroscopes and accelerometers to provide sufficient data to drive AI applications. Software can adapt existing hardware to transform them into AI devices capable of continuous learning in the field. Inside a video camera, real-time deep learning processing can be used to detect discarded objects, issue loitering alarms and detect people or objects entering a pre-defined field. Data capture form to appear here! Detect anomalous data Additional capabilities are applicable to demanding environments and mission-critical applications, such as the perimeter protection of airports, critical infrastructures and government buildings, border patrol, ship-tracking and traffic-monitoring (e.g. wrong-way detection, traffic-counts and monitoring roadsides for parked cars: all vital video security solutions). IoT is transforming the lowly security camera from a device that simply captures images, into an intelligent sensor that plays an integral role in gathering the kind of vital business data that can be used to improve commercial operations in areas beyond security. For example, cities are transitioning into smart cities. Deep learning enables systems to search surveillance footage, to detect anomalous data, and to shift surveillance from post-incident response to providing alerts during, or even before, an event. The ability of deep learning for video analytics is much more sophisticated and accurate Make critical decisions Deep learning can eliminate previous video analytics limitations such as dependence on a scene’s background. Deep learning is also more adept than humans at discerning subtle changes in an image. The ability of deep learning for video analytics is much more sophisticated – and accurate – than the programmed approaches previously employed to identify targets. AI is a timely solution in an age when there is more video surveillance than ever. There are too many cameras and too much recorded video for security operators to keep pace with. On top of that, people have short attention spans. AI is a technology that doesn’t get bored and can analyse more video data than humans. Systems are designed to bring the most important events and insight to users’ attention, freeing them to do what they do best: make critical decisions. Multiple camera streams AI can reduce information overload to enable humans to work with the data more efficiently The video benefits reflect the larger goal of AI to amplify human skills. AI can reduce information overload to enable humans to work with the data more efficiently. Another benefit is faster search, and new systems make searching video as easy as searching the internet. AI enables specific people or cameras to be located quickly across all the cameras at a site. Searching can be directed by a reference images or by physical descriptors such as gender or clothing colour. Consider a scenario of a child missing from a crowded shopping mall: Every second can seem like hours, and artificial intelligence and neural networks can enable a rapid search among multiple camera streams using only one photo of the child. The photo does not have to be a full-frontal passport-type photos; it could be a selfie from a party as long as the face is there. Intrusion detection scenario AI can find her and match her face from among hundreds of thousands of faces captured from video, in nearly real time. AI can also continuously analyse video streams from the surveillance cameras in its network, distinguishing human faces from non-human objects such as statues and animals. Privacy concerns are minimal as there is no ID or personal information on the photo, and the image can be erased after use. And there is no database of stored images.    In a perimeter security/intrusion detection scenario, an AI-driven video system can avoid false alarms by easily distinguishing different types of people and objects, e.g., in a region set up to detect people, a car driving by, a cat walking by, or a person’s shadow will not trigger the alarm. Part three coming soon. If you missed part one, see it here.

I have been thinking a lot about the U.S. government’s ban on video surveillance technologies by Hikvision and Dahua. In general, I question the wisdom and logic of the ban and am frankly puzzled as to how it came to be. Allow me to elaborate. Chinese camera manufacturers Reality check: the government ban is based on concerns about the potential misuse of cameras, not actual misuse. Before the government ban, you occasionally heard about some government entities deciding not to use cameras manufactured by Chinese companies, although the reasons were mostly “in an abundance of caution.”  Even so, I find the targeting of two Chinese companies – three if you count Hytera Communications, a mobile radio manufacturer – in a huge government military spending bill to be a little puzzling. I can’t quite picture how these specific companies got on Congress’s radar. The government ban is based on concerns about the potential misuse of cameras, not actual misuse What level of lobbying or backroom dealing was involved in getting the ban introduced (by a Missouri congresswoman) into the House version of the bill? And after the ban was left out of the Senate version, was there a new wave of discussions to ensure it was included in the joint House-Senate version (with some minor changes, and who negotiated those?). It all seems a little random. Concerns for the U.S. Furthermore, the U.S. ban solves neither of the two main concerns that are generally used as its justification: Concern: Cybersecurity. The U.S. ban “solves” the issue of cybersecurity only if both of the following statements are true. No security system that uses a Hikvision or Dahua camera or other component is cybersecure. Any system that does not use a Hikvision or Dahua camera or other component is cybersecure. What level of lobbying or backroom dealing was involved in getting the ban introduced into the House version of the bill? The ban ignores the breadth and complexity of cybersecurity and instead offers up two companies as scapegoats. Our industry has sought to address cybersecurity, and the one principle that has guided that effort is that cybersecurity is an issue that must be addressed by manufacturers, consultants, integrators and end users – in effect, everyone in the industry. Cybersecurity does not begin and end with the manufacturer and banning any manufacturers from the market does not ensure better cybersecurity.  Concern: “Untrustworthy” Chinese companies. Hikvision and Dahua are only two Chinese companies. Any response to concerns about whether Chinese companies are trustworthy would need to cover many more companies that manufacture their products in China. Australian TV recently claimed that “all Chinese companies pose a risk. Because of Chinese laws, there is a requirement for companies to be engaged in espionage on behalf of the state.” Even if one embraces that extreme view, the logic fails when only two companies are targeted. One source told me that 60 to 65 percent of the global supply of commercial video cameras are manufactured in China, so it’s a much bigger issue than two companies.The Chinese government has much more effective ways of conducting espionage than exploiting security cameras And is U.S. security at risk unless or until it is cut off from more than half of the world’s supply of video cameras? Even Western camera companies manufacture some of their cameras and/or components in China. Why name only two (or three) companies, only one of which has ties to the Chinese government? If the goal of the U.S. ban was to address the possibility of cybersecurity and/or espionage by the Chinese government, shouldn’t there be other companies and product categories included? Clearly, video surveillance is not the only category that has the potential for abuse. The Chinese government has much more effective ways of conducting espionage than exploiting security cameras. Global response to U.S. ban And now that the U.S. ban has been passed, how is the ban being misused to justify a new level of alarm about Chinese companies? Australian television effortlessly made the leap from “software backdoors” to a concerted and organised effort by the Chinese government to use cameras to be the “number one country for espionage.” And it’s not just about government facilities: “Even on the street, [cameras] have the potential to inadvertently contribute toward Chinese espionage activity by providing real-time information about the situation on the ground,” says the Australian TV report. If all Chinese companies pose a risk, why is the U.S. government targeting specific companies rather than all Chinese companies? If all Chinese companies pose a risk, why is the U.S. government targeting specific companies rather than all Chinese companies, or at least those with electronics or computer products that could be used for espionage? What about the espionage potential of the 70% of mobile phones that are made in China? What about other consumer electronics such as PCs or smart TVs? How many government facilities that are eliminating Dahua and Hikvision cameras have employees who use iPhones or use other electronic equipment from China? Artificial intelligence & IP-over-coax Also, consider the impact of the ban on business. Hikvision and Dahua have had many successes in the video surveillance market, including in the U.S. market. They have added value to many integrators and end user customers. They have been on the forefront of important trends such as artificial intelligence and IP-over-coax. And, yes, they have made technologies available at lower prices.Cybersecurity issues have plagued several companies in the industry, not just Hikvision and Dahua Cybersecurity issues have plagued several companies in the industry, not just these two, and both Hikvision and Dahua have worked to fix past problems, and to raise awareness of cybersecurity concerns in general. Is a U.S. ban on two companies an appropriate response to a series of geo-political concerns that are much bigger than those two companies (and bigger than our entire market)? Should two companies take the brunt of the anti-Chinese backlash? Video surveillance cameras Is the video surveillance market as a whole better or worse for the presence of Hikvision and Dahua? Is it up to the U.S. government to make that call? In some ways, thoughts of Chinese espionage are a sign of these uncertain political times. Fear of video surveillance is perfectly congruent with long-standing anxieties about “Big Brother;” suspicion about China taking over our video cameras just rings true at a time when Russia is (supposedly) controlling our elections. But should two companies be targeted while broader concerns are shrugged off?

Since renovation began in the 1990s, the Custard Factory in central Birmingham has grown into an important centre for the creative and digital industries, as well as a destination for leisure, retail and cultural activities. The 15-acre site, which in Victorian days was a pioneering centre for food and ingredients production, has been transformed into a thriving working community for hundreds of small businesses, benefiting from several phases of development. The Custard Factory now comprises multiple buildings in a vibrant city centre location, so the risks of petty crime must be planned for and the safety of users ensured. Upgrading to IP and wireless technology An ageing analogue video system at the Custard Factory was proving expensive to maintain and, without enough cameras, it was giving only limited coverage. An upgrade was needed but installation work had to take place without disruption to the many businesses at the site, so specialist integrator Unison Integrated Technology was asked to find the most suitable solution. Latest video tech from IDIS was selected because it provided the best image quality The latest video tech from IDIS was selected because it provided the best image quality, unrivalled usability and trouble-free installation with the ability to mix and match equipment. It also allowed existing infrastructure such as coax cabling to be incorporated, and by combining HD-TVI with the latest IP and wireless technology it enabled real-time monitoring in the control room without the need for complex and expensive civil works. IDIS IP cameras More than 60 new high-performance cameras have now been integrated into a leading-edge solution giving complete coverage of this diverse estate made up of the main Custard Factory Buildings, an open-air carpark, neighbouring external areas and the Fazeley studios. To protect the carpark and external areas, including historic archways, a mix of cameras has been used, including dome cameras with IR LED and wide dynamic range giving coverage in all lighting conditions. All IDIS IP cameras also benefit from IDIS Smart Failover technology which ensures continued video capture in the event of network instability or failure. DR-6316 H.265 NVR Video is streamed to the control room via a SilverNet wireless link, yet crucially there is no latency or lag on the images. These cameras are connected to a DR-6316 H.265 NVR, supporting 16 channels that utilises IDIS Intelligent Codec to minimise bandwidth and storage requirements. Thanks to IDIS true plug-and-play technology, Unison Integrated Technology installed new cameras without disruption At the Fazeley studios, which includes both indoor and outdoor facilities, a combination of IP and analogue bullet cameras, PTZs and domes are used.  And at the Custard Factory main buildings, four PTZ cameras, two fixed domes and 25 bullet cameras are connected to IDIS’s powerful DR-8364D recorder, which supports up to 64 channels with a super-fast 900Mps throughput. IDIS true plug-and-play technology Thanks to IDIS true plug-and-play technology, Unison Integrated Technology installed the new cameras without disruption or any need to stop trading during the work, which included working around operational restaurants and shops. At the purpose-built security control, room operators now have a complete view of the site, allowing them to replace inefficient patrols on foot with more frequent video tours. And the free IDIS Center video management system (VMS) makes it easy to operate the new, enhanced system incorporating third-party cameras, the HD-TVI analogue devices and the latest IDIS IP tech. High-resolution video surveillance With the new surveillance system and improved lighting in place visitors feel safer, particularly walking to and from the car park after evening events. The ability of the security team to monitor events real-time and respond to health & safety incidents is appreciated by event organisers using the Fazely venue. And police have been able to tackle petty theft more effectively thanks to the high-resolution video evidence which is now easily and quickly retrieved in order to tackle crime. The IDIS technology fully delivered on our requirements for an affordable, high-quality surveillance solution" The solution is flexible and scalable, with more cameras easily added as the Digbeth estate continues to evolve and expand. Custard Factory estate manager Simon Dunn says the upgrade has far exceeded expectations. IDIS video security system Simon says, “The IDIS technology fully delivered on our requirements for an affordable, high-quality surveillance solution covering our complete estate. The Unison engineering team delivered the project to the highest standard and they were considerate and respectful of our busy, live environment. I am very pleased with the result, both in terms of the quality of the images and the operation of the system, which is simple and effective.”

Video surveillance is used for more than just safety and security: users are discovering that high-resolution images and user-friendly features make surveillance cameras a valuable asset for all sorts of applications. A cattle ranch in Manatee County, Florida found that a Dahua PTZ was the perfect way to observe eagles without disturbing their habitat. Dahua PTZ cameras  When Hurricane Irma pummeled Florida in 2017, Victoria and Nicholas, a pair of American bald eagles, watched their nest get destroyed. Undeterred, they began building a new nest in a tree right next to the old one. The ranchers on whose property the eagles lived were so inspired by this show of dedication that they decided to install cameras nearby to share the eagles’ story with the world. They reached out to Jens Buff, security consultant with Rapid Security Solutions, for support, and he contacted Dahua. Dahua donated a 4MP 30x IP PTZ, which was mounted to a tree in order to observe the nest up close. Dahua donated a 4MP 30x IP PTZ, which was mounted to a tree in order to observe the nest up close But disaster struck yet again! In 2018 “an unnamed storm, unexpected and unseasonable, blew through our area with pounding rain and ferocious winds,” stated the Eagle Country YouTube page. “Sadly, the eagles’ nest was blown to the ground in pieces again! We wondered if they would relocate, but this was Nicholas and Victoria. The very next day they began to rebuild. The cameras we placed after Irma were not destroyed and we are able to watch this incredible story continue.” Smart IR and day/night surveillance Dozens of YouTube videos, as well as a live feed, give viewers a rare glimpse into the day-to-day lives of these majestic birds. Whether they’re incubating eggs, eating dinner, cleaning house, or fending off intruders, their activities are captured in clear video both day and night. The camera’s true day/night IR cut filter and Smart IR allow for crisp nighttime images without “whitening out” as the eagles get close to the camera. True WDR preserves the image in the direct sunlight that’s unavoidable at the top of a tree in the Sunshine State. The easy-to-use PTZ features let the ranchers follow the eagle’s actions without bothering them by manually repositioning the camera. “Dahua’s PTZ was the perfect choice to view one of life’s most beautiful creations living in nature,” Mr. Buff remarked.

The Malaysia government water treatment plant envisions providing the best water treatment with demand of high security protection in the industry sector. Furthermore, the highly reliable platform with flexibility to expand storage by year and budget becomes important criterions to select the ideal surveillance partner. Surveon NVR7800 ensures high video image quality with high throughput capability, in addition to flexible JBOD storage expansion capability. Surveon NVR7800 Series Surveon NVR7800 Series was designed as a recording server with an archiving function Price and performance are always the key elements to help Surveon to win projects. Surveon NVR7800 Series was designed as a recording server with an archiving function that offers multiple advantages compared to traditional system structures composed of recording server plus a separate storage device, making it the top choice for the water treatment plant. The big scale industrial plant installs 50 to 100 cameras at each site in demand of high image quality. The plant needs a reliable system that supports recording with hundred channels and is able to transmit high resolution images smoothly. The NVR7800 Series delivers a high level of recording throughput of nearly 2000 Mbps, supporting recording with more channels, allowing system to receive better video image quality by higher bitrates, and ensuring smooth transmission even with high frame rate. Compatible with 3rd party VMS Support up to 316 drives with high density 4U 60-bay expansion enclosure (maximum capacity of up to 3.6 PB with 10TB HDD). It supports to expand storage through JBOD by year, timeline and budget with best flexibility. This provides the government owned plant to expand facilities by year, timeline and budget. The water treatment plant prefers a solution which is fully compatible with Axxonsoft VMS. The NVR7800 Series is 100% compatible with major 3rd party VMS, including Milestone, Genetec and Axxonsoft VMS with certification. Supports multiple network cameras Based on Milestone test findings, NVR7800 Series supports up to 150 cameras Based on Milestone test findings, NVR7800 Series supports up to 150 cameras, more than twice Milestone’s benchmark level in a non-stop recording scenario. The system is even capable of supporting more than four times the number of cameras estimated by benchmark under the testing scenario where motion detection is enabled, giving medium to large projects the best price-performance solution. "The hybrid server-storage design of NVR7800 Series gives us the best C/P value candidate. The enterprise level RAID engine enables highest level data protection with RAID 1+Spare, 5+Spare, 6+Spare technology to support robust data protection even with HDD error. Further, the flexibility to connect JBOD provides the high flexibility to extend recording time base on project demand. We are very satisfied with the result and look forward to working with Surveon next time." said the administration manager of the water treatment plant.

Prama Hikvision partnered with the Sanjivani Group of Institutes to offer latest surveillance and security solutions. For the first time that Artificial Intelligence was offered, and enabled face recognition terminals in India’s education sector. Sanjivani Group of Institutes situated at Kopargaon, Ahmednagar is a premier institute for Engineering, Pharmacy, Nursing and Diploma in Ahmednagar District. Sanjivani took its names and inspiration from the famous epic of Ramayana where ‘Sanjivani buty’ was brought for revival of life. The Sanjivani Rural Education Society (SRES), was established by Honorable Shri. Shankarrao Genuji Kolhe in 1983, at Kopargaon, rural domain in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. Identify unauthorised person The entire campus of the Sanjivani Group of Institutes is spread out in more than 100 acres land As the educational scenario changed with time, SRES understood the need and added a number of courses under the umbrella of the Sanjivani Rural Education Society (SRES) and consequently it gave birth of the Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sanjivani Senior and Junior College, Sanjivani Academy, a CBSE school and Sanjivani International school. The entire campus of the Sanjivani Group of Institutes is spread out in more than 100 acres land. There are different departments in various buildings, playgrounds, hostels and staff quarters. Due to vast area and huge numbers of students, it’s very difficult for management to identify unauthorised person inside the campus. In the past, many instances of bullying, robbery, theft, ragging and pick-pocketing were reported. Up-to-date surveillance solution With the expansion of the Sanjivani Group, there were many challenges faced by students and staff in terms of safety and security. “Consequently, we took our first step towards it by installing Hikvision IP CCTV surveillance in all our campus areas for monitoring. The clarity and the quality of the camera is appreciable and satisfying,” said Amit N Kolhe, Managing Trustee, Sanjivani Rural Education Society (SRES). He further added, “Presently the security technology has changed a lot. While understanding the need of safety and security of the students, we decided to go for an up-to-date surveillance solution. We contacted Prama Hikvision team and their system integration partner Om Agency for an advanced solution. After understanding our requirements, they introduced some of the latest technologies related to security surveillance.” Facial recognition devices The same software can be used by seamless integration for time attendance, access control and surveillance" He further elaborated, “After this we finalised the key areas by conducting the security survey in the campus. We got many advanced solutions implemented with help of SI partner and Prama Hikvision team. The solutions included, ANPR cameras for number plate recognition of cars and bikes at entry and exit gates, facial recognition devices for time attendance and access control of students & staff members.” “The advantage of Hikvision security and surveillance products is that things can be monitored through a single software platform, i.e. IVMS 5200E, which comes as all in one software. The same software can be used by seamless integration for time attendance, access control and surveillance,” concluded Amit N. Kolhe. Access control systems By visiting Sanjivani Group of Institutes along with System Integration Partner Om agency, the following solutions based on the latest technology and products were adopted: Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras Tripod turnstile integrated with face recognition panels HD IP cameras A broadcasting solution for the seminar rooms Face recognition based access control systems Hikvision solutions delivered results: ANPR Cameras helped the institute to identify unauthorised vehicles at entry gates, through which they stopped many outsiders in getting entry into campus area. Face recognition panels and access control panels helped institute in getting entry and exit record of students as well as visitors. Through the large number of cameras installed at various locations, the management is able to keep an eye on the entire campus. One-stop solution We are proud to execute this project with support of Prama Hikvision" “Implementing IP Surveillance project for Sanjivani Group of Institutes, Kopargaon was a great learning experience. We have built a strong relationship with Prama Hikvision over the past 10 years. They work with vendor partners to deliver solutions that suit the requirements. The efficient professionals and quality of service is appreciated.” said Mr. Hemant Rokade – Director Sales, OM Agency. “We are proud to execute this project with support of Prama Hikvision. It was a huge challenge to execute the project of such gigantic proportions. While implementing the project, Prama Hikvision helped us through the project at every step. We appreciate the level of details and accountability, which Prama Hikvision has demonstrated in this project. This reaffirms our faith that Hikvision is the one stop solution for all security and surveillance solutions,” said Mr. Pravin Rokade – Director Operations, OM Agency.

Conditions could not be more challenging than in Borneo's rainforest, where temperatures reach up to +30 degrees Celsius and humidity can be as high as 100 percent. Accessible only by boat or plane, the wilderness of Mulu national park, a UNESCO world heritage area since 2000, covers about 544 square miles, an area equal to the size of Singapore. The Gunung Mulu National Park covers an area of about 544 sq. km, as big as Singapore and about half the size of the Blue Mountains National Park in NSW, Australia. Crowned a World Heritage Area by UNESCO in 2000, this tropical rainforest is home to some of the largest documented cave systems on the planet. Operating as a national park since 1974, Mulu obtained UNESCO world heritage status in 2000. Borsarmulu Park Management Sdn. Bhd is an international company, based in Sarawak, that provides complete tourism services for the industry and the Borneo Government, and manages Mulu. The Mulu Batcam project’s requirement was to enable the capture of clear video images and sound from selected sitesReal-time surveillance of remote sites The Mulu Batcam project’s broad requirement was to enable the capture of clear video images and sound from selected sites within the cave network to observe and monitor wildlife, and to provide real-time surveillance of the remote sites. Within this giant space, the environment is oppressive; day-time temperatures typically hover around 30°C, with humidity ranging up to 99%. In 2006, ctg Security Matrix Pty Ltd facilitated the initial installation, including the back-breaking task of cabling kilometres through the inhospitable jungle environment. When the Batcam project required an update in 2016, Mr Charles Tomas, Principal and Specialist Operational Security Advisor at Ctg Security Matrix, was called upon once again. Having some recent experience working with the Bosch MIC cameras, he recommended them for the challenging task – to place 3 ROV cameras inside the largest cave passage in the world, to be connected and remotely controlled via a fibre optic line some 3.8 km away. Requirement of robust camera An extremely robust camera was required to function in total darkness, in a remote cave set in the depths of a tropical rainforestThe images were also required to appear on an all-weather TV screen at the so-called Bat Observatory, situated next to Deer Cave. An extremely robust camera was required to function in total darkness, in a remote cave set in the depths of a tropical rainforest. The cameras were to be placed in the biggest cave chamber in the world (175 metres wide and 120 metres high). Mulu is a truly wilderness, accessible only by plane or boat. All tools and equipment had to be flown in, then carted or carried to the destination, and painstakingly installed in the cave system. The Bosch MIC cameras were the perfect choice for this harsh environment, and more than met the requirements. Park visitors, Borsarmulu Park management and scientists can now observe the bats (as well as other creatures that dwell in the cave system) up close without disturbing their habitat.

Parekh Integrated Services Pvt. Ltd (PISPL) is in the business of providing high-quality logistics services that give customers a competitive advantage in the Indian market. Established in 1981, PISPL is a one-stop shop logistics and supply chain service provider in India offering storage and distribution services, freight forwarding, transportation, information technology and cold chain management solutions along with other value added services to multiple industry verticals. Video surveillance systems Parekh Integrated Services Pvt. Ltd (PISPL) has established their operation with more than 1,500 warehouses and distribution setups to cover all the major cities in India for their services. With this expansion, IT infrastructure equipment was procured, including IP video surveillance systems of different reputed brands from different vendors. Cost of operation has also gone up due to technical expertise required for each individual system Over a period, it was becoming costly and difficult to manage different brands procured separately at different locations. Cost of operation has also gone up due to technical expertise required for each individual system. PISPL was looking for a centralised solution, which can work with different reputed brands as well as give them a common control of all the video surveillance systems to reduce the technical manpower cost for different systems. Occupancy control system Due to low bandwidth at some of the remote locations, PISPL were not able to secure video evidence at a central location. It was required for any kind of post analysis or dispute resolution. PISPL were looking for an occupancy control system in each warehouse/storage area to manage and control the worker's presence in sensitive areas. It was getting difficult to do it manually at each location with the increase in number of employees over the last few years. Matrix provided video management software (VMS) as a centralised platform to monitor and manage all the cameras from a central location on a single platform. It worked as a common platform for all the surveillance cameras from different brands, which leads to reduction in operation cost. Matrix VMS supports all the camera models of major brands including ACTI, Samsung, SONY, Mobotix, Panasonic, Vivotek, etc., along with ONVIF protocol. Crowd management feature PISPL enabled the centralised schedule backup at an even lower bandwidth from all locations to the central location Using Matrix VMS Solution, PISPL enabled the centralised schedule backup at an even lower bandwidth from all locations to the central location. This made it easy to go through the video evidence at a central location and resolve the issue in short time. Another issue of maintaining occupancy a certain limit in each zone was addressed by the Matrix VMS crowd management feature. All the entry/exit points were covered with a camera to count number of heads passing through the points. From central control room, using Matrix smart client, security can monitor the total occupancy of an area and instruct the team accordingly. Thus, it provides a common platform to connect multi-brand cameras, secure video evidence at central location and control zonal occupancy, which were the major challenges. Control zone occupancy Why did PISPL choose Matrix? Matrix VMS architecture supports centralised / decentralised monitoring and management Matrix VMS interoperable with most of the reputed brands Possibility of scheduled backup at central location even at lower bandwidth People counting feature to control zone occupancy Benefits: Centralised control and management Ease of use Secure evidence Improve productivity Products: SATATYA SAMAS GE PLATFORM - VMS Platform with 50 camera licenses SATATYA SAMAS CAM20 – 20 camera additional licenses SATATYA SAMAS CROWD - 20 camera additional licenses management cam5

ISC West 2019 is in the industry’s rear-view mirror, and what a show it was! The busy three days in April offered a preview of exciting technologies and industry trends for the coming year. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What was the big news at ISC West 2019?

Hospitality businesses work to provide a safe and pleasant customer experience for their guests. Hotels offer a “home away from home” for millions of guests every day around the world. These are businesses of many sizes and types, providing services ranging from luxury accommodations to simple lodging for business travelers to family vacation experiences. Hospitality businesses also include restaurants, bars, movie theaters and other venues. Security needs are varied and require technologies that span a wide spectrum. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of the hospitality market?

The residential/smart home market is undergoing revolutionary transformation, with a flood of new products and technologies helping to make our homes more connected, easier to manage and, yes, smarter. These massive steps forward provide challenges, and also opportunities, for the security industry, which has played a major role in protecting homes and residents for decades. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How are changes in the residential/smart home market impacting security?