Surveillance systems

Vicon Industries, Inc., designer and manufacturer of video surveillance and access control software, hardware and components, announced the launch of Valerus 18.2, the latest version of its popular thin-client VMS solution built upon true open standards. New to this release are features that include: automated NVR failover, enhanced configuration options that include an enhanced rules engine that can respond to external events, tighter controls for system access authorisations and network-wide log collection and reporting. It also offers support for Valerus SmartAnalytics, a soon-to-be-released, tightly integrated video analytics solution that offers real-time event detection, video search and business intelligence applications. Valerus’ new NVR failover option allows administrators to create ‘failover clusters’ within the network, in which one or more NVRs are identified as dedicated failover units to support primary NVRs. Failover NVRs automatically take over for primary NVRs within their cluster, maintaining all camera and system settings until the original NVR is restored to operation. Playback of recorded video remains seamless, eliminating the need for operators to know exactly when failover occurred. Valerus automatically retrieves video from the NVR on which it resides. Valerus SmartAnalytics for event detection Valerus SmartAnalytics can analyse video from multiple sources in parallel and allows for complex detection scenarios that link detection rules from different cameras The addition of Valerus SmartAnalytics as an option for users of Valerus 18.2 brings powerful, integrated analytics capabilities to the VMS platform. The Valerus SmartAnalytics engine applies detection rules based on sophisticated AI algorithms to provide live action alerts, post-event search and business intelligence trend analysis. Valerus SmartAnalytics can analyse video from multiple sources in parallel and allows for complex detection scenarios that link detection rules from different cameras. Unlimited combinations of analytics detection rules can be applied to each camera. Events and search tools appear within the Valerus interface, providing a simplified experience for system operators. Both NVR failover and Valerus SmartAnalytics support are offered through a new ‘enterprise’ level Valerus licensing tier. The Valerus SmartAnalytics modules will be available to customers running Valerus Enterprise, version 18.2, beginning in early fall, 2018. Customers currently running Valerus Pro or Core level software can easily upgrade to Enterprise without the need for camera relicensing or hardware replacement. Improving security staff’s situational awareness In keeping with the Valerus commitment to delivering ‘advanced simplicity’, Valerus 18.2 offers a simplified but more powerful system configuration user interface. Administrators can now use the Valerus rules engine to create multi-step automated actions in response to events generated by external systems. Administrators must now actively provide each user with access to Valerus resources by assigning him or her to one or more ‘roles’ – Admin, Operator, Supervisor and/or Investigator For example, an integrated LPR system’s identification of a black listed vehicle can prompt Valerus to immediately call up relevant cameras and send a text alert to specified operators, improving security staff’s situational awareness and ability to respond quickly. The configuration interface now simplifies load balancing, making it easier to move cameras between NVRs, and provides additional navigation buttons for jumping between the device and resource screens. Enhanced security through authorisation system Valerus 18.2 offers enhanced security through an updated authorisation system. Administrators must now actively provide each user with access to Valerus resources by assigning him or her to one or more ‘roles’ – Admin, Operator, Supervisor and/or Investigator. Assigned roles determine which resources are available to each user upon logging in. For support and maintenance teams, a single request can now provide system-wide software logs from all devices, making it easier to troubleshoot. “Vicon’s Valerus VMS platform has proven to be hugely popular in enterprise applications, from citywide and statewide surveillance systems, to healthcare and education campuses, to the largest Cathedral in the world. We anticipate that the features we are introducing with Valeurs 18.2 will do much to further that trend,” said Bret McGowan, Senior V.P. of Sales and Marketing.

As one of Europe’s leading trade fair for security, SECURITY ESSEN 2018 provides a good platform for Dahua Technology to showcase its latest developments in creating a more efficient, intelligent and convenient surveillance system. Innovative surveillance technology Featured with the theme of “AI Creates Value”, Dahua Technology, a global solution provider in the video surveillance industry, will present its innovated technologies to industry professionals, including its advanced AI technology, the world-renowned HDCVI 4.0, video cloud, smart H.265+ encoding and ePOE & EoC technology. Answering to this year’s theme, AI-powered intelligent solutions will be on display at SECURITY ESSEN, including Smart Retail 2.0, Smart Logics, Safe City, Smart Residential, etc., which have composed the full picture of Dahua Technology’s smart life initiatives.

Dahua Technology, a solution provider in the global video surveillance industry, announces that its EVS7000 & EVS5000 series IPSAN recorders as well as ES512 & ES311 series servers are now compatible with Milestone XProtect Video Management Software. This allows Milestone users to utilise Dahua Technology’s budget-friendly IPSAN storage solutions and high-performance server products per their application scenarios. Dahua EVS is a Hybrid SAN product designed and developed to meet the requirements of medium-range to high-end IP video surveillance applications. Integrated with Dahua video direct streaming technology, EVS can do video access, recording and management independently, without any recording server needed, making surveillance system simple and budget-friendly. As a hybrid storage product, EVS can be also used in standard IPSAN storage solution, working perfectly with Milestone XProtect Video Management Software (VMS) server, supply flexible and cost-effective video storage solution. High performance and optimum heat dissipation ES512 server is an excellent fit for surveillance and site security working with Milestone XProtect Video Management Software (VMS) Dahua ES series server is standard rack server based on Intel Xeon processor. Engineered with fully modular design, the server aims to provide clients with a high performance, high reliability, lower power consumption and optimum heat dissipation. ES512 server is an excellent fit for surveillance and site security working with Milestone XProtect Video Management Software (VMS), it also serves well for high-performance computing and other business applications, and provides flexible configuration options to better meet the ever-increasing demands by clients on servers. Founded in 1998, Milestone Systems is a world-leading provider of open platform IP video management software (VMS), dedicated to deliver high quality business video platform software, in which our community of hardware and software partners can integrate their video solutions for security and beyond security purposes. Our objective is to improve our community customers’ organisational processes and safety level through the management, integration and distribution of digital video data. Integration of Dahua cameras with Milestone VMS Currently, Dahua IPC, PTZ, NVR, XVR and thermal cameras are all integrated with Milestone platform. Continuous cooperation with world-renowned VMS platform enterprises like Milestone is well in line with Dahua Technology’s core value of Open and Integration. With a mission of ‘Enabling a safer society and smarter living’, Dahua will continue to focus on ‘Innovation, Quality and Service’ to server partners and customers around the world.

Matrix, a manufacturer of enterprise grade Telecom and Security solutions, works relentlessly towards betterment of its Telecom and Security solutions portfolio. Recently, on Independence Day, they launched thier Pure IP Solution for Enterprises – PRASAR UCS in the most unique fashion. First of its kind, PRASAR UCS was launched in the Dubai market on the Dhow Cruise at the Marina. Their chief agenda for conducting this event was to establish PRASAR as a one-stop solution that made scalability from a small business to an enterprise easy. This pure IP solution is uniquely qualified to aid such an expansion on a single hardware. Exceptional features Demonstration and briefing on exceptional features such as video conferencing, GSM based calling through SETU VG Gateway, etc. only added to the already appreciated capabilities of the IP solution. The launch event was attended by partners and system integrators, all of which were positively impressed. Many of the partners went as far as giving Matrix testimonials pertaining to configuration of PRASAR and a review on its performance. All in all, the launch event was a great success for Matrix Comsec and one of a kind that we look forward to in the upcoming future.

Ho Chi Minh City welcomes Vietnam’s largest trade fair for the safety, security and fire sectors this week, as security industry stakeholders from around the world gather at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center for the 11th edition of Secutech Vietnam. The rising security requirements of Vietnam’s commercial and residential property sectors have set the stage for a fruitful three days of business at the show, which takes place from 16 – 18 August 2018. A new zone showcasing smart home and smart building technology is among numerous additions, which have seen total exhibition space climb 11% to a new record of 10,000 sqm (2017: 9000 sqm). Government & commercial sector security A new record has also been set for the exhibitor list, which has expanded by 13% to include a total of 310 solution providers from 19 countries and regions (2017: 270 exhibitors). A strong international contingent includes brands from China, Croatia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, the US and Vietnam. The diverse line-up is expected to be a strong draw for trade visitors, which are predicted to increase in number from last year’s total of 12,097. Vietnam is continuing to establish itself as one of the most significant security markets in the ASEAN region" Speaking optimistically ahead of the show’s opening, Ms Regina Tsai, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd, said: “Vietnam is continuing to establish itself as one of the most significant security markets in the ASEAN region. The commercial and residential property sectors are just one driving force behind these positive conditions. An increase in urban infrastructure projects and strong GDP growth are also two significant factors. We expect to see a good mix of government and commercial sector buyers through the doors over the coming days, a high proportion of which will be system integrators, distributors and end users.” Safety, security & home automation A convenient sourcing experience awaits buyers at the fair in the shape of three distinct product zones. Namely, the Security Zone, the Fire Safety & Rescue Zone and the Smart Building & Smart Home Zone. A strong line-up of brands represented across these zones include ASTEC, Bosch, Dahua, Hanwha Techwin, Samsung, Seagate, TECHCARD, Nha An Toan, Phuong Viet, VIETSAFE and many more. Of particular interest to system integrators, distributors and end users in the smart home sector will be SMAhome, which makes its debut at Secutech Vietnam this year to serve as the IoT technology platform for Vietnam’s smart home market. Products on display here will reflect the modern drive towards increased home automation including home automation kits, IoT gateways, smart locks and smart surveillance systems. The new coming Z-Wave Pavilion will also spark the interest of buyers in the smart home sector with an array of Z-Wave solutions for home and building. Certified fire systems and products     A further addition to the list of debutants is the Singapore Pavilion. Led by the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME), the pavilion comprises surveillance solutions, facial recognition technology, modular control platforms and key management systems that have various security applications for home, building, factory and much more.  The UL Pavilion will feature seven suppliers from around the world to display their latest UL-certified fire systems and products Two returning pavilions in the Fire Safety & Rescue zone will also add to the product line-up on the show flow. The Korea Fire Institute Pavilion brings leading companies to demonstrate their range of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, hoses, smoke detectors, firefighting suits and escape chutes, while the UL Pavilion will feature seven suppliers from around the world to display their latest UL-certified fire systems and products.     Fire safeguarding solutions for factories Fire & Safety Rescue Seminar and Smart Solutions Vietnam forum to serve as information exchange platforms for growing markets In addition to exploring the varied product offerings at the show, stakeholders in the fire and safety sectors will have ample opportunities to gain industry insights at the returning Fire & Safety Rescue Seminar. A highlight will be discussions on applications for industry 4.0, while experts from Firesmart, GP International Technology, the Korea Fire Institute, Nhuan Phat, Pyrovia, SmartZ and UL will also gather to examine fire safeguarding solutions for factory, building and personal safety. Integrated security solutions Meanwhile, visitors looking to learn about new technologies and integrated security solutions for the vertical markets of smart city, smart building, smart home, smart transportation and smart factory will have an excellent opportunity to do so during the Smart Solutions Vietnam forum. Held concurrently on the second day of the show, the forum provides a platform for suppliers Bosch, ICP DAS, Kedacom, Samsung, Seagate and Western Digital to deliver presentations on their newest product offerings. Topics will include ‘Integrated Solutions for Smart Transportation and Smart Buildings’ as well as ‘4G Mobile Surveillance for Smart City Solution’. The forum will be followed by a business networking party to give attendees the chance to form new business connections.

Genetec, a provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions announces the new ‘File Request’ feature for its Clearance digital evidence management system. The feature is designed to make it easy for the general public and private businesses to contribute to crime-solving efforts by sharing relevant video and photos from their cell phones and surveillance systems with law enforcement agencies.  The new feature is simple to use: investigators create a file request link or QR code that can be shared with the public in a variety of ways such as via social media, on the web or on the news. Contributors can then upload videos, photos, and other evidence directly into Clearance for police officers, investigators and security managers to review and use as part of their investigation. Since Clearance can accept a wide variety of proprietary file types and file sizes, it is easy for private businesses to upload digital evidence from their surveillance systems even if they are very large files. File Request feature Once uploaded, all case information remains private and secure and user actions are tracked to maintain chain of custody. The Clearance File Request feature also eliminates the need to create multiple copies using insecure means like DVDs or thumb-drives, and saves personnel time from having to drive out to gather evidence.  “As we turn to our phones to capture life’s events, and as video surveillance increases, so does the amount of digital evidence created by personal devices and private systems. For investigators, getting access to this evidence can be tricky, especially since large video files are difficult to share. With the new File Request feature in Genetec Clearance, agencies can quickly put out requests for evidence, and maximize their efforts when collaborating during an investigation,” said Erick Ceresato, Product Line Manager at Genetec.

Cathexis Technologies is exceptionally proud to have played an important security role in Pope Francis' visit to Ireland last weekend. Cathexis worked alongside its Dublin-based, Gold Channel Partner, Mongey Communications, and the Irish Garda, to facilitate the critical role of surveillance management. With an official itinerary that was jam-packed with meetings, visits and official engagements, all within a two-day schedule, His Holiness, had a whirlwind visit through Dublin, which included the World Meeting of Families and Festival of Families at Croke Park on Saturday 25 August. Fully-integrated CCTV IP cameras Cathexis worked with Mongey Communications to provide a fully-integrated 24/7 surveillance management solution Cathexis, a global video management software developer, worked in partnership with Mongey Communications, a renowned supplier of security equipment such as CCTV IP cameras, to provide a fully-integrated 24/7 surveillance management solution that would effectively manage the entire visit. The CathexisVision IP video management software suite provided an around the clock CCTV surveillance solution, which supported three linked control rooms to ensure an immediate response to any situation of potential security threats. Video management software solutions Cathexis is a headquartered in Durban, South Africa, with operations spread throughout the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. “We are exceptionally proud to have played a role in the Pope’s World Meeting of Families visit,” says Mark Ross, managing director of Cathexis Europe. “Cathexis is committed to providing the most efficient and effective, tailored video management software solutions, to provide maximum return on surveillance investment,” he added. CathexisVision gained global industry recognition when it took top honours for the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2018 Cameras & surveillance management The Cathexis Europe Technical team worked alongside Mongey throughout the design, build up and operations over the weekend to ensure that CathexisVision was providing optimal performance, and to provide additional cameras and surveillance management to the police service of the Republic of Ireland (Gardai). Earlier this month, CathexisVision gained global industry recognition when it took top honours for the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2018, when it was announced the overall winner in the Video Surveillance Software category. “We are delighted that we had the opportunity to play a part in the Pope’s historic visit to Ireland at the weekend, and are exceptionally honoured for the ongoing international recognition,” concluded Ross.

St. Mary Catholic School in Newton, KS has installed the SafeDefend Active Shooter Response System. Responding to recent school shooting tragedies, Principal Philip Stutey and his safety team had vetted numerous approaches to increase the security of their students and staff. After much review, the decision to adopt the SafeDefend system was an easy one.  The SafeDefend Active Shooter Response System was developed by a former elementary principal. As a father of three and with 475 students under his watch, Jeff Green realized that schools were not addressing the four critical areas needed to protect students and staff. Those four priorities were: Reducing law enforcement response time Ensuring law enforcement and staff had real-time crisis information Providing the ability for staff to effectively manage the crisis until help arrives Realising the biggest threat to our schools is already inside the building Staff can utilise the tools to escape and evade, provide protection and respond to trauma SafeDefend utilises multiple ways of communication in a crisis. Police and staff are immediately notified of the location of the crisis through text and email, a 911 call is placed, sirens notify all staff and visitors and staff are provided with tools and training to survive the crisis until help arrives. Staff can utilise the tools to escape and evade, provide protection and respond to trauma. SafeDefend is protecting students and staff in school districts across the country. Security needed in today's world "Traditional methods for protecting our students and staff fail us. Current and former students are the most likely threats and will be in the building. Law enforcement and staff need critical, accurate information to perform effectively." said Jeff Green, Founder and President of SafeDefend. Mr. Philip Stutey concurs: "SafeDefend supports our mission statement of meeting the needs of our school community spiritually, academically, emotionally and physically by providing the security needed in today's world. Schools have safeguards against fire and weather issues but have been behind in protecting against an active intruder. No other company or product that we found offers the protection, law enforcement compatibility, empowerment of staff and peace of mind to our community like SafeDefend."

LAN airline, one of the most important airline companies in Latin America, is based in Lima, Peru. The airline company operates scheduled domestic and international services, controlling over seventy percent of the domestic market. Its main base and maintenance centre are located in Jorge Chávez International Airport, Lima, which is a significant transfer hub and aviation infrastructure of South America. The LAN airline deploys its surveillance system with Dahua solutions for its office and airplane maintenance centre, which plays a vital role to keep customers' airplanes flying safely. As what the customer specified, they want the centre covered to ensure a 100% regular management and operation. However, since it is located inside of Jorge Chávez International Airport, it brings along with a hassle as neither too many cables nor wireless antennas are allowed because it may generate electronic jamming. The Dahua 6C-series speed dome cameras can not only provide clear and crisp images, but also requires less output power AP mode wireless video transmission Under this circumstance, Dahua team suggested to use a hybrid solution — a combination of AP (access points) and wire transmission — wirelessly transmit the camera data to inter-connected sub-centres, and then cable-transmit to the control room. The ‘AP mode’ wireless video transmission system includes access points, feeders, PoE, antennas and power cables, allowing a 3.0km to 5.0km long-distance fast transmission with a wide angle, by which, the coverage is further expanded. High-quality images at low power consumption There are in total hundreds of network cameras and Dahua speed domes adopted, ranging from basic lineup to the Eco-Savvy series with versatile shapes such as domes and box cameras according to the actual surveillance surroundings. Take the Eco-Savvy camera series for example, the dome camera is able to provide high-quality image with much lower power consumption — saving up to 50% energy compared with similar products from other bidders. Moreover, the Dahua 6C-series speed dome cameras can not only provide clear and crisp images, but also requires less output power, lowering the power output of the airport. Over fifteen 16-channel PoE NVRs are applied, each with 384Mbps incoming bandwidth, rendering a smooth HD real-time preview and recording As for storage, over fifteen 16-channel PoE NVRs are applied, each with 384Mbps incoming bandwidth, rendering a smooth HD real-time preview and recording; and its PoE function simplifies installation and reduces signal interference. The NVR accommodates up to 16TB with 4 SATAs supported, ensuring a large volume 24/7 storage. Products deliver excellent performance “Actually, we have many bidders and the final reason that drives us to cooperate with Dahua is their outstanding product quality and service. We can see their professionalism in video surveillance and plus their sincerity makes us moved during the communication,” said Luis A. Gómez Cornejo, Supervisor of Electronic Security at LAN Perú. “The implementation went great, they deployed the system within quite a short time and the products are in very good performance.” “We feel super honoured to be involved in this case,” said William Zhou, Sales Director for Latin Americas at Dahua Technology. “In recent years, we are going vertical rather than providing simple and individual products. And this project deepened our insight and practical experience towards airport projects.”

With security and safety a major focus during the recent World Cup in Russia, IDIS surveillance technology was chosen for a surveillance upgrade at the 45,000 capacity Rostov Arena and the 35,000 capacity Kaliningrad Stadium. At both locations an IDIS Total Solution was installed with a total of 3000 IP cameras comprising full HD and H.265 models and PTZ cameras featuring Smart UX Controls v2.0, a range of full HD, true wide dynamic range (WDR), IR bullet cameras and full HD box cameras with all external cameras equipped to withstand Russia’s often harsh weather conditions. IDIS technology deployed at these response centres enabled security staff to rapidly detect and respond to any breach of health and safety, suspicious behaviour or terrorist threat IDIS Critical Failover to prevent data loss A centralised surveillance monitoring centre utilising an IDIS ultra-thin bezel 55” video wall delivered command and control of the two stadiums and allowed security staff to access 60 days of archived footage from 50 remote IDIS DR-8364 NVRs implemented at situational centres. IDIS technology deployed at these response centres enabled security staff to rapidly detect and respond to any breach of health and safety, suspicious behaviour or terrorist threat. For complete protection, IDIS Critical Failover was installed in order to prevent loss of vital recorded data during a range of fault conditions. The system automatically steps in to ensure continued recording in the event of network instability, network failure, storage failure, recorder hardware failure and power supply failure, in each case ensuring that no data is lost. Our advanced technology helped to ensure safety and security by preventing unauthorised intrusion" Preventing unauthorised intrusion "The IDIS surveillance system, installed inside and around the stadium gave security controllers a complete overview of the site and perimeter fences,” said Joon Jun, President of the Global Business Division of IDIS. “Our advanced technology helped to ensure safety and security by preventing unauthorised intrusion. "We are proud that our brand credibility and product stability has been recognised on the global stage at an event which was the focus of world attention. To safeguard thousands of visitors at these key venues, it was essential to use the most reliable technology including high-resolution surveillance cameras with waterproof and dustproof functions and a solution that prevented data loss in the event of network instability."

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

Vicon Industries, Inc. designer and manufacturer of video surveillance and access control software, hardware and components, announces that Play Dog eXcellent (PDX), provider of dog care services in Chattanooga, TN has completed a facility-wide security upgrade with Vicon’s new Valerus VMS. Valerus network solution Meyers Security, also of Chattanooga, handled system design and installation of the new system, which incorporates many of the center’s existing analog cameras along with new high-definition models into a Valerus network solution that enhances the security and operations at PDX. The 20,000 square foot building and surrounding four-acre property provides boarding, dog day care, training, seminars, workshops and performance events for the dog-loving community. The business serves an average of 120 dogs each day. Minimizing installation costs Meyers Security designed the solution with sensitivity to the facility’s budgetary concerns, offering a system that delivers ease-of-use and flexibility while minimizing hardware, licensing and installation costs. Plans to eventually swap out the remaining analog cameras with new HD analog models from Vicon will make the conversion simple and affordable. New Vicon 4 MP cameras and 12 MP hemispheric cameras provide PDX management with an ability to see what’s happening across their entire property with a level of detail not previously possible. They can now differentiate between individual dogs on camera, even from long distances and when they’re moving very quickly. Coverage of the parking lot and surrounding grounds has helped to deter vandalism. Video from panoramic cameras above the training arena provide clear footage of agility exercises Teachable moments In addition to security surveillance, the Valerus system is proving helpful with staff supervision, management and training. Video clips of staff interacting with the dogs, or the dogs interacting with each other, are used as ‘teachable moments’ during staff meetings to demonstrate how procedures can be improved. Video from panoramic cameras above the training arena provide clear footage of agility exercises, which can be reviewed repeatedly by training staff. Nancy Miller, Managing Partner at PDX, says “The new Valerus system is an important tool that helps me and my staff do our jobs better and it’s very easy to use.” Vicon’s Mike Rose, Regional Sales Manager who worked on the project, says “The PDX installation showcases how Vicon solutions can offer the features and benefits of a premium VMS solution to smaller businesses with modest budgets.”