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Videx 6700 Video Entry Series

The monitors, which feature a 7-inch-high resolution colour LCD screen are now available in both a matt black or satin white finish for a number of Videx popular door entry systems. Video door entry is a very popular access control choice because it enables a resident to see and talk to a caller prior to opening the door which offers additional peace of mind and security as they have the option to deny access to a caller without having to open the door first. Our 6700 series of hands free monitors carry a number of advanced features such as entrance recall, door release, a do not disturb function and an optional video clip record facility while maintaining ease of use and installation. The monitors are available with a video memory feature that can be used with or without a Micro SD card to capture an image or short video of a caller enabling the occupant to see any visitors they may have missed throughout the day. Without the Micro SD card installed, the 6700 series is able to store up to 100 still images of the caller, while with a Micro SD card it’s possible to store up to 4096 still images or up to 512 15 second video clips of callers. The facility can be used manually where the user can press a button to either take a picture of the caller, start recording a short video clip or it can be used in an automatic mode where the picture/ video clip will automatically be taken when a visitor calls – allowing the user to review any missed calls when they arrive home. The Micro SD card can also be removed allowing the images and video clips to be used in another device such as a mobile, tablet or PC. Due to popular demand, they are now able to offer the monitors in a matt black soft touch high end finish as well as the standard satin white finish, so that they complement any surrounding area or environment, as well as providing a great access control solution. With the video monitors, there’s also a number of programmable features such as ring tone, privacy time and number of rings allowing each apartment to be customised to the client’s needs. Currently the monitors are available for the full video kit range, VX2200 6 wire system for low and high rise apartments and the VX2300 2 wire system enabling these monitors to be used in one apartment systems through to systems with up to 1000 apartments.  

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MyZicom: One of India’s First Service & Bill Management Apps

Zicom Electronic Security Systems Ltd., India’s leading electronic security and surveillance company, has identified the way to connect with customers through a mobile app to ensure that they have an easy access during its lifecycle while using Zicom products. The company has recently launched ‘MyZicom’ app which is available on iOS & Android mobile devices and is a one-point solution to facilitate all their customers’ needs. With this app Zicom Electronic Security Solutions has become the first ever security company in the industry to introduce a Service & Bill Management Mobile App for a convenient customer experience. With this app, the users will be able to discover even more about Zicom product and service offerings. A recent research says, 73% of buyers point to customer experience as an important factor in their purchasing decisions. MyZicom app facilitates fine experience to all its existing customers with just a click by giving them an online platform with various useful features. It aims to create a constant connect with the customers, and help them foster happier and more productive relationships. Pramoud Rao, Managing Director – Zicom Electronic Security Systems Ltd. said, “Today’s generation demands everything online – be it food, shopping, entertainment, and any other subjects of relevance. Hence, we thought of offering security and service experience online through – MyZicom App for our users, while they are on the go.”  

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Best Practices for Video Storage Infrastructure

Successfully recording video from hundreds of security cameras 24 hours a day, seven days a week without losing a single frame is a very complex challenge. If that wasn’t tough enough, your system also has to allow for future growth and show that it’s reducing your claims and/ or shortening response times. Video surveillance is becoming more and more important as perceived and actual physical security threats increase worldwide. Hardware and solutions proliferate even as budgets have flattened or turned downward. Whether you’ve been a security professional for decades or your IT department just inherited video surveillance, there’s a morass of technologies to wade through to find the right components. This white paper focuses on how to specify video storage, how video is unique in the world, and why systems must be carefully thought out to ensure crucial data isn’t lost. Central to the discussion is a review of the trio of storage technologies – Direct Attached Storage (DAS), Network Attached Storage (NAS), and Storage Area Network (SAN). Before diving into the details of each of these technologies, let us look at some broader considerations to have in mind while writing video surveillance system requirements for your building, complex or campus. Important considerations for building and upgrading surveillance systems You spend hours Googling ‘surveillance systems’ or an entire week at a trade show and easily come away confounded by the plethora of security hardware, software and services. In this first section, we outline the problem and a few considerations to keep in mind while developing the requirements for your physical security system. The conundrum of surveillance Thirty years ago, you simply went out and bought some cameras, coaxial cable and a VCR. Now, all the components are digital. The surveillance conundrum is clear to anyone who follows the news: Threats (real and perceived) are growing. In response, the public, private companies and govern ments are demanding more and better physical security. Surveillance options are growing in number and capability. The growing camera population (with ever higher resolution) is creating a flood of data. Cameras never stop recording and what they ‘see’ must be stored somehow. Despite event-driven spikes, security budgets have generally declined in recent years. A growing demand for surveillance Beyond public security, there’s an ever-growing demand for video surveillance inside and around banks, casinos, school campuses, hospitals, hotels, transportation hubs and highways, railways, harbors, factories, power plants, refineries etc. Of course, many of these systems can serve a dual purpose such as speeding up ferry departures based on traffic conditions, remotely-monitoring trucks as they’re being loaded, or alerting hotel staff of a VIP’s arrival. “With the edge getting smarter, it is the time that the backend Infrastructure gets smarter too. With ML & AI being deployed extensively, data is the ‘new gold’ and its reliability needs to be addressed as well” – Prakash Prabhu Regional Sales Director – SAARC, Pivot3 Analytics: The shift to digital transforms watchers into actors Sci-fi and action films may offer windows into the future of surveillance, but today you can tap into the wealth of information found in the real world. When tied to biometric reads (such as iris scanners) and using behavioral analysis algorithms, video surveillance systems can now monitor numerous real-time scenes and automatically respond with say – a coupon to a shopper who shows interest in a particular shirt, or an alert to unusual activity in a subway station. With automation, human eyes aren’t needed for the mind-numbing task of watching a bank of video monitors. Personnel can instead focus on stopping a bad guy in the act, correcting a problem, anticipating a need, or providing a service. In fact, advanced users are turning their surveillance data from cost centers into cash. Digital equipment and software The shift to digital has also changed the way video surveillance systems are built. Instead of endless ‘home runs’ of coaxial and power cables from a control room to each camera, IP (Internet Protocol) cameras and monitors can be networked just like computers. Cameras can even be powered by the same Ethernet cabling that transmits their video data. Today’s video surveillance systems typically have at least one computer server running video management software (VMS). The VMS enables users to control the cameras and monitors, as well as search archived ‘footage’ in storage. Storage can either be inside the VMS server (as DAS in a NVR) or in a separate storage device on the network (NAS or SAN). Computer processing and storage infrastructure software underlies the VMS application layer, ensuring that all your equipment is working as it should, with little or no administrative burden. You can also run all the software and storage on virtual machines. Ever-improving cameras mean ever-growing data streams Whether you are securing a small office or large factory campus, now that cameras are digital, you’re able to take advantage of Moore’s Law and watch prices droping as sophistication soars. However, a lower price also suggests the temptation of buying more. Better capabilities (like high-definition) offer better detail in a wider range of light conditions. With a 180° or 360° view, one camera can do the work of several analog eyes. For example, the wide angle can enable you to watch an entire parking lot, then pan or zoom electronically to read a license plate or see a face. The downside is such cameras require a huge amount of network bandwidth and storage. As the name suggests, each IP camera has its own IP address and connects to the network with a standard RJ-45 jack. It often has a built-in web server, email client, FTP client and supports Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) standards. As IP cameras become more sophisticated, they’re able to stream to more than one destinations; perform more processing and analytics; and make adjustments for changing environmental conditions (such as rain or fog) and lighting changes; and reduce frame rates if a scene is unchanged (thereby lowering bandwidth and storage loads). System performance is measured in terms of how many…

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Hikvision Launches AI Applications and Security Innovations at Secutech India

Hikvision successfully launched and showcased their latest technology and signature products during Secutech India.  The special AI Applications and AI Cloud demo zone created the maximum interest among the security professionals and visitors. The latest SECONA Shield award wins in six categories reflects Hikvision’s excellence in innovation and their value proposition to offer vertical solutions for e-commerce logistics retail, education, hospitals and religious premises. The technologies and products unveiled there include AI enabled DeepinView cameras, DeepinMind NVRs, face recognition terminals with a turnstile, robotics, access control, video intercom, smart pole, UVSS, HDTVI Turbo 5.0, Easy IP 4.0 cameras and iVMS. The security professionals showed keen interest in face recognition (rich applications for various scenarios), data visualisation (making operation more data driven), and behaviour analysis (quick response to emergency events). Hikvision also demonstrated new technologies in video surveillance, including seamless image stitching, smooth streaming, Hikvision Acusense and ColorVu. The live demos of AI based face recognition, people tracking and perimeter protection applications evoked good response from the security professional community. A.L.Narasimhan, VP, Strategic Business Alliances, and K.K. Dakhara, Vertical Head – Retail, Warehouse & Logistics, Gems & Jewellery, Prama Hikvision India, participated in Secutech India Safety and Security Conclave (SISSC) and elaborated Hikvision’s perspective on the given topics – ‘Smart Cities:The Next Five year Plan’ and ‘Reshaping the supply & logistics security in E-commerce and Retail’ respectively. “Being a leader in AI innovations, robotics and security solutions, Hikvision has a long term commitment to bring best-in-class technologies and innovations, and to offer solutions for different verticals like smart city, homeland security, PPOG, BFSI, education, retail, transportation, hospitality, tourism, pharma, healthcare, mining, heavy industries, etc. Towards creating a more secure environment, we are proud to introduce the latest products and innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, AI cloud, big data and IoT. At this year’s Secutech India, we have introduced AX-Hub intrusion solution, PIR cameras along with smart pole and face recognition terminal turnstile. We are sure that all the latest products and cutting-edge AI technology applications will empower the future of security and surveillance industry.” – Ashish P Dhakan MD and CEO, Prama Hikvision India  SECONA Shield Awards  The fifth edition of SECONA Shield awards was also held concurrently at the expo, where Hikvision had six wins – one Innovative Security Accessory of the Year for Intrusion Security Control Panel , and five for the flowing key projects executed by Hikvision’s vertical solutions team. Hikvision also won the best booth design award. Security Project of the Year – Video Surveillance: Flipkart India Pvt Ltd for CCTV system for Flipkart warehouses. Safe Educational Institute of the Year In Higher Education: Sanjivani Group of Institutes, Kopargaon Safe Hospital of the Year: Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata Safe Housing Society of the Year: JP Decks Blue Project, Mumbai Safe Religious Premises of the Year: Shri Vallabh Nidhi Trust – Juhu (Mumbai) Best Booth Design Award : Prama Hikvision India Adding further about the latest award wins, Mr.  Dhakan said, “The big win at SECONA Shield Awards is a recognition of Hikvision’s dedicated team efforts across the product categories and verticals. The awards won by the end-users in the field of Innovation Real Estate, Education, Hospitals, Retail and Religious Premises comes as an acknowledgement  of our commitment to deliver best-in-class solutions.”  

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Vicon’s Comprehensive Online VAX Training Course

Vicon Industries, Inc. designer and manufacturer of video surveillance and access control software, hardware and components, has recently announced that train ing and certification for its VAX access control system is now available as a convenient online course. Following the same curriculum as Vicon’s popular in-person training program, the new online class provides in-depth instruction on all aspects of VAX, from setup and programming to operational capabilities and special features. Coursework includes hands-on learning and exercises that make use of the actual VAX software. In addition, participants are encouraged to connect to any standard ONVIF compliant camera to simulate the most realistic user experience. The new, online, on-demand format allows participants to schedule classes at their convenience, log-in from a location of their choice and learn at their own pace. The VAX course is offered in two versions – both cover the same material. The VAX certification course is recommended for installing dealers. It takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete, including required testing. It must be completed within 60 days after starting the session. The VAX basic course does not include any exams, has no time limit for completion and does not confer ‘certified’ status. The basic course is intended for end-users and others seeking a greater understanding of the VAX platform. unlike the certification course, there is no fee for the basic version. “Vicon’s commitment to customer training has always been model for the industry, and we are proud to offer the same level of quality in our new online VAX training course. We believe that the most positive customer experiences begin with thorough training and a full appreciation of what our system can deliver,” said Bret McGowan, Sen ior V.P. of Sales and Marketing, Vicon.  

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Quantum’s New F-Series NVMe Storage Platform

Quantum Corp. has recently introduced the F-Series, a new line of NVMe storage arrays designed for performance, availability and reliability. Using non-volatile memory express (NVMe) flash drives for ultra-fast reads and writes, it supports massive parallel processing and is designed for studio editing, rendering, and other performance intensive workloads utilizing large unstructured datasets. Incorporating the latest remote direct memory access (RDMA) networking technology, the F-Series provides direct access between workstations and the NVMe storage devices, delivering predictable, fast network performance. By combining these hardware features with the new Quantum Cloud Storage Platform and the StorNext® file system the F-Series delivers powerful end-to-end storage capabilities for post-production houses, broadcasters, and other rich media environments. Quantum F2000 hardware architecture The first product in the F-Series is the Quantum F2000, a highly available and performant storage server, purpose built for NVMe. The F2000 is a 2U, dual node server with two hot-swappable compute canisters and up to 24 dual-ported NVMe drives. Each compute canister can access all 24 NVMe drives, and includes processing power, memory, and connectivity specifically designed for the highest performance and availability. New software-defined architecture The F-Series is based on the Quantum Cloud Storage Platform, a software defined block storage stack tuned specifically for video and video-like data. It offers a future proof and reliable platform, eliminating data services unrelated to video while enhancing critical capabilities such as enhanced data protection, flexible networking and block interfaces. The result is an efficient architecture that maximizes streaming performance.  

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Axis: 7th Generation of ARTPEC Chip

Axis announces the 7th generation of its own ARTPEC chip, optimized for network video. The new chip will power an array of new capabilities and features coming to Axis network cameras. These features include even better im aging, enhanced security features, powerful compression and a possibility to run impressive analytics on the edge. Moreover, since the chip is fully developed by Axis, it provides a layer of control that is crucial for effective cybersecurity. Going forward, the new chip will be the basis for the vast majority of Axis network video products. One of the first cameras to include this chip is the AXIS P1375. “In the current market situation, we believe Axis has a strong competitive advantage as one of only a few manufacturers with our own system-on-chip,” says Johan Paulsson, Chief Technology Officer, “We have complete control over every single transistor, which is very good from a trust and cybersecurity perspective. Plus, unlike other chips, it’s not a generic all-purpose design; rather, it’s 100% optimized for creating high-quality Axis network video solutions.” Even better imaging under any conditions in any mode Thanks to a completely redesigned image processing pipeline, the chip further improves all the signature Axis technologies that have been created to address difficult light conditions. For example, LightFinder 2.0 will deliver more saturated and realistic colors than ever in low light, along with the sharpest images of moving objects even in the darkest areas. Likewise, forensic WDR will provide clearer images of moving objects as well as enhanced detail in backlit scenes, or scenes with big differences between the lightest and darkest areas. Increased sensitivity to light also significantly extends the range of illumination for Axis cameras with IR. Enhanced security features ARTPEC-7 enables ‘built-in’ security features for Axis cameras including signed firmware so only secure authorized firmware can be installed and secure boot, which prevents booting of unauthorized firmware. Powerful compression Future Axis cameras will also let users choose between H.264 and H.265 video encoding depending on what best suits their system and surveillance needs. Either encoding standard in combination with Axis Zipstream technology will now require even lower bandwidth and storage space without sacrificing image quality. In addition, users are free to re-evaluate their choice of codec at any time if their requirements should change. Impressive analytics on-the-edge Finally, this chip features a real-time object detection engine that will make it possible for Axis and Axis partners to develop powerful analytics to automatically detect and differentiate between people, faces and objects.  

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Vanderbilt ACT Enterprise Rules Mapping

Time-strapped customers will like the sound of this. ACT Enterprise’s rules mapping engine enables advanced configurations of triggers based on actions such as system input and card swipe outcomes. This feature can lead to very creative examples. For instance, Thomas Risager, Vanderbilt Sales Manager for Denmark, Finland, and Iceland, uses the rules mapping engine to send a pizza collection order when he badges out of the office every Friday evening. This is just one of many creatives instances that ACT Enterprise’s rules mapping engine can be used for. When the new feature was first demonstrated at IFSEC London in June 2018, customers set rules for instances such as badging in at the front gate every morning mean the coffee pot in their office would automatically switch on. Others wanted push notifications every time an employee entered the office after hours, and a follow-up notification when they then left. This was to help with health and safety purposes. The USP of the existing ACT system has been that it possesses all the features one would expect in a modern-day access control system, and the rules mapping engine is a crucial ingredient in this. Essentially, ACT Enterprise’s rules mapping engine helps deliver an advanced feature set to customers that hones in on convenience. ACT Enterprise: Simple drag-and-drop “ The ACT Enterprise rules mapping engine offers the customer an intuitive method to create rules based on access control events and Boolean logic,” stated Michael Moyna, Technical Product Marketing Manager at Vanderbilt, “It does this by permitting the creation of logical relationships between system elements through a drag-and-drop interface. “For the end user,” illustrated Moyna, “The addition of rules mapping ensures that system interactions can be seamlessly introduced on a system-wide basis, thereby enabling a higher level of added value to be realized, both for security and business-based functionalities.” ACT Enterprise Rules Mapping Engine: Easy-to-use Christopher O’Reilly, of O’Reilly Alarms in Ireland, has found great benefit in using ACT Enterprise’s rules mapping feature: “ACT Enterprise is very easy-to-use. I would describe it as excellent. My favorite feature is the rules mapping engine. Through this feature, ACT Enterprise has helped me solve monitoring backup generators on site for faults using the rules mapping engine to send alarms and trip alarm sounders,” stated O’Reilly.  

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Hikvision ‘AX-HUB’

The AX-Hub is the latest innovation in intruder alarm systems. Part of the Hikvision AX series is designed for catering residential and small commercial applications. The AX-Hub connects security peripherals such as motion detectors and displacement sensors, alongside safety devices like smoke and gas sensors to keep people safe. Hikvision cameras and the AX-Hub alarm systems work seamlessly together to instantly provide a recorded video clip or live HD video footage, directly through Hik-Connect, iVMS, or to monitoring stations. This allows active decisions to be made faster and more reliably in the event of an activation. Simple to install and use, the AX-Hub provides voice prompts locally to assist during installation, as well as alert the end user to any events. It is also compatible with the Hik-Connect smart device app, in addition to a wide range of communication pathways and multiport IP communications via either the Cloud or CMS for added peace of mind. The Cloud connectivity allows full control of the system from anywhere via Hik-Connect, to easily and remotely arm, disarm and monitor the system. The Cloud also enables the use of revolutionary IVaaS (Intruder Verification as a Service), which allows end users and monitoring stations to quickly and efficiently confirm system events through HD video verification. USPs of AX-HUB Wireless intrusion panel with CCTV integration +mobile app. Voice guiding for ease of operations. Ease of programming via web/ app. Two-way wireless communication. 32 wireless inputs, 8 key fobs, 2 wireless sirens. In-built GPRS +SMS +voice dialing facility. Supports two Hikvision IP cameras for video verification. Supports viewing events video via mobile App. Transmission distance 800m in open area. 128 bit data encryption. In-built battery backup up to 12hrs. Hik-Connect Mobile App. 3rd party CMS software compatibility System architecture AX-Hub package provides for: Built-in IoT modules. AX-Hub with in-built GPRS module & Lan module. Pet immune motion sensor. Magnetic contact. Key fob – a small security device with built-in authentication used to control and secure access to network services and data. Hik-Connect mobile app +SMS +Auto dialing voice call. Supports web browser for integrating Hikvision IP cameras with AX-Hub. IP cameras to be purchased separately. Benefits   Web configuration: The AX-Hub has a built-in web server which enables the device to be configured through a web browser over the local IP network. This offers more flexibility and time saving on site, as setup can be done quickly and efficiently using a laptop or compatible smart device. Easy setup and installation: Setting up the system could not be simpler, with an intuitive and easy to use interface. Connect to the panel directly via the web-browser or with iVMS-4200 on a laptop for on-site setup, or alternatively, program the system using the Hik-Connect app. Learning devices and sensors to the system are also easy using the one-push-to-learn feature on all Hikvision wireless intrusion devices, to save time and money. Multiple communication paths: The variety of communication pathways available with the AX-Hub is unmatched. It offers LAN, Wi-Fi, GPRS and 3G/ 4G connections with on-board communication modules and connectors for a simpler and more cost-effective installation. With multiport IP communications, the AX-Hub can also communicate simultaneously with multiple devices, to ensure alarm messages are sent to all that need them. The AX-Hub can also notify up to six phone numbers in the event of an alarm through voice calls, offering greater flexibility in the way that end users are notified about events on the system. Arc linkage: If ARC connectivity is required, the AXHub can communicate alarms and other messages in contact ID format for a rapid and efficient response. Two-way wireless devices: AX-Hub can help add up to 32 two-way wireless devices. This provides a system which is secure and flexible – allowing even larger premises to be secured with a wide range of indoor and outdoor Hikvision peripherals. HIK-Connect: The end user app, Hik-Connect, brings together intrusion and video like never before. It links detectors and sensors to cameras for video verification as well as to provide the end user with the ability to monitor the system from anywhere in the world. It helps users in checking system status remotely, receiving alerts, arming and disarming, HD video monitoring and more, to remain informed and keep the system under complete control at all times. IVAAS (Intruder Verification as a Service): This revolutionary service provides video verification (from any Hikvision or ONVIF IP camera in the premises) for users to quickly and efficiently confirm an alarm event on the system. During the configuration of the panel, 2 cameras can be linked to the AXHub, which incorporates a rolling video buffer. Where other video verification methods rely on sending low-quality static images to confirm events, IVaaS utilises Cloud technology alongside the buffer to link previously separated video and intruder systems to one platform. This provides a 7 second clip in the event of an alarm, 5 seconds pre-alarm and 2 seconds post-alarm.  

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Raytec Urban-X Announced as a Finalist in the Benchmark Innovation Awards

Raytec new URBAN-X range has been selected as a finalist in the 2019 Benchmark Innovation Awards. The URBAN-X, which includes the powerful URBAN-X Pro and the more compact URBAN-X Mini, is a range of high-performance, general area luminaires. They are designed for perimeter, fence line, pathway and industrial lighting applications. URBAN-X illuminators deliver extreme levels of reliability, toughness and performance for the most demanding applications. They are environmentally protected (IP66) with a temperature rating of -30°C to +60°c (-22° to 140°F), making it perfect for even the most demanding environments. An intelligent driver allows URBAN-X luminaire to be pre-programmed to give a tailored solution for any application. With the lightest product weighing in at just 2kg, installation is safer and easier, while an integrated spigot mount with adjustable rotation, provides greater flexibility. The arrival of the URBAN-X range gives security specifiers a complete range of products to meet all the lighting requirements of any site. “We are delighted to have URBAN-X selected as a finalist in this innovation award. The URBAN-X range provides security professionals with a tough, high quality solution for general area lighting applications and broadens the scope of work they can provide. We expect specifiers and installers to recommend Urban-X when customers demand the best possible lighting solutions throughout a site,” comments David Lambert, Managing Director, Raytec.  

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