NETGEAR®, the leading provider of networking devices that power today’s smart home and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), has introduced the NETGEAR ‘M4300-96X’ Stackable 10G and 40G modular managed switch. NETGEAR®, the leading provider of networking devices that power today’s smart home and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), has introduced the NETGEAR ‘M4300-96X’ Stackable 10G and 40G modular managed switch. IP convergence has already happened with telephony, surveillance and audio industry, but it has been limited in audio video industry so far. Now, with the new line of products from NETGEAR, the convergence in the professional AV industry is simplified, and this industry is also moving to the network. The software defined video over Ethernet (SDVoE™) alliance provides a standard programming interface so that even if components are sourced from different suppliers, products and solutions such as the M4300-96X Switch merge easily and cost-effectively into a modern and open platform without complex coding. To truly converge, IT and AV networks, pre-configured 10 Gbps infrastructure is ready with NETGEAR SDVoE-ready M4300 switches. Instant installation with pre-enabled IGMP/ multicast, scalability and affordability gets your ProAV deployment running in no time, with optimal 4K no-compromise quality. To take unnecessary complexity out of AV-over-IP deployments, NETGEAR created M4300 switches that are preconfigured for easy, true AV and multicast Zero Touch network configuration. IGMP Snooping, IGMP Fast Leave and IGMP Querier are already enabled for the default VLAN 1 that devices will automatically use – no need to log onto the switch. Simply select the M4300- 96X port expansion cards that fit your requirements, insert the cards, connect your SDVoE encoders and decoders, and power on the switch. “The commitment of NETGEAR to the SDVoE standard means that SMBs & Enterprises can leverage NETGEAR switching products that are easy to set up and are used to provide the backbone network for their audio-video products. Our M4300-96X Managed Switch is far superior to a fixed port solution, as you can start small and add capacity in non-blocking mode, merely by adding port expansion cards,” commented Marthesh Nagendra, Country Manager – India & SAARC, NETGEAR

The palace located in the Lebanese mountains outside Beirut, lies at an altitude of 1,150 metres above the Lamartine Valley. The ornate design and treasured contents of the palace meant the client wanted an advanced security solution for the premises to protect both indoor and outdoor areas. The client approached local security company, Security Engineering, who specialise in complex integration between various systems to provide an effective solution for their property. What were the requirements? The client wanted to achieve high levels of security which they could control and activate remotely. Security Engineering recognised this would be best achieved using a range of different devices to provide a complete solution, combining CCTV surveillance with an intrusion alarm system. “Due to low light challenging conditions, and in order to maintain quality and efficiency of our Bosch cameras, we decided to use Raytec product for the advanced features it offered in enhancing the overall night image and delivering optimized end result of the camera under the given circumstances.” Khaled Jaber Managing Director, Security Engineering As well as the need for IR lighting to assist the CCTV system in the challenging low light conditions, the client also wanted to use white-light as a deterrent to any potential intruders whenever an alarm was raised. Which products were installed? Raytec’s Vario2 IP PoE Hybrid 8 units were selected for use on this project and would be used alongside Optex laser beam detectors, and Bosch cameras (equipped with video analytics) and intrusion panel. All devices were linked to a Bosch video management system (BVMS) which would be used to control the system. Together, these devices would provide the client with the CCTV surveillance and intrusion alarm system they required and would be connected using TCP/ IP technology in a unified communications protocol. What was the solution? As the only IP enabled illuminator combining white-light and infra-red into a single unit, Raytec’s Hybrid illuminators provided the client with the greatest level of functionality, flexibility and control. In infra-red mode, the illuminators provide high quality images for general night-time surveillance. The quality of illumination meant the camera analytics could clearly identify any intruders approaching the palace and boosted the accuracy of detection. Crucially for the client, Hybrid’s dual functionality also meant white-light could be triggered as a deterrent (when an alarm was activated by the camera analytics or the Optex laser beam) to scare off any intruders. As well as being able to easily control the entire system remotely through the VMS, the entire system also linked to an indoor keypad or mobile app which had to be activated in order to arm the system. This ensured the deterrent lighting was only enabled when needed and couldn’t be triggered by false alarms. Why was Raytec chosen? From the outset, Security Engineering identified the need to use both infra-red and white-light illumination. Combining infra-red, white-light and IP capability in a single illuminator, Hybrid represents the most advanced product of its type in today’s security market, providing the client with a more dynamic security response and tight integration with the other devices being used as part of the solution. Thanks to Hybrid’s IP capability, all elements of the solution could work together seamlessly. As an open platform, all Raytec IP illuminators can easily integrate with a wide range of security devices – in this instance, Optex detectors and Bosch cameras. This gave Security Engineering greater flexibility when specifying their solution. Hybrid’s dual use also helped reduce the number of illuminators used on-site (previously the client would have had to install separate, dedicated white-light and infra-red illuminators), reducing outlay on infrastructure and cabling by half. With no compromise on performance, Hybrid achieves the same power and distance as two dedicated illuminators; an important factor for the challenging low light conditions.

Maxxess eFusion technology is being used to provide seamless integration and easy management of security, safety and site management systems at Bluewaters Island, Dubai. The region’s newest tourism hotspot, Bluewaters opened in November 2018 and is expected to attract more than 3 million visitors every year. The USD 1.6bn project was completed by Meraas Holdings over five years and comprises four luxury residential complexes, a landmark Caesars Palace hotel, a shopping mall and the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, as its centrepiece. Bluewaters’ management wanted to find the most efficient way to integrate all security, safety and building management functions into one easy operating system, with particular emphasis on a solution that would be efficient to use, inexpensive to maintain and robust going forwards. Following a sector comparison Maxxess eFusion technology was identified as providing the best fit. It was chosen instead of a more costly or complex conventional PSIM solution because it uses versatile, open-technology software. As per Omnix International, one of the leading integrators brought in for the project, eFusion proved particularly straightforward to work with, offering the advantages of a modular building block approach and allowing maximum freedom to integrate, customise and adapt to future needs. “Thanks to its compatibility with leading surveillance, intruder, access and fire detection systems, eFusion proved to be a highly efficient integration technology for the Bluewater project,” said Henry Azoury, Senior Security Design and Engineering Manager at Omnix International. The eFusion platform at Bluewaters includes full integration with an ASSA ABLOY Hospitality system. It allows a unified system approach with a single enrolment protocol for both front- and back-of-house access. The solution enables centralised management of room safes, mini-bars and cupboards, and for control of all alarm transactions. eFusion integration with the Zenitel Stantaphone IP Intercom System ensures that video and transaction data is calledup automatically in the Bluewaters control room as soon as any user press a call button. For maximum efficiency, the system allows the operator to unlock doors and communicate with the user remotely, with full activity logs kept for audit. With easy integration to the SeeTec video management system, eFusion also allows seamless control of all cameras. In addition, cameras are linked to the door access system, with video pop-up triggered by pre-defined events. The solution also gives the operators complete PTZ control, playback and video functionality. ID badging and building management systems are also fully integrated, allowing easy operation and control of a wide range of functions including heating, ventilation and air conditioning. “For maximum efficiency there is no need to switch between different management systems and the eFusion platform is easy to work with, allowing full benefit from integration with individual systems,” says Lee Copland, Managing Director EMEA, Maxxess. “The eFusion platform is based on technology that delivers robust, reliable performance, as well as being fully scalable as needs change the future. “We look forward to our continued work with Omnix International, which is providing the world-class specialist engineering services combined with local, customised support that customers value.”

Saudi Arabia’s National Commercial Bank (NCB) is using IDIS technology for one of the biggest financial surveillance system upgrades ever seen in the region, involving at least 1000 NVRs and over 2500 IP cameras. The bank, which serves over 5.4 million customers and is the second largest in the Arab world, chose an IDIS solution to modernise its security and comply with the latest standards introduced by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) and Ministry of Interior. IDIS, which is the largest manufacturer of surveillance technology in South Korea, confirmed that the project involves an upgrade to full HD IP technology across 400 branches and more than 2580 ATMs, to be completed ahead of the 2021 deadline. NCB, also known as AlAhli Bank, needed NVRs that would provide RAID 1 and RAID 5 support, and a solution that would allow integration of both IP and existing analogue infrastructure, and the capability to cost-effectively store video footage for a full year. Leading solutions provider Almajal G4S was appointed for the job, and following a competitive tender process IDIS technology was identified as performing better than alternatives in detailed and rigorous proof-of-concept testing. “Keys advantages for NCB in choosing an IDIS solution is the technology’s robustness, its resilience against data loss, and high level protection against cyber threats. Using IDIS technology is also ensuring a frictionless migration from existing analogue,” says Ahmad Said, ESS Director at Almajal G4S. Thanks to its hybrid capability, IDIS technology allows analogue and IP cameras to be used together, making the upgrade project easily manageable, with a seamless, staged switch-over. For this mission-critical project, IDIS’s Linux based servers and proprietory protocols also offered the highest level of resistance to hacking, while zero-configuration elminates the need to manage IP addresses for every device, all of which gave NCB the network security assurances they were looking for. An important consideration for NCB was IDIS Intelligent Codec which, together with dual H.264/ H.265 performance, delivers up to 90% reduction in bandwidth and storage. This gives the bank significant, on-going savings allowing compliance with video data storage rules. “It also speeds up recording retrieval and helps to make NCB’s new security system easier and more economical to run,” said Harry Kwon, General Manager, IDIS Middle East and Africa, “With the upgrade already proving its value the bank’s central monitoring teams now work more efficiently with their system providing event forwarding, acknowledgements, notifications and live pop-ups.” Providing the lowest total cost of ownership, the IDIS solution will allow efficient maintenance and simultaneous remote upgrades for multiple devices and gives NCB the assurance of the industry-leading IDIS Ultimate Warranty. The project is due for completion in 2019. NCB and the associated IDIS solution will be the first to achieve full compliance with the new SAMA standards.