Sen sept13

Security Managers ◆ Integrators ◆ IT Managers ◆ Installers

& Networks

September 2013 Issue 347

our mutual future

The Bourbon installs Milestone, Sony Battery-Free Wireless Detectors Risco’s axesplus Cloud Access Control BriefCam’s Awesome VS Forensics NetAXS 123: Access, Alarms and CCTV Alarms: Sense And Sensor-bility Vivotek CC8130 1MP Network Camera HID Global’s Building Performance Canon Fires New 1080p Camera Family

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CSD Ash Ramanayake Mobile: 0428 538 330 ash.r@centralsd.com.au

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Western Australia Unit 1, 1 Natalie Way BALCATTA WA 6021

New South Wales Unit 23, 56-58 O’Riordan Street ALEXANDRIA NSW 2015

An invitation to join the

SCSI Association NO FUSS TELCO REBATES FOR ALARM INSTALLERS In 1999 Security Communication Solutions International and Optus combined their skills and resources to form the SCSI Association. The SCSI association delivers one of the world’s best communication solutions to the security industry. By joining the SCSI association: • You receive $$$ rebates on all inbound calls to your 1345 number.

Paid directly by Optus via EFT • $0 Network access fee and no monthly fees for SCSI Association members • You maintain the rights for use of your 1345 number • No middleman or third party control over your business • No problems porting numbers • No lock-in contracts

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provider. SCSI helps its members guard against this by providing access to its unique GSM Line Redundancy solution, which, in conjunction with Optus’ network\ capabilities, can seamlessly divert calls into your monitoring station via GSM in the event of line failure. This is a free service to members with no call charges, and is available through our member Central Monitoring Stations.

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32 40: BriefCam’s VS Forensics

sept 13

48: Mutual futures When you talk about the future of the IT industry, you talk about the future of the electronic security industry. How does our future look? Perilous, powerful and pregnant with opportunity.

20: Bourbon and dry Sydney’s iconic night spot, The Bourbon, has been fitted with a Milestone VMS and Sony cameras supplied by Video Security Products and installed by integrator, PRV. It’s part of a major re-fit that has elevated the club from its seedy roots and brought some much needed mid-upper class to Kings Cross.

54: Easy as 123 Honeywell’s NetAXS 123 is an access control solution with that combination of deep functionality and an icon-based browser interface that gives you a sniff of our electronic security industry’s powerful, accessible future.

30: Battery-free wireless University of Washington engineers have created a new wireless communication system that allows devices to communicate with each other by reflecting existing signals to exchange information.

58: Sense & sensorbility Installers face a choice between PIRs and dual technology sensors and they should make it not on price but on the basis of the sensing technology that best meets their client’s requirements.

32: axes of symmetry Risco’s axesplus is a centrally-managed, cloud-based enterprise access control solution that has no limit on door numbers and allows a single card to be authorised for single or multiple sites.

Best of all, Risco’s RSP platform means there are no on-site servers.

BriefCam’s Video Synopsis Forensics software tool was one of the stand-out products at Security 2013. It’s a solution that takes large video streams covering hours and compresses them into seconds.

66: Counter camera

66

VIVOTEK has released the new CC8130 1MP retail camera, designed to offer 180-degree views in retail, domestic and small commercial applications.

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60

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28

+regulars

68: High performance HID Global has been selected by integrator, Performance Buildings, to create access management solutions that enable companies and individuals to utilize shared workspaces and on-demand offices.

72: Canon Fires

12: news

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& Networks

September 2013 Issue 347

OUR MUTUAL FUTURE

The Bourbon installs Milestone, Sony Battery-Free Wireless Detectors Risco’s axesplus Cloud Access Control BriefCam’s Awesome VS Forensics NetAXS 123: Access, Alarms and CCTV Alarms: Sense And Sensor-bility Vivotek CC8130 1MP Network Camera HID Global’s Building Performance Canon Fires New 1080p Camera Family

PP 100001158

44: monitoring When AT&T announced it would phase out 2G networks across the U.S. by 2017, we got a taste of what’s certain to happen in the Australian industry in the medium term - hopefully not just as the NBN scales up.

Canon launched what it says is the world’s smallest 1080p HD powered PTZ dome camera at the Integrate Expo in Sydney. The unit is part of a new range of cameras that combine compact size and strong performance.

Security Managers ◆ Integrators ◆ IT Managers ◆ Installers

Latest business, product and technical news from Australia and around the world.

76: editor’s choice What’s new from our manufacturers.

80: helpdesk Our team of electronic security experts answers your tough technical questions.

Publisher Bridge Publishing Aust. Pty Ltd ABN 11 083 704 858 PO Box 237 Darlinghurst NSW 1300 tel 61 2 9280 4425 fax 61 2 9280 4428 email info@bridge publishing.com.au

Editor John Adams Advertising Manager Monique Keatinge Customer Service Annette Mathews tel 61 2 9280 4425 annette@bridge publishing.com.au Design Tania Simanowsky e: taniasdesign@ optusnet.com.au

Subscriptions 11 issues per annum One year (11 issues)

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editorial s ec uri ty e l e ct ro n i c s & netwo r ks

How technology shapes us

O

What else does the massive growth in tablets mean? It means users are going to be deploying devices that are light on integrated hardware – light on storage. That means cloud is going to grow as a consumer concept. And fast.

10 se&n

UR cover story looks at the changes sweeping the IT industry, recognising that our symbiosis with IT means security electronics and networks people and their products cannot avoid being swept along for the ride.

While I was writing that feature I started thinking about the broader impact of technological change and how it’s likely to flow through over the next 5 years. For a start what’s interesting is that the technologies proliferating are those that change the way people interact with information. That information might be data, friends, systems, video, music – it’s the interface that’s the key here.

The number that attracts my attention is this one – 760 million tablets will be in use within 2-and-a-half years, one third of which will be used in business environments. What does this mean?

It means we need to think about security solutions that can be supported by mobile networks, we need to think about securing mobile devices, we need to think about fronting our systems with mobile device landing pads.

What else does the massive growth in tablets mean? It means users are going to be deploying devices that are light on integrated hardware – light on storage. That means cloud is going to grow as a consumer concept. And fast. What does fast growth mean? It means investment by big players and affordability for consumers.

Something else that’s interesting is growing talk about sensors and remote computing technologies. This is stuff we deal with day to day but it’s beginning to sink into the consumer and business mind-set. I often hear developers of leading edge electronic security systems complaining that what’s needed for a particular system or technology to succeed is user education. Well, users are getting educated and that’s because the way technology communicates is changing.

What does this mean? It means businesses and consumers are beginning to want to access collections of devices from their mobile interfaces. Whether these be alarm sensors, cameras, plant room sensors, research sensors.

Any device, no matter how small, can now be incorporated into networks cheaply. And that

SEPTE MBER 2 01 3 i ssu e 3 47

By John Adams

really changes everything.

We’ve all heard talk about the ‘internet of things’. This is a growing reality. What does this internet of things generate? It generates vast amounts of information that can be processed for situational awareness at multiple layers. Part of this is a revolution in process data management technology but there’s plenty to be gained for security people, too, as our systems increasingly integrate with core business solutions. The key word here, in my opinion, is intelligence.

Something else that’s coming through is development of new infrastructure and application platforms. Changes at the infrastructure layer create more capable software platforms and these offer greater scope for our applications. We all know that security solutions have long been hamstrung by poor network design, as well as by feeble WAN infrastructure.

These changes will address many of our issues, enabling solutions we’ve never been able to apply.

Something else to look out for is end user computing technologies. The idea of these is to re-invent the client experience with increased collaboration and a more personalised interface.

The keys for electronic security people will be meeting user expectations while retaining security and performance levels.

There are some other areas of interest, like 3D printing technology. This doesn’t just reduce the cost of items, it lowers the development threshold enormously. Furthermore, 3D printing of circuit boards reduces the development time for new products. And the buyers of this 3D printing gear aren’t big companies but a spectrum of start-ups, individuals and end users.

Other things of interest to me include 4K and 8K displays. The operational attraction is the ability for control rooms to display multiple 1080p HD images simultaneously. Consumers will need to drive the shift through price falls and this may take time. But there are definite benefits for security teams.

In comms, I think 4G LTE is going to keep growing in the mobile space. Given the slow roll-out of the NBN’s fibre to the door and the uncertainty we are likely to see with NBN from the next federal government, I think security solutions that leverage wide band wireless will prosper. zzz

“WE DEAL WITH OPS BECAUSE THE OVERALL SOLUTION IS A PERFECT FIT” - ANTHONY BROWN, SECURITY INTEGRATOR - BLAKE SYSTEMS

“It’s been an easy decision to recommend OPS. We’ve recognised their unique benefits for years. Each installation leaves a feeling of confidence knowing the products we’ve purchased are of a high quality and can secure the job in a seamless manner.”

“I like knowing whether it’s a camera, a switch or a total turnkey solution, I have the best possible product and support available to me when I need it.”

To get in contact with Open Platform Systems today call your nearest branch or visit www.opsystems.com.au

OPS

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SYDNEY 02 9633 4411

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BRISBANE 07 3103 2073

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www.opsystems.com.au

// news /

i nd u stry d eve lo pme nts // business p rofiles // industry develop ments // busin ess p rof i l es //

ONVIF Schedules Profile G Release Date for 2014 l ONVIF has unveiled the Release Candidate for Profile G, a specification designed to store, search, retrieve and play back media on devices or clients that support recording capabilities and on-board storage.

Profile G will encompass devices ranging from cameras and encoders to networked video recorders (NVR) and client systems such as video management systems, building management systems and physical security information management (PSIM) systems.

Profile G can be deployed between a PSIM solution integrating video playback from an NVR, including specific features such as

starting and ending recording; searching video using various filters such as time, event or metadata; video retrieval and playback; and, on the receiver side, creating a source of IP media.

In 2012, ONVIF released Profile S as the standard interface to stream video and audio between conformant devices and clients.

The organization maintains that although Profile G and Profile S are related, the 2 are independent profiles and encompass different functionalities of a network video system.

Some devices, such as a camera with onboard storage or a DVR, may implement both profiles. In contrast, a camera may implement Profile S for transmission of the video while an NVR would encompass functionalities from Profile G, according to ONVIF. “The introduction of Profile G will complete the circuit between live video and the other half of the equation, which is video storage,” says Steven Dillingham, chairman of ONVIF’s Profile G Working Group and Software Engineer for Vidsys.

“This further refines the level of interoperability among ONVIF-conformant products.”

Genetec partners with Assa Abloy l GENETEC has announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Assa Abloy. The 2 companies will offer streamlined integration between Genetec’s SMC (Synergis Master Controller), an intelligent IP door controller that connects to both industrystandard door modules and electronic locks, and WiFi and PoE (Power over Ethernet) electronic locks from Assa Abloy Group brands Corbin Russwin and Sargent.

Through this partnership, Genetec’s customers will have even more options when designing their physical security system, and will be able to use Synergis to configure, synchronise and monitor their Assa Abloy locks, together with their standard IP-based door controllers.

“Because our Synergis access control solution is an open platform, we are able to further expand our ecosystem of access control partners to give our customers additional options such as Assa Abloy’s IP-enabled electronic locks,” says Jimmy Palatsoukas, senior manager of product marketing at Genetec.

Milestone All in One Solution

www.videosecurityproducts.com.au

12 se&n

NEW FC-Series S

Don’t call security.

Call FLIR for the complete picture.

Compact D-Series

If your security system is all bells and whistles but can’t show you whether it’s a possum or a person climbing your perimeter fence then FLIR’s new range of thermal imaging security cameras will give you a much clearer picture.

Available in a wide range of performance models including the new FC-Series S and the new Compact D-Series outdoor domes, the FLIR network-ready camera range is now more affordable than ever for your surveillance and security applications.

High contrast scene with standard AGC algorithm applied.

Whatever mother nature dishes out - blinding sun, fog, smoke, pouring rain or complete darkness - FLIR fixedmount cameras deliver the sharpest thermal images known to man, day or night.

Your vision Thermal image without Wide Dynamic Range (WDR).

Here’s how: 640 Crisp Thermal Images - More pixels allow the user to see x 480 more detail in even smaller objects at a greater distance.

320 x 240

Choose which resolution of crisp image quality you

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160 x 120

DDE applied – all targets can be observed simultaneously.

Excellent Range - FLIR thermal imaging cameras can detect targets several kilometres away.

Digital Detail Enhancement - Providing high contrast imagery in almost all weathers optimised for video analytics software.

Thermal image Thermal image with Wide Dynamic Range (WDR).

Wide Dynamic Range - Delivering high quality images even when full sun is in the field of view. Ideal for working with video analytics.

www.flir.com For more information about the new FC-Series S and Compact D-Series or any other FLIR thermal imaging camera please contact: FLIR Systems Pty Ltd. Free Call AU: 1300 729 987 NZ: 0800 785 492 Email: info@flir.com.au ISO No. FLIR20873 Disclaimer: Images for illustrative purposes only. Specifications subject to change without notice.

// news /

i nd u stry d eve lo pme nts // business p rofiles // industry develop ments // busin ess p rof i l es //

Wendy’s nz Deploys IndigoVision’s IP Video Solution

© 2013 Genetec. All rights reserved. Stratocast, the Stratocast logo, Genetec, and the Genetec logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Genetec. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

l WENDY’S Old Fashioned Hamburgers has deployed IndigoVision’s IP video security solution helping implement human resources policies, carry out staff training and dramatically increase security investigation efficiency in its New Zealand sites.

The biggest challenge faced by Wendy’s was human resources and investigations teams gaining access to live and recorded footage.

With the existing security system, remote access was impossible over the network, meaning individuals travelled to distant locations and often found the recorded video unusable.

Due to the existing security equipment being a mixture of DVRs and mostly low-cost analogue cameras, the decision was made to upgrade all of the recording equipment to Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and to replace the majority of cameras with IP cameras. As some locations had installed higher quality analogue cameras, these were to be converted via IP encoders minimising overall project cost.

IndigoVision’s Distributed Network Architecture (DNA) and dual processor

hardware design meant remote access to live and recorded video was made easy.

IndigoVision IP cameras and encoders, delivered live and recorded video quality over low bandwidth. Control Center, IndigoVision’s video management software client, reduced investigation time even further through its advanced recorded video search and bookmark technology.

“We were impressed by just how easy it was to get access to remote video and how good the video quality was,” explains Roy Batt, facilities manager at Wendy’s.

“By being able to quickly search recorded video, in multiple remote locations, and easily tagging incidents through Control Center’s bookmark feature, we have dramatically reduced investigation time.

Previously we would have to visit each of the locations and often the recorded video was poor. Now we can see video from anywhere and the quality is stunning.”

“Not only is video being used by the security and investigations team, the system is being used by the Human Resources department

to help identify opportunities to train staff,” says Batt.

“The IndigoVision solution has helped reduce investigation time, staff feel safer and happier as the solution is helping them with further skills development.”

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14 se&n

13-07-19 16:14

Know who is walking your halls.

With our Visitor Management System you’ll know who is in your building.

And why.

Still tracking visitors with a paper guest book? With the EasyLobby® Visitor Management System, you can identify exactly who is in your facility at all times by scanning each visitor ID automatically and printing a customized badge in 20 seconds or less. EasyLobby is easy-to-install and integrates with leading access control systems to provide temporary card access for guests. Thousands of organizations worldwide are using EasyLobby to improve security, protect assets and enhance their image. Find out more by requesting a free, custom web demo at hidglobal.com/visitor-management-sen or contact us at +613 9809 2892 or email at asiasales@hidglobal.com. © 2013 HID Global Corporation/ASSA ABLOY AB. All rights reserved. HID, HID Global, the HID Blue Brick logo, the Chain Design and EasyLobby are trademarks or registered trademarks of HID Global or its licensor(s)/supplier(s) in the US and other countries and may not be used without permission. All other trademarks, service marks, and product or service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

// news /

i nd u stry d eve lo pme nts // business p rofiles // industry develop ments // busin ess p rof i l es //

Biometrics crosses the Rubicon – at long last l APPLE paid $US350 million for fingerprint-sensor making company AuthenTec Inc a couple of months back and the tech industry buzz is that the company’s latest iPhone will sport a fingerprint biometric reader.

“Apple is giving a strong indication that market leaders see biometrics as part of its roadmap,” said Thomas Marschall, chief executive officer of Precise Biometrics AB, in a recent Bloomberg report. “All competitors are looking for alternatives to match Apple. It’s the kickoff of a rally in the (biometric) industry.”

The buzz is not just talk either. Tech has a way of arriving by weight of market expectations and there are growing expectations surrounding biometrics.

Precise Biometrics AB has seen its share price double in the past few months. And Fingerprint Cards AB, a Swedish biometric security company, has grown in revenues tenfold in recent months, while its share prices have seen dramatic rises, too.

Exactly how the reader will work is still up in the air but it makes for plenty of potentially interesting developments in near field access control devices.

Motorola Solutions Invests in BriefCam

l MOTOROLA has invested in BriefCam, a developer and provider of Video Synopsis solutions for the rapid review, analysis and indexing of surveillance video.

The funds will be used to expand BriefCam’s worldwide marketing and sales activities.

BriefCam’s patented Video Synopsis technology enables the rapid review of captured video – with an index to the original source, whether video feed or archival footage – for on-thespot event tracking, forensics and evidence discovery.

BriefCam fulfills the globally unmet need to browse video, investigate and identify incidents rapidly, and take action. Its award-winning Video Synopsis technology gives users the ability to review rapidly, compacting hours of events into a ‘brief’ that takes minutes to view. The company’s customers include police, military, border control and other Homeland

16 se&n

Security agencies, as well as security operations at municipalities, transportation authorities, building and campus security offices, retail loss prevention and more.

This investment is Motorola Solutions’ second in the Israeli market and third in the surveillance video space since 2011.

“We have been looking into various companies in the Israeli hi-tech industry, specifically in the area of public safety technologies,” said Boaz Or-Shraga, managing director, Motorola Solutions Venture Capital.

“We were happy to find a great investment like BriefCam to expand our exposure in the growing video space. The substantial growth in the amount of surveillance videos created each year provides new opportunities for public safety and other industries, and we’re glad to seize such an opportunity.”

ASIS Says $US350B US Market To Grow at 5.5 Per Cent l IN its first comprehensive study of the security market since 1990, ASIS International and the Institute of Finance and Management analyzed the expansion of private security over the past decade and project further growth in the U.S. security products and services market.

The fully independent report says the $US350 billion market comprises $282 billion in private-sector spending and $69 billion in federal government spending on homeland security.

“This research is a watershed in understanding the enormous size and breadth of the security marketplace in the United States,” said RD Whitney, executive director of IOFM, in a press release.

In the 189-page report, study authors estimate spending on operational private security to be $202 billion, with expected growth of 5.5 per cent this year. The market for private security related to information technology is estimated at $80 billion; the report projects growth of 9 percent in 2013.

In addition, the study anticipates the number of people employed as full-time security workers to be between 1.9 million and 2.1 million. The report says security-related occupations, such as private detective/investigator and some IT positions will grow more than 20 per cent through 2020, while many survey respondents anticipated increased spending on training.

“A heightened threat environment, among other factors, has stimulated rapid advancements and significant overall growth in technology and key services across the operational and IT security markets and increased the demand for knowledgeable, skilled workers at all levels within the security management structure,” said ASIS president Geoff Craighead CPP in a prepared statement.

With Australia’s best surveillance solutions, life’s good.

In hotels, homes, corporations, retail chains, airports and casinos, LG provides just the right surveillance solution – and C.R.Kennedy can tailor them to your needs. LG is one of the world’s great electronics companies, creating leading-edge security technology, including hybrid DVR’s, cameras and accessories, analogue or IP. And C.R.Kennedy matches this quality with total surveillance solutions and a dedicated local support network right across Australia.

We bring you the right LG surveillance product at the right price. You are supported by dedicated technical advice from any of our state offices or authorised resellers around Australia and New Zealand.

C.R.Kennedy’s fast and efficient service is recognised as the best in the business. Combined with LG’s world-leading technology, life’s good.

Victoria 9823 1533 viccctv@crkennedy.com.au New South Wales 9552 8350 nswcctv@crkennedy.com.au Queensland 3632 6777 qldcctv@crkennedy.com.au South Australia 8410 0533 sacctv@crkennedy.com.au Western Ausralia 9381 7144 wacctv@crkennedy.com.au New Zealand 09 276 3271 cctv@crknz.co.nz Australia www.lgcctv.com.au New Zealand www.lgcctv.co.nz

// news /

i nd u stry d eve lo pme nts // business p rofiles // industry develop ments // busin ess p rof i l es //

ADT Buys Devcon Security For $US148.5M

Dahua and Bosch Collaborate l DAHUA and Bosch Security Systems have set up a long-term, strategic partnership and achieved compatibility between HD cameras from Dahua and Bosch’s Network Video Recorder or VMS. “The collaboration with Dahua allows customers to leverage the technology from both our companies for their critical video projects.” said Chen Chuang, manager of the IPP, Bosch Security Systems China.

“Customers can now access the cutting edge features from Bosch IP video cameras together with the security and flexibility of Dahua NVR technology.”

18 se&n

“Thanks to both parties’ great efforts, we now integrate products from both sides,” said Michael Chen, Vice President of Dahua Technology Co Ltd. “We put IP search, video encoding, video/audio, auto re-connection, encoding configuration, motion detection, PTZ control and more into real integration, allowing our customers to enjoy a featurerich integrated solution. Already we have seen our integrated products installed in projects. This has made our customers eager to see what else can be achieved under this IPP partnership.”

l ADT plans to acquire Hollywood, Fla.-based Devcon Security for $US148.5 million. It’s another major acquisition that suggests the US market is recovering from GFC malaise.

The deal, the first since ADT spun off from Tyco Int’l last year, will bring in 117,000 accounts and $3.6 million in recurring monthly revenue (RMR), South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports. The firm expects the transaction to close in early August.

“In addition to the solid characteristics of the Devcon customer base, we are excited to add Devcon Security’s seasoned sales force and distribution capabilities as well as their highly competent management and operating teams,” ADT CEO Naren Gursahaney says.

“We operate in a highly fragmented industry and over time expect to see additional M&A opportunities, like Devcon, that could represent value-added enhancements to our organic growth.”

The new Tecom Touchscreen RAS makes Challenger an even easier choice.

Contact the Interlogix team today.

Phone: 1300 361 479 www.interlogix.com.au

Š 2013 Interlogix.

All rights reserved.

Interlogix is part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corporation.

cas e st u dy

the bourbon

Bourbon and dry Sydney’s iconic night spot, The Bourbon, has been fitted with a Milestone VMS and Sony cameras supplied by Video Security Products and installed by integrator, PRV. It’s part of a major re-fit that has elevated the club from its seedy roots and brought some much needed midupper class to Kings Cross.

20 se&n

O

PENED back in 1967, the old Bourbon was a flypaper that caught Sydney’s nocturnal insects, its interior a shemozzle of everything that passes for authentic in a town chronically unsure of its own identity. American owner Bernie Houghton filled the place with flotsam from the American South and the Vietnam War. The city provided the rest. A strange amalgam of toughs, drunks, cops drowning in moral relativism and punters bored senseless by a 1970s and 80s entertainment menu that featured suburban leagues clubs as the best of bad options.

Nostalgia gilt-edges the past, filming our history in

By John Ada m s

The Bourbon’s Matthew Jolly (l) with Brett Bradbury

the late afternoon sun like a Jane Austen movie - our skin ever unwrinkled, our age always 30. But time is an arrow. Sydney is not the city it used to be. Historic venues are being redeveloped in what arty critics who retreat to the safety of Darlinghurst overnight archly call gentrification. But anyone familiar with the ‘Cross knows what’s really unfolding here is civilisation.

Chris Cheung’s The Bourbon is such a venue. A cool, new development that brings a slice of Chapel St to inner Sydney’s rough edge, with a classy street presence and a pleasing interior whose bandstand retains the ghost of loud times past. Cheung bought The Bourbon and the building next door and his

Especially useful at The Bourbon is sequence explorer, which shows previews of recorded video sequences as timebased groups of dragand-throw thumbnails that allow management to easily locate specific events during investigations.

development plans include a basement night club, a second level bar and a third level restaurant, among other things.

These development plans are important in the context of our story, given the surveillance system installed on the ground floor of The Bourbon will expand to support these other venues as they are completed. Given the need for temporal flexibility, it goes without saying the system is IP, supported by offthe-shelf network switchers and storage servers.

The cockpit for Milestone’s XProtect VMS at The Bourbon is Milestone’s thoroughly proven XProtect Professional. The smart client interface allows operators easy management of live and recorded video, as well as control of cameras and integrated security devices.

Key features of Milestone include things like a multi-layered map function allowing users to manage cameras and security devices, and overlay buttons that intuitively control cameras, camera integrated devices and connected systems via camera views.

There’s also a virtual joystick allowing easy PTZ control.

Other neat Milestone features include a singlepoint alarm management function, the ability to bookmark video sequences with attached notes, independent playback while viewing live video and multi-screen handling, incorporating floating windows across multiple screens. Something else the

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cas e st u dy

system will do is email authorised users if it’s running out of recording space or there are critical failures.

Especially useful at The Bourbon is sequence explorer, which shows previews of recorded video sequences as time-based groups of drag-and-throw thumbnails that allow management to easily locate specific events during investigations. Useful for police are advanced export options with digital signature, as well as the XProtect Smart Client Player, which includes room for commentary.

I met Brett Bradbury, general manager of integrator PRV security, out front of The Bourbon. PRV looks after this site, along with Cheung’s Coogee Bay Hotel, which also has a Milestone solution supporting 90 cameras. As well as installing the solution here, PRV is responsible for maintaining it.

Bradbury is a Brit who worked his way up from the test bench and it’s a background that stands him in good stead working with a growing integrator like PRV. He spent time doing CCTV, alarms and IT, as well as putting in several years of contracting, before joining PRV as head of the service department.

“As general manager I’ve got my finger in all the pies such as sales, estimating, drafting, technical support, helping the guys on the road, customer service – the business has gone from strength to strength in recent years,” Bradbury tells me as I look around the slick, new site.

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the bourbon

The Bourbon has definitely gone high end – it’s a nice space. There’s an industrial feel, a simple bar, an open kitchen. To my mind The Bourbon is more internally focused than it was in the past which allows easier crowd management. There’s quality food, the feel is good, the décor is pleasing, the Friday luncheon guests are grown-ups but there are other aspects of the development that will cater for youngsters.

As we sit down and check out the menu, Bradbury tells me the key aspects of the surveillance system were image quality allowing face recognition at entry points, rear laneways and on the street, simplicity of operation and easy investigation, as well as the ability to be expanded and upgraded in the future.

Simplicity is probably the defining characteristic of the surveillance system at this early point in its development. According to Bradbury, the system runs on a dedicated subnet, though it does jump across to the data network to allow external views.

“Primary management of the system is on a dedicated workstation running the latest version of a single Milestone Smart Client,” Bradbury explains.

“The cameras are Sony 720p fixed dome cameras, which are dual stream – one for live viewing, one for archiving. The models we’ve used here are the SNCDH120 day/night and the SNC-DH160 with 15m IR illumination. They are all fixed vandalproof domes with varifocal lenses, some with IR, and there are a couple of full-body cameras outside in the rear laneway.

“Some of the internal and external domes are spray painted black in some areas in order to blend aesthetically into the ceilings or under the awnings,” Bradbury says. “Zaki Wazir at Video Security Products stripped the cameras down and sprayed them to suit the decor then rebuilt them.”

In all, there are 42 cameras at the site but given only one level has been developed of a 5-level building, there’s plenty of room for expansion. These Sony cameras are all PoE – no runs are greater than 100m.

On the network side, things are relatively simple.

The system is running on 3 Cisco switchers and there’s a pair of Maxtron Servers handling archiving.

The servers are all in the one spot in a comms room, the location of which is set to change as the development of the site continues. Obviously, the nature of IP solutions means it’s comparatively easy to move the head end to a new server room.

No integration with access control? I ask.

“There’s a Challenger v8 access control system managed by SQL-based Commander software which

The colour representation from the Sony cameras is really, really good,” Bradbury tells me. “We’ve only just started using Sony. We’re very pleased with their performance.

Camera 1.

Camera 2.

Camera 3.

Camera 4.

cas e st u dy

the bourbon

covers an adjacent building as well as multiple floors here,” Bradbury says. “We utilised this system and upgraded the readers to HID Gold Class I Class R10 Reader 6100 as well as adding 5 new doors but as yet there’s no integration between the video surveillance system and this access control system.”

So basically what you’ve put in at The Bourbon is a future-proof system that can grow as the client requires – just add additional cameras, switchers, another server?

“Exactly – this system is designed to grow in whichever ways the customer requires it to in the future,” Bradbury says. “The system is simple and there’s plenty of potential for growth.

“Milestone’s Video Management System (VMS) is

In all, there are 42 cameras at the site but given only one level has been developed of a 5-level building, there’s plenty of room for expansion. These Sony cameras are all PoE – no runs are greater than 100m.

24 se&n

infinite really – the only limitation is bandwidth. There are currently 2 servers but there can be 6 servers on a Pro license. With continued SMAs, The Bourbon can upgrade to Milestone Enterprise or Corporate solutions if that’s ever required.

“There’s also a plan for a basement in this development – a nightclub – that’s the next stage – another 30 cameras - and then there will be more growth after that over the next 2-3 years.”

The installation

Typically, installations like this one which involve a full site re-development have a relatively long lead time. The Bourbon was no exception. According to Bradbury, Paul Villegas, PRV’s director, was in discussions regarding the design from the middle of 2012 and the installation team got on-site late last year.

Given the site was largely gutted during the renovation, PRV worked with other specialist installation outfits handling electrical, air conditioning, fire, PA and data, as well as builders, during the installation.

“This was a typical construction site,” Bradbury explains. “Even though it was an existing building, it was pulled back completely. We had about 3 techs on site during the installation, with 2 full-time during

the labour intensive parts of the installation. It wasn’t a huge job being only 50 cameras but it’s quite an open application given the need for expansion in the future.”

So you started out spending time with the customer working out what camera views they wanted?

“We used the plans to establish which areas needed to be viewed – we had 4 or 5 different drafts last year,” says Bradbury. “We worked through ideas – things obviously change during this planning process.

“By the end of the year the cables were in, the cameras had been decided on, Council’s requests for facial recognition at entrances had been met. We needed to calculate the pixels per square inch so we would get facial recognition at the main entry.”

Cabling at The Bourbon is a Cat-6 1GB backbone and Bradbury says this part of the installation was relatively simple though because there’s not one straight riser and there are a couple of buildings involved, the cables take a circuitous route.

“We’ve done much more complex installations – this was straightforward,” says Bradbury.

“Once the planning was done it was easy enough – just choosing the gear, planning the design, pulling the cable and installing the cameras and workstation.

There were some things we did not take into account during the design and it was just a matter of addressing them as they came up.”

There was no close team-up with The Bourbon’s IT department – the only involvement there was facilitating outside links between external devices and the system for remote monitoring/maintenance.

We tour the site. The spaces are nicely done, with a grand staircase leading to the bathrooms and fancy light fittings. Light in The Bourbon is patchy which is typical of sites lit by architectural spot-lighting or mood lighting, as this one is.

The low-light ability of the Sony cameras is certainly tested with some passages and halls between 10-30 lux. Cameras installed on the ceilings are also challenged by pendant style lights intruding into camera views. As I take shots of some of these cameras I notice my Panasonic Lumix has dropped its shutter speed right down which it only does under 15 lux.

The Bourbon is unfinished away from the ground floor and when we go down into the basement to check out the server room we pass through the space where the new nightclub will be. It’s raw concrete and brick down here in the roots of the building. In the server room things are very simple. There are 3 tidily installed network switches supported by 2 Maxtron storage servers.

Driving the system

Next we go to the control room. A single workstation handles management of the Milestone system.

It’s a pleasing interface that makes the most of the performance of these Sony cameras. The way Smart Client works is that live view is set up in any layout

Network switches

Storage servers

the client wants configured – which might vary on weekends, with more emphasis on the perimeter.

Bradbury shows me the sequence explorer which is a feature of corporate client player. It allows users to select a group of cameras and jump through camera views so as to track a suspect more quickly during an investigation.

“Sequence explorer is a really useful tool that speeds up investigations,” Bradbury explains. “If you are looking for a person with a red jumper – you can see those related clips at a glance and track movements quickly.

“As part of an investigation you select which cameras you want to populate sequence explorer with from your live views. These might be entry cameras or bar cameras, the system will then present these cameras together for the times you are searching.

“There are also quick tools for scanning once that process has been completed. You can just jump

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between camera views from the same moment in time – it’s very easy.”

According to Bradbury, police often request footage from The Bourbon – they may simply want to establish the direction a person is travelling as evidence relating to an incident.

“The police also come in and operate the software themselves when they need to and it helps that it’s a very easy interface to manage,” he explains.

As Bradbury is running through the system’s functionality, I’m looking at camera performance.

The light is patchy with some bright areas around bars and some much darker spots in corridors and corners. While this challenge is handled with the use of infrared in locations like the fire stairs and perimeter, looking at the internal images it’s quickly evident that even the non-IR cameras are having no trouble with the light levels in typical Sony fashion.

“The colour representation from the Sony cameras is really, really good,” Bradbury tells me.

“We’ve only just started using Sony and are very pleased with their performance. The Sony camera housings themselves are also properly built – some external cameras we’ve seen lately have left a lot to be desired.”

Next, we take a look at the performance in low light areas like gaming and the cameras are doing very well at what looks to me to be sub-25 lux. The colour rendition is good and there’s no flare. We can see every detail of the organic carpet design.

I notice in bar areas there’s easy face recognition and the depth of field is good too. Bradbury pulls one

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the bourbon

Great images from Sony

of the entry cameras up to full screen and yep, it’s a great image. When we were looking at the small tiles on the viewer earlier I wasn’t really getting a sense of the image quality and colour rendition Bradbury was talking about but I get it now. It’s a great image.

The most important aspect of a surveillance system is ease of use for the end user and the Milestone VMS kicks a goal here, according to The Bourbon’s duty manager, Matthew.

“Yes – it’s very easy to use,” Matthew tells me. “I’m not the best on computers but I have no problems with it. Every morning when I come in I can check whether cameras are live and are recording properly.

“We’ve got a separate incident report here so when a manager comes into the control room they can check all the cameras and log that so we’re covered on top of what we need to be to ensure the system is in working order.

“There have been a few small incidents with fruity characters in the gaming room – the police have also come and requested footage from us of the backlane. A car was broken into. At all times the system has worked exactly as it should have and as you can see the images are great.”

The surveillance system at The Bourbon is capable and flexible. Milestone’s Smart Client offers users and police easy management and extremely easy investigations using sequence explorer. Best of all, the system’s inherent flexibility gives The Bourbon a malleable solution that will grow with an expanding business. zzz

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t e ch n o lo gy

biometrics

Iris a reliable biometric: NIST study A NEW report by biometric researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) uses data from thousands of frequent travellers enrolled in an iris recognition program.

A

NIST computer model estimated that iris recognition of average people will typically be useable for decades after the initial enrolment.

For decades, researchers seeking biometric identifiers other than fingerprints believed that irises were a strong biometric because their one-ofa-kind texture meets the stability and uniqueness requirements for biometrics. However, recent research has questioned that belief. A study of 217 subjects over a three-year period found that the recognition of the subjects’ irises became increasingly difficult, consistent with an aging effect.

Researchers first examined anonymous data from millions of transactions from NEXUS, a joint Canadian and American program used by frequent travellers to move quickly across the Canadian border. As part of NEXUS, members’ irises are enrolled into the system with an iris camera and their irises are scanned and matched to system files when they travel across the border. NIST

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researchers also examined a larger, but less wellcontrolled set of anonymous statistics collected over a 6 year period.

NIST researchers then reanalysed images from earlier studies of 217 subjects that evaluated the population-wide aspect. Those studies reported an increase in false rejection rates over time - that is, the original, enrolled images taken in the first year of the study did not match those taken later. While the rejection numbers were high, the results did not necessarily demonstrate that the iris texture itself was changing. In fact, a study by another research team identified pupil dilation as the primary cause behind the false rejection rates. This prompted the NIST team to consider the issue.

In both large-population studies, NIST researchers found no evidence of a widespread aging effect, said Biometric Testing Project Leader Patrick Grother. zzz

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t e ch n o lo gy

wireless communication

Battery-free wireless University of Washington engineers have created a new wireless communication system that allows devices to communicate with each other by reflecting existing signals to exchange information.

O

NE of the problems with using wireless for security applications is that batteries need to be replaced. Sure, these are more affordable and now last longer but in a typical wireless system there might be a dozen that need replacing at varying intervals for the life of the device network.

For the electronic security industry, battery-free wireless devices would be a wondrous thing.

The communication technique devised by researchers at UoW is called ambient backscatter, and anyone who has ever run a wireless background test on a typical city site will understand exactly what this means. Instead of using a powered oscillator to create its own wireless signals, an ambient backscatter device leeches signal power from TV and cellular transmissions that are propagating through the environment and recycles them.

To prove their concept, researchers built small, battery-free devices with antennas that can detect, harness and reflect a TV signal, which was picked up by other devices. The researchers tested the ambient backscatter technique with credit cardsized prototype devices placed within a metre feet of each other. For each device, the researchers built antennas into ordinary circuit boards that flash an LED light when receiving a communication signal from another device.

Groups of the devices were then tested in a variety of settings in the Seattle area, including inside an apartment building, on a street corner and on the top level of a parking garage. These locations ranged from less than 800m from a TV tower to about 10 kays away.

They found that the devices were able to communicate with each other, even those farthest from a TV tower. The receiving devices picked up a signal from their transmitting counterparts at a rate of 1 kilobit per second. This is enough to send information such as a sensor reading, text messages and contact information.

It’s also feasible to build this technology into devices that do rely on batteries but whose batteries have failed, included security alarm panels. A 30 se&n

system could be configured so that when power fails and its backup battery dies, an alarm panel could still send text messages by leveraging power from an ambient TV signal.

“We can now re-purpose wireless signals that are already around us into both a source of power and a communication medium,” said lead researcher Shyam Gollakota, a UW assistant professor of computer science and engineering.

“It’s hopefully going to have applications in a number of areas including wearable computing, smart homes and self-sustaining sensor networks.”

The researchers published their results at the Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on Data Communication 2013 conference in Hong Kong. They received the conference’s best-paper award for their research.

The applications are endless, the researchers say, and they plan to continue advancing the capacity and range of the ambient backscatter communication network.

“Our devices form a network out of thin air,” said co-author Joshua Smith, a UW associate professor of computer science and engineering and of electrical engineering.

“You can reflect these signals slightly to create a Morse code of communication between batteryfree devices.” zzz

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p ro d u ct rev i ew

risco

Risco’s axesplus is a centrallymanaged, cloud-based enterprise access control solution that has no limit on door numbers and allows a single card to be authorised for single or multiple sites. Best of all, Risco’s RSP platform means there are no on-site servers.

axes of symmetry A

CCESS control has always been a prime candidate for cloud. Characteristics like multi-site distribution, tiny data packets and the inherently robust intelligence of local solid state controllers makes access control perfect for cloud applications. That’s where Risco’s axesplus comes in, a centrally-managed, scalable and customizable cloud-based system that’s designed for multi-site applications with no limit on doors and users.

To me, the key with axesplus is working out where the borders of the local application end and the cloud-based component begins. Remember, cloud is a software as a service, so what axesplus does is remove local servers which are used to store large user and event databases, and re-position them in the cloud. Yes, cloud is oh-so-nebulous, but it’s not hard to conceive.

32 se&n

By John Ada m s

Instead of sitting in a rack in a local server room or comms cupboard, the server function exists on a server in Risco’s dedicated data centre, or in the data centre designated by an end user or integrator’s private cloud. Why bother taking the server off-site?

Because the local installation is simplified, the upfront cost is reduced, the maintenance of the system is reduced and the system’s reliability is increased.

What sits behind axesplus is the Risco Service Platform (RSP), which delivers access control management in the form of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). As Risco explains it, RSP is a single environment for all access control, video surveillance and alarm needs. And by single environment, Risco means a single user interface, a single installer interface, supported by a single high security infrastructure.

There are a number of ways installers and integrators can tackle axesplus. In a projected application, hardware including controllers and readers can be either purchased outright by the installer/integrator and sold to the end user.

Alternatively, they can be rented from Risco at a monthly cost installers pass on to the end user. This lease scenario might cost $A10 per door per month (price is not confirmed, folks) and using Risco’s Service Platform would also save users the $A5000 cost of a local server.

Some users and integration companies might not want to use Risco’s cloud infrastructure or they might want to explore their own private RMR models. Not surprisingly, axesplus can be set up to run on a private cloud platform to support all an integrator’s bureau of lease clients, for instance. Or it can be set up on a private corporate cloud to support doors across an end user’s global enterprise.

Pretty obviously, there’s got to be some solid state gear in the equation somewhere and it’s the AxesKit2, which allows the management of 2 doors via an Ethernet connection. This setup consists of the AxesMain controller board, a power supply with its management card, and the AxesIO2 I/O board which supports 2 doors using 4 relays, 4 sensors and 2 readers per door.

The I/O module can also be employed to control and integrate with external building automation systems and installers can add an additional I/O board within the enclosure in order to wrangle 4 doors. An optional AxesGSM module offers a GPRS connection as a primary/secondary communication interface to the remote axesplus servers.

Underlying fundamentals of the AxesKit2 are solid and they include local support for 10,000 events and 65,000 cardholders with up to 40 different access profiles. This means the system will continue to function in the event of network failure.

There’s also encrypted 3DES data communications, a real-time clock with auto sync to an NTP server, time zone management and automatic DST clock, as well as support for Wiegand, clock/data, RS232 and RS485 interfaces. The system can handle readers types

Installers can go to the site, hang the controllers on the wall, do the terminations, put the locks in, connect an Ethernet cable and then go back to their offices and sit in front of a workstation and start programming the system. including 125MHz, biometric, read/ write, Mifare, DESFire EV1, Sagem biometric and there’s integration with Assa Abloy Aperio and Hi-O. I got a demo of axesplus at Security 2013 and came away impressed with the level of thought that has gone into the product. My instincts were that a system like this would be best suited to small and medium applications but after the demo I was not so sure.

Axesplus scales significantly and Risco is serious about the enterprise capability of its product. With its multi site and multi tenant support, the product is ideal for enterprises with dispersed sites like banks, utilities and retail chains.

According to John Allen, Risco sales and marketing solutions, axesplus is a cloud-hosted access control system that can sit on a server in a data centre. Local controllers communicate with the server via the cloud, just as they would across a local network – just

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’

// NEWS // news / /

I ND U STRY D EVE LO PME NTS // BUSINESS P ROFILES // INDUSTRY DEVELOP MENTS // BUSIN ESS P ROF I L ES // S H OW RE P O RT SECURITY 201 2 p ro d u ct rev i ew risco industry developments // business profiles //

DVTel Quasar HD Another standout product at the show was with IR Videofied’s XTIP710, a hybrid alarm system with terminations, put the locks in, connect an Ethernet video verification that now reports alarm events cable and then go back to their offices and sit in front and status using GPRS and IP. We’ve like Videofied’s of a workstation and start programming the system.” products for a while now and think they offer you While you might do this on-site with another installers a great up-sell or panel replacement solution, with axesplus you do this over the cloud option. Using reliable spread spectrum wireless l PANASONIC has announced the acquisition of Cameramanager.com, a leading provider of Video using a hosted service located in a highly secure data devices, the company has a real track record of Surveillance as-a-Service (VSaaS) in Europe. centre that’s managed and operated by Risco. visible success.

The acquisition of the cloud-based video solutions company reinforces Panasonic’s existing security toaccounts the number of employees that tend to ONE massive Texas school district recently“All due our backmarkets. to that secure Sending alarm events alongbusiness with video as itfootage looks to extend its cloud-based solutions to the business andcome consumer As part data of from means campuswe to campus in suchresilience, a large we upgraded its video surveillance system in centre an move and that can manage is pretty much Rolls Royce the performance and acquisition, the Cameramanager.com team will join Panasonic Europe. effort to keep up with advancements in Web school system. Russell says prior to the Video manage redundancy and take care everything Videofied has 450-odd arrests under its beltmanagement thanks It’s an interesting move in the verticalAustin plane from onecan of the world’s leading manufacturers of of video Insight implementation his VMS administrator platforms.

Independent else,” Allen explains.

“The upshot is that installers cameras, though exactly how Panasonic’s cloud-based CCTV solution will be presented to the to its ability to identify burglars.surveillance When you consider School District – the America’s 38th largest spent a considerable amount of time with user don’t need to worry about IT sideof– we cana lease is notschool yet clear. most alarm systems are blindmarket and cannot assist maintenance.

“With thisthe number users system – has replaced its existing acquisition an importantsystem strategic towards our smart connected services thatenhancing service them for aand dollars a month.” reliabletoWeb client isfew more economical than videoismanagement withstep Video Insight operators by doing more than“This reporting multiple offering in the European and CIS market”, said Laurent chairman and CEO, Panasonic Europe. installing (and uninstalling) thick VMS clients on software.

Encompassing 230-square miles,Abadie, It seems a great business model for everyone, a adjacent alarm events, Videofied’s capabilities There was plenty more to see at the show and in PC, which our make alreadya sale Austin ISD has 86,000 students, 11,000 great each vertical, I say. also The overburdens installers can stick out even more. this and subsequent issues we’ll be reviewing many VMS administrators,” says. employees, 124 campuses and more than 3,000 basedtaxed on hardware installationheand on ongoing RMR, ofThe the switch stand-out solutions. forresulted the editor’s to Video InsightAs has in pick for video surveillance cameras. the end user gets a lower install cost solution based an improved video management “We were unhappy with the platform that we SE&N’s Best Product at Securitysystem 2012 –for I chose the on actual needs.

Austin ISD in many including: had invested in and we needed a more practical Snap solution fromrespects, Network VideoLittle Surveillance this system for is actually designed forvideo end users to no training employees; increased solution – something that was easy to use,” says“Yes, distributed

by Pacific Communications.

For its camera image quality; more efficient storage; Austin ISD Police Department Representative and for integrators,” says Allen.

“Both get significant ability to automatically wrangle the power of faster system camera Wayne Russell. “We needed something that l STANLEY Security Europe hasFrom announced theof launch of theinwhen Stanley eVideo benefits. the performance; point endvariety users, you are thousands of existing cameras in challenging real choice LDAP integration.

The 3,000-plus didn’t require an incredible amount of countries CPU Cloud solution to 14 across Europe.

Stanley eVideo Cloud providing theand system as a service there’s notprovides a capitala l MONITRONICS, which is owned by Ascent Media, will have world environments, it hasbytothe beAISD my pick for SE&N’s camera system is monitored policesystem processor power that could also serveand as ahigh fully-performance, secure, reliable security monitoring cost upfront. Youvideo just pay a bit aand month based on how more than 600 installers and one million monitored lines Web client.”

Best in and Show. dispatch 24-hours a day,recording seven days a week, to functioning over the cloud, without the hassle cost of local equipment manypaying doors particular you need.attention during peak times when it completes a $US487 million acquisition ofAfter superan exhaustive bid process, Russell found Up there with it is the Bosch Solution 144 alarm install and maintain. think of the server being in a rackSecurity somewhere else. regional U.S. security company Networks.

“Conceptually, I insee axesplus as pick recognising to camera feeds the panel bus drop off and up the solution in VideoThe Insight. and access control with neat like Stanley eVideo Cloud solution is built on technology from Axis features “Locally, door controllers to a processor board $487.5 The deal, which is expectedtalk to close Aug. 16, includes existing system architecture while also talking to the areas, cafeterias during breakfast and lunch “Video Insight wasCommunications, the only software solution using Axis Video Hosting System (AVHS) server software pre-built garage door control and a succession of and processor are newly linkedissued together,” million of cash, boards and 253,333 sharesAllen of Ascent time, playgrounds and in hallways during class that worked seamlessly with our existing future, which is an IT-based open system revolving and IP video surveillance cameras. readers and expanders.

The Solution 144 is just Series Ato common stock with an agreed value $20 million, explains me. “The processor boards are of clever changes.

Administrators monitor cameras at cameras and it offered a very dependable Web around convergence, availability and theas ability to Stanley eVideo Cloud can be used securityThought surveillance as well We’ve ainformation bit of The timepurchase looking at Videofied that – school afor solution. fromtobeginning according tospent the the statement. which each campus, but they through report incident client,”isRussel says. and they process from theprice, software operate over our cloud or a private cloud.” supporting a customer’s business operations.

The solution offers a simple, alarm footage.

Image streams are itSecurity currently end, I think willhave resonate Bosch subject toevent agreement at closing, baseddoors upon AISD policeitwho the solewith authority to installers A fully functional Web client application was tothe servers and tell the system how ismany has, Andclip there’s still distributed intelligence if the cost effective video recording solutions that can be viewed from anywhere black and white for low light performance and and export video. very important to Austin ISD, says Russell, Networks delivering RMR of $8.8 million.

Security Networks looking to give their customers more capability in how many cardholders. The system updates that there is an internet connection; from a PC to a tablet or smartphone. network fails? had 2012 revenues of $78.5 million and adjusted EBITDA2 of optionedand for also low acts bandwidth but they’re still large domestic and small commercial applications. information as a communication ACCESS control solutions provider ASSA eVideo Cloud is a subscription-based video surveillance solution utilising $46.5 million.for what they are. excellent Twin SIMs and an NBN-proof network comms ABLOY assets of Greensteel gateway tohas the purchased cloud.

Axis IP cameras, allowing customers Now the iscommercial product under port built into a medium-sized alarm panel with Industries Ltd., word acan metal door and to extend their video surveillance “Each controller talk to 4 IO2 boards ordevelopment 10 single will incorporate the latest advances in video frame maker.

16 doors of biometric, prox and keypad access through lower cost hosted cloud door units and you can have multiple main access The Greensteel products will now be better marketed compression control? Yes, architecture without compromising on please. control processors, giving so you even end up with identification a system and manufactured under Baron and Fleming ability day and night. video quality.

Special mentions go to the Axis 5544 for thatbrands, can handle an unlimited number of doors, an ABLOY Executive Vice President The solution uses the latestconceptual in data As ASSA far as I’m concerned all alarm systems awesomeness, the Axis 1604 WDR for unlimited ofsays. users, an unlimited number of Thanasisnumber Molokotos encryption to provide a secure solution should work the way Videofied’s does and I can’t its total obliteration of backlight, the Takex PXBsites, all connected “This acquisition together.” will enhance our ability that doesn ’t require firewall ports towhich takes affordable perimeter security out why more alarm manufacturers 100ATC towork provide non-residential door opening this wayhave According to Allen, the system is designed be open to view video off site. eVideo not there’ seized this customers,” combination of technologies to a new level, FSH FEW3800 for being greenest, solutions to our Canadian he says. because s aon benefit.

Cloud is powered by Stanley Assure Established in 1932, Greensteel Industries for totheir own solutions.

Giving the systems, same great and C.R. Kennedy’s Dallmeier Panomera, which “Due the increasing complexity of many giving full support to customers and operates in Winnipeg, Canada. catch performance with the combination of GPRS looked the furthest and saw the mostest. Finally, installers can’t manage them,” Allen says.

“This a cost effective monthly payment, It’s anonboard interestingIPlateral move from ASSA and connectivity in its latest XTIP710 the most improved product range honours are including installation, service, system is designed work withplayer installers.

ABLOY, which is to a significant in theThey can solution is just icing on what was already a very shared by Vivotek and Merit LiLin. Nice work, folks. hardware and hosting. go to the site,domestic hang thelocking controllers on the wall, do the Australia and commercial tempting Videofied zzz access control markets. cake.

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We also monitor power through the system so users are alerted to failures. You can have GPRS or PSTNCREATES as a backup to network MONITRONICS STANLEY ADDS EVIDEO TO communications.

When the network isfor AMERICA’S BIGGEST TOOLBOX Special mentions go to the Axis 5544 restored the system will automatically upload conceptual awesomeness, the Axis 1604 WDR MONITORING COMPANY new events and new users. for its total obliteration of backlight, the Takex PXB-100ATC which takes affordable perimeter security to a new level...

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risco

This system is designed to provide a leading edge solution without losing any resilience, at the same time making its inherent flexibility available through a simple management format.

“Yes, axesplus still does all that – we have batterysupported controllers which hold large event logs (10,000) and user databases (65,000) so operation in the event of network failure is seamless,” Allen explains.

“We also monitor power through the system so users are alerted to failures. You can have GPRS or PSTN as a backup to network communications. When the network is restored, the system will automatically upload new events and new users.

Importantly the system supports a wide range of reader types and that means it will pick up legacy devices from existing systems.

“Programming of doors and users is modular, you work out how many doors you’ve got, where they are, then you decide how you are going to treat those doors, who can go where, one site or any other building in the organisation,” says Allen. “And it’s all drag and drop programming.”

Risco’s axesplus has unique capabilities to support multi-tenant customers. At a management level, sites can be very easily divided on the basis of tenancies.

For instance, a tenant of a shared building logging into the system can only see their own area of the site and can only control their own cardholders.

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Because RSP axesplus is a multi-tenant software design, integrators can manage multiple sites from each integrator account, meaning they can include all of their RSP axesplus installations and end user accounts to one integrator GUI. Each separate end user is able to manage its own installation (managing end user functions such as admin reports, incident alerts, etc.), while the integrator can oversee all its installations and manage the deeper security aspects and deliver added value service.

Obviously the management interface of the system is important given the cloud-based nature of axesplus and the system’s dashboard is nicely laid out. Everything falls easily to mouse – there’s strong reporting, tracking and scheduling functions, while an integrated API allows integration with third party systems so records added to an ERP hop into the axesplus database.

When you’re setting up an axesplus solution, access rules can be set according to doors, or users, with authorized users able to set the access rules according to their own specifications/terminology for the different buildings, rooms or areas across the site or enterprise.

These rules are defined according to physical or organizational structures using the smart wizard tool.

Access rights can also be added or removed from a user or door with the click of a mouse. Additional tools of the axesplus management solution include a search engine which allows easy identification of any event, alarm or person.

Further, axesplus includes configurable and advanced reporting tools which can produce comprehensive reports. For management purposes, axesplus includes complete audit trail capabilities and there’s advanced scheduling that facilitates the definition of recurring schedules (daily, weekly, monthly and yearly), including pre-defined expiration dates.

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risco

To me, the benefits of axesplus for end users include centralised management of multiple sites with massive reductions in the capital outlays typically required to create enterprise solutions.

In the case of an event or crisis, axesplus’ intuitive synoptic maps allow easy monitoring and identification of security events. Event and alarm notifications can be handled either by email or SMS in real time. The system enables crisis level management with support for DEFCON and Vigipirate. The crisis level of any site/location/zone/ door can be changed instantly and access rights modified accordingly.

An interesting aspect of the solution is that it allows you select user templates with different levels of management and control. For example, Global Security Manager level allows implementation of access management policy, definition of Branch Security Officer authorities, setting of visitor rules and rights, supervision of alarm handling and generation of event reports.

At Branch Security Officer level, operators can monitor cardholder activities, react to events, escalate as necessary and handle alarms according to crisis levels. A Secretary level operator can schedule visits according to requests, accept visitors and issues access cards, manage employee and contractor access cards and issue temporary cards/ visitor cards. Finally, there’s Employee level which allows designation like initiation of visit requests via a web application and the trigger of automations such as opening gates or turning lights on.

Taken as a whole, axesplus is a capable solution

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that leverages the reliability of solid state controllers locally, while freeing up the flexibility of end-to-end IP communication paths and remote secure servers.

Technologically, there’s nothing here that’s not been thoroughly proven in applications like online banking.

To me, the benefits of axesplus for end users include centralised management of multiple sites with massive reductions in the capital outlays typically required to create enterprise solutions.

For installers and integrators, things are even more interesting. There’s a whole new business model lurking under the surface of axesplus.

“Integrators can drive their businesses much more effectively with certainty of income value and the timing of those revenue streams,” says Allen.

“RSP axesplus drives these certainties through a commercial model which promotes monthly SaaS/ ACaaS agreements (Access Control as a Service, i.e. the complete package including hardware and installation).

“The terms of the agreements are not onerous and are designed to promote some other key features of RSP axesplus, namely its scalability: you buy electronic access control as you need it, by the door.

“So, rather than the traditional model of having to be certain of the future security requirements, an end user selects an agreement for the doors they need.

When they want to expand their system, they contact their integrator and arrange for additional doors to be made available. The integrator works with Risco and expands its estate as required.

“This system is designed to provide a leading edge solution without losing any resilience at the same time making its inherent flexibility available through a simple management format,” explains Allen. “And we have a very strong cloud backbone in RSP.” zzz

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Remote Applications

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briefcam

BriefCam’s VS Forensics BriefCam’s Video Synopsis Forensics software tool was one of the stand-out products at Security 2013.

It’s a solution that takes large video streams and compresses them into seconds.

F

or security teams on large sites with hundreds of cameras, the process of mining through multiple video streams searching for reported events can be a full-time job. Once an event is found on one camera, other cameras must be searched. It’s a process that never ends.

Explaining the way VS Forensics presents its event stream is a little difficult with words but very easy with images. Essentially, BriefCam’s VS Forensics solution synthesises events from real time video streams, presenting them as compact, overlaid progressions of events, which each event tagged by time.

Events are represented in real time in the sense that a whole morning’s entire event catalogue will unfold on the monitor in front of the operator. What this means is that an entire morning’s events might be compressed into 5 minutes of video, with events overlayed not quite on top of each other so the

40 se&n

by john adam s

eye can see persons, vehicles and other objects moving across the screen tagged with their event time stamp.

Operators simply scan the scene, select video clips based on time and appearance and play them in real time. This functionality is conceptually simple yet wonderfully conceived. Neat too, from the same screen, operators can save or export files.

BriefCam’s VS Forensics is an excellent solution.

When I saw BriefCam on the Genetec/OPS stand at Security 2013, I loved it so much I gave it my runner up for Editor’s best new product award of the show. Each month thousands of video surveillance cameras are installed across Australia and it’s certain the video streams they generate are almost never seen.

BriefCam changes all that by showing the investigator only those things they need to see.

It’s a really useful tool that will make people’s lives very easy. Reviewing footage is a laborious, painful process and anything that simplifies it is a wonderful help to a busy security operation.

Depending on your setup, BriefCam integrates with Genetec VMS as an embedded product called VS Enterprise, or it can be used as the VS Forensics standalone application on a designated PC. Any stream you can play with Windows Media Player will work with BriefCam. That means a security manager can use video feeds from multiple sources – CCTV cameras, or image streams recorded by staff or members of the public on smart devices or hand held video recorders.

The host PC needs a quad core CPU, as well as 8GB RAM, 1TB of available disk space, and Windows XP Pro or Windows 7 with .NET4.0. I reckon if you had a larger system you might want to deploy more than 1TB of storage. Looking at the specifications it seems likely BriefCam’s VS Forensics is a multi-threaded application with multiple processes running simultaneously.

The beauty of this is that multiple processes can

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be started and completed without delay and that means faster processing of your files.

Installation of VS Forensics is straightforward. You need .NET 4.0 obviously and you’ll be prompted to install it if you don’t have it aboard your selected PC. All the rest is typical on-screen prompts that are very simple to follow. Once this is done, you create a database by choosing a name and a destination on the host PC and you then upload your video file.

Something worth bearing in mind is that time and date information used by the system is taken from the compliant format video file creation date.

If, however, you use a format that’s non compliant and convert the footage, you’ll need to jot down the times and dates to give yourself the necessary temporal parameters.

So, if you want to run 16 cameras through BriefCam, what’s the process you need to go through? It’s simple. You just grab a workstation, load all your video files onto it, process them, interrogate them with BriefCam and they will be presented as composite streams of events for rapid evaluation.

You load a file in a format supported by VS Forensics, or convert unsupported files to AVI and then load them onto the PC for processing.

The actually processing time takes 20 per cent of the time of the video stream – say 60 minutes of processing for a 4 hour video stream, depending on the number of events. But a 4-hour file with plenty of events will be squished down to about 10 minutes of concise, time-tagged synthesised event footage.

Something I love about this is it means a security team can view all events from a high risk location every day as part of their procedures and get it done in less than half an hour. The system also works with skilled operators, it does not replace them. VS Forensics allows the intuition and experience of operators to glean information from its presentation of compressed events.

From a technical perspective, VS Forensics uses a database structure and when the software analyses the video, events detected are slotted into

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briefcam

Importantly, it’s possible to time stamp synthesised events, or not, depending on what operators prefer.

the database, with time and date. It’s this data that’s used to build the synthesised stream of events that operators view during investigations. When you click on an event during an investigation, the software just dips back into the original file in the database and replays the video.

Importantly, it’s possible to time stamp synthesised events, or not, depending on what operators prefer. Without the times, operators can better see the layers of events and recognise people or vehicles. Crucial things like replay time and event density can also be altered. The fewer the simultaneous events, the slower the frame rate, the longer the running time.

As well as viewing an event of interest in real time, you can export an opened video event as an AVI file, or tag it for later investigation and continue viewing the footage before going back and checking out events of interest. The beauty of this feature is that the operator’s concentration isn’t broken.

That’s BriefCam’s VS Forensic. It’s a simple and very clever application of existing technologies that leverages video data so that instead of just filling HDDs, it becomes the tool it was always meant to be. Security managers and honest integrators and suppliers know that most video footage is never viewed by security staff. But BriefCam changes that. zzz

Key Features of BriefCam VS: l Process and view files while you work l Combine multiple clips into a single summary l Easy to use, intuitive Graphic User Interface l Control summary speed and event density l Select and time-stamp events l Browse through events, frame by frame l Area of Interest/Exclusion function cuts runtime l Export synopsis/original as evidence video file l Index and view original event video in one click l Object annotation for team collaboration.

alarm m oni tori ng / segm ent

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2G or not 2G WHEN AT&T announced it would phase out its 2G networks across the U.S. by 2017, we got a taste of what’s certain to happen in the Australian industry in the medium term.

P

HASING out 2G in the US signals the end of life for millions of 2G alarm communicators. All these communicators will have to be replaced with 3G units for monitoring services to continue functioning. Things are no different locally. There are many tens of thousands of 2G communicators here in Australia and any plan to close down the 2G service would have a rolling impact on installers, monitoring stations and end users. Yet there’s little doubt carriers must move this way to maximise bandwidth efficiency.

Optus, Telstra and Vodafone run 2G GSM and GPRS (32-48 kbps data uplink over GSM) networks at 900MHz and 1800MHz. But these frequencies are attracting attention as being ideal for refarming for more capable (more profitable) 3G (384kbps data uplink) services.

In Australia, operators are already re-farming 900MHz spectrum for 3G (Optus) and 1800MHz spectrum for LTE (Telstra and Optus)...

We see only residual 2G subscribers remaining in Australia by end-2017, and we expect some networks will no longer be in operation.

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And while the major carriers have made noises reaffirming their commitment to 2G, this support cannot continue. All the carriers are struggling to manage growing user numbers on networks battling increasing contention and usage patterns that include huge bandwidth growth. Ultimately, the technology that benefits the most customers will own the bandwidth – yet only 15 per cent of Telstra’s customers use 2G.

Telco commentators argue all 2G wireless networks are likely to shut down in Australia and around the world before the end of the decade. Locally, that’s around the same time the NBN is due to be completed. Not ideal. And some argue Telstra will be first to move.

“In Australia, operators are already re-farming 900MHz spectrum for 3G (Optus) and 1800MHz spectrum for LTE (Telstra and Optus),” said Ovum analyst, Nicole McCormick recently. “We see only residual 2G subscribers remaining in Australia by end-2017, and we expect some networks will no longer be in operation.

“Over the next 5 years, we expect a lot more operators in Asia with increasing 3G/4G subscriber bases to close their 2G networks,” McCormick said. “This 2G spectrum can be re-farmed for either 3G (900MHz) or LTE (1800MHz).”

And despite Telstra saying recently it would keep 2G for now, it also recently stated it hadn’t reached a “final decision”

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but would ensure a “smooth transition”.

Telsyte analyst Chris Coughlan recently said carriers would gain “due to greater efficiencies” by closing 2G networks and re-farming for 4G. As more customers buy 3G and 4G devices, “the operating margins in a 2G network will decline to a point where the revenue won’t cover the operating costs,” he said.

“Telstra has been doing the most to migrate customers to 3G,” Coughlan said.

“Once they had the NextG network up and going they sourced and sold primarily 3G devices, hence their 2G handset base is proportionally smaller than Optus and Vodafone. Telstra has also been promoting the use of 900MHz spectrum for 4G within the global operator community, vendors and standards bodies.”

Others agree.

“Every country’s got its own reasons for migrating at a particular time,” said Gartner analyst Geoff Johnson. 3G infrastructure over time is less expensive to operate than the 2G networks, and operators want to refarm 2G spectrum for the higher-speed technologies, he said.

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3G infrastructure over time is less expensive to operate than the 2G networks, and operators want to refarm 2G spectrum for the higher-speed technologies Johnson said business use of 2G today is very low and so would not likely be impacted by termination of the lowerspeed network. However, there are still low-income consumers with 2G devices.

Meanwhile, Telstra is said to be currently investigating the viability of using its remaining 2G mobile spectrum stocks to deploy the second phase of its 4G mobile network. The telco has sought to begin conversations with global chip

makers, manufacturers and other carriers in the Asia Pacific to raise support for building devices that support Long Term Evolution technology over the 900 MHz frequency.

Telstra became the first Australian carrier to launch an LTE network in September 2011, using 1800 MHz spectrum it had re-farmed from 2G. Telstra now has 1.5 million connected 4G devices.

Rival carriers Optus and Vodafone are using their 1800MHz bandwidth holdings to do the same thing.

But Telstra director networks and access technologies Mike Wright told iTnews he could not predict the end of GSM just yet, despite the fact Telstra’s 900 MHz plan would eat into what remains of the spectrum it uses for 2G. “We wouldn’t necessarily need to refarm all the 900 MHz spectrum,” he said.

“When you’ve got a low-traffic volume you can compress traffic up into other bits of spectrum.”

And though Telstra switched off its CDMA network just 2 years after the launch of Next G, Wright said it would be “very hard to predict” a similar demise for the 2G technology.

“We’re not at this stage advocating absolutely turning off 2G,” he said. “I think it’s a very long term outcome but I don’t think we need to worry about that at this stage.”

Something that’s instructive is US carrier T-Mobile’s plans to sunset between two-thirds and three-quarters of its GSM channels. It plans to retain a sliver of 2G bandwidth to support older phones that don’t have 3G or 4G radios and basic data services for its machineto-machine business – including alarm communications.

Perhaps most telling for the Australian industry is that the 3 largest telcos in Australia are investing billions of dollars in new 4G services. I think the fact these services allow wireless upload speeds sufficient to support HD video verification make this the direction we need to go.

It’s an interesting scenario. In the year 2020 the Australian alarm monitoring industry might very well lose the PSTN and the 2G GSM and GPRS wireless networks. zzz

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s p e ci al re p o rt

it

Mutual futures When you talk about the future of the IT industry, you talk about the future of the electronic security industry.

How does our future look? Perilous, powerful and pregnant with opportunity.

I

CAME away from Security 2013 with a strong sense of the electronic security industry’s symbiosis with IT. We have become indivisible and that means a number of things. But mostly it means the future of IT is our future in a very visceral way.

This shared future means it’s possible for us to look at the future of IT and perceive the future of the electronic security industry – in terms of technology and business opportunities. It also means we can clearly see the areas in which IT’s future business model may fail us and our customers.

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IT infrastructure must deliver the performance, security, reliability and flexibility our systems demand. IT also needs to offer redundancy and rapid response to failure. But the changing nature of IT departments, with intensely pinched staff numbers, outsourcing, off-shoring, a tendency to cloud and projected staff ownership of enterprise networks makes for a spooky future.

The stripping of IT departments might give canny security integrators and suppliers serious opportunities to expand their services. The strength of the electronic security industry is its real

By John Ada m s

and intense focus on support and the elimination of risk. Vital systems cannot be run in unmanned environments supported by inaccessible Help Desks.

In my opinion, we are seeing this bleeding across of IT-based customer service already, with suppliers offering installers and end users commissioning and engineering support for networked solutions. There is no way this need is going to go away and I think it’s likely to become far greater.

There’s something else that’s interesting to me. It’s the projected future of the IT department visualised by those at the cutting edge. Some commentators see the corporate IT function of the future as a self-managed organism. In this scenario, staff will govern virtual corporate data networks through user-centric computing models, the use of external and personal hardware and the leveraging of shadow IT applications. This ethereal beast of the future is unlikely to offer the level of surety organisations demand from core systems.

I think a key aspect of all this is that networked security solutions are vital pieces of infrastructure generally separated from data networks even now.

In many cases, I think this separation is going to remain. Even if IT morphs into a less predictable creature, networked security solutions will still represent the most conservative IT models.

The future of IT

So, what does the future of the IT department look like? It looks more outsourced – that’s what the statistics are saying. According to a PriceWaterhouseCoopers survey, 40 per cent of Australian business are working on an information technology outsourcing strategy.

What this means is that more IT departments of the future may be headed up by consulting firms which broker and manage IT services on behalf of huge numbers of clients for a percentage. The people responsible for IT infrastructure won’t be sitting in an office in your client’s building. They may not even work for an infrastructure supplier.

And they might not work in Australia at all.

Cloud is going to play a role here. We are going to see security systems that drive in public or private clouds managed by third party suppliers. These suppliers may be security companies with an intense focus on reliability and performance. They may be monolithic providers drilling obvious verticals. Whatever the case, SAAS providers offering strategic solutions are going to operate outside the existing IT department framework.

The IT department of the future will move faster. From a security perspective that’s both a good and a bad thing. Typically, IT departments are conservative and governed by reliability, redundancy and proven performance. That’s why IT people hate users messing around with

nasty things like third party apps on their precious networks.

Trouble is, the networked ecosystem is changing fast and this speed of change is going to increase.

That means businesses wanting to keep up can’t afford to be mired in stodgy IT procedures. There’s a double-edged threat here for all security people.

Consider the recent security issues with Android apps. Running security applications at the bleeding edge of IT technology is a recipe for disaster. Yet refusing to use the latest applications will allow outsiders to occupy the industry’s space – look at the media outfits pushing into browser-managed security and home automation, for instance.

I think something else that’s going to need to become prevalent is more flexible and more powerful network infrastructure. It goes without saying that this means a lot of older stuff needs to be pulled out. Local and wide area networks need to be able to take advantage of future tech, though how quickly users will be prepared to invest to get there is an open question.

Systems are going to be built that scale both in size and in the context of time. That means fibre, quality wireless and a focus on solutions that meet broader industry standards. For the security industry, that is also likely to mean the release of products that don’t meet fuzzy industry specs like ONVIF, but open IT standards. And hovering over this fundamental driver is the spectre we all fear, hardware commoditisation.

I think that word ‘scalability’ applies best to cloud.

Sure, local hardware scales but you don’t have to think too hard to push such a concept crashing to the ground. True scalability is enterprise scalability - solutions that propagate globally across open architecture.

And when we talk about solutions like these we are talking about hugely scaleable IT capabilities delivered as services using the internet. It doesn’t sound much, written out like this but don’t be fooled.

That sentence is an umbrella that encompasses all the comparatively piddly things we currently think of as being cloud.

There are a few interesting aspects to hugely scalable IT capabilities propagated across the internet. One thing that’s particularly important for developers of security technology is that this cloud future tears apart the current relationship between device and content like a roast chicken.

The strength of the electronic security industry is its real and intense focus on support and the elimination of risk. Vital systems cannot be run in unmanned environments supported by inaccessible Help Desks.

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And the faster smart devices and apps that interact with data change, the harder it’s going to be for underlying system developers to meet the changes.

As the cloud shifts data away from local devices, business models will change, too. They’ll be more about services than the licensing of enabled devices. Processing power is going to shift outwards, too, and it’s going to grow exponentially in terms of potential. When it comes to the bottom line, margins will shrink and for end users, costs will fall.

All this talk about internet-enabled IT services doesn’t mean the IT department will not exist in the future. It’s just going to be a different animal. A slimmer, more strategic, busier animal dedicated to communication, decision making and orchestrating external services. And it’s going to need external support, which is where I see security suppliers being in an excellent position to assist.

All this said, there are issues with cloud that security people need to consider and there are signs in some areas of the IT industry suggesting these issues are already having an impact. The prevalence of dedicated subnets supporting networked security solutions suggests that in the absence of surety, when it comes to network security, IT managers and security managers would prefer to pull the plug than hold high security data on the wrong site of a corporate firewall.

Something else that’s wrong with cloud right now is that it’s not a massively scalable solution. Instead it’s a bit of a mess. There are a number of huge 50 se&n

it

All this talk about internetenabled IT services doesn’t mean the IT department will not exist in the future. It’s just going to be a different animal.

providers touting proprietary solutions linked to their own ecosystems. Alongside them are legions of smaller players with their own private cloud solutions offering very specific slivers of SAAS in support of their own hardware.

Behind this hodgepodge are proprietary databases, all different, few able to be customised, none able to be integrated into a single head end.

The fix for this situation is time and acquisition but which of the big IT players will reach cloud’s Holy Grail of universal application is completely up in the air and may be for many years to come.

What will drive a true corporate cloud model? It might be the need for security and reliability itself.

The motivation for most off-site services today is to ensure companies have the ability to survive catastrophic property damage and/or system failure.

A cloud-based model in which all vital services are outsourced, with all data and applications stored off site means staff are able to work as effectively remotely as they can locally. It’s the perfect model for disaster recovery. In a sense a cloud solution is always in local disaster recovery mode. Remote backup is always. Remote appliances and network connected devices are always. As a result, local events become irrelevant to mission critical system survival.

Of course, there are problems with this model, as we’ve grumbled about before in SEN, that relate to the cost of serious links from remote sites to data centres. The cost is falling but it’s still very high if you’re an organisation with say, 500 staff. And I’m

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it

One thing that’s particularly important for developers of security technology is that this cloud future tears apart the current relationship between device and content like a roast chicken. not even going to get into the torment of trying to integrate disparate IT platforms.

Future technologies to watch

There are some technologies I think will have an impact on the future of IT and as a result, on networked security solutions. At a core level, these include things like open source continuous build tools and continuous integration servers like Jenkins, which check and cross-check code during the software development process and alert programmers to problems.

What’s the big deal? Aside from making software development more efficient and more reliable, these virtual boffins encourage programmers to go off-book assured that any mistakes that accrue during creative side-steps will be uncovered for resolution by build tools.

Something else I like is the trusted platform module from TCG, which was integrated with a hypervisor by Intel to protect core system components on a chip. What’s the attraction?

TPM secures physical layers as well as software layers and when used in tandem with software protection solutions means security is greatly enhanced. Better still, TPM is available to anyone for integration with their solutions.

Client-side hypervisors are another thing to watch. In a corporate environment, they allow users to bring personal devices to the office and run synchronised business machines on them with all the benefit of virtual management, portability, security and recovery. A business VM holds the operating system, applications and configurations a user needs in a secure quarantined environment.

They could easily be used to run remote security applications away from the office.

NAND flash memory is another technology whose time is coming. NAND is caching with bigger brains and lower cost – just perfect for tier-one SAN storage. Flash storage in servers will allow I/O intensive data to be held adjacent to applications, which is right where you want it for low latency.

Flash is way faster than the mechanical process of recovering data from HDDs, which is great for video surveillance applications.

Something else that’s interesting is Apache Hadoop, which may give solutions providers and end users new ways to leverage data they already gather but waste. Hadoop will crunch this data so

52 se&n

as to predict user behaviour, project user trends, suggest operator procedures and uncover lateral risks.

Hadoop allows commodity servers to plough through plates and plates of data seeking patterns at a base level. Trends can be uncovered and modelled to polish operating procedures or plan for future requirements. The bigger your site, the bigger your organisation, the more useful Hadoop is likely to be.

Next are software-defined networks, which comprise a layer of software over switch and router hardware that acts as a centrally managed control plane. SDN allows developers to program the network and to construct new network functionalities that offer greater performance.

For instance, OpenFlow is an open standard that enables researchers to run experimental protocols in campus networks. OpenFlow is currently being added as a feature to commercial Ethernet switches, routers and wireless access points.

The appeal is a standardized hook for network experiments, with no exposure of the internal workings of commercial network devices.

Cool too, and something I think has a real future in the electronic security industry, is private cloud orchestration offered by companies like OpenStack and Eucalyptus. Private cloud is simple enough.

Organisations use the cloud technologies of public providers to build private clouds.

Obviously though, there needs to be a way to manage private cloud as a business model and that’s where private cloud orchestration comes in. It offers chargeback systems, virtualisation management and self service provisioning.

Essentially, what all these tools do is allow a private cloud to be managed as a distinct business.

Finally, I like user-centric computing facilitated through advanced synchronisation not just of data but of applications. Again this has merit in some security applications though it could be seen as a threat in others. The idea is that auto data syncing based on location, connectivity, sensor data and available inputs will generate user-centric computing models that step away from the islandbased approach of current computing models.

The way it works is that there is central management of user profiles, settings and policies separate from physical or virtual devices. In this environment, security can be maintained and a user’s chosen applications can be provided, across any internet-connected device.

What can we take from all this? The future of IT is not set. In fact, IT is in a state of intense upheaval, with older models challenged by new, unproven methods of operating it could be argued current infrastructure cannot support. One thing is sure.

Whatever the future holds for the IT industry, that same future lies ahead for our electronic and networked security solutions. zzz

p ro d u ct rev i ew

netaxs 1 2 3

Easy as

123

Honeywell’s NetAXS 123 is an access control solution with that combination of deep functionality and an icon-based browser interface that gives you a sniff of our electronic security industry’s powerful, accessible future.

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P

ROWLING around the stands at major exhibitions there are always hidden gems to be found. But while instinct suggests these are most likely to be scuffed out of the carpet amidst higgledy-piggledy start-ups in remote corners, that’s not always the case.

Some of the industry’s largest companies are showing delightful signs of cleverness lately and Honeywell is one such company. We all know Honeywell can engineer the socks off an application.

And we know it builds electronic devices that outlast the buildings they are installed in. But some of Honeywell’s recent developments have something more. There’s a creative lightness of foot you don’t expect from a company that makes hardware.

I could be talking about a number Honeywell’s recent releases but in this case it’s the NetAXS 123 (NX1P and NXIMPS) solutions I formed an attachment to at Security 2013 in Sydney. The Honeywell team pointed out to me when I viewed this solution that it scales eternally but I don’t want

By John Ada m s

Because NetAXS 123 features that embedded Web server there’s no need for dedicated servers or workstations. That means no servers at all, even if you expand the system as hard as you can.

to focus on that aspect of the system here. Well – not much anyway.

Instead, what I like most about this system is its ability to offer a very compact alarm, access control and video surveillance solution with global browser-based management (and set-up). A system that combines these functions without terrifying things like servers and NVRs is much to be desired for many installers and end users.

Something else I want to get out of the way early is that scourge of technical editors the world across, the controller and expander options list.

It’s extensive with each variation having different capabilities that expand significantly. This makes pinning down our subject somewhat challenging.

The heart of the NetAXS 123 system is the NXIP which comes in a plastic enclosure and supports 1 door. But it doesn’t end there.

There are 4 options with NetAXS 123, and these offer 1-3 doors with associated functional variations.

Each of these composite units has its own taxonomy

along with a slightly different feature set but for the purposes of this story, I’m going to generalise. When I say NetAXS 123, I’m talking about a combination of the NX1P or the NX1MPS with 1-door add-on boards and ancilliaries. Now we have some definition of scope, let’s take a look at NetAXS 123.

Broadly, NetAXS 123 can be installed as a webbased access control solution that supports up to 3 doors. Behind the wheel is a Freescale Coldfire 32-bit processor handling door control as well as 4 alarm inputs and 2 outputs. An add-on pack called NetAXS Video is supported by any compatible USB drive that plugs onto the board and allows archiving of 4 cameras of video verification, one for each alarm input.

Sitting over the top of these basic functions is a simple icon-based management browser that allows users to monitor access control and alarm events.

Important from the installer’s point of view, this page is easy to teach end users, allowing them to adjust parameters like times zones, and access levels as well as add and delete cards.

Of course, you can’t do any of this magical stuff properly without getting the basics right, which Honeywell does thanks to embedded Linux software that drives readers and handles automated data collection and configuration updates.

Given it’s a network animal, this panel has an integral RJ-45 PoE port (yes, you can have 12V DC), a move that reduces installation costs and completely eliminates the need for separate power cabling. In its most basic form, the NetAXS 123 lives in a simple poly housing (there’s a metal option). Cardholder and event buffers are 10,000 and 25,000 respectively, which for smaller installations is through the roof.

This is all available off-line, of course.

Because NetAXS 123 features that embedded Web server there’s no need for dedicated servers or workstations. That means no servers at all, even if you expand the system as hard as you can. The browser offers a very simple icon-based control monitor that allows users to view live events and manually control doors and readers, as well as handle reporting. Secure web browsing is SSL and there’s SHA-1 secure socket layer encryption, which is good stuff.

Enhancing the system’s capability is that video recording capability mentioned earlier. Recording is to USB, which means it’s generic and ubiquitous.

When those 1TB USB sticks cost $A25 in the future you’ll have a serious globally-accessible NVR on your hands.

The recording is not constant – it’s event-based and that can be alarm events, access events or both – you choose events and clip times during set-up. Users or installers can change this event recording capability after installation to meet changing threats. Alarm events are driven by standard dry contact sensors, while access events might be door-open-too-long, door propped open, forced entry or invalid card use.

There’s the ability to link NetAXS 123 units via RS-

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485 and to drive them in hosted mode with WinPak SE/PE access control software but I promised not to mention the endless expansion options. They’re there, however, be assured. Given NetAXS 123 is designed to work with WinPak, there’s a lot of highend capability going on that’s quite unexpected.

Supervised inputs and outputs allow for alarms to be detected and triggered. Vital to remote operation, these are configurable via software to control building functions such as power control. And making life easy for installers, the panels are fully upgradeable using flash memory firmware.

Reader options include card only, card and pin, card or pin, pin only, lockdown, disabled, supervisor, escort, limited use card, expire on date, first card rule, snow day rule, time zone toggle and antipassback with local/global capability and hard and soft implementation. The system also supports Honeywell’s rugged little OmniProx external prox reader.

There are other big boy features in abundance.

You get export capabilities for cardholder database, alarms and events, and support for 128 card formats and 8 site codes. Time zone support is also solid at 127 with 128 access levels and 255 holidays. There’s Global Geographic Time Zone support and Daylight Saving Time. Card security is taken seriously as well, which is typical Honeywell. Card format sizes are 75bit allowing for serious formats like PIV, TWIC, and FRAC. Things are well done at a mechanical level too, with colour-coded terminal labels and removable terminal blocks on the control board. There are plenty of tie-down and grounding points on the metal enclosure, as well as a built-in tamper switch.

Driving the system

Management of the system is easy for end users and installers. Set-up is simple and easy to learn.

Installers can hang the hardware then retreat to the lounge room and program the system using any network-connected device. End users can manage employee access remotely, generate reports, view alarm events and fine tune core functions.

Dynamic screen updates refresh system data on the fly – you don’t need to refresh a page to get an update, which is beaut. Events, input and output activations and status screens are all updated 56 se&n

netaxs 1 2 3

automatically giving users a good situational awareness.

Reports and analysis are a strong suite with NetAXS123. There are software modules that retrieve and dish up event transactions from connected hardware, as well as handling alarm monitoring, reporting, and scheduling capabilities.

Other modules facilitate editing of personnel access levels, as well as tweaking system configuration and reporting. These advanced functions are controlled by the passwordprotected user interface. Users can also do hardware configuration changes during or after the installation. These include useful things like door open time, door contact time, location and reader names, and access rights configuration.

The software also supports configuration of alarms triggering the system and scheduled events activated by either time or a specific programmed event. Meanwhile, access control functions include validation based on time of day, day of week, holiday scheduling, and access validation based on positive verification of card or card + PIN (Personal Identification Number).

Management features include card-related software features, time-limited access, PIN codes, suspension of cards, multiple card access, card access groups, time patterns (schedules), anti-pass back (APB) control reporting, first card rule (activates the door time zone), two card rule-supervisor card and regular card to allow access, time zone card toggle for door locks and latching mode for door locks.

This a fiercely comprehensive feature spread for what’s being touted as a browser-based access control solution ostensibly designed to handle simple applications like retail and small commercial.

I guess they can create a globally-addressable single door controller but they can’t remove the Honeywell.

I do like browser-based solutions - with due recognition of the importance of ensuring the mobile devices driving them are properly secured from code bandits and phone thieves. Browser interfaces, and this one in particular, are simple. Solid state controllers with PoE are tough. Together they bring control and management of access control solutions firmly into the year 2013. zzz

Features of NetAXS 123 include: l Browser-based system enables you to easily manage your access control anywhere with an Internet connection l Modular design makes adding doors easy and affordable l Compatible with 4-door NetAXS (NetAXS-4) l Add up to 120 doors downstream l Choice of enclosures for various installations l Compact Plastic Enclosure for mounting right at the door l Standard Metal Enclosure for traditional mounting l Power over Ethernet (PoE) or built-in power supply reduce wiring requirements to save money on installation.

s e n s o rs by john adams

Sense & sensorbility Installers face a choice between PIRs and dual technology sensors and they should make it not on price but on the basis of the sensing technology that best meets their client’s requirements.

G

OOD PIR sensors have dual edge or quad sensing zones and a sensing array with look-down zones, as well as more than one sensing range, and the greatest possible number of discrete zones. Look for surge and low voltage protection, as well as RFI suppression, pyroelectric sensing elements, adjustments letting you alter the range or mask zones and LED-supported latching.

Walk-test is a valuable feature and a plug-in test meter is an advantage.

Other features to look for include fast-change sensor head, anti-masking (a low-power active infrared transceiver), tantallum capacitor-based RFI and EMI protection, a high signal-to-noise ratio, trouble log capability, auto self-test capability and temperature range of -10C to +50C. Better PIRs should have silent alarm relay, multifacted reflectors, low voltage signal, enhanced processing or design characteristics that allow sensitivity to be linked to rate and rise of threshold, duration of zone disturbance and intruder presence in both elements; a tamper contact, site-adjustable sensitivity and first-to-alarm memory.

They’ll also have temperature compensation.

This feature adjusts sensitivity in line with increases

in environmental temperature in the target area taking into account that some locations may approach or exceed the temperature of the human body. When this occurs, an uncompensated sensor may have a detection range of 1-2 metres.

Another issue to consider is lens type. There are 6 primary lens patterns - and these can be applied generally to both fresnel lens types and mirror optics: Long range, dual zone, narrow coverage lenses; Long range, multizone, narrow coverage lenses; Multizone curtain lenses; Broad multizone, wide angle or volumetric and ceiling mount.

The 2 most common lens types are fresnel and mirror optics, with mirror optics offering superior performance. Good fresnel lenses are capable, they’re just not as good as mirror optics.

Strengths and weaknesses of PIRs

Some of the advantages of PIRS include low false alarm rates when installed in compatible environments, low power drains, no energy emissions, no moving parts and simple electronics. PIRs have a long detection range, are cheaper than most other technologies, will not interfere with each other when installed in groups and can be adjusted in terms of lens pattern and sensitivity while in the field.

There are a number of disadvantages with the technology, too. For a start increases in ambient

Some of the advantages of PIRS include low false alarm rates when installed in compatible environments, low power drains, no energy emissions, no moving parts and simple electronics.

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s e n s o rs

Disadvantages of dual technology sensors l More expensive than PIRs l Reduces overall probability of detection compared to PIRs in their perfect environment l Significantly greater complexity means quality control is even more important.

Advantages of dual technology sensors l Lower false alarm rate if environment changes l Sensitive to all kinds of motion l Can be used in hot, windy, changeful sites l Normally includes features that are only found in the best single tech sensors l Sensitive movement in 2 directions l Still have detection capability if one sensor fails.

temperature will affect a PIR’s range and sensitivity.

And it’s possible for intruders to wear a suit or carry a screen that reflects body heat to beat PIR sensing.

There’s not the density or uniformity of coverage with PIRs that you get with other technologies like microwave, either. There are dead zones and it’s possible for furniture or pallets of stock to block some sensors’ views - it depends on design (some do have active detection of such blockages).

In addition, PIRs won’t alarm if the sensing element fails - something that beam sensors will do and a PIR sensor’s detection range is generally limited to 15m x 15m x 50m in wide angle and 50m in narrow beam, or a circular 15m pattern. Other disadvantages include the fact random IRE signals will cause false alarms and there’s a maintenance requirement. Lenses and mirrors need to be kept clean and insects and other pests kept at bay. In dry, dusty environments particles will be electrostatically drawn to the device where they’ll stick and cloud its vision.

When buying PIRs consider: l Zone pattern and range l Latching LED l Window type l Fresnel or mirror lens l Recess options l Walk test capability l Mounting or tilting brackets l Factory test EMI/RFI resistance l Modular electronics l Operating voltage, current draw l Minimum operating temperature l Anti-tamper, anti-mask l Preferred mounting height l Optimum operating temperature l Mounting height.

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Dual technology sensors

When it comes to more challenging environments most installation teams go for dual technology sensors. They’re tough enough to handle sunlit windows and strong air currents and they’ll pick up small movements. Dual technology sensors combine a pair of technologies that are sensitive to 2 different types of disturbance – microwave and passive infrared. The thinking behind this is to ensure that each sensor supports the weaknesses of the other to eliminate false alarms.

It works thanks to the intrinsic nature of each of these 2 sensing technologies. PIR elements sense the level of IRE changing between zones over a set time at a set speed. There aren’t many environmental disturbances that mirror this sort of activity - but strong heat sources in busy environments can challenge poorly designed dual technology sensors.

Microwaves work by covering an area with a signal and then picking up variations between the signals sent and the signals reflected back.

The variation they gather is called the Doppler shift. Microwave sensor technologies offer strong detection performance - they’ll pretty much detect anything that moves at considerable distances.

In terms of dual technology what’s vital is that PIRs are sensitive to movement across their zones, while microwave devices activate if they pick up a Doppler shift that moves either towards the sensor or away from it. Another issue with dual technology gear is each sensor can be tuned up more than would be possible if the sensors were to stand-alone.

Expect to pay from $30-100 for a good dual technology sensor bearing in mind there will be variations in price depending on things like lens design (mirror optic/fresnel), range, signal processing, active IRE and range gating. External units can be more expensive but remember that in all cases if a quality sensor saves you one trip across town the purchase price has been well and truly redeemed. zzz

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intercoms

2N from Electro-Com

Sound and vision

There are a lot of intercom solutions on the market, from upmarket glitz to basic polycarbonate. You need to have a clear idea of what you need from an intercom before you make a selection.

62 se&n

By John Ada m s

I

NTERCOMS have become the luxury item du jour. Littered about the walls of ultra modern city apartments and high tech suburban homes, some are so beautiful it seems a shame to mess them up with fingerprints. But there’s a catch. Intercoms must combine looks with ease of use and flexibility of operation. And in industrial and commercial applications, intercoms need to be seriously rugged – the fewer moving parts the better.

There are 2 key physical elements of the intercom - the call panel at the front door or in the foyer of the building, and the handset within the residence or apartment. Of these 2 components, the call panel in the foyer is the most important operationally and you should devote a significant amount of time establishing its credentials before you make a choice. This call panel will be used and abused.

It’s also the component that, if it fails, will throw what is essentially a resident-controlled access management system into total disarray.

Depending on the application, abuse won’t just come from users. In extreme environments

Call stations generally have the optimum angle and depth of field for facial ID at close range in good light using a fixed lens. there’s going to be rain, dust, electrical disturbance, vandalism and the entropic process of wear to contend with – all of which will challenge your intercom’s call panel.

In order to be sure of performance you can’t just read through a set of glossy specs in a brochure and accept them at face value. You need to take a long hard look at the system – preferably with the building manager or developer of the property present to raise their concerns or issues. Also of benefit is to visit a site with the system you’re keen on actually installed and to check how it’s performing.

And talk to users and installers of the system and get their impressions. Nothing tests a product like operation in the real world and if the system is as reliable as the manufacturer says it is there should be no problem with you getting a list of customers to call. All this might sound a bit extreme but if you’re pitching for a job in which 4 call panels and 50 or 100 handsets are to be installed, along with their associated cabling and subsequent maintenance, then you want to be sure of what you’re getting into.

When you think about the vandal resistance of call panels you’re balancing resilience and cost. You could buy something that would resist a sledgehammer but if it costs 5 times as much as the polycarbonate alternative you’ll miss out on

Aiphone range

the contract. It goes without saying that this cost element will colour your choice but we’re going to assume the property developer/building manager is sensible enough to accept your suggestion the call panel be able to handle real-world vandalism and still function.

This means you need a device built of high impact polycarbonate or of stainless steel. If the unit can handle a blow from a hammer, that’s good. Although beautiful shiny finishes that would be at home in a posh kitchen are the current flavour, you should bear in mind the shinier call panels are more likely to get attention from vandals. Matt finishes are easier to clean when they’ve been spray painted and they don’t look so bad after they’ve been set alight.

It’s also best not to pick a huge external call panel that looks like the cockpit of a jumbo jet – save the toys for the station inside the house. The more complicated it is, the more fun it will be to attack with a screwdriver. In other words, look at the call panel as something that will assuredly suffer assault. Pick a solution that is simple and functional.

If possible, go for something that flush mounts – it will be harder to pull of the wall. You want no standard screw heads in sight and all fixings coming in from the rear (this will come with its own set of challenges), and be sure all the metals involved in construction are matched in nobility on the periodic table. If some silly soul has chosen a more or a less noble metal for screws or bolts in the interests of saving a few cents when it rains the attachment points will turn into a green crust.

When you look at a call panel, imagine you are oil, glue, soft drink, water, sticks or a wire coathanger.

How can you get into that call panel and if you get in, what sort of damage can you do? Pay special attention to microphone and speaker apertures.

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acce s s co n t ro l

intercoms

fixings. The combination of surface and internal oxidation and the entertaining experience of combining stainless or mild steel screws with aluminium housings is not something you’ll want to go through more than once.

This said, if any component is to be sacrificed, make sure it’s the fastener, not the housing. And if you’ve got no choice, break out the WD40 or the CimGuard as an applied corrosion inhibitor.

WD40 is better than you’d think. It’ll give 18-24-months resistance in a typical external application.

Resident handsets

IIS from CSD

These are where the vulnerabilities lie. And be attracted to potted electronics and coated boards – these qualities will save you money.

If there’s a camera present, you want the lens or the glass over the lens to be scratch resistant.

The camera needs to be big enough to do the job without being so large it becomes a weak point. In terms of camera performance, seek the functionality to allow identification without going over the top. Obviously 720p is good but D1 is fine. Call stations generally have the optimum angle and depth of field for facial ID at close range in good light using a fixed lens. Lighting might be an issue, so prefer something with low light capability or IR support.

Other operational features to look for include a door-propped open alarm and a tamper alarm – neither of which will be of any use unless they are monitored.

Have a look at all the buttons on the panel.

Underneath these buttons you want a fluid and dust resistance membrane. That membrane should also isolate the buttons from the call panel’s electrical circuit. The last thing you want is someone shorting the system through the metal buttons on the call panel.

Your task will be made easier if the manufacturer has gone to the trouble of getting a NEMA or IP54 or IP66 rating. There might be a lower IP rating – IP44 for instance – don’t use this sort of panel in a totally exposed external location or its life might be shorter than the 7-year guarantee the builder gives the development.

Under a roofline, however, IP-44 should be fine.

Things not to go for with full external installs include aluminium housings and stainless 64 se&n

Handsets or panels installed inside resident apartments don’t have the same need for bulletproof operation but they should still be of robust construction and designed to handle the rigours of regular use. They’ll need to be of tough polycarbonate able to handle bumps.

One of the key attractions of a modern system is how big the CCTV monitor is and how clear the image of the visitor will be. While all this is nice, there are other more important elements to an intercom solution. Features that are more important than oversize screens include easy operation and a connection that allows easy re-positioning should this be required. Another good feature is an off-switch that allows residents to sleep in or ignore visitors if they want to.

You also want 2-way communication initiated by the resident, not the other way around. You need 2-way so the resident can question the visitor should this be necessary. In addition, you want the front door release button to de-energize the strike on the front door for a limited time – not to jam it open for a whole day. While call panels should always have microphones rather than handsets, resident handsets are fine, taking into account the fact they will not be as reliable in terms of MTBF as a microphone-based call station.

Other things to think about with modern intercom systems include whether you go for colour or monochrome cameras. This issue will be one of cost and attractiveness to the user – both solutions are workable. There’s no question that a CCTV-based intercom does allow a greater level of identification and therefore, security, than a voice-only solution. Once again, it’s down to the dollars.

The latest systems feature snazzy options like VoIP, remote management and maintenance software, addressable devices and Ethernet compatibility. Your selection in relation to these will be guided by the infrastructure of the site.

Nice things to have would be PoE, or in simpler systems, the ability to piggyback on the existing phone lines. Much depends on the infrastructure of the site you’re working on.

Bticino range from DAS

Available in Australia from Direct Alarm Supplies are Bticino intercom systems and integrated intercom telephone systems. From a single internal handset, Bticino intercom systems can expand to 96 entry points and 4000 users or apartments in either audio and/or audio and video applications.

All Bticino systems have the option to be supplied with the ability for integration to lifts, CCTV cameras and access control systems.

Bticino intercom system modules comprise of entrance panels and handset choices based on analogue, 2 wire and 8 wire audio and/or video structures.

The Bticino system has a digital directory panel for up to 4000 apartments and the vandal resistant entrance panel is available in 2-wire and 8-wire audio/video in flush mount only.

This allows users to search for the resident by their name or apartment number. Constructed from 4mm stainless steel, these call panels also feature removable connection terminals for easy

Nice things to have would be PoE, or in simpler systems, the ability to piggyback on the existing phone lines. Much depends on the infrastructure of the site you’re working on. installation and servicing.

Panel features include IP54 weather rating, door release facility, adjustable speech volume, night illumination (backlighting) and IR illumination, as well as adjustable camera viewing angle for video panels.

Aiphone AX

The Aiphone AX series allows a security intercom system to be configured with up to 120 colour video or audio door stations and up to 8 hands-free master stations. With the demand from installers for a quality intercom system that can be cabled using Cat5e cable, the Aiphone AX system was designed specifically to use Cat5e cable and will support wiring distances of up to 300 meters from the central control unit to any door station or master station.

Flush mount and surface mount vandal resistant video door stations are available. The video door stations are also available with an insert that enables a HID prox reader to be installed into the door station. The AX system also supports the Aiphone IE series audio door stations and will support systems with a mixture of audio and video door stations.

Setup of the Aiphone AX is accomplished with the included PC software which enables the

New bticino from DAS

system configuration to be set via a PC. Master stations are available in both video and audio formats, with the video model fitted with a colour TFT LCD screen.

The 19-inch rack mount control units are available in 2 models, the AX084C which enables a mixture of 8 video or audio door stations and 4 video or audio master stations, and the AX248C which enables a mixture of 24 video or audio door stations and 8 video or audio master stations.

AX032C expansion units are available which enable an additional 32 video or audio door stations to be installed, up to 3 AX032C expanders can be installed in a system.

A separate door release output is provided for each door station. These door release outputs can be programmed to be make or break contacts via the setup software. AX16SW switch units are available to increase the number of door stations that can be connected to a master station. Up to 7 switch units can be installed on a master station.

The Cat5e wiring is home run from the door station/s or master station/s back to the central exchange location. Connection to the video door stations, master stations and exchange components of the communication wiring is via RJ45 modular connector’s further simplifying termination of the wiring and reducing the chances of wiring errors.

The AX exchange units have 2 video outputs which can be used to feed the video from an active video door station to a DVR for recording purposes, 2 open collector outputs are also tied to these video outputs to trigger the recording device when a door station calls. zzz

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vivotek CC 81 30 camera

Counter camera VIVOTEK has released the new CC8130 1MP retail camera, which is designed to offer 180-degree views in retail, domestic and small commercial applications.

N

EW from VIVOTEK is the compact CC8130.

Key features include a 1MP CMOS Sensor, a 180-degree horizontal panoramic view lens, a compact and elegant design, real-time H.264 and MJPEG compression (dual codec), 30fps @ 1280x800, and built-in IEEE. The wide angle lens has a fixed focal length of 1.3mm giving a useable depth of field for face recognition in small or medium-sized spaces.

There’s a minimum scene illumination of .047 lux.

Other numbers of interest include 94g weight, 24-month warranty and 0-40C temperature range, which is fine for internal duties.

VIVOTEK calls the CC8130 the Counter Camera because when installed behind a counter it gives 180-degree view of the entire area. Supporting this application there’s a flat and a tilt-mount bracket so the unit can be installed just above counter staff for a clearer view.

What’s so special about this camera is that it’s discreet. It’s easy to install on a wall behind or adjacent to a counter, which is great for getting facerecognition shots from front-on. It’s not easy to get good face shots from a camera installed up high in a ceiling corner where it is secure from direct attack or

tamper. The CC8130 hides in plain sight so you can put it right at counter level.

The CC8130 is an affordable unit, too. It’s only been kitted out with what might be needed for a retail application – there’s nothing more bolted on to raise the price unnecessarily. This said, there is a built– in microphone (G.711 compression) so the camera can record audio as well as video, to help with any counter disputes that might take place.

Installed in tandem with VIVOTEK’s ST7501 multi-lingual 32-channel recording software, users can also take advantage of the iViewer remote monitoring app for iOS and Android mobile devices, setting up an easy-to-use IP surveillance system with ease. Up to 10 users can view the camera at a time via the integrated Mozilla browser.

Supporting the software are camera features like ePTZ and 4x digital zoom. Depending on the application, you can adjust resolution and bit-rate, as well as tweaking image size, time stamping, overlaying text and flip and mirroring. There’s configurable brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness, white balance, exposure control, gain, backlight compensation, privacy masking and scheduled profile settings.

Meanwhile, video recording can be triggered by triple window video motion detection, manual trigger or periodical trigger. The unit has an LED that indicates connection status so staff can be sure the camera is recording without leaving the retail area.

I got a look at image streams from the CC8130 on the VIVOTEK Stand at Security 2013 and it’s really very good. There’s great colour rendition. The contrast is good. There’s no sign of lag in processing caused by quick movements in the scene.

The fixed lens is doing well on the VIVOTEK stand, which is probably about the size of a typical retail space. But the camera is still getting decent images outside that distance without dramas. The light in the exhibition hall is solid so there’s no chance of checking the half-lux minimum scene illumination number. However, the CC8130 is handling spot lights with aplomb.

It’s doing a good job of handling the challenges of its 180-degree hemispheric lens, too. There’s no distortion to the eye, just an exceedingly wide-angle view of the scene. In fact, this is a camera you could see being used in a range of neat commercial and domestic applications. zzz

Features of VIVOTEK’s CC8130 include: l 1MP CMOS sensor l 180-degree horizontal panoramic view l Compact design l Real time H.264 and MJPEG compression l 30fps @ 1280 x 800 pixels l Integrated IEEE 802.3af compliant PoE.

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turbo-charged!

Put your sales in overdrive with Honeywell’s VISTA Turbo Series Honeywell‘s popular VISTA commercial and high-end residential control panels have been enhanced with exciting new capabilities and features to help you

grow your business. Faster clock speed and enhanced software deliver more robust system performance and

enhance the end-user experience. VISTA Turbo now with up to 250 zones, seamlessly integrates with Honeywell’s

WIN-PAK® access control systems, making it an ideal fit for larger installations.

VISTA Turbo. Simply a great way to drive new business.

For more information, please call 1300 234 234 or visit www.honeywell.com/security/hsc © 2013 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.

cas e st u dy

hid

High performance HID Global has been selected by integrator, Performance Buildings, to create access management solutions that enable companies and individuals to utilize shared workspaces and on-demand offices.

P

ERFORMANCE Buildings is a system integrator that provides technology for ondemand offices. It has formed a partnership with Design Offices, an innovative service provider, to successfully design and implement high-end technology solution offerings for tenants of shared office workspaces.

Typically, tenants are private companies and public organizations that utilize office space as and when required, without having to commit to full-time rent. Performance Buildings currently operates in Switzerland, Germany and in the USA.

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It has ambitious plans to expand across Asia and South Africa.

Design Offices is headquartered in Munich and offers a broad range of high-end, shared workspaces for clients seeking to rent temporary office space ‘on-demand’, as well as short, mid and long term rentals. As part of its technology offering for tenants, Performance Buildings and Design Offices was looking for a technology solution provider that met its high standards for a secure access system to the office space that was easy to use and delivered cost benefits.

The key requirements it wanted to focus on included interoperable, secure, convenient and future-proof access control technology for office spaces, a cost-efficient IP-based solution that could be easily integrated and installed, and support for its book rooms on-demand functionality, providing an open application programming interface.

It also needed a solution that allowed for a wide choice of custom configurations. These included the ability to allow the use of of traditional methods of secure access, such as smart cards, as well as newer technologies utilising Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled phones for mobile access control.

Performance Buildings evaluated HID Global’s network access control solutions along with a number of other solutions. HID Global was successfully able to address the following key selection criteria: l Integration into any type of building l Integration into any type of legacy system l Capable of providing a flexible approach that could adapt to different types of application scenarios l Customised service approach l Completely automated solution l Interoperable with Performance Buildings’ current IP-based architecture, linking all subsystems and their devices.

The core solution implemented was HID Global’s Edge Reader ERP40, an IP-based card reader that meets the demands of open architecture, IP-centric environments and provides fully distributed intelligence and decision making right to the door, leveraging the IT infrastructure to the maximum extent possible.

“The addition of HID Global’s EdgeReader ERP40 provides the access intelligence to do much more than open doors with cards,” said Dr. Vishal Mallick, CEO Performance Buildings.

“The fact that it is open and IP-based allows us to integrate the ERP40 device into our IT-centric architecture and use authenticated credentials to drive lighting, climate and audio visual systems today, as well as room bookings and facility management task allocation in the future.”

In addition, HID Global’s multiCLASS SE, provided tenants flexibility in using a range of new and existing access card technologies, such as contactless proximity cards and smart cards, or more advanced technology such as NFC smartphones to access the office building and rooms. Office visitors could also be provided access to office workspaces via Performance Buildings touch screen that was enabled by HID Global’s EdgeReader to open doors.

Furthermore, HID Global’s EdgeReader also allowed for cost efficiencies, as the initial investment outlay was reduced through the reader’s use of Power over Ethernet (PoE) that

A strong identity management governance structure was required from Design Offices to facilitate a seamless experience for its existing tenants and clients using the facilities ondemand. eliminates the requirement for additional cabling, separate power supplies and multi-door controllers.

Finally, HID Global’s open architecture based OPIN application program interface (API) was highly cost-effective and required relatively little effort to create a robust integrated solution with EDGE readers/ controllers.

“The EDGE Reader/Controller is the only open IP solution available on the market,” explained Dr. Mallick. “And with its API, it could be easily integrated into our software and installed. Also, HID Global’s multiCLASS SE readers allow us to have one standardised product for the vast majority of buildings due to its interoperability with a range of legacy and existing smart cards in our facility.

“Identity management touches everything in the Performance Buildings’ grid.” said Dr. Mallick. “A strong identity management governance structure was required from Design Offices to facilitate a seamless experience for its existing tenants and clients using the facilities on-demand, including the ability to book rooms and catering services online, open conference room doors, and sign out

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once their session is over. It was important to offer a wide menu of services to enhance the way we do business.

“We’re not just offering rooms, we’re offering endusers of the office space – tenants or temporary ‘on-demand’ end-users of the office space – a secure environment where they can work, meet, hold conferences and provide training sessions in a location where they feel comfortable, and for us, which includes offering all the technological solutions they need in today’s modern world,” said Phill Handy, managing director, Design Offices.

“So, for example, we wanted to be able to offer 24-hour access to rooms, automated check-in and check-out services but without having to provide

Our end users who are renting our office spaces love it. It’s easy to use, and allows them to use the online booking system from the road and come to the offices with their PIN code to access meeting rooms whenever they want – they love the flexibility and security.

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hid

staff or all the paper-based procedures,” Handy explained. “We also wanted people to be able to book rooms on the move, so it was critical that easy-to-use online options were available.”

This broad range of functionality and flexibility supported by HID Global’s solutions allowed Performance Buildings to offer a comprehensive service that catered for different user needs as well as multiple application requirements.

With a robust system that powered Design Offices’ shared workspaces, Performance Buildings reported that it had seen a return on investment (ROI) within 6 months of deployment in Munich and improved efficiencies thereafter. As the company continues to expand, the use of HID Global solutions will continue to broaden.

The solution has also enabled Performance Buildings to accelerate 4 new deployments in different German locations, as it has been able to utilize the experience and expertise gained from this implementation. This has resulted in cost and time efficiencies.

“We were curious about how a large, global company would deal with a small, developing company like us but we were thrilled that HID Global responded quickly and provided us with the level of support and consultation that we needed to progress,” said Dr. Vishal Mallick.

Design Offices is delighted with the results.

“Using HID Global’s solutions in conjunction with Performance Buildings’ technology is all part of our future expansion plans,” said Handy. “We’re going to take their combined solutions with us when we move to Dusseldorf, Berlin and Hamburg and we’re doing this because it allows us to be more efficient while providing our clients – existing tenants or temporary clients on-demand with the security, privacy and ease of use that they’ve been looking for.

“Our end users who are renting our office spaces love it. It’s easy to use, and allows them to use the online booking system from the road and come to the offices with their PIN code to access meeting rooms whenever they want – they love the flexibility and security,” added Handy.

“And we love it because we don’t have to supply staff 24 hours nor all the paper-based checkingin and checkingout, so feedback has been fantastic.

For us, this is a confirmation that this is the right product for our different types of clients.” zzz

Knowledge. Students at the world-leading Warsash Maritime

Academy in the UK hone their seafaring skills through a realistic engine room simulator. Teachers use Milestone XProtect® Professional software to monitor and listen to students from a separate room. These recorded two-hour training sessions help students graduate with a firstclass education. Proving again Milestone can solve problems that are more than security.

Milestone XProtect® is the world’s leading IP video surveillance management software and is reliable, future proof and easy to use. It supports the widest choice in cameras and seamlessly integrates with business and security solutions such as video analytics. Which means your possibilities are unlimited and you can keep your security options open.

See our new products and the new ways to use XProtect at: www.milestonesys.com

Milestone Systems Australia Теl: +61 3 9016 7877

p ro d u ct rev i ew

canon ptz dome camera

Canon Fires Canon launched what it says is the world’s smallest 1080p HD powered PTZ dome camera at the Integrate Expo in Sydney. The camera is part of a new range of cameras which combine compact size and strong performance.

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C

ANON’S new range of compact 1080p HD surveillance cameras has been developed specifically for anti-crime and operations surveillance purposes and is IEEE802.1X compliant.

“The new range of network cameras is perfect for retail and commercial environments, office surveillance, building security and for operations management,” said David Klineberg, general manager, Canon Specialised Imaging.

“The 4 new cameras are the result of Canon’s extensive research and investment into lens and imaging technology. These cameras feature our high-end Canon lenses in a miniature form providing excellent image quality and low-light performance, are very easy to install and offer a great set of advanced intelligent features.”

A new function, Auto Smart Shade Control (Auto SSC) is also built into the whole range, and maintains image sharpness even when shadows are generated by backlight or other causes, ensuring correct brightness of the entire image.

Faces and other subject matter being viewed remain sharp and clearly visible even with bright light in the background.

“On the few occasions where we have been able to access pre-release models of the new full HD cameras, our customers have commented on their remarkably small size and amazing quality – these cameras are just larger than the palm of your hand,” says Klineberg.

“This range has been developed in response to market demands and offers superb image quality, usability, ease of installation and is the smallest size in its class. We are confident that this product will have a strong uptake with Australian retail and commercial customers,” he explains.

All the cameras feature Canon-engineered D!GIC DVIII and D!GIC NET II processors used in Canon’s high-end cinema cameras, to enable the highest quality image capture and high speed image compression and network distribution.

Canon’s D!GIC is implemented as an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) designed to perform high speed signal processing as well as the control operations in the product in which it has been incorporated. Over its numerous generations, D!GIC has evolved from a system involving a number of discrete integrated circuits to a single chip system, many of which are based around the ARM architecture platform of RISC processors.

Since these processors are based around the ARM CPUs, custom firmware for these units has been developed to add features to Canon’s cameras.

There’s also multi-streaming capability that allows footage to be watched in full HD live, at the same time users are recording video in varying compressed formats at full HD or lower resolutions to extend recording capacity.

Models in the Canon range

Canon’s VB-S30D (3.5 x PTZ dome) measures 120mm x 54mm. It features a 3.5x optical zoom with AF offering a horizontal wide angle view of 77.7 degrees. Low light performance is 0.95 lux in colour which is a creditably realistic claim from Canon.

The camera has intelligent analytics functions including Moving Object detection, Abandoned Object detection, Removed Object detection, Camera Tampering detection, Passing detection and Volume detection.

There’s also auto SSC that ensures automatic optimum image capturing of wide dynamic range scenes such as the back-lit object at an entrance, as well. This is a day/night camera with digital night mode with auto day/night switching function for further low light scene image capturing.

There’s PoE-compliance for easy and quick one-cable power supply, a microSD card slot, LAN terminal, I/O, audio terminal and conformance to ONVIF profile S support.

This range has been developed in response to market demands and offers superb image quality, usability, ease of installation and is the smallest size in its class.

Next comes the Canon VB-S31D (PT dome) and VB-S800D (fixed dome). These form a low-cost full HD dome series with high-image quality/lowlight technologies and precision mechatronics technology packed in a compact body (120mm x 54mm).

Key features of these 2 cameras include wide angle 95-degree bright F1.6 fixed focal length Canon lens. The low light capability is 0.5 lux for colour video there’s the same analytic functionality – the ability to alarm/record on Moving Object detection, Abandoned Object detection, Removed Object detection, Camera Tampering detection, Passing detection and Volume detection. Other features include microSD card slot, LAN terminal, I/O, audio terminal, remote PT function (VB-S31D), wall-mount (VB-S800D) and ONVIF profile S support.

Finally there’s the VB-900F fixed box camera.

It’s a low-cost full HD camera equipped with high image quality/low light technologies. It has a wide angle 96-degree Bright F1.6 single focal Canon lens and offers 0.5 lux minimum scene illumination.

This camera offers the same intelligent analytic functions and also has microSD card slot, LAN terminal, I/O, audio terminal and support for ONVIF profile S. zzz

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s p e ci al re p o rt sig 201 3

Leased solutions by Orion

Lovely PTZ from DVTel

Security in Government SIG 2013 held in Canberra last month gave government security people a chance to get a look at the latest electronic security technology from a range of manufacturers and major integrators.

Wireless data links

V

ISITOR’S to SIG last month saw new products and solutions from a range of companies in areas like access control, alarms and video surveillance. Probably what was most interesting to me was that there were a couple of companies at the show that hire out mobile integrated security solutions. By this I don’t mean the large external trailers but single camera units that communicate by wireless.

Security in Government is an exhibition welded to a conference and it always has a distinctive tidal flow. One exhibitor observed to me that the quality of delegates was exceptional and that the focus of delegates was operational yet governed by budget.

My favourite product at SIG was a Biometric entry portal from Pacom Systems called EyeSwipe Nano TS, which uses EyeLock iris recognition technology. It’s superfast and has very high accuracy.

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SNP Security

Pacom into biometrics

OPS showed BriefCam

CCTV Hire solutions

My favourite product at SIG was a biometric entry portal from Pacom Systems called EyeSwipe Nano TS.

Honeywell integrated

The HID Global team

Control from Pelco

Schneider Electric

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new pr o d u ct s h owcase / new p roduct showcase / new p roduct showcase /

editor’s choice

What’s new in the industry

Hikvision HD-SDI DVR 1080P HIKVISION’S DS-8100HFHI-ST supports uncompressed and non-packetized Full HD 1080P video over analogue cabling with no lag time. This HD-SDI DVR series supports up to 16-ch video inputs (4-ch and 8-ch are also available) with real-time recording at a resolution of 1920x1080p@30fps across all channels.

This offers customers the capability to monitor larger arenas (such as banking, gambling, and traffic environments) where IP systems may not be currently suitable.

As well, simultaneous HDMI and VGA outputs are supported with a high definition display of 1080P. The DS-8100HFHI-ST allows up-to 8 SATA HDDs, with up-to 4TB capacity for each disk. n Distributor: CSD n Contact: 1300 319 499

Dahua Eco-Savvy Network Cameras DAHUA Technology has released the new DH-IPC5000/4000 Eco-Savvy series network camera which offers 1.3MP, 2MP as well as 3MP with diverse designs and sizes. With the new Ambarella chipset adopted, the series realizes low consumption and low streaming, which explains well of its eco-friendly design.

The series encodes @1080p with a bitrate 2MB and @720p with a bitrate of 1MB, and is capable of real-time encoding at 1.3Mp, 2Mp and 3Mp. Other functions like ultra 3DNR, smart IR, DWDR (Digital WDR) and ICR render excellent image quality throughout day/night. Meanwhile, the series offers selectable lens and IR LEDs for your option. n Distributor: Dahua Technology n Contact: +86 571 8768 8883

FLIR PT-602CZ Long Range Thermal FLIR’S PT-602CZ is designed to protect perimeters and property day and night at long range with a resolution of 640 x 512 pixels. It can be integrated into existing networks or used as a stand-alone unit. The PT602CZ multi-sensor is equipped with a highly reliable, mid-wave, cooled detector which offers mid- to longrange detection.

Equipped with powerful continuous optical zoom capability on the thermal image, the PT-602CZ offers excellent situational awareness but also has the ability to zoom-in and see more detail, once a target has been detected. Multi-sensor configurations also include a day/ night 36 x zoom colour CCD camera on the same pan/tilt package.

The camera’s precision pan/ tilt mechanism gives operators accurate pointing control while providing fully programmable scan patterns, radar slew-to-cue and slew-to-alarm functionality. It allows the user to rotate the camera 360-degrees continuously and to tilt +90 or -90 degrees. The pan/tilt has 128 pre-set positions.

The PT-602CZ zooms between a 28-degree wide field of view and a 2-degree narrow field of view. It allows detecting a man-sized target at a distance of over 9 kilometres, and a small car can be detected at a distance of more than 15 kilometres in most weather conditions. n Distributor: Flir Systems n Contact: 1300 729 987

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duct showcase / n ew p ro d u ct s h owcas e / new pr o d u ct showcase / new p roduct showcase / new p roduct showcase /

IndigoVision Enhanced HD Camera Range INDIGOVISION has launched its new Enhanced High Definition (HD) cameras.

With the latest camera sensor and processor technology the Enhanced HD camera range delivers both stunning HD video and advanced camera intelligence while reducing total security project costs.

IndigoVision’s Enhanced HD cameras feature the latest 1/2.7-inch camera sensor technology providing amazing HD picture detail and clarity.

Combined with dual pixel Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and a Mechanical IR cut filter, high image quality is still delivered even under challenging lighting conditions.

IndigoVision’s dual processor technology has been upgraded with the latest Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and ARM processors, this means HD video quality at dramatically lower network bandwidth, resulting in reduced video storage costs and HD video that is easier to distribute over networks.

IndigoVision’s dual processor technology also delivers advanced analytics such as Virtual Tripwire and Counterflow Detection, robust security through a Linux firewall and no requirement for a central management server, thanks to IndigoVision’s Distributed Network Architecture (DNA) solution design.

By using an FPGA processor, the Enhanced HD camera range features can be further improved with firmware upgrades, future-proofing camera investment.

VIVOTEK IP8371E Bullet Network Camera VIVOTEK has launched its professional outdoor bullet network camera IP8371E, which was the recipient of the IP Camera Excellence Award at Secutech Taipei 2013. With a 3MP CMOS sensor, the camera is capable of delivering 2048 x 1536 resolution video at 30 fps with superb image quality.

By prioritizing the optimization of video quality, Vivotek has designed the IP8371E with several advanced features, including a removable IR-cut filter, built-in 30-meter IR illuminators, WDR Enhancement technology and 3D noise reduction technology. Because of the removable IR-cut filter and WDR Enhancement, the camera is capable of capturing high quality video and identifying objects under changing lighting conditions around the clock.

With the built-in 30 meter range IR illuminators, video in completely dark environments can be captured without external illumination. Equipped with 3D noise reduction technology and newly developed Smart Stream technology, IP8371E can reduce bandwidth from sensor noise when capturing clear and polished video under low light conditions, and optimize the resolution of a desired object or area to maximize bandwidth efficiency at the same time.

In order to simplify the installation process, Vivotek has designed the IP8371E with a P-iris lens, which controls the iris with extreme precision, as well as the Smart Focus System, which allows for remote focus and zoom adjustment via a built-in stepper motor. n Distributor: Altech n Contact: +61 2 8622 8073

HID FARGO HDP5000 HID Global has made enhancements to the popular FARGO HDP5000 printer/ encoder including a new graphical display, faster throughput speeds, dual card hopper and other expanded capabilities.

“Unique additions like the dual card hopper for instance, result in greater efficiency for our customers who, like the U.S. Department of Defense, can now simultaneously print to both smart chip cards needed for active military personnel and also to the non-technology cards needed for retirees and family members,” said Alan Fontanella, vice president of product marketing for Secure Issuance with HID Global.

For more than 14 years, HDP technology has led the industry in reliability, affordability and versatility for a wide range of customers worldwide. n Distributor: HID n Contact: +61 3 9809 2892

n Distributor: Integrated Products n Contact: 1300 055 164

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editor’s choice

What’s new in the industry

Dahua Releases 16/32-CH 1.5U NVRs

Axis M30-VE

DAHUA Technology has released a 16/32-ch1.5U 16-PoE network video recorder (DH-NVR5416/5432-16P), featuring high-resolution live view and 16 PoE ports, which makes the device powerful with easy configuration.

The devices are up to 16/32 channel with 1080p live view, supporting maximum 2 channels and 3 channels at 5Mp or 3Mp; 8channels at 1080p, and 16 channels at 720p preview & playback; with 16 channels at 1080p input and recording.

These units accommodate 32TB storage with 4 SATA HDDs and 1 eSATA, and they support plug & play, making the operation much easier. Dahua NVRs conform to ONVIF2.0 and multi-brand network cameras.

AXIS has released the Axis M3024LVE, which provides 1MP or HDTV 720p video with an 80-degree field of view, and AXIS M3025-VE, which delivers 2MP, HDTV 1080p video with a wide 93-degree viewing angle. Both cameras have an automatically removable infraredcut filter. This allows the cameras to capture color video during daytime conditions and make use of infrared (IR) light in low-light conditions for high-quality black and white video.

Axis M3024-LVE further enables surveillance in complete darkness when using its built-in infrared (IR) illumination, see film.

Axis M3024-LVE and Axis M3025-VE enable quick and easy installation.

They can be mounted on walls or ceilings, and the camera direction can be easily adjusted. The cameras support Corridor Format, have a 2m network cable and are powered using Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af). Separate outdoor housings are not required as the cameras are outdoor-ready with IP66 and NEMA 4X ratings that ensure protection against dust, rain, snow and corrosion.

n Distributor: Dahua Technology n Contact: +86 571 8768 8883

VARIO lighting Now With High-End PSU RAYTEC’S award winning family of VARIO illuminators is now complete with its own high-end range of dedicated power supply units. Designed to correctly power all VARIO illuminators including VARIO IP, the power supplies provide a range of advanced features and the easiest, quickest and safest wiring and installation platform.

As a full product family, there is a PSU to power any VARIO illuminator; purpose designed to work together as a high performance system. VARIO PSUs provide the option to run multiple lights from one PSU, and offer CAT5 connectivity for VARIO IP network illuminators. The Fast-Connect wiring system also allows the quickest and easiest wiring of all VARIO input and output connections.

VARIO PSUs provide a high quality and robust IP66 enclosure making them suitable for all environmental conditions. Innovative status LEDs are also provided to indicate correct voltage and to provide internal illumination support for during night-time installation.

All VARIO PSUs require a 100-230V AC input and provide 24V output. 20W, 50W and 100W PSU options are available to provide a solution for all VARIO low voltage lighting installations. VARIO PSUs are also provided with a 3 year warranty. n Distributor: Pacific Communications n Contact: +61 3 9676 0222

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n Distributor: Axis Communications n Contact: +61 3 9982 1111

n ew p rod

duct showcase / n ew p ro d u ct s h owcas e / new pr o d u ct showcase / new p roduct showcase / new p roduct showcase /

Honeywell Pro-Watch 4.0

Axis M3007-PV Panoramic AXIS M3007-PV Network Camera is a 5MP fixed mini dome that provides detailed, high quality 360-degree or 180-degree panoramic views of areas as large as 650 square metres. The vandal and dust-resistant indoor mini dome can be used to detect activities, track the flow of people and improve area management.

AXIS M3007-PV offers different views: 360-degree overview and de-warped views such as panorama, double panorama and quad views. The quad view is suitable, for instance, when the camera is positioned at an intersection of corridors. The camera also provides 4 individually cropped out and dewarped view areas where users can digitally pan, tilt and zoom in on areas of interest. Multiple video streams in H.264 and Motion JPEG can be sent simultaneously.

Axis M3007-PV can be mounted on a wall or ceiling. The camera comes focused at delivery, which shortens the installation time and supports Power over Ethernet. Other features include video motion detection and active tampering alarm. In the 360-degree overview mode, the camera also supports the installation of intelligent video applications, such as people counting and heat mapping. A built-in microSDHC card slot enables several days of recording to be stored locally on a memory card.

PRO-Watch 4.0 is Honeywell’s flagship integrated security management platform, allowing large companies to easily manage complex systems that tie together access control, IP video surveillance, intrusion detection and building management technology for tighter security and increased productivity. Pro-Watch 4.0 includes new features such as support for wireless readers, new compliance reporting functions and web-based alarm and event management capabilities.

With built-in Ingersoll Rand Schlage AD-400 Wireless Reader integration, ProWatch 4.0 leverages wireless technology to accelerate the installation process and reduce the need for additional wiring. This drives down material and labour costs for installers. In addition, the system’s wireless functionality helps installers extend protection to areas that are difficult to reach with wired readers such as in historical buildings or remote locations.

Pro-Watch Compliance Report Manager and advanced badging are standard offerings in the new release. These features give users the ability to easily create and manage employee access cards and create custom statistical and transaction reports. The system also allows them to access alarm and event data through any Internet-connected device, reducing PC operating system issues and dedicated PC costs. n Distributor: Honeywell n Contact: 1300 234 234

VIVOTEK’s IP8173H VIVOTEK’s IP8173H, designed in a mini-box form factor, fits into a range of enclosures with a CS-mount lens, offering flexible installation for monitoring under a diverse set of surveillance environments, such as retail, government, industrial, hotel security and city surveillance. Featuring a 3MP WDR CMOS sensor, IP8173H enables viewing resolution of 2048x1536 at 20 fps or 1920x1080 at 30 fps.

The WDR Pro feature allows the camera to deliver superb image quality under challenging lighting conditions and secure video quality close to the capabilities of the human eye by capturing both the dark and bright parts of an image. n Distributor: Altech n Contact: +61 2 8622 8073

n Distributor: Axis Communications n Contact: +61 3 9982 1111

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re g u lars help desk

helpdesk

We’ve been having some trouble with network connected security gear that disappears when there’s router trouble. It’s not something that happens all the time but it has happened often enough that we need to address it. Is there some simple low cost industry standard solution that allows us to reboot devices remotely to resolve these issues – something that will let us know when there’s a problem, too?

A: We’d suggest something like Dataprobe iBoot, which costs around $A200. It’s a simple AC power switch with an in-built web server and 10/100 network port. iBoot can be accessed via web browser or direct IP connection to remotely power on, off or reboot an attached router, server, computer or other device over network. Password protection is provided for security and standard C13/C14 sockets are used for connection. iBoot uses international standard IEC320-C13/C14 connections and is autosensing for world-wide use.

It’s easy to use, too. Just point your browser to the IP address of iBoot, enter the password and click power ON, OFF or Reboot. It’s that simple.

There’s an Auto-Ping feature that allows iBoot to automatically detect failed equipment and perform a timed reboot or other power control function (like turning on an indicator or siren).

You set any IP address to be periodically Pinged. When iBoot no longer detects a response from the address, the programmed power control function is actuated. Power Control can be PowerUp, Power-Down or Timed Reboot (either once or repeatedly until the

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Our panel of experts answers your questions.

ping response resumes) when the Ping is not responded to.

A heartbeat monitor allows iBoot to monitor one or more devices and take action when these devices fail. With the Heartbeat monitor enabled, iBoot will expect a network message on a regular interval. When it misses a user defined number of intervals, it will perform its programmed action.

The heartbeat can be generated in any of several ways; a Windows executable program that will run as a tray applet that will transmit either continuous heartbeats to an iboot. A Windows .dll file is also available for use by Windows applications.

This will run as a tray application and monitor a specific process. If the monitored process stops responding the application will stop transmitting the heartbeat to the iBoot. There’s Heartbeat Protocol to allow developers to imbed this capability directly into their software products.

Q: Is fibre a set and forget technology or do we need to factor it into regular maintenance? We’ve taken over a site with some fibre – some of which is very messy – and we’re trying to put together a maintenance program that’s workable.

A: Fibre ends are butted up against each other in the ferrules, not bonded to each other. That means the connection can be messed up by dirty industrial, commercial

and external environments, especially if they’re moist. You’ve got a couple of choices – the first is to just keep cleaning the fibre tips when you notice performance is falling. The second option is to replace your connectors with IP-67 rated units.

There are several advantages. One is that signal loss will drop to just 0.20 dB from a typical multimode fibre loss of greater than 1dB with SMA connectors. But the big advantage in your case is that LC ODVA compliant IP-67 rated connectors resist moisture, humidity, dust, industrial gases and anything else an installation might throw at them.

Q: PoE seems to be all anyone ever talks about but are there applications where other options are a superior choice?

A: PoE does have some advantages including low cost cabling, a fast data rate, no batteries and peer-to-peer network access so that once a device is connected to the network, it is accessible to many users. Because PoE provides both data and power connections in a single cable there’s no need to cable for power.

What this means is that if a location has no power or data connection, PoE can be attractive for lower power applications.

PoE offers decent cable runs of around 100m and deliver 12-15Ws of galvanically isolated power. PoE-plus provides even more power – up to 30W. That’s plenty for

is complete. Removing ground poses a risk of serious injury. If when you plug the 2-prong adaptor into the outlet the image tearing/flagging is reduced then there’s a ground loop between your camera and the monitor. Put in either a passive or an active ground loop corrector and your problem will be solved.

Q: Would you ever install a single technology microwave sensor in a security application? Or is the technology unsuitable for security applications?

A: Straight microwave is fine for security sensing applications so long as it’s properly designed and installed. Microwave is a security applications of most types.

Alternatives include the Universal Serial Bus (USB), which also offers data and power, but is designed for short cables with a maximum length of 5 m (16 ft) and provides less than 2.5 W of non-isolated power. USB is cheaper than PoE, and works well for low power peripherals such as a computer mouse, a headset/microphone or a serial port. Then there’s IEEE 1394 (FireWire), which is similar to USB but kicks out much more power (45 W) over short distances of 4.5 m.

Something to consider is that if there is power nearby but no data, you can use local power. And if there’s a wireless data LAN it might be better to go with 802.11 instead.

Q: We’ve installed an analogue surveillance system with a DVR in a car yard and we’re having trouble with pictures running between buildings on either side of the lot. The bottom part of the scene is fine but the upper part is scrambled. What’s the problem likely to be? And what can we do to fix it?

A: You have a ground loop issue. Typically, you’ll notice the top 25 per cent of the screen will be tearing while the lower part of the scene will be normal. At times there may even be a quality image on the screen but it won’t last. A single volt on your coax cable run is enough to cause the torn images you describe. To check if this is what’s going on, head to the first point of connection at the DVR end of the run.

PoE does have some advantages including low cost cabling, a fast data rate, no batteries and peerto-peer network access so that once a device is connected to the network, it is accessible to many users.

Disconnect the coax and plug it directly into a monitor that’s sourcing power from the same outlet as the DVR was. If there’s no longer tearing in the picture you’ve got hardware or connection problems. If the tearing remains you’ll need to continue with your troubleshooting. Attach a 2-prong adaptor (no ground) to the monitor’s AC plug then plug the adaptor back into the same outlet - this has removed the monitor from the electrical system’s ground Don’t connect the grounding wire to the adaptor. Remember to remove the 2-prong adaptor as soon as your test

brilliant solution when you want to detect intruders coming at the sensor head-on.

The weakness (or the too-great strength) of microwave is that it tends to detect things happening in the background.

Way in the background – across the road and through the neighbour’s wall into the background. Protech’s Piramid stereo Doppler SDI-76MW and SDI-77MW indoor sensors are going to be your weapons of choice. They have a distinctly retro look but their performance is exemplary by all accounts. They’re SCEC endorsed, too. I’m sure I saw these sensors at Security 2013 or at SIG but can’t find a local distributor promoting the brand online.

Could a local distributor please put their hand up? zzz

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events

september 2013 – FEBRUARY 2014 December 2012 Issue 339

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IFSEC Southeast Asia Date: September 11-13, 2013 Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Contact: 03-2176-8788 Website: www.ifsecsea.com The globally renowned industrial security, fire and safety exhibition will launch IFSEC Southeast Asia 2013 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in September of 2013. The show will link international security and fire safety solution providers with government and commercial buyers in the region.

l Case study: IGA Willagee l Road test: FLIR thermal l Key product releases of 2012 l The Interview: Joe McCann l DVTel Quasar shines bright l Full mesh wireless networks l 2013 - The year ahead

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ASIS 2013 Date: September 24-27, 2013 Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, USA Contact: 703-519-6200 Website: www.asis2012.org From forward-thinking education to an expansive show floor to networking opportunities with peers from around the globe, ASIS 2013 gives you the knowledge, cutting-edge innovations, and resources you need to mitigate risk and succeed in today’s complex threat environment.

TransSecurity Expo Mexico 2013

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Date: October 8-9, 2013 Venue: International Convention Center, Mexico Contact: 203- 957-3700 TransSecurity Expo Mexico focuses on security for the Aviation, Marine, and Ground Transportation industries. Exhibitors have direct access to commercial, police, and military decision makers that need security products and services.

CPSE 2013 Date: October 29 - November 1, 2013 Venue: Shenzhen International Convention & Exhibition Center, Shenzhen, China Contact: 755-83309126 China's biggest security exhihition, CPSE, boasts 110,000 m2 of exhibition area, 1500 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and 100,000 professional visitors from more than 30 countries.

Intersec 2014 Dubai

= DAILY, WEEKLY, MONTHLY.

Date: 19-21 January, 2014 Venue: International Convention and Exhibition Center, Dubai, U.A.E. Contact: +971-4-389-4500 Intersec is the leading international meeting platform for the Security & Safety industry. For 15 years Intersec has proven to be the no. 1 business platform in the MENA region.

Secutech India Date: 27 Feb-1 March, 2014 Venue: MMRDA Grounds, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, India Contact: +886-2-2659-9080 Secutech India 2014 will be a grand networking and marketing platform both for domestic and international industry players of the Safety and Security industry that opens up a world of opportunities and business prospects.