Avigilon acquire VideoIQ

Well the big news this week in the world of CCTV is Avigilon’s announcement that they are buying out HD analytics experts VideoIQ. In a statement released yesterday a spokesman for Avigilon said:

“We are excited to announce that today we have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the video analytics company, VideoIQ, Inc.  Founded in 2006, VideoIQ has grown to become a leader in real-time intelligent video analytics solutions for security and business intelligence applications. This new acquisition complements Avigilon’s line of high-definition surveillance solutions and provides us with sophisticated and proven analytics technology supported by one of the leading development teams in the industry”.

Avigilon ACC-4.6 Range

Back in March 2011 we reported a synergy between the two companies now it seems they are one.

 

So why would Avigilon purchase videoIQ and what advantages does it bring to the installers and end users? Well firstly it brings powerful analytics into the Avigilon range. This will help installers deliver security solutions that now includes an intelligent method of detecting changes in the images that are needed for a proactive approach to security. Alarms generate a measured response and will prevent crime rather than just have the ability to watch it being played back after the event. A spokesman for Avigilon continued:

” Adding this technology to our HD video surveillance solution enables end-users to prevent crime proactively and to more effectively analyze large amounts of data for both security and business intelligence purposes. By adding VideoIQ’s advanced technology to the Avigilon solution, our customers will have the benefits of automated real time detection, real time alerts and post-incident analysis and forensic search capabilities, along with all of the other benefits that Avigilon’s end-to-end solutions deliver”

There is one other benefit that Avigilon may chose to exploit. Video IQ are well known for being pioneers of EDGE recording. It remains to be seen if this will be developed further by Avigilon but its always been a unique selling point for VideoIQ and something that should not be overlooked for the future.

So is this the end of VideoIQ ? For the moment we are led to understand that Video IQ will continue in its own right. It has a global user base and support will continue to be provided as before. Eventually though of course VideoIQ will be integrated fully into Avigilon’s products and eventually the two companies will be one.

It is certainly an exciting development that Avigilon should chose to take this step, an already powerful product will become an almost complete solution and this will give end users a huge choice as to how they are able to process and act upon activity taking place within their company. Avigilon will still be providing solutions to health and safety issues as well as monitoring production and increasing security but now with the benefit of high quality analytics on board.

Automated realtime detection in HD is now here and underpinned by technology developed by two of the most successful companies within the industry.

Fuel depot security measures……….stop stealing MY Diesel!!

Fuel, especially diesel has become a major target for thieves recently. Ok its always been valuable but the gains are currently outweighing the risks for thieves at this moment in time and there is no shortage of people who are very happy to buy it and turn a blind eye as to where it has come from.

cctv fuel depot

Fuel depots always pose an issue for security installers, this is because intrinsically safe cameras and sensors are often needed to ensure that no sparks can be created in the vicinity of of stored fuel. Obvious really, but very costly. However fuel theft has risen disproportionately recently and security installers  are starting to see business pick up as a result.

An area of particular growth is  is remote CCTV monitoring that is using analytics rather than sensors to generate alarms to the central monitoring station. This option helps reduce the price of an installation because the cameras can be installed in a “safe” position away from the area that will demand intrinsically safe equipment and generate alarms without the need for sensors in the direct proximity of the fuel.

All of a sudden we have a reliable, safe , cheaper option that can directly compete against security guards and serve as a useful management tool at the same time.

One of the biggest problems with fuel theft is that the criminal has no regard for the mess he leaves behind .With plastic tanks it has been known for the perpetrator to simply make a hole in the tank, drain what he can cart away and leave the rest to leak away into the ground. This leaves behind an almighty mess and an environmental disaster not to mention the inconvenience to the company involved and their customers. Metal storage tanks offer little added protection to the determined thief and these two are sometimes damaged beyond repair in order to get the fuel out. There is also an extreme risk he can start a fire and the destruction that goes with this .

cctv analytics

So prevention is better than cure and fuel companies, hauliers and many other businesses that choose to store fuel on their sites are now looking for  a credible solution.So If you are looking to protect and secure you fuel depot then analytics and CCTV is a very affordable and attractive option….certainly better than finding your fuel has been drained away …half left on the floor and no money left to run run your fleet…Don’t wait till it is too late!!

CCTV Analytics? check the label !

CCTV analytics………..Ooops, looks like one of the most successful analytic software companies is on the litigation campaign!

Object Video, behind many if not most of the World’s analytic technology, and seen by many as the pioneers of true intelligent Video Analytics, has decided enough is enough and has started proceedings against quite a few Security big boys – namely Bosch, Sony, Samsung and others.

Over recent years, Object Video have appeared to step out of the limelight, but recently, in 2011, it appeared again with a reported $27m investment, surprising as it seemed that OV were on the slide backwards……….then, mysteriously, a new page appeared on their website that listed a new VP of Litigation…..sending rumours around that perhaps the funding was the method to go for some pretty major litigation

What does this mean? well, if it is Patent infringement, then basically OV will go for damages, but this could mean that the big boys are forced to stop selling their analytics until the case is settled……either way…..

Notable exclusions include Axis, Pelco and Cisco – looks like they are either protected by licenced patents or OEM/reseller agreements……..

So, take a look at how important your current analytic solution is and make sure you have a 2nd choice……..just in case!

 

We would like to thank IP video market for much of the content we were able to use for this article

Megapixel IP cameras – the death of PTZ?

Recently I took a look at the Arecont AV8185 180 degree Panoramic 8  PIXC camera…..wow, what a completely astonishing beast it is ! It got me thinking….a single camera that can span through 180 degrees both pre and post recording with amazing detail…… some of their AVI samples show retail environments and warehouses where, on full wide angle, objects at distance are merely specks on the picture….but using zooming techniques, detail can be achieved at huge distance without compromising quality……. So, could one single 180 degree camera replace a PTZ camera?? Well, in essence, yes it can….. the advantage to a 180 or 360 degree camera is the ability to see EVERYTHING and zoom later, as opposed to the PTZ dome or similar only seeing what it is looking at – move it to another area and it is no longer looking the other way……and whilst the optical zoom produces great images on PTZ cameras, newer megapixel technologies are producing similar results post zoom through electronic magnification…. But, and there is a but…….megapixel IP cameras cannot ‘follow’ someone…..so, no matter where a person is within a scene, there is no ‘dynamic’ zooming or detail enhancement….it is simply a camera that is looking at everything and if real detail is required, then the operator just has to hope it will show up on post zoom… So what is the answer?? Well, maybe megapixel should complement PTZ cameras? co-exist? Work together??? Scenario…… 1 x Megapixel 180degree Panoramic camera looking at EVERYTHING 1 x PTZ camera, centrally located 1 x Analytic box/widget/software that takes the feed from the EVERYTHING seeing megapixel camera, feeds it to the PTZ camera to DYNAMICALLY move, zoom and track the object….. Utopia ! Of course, real utopia would be for the PTZ to ALSO be using megapixel or HD cameras…..and we hear rumours of such products coming up soon from the likes of 360 Vision, March Networks and similar… but how much are they?….. what is the price?………if the price is right ….. the best of both worlds? Maybe !!

Bosch CCTV cameras

Bosch CCTV

Bosch security systems has now released a complete list of its full product range for 2010/2011

News on CCTV products.

They have been particularly keen to promote the new Auto-dome Easy II range, the extremely versatile IP200 series and the MIC500 classic (Metal Mickey CCTV camera).

Easy dome.

Starting with the Easydome II they have managed to produce a sophisticated range of dome cameras at a very reasonable price and very easy to install. Feature rich, this dome range is 70% smaller than a traditional PTZ camera making it compact and ideal for discreet surveillance. ONVIF compliant, with the option of on board analytics, the camera range has both internal and external options, well worth a look.

IP camera 200 series.

We have spoken a lot on this site about the IP 200 series cameras. Bosch have found a market place for this IP solution making single camera installations complete with recording a very affordable solution for small to medium size business. A popular application for this IP camera is reception areas or locations of high stock value where a full blown CCTV system would normally be cost prohibitive. Again ONVIF compliant with an on board SD card for recording purposes together with a free  CCTV software solution that is able to accommodate up to 16 cameras, The IP 200 range is defiantly one for the future.

Metal Mickey CCTV camera.

The MIC, Metal mickey has always been a high profile robust external camera. Used for solutions such as shopping centres, football stadiums, dockyards and airports, it is very versatile. Buoyed by the success of the Metal Mickey CCTVcamera in the Big Brother series, Bosch have continued to improve the design and performance, culminating in the MIC series 500 classic. Easy set up and reliability certainly make this camera one of the leading contenders in the rugged dome market place.

Summary.

In summary Bosch have always produced quality. There cameras produce excellent images and innovation means they will always be at the top of CCTV industry, night time images especially are an area of expertise and now clever analytics within their codecs mean the options for installers are ever evolving.