International Security Exhibitions

We may be based in the UK, but we always like to follow some of the up and coming International Exhibitions!

Volcano ash permitting, we are looking to bring good information on emerging technologies from the following exhibitions in 2010

ESSEN – Essen, Germany 5th to 8th October

ASIS – Texas, USA 12th to 15th October

ISC EAST – New York, USA 3rd and 4th November

more to follow!

Black Hawk IR dome from 360 Vision

Answering the age old problem of how to illuminate PTZ dome pictures at night time, 360 Vision have announced the availability of their Black Hawk IR Dome range

Drawing on over 20 years of CCTV Manufacturing,  the 360 Vision Technology Black Hawk IR Dome with twin LED IR illuminators is available in a choice of either Cool Grey, White or Black.

Options include:-

  • Dual 830nM wide angle IR Lamps providing 100m of illumination
  • Sony Ex-View WDR Camera options in 18x, 26x and 36x zoom
  • Multi Protocol Integration
  • OSD
  • Motor Motion Design
  • High Quality Components
  • Intelligent Alarms
  • Creative Privacy Zones
  • True Day/Night performance
  • Picture Freeze and Fast Shutter

we certainly think this is a great addition to their range – domes have always suffered from a lack of travelling illumination as found on the older overt PTZ units.

we think that the Black Hawk is a great ‘in between’ product, sitting perfectly between their VisionDome and Predator range !

we hope to bring a review shortly of the claimed 100m IR range……

Emerging Video Technologies – Pt6 Mesh Wireless Networks

Today, we take a look at Mesh Wireless Networks

Potential Benefits:
Video surveillance is often wanted in areas that are remote from buildings, such as in parking lots and along fencelines. Running network cabling can be cost prohibitive and requiring expensive and/or disruptive trenching.

Ip wireless systems offer a wire free alternative to transmit video in those areas. Mesh wireless systems (a specialized form of IP wireless) allow video to be transmitted across longer distances and around areas of interference (like hills or trees etc)

Costs: Compared to long distance cable runs, mesh wireless is generally significantly less expensive. Even at about £1500 per wireless node, wireless is far less expensive than almost any form of trenching across roads or pavement.

  • End User Risks:
    Because of the bandwidth demanded, deploying wireless systems for video surveillance require specialized expertise. If end users do not choose experienced installers, significant delays may occur. Additionally, risks exist in the long term performance of the system (as environmental or local changes can degrade performance). It is imperative that customers budget for long term maintenance of the system or major issues could occur.
  • Installer Risks:
    Deploying wireless video surveillance networks may be the single most difficult technical task in all of video surveillance (even harder than video analytics). Wireless demands technical expertise in both IP networks and wireless systems. Futhermore, wireless systems can be impacted by external factors such as the weather and nearby wireless users (because most systems are licence free). Two specific risks are : (1) systems that do not deliver as much bandwidth as the installer plans and requires and (2) ongoing stability problems with the system that demand expensive service calls.

 

Taken from the ‘Emerging Video Surveillance Guide 2010’ from http://ipvideomarket.info/

Have you any opinions on this? leave a comment for us!

Navtech Radar

An interesting twist on Perimeter protection!

We became aware recently of a new, emerging technology in the Security Industry……….Radar

It’s not a new technology, but certainly new in our industry.

Is it expensive?

Well, yes…….but, you need to look beyond the capital outlay and see what it replaces…

historically, protecting a huge perimeter, such as that of an airport, would involve 10’s or even 100’s of sensors, whether beams or detectors, alarm or dedicated CCTV beams such as those from companies like Optex etc…..

but, one single Navtech Radar unit, placed centrally, can monitor movement in an 800m 360 degree zone………and link various zones to multiple cameras……controlling PTZ cameras such as MIC-400 from Bosch or the new and excellent 360 Vision Predator product, moving them automatically to moving objects and dynamically tracking as the object moves within the detection zone………

Offering a complete revolution of the mentioned 800m 360 degree view in ONE SECOND this represents a very different way to think of sensor detection.

We think this is a very exciting new product, there is defintely a cost increase, but we are prepared to bet that if installation costs and labour are factored in, there is very little in it!

Navtech’s website can be found here – let us know what you think!

Hybrid CCTV camera solutions. The way forward!

CCTV what’s next?

In today’s market it cannot be denied that the whole ethos of security and ideas of how customers protect their premises is changing. Many companies are looking to recycle existing security equipment or at the very least their current wiring  infrastructure. New equipment sales and complete upgrades are becoming more difficult to sell as budgets are tightened across all areas of business. Some security companies view this as a depressing fact and have resigned themselves to less sales cutting their staff accordingly. This may however be a little premature.

CCTV servicing.

Service opportunities are rising as existing kit slowly begins to fail and begs to be replaced but a whole new system is often a luxury that many companies just will not stomach. So it is now the time to think smart. Networks and IT technology is a an unstoppable fact of life and upgrades in this area are inevitable so camera solutions have to fit into this ever expanding frame work . The whole situation lends itself perfectly to a hybrid solution.

What is a hybrid solution?

Well a hybrid DVR is simply one that can handle both old analogue technology and the new IP cameras that are seen as the future of CCTV and security. Phasing IP in is less costly but still allows an end user to embrace the new products that can bring extensive benefits. The only proviso being, that the IP cameras  must be specified correctly. The right camera for the right application.

Hybrid CCTV systems.

Forward thinking Installing Companies prepared to use old analogue cameras together with a hybrid DVR will find the first step to new on going sales has been reached. As Hd and Megapixel cameras become more and more prevalent they can be integrated into a hybrid system over a period of time. This is more in the thinking of company accountants looking to find a solution, but one that suits his needs and budgets.

Be flexible, service all the  security solutions on a site!

To grow sales be flexible. Take on one or more of the security disciplines on site. Then, a customer will be more reliant on their installer and again this will give an opportunity for more sales and even integration between the CCTV, access control and intruder panels.

Sales to increase?

So lets not be gloomy about how we can grow sales of megapixel, HD, IP cameras and DVRs. This particular period  of difficult market conditions should really be re-thought as a chance for innovative and forward thinking installers to grow and enjoy the bright future that new IP camera solutions will soon bring.