Month: June 2010

Integrated security systems from Xtralis. V3100

Integrated security systems from Xtralis.

Xtralis have recently produced a complete portfolio of their latest product information in preparation for the release of their new network video recorder/transmitter,  the Xtralis V3100.

Intelligent video solution.

The V3100 is an intelligent video solution incorporating some superb features and aimed at end users where secure transmission and recoding solutions are extremely important.The unit is capable of fast post-motion searching and can fully integrate to the Xtralis Access control package, the S3000. The V3100 is a hybrid unit and can be designed to suit the installation, to order. The unit can currently accept Axis IP cameras although other manufacturers IP cameras will soon be part of the overall suite.

The new era.

The V3100 is part of Xtralis’s march back into the market place after a little time in the wilderness. Historically we have seen them mainly as CCTV transmission specialists only they now have a DVR recording solution that can compete competitively with some of the more recognised leaders in high end spec DVRs. The portfolio consists of other products that compliment the new DVR. The first is V3001 IP digital matrix that enables images to be distributed from several sources to display screens, in addition we have the V3500 that enables unlimited storage, both on or off site. The management platform (CCTV software) is the M3000 command and control software and operates an open database for import and export purposes. It integrates fully to all the other products in the Xrtalis range.

Built to order.

Xtralis build these units to order in the heart of Europe, in spite of this  delivery times into the UK are exceptionally good. Another important development is that central stations are currently accepting the new units happily as one of the key benefits we see is that reliability and flexibility are at the heart of this product. With Xtralis however, this is something we have come to expect .

A complete security solution.

So as we have now seen, Xtralis have now built a portfolio of integrated security solutions that concentrate on proactive rather than reactive detection. The goal is to protect people and property by enabling remote sources to instigate a response to prevent damage before, rather than after a security breach, but now we have the recording solution and CCTV software packages to back this up.

CCTV security systems. Great expectations?

Expectations from CCTV systems.

CCTV installers can experience a number of problems after an installation has been finished and the first and most important of these is customers expectations. If the customer has not had a demonstration, then how are they to know what the picture quality will be when the engineer first switches the system on? The multitude of reactions we have experienced range from,…. .”wow that is fantastic” …to “but I cant even see their face”…or “thought the picture would be clearer than that”!  Bear in mind that to the supplier all those reactions are to a CCTV system that is exactly the same specification as they always install and the systems are the same and are of equal quality. The thing that must be established with the customer from the start is, what do they expect from the system?

Sales staff.

Many sales staff desperate for a sale will over sell. Then to maximise profits as they have been forced to discount and sell well below list price, they will then be forced to install the very cheapest kit to maximise profits. The reason for this ? Many sales have frustratingly been lost on price alone. The problem is end users tend to buy from” people who give them the right price that they want to hear, rather than pay a little more for the right product”. Instead they should take considered advice that ultimately could save them both disappointment and money.

Megapixel IP solutions.

So what about new IP and Megapixel solutions.? Well it is even more important to ensure that the product is exactly right for the application. Do megapixel cameras see well in the dark? Well some do but most don’t. When looking from inside out towards sunlight can a megapixel camera cope under those conditions? Again some better than others. A customer could spend thousands of pounds only to be disappointed in the end.

The future.

However Megapixel cameras are the future and end users should be keen to migrate existing analogue CCTV and embrace IP CCTV solutions whenever they decide to upgrade. Remember however don’t always opt for the cheapest option after all doesn’t the saying go ” buy cheap, buy twice”.

Monitored CCTV. Stop security breaches.

Need external security?

Your business is one that predominantly has to store your stock outside and you are starting to suffer some big losses. What can you do to ensure your property is protected and safe from the criminal fraternity who seem to have no fear about stealing from your yard? There are many businesses that will  fall into this category . Hauliers, garden centres , car sales, scrap dealers to name a few.

CCTV.

Your first thoughts may be to turn to CCTV, a good start but some view CCTV as a reactive solution , one that is good for deterring daytime losses but one that can leave the customer frustrated when they are only able to view the images the next day of stock disappearing from their premises. Guarding is also a good solution but one that could find you reaching deep into your pockets,  50k a year is not an unrealistic figure for a manned guard on your site. Fencing is the best physical deterrent but many companies return to work after a weekend to find a gaping hole in it and no stock. Nothing seems to keep people out it seems. The one thing a burglar does not like though is having attention drawn to themselves while perpetrating a crime. It seems from feedback we get that verbal deterrent can keep people out. Monitored CCTV is a way of using this facility.

What is monitored CCTV?

A number of cameras and external sensors are placed strategically around the site. When the sensor picks up movement a DVR will transmit the pictures to a central station. Here an operator is able to view the images and take action while the crime is in progress and will be able to stop or limit losses. He is able to do this by talking back to the site giving a verbal warning or using his discretion call the authorities and key-holders to get a presence onto the site as quickly as possible. This is not new technology and has been around for some time but what is happening is that with broadband and IP communicators, picture quality at the central station is so much better and the update of the images is almost real time meaning no lag for the operator to deal with. This means he can do his job far better.

Be realistic.

Remember though the operator is there to handle alarms, he not able to always take control of the camera and zoom in on the events although this service is now becoming more widespread as central stations look to offer more and more benefits to the end user.

DVR transmitters.

DVR’s are the most popular way of transmitting these images, remote connectability is a function that most manufacturer’s will  look to include into their products. 360 Vision Technology and Dedicated Micros are at the forefront of integrating their products into central station software. A key factor because the central stations will only except certain products to be integrated into their front end CCTV software, so advice on which central station can handle which product should be sort before you buy a remotely monitored system.

For more information on protecting your property.

For more information  or advice contact us and we can help you make the right choices.

CCTV IP 200 series to help with social care.

Help for the elderly

We have had some brilliant feed back regarding the blog about the bosch IP 200 series camera. A leading figure who plays a major role providing social care has identified this camera as a way of reducing costs and upgrading the care they can give the old and infirm. The fact  an alarm can be raised through a call for help plus the fact that the IP 200 series can provide two way audio has certainly got the people who have to look after the elderly very excited about how this product can enhance the care they can provide.

More soon.