CONTENTS
Feb. 2014
Product Exploration
Cube Cameras Stand Out in Form and Features P.40
Cube cameras are becoming all the rage due to the heightened attention on smart homes over the past year. A common misconception that arose from this emerging wave of cube cameras is that they are suitable only for the home environment.
Cube Cameras Garner Major Support from Service Providers
Special Feature
IR and Low-Lux Camera Selection and Installation Setting up security systems in any environment that lacks adequate lighting is both challenging and demanding. Poor or non-existent lighting conditions require specific technology and installation techniques, as errors in the selection, installation, and application of cameras and their peripherals will affect performance quality. This article explores the selection and installation of infrared and night-vision/ P.72 low-lux cameras.
P.80
1422
Consider This! Choosing High-Performance IR Dome Cameras
FEB 2014
www.asmag.com
22
P.46
CONTENTS
Feb. 2014
Vertical Market
Higher Education Strengthens Security P.58
The number of students enrolled in post-secondary institutions has been steadily climbing. With more bodies to watch, secure, and protect, campuses are looking for ways to streamline their security measures.
P.66
What's Trending? Higher Education Embraces Trends
Viewpoint
P.32
Commercial Market is Now in Focus
P.36
Selling Service Becomes Key to Winning Commercial Market
P.14 Contents P.18 Editor’s Note P.20 Corporate News
1622
SMAHome
FEB 2014
P.84
CES 2014: The Year of the Smart Home (Kind of)
P.30 Products of the Month P.90 Show Calendar P.92 New Products
www.asmag.com
P.101 Companies in This Issue
22
EDITOR'S NOTE a&s International, published by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd., is a monthly professional publication for channel players in the worldwide electronic security industry since 1997. It updates importers, distributors, OEM/ODM searchers, system integrators and other product purchasers on product sources and identifies developments in CCTV, Digital Surveillance, Access Control,
Looking for the Promise Land
Biometrics, Intrusion Alarm, Intercom/Video Doorphone, Home Automation and other fields relevant to electronic security.
ISSN 1997-6267 中華郵政北台字第1571號 執照登記為雜誌交寄 Parson Lee Joseph Lee John Shi
With an increasing number of international exhibitors and visitors joining major security trade shows in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia year by year, it can be confirmed that the security industry is booming rather quickly everywhere in the world. The fast-developing industry brings fierce competition, too. Trying to keep substantial profits is no longer an easy task for most security companies. In this issue, we explore the changes that some companies have made in different fields to keep themselves competitive. Some security camera vendors, who used to focus on producing high-level security cameras only, also ventured to the SMB and residential sectors by producing advanced cube cameras, at more affordable prices. With the promising connected home market in the U.S. and Europe, companies are quite confident in the market potential of these next-generation cube cameras. Furthermore, some companies started to explore new business models to maintain their growth and profit. A few leading companies have changed from the original product-oriented sales model to a service-oriented one. By selling service, these companies found their promise land.
Publisher & Managing Director General Manager General Manager
Editorial
General Press Jill Lai Alf Chang Christine Chien Eifeh Strom Michelle Chu Weiting Chen
Editor in Chief Senior Consultant Reporter Reporter Reporter Coordinator
as-pr@newera.messefrankfurt.com jill.lai@newera.messefrankfurt.com alf.chang@newera.messefrankfurt.com christine.chien@newera.messefrankfurt.com eifeh.strom@newera.messefrankfurt.com michelle.chu@newera.messefrankfurt.com weiting.chen@newera.messefrankfurt.com
Executive Designer Designer Designer
gaven.lee@newera.messefrankfurt.com mao.chang@newera.messefrankfurt.com arthur.wu@newera.messefrankfurt.com
Art Design
Gaven Lee Mao Chang Arthur Wu
Circulation & Subscription
Collins Yuan Michelle Shih
Group Manager Coordinator
collins.yuan@newera.messefrankfurt.com michelle.shih@newera.messefrankfurt.com
Corporate Management
Veronica Chen Juihui Lin Thomas Pin Chihung Lee
Group Manager Assistant to Managing Director Account Manager IT Manager
veronica.chen@newera.messefrankfurt.com juihui.lin@newera.messefrankfurt.com
Group Manager
veronica.chen@newera.messefrankfurt.com
thomas.pin@newera.messefrankfurt.com chihung.lee@newera.messefrankfurt.com
asmag.com
Veronica Chen
Secutech & Events (Overseas)
Eva Tsai Summer Cho
Project Manager Sales Manager
eva.tsai@newera.messefrankfurt.com summer.cho@newera.messefrankfurt.com
Secutech & Events (Domestic)
Echo Lin Sandra Chen
Trade Fair Manager Project Manager
echo.lin@newera.messefrankfurt.com sandra.chen@newera.messefrankfurt.com
International Advertising [Headquarters]
In addition, market expansion still remains a very important approach to many multinationals. Take the Middle East for instance, where multinationals are actively expanding their territories. While strengthening their presences in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, they are also eyeing other emerging countries, such as Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, and other African countries. In the future, there would be more and more companies who are able to create new business strategies to fit the needs of this fast-growing security industry.
Kate Tsai Kay Yang Audrey Fang Alex Pai
Manager Operation Officer Coordinator Coordinator
kate.tsai@newera.messefrankfurt.com kay.yang@newera.messefrankfurt.com audrey.fang@newera.messefrankfurt.com alex.pai@newera.messefrankfurt.com
[Branches & Representatives]
Bobbie Ferraro Carolina Pattuelli Cemre Ilkan Evris Consolos Muris Hadzic Manish Gandhi Iris Lai Y. C. Suh Takashi Komori Nguyen Thu Ha
USA/Canada Europe (Italy) Europe (Turkey) Europe (U.K.) Southeast Europe India China Korea Japan Vietnam
bobbie@globetrottermedia.com produzione@ethosmedia.it cemre.ilkan@asturkiye.com evris@kemainternational.com management@asadria.com manish@abcindia.biz iris.lai@newera.messefrankfurt.com ycsuh517@naver.com komori@asj-corp.jp project1@vietfair.vn
Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd.
Jill Lai
jill.lai@newera.messefrankfurt.com
Taiwan Branch: 2F, No. 8, Lane 360, Sec. 1, Nei-Hu Rd.,Taipei 114, Taiwan Phone/886 2 2659 9080 Fax/886 2 2659 9069 Website/www.mfnewera.com Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd., a company formed by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. and former A&S Group in 2009, is an integrated media service provider in the security industry. Our service covers magazines, Web sites, events and trade shows. The portfolio of a&s magazines includes a&s International, a&s Asia (above published in English), a&s China, a&s Installer, a&s Solution, and a&s Taiwan (above published in Chinese). a&s Turkiye, a&s Adria, a&s Italy, a&s India, a&s Japan and a&s Vietnam are licensed editions. For changes of address or subscription problems, contact us at mfne-circulation@newera.messefrankfurt.com Copyright© 2014 Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be republished, reprinted or redistributed in any forms, including electronic, without written consent from the publisher.
Advertisers are responsible for their own advertisement content. The publisher is not liable for any legal, image, patent or trademark disputes from advertisements or among advertisers. Legal consultant: Julia S.H. Yu, Attorney at Law, First Law & IP Offices
1822
FEB 2014
www.asmag.com
22
Corporate News
Optex Detectors Prevent Theft of US$29,600 from Caravan Site The security issues of a major caravan retailer on an isolated 34-acre site have been solved with the installation of a new wireless security system that uses Optex infrared beam technology. The YC Leisure caravan site had been experiencing security problems with occasional break-ins. The attempted burglary could have cost the site as much as US$29,600, according to Jon Goulden, MD of YC Leisure. An effective security system was required that could cover a very large area and distinguish between wildlife and “real” intrusion. After looking at alternative solutions, Doncaster-based Advance Security Solutions recommended Optex’s wireless beams that provide perimeter security up to100 meters.
Google Acquires Nest Labs for US$3.2B to Enter Home Automation Google announced that it has entered into an agreement to buy Nest Labs for US$3.2 billion in cash. Nest Labs’ mission is to reinvent unloved but important devices in the home such as thermostats and smoke alarms — the company provides network thermostats and smoke detectors, which can be controlled remotely via a smartphone. Nest Labs’ technology can learn users’ behavior to adjust the temperature automatically over time. By acquiring Nest Labs, Google is able to enter the home automation field.
2022
FEB 2014
Stanley Security Announces Winners for TOGETHER FOR SAFER SCHOOLS Program Stanley Security, a global security company specializing in K-12 security solutions, announced the four winning schools of its TOGETHER FOR SAFER SCHOOLS grant program. The program is a national K-12 contest established by Stanley Security in 2013 to help K-12 schools enhance security on campus. In its first year, the program offered US schools the opportunity to receive security products and services through a US$5 million grant program. The grants will provide the winning schools with Stanley Security installed products and services to help fund safer campuses. Stanley Security is working with school officials from more than 10,000 schools nationwide to ensure that school safety is a top priority.
www.asmag.com
22
Corporate News
Z-Wave Extends Smart Home Territory with 1‚000 Products The Z-Wave alliance, an open consortium of international companies deploying Z-Wave, an ecosystem for wireless control products and services, announced the arrival of the 1,000th Z-Wave product. The landmark number was achieved by Linear for the company’s garage door controller. With 1,000 products now on the market, Z-Wave‘s control and automation products have been widely adopted. In addition to Linear, Z-Wave wireless control powers North American market giants, namely Ingersoll Rand, Evolve, and Jasco/GE, along with other companies such as AT&T, Verizon, Lowes, and Staples. Z-Wave is found in many residential alarm panels that offer home control, including panels from ADT, Vivint, Honeywell, and 2GIG by Linear. In all, more than 250 international manufacturers and service providers comprise the Z-Wave Alliance membership, all dedicated to Z-Wave wireless control.
Geutebruck Secures German Military History Museum in Dresden The Militärhistorische Museum is the German army’s principal museum. Re-opened in 2011 after extensive modernization and the addition of a contrasting extension designed by US architect Daniel Libeskind, it is one of the three largest museums in Germany and the most up-to-date military history museum in Europe. The key element of its security system is in its building and displays, so it used Geutebruck’s IP-based cameras and digital video system platform for storing and transmitting video and audio data. Regarding itself as a modern cultural history museum, the museum displays confront the visitor with his own potential for aggression and address violence as an historical, cultural, and anthropological phenomenon. Its permanent exhibition with some 10,000 exhibits is displayed in an area of 13,000 square meters, and is divided into a thematic exhibition in the new extension and chronological displays in the original armory.
Avigilon Signs Definitive Agreement to VideoIQ Avigilon, a leader in HD surveillance solutions, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the video analytics company VideoIQ for a cash consideration of US$32 million. Founded in 2006, VideoIQ has grown to become a leader in real-time intelligent video analytics solutions for security and business intelligence applications. VideoIQ has a developed portfolio of video analytics intellectual property, with 23 patents granted or pending, trade secrets, and know-how. VideoIQ will extend Avigilon's growing team with its highly skilled and experienced workforce.
2622
FEB 2014
IHS: Vehicle Entrance Control Market Looks to Adopt Automatic License Plate Recognition The growing adoption of automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) technology is having an adverse impact on the vehicle entrance control industry, specifically the vehicle barrier and off-street parking systems markets. According to IHS, the presence of ALPR technology is increasing the most for tollways and off-street parking garages, which is negatively impacting the growth of vehicle barriers. In mature ALPR markets such as the Americas where the adoption of the technology is prevalent, highway/ toll barrier revenues are projected to decline by 16.1 percent from 2013 to 2017. ALPR systems work by using cameras with optical recognition capabilities to identify vehicles and grant access while minimizing congestion. Less congestion allows systems to operate at a higher profitability, thus increasing the system’s ROI in comparison to traditional barrier solutions. The most popular use of ALPR systems is in tolling which allows cars to pass freely while penalizing unpermitted vehicles through their license plate registration. IHS estimated the global tolling industry to be worth $3 billion in 2013 and projects tolling to be the fastest growing ALPR application in the world. The growing trend of privatization within the tolling sector, along with the lack of government highway financing in mature markets such as Western Europe and the U.S. have increased the popularity of ALPR technology in order to optimize profitability.
www.asmag.com
22
Products of the month
3d recognition matures Gradually Editor’s Note: The ultimate goal of computer/machine vision is to identify a person as easily and accurately as humans identify each other. The industry strives to improve the 3D algorithms of human face recognition and fingerprint identification to address the common problems of regular 2D recognition, such as lighting and angle, to meet the requirements for high-level security.
Artec Id Broadway 3d Br face recognition
Key Features • Registration time within 2 secs • Recognition time within 1 sec • Operating distance ranges from 800 to 1600mm • 3D measurements of human face • Wide-field-of-view 3D sensor; real-time 3D video • Operating temperature ranges from 10° C to 35° C
The Broadway 3D BR is composed of three key components — Broadway 3D camera, Broadway 3D docking station, and Broadway computing unit with pre-installed security software. The camera represents a 3D scanner that obtains high-quality 3D measurements of human faces and bodies in a real-time video mode. The docking station provides fully functional interaction with third-party equipment via Relay and Wiegand interface. The software on the computing unit processes the acquired surfaces and generates a biometric template, which is saved for further user identification. The Broadway 3D BR is a great tool to evaluate a new generation biometric shield for banks, offices, corporate buildings, airports, casinos, and other facilities that require an enhanced level of security.
Supplier: • Artec ID URL • www.artecid.com
Animetrics facer Identity management solution Artec Id Broadway 3d Br face recognition The Animetrics FaceR Identity Management System (FIMS) is a centralized storage and management system for advanced 3D facial recognition powered by Animetrics’ FaceR technology. Leveraging Animetrics’ patented FACEngine 2D to 3D facial recognition technology and Web- or cloud-based service architecture, FIMS makes these 3D facial “signatures” for identification purposes available to credentialed users via any mobile or fixed digital device with Internet connectivity. It allows military intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security professionals to deploy a facial identity management solution.
tBs 3d touchless Artec Idenroll Broadway 3d Brfingerprinting face recognition TBS 3D fingerprinting provides 3D and contact-free sensor for enrollment and generation of templates in connection with a PC.
Key Features • Advanced 3D facial recognition for smartphones and web-connected digital devices • Real-time, in-field ID processing • Real-time watch list search • Advanced face biometrics for uncontrolled and low-resolution facial imagery • Forensic analysis and comparative tools to analyze and match single/multiple facial images in 2D/3D modes Supplier: • Animetrics URL • www.animetrics.com Key Features • 3D touchless technology • Access control, T&A, civil ID • Nail-to-nail images • Quality assessment and duplicate check • Identification for large data bases • Hygienic for sensitive applications Supplier: • Touchless Biometric Systems (TBS) URL • www.tbs-biometrics.com
3022
FEB 2014
www.asmag.com
22
VIEWPOINT
Commercial market is Now in Focus Budget cuts in the government sector due to the sluggish economy and more accessibility to network technology across sectors have made the commercial sector much more important to the security industry. In order to fulfill end users’ specific requirements in the commercial area, manufacturers are producing solutions featuring multifunctional and value-added characteristics to create high return on investment (ROI) and further help end users make decisive business decisions. There is huge market potential in the commercial sector, as it covers a wide range of vertical markets; however, it is still looking for more suitable solutions. n By a&s China
T
he government sector is the primary and largest market sector in the security industry. The main products and solutions of major security manufacturers are usually invented as per the government’s request, as government projects still take up the most revenue in the global security market. However, the economic slowdown has been affecting global
3222
FEB 2014
government budgets. Meanwhile, network technologies have become more affordable to all market sectors. Commercial and residential sectors, then, have gained a lot of traction in recent years. As a result, major security manufacturers are now starting to tailor their products and solutions to the commercial and residential market sectors.
www.asmag.com
ThE Blurry lINE BETWEEN COmmErCIal aNd rEsIdENTIal markET sECTOrs The commercial market usually includes a wide range of applications, from small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) to global corporations and enterprises, and in many cases, the residential sector too. With diverse
22
interpretations of what the commercial and residential markets consist of in the security industry, most manufacturers are convinced that there are no absolute differences between them. For example, small, standalone stores sometimes use products that are are very similar to those used in the residential sector. Some companies believe that the commercial security market includes offices, factories, chain stores, parks, community areas, logistics centers, and buildings. Nevertheless, some might include the aforementioned places in the residential market, since, in many cases, the residential sector has adopted certain commercial applications; there are also some companies that include the residential sector in the commercial market. In contrast to high-end security products and solutions that are mainly applied to safe city and government projects, the commercial security market targets residences, chain supermarkets,
small-scale stores, and small to mediumsized corporations. While it is widely believed that chain stores, shopping malls, and small stores are under the commercial security market, not all agree. Some companies might argue that chain stores or multinational wholesale stores such as Wal-Mart, which tend to engage in centralized procurement from the same supplier for packaged-service offerings, are quite different from others. As a result, some companies consider chain stores as one particular market segment.
COmmErCIal CusTOmErs PrEFEr ValuE-addEd sOluTIONs The difference between the commercial and residential markets is not very clear; therefore, simply defining these markets by verticals is neither easy nor reasonable. However, a general picture of the commercial sector is revealed when comparing supplier
â–˛ It is more cost effective for commercial customers to buy all security devices that are easy to operate and have innovative technology from the same suppliers.
22
FEB 2014
solutions. Solutions geared towards governmentrelated and high-security sectors are distinctively different from those aimed at the commercial sector, as end-user requirements vastly differ based on the various levels of security required. While the primary requirement of solutions for the former is reliability, the latter looks more for higher cost performance and multiple managerial functionalities for higher working efficiency and return on investment (ROI). The differences in requirements can be seen in video surveillance solutions. High image resolution, extreme lighting, and frame rate performance are important factors for those in government-related and high-security sectors. Conversely, the commercial sector holds value-added devices that provide additional marketing information and managerial functionalities, like customer flow and other intelligent analysis on customers, more important. Shopping malls usually require the installation of hundreds of cameras that can instantly provide customer flow data, which analyzes customer capacity in terms of time and space to help the company develop the best business strategy. Furthermore, devices used in commercial applications usually utilize mature technologies that need little maintenance, since these companies usually do not have sufficient or professional personnel to regularly maintain or operate the equipment. End users for commercial products tend to buy security products that are convenient to operate but also have innovative technology at an affordable price. Additionally, some chain stores and shopping malls are also concerned with whether or not a surveillance device is good looking, can be installed in a hidden location to make customers feel more comfortable while wandering around,
www.asmag.com
2233
VIEWPOINT
Selling Service Becomes Key to Winning commercial market
With little differentiation among security products, many companies are having a hard time sustaining good profit margins year by year. Therefore, some companies started to explore new business models to maintain their growth and profit. Lately, a few leading companies have changed from a product-oriented sales model to a serviceoriented one. By selling service, these companies found their promise land. n By a&s China
M
any security companies are aware that their profits have been shrinking over the years. This can mainly be attributed to the little differentiation among general security products, just like current consumer electronic products. If they continue to follow the traditional product-oriented sales model, these companies may end up with zero profit or losing market share.
3622
FEB 2014
FrOm ThE OrIgINal PrOducT-OrIENTEd TO SErVIcE-OrIENTEd SalES mOdEl The new service-oriented sales model is now being adopted by many companies. According to the prediction of many industry experts, in the future, companies will mainly earn their profits not through selling products, but via services. That means,
www.asmag.com
in the future, suppliers are most likely to provide their products for free but earn their profits by charging a monthly/annual service fee. For instance, one supplier may provide time-attendance systems to a retail store for free, but charge the store annual service fees for maintenance and monthly time-attendance reports. Another company shared that it has tried to diversify their business models by using several different approaches, such as the traditional productoriented model, product sales bundled with data analysis service model, and the service-oriented model. Its services include providing professional data analysis reports on customer flow and POS records for retailers. This way, they are provided with enough
22
marketing information to create more effective business strategies. As for the service-oriented business model, the company expressed that it provides all hardware and installation services for free and will only charge an annual service fee. The company is also able to provide the end user with a free trial of its data analysis report for a certain time period. If the end users want professional business management consulting services, the company could provide the extra service by charging an additional fee. For the
end users, especially from major chain stores who are unwilling to invest a large amount of money in security equipment, the service-oriented business model seems to be more attractive. Now, many industry experts say that end users have become more aware of the value of using customer flow analysis, which is now standard in stores and shopping malls in China, and how it can contribute to their corporate management strategy.
clOud SErVIcES BOOST cOmmErcIal marKET This new service-based business model has been gradually accepted by end users due to the popularity of cloud service. Cloud service is foreseen to be widely applied by retail stores and in intelligent building solutions in the near future. Instead of installing a local server, a chain store’s end user can easily obtain data, analysis reports, and surveillance videos from the cloud server, which is convenient, scalable,
This new servicebased business model has been gradually accepted by end users due to the popularity of cloud service.
22
FEB 2014
and budget-friendly. In fact, some manufacturers in the security industry have already begun to provide some basic cloud services for SMBs to watch real-time surveillance footage in the store, factory, or office. Nevertheless, cloud service is not exclusive to the security industry; some Internet service providers have been proactively promoting their real-time surveillance service with free camera devices as well. For these companies, they do not intend to gain profit only by selling products but also additional services, which is growing to be a trend in the security market. Cloud service can also be applied to integrating time-attendance records, salary counting, and human resource management. Employees are able to check their salary and attendance record through a given account at any time, anywhere. Even though cloudhosted time-and-attendance service is broadly accepted by the U.S. and European markets, most companies around the world still hold doubts in regard to privacy and security issues. Despite its potential, the cloud service market is still developing. There are many problems to be solved before it turns into a fully developed solution. End users may find it convenient to access and save information no matter where and when; nevertheless, privacy and security concerns are still going to be the primary challenge for manufacturers. Still, we can expect the industry to provide pertinent solutions for it in the near future.
www.asmag.com
2237
Product ExPloration
4022
FEB 2014
www.asmag.com
22
T
he residential and small and medium-sized business (SMB) sectors are now much more conscious about the importance and benefits of installing security devices and equipment in their surroundings than just a few years before. Not to mention, the increasing popularity of home automation and home monitoring is increasing the demand for cube cameras. IMS Research, an IHS company, also indicated that the consumer and DIY network camera market unit shipment will grow from 846,200 in 2014 to approximately 1.3 million in 2016. Based on another report from IMS,
approximately 20 percent of American households already use professionally monitored services. This number is sure to grow as technology advances and becomes more affordable and accessible for the users. Currently, North America is leading the market in terms of home security, followed by Europe due to its growing interest in smart homes and energy conservation. Meanwhile, Asia is catching up as demand rises throughout the region. “It is worthy to mention that in Asian countries, the surveillance service provided by private schools, such as kindergartens and infant daycare
centers, or the elderly care centers are becoming the trend. The parents are able to watch from online their children’s activities and interactions with teachers and peers in class anytime, anywhere, via the surveillance application, while other people are able to deliver care to the old parents at home or care centers, ensuring their safety,” stated Steve Ma, Executive VP at VIVOTEK.
Cube cameras are becoming all the rage due to the heightened attention on smart homes over the past year. A common misconception that arose from this emerging wave of cube cameras is that they are suitable only for the home environment. However, these tiny cube cameras are in fact packed with features so rich, they can cover much more than just a regular home. This feature aims to address the differences and performances between cube cameras and entry-level surveillance cameras.
market potential, which can be attributed to its ease-of-use, real-time, remote monitoring, and affordable price. “Different resources indicate that more than 95 percent of business units are small and medium sized. Secondly, there is increasing security consciousness in the residential sector. Video surveillance equipment and services are no more a business-involved area, more and more home users tend to adopt video surveillance devices for safeguarding their home, premises, or their family members. Once this kind of requirement becomes mainstream, it will push the video surveillance market to another sales peak,” said Adler Wu, Product Marketing Manager at Hikvision Digital
Technology. Though cube cameras have yet to reach its peak, manufacturers are certainly holding high hopes for these compact wonder cubes. “In my opinion, the trend to IP is very clear in 2013, with its advantages in mobile connectivity and multiple functions, this trend can certainly push the cube/DIY cameras to mass public. In the startup stage, double or triple growth than traditional CCTV equipment sales is a very comprehensible result,” Wu from Hikvision continued. Also, cube cameras are easy to install and affordable. “This lowers the hurdle for many small businesses to invest in video surveillance solutions. As they see
n by The a&s ediTorial deparTmenT
22
FEB 2014
Cube Cameras establish market PresenCe With the amount of SMBs around the world, it is easy to see why manufacturers believe cube cameras have tremendous
www.asmag.com
2241
Product ExPloration
cube cameras Garner major support from service Providers Having the advantage of bundling home surveillance with other services they provide to homeowners, service providers are slowly gaining market share through cube cameras. n by the a&s editorial department
E
xternally, cube cameras appear to be similar, if not identical, to DIY cameras; yet, they are capable of performing the duties of professional surveillance cameras at a much more affordable price, as well as in a much more discreet manner. “Cube cameras are more like a consumer commodity, which is very susceptible to prices. SMB or residential markets are price sensitive to cube cameras, and they always seek low-cost solutions,” added Ervin Wang, Sales Director of Messoa Technologies. For regular homeowners or owners of small and medium-sized businesses (SMB), they want to have the option of increasing security without breaking the bank. As much as price is an important factor to customers, price is equally important to manufacturers. “Bear this in mind, manufacturers can well balance the product price and performance by optimizing the cost control, product manufacturing, logistics, and sales channel,” stated Adler Wu, Product Marketing Manager at Hikvision Digital
Technology. For service providers, they are able to shift the weight of product cost to their services to balance things out. “On the other side, take cloud service as an example, the product cost can be allocated as a monthly service charge. The focus here has been transferred to service rather than product price itself.”
Cube cameras are more like a consumer commodity, which is very susceptible to prices. Ervin Wang, Sales Director, Messoa Technologies
4622
FEB 2014
www.asmag.com
diffErEnt channEls, diffErEnt rEquirEmEnts Cube cameras are based on IP infrastructures so having sufficient network knowledge is vital, since most end users will likely encounter obstacles when configuring their cameras. “IT-based distributors that we target offer a completely different customer base from the traditional video surveillance distributors or installers, so this is something we certainly benefit from. Also with their IT background, they require less training and could help their customers better with their IT knowledge,” said Wang.
22
Aside from regular or IT-based distributors and systems integrators, service providers are now becoming major channels for cube cameras as well, since these compact devices can be easily supplied to their clients with minimum hassle.
Service Providers Become Major Players Service providers, especially communication service providers, are now becoming major channel players as they are able to combine home security, home automation, and home energy management into one integrated service for their clients. To provide such a complete package, some requirements that service providers look for when selecting cube cameras include efficient image compression technology to
ensure smooth video quality on mobile surveillance; excellent integration with platforms of end devices; and easy installation and configuration for cost-effectiveness. “Considering the limited network bandwidth, efficient image compression technology is able to ensure good image quality without consuming excessive bandwidth and also to ensure smooth monitoring on mobile devices. Also, considering that cube cameras might be connected to different types of recorders with different video management software at the back end, having excellent integration with existing platforms is important,” explained Steve Ma, Executive VP at VIVOTEK. Service providers also take a different approach in terms of business strategy compared to manufacturers and
distributors, who focus primarily on selling just the hardware. Due to the nature of how service providers operate, it is important they find a suitable supplier. “In general, telecom service providers and security service providers seek profit by charging monthly fees rather than selling products. Accordingly, they take video surveillance equipment as an extra service but not their main business. Their target is mostly the public consumers, which means ‘easy to use’ should be the number one consideration for products. Due to the many different platforms or IT infrastructure they use, the products’ compatibility, reliable R&D capability, and credible manufacturing image delivery are some crucial factors for them to choose their preferable video surveillance manufacturer,” added Wu
6-8 Mar 2014 Booth No. G-5
22
FEB 2014
www.asmag.com
2247
Vertical Market
Higher education
Strengthens
The number of students enrolled in post-secondary institutions has been steadily climbing. With more bodies to watch, secure, and protect, campuses are looking for ways to streamline their security measures. Add in the number of violent incidences on college and university campuses and it is no surprise that colleges and universities are wising up and fortifying their security systems. Utilizing basic security elements such as video surveillance and mass notification on a campus acts not only as a preventative measure, but also provides students and faculty with a sense of security so they can breathe easier. n By EifEh Strom
5822
FEB 2014
www.asmag.com
22
Security
T
he continued growth of global enrollment for colleges and universities has driven the need for campuses to expand not only the size of their campuses, but also their security systems. Unfortunately, the global economic slowdown has not been much help. The “2013 Annual College Construction Report” released in February 2013 by College Planning and Management (CP&M) projected that US colleges would spend US$9.8 billion on completing construction projects already underway in 2013, with another $10.1 billion to be spent on new projects. In 2012, only $9.7 billion in construction projects were completed, the first time it dropped below $10 billion since 2001. Furthermore, it was noted that the number of projects put on hold and/or delayed grew exponentially. According to a report published by Wates Construction based on a survey conducted with 52 higher education institutions in the U.K., despite a 12.6 percent decrease in UK higher education funding, as many as 60 percent of respondents were carrying out a major construction project worth more than $8.2 million in 2013 — another 19 percent expect to start one within one year, and 8 percent within two years. Additionally, 60 percent of respondents were expecting to engage in 10 or fewer retrofit or refurbishment projects under $8.2 million, while approximately 30 percent of respondents planned for 20 or more projects, of which half have plans for 30 or more. Furthermore, it was noted that 17 percent of respondents named “refurbishment” as a main driver behind upcoming construction projects. Despite financial setbacks, colleges and universities are not letting it get in the way of securing their facilities and protecting their students and staff. A report by IMS Research, an IHS company, estimates that school security system integration in the U.S. will rise by more than 80 percent from 2012 to 2017 — the market for security systems integration in educational institutions is set to expand to $4.9 billion in 2017. Growth in school security integration shows that colleges and universities view safety and security as an important aspect of their institutions’ overall value. This, combined with the growing number of construction projects in higher education, makes the higher education sector an important one for the security industry.
UniqUe cHallengeS Unlike K-12 campuses that are closed to the public, college and university campuses are open and spread out, often times integrated into the local community. Because of this, perimeter
22
FEB 2014
www.asmag.com
2259
Vertical Market
What’s trending?
higher education embraces trends
Institutes of higher education are often at the forefront of innovative and new technologies. Therefore, it only makes sense that they are at the forefront of innovative security technology as well. Although colleges and universities work on a tight budget, many are still adopting some of the security industry’s trending features, such as wireless locks, mobile access, and biometric technology. The adoption of some of the security industry’s latest trends is not only keeping universities safer, but is also helping campuses increase operational efficiency. n By EifEh Strom
the rise of electronic access control Mechanical locks no longer provide the flexibility or ease of control that growing college and university campuses now require. Dan Pascale, CPP, Senior Director of Security & Emergency Services at Margolis Healy & Associates pointed out that some schools have 70,000 to 90,000 locks on
6622
FEB 2014
campus. If, for example, a school has a weekend event, a person has to physically walk around and unlock 150 locks, which is highly inefficient and a poor use of time and resources. Now, instead schools are looking at how they can use electronic access control not only for security applications, but for operational efficiency as well.
www.asmag.com
Based on findings from the “2012 Living on Campus: Special Report on College Housing,” by College Planning and Management , the use of key cards instead of keys to gain entry into a residential hall building is standard in the U.S. — 86 percent of residence halls utilize card access to the buildings, but only 40 percent use card access for individual
22
rooms. Reasoning for this could possibly be attributed to cost. Although the use of electronic access control for individual dorm rooms is not high, the number of universities around the world that are adopting various forms of electronic access control is growing. For example, as previously reported by a&s International , uptake of electronic access control among UK colleges and universities is healthily growing, as the country has an abundance of old universities that need updating. Installing an electronic access control system in older and historic buildings can be quite a challenge as there is often insufficient infrastructure to work with. Furthermore, building the necessary infrastructure can be costly, time consuming, and difficult. “Typically, hardwired systems are used in new projects because there is no existing infrastructure to work around. However, even in new projects, more and more customers are choosing wireless systems,” said Ann Timme, Higher Education Marketing Manager at Allegion. As a result, universities are turning to wireless locks to secure certain buildings on their campus. “Wireless or RF online locking systems are one of the fastest growing implementations in access control as well as in intrusion and video systems,” added Timme. “For a wide range of reasons, every security application should consider wireless, if for no other reason, than a wireless solution installs in one-tenth of the time of a wired solution. It produces savings in materials, as there is no wire to install, and labor is greatly reduced as workers are in and out with the hour.” That being said, wireless locking systems are not infallible. It is important to choose locks that will not interfere with a campus’ existing wireless network or with other electronic devices. Other considerations include proper encryption to ensure the locks cannot be hacked,
22
as well as compatibility of the locks with existing infrastructure. Therefore, while wireless locks are a great solution for many applications, it is imperative that proper consideration be taken before implementing such a solution.
one card=liMitless PossiBilities One popular trend among colleges and universities is the one-card solution. Nowadays, people want and expect everything to be convenient. The inconvenience of having to carry a library card, a residence hall access card, credit card, etc. means losing access to any one of those functions if a card is lost, stolen, or forgotten. To make things easier, many colleges and universities are
integrating point of sales, library rentals, and outside merchandising functions in with the security functions of an access control card. “One of the things in the U.S. that we’re seeing is a lot of schools working with their local partners in the community and really branching out their one-card solution, allowing students to do off-campus dining, mixed in with the same credential they use to access the residential facility,” said Pascale.
conVenience of MoBility Another solution campuses are exploring to give students even more convenience is mobile solutions via smart devices. According to Timme, two-thirds of US students are interested in using
▲ The ability to use a smartphone for access control dramatically increases student convenience. Image courtesy of Allegion.
FEB 2014
www.asmag.com
2267
Special Feature
irandlow-lux camera Selection and installation
Setting up security systems in any environment that lacks adequate lighting is both challenging and demanding. Poor or non-existent lighting conditions require specific technology and installation techniques, as errors in the selection, installation, and application of cameras and their peripherals will affect performance quality. This article explores the selection and installation of infrared and night-vision/low-lux cameras. n By Alf ChAng
underStanding low-lux and night-ViSion cameraS The first step in the selection process of low-lux or night-vision cameras is an understanding of the various applications that require low-light and night-vision features, in addition to the camera specifications. This ensures that the most appropriate cameras are selected for the environment of the project in question. Low-lux surveillance generally refers to
7222
FEB 2014
cameras that are able to capture images of viewable quality in low-light conditions without the need for auxiliary lights. Factors affecting performance include the combined effects of the sensors, the image processing unit, ISP/DSP, and the lens optics, all of which play a part in determining the actual performance of cameras under low-lux and night-vision conditions. The following are several ways to achieve the desired results.
www.asmag.com
Most Frequently Used: Low-Light Mode Cameras featuring this low-light, high-sensing mode — also known as low-light, full-color mode — utilize Super HAD, Ex-view/EXTRA-View CCD, or back-illuminated CMOS sensors. These sensors perform well in low-light conditions with good visibility and near-IR reactions. Cameras using this technology tend to perform well under various weather conditions and function as day/
22
night cameras, as they are able to capture color images in both daytime and low-lux conditions. Generally speaking, low lux can reach 0.1 lux in color mode and 0.01 lux in black/white mode. IR illuminators providing near-IR light can be used in conjunction in 0 lux conditions, but these are generally not listed as part of the low-light, color-mode specifications. Most of these type of cameras utilize Ex-view-HAD technology, which are capable of performing in conditions of
22
up to 0.01to 0.001 lux. Such cameras are not only able to capture clear images, but are also able to limit noise levels in color images taken under low-lux conditions, without the need to reduce shutter speed or increase iris diameter. Hence, they are considered to be capable of achieving low-lux surveillance.
Most Convenient: Day/Night Mode Cameras featuring day/night modes use mechanical principals and are gradually
FEB 2014
becoming more common on the market. Most day/night cameras are labeled as colored 0.1 lux and IRC on black/white 0.01 to 0.001lux. It should be noted that since 0 lux does not really mean anything in this context, therefore, no special explanation of it is needed for low-light nighttime application. These cameras make use of near-IR light to deliver black and white images when light is reduced to a certain level — the camera switches to IR cut or to black/white mode after sensing the
www.asmag.com
2273
Special Feature
consider this!
choosing high-performance ir dome cameras IR cameras are the most common type of night-vision cameras found on the market, as they are discreet, reliable, and have long viewing distances. The following section discusses how to select IR dome cameras. n By Alf ChAng
I
n order to select which IR cameras are most suitable for the end users' requirements, one must be able to discern the strengths of one camera over others. The following considerations should be made when choosing a high-performance IR dome camera.
Operating cOnditiOnS OF ir illuminatOrS Generally speaking, the luminous efficacy of IR illuminators is proportional to the electric current. However, when the current rating is above the threshold, the luminous efficacy drops, as energy is lost through the heat that is generated. Hence, an electric current that is too high can reduce the lifespan of the IR illuminators or even destroy them, but at the same time a current that is too weak does not generate enough light. Current flows when the forward voltage goes above the threshold at around 0.8V, but IR illuminators such as LEDs have high voltage and current sensitivity. Since current is an exponential function of voltage, based on the Shockley Diode Equation, the voltage needs to be above the threshold and current below the
8022
FEB 2014
rating for the IR illuminators to perform at an optimal level. In other words, current is required to be stable and within a specified range, as the luminous efficacy drops as the temperature of the operating environment rises, which may also be self-generated by the LEDs. Therefore, heat emission is an important consideration in the design and selection process, especially for long-range IR illuminators. As IR illuminators are dependent upon stable, reliable current and thermal management, the MCD, MDD, MED, and MBB series of cameras are all equipped with high-power IR illuminators (up to a maximum of 24 bulbs) and an internal
www.asmag.com
cooling design. Not only can these cameras achieve long-range night vision of up to 200 meters if supplied with high-current power supply, but they are also known for their long lifespans.
ir illuminatOrS and cOmplicatiOnS with OverexpOSed ir IR overexposure is the visible wavelengths emitted by IR illuminators. The IR lights are able to be adjusted to have absolutely no exposure by using infrared tubes with a wavelength of 940nm to 950nm or to have only slight exposure. The application of Aucister IR
22
Special Feature technology can reduce heat emission of IR lights, adjust the angles, and enable IR lights to reach a 90-percent efficiency level. This means that when selecting IR illuminators, choosing ones with longer wavelengths (910nm) reduces the chances of IR overexposure.
FrOSt and FOg iSSueS Frost and fog are caused by the condensation of water vapors. IR cameras installed outdoors are subjected to seasonal weather changes, day/night temperature differences, and rain or snow, all of which often cause fog or frost to form. These affect the visibility of scenes that the cameras have to capture and consequently their performance. The use of advanced electronic defrosting technology allows for automatic defrosting and defogging through controlling the condensation levels within the camera.
cleaning the prOtective hOuSing windOw OF ir cameraS IR dome cameras operating in rainy, snowy, or dusty conditions will likely have dirty protective windows, obstructing their lens. Typically, wipers are added to the housing window to clean it periodically; another method is to use self-cleaning glass housings, which also repel water, dirt, and snow.
ir camera temperature cOntrOl IR cameras generally operate for an average of 12 hours, during which, the
â–˛ Fog or frost can affect the visibility of scenes that the cameras have to capture and consequently their performance.
heat generated by the illuminators end up being mostly concentrated in the front of the IR dome camera, especially with the higher heat-generating IR LEDs. This causes the temperature to be higher than average in this area and if heat cannot be dispersed evenly in a timely manner, the camera will cease to function properly. Thermostatic features that guard against overheating and overcooling are a reliable solution for the issue. Automatic cooling uses the principle of the Peltier effect, whereby heating or cooling occurs at electrified junctions as current flows through. This maintains a temperature inside the dome that is within the range for the camera to operate normally. Factory settings
If heat cannot be dispersed evenly in a timely manner, the camera will cease to function properly. 8222
FEB 2014
www.asmag.com
are usually set at automatic heating if temperatures drop below 5 degrees Celsius, and automatic cooling if temperatures rise above 40 degrees Celsius. Tests have shown that IR dome cameras are able to operate normally in direct sunlight, within a temperature range of -40 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius.
cOmplete enclOSure OF ir cameraS Aside from temperature control, another advantage of an automated cooling system is the complete enclosure of the camera. This means that the camera is completely shielded from the environment to prevent dust, condensation, and corrosive elements from entering and damaging it. Hence, it can adapt to challenging environments such as mines where large amounts of dust and debris are always present.
22
ADVERTISER INDEX
*The index is provided as an additional service. *The publisher does not assume any liability for errors or omissions.
SURVEILLANCE PAGE NO. 21 15 28, 29 3 BARN DOOR, INSIDE FRONT COVER, 1 55 8 38, 39 85 9 7 BACK COVER 10 43 5 77 FRONT COVER45 87 104 85 INSIDE BACK COVER 57 91 23 4 83 65 70, 71 75 53 83 69 25 77 27 11 6 101 19 2 79
ADVERTISER 3S VISION AXIS COMMUNICATIONS AB CNB TECHNOLOGY INC. COMART SYSTEM CO., LTD. DAHUA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. DEEPLET TECHNOLOGY CORP. DYNACOLOR INC. EVERFOCUS ELECTRONICS CORP. FUZHOU FRAN M&E TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD. GKB SECURITY CORPORATION HDPRO CO., LTD. HIKVISION DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. ICATCH INC. INDIGO VISION ITXSECURITY CO,. LTD. KINGDOM COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATED LTD. MERIT LILIN ENT CO., LTD. MINRRAY INDUSTRY CO., LTD. MINTRON ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. OB TELECOM ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. PANASONIC SYSTEM NETWORKS CO., LTD. POWERTECH ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. QIHAN TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD. QNAP SYSTEMS, INC. RIFATRON CO., LTD. SHENZHEN COMMANDER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN HUANGHE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN ZNV TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN WISION TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LTD. SJ MICROTECH CO., LTD. SMAX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SUPERIOR ELECTRONICS CORP. TAMRON CO., LTD. THEIA THREE BRAIN TECHNOLOGY TVLOGIC CO., LTD. TYCO SECURITY PRODUCTS VIDICORE GMBH VIVOTEK INC. WEBGATE INC. XIAMEN LEADING OPTICS CO., LTD.
MAJOR ITEM IP CAMERA / NVR / VIDEO SERVER NETWORK VIDEO SOLUTIONS CCTV DVR SURVEILLANCE DVR IP CAMERA / NVR CAMERA / DVR / IP CAMERA DOME COVER IP CAMERA / NVR CCTV DVR DVR SURVEILLANCE CAMERA IP CAMERA / MOBILE DVR / 960H DVR / HYBIRD DVR IP CAMERA / NVR SPEED DOME / CAMERA CAMERA FIBER OPTIC TRANSCEIVER DIGITAL SURVEILLANCE CCTV SURVEILLANCE NVR/ STORAGE DVR CASING SURVEILLANCE SURVEILLANCE SURVEILLANCE CCTV IP CAMERA / NVR CCTV / ACCESS CONTROL / SENSORS CAMERA VIDEO SURVEILLANCE CCTV DVR SURVEILLANCE SURVEILLANCE IP CAMERA/SOFTWARE/VIDEO SERVER DVR LENS
COUNTRY TAIWAN SWEDEN KOREA KOREA CHINA TAIWAN TAIWAN TAIWAN CHINA TAIWAN KOREA CHINA TAIWAN UNITED KINGDOM KOREA TAIWAN TAIWAN CHINA TAIWAN CHINA JAPAN KOREA CHINA TAIWAN KOREA CHINA CHINA CHINA CHINA KOREA TAIWAN TAIWAN JAPAN USA KOREA KOREA UNITED KINGDOM GERMANY TAIWAN KOREA CHINA
E-MAIL mk@3svision.com.tw contact-sap@axis.com korea@cnbtec.com sales@comartsystem.com overseas@dahuatech.com sales@deeplet.com.tw info@dynacolor.com.tw marketing@everfocus.com.tw sales@fjsmt.com sales@gkbsecurity.com sales@hdprocctv.com overseasbusiness@hikvision.com marketing@icatchinc.com sales@indigovision.com sales@itxsecurity.com kca@ms7.hinet.net sales@meritlilin.com minrray@mingricctv.com service@mintron.com.tw overseas@obtelecom.com --powercctv@powert.net marketing@qihan.cn nvr@qnap.com contact@rifatron.com sjw@yjdcase.com sales@histream.cn znvservice@zte.com.cn overseas@wision.net sales@sjmicrotech.co.kr sales@smax.com.tw info@superior-elec.com newbiz@tamron.co.jp info@TheiaTech.com younglee@tbtcctv.com yshong@tvlogic.co.kr emeasales@tycoint.com apaetzold@rivatech.de sales@vivotek.com support@webgateinc.com sales@leadingoptics.com
MAJOR ITEM ACCESS CONTROL FINGERPRINT ACCESS CONTROL RFID MODULE / LOCK / READER ALARM ELECTRIC LOCKS FINGERPRINT BIOMETRIC, ATTENDANCE
COUNTRY CHINA MALAYSIA CHINA TAIWAN KOREA MALAYSIA KOREA CHINA
E-MAIL anson@ansoncorp.com info@fingertec.com export@fujica.com.cn promag@gigatms.com.tw overseas@isaso.com wlim@sewosy.com sales@supremainc.com sales@zkteco.com
MAJOR ITEM ALARM
COUNTRY CHINA
E-MAIL sales@chuango.com
ACCESS CONTROL PAGE NO. 50, 51 35 79 47 81 81 17 49
ADVERTISER ANSON (SHENZHEN) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. FINGERTEC WORLDWIDE SDN BHD FUJICA SYSTEM CO., LTD. GIGA-TMS INC. KMT CO., LTD. SEWOSY MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. SUPREMA INC. ZKTECO INC.
ACCESS CONTROL PAGE NO. 63
ADVERTISER CHUANGO SECURITY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
OTHER PAGE NO. ADVERTISER MAJOR ITEM COUNTRY E-MAIL 61 CTC UNION TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. TRANSMISSION TAIWAN sales@ctcu.com 31 HT INC. SEMICONDUCTOR KOREA sjkang@ht-ics.com 87 SCENE ELECTRONICS (HK) CO., LTD. ILLUMINATOR CHINA sales@led-scene.com 12, 13 SONY CORPORATION DSBG. SYSTEM LSI DIVISION SEMICONDUCTOR JAPAN Advertisers are responsible for their own advertisement content. The publisher is not liable for any legal, patent or trademark disputes from advertisements or among advertisers.