17 minute read
Editor’s Choice
AI plug-in enables real time searches
i-Pro has announced the latest version of its Active Guard plug-in. The AI-based plug-in can turn video management systems (VMS) into search engines capable of real-time searches or deep forensic analysis.
The plug-in integrates seamlessly into the existing UI of the VMS, appearing as just another function tab. It allows users to easily manage the AI analytics from multiple i-Pro cameras and allows users to easily set up search parameters based on attributes including gender, age, clothing colour, facial characteristics, vehicle colour and direction, and more. With Active Guard, Security Officers no longer have to spend time looking at multiple screens for persons or vehicles of interest or watch hours of recorded video to search for important events. i-pro.com/global/en/
Quick commissioning loop powered beam detector
Nittan Europe has launched an enhanced version of its EV-Firebeam Xtra loop powered beam detector: the EV-Firebeam Xtra SCI.
The EV-Firebeam Xtra SCI now features a short Circuit Isolator in addition to the benefits of the previous model such as advanced linear stepper motors which enables the beam to stepper motors whi align itself to the centre of the reflector when align itself to the ce commissioning and automatically re-align commissioning and itself when building movement occurs. This itself when building design overcomes issues associated with design overcomes i beam detection, including building movement beam detection, inc which impacts reliability, wh and accessibility making commissioning and maintenance difficult and time consuming. The alignment process adopted by the new EV-Firebeam Xtra SCI results in quick commissioning and routine maintenance. The EV-Firebeam Xtra SCI standard package comes complete with a head unit, low level controller and a single c reflector, which will cover ref distances up to 7m. Mid-range and distances u long-range kits are also available to cover 70long-rangekitsare al 140m and 140-160m respectively. nittan.co.uk
New 64 channel NDAA compliant NVR is launched
IDIS has enhanced its range of enterprise-class network video recorders with the launch of a new 64-channel model, the DR-8564.
The NDAA-compliant 4K recorder boasts an incoming throughput of 540Mbps and up to 1920ips UHD real-time recording, the DR-8564 utilises Intelligent Codec to reduce bandwidth and storage requirements, and gives users the assurance of RAID 1, 5, and 10 as well as redundant power.
With recording and simultaneous live view capabilities with no visible latency, the DR8564 offers inherent cybersecurity, and critical redundancy, while reducing cost and complexity. Leveraging IDIS DirectIP and FEN (For Every Network) technology, the DR-8564 benefits from simple plug-and-play installation and one-click configuration for multi-site deployments as well as supporting ONVIF for third-party camera integration.
Ideal for a range of mid-large sized applications, the recorder comes with the assurance of cybersecurity combining TLS with IDIS’s proprietary protocols, plug-and-play mutual device authentication and two-factor authentication. IDIS iBank, a database structure and Chained Fingerprint, also ensures the integrity of recorded footage for use as forensic evidence. idisglobal.com
Two-way audio for live, remote security monitoring
Eagle Eye Networks has launched 2-Way Audio, a bidirectional audio capability that provides remote communication via the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS (Video Management System) for secure, convenient communication to deliver active monitoring and response.
The 2-Way Audio feature uses a standard IP speaker or horn connected to an Eagle Eye Bridge or CMVR to enable security professionals to instantly communicate warnings to intruders, deter security threats or manage crowds. Businesses can also use 2-Way Audio to communicate in real time with staff, customers and visitors.
een.com
EDITOR’S CHOICE
The security industry is busy and complex, so it’s easy to miss new products and services as they get lost in day-to-day activities. Here are a few recent launches that caught our eye.
Sensors capable of detecting gunshots and raising alarm
3xLogic’s Gunshot Detection devices use patented concussive wave technology to detect the moment at which a gun is fired, and the bullet leaves the chamber. Upon firing, the force of the bullet leaving the chamber creates a concussive wave within a defined frequency range. Although concussive waves in the air cannot be seen by the naked eye, the Gunshot Detection device is tuned to detect those waves from any calibre gun.
Gunshot Detection devices, single or multi sensor, easily and seamlessly integrate with other security systems. When a gun is fired in range of a sensor, the sensor will raise a contact closure to alert monitoring systems. 3xlogic.com
New thermal range for high accuracy
Dahua’s new thermal camera range (including the TPC-PT8441MA Thermal Network Mini Hybrid Pan and Tilt camera shown) reportedly offers reliable detection rate, day or night in harsh environments. The deep-learning algorithms help reduce false alarms through more precise object classification and high accuracy detection.
With a 4Megapixel progressive scan CMOS the TPC-PT8441MA has a 45x optical zoom and supports tripwire, intrusion, and human/vehicle classification. Pan functionality is 0° to 360° and tilt is –90° to 90° all with an IR illumination distance of 100 m.
dahuasecuritysolutions.co.uk
NOTE: All technical specifi cations listed are provided by manufacturers
Anti-ligature corner mount camera is
announced
Hanwha Techwin has launched the TNV-7011RC, a compact and antiligature corner mount camera that offers a wide field-of-view (FOV) up to 3MP resolution and 30fps. The camera is the latest addition to the Wisenet T range, which is designed for challenging environments.
The TNV-7011RC fits neatly into room corners and lifts, and is built to make it impossible for ligatures to be tied around it or for it to be easily ripped off a wall. The camera comes with Hallway View to enable operators to monitor tall and narrow spaces like corridors. It additionally features Dark IR 940nm of up to 10 metres, to help with monitoring very dark areas.
Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) in the Wisenet T series cameras captures four frames at different exposure levels to create a combined, clear, and vivid image even in environments with strong backlight conditions.
A range of in-built Intelligent Video Analytics support operators to quickly detect different types of incidents including tampering, motion detection, loitering, sound detection, virtual line, and enter/exit. The analytics also detects focus and defocus, ensuring clear images are relayed consistently to operators. hanwha-security.eu
PRODUCT TEST
The Serage SRDNC5FW is an IP66 ‘Turret’ style 5MP dome with a fixed 2.8mm lens. It is based around a 1/2.7” high sensitivity sensor coupled with an F1.0 lens to give good colour images in low light. Visible and infrared illumination is built in, and a microphone provides audio. AI based video and audio detection is included.
What’s in the box? Dome camera Quick Start Guide Drilling template Screws and wall fixings RJ45 cover
Getting started
The camera’s base is removed for mounting by rotating the surround collar, three mounting holes in the base are used to fix to a suitable surface. The base has three cut-outs for the cable to be routed if surface mounted cables are necessary. An optional SRJ3/W Junction box is available for conduit fitting. Once in place the camera can be orientated before the collar is tightened down to secure the camera module. Invert, Mirror and Corridor modes can be set to suit the location.
The camera can be powered from a PoE port or via a 12v DC jack input. PoE power demand was measured at 2.5W in normal daylight operation rising to just over 5W with full IR or visible illumination. DHCP is enabled by default so the
IP address can be found with the usual network scanning tools, or a recommended Device Configuration Tool can be downloaded from a site given in the
Quick Guide. Using a web browser, at first power-up it is necessary to enter a new password.
This must be between 8 to 15 characters and include at least two of upper case, lower case, numbers, and special characters. A following screen gives security question options for password recovery, this can be used or cancelled. You are then able to log into the camera using a web browser. All major browsers are supported with, Microsoft IE providing an additional ‘Local Settings’ option and an onscreen pixel counter.
Once logged in, the display shows the camera image in a large window with banner line options for Live, Playback, and Remote Setting. Beneath this line are icons for selection of the Main, Sub or Mobile streams, then AI alarm information and overall Colour and Contrast settings.
Beneath the image window are a selection of Icons for Stop / Starting the stream, Aspect ratio, Image Capture, Digital Zoom, Audio, and visible Light control (if on Day/Night setting).
The camera has a small external cover that can be removed to gain access to the Micro SD card slot. This can take up to 256GB capacity. Alongside the slot is a reset switch for restoring factory settings.
Time and Date is set to a Windows NTP server by default but is at GMT+8 so these must be changed for UK use or other time reference.
Three streams are available with Main in 5 steps from 1280 x 720 up to 2880 x 1620, Sub-stream is from 230 x 240 to 1280 x720 in three steps and the Mobile stream which can be disabled is in 320 x 240 or 640 x 480. All can include audio.
IP address filtering is supported along with user and password authentication.
Serage – SRDNC5FW
Menu options
TheOn selecting the ‘Remote Setting’ Icon the configuration menu tree is displayed to the left of the image window with the available controls and reduced image window to the right. The options are shown as: Channel: Live settings, Image Control, Video Masking, RoI.
(continued from p14)
Record: Stream encoding resolution and format, Record stream and scheduling, Capture intervals. Event: Setup of Motion, Deterrence light / strobe, Sound detection and Alarm actions. AI: Setup (11 options), Alarm actions, Statistics. Network: General, Email, FTP, RTSP, DDNS, HTTPS, IP Filtering. Device: Disk management and formatting, Audio enable & levels, Cloud storage. System: General D&T etc., Multi-User, Maintenance, Device Information.
The eleven AI detection options include: Face, Human & Vehicle, Perimeter Intrusion, Line Crossing, Stationary Object, Crowd Density, Queue Length, Licence Plate, Rare Sound, Cross Counting and Heat Mapping.
These AI options are generally mutually exclusive due to the processing power required. ONVIF profiles S, G & T are supported. Performance
The 5MP sensor gives excellent colour rendition and image detail and is colour sensitive down to very low light levels. It has 2880 (H) x 1620 (V) pixels so is a conventional 16:9 aspect ratio. The 2.8mm lens gives a stated viewing angle of 110° (H) x 57.8° (V) which is not strictly a 16:9 ratio but measurement proved this to be correct, so the difference is likely due to lens effect or sensor geometry. The camera has two infrared illuminators placed, one either side of the lens these are rated to 30 metres. Two warm-white visible LEDs are placed beneath the lens, these can be used for colour image illumination up to 25 metres or to provide a warning strobe effect when intrusion is detected. No hunting was observed when the light level was set to Automatic or manually adjusted. The WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) function maintains good contrast levels, alternatively Backlight or Highlight compensation options are available for extreme lighting conditions. RTSP connection is allowed by default with password required, the command string is helpfully given in the Network /
RTSP setup option window. Up to four rectangular privacy zones can be set using the “Video cover” option.
Six users may be assigned to the camera in addition to the administrator, all with individual access policies. The admin password must be used to format the internal micro-SD card.
An impressive range of AI based detection options are provided and relatively straightforward to set up. Sound intensity along with Rise and Decline sensitivity can be used to detect changes in general noise levels. The “Rare” sound detection seeks to identify Baby crying, Dog barking and Shotgun events.
The Pedestrian & Motor Vehicle option can provide thumbnail images of each capture with time and date and a statistics screen can show frequency of capture.
Conclusion
A very good all-round performance from this compact dome camera. Excellent colour image quality in very low light levels and flexible detection and analytic capabilities.
8.5 out of 10
NOTE: This PSI Product Test was carried out by an independent third party, not editorial staff. The manufacturer had no input in the review or the final result
PRODUCT TEST
What’s in the box? 2N Unit with NO/NC, Input and Output Fly Leads & RJ45 Ethernet Pigtail connection Slimline Wall Mount Bracket and mounting screws 8mm Dowel Torx Key and securing screw Certificate Brief Installation and setup manual
The 2N Access Unit M is described as the ideal reader for offices. Its controller is built-in and all that is needed to connect and power the device is a single UTP cable. The range includes several versions – RFID, RFID combined with mobile access via Bluetooth, or RFID with a keypad, ideal for projects that require two-factor authentication.
Construction
The unit itself is very lightweight and low profile with a textured hard plastic body and a scratch resistant tempered glass inlay covering the front of the device. This will allow the unit to withstand years of use without looking tired or worn.
The device is rated to IP55 and IK07 meaning that it is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The fly leads and pigtail on the rear of the unit are moulded into the device to ensure water tightness, but these leads are only 300mm long, and would have installation issues if installed on an external wall or where there is a lack of wall cavity. There would also be a requirement for 25mm for these types of installations which may affect the mounting bracket being installed correctly and securely.
For external applications, or where the device may be required to connected to a third party system – such as a fire alarm system, it would be helpful to have a surface mounting backbox that would allow for all connections to be concealed and secured easily, or where ceramic style connector block is required to be used.
2N – Access Unit M 916115
Set up
The brief instruction manual is suitable enough to get the device up and running and configure an account. Additional information can be requested through the 2N website under the product, but during the duration of testing, this “Request Information” did not work and only takes the user to a blank page on the Axiscommunications website. But if you access the website through the products section, select the 2N Access Unit M range, you are able to find all the technical information you need. The device requires a LAN connection to be set up, this can be achieved through the use of a POE network input into the RJ45 Pigtail, or a standard network connection with local 8 – 12v power. The initial powerup takes 20 – 30 seconds before the unit illuminates or makes a noise so be patient and give it time to boot up. During this initial set up, if the device cannot see the LAN connection, you will be presented with a flashing red light prompting investigation. Once successfully connected, you are able to use the 2N “Network Scanner” or “Access Commander” software find the device – if the device does not show, follow the instructions to default using the flush button on the rear of the device. This will allow you to give the device an IP address and change the default password to enable you to log onto the web interface for the device set up.
The Web Interface is quite straight forward for those used to Windows operating software, www.psimagazine.co.uk
as it presents you with a block like selection menu to navigate through the programming of the unit. With a few click you are able to easily set up user profiles, schedules, holidays and assign Bluetooth devices, codes and RFID cards. Through the web interface, it doesn’t seem like you are able to copy and paste user profiles or time schedules when setting up each individual device, but if you are using the 2N commander software this issue is resolved. The model 916115 tested provides Bluetooth and RFID, a physical keypad is not provided but you are still able to set 2-factor authentication through the Bluetooth application with setting an authorisation code before allowing the door to unlock.
The Input and Output switches are easily assigned and programmed through the web interface, allowing you to assign a user/ time profile to them for customised use. The switches on the unit can also be setup to allow for HTTP Switch-on and Switch-off on command allowing for remote operation. The active output connection is rated up to 600mA allowing for your lock to be connected and operated locally by the Access Unit, with the NO/NC being rated to 30v which allows the unit to be used in most applications.
PROS: • Easily configured • Quick and responsive Bluetooth operation • Elegant and compact • Remote configuration available • Handsfree style entry with 2 factor authentication available • Web based application for easy device set up, and larger access commander software for those larger applications • All in one unit – Controller and reader
CONS: • Expensive solution depending on the application • No surface mount available for connections • Installation on external walls or where there is a lack of wall cavity could be tricky
Performance
The unit is compatible with Near Field Communications (NFC) technologies and is able to utilise Low and High Frequency RFID for those users wishing to utilise card technologies. The Bluetooth connection is compatible with Bluetooth 5.0LE and has encrypted 2-way communication that allows users to have a handsfree feel or authorisation through the mobile application. As long as you have your device in close proximity, you are able to simply tap the front of the unit to allow access, but for those more secure applications, you are able to have physical input via the app to allow access, or have 2-factor authentication set up through the use of a code as well as Bluetooth connection.
The unit can be configured into a short, medium and long range for the Bluetooth operation – with short being set up less than 2m and long range operating up to 10m. The authorisation process through the Bluetooth application is very quick, during testing across multiple ranges and scenarios, this operated the door in under 2 seconds in most cases with a slight delay the further you are from the device.
Conclusion
This product is suitable for any modern office space or for those requiring a remote management of a locking device. This device would work well in other applications that require remote assigning of credentials – like an AirBnB or equivalent. These devices are slim and elegant and would suit those spaces requiring keeping aesthetics.
8.5 out of 10
NOTE: This PSI Product Test was carried out by an independent third party, not editorial staff. The manufacturer had no input in the review or the final result
