13 minute read
Tried & Tested
TRIED & TESTED
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Here is an overview of some of the products we have featured in PSI independent test reports. This month we highlight a range of systems listed in no particular order. As always, manufacturers and distributors have no input in the test reports or results
Western Digital – Purple 18TB HDD
The Purple range of hard drives is designed for surveillance applications with a variety of capacities from 1TB up to 18TB. They are designed for 24-hour, all-yearround operation with an emphasis on continuous write-cycle time. The drive is said to support up to 64 HD cameras and is optimised for AI based read / write requirements with an additional 32 AI streams. Review: A very high-capacity drive with fast read & write access and multiple features to improve the storage and robustness of multi-camera surveillance recordings, especially where complex analytics and Deep Learning are utilised.
Ajax – Wireless Alarm System
The Ajax alarm system is a wireless based EN50131 Grade 2 range of components that can be mixed and matched to suit a variety of home and office environments. Components are available in white or black finish to suit the décor of the site. Smartphone setup, management and monitoring along with extended battery life mean that the system is easy to install and use. Review: A wide range of detectors and simple set-up process makes for a potentially very quick installation. Good access to diagnostic information for monitoring purposes coupled with relatively straightforward battery changing.
Optex – BXS-AM Detector
This is a wall or pole mountable IP55 outdoor “curtain” PIR intrusion detector that has dual narrow passive infrared detection zones either side of the device. Intended for example to cover side walls of buildings in order to trigger an alarm when people approach too close to the property. These side zones have a range of up to 12 metres, giving a coverage of up to 24 metres in total. Review: A very straightforward alarm device with clear operation and simple set-up. Apart from the reservations regarding cable entry and security of access the unit performs well and should prove easy to install.
Raytec – VAR2-IPPOE-HY8-1
This illuminator is a hybrid design providing both Infrared and White light illumination from one network controlled device. The Infrared wavelength is centred on 850nm and a 940nm version is available on request. Power is by 4-Pair PoE or optionally through a separate 24v DC supply.
Review: The white light allowed extremely good colour reproduction and did not excessively flare on near objects even at the 100% output level. Similarly, the infrared had good even illumination over distance and allowed a good contrast range for subjects. Extremely versatile.
Texecom – Capture
Capture motion detectors are intended for use in a wide variety of professional security applications. With a choice of EN Grade 2 wired or wireless connectivity, wall or ceiling mounting, and a choice of detection technologies including dual element, quad element or dual technology sensing, Capture suits a wide variety of security environments. Review: The ease of connection with a range of switchable, built-in EOL resistor values simplifies the installation process. The potential for device branding will likely be appealing to independent installers.
Union – DoorSense
DoorSense from Union, part of Assa Abloy Security Solutions is a legal way for fire doors to be kept open for access and be able to close automatically in the event of an alarm. The battery-operated system is CE marked to EN 1155 standards. Review: The DoorSense does exactly what it should do and even though it looks like it weighs a ton it is actually extremely light for a motorised unit and therefore does not affect the effort required in everyday use of the door.
Camect – NVR
The Camect NVR is a Smart Network Video Recorder using AI routines to identify specific subjects within the scene and to prevent false alarms. This model is primarily aimed at mid to high-end residential and small commercial properties Review: A very interesting, small intelligent recording device that does not rely on “Cloud” analysis or storage and with ease of installation and management.
Satel – Slimline PIRs
Satel produces a variety of PIR detectors within the Slimline range; the models tested and reported here are the Grade 2 “Slim-PIR-Luna” and the Grade 3 “Slim-Dual-Pro” models. The Luna version includes white-light illuminators, while this Pro version provides dual technology detection and anti-masking protection to EN 50131-2-4 if correctly configured. Review: A very good pair of detectors with the Luna model fulfilling an additional lighting role and the Dual Pro meeting the Grade 3 requirements and having good detection flexibility.
Seagate – SkyHawk ST14000VX0008
The 14TB SkyHawk is a conventionally packaged 3.5” hard drive with SATA connection. It is promoted as a surveillance optimised drive with “superior image integrity”. Multi-Tier Caching allows for up to 64 HD video streams to be handled. Review: A very fast and efficient hard drive with an impressive specification, vast storage and manufacturer support for data recovery if required. The attention to the specific current and developing requirements of the surveillance industry should ensure that this drive provides the required performance and longevity of service.
APPLICATION
CCTV protects electric vehicle charging bay locations
Motor Fuel Group (MFG) is using Wisenet cameras manufactured by Hanwha Techwin to help protect its investment in electric vehicle charging hubs.
With the sales of electric vehicles growing, MFG is accelerating its plans to offer ultra-rapid, electric vehicle (EV) charging bays – up to twelve charging bays at each location - across its 900+ station network. Wisenet video surveillance systems are being installed to deter and detect vandals enabling MFG personnel to identify if any charging equipment has been damaged.
The contract to install the systems was awarded to Age CCTV, a division of Age Electrical Services. “We have been installing new video surveillance solutions and upgrading existing systems at MFG forecourts for over 15 years. In all cases, we have used Wisenet cameras in line with MFG’s decision to single source cameras and recording devices from Hanwha Techwin,” said Jason Gargiulo, Managing Director of Age CCTV.
Depending on the number of charging bays at each location, Age CCTV has installed one or more 5-megapixel Wisenet QNO-8080R bullet cameras.
The QNO-8080R is a true day/night camera, equipped with built-in IR illuminators which enable it to capture images regardless of the lighting conditions. It also benefits from enhanced Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) which performs at up to 120dB to produce images from scenes containing a challenging mix of bright and dark areas which normally results in overexposed or underexposed images.
With many MFG (EV) charging sites being unmanned, authorised MFG personnel are able at any time to remotely access the live images captured by the H.265 Wisenet QNO-8080R cameras or retrieve the recorded video of any incidents. They can do so from a desktop PC or laptop by using management software or via their smartphones or tablets using a mobile app.
The images are transmitted over 4G technology and bandwidth efficiency is improved by up to 75% compared to current H.264 technology when WiseStream II is combined with H.265 compression.
Complete bespoke system for medium secure unit
Abloy UK has partnered with Grantfen to supply a new security system to Mersey Care Foundation Trust’s new medium secure unit, Rowan View.
The purpose-built NHS facility consists of 123 beds over eight wards. To provide convenience and safety to all guests, visitors and staff, the development required a security solution that encompassed CCTV, video intercom and access control. The Trust also wanted to ensure the integrity of the doors were maintained in restricted areas of the building.
This would not be effectively provided with a purely mechanical key system, which would lack traceability and create issues if keys were lost or misplaced. Such a scenario could also lead to key duplicates, making it harder to limit access, and potentially lead to escalating costs if the entire suite of keys needed to be replaced.
To provide a complete security solution for Rowan View, Abloy UK and Grantfen worked to create a bespoke, unified system.
The CCTV was designed on the Genetec platform, allowing for the right camera selection for each individual application incorporating cameras from Axis, Bosch, Hanwha and Oncam.
To supplement this, Abloy UK provided CLIQ technology to create an access control and key management solution. CLIQ combines digital and mechanical technology, delivering the benefits of physical security and full digital management. It also helps to increase individual accountability, as keys are programmed to provide permission based on approved levels of access. This in turn creates a traceable system, allowing Rowan View to see who used which key and when.
Any lost or misplaced keys can be deleted from the system, eliminating the risk of unauthorised access or escalating replacement costs. The system can be expanded as required and software upgrades are included.
What’s so good about PSI Magazine?
Do you want to target security installers with your next marketing campaign? Here are some handy points to consider:
PSI is the only UK magazine aimed solely at the installers/integrators of electronic security technology PSI is the only UK magazine that carries independent, third-party product testing PSI was the first UK security magazine to launch a regular podcast PSI interviews NSI Gold approved security installers to promote excellence PSI is the host of the Premier Awards, recognising innovation and contribution to the industry PSI has targeted advertising campaigns that include print, online, podcasts, e-blasts and social media PSI was the first magazine to launch an Open Door programme giving advertisers control over their online presence on the PSI website
From our own research we discovered that:
Two thirds of PSI readers claim to have been influenced by the magazine when it comes to purchasing decisions Almost 40% of installers that read PSI do not regularly read any other UK security magazine
These are just a few of the reasons why PSI (Professional Security Installer) is the best platform for you to promote to security installers. And we didn’t even mention the PSI Golf Day!
If you want to reach installers, PSI should be your first choice
November 2020 – £4.00
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FACING THE FUTURE
APPLICATION
Goffert Stadium replaces legacy security system
The Goffert Stadium, home to N.E.C. football club in Nijmegen, Netherlands, was in dire need of an upgrade as its legacy security system had fallen into disrepair and was no longer fit for purpose. To tackle the issue, the football club worked with VideoGuard to deploy a Genetec system that could modernise security operations and support a phased evolution of infrastructure.
The Goffert stadium’s original analogue security system had been installed during a renovation in 2000. It had initially served the security team well but over the years it had to failed to evolve in line with the new requirements of the organisations. Upgrading its capabilities was complex and costly, while almost half of the CCTV cameras had become inoperable.
Theo van Benthum, Goffert Stadium Manager, explains: “The images from the old cameras could no longer be used as legal evidence. And that’s important if you really want to be able to tackle hooligans. In addition, there is also an economic reason to have good CCTV surveillance. The mayor of Nijmegen demands from us that we have a good security organisation and camera surveillance is an integral part of that. In matches with an increased risk of disturbances, the police come to us to watch and if they think that the camera footage cannot be used, this could have consequences for us. For example, we have to allow fewer visitors or certain competitions may no longer take place. The KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) can also come with sanctions if we are imposed by the municipality.”
Replacing the entire system became the only option. However, committing the budget required to fund all of the necessary upgrades in one go would be difficult. Van Benthum was also keen to ensure that whatever system was adopted had the flexibility to evolve in line with future needs.
Richard Nass, the Owner and Managing Director of VideoGuard, stepped in to assist the club, proposing a complete refit based around on Genetec Security Center. As an open platform that supports a range of cameras, this provided a path for the club to take a phased approach to refreshing his hardware. Helping to lower up-front costs without limiting options for future upgrades.
Theo van Benthum, acknowledges that a project of this scale simply wouldn’t have been feasible without the input of VideoGuard and Genetec. “It wasn’t just about replacing the 24 cameras. The existing network could also no longer be used. Everything was outdated and weathered. I knew Richard Nass from the past and knew he was in the camera business, so I thought I’d give him a call. This is how the idea arose to turn our stadium into a showroom. He came up with a proposal that we could handle just fine. Now, but also in the future”.
In 2018, the project began by replacing the dilapidated analogue cameras with Type 5000i Bosch Autodomes, which improved the quality and accuracy of footage. The cameras were then connected via a new network with two Genetec Streamvault-SV-2000 servers and run on Genetec Security Center. Surveillance camera coverage was also considerably expanded in other areas, such as the fan entrances and car park, to ensure better visibility across the stadium in high footfall areas.
The interior cameras were previously run on a separate system, but now, using Genetec Security Center, staff can access every camera on premises via a single platform, providing a more holistic view into security operations. Furthermore, Security Center also enables personnel to monitor surveillance via their phone or tablets, enabling a greater degree of flexibility, as security personnel are no longer required to be constantly posted at a monitoring station.
Speaking about the refit, Frank Scholten, Product Manager and Engineer at VideoGuard, said: “What has improved enormously is the ease of use. For example, it is very easy to select cameras based on a map. In addition, the system can be expanded quickly and easily if necessary”.
The new security system proved its worth when hooligans associated with ADO Den Haag attempted to burn down the N.E.C. training centre. Thankfully, the new cameras were able to clearly capture the scene, serving as vital evidence for the police, leading to the successful arrests of both of the suspects.
As Security Center is an open platform, it means the club isn’t restricted to specific hardware and can integrate whichever tools best suit their needs.
