Security Electronics & Networks Magazine by Security Electronics & Networks Magazine

June 2012 Issue 333

Challenges of our

IP Future

PP 255003/08027

l London’s Olympic security l Hikvision hits the gas l Brisbane Markets’ goes Nuuo l IP Video: The Hidden TCO l DVTel’s clever TruWitness l Security 2012 product preview l Pelco’s New Sarix Ti Thermal l Basler BIP2-1300c Day/Night

editorial secu ri ty el ectron i cs & n etworks

When only the best will do

Piercing through shadows with multiple eyes, Spider-cam is watching out for crime tonight.

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Through the most challenging times do our industry’s quality brands, well supported from product ignition in R&D all the way through to marketing, distribution, backup and warranty, provide distributors, end users, installers and integrators not just a competitive edge but a commercial insurance policy?

IN this month’s issue our feature, Challenges of the IP Future, found that, generally, the industry retains respect for quality brands that offer strong performance and are well supported by manufacturers and local distributors. You might think that when times are tough, buyers would plump for the cheapest solution on offer but clearly it’s a bit more complicated than that. Any purchase has a total cost of ownership that is made up of purchase price, maintenance and the cost of replacement in the event of failure. Also on the scales are performance capabilities that might lead to successful conclusions to investigations. And you can’t ignore the potential for lost reputation if a system installed by an organisation reflects badly on that company’s professional capabilities. Nothing makes an installer look bad faster in the eyes of an end user than a system that fails to fulfil performance expectations or proves relentlessly unreliable. Considerations like these have a profound impact on installer and consultant recommendations and end user choices. Few, it seems, want to install a solution that does not; offer good performance and upgradeability, enjoy strong support from distributors and have a good warranty from a respected manufacturer with an impeccable market history. When putting together that article I wasn’t sure which way the story would go. Would installers reveal they routinely brought in unknown brands from overseas? Was there competition between locally distributed products and the same brands brought in through the back door? While there may be instances of self-import by installers and integrators, as a rule it seems these activities are exceptions to the rule. Not surprisingly, in the course of the IP Challenges story I started thinking about the value of brands, their momentum in the market and the possibility buyers come to depend on quality brands as an extension of their own reputations and services, their own capabilities – particularly in competitive markets. In the course of these reflections I came upon a Millward Brown study that considered the fortunes of the world’s most valuable brands through the fiscal challenges of the

june 2012 issue 333

By John Adams past 4 years and the results were extremely interesting. Many of the most valuable brands shrugged off the hard times and grew at furious speed. Apple grew 20 per cent, IBM grew 15 per cent, Google remained on the spot but did not shrink, Microsoft gained 6 per cent, GE was up 12 per cent, China Mobile was up 9 per cent. Those that did not grow included traditional consumer retailers like Walmart, which was down very slightly, while Amazon and UPS grew in lockstep at around 35 per cent. Collectively, between 2006 and 2011, the 100 most valuable global brands rose in value by 66 per cent to $US2.4 trillion. The point of all this is simple. Through the most challenging times do our industry’s quality brands, well supported from product ignition in R&D all the way through to marketing, distribution, backup and warranty, provide distributors, end users, installers and integrators not just a competitive edge but a commercial insurance policy? I don’t believe it’s improper to draw a parallel between the best global brands and the best brands in our smaller ecosystem of security electronics and networks. In my own experience it can be demonstrated that the performance of our best brands is consistently high, their reliability consistently good, their market weight consistently solid and their survivability close to 100 per cent. Further, I think it’s possible to include newer brands in this list of top brands in our industry. Those brands that have shown themselves to be committed to quality, new product development as well as development of new markets have prospered. There are a couple of brands that spring instantly to my mind – game changers that have taken the opportunities of the past 10 years and grown enormously. Something we should all bear in mind is that on top of the expanding demands of growing populations, the redress of fiscal errors at government, corporate and personal levels is slowly setting the scene for inevitable and powerful recovery. In my opinion, we are set for a long period of sustainable growth through more careful governance. In this environment, the brands that have met the challenges of this market with integrity and innovation – they will be the ones that grow. zzz se&n se&n 03 3

performance and flexibility of IP surveillance systems are driving more customers to IP-based solutions.

12: London’s burning

june 12

The London Olympics are likely to be the most secure ever and at the forefront of the security push are the latest camera and video management technologies, integrated with video analytics able to offer assessment of crowd behaviour. Sharpening response capability considerably is the latest military hardware. But not everyone is happy. 20: Video stream Sunstate Security has installed an IP surveillance solution for Brisbane Markets Limited, employing NUUO management software and Samsung and Arecont cameras to protect Queensland’s biggest retail precinct. 34: Challenges of the IP Future Our electronic security industry is moving ever closer to IT and this is changing service models, pressuring margins and re-shaping the business. 44: IP Video: The Hidden TCO As the cost delta between analogue and IP systems continues to decrease, the superior

48: This much is Tru DVTel has launched TruWitness, an application designed to turn Android 2.2 or higher-equipped mobile smartphones or tablet computers into full-featured IP video surveillance cameras linked to DVTel’s Latitude VMS. 60: Hikvision hitting the gas Total Group has installed Hikvision surveillance solutions comprising cameras, DVRs and management software in more than 250 service stations across Morocco. 66: Security 2012 We preview all the new product you’ll get to see at Security 2012 in Sydney at the end of July. Video surveillance, access control, alarm systems, integrated security management solutions and peripherals – we cover it all. 72: Basler BIP2-1300c Day/Night Available from Geutebruck Australia is the 720HD Basler BIP2-1300c Day/Night camera, a 1.3MP unit offering 1280 x 960 pixels of resolution and a minimum scene illumination of 0.34 lux in colour at F1.2/33ms and 0.09 in black and white at F1.2/33ms.

According to Mobotix’s APAC regional sales director, Graham Wheeler, the key for megapixel cameras is decentralization of architecture. “It’s this decentralised approach to IP cameras that allows us to deploy megapixel resolution cameras easily today,” says Wheeler. “We have a 120-camera solution in South Australia at Binaco Building Supplies - all the cameras installed are 3-megapixel,” Wheeler explains. “We also have a 100-camera system installed in Singapore, so we know decentralization of megapixel cameras works. “It’s true that networks can be unreliable 20 and from 34 time to time will crash or fall over,” Wheeler says. “This means your IP camera must cover you for this situation so that even if the network or your DVR goes down 46 the camera keeps the data and keeps making useful decisions for you. This is why decentralised cameras are the future of IP Video. “I also firmly believe that we will start to deploy less cameras to cover the same areas,” says Wheeler. “In a garage that might use 4 cameras to get car number plates across all the filling pumps, a single 3-megapixel image can do the same job – that makes the overall solution cheaper to buy and cheaper to install. “The way Mobotix works is that images are cropped so we only record and view the area of interest. This means we still only send the same amount of data as 4 low res IP cameras but get the same result and from a single camera.” Wheeler is firmly convinced IP and megapixel are the way to go and his thinking is based on performance. “There three reasons to go for IP cameras in 62: Leadare from the front my opinion,” he says. “The first reason is resolution. This month we interview Bosch Security Systems’ Consider that you can’t get more than 500TVL on managing director Chris Dellenty, discussing the a coax-based analog system. Megapixel resolutions future of the electronic security industry as well as are vastly betterofbut the only way you can transport future directions his company. megapixel images is using IP. “Given this, whyi-Pro use a low-resolution 66: Panasonic WV-sW155 analogue CCTV camera with afrom codec behind it when you still only get Now available Pacific Communications is the low resolution across an IP network?” WV-SW155 network dome camera with Mega Super Dynamic technology giving 128x broader dynamic Wheeler says compression is another issue for range and facial recognition technology. Key to megapixel cameras. this camera is a much wider of view, for image “Mpeg 4 compresses thefield moving partideal of the transit applications. more than any other part of the image which is good for DVD watching but not what we want for CCTV,” 76: netWork tooLs he explains. “That’s why we developed and have used In the fast-changing of IP MxPeg for the last world 8 years – solutions it keeps installers full resolution need to get hands-on with some of the tools in the moving part of the image and that is why IMS they’re likely to use in the process of building and research states MxPeg is a better compression standard maintaining electronic security LANs. for CCTV than Mpeg 4.” IP video, including megapixel systems, is also

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cheaper and easier to install. “POE really does save on installation costs,” Wheeler says. “Mobotix cameras need no additional heater or power to control temperature or moisture, so you only need a Cat-5 cable. “I have had some integrators say they just purchase standard length patch cable that saves them time due to not having to make any cable up on site.” According to Wheeler, universal adoption of things like fractual compression with very high compression rates would be ideal for video but he thinks CPU usage demanded by MPEG-4 and H.264 are key challenges moving forward. “What we need is a standard that is designed for CCTV rather than for Media such as DVD and gaming,” 14 62 Wheeler says. “MxPeg, as far as I know is the76 only compression standard designed for CCTV and that is why it has such good images with moving content. It also uses an 8th or less of the processing power of an MPEG or H264 Stream. “There’s no doubt that the Mobotix hardware is good 06: neWs enough to build very large scale megapixel systems 06: news Latest business, product and technical news from as we have done in Singapore with 1000 Megapixel Latest business, product technical news from Australia and around theand world. cameras and running onthe 2 world. servers,” Wheeler says. “It’s Australia around not monitoring hard when the system is decentralised. The issue 58: is where the processing is being done and what the 52: monitoring Remotely monitored, detector activated CCTV has compression standard was designed The security industry must facefor.” theby fact slashed theftalarm at a site in West Yorkshire 80that per Wheeler seesarchitectures another major ofand Megapixel communication are benefit changing IP cent in a powerful indication that this technology IP as being onboard intelligence and the functionality communications is swiftly altering the face of all really does have an impact on crime. that comes withcommunications it. interconnected companies. That means plenty to think about. “We there’s have72: this intelligence on board our cameras editor’s choice already andWhat’s have done for the 8 years,” he says. new from ourlast manufacturers. 76: editor’s choice “This is the main reason we can effectively deploy What’s new from our manufacturers. 80: heLPdesk large-scale mega pixel systems without the need for expensive networks. Our team of electronic security experts 80:“Think helpdesk about things like temperature sensors, logic answers your tough technical questions. Our team of electronic answers your to combine Digital security I/O andexperts PIR detectors all built tough questions. in to technical the cameras – these are all possible. Also, any

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// news /

i nd u stry d eve lo pme nts // business p rofiles // industry

Publisher Bridge Publishing Aust. Pty Ltd ABN 11 083 704 858 PO Box 237 Darlinghurst NSW 1300 tel 61 2 9280 4425 fax 61 2 9280 4428 email info@bridgepublishing.com.au Editor John Adams

Telstra cloud receives ISO27001 security certification l AUSTRALIAN business, enterprise and government organisations now have a secure cloud platform allowing them to transition their business applications and data, with Telstra’s infrastructureas-a-service platform independently certified as compliant to the highest of industry standards. Telstra’s data storage services have long been compliant to the ISO27001 international standard for information

Mark Pratley

security management and now Telstra’s utility and dedicated cloud computing platforms, backup and recovery service, associated operational systems and tools have also been assessed as compliant to this strict standard. Mark Pratley, Telstra general manager of cloud computing, said the accreditation of Telstra’s infrastructure-as-aservice platform is another part of the organisation’s ongoing investment in cloud. “The cloud market, in particular infrastructure-as-a-service, represents a new approach to how IT is delivered for organisations and Telstra is very serious about making sure our cloud computing platform is not just secure but independently audited, giving our customers the confidence their data and applications are protected and

Contributor Patrick Luce

safe,” Pratley said. “For the first time our entire infrastructure-as-a-service platform, including computer storage, backup, security and data centres has been assessed as compliant to the international ISO27001 standard.” The ISO27001 certification is part of the $800 million investment Telstra is making in cloud computing over the next few years and follows on from recent certifications of Telstra infrastructure from global application and hardware vendors. The independent audit and certification was carried out across Telstra’s multiple infrastructure-as-a-service sites in Sydney and Melbourne and includes both utility and dedicated hosting infrastructure cloud services.

Advertising Manager Monique Keatinge Customer Service Annette Mathews Tel: 61 2 9280 4425 annette@bridgepublishing.com.au Design Tania Simanowsky e: taniasdesign@optusnet.com.au

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Lan 1 opens fibre-thru-theair partnership l LAN 1 has announced its appointment as Australian distributor for the Sub 10 Systems range of fibre-thru-the-air, 60 GHz, Millimeter wave radio links. “Lan 1 is a great partner for our entry into the Australian market,” says Stuart Broome, CEO of Sub 10 Systems. “They understand the market from the point of view of both the operator and the customer, and bring business and technical expertise as well as local market contacts and knowledge.” In recent months Sub10 has been building a powerful network of distributors across the world. Lan 1 joins a network that includes Sideband Systems in the USA, Novatel in Turkey, SeamCom and Compart IT in Germany, and Minerva in the Middle East. “We are delighted to be partnering with Sub 10 Systems and joining the fast growing team,” said Daniel Lee, founder and managing Director of Lan 1. “We see a big opportunity in Australia for both the Sub 10 Liberator and Dominator links. “In City Centres and on business parks, the Liberator will offer operators and enterprise customers a fast route to increased

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Threat Protect Australia purchases alarm and video monitoring centre

l THREAT Protect Australia has announced the purchase of 100 per cent of Australian security firm Alarm & Video Monitoring Centre (A&VMC). A&VMC is an A1 Grade control room, specialising in electronic surveillance, and has been operating in WA for the last five years with 15 employees. “We have enjoyed a great working 08 se&n

capacity at low cost,” said Lee. “And, as the mobile operators plan the roll-out of their next generation networks, we expect to see plenty of interest in both the Liberator and the Dominator links.” The Liberator wireless Ethernet bridge is the company’s first product and is designed primarily for short range deployments of up to 1600 metres in city centre and campus locations. The longer range Dominator link, operating in the E band, is scheduled to launch later this year. Headquartered in Sydney, but with centres nationwide, Lan 1’s expertise in IP Networking and CCTV installations will help drive the use of Sub 10’s high bandwidth, cost effective point-to-point radio links.

People expect more from technology today — or in other words, less. Less cables, less equipment, less hassle. Why should video surveillance be any different?

relationship with A&VMC in the past, and this merger will see an already strong company benefit from the high-level expertise and advanced product range Threat Protect Australia can provide,” said Threat Protect managing director, Demetrios Pynes. Threat Protect is a market leader in the delivery of protection, investigation and intelligence services. Its security experts help identify and manage risks for organisations as diverse as national retail chains, mining groups, product manufacturers and local governments. A&VMC’s East Perth premises will be incorporated into Threat Protect’s operations going forward.

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Seadan Security turns 25 this year l SEADAN Security & Electronics is an independently owned family company which identified a need back in 1987 for expertise in electric locking which was unavailable at that time. The business started off in the back room of a suburban house in Melbourne and has never stopped growing. Now with 6 branches in major cities around the country, the newest will be opening in Canberra this May. “With the most extensive security product range to suit every need and an unparalleled service reputation to match, Seadan has now grown to a multimillion dollar company and is proud of the role it has played for the past 25 years and will continue to play in the security industry as one of Australia’s most trusted and reliable security equipment suppliers,” said a Seadan spokesperson.

PCSC offers the world’s first Fault Tolerant (FT) controller series creating the highest level of reliability with its automated process of system recovery for access control, alarm monitoring and output control systems. Hitachi’s brand-new biometrics technology “Finger Vein Authentication” enables a high security system to verify a person’s identity by finger vein pattern matching. The Schlage Multi Technology readers are the most flexible readers in the industry. Finally one reader handles all applicable ISO reader standards )( 14443 & 15693) Schlage Multi tech readers contain both 125 khz and 13.56 mhz capabilities in one unit.

SkillsTech Australia receives industry donation

l SKILLSTECH Australia, Queensland’s largest trade and technician training TAFE institute recently received an $A17,000 donation from the security PCSC offers the world’s first Fault Tolerant (FT) controller technology sector to assist in series creating the highest level of reliability with its training future locksmiths. automated process of system recovery for access control, SkillsTech Australia’s teacher of alarm monitoring and output control systems. security technology John Fenech said the donation from the largest Hitachi’s brand-new biometrics technology “Finger Vein locksmithing company in Australia ChaSeenables SeCurity SolutionS Authentication” a high security system to verify a cements a strong industry SpeCialiSeS person’s identity by fingerin... vein pattern matching. partnership. “API Locksmiths was the original • Fast Production of Access Cards supporter of our locksmithing preThe Schlage Multi Technology readersKeri are the most flexible • Schlage, HID, Indala, apprentice scheme at the Eagle readers•inAccess the industry. Finally one reader handles all Control Farm Training Centre and over the applicable ISO reader standards ) 14443 & 15693) Schlage • Identity Management past 4 years have provided work Multi tech readers contain both 125 khz and 13.56 mhz • Biometrics experience for many of our capabilities in one unit. students,” Fenech said. Sales@ChaseSecurity.com.au “As well as p: 1300 79 33 16 / f: 1300 79 33 19 supporting this www.chasesecurity.com.au scheme, API Locksmiths has provided se&n 13sample locks ChaSe SeCurity SolutionS and previously EM711_Chase1.2v.indd 1 27/6/11 4:03:19 PM unobtainable SpeCialiSeS in... components as well as • Fast Production of Access Cards electronic alarm and 24/1/12 2:32:19 PM • Schlage, HID, Indala, Keri access control systems • Access Control which ensure we are • Identity Management using industry standard • Biometrics equipment for quality training. Sales@ChaseSecurity.com.au “This donation will be invaluable for use p: 1300 79 33 16 / f: 1300 79 33 19 in the following 3 www.chasesecurity.com.au qualifications – Certificate 10 se&n

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III in Locksmithing, Certificate III in Security Equipment and Certificate IV Engineering (Locksmithing).” API Locksmiths general manager Lionel Markwort says API and SkillsTech Australia has invested in ensuring the availability of preapprenticeship training for school students. “It is extremely important that Australia’s largest locksmith employer works with SkillsTech Australia to ensure the shortage of tradespeople is addressed,” Markwort said. “API sees SkillsTech Australia as an integral part of assisting in combating the current skills shortage. “When it is economically viable, API donates invaluable equipment that will benefit the community and this donation assists the skill sets of all apprentices. Over many years of involvement with SkillsTech Australia, API Queensland has employed more than 25 apprentices and we anticipate this number will continue to rise.”

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co m m e n t

london oly mp ics

by john adam s

London’s burning The London Olympics are likely to be the most secure ever and at the forefront of the security push are the latest camera and video management technologies, integrated with video analytics able to offer assessment of crowd behaviour. Sharpening response capability considerably is the latest military hardware. But not everyone is happy.

RITAIN’S Home Office is saying that safety and security of the 2012 Games will be one of the largest, most complex security challenges the UK has ever faced. If this assertion is restricted to peacetime operations, the HO is probably correct. Very little effort is being spared to secure athletes and ensure spectators are kept safe at these games. There’s also considerable integration of defence, police and private security capabilities – not just in terms of personnel but in terms of hardware. And all this is happening to the transfixed horror of the nation’s liberals (in the UK that’s the political and social left), which keeps talking about 1984 in the apparent absence of any sense of metaphorical or historical context. It certainly appears to me that the defence and law enforcement agencies responsible for the London Olympics, with the explosions of the London bombings of 2005 still ringing in their ears, are really going to town with security and security propaganda for the world’s biggest show. Not only are they talking about wicking up London’s famously pervasive surveillance system 12 se&n

The Olympic Javelin Service

with integration, they’re amplifying it with drones as well as parking a laser-guided missile destroyer in the Thames adjacent to the Olympic site in the event of the unlikely. The ‘unlikely’, given the noises coming from the Met and the Home Office is a terror attack on Olympic sites or London’s infrastructure over the period of the games. Given recent history and the ongoing discovery of terror plots in Britain, it’s hard to accuse anyone responsible for security and safety during London 2012 of going too far. There’s a history and a presence of clear danger in the UK that only those with a profound case of pathological altruism would deny. The heightened security levels make it virtually impossible to get specific information about security system brands, specifications or configurations, beyond general strategy and broad plans. I expect we’ll be able to run a story about the security of the event after the games have taken place but there’s no chance of naming names at this point. All this said, there are things we can say about security preparations for London 2012. Perimeter security is the key to securing the primary site and in order to deliver this a 17.5km fence has been built. The fence is crowned with 5000-volt electrified wire, and fitted at 50-metre intervals with the latest daylight and night vision surveillance cameras. There are 900 CCTV cameras on the fence-line alone. The Code of Practice for CCTV at the London Olympics states rather peevishly that the threat of hostile individuals attempting to gain access through the perimeter justifies this extensive use of CCTV (my italics). Perhaps this slightly defensive phrasing best reflects the ongoing criticism security command is experiencing over its pointy protective mechanisms for London 2012. Whether there’s IR lighting being used or thermal cameras it’s hard to say but I think it will be standard commercial-grade equipment, given the transience of the installation, and will probably come from only one or 2 suppliers. I think we can guess that there’s a temporary fibre loop associated with the temporary fence line and the cameras will be IP – probably 720p, given the numbers that must be supported. If thermal cameras are being used they will be affordable – that means they are likely to come from one manufacturer. It’s also likely, given thermal camera costs, that the cameras being used will be capable day night units supported with local lighting and integrated into a perimeter solution broken into tight zones and associated with the electric fence. The management system could be open

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co m m e n t

platform or proprietary, depending on the nature of the system. Given the probability of extensive forward planning and the history of single brand solutions at the Olympics, it could well be proprietary. In terms of system management, no control room operator is going to manually patrol 900 cameras in real time – not when there are pedestrian and vehicular entry points to look at. This means the event recording process will be automated and alarm events will call up images from the nearest cameras to any event to the CCTV Control Centre’s main screens. It goes without saying that London 2012’s CCTV solution will have considerable storage capacity. Integral to video surveillance and through it, management of security and emergency response teams, will be the CCTV Control Centre at Tower Hamlets in London. Tower Hamlets already monitors about 250 borough cameras and it’s been suggested that all of London’s CCTV cameras will now be integrated into one solution in time for the Olympic Games. Presumably this means they’ll be ported into the Tower Hamlets control room on multiple feeds to provide additional video footage in the event of the unlikely. How uniform in image quality, day/night performance and field of view all these cameras are likely to be is highly debatable. London’s legacy surveillance system remains very analogue. To shrieks of liberal horror, CCTV Control Centre recently announced it was considering deploying Threat Assessment and Behavioral Analysis Software to monitor all London’s cameras during the games and suggested the new software would have the capability to follow people throughout the city. It seems that without any empirical evidence the liberal press believes this vapourware actually works and fears that tens of thousands of cameras of dubious quality, WDR and depth of field might truly be fed through thousand of obscenely expensive encoder/video analysis server combinations to assess Joe Public’s identity and movements. Fortunately SE&N readers know better. I suspect this technically impossible pronouncement is more clever chest thumping from the great-grandchildren of the chaps who gave us that catchy 1915 marketing slogan: “Women of Britain say – GO!”

london oly mp ics

HMS Daring

The fence is crowned with 5000-volt electrified wire, and fitted at 50 metre intervals with the latest daylight and night vision surveillance cameras. There are 900 CCTV cameras on the fence-line alone.

Other security measures to be implemented for London 2012 will include facial and iris recognition, finger-print and hand recognition, guards with attack dogs and search dogs. A scheme to search people and vehicles will include machines capable of looking through clothing – presumably that’s going to be mobile or handheld millimetre wave cameras. Not surprisingly, other deployments are far more serious. The RAF will deploy its Reaper pilot-less drone aircraft, which will carry laser-guided bombs and missiles, including the Hellfire air-to-ground weapon and, on the Thames, the Royal Navy will deploy a new £1 billion Type 45 destroyer – HMS Daring. The Type 45’s main armament is the Principal AntiAir Missile System, regarded as the most sophisticated of its kind. According to the senior service, it is designed “to defend against supersonic, stealthy, highly manoeuvrable missiles that could use sea-skimming or steep-diving flight profiles approaching in salvos, simultaneously from several directions”. The Type 45’s super-agile Aster missiles are said to be able to track and destroy moving targets the size of a cricket ball at 19 miles. When the plan was announced, Lord Carlisle, the government’s antiterrorism expert, welcomed the involvement of the Royal Navy. “[It] is very well equipped to deal with specific threats, such as that posed by terrorists using light aircraft,” he said. “Having a frigate [sic] in the Thames is an extremely good idea.” In another interesting move, an additional Type 45, this time HMS Dauntless, will be deployed to the Medway at Sheerness. The only possible threat she could be covering over there is that of incoming light aircraft either leaving from or travelling across North-Western France. Meanwhile, the Met is making noises about deploying remotely controlled drones - mini aeroplanes with surveillance cameras to watch over the Olympics. The drones are supplied by AirRobot UK Ltd and have already been used in the past to protect the London Olympics Handover Ceremony late 2008. At that time drones were deployed at The Mall and Buckingham Palace to provide real-time images to emergency services at the event. How much of this overt response capability is gunboat diplomacy and how much is surgical, urban-capable response is very debatable. I think it’s mostly the former. Given Britain’s historical and current military strengths it’s almost certain that the real firepower at the London Games will be pervasive intelligence gathering, world class special forces response teams deliverable by air and highly skilled uniformed and plain clothes personnel on the ground. Vital too, in the event of the unlikely, will be highly organised disaster management and response. zzz

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cas e st u dy my er

Myer goes Geutebruck Secom-TS has installed a huge Geutebruck solution for 68 Myer department stores, comprising 6000 Sony cameras managed by GeViScope-IP/SE video management software.

ADIO frequency tags and a new Geutebruck digital CCTV system operated by well-trained staff have been proving extremely successful in enabling Myer security staff to identify and report known shoplifters, suspicious behaviour and co-ordinated activity among groups of individuals on their premises. The result being that most shoplifting suspects are now apprehended before leaving the premises. Myer is delighted with the success - even if it did not quite happen overnight. Selecting the video security system took 2 years. The retailer’s previous video system had suffered from high fault levels and lower than expected performance, so this time, Myer was determined to find one that would deliver on all its promises. Following several pilot installations, a number of technical shoot outs and a great deal of evidence-gathering Myer’s final choice was a system designed and installed by Secom

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Myer commended Secom TS on its design work and proof of concept, and judged the Geutebruck solution to excel particularly in its fast and responsive video management and its user functionality.

Stand G30

TS and supplied by Geutebruck Pacific, using GeViScope-IP/SE platforms and around 6000 Sony 1.3 megapixel cameras. Myer commended Secom TS on its design work and proof of concept, and judged the Geutebruck solution to excel particularly in its fast and responsive video management and its user functionality, with its quick search and edit tools such as the cut list and motion search being particularly impressive. In operation around Australia during recent months the new system has convinced in practice, too. Its high quality images enable security staff to identify individuals, and its functionality makes easy work of spotting unusual behaviour - people handling lots of different goods, hanging round for long periods, unplugging items or acting in concert – so that this can be reported to store guards who then shadow at close quarters, making their presence felt before offences are committed. Besides the system’s general high technical quality, speed and reliability, much of the quality and convenience of the assistance which the store security staff experience in their everyday duties is due to a handful of standard system and plugin functions. One of these is activity detection which triggers alarms and changes the recording parameters to predetermined settings when movement is detected in unexpected locations. Another much used facility is the ‘follow me’ function which allows operators to quickly drag and drop video of suspicious behaviour from the monitor where it is first spotted, to the central monitor of 3 on their console. Once there, the video is automatically recorded at high resolution for evidential purposes and retained for reference on a separate database. This ability to freely select and group multiple video streams from cameras all round the store makes it much easier for Myer staff to see interaction or collusion taking place between individuals in different locations. Besides loss prevention, Myer is finding that video images from the system are valuable for other purposes too. For instance if a shopper makes a claim against a store because of an accident, a fall for example, being able to prove with video images that the store had already drawn the hazard to shoppers’ attention and therefore fulfilled its legal obligations, or that the accident did not happen as claimed, can save the retailer considerable legal expenses. Images from one particular set of cameras in each store is available to marketing staff for check display compliance centrally, without leaving head office. Given the vast distances between Australian cities, and hence stores, this useful facility saves travelling time and expense. zzz

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cas e st u dy brisbane markets ltd

video stream

Sunstate Security has installed an IP surveillance solution for Brisbane Markets Limited, employing NUUO management software and Samsung and Arecont cameras to protect Queensland’s biggest retail precinct. 18 se&n

IG site surveillance applications generate enough interest to enthrall SE&N readers in their own right – especially when the system in question comprises 100 IP cameras - some HD and some megapixel - all supported by a dedicated fibre LAN, a couple of powerful servers and one of the industry’s nicer video management solutions. But Brisbane Markets Limited’s application appeals on so many levels it’s not easy to know where to start. It’s not just that this is a cutting edge IP surveillance system. Nor is it that it’s a physically huge site, an enormously busy site or a vital piece of the national food chain - particularly for Queensland. It’s the circumstances of the installation itself. Calling this a charismatic install plays down the human cost of one of the greatest Australian property disasters of the last 50 years. But there’s no question whatever that the Brisbane floods were a central factor in the installation experience for

by j o h n a da m s

both Brisbane Markets Ltd and integrator, Sunstate Security. Boring down the Gold Coast Motorway from my sister’s place at Wynnum then swinging into the heartland of Brisbane, I get no particular sense I’m anywhere near the Brisbane River flood plain. Driving into the industrial area of Rocklea, Sydney boy is still none the wiser and it’s only later when BML operations manager Jessie Field hauls up the aerial images of the site during the flood that I get a sense of the enormity of the event for hundreds of thousands of Australians and specifically for BML and Sunstate. With only its warehouse roofs visible, BML’s 35 buildings look like a summer crowd in big sunhats neck-deep in a muddy river - on every side red-brown water stretches away. For BML and Sunstate the Queensland floods turned their site from a brown field site into a green field site. Almost all infrastructure had to be

Our analogue system was 15 years old and it made securing the site harder. Searching was cumbersome. What we needed to do was consolidate all our CCTV into a single system with a single management interface.

replaced at furious pace, the site had to be cleaned and sanitised before it could be re-opened, as well as being made safe and secure, and all this and much more had to happen simultaneously. But I’m getting ahead of myself and am lost in Rocklea after a few-year-old Navman stubbornly deposits me in the middle of a suburban street. There are phone calls required to establish exactly where the entrance to this retail behemoth actually is – a couple of kays back down Sherwood Rd. The place is quiet in the middle of the day – the rows of towering market halls still as a late-night railway station. This sense of peace belies the nature of the Brisbane Markets. Incorporating the Brisbane Produce Market, Brisbane Flower Market, Brisbane MarketPlace (public), Brisbane Markets South Gate industrial estate and Brisbane Markets Commercial Centre, this 150-acre site is the beating heart of Brisbane’s fresh produce sales and distribution. Managing the operation is Brisbane Markets Ltd, which leases space to 254 tenants, including 53 primary wholesalers and 90 support businesses. According to Field, the Brisbane Markets is the most important centre for the marketing and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables in Queensland as well produce that is trucked, shipped and flown from growers throughout Australia and overseas to the Rocklea site. “Brisbane Markets’ 53 primary fruit and vegetable and flower wholesalers and an additional 90 support businesses act as a clearing house for about 7,000 growers,” he says. “A further 1,000 registered buyers, including fruit and vegetable retailers, secondary wholesalers, provedores, restaurants, cafes, food service businesses and exporters, source their fresh produce from the Market.” And there are more huge numbers. The site’s access control system has 5000 active cardholders, it hosts an average of 16,000 members of the public a

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week and up to 7000 vehicles pass through the gates each day. When you consider these figures it’s easy to see how vital the site is to food supply in Australia’s third largest city and to the economy of the Sunshine State and Australia’s rural sector. As Field talks about the site, I process eye-bytes of his office on the third floor of the new steel and glass building called The Fresh Centre that houses BML’s administration team. The space gives little of the man away. Field’s desk is cleared for action and there are a number of items in the room that indicate he was previously a military man. According to Field, the surveillance system’s primary purpose is general surveillance, loss prevention, traffic, access control and incident accident investigation. Prior the install of an IP solution these duties were handled by an analogue system that had been upgraded to digital recording that never gave operators the fluidity they required. “We were working with aging technology prior to the upgrade and as the economy tightened we noticed crime was on the rise,” Field explains. “Our analogue system was 15 years old and it made securing the site harder. Searching was cumbersome. To make matters worse we were operating from 2 individual software platforms split over a site divided by Sherwood Road. “As part of our plans, we decided to put in a very small IP system with a handful of HD cameras to see if could perform in our environment and live up to our expectations.” According to Field, there are a number of key operational aspects relating to the site’s security operation that attracted him to an IP solution. “We look at events retrospectively and seldom need a live view,” he explains. “But we do need cameras with sufficient picture quality to allow us to identify people’s faces accurately. These fundamentals mean we needed capable cameras

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as well as a management system with a powerful search engine so we could look through hours of data and identify perpetrators, review any incidents, and track stock and transport movements rapidly. “Another factor was that BML had already installed a fibre network throughout the 150-acre site. This meant the backbone for an IP surveillance solution was already in place.” As all these factors began to coalesce, Field says BML decided it needed a competent new supplier for surveillance that shared its vision and found one in integrator, Sunstate Security. “Next, we had a look at what was available under the guidance of Sunstate’s Steve Ward, who came up with some great solutions for us. As we were looking at particular IP solutions we were very excited – we were ticking every box on our wish list, we were seeing dramatically improved image quality, better frame rate, good management solutions with good search engines that were user friendly, with reliable and cost effective software and were nonproprietary gear.” According to Field, proprietary solutions were one of the things BML had struggled with in the past and this time he wanted an open platform. “As things progressed we made some decisions and put together a plan to swap some cameras out and install a small test system but then the 2011 floods hit and along with almost everything else, it destroyed our existing DVRs. We ended up with an opportunity to accelerate the surveillance upgrade project. “The good part was that we had already done our homework on the right technology and chosen the right cameras, so it was just a case of picking up the phone to Sunstate and saying, we’ve got the green light, let’s make this surveillance system happen.” According to Field, the new management solution and the cameras are extremely effective. “Our crime detection capability has increased considerably and our ability to get results for the tenants and our business has been extremely encouraging, taking our service to a whole new level,” he says. “What we’ve seen from a Brisbane Markets’ perspective is a complete transformation – there was very little confidence in the old system. Something might go missing and where a tenant would report it, there was a 50/50 chance that we would get a result for them. Now, because we are able to capture reliable evidence that we can access rapidly, we are getting closure for people and it helps us to come from a position of a reliable and accurate account of an event. “The tenants have seen greater results and less shrinkage in their own areas as a consequence – so much so that the system is in high demand. Tenants know we have the capability to find out what happened to a single missing case of lemons or tomatoes in an hour or 2 after their written request to us – the system is that efficient now. We target

majority areas with the 100 or so cameras we have and so long as the field of view takes in the event, we can view all the details distinctly.” From the narrator’s point of view, it’s painfully tempting to dive headfirst into key aspects of the install, to outline the challenges the team faced in those first wild weeks after the flood but given the pervasive nature of that element of the story, let’s stick to the system fundamentals for the time being. In its essence, this solution is a straightforward full-IP system. There’s an existing fibre LAN. There are off-the-shelf switches. There are dedicated NUUO servers. There’s a mix of cameras, including Samsung and Arecont 1.3MP units, as well as some larger megapixel HD cameras from Arecont handling vehicle entry points. There are also multiple authorised workstations running NUUO client software. Handling the installation for BML was Sunstate Security’s Steve Ward. There’s plenty of professional rapport between Ward and Field with both committed to the operational streamlining facilitated by a switch to IP. Same as a lot of IPcapable integrators, Ward raises his voice slightly when he starts evangelising about the power of networked solutions. As we talk, his focus remains utterly BML-oriented, with a strong accent on user functionality. “This site is unlike lots of others I’ve been involved with – most have a handful of highly trained operators that run their CCTV system whereas what we have at BML is a situation where every Brisbane Markets’ security officer can look at images from the system on a workstation or connected device,” Ward says. “With this as our operational baseline, the system has got to be user friendly – I didn’t want to install a system you need an IT degree to operate. I looked holistically at the site considering who was going to use the system, how it was going to be used and then recommended a platform that’s very flexible, that lets us get the best out of it and allows us to move things around to come up with a very efficient system. In this case that platform was NUUO. “One of the advantages with NUUO is that it is ONVIF-compliant and that gives us many different camera choices,” he explains. “As technology changes and improved cameras become available, we can add or replace cameras to enhance efficiency. “In choosing NUUO what BML is saying is that they are not going to use one brand of camera and one specification of camera over the total site. This is a big site and a challenging site with a range of environments that needs a range of cameras with varying capabilities. There are more expensive systems than NUUO that have similar features but I felt they were all restricted one way or another – less open. “BML is the biggest NUUO site in Queensland and it may be the biggest NUUO site in Australia. We’ve got around 100 cameras and we are about to install another 40. We run on 2 dedicated servers with

another server ordered, so it’s a powerful solution that’s non-proprietary and is virtually future-proof. “That’s vital because the system is growing fast. In fact, this building we’re sitting in was not started when the work began on the initial CCTV system – we started with 47 cameras and now we’re over 90 and there’s more building beginning over the other side of Sherwood Road – more warehouses, carparks and a weekend public market. There will be another 40 on the other side of the site. Importantly there’s fibre already over there – we’re very lucky that BML is visionary when it comes to infrastructure.”

Nature of the system

At the centre of the BML solution is that dedicated multimode fibre LAN which allowed Sunstate to focus entirely on the hardware. Fibre is perfect for BML. It’s a massive site with the cable plant running into kilometres. Most the 35 buildings have cameras and these reach remote fibre-linked switches over Cat-6 cable runs that are restricted to 100m. “Each server has 32GB of RAM and 40TB of RAID storage and we are recording at HD at 1080p, 13 frames a second and getting 36 days of storage,” explains Ward. ”At 13 frames our video is virtually live – I think it’s the ideal balance between getting the best image streams and maximising the storage capacity. “The servers are networked and the overall system resides on its own subnet using a freestanding network on the site’s multimode fibre LAN. There were site limitations to the network layout – in particular that we could only go 100 metres once we got onto Cat-6. Some cameras are PoE but on some of the longer cable runs we powered the cameras locally. “All the 10 authorised workstations have NUUO client software and can securely access the server. “Key security staff can also use the app on mobile phones so wherever they are on the site they can

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: An extremely flexible solution One of the advantages with NUUO is that it is ONVIFcompliant and that gives us many different camera choices,” he explains. “As technology changes and improved cameras become available, we can add or replace cameras to enhance efficiency. look at individual camera views.” Sunstate has installed a combination of Samsung and Arecont cameras at Brisbane Markets. Later on as we walk the site I can see why this freedom was so attractive to the boys. Visually this is a tough site, with plenty of strong backlight and given its 24-hour operation, there are plenty of low light and no light situations. “There are quite a few of the Samsung 1.3MP minidomes across this site – externally as well as internally. In some locations we’ve had to use Samsung IR cameras and in others we are using Arecont megapixel cameras – we have some 1.3 megapixel cameras and some 3 megapixel cameras for larger scenes. We tried 5MP cameras for a while but they were too hungry on storage, in our opinion.” According to Ward, one of the things with megapixel cameras is the ability to get by with fewer cameras. “You can be zoomed out and still get number plates when you zoom in using NUUO’s digital zoom and mimic PTZ feature on fixed cameras. That’s a big thing for BML – to be able to look at a queue of semitrailers and pick up numbers plates using the system’s digital zoom is a real asset for security officers.” According to Ward, he was leaning to the Arecont cameras from the start. “For our application we found they had certain limitations. They are better in low light but not as good with backlight. Having an open system allowed us flexibility. We’ve used the Samsung cameras where we need wide dynamic range and Arecont where there’s low light and big depths of field. “As I said earlier, NUUO’s ONVIF compliance gives us the luxury of being able to choose whichever camera suits a given application. Things change so quickly in the industry these days but the system’s flexibility means that as camera technology changes we can move with it.” There’s also some low level integration. “Over at the unmanned gatehouse we have IP cameras in the dual-height intercoms so cars and trucks can use the entry. The cameras allow the

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market officer over here can speak to and clearly see via NUUO who the driver is and then use the access control system to open the boom gate,” says Ward. “The system has to have that flexibility – it has to allow integration with an intercom and it has to allow face recognition – and all this is being conducted 1200 metres from the primary workstation.” Something that stands out about Ward’s stewardship of Brisbane Markets is his recognition of the need for Sunstate to be replaceable. Only a handful of integrators I’ve met have this attitude but it’s something end users want. Sadly, from an observer’s point of view, this profound desire among end users for an open back door appears to be the product of decades of leeching from unscrupulous installers. “We are generally using standard components here – standard lenses – virtually everything in this system is off the shelf – nothing is proprietary, everything is designed to be replaceable – including us. “The system is actually designed so that if BML wants to break ties with Sunstate tomorrow they

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Steve Ward (l) with Jessie Field

We went from a little project of 7 cameras that was in the early proposal stages to a full-blown IP surveillance solution that needed to be installed on a site with no services whatever. can do so – they are not stuck with any service agreements. They can do things for themselves. They are free.” Simplicity of license agreements for expansion was another attraction of the NUUO solution. When new cameras go in Ward calls out the supplier and buys more licenses and gets an ID number and that releases another 4 cameras. There’s a license per camera as a one-off cost. “We wanted a system where once we bought a license we owned it and there were no limitations to accessing the system’s capabilities in terms of the number of workstations we could run simultaneously,” Field explains. “Other systems would only allow 5 workstations to access the management system at a time and that was not good enough for us.”

The installation

It’s flat-out impossible to decouple the Brisbane Markets’ surveillance installation from the Queensland floods and once the boys turn their minds back to those challenging days the story pours out of them. According to Field, just at the moment BML had decided to push ahead with the small trial IP surveillance system almost all the site’s infrastructure was utterly obliterated by the flood water. “Given Brisbane Markets’ vital role in Queensland’s food supply, post flood the site needed to be opened

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as soon as possible,” says Field. “The situation was so bad that supermarkets were running out of fresh produce so the site had to get up to feed Queensland. Farmers were throwing away food because they could not get it to the Brisbane Markets and the Brisbane Markets could not get it on to retailers.” “The Queensland Government declared Brisbane Markets an emergency area - it was priority number one – Brisbane Markets was where the cleanup of Brisbane really started. We had the army in – there were 43 fire appliances on one day washing away mud, including 2 of the big airport tenders – it was that serious. These had to be specially escorted because of their size. “After being hosed, the area had to be chemically sanitized – the walls, the roadways. Also we had hundreds if not thousands of volunteers here, everyone worked feverishly for the common good. It’s unanimously considered to have been a remarkable achievement to have got the site restored in a limited capacity - the selling floor being able to trade - just 52 hours after the flood water receded. “The Oxley Sewage Treatment plant is nearby and our site had been inundated not just with water but with raw sewage, broken glass, wooden pallets, oil slicks from adjacent service stations. There were 42 dead sheep from a neighbouring property found on the site, the fences had been torn down or become mini dams of trapped mud. There were thousands of pumpkins everywhere. “There was the total loss of infrastructure – 382 vehicles, predominately forklifts, were ruined on this site alone. And when the floods hit it destroyed the analogue CCTV system. We were without video support – we were without any electronic security of any kind.” Ward was expecting to install a small IP-based system when the floods hit and he was not expecting what came next. “The water was still up when Jessie rang me. The water was tipped to go down over the weekend and Jessie asked how many guys I could have there on Monday morning. BML needed an entirely new system, Jessie said. That Monday everyone who works for me was here and we just worked and worked and worked. It was tough, it was hard, it was dirty. Nor was it just surveillance we were working on. We also did the boom gates, the access control, the alarms. Everything had to be entirely replaced as fast as possible. “We were literally working from sun up to sundown in the most challenging conditions imaginable. We only stopped at sundown because there was not enough lights to allow us to go on. We were on generator for the first week or so, then onto mains, then there was a substation fire and we lost power again and it was back to generators.” BML and its tenants didn’t just lose electronic security systems, they lost power, phones, lights,

water, toilets and refrigeration as well. In the first weeks these missing pieces of infrastructure impacted the installation. At the system’s heart, the fibre backbone survived and only needed its terminations polished before recommissioning but all the copper cable had to be replaced. Did the floods make a Brownfield site a Greenfield site, I ask? “Yes, it did.” says Ward. “We went from a little project of 7 cameras that was in the early proposal stages to a full-blown IP surveillance solution that needed to be installed on a site with no services whatever. We’d never installed anything of this nature before – and nothing in the time frame allotted. “At the start with electricity turned off we were working with generators and these were in short supply. We’d need to do a test on something at the far end of a cable run and by the time we’d got back someone had taken off with the generator we were using. “When we started there was mud everywhere – there were fleets of fire trucks just washing the mud off everything. Only 52 hours after the water went down Brisbane Markets opened for trade so you can imagine the amount of work and the intensity of work that went on in that time. “We really were in the middle of it. You’d think we’d have had free run to carry out our own work but in the event everyone had free run of it and the place was total mayhem. Every single cold room had to be repaired. Every power point had to be tested and repaired, every phone system had to be replaced. Lights and switches had to be replaced and all the electrical infrastructure had to be tested and replaced. “There were hundreds and hundreds of people working here, electricians, plumbers, refrigerator repairers and it was filthy dirty. Council would not allow the sale of produce from the site until it had all been sanitised and approved.” Jessie Field did not leave the site or sleep for 5 days straight. “We started the recovery with a skeleton staff and then we started to get a bit of control. We’d lost all of our rosters, we’d lost all of our paperwork, contact lists, all our procedures – small things you don’t think about – they’d all been destroyed in the flood. We’ve now introduced procedural changes to ensure this never happens again but at the time we were working from memory.” As Ward points out, in the midst of all the challenges of reconstructing its core operations BML management had to make some big decisions about which way they were going to go with the surveillance system – would they try to patch up the analogue or go with IP? “The funds had not been allocated for the new IP system but the system was vitally important,” says Field. “On top of operational concerns we were in a situation with our insurer – we needed to get the CCTV system up and running again to ensure

The Oxley Sewage Treatment plant is nearby and our site had been inundated not just with water but with raw sewage, broken glass, wooden pallets, oil slicks from adjacent service stations.

security and safety on the site. “The budget was quickly made available and it was self-funded until insurance repaid the losses of the old system. In the days after the flood management gave the green light for the project to roll out.” Freeing up funds was only the beginning. “We had not contemplated so many new cameras – we’d not even considered where we should put the new type of cameras,” says Ward. “We had to sit down and think strategically about where we’d put the cameras, how we’d fill holes that existed with the old system.” According to Ward, while his primary interest was security, that was not and could not be, BML management’s only interest. “That was the real issue from my perspective. We were not the priority. The big priority, understandably, was operational – power, phones, cleaning. We had to grab time here and there to get security decisions made. We were given a lot of autonomy but you know it will come back and bite you if you make the wrong choice so we needed to give good cost effective advice and do it very quickly. “We had to, in a very short amount of time, recommend a way to go – the first order was $150,000 worth of equipment. It was a gamble in the sense we’d had no trial but we were very lucky we’d done a lot of homework. We just had to commit ourselves and do it and instead of installing the 7 camera trial system we committed ourselves to replacing every piece of surveillance equipment BML had got.” Complicating matters for Sunstate was the fact the company handles more than just video surveillance for Brisbane Markets and all the site’s electronic security systems were crying out for

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immediate attention. “In the middle of the CCTV installation we were trialling boom gates from Belgium. When it came to the access control system we were starting from scratch there, too. I got every Tecom 4-door controller in Queensland and then chased every 4-door controller in the country. No access manufacturer holds the amount of stock we needed to put in on a site this size. We replaced every 4-door controller on the site as well as replacing the panel.” BML had absolutely no access control and no alarms for a couple of weeks. Curiously, Ward says, all the 4-door access controllers had actually been blown apart – perhaps by some voltage spike during the process of flooding. “We are still working on parts of the wider security system and when we take lids of housings they are all filled with mud.” Q Video Systems is the supplier of the NUUO equipment and the Samsung and Arecont cameras and Ward says the QVS team gave Sunstate and BML a lot of help. “They came out to the site and spent a lot of time here. One of the things we did was get cameras and a laptop and go up in a scissor lift at every proposed camera point and see what things we could do with the cameras and how that effected the images on the NUUO client in real time – it was a trial by installation. We don’t need to do that now but in the beginning we would do a physical demonstration to ourselves to inform our decisions.” Ward says that many cameras are on buildings but some are located on light poles in carparks. “We had to run low voltage power to pole locations and we needed to get special 24v switchers. There’s lots and lots of trenching so getting power to places we needed was not a problem.” Also involved in the installation was BML’s IT department, predominantly Julian Kreundl, who was heavily involved in the networking side of the system and was a key to much of the decision making process.

Challenges of the site

As I write this it seems overkill to launch into the challenges of the site when the installation itself was so testing but there’s no question Brisbane Markets would have been a tough install without the floods. The key issues here are ease of operation, cabling distances, depth of field and variable light. As Ward explains, Brisbane Markets is a site with unique issues. “BML did not know what they were asking for in going to an IP surveillance solution, given the nature of the site and its operations. I knew immediately it was a low light site and that was a big consideration of mine – I needed to steer BML in the right way. “It’s a 24 hour site. Most the trucks start getting here at 10pm at night and they spend all night unloading and then the buyers start getting in about 6-7am. We get about 6000-7000 vehicles through our gates

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The rack

every day – it’s just a huge operation. “These working hours meant we need to pay special attention to lighting,” Ward says. “One of the failings of IP systems is low light performance and we had to be very careful to choose the right cameras and install them in the right locations. “There’s a lot of artificial lighting but we still had to find the right locations to exploit it. To get it right I would come here at night and drive around in my car measuring the lux readings at various locations to establish were we could or couldn’t place cameras. “In some locations we use an Arecont dual lens camera that has 2 lenses in one camera, one for day and the other for night, all in the one housing. That’s given us a benefit. We can change the zoom so we zoom in closer for night and zoom out for day. It’s a single camera that acts as 2 cameras. Lighting wasn’t the only issue the installation team faced. “There are some areas of electrical interference on the site, in particular an area where at the same time every day some EMI source giving us issues – we had to re-run some cables – I think it was a cold room starting up.” Camera placement was another concern. “Given the big B-double vehicles on the site we needed to ensure our camera placements were high where we could so we could look down on them – we were conscious of that. The floods called for elevation, too. “And conducting an installation in a working market had its challenges. We had to get in among all the tenants and run cables, climb ladders, use scissor lifts and all the rest of it.” According to Field, a key requirement of the new system was ensuring maximum coverage all the time. “We used to have a lot of PTZ cameras around the site and we had found through bitter experience that more often than not they were pointed in the wrong direction when we needed footage,” Field says. “Now we can get 4 good fixed IP megapixel cameras for the

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same price and we are capturing a lot more vision than we ever did with the PTZs. That’s helped a lot. PTZs work – we aren’t anti-PTZ – but our operation does not need them – it was not an effective security solution for us. It was not price-related – just an operation fundamental.” According to Ward, in order to increase coverage from fixed cameras the installers used a number of techniques. “We overlap fields of view, we stagger camera coverage like a waterfall and this has worked well. We can go back and look at the footage and if it’s in our fields of view and enhanced depths of field we will not miss anything. “In my opinion, some people will put in PTZs because it saves them from having to choose the perfect field of view – the camera can be adjusted to suit requirements after installation. At BML we have put in fewer cameras, in the right locations.”

System operation

From a management perspective, Field says the system is used extensively by security personnel who can continuously operate and monitor the

The time it takes to have a security officer sit and watch hours and hours of footage is expensive and there’s the human element of error. With NUUO the system detects pixel change and you have complete confidence in the result. cameras and software at various access key positions within the markets. “Investigations and search functions are mainly performed in a control room environment and are made available for viewing for tenants upon requests,” Field says. “Events and incidents are easily downloaded from the server with copies provided to site the insurer for future reference. The razor search function has been revolutionary for us in detecting pixel change on user defined potion of search screen making searched for lost property or unauthorised events far easier to detect with higher degrees of accuracy. “Another key benefit is the traffic counting feature which accurately counts all vehicle entries and exits with user-friendly grabs that can be broken down to hourly, daily monthly and annual rates. Vehicle registration plate detection has greatly increased levels of detection leading to the identity of alleged suspects related to various matters.” How does NUUO’s awesomely named Security Crystal Board management solution look in the flesh? The system’s interface is good-looking and as Field shows me around I can see it’s simple in operation. The appearance is very slick. The skin is X-Men metallic, streamlined yet with all the

28 se&n

fundamental controls right there in front of the operator – screen views, searches, saves, zooms, tools. The greater part of the interface is given to camera views with controls on the right side of the screen. Anyone familiar with common video players would readily adapt themselves to its operation. In order to get a feel for system performance, we take a look at the footage from 6am that day. The images are extremely good from the 1.3MP cameras. There’s great depth of field and face recognition as far out as 25 metres from the lens. When I ask, Field tells me we’re looking at Arecont 1.3MP units. They are excellent cameras, I think. Something else from a management perspective is that Field observes when there are 4 cameras on the screen the system works very well but drop an additional 2 cameras on the main screen and server performance slows down a little. It’s not a huge difference but is there with the higher resolution cameras. Low light performance of the cameras we view is very good, as is backlight performance. We are moving between cameras – and presumably between Arecont and Samsung units. I don’t get to find out which is which in this rapid process but the camera selection from Sunstate can’t be faulted. As Field drives his system you can see the challenges the system faces given it operates 24 hours a day. The low light, the reflections from big white trucks, from headlights, shadows, strong backlight as the sun breaks over rooflines. At Brisbane Markets there’s a real need for cameras with the ability to work across a wide range of conditions. Next, Field calls up the razor search which I sense is a favourite for the BML team, given its ability to simplify post event investigations and to give tenants real results. It’s very straightforward in operation. “NUUO razor search means if someone steals a pallet we can draw a box around the area before it was stolen on the recorded footage and the system will then search and find all activity around that pallet and give it to us as a list of events. We take the investigation from there. “The time it takes to have a security officer sit and watch hours and hours of footage is expensive and there’s the human element of error. With NUUO the system detects pixel change and you have complete confidence in the result.” Field’s visceral appreciation for this function is grounded firmly in the challenges of the manual and semi-manual event searches of a bygone era. “In the past you had to go to a remote DVR to view footage. It was a complex system and only a small group of trained security officers could get the most out of the system by doing the searches. When we allocated people for searches we lost them for half a day – and they could still miss an event. “With the new system lots of times we’ve been

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se&n 29

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camera technology has come in only a couple of years. “That gate house is not manned 24 hours a day so using the vehicle counting features NUUO has out of the box, we can work out what are the peak times of the day and ensure there are guards rostered there at those times,” explains Ward. “We just draw a box here and a box there and then we count consecutive breaks of these boxes, the first ONE massive Texas school district recently due to the number of employees that tend to break indicating direction of travel. It’s a low cost upgraded its video surveillance system in an move from campus to campus in such a large option school that helps understand system.us Russell says priorpeak to thetimes Video and effort to keep up with advancements in Web manage rosters to perfection.” Insight implementation his VMS administrator management platforms. Austin Independent “Andspent operationally, being partofoftime thewith network, a considerable amount user it’s School District – the America’s 38th largest thissomething number ofyou users a just school system – has replaced its existing so easymaintenance. if someone“With wants can reliable Web more economical video management system with Video Insight email an image. It’sclient not aismatter of burningthan to CD – installing (andeasily uninstalling) clients on user software. Encompassing 230-square miles, everything is very done.thick It’s aVMS remarkably Austin ISD has 86,000 students, 11,000 each PC, which also overburdens our already friendly system.” employees, 124 campuses and more than 3,000 taxed VMS administrators,” he says. I’m not Field tells a lotinof his Thesurprised switch to when Video Insight has me resulted video surveillance cameras. able to use the system to resolve an issue in a few people are self-taught on NUUO. I’ve played an improved video management system forwith “We were unhappy with the platform that we minutes,” he enthuses. “Just recently someone Austin ISD in many respects, including: Little NUUO Titan before and the controls are intuitive had invested in and we needed a more practical dropped $1000 out of their pocket and we were to no training for employees; increased video solution – something that was easy to use,” says and instantly familiar. able to identify the person who had picked up camera image training quality; more efficient storage; Austin ISD Police Department Representative “We did a small session – we had QVS the cash, find them quickly among the 2000-odd Wayne Russell. “We needed something that faster system performance; variety in camera come out and speaking to us and we asked for people on the site and encourage them to return didn’t require an incredible amount of CPU choice and LDAP integration. The 3,000-plus a couple of changes to the software so we were camera system is monitored by the AISD police processor power that could also serve as a fullythe money to the rightful owner. able todispatch help develop software 24-hoursthe a day, seven and days enhance a week, its functioning Web client.” “We also find when buyers come in, a tenant may capabilities but it was a very simple learning process. paying particular attention during peak times After an exhaustive bid process, Russell found take fruit or vegetables to vans and if someone toaverage camera feeds in the officer bus drophere off and pick up the solution in Video Insight. “The security is accessing needs more of something it’s very easy for areas, multiple cafeteriastimes duringevery breakfast and lunch “Video Insight was the only software solution this system day and the guys them to just pick up someone else’s unattended time, playgrounds and in hallways during class that worked seamlessly with our existing picked it up as quickly as we did – it’s a great system produce. With this system we can just go in and do cameras and it offered a very dependable Web changes. Administrators monitor cameras at for them. Our CEO has it on his computer too, and is each school campus, but they report incident to client,” Russel says. a razor search and sort the trouble out. When the very happy with it. who have the sole authority to the AISD police A fully functional Web client application was perpetrator sees the footage the arguments end.” Ward says the security officers are extremely clip and export video. very important to Austin ISD, says Russell, Along with the Razor search there’s also a time good at finding ways around challenges. If they line ACCESS search that allows play forward andASSA back. Next, control solutions provider want to track a vehicle back to its point of origin and purchased assets Greensteel FieldABLOY finds has a rego number at theoffront gate. We are they can use multiple different cameras to trace the Industries Ltd., a metal commercial door and looking at one of the Arecont 3MP image streams movements of a vehicle within the site. frame maker. and it’s very good quality. The camera is able to dig The Greensteel products will now be marketed “Some of the enhancement features of the NUUO deep into the scene and get clear images at a long and manufactured under Baron and Fleming software – the ability to take backlight out and adjust distance – IASSA estimate the depth of field in this scene brands, ABLOY Executive Vice President contrast levels without affecting the watermarked at around 50m. Thanasis Molokotos says. video footage have been a real help. The ability to We alsoacquisition look at awill scene in which we can see “This enhance our ability make a scene a little bit brighter, a little bit darker to provide non-residential door opening the to unmanned gatehouse and view people and get results.” solutions to our Canadian customers,” he says. vehicles coming and going. The images are glittery Ward credits part of the performance we’re Established in 1932, Greensteel Industries sharp – it’s another Arecont 3MP camera – and operates in Winnipeg, Canada. enjoying during the demo to the cameras there’s face recognition and plenty of detail. It’s the It’s an interesting lateral move from ASSA themselves. sort of scene that clearly indicates to me how far

3000-camera school system deploys web-based solution

assa abloy buys Greensteel industries

One of the failings of IP systems is low light performance and we had to be very careful to choose the right cameras and install them in the right locations.

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14 se&n 30 se&n

se&n 31

cas e st u dy brisbane markets ltd “I think it’s important to mention that we also have very configurable cameras and they do meet our needs – they get it right.”

Conclusion

BML has a great surveillance system and the fact it was installed under duress reflects highly on all involved. It seems clear the spirit that drove Queenslanders during those first tough weeks in 2011 was there in spades at Rocklea. “When the water went down, the incredible amount of service that followed from there – we had people from Sunstate supporting us on the ground within hours and we had stock on order within days – you’re talking about major infrastructure change,” says Field. “Then over a period of a 2-4 weeks we’ve installed state-of-the-art cameras on the site and software that was a perfect choice – it did not take a lot of training. It’s the sort of software that anybody with a basic understanding of CCTV cameras can have a look and navigate through the basic features.” Before I visited the site, Field sent me a detailed outline of the site. As part of his outline he’d made

...over a period of a 2-4 weeks we’ve installed state-of-the-art cameras on the site and software that was a perfect choice – it did not take a lot of training. a list of benefits that he feels have accrued from the new system. They include a non-proprietary platform and components, improved configurability and search capabilities, ease of use, increased levels of detection, improved image quality and reliability and a reduction in crime levels. Then there’s acceptance by tenants now that they can rely on the system in time of need. But also on Field’s list were some points with a particular resonance in that they pointedly highlight critical past failures in our industry’s performance. These included a reliable liability position with the site’s insurer, improvements in parts availability and delivery times and awesome after sales service. “Generally it’s been a very, very good experience,” explains Field. “It’s good to see the tenants benefit from and appreciate the system – they’re the ones realistically paying for it and they like a return on investment. They can see the images – see an event – see value in the system. Every comment we’ve got after a tenant has come over to look at footage has said – ‘those images are a lot better, that’s a good system’.

32 se&n

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s p e ci al re p o rt ip future

by j o h n a da m s

Our electronic security industry is moving ever closer to IT and this is changing service models, pressuring margins and re-shaping the business. At the same time electronic security applications are expanding exponentially and testing traditional and routes to market. Or are they?

O Challenges of the

IP Future

34 se&n

VER the past 15 years the electronic security industry has gone from almost 100 per cent analogue to 50 per cent full IP and 95 per cent hybrid. No one installs analogue cameras and VCRs these days. But is the swing to IP impacting only on the sorts of products and technologies we’re installing and using, or is there a wider impact? One of the areas many distribution businesses face competition is from online vendors and some say this applies in the electronic security industry, too. In this issue we talk to distributors, integrators, consultants and end users about the way the swing to IP is impacting the electronic security business in a number of areas – installer imports, tighter margins, the extra effort required to support IP solutions. While some argue there’s no or limited impact, others say they do sometimes look overseas for wider choice of technology. But one thing seems universal and that’s the need for reliable product support. And when it comes to support there’s nothing quite like boots on the ground. As technology continues its drift to IP, we may see some products being supported effectively from overseas but these are going to be software solutions. With hardware, things are different and only at the low end of the market where end users have no education does it seem likely an installer-importer-runner business model could ever succeed. Serious end users remain hungry for reliability and performance, and most installers still depend on local support for major systems. One thing that’s clear is that IP solutions are not easy to support. It takes expertise most installers simply don’t have. So – does importing of hardware from suppliers overseas by local installers and importers threaten Australia’s electronic security business model, in the opinion of local distributors and manufacturers? According to Cliff Simons, GM of Q Video Systems, the answer is possibly yes in some areas but he says in reality we will always see security installers trying their hand at importing, even if it is only for a short period. “This is particularly prevalent with cheaper Chinese products being directly available to our market,” says Simons. “However, they are usually unlabelled, unidentifiable and often unsupportable.” Simons says it’s an interesting exercise when an installer takes their eye off their core business to divert time to importing. It means more time is spent on administering the business as opposed

Peter Game

to promoting the business. According to Simons, there’s nothing simple about importing quality equipment and supporting it. “Importing requires stronger cash flows than normal business as you are usually required to pay for a shipment upfront, wait for it to come in and clear customs, install the equipment and then wait for the money to be paid by your customer. If this is a drawn-out process it can really test your elasticity but on the other hand it could pay off. “With importing also comes the need to spend time talking to OS suppliers who have great communication skills during the purchase process but shocking skills when it comes to providing advice and support,” Simons explains. While waiting for support from overseas you can lose face quickly with your customers. “And if bulk stock is held, in order to secure the right price, then it requires space to store it. You can also be caught out during technology shifts where you are in possession of too many of the obsolete lines which nobody will want. These are usually sold below cost to move them on. “When it comes to warranty it is up to the importer to fix or replace the faulty items. These may need to be shipped back to the manufacturer which can be an expensive and drawn out process. This process usually tests the patience of an importer to the point where they can become physically exhausted in arguing their point. Shrinkage (stock losses) becomes your own problem. “Manufacturers generally will not fly into Australia to help you on site when you need technical support,” Simons says. “And Australia’s compliance

Australia’s compliance laws become your problem as the importer so you need to make sure that what you import is legally able to be sold in Australia otherwise you could face fines and losses. se&n 35

s p e ci al re p o rt ip future

Peter Roche

Bosch’s brand equity and positioning in the market as a manufacturer of quality video systems has enabled us to counter this threat to some degree. laws become your problem as the importer so you need to make sure that what you import is legally able to be sold in Australia otherwise you could face fines and losses. Most of these factors make good sense to most people but some will still want to work on reducing their costs as opposed to increasing their business and as it is a free country they are welcome to give it a go.” How widespread is the practice of installer importing from the point of view of Simons? “Between 5 and 10 per cent of security installers import equipment to some degree,” he says. “We find that some of those who try it may do it for a couple of shipments or maybe a year or two before reverting back to traditional wholesale purchasing in Australia.” Another issue the market faces at present is falling margins. But if you reflect on things, a bulletproof case could be made that IP has actually protected margins over the past 10 years and continues to do so by enhancing the capability and desirability of the latest equipment. But what is the typical margin for distributors in the electronic security industry at this point in time? Is it falling and by how much? According to Simons, margins are falling and there has been a drop in QVS’ margin over recent years. Importantly though, Simons says this has taken place since the GFC and as we all know the key impact of the GFC has been to shrink cash flows and wick up competition. Simons says QVS is pushing

36 se&n

back by putting a stronger emphasis on added-value services over price. Another question is what part of the market the margin falls are most prevalent? Is it CCTV? Are areas like access control, alarms and intercoms more stable in their margins? “Both CCTV and IP Video are experiencing lower margins than our other products,” agrees Simons. “The IP market is particularly tight due to the sharp pricing available in the IT sector.” Another challenge for distributors is the fact you can’t be a box-mover and sell capable IP solutions. You have to stand behind your systems to the bitter end. No matter what goes wrong the installer or end user will always point their angry finger at the visible VMS – even if the real issue is invisible router config. For this and other reasons, IP-based systems are harder to support than analogue, given the smaller margins, and this means IT contracts for support and maintenance may grow in prevalence. “We are seeing a high demand for tech support on our IP solutions,” says Simons. “This is influencing our hiring decisions and driving us to train and develop our staff in these areas. Over time we hope to offer comprehensive maintenance contracts with our equipment (equivalent to Tier 2 support) so that customers can be assured they have fully operational equipment and have peace of mind.” Over at Bosch Security Systems things are a little different. Bosch is a manufacturer and distributor and is not going to run up against challenges like identical re-branded solutions from overseas manufacturers in the Australian market place. But does being a manufacturer/distributor entirely insulate Bosch against current market trends of margin pinch and low quality installer imports? “All wholesalers, whether a manufacturer or distributor, are being affected by lower quality imports,” says Bosch’s Chris Dellenty. “Bosch’s brand equity and positioning in the market as a manufacturer of quality video systems have enabled us to counter this threat to some degree, plus we have entered the affordable market segment with our Advantage line product range, so for the first time, we are competing in this end of the marketplace.” One of the threats to the electronic security is that the ubiquity of IP-based product and the scrawny margins in that industry, will lead end users, particularly at the low end, to fall into the trap of accepting poor products that cannot be supported locally and that represent a false economy. It’s something Dellenty agrees with. “Absolutely - with IP comes new technology that many suppliers are unsure how to implement. End users are often disappointed with the results and the supplier has no back up to assist them,” he says. “Conversely, Bosch supports its systems with its own local technical support division, which has IP network experts able to assist and educate customers, and so ensure that any Bosch VS system out in the field can operate at a premium.”

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product samsung product review samsung s p e ci al re preview o rt ip future quality good products, local knowledge and local support personnel.”

Cool for tough external applications is the fact Is IP ‘threat’ propaganda? the 6020 has a waterproof circuit board and can Pacific Communications’, Rob Meachem, doesn’t handle both high and low temperatures. Thenor does agree the shift to IT is pressuring margins, he see aand threatit’s to traditional distribution 6020 has a 70mm backset easy to installmodels from online commerce. Meachem’s position is on typical doors. You also score a 24-month coherently and thoughtfully argued and comes warranty. from a strong understanding of the nature of the

Rob Meachem

Many times in SE&N we’ve hit out at use of super cheap electronic security devices when a single call out for a failure on a system with virtually no margin means installers take a loss. But is the market getting this message? “Not really,” Dellenty says. “We see so many low end suppliers come and go, who are simply there to make a quick dollar and when the issues occur, they are not around to offer support. The end result is that the VS installers end up paying more in the long run for a relatively small initial saving on equipment cost. “The good news is we are now finding some of the installers who have been victims of this are returning to established brands, such as Bosch, that have

local market. “I think this is an assumption held by people who detection (the door opensby when detects believe thesensor propaganda peddled someit vendors internal temps of 60C,that a safe or low value distributors have button a vestedfeature, interest automatic lock and relock function, adjustment in seeing a low-margin and thus a low-value channel to left hand right hand, succeed,” heand explains. “The double bottom locking line is and that emergency battery terminal. low marginsexternal can only be achieved by a low-value The lock isinpowered by 8 AA and offers proposition a particular partbatteries of the channel. In aother lifespan of just year when has usedtoten times words, theunder value aproposition move to aanother day – typical forchain. internal, small commercial or part of the domestic “Anyoneapplications. suggesting the characteristics of the ANZ Next in line is the Samsung SHSis6020 digital security equipment market channel like the USA door lock which high levelofofhow safety or Europe simply offers showsEzon’s their ignorance the along with anand award design.ofThe 5020 markets work howwinning each segment the chain can be opened using onevalue of upproposition to 20 smartcards delivers its value. If your is high or a password. are alsowill RF go keytags youwith cannot afford a lowThere margin or you broke. and emergency mechanical cool “The ANZ security industrykeys. is a Another niche market feature 6020 can a relative is tothat the the IT market andbeisintegrated very highwith touch video system it can be high opened from due tointercom the relative lack ofsostandards, degree of the inside usingboth a release button. customisation pre and post-installation and Features of this digitalwhich lock prevents include has a relatively low classy critical mass vendor/manufacturers from investing in a robust

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46 38 se&n se&n

Arecont Arecont Vision Vision 88 megapixel megapixel 180° 180° and and 360° 360° panoramic panoramic cameras cameras have have been been successfully successfully deployed deployed for for mission mission critical critical security security applications applications around around the the globe. globe. And And now, now, Arecont Arecont Vision’s Vision’s new new generation generation of of panoramic panoramicmegapixel megapixelcameras camerasinclude includeDay/Night Day/Nightfunctionality. functionality.Available Availableinin88and and20 20megapixels, megapixels,the thenew new panoramic panoramiccameras camerasprovide provideimproved improvedforensic forensicdetails detailsto tocover covervast vastareas. areas.In Infact, fact,one oneArecont ArecontVision Vision20 20 megapixel megapixelpanoramic panoramiccamera cameracan cando dothe thework workof ofup upto to16 161.3 1.3megapixel megapixelcameras cameras--lowering loweringproject projectcosts costs and and improving improving ROI. ROI. Calculate Calculate the the total total savings savings and and you'll you'll clearly clearly see see how how Arecont Arecont Vision Vision panoramic panoramic Day/Night Day/Nightmegapixel megapixelcameras camerascan canclearly clearlysurround surroundyou. you.

service and support structure. whytouch most screen, vendors/manufactures so a “It’s backlit a manual lock rely switch, heavily value-add to provide this a safetyonhandle and distributors handle lock, and double value. Ourrandom customers telling want security PINsare forstill users. In us thethey event an the value proposition we offer. I don’t anything unauthorised PIN number is used, thesee locks will go particularly newthey about customers buying into alarm and alsosome have a tamper function outside the traditional distribution models. and willofalarm if attacked by physical jarring. A “It’ssensor been going for years, often trends upwards heat thaton operates from inside the house with strong $A and yet still its fair will the automatically release thecomes door with when the share of risksreaches and hurdles temperature 60C. such as compliance, forex, support, negative is cash Coolwarranty, for toughlocal external applications theflow, fact etc. There has is no question the internet andand search the 6020 a waterproof circuit board can engines Google have made finding products handle such bothashigh and low temperatures. The and pricing line easier butand thisit’s haseasy not removed 6020 has a on 70mm backset to install any the risks.” on of typical doors. You also score a 24-month So, what risks are installers and end users taking warranty. when import their own Thisthey lock is powered byproduct? 4 AA batteries and “Compliance - all products need have been with 20 door entries per day, the to batteries last tested to meet one safety EMCalso andaudible any other approximately year.and There’s and statutory requirements,” says. “Testing visual alert of low batteryMeachem and a 9V battery to offer needs to in be the done by anofapproved house. Due backup event primary test battery power diligence is very ifimportant on this issue as many failure. Further, RF key tags or smartcards are (even the can reputable companies) lost, they be easily disabled.don’t Neat build, too, is test the or the compliance requirements to factunderstand that if you install more than one 6020, the key import and sell electrical/ into tag or smart card can beelectronic registeredequipment on more than Australia. one lock. “Importantly all SHS the 3120 responsibility falls on This the Next comes the Keyless Deadbolt. importer. Failure to follow compliance can result in is one very sweet-looking affordable deadbolt that severe or, in some can befinancial used for penalties, the homeproduct or office.recalls Besides looking cases, criminal charges safety compromised. very modern, it is alsoif life very low is profile, with no In addition to this,orthere are all usualRF risks of protruding latch keyhole. Asthe it uses Keys service, spares and support.”

Does Pacific Communications ever find itself competing re-badged hardware a type it instead ofagainst traditional tumbler keys, it of is immune imports to key itself? bumping. “Typically “We have It’s waternot,” andMeachem weather says. resistant, has strong a low commercial arrangements with our has vendors and profile with no latch or keyhole, a built-in they respect value and services deliver RFID readerthe and can support up to we 70 user IDs.in this This market. We choose ourbepartners carefully and keypad unit can operated in a matter pride on building and longso lasting of aourselves couple of seconds.trusting It auto-locks, you relationships.” never have to worry about locking the door after And leave. what does futureis hold if pinched margins you Thethe keypad also backlit for easy and competition direct imports operation at nightwith and internally. zzz continue unabated? ”If lower margins were to become a trend then it’s simple - distributors won’t be able to provide the added value they do today and someone else in the value chain will have to provide that value,” he says. “My experience over the years tells me that in a B2B market, direct importing or bypassing the traditional channels is an exception and will typically be controlled or minimized by vendors that have disciplined territory management and customers that need, demand and appreciate the local value proposition they get.

I think the desire of end users is for wider product choice. The desire needs to be balanced with what risks they are willing to take with un-proven products.

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s p e ci al re p o rt ip future “I’ve been told for over 20 years now that margins cannot be maintained at these levels and that we are doomed...but our industry continues to grow, our part of the value chain continues to grow and while we need to stay attuned to the changing dynamics of the market, I’m not seeing any fundamental changes to the characteristics of the value chain at this moment in time and see no evidence supporting the propaganda being peddled by people or players that have a vested interest in believing it.”

The integrators respond

So now we know where our distributors are at. But what about integrators? Would they ever import products directly from overseas? “We have considered this option and have attended trade shows outside of Australia to evaluate products not currently offered in Australia via our current distribution channels,” says Tritech’s Peter Game. “This allows us to keep our options open to providing our customers with suitable products we can base solutions on to meet their requirements.” Game agrees changes in technology – the push towards universal IP devices and online tech support – can make direct import by installers more attractive. “Yes, I think we have access to a wider range of products with changes in technology. Essentially the time difference between countries is the only operational consideration once you have a solid commercial arrangement,” he explains. “Technology has reduced the barriers of trading with companies not currently servicing our region; we can learn about products quicker, gain access to remote support very cost effectively, international logistics is smarter and faster, communications with manufacturers is cost effective, with advancements in video calling and emailing. “Technology provides an effective and attractive option to look further afield for products if the local distribution channel is not able to support the range of products, allowing installers to create solutions to meet customer needs.” Could end user desire to remain unlocked from proprietary formats and product suites contribute to overseas importing by installers and integrators? “I don’t think the desire for end users to remain unlocked from proprietary formats will contribute to installers wanting to import products directly,” Game explains. “I think the desire of end users is for wider product choice. The desire needs to be balanced with what risks they are willing to take with un-proven products to deliver the required outcomes. “If end users are able to better evaluate the cost versus quality (manufacturing standard, specification and performance measures) benefit of alternate products, this may offer a better platform for installers to consider importing products directly. “Installers currently have a buffer with current product distribution arrangements which provides a level of comfort to end users. I think if end users are not clear of the risk and levels of support available to the products they are investing in, they will not support installer’s directly imported products.” 40 se&n

I’ve been told for over 20 years now that margins cannot be maintained at these levels and that we are doomed...but our industry continues to grow.

Does Game think the changes in international commerce give installers new vehicles to product, particularly in the coming era of device-as-appliance? “Yes, I think more options are available to installers to evaluate if international trading is a suitable method of meeting customers’ needs,” he says. “With system architecture supporting a larger range of operational standards, the availability of products online in a single platform is easier to understand. “Installers are able to assess a product’s suitability and compliance easier to see if it will work. With the coming of an era of device-as-appliance the compliance requirements are pushed to the product manufacturer and the installer is primarily looking for the level of functionality provided at the compliance level offered.” One of the top integration companies in Australia, Kings Security, uses a wide range of product to support its demanding client base. Would Kings Security’s Peter Roche ever consider importing directly - and under what circumstances? Lack of local supply, availability, support or lower price? “We have had experience with importing directly for some products that are not distributed locally - I can’t say we favour this model over local distribution but it does work,” Roche says. “We’d do this mainly because of a lack of local supply or representation.” And what technologies has Kings considered importing, or has imported directly? “We’ve imported access control and video surveillance systems from overseas with no issues,” he says. “Mind you we have also done the opposite and exported Australian security equipment to countries like India, Philippines, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Guam, UK and the States to name a few. No real issues have been encountered.” Roche agrees there are risks associated with this practice – things like lack of local support and difficulties with warranty. “The main risks are around returns, repairs, warranty,” he says. “But once you get over the geography and freight logistics what is the difference in returning something to Brisbane or Baltimore? “Providing the foreign distributor is reputable

Chris Goetze

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Dan Paul

I’ve been told for over 20 years now that margins cannot be maintained at these levels and that we are doomed...but our industry continues to grow. local distributors have always put in the extra effort to ensure a solution has been found quickly and been candid when an issue has required the input of the manufacturer.” So there you have it. After getting feedback from a cross section of the market it seems clear that the old drivers of reliability, warranty and local support are paramount in the minds of consultants, integrators and end users. Importantly, too, distributors and manufacturers have long been aware of the needs of their customers and are continuing to direct efforts towards offering increased support for IP-based solutions. It seems to me that while the shift to IP has impacted on the market, when it comes to electronic security product, this impact is likely to have actually bolstered margins by improving performance. Costs are only now being squeezed by market trends as well as competition. In the mean time, any thought our market will tolerate an influx of low-cost, unsupported product should be well and truly discarded. zzz

s m ar Al

Consultants see a lot of installations across multiple levels of the industry and this gives them a unique insight into the market. But are they also are likely to be tempted by necessity to reach for an offshore solution to a confounding local application? Dan Paul of Security Consultants International says he gets inquiries quite often about having particular products specified and his position on offshore imports is strict. “My standard answers are that any product needs to be proven and if the product is not represented locally, it does not get looked at. The products must be supported by a wholesaler locally. I will not specify product that is not typically available through a wholesaler who sells to all integrators. “I have no problem with the wholesaler putting conditions on the sales such as integrator training or the presence of IT trained staff/engineers to support installations. I think these types of conditions only lead to better quality installations and greater quality solutions to the clients. “On occasion, I have identified quality products overseas that are not yet represented in Australia. When these manufacturers ask me if I would specify their product, I usually give them the names of a handful of wholesalers such as Hills, Q Video, BGW, Video Security Products, Inner Range, Anixter and others, as these companies are progressive and are always seeking quality products. “But without a wholesaler representing the products, I cannot recommend or specify the product as my clients must be able to obtain support from multiple integrators to supply, install, service and support their installations.” What’s the position of end users in all this? In order to get a sense of the feelings of the industry’s customer-base we spoke to Chris Goetze at Swinburne University of Technology. Swinburne is unique in having a huge IP surveillance system with more than 500 cameras that was partly installed and is maintained by the university’s IT department. If any organisation represents the culmination of the industry’s melding with the IT industry, Swinburne is it. So - would Goetze allow an installer to use selfimported hardware on his site and if so, what sort

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of product? And would Goetze ever consider importing system components for an IP CCTV solution directly? “We would be very cautious with a contractor installing self-imported hardware into our sites,” he says. “It raises potential issues such as warranty and support for the hardware, as it’s dependent on that one contractor. Other contractors may not certify their own work when connected to unknown components from another contractor. “We have purchased small system components from overseas when the item has not been available or supported locally. Having said that, there would be great resistance against purchasing major components of a system without the backing of local warranty and support. “Warranty from an overseas supplier can be hit or miss and we would have to be prepared to guarantee the hardware ourselves. If a major systems component was sourced direct from an overseas supplier and a warranty return was required, the system could potentially be inoperable for the time it took to send the component back and receive the replacement. This potential for having an inoperable system for days or weeks would be unacceptable.” Does Goetze find local distributors are supportive of their solutions during installation and system upgrade/maintenance? “We have found local distributors to be most supportive of their solutions and products at any time of the life cycle,” he says. “From our experience,

7”

and has all the online mechanisms in place for communicating and tracking then risks are reduced.” Does Roche think there are ways in which local manufacturers and distributors can do a better job and guarantee support for their products and services? Or do does he think most local suppliers already support their products properly? “Most of the local distributors in the security industry do a very good job. Those that we support hold stock, have repair and maintenance procedures, have technical and sales support, keep good paperwork, have clear price lists, good websites and offer quick delivery of goods with paperwork attached.”

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by pat r i c k lu c e *

If your organization has committed to making the leap to IP video surveillance technology, understanding the true TCO of your new system will require careful attention to details regarding your data network, facilities and IT operations. closet to camera locations l The IP cameras, including mounting and maintenance costs over their projected lifetime. For many systems, this also includes software licensing for each camera l Power and data distribution, which typically includes PoE data switches and possibly Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS). This also includes warranty and maintenance costs l Servers, network storage and software. This includes maintenance service contracts, and frequently includes annual licensing costs for the software and for each camera l Viewing stations, including video walls. This also may include annual licensing costs for software l Training costs, both for users of the system and the IT staff who will maintain the software l Capital costs for data center and data closet rack space, as well as the overall equipment footprint.

As the cost delta between analogue and IP systems continues to decrease, the superior performance and flexibility of IP surveillance systems are driving more customers to IP-based solutions.

ITH benefits such as superior image quality, enhanced video analytics and the integration of surveillance video with business intelligence software, the tipping point at which IP video overtakes analogue is rapidly approaching, and the comparison of their total cost of ownership (TCO) is becoming irrelevant. Regardless of which system type ultimately costs more to implement, IP video has some clear cost advantages in its own right. Examples include the ability to run video over a converged cabling infrastructure, using Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches to provide centralized power to cameras, and flexible implementation options (such as wireless video). 44 se&n

That being said, the switch to transmitting video over the data network can be significantly more complex than with analogue systems. Understanding the true TCO of IP-based video surveillance systems can be significantly affected, particularly when assessing the impact on your organization’s Information Technology (IT) systems. A number of unpleasant surprises may lurk for those who fail to take a holistic approach when assessing costs of an IP-based system. All too frequently, IP systems are still designed by security specialists who may know analogue surveillance systems cold, but are still developing their understanding of both IP data flow and IT operations.

The basics of the IP video TCO

At face value, the hard costs of implementing an IPbased video surveillance system are straightforward. Major cost components of a new system typically include: l System design l Cable installation. While IP video runs on a converged cabling infrastructure, new cabling usually has to be installed from the nearest data

Reprinted with permission from Security Products Magazine

IP Video: The Hidden TCO

Although these components are generally understood to comprise the majority of costs, there are some common oversights. Many organizations struggle with accurately assessing the impact any new technology system has on energy costs, and surveillance is no exception. Beyond a general assumption that PoE can lower capital costs for providing power to cameras, power consumption is frequently not considered in the cost of a new surveillance system. Given the centralized nature of video processing and storage for IP-based surveillance solutions, energy costs of a new system can be significant, particularly in the data centre. In addition to the ongoing power consumption of servers and storage, the power consumption for air conditioning systems in the data centre can also be adversely affected. Upon completion of system design, a table-top power review that includes both power draw and heat dissipation requirements can usually be performed quickly and easily, giving organizations a more complete view of the new energy costs that will be acquired with the new system. Then there are software support costs. Video servers and viewing stations may require antivirus software that requires annual license payments. Furthermore, many IT departments have a standard suite of software for monitoring and maintaining servers and network components that will require

additional licenses. In addition to these costs, new servers and client applications may also require significant and ongoing IT labor to assure underlying operating systems are monitored and patched on a regular basis to assure system integrity. Don’t forget video backup costs. For organizations that are required to retain video for any length of time, new systems will typically include a backup system for archived video. If your IT department has an existing backup system, it may be leveraged for video storage. However, for even a moderately-sized surveillance system, the existing backup system will typically need to be extended. For tape-based systems, the cost of additional tapes and magazines may also be significant.

Hidden pitfalls of TCO projections

In addition to common cost oversights described above, there are many hidden factors that can adversely affect the TCO of IP-based video systems. Some of these factors that can wreak particular havoc on cost projections include things like camera creep. The rapid advancement of IP camera technology can cause headaches for organizations and integrators alike when these advances exceed the pace of system implementation. Integrators may specify a given camera during the bidding process, but by the time the infrastructure is built, it’s likely that newer, higher performance cameras are available. If the customer changes out the camera selection, the integration team must analyze the effect that change has on the entire surveillance system and the network – everything from switching to storage to the horsepower of viewing stations. To the extent possible, the system design should include realistic projections of the maximum capacity the video surveillance system may require

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“This system works with any standard off the shelf or legacy network gear, it’s PoE and there are guides for installation online. You can do a setup in less than 10 minutes. over time, both in terms of the maximum number of cameras, and their potential network and storage requirements. The implementation plan should also incorporate specific timeframes for purchasing system components, with appropriate check points to assess the impact of specification changes for one system component on other subsystems.

Network quality of service

In an optimal configuration, the simple network math discussed earlier works. If the installed switches support Gigabit Ethernet, how can a few cameras that consume 6 Megabits per second each possibly choke the network? The truth is that while surveillance video may flow across the network just fine in this situation, unfortunately many surveillance implementation projects are designed in blissful ignorance of other network traffic that can be severely impacted by the new system, or how existing traffic can affect the surveillance video. Many organizations have network traffic that is much more sensitive to latency (network delay) than surveillance video; examples include Voice over IP and video conferencing traffic. Many existing networks are not configured appropriately to assure the quality of service for this traffic, which can go unnoticed until the addition of IP surveillance to the network degrades the quality of voice traffic, which can directly affect business operations.

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Degraded voice traffic may also cut both ways, as audio is increasingly being added to IP cameras and can be much more sensitive to latency than the surveillance video itself. If network Quality of Service (QoS) is not configured prior to the introduction of video, IT managers may be put in a position of requiring an expensive reconfiguration of the existing network on very short notice, while suffering service interruptions in critical voice and data systems until the upgrade is complete. Prior to implementing an IP-surveillance system, review the current network configuration to assure Quality of Service (QoS) is implemented appropriately to assure integrity of existing services, as well as assure the network can meet the new demands of surveillance video. Also, identify potential bottlenecks where video traffic may be consolidated, such as clusters of viewing stations located on the same edge switch(es). These points on the network may require more robust data throughput than is currently available. This is particularly important in the data centre, where network engineers should carefully review not only camera to server traffic, but inter-server traffic, including traffic flow between storage and backup systems. For large surveillance systems, the need to upgrade core switch capacity can be one of the most expensive surprises of all.

Optimistic Storage Projections

While network storage costs continue to decrease over time, storage can still be the largest capital expenditure for an IP-based surveillance system, particularly if an organization has a large number of high-quality IP cameras recording at full frame rate, and/or has long retention requirements. Many manufacturers provide an array of technologies and techniques to optimize storage, but be vigilant when storage projections are based upon predictions about the nature of the video your organization will capture, particularly if the surveillance system is new. For example, some manufacturers support the capability to automatically control the camera frame rate based upon video activity, transmitting and storing one frame per second when there is no motion, and increasing the frame rate to full-motion video when activity is detected. Technologies such as this can drastically reduce network storage and bandwidth requirements. However, projecting the actual storage reduction requires making an “educated guess” as to the amount of motion that may be expected from each camera based upon their location and view. It can be tempting to overestimate the benefit of such technologies and their impact on storage costs, resulting in delayed sticker shock when an organization realizes months after implementation that their storage predictions were wrong. The sticker shock frequently extends to both tape-based

and disk-to-disk backup systems that may also require expansion. For this reason, organizations should carefully review all of the underlying technology assumptions that factor into storage cost projections, and have a complete understanding of the potential costs if the assumptions are incorrect.

Power, wireless, security

Among a number of vital considerations are incomplete power assumptions. To the extent that organizations consider power consumption of their new system, most efforts to assess energy costs are confined to the data centre. The costs of assuring appropriate power and backup power in data closets can also be significant, particularly for organizations that use PoE to power additional network devices such as wireless access points and IP phones. For safety and compliance reasons, many organizations have specific standards for UPS backup power to assure PoE switches that support IP phones will supply power for a set duration in the event of a power outage (typically 30 minutes). When IP cameras are plugged into PoE switches in the same closet, the impact on the UPS infrastructure can be significant, as IP cameras can consume substantially more power than typical IP phones. Next comes the possibility of wireless video options. The majority of current surveillance systems live on wired networks. However, with rapid advancements in surveillance technologies, organizations are increasingly considering extending surveillance systems to places where placing wired cameras can be cost-prohibitive, such as parking lots, industrial facilities, and entire cities. While wireless surveillance technology can provide significant cost savings, it is critical to pay careful attention to the design of the wireless network that will support surveillance video, particularly when live video is continuously monitored. Bandwidth of wireless technologies, particularly those that use unlicensed frequencies, is always theoretical. A wide array of factors can affect a wireless network’s capability to transmit live video, many of which are beyond an organization’s control. With careful consideration it is possible to build robust, resilient wireless networks to support video; this resilience typically comes at a price premium. Avoid cost-driven temptation to under-design the wireless network, and have a pre-defined plan to adjust wireless signal quality, throughput capacity and QoS as required. Then there’s security complexity. For many organizations, the flexibility of IP-based systems can be accompanied by significant security challenges that affect operational costs. Analogue video systems that are closed in nature are

relatively simple to secure, and typically include simple tools to assign access permissions and log system activity. For IP-based systems, these security controls move into the application layer where it can be difficult (and expensive) to configure security appropriately, particularly for organizations with strict compliance requirements. When designing a new system, carefully review the data security design against not only your organization’s security and compliance policies, but against your IT policies as well. Take special note of operational costs to maintain the security and integrity of the data continuously throughout the system’s information lifecycle.

Strategic planning to minimize TCO

Maximizing your return on your investment in an IP-based system requires careful planning to minimize implementation and operation costs. When developing a strategic plan be sure to plan together with other stakeholders. Developing a complete understanding of TCO will require expertise in security, facilities and IT. These functions are under separate management in many organizations, and contention and confusion over supporting roles for technology are unfortunately common. As the underlying technology supporting all of these functions marches towards a converged infrastructure, it is critical to leverage the expertise of all of your internal resources to assure successful implementation of your new system. Creating a vision is also important. Unexpected costs frequently occur because the business benefit of an IP-based video system generates organizational demand to expand the system far beyond its original design. When planning a new system, carefully consider the potential for full expansion of your system, even if the initial implementation is modest. It is important to assure that your system is scalable to meet your future needs, whether or not the system is ultimately expanded. Finally, look ahead. IP-based surveillance technology is still evolving rapidly. Periodically regroup to seek and evaluate new IP surveillance technologies throughout your system’s lifecycle.When new solutions become available, determine if it they provide sufficient business value to incorporate them into your surveillance system. If so, keep a wary eye on their cost impact to your technology infrastructure to help your organization assure a positive return on your business investment in the power and security of your new IP surveillance system. zzz *Patrick Luce, director of consultative services, Vector Resources

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truwitness by john adam s

This much is Tru DVTel has launched TruWitness, an application designed to turn Android 2.2 or higher-equipped mobile smartphones or tablet computers into full-featured IP video surveillance cameras linked to DVTel’s Latitude VMS.

CURIOUS aspect of new product technology in the digital era is its material non-existence. Sure, thousands of hours of labour and expertise may have gone into creating an awesome new piece of functionality but where the heck is it? This question ran through my mind as I checked out DVTel’s latest release, a neat piece of functionality called TruWitness, which is available free to users of DVTel V6.2. By the end of the demo I had a better handle on the nature of this solution thanks to Pacific Communciations’ senior IT technician Orlando Chiang. We’re at Pacific Communications’ demo control room at Rydalmere. It’s a nice space for demonstrations and the control room has expanded considerably since I first saw it 3-4 years ago. The Pacom people have connected a whole range of the cameras they supply to DVTel’s Latitude V6.2 NVMS, which is the control room’s management solution. We’re viewing TruWitness on Chiang’s Acer Transformer tablet – it’s an ideal tool for the job, with good colour rendition and a capable

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What TruWitness does, if you are a DVTel V6.2 user and have a built-in camera on your Android 2.2 mobile phone or tablet is allow any device to become a camera in your surveillance solution.

onboard camera that is serving us up a 4CIFlimited image stream with no dramas whatever. Something that’s immediately apparent is stabilisation software, which allows the tablet’s camera to be swept over the scene by hand without too much disturbance. “This tablet has an Android TruWitness app already installed and it’s connected wirelessly to our network over WiFi – it could work over LTE, 3G or 4G if available,” Chiang explains. “Operationally, the TruWitness app is talking to our transcoder gateway and servers through DVTel and is then being integrated into the DVTel system as a camera. This is probably the key area security integrators have difficulty visualising.” Just what is TruWitness, I ask? “What TruWitness does, if you are a DVTel V6.2 user and have a built-in camera on your Android 2.2 mobile phone or tablet is to allow any device to become a camera in your surveillance solution.” Basically then, the ability of this application is that it can turn a mobile phone or tablet into camera point – so wherever you are – if you are a security guard or administrator, you can ‘become’ a camera point to record an event or bring something to the attention of security staff. Security officers could hold the pre-configured mobile device up to capture a scene or prop it in a location to monitor an unfolding event or to replace a failed camera. According to Chiang, while this solution seems very simple – it’s the backend that really makes it work. “It’s a lot more complicated at the backend than it is at the front. Which, given it’s being used by security officers who may be unfamiliar with VMS solutions, that’s is the way you would want it to be. “You touch the screen and it starts transmitting – one touch is all that’s required so one button and it starts transmitting – it’s not complex at all. It’s bandwidth limited to 4CIF. The system can also be set up to start recording automatically. In this case, there’s one-touch recording set up on my tablet and I’ve already got the images on screen over there (a workstation screen in the control room).” We look at the image on the relevant workstation – it’s surprisingly good with good colour rendition and sharpness. There’s plenty of light in the room, of course. Chiang pans and tilts the tablet and although the image is a little wayward, as you’d expect with a handheld device, it remains very viewable. Thanks to the WiFi link, frame rate is real time with no sign of latency. We’re still in the demo room but the capability of a TruVision-enabled

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truwitness

device should be the same wherever nominated network coverage exists. I’d expect 3G to give lower frame rates but even then the flexibility of this application would make it very worthwhile, especially on large sites. From the point of view of the operator then, the image appears on the screen you view it on a given monitor. The operator retains all the usual Latitude NVMS control over the camera point. “TruWitness camera points appear as a camera on the operator’s camera tree and they can select these views by dragging and dropping them as you would any other camera,” explains Chiang. “It’s a cool solution for specific applications. Setup is just user name and password and TruWitness only has to remember one directory server – the one that it talks to. Other than this, the operator has exactly the same functionality with a TruWitness camera point as they would with a normal camera – playback, record and all the rest.” One of the nice things about solutions like this is that they can be updated regularly and the latest TruWitness tweak is that now you can have tags and text on the image when it appears in the control room, making investigations easier. The way this works is that TruWitness users add text-tagging to image streams they have just sent

to Latitude. As soon as the transmission is over and the user is exiting the TruWitness app, a popup will offer the chance to enter descriptive text which then becomes a bookmark and can later be used to facilitate searching for that piece of footage as well as adding important information for forensic purposes. “DVTel has actually started to use the GPS signals the mobile device sends out as well so that security teams can incorporate that information into monitoring allowing them to get an idea of where the mobile device actually is before they respond to an incident.” DVTel TruWitness is a very simple solution that offers a great deal of operational flexibility and could be employed in a range of different ways. It needs to be seen in the context of an expansion of the capability of the overall Latitude V6.2 NVMSmanagement system. DVTel says TruWitness is designed to extend the coverage of surveillance networks to reach blind spots and other areas that traditional cameras cannot reach, and to enable the relocation of cameras in real time, enhancing situational awareness. My demo showed that this is a very accurate summary of the capabilities of TruWitness. zzz

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E also need to understand that there is a distinct difference between alarm communications over the public internet and alarm communications over a Private IP Network. There is a difference between Ethernet, GPRS and ISP internet access, and GPRS and frame relay private networks. Generally, we can say that private network = security, speed and guaranteed service levels. Internet = low security, latency, jitter and best effort service. Certainly, sending PSTN alarms over the public internet opens up a whole new realm of issues for security diallers attempting to send alarm signals. Alarm diallers do not work as designed with IP interfaces over the Internet. This is due to the inherent delays and dynamic nature of the public internet, what is

working today may not necessarily work tomorrow. The main problem with alarm reporting over the internet is that, wherever an IP-based alarm system uses the infrastructure either of the Internet or of a corporate network with access to the Internet for data communication, that data is being communicated or influenced by systems that are outside the direct

Up to 4 Megapixel 99 Up to 25FPS 99 P-Iris Lenses 99 Video Motion Detection 99 H.264, MPEG-4 SP, MJPEG 99 Multi Stream 99 Up to 4 Cropped Regions 99 Micro SDHC on Board 99 True Day/Night with ICR 99 Extreme Dynamic Range 99 PoE Class 3 99 * Feature sets could differ from one model to another

Certainly, sending PSTN alarms over the public internet opens up a whole new realm of issues for security diallers attempting to send alarm signals. 1300 319 499

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control of either the organisation being secured or the alarm receiving centre monitoring the security system. The internet is designed on top of the internet protocol packet-switching technology that is designed to get packets from point A to point B in whatever way is most effective, without the sender necessarily having any ability to know what route will be taken. In fact, some packets in the same data stream may be sent along different routes. Packets may be stored for a while before being forwarded to their destination, or even dropped and retransmitted. For most non-critical applications, such as simple file or message transfers, this add hoc service level is perfectly fine. However, for critical applications such as security alarm monitoring, the Internet is simply of too low quality. The internet is a best effort service and has no service level agreement (SLA) for latency or jitter so the performance of the network varies from hour to hour. Although you can provide some security over the internet such as 128 bit encryption or greater, the encryption provides additional overhead and subsequent increased latency. Most public wired and wireless Internet access methods used are ADSL which is typically provided as a UBR service due to contention with other users as the access is aggregated towards the core. ADSL has no guaranteed speed and is a best effort service. Jitter is the variation in the time between packets arriving, caused by network congestion, timing drift, or route changes that all add to delays in the communication path, or even worse, lost alarm signals. VPNs can also pose challenges. A VPN, as the name suggests (virtual not real) attempts to build security into the public internet via a software solution. With a VPN on the public internet there is no guarantee of service, no control over routing which rely on DNS servers and while in some cases the VPN may revert to dial up there is no redundancy for hardware failure. Add this delay to the time it takes for the store-n-forward interface to handshake and kiss-off each alarm

T r A n s m i ss i o n

features AlArm PAnel InterconnectIon SuPervISIon mode 3 PStn connectIon multIPAtH communIcAtIonS 3G-1 - 3G-2 - GPrS-1 - GPrS-2 - GSm - PStn 4 X AlArm rePortInG PAtHS Into tHe centrAl monItorInG StAtIon - FrAme relAY - 3G - PStn - GSm

In the event of a network failure where local commercial power has not been interrupted, most VoIP interfaces will continue to provide the alarm panel dialler with a simulated dial-tone, spoofing the panel into believing dialtone PSTN service is still available when in fact it is not. signal (prior to transmission), then you can have alarm transmission delays of around 60 seconds. This is only one of the downfalls with a system that utilizes the Public Internet for its network architecture. An alarm dialler is designed to receive its kiss-off in less than 250 milliseconds, latency makes remote acknowledgement or remote kiss-off impossible so the only option for Internet based architecture is store– and-forward alarm transmission. This means that because of the latency and jitter issues, the alarm dialler receives its hand-shake and kiss-off from the

IP interface located at the protected premises prior to the alarm signal actually being transmitted out of the protected premises. There are also alarm transmission systems that attempt to address inherent internet latency and jitter problems by lengthening (standard CID format) tones by 20, 40 or 60ms. In other words playing with the standards in an attempt to make something work. In an attempt to address the unknown, store and forward devices are being designed to have the ability to control, manipulate, lengthen and or slow down the signals and if unsuccessful re-send the signals until they are eventually acknowledged by the control room. Also a serious consideration for critical applications – most ADSL modems and VoIP units do not have back up power supplies, a critical feature that causes the communication path to be interrupted in the event of a commercial power failure at the protected premise. In the event of a network failure where local commercial power has not been interrupted, most VoIP interfaces will continue to provide the alarm panel dialler with a simulated dial-tone, spoofing the panel into believing dial-tone PSTN service is still available when in fact it is not. Some IP alarm interfaces even simulate a central station receiver and trick the dialler into thinking it’s communicating directly with the monitoring station receiver resulting in a store-and-forward alarm transmission. zzz

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cas e st u dy tsu city, japan

Senjuji’s enlightenment

Bosch Dinion IP Day/ Night cameras and Aegis infrared illuminators have been installed at the Jodo Shinshu Takada Honzan Senjuji Temple at Tsu City in Japan.

HE Jodo Shinshu Takada Honzan Senjuji Temple houses many important cultural assets such as the culturally important buildings ‘Mieido’ (hall of the founder), ‘Nyoraido’ (hall of the Buddha), and national treasures including original writings by Shinran, ‘Saihoshinanshou’ and ‘Sanjou-wasan’ (three quires of Buddhist hymns). Senjuji was originally founded by the Buddhist saint Shinran at Takada, Moka-city, Tochigi prefecture in 1225 as a principle ‘dojo’ (a place for ascetic training) for dedicated praying to the Buddha. Honzan Senjuji was then founded by the 10th head of the temple, Shinne

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in Ishinden, Tsu-city, Mie Prefecture between 1469 and 1487. Senjuji Temple has suffered in recent years from theft of scriptures, graffiti on the Mieido, and other incidents including burning candles being left unattended in the Mieido. All these incidents have led to an increased need for networked surveillance cameras to be installed in the premises. Besides daylight capabilities, the most important requirement was for the system to deliver clear images of relatively dark areas and images during the night that could be stored on a video recorder on the network, as well as provide real-time monitoring. The networked camera monitoring system was first considered in addition to flame detectors and fire-prevention equipment that were implemented to protect the cultural assets. Besides daylight capabilities, the most important requirement was for the system to deliver clear images of relatively dark areas and images during the night that could be stored on a video recorder on the network, as well as provide realtime monitoring. The Bosch Dinion IP Day/Night (DN) camera with its superior dynamic range in conjunction with the AEGIS Infrared Illuminator, delivered clear b&w images of the dark interior of the ‘Mieido’ and other darkened, night time areas. The camera also features Intelligent Video Analysis (IVA) functions that can improve surveillance and alarm performance and enhance security systems. The Dinion IP DN was selected because it met Senjuji’s system requirements, and 21 cameras were installed in March. The temple also installed a Bosch Divar 700 Network Video Recorder and operations PCs in the administration office and monitoring base to oversee all cameras. Senjuji has many entrances and gates which require surveillance from 5am. Once the gate opens, people are free to come and go as they please. This means it is important to have a record to confirm who opened the gate and when, as well as gathering surveillance footage of people as they come and go through the gates. Senjuji uses the Bosch server-less monitoring system to check the NVR (Network Video Recorder) data of each visitor. The IVA system (suspicious person detection) was tested thoroughly after installation and proved to be 100 per cent accurate.zzz

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• Optimized for use on Portable Smart Devices:- iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android Devices, Tablet PC’s, Windows Phones and more • Turn individual Security Areas On or Off • Lock or Unlock Doors • Turn Home Automation Devices On or Off • View System Review Events • Provision for Multi-User Login • Compatible with Concept 3000/4000 controllers The Concept WEB Interface Kit is now available from Central Security Distribution – Product id 995071

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sarix ti thermal

p ro d u ct rev i ew sarix

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Sarix TI from Pelco by Schneider Electric is designed to be an integrated part of any end-to-end video security solution. This family of cameras is completely operable with both Pelco by Schneider Electric and third-party video management and recording systems.

by j o h n a da m s

ELCO by Schneider does most its own development and built facilities at Fort Collins in the U.S. to do research and development for its new Sarix SureVision range, as well as for the Sarix TI family. It’s probably no coincidence then, that a particular quality of Sarix TI is that it is as easy to install and use as any traditional dome camera, giving integrators and end users advanced thermal imaging capabilities for all their video security applications. The result is an affordable camera system that delivers highquality video as well as the power and flexibility that only comes with thermal imaging technology. It goes without saying that thermal cameras offer great functionality. They have the ability to see live intruders at great distances, in water, hidden in foliage. No, you’re not going to get face recognition from a Sarix TI but you’ll absolutely, certainly know that there’s an intruder on your site.

The model I see at Pelco by Schneider Electric’s office is the 640 x 480 pixel model and it reminds me in terms of its build quality, of the Esprit. The fit and finish of this unit are excellent. It’s a high end camera – a mil-spec solution for serious security applications. This is the highest resolution unit of its type – ideal for industrial sites, long range applications or high security sites. Pelco also has lower resolution versions of Sarix TI that offer the same functionality and ease of integration but I don’t see these units on this visit. Available in fixed or pan/tilt enclosures, this model offers unprecedented protection beyond 6.5km when outfitted with a 100 mm lens. Yeah, that’s some serious detection capability. Pelco by Schneider engineers developed unique algorithms that provide automatic correction to eliminate the effects of direct, prolonged sun exposure, overcoming the challenges sometimes associated with thermal imaging cameras. At the core of the Sarix TI Series is an uncooled, sun-safe microbolometer, long wavelength infrared camera that is engineered to be more durable than ever before. Microbolometers, the specialized image sensors used to detect an object’s thermal emission (temperature and emissivity) and create a thermal image, feature either vanadium oxide or amorphous silicon coatings. Amorphous silicon is used in Sarix TI because it delivers several benefits — including lower cost and less fixed pattern noise — that make thermal imaging a possibility for any application. When it comes to operational characteristics all thermal imaging cameras see emitted thermal energy and Sarix TI recognizes even the slightest change in temperature or emissivity. This might be a person or it might be a hot spot in a plant or industrial process. The thermal contrast between objects in low-visible-light conditions provides the information necessary to quickly make informed decisions – information that standard visible light cameras cannot deliver. This information is delivered to a VMS and the operator has the option of choosing colours to display the thermal energy on the monitor. The beauty of Sarix TI is its ability to apply the power of thermal imaging to any application that presents challenging lighting conditions. Even in total darkness, Sarix TI allows operators to see potential threats that may not be captured by a standard visible light camera. Sarix TI comes standard with a suite of builtin video analytics that enhance the flexibility and performance of your IP system, and can even be configured for analog applications. The ability of thermal imaging to immediately detect threats — sometimes before even the human eye can — coupled with the automatic notification of suspicious activity, makes customers more prepared than ever to keep their property secure. Since thermal images are based on the thermal

The beauty of Sarix TI is its ability to apply the power of thermal imaging to any application that presents challenging lighting conditions. Even in total darkness, Sarix TI allows operators to see potential threats that may not be captured by a standard visible light camera. emission from objects, they are much less susceptible to changes in lighting or environmental conditions than visible analytics. This means more accurate analytics with fewer false alarms. I get a test run of the camera inside an office during the day which is not ideal but the capability of the system is such that it’s immediately clear what the camera could do in an external environment at night. The space is a large air conditioned office area perhaps 30 metres deep. This building is green as green can be and relies on air movement and shade protection to keep things cool. It goes without saying that a byproduct of this power saving is that the interior of the building and its surfaces are warmer than usual. As well as getting a look at the ability of the system to run on a standard Pelco VMS, the idea is to get a feel for the ability of the camera to pick up movement of individuals in a given scene and to show resolution. As part of the demo the software is being used to count the number of people who move in the scene as a lateral application that might be used on a given site. From my subjective perspective, the image is clear – you can’t identify the person but there’s no doubt there is a person in the scene at any depth. In fact, if anything the camera’s powerful lens is not at home in this wide and shallow environment but its ability to detect the heads of staff popping up and down is as good as you’d expect it to be. Once set up on a workstation in the demo room, management of the camera is easy and everything works the same way as a standard Sarix camera. Once we’ve looked at the TI, the boys show me the Sarix SureVision’s low light performance and it’s immediately obvious that operation of TI and SureVision cameras is equally simple and intuitive. zzz

Features of Sarix TI l PTZ and fixed models l 640 x 480, 384 x 288, or 240 x 184 options l H.264 and MJPEG compression simultaneous l Built-in analytics l Maximum protection, NEMA 4X and IP66 l Compact, lightweight aluminum construction l Complete with sun shroud and heater/defroster l LWIR, uncooled, sun-safe amorphous silicon microbol l Sensitivity below 50 mK at f/1.0 l User-definable/programmable camera settings l 24 VAC or 24 VDC power.

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cas e st u dy hikvision

Hikvision hitting the gas Total Group has installed Hikvision surveillance solutions comprising cameras, DVRs and management software in more than 250 service stations across Morocco.

ITH more than 250 stations located all over Morocco under Total Group, Total is the top 3 petrol suppliers in Morocco and provides clean and reliable fuels for the vehicles across the country. As plenty of customers and vehicles flow in and out every day, it is imperative for Total petrol stations to guarantee the safety of the customers and employees with top-class surveillance products. Total Group wanted to establish a centralized video management platform supporting high-quality video viewing and retrieval at headquarters in Morocco so as to remotely monitor the petrol stations in different locations throughout Morocco, such as Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir, Tanger, Fes and Marrakech. More than that, surveillance monitoring 24/7 was also required to secure the perimeter of the petrol stations, such as laundry rooms, restaurants, and supermarkets. In addition, the weather in Morocco is harsh with high temperatures which can cause the surveillance products to operate abnormally, resulting in system locking or image distortion. Therefore, choosing reliable products with

Since there are 30 sites of petrol stations surveillance points throughout Morocco, Total asked for a centralized platform to monitor and operate in its Casablanca headquarters.

high-temperature resistance was another critical concern for Total petrol stations. In order to secure the petrol stations and its areas such as restaurants and super market 24/7 day & night, Hikvision installed DS2CC192P-IR3 IR cameras. This camera adopts H.264 video codec and 1/3-inch Sony Super HAD CCD, delivering video resolution of up to 540 TVL with IR distance coverage of 30 to 40 meters. This largely caters to the customer’s demand of long distance monitoring coverage with clear images at night. Moreover, the DS-2CC192P-IR3 has minimum illumination of 0.1Lux at F1.2 while the IR LEDs are off, and 0Lux while the IR LEDs are on, which enables the product to monitor the security status uninterrupted 24/7. Backlight compensation and auto white balance are also supported for the product to capture clear images in various lighting conditions as there is a sharp illumination contrast in and outside the station during the day. Most importantly, this product supports IP66 rating which enables product withstand the extremely rough weather conditions, such as high temperature, dust and wind, and dramatically reduces the maintenance cost. Since there are 30 sites throughout Morocco, Total asked for a centralized platform to monitor and operate in its Casablanca headquarters. It was made possible with Hikvision’s DS-7000HI-S series standalone DVRs and the advanced iVMS-4000 video management software. Hikvision DS-7000HI-S Series Standalone DVR has maximum 16-channel video input, while 8-channel and 4-channel inputs are options. This product can deliver high-quality video in playback with the resolution of up to 4CIF by adopting H.264 video codec. Featuring dual compression stream, DS-7000HI-S Series Standalone DVRs allow a main stream to locally store the high-quality video footages, and there’s a sub-stream for remote preview with minimal network bandwidth occupation. In addition, Hikvision client software iVMS4000 was used for building a powerful video surveillance system with efficient installation and excellent performance. It supports remote preview and playback, as well remote configuration of parameters, which helps the security staff in Total Group to view the onsite scenes, as well as to centrally manage the surveillance system more conveniently. zzz

Demand The Original SINCE ITS LAUNCH MANY HAVE TRIED TO COPY PADDE AND FAILED. PADDE, OFTEN IMITATED, NEVER DUPLICATED.

padde.com.au 60 se&n

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assaabloy.com.au

cas e st u dy the vatican library

Our goal was to create a general and systematic monitoring system for the books that are used in the reading rooms and for the movement of people within the building. We wanted a tight-knit system for monitoring all of the rooms, with video recording of all events. about 150,000 manuscript volumes, 1,500,000 printed books, 300,000 coins and medals and 100,000 maps and engravings. Many of these works and items are irreplaceable and priceless, yet they cannot be locked in a vault. Instead the library is open to university lecturers and assistants, academics working on their dissertations, university students who have a demonstrable need to consult the library’s materials and scholars with a proven track record of scholarly publications. Recently some parts of the buildings underwent renovation and modernisation and were not accessible to the public for 3 years. As part of the renovation work, the library was equipped with a sophisticated video surveillance system to deter theft of any part of the collection. The system was installed because library management wanted to increase the level of security in the reading and storage rooms by implementing advanced technology. “We came to Mobotix after a careful consideration of offers and on the recommendation of Seret S.p.A., a system integrator located in Rome,” explains Luciano Ammenti, who is responsible for coordinating the library’s information services. “The IP megapixel technology in Mobotix cameras meets our requirements perfectly. Our goal was to

Holy books 62 se&n

Seret S.p.A. has installed 70 Mobotix M12D cameras in the Vatican Library in Rome as part of security system designed to offer surveillance and movement monitoring in a solution protecting millions of irreplaceable works.

OME’S Vatican Apostolic Library specializes in philology and history, as well as the history of theology, jurisprudence and science. It is one of the most renowned research libraries in the world. There is evidence of the library, which served as the scrinium of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as library and archive, dating back to the 4th century. The modern history of the Vatican Library began around the middle of the 15th century: Pope Nicholas V decided to release a body of works in Latin, Greek and Hebrew, a corpus that had grown to hold 1,200 documents during his reign, for consultation and inspection by scholars. Over the course of the centuries, the library was constantly expanded up to the present day. The library’s holdings have grown to contain

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cas e st u dy the vatican library

A total of 70 M12D cameras were installed at critical points in the library (reading rooms, exits and storage areas). The project’s innovative application and integration with other monitoring systems distinguishes it from other security solutions. create a general and systematic monitoring system for the books that are used in the reading rooms and for the movement of people within the building. We wanted a tight-knit system for monitoring all of the rooms, with video recording of all events.” Several areas, such as the manuscript basement, have already been under video surveillance for several months. A total of 70 M12D cameras were installed at critical points in the library (reading rooms, exits and storage areas). The project’s innovative application and integration with other monitoring systems distinguishes it from other security solutions. Mobotix IP megapixel camera technology is combined with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology that uses microchips. With RFID technology, which is used both for identification cards and microchips integrated in the books, people can be linked to the volumes they have consulted and their movements within the library can be monitored. To do so, the motion detection feature was activated on the Mobotix cameras positioned at 20 exits. This way, it is possible to identify people and assign them to the correct ID and the books that they have checked out. Thanks to the specially developed AI software (Artificial Intelligence), it is possible to assign the microchip to the corresponding video clip from the camera, allowing the operator to evaluate the recordings quickly and easily using a single search key, for example, the book title, the name of the

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person or the time at which the person left the building. If a person accesses a library volume without authorization, this is detected immediately by the combined RFID and video surveillance system, and if this person tries to leave the building with the unauthorized volume through one of the library exits, an alarm is triggered. The responsible person at the lending desk can check the camera recording and then notify the appropriate person in the area in which the event occurred. All images from the cameras are stored for a year in a centre for data evaluation that is only accessible to authorized persons. This cutting-edge system ensures the security of all volumes in the Vatican Library and any anomalies can be identified immediately. Luciano Ammenti is excited. ”We are incredibly satisfied with this project because we now have a video surveillance system that is head and shoulders above any of the other systems in use today. The IP megapixel technology from Mobotix creates recordings of outstanding quality,” he says. “It was important for us to have clear and distortion-free images so that we can precisely recognize people’s faces and their identities. The cameras are easy to install, which is why we don’t have to make any structural changes to buildings that date back to the 16th century. “With the support of Mobotix and the system integrator Seret S.p.A., we have managed to develop specific software that allows us to monitor the entire system and fully exploit all of its possibilities. The close collaboration, which arose during this project and which will certainly continue into the future, forms the foundation for continuing our work together.” zzz

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seurity 2012

s p e ci al re p o rt security 201 2

Merit LiLin will be showing off its new range of iMEGAPRO series of 2 and 3 MP IP cameras and NVR Touch, an industry first touch screen supported 1080P real-time 16-channel standalone NVR as well as 2MP Megapixel 360-degree panorama dome camera.

We preview some of the new product you’ll get to see at Security 2012 in Sydney at the end of July. Video surveillance, access control, alarm systems, integrated security management solutions and peripherals – you’ll see it all at Security 2012.

HERE’s a bunch of new stuff coming at Security 2012 covering all areas of electronic security with plenty to see in key areas like surveillance cameras, access control solutions, video and security management platforms, alarm systems and comms solutions. First cab of the rank is Verint which will be showcasing Nextiva Video Management Software, a fully-integrated video management software suite incorporating an array of video management applications, from video viewing and distribution to system health monitoring and investigation management. Nextiva video management software applications are fully integrated with the Nextiva portfolio of networked IP video solutions, including the latest release of the Nextiva EdgeVR, an enterprise-class, IP-based Network Video Recorder designed for large-scale, geographically distributed operations. So, in which key ways do these solutions improve functionality for end users and enhance the installation experience for installers and integrators? For a start, Nextiva Video Management

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by j o h n a da m s

Software (VMS) promotes a more proactive, effective approach to security and emergency management for more efficient operation and lower cost of ownership. It also features automated system health monitoring and event responses, investigation management, a software-based virtual matrix, interactive facility maps, a powerful and intuitive video viewing interface, and an ultrathin client for remote/mobile users. Nextiva VMS not only addresses a variety of LAN/WAN/WEB networking topologies, but also includes such features as Active Directory integration, redundancy, virtualisation support (VMware Certified), and data security, making it an enterprise solution that IT stakeholders can effectively support. Nextiva EdgeVR, available with hybrid IP/analog capabilities, is a true IP video solution which more readily scales to IP video operations than analog-based, hybrid NVRs, for greater long-term value and lower migration costs. Meanwhile, Sony will be showcasing its awardwinning Z-Series hybrid cameras. The Z-Series’ ability to simultaneously stream SD analog and HD IP video over coax is an industry first, and creates a new category of security products. It opens a

pathway for those using coax-based analog legacy systems to begin a staged migration to IP adding HD imaging capabilities. The cameras are capable of image surveillance in high-resolution HD, and also offer advanced graphics processing functionality, such as improved visibility of images with light/ dark contrast through composition/ auto-correction. This supports analytics and intelligent motion detection. The analog component boasts virtually zero image transmission delay. Sony’s hybrid Z-Series cameras are the first in the industry to be equipped with IPoC (IP over Coax) embedded media convertors allowing for existing coaxial infrastructure environment to be used as is, saving resources as well as reducing installation costs. Dallmeier, which is distributed locally by C.R. Kennedy, is launching a completely new range of IP Solutions, known as SMAVIA (SMArt VIdeo Appliances). SMAVIA is a logical progression of Dallmeier’s 25 year of development in CCVT surveillance products. Customers and integrators can seamlessly choose between hybrid hardware, or software recording systems. Also on show for the first time will be the award winning Panomera HD camera system, capable of monitoring extremely large areas in real time HD. We saw demos of the unit last year but this time it’s the real thing. Panomera is an entirely new concept designed to cover large areas such as stadiums and car parks. Open Platform Systems is going to be displaying the Genetec Security Center 5.1, which is the latest version of Genetec’s unified security platform. Version 5.1 extends the task-based approach to system configuration, provides additional upgrade flexibility with forward-backward compatibility and comes with a new health monitoring engine for realtime system health status updates, amongst many

more. The user interface has also been enhanced with new in-tile controls including digital zoom, PTZ area control and timelines, and a new home page including lists of active or recent tasks, tools and favourites, and an advanced search engine. Synergis Master Controller is the new intelligent IP door controller designed to work with a variety of third-party reader and IO interface modules, including the most popular models from HID and Mercury. This new controller provides users with the benefits of open architecture such as greater flexibility and choice when implementing or upgrading to a true IP access control system. Security Center Mobile allows organizations to equip their security personnel with Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Blackbery,and Android devices so they can connect back to their Security Center unified platform over any wireless network. In terms of improving functionality for end users and enhancing the installation experience for installers and integrators, OPS’ Kobi Ben-Shabat says that from a software perspective, what is important is to offer a very strong platform that covers the majority of the global market requirements with the ability to easily extend this platform to meet specific regional/local requirements. se&n 67

s p e ci al re p o rt security 201 2

“This is how Genetec’s unified security platform, Security Center, is built with its unique task based architecture,” he explains. “In addition to all the tasks provided by the platform to operate and administer the system (view video, manipulate maps, monitor events/alarms, configure cameras, search for recorded video, etc.), partners have the ability to build their own custom tasks (video analytics forensic search, IP intercom, video wall, etc.) in order to meet specific system integration requirements, or to offer additional customer specific functionality. “As well, the Security Center, Genetec’s unified security solution is the only user interface to offer a task-oriented approach to system management. This means security operators focus on one job at a time whether it be monitoring, configuring, reporting, etc., with tasks that group together related functionalities.” At Security 2012, Mobotix will be showing its new S14 FlexMount, a high-resolution IP camera characterized above all by its miniature lens units with integrated microphone and huge range of application scenarios. The S14 can be equipped with up to two module units that are each connected to the actual camera housing via a 2-metre long cable. Also on show will be the MX-GPS-Box which is a global world clock for MOBOTIX systems and can send out an alarm in the event of a change of position. Also new is the MX-NPABox, which provides a PoE power supply for an outdoor camera and the MX-232-IO-Box which has 2 outputs. Each of these can switch and supply power to an external relay. One of these can optionally also be used as a potential-free signal output. Especially cool, in my opinion, will be MxAnalytics for the powerful Q24 camera. MXAnalytics will include Heatmap, People Counting and Fully Automated Reports. Merit LiLin will be showing off its new range of iMEGAPRO series of 2 and 3 MP IP cameras and NVR Touch, an industry first Touch-screen supported 1080P Real-time 16 channel standalone NVR as well as 2MP Megapixel 360-degree Panorama Dome Camera with 1.25mm/F2.0 lens with 4 analogue outputs and ePTZ. Most megapixel cameras are known to perform poorly under low light conditions and Merit LILIN has spent many years perfecting a high performance MP camera range with exceptional performance in low light conditions. They are also designed to be easy to install and configure which allows even the diehard analogue installer to see where the future is heading and jump on board finding the transition from analogue to IP base camera system easy. iMEGAPRO cameras feature Sense Up+ technology which successfully combats the key disadvantages of most other HD IP cameras; namely poor low light sensitivity and motion blur. Sense Up+ does not rely on frame integration so the problem of motion blur is eliminated. The iMEGAPRO series II range utilizes a highly sensitive 1080P CMOS sensor, capable of streaming stunning video at 30 FPS. Series III offers a 3MP at 15 FPS option.

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Each camera produces 4 independent video streams at a recording rate of up to 30FPS. The benefits associated mean different streams can be used for different applications, depending on the users requirements. For example, smaller file sizes can be optimized for mobile device viewing. Further features include Region of Interest (ROI), where a designated area within a camera view can record at a higher FPS; e-Tour which enables a digital PTZ within the camera video stream; Weighted Mode where the video FPS on alarm is higher; IR illumination up to 60m; and alarm activation by motion, tamper, face and audio detection. Each camera offers 8 privacy zones, PoE and uses LILIN’s outstanding GUI for user-friendly integration, configuration and operation. The entire iMEGAPRO range is ONVIF compliant and compatible with most leading CMS solutions. Also at Security 2012 from Merit LiLin, the NVR Touch is designed to bring a new intuitive level of management of CCTV IP camera systems allowing the user the same touch screen control as popular smart phones and tablets. HID Global will demonstrate its contactless and digital technology solutions that support users’ needs to create, use and manage secure identities at Security 2012. The company will highlight the latest iCLASS Secure Identity Object-enabled (iCLASS SE) platform that enables the use of digital credentials on NFC smartphones while delivering increased functionality and unprecedented levels of security. In addition to the showcase of iCLASS SE

platform, HID will demonstrate its FARGO HDP8500 Industrial Series Card Printer/Encoder, a superior high definition industrial ID printer for extendedrun, high throughput credential personalization and issuance as well as its latest FARGO DTC1000M Monochrome Printer/Encoder, a cost-effective ID card issuance solution for organizations such as casinos, financial services firms, small businesses and retailers, as well as for temporary ID badge applications. With the advent of modular hardware solutions and a new, turnkey implementation strategy, these technologies allow agencies to establish a clear migration path from existing credentials, preserve investments in their existing physical access control infrastructure, flexibly support changing security requirements throughout their facilities, and enable cost-effective enhancements down the road. For instance, HID Global enables customers to install a combination of enhanced readers and FIPS 201 authentication modules that operate with other existing components in the current PACS infrastructure. This enables a flexible, turnkey solution that is easy to deploy and eliminates the need to acquire a complicated mix of expertise, technologies and suppliers in order to achieve compliance. Integrators can provide everything that agencies need to cost-effectively meet their needs. Altech will have the world’s smallest IP Megapixel Network Dome camera at Security 2012 – the FD8136 with a 90mm diameter. The FD8136 is a tiny camera with megapixel power and is barely noticeable in the field. Installation takes around 2 minutes. Along with this you’ll see Altech’s new 5 Megapixel range of cameras – the IP8172, FE8172, FD8372, and IP8372. The 5 Megapixel range offers more detailed and bigger images for easy viewing and can cover a wider range of area, limiting the need for more cameras. New player in fibre and communications Comnet, has a long list of new and functional solutions to signal transmission challenges. According to Comnet’s Tony Collichia, the migration to IP Video is in full swing, but we all know that sometimes there is a list of challenges often encountered to make it work seamlessly. To solve some of those challenges, ComNet has expanded its line of self-managed Switches. Last year, ComNet successful introduced the CNFE6+2USPoE, the first switch that allowed up to six 10/100Mbps IP streams be combined and forwarded optically to the next switch, PC or Ethernet connection. This unit features 2 optical ports for Drop and Insert capabilities. This year ComNet introduces two new products, the CNFE4+1SMS, a four port electrical with one optical port designed to forward the Ethernet data from four electrical ports through the optical FX port to the next switch. ComNet also introduces the CNFE4SMS that combines Ethernet data from 3 electrical TX

Mobotix will be showing its new S14 FlexMount, a highresolution IP camera characterized above all by its miniature lens units with integrated microphone and huge range of application scenarios.

ports be combined and forwarded through the fourth TX port to the next switch. Axis Communications is always one to watch at the show and this year the company introduces Camera Companion, an entry-level IP video solution for small installations. Consisting of a free software client and Axis network cameras or video encoders with SD-card support, the solution is designed for systems from 1 to 16 cameras. It is ideal for retail stores, offices, hotels or other small businesses that need easy-to-use and future-proof video surveillance with HDTV quality. The new solution allows small business owners to use HDTV network cameras to help them clearly identify intruders, shoplifters and other incidents. Video can be viewed live and recordings played back from anywhere – on-site or remotely over the Internet. The system supports motion detection and pan/tilt/zoom control. Video clips and snapshots can be easily exported to colleagues and authorities, and the system supports third-party apps for viewing live and recorded video on leading smartphones and tablets, such as iPhone, iPad and Android. Unlike analog surveillance installations, AXIS Camera Companion does not require a central recording device – a digital video recorder (DVR), network video recorder (NVR), or even a computer. The cameras are powered over the network, eliminating the need for separate power cables. All images are recorded onto a standard SD memory card in each camera, and even if a network fails, the cameras keep recording. This reduces cost, simplifies installation, and makes the system more robust as there is no single point of failure. There will also be new cameras from the likes of Avigilon, Arecont, Panasonic, Bosch and Samsung. On the access control side, Inner Range will be showing its new Integriti platform, now in successful beta testing. Along with Panasonic and its range of other camera brands, Pacific Communications will be showing DVTel TruWitness, which picked up a best product award recently at ISC West. zzz

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A Y D 2 F L

2 01

Inaugural

Security Electronics & Networks Magazine is proud to be involved with the Sony Foundation through our inaugural annual golf day. All proceeds go towards its youth cancer charity Youcan. Bookings are now being taken so don’t delay, contact Tim McLean from Total Sport & Entertainment – tmclean@totalsport.com.au or Monique Keatinge – monique@bridgepublishing.com.au to book in your team. There will only be 21 teams so make sure you don’t miss what will be a must attend event for 2012. when:

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p ro d u ct rev i ew basler

Basler BIP2-1300c Day/Night Available from Geutebruck Australia is the 720HD Basler BIP2-1300c Day/Night camera, a 1.3MP unit offering 1280 x 960 pixels of resolution and a minimum scene illumination of 0.34 lux in colour at F1.2/33ms and 0.09 in black and white at F1.2/33ms.

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by j o h n a da m s

OOKING at new product is one of life’s great pleasures – particularly when the new gear offers enhanced features and improved performance. New product is never boring. It either impresses the reviewer as breaking new ground or confirms the elevated status of the former best performer. Of course, one of the challenges of reviewing surveillance cameras is that there’s an element of the subjective introduced when assessing performance using intuition. This comes down in part to the expectations and values of the reviewer and in part to the supposed application into which the camera may be installed. Every reviewer is subject to cognitive bias. A subjective assessment, made with the eye based on experience – that’s either direct or indirect comparison - is not the same as an entirely objective assessment made by measuring a predetermined range of relevant camera output signals. Nevertheless, the appearance of a given camera in a range of conditions offers the observer significant ability to say things about its performance parameters.

Additionally, there are particular specifications that confirm performance capabilities not related to image quality. As we know, once upon a time, security cameras were judged, perhaps wrongly, on the basis of 2 numbers - horizontal resolution and minimum scene illumination. But these days there’s a heck of a lot more to think about. There’s bandwidth consumption and associated compression choices and maximum resolutions and the ability to network with third party management solutions. Then there are considerations like warranty and local support. On the performance side, you are looking at image quality and the purity of colour reproduction across variable conditions. You also want clarity and definition in the image – this is what gives you facial recognition and LPR at marginal depths of field. Low light performance is important, too, if the camera will not be supported by artificial lighting systems. But a camera that simultaneously offers vision deep into the background of a partly-lit scene can be considered superior. Then there’s the ability to handle backlight. A camera that cannot handle backlight will be limited in its ability to offer meaningful images outside the foreground. If the foreground is your target area – the counter of a store for instance - then that’s great. But if you want to push the camera view outside – let’s say a perpetrator runs from a store and gets into a car – then poor wide dynamic range will mean the crook will vanish from view into a sea of white bloom as they go through the glass door into sunlight. In my experience what is intriguing about modern IP cameras in all their guises is the enormous differences in their individual capabilities. Pick 10 cameras with 720HD resolution and all of them have quite different strengths to the naked eye. One may be better in long range low light, one better close up with low light, one will be better at long range with strong backlight and one better at closer face recognition with strong backlight. It seems that product developers interpret what it is their main body of clients wants and in building their chipsets and software algorithms to focus on a primary capability – say low light performance - they will sacrifice processing ability elsewhere to retain what they believe the market sees as the blue ribbon virtue. I’ve never yet seen a camera that performs brilliantly at everything and this is something that should be taken into account by installers and end users. You need to select cameras on the basis of their strengths and your requirements.

When I test face recognition by standing in the doorway, the Basler is far superior in its ability to offer court admissible face recognition at 6 metres than the others – there’s no question about this. the Basler. For the purposes of illustrating some of the points I’ve made above, I’m going to compare the Basler with a couple of other cameras, as well as making observations about its performance. For a start this camera is a compact wee thing. I think it’s perhaps half the volume of cameras from other makers and these are modest in size, too, when compared to the products of yore. The Basler is simply far more compact that most the full body cameras available on the market today at 109.7mm long x 44mm wide x 29mm high. That’s tiny and weight is just over 200 grams. It’s a nicelooking unit. Being wider that it is tall gives the camera a different look to my eye, fresher and more streamlined. The core numbers are strong. There’s 720p HD at 30fps and the 1280 x 960 pixels are coming via a Sony CCD with retractable IR cut filter to enhance low light performance. Compression options are MJPEG, MPEG-4, and H.264 (AVC high profile levels up to 5). Pixel Size horizontal/vertical is 3.75m x 3.75m. Minimum illumination in color is 0.34 lux (F1.2/33ms), and with the cut filter activated 0.09 lux (F1.2/33ms) in low light in black and white. My

Features and specifications

The camera we’re looking at is Basler’s BIP2-1300c Day/Night, which is available from Geutebruck Australia, henceforth this camera will be known as

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p ro d u ct rev i ew basler test did not include a light meter so I can’t confirm the veracity of Basler’s figures but they seem close to the mark to me, if you take into account the fact the low light images are vague – as all low light image streams tend to be. When it comes to video streaming there’s multiencoding and multi-streaming for MJPEG, H.264, and MPEG-4; VBR and CBR for MJPEG and MPEG4, VBR, CBR, and CVBR for H.264, multicast and unicast. Providing the grunt under the bonnet is a multimedia video processor with RAM of 256MB and Memory of 64MB. Those numbers are good for a video processor. In the area of image setting selections the Basler is particularly strong. There’s automatic gain, exposure area, backlight compensation, white balance, electronic shutter, 180-degree image rotation, anti-flicker, electronic PTZ via AOI (API), text overlay, privacy masks, motion detection and multiple Areas of Interest (AOIs). All this is good stuff from Basler and increases the camera’s flexibility considerably. When it comes to alarm management there’s a ring buffer configuration supported for pre and post alarm images as well as for events triggered by motion detection, or external input (real-time trigger). Alarm event images can be upload over FTP, e-mail, or HTTP. The baseline profile protocols list is very complete containing TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, UDP, ICMP, ARP, DHCP, NTP, RTP, RTSP,* RTCP,* SMTP,* IGMP,* ZEROCONF,* QoS Layer 3 and SNMP. The camera operates between 0 °C - 50 °C (32 °F - 122 °F), <90% relative humidity (non-condensing), has a CS-mount for lenses and 3 configurable digital input/outputs. Physical connectivity is RJ-45 connector for 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet, full or half duplex, along with 8-pin terminal for DC power, the digital I/O and RS-485. The camera is PoE IEEE 802.3af Class 2 or 12 to 24 VDC with a consumption of around 3.5 W. Browsers supported included Internet Explorer (recommended), Mozilla Firefox (plug-in required), Google Chrome and Opera, Safari and Conqueror for mobile operations. The camera is not ONVIF compliant according to Basler’s literature though it’s certain to have a list of supporting management solutions.

Performance and comparison

Now all the numbers are out of the way, what is the performance of the camera like in a real world environment? My test environment is harsh – it’s a room lit by halogen downlights to between 90 and 150 lux leading out through wall to wall glass to full sun. A scene like this is something that is common in real world retail applications. The room is about 6 metres deep looking out onto a covered balcony a bit over 2 metres deep then out over a sunlit scene of about 500 metres, with plenty of reflections, mid-field elements and pedestrians at far distances. If there’s a weakness to

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Face recognition comes at the expense of the rear of a backlit scene.

the scene from the point of view of this test it’s that there’s not a lot of movement. I look at the Basler in association with 3 other cameras, which serves to give a broader feel for the performance of this camera in relation to its peers. I’m viewing on a Geutebruck GSCView video management platform. With all the cameras also recording in real time at high resolution to a local server I can also compare night time footage in adjacent tiles on the GSCView screen, so it’s a great test for my general purpose. The cameras I’ve included for comparison include what I consider to be the 2 market leaders that I am designating Camera 1 and Camera 2. All the cameras I’m comparing were set at default by their manufacturers or distributors. The cameras are set up in a row with virtually the same field of view. I consider room views, long views through the room, the windows and open sliding door and then check my face in the doorway with strong backlight. I look at the camera views as they look out across the room into bright light. Camera 1 is the pick in terms of its ability to see out of the space into the bright area and across to the far side of the scene – 500 metres-plus. Camera 1 is giving me a perfectly seamless transition from foreground to background. It’s a very complete front-to-back image given the tough view it’s taking on. Camera 2 is doing well in the room itself but not handling backlight quite as well as the class-leading Camera 1. Camera 2 is doing well with the farther distance but this seems to come at the expense of some quality inside the room. Overall it’s good performance from Camera 2, while Camera 1 simply impresses more under backlit conditions. It’s the winner here. Meanwhile, the Basler is actually doing even better than Camera 1 in terms of the clarity of the image close up – it seems Camera 1 is letting some

of the detail go in order to handle processing demanded by the deeper parts of the image. The Basler is offering brilliant colours in the room itself, though Camera 1 is perhaps more honest in terms of colour rendition. But at the same time the Basler is losing all the background in a bloom of backlight. You can’t see through the doorway to the outside as you can with both Camera 1 and Camera 2. However, when I test face recognition by standing in the doorway, the Basler is far superior in its ability to offer court admissible face recognition at 6 metres than the others – there’s no question about this. The Basler sacrifices something to do so – in this case, mid and long range scenes which backlight blooms away. In any case, the Basler rules in the area of close range face recognition with backlight. It’s the best of all these cameras in that regard – no question about that at all. Next we look at night time shots and performance is turned completely on its head. Be aware that there is no light in the foreground of these scenes. The scenes I view were taken a 1.30am – the room is in complete darkness with only city bloom lighting up the background. There are street lights, office lights, neons – the usual mix – but they are far off across a dark expanse of water. Camera 1 is not doing well in the office with no light. You can’t really see much at all in the foreground and that’s all there is to say about it. Camera 1 needs some help with artificial light in extreme low light conditions. You can’t identify shapes in the middle distance though it is doing better but not brilliantly at long range low light. In comparison, Camera 2 flexes considerable muscle in low light, which is where IP cameras traditionally struggle. Low light is obviously the challenge Camera 2 was built for. With no light at all in the foreground Camera 2 is still contriving to show colour – I can see the lounge is yellow, make out the pink and blue colour of folders on the

Low light performance is quite good.

There are profound gradations in the performance of the latest IP surveillance cameras. It’s not as if one camera is by far the best, nor are all cameras now the same allowing us to buy a single camera for all applications.

coffee table. What this means is that at less than 1 lux Camera 2 has still not gone to black and white. Camera 2 is also handling the long range low light by far the best of this group – that’s distances of 300500 metres. I can make out amazing mid and long range detail while still seeing all the detail as well as some stronger colour in the room. So, Camera 2 wins in low light. I turn to the Basler. It has dropped back to black and white and I judge you could see if there was a person in the foreground with this camera. While it’s a world of shadows, you can still make out the lounge, chairs, window surround, desks - you can see everything in the room but the scene is simply dark. There’d be no way you’d recognise a person but you’d know someone was there. Conversely, you’re getting a good image outside at longer range. Not as good as Camera 2 but better than Camera 1. So what does it all mean in terms of this review? In my opinion, the Basler’s performance is between the current class leaders, Camera 1 and Camera 2 yet with areas of strength all its own. This is interesting, I tell my tape recorder. There are profound gradations in the performance of the latest IP surveillance cameras. It’s not as if one camera is by far the best, nor are all cameras now the same, allowing us to buy a single camera for all applications. There is a considerable difference in performance that is not evidenced by the paper specifications. In closing, if you need a compact and affordable all-round camera that produces good images inside during the day without needing to view past sunlit windows, as well as useful images sub 1-lux at night, all while giving class-leading face recognition at close range with very strong backlight, then the Basler BIP2-1300c Day/Night is the camera for you. zzz

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s p e ci al re p o rt

new pr o d u ct s h owcase / new p roduct showcase / new p roduct showcase / n ew p rod u ct showcase / n ew p rod u ct showcase / n ew p rod u ct showcase / n ew p rod u ct showcase / n ew pr o du ct s h owcas e /

editor’s choice

What’s new in the industry

New iMegaPro from LiLin

Mobotix MX-GPS-Box

World’s smallest IP fixed dome from Vivotek

iMegaPro cameras feature ‘Sense Up+’ technology which successfully combats the key disadvantages of most other HD IP cameras; namely poor low light sensitivity and motion blur. Sense Up+ does not rely on frame integration so the problem of motion blur is eliminated. The iMegaPro series II range utilizes a highly sensitive 1080P CMOS sensor, capable of streaming video at 30 FPS. Series III offers a 3MP at 15 FPS option. Each camera produces 4 independent video streams at a recording rate of up to 30FPS. The benefits associated mean different streams can be used for different applications, depending on the users requirements. For example, smaller files sizes can be optimized for mobile device viewing. Further features include Region of Interest (ROI), where a designated area within a camera view can record at a higher FPS; e-Tour which enables a digital PTZ within the camera video stream; Weighted Mode where the video FPS on alarm is higher; IR illumination up to 60m; and alarm activation by motion, tamper, face and audio detection. Each camera offers 8 privacy zones, PoE and uses LILIN’s outstanding GUI for user-friendly integration, configuration and operation. The entire iMegaPro range is ONVIF-compliant and compatible with most leading CMS solutions.

SYNCHRONISING time in security applications is almost as important as capturing the event in progress, however many security installations don’t have access to NTP servers. With the wrong time stamps, footage can fast become useless as it becomes impossible to verify accuracy. Using the known time signature from the MX-GPS-Box allows you to have an verifiably correct time source on your entire network, no matter how flaky your internet connection. The MX-GPS-Box adds in new location-based sensors to the camera, allowing you to trigger events based on entering or leaving a specified area amongst other options. The MX-GPS-Box will also be accessible by API, allowing third parties to use the location in their own apps. Live tracking, route tracking, and access control are all just an integration away. When mounted in an outdoor location, the MX-GPS-Box can be used as a reliable environment sensor, giving you accurate temperature and illumination details. These functions can be used to more accurately trigger cameras to change exposure settings, adjust other camera settings, or notify someone of out of the ordinary maximums.

FD8136 is the the world’s smallest network-based fixed dome camera launched by Vivotek, at a size of 90mm in diameter with an installation time of less than 120 seconds. Equipped with a 1-Megapixel sensor enabling viewing resolution of 1280x800 at 30 fps, Vivotek FD8136 supports the industry-standard H.264 compression technology, which drastically reduces file sizes and conserves valuable network bandwidth. MPEG-4 and MJPEG compatibility enables the user to transmit video streams in any of these formats for versatile applications. The FD8136 also comes with selectable focal lengths suitable for various environments, including but not limited to: offices, elevators, campus, chain stores, boutique stores and health care facilities. Designed with built-in SD/SDHC card slot for on-board storage, the FD8136 allows recording to take place independently on the camera itself. This perfect stand-alone device also boasts user-friendly installations as easy as one-two-three, Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality and a choice of either black or white casing colours. With numerous advanced features available, the FD8136 is truly an all-in-one surveillance solution that meets a wide variety of needs for indoor surveillance. The world’s smallest network-based fixed dome is available from Vivotek as of Q2 2012. The camera package also includes Vivotek ST7501 32-channel recording software.

n Distributor: Merit LiLin n Contact: +61 3 8838 8958

IndigoVision Mobile Center INDIGOVISION customers can now monitor their surveillance video on the move using iPads and iPhones. Mobile Center, IndigoVision’s new mobile app, displays high quality video in real time. Mobile Center increases ease of access and usability for many of IndigoVision’s customers, who can now maintain visual contact with cameras from wherever they happen to be. Users still have access to PTZ controls, including presets, and can save and send video snapshots. Surveillance staff and management can keep in touch with what is happening across a site from their mobile devices, by accessing accurate information immediately without having to communicate back to a central control room. Mobile Center is an extension of IndigoVision’s successful SMS4TM Security Management Solution, allowing users to log on to their system and access all cameras anywhere, anytime. It is an incredibly easy-to-use app, with support for touch and swipe gestures, and allows instant use by any member of staff. “The IndigoVision Mobile Center means surveillance personnel are no longer tied to the control room - they can stay in touch wherever they are. The mobile solution maximises the benefit of the IndigoVision complete solution,” says Marcus Kneen, CEO, IndigoVision. n Distributor: Integrated Products n Contact: 1300 055 164

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n Distributor: Mobotix n Contact: +61 2 8507 2000

Inner Range rack mount enclosure INNER Range has released a universal rack mount enclosure designed for use with its Concept and Integriti system hardware. Featuring a truly universal design that allows virtually all Inner Range system controllers or LAN modules to be installed into a 19-inch rack equipment cabinet without restricting critical access to cabling, termination of connections or access for commissioning and maintenance purposes. Flexible installation options allow the rack mounted drawer to be configured to meet a vast array of specifications, allowing mix and match installation of system controllers, universal expanders, relay cards, access control modules, input expanders, UniBus expansion cards, multipath communications devices and up to 4 Doors of fully intelligent access control. The rack mount enclosure is also ready for the new Inner Range Integriti System. n Distributor: Inner Range n Contact: +61 3 9780 4300

n Distributor: Altech n Contact: +61 2 8622 8000

AXIS M1143-L brightens the night AXIS Communications has a new addition to the successful AXIS M11 Network Camera Series. These new cameras are specially designed for easy and discreet day and night surveillance, comprising HDTV quality and the highly efficient H.264 video compression, making them ideal for professional surveillance in boutiques, restaurants, hotels and offices. “The integration of IR LEDs in our new camera models provides an affordable and attractive offering, fulfilling the market’s demand for a discreet all-in-one, day and night indoor surveillance solution” says Wai King Wong, country manager, South Pacific, Axis Communications. “These new models provide adjustable IR LED illumination which is invisible to the human eye, and are ideal for discovering objects in a range of up to 15 meters (50ft.), even in complete darkness”. With their slim and compact design, the cameras enable quick and easy installation, simple setup and a trouble-free surveillance solution for applications where surveillance is required round-the-clock. AXIS M11-L Network Cameras include both an SVGA-resolution camera model and an HDTV model providing 720p video at full frame rate. AXIS M1143-L and AXIS M1144-L Network Cameras offer multiple H.264 and Motion JPEG streams that can be individually optimised for bandwidth and storage efficiency. Other benefits include support for Edge storage with the built-in SD/SDHC memory card slot, pixel counter, corridor format, Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af) and I/O port for PIR sensor possibilities. n Distributor: Axis Communications n Contact: Alloys, Anixter, OPS, LAN 1, Pacific Communications

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s p e ci al re p o rt

editor’s choice

What’s new in the industry Biometric technologies

Rapstrap cable ties

Smartphone control for Concept 3000/4000 INNER Range has released a web interface kit designed to provide convenient control of Concept security systems via any web browser. It is optimized for use on portable smart touchscreen devices such as iPhones, iPads, Android mobile devices and tablet PCs, but can be used on any device with a web browser application. Smartphones can be used to remotely control Concept security systems from anywhere in the world. There are no additional apps to install or purchase - simply use your devices existing web browser. The user screens are intuitive and provide a simple user-friendly layout that is very easy to use. The Concept web interface provides multi-user login, arming and disarming of security areas, locking and unlocking of doors, control of home automation devices and viewing of system reviews events.

RAPSTRAP cable ties are made using a soft flexible material. RapStrap is a long chain of cells that can slide through each other forming loops at any point which can then be pulled tight. The remaining portion can be cut off and used again and again. As a result a single Rapstrap can perform several ties, getting a little shorter with each use, thereby reducing waste and saving money. Rapstrap is removable and re-usable, secure and tested to hold up to 12kgs and more efficient so installers can get 3 to 5 ties from each 300mm length.

Verifying user’s ID via eye, face and finger recognition

DVR Interface Integrated imaging systems

n Distributor: Evo Building Products n Contact: 61 2 9666 1069

n Distributor: Central Security Distribution n Contact: +61 3 9946 3200

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re g u lars help desk

helpdesk

Our panel of experts answers your questions.

Q: We need to use artificial illumination to give coverage of key points around our site’s perimeter using existing analogue day/night cameras. We have to use infrared on account of nearby properties and we need long range because 240V AC is on the other side of the driveway and we’re pushing across this to target areas on the far side. We want to save money in running costs – that goes without saying. What would you recommend?

Q: Is C-Bus a viable solution for home automation in your opinion? How reliable is this technology and what is the expansion capability?

A: LED IR illuminators. Some have ranges of hundreds of metres and use only 100200W per point. That’s brilliant. LED IR operates in the invisible 850nm spectrum and runs cool – only 45 degrees C, typically. Because LEDs are so reliable and run so cool you should have no worries finding something with a 5 year warranty.

Q: Would you recommend the use of twisted pair cabling over coaxial cable? We’ve been recommended a twisted pair solution for a couple of longer cable runs we have but are unsure whether this technology stacks up against fibre. A: Twisted pair is much better than coax and much cheaper than fibre. It transmits unamplified signals further than coax, is far more resistant to interference than coax and it does both at a cost that’s way less than fibre. The increased range is one of the greatest benefits with twisted pair. With 24 AWG cable you’ll push a 52W signal for 300m using twisted pair. Switch to 16 AWG and you’ll go the same distance with an 8W signal. In terms of control, duplex video signals may co-exist in the same wire bundle as twisted pair control signals, such as RS-422, RS-485, etc. Passive transceivers (such as NVT’s NV214A-M) will transmit an up-the-coax PTZ control as well as a video signal for more than 250m. So far as we understand, power for these twisted pair solutions comes from a range of floating 12 and 24V sources, or power supplies can be built in.

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Q: We need to extend some fibre runs and are wondering if we should decode and encode the signals at the point of extension or just splice and take our chances. A: Splicing is most common on big fibre runs of greater than 2000 metres and it’s a better option than termination with connectors and re-sending the signal from a remote repeater of some sort. The beauty of splicing is that it costs just 10 per cent of the attenuation typical with fibre terminations. A quality fusion connection might have a loss budget of only 0.05-0.1dB. Fusion connection is more challenging than termination and you’ll need superior equipment and better technique but the

challenge is worth it. Learn to fusion splice on the bench top and then take your skills out into the field. Q: We’ve lost a poled camera to lightning strike and are wondering what we need to do ensure it doesn’t happen again. The camera is quite inaccessible and whatever we do needs to last. A: You need surge arresters in your cables, devices that filter out big voltage and current spikes, as well as keeping strong frequencies at bay. You should be looking for devices that give isolation primary to secondary sides and have performance that’s at least 125 per cent of full load capacity. You also want high-speed, leading-edge suppression and a highenergy resistance metal oxide resistor, plus or minus 1 per cent output volts at 85 per cent load with -25 per cent to 15 per cent of nominal input volts. In addition, you’d need a voltage change on load change of plus or minus 3 per cent for 3 cycles and 95 per cent correction for 2 cycles. Your surge arrestors shouldn’t just be looking after the transformer’s secondary side - add arrestors to the secondary side of wiring as well. It goes without saying that your installation should avoid all existing external wiring and you should bond your system by

making physical connection of any walled conduits to system ground. It’s also important to ground the main transformer to a grounding roof or copper earth tape and connection using insulated wire. Q: When commissioning and trouble shooting a system, is there a rule of thumb for 12V batteries that allows a basic voltage measurement to be used to work out exactly the state of charge? A: A battery with a voltage reading of greater than 12.6V is carrying a 100 per cent charge. If the voltage is 12.4 to 12.6 then the charge is between 75 and 100 per cent. For dry cell batteries and wet cell auto batteries and hybrids you’d be trying to ensure the battery voltage stays around 12.5V for longest life. If your voltmeter is reading 12.2 to 12.4V then the battery is carrying a charge between 50 and 75 per cent. If the reading is 12 to 12.2V the state of charge is between 25-50 per cent. Unless you’re working with true deep cycle batteries any 12V battery that’s gouged down to these levels will not last more than a year. A charge of 11.7 to 12V indicates a state of charge that’s between 0 and 25 per cent and once again, any battery that has to put up with this sort of discharge will fail early. Any 12V battery with a voltage of 11.7V or less is dead.

A: C-Bus is a distributed control system operating across a Cat 5 unshielded twisted pair cable, or “bus”. The C-Bus network operates at a SELV (safety extra low voltage) of 36V DC and carries duplex control signals and control unit operating voltage between networks of control devices. Control devices installed on a Cat-5, C-Bus network feature in-built microprocessors, non-volatile memories and a resident operating program, with each control unit talking to an automated device, whether digital and/or analogue. Because each control device is able to function independently of all others, C-Bus is tough as nails. Regardless of whether any device on the network fails, all other control units continue to function. On a cable run of 1000m, installers can install up to 100 C-Bus control units, and an open topology structure allows connections to loop between units or to be branched at any point. What this means is that depending on the number of control units already on the system, should you need to add another control, you simply build a branch and port into the bus without needing to mess around reconfiguring the system, or even pull power. One C-Bus cable connection is able to handle what the manufacturer calls a practically unlimited number of devices, and expansion is modular. Should you have more than 1 network of 100 control units on a C-Bus of 1000m, it’s possible to link networks to make one overall system. In fact, it’s possible to link 255 such networks to make one very large system.

It’s true that in-line fuses will do the job, but thanks to the tiny currents drawn by modern microprocessors and the types of metals used in fuses and fuse-holder contacts, oxidation will occur and cause an increase in resistance. Use pig tail fuses instead.

Q: We had a power surge that seems to have destroyed a number of reed switches at a site we maintain. Is there something we can do to ensure it doesn’t happen again? Sorting the issue out has been a trial – it took a long time to find the trouble and we’re still not sure just what happened. A: VOLTAGE surges can fuse reed switches together if these sensors are not protected adequately. The problem for the installer is that meter readings and any supervisory current in the loop are not going to pick up the problem. The answer is to install 0.1 A fuses in series with perimeter reeds so that should a surge hit the zone, firstly the switch is protected, and secondly the blowing of the fuse means an open connection that prevents the system being armed until the problem is sorted out. It’s true that in-line fuses will do the job, but thanks to the tiny currents drawn by modern microprocessors and the types of metals used in fuses and fuse-holder contacts, oxidation will occur and cause an increase in resistance. Use pig tail fuses instead. Their lead wires are soldered to fuse-end caps meaning no more oxidation problem – and remember to heat shrink your fuses. zzz

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events june – SEPTEMBER 2012

December 2011 Issue 328

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IFSEC South Africa

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December 2011 Issue 328

Date: June 25-29, 2012 Location: Nashville Convention Center, Nashville Contact: +1-508-618-4226 Website: http://www.esxweb.com As the only security industry tradeshow designed exclusively for integration and monitoring companies, ESX boasts an incredibly focused show floor where business gets done, partnerships are formed and new opportunities are discovered. ESX is different from all other industry conferences and shows because it’s owned by the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) and Electronic Security Association (ESA). The revenue generated by the conference will remain within the industry to be used for programming, education, legislative activities and public relations to benefit your company.

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