Pointer security and Panasonic combined to produce an Ethernet solution for a major communications company.
When Kingston Communications (HULL) plc decided to implement a total review of its security arrangements, safety and security manager Carl Fothergill was faced with a huge challenge.
He explained: "Every one of our 250 sites had different security systems in place. I asked Pointer Security to produce a review and evaluation of the whole estate, including the numerous existing security systems and how they performed."
Kingston Communications supplies a broad portfolio of voice, data, internet, mobile and managed services. Its national division provides voice and data solutions and a long-distance IP-enabled network.
Pointer regional director Ian Stones evaluated potential replacement solutions for Kingston using four criteria: fitness for purpose, ease of operation, open architecture and cost. An independent security consultant's report concurred with Pointer's findings that a Panasonic-based system would provide the best solution to meet the group's complex needs.
Pointer began a rolling process of installations throughout the company's sites, reportedly making Kingston the first company anywhere in the world to adopt a fully-integrated Ethernet based remote CCTV and access control system.
Prior to the introduction of the new scheme and Panasonic-based integrated system, Kingston's sites had their own separate monitoring arrangements, with contract security staff on site. The new system will eventually control the whole UK estate from just two 24-hour in-house monitoring centres. Selected key personnel can also gain remote access to the system from a PC or laptop anywhere in the world.
At the heart of Kingston's sophisticated system, a Panasonic HD500 digital recording unit is deployed to provide camera display and high-resolution recording. Fitted with an Ethernet interface and hard disk expansion unit, the HD500 is programmed to operate in real-time mode. The massive capacity of the recording device allows digital quality of system cameras to be performed 24/7 before over-writing.
Using Panasonic's thumbnail picture directory and camera number, or time and date search criteria, ease of image retrieval means operators can recall specific incidents from any location, virtually instantaneously. Although Panasonic's Ethernet CCTV hardware is a new high-tech web-based product, Pointer installed 12 units for Kingston in the first month alone. System operators enthused over the point-and-click Windows-based control system.
Kingston's mix of Ethernet and broadband 'permanently on' and 'dial up' CCTV camera images are transmitted via a standard PC network, PSTN or GSM mobile communications.
Giant leap forward!
Sanyo believes surveillance and recording over IP networks is about to take a giant leap forward with the introduction of the Sanyo VCC-WB2000P network camera with JPEG2000.
Sanyo says this is the first IP network camera in the world that can deliver 640 x 480 pixel images at 30 frames per second.
The new JPEG2000 international standard for image file compression means this level of quality is now a realistic option for LAN-based surveillance systems.
Features include:
- View direct via the LAN or internet
- Utilises a standard web browser
- Multi-user access (up to 16 users)
- Pre/post alarm image buffer memory
- Alarm input/output
- PCMCIA Type II slot for wireless connection and additional memory
- 10/100BaseT Ethernet connection
- Composite video output
- CS lens mount
- Compatible with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP.
Reader Service No 134
Destiny-IP software launched
After its initial launch of the Destiny-IP video network hardware products, Baxall has introduced a range of complementary software components. They have been designed for both single and multi-user capabilities and range from basic cost-effective viewing options to more sophisticated packages that offer colour detection and recording.
The first of the new software series, Destiny Web is an MJPEG web server providing a low cost solution to multiple camera monitoring. It enables up to four cameras to be viewed simultaneously in standard web browser format from one Destiny-IP Codec. In addition, it provides full control of pan, tilt and zoom camera functions and alarm response. On an alarm event, JPEG images can be sent to an FTP server for further analysis.
Destiny View is a standard single-user configuration and viewing tool that comes with PTZ and alarm functionality. Highly flexible, it supports H261 and MJPEG compression, G711 audio, RS232, RS422 and RS485 data formats and spot recording from a single key press.
Destiny CCTV Lite is an MJPEG software decoder that supports all the data formats of Destiny View, and also allows for 16 channels to be viewed and recorded simultaneously.
Quick and easy to use, Destiny CCTV Lite has a Graphical User Interface which displays a map of the area/premises under surveillance, with symbols to represent the cameras in their correct locations.
The camera symbols change colour according to their status so a camera in alarm, for instance, will be red. By using a multi-layer GUI, operators can click on camera symbols in alarm to bring up more detailed maps and even the very images that are being transmitted by that camera.
Reader Service No 136
New member of the family brings versatility
The latest addition to JVC's v-network family is the VN-C10U. It is a 1/3-inch CCD network camera that "brings a new standard of versatility to network-based imaging". Thanks to a choice of MPEG-4 or JPEG compression, this camera utilises convenient multi-casting for simultaneous transmission to terminals on a local network or on the web – without overloading the network.
The camera is supplied with a built-in webserver and with viewer/controller software. Users, who can obtain an instant connection directly to the internet without a PC link, will benefit from powerful security features.
The pre/post alarm recording function can connect to an infrared sensor or door alarm for automatic trigger alarm recording. 8MB memory is available for pre/post alarm image storage.
The motion detection function automatically senses motion and starts recording.
Reader Service No 135
200,000 units!
Axis Communications has shipped its 200,000th network-based video product. This milestone includes all network cameras and video servers shipped since 1996, and the company claims this validates its leadership of the network video market.
"By reaching the milestone of the 200,000th product, Axis is clearly ahead of all other network video companies in terms of market share and technological advancements," said general manager Michael Engstrom.
"We are continuing to excel in the market by helping companies increase efficiency and reduce ownership costs through network-based video technology."
The company's network cameras and video servers offer customers a future-proof investment and more flexibility than analogue CCTV systems by enabling off-site monitoring, digital recording and storing, higher image quality and ease of use. Globally distributed video
And talking of Axis, the company's 2460 is a DVR offering small businesses a self-maintained standalone system, and enabling organisations to build intelligent, globally distributed video storage systems that are viewed, controlled and managed from anywhere in the world.
Each 2460 Network DVR is the basis for an autonomous security system, benefiting small businesses with a need for a maintenance-free surveillance system.
Network DVR technology will also benefit businesses looking to develop a homogeneous network of independent satellite surveillance systems i.e. retail chains, transport companies and utility companies which are interested in providing a heightened level of security.
It enables prioritised, secure image storage with simultaneous live viewing, playback and recording capabilities from up to four analogue cameras.
It allows remote accessibility and administration over networks such as LANs and WANs.
Reader Service No 137
Integrated IP solutions
DVTel, which provides integrated IP security solutions for surveillance and monitoring of assets and facilities, has caught the industry's attention with:
- MPEG-4 compression which is said to reduce storage requirements to one-sixth that of a typical DVR
- Transmission technology that sends output from 32 cameras, at 25 frames per second, 1.219 kilometres over one CAT5 cable
- Full matrix functionality for up to 500 cameras and 64 monitor outputs – with no matrix hardware to be seen
- Unlike a DVR, each added camera after 16 is free. The DVTel software solution doesn't require an additional box – it is scalable and flexible.
DVTel offers security networking products and network-based replacements for legacy video products including DVRs, video switching matrix systems and standalone video multiplexers.
DVTel SecureLink solutions create a total digital video and data management system and include:
- IP-based video monitoring and recording
- Virtual matrix switch
- Digital transmission and switching
- Integrated supervisory control and data acquisition.
Reader Service No 138
Source
Security Installer
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