Find out more about Synergis Enterprise IP Access Control system

Genetec’s powerful  Synergis Enterprise Access Control system is now available from Controlware UK. Find out the main benefits  Synergis Enterprise can provide below.

Flexible

Synergis was designed with an open and distributed architecture. Build your system with IP readers or use what you already have and phase out older technology when you can. Integrate your access control system with other third-party systems like intrusion or building management. And distribute Synergis’ server components on many different network machines to optimize bandwidth.

Highly Scalable

Synergis Enterprise supports an unrestricted number of doors, controllers and client workstations. You can grow your system one door at a time. Or opt to scale your system across multiple buildings using a unique feature called Federation. Synergis Enterprise will meet all your growth objective head on.

Reliable and Secure

Reliability is an understatement. In case of server failure, Synergis’ offline mode ensures door controllers will continue to control access and record events. And benefit from security features like encryption and user-access privileges to enhance overall system security. You get an added layer of security in multi-tenant applications with a Partitioning feature.

Intuitive and Easy-to-Use

Synergis is the access control system of the Security Center unified security platform. This means you get the most ultra-modern and user-friendly interface on the market. Single-click widgets dynamically appear for you to unlock or lock doors or acknowledge alarms. Drag-and-drop features make it easy to review events, as well as cardholder pictures against live or recorded video. Look forward to reduced training costs and notice efficiency gains.

Synergis Enterprise is now available from Controlware UK. To find out more about Synergis Enterprise click here or call Controlware UK on 0844 225 9 225 for expert advice and great product deals.

Find out more about Synergis Pro IP Access Control system

Genetec’s powerful  Synergis Pro IP Access Control system is now available from Controlware UK. Find out the main benefits  Synergis Pro can provide below.

Flexible and Open Architecture

Synergis won’t lock you into a proprietary hardware solution. You can use what you already have or convert your older serial-based system with new IP-enabled controllers or readers; one at a time or all at once. You can set up your network the way you want. Distribute all of Synergis’ server components over many networked machines if that works best.

Customizable

Synergis allows you to customize your access control system with Genetec’s software development kit (SDK). You can easily integrate your business processes or third-party systems. System customization can also be extended to product features such as reporting templates. Users can define report content, organization, and more in advance without the need for external reporting tools.

Future-Proof

Choosing Synergis Pro means your access control system is future proof. You will benefit from new features as they are released with seamless version upgrades. It’s the same for the latest hardware technology; you will not be left behind. And if you want to extend your system beyond one building or across the country, moving to a Synergis Enterprise package is quick and easy.

User-Friendly

With Synergis Pro, you are equipped with an extremely intuitive user interface. Since Synergis is the access control system of the Security Center unified security platform, you get single-click widgets and task-oriented tools for quick decision-making. A simple setup for visitor management and badge design will benefit operators of all skill levels.

Synergis Pro is now available from Controlware UK. To find out more about Synergis Pro click here or call Controlware UK on 0844 225 9 225 for expert advice and great product deals.

Find out more about Synergis Standard – IP Access Control from Genetec

Genetec’s powerful  Synergis Standard IP Access Control system is now available from Controlware UK. Find out the main benefits Synergis Standard can provide below.

Flexible

You get a fully customizable system with the Synergis Standard package. The open and distributed architecture allows you to make all the decisions. Maximize the use of your network. Re-use existing equipment and wiring. Grow your system at your own pace. Flexibility means you can even merge multiple Synergis Standard systems into one large virtual system using a feature called Federation.

IP-Ready

With Synergis Standard, you benefit from innate IP capabilities. Set up and manage your door controllers and readers from any IP network. Log on remotely to handle up to thousands of events per second. Forget serial communication and invest in IP-ready security equipment.

Easy-to-Use

Synergis is the IP access control system within Genetec’s unified security platform, the Security Center. This means that you benefit from an ultra-modern interface with single-click widgets and intuitive access control features. And a simplistic visitor and cardholder management tool will make your job easier.

Powerful

Synergis Standard may be Genetec’s basic access control system, but it is loaded with avant-garde features. Use the automatic discovery tool for quick controller and door set up. Add new card formats with an embedded custom card format utility. And login remotely using a web client. A Synergis Standard system will give you everything you need, and more.

Synergis Standard is now available from Controlware UK. To find out more about Synergis Standard click here or call Controlware UK on 0844 225 9 225 for expert advice and great product deals.

Find out more about Genetec AutoVu – advanced ANPR system

Genetec’s powerful AutoVu ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system is now available from Controlware UK. Find out the main benefits Security Center can provide below.

Unsurpassed Accuracy

AutoVu has some of the highest accuracy rates in the industry when it comes to license plate reads. You can rely on the AutoVu solution to capture vehicles within the camera’s field of view. Thanks to AutoVu’s Fuzzy Matching feature, you can ensure that license plates are correctly identified. You won’t miss a beat with AutoVu.

IP Connectivity

Having an IP-ready solution means you get real-time monitoring and identification of vehicles. You don’t have to wait to find out if a wanted vehicle is approaching your building or city. Data is wirelessly transferred over an IP network so you can take immediate action if a vehicle of interest is spotted.

User-Friendly

As part of Genetec’s unified security platform, the Security Center, AutoVu is very user-friendly. Use graphical maps to monitor hits and read locations. Click on a hit to display an image of the license plate, a color image of the vehicle as well as the date, time and location. And use the easy search function to enable quick investigations.

Easy to Install and Configure

Installing AutoVu is easy. Once the AutoVu Sharp cameras are up, you need minimal adjustments and configuration to get your system working. Your databases of wanted vehicles can be uploaded daily or automatically on a pre-set basis. It’s a simple three-step process: install you cameras, configure your system and upload your list.

AutoVu is now available from Controlware UK. To find out more about AutoVu click here or call Controlware UK on 0844 225 9 225 for expert advice and great product deals.

Find out more about SV-16 Genetec’s all-in-one CCTV management system

Genetec’s powerful SV-16 powered by Omnicast CCTV software is now available from Controlware UK. Find out the main benefits SV-16 can provide below.

Speed Up Your Installation

The SV-16 operates as a stand-alone recording system, allowing you to benefit from Genetec’s video surveillance system, Omnicast, even with 16 cameras or less. Since the SV-16 comes pre-loaded with Omnicast, you can have your system up and running in no time.

The SV-16 can also be easily integrated into any existing Omnicast installation for local recording in remote locations or for the management of distant cameras over wireless network.

Choose The Cameras You Want

With Omnicast’s open architecture, you get the ability to select best-of-breed hardware from a long list of manufacturers. You can even preserve existing hardware, whether IP or analog cameras. And as new hardware is released, you can take advantage of hardware integration packs to benefit from the latest technology.

Install An Energy-Efficient NVR

Weighing only 13 ounces, the SV-16 is one of the smallest network security appliances on the market. The SV-16’s compact and fanless design gives you the recording power you need with low 6W power consumption. The aluminum casing of the SV-16 ensures durability, no matter the environment.

Opt for A Future-Proof Solution

Since camera licenses are obtained on a per-camera basis, adding a new camera on the SV-16 is as simple as acquiring another license. You can also benefit from new releases of Omnicast with simple software upgrades. And when the system grows beyond 16 cameras, you can trade in your licenses to easily move your system to traditional server-based storage.

SV-16 is now available from Controlware UK. To find out more about SV-16 click here or call Controlware UK on 0844 225 9 225 for expert advice and great product deals.

Find out more about Omnicast Enterprise CCTV management platform

Genetec’s powerful Omnicast Enterprise CCTV software is now available from Controlware UK. Find out the main benefits Omnicast Enterprise can provide below.

Scalability

Omnicast Enterprise is designed to reach the heights of system scalability. This advanced IP video surveillance system supports up to 50,000 video cameras, and an unrestricted number of client workstations and other system components. With Genetec’s Federation feature, you can scale your system across all your facilities, whether in a campus environment or across multiple geographical locations.

Flexibility

Omnicast open and distributed architecture gives you ultimate system flexibility. You can set up your video system over the network the way that suits your organization best. You can leverage existing hardware and infrastructure investments and cut costs. You can even choose from a myriad of third-party solutions to enhance your video surveillance system.

High Availability and Security

High-end redundant and failover archiving features in Omnicast ensure that your system is online and recording at all times. You can count on having live and recorded video available to your team when you need it most. Password-protected logins, encrypted communications, and other security features ensure there is no threat of system or video tampering.

Ease of Use and Installation

Because Omnicast Enterprise was made specifically for large-scale applications, installation is simplified. IP unit discovery tools and setup wizards ensure deployment is quick and upgrade downtime is minimal. Simplicity also extends to the user interface. Being part of Genetec’s Security Center unified security platform, Omnicast offers avant-garde operator tools for quick decision making and a smooth learning curve.

Remote Site Expansion

For your smaller remote systems with 16 cameras or less, the SV-16, Genetec’s compact network security appliance, can easily integrate with your Omnicast Enterprise system. The SV-16 provides you with a cost-effective and energy-efficient option for local recording in remote locations. The SV-16 network security appliance can also be used to manage distant cameras over a wireless network.

Omnicast Enterprise is now available from Controlware UK. To find out more about Omnicast Enterprise click here or call Controlware UK on 0844 225 9 225 for expert advice and great product deals.

Omnicast Pro advanced CCTV management software – Find out more…

Genetec’s powerful Omnicast Pro CCTV software is now available from Controlware UK. Find out the main benefits Omnicast Pro can provide below.

Maximum Flexibility

Omnicast is an open-architecture video surveillance system. You can choose your preferred hardware or even re-use what you currently have. And, with Omnicast’s distributed architecture and archiving, you can configure your video surveillance system to adapt it to your current network environment.

Customizable

Omnicast Pro comes with the added option of a mature software development kit (SDK). This gives you the ability to customize your video surveillance system to your business processes. You can also use the SDK to fully integrate other key systems within your organization.

User-Friendly

Omnicast is part of Genetec’s unified security platform, the Security Center. For this reason, Omnicast Pro provides operators with a one-of-a-kind interface. Single-click widgets, intuitive tasks, and quick commands make it easy for operators to make fast and informed decisions. The user-friendliness of the video surveillance system also means lower training and operating costs.

Future-Proof

When you choose an Omnicast Pro video surveillance system, it is a long-term decision. As the latest versions are released, you can easily upgrade to benefit from new features. And, if you outgrow your system or decide to expand to other facilities, getting the Omnicast Enterprise package is a seamless process.

Omnicast Pro is now available from Controlware UK. To find out more about Omnicast Pro click here or call Controlware UK on 0844 225 9 225 for expert advice and great product deals.

Find out more about Omnicast Standard CCTV management software

Genetec’s powerful Omnicast Standard CCTV software is now available from Controlware UK. Find out the main benefits Omnicast Standard can provide below.

Open Architecture

Having an open-architecture video surveillance system gives you so many more options. Select your own hardware. Leverage analog equipment to reduce costs. Or, integrate your Omnicast system with other third-party security systems. This is system flexibility at its best.

Easy to Use

As part of Genetec’s unified security platform, the Security Center, Omnicast is very user-friendly. Bookmark video with a single click to quickly retrieve it later on. Use intuitive widgets to control PTZ cameras, and efficiently handle alarms. The user interface mimics those of well-known operating systems. This means a reduced operator learning curve and less training costs.

Future-Proof

Getting Omnicast today means you will keep leveraging the system for years to come. Your Omnicast system is easily upgradeable from version to version. You can evolve with newer technology and still keep the same hardware. When you need to, adding more features or cameras to your system is always possible.

Powerful

Getting an Omnicast Standard video surveillance package means you get all the high-end features that you need. Remote access, motion detection, archiving, video encryption are just a few Omnicast features available to you. There is no compromise, just a tailored and powerful video surveillance system.

Omnicast Standard is now available from Controlware UK. To find out more about Genetec Standard click here or call Controlware UK on 0844 225 9 225 for expert advice and great product deals.

Genetec unified security platform Security Center selected by New Jersey schools

The New Jersey Paramus Public Schools have installed Genetec’s unified security platform, the Security Center, at all eight of its school campuses. It was important to Paramus to select an all-in-one system like Genetec’s Security Center, which provides one interface for both video surveillance and access control. Using an IP system was ideal as it has allowed security data to be shared between campuses over the network, and has saved Paramus considerable cabling costs.

Paramus preserved a few previously existing analogue cameras using IP encoders, and purchased over 100 new Panasonic IP cameras to complete the system. A Dell server was provided to each school, allowing video and security data to be stored locally to maximize network efficiency. Currently, Omnicast video surveillance and Synergis access control data can be viewed by authorised personnel located at each of the eight campuses.Additionally, Paramus recently rebuilt the entrance to the high school, incorporating a new security control room for the entire district. Staffed security guards will manage the unified security platform spanning all eight campuses from this central location. The Security Center will also allow direct access to police and emergency services to allow for a quick response should the need ever arise.For now, Paramus uses the video surveillance system of the Security Center, Omnicast, mainly as an investigative tool. They can pull archived video to discover who committed an act of vandalism or theft, definitively prove “who started what” to parents, and more. Paramus also uses Omnicast to enhance emergency procedures and crowd control, evaluating the possibility of a fire code violation by monitoring the number of people at an event. 

The access control system of the Security Center, Synergis, allows the schools to programme doors to remain unlocked on schedule while students are arriving, and to be locked down once classes have begun. Paramus was also able to use Synergis to configure cardholder groups including everything from full access cards for emergency responders, to cards provided to PTA members which only work during meeting times. Paramus is even able to provide non-access cards to community members who use the campus track recreationally. This helps Paramus monitor access to each campus, keeping cardholder information and pictures on file.

The Security Center is a highly flexible platform, and Paramus chose it in part because it is a solution that can evolve with their needs. They are currently in the process of implementing a backup system on a ninth server, and are also actively working on providing the police department with full access to their network so that officers can aide in remote monitoring. Further down the road, providing access cards to students will enable eventual integration with the library card system and cafeteria POS system for lunch purchases.

Robert Autorino, Director of Buildings and Grounds, said, “It was important to use a company that was established and reliable. Genetec’s Security Center has been fantastic. Where my previous system had upgrade glitches that caused downtime, Genetec’s system has had seamless upgrades and no downtime. Now I have people from other districts coming to look at the system because they’re interested in switching over as well.”

Richard Adams, Consultant at Let’s Think Wireless, the Genetec certified integrator for this project, said “I have the opportunity to do business with almost any company, but I choose Genetec. They are constantly working to improve their products, they have a great support staff, and in general, we rarely have service issues with Genetec products – the systems work, they perform.”

Security Center is now available from Controlware UK. To find out more about Security Center click here or call Controlware UK on 0844 225 9 225 for expert advice and great product deals.



Solutions for CCTV transmission over an IP network

How to get CCTV video across the network

There are essentially three ways of transmitting video streams over the network from the source to the destination: broadcast, unicast and multicast.

Broadcast
Broadcast is defined as a one-to-all communication between the source and the destinations. In IP video surveillance, the source refers usually to the IP camera and the destination refers to the monitoring station or the recording server. In this case, broadcasting would mean that the IP camera would send the video stream to all monitoring stations and recording servers, but also to any IP devices on the network, even though only a few specific destination sources had actually requested the stream. Typically, this method of transmission is not commonly used in IP video surveillance applications, but can be seen more often in the TV broadcasting industry where TV signals are switched at the destination level.

Unicast
Unicast is defined as a one-to-one communication between the source and the destination. Unicast transmissions are usually done in TCP or UDP and require a direct connection between the source and the destination. In this scenario, the IP camera (source) needs to have the capabilities to accept many concurrent connections when many destinations want to view or record that same video at the same time.
In terms of video streaming in unicast transmission, the IP camera will stream as many copies of the video feed requested by the destinations. In figure 1 below, three copies of the same video stream are sent over the network; one copy for each of the three destinations requesting the stream. If each video stream is 4 Mbps, this transmission will produce 12 Mbps (3x4Mbps) of data on multiple network segments.

As a result, many destinations connected in unicast to a video source can result in high network traffic. In other words, if we imagine a large system with 200 destinations requesting the same video stream, we would end up having 800 Mbps (200x4Mbps) of data travelling over the network, which is realistically unmanageable. Although this method of transmission is widely used over the Internet where most routers are not multicast-enabled, within a corporate LAN, unicast transmission is not necessarily the best practice as it can quickly increase the bandwidth needed for viewing and recording camera streams.

Multicast
In multicast transmission, there is no direct connection between the source and the destinations. The connection to the video stream of the IP camera is done by joining a multicast group, which in simple terms means actually connecting to the multicast IP address of the video stream. So the IP camera only sends a single copy of the video stream to its designated IP address and the destination simply connects to the stream available over the network with no additional overhead on the source. In other words, the destinations share the same video stream. In figure 2 below, the same three destinations requesting the video stream have the same impact on the network as a single destination requesting the stream in unicast and there is no more than 4 Mbps of data travelling on each segment of the network. Even with 200 destinations requesting that video stream, the same amount of data would be travelling on the network.

It is evident at this point that using multicast transmissions in an IP video surveillance application can save a lot of bandwidth, especially in large scale deployments where the number of destinations can grow very quickly. To find out more contact Controlware.