The First Direct to Fibre IP CCTV PTZ Camera available from Controlware

Improve quality while reducing costs

There are few media available in the video surveillance industry that improve image quality while at the same time reducing costs. Yet fiber optic networks do just that. They also maintain the integrity of signals over longer distances and offer more bandwidth than twisted-pair or coax cables. Not to mention that fiber cabling is impervious to electromagnetic interference, such as that caused by high-voltage power lines and lightning.

Due to the ubiquitous nature and the advantages of fiber optic networks, as well as the current migration from analog to IP streaming, Optelecom-NKF is now offering its Siqura IP PTZ dome cameras with a fiber optic connector option. With a flexible SFP interface built into the PTZ body, a wide range of single mode, multimode, and CDWM modules can be used and an impressive range of mounting options are available.

“Network equipment being developed today needs to be able to handle IP traffic, regardless of the medium connecting it to the network,” said Roger Decker, Director of Solutions and Marketing at Optelecom-NKF. “That is why Optelecom-NKF recently developed five new IP PTZ dome cameras that can connect directly to a fixed network or wireless bridge via either twisted-pair or fiber optic cabling. We want customers to be able to select hardware based on its ability to withstand variances on the network and to provide high-quality streams.”

A solution for every situation

This new camera line consists of five cameras, each optimized for its application, with indoor, outdoor, compact (MSD), and high-speed (HSD) dome camera options. Each camera is capable of quad-streaming, supporting dual H.264 streams in addition to highly configurable MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and MJPEG. This flexibility in compression standards makes it easy for these Siqura cameras to offer the best quality video while at the same time streamlining network performance.

All the Siqura cameras are designed to comply with worldwide adopted standards and are tested with leading VMS vendors. This makes it possible to query or set PTZ coordinate positions or to integrate Siqura cameras into third-party systems. Furthermore, the new Siqura IP PTZ camera line comes with an easy-to-use, access-controlled, Web-based user interface, allowing users to configure or view video streams from a PC or even via handheld devices, such as PDAs.

Since surveillance conditions can vary widely even for just one camera, this Siqura IP PTZ camera series also includes a day/night (IR-cut filter) and backlight compensation as standard features that can be applied manually or automatically when lighting conditions require it. The wide dynamic range functionality ensures excellent video quality, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Additionally, the Siqura HSD and MSD cameras are part of the Siqura product line, an extensive collection of video surveillance equipment offering complete solutions and reputed for quality and reliability.

For more information and to see the new cameras live contact Controlware on 0844 225 9 225.

Find out more about Genetec’s Security Center

Genetec’s powerful Security Center is now available from Controlware UK. Find out the main benefits Security Center can provide below.

Flexible and Scalable

The Security Center’s open and distributed architecture makes it all possible. Choose your own hardware. Optimize the use of your existing infrastructure. Grow your system one camera or door at time to hundreds and thousands of cameras or doors. Or, take your unified security platform to new heights by merging your LPR, video surveillance, and access control systems from around the world into a single large virtual system.

Simple and Easy-to-Use

Experience a unique unified security solution unlike any other. Real-time monitoring, alarm management, and event reporting from all your security systems have never been easier. Benefit from advanced entity search functions, hierarchical views, a multitude of display tile patterns and context-sensitive widgets for door, camera, alarm, and PTZ camera controls.

Reliable and Secure

Get more than features. With the Security Center you get peace of mind. Encrypted client-server communication and integration with Microsoft’s Active Directory protect against unauthorized access to your system.You can also assign rights and privileges to different sites for secure multi-tenant and multi-site functionality. And advanced failover functionality ensures you systems is always up and running.

Highly Cost-Efficient

More than a solution with cutting-edge features, the Security Center is designed to save you money. Leverage your existing hardware and infrastructure investments. Get system upgrades without the compatibility issues typically found with multi-vendor solutions. Reduce your training costs through consistent approaches and workflows across multiple security applications. Deploy fewer client workstations as multiple security applications can now be monitored from a single interface.

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.

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 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.

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.



CCTV technology can help end football goal-line controversy

As anticipation for the new FA Barclays Premier League season builds the competition is set to kick off against the controversial backdrop of refereeing decisions throughout the summers FIFA World Cup finals.

No refereeing decision is more prominent in a nation’s mind than England’s disallowed goal against Germany sparking much debate and hype about the installation of ‘Hawkeye’ style systems in football stadiums. According to one report this would come at a cost of £300,000 per stadium.

“Not so,” states Melvyn Wray, Senior VP of Product Marketing EMEA at Allied Telesis.  “Working with our partners and leading IP security distributors Controlware, an effective and reliable monitoring service could be in place for a figure more like £30,000 – £50,000 tops.”

There are three methods of goal surveillance a stadium could select. The first is to embed mini CCTV cameras into the goalmouth framework setting off an alarm if anything crosses the line. Alternatively, the CCTV cameras could be situated at the back corners of the net offering wider coverage. The most sophisticated would be the use of Red Scan, which uses infra-red for motion detection, is extremely detailed and has a focused spread beam that triggers an alarm when anything breaks the beam.  With all these scenarios, once the alarm is triggered the image can be sent directly to a hand held PDA for the referee, or to the fourth official, over the stadium’s network cabling.

“This is not new technology,” comments Mark Harraway, Country Manager Controlware UK, “and it has been used effectively in other sports for sometime. In test match cricket there is a camera embedded in the middle stump and for a fast a furious sport such as Ice Hockey goalmouth cameras are essential. Now the time has come, if debacles such as the one in Bloemfontein are to be avoided, for such systems to be deployed in football.”

Reliability and resilience will be essential on a match day, especially as the system may not be used for weeks on end, which is why Controlware has based it offering on Allied Telesis technology. Using x900 and 8000 series switches and HD IP Cameras and Cware VMS software enables Controlware to provide stadia with efficient control systems using multi channel video and CCTV at a cost effective level.  “Due to the unique way that Allied Telesis switches are able to handle network video we find that the Allied Telesis network products can handle everything that our customers want to put through them where other higher priced offerings have failed,” added Harraway.

The installation of such a system would also open up the possibility of add-ons which could enhance the fans experience and provide extra revenue potential. Using this technology it would be possible to continually stream live video of a match to the personal PDAs or smart phones of those in the crowd so that, should play move away from their field of view, they would not miss any of the action.  This could be made available on a subscription basis, generating additional funds.

“The technology is available and proven and does not have to carry a price that would make it an economically unsound investment,” concludes Wray.

For more information contact Controlware - video@controlware.co.uk

Cware CCTV Video Management Software now available for mobile devices

Controlware brings the powerful Cware Video Management Software (VMS) to mobile devices enabling CCTV surveillance, camera management and control on the move.

The new Mobile Module for Cware VMS releases the power of CCTV from the confines of the control room and onto mobile phones and PDA’s. Security personnel, mobile patrols, emergency services, Loss Prevention and Facilities Managers can now benefit from secure access to their CCTV systems and get live and recorded CCTV surveillance at their fingertips. With Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) camera control remote surveillance and identification of suspects is faster and easier on the move.

The Mobile Module is client software that sits on a mobile phone or PDA and works by connecting to a Cware System Server over wireless networks or 3G / HSPDA mobile networks. Video images are then compressed with a Transcoding engine and high quality video is sent back to the remote users. Robust log-in encryption and user rights management help protect the network at all times preserving the integrity of the video data. Support for smart technologies such as motion detection, Video Analytics and ICN (Image Content Navigation) improves the management of CCTV and helps with site orientation and real-time tracking of suspects. Remote surveillance is fast and secure from CCTV cameras situated in multiple locations improving users response to incidents as they happen.

Cware Mobile enables CCTV control room operators to also distribute messages that include video links to mobile resources so that they are able to view live or recorded video from any camera. Mobile resources are able to receive alerts that contain image snapshots or videos of suspects, making correct identification more likely. Support for smart technologies such as motion detection, Video Analytics and ICN (Image Content Navigation) improves the management of CCTV and helps with site orientation and real-time tracking of suspects. Remote surveillance is fast and secure from CCTV cameras situated in multiple locations improving user’s response to incidents as they happen.

The bigger picture

Cware Mobile is ideal for a number of surveillance applications bringing all the power of live and recorded video to mobile devices and personnel regardless of geographic location. Emergency personnel, Loss Prevention and Facilities Managers benefit from Cware mobile when attending incidents or monitoring locations. They are able to send / receive video remotely and view and control cameras, improving their visibility of incidents and providing them with the means to make informed decisions out of control rooms. The same can be said for process monitoring applications for manufacturing sites where engineers are able to view and control cameras flexibly on the plant floor rather than from the CCTV control room.  Cware Mobile is also used to automatically enable remote entry to sites by confirming visitor identifications remotely.

Man guarding companies

For guarding companies protecting sites where alarms have been triggered Cware Mobile ensures that patrols on the ground are aware if intruders are present in buildings before entering the premises. Cware Mobile is used to connect to the internal cameras in the building and the mobile patrol can select which cameras, triggered alarms and recordings to view. If intruders are present video or image snap shots can be taken and the identifications of intruders can immediately be shared with other mobile patrols to ensure that trespassers are detained as soon as possible. Here, Cware Mobile provides advanced warning of intruders so that video can be sent or received on the move enabling alarms to be cleared or escalated. Guarding companies also use the software for lone worker checking services. When contact is lost with a lone worker a mobile patrol is often deployed, Cware mobile is able to access the internal cameras to ensure that lone workers are ok without the mobile patrol entering the building.

Covert Surveillance

Cware Mobile provides the ideal solution for covert surveillance under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) for Police, Local Authorities or Intelligence agencies. For example, in the case of directed surveillance where covert surveillance of individuals takes place in a public place for the purpose of a specific investigation or operation the covert officer is often remotely directed to the suspect by a commentary from the CCTV control room. Cware improves this process by empowering the officer on the ground so that he can easily identify suspects by receiving video snap shots or live video and even control cameras if necessary.

Visit Controlware at booth 7035, ISC West, March 23rd-26th to see the Cware Video Management Software platform and Mobile Module in action.

New CCTV security solution for Hospitals NHS Trust

Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust benefits from high quality digital recordings that are secure and easy to search through, the Hospital is also supported by external monitoring.

With a population exceeding 82,000 Runnymede Borough Council is committed to reducing the fear of crime and increasing public safety. To help meet these aims the council moved to a new purpose built 24 hour control centre in 2008. Across the Borough CCTV was upgraded to take advantage of digital transmission, management, recording and all the benefits that IP based surveillance systems can bring. Today Runnymede Borough Council’s control centre provides central operations for intruder and fire alarms, lone worker security, disaster recovery services and borough wide CCTV surveillance that record more than 20,000 incidents a year. Last year the Safer Runnymede system was honoured with Government Business magazine’s Public Sector Security award for delivering improved security services to the Borough. It is as part of Runnymede Borough Council’s continuous programme of development that the surveillance system at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals has been upgraded.

Solution
The council network includes a mixture of both analogue and IP cameras with numerous sites linked over Broadband. The hospitals are connected over Ethernet via a high capacity fibre backbone that consists of four fibre pairs connected back to the central control centre. Previously CCTV at the Hospitals was recorded to video tapes which required ongoing maintenance to keep changing the tapes in order to keep the system recording. Today the recording process is wholly digital, ruling out the possibility of losing recordings through human error and making instances such as tapes running out or not being swapped over in time a thing of the past. Working closely with installation partners Central Security Systems codec’s were installed to cost-efficiently encode video from more than 64 analogue cameras situated around the Hospital sites. The video is digitally recorded locally at the Hospitals but there is also a connection to the control centre so that operators and police can review archived video from any seven cameras at a time in the Borough Council control centre.

Community Safety Manager for Runnymede Borough Council, David Dodd said: “Controlware continue to support us with the extension of the network to provide advanced IP video management, control and recording of CCTV from cameras situated across Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals sites.”

Result
The new solution makes operation and maintenance much easier. The Hospitals are able to save costs by retaining investment in their existing 64 analogue cameras by using 16 channel codec’s instead of replacing their cameras. Access to archive video is faster, more secure and it is easier to search for specific incidents. Support for expansion of storage capacity and reliability is also assured as new cameras are added to the network and the Hospital’s recording requirements evolve in the future.

Staff, patients and visitors benefit from improved security thanks to fast access to recorded video at the hospital and remotely at the Borough Council control centre. This is a significant improvement on the previous system where video could only be monitored at the Hospitals, enabling extra resources to monitor the video. Time-consuming searches of multiple video tapes to look for specific incidents are also a thing of the past, saving time and improving operator productivity.

“Today operators in the Borough Council control centre can view both live CCTV and archive video of the Hospitals side-by-side and at the same time,” explains David Dodd. “Operators can therefore quickly review incidents while tracking suspects in real-time and this is a powerful tool which is already producing identifiable results”

Mark Harraway, Country Manager of Controlware said “The extension of the Borough Council system to Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals demonstrates the flexibility that IP based CCTV systems can deliver. Anyone who is looking to replace or upgrade their security solutions should consider IP as the only technology that can meet the quality, operational and future proofing requirements of today while addressing the challenges facing modern surveillance systems”.

For more information about how Controlware can help with CCTV security projects or if you would like to challenge Controlware to prove that IP CCTV can be just as cost effective or provide a better service than analogue,  please contact us at ipcctv@controlware.co.uk. A downloadable pdf of the case study is available here.