The AXIS 210A is a professional network camera designed for indoor surveillance and remote monitoring applications and is ideally suited to securing facilities where two-way audio is needed to communicate with visitors or warn off intruders. The AXIS 210A uses simultaneous Motion JPEG and advanced MPEG-4 video streams so that systems can be configured to optimise both image quality and bandwidth efficiency. Additional functions include: * Video motion detection * Pre- and post-alarm buffers * Privacy masking * Input/output for connecting external devices such as sensors and relays. Installation of the AXIS 210A is simplified due to its ability to supply video, audio and power through a single Ethernet cable. The camera also features integrated two-way audio support with a built-in microphone and connections for both an external microphone and speakers. Powerful real-time image processing hardware and a progressive scan CCD sensor allows the AXIS 210A to provide exceptional image quality even at full frame rate (30 frames per second) and VGA resolution. The AXIS 210A also has IP address filtering and offers multiple access levels for video management and security. It supports Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) standards and includes flash memory providing the ability to upload embedded applications.
New Antifog A Godsend For Camera Lenses
The new coating was described today at the 230th national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. Researchers have been developing anti-fog technology for years, but each approach has its drawbacks. Some stores carry special anti-fog sprays that help reduce fogging on the inside of car windows, but the sprays must be constantly reapplied to remain effective. Glass containing titanium dioxide also shows promise for reduced fogging, but the method only works in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) light, researchers say. “Our coatings have the potential to provide the first permanent solution to the fogging problem,” says study leader Michael Rubner, Ph.D., a materials science researcher at MIT in Cambridge, Mass. “They remain stable over long periods, don’t require light to be activated and can be applied to virtually any surface.” Coated glass appears clearer and allows more light to pass through than untreated glass while maintaining the same smooth texture, he says. The coatings consist of alternating layers of silica nanoparticles, which are basically tiny particles of glass, and a polymer called polyallylamine hydrochloride, both of which are relatively cheap to manufacture, Rubner says. He has applied for a patent on the manufacturing process and says that the coating could be available in consumer products in two to five years. The military and at least two major car manufacturers have already expressed interest in using the technology, he says. When fogging occurs, thousands of tiny water droplets condense on glass and other surfaces. The droplets scatter light in random patterns, causing the surfaces to become translucent or foggy. This often occurs when a cold surface suddenly comes into contact with warm, moist air. The new coating prevents this process from occurring, primarily through its super-hydrophilic, or water-loving, nature, Rubner says. The nanoparticles in the coating strongly attract the water droplets and force them to form much smaller contact angles with the surface. As a result, the droplets flatten and merge into a uniform, transparent sheet rather than forming countless individual light-scattering spheres. “The coating basically causes water that hits the surfaces to develop a sustained sheeting effect, and that prevents fogging,” Rubner says. The same coatings also can be engineered to have superior anti-reflective properties that reduce glare and maximize the amount of light passing through, an effect that shows promise for improving materials used in greenhouses and solar cell panels, the researcher says. So far, the coating is more durable on glass than plastic surfaces, but Rubner and his associates are currently working on processes to optimize the effectiveness of the coating for all surfaces. More testing is needed, they say.
Bosch Announces New Voice Alarm
The system now includes additional 19-inch remote control panels, a dedicated fireman’s panel, remote control kits for customized solutions and a new inductive-loop amplifier for hearing-aid user assistance in public address areas. The remote control panel and, if required, remote control panel extensions, enable the Plena Voice Alarm System to be located in a fire-resistant cabinet or other secure location. Each panel duplicates the controls and indicators on the Plena central controller and routers (used in a multiple-zone application – up to 60 zones), including the built-in emergency microphone. The new remote control panels allow control from a distance of up to 1000 meters with connection through standard shielded CAT5 cabling and RJ45 connectors. Full supervision of remote control panels and the controller connection is provided. Up to two remote control panels can be employed, and a remote control panel extension is needed for each additional router. The dedicated fireman’s panel has similar functionality to the remote control panels and now features large, illuminated buttons for all-call functionality. They are a major help in poor visibility and when the user is wearing protective gloves. The fireman’s panel also includes an EMG microphone, fault and status indication and test mode. Remote control panels and extensions are available as kits to customize panels. They are functionally identical to their respective panels and have connectors on the front panels instead of buttons and indicators. Full, easy-to-use configuration software is provided for remote control panel system set-up and action programming for 19 priority levels. Bosch’s Plena Public Address and Voice Alarm System is a range of “plug-and-play” elements designed for public address and voice alarm installations in small- and medium-sized applications. The Plena Voice Alarm System is EVAC-compliant and meets the requirements of the IEC60849 standard and its national equivalents. It also includes Bosch’s Loop Amplifier. It allows people who use hearing aids to listen to music and soundtracks in public buildings in excellent quality. More importantly, the loop amplifier provides essential support in emergency evacuation situations.
Bosch Upgrades Dibos
New features include a step-up from JPEG to MPEG-4 compression technology that provides superior image quality. At the same time it increases data storage efficiency, providing substantial savings in archiving costs. Other new features include the ability to combine legacy analog technology with digital networking; as well as a newly designed user interface and an improved configuration process – both designed to make operation easier and to simplify set-up. With MPEG-4 compression, DiBos now provides superior images and makes optimal use of available bandwidth and storage capacity, allowing a very high number of images to be simultaneously transmitted over networks. MPEG-4 enables at least five times more images than JPEG or Wavelet techniques for the same resolution and quality. DiBos also allows the combination of MPEG-4 and JPEG data streams, meaning that the system can employ both analog and digital network cameras. The new Pentaplex feature allows the connection of a total of 62 cameras to one DiBos system to give maximum flexibility and scalability. Five simultaneous modes are provided by the Pentaplex feature: viewing of live images, recording of images, search and viewing of recorded images, image transmission and download via local network or Internet, and image export to external recording devices. The new user interface considerably improves ease of use. DiBos allows ‘plug-and-play’ set-up: simply unpack the system from its box, connect the cameras and switch on. DiBos then shows all cameras connected to it and recording can start. Basic settings are rapidly implemented through an innovative configuration wizard, typically requiring only about five minutes. A structured configuration program is available for complex installations requiring more advanced settings. An additional feature now incorporated in DiBos and already standard in Bosch’s Dinion, DinionXF and AutoDome cameras is the unique Bilinx bi-directional interface. Bilinx uses conventional coax, unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and fiber-optic video transmission links. It enables users to download, store and upload data using DiBos, or a PC-controlled configuration tool connected any place in the video cable to customize camera settings and control according to specific application requirements. Bilinx also enables control of Autodome cameras. These are major advantages in installations where cameras are mounted in difficult-to-access places or where operation would otherwise be interrupted by servicing. DiBos is available in two main versions. The 19-inch rack-mount version is for larger installations requiring up to 62 video channels (30 analog and 32 network), up to 42 audio channels (10 analog and 32 network) and up to 1,600 GB internal storage capacity. The DiBos Micro is a desktop unit (also available for 19-inch rack mounting) for installations that require up to 20 video channels (12 analog and 8 network), up to 12 audio channels (4 analog and 8 network) and 400 GB internal storage capacity. Additionally, the DiBos Receiver / IP-Recorder receives alarm images from remote DiBos units or IP network devices over a LAN, ISDN or the public telephone network.
Asial Sacks Entire South Australian Branch Committee
The sacking came after a restructure of the ASIAL board cut 6 places from the 14-seat national committee, bringing numbers down to a more manageable 8 members at the expense of 5 state chairmen. Given that state associations were wooed to ASIAL’s national cause with the iron-clad promise of a voice at national level, the changes clearly indicate to ASIAL members where power truly lies – in NSW. It’s the second time in 5 years that a South Australian branch committee has been sacked – last year the Queensland branch committee was sacked for criticizing the national committees’ policies.
Ge And The Big Bang
In checkpoint settings where large portals are impractical, or where high throughput is required, a simple touch of the Itemiser FX finger pad directly samples and quickly analyzes people for trace particles of explosives and narcotics. Through it’s direct and easy sampling method, the highly portable Itemiser FX offers the potential for increased security, reduced manpower costs and a faster and more pleasant user experience at correctional facilities, customs and border inspection stations, military checkpoints, government buildings, public transportation stations, high-threat commercial facilities, and sporting and other large public event settings. Itemiser FX can provide highly effective trace particle detection of difficult-to-find substances while letting people pass through the screening process quickly and easily with little or no assistance. It can be operated as a standalone system or, using its networking capability, as the detection “front-end” for integrated security systems. In a networked setting, multiple Itemiser FXs can be monitored remotely by a single operator. The unit can help customers eliminate the time, cost and staffing associated with the use of sample wipes necessary with other trace detection systems. At the checkpoint, using intuitive animation and user-friendly prompts, Itemiser FX instructs the user to press their finger to the sampling surface and to wait for analysis. If there is no alarm, Itemiser FX automatically directs the person to proceed. If an alarm occurs, Itemiser FX directs the user to ask for assistance. An onboard computer collects and logs data automatically, including time, date and sample analysis for each alarm. A complete history of saved data and alarm files can be recalled, and printed, at any time or transferred to another location for archiving. Direct transfer of threat substances to the instrument can improve detectability. In addition, Itemiser FX’s patented Ion Trap Mobility Spectrometer (ITMS®) technology helps to increase the ion population, enabling detections of microscopic traces of explosives and narcotics. An exclusive switching mechanism simultaneously detects positive and negative ions, allowing detection of both narcotics and explosives from a single sample. The Itemiser FX residue-sampling wheel obtains test results without using consumables. A patented regenerative dryer eliminates the need for monthly dryer replacement, reduces maintenance downtime and further lowers consumable costs. The folding monitor screen automatically shuts off backlight to extend the life of the display. And, a sleep pump option extends the life of the pump. Advanced human peak detection algorithms enhance dependability in explosives mode, while multiple points on the sampling wheel speed up down time for clearing between samples, reducing false alarm rates. A unique semi-permeable membrane helps to exclude dust and dirt and can provide continued operation in environments that have high traffic, humidity or contamination. Rapid, automated calibration assures operational accuracy and a verification pen confirms instrument performance and reliability. Remote control and monitoring capabilities are provided by the SecureStation 2 accessory device to reduce staffing requirements and enhance safety by performing screening while keeping operators at a safe distance. With SecureStation 2 a single operator can remotely monitor up to eight Itemiser FX instruments at a glance. The unit features simple touch screen access and an easy-to-view and navigate flat-panel display. Substance libraries currently include a wide variety of narcotics and explosives and are readily expandable to accommodate unique user requirements and potential future needs. Weighing only 31 pounds (14 kg) and featuring built-in handles, the Itemiser FX is easy to transport. An internal, 30-minute battery provides for instrument relocation without having to shut it off, eliminating warm-up time. “Traditional desktop trace detection instruments screen objects, not people, requiring the substance particles to be transferred from the person to an object before they can be detected, ” said Tim Mathews, general manager, government and military, GE Security’s Homeland Protection business. “With Itemiser FX’s unique direct-sampling method, the person’s fingertip – not the object they are carrying – is analyzed, offering the possibility of faster and more reliable detection of narcotics and explosives.”
ChubbS Future Twisted
UTP cabling has several advantages over its coax cousin: lightweight multi-pair UTP cabling allows multiple signals to be transmitted (up to one mile) along a single route and is much easier and more flexible to install. UTP has a higher immunity to external interference with commensurately better picture quality; it is also typically less than one tenth of the cost per signal compared to coaxial cabling. “Unscreened Twisted Pair (UTP) cable as an alternative to standard coaxial cable for video connections in a CCTV environment has been in use for some time, but its advantages have been consistently proven to the point that we will now be exclusively using UTP for all future major installs,” says Phillip Batten, CCTV Product Manager at CES. “The cumbersome nature of coaxial cabling makes it difficult to install, and difficult to run over larger distances,” Phillip continues, “which makes it expensive. It also tends to be affected much more by external interference and noise that adversely affects picture quality. “We were one of the first to adopt Twisted Pair several years ago, perhaps when the market wasn’t ready for it. Now things have changed, and customers are positively asking for Twisted Pair and specifically NVT technology, hence our decision to move away from coaxial for all future major CCTV work.”
Crow Moves To Bigger Factory
The move has been made to cope with the increasing demand for the Company’s products worldwide. “Crow evolves as fast as market challenges occur in the security market. I attribute our Company’s growth and success to our corporate culture and steady flow of new products that emulates our team spirit and the enthusiasm of our distributors and customers,” says Samuel Melman, President and CEO of Crow. Crow has a global network of subsidiaries, distributors and representatives services over 50 countries worldwide. The company developes and produces a wide range of professional wireless and wired control panels and sensors, access control systems and digital CCTV solutions.
Rosslare Signs Up With Tri-Ed
Dennis Raefield, President of Rosslare Security Products, Inc. stated “We are excited to be building a strong relationship with Tri-Ed, which has a great reputation and drive for huge growth in North America. “They are a quality supplier and we are honored to have been selected as their vendor of quality access control products. We look forward to a mutually successful future.” According to Steve Roth, CEO of Tri-Ed: “The distribution agreement between Tri-Ed and Rosslare Security is a perfect fit. Tri-Ed’s well established distribution channels ensure that Rosslare Security products will reach our broad dealer base. “As we continue to grow, Tri-Ed will provide a complete product offering for dealers as well as enhanced customer service and expanded branch locations.”
Vision Systems Enhances Key Solutions
The new features include the ability to interface ADPRO FastTrace with retailers’ EPOS (Electronic Point-of-Sale) technology to combat fraud; a new Software Development Kit (SDK) to allow the easier integration of Video Central with third-party technologies; and a double password protection feature in line with new legislation that now requires at least two individuals to be present when reviewing recorded CCTV images. The new EPOS interface has been launched specifically to help retailers identify and combat fraud amongst employees as well as protecting innocent staff from being wrongly accused. The new ADPRO EPOS interface synchronises video and audio with serial data from various Point-of-Sale devices including Electronic Cash Registers, and other transactional devices. The new Software Development Kit (SDK) has been launched to help installers and Central Station Operators to more easily integrate ADPRO Video Central software with third party technologies such as other CCTV and alarm management software. The third development is the launch of a double password protection feature to meet the needs of new European Labour Laws. This requires at least two individuals to be present to review recorded images; a double password capability has therefore been included requiring two authorised users to log into ADPRO Video Central without which the video footage cannot be seen. “Data relating to any and all transactions can now be recorded, retrieved and displayed in conjunction with the relevant images of the corresponding activity at the till,” explained Jeff Kitching, Sales Director – ADPRO. “This enables the retailer to identify, without any doubt, fraudulent employee activity with images and transactional data, producing compelling evidence that is admissible in court, should the employer wish to take the matter further. As well as actively deterring those employees most inclined to take part in such activities, it also protects the integrity of their more honest work colleagues.” “Central Stations want to provide their customers with a premium remote video monitoring service. Over the years, however, as the number of connections has increased, so too has the number of communications media deployed. This means operators needed specific training and skills for each new system which in the long term is neither viable, nor efficient, nor is it a sensible investment of the RVRC’s time and resource. The introduction of the new ADPRO Video Central SDK will now allow RVRCs to manage all alarms from a single user interface.” “This development means that video footage cannot now be viewed unless there is a legitimate reason to do so, and an agreement between two pre-determined people that it is necessary. Employees and customers can feel secure that their privacy is being protected at all times.” The latest versions of software to include these features are ADPRO FastTrace Ver2.01 and ADPRO Video Central Ver9.01.
