Category Archives: Integration

Hybrid CCTV camera solutions. The way forward!

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CCTV what’s next?

In today’s market it cannot be denied that the whole ethos of security and ideas of how customers protect their premises is changing. Many companies are looking to recycle existing security equipment or at the very least their current wiring  infrastructure. New equipment sales and complete upgrades are becoming more difficult to sell as budgets are tightened across all areas of business. Some security companies view this as a depressing fact and have resigned themselves to less sales cutting their staff accordingly. This may however be a little premature.

CCTV servicing.

Service opportunities are rising as existing kit slowly begins to fail and begs to be replaced but a whole new system is often a luxury that many companies just will not stomach. So it is now the time to think smart. Networks and IT technology is a an unstoppable fact of life and upgrades in this area are inevitable so camera solutions have to fit into this ever expanding frame work . The whole situation lends itself perfectly to a hybrid solution.

What is a hybrid solution?

Well a hybrid DVR is simply one that can handle both old analogue technology and the new IP cameras that are seen as the future of CCTV and security. Phasing IP in is less costly but still allows an end user to embrace the new products that can bring extensive benefits. The only proviso being, that the IP cameras  must be specified correctly. The right camera for the right application.

Hybrid CCTV systems.

Forward thinking Installing Companies prepared to use old analogue cameras together with a hybrid DVR will find the first step to new on going sales has been reached. As Hd and Megapixel cameras become more and more prevalent they can be integrated into a hybrid system over a period of time. This is more in the thinking of company accountants looking to find a solution, but one that suits his needs and budgets.

Be flexible, service all the  security solutions on a site!

To grow sales be flexible. Take on one or more of the security disciplines on site. Then, a customer will be more reliant on their installer and again this will give an opportunity for more sales and even integration between the CCTV, access control and intruder panels.

Sales to increase?

So lets not be gloomy about how we can grow sales of megapixel, HD, IP cameras and DVRs. This particular period  of difficult market conditions should really be re-thought as a chance for innovative and forward thinking installers to grow and enjoy the bright future that new IP camera solutions will soon bring.

iEVO biometric fingerprint door entry reader

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Biometric access control solution.

Access control solutions are continuously evolving and Biometric readers are no exception. Using fingerprint technology vastly improves door entry security and nullifies the risk of cards being passed to to third parties. Frequently however in the past Biometrics have been unreliable and slow.

Fingerprint Reader.

iEVO  though have a team of people that have developed a product that addresses many of the problems that have plagued fingerprint readers in the past. With the added benefit of the ability to integrate into Paxton access controllers the partnership makes for a successful formula.

Good design.

The iEVO is an IP device and is minimalistic in design. It is user friendly and vandal resistant. Designed to be used both internally and externally it is IP65 rated and can be flush or surface mounted .

So whats the secret of reliability.

Well by using a technology called Multi spectral imaging  the reader is able to obtain fingerprints through dust, dirt water and oils. An impressive demonstration of the unit also proved it could actually see through light latex gloves as well.

Benefits.

The ergonomics of the unit mean that it fits in well into building design making it a favorite with architects .  It also has a thermostat heated sensor when being used externally and includes wiegand outputs for interfacing and is networkable.

Conclusion.

It seems the iEVO team have pretty much though of everything here, you can even buy the units in different colours. If you have used this biometric solution please let us have your feedback . However having been demonstrated this unit we would recommend you take iEVO biometric readers into consideration to help increase security for your door entry systems.

360 Vision Technology to release IR dome camera.

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360 Vision Technology to release IR dome camera.

360 Vision Technology are about to release their new External IR Dome. Built around the technology that has been so instrumental in the success of the Predator camera, the outer housing is of  a robust metallic design. It has the IR lamps that are such an integral part of this camera, moulded into the finished shape. It is a different animal from the current 360 vision dome currently on the market and is not designed to be serviceable on site but is stronger and virtually maintenance free.

Better night vision.

The new 360 IR dome is designed to fit into a market place that recognises that IR is now invaluable in dome design this is to ensure clear, crisp images at night. Duel chip cameras have worked well but they have always had their limitations in poor lighting conditions. Now, with IR domes we finally have a solution.

360 Vision and March Networks.

The technology partnership between 360 Vision and March Networks has paid dividends with the March codec being incorporated into the head to allow the unit to be easily converted to IP .This allows it to be integrated into CCTV software solutions that are starting to become the preferred recording option in place of the less versatile Digital video recorder. With an IR range of up to 100 metres expected and all the features that 360 have developed over the years built in as standard, it is a formidable dome camera.

So who will buy the 360 vision IR dome.

The camera is surely going to be aimed at the increasing ageing dome cameras that are out there in the field at present. There is huge potential for upgrades for ambitious installers who can grasp this opportunity. Those with foresight will also use the IP dome camera and software recording route to allow customers the option of future expansion and flexibility to their CCTV systems.

Conclusion.

Once again we find that 360 vision have been thinking to the future. The market for this camera is huge and the price offers very good value. It will be good to track the progress of this dome camera but we believe that sales will prove it to be one of the top cameras in its class.

CCTV software v DVRs

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Why use CCTV software instead of a DVR?

CCTV software has been around for a while but as a recording medium has long been easily outsold by the good old reliable DVR. The DVR has changed the face of the CCTV industry over the last 10 years and comes in many different forms. From high end spec that costs onwards and upwards of £5000, to budget units that can be bought for as little as £300. Explaining to an end user the vast difference in cost can be tricky but as we all know you will generally pay for what you get. Recently though the DVR has started to change.

How have DVRs changed?

They have evolved into hybrid units so they can incorporate the latest technology such as analytics and IP cameras. Many benefits here, but manufacturers are starting to think differently about how the market will develop in the future. Until recently IP cameras have struggled to take a hold in the security industry . The main reason has been the substantial difference in price between an IP camera and its analogue equivilent. In addition IT managers have been reluctant to stream large amounts of data across their network. The cost of an IP DVR has also meant that an upgrade is expensive and difficult to sell . So whats changing? Basically the cost of IP cameras is plummeting , they are also cheaper to install. IT managers have become far more accepting of  the technology and like the idea that they can record through CCTV software such as March network’s Videosphere VMS rather than a DVR solution. In addition manufactures are starting to put recording into the camera itself this means that critical data can boast full redundancy and no information will be lost.

More flexible.

Perhaps though the greatest benefit of IP Cameras integrated into a CCTV software solution is flexibility. No longer is the end user restricted to a 16 way box and the need to buy another costly DVR box if he needs extra cameras on his site. Another huge benefit is the introduction of codecs.This is a device that turns an analogue camera into an IP device that can easily be introduced into the CCTV software solution. So a customer can convert to CCTV software recording without the need to replace all his existing analogue cameras.

Conclusion.

Not many people in the security industry expect that analogue will be around for long. So we ask,will CCTV software do the same to digital video recorders, that DVRs did to their predecessor, the humble VCR?

Suprema.

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Who are Suprema.

Established in 2000, Suprema Inc is a global player who specialize in Biometric IP access control systems. Product quality is extremely important and Suprema have gained widespread recognition for their products and market leading technology.

What have they developed and achieved?

The companies fingerprint algorithm was proven to be one of the best and has gone on to get world wide recognition. In addition their access control products received the Detektor international award in two consecutive years and got some extremely favorable press at the IFSEC 2009. Sales have topped 500,000 units worldwide of both biometric and access control products.

Products.

BioStation is a biometric access controller it incorporates colour LCD, USB port and  LAN. This is an ultra fast unit, matching 3000 templates per second this is thanks to the the use of high quality components and the previously mentioned Suprema  algorithm.

Biolite Net.

Claiming to be the worlds smallest fingerprint IP access control terminal with time and attendance capability. Its ergonomic design is IP65 rated. It can be used both internally and externally and can be standalone or networked. BioLite Net offers an extremely secure biometric solution.

BioEntry Plus.

A clever combination of IP and biometrics. A smart looking device that means access security is assured. The management and operation is supported by fingerprints and an RF card.

Conclusion.

A great combination of excellent build quality, good design and clever flexibility, Suprema have come up with a product range that can only give Biometric door entry systems a good reputation.