Videx.

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Brand spotlight.

Videx is a manufacturer who specialize in the design of video and audio door entry systems and access control. Established in 1985 it prides itself on innovative development and improvement. The door entry systems are ideal for housing associations, residential, commercial business and local authorities.

So what’s new?

They have created an extensive range of products that enable specifiers and installers to give their customers the choice of door entry systems that are both robust and pleasing to they eye. They have recently released their latest software package  called  builder V.7 which is available free of charge from Norbain this is to help with system design and features the new 4000 series, the two wire VX2300 , the VR4k and the fully expandable VX2200.

How can we use Videx product Builder?

Videx product builder helps design 1 door systems all the way to very large multiple door installations. On screen adjustments can be made and multiple combinations and layouts become easy. This is an exceptional tool for designers. It includes data sheets and brochures as well as installation manuals. It is also helpful to demonstrate to interested clients and helps to sell the final solution agreed upon.

Conclusion.

The Videx door systems are well designed and aesthetically pleasing something an architect would be happy to specify within his building design. With plenty of back up and information available to the installer we would encourage a visit to their website.

Avigilon CCTV solutions

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Avigilon.

Avigilon are based in British Columbia in Canada. Avigilon have been at the forefront of IP camera technology and software solutions and were the world leaders in developing Avigilon’s Control Centre, a leading video management platform. The company prides itself on designing and manufacturing Megapixel IP cameras that deliver full situational awareness and quality picture detail.  They have recently released a 16 megapixel camera that although only able to deliver 3fps has immense picture quality. The detail achievable makes this camera well worth a second look. The panoramic picture can give the equivalent coverage as over 50 VGA cameras, an amazing feat. This sort of coverage is obviously attracting attention of some large organisations and even some large football clubs in the UK. The cameras have a feel and look of exceptional quality, heavy and built to last, something that installs confidence to buy.

Conclusion.

We will be following Avigilon over the next few weeks and months to see how they continue to bring new products to the market place. If you have their products installed or have any feedback you think we should know about also any comments on  how their products have performed in the field, please comment below.

Why buy IP CCTV Cameras?

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IP CCTV.

IP CCTV has suddenly come to the fore in the last couple of years . It was particularly noticeable at IFSEC this year where analogue cameras seemed to be no more than an after thought . However what are the reasons that a CCTV camera format that has served the industry for so long should now so suddenly become a technology that will soon be confined to museums or very short sighted end users?

Life in the old dog?

Well perhaps that last statement was a little unfair. It will still take a while before we see analogue cameras disappear completely off the scene, perhaps long as 10 years, but in the meantime megapixel IP cameras will start to produce results that many organisations will find hard to resist. What results you may ask? Well for so many years every CCTV administrator has just wanted to zoom in on captured images and blow them up to prove an event has occurred. Up to now there has rarely been enough definition to achieve this goal . Any blown up or artificially enhanced images have been blurred or pixelated to the point where they are useless.

Why HD CCTV or Megapixel cameras.

Mega pixel especially does not however suffer this problem. The images remain clear and crisp as they are zoomed into on the played back recordings . Add to this stunning live images and you will understand why analogue is effectively dead. Examples of camera manufactures who have taken this technology and produced some excellent camera solutions include Avigilon, Arecont, 360 vision technology, Bosch to name but a few.

What is the catch?

So as the camera technology improves are there any drawbacks? Well of course there are . Due to bandwidth and processing limitations some of the 10 mp cameras can only deliver images at 3 frames per second. Slow to say the least but with such crystal clear images it is still better than 12 fps on an analogue alternative. Of course the camera technology may be slighty ahead of the networks that they need to deliver them to their recording solution ie CCTV software. However as CCTV software gets better and the speed and flexibility of networks increase as well as the processing power of the camera chips, we will eventually see the utopia in terms of megapixel technology and this can bring to the end user the ultimate CCTV solution.

Conclusion.

Are you an end user who is considering an upgrade? Perhaps you have upgraded already and are either impressed or disappointed in what you have purchased? Let us know your thoughts and we will be happy to publish them in order to help other organisations to make that important decision, to upgrade or not to upgrade?

RVR Temporary CCTV monitoring solution

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Security unplugged.

RVR have recently introduced their new security unplugged product and it is now available to installers to sell . Effectively this a temporary Monitored CCTV solution that requires no mains and is quick and simple to fit.

Alarms over mobile network.

The alarms are sent over the cellular network and the system comprises of a PIR detector with an inbuilt camera that on activation sends a 10 second video sequence to the remote operator. The cameras are backed up with night time illuminators to ensure nothing gets missed even in the darkest of areas.

Internal and external cameras with integrated sensor.

The camera comes in both internal and external forms and is robust enough to handle harsh environments. The system is affordable and portable and can be deployed just about anywhere. Each device in the system is powered by batteries with a 4 year life span and the manufacturers claim the system can be installed by just one person in under two hours.

Videofied.

The system called Videofied and it can be set using a wireless remote and  is ideal for homes phone towers construction sites caravan parks docks or marinas. The integrated GPRS Sim module makes the system user friendly anywhere you have a signal.

RVR.

RVR are a forward thinking company with plenty of experience in remote monitoring of CCTV and for them to endorse this product means that we can be confident that it is expecting sales to do well as we enter the next generation of CCTV monitoring.

SmokeCloak

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Preventing theft.

Imagine you are on the other side of the law and decide to break into a shop or warehouse. As you enter all of a sudden the whole area is filled with a thick fluid based smoke making it impossible for you to see even your hand in front of your face. Confusion would soon set in and your sense of direction hopelessly lost. More importantly the ability to steal or damage anything is instantly lost. Thieves find this a very good reason to stay away from premises marked up with the SmokeCloak warning signs. The SmokeCloak has taken deterrent to to another level.

How did it start?

Developed some years ago, the progress of the company was held back when the police sited health and safety as a reason why this product perhaps should not be used and as a result threatened to withdraw policed response from people who decided to deploy SmokeCloak . However extensive lobbying and common sense have prevailed and the Police will now readily attend a Smoke Cloak enhanced alarm system.

Is it harmful?

The smoke emitted is totally harmless to breath, a glycol vapour, it can taste a little strange but nothing more. The smoke cloak is armed when the security system is set at night  and is only triggered from an output from the alarm. This can be either an unconfirmed or confirmed trigger , what ever the customers preference.

How long is the smoke there?

The smoke will remain lingering within the premises typically for about 45 minutes after the event and leaves no residue or damage at all.

Do insurance companies like it?

Insurance companies have happily embraced the SmokeCloak product, knowing it will limit many losses and reduce their claims. So many reasons for end users to put the system in place.

Who would use it?

Some of the types of businesses that could benefit include amusement arcades, restaurants and pubs, jewellers, design clothing retailers, military installations, electrical manufacturers, Logistics operators, and so the list goes on, anywhere with high value products can see losses reduced or stopped by installing the Smoke Cloak solution.

Conclusion.

A great product with huge deterrent value, good to see that SmokeCloak is now widely accepted and goes from strength to strength.