Integrated security systems from Xtralis.

Xtralis have recently produced a complete portfolio of their latest product information in preparation for the release of their new network video recorder/transmitter,  the Xtralis V3100.

Intelligent video solution.

The V3100 is an intelligent video solution incorporating some superb features and aimed at end users where secure transmission and recoding solutions are extremely important.The unit is capable of fast post-motion searching and can fully integrate to the Xtralis Access control package, the S3000. The V3100 is a hybrid unit and can be designed to suit the installation, to order. The unit can currently accept Axis IP cameras although other manufacturers IP cameras will soon be part of the overall suite.

The new era.

The V3100 is part of Xtralis’s march back into the market place after a little time in the wilderness. Historically we have seen them mainly as CCTV transmission specialists only they now have a DVR recording solution that can compete competitively with some of the more recognised leaders in high end spec DVRs. The portfolio consists of other products that compliment the new DVR. The first is V3001 IP digital matrix that enables images to be distributed from several sources to display screens, in addition we have the V3500 that enables unlimited storage, both on or off site. The management platform (CCTV software) is the M3000 command and control software and operates an open database for import and export purposes. It integrates fully to all the other products in the Xrtalis range.

Built to order.

Xtralis build these units to order in the heart of Europe, in spite of this  delivery times into the UK are exceptionally good. Another important development is that central stations are currently accepting the new units happily as one of the key benefits we see is that reliability and flexibility are at the heart of this product. With Xtralis however, this is something we have come to expect .

A complete security solution.

So as we have now seen, Xtralis have now built a portfolio of integrated security solutions that concentrate on proactive rather than reactive detection. The goal is to protect people and property by enabling remote sources to instigate a response to prevent damage before, rather than after a security breach, but now we have the recording solution and CCTV software packages to back this up.

Perimeter security camera.

Perimeter security has long been open to debate. Whats the best security solution to spend your money on? Lets face it for an intruder to get onto most sites they tend to pick the weakest  point . Often this is an area that is dark and difficult to patrol. Many methods exist to protect your boundaries . PIR sensors, often long range ones or maybe fixed beams? Vibration detectors buried under the ground have been used in the past to, also  Dome cameras driven by sensors are a popular solution. NOW however the most effective method to protect a perimeter is probably using a fixed camera complete with IR lighting and we have an additional tool to help us. This is analytics.

ZX55

The Bosch ZX 55 has been especially designed for this purpose. A well built piece of kit with a range of up to 300m. It comes together With a powerful integrated IR lighting system and is equipped with a 9-90mm lens. It certainly has all the tools requied for detection. However there is also an IP version vital to integrate into future CCTV software recording solutions. It is also the IP solution that gives the added benefit of analytics to help with the detection element that is so important  to ensure that the intruder is intecepted.

Costly?

It must be remembered that perimeter protection always comes with a price , not so much because of the equipment , but civil works, CCTV towers and the large amount of cable being required can put the price up. It is therefore crucial that the right solution is  well thought through and correctly specified because many companies rue the day when they thought that a cheap option would do!

Conclusion.

Think long and hard about external security, it can be a minefield if the design at the first stage is poorly concieved. Expert advice is very important and we have over 20 years in this particular field. So if you need feedback or advice on this subject we will be happy to help.

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.

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?

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.