Latest Surveillance News

Managing Network Video in Large-Scale Surveillance Systems
posted on 29/09/2008

IP cameras are now on par with the best analog cameras on the market – even surpassing them in some aspects – and as more and more organizations turn to IP cameras for surveillance, the industry is seeking better solutions for delivering, storing and managing all of that digital video data. A number of challenges face organizations as they move toward IP video surveillance. The biggest challenge is aggregating and managing multiple video streams through a centralized management system. Other challenges include storage, bandwidth and scalability. The higher resolution video streams offered by modern IP cameras produce huge volumes of traffic over a company’s existing local network, which can strain network infrastructure and, importantly, IT personnel resources. However, new compression technologies like H.264 are helping to alleviate those problems. Currently, the H.264 AVC standard is far superior to any other compression method because with it, you can achieve much higher reso... [more]

Rich messaging on mobile phones keeps door staff alert to trouble
posted on 24/09/2008

Ever wondered why many of Britain's doormen and women wear a mobile phone on their hip, in its holster? Apart from the off-chance that they need to call the police or an ambulance to an incident, that is? Well it may actually be that the mobile phones in the hands of your friendly door staff are helping them to do their difficult job, thanks to UK-developed mobile instant messaging technology. City-watch/pub is a mobile phone-based information service that links members of the scheme with photos and incident information to increase the safety, security and comfort of customers. Using city-watch/pub, door and bar staff use mobile phones to take and share photos – and verbal descriptions - of people involved in abusive, violent or destructive behaviour instantly with all the other members of a local pubwatch scheme. The photos enable door staff identify troublemakers before they gain access to a venue, or around a city centre, and can help to prevent problem behaviour moving betwee... [more]

USPS selects Diebold Security to implement multi-site video security programme
posted on 23/09/2008

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is implementing a multi-site video security programme nationally. With more than 40,000 sites across the USA, the USPS has selected Diebold Security to manage this nationwide implementation under a three-year agreement. The contract has the potential to span more than 12 years. According to the agreement, Diebold Security will install IPv6-compliant cameras, encoders, software and networking equipment, as well as provide education and training along with maintenance and support services at targeted USPS sites. The IPv6 platform is the next-generation Internet protocol set to replace the current IPv4 platform. USPS specifications also call for Diebold to build the new security system on an open architecture to allow for streamlined future expansion or reconfiguration. “Our comprehensive infrastructure and technical expertise make us well-suited to efficiently execute and oversee a government project of this size and scope,” said John Stroi... [more]

IndigoVision provides end-to-end IP Video technology to John Lewis stores
posted on 18/09/2008

As with any large retail operation John Lewis faces a myriad of security issues including theft, staff protection, wastage and health & safety. It is vitally important therefore, to have a surveillance system with the very highest-quality video and tools to provide fast search and analysis of recorded footage in the event of an incident. John Lewis Department Stores has invested in IndigoVision’s end-to-end IP Video technology for its CCTV surveillance. IndigoVision has been working with John Lewis over the last year to migrate 9 of its existing stores from analog CCTV to a digital IP solution. IndigoVision has now been chosen to provide the CCTV surveillance for the first 3 of the planned 10 new stores, including the recently opened branch in Liverpool, its largest store outside of central London. The 130 camera system in Liverpool was installed by IndigoVision’s approved partner Orion Security Solutions in collaboration with security consultants, Dowling Blunt. IndigoVision’s a... [more]

Pinhole Cameras for covert surveillance
posted on 17/09/2008

TeleEye has launched professional SF031, SF037 and SF039 Pinhole Cameras for covert surveillance in a wide range of environments. The three models come with 3.7mm pinhole lens and 66o view angle. SF031 pinhole camera features a 1/3” SONY Super HAD CCD at 420 TVL horizontal resolution, back light compensation and an illumination sensitivity of 0.5 Lux / F1.2. It can operate in various lighting conditions. SF037 is a high performance pinhole camera with 1/3” SONY CCD. It produces sharper and clearer image due to its 480 TVL horizontal resolution. It has a minimum illumination at 0.1 Lux / F1.2 which gives visibility in low light conditions. Other features include auto white balance, auto gain control, electronic shutter control and back light compensation. The Pixim-Powered SF039 pinhole camera, equipped with 1/3” DPS, gives the complete picture with unparalleled quality, regardless of lighting condition or application. The wide dynamic range is 102dB (typical) and 120dB (maximum). I... [more]

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