A Conversation with James Whitcomb

  • Aug 10, 2011

 With IP capabilities increasing seemingly by the day, end users need a system that can manage all the information they’re getting. Video Insight’s CTO James Whitcomb is an expert on the subject, so we sat down with him to discuss VMSs.

Q. What advantages does a centralized VMS, such as the Monitor Station in Video Insight's IP Video Surveillance Version 4.3, provide a user?

A.

Network speed and reliability have improved dramatically over the past few years as more critical systems move to the network. Telephones now use VoIP, and entire organizations rely on software applications like e-mail to function. Analog video surveillance had been installed in decentralized buildings due to the cabling limitations, but with H.264-based IP cameras connecting to existing network infrastructure, a centralized VMS can dramatically reduce the number of servers required. This also decreases the maintenance costs, because technicians do not have to travel to distributed server locations.

Q. In today's multi-camera IP environment, configuring cameras can often be a time-consuming task. How does the Monitor Station simplify that process?

A.

When using multiple Video Insight servers, the Monitor Station will store all settings in a Microsoft SQL Server database. This allows a user with the Monitor Station and administrator privileges to configure cameras centrally on any server. In addition to auto-detecting new cameras, the Monitor Station allows users to set all critical camera features includes fps, resolution, image quality and motion settings for more than 1,100 different camera models.

Q. Mobile surveillance and the ability to bring up live and recorded camera video from any computer or mobile device is becoming a talked-about feature. What mobile surveillance options can Video Insight provide a user?

A.

Users with iPhones, Blackberries, Androids, iPads, iPods and Windows Mobile Professional-based PDAs can access live and recorded video and see motion alarms. This access can occur via WiFi or cellular connections and uses the same Microsoft IIS infrastructure as the Web Client. Users access the same URL as the normal browser except the server automatically detects the device and removes the left navigation tree in favor of device-specific navigation. Users have the ability to view live and recorded video from any camera on the Video Insight system. User authentication uses the same method as the other clients, including active directory.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    Perimeter Security Standards for Multi-Site Businesses

    When you run or own a business that has multiple locations, it is important to set clear perimeter security standards. By doing this, it allows you to assess and mitigate any potential threats or risks at each site or location efficiently and effectively. Read Now

  • New Research Shows a Continuing Increase in Ransomware Victims

    GuidePoint Security recently announced the release of GuidePoint Research and Intelligence Team’s (GRIT) Q1 2024 Ransomware Report. In addition to revealing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the number of ransomware victims, the GRIT Q1 2024 Ransomware Report observes major shifts in the behavioral patterns of ransomware groups following law enforcement activity – including the continued targeting of previously “off-limits” organizations and industries, such as emergency hospitals. Read Now

  • OpenAI's GPT-4 Is Capable of Autonomously Exploiting Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

    According to a new study from four computer scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, OpenAI’s paid chatbot, GPT-4, is capable of autonomously exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities without any human assistance. Read Now

  • Getting in Someone’s Face

    There was a time, not so long ago, when the tradeshow industry must have thought COVID-19 might wipe out face-to-face meetings. It sure seemed that way about three years ago. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings. 3

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis. 3

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area. 3