ISC West Really Rocks

There are no words to adequately describe the opening of ISC West 2013. I hope the excitement and activity on Day One are an indication that the security market is bouncing back. I am certain the success is the work of the talented tradeshow coordinators and the excellent reputation built up by this event in past years.

ISC West 2013 has been awesome.

From what I understand and have heard, floor space is more than ever before, there are more exhibitors, and more new exhibitors that ever before. New products mean that people are thinking and putting ideas to good use.

I'm excited about our opportunity to report on the SIA Showcase winners. Winners of this prestigious product contest will be published in our May issue of Security Products.

What I have seen on the show floor is a wide range of new offerings, updated and retooled products from last year. There is energy in the air at the Sands Convention Center.

There are a couple of things of particular interest. One, announced this morning, is that Axis Communications has agreed to a partnership with Wentworth Institute of Technology. Two students were very well prepared to address how they are working with the camera manufacturer; and to me, this means, a new focus on engineering security products in the future.

I also enjoyed a private tour of the Dotworkz products. The company hosted an event after hours where they displayed their cameras housings. If you attended, you were able to see how company officials have divided their product lineup among regions in the country. For instance, a housing used in the arid region of Arizona is not the same housing that would be called for in snowy Denver. That housing used in Arizona comes complete with a couple of air cooling systems that might not be needed somewhere else.

I'm looking forward to today's events on the show floor. And, anxious to share more with you tomorrow.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • 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.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.