Here We Go Again

• By Ralph C. Jensen
• Mar 26, 2014

It is officially less than a week before ISC West in Las Vegas. I’m tuning up by walking the stairs at work, and trying to find a new pair of comfortable shoes. ISC West means miles of walking and a listening ear. But mostly its time for the the enthusiasm to get the latest on new product and technologies in the security industry.

I’ve gotten tons of emails from manufacturers anxious to show off their new products. I’m excited to see what they have. However, things have changed over the years for the media.

Back in the old days, there were press conferences in the media room all day long. Pretty soon, manufacturers figured out that the media liked to be on the floor looking at everything available to end users and dealers/integrators, and pretty soon product introductions were made at their individual booths. This was a good change.

During the tradeshows of yesterday, press kits and product information was on display in the media center. Not so much anymore. Today, media kits are generally on thumb drives, including product information and photos. This is an incredibly good change.

In the past, exhibitors would set up flashy booth spaces, but today they are more for learning and teaching. This has been a welcome change. People want to know what they are looking at, what it will do for them and when it is available.

There will be plenty of new products on display at ISC West this year.

Here are a couple of products that you will find, and that I was able to get an early release from the manufacturer.

HID Global will be demonstrating its emerging mobile and biometric technologies. They will highlight emerging technologies that leverage Bluetooth LE and Near Field Communications to simplify mobile access and make it more convenient than ever. HID Global also will have on display its vertical showcase that addresses specific needs of government, healthcare, enterprise, financial/banking and the education markets.

System Sensor is announcing the launch of a new low-frequency notification appliance. This product meets the NFPA 72 requirements for all commercial sleeping spaces that begin this year. This is an audible device that produces a low frequency tone centered around 520 Hz. Studies have shown that a lower frequency is more effective in waking people, including those people with mild to severe hearing loss.

Video Insight is introducing Version 6 of its video surveillance software. It is a sleek interface that introduces a timeline, provides enhanced search capability, and has improved integration between live and recorded video. The new Workstation offers the use of tabs -- instead of toggling among viewing panes – for routinely accessed features.

My staff and I will be taking a look at many more products during ISC West. Tune in for more great reports on products found on the tradeshow floor next week.