Emerging Technologies


Q&A From the Top: Christian Laforte

Mobile video applications for Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, Blackberry and other PDAs are a growing trend that is expanding the practical everyday use of video surveillance security systems. In a climate of tight budgets, the security industry is searching for new and innovative ways to make use of existing infrastructure and to increase the overall productivity of those charged with keeping us safe. Feeling Software from Montreal is quickly expanding its product portfolio into this challenging area. We took a few minutes to talk to the CEO of Feeling Software, Christian Laforte, to get his perspective of this growing trend.

Defense initiatives technology

From Combat to Commercial

There is no question that advancements in video are continually revolutionizing the security industry. New capabilities emerge and, subsequently, the scope of what is possible grows. The implications of this trend can be seen in surveillance, reconnaissance, identity verification, information management and data dissemination.

Researchers Create Radio Waves That ‘See’ Through Walls, Could Have Security Applications

University of Utah engineers showed that a wireless network of radio transmitters can track people moving behind solid walls. The system could help police, firefighters and others nab intruders, and rescue hostages, fire victims and elderly people who fall in their homes. It also might help retail marketing and border control.

Q&A From the Top

Gary Perlin has seen numerous changes in the security industry, most of them involving technology that, a few years ago, would have boggled the mind. Perlin has stayed in lock-step with the forward movement of the industry, so we wanted to talk with him about analog and network infrastructure and how hybrid solutions are affecting the industry today.

The New World of Surveillance

We have entered a new realm in the world of video surveillance. Gone are the days of the security guard tethered to a dedicated desktop monitor, reacting to unfolding events within a closed environment. With today's advancements in IP-based network infrastructures, management of video surveillance can be a much more valuable endeavor.

Always Listening

Imagine hearing a sudden burst of what sounds like a gunshot. But was it a gunshot? Was it a car back firing, or maybe it was a firecracker? And from where did that sound come from? Without accurate information available, the sound registers but gets ignored.

An Evolution, Not a Revolution

Terrorism and other security threats are generating a high demand for advanced video security solutions that can help detect threats and protect lives and assets. A wide range of industries—including banking, retail, critical infrastructure, government, education, ports, public transportation and homeland security —is interested in a broader deployment of video solutions.

Talking New Products

Tradeshows provide an excellent opportunity for manufacturers to pitch their newest new products, though there’s no possible way to see every one and every thing.



Thinking Beyond the Product

Technology plays a dichotomous role in the security of an organization's information assets. While it enables us to protect assets in ways we never imagined, it also can enable the very threats that leave those assets vulnerable.

Unwavering Focus

A breakthrough in security optics technology, called Varifocal Plus, is expected to revolutionize the industry. The solution offers precise CCTV installations with total cost of ownership considerations. It also is expected to surpass conventional technology and create new marketing areas for the CCTV surveillance market by providing time-saving installation and commissioning through consistent focusing technology.

A Bright Future

Today's airports are as critical to homeland security as they were in the months following Sept. 11, 2001. Airport security officials have implemented new protocols and installed sophisticated scanning technology, while travelers have grown accustomed to more stringent security procedures— from removing shoes to the ubiquitous baggies of approved liquids.

OnSSI, Defentect Chosen For Homeland Security Project

On-Net Surveillance Systems, Inc. (OnSSI) and Defentect are working together in a research demonstration project run by San Diego State University's Homeland Security Program and the SDSU Immersive Visualization Center (" Viz Center") that focuses on technologies and best practices needed to address the illicit transport of radiological materials used to make dirty bombs.

Michigan Colleges, RFID Companies Partner To Train Workforce

St. Clair County Community College and Mott Community College in Michigan have announced the development of RFID technology labs and curriculum with Dynamic Computer Corp. and Stratum Global.

DHS Using Ground Penetrating Radar To Battle Cross-Border Tunnels

Criminals of all kinds are digging tunnels along the U.S. border at a fast and furious pace. Of every tunnel ever discovered by U.S. border patrol agents, 60 percent have been found in the last three years. Agents spot a new one every month.

Nowhere to Hide

Public safety agencies around the country are using thermal security to increase their ability to keep watch over vulnerable areas after dark.

Researchers Looking At How RFID Can Help Reduce Shoplifting

According to Southeastern Louisiana University business professor and radio frequency identification (RFID) specialist David C. Wyld, investigators of organized retail crime are actively researching how RFID technology can be used to track the in-store whereabouts of products and reduce shoplifting incidents.

Von Duprin WS-Series Storm Shelter Exit Devices Meets ICC 500 & FEMA 361 Certification

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies has announced that its Von Duprin WS9827/9927 surface vertical rod exit device has been certified to meet the new 2009 International Building Code standards that address the design and construction for structures that have been designated as either hurricane or tornado shelters.

Going Mainstream

Over the last 10 years, the CCTV industry has seen a major shift from analog to digital networking solutions for surveillance applications. In the next few years, the industry will see the adoption of high-definition IP video into mainstream consumer CCTV systems.

A True Security Blanket

Anti-abduction systems are now a common feature at birthing units and obstetric departments in hospitals nationwide. Over the last decade, facilities have opted to safeguard newborns with this specialized technology that provides protection to each infant.

Dedicated Micros Wins IFSEC 2009 Security Industry Award

Dedicated Micros—part of AD Group—received the Security Industry Award for transforming its NetVu Connected CCTV systems into an Emergency Messaging and Mass Notification System.

Featured

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report: 2025 Video Surveillance Market Set to Grow After Small Decline in 2024

    Novaira Insights has unveiled its latest report, “World Market for Video Surveillance Hardware and Software – 2025 Edition.” The research indicates that the global market for video surveillance hardware and software experienced a slight decline of 0.3% in 2024. This performance fell short of previous forecasts, primarily due to a significant decrease of 7.8% in the Chinese market. Conversely, the rest of the world saw a growth of 4.9%. The global market for video surveillance equipment was estimated to be worth $25.0 billion in 2024. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

New Products

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities