In the days before fiber optics, certain surveillance applications simply weren't possible—or too expensive to even be considered feasible.
In the past, that would have been the case at the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne, Australia, where a fiber-optic solution from Infinova is now linking cameras to the city's video depot, miles away. West Gate is Australia's third-longest bridge, stretching a total of 8,473 feet across the Yarra River. The beautiful cable-stayed bridge, which was built in the 1970s, is twice as long as the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- By Megan Weadock
- Apr 01, 2010
Customs officials used to have to rely on traditional screening technologies that are ill-suited for the customs mission and have produced mixed results. Today, advanced imaging technology in the form of millimeter wave imagers and other devices are emerging as the newest tools in a customs officer's toolkit.
- By Dana Strawser, Troy Techau
- Apr 01, 2010
The emergence of Ethernet/IP networks in security applications has added benefits and options that have never before been offered. Unfortunately, with those benefits comes a level of complexity security professionals have never faced.
- By Andrew Acquarulo
- Apr 01, 2010
Security and video surveillance technologies are changing at a rapid pace, which presents challenges for integrators, users and even suppliers like Panasonic, which has a strong presence in the security marketplace. We spoke with Bill Taylor, the president of Panasonic System Networks Co., about how a large company like Panasonic stays ahead of the curve.
- By Security Products Staff
- Feb 03, 2010
Proponents of video analytics claim the technology can boost the productivity of security staff by alerting them to take action in the event an incident occurs according to predetermined rules. In theory, this enables fewer officers to oversee larger coverage areas by freeing them from perpetually watching an increasing number of video displays and make intelligent response decisions when security violations occur. And for many indoor surveillance applications, this is often the case.
- By John Romanowich
- Feb 03, 2010
When you think RFID in security, you automatically think access control. Access control badges are ubiquitous in enterprise environments for use at entrances and exits in virtually all industries. But there is more to RFID in security applications than going through doors.
- By Bill Nuffer, Leon Chlimper
- Feb 02, 2010
Technological refinements and cost effectiveness in video surveillance systems are changing the security industry as we know it. Just about every aspect of a surveillance installation benefits from enhanced capabilities.
- By Mark Oliver
- Feb 01, 2010
IMS Research is revealing what it believes will be the hottest video surveillance trends for the year ahead.
In 2010, 'green' mania will sweep security industry, H.264 will continue it's ascension to the video compression throne, and networked IP video solutions will keep replacing analog CCTV systems as organizations seek to keep costs down.
- By Elan Moriah
- Jan 05, 2010
In 2007, a customer of the AXA Group, a financial protection company, wanted to replace an existing strong authentication system with a smartcard- based solution to coincide with an end-user hardware refresh project. AXA Technology Services initially proposed its smartcard platform, and the customer was interested in extending it to support biometric authentication.
Integrating two or more security systems across an IP network provides the end user with far greater benefits than individual systems. Add this to the long list of advantages a distributed IP video system delivers, and the end result is a very compelling argument for integration.
- By Barry Keepence
- Jan 04, 2010
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.
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.
- By John Bradburn, Mark Clifton
- Dec 01, 2009
System designers, installers and end users have experienced the frustration that comes when cameras fail to work well in lowlight conditions, producing grainy, noisy video. The video compression used in most IP cameras and DVRs depends on the fact that there is little change in most scenes over time.
- By Dave Smith
- Dec 01, 2009
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.
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.
- By Security Products Staff
- Oct 07, 2009
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.
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.
- By Sherleen Mahoney
- Oct 05, 2009
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.
- By Elan Moriah
- Oct 01, 2009
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.
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Sep 30, 2009