AN Micro 1000

Protecting your home and family is important.  If you are looking for a reliable video surveillance system, Bosch offers a solution that is perfect for indoor use.

This microbox camera is compact and stylish. It is an ideal solution for homes and small offices by offering a cost-effective solution for a broad range of applications. To learn more click here.

Sarix IMP Series Mini Domes

If you are a business looking for a reliable video surveillance system, Pelco offers a solution that delivers sharper images and can cover larger areas. 

These powerful and versatile cameras maximize customizable options for customers in a variety of markets, including transportation, city surveillance, commercial, industrial, healthcare, education and gaming.

To learn more about these cameras click here.

December 2016 Newsletter - Businesses

Knowing your business is protected at all times is invaluable. Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your business protected from external intrusions, property damage and undiscovered inefficiencies.

In this issue:

• 360-Degree Surveillance Cameras: The benefits of an All-Seeing Eye
• 6 Fire-Safety tips for keeping office employees safe

To read this issue click here.

Fire Alarm Systems Protect Your Family

Knowing that your family can sleep secure at night is priceless. Don't entrust your home and family to anyone. For over 37 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your family safe and secure, staffed by friendly and knowledgeable professionals.

In this issue:

• Fire Alarm Systems Protect Your Family
• An Alarm Monitoring Company Looks Out For You

To read this newsletter click here.

Kantech Access Control Starter Kit

If you are a growing business, Kantech offers a solution for businesses that are seeking an easy to use and highly reliable access control system.

This all inclusive kit provides everything needed to create a complete access control system. From the powerful EntraPass software and KT-1, KT-300 or KT-400 door controllers to all of the peripherals in between, the Starter Kit makes sure nothing is left to chance. 

To read more about the Kantech Access Control Starter Kit click here.

B942 Touch Screen Keypad

Bosch offers an intrusion alarm system that is slim and easy to operate. The modern design blends in with any decor.

The B942 keypad is an SDI2 bus compatible device. The keypad features an illuminated touch screen and graphical interface. With an elegant design and low profile, the keypad fits with any modern decor. Each keypad has user adjustable options such as volume and brightness. 

To learn more about the B942 keypad click here.

November 2016 Newsletter - Businesses

Knowing your business is protected at all times is invaluable. For over 37 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your business protected from external intrusions, property damage and undiscovered inefficiencies. If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In this issue:

• A guide to fire alarm system types
• Custom Photo ID Cards for Enhanced Security

To read this newsletter click here.

November 2016 Newsletter - Homeowners

Knowing that your family can sleep secure at night is priceless. Don't entrust your home and family to anyone. For over 37 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your family safe and secure, staffed by friendly and knowledgeable professionals.  If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In this issue:

• Top 10 Reasons to Implement CCTV
• Top 10 Ways a Monitored Alarm Can Save Your Life

To read the newsletter click here.

AXIS M20 Network Camera Series

AXIS offers a camera that is compact and gives you excellent image quality. These cameras bring high performance technology into your home.

AXIS M20 Network Camera series is suitable for installation indoors and outdoors - on walls, ceilings, poles, or in corners. They're resistant to sun, rain, cold, heat and rough weather.

To learn more about the AXIS M20 Series click here.

MIC IP 7000 HD

Even in the most extreme weather conditions, your video surveillance always needs to be up and running. That's why Bosch has developed a camera that is built to withstand everything from severe weather to high impact conditions.

The MIC IP starlight 7000 HD and MIC IP dynamic 7000 HD cameras are built to withstand everything from severe weather to high-impact. They are the ideal camera for extreme low light situations and subzero temperatures.

To learn more about the MIC IP 7000 HD click here.

October 2016 Newsletter - Businesses

Knowing your business is protected at all times is invaluable.  For over 37 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your business protected from external intrusions, property damage and undiscovered inefficiencies.  If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In this issue:

• Types of Photo ID Systems for Security Needs
• CCTV Cameras & Equipment

To read the newsletter click here.

October 2016 Newsletter - Homeowners

Knowing that your family can sleep secure at night is priceless.  Don't entrust your home and family to anyone.  If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In this issue:

• Home Surveillance Keeps You Safe
• Top 10 Things Burglars Look for in an Easily Accessible Home

To read the newsletter click here.

Panoramic Camera System

We believe in keeping your employees and property safe at all times. Axis offers a panoramic camera system that is ideal for retail stores, hotels, schools, and offices.

The AXIS M3007-PV Network Camera is a 5-megapixel fixed mini dome that provides detailed, high quality 360° or 180° panoramic views of areas as large as 650 m² (7,000 sq. ft.). The vandal- and dust-resistant indoor mini dome can be used to detect activities, track the flow of people and improve area management.

To read more about the AXIS Network Camera click here.

Lyric Security and Home Control System

More homeowners are taking advantage of having home control systems installed. Honeywell offers a home control system that is ideal for keeping your home and family safe.

Lyric Controller is intuitive, easy to learn and easy to use, whether you're controlling security, thermostats, cameras, lights or locks with a tap on the touchscreen or the sound of your voice. No schedules, no programming and no complex menus - simply security and comfort when you're home, and savings when you're away.

To read more about the Lyric Controller click here.

September 2016 Newsletter for Homeowners

Knowing that your family can sleep secure at night is priceless. Don't entrust your home and family to anyone. For over 37 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your family safe and secure, staffed by friendly and knowledgeable professionals.  If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In this Issue:

• Monitored Home Security is Superior
• Wireless Home Security Equipment Your Home Should Have

To read the newsletter click here.

September 2016 Newsletter for Businesses

Knowing your business is protected at all times is invaluable. For over 37 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your business protected from external intrusions, property damage and undiscovered inefficiencies. If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In this Issue:

• The 5 Factors to Think About When Choosing a Video Analytics Platform
• How To Choose the Best Access Card Reader

To read the newsletter click here.

AXIS M10 Series

More homeowners are taking advantage of having security cameras installed. Axis offers cameras that are ideal for keeping your home and family safe.

AXIS M10 Series offers small and smart cameras. The cameras offer best-in-class image quality and professional monitoring capabilities.

To read more about the AXIS M10 Series click here.

Starlight Cameras

We believe in keeping your employees and property safe at all times. Bosch offers a camera system that has become the standard in low light video performance.

Starlight cameras are designed to give excellent images, even in the lowest light conditions, they revolutionized the industry and created true 24/7 surveillance.

To read more about Starlight cameras click here.

August 2016 Security News for Businesses

Knowing your business is protected at all times is invaluable. For over 37 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your business protected from external intrusions, property damage and undiscovered inefficiencies. If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In This Issue:

• Choosing between Access Control Systems
• Thermal Imaging

Click here to Read Newsletter

How to Find the Best Home Security Company

Finding the best home security company is an important task, and with a little research, you can easily find the best home security company for you. The easiest way to find the best home security company for your needs is to have a representative from each available company inspect your home, and prepare a list of questions to ask them. The company that can suit the most of your needs is the best one for you.

Packages

A home security company offers its services to you in package format. There are usually several levels of plans, each of which typically offers more protection. Finding the best home security company is entirely dependent upon your unique situation and the services that they offer.

Price

Unlike almost everything else, price should not be a consideration when hiring a home security company. Because you are ensuring the security of your home and family, you should avoid sacrificing value in the interest of cost.

Monitoring

The best home security companies generally include 24-hour monitoring in the packages they can offer you. This means that a technician connects your system into the company’s network, so, if a breach (break-in, fire/smoke, or carbon monoxide) occurs, the system alerts the security company first, which then alerts the appropriate authorities. This is largely beneficial because the security company is there to protect your home and family at all times, even if you are traveling or become incapacitated.

Security System

Some home security companies offer the hardware that drives the security systems at a greatly discounted rate. These types of security systems come with multi-year contracts, much like a cellular phone. The system is free or greatly discounted, which the security company is able to do because they recoup the cost of the system through the duration of the contract. Additionally, because security systems come in both wired and wireless options, you should ask the security company representatives if the company is able to support both types of systems.

Reputation

One thing to look for when selecting the best home security company is the company with the best reputation for the area. A company with a good reputation means they put out quality products, offer quality services, and stand behind what they do.

Hiring the best home security company involves many important considerations. Because everyone has different security needs, you need to have the reputable security companies in your area offer a list of their services and products. The one that best provides safety and security for your home and family is the best home security company for you. Contact a home security professional near you for more information about finding the best home security system for your needs.

- Article originally published by Enlightenme.com

Security Alarm Installation Is Best Left to the Pros

Many homeowners view home security as one of the most important aspects of their lives, especially when it involves protecting their loved ones and valuable possessions. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that anything protecting your home is installed properly. Even the simplest of security alarms requires certain programming to ensure it communicates properly with other system components. Depending on whether you decide to go with a wired or wireless alarm, you may also need to install wires throughout your home to make the system work properly. This type of work certainly requires the expertise of a professional. As a result, it is best to consult with a home security company for professional installation instead of attempting to make security alarm installation a “do-it-yourself” project.

Wired Security Alarms

If you decide to go with a wired security alarm, you need an electrician to cut open the walls in your home and run wiring through them to connect each sensor. Such expertise ensures that all wires are connected properly, as misplacing a single wire can cause the entire system to not work, even after hours of work. While it may require a bit of an up-front investment, hiring a professional to install your security system is well worth the cost for the peace of mind it brings.

In addition, a security alarm requires routine maintenance, including updating or replacing various system components. This is much more difficult if the alarm system is incorrectly installed and can ultimately be more expensive in the long run to replace improperly installed components.

Wireless Security Alarms

While wireless security alarms are generally simpler than their wired counterparts, they still require a certain level of expertise to ensure all components are installed correctly. Since these systems are wireless, it is essential that all parts of the system be programmed to communicate with the control panel to ensure the system works correctly.

While it may be tempting to try installing a security alarm yourself, there are many things that can go wrong if you lack the proper expertise, and such things can ultimately force you to spend more money on repairs than you save by installing the system yourself. Therefore, when dealing with such an installation, it is probably best to leave this part to the pros. If your alarm system isn’t working properly or malfunctions, your home and family become vulnerable.

- Article originally published by Enlightenme.com

XT Series Security System

More homeowners are taking advantage of wireless security systems. DMP offers a XT Series security system that gives homeowners the confidence that their home and family will be continuously protected.

The XT Series™ Burglary/Fire/Door Access Panel. It includes all communication options, Network, Cellular, and Dialer, with a two-way Wireless Receiver. All options are on one board, so you need no additional enclosures, cabling, or connections.

To learn more about this panel click here.

- Article originally published by DMP.com

Multi-Door Controller Kits

We believe in keeping your employees and property safe at all times. Kantech offers an access control system that is ideal for large applications where space, time and budget are important.

Multi-Door Controller Kits provide all the necessary hardware components in one box to complete or extend an access control system. From powerful KT-300PCB controllers to readers and key tags, our kits have you covered.

To learn more about Multi-Door Controller Kits click here.

- Article originally posted by Kantech.com.

Homeowners July 2016 Newsletter

There was an estimated 1.7 million burglaries in 2014. Installing or upgrading your security system is an effective way to keep your home safe. We have been in business over 37 years and have options to fit all of your individual security needs. 

In This Issue:

• How to Compare Security Systems
• Home Security Systems are a Good Idea in Any Neighborhood

Click here to Read More

July 2016 Newsletter for Businesses

Businesses are four times as likely to be burglarized as homes. Installing or upgrading your security system is an effective way to keep your business safe. We have been in business over 37 years and have options to fit all of your individual security needs.

In This Issue:

• 10 Tips for Choosing the Right Video Surveillance System
• 5 Reasons Why Access Control Cards Still Have a Future Despite the Rise of Biometrics

Click here to Read Newsletter

FlexiDome 2X Day/Night Cameras

We believe in keeping your family and property secure at all times. Bosch offers a Day/Night camera for virtually any indoor or outdoor surveillance application.

The FlexiDome 2X camera is an ideal solution for many surveillance applications, even under the most challenging lighting conditions. The day/night feature ensures the highest image quality possible at any time. 

To learn more about the FlexiDome 2X camera click here.

- Article originally by published by Boschsecurity.com. 

Bosch IP 4000 and IP 5000 cameras

Bosch offers cameras that set new standards in security and data management for everyday surveillance applications.

The IP 4000 and IP 5000 series offer a complete portfolio with dome, panoramic and bullet cameras suited to every facility - indoor or outdoor, day or night, discreet or obtrusive surveillance. A smart combination of cameras and recording solutions that you can tailor and scale to fit your growing needs perfectly.

To learn more about this series click here.

- Article originally published by Boschsecurity.com

June 2016 Newsletter for Businesses

Businesses are four times as likely to be burglarized as homes. Installing or upgrading your security system is an effective way to keep your business safe. We have been in business over 37 years and have options to fit all of your individual security needs. 

In This Issue:

• IP Surveillance Benefits
• IP CCTV Could Offer Your Fastest Route to Unlocking Efficiencies

Click here to Read Newsletter

June 2016 Newsletter for Homeowners

There was an estimated 1.7 million burglaries in 2014. Installing or upgrading your security system is an effective way to keep your home safe. We have been in business over 37 years and have options to fit all of your individual security needs.  

In This Issue:

• What to Look for in a Home Security Service
• 5 Ways to Avoid a Break-in: Confessions of an Ex-Burglar

Click here to Read Newsletter

LYNX Touch

Honeywell offers a LYNX Touch system that gives home owners a great security tool. 

Honeywell's lifestyle-enhancing LYNX Touch lets you control your security system, lights, locks and thermostats, view video and more-all from one brilliant, full-color touchscreen or on mobile devices around your home.

To learn more about the LYNX Touch system click here.

-Article originally published by Honeywell.com.

AXIS M30 Network Camera Series

We believe in keeping your employees and property safe at all times. AXIS offers high-performance fixed mini domes that are ideal for stores, hotels, schools, banks and other office buildings.

AXIS M30 Series offers highly discreet fixed domes. The series offers HDTV performance and 360°/180° panoramic views and is ideal for retail stores, hotels, schools, banks and offices with tight budgets for video surveillance. Models are available in both indoor and outdoor-ready versions.

To read more about the AXIS M30 Network Camera Series click here.

-Article originally published by Axis.com.

May 2016 Newsletter for Homeowners

There was an estimated 1.7 million burglaries in 2014. Installing or upgrading your security system is an effective way to keep your home safe. We have been in business over 37 years and have options to fit all of your individual security needs.

In This Issue:

• Top 10 Things to Look for in Home Security Companies
• How to Choose a Video Surveillance System

Read Newsletter

May 2016 Newsletter for Businesses

Businesses are four times as likely to be burglarized as homes. Installing or upgrading your security system is an effective way to keep your business safe. We have been in business over 37 years and have options to fit all of your individual security needs.

In this Issue:

• Ten Reasons to switch to IP-based video
• Video Analytics

Read Newsletter

Top 10 Things to Look for in Home Security Companies

Home security companies are an excellent idea if you have or wish to implement a home security system. Home security companies, along with a home security solution, can protect your home, possessions, and family. You should look for several different things in home security companies when looking to hire one.

1. Extra Services: All home security companies offer similar services, such as the installation of a home security system, home security system testing, and device maintenance, but the extra services that home security companies offer are generally the most important. Be sure to contact the home security companies in your area to find out their available services.
2. Maintenance Options: If you hire a home security company to install a home security system in your home, check to see if their staff offers any device maintenance options. Invariably, whether you choose indoor, outdoor, wired, or wireless devices, the devices will need upkeep at some point. Having a professional security company to do this can be of great benefit.
3. Warranty: A company that stands behind its products and services is always a good sign. Be sure to know all applicable information regarding any available warranties that home security companies offer so you know the responsibilities of both parties and can properly protect your home and family.
4. Security Packages: Home security companies that can bundle their services into convenient and cost-effective packages make it easier for you to decide which services to buy. Security packages usually come with extra services and are generally a good idea.
5. Alarm Monitoring: A home security company that can monitor the alarms that its staff provides for you is an excellent way to ensure the safety of your family. Alarm monitoring offers 24-hour coverage for your entire home and may give you a discount on homeowner’s insurance premiums.
6. Alarm Monitoring Contract: If the home security company offers monitoring, see if a contract is available. Contracts guarantee service over a period and can drastically reduce the month-to-month cost, as you typically pay yearly.
7. Positive Reviews: Searching online or in trade journals for the specific home security companies that you are looking to hire should reveal an overwhelming amount of positive reviews. A home security company that treats its customers right is invaluable.
8. Word of Mouth: Asking your friends, family, or coworkers which local home security company they have had positive experiences with is an excellent method to gauge the value of a specific home security company.
9. History: If a particular home security company exists for many years, you can be sure it is a successful one.
10. Reputation: Reputation is a combination of positive reviews, word of mouth, and history. Reputation is the overall opinion of the home security company, the services it offers, and its customer service. Reputation often makes or breaks a home security company.

You need to look for several key things when picking a home security company to keep your home and family safe. The best home security companies have the best reputations, and as such are extremely reliable in keeping your family safe. For more information about things to look for in home security companies, you should contact a professional for assistance.

Article originally published by enlightenme.com.

XTL Plus Residential Control Panel

The XTLplus Wireless Burglary Control Panel sets a new standard for fast installation, reliable security, and ease of operation. The XTLplus includes all the features and benefits you need in a Residential or Small Commercial panel, in a single small footprint; 48 zones of 900Mhz 2-way wireless, cellular AND Wi-Fi communication and Z-Wave Plus™ all in one.

For customers who also want to the convenience and power of mobile control via the Virtual Keypad App™ Wi-Fi is a great option, but you want to also include Cellular backup as communication to the Central Station.  To learn more click here.

For a short video on the XTL Plus click here.


Article originally published by DMP.com.

XR550 Panel for Businesses

DMP has released its latest new panels, the XR150/550 Series. Their 32-bit processors operate at 20 times the speed the DMP XR500 panel; with 10/100 Ethernet auto-sensing that always ensures the fastest-possible network connection. The new panels deliver powerful access control capabilities, and provide dealers with additional options for each installation.

The XR550 panel includes built-in LX buses, so there is no need to purchase or install additional cards for panel expansion.  In addition to faster speeds, all three panels offer enhanced access control features, including 99 programmable schedules for areas, doors, profiles, outputs and Z-Wave® favorites. For systems equipped with Z-Wave control of lights, locks, thermostats, etc., the panel offers up to 20 favorites, which incorporate commands up to 25 Z-Wave devices each. To read more click here.

Article Originally Published by DMP.com

Smart CCTV and the Internet of Things: 2016 trends and Predictions

We are entering an era where billions of devices will be able to collect and transmit data via the internet, so much so that Gartner recently forecasted that there will be 6.4 billion connected ‘things’ used worldwide in 2016.

The hype around the IOT (Internet of Things) and smart technologies is building at a phenomenal pace, it has become the buzzword of all buzzwords within the t media and the bandwagon is set to keep on rolling, with everyone from car makers to home appliance companies hoping to ride on its success.

Despite its hype, smart, connected products do represent a very real and practical step forward in how to connect disparate machines and widely dispersed data. As companies begin to understand the value of IoT, the focus will increasingly shift towards evaluating IoT technology via the underlying principles that guide most businesses today, focusing on improving productivity and efficiency and generating a return on investment. Commercial IoT solutions in the enterprise space will gain traction and businesses will be start to monetise the mass of data that IoT devices can provide.

As the evolution of the physical security industry has shown us, consumer and IT technology has had a profound effect on driving innovation and change with the security industry, HDTV, H264 compression and Power over Ethernet being notable examples. With this in mind the Internet of Things is also set to have profound ramifications on the security and video surveillance industry.

In 1996 Axis Communications introduced what many consider a pioneering IoT device (long before the term existed) when we launched the security industry’s first network camera. Little did we know it would ultimately spawn a tidal wave far beyond security.

What we can be certain of is that the concept of network cameras has come a long way in 20 years. Yet if we were to rank the top emerging trends for 2016, connected systems would still have to be at the top.

Why? Because the capabilities of IP-based systems are constantly evolving and suppliers of all types are still discovering new ways to leverage the power, flexibility and reach of connectivity.

As more IP-based security devices inevitably replace aging analog systems, we will see wider use of security products that integrate the growing wealth of information generated by the IoT into not just information for security purposes, but a range of other applications and uses.

IoT will allow network cameras to think independently and make smart decisions on their own. Imagine a mesh of network cameras that correspond between each other to alert the next camera of a person or object entering shortly from the left of a given scene. IoT-enabled cameras may also be able to cover up for one of their peers being damaged or obstructed.

From cool features to useful solutions

As enthralled as we are with the individual capabilities of IoT devices, in the security world the more important aspect of this trend is how all the components work together to solve a tangible challenge. First of all, IoT-based systems must be easy to design, install, maintain and use. And one size does not fit all.

To maximise the potential of IoT, it requires an in-depth knowledge by suppliers who 1) understand how each feature or component works together, 2) can design a solution that can be used to solve specific challenges, and 3) are able deliver it as an integrated offering whose long-term value has more value than just the sum of its parts.

This is especially true as security solutions move well beyond their roots in cameras. Indeed, largely because of IoT, the security sector’s traditional boundaries continue to blur. For example, network cameras can be used for Building Information Management (BIM), Business Intelligence (BI) in retail and even leaping into scientific research with real-time analysis of traffic patterns and crowd movements. IoT will allow for combined systems integrating previously disparate devices such as video surveillance cameras, smoke detectors,  access control panels and loudspeakers into a common management console providing a ‘single pane of glass’ overview across entire buildings and sites.

The result is a huge opportunity for security solutions that are purpose-built to share useful data with other connected devices, all of which can be monitored remotely. This connectivity between devices will provide end users with more complete situational awareness across multiple locations.

Axis Communications itself is branching out and has introduced IP-based loudspeakers and door controllers, for example, enabling not just an Internet of Things, but a step towards truly smart buildings.

With the increasing amount of data being generated, shared over the network, and, in many cases, stored and accessed through cloud computing models (see below), there is a growing need to focus on the protection of all this data and assets that exist ‘virtually.’

New technologies and methods for enhancing cyber security specifically for networked and cloud-based security systems are emerging. This is critical to protect against vulnerabilities, such as hacking, and will be an important aspect of how physical security and surveillance solutions are designed and implemented.

Security as a service: The cloud emerges

Cloud-based computing has touched just about every industry and it will continue to reshape the security and surveillance sector as well. Security can now be offered as a service that is managed remotely, freeing up valuable human and capital resources that no longer need to be on site at every location that requires monitoring. Secure remote access to security systems will increase in use, including by end users who want the convenience and real-time benefits of being able to monitor property and events without having to be physically present.

Cloud storage is another important aspect of how systems are becoming more efficient in this model. Much larger volumes of data can be stored, cost-effectively and securely, at dedicated server facilities, allowing users to archive video and associated data for longer periods of time and improve its accessibility as well.

More cameras mean Big Data

According to market researchers, video is now the fastest growing type of data in the world, and video generated by security and surveillance systems is no small reason. While this vast amount of video data is largely being used for security purposes, as mentioned above, it is increasingly valuable as a source of business intelligence.

However, there still remains a significant challenge to effectively manage and use the endless amounts of video data being generated, so-called big data.

Big data is difficult to process through traditional data processing applications. We expect to see more investment in tools and other resources that can effectively mine and derive actionable intelligence from the big data that security systems are producing.

This technology can put structure around vast amounts of unstructured video data, helping better understand significant patterns and trends.

In the coming years, look for improvements in and greater use of video management systems (VMS) to search big data in order to pull up relevant events, people, locations, times, colors and keywords. Such tools will assist business operators to turn big data into critical information that aids in loss prevention, marketing, operations, and customer service.

Cutting the cords

Wireless technology has transformed our lives in many ways, from mobile phones, to WiFi connectivity. We have already seen the benefit and convenience of remote security monitoring via smartphones and tablets. Video surveillance systems of up to ten network cameras can be managed entirely via mobile devices, no longer requiring a desktop PC to run video management software. Especially for SMBs, this significantly lowers the technology hurdle as users are more open to using a smartphone app than having to overlook a more comprehensive and detailed video management software on a desktop PC. It also reduces overall system and maintenance costs.

Expect to see more use of wireless technology in security and video surveillance, particularly as an enhancement to business optimisation and improvement of the customer experience.

The never-ending quest for more detail

Security operators have an insatiable appetite for more clarity and detail in the images produced by their video surveillance systems. This is especially true as the adoption of intelligent video analytics continues to grow.

So continued improvement in megapixel technology is certainly in our future. Enhanced techniques to handle challenging low-lighting conditions in new ways are coming to market, making cameras even more useful in a wider array of applications and use cases. These improvements, largely focused on expanding the wide dynamic range (WDR) capability of cameras, also provide enhanced detail for analytics to help decipher information. Look for continued adoption of 4K Ultra HD, which enables network cameras to see more details. With an HDTV or megapixel network camera, the resolution is at least three times better than an analog CCTV camera. And 4K Ultra HD offers four times the resolution of HDTV 1080p.

However, higher and higher resolutions also result in increasing storage consumption. Intelligent video compression algorithms such as Axis’ Zipstream technology allow for a reduction in storage needs by an average 50% or more.

This is achieved by analysing and optimising a network camera’s video stream in real-time. Scenes containing interesting details are recorded in full image quality and resolution while other areas are filtered out to optimally use available storage. Important forensic details like faces, tattoos or license plates are isolated and preserved, while irrelevant areas such as white walls, lawns and vegetation are sacrificed by smoothing in order to achieve better storage savings.

Analytics provides the brain for smarter systems

If IoT devices are the eyes and ears for increasingly interconnected systems, then analytics technology is the brain. We expect to see continued adoption of sophisticated video and audio analytics in the coming year, helping security systems evolve from passive monitoring to intelligent and adaptive recognition, situational awareness and analysis systems.

Analytics go far beyond security uses. Retailers, for example, are increasingly using video analytics to gain business intelligence insights that allow them to optimise shop floor plans, merchandise display or checkout queue management.

In our recent survey, ‘CCTV in Retail’, one third of retailers across Northern Europe want better customer insights such as age and gender analytics and other IP applications such as people counting, queue management and dwell time. This opens up entirely new user groups to video surveillance. For example, in-store traffic flow and behavior analysis can help guide advertising and promotion campaigns.

A growing concern for cyber security threats

While the vision of IoT is enticing for the convenience, capabilities and flexibility vast networks of connected devices offer, there is a growing risk for security threats and breaches as the number of entry points into a network dramatically increases. In a recent survey by Cisco, 73 percent of business decision makers said they expect the IoT to cause security threats to increase in severity over the next two years. More worrying, 78 percent of IT security professionals are either unsure about their capabilities, or believe they lack the visibility and management required to secure new kinds of network connected devices.

As a general rule of thumb, as you increase availability and access to any network device, it potentially increases exposure to cyber threats. Because security camera systems will become increasingly internet connected with the rise of the Internet of Security things, offering benefits such as remote access and third party integration, just as with other network connected devices, it is critical to do a risk assessment and implement security polices in the design and implementation of a network video system.

Risk assessments have been common practice in the design of physical security systems for years, particularly for enterprise installations. Integrators should apply the same thought process to the configuration of network video devices, even though unlike other devices on the networks such as laptops, desktop or mobile devices, a network camera is not exposed to the common threat of users visiting potentially harmful websites, opening malicious email attachments or installing untrusted applications.

However, as a network device, a camera or other connected physical security devices may expose risk. Consequently it is important to reduce the exposure area of these risks and minimising the attack surface area is a common cyber protection measure.  If devices, services and applications do not need to interact you should try to limit connectivity between them.  Additionally segmenting the video system from the core network is a good overall protection measure, thereby reducing risks of video resources and business resources adversely effecting each other.

The process of securing a video security system – or hardening it – is an increasingly necessary one for installers and IT personnel to understand. A good hardening guide provides a configuration strategy suited to specific user requirements to deal with the evolving threat landscape.

Axis uses the SANS Top 20 Critical Security Controls as a baseline for its hardening guide. A first step is an understanding and use of industry standard security protocols, including multi-level user authentication/authorisation, password protection, SSL/TLS encryption, 802.1X, IP-filtering and certificate management.

In addition, smart camera suppliers like Axis continuously update their cameras firmware with new features, bug fixes and security patches. To deal with the increasing risk, variety and volume of security risks, security systems users will need to stay on top of updates from their suppliers and take heed of best practices for preventing attacks through network camera-based systems.

Article originally published by IFSEC Global on 2/4/16.

What is a Video Edge Device?

Each industry is guilty of creating terminology that may, or may not, add value to the end user’s understanding of what the product does.  In the perimeter video security, one such term is the “video edge device.” On its own, the term is not that descriptive.  It obviously has something to do with video, is either very thin or it is physically not located in the center.  All educated guesses, but let’s take a quick look at video edge devices…what are they and when might you need one? 

What is a Video Edge Device?

Although an edge device may indeed be small, and perhaps thin, the name piggybacks on the use of the same name in the IT world.  It is essentially a device that moves traditionally centralized video tasks away from the video surveillance command center and towards the “edge,” which in our case refers to pump stations, inlets, cell towers, generating stations, microwave links, transfer stations or any other type of unmanned, or temporarily manned location.  Most edge devices are small compact computers and somewhat rugged in nature. 

As the definition implies, you can think of an edge device as a full blown command and control / video management system.  It likely contains the capability to perform all the same tasks that an enterprise level video management can perform.  The difference is that it is serving a much smaller site.  So a smaller number of sensors or a smaller physical area, with the idea that it may take action and report data differently, given this reduced set of responsibilities. Video edge devices can record video, detect intrusions, control cameras, create alarms, activate remote devices, retrieve data and communicate status. The key to an edge device is that it plays a defined role in order to defer processing responsibilities from a central system.  So what are some of the key roles for which these devices are used?

What Functions do Video Edge Devices perform?

Challenging Environments – The first use of edge devices, and still a common use today, was merely environmental.  Often times remote facilities are environmentally challenging.  Edge devices typically come in a variety of ruggedized flavors to perform in extreme environments, such as, temperature extremes, high humidity, wet locations or sites with limited power or connectivity. This in turn drove the compactness factor, keeping the cost of ruggedizing a unit to only the size needed to perform the operations at that remote location.

Bandwidth Management – Remote locations often mean poor, or limited communications.  A common role of edge devices is to manage the communication pipe to ensure that important information is prioritized or buffered until it can be received.  Edge devices can typically operate in lower resolution mode, on-demand only or just alarm mode.  Some may normally operate in a low resolution mode, but replace the low resolution data with locally stored high resolution files as bandwidth becomes available in off hours.  With the advent of very high resolution cameras, the need for this type of bandwidth management has become more prevalent.   

Distributed Storage – Related to bandwidth management is the strategy to use the edge device to distribute the storage of video data.  There may be many reasons to do this from a security / data backup perspective, but from a practical standpoint, the central monitoring location is most likely only interested in the 15 minutes of footage showing the actual break in.  The 23 hours and 45 minutes of video of blowing leaves and cloud formations may not warrant transmission over the site’s microwave data link. This data is not lost, but remains at the remote location until such time that it is needed, or groomed from the device.

Increased Automation – By their very nature, unmanned, remote sites are …. unmanned and remote. So when an event does occur, it becomes a logistical challenge to react to the event in an effective or timely manner.  Today’s edge devices are expertly designed to accommodate a higher level of integration and intelligence to perform much of the leg work for you.  These devices can detect events, collect pertinent data and take proactive steps to deter a situation.

A typical example, might be a vandal at a cell tower.  An edge device could utilize a fixed camera to detect that the movement in the camera was a person and that they had come within a designated distance to the facility.  The device could then take control of a PTZ camera and lock on to the target for continuous following.  This alone could provide video evidence to either verify the safety of the location was not compromised or to aid in the apprehension and prosecution of the individual.  Better yet, many of these devices have the intelligence to actually take deterrent actions, by invoking situationally based audio commands or tracking the target with directional spotlights.  This type of automation typically requires quick reaction time from controlled sensors, which would not be available over a bandwidth limited, or intermittent, data line. These automated actions can either deter the event, or minimize its impact.

When to Consider Using an Edge Device

The decision to use one can vary greatly based on the situation and characteristics of your remote site.  Luckily, edge devices are affordable and designed to integrate into existing video infrastructure.  This makes the decision to utilize such as device a little easier to manage.  Some common reasons to consider using an edge device include:

Critical Locations:

If you have a site that is critical in nature, but cannot be manned, or is very remote, the automation available in today’s edge devices can be invaluable in either deterring a situation, or providing evidence that a site is secure after an event.  Target classification,behavior recognition, automated camera following and intelligent audio talk down are common features in today’s edge device and can be very helpful in the protection of these types of critical locations.

Budget Constrained Need for Advanced Capability:

As mentioned earlier, edge devices typically include all the capabilities of an enterprise level video management system, but only for a limited number of inputs.  So if you desire some of the latest technology features, but aren’t in a position to upgrade your entire security system, a video edge device is an excellent, low cost way, to introduce these features to a specific site or problem area.  This approach allows you to understand the capabilities of the device in a localized setting before expanding it to the rest of your operations.

Aging Infrastructure:

Locations with low bandwidth communication links, intermittent links or no means of communication are good candidates for edge devices.  The ability to manage the use of the limited data lines allows effective monitoring of these types of sites without an expensive communications infrastructure upgrade.  Even if you have a good communication infrastructure, but want to explore the use of bandwidth intensive devices, such as high resolution cameras, edge devices can provide a means to bring these devices into your system without impacting your current network loading.

Mobile or Temporary Installations: 

Mobile or temporary locations are a great opportunity to utilize a video edge device.  These sites often have unique requirements and may involve purchase of new equipment.  Based on the situation, they may be stand alone, or require integration with your main video management system, which is exactly the role an edge device fulfills.  It is also a great way to get exposure to the device’s capability and determine in what other fashion it may provide value in your overall video security infrastructure.

Although the name may be somewhat ambiguous at first, video edge devices can be a valuable addition to your video arsenal.  They also provide an affordable path to introduce capability into your existing system. Remote sites encounter a variety of constraints and issues when ensuring their safety and integrity. Understanding the capability of an edge device can aid in addressing these issues.

Article originally published by PureTech Systems on 3/4/2016