SALTO Systems launches Neo Cylinder access control solution for end users

SALTO Systems, the manufacturer of electronic access control solutions, has released the SALTO Neo Cylinder – a new electronic cylinder that, according to the company, “offers more features and better functionality” for end users than any other cylinder currently on the market.

The compact SALTO Neo Cylinder is designed for doors where fitting an electronic escutcheon is not possible or required. In fact, it can be installed on standard doors, server racks, gates, cabinets, electric switches and sliding doors.

The SALTO Neo Cylinder provides an effective and convenient way of securing a building or assets. The clutch system is energy efficient, dropping power consumption to impressively low levels resulting in 100,000/130,000 operations from just one set of batteries. Standby power consumption is also reduced, further extending battery life.

The IP66-rated SALTO Neo Cylinder is weather-resistant, rendering it suitable for outdoor use, even in the harshest of environments. Inside the Neo Cylinder is the latest in electronic lock technology. Certified to the highest security standards, and “incorporating ever-higher quality and reliability”, the SALTO Neo Cylinder “offers value far beyond security”. It also provides greater control over the door by offering end users access to audit trails, reports and alerts.

Thanks to smart keys and mobile technology, the SALTO Neo Cylinder enables users to manage access rights quickly and on a keyless basis (which, states the company, is more secure than using mechanical keys). Additional flexibility, convenience and operational efficiency are provided by the Neo Cylinder’s wireless technology.

Keyless access

“SALTO’s new Neo Cylinder technology provides customers, systems operators and installers alike with new features and the ability to connect keyless access where we couldn’t have justified wiring a door before,” said Marc Handels, chief technology innovation officer at SALTO Systems.

Handels added: “We’ve seen for years now that electronic locking technology is an ecosystem subject to continuous change and growth. We have had to consider how to best anticipate customers’ needs and develop smart locking solutions that are easy to adopt and install. The SALTO Neo Cylinder has more functionality and performance capability than any other cylinder on the market, allowing businesses to connect to their on-premises network via advanced SVN technology or the cloud with the SALTO KS cloud-based access management platform.”

As the SALTO Neo Cylinder is compatible with SALTO SVN, SALTO BLUEnet Wireless and the SALTO KS (Keys-as-a-Service) cloud-based technology, it can be switched to any of SALTO’s technology platforms at any time without changing hardware. It also includes SALTO SVN-Flex technology, which increases the capability, efficiency and reliability of SALTO SVN, in turn yielding better security, control and convenience for end users and their installations. This allows businesses to decide which technology fits better with their day-to-day security, operational and IT needs.

SALTO JustIN Mobile technology is also on-board every cylinder. This gives users and system administrators the capability to send or receive a mobile key to open any door or gate fitted with a SALTO Neo Cylinder via their iOS or Android Bluetooth or NFC-enabled smart phone. This adds “incredible convenience and efficiency” for end users. JustIN mobile app capability also complements the use of SALTO’s other management platforms, specifically the SALTO SPACE data-on-card management software or the aforementioned SALTO KS cloud solution.

Available from the beginning of this month, the SALTO Neo Cylinder delivers an easy-to-use electronic locking platform that integrates all physical security needs through smart, wireless and battery-operated smart cylinders, affording the host organisation all of the latest user access information for virtually any doors in their facility.

*Watch the new SALTO Neo Cylinder in action: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc2MQEOljREut7MA-JY7MAIWDVpVPhSec

 

Security challenges in telecoms sector met head-on by access control systems

As Catherine Laug explains, the telecoms industry has grown at such a remarkable rate that it’s now a key part of our everyday lives. At present, the COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented requirement for almost all industries to operate a ‘working from home’ policy and to provide the general public with an increased access to online services, in turn making the telecoms industry even more vital.

A major impact of this fundamental change is the presence of a growing number of telecoms facilities, which are proving to be the cornerstone of service delivery. Equipment is often located in isolated areas, so strict access control systems are needed to keep any vulnerability to an absolute minimum.

Telecoms companies cover vast expanses of land to keep the service up-and-running for their customers. This involves several tens of thousands of plants and facilities, from mobile phone towers through to street cabinets for the wired network. This underlines the value of a standardised access control strategy to simplify access to all sites.

Now, maintenance technicians no longer need to worry about accessing the numerous facilities during their daily inspection rounds. Once configured, single electronic key solutions guarantee access to the right place at the right time, allowing technicians to focus their attention on the task at hand.

Specific access processes

For their part, operators are assured that their field teams, often comprised of sub-contractors, can carry out all maintenance work during specified times in line with their specific access processes.

Most of the facilities requiring protection are outdoor sites particularly exposed to wind, sun, snow and sea spray. That being so, access control systems must be able to withstand corrosion caused by bad weather. End users can now specify a certified and conceptual solution to this challenge with cylinders that meet the requirements of the EN 1670 corrosion resistance standard with a, IP66-67-68-69 rating designed to guarantee maximum protection.

In point of fact, the latest generation electronic keys also use inductive technology for contactless information exchange between the key and cylinder. With this technology, the electronic key can transmit access rights to the cylinder even if the humidity at the site has corroded the surface of the lock. In other words, bad connections no longer prevent information from being transmitted between the key and lock.

At some telecommunications towers, access is restricted to those authorised to work at height. Software is now available that liaises with the operator’s information system, collecting select information from the various user profiles to limit access to authorised individuals. This allows operators to use the software to assign access rights for specific areas based on the technician’s profile and authorisation.

To improve on-site control activities, electronic keys work with specific apps and new technology (ie RFID and beacons, etc) to send technicians verification messages about their access rights or required safety instructions (such as wearing a helmet and abiding by the buddy system, etc).

Similarly, users can interact with the central system and submit on-site attendance reports and flag up anomalies errors, etc. These bespoke features are designed to meet ever-stricter security requirements in companies and, importantly, accommodate the latest Government guidelines.

Sub-contracting and shared access sites

Sub-contractors are an increasingly common fixture in both maintenance activities and emergency call-outs. Several officers may well require daily access to a number of scattered, remote facilities.

The access control system is further complicated by the fact that sites may be shared by different businesses. Water towers, for instance, are often used to support radio masts.

It’s now possible to deliver an effective response to multi-activity sites with just one electronic key being needed for countless locks. Officers no longer need to carry large bunches of keys between sites. Instead, they can access the right place at the right time with maximum security.

Communication infrastructures may be the prime target for large-scale attacks wherein those parties involved are looking to compromise the country’s economic potential. They may also attract various types of vandal, tempted by the challenge of scaling facilities or the apparent vulnerability of street cabinets.

Today’s access control solutions are invaluable when it comes to protecting facilities from harm. Electronic cylinders and padlocks have CEN 1303 certification with the highest level of resistance to drilling and, therefore, vandalism.

What’s more, a lost or stolen electronic key can be disabled on a swift footing to prevent any unwanted intrusions. In certain solutions, the built-in reporting feature in the system software aims to report any attempts to gain access outside specified time ranges or in out-of-bounds areas, thereby detecting any anomalies.

Catherine Laug is Group Head of Marketing at LOCKEN

Hanwha Techwin introduces 2 MP Wisenet 55x IR PTZ dome camera

With a 55x optical zoom, a Gyro sensor for accurate stabilisation in windy conditions, optical ‘Defog’ and built-in IR LEDs designed to assist the capture of HD images at night at a distance of up to 500 metres, manufacturer Hanwha Techwin feels the Wisenet XNP-6550RH can lay claim to have “set a new standard for PTZ cameras” designed for perimeter protection and large open area applications.

“The product development team has ensured that the 2 MP Wisenet XNP-6550RH is packed with features needed by security personnel to detect and observe suspicious activity over long distances in airports, car parks, industrial estates, stadiums and city centre-type environments” explained Uri Guterman, head of product and marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe.

Guterman continued: “This is one of those cameras whose performance needs to be seen to be believed. The superior optical Defog feature built into the Wisenet XNP-6550RH is particularly impressive. Unique to Hanwha Techwin, Defog involves the use of an optical low pass filter which is able to accept a higher light range in front of the camera’s image sensor in order to reduce the influence of fog. The ability to capture clear, sharp images in daytime conditions enables faces to be recognised up to 170 metres from the camera. That also deserves a special mention.”

Progressive scan technology

The Wisenet XNP-6550RH, which is IP66- and IK10-rated for vandal-resistance and outdoor use in harsh environments, uses progressive scan technology to provide sharp edges on moving subjects and vehicles.

An auto-tracking feature allows operators to monitor the movement of people or vehicles while remaining hands-free to control other cameras. The Wisenet XNP-6550RH is also able to ‘hand-over’ to cameras covering adjacent areas. 

A built-in suite of analytics includes Tampering, Loitering, Directional Detection, Defocus Detection, Fog Detection, Virtual Line, Enter/Exit, Appear/Disappear, Audio Detection, Face Detection, Motion Detection and Sound Classification. 

Multi-streaming and bandwidth efficiency

The Wisenet XNP-6550RH allows multiple streams of images to be transmitted at a variety of frame rates and resolutions to any PC on the network or other devices such as smart phones and tablets.

The use of H.265 compression minimises latency, making the manual tracking of moving objects simple and straightforward. The cameras also feature WiseStream II, a complementary compression technology which dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression according to movement in the image.

Bandwidth efficiency is improved by up to 99% compared to current H.264 technology when WiseStream II is combined with H.265 compression.

The ability to store up to 256 GB of data via two SD/SDHC/SDXC memory slots incorporated into the Wisenet XNP-6550RH ensures that video is automatically recorded in the event of network disruption.

Hikvision unveils ‘LightFighter’ ultra-high WDR cameras for security managers

Hikvision has been focusing on extremely high contrast imaging solutions with the launch of its LightFighter Series of 2 Megapixel SMART IP cameras. Each of the new LightFighter camera models incorporates Hikvision’s ultra-high 140 dB Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology for high visibility in brightly lit or high contrast environments. The result is clear, detail-rich images for end users in lighting conditions that would otherwise defeat conventional WDR cameras.

LightFighter: new series of seven cameras
The LightFighter Series consists of seven 2 Megapixel cameras featuring Hikvision’s ultra-high WDR technology to overcome the pitfalls of imaging extreme backlight and high contrast scenes.

The new models include a Smart IP box camera, two outdoor bullet cameras, two outdoor dome cameras and a pair of network PTZ dome cameras with 36x zoom functionality.

All seven LightFighter cameras are capable of rendering Full 1920×1080 HD images at a consistent 60 frames per second, as well as boasting low-light capability for night-time surveillance needs.

140 dB WDR overcomes extreme backlighting and high contrast
Key to the performance of the LightFighter cameras is the WDR system that allows each model to record greater scene details even where the intensity of illumination varies considerably, such as backlighting when very dark and very bright areas appear simultaneously in the field of view.

Hikvision’s LightFighter Series cameras

Although a common feature in CCTV cameras for this reason, the 140 dB WDR in the LightFighter offers 100 times more powerful enhancement than the 120 dB WDR systems of conventional cameras.

LightFighter is particularly suited to intense backlight situations and is the ideal camera for pointing towards windows and entrance doors.

Smart Solution 2.0
The LightFighter camera range is equipped with Hikvision’s full SMART feature set, including face detection, intrusion detection, line-crossing detection, ANPR and object counting that enables the camera to detect any progressively moving object and follow it within the camera’s area of coverage without fault.

Coupled with Hikvision Smart NVR and iVMS-5200 Professional VMS, the complete Smart Solution is set for meeting security demands in vertical markets including the commercial/industrial sector, transportation and banking.

The LightFighter Series
The DS-2CD4025FWD-(A)(P) 2 Megapixel SMART IP box camera features Auto Back Focus and P-Iris while the DS-2CD4A25FWD-IZ(H)(S) 2 Megapixel SMART IP outdoor bullet camera features a motorised varifocal lens with SMART Focus, an IR range of up to 100 metres, SMART Heating and input/output for both alarm and audio.

The DS-2CD4625FWD-IZ (H)(S) is a vandal-proof SMART IP outdoor bullet camera boasting an IP66-rated housing and an improved IR range of up to 150 metres.

The LightFighter range also includes two SMART IP outdoor dome cameras. The DS-2CD4525FWD-IZ (H) features an IR cut filter with an auto switch, SMART Heating and an IR range of up to 50 metres while the DS-2CD4125FWD-IZ has a slightly reduced IR range of anything up to a distance of 30 metres.

Rounding off the LightFighter Series are two 36x network PTZ dome cameras: the DS-2DF6236V-AEL and the DS-2DF8236IV-AEL. Both are equipped with a 1/3″ HD CMOS sensor capable of rendering at Full 1920×1080 HD, 36x optical zoom, SMART Tracking and SMART Detection. In addition, both models feature IK10 vandal-proof housings. The DS-2DF8236IV-AEL boasts long range IR capable of detection and tracking at distances of up to 200 metres.

*The Hikvision LightFighter Series will be showcased at IFSEC International 2015. Visit Stand E800 at ExCeL London from 16-18 June to experience these intelligent and feature-rich products

Axis introduces first model in new series of multi-sensor fixed domes with panoramic overview

Axis Communications’ new Q3709-PVE Network Camera has three 4K sensors that together provide a detailed 180º overview of a large area, outdoors as well as indoors, in an efficient one-camera installation.

The cameras provide video with “unparalleled” streaming performance, smoothly capturing movements in high detail at 30 frames per second (fps).

As the first camera in the new Q37 Series. the Q3709-PVE provides situational awareness of large areas, making the camera ideal for city surveillance applications as well as logistic centres, airports and train stations.

“An effective one-camera installation providing overview and image detail at the same time is an efficient way to ensure that surveillance needs are met in large open areas,” commented Erik Frännlid, Axis’ director of product management.

“Multi-sensor cameras are also well-suited in applications such as squares, stadiums, parking lots and perimeter surveillance where large areas need to be monitored in high image detail in order to ensure complete situational awareness.”

Axis Communications’ Q3709-PVE Network Camera

Installation is easy, reliable and cost-efficient. No focusing is required since the lenses are factory-focused.

The camera comes in a stylish and discreet design with a removable weather shield that protects against rain, snow and sunlight and allows for an easy ‘blend’ with the local environment.

These cameras provide a “perfect” 180° overview in up to 33 Megapixel resolution. They offer a video streaming performance of 3 × 4K at 30 fps or 3 × 11 Megapixels at 20 fps.

Further features of the Q3709-PVE include the following:

• outdoor-ready with IP66 and NEMA 4X ratings

• vandal-resistant with an IK10 rating

• operational in a wide temperature range with standard Power over Ethernet (PoE+)

• video motion detection and tampering alarm

The cameras are supported by the Axis Application Development Partner Program and Axis Camera Station. They also include support for edge storage, Axis Camera Application Platform, Axis Video Hosting System and ONVIF for easy camera system integration and for application developers to provide the camera with intelligent capabilities.

Samsung Techwin introduces 32x Full-HD auto-tracking PTZ speed dome cameras

Samsung Techwin’s confidence that the latest addition to its WiseNetIII video surveillance solution range will become the preferred PTZ dome camera solution for challenging environments has been boosted by news that the SNP-6320RH has been selected as a finalist for the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2015.

The SNP-6320RH Full-HD (1920×1080) auto-tracking speed dome has built-in IR LEDs which illuminate objects at a distance of up to 150 metres by focusing the beam as the camera zooms.

These models are also equipped with an IR corrected lens to ensure sharp night-time images even under mixed lighting conditions, such as those occasions when IR LEDs are operating in low ambient light. These features ensure people, objects and even car number plates can be clearly seen in total darkness. The cameras’ ability to perform such a function is enhanced still further by a 32x optical zoom capability.

Samsung Techwin’s design engineers have packed the SNP-6320RH with a long list of additional innovative features, among them auto tracking which enables trained CCTV operators to monitor the movement of people or vehicles while remaining hands-free to control other cameras.

Detail of Samsung Techwin’s SNP-6320RH camera

“The SNP-6320RH is an excellent example of how Samsung Techwin is working closely with installers, systems integrators, end users and business partners throughout Europe in order to understand and respond to changing users’ requirements,” said Tim Biddulph, product manager for Samsung Techwin Europe.

“As a result of this co-operation,” continued Biddulph, “we have provided the SNP-6320RH with a feature set which we believe meets the needs of customers who operate in challenging environments where high performance PTZ functionality is required.”

Image capture at ultra-fast frame rates

Samsung Techwin proprietary encoding technology enables the SNP-6320RH to capture images at an ultra-fast frame rate of 60 frames per second. This ensures that operators are able to view latency-free, sharp and clear images of moving objects.

Much thought has gone into the design of the SNP-6320RH to ensure these cameras deliver “superb quality images” even in the most difficult of environmental conditions. The models are weatherproofed to IP66 as well as being IK10 vandal resistant, and can withstand high temperature variations of -50°C to +55°C.

These cameras are equipped with a Defog feature which improves the clarity of images captured in poor weather conditions such as rain, smoke or fog. Also, Digital Image Stabilisation negates the effects of vibration if the SNP-6320RH should be installed in exposed locations.

The Open Platform WiseNetIII DSP chipset at the heart of the ONVIF-compliant SNP-6320 enables these cameras to play a key role in providing end users with a bespoke video surveillance solution.

The processing power of a WiseNetIII DSP chipset enables the cameras to run edge-based applications – such as ANPR, video analytics, facial recognition, people counting and perimeter protection solutions – which can be downloaded in a similar way to adding apps on a smart phone.

Most Open Platform cameras currently available can only run a single application, but the processing power of the WiseNetIII DSP chipset provides customers with the option to run multiple apps at the same time.

As is the case with all Samsung Techwin video surveillance solutions, the SNP-6320RH is offered with full support services from Samsung Techwin Europe, including a free system design service with full technical assistance and a three-year warranty.

*View the SNP-6320RH in action at: http://goo.gl/A1U1CG