360 Vision Technology successfully combats global component shortages

360 Vision Technology, the UK manufacturer of rugged HD, hybrid, radar and thermal imaging cameras, has confirmed that, despite global component shortages, the company is bucking the trend by offering customers short lead times on its ranges of static and PTZ cameras.

As is true of many industries relying on the use of semiconductors and other electronic components, the global pandemic has seriously affected consistent component supply, thereby increasing lead times. In addition, even when they are available, some key component costs have risen dramatically.

In order to combat the inevitable challenges about to face the global supply chain, 360 Vision Technology introduced ‘extraordinary planning measures’ early on in the component crisis in a bid to secure bulk-buy purchasing on all key components for a minimum of 12 months on all standard product options. 

To cope with the additional demand on storage, 360 Vision Technology also invested in building a new factory floor facility that would hold the massive component stock.

“Despite global supply shortages affecting most CCTV camera manufacturers, with many quoting as much as 16 to 26 weeks for delivery, 360 Vision Technology is pleased to confirm that its current lead time on all orders for standard camera products remains between four and six weeks,” explained Sara Fisher, 360 Vision Technology’s sales director.

“Supporting British industry,” added Fisher, “the majority of 360 Vision Technology’s components are manufactured in the UK. Allied to this, our purchasing team has managed to consistently source components and maintain a cost platform that has led to little or no price increases being passed to our customers.”

Fisher concluded: “We remain confident in our continued supply of UK designed and manufactured products to support our installer and end user customers with price and lead-time confidence for their time-sensitive projects.”

*Additional information is available on the 360 Vision Technology website at www.360visiontechnology.com

Johnson Controls introduces next generation Tyco Illustra Pro Gen4 PTZ cameras

Johnson Controls, architect of the Open Blue digital platforms, has introduced its next generation of high performance Tyco Illustra Pro PTZ cameras featuring Artificial Intelligence-enabled edge analytics which detect and classify objects such as people, bicycles, buses, cars and motorbikes, as well as Intelligent Guard auto-tracking functionality based on face or people detection.

The four new Illustra Pro Gen4 Series PTZ models are true day/night cameras and provide hardware support for image stabilisation that ensures “excellent image quality” even at maximum zoom.

The outdoor models have an IR distance of up to 200 metres, with the 2 MP version offering up to 42x optical zoom and the 4K version providing up to 22x optical zoom. Both are equipped with Shake-Dry lens clearing and have a -50C to +60C operating range, enabling them to capture “superb quality images” even in challenging weather conditions.

The 2 MP and 4K indoor models offer up to 30x and 22x optical zoom respectively and have an integrated microphone to provide support for a suite of audio-based Artificial Intelligence analytics. They’re supplied with an integrated recess mounting, with the optional addition of a pendant cap to allow for an alternate installation configuration. They’re also available with the choice of clear or smoked dome coverings.

Highly accurate PTZ functionality

The cameras come with direct drive motors which deliver a quiet, fast, smooth and accurate performance and, together with ultra-low latency performance, provide security personnel with the ability to accurately track subjects in mission-critical applications.

The cameras use zoom-adjusted program technology to automatically control the pan and tilt speed in proportion to the amount of zoom used, delivering precise pan and tilt control. Using programmed pre-sets and tours, the cameras are able to move into position at up to 700° per second, in turn delivering the camera to its required position in under half a second.

All four of the new PTZ cameras feature Smart Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology which greatly improves the quality of images captured in varying lighting environments. By continuously analysing the scene, and without operator intervention, Smart WDR automatically adjusts tone mapping intensity and optimises the quality of the captured images by enhancing darkened areas without oversaturating brighter areas.

As users of Illustra Pro Gen cameras have come to expect, the new cameras also feature a suite of analytics which include object detection, object abandoned/removed, crowd formation, dwell and perimeter protection. This allows them to set up real-time, user-customisable event alarms to enable them to respond quickly to any incidents and make best use of available staff.

Cyber security

The Illustra Pro Gen 4 Series PTZ cameras offer end-to-end video encryption, which includes camera to VMS and SD card video encryption. Consultants, system designers and systems integrators can also be assured that the cameras have been designed and built in line with the rigorous standards of the Johnson Controls Cyber Solutions Product Security Programme.

“These new cameras are an excellent example of how Johnson Controls is delivering on its promise to develop video surveillance solutions which capitalise on the latest advances in technology,” explained Johnson Controls’ Sanjeev Singh, senior director of product management for security products.

Singh continued: “We are absolutely confident that system end users will be impressed with how the new cameras will help them to maintain a safe and secure environment for their colleagues, contractors and customers, as well as protect their assets and property. As such, they present an excellent opportunity for system integrators to generate new business, while also assisting their end user clients to achieve maximum benefit from their video surveillance solutions.”

360 Vision Technology extends VMS control with Digifort integration

360 Vision Technology – the UK manufacturer of rugged HD PTZ, radar and thermal imaging cameras – has announced a technical partnership designed to provide full systems integration with Digifort’s IP-based VMS solution.

Competitively priced and with no ongoing licence costs, the Digifort IP VMS software platform offers high-quality video monitoring and management combined with flexible and secure RAID video storage to suit any size of video surveillance project. In addition, the Digifort VMS can be upgraded to include analytics, LPR, facial recognition, Point of Sale and access control functionality.

Offering fast and simple set-up, the Digifort VMS now includes comprehensive camera SDK integration to the full range of 360 Vision Technology surveillance cameras. Full camera menu and set-up functionality is provided, including PTZ, camera iris and focus control, wash/wipe and auxiliary switching for built-in long-range IR and/or white light LED illumination.

Harnessing the power of network infrastructure, the Digifort VMS and 360 Vision Technology’s camera control can be used to deliver a high-performance, end-to-end surveillance solution for traffic monitoring, border control, public space surveillance, retail security, management and Health and Safety monitoring applications.

“It’s great to be working with, and harnessing, the powerful surveillance capability of a UK camera manufacturer,” enthused Nick Bowden, managing director at the Security Buying Group, Digifort’s UK and Ireland representative. “With the 360 Vision Technology camera range fully integrated into our IP VMS, simple device set-up and user-friendly operation is guaranteed. This will greatly enhance the user experience and maximise system performance.”

Sara Fisher, sales director at 360 Vision Technology, responded: “We’ve worked on a number of significant projects in conjunction with Digifort and customers have been very pleased with the performance of the integrated end-to-end solution. Digifort’s VMS solution makes for a perfect partnership with our range of industrial PTZ cameras.”

360 Vision Technology appoints Christianne McMillen in sales and marketing executive’s role

360 Vision Technology, the UK manufacturer of rugged PTZ and thermal imaging cameras, has further expanded its sales team with the appointment of Christianne McMillen in the role of sales and marketing executive.

McMillen, who began her security sales career at Norbain, is extremely well-known in the industry and joins the business with an enviable background in senior sales team management, most recently at Mayflex, where she led the internal sales teams to deliver multi-million pound growth year-on-year.  

McMillen joins fellow new recruit Effie-Mae Sims as part of the internal sales team at 360 Vision Technology.

Christianne McMillen

“I’m excited to be joining the 360 Vision Technology team,” explained McMillen.  “After nearly 15 years in the security industry, primarily in distribution, I believe that joining this UK manufacturer is a fantastic opportunity. The company’s values and approach were an extremely important part of my decision to join 360 Vision Technology. I hope my experience in sales and account management across the security disciplines will help me to provide the business with both a good perspective and committed approach to ensuring Best-in-Class customer engagement.”

Commenting on the news, Sara Fisher (360 Vision Technology’s sales director) said: “It’s a privilege to be welcoming someone with Christianne’s calibre and sales experience into the team. On a personal level, I have huge admiration for Christianne’s achievements in the industry to date and I cannot wait to see the contribution and impact she will make in the coming weeks and months. This significant recruitment is part of a brand new sales initiative for us and the starting point for the next phase of our ambitious growth plans.”

360 Vision Technology realises “unrivalled” low power capability on new generation of rugged PTZ cameras

360 Vision Technology has announced the launch of a new generation of its Predator and Invictus PTZ cameras with some exciting features, including a significant reduction in power requirements.

Attributed to an increase in demand for remote and ‘off-grid’ site surveillance both here in the UK and overseas, 360 Vision Technology has released a new ‘low power mode’ feature which reduces camera power draw to 12 W when idle and a maximum of 50 W at full load (Invictus range), with simultaneous PTZ control and Infrared lighting. 

Sara Fisher, business development director at 360 Vision Technology, explained to Security Matters: “In recent times, the demand for remote site surveillance has been on the increase, particularly so in those locations where there is no localised power available and renewable or alternative energy sources are the only option. Obviously, in these scenarios keeping power requirements of the camera to a minimum is a crucial factor in being able to maintain system operation. Our development team has really stepped up to the challenge and the result is that we now have the most energy efficient ruggedised PTZ cameras on the market.”

Other new features available include the ‘attack detect with base scan’. On taking an impact from a vehicle or perpetrator, this allows the camera to gain a 360-degree view of the base of the pole before reconfiguring automatically to the home position, thereby allowing the potential identification of the ‘attacker’.

360 Vision Technology’s expansive client base, which includes local authorities, Critical National Infrastructure sites and numerous other public sector agencies, will be able to benefit significantly from these developments on new installations.

Fisher added: “By far the most significant spin-off benefit to the increased power efficiency is a substantial reduction in lifetime running costs.  On a 100-camera system, our clients could save as much as £18,700 in energy costs and, in turn, reduce their carbon footprint by 37 tonnes over a five-year period when compared to the closest equivalent camera models on the market. That’s a compelling return on investment.”

360 Vision Technology “leads the way” in high security, CAPSS-approved cyber security

360 Vision Technology has announced that its ruggedised PTZ surveillance cameras are now the only camera product in the sector to be Cyber Assurance of Physical Security Systems (CAPSS) approved by way of the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), as well as being ISO 27001 compliant.

In addition to advanced built-in cyber security capable of protection against the very real threats faced by surveillance system operators, 360 Vision Technology boasts an enviable track record in delivering specialist camera solutions designed to meet with specific customer and application-driven requirements.

This product engineering flexibility, coupled with high security protection, has paid real dividends, with significant sales and specification of the firm’s cameras for high-profile Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) projects.

“360 Vision has worked very hard to be ahead of the game in the vital area of system security,” said Mark Rees, managing director at 360 Vision Technology. “We recognised some time ago that robust cyber security would become a determining factor in the selection of camera technology for CNI and other high-security applications, so our team of software developers was briefed to ensure that these threats can be averted.”

Rees added: “As a UK-based surveillance camera manufacturer, we’re extremely adept at responding to customer requirements, which has resulted in some very exciting product deployments. Today, 360 Vision finds itself in an enviable position in the security camera market, whereby system designers and end users looking to fulfil product performance flexibility and high security applications are choosing the company as their ‘go to’ camera technology partner.”

360 Vision Technology showcases low power consumption and hybrid camera ranges at Global MSC Conference 2019

UK-based CCTV manufacturer 360 Vision Technology will be showing its latest range of high-performance surveillance cameras at the Global MSC Conference and Exhibition 2019, which runs at The Bristol Hotel in Bristol from 11-12 November. Risk Xtra is the Official Media Partner for the event.

Helping CCTV system operators to reduce their carbon footprint and cost of ownership, 360 Vision Technology will be showing its latest range of low power consumption surveillance cameras that offer greater energy savings, allied to lower running costs.

“On larger projects, the latest ranges of Predator and Invictus PTZ cameras deliver tangible savings on energy and a reduction in associated pollution, offering significant advantages over camera alternatives from the Far East,” explained Adrian Kirk, strategic account director at 360 Vision Technology, in conversation with Risk Xtra. “Featuring a host of performance and user-centric operational benefits, the highly competitive all-in-one Invictus PTZ camera is already a popular choice for local authority system upgrades as customers look at total cost of ownership and viable solutions to help them meet their carbon footprint reduction goals.”

‘Attack Detect’ feature

Meeting the demand for CCTV cameras deployed roadside to be ‘fit for purpose’, on show in Bristol will be 360 Vision Technology’s cameras featuring accurate self-calibrating direct drive pan and tilt mechanisms with a novel ‘Attack Detect’ feature. The latter protects the camera from an increase in camera load (such as the camera being struck by an object). On detection, the camera runs an automated ‘self-check’ diagnostic routine and returns the camera head to its last known position prior to impact.

“Public space CCTV and cameras securing perimeters typically operate adjacent to roads with a heightened risk of impact from vehicles, be it accidentally or maliciously,” continued Kirk. “Installing 360 Vision Technology’s ruggedised cameras featuring ‘Attack Detect’ into those locations provides end user customers with a fit for purpose ‘Rugged at the Roadside’ solution that ensures continued surveillance performance even when cameras are under attack.”

Supporting analogue systems

Supporting the needs of customers operating analogue-based CCTV systems, 360 Vision Technology will also be showing its range of ‘Hybrid’ analogue/digital cameras. “Comprising a high-performance mono/colour analogue camera with a combined HD-ready digital output, these cameras can be used to replace or supplement existing analogue PTZ cameras,” outlined Kirk. “Providing true future-proof functionality, they also support any transition to IP networks, with their HD digital output available at the flick of a switch.”

360 Vision Technology is inviting Global MSC Conference delegates to find out more about how the company’s low-power consumption analogue, HD, thermal, radar and wireless CCTV camera models can help them to save on operational costs, while at the same time delivering high-performance surveillance solutions on site.

360 Vision Technology supports Help for Heroes charity with £6,000 donation

In a move made out of the desire to make a real difference to the lives of military personnel who have sustained injuries and illness attributed to their service in the British Armed Forces, UK CCTV solutions developer 360 Vision Technology has recently donated £6,000 to the Help for Heroes charity.

The manufacturer of a range of ruggedised PTZ surveillance cameras, 360 Vision Technology handed over an initial cheque to Help for Heroes’ area fundraising manager for the North West, Trevor Fudger, at the company’s Cheshire-based manufacturing facility and headquarters.

Commenting on the donation, Adrian Kirk (strategic account director at 360 Vision Technology) said: “When we launched the Invictus Ultra Low Light HD PTZ camera, the company decided to make a contribution to the charity based on camera sales to help support military service people, who in turn, over the years have been major users ofour video surveillance products. Handing over the first cheque was a tremendously proud moment for us all at 360 Vision Technology, and the proudest moment of my career.”

Kirk added: “Some of our staff have family members currently in service, while our chairman’s father flew Spitfires in World War II, so it felt like a natural fit for us to support serving personnel, veterans and their family members. We’re hoping that other UK businesses will help the charity, too, as it really does make a major difference to people’s lives.”

Since Help for Heroes was founded in 2007, it has supported over 21,000 individuals. This support is enabled in a variety of ways, from welfare advice and psychological support through to new career and fellowship opportunities (for both the wounded and their loved ones) and courses and activities designed to benefit physical and mental well-being. Much of this support is available at the Charity’s four Recovery Centres.

Trevor Fudger commented:  “When signing up to the Armed Forces, individuals make a promise to protect our country. In return, Help for Heroes makes a commitment to support the wounded and their families whenever they need us. To enable us to do that, we need the help of the public and of organisations like 360 Vision Technology, whom we cannot thank enough for their generous donation.”

360 Vision Technology will continue its support for Help for Heroes with another donation based on Invictus camera product sales earmarked for this summer.

*For further information on making donations to Help for Heroes visit: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/give-support/

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.

Pelco introduces rugged Spectra Professional IR PTZ camera

Pelco by Schneider Electric, one of the global leaders when it comes to intelligent video surveillance solutions, has released the Spectra Professional IR – a rugged camera ideal for transportation-focused projects, city surveillance, deployment at airports and seaports and for use in commercial markets.

The Spectra Professional IR features an ‘above the horizon’ viewing capability providing greater coverage of bridges, overpasses and building exteriors without mounting additional cameras. The camera also provides built-in IR illumination on areas of interest such as roadways, ports, parking spaces and building perimeters up to 150 metres away, thereby offering a solution for end user customers who are perhaps frustrated with the inability of typical PTZ cameras to capture key image details in poorly lit environments.

“Thanks to extensive R&D, Pelco has honed the technology to capture critical details in low light situations,” explained Todd Dunning, senior product manager at Pelco. “Spectra Professional IR also incorporates a ‘bubble-less’ design, which is a new feature for the company’s line of surveillance technology.”

Spectra Professional IR: benefits for end users

Assuring coverage of large areas, the Spectra Professional IR camera is designed for use in round-the-clock surveillance projects.

Key features include:
● ‘Look-Up’: The Spectra Professional IR can view 15 degrees above the horizon that enables customers to see areas that are difficult to view when using typical mounting locations including bridge supports and cables, higher floors of commercial buildings as well as ships at a distance from seaports
● Outstanding image quality in poorly lit areas: Primarily used for outdoor applications with poor lighting conditions, the IR technology allows operators to see details up to 150 metres away, where external visible lighting isn’t wanted or is unavailable. The technology also provides control of the illumination intensity and exposure in the camera, thereby enabling people and vehicles to be tracked with clarity wherever they move in the field of coverage, near or far
● Smart compression technology: Featuring H.265 and Pelco’s Smart Compression technology, the Spectra Professional IR lowers bandwidth and storage requirements between 30% and 70%, depending on the amount of motion in the scene. This is especially important for 24×7 surveillance
● ‘Digital Image Stabilisation’: Reducing blurring associated with camera motion, this feature allows the cameras to maintain a smooth image ideal for surveilling areas affected by high vehicle traffic or strong winds like bridges and light poles
● Simple installation: Using only one wire to connect, the Spectra Professional IR comes with three power options and an embedded hinge design, making it easy to connect to and providing greater flexibility during installation
● Full integration with VideoXpert and ONVIF-compliant VMS: Seamlessly presented in video management systems, allowing operators to easily track objects moving in the scene and zoom in for greater detail