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.”

Vista covers every angle with latest IP and analogue camera launches

Vista has just announced the newest additions to its VK2 and HDA ranges. The camera launches are supported by the introduction of the new ‘universal’ brackets which greatly simplify installation and were developed in line with ‘Voice of Customer’ feedback.

The collective aim of the cameras and brackets is to reduce installation time on site, (and therefore minimise cost). The use of the latest technology within the cameras and the intelligent product design means that “excellent quality images” can be produced and adjustments easily be made to meet future end user requirements.

The VK2 range has been developed with the customer very much in mind. The cameras are designed to reduce bandwidth and storage requirements along with minimising the time required on site for installing and adjusting the cameras.

Their ability to stream highly efficient H.265 video format, combined with Vista’s advanced Hi-Stream bandwidth reducing function, means that storage and bandwidth requirements can be up to 75% lower than that of an equivalent H.264 stream.

The VK2 cameras are available in both 2 MP and 4 MP formats and produce “crisper images” compared to those achieved by general IP cameras. This is as a result of a user-definable minimum/maximum shutter speed, true Wide Dynamic Range and IR illumination.

The VK2L range has been designed for those end users who require high quality video images delivered at a cost-effective price. These cameras reduce bandwidth and storage requirements like their VK2 siblings and, due to a wide angle lens, minimise the number of cameras required on site.

The key benefits shared by the VK2 and VK2L camera ranges are as follows:

Compatible with all modern NVRs and VMS H.265/H.264 compression formats make for a flexible system

Reduced required levels of bandwidth and storage Significantly reduced when used in H.265 mode and as a result of Hi-Stream Region of Interest which adds greater compression to areas with no motion

Ensure a much crisper frozen image User-definable minimum/maximum shutter speed provides much clearer images than general IP cameras

The launch also includes an analogue offer. The newly-released HDA cameras are capable of providing Full-HD 1080p resolution in TVI HDA format over coax cabling and provide a very flexible solution. A wide range of features make them suitable for many internal and external applications as well as providing excellent quality images without the requirement of an IP knowledge base.

The HDA range makes for the perfect transition from analogue to IP and can be used in conjunction with existing analogue infrastructure.

All of the IP and analogue cameras included in the launch are perfect for use with the Vista Viper range of NVRs and DVRs. ONVIF compliance ensures that they can also be used on multiple manufacturers’ recording platforms if existing systems are in place.

Alongside the cameras, the introduction of a new selection of ‘universal’ brackets simplifies installation and the process of selecting the correct bracket.

Hanwha Techwin Europe unveils pan-European marketing and training alliance with ADI Global Distribution

Hanwha Techwin Europe has teamed up with ADI Global Distribution to create a pan-European marketing campaign designed to raise awareness of – and highlight the advantages that – Wisenet cameras, recording devices and video management software offer to installers and system integrators alike.

The two companies will conduct a wide range of marketing activities including live demonstrations of the comprehensive range of Wisenet video surveillance solutions at roadshows and seminars, while also placing advertisements in leading European electronic security publications and producing bespoke direct mail communications and eNewsletters.

“This is our first pan-European marketing initiative with Hanwha Techwin,” said Simon Middleton, marketing director of ADI’s EMEA businesses. “Our decision to do so reflects the value we place on the relationship formed between our two companies. It also demonstrates the confidence and trust we have in the ability of Wisenet products to provide installers and system integrators who source video surveillance solutions from ADI Global Distribution with a competitive edge.”

Simon Middleton

Scope of the project

The campaign, which is to be implemented across all countries in Europe where ADI Global Distribution is working in partnership with Hanwha Techwin, will primarily be focused on educating the market on the benefits of Wisenet X cameras.

These 2 MP and 5 MP models are ‘supercharged’ by “the most powerful chipset ever incorporated into a full camera range” and equipped with “the world’s best motorised F0.94 varifocal low light lens” and “the world’s best 150 dB Wide Dynamic Range”.

In addition, the marketing campaign is designed to raise awareness of other Wisenet solutions including Wisenet HD+ analogue cameras which capture Full-HD images in 1080p without the need to upgrade cabling infrastructure, Wisenet Q entry level network cameras delivering feature-rich 2 MP or 4 MP images and premium, top of the range Wisenet P cameras delivering “superb quality” 4K (12 MP) images.

Wisenet solutions certificated training for ADI Global Distribution 

In support of the pan-European marketing alliance, Hanwha Techwin Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its certificated Wisenet product and solutions training programme for sales and technical staff across ADI Global Distribution in Northern Europe.

Hemant Trivedi

“This represents a major investment in time for both UK-based ADI Global Distribution and Hanwha Techwin personnel,” said Hemant Trivedi, regional director for ADI. “It has proven to be time well spent as many of our sales and technical staff are now Hanwha Techwin accredited trainers and able to provide expert advice on the best combination of Wisenet cameras and recording devices for specific projects.”

*For more information on ADI Global Distribution visit www.adiglobal.com

Next generation models of Illustra Flex 3MP IP cameras provide “seamless video capture and viewing experience”

Johnson Controls is introducing the next generation of Illustra Flex 3MP mini-dome, bullet and box cameras with features such as P-iris lenses and TrickleStor technology to provide optimal image quality and reliability, and the convenience and efficiency of bandwidth management of the camera using Illustra IntelliZip compression technology.

Going beyond H.264 and H.265, the embedded Illustra IntelliZip technology monitors and then adjusts system streaming parameters, matching the camera’s field of view activity. The video quality is automatically adjusted when motion is detected to ensure detail quality is maintained. When activity ceases, the video adjusts and optimises the bitrate, in turn helping to reduce network bandwidth usage and video storage requirements.

The new Illustra Flex cameras feature the aforementioned TrickleStor, allowing the cameras to record video at the edge of the network even if an outage takes place. The camera will detect an interruption or stoppage and begin to record video to its SD card. Once the connection between the camera and NVR resumes, TrickleStor will then transfer the video from the SD card to the NVR to ensure uninterrupted video.

The true Wide Dynamic Range function available across the Flex family line allows cameras viewing a scene with high-contrast lighting to balance shadows and highlights in order to maintain crisp image detail. This feature is ideal for camera deployments where windows or doors are areas of interest.

The family of Flex 3MP cameras is also equipped with a P-iris lens system that works in conjunction with custom software algorithms to provide optimal image quality and sharpness in all possible lighting conditions.

“Providing a high-quality, seamless and economical video experience is at the heart of these latest Illustra Flex introductions,” said Stuart Bettle, video product marketing manager for security products (EMEA) within the Building Technologies & Solutions Division at Johnson Controls. “Whether it’s P-iris to ensure the clearest image, TrickleStor providing end-to-end recording failover or IntelliZip to maximise bandwidth, we’re focused on meeting the needs of our customers on every front.”

The small, aesthetically pleasing Flex 3MP mini-domes are available in indoor and outdoor versions, the latter IP67-rated for protection against dust and water damage and also featuring IR illumination for improved low-light viewing.

The bullet model also offers an IP67-rated enclosure that protects against dust and water damage, making it a top choice for parking areas, garages, loading docks and other areas exposed to the elements. These models also serve as an exterior solution for schools and small-to-medium retail stores, banks and office buildings.

The Flex 3MP box camera is a flexible solution adaptable for any installation or application requirements.

*For more information about the Illustra Flex line of cameras visit illustracameras.com

Wisenet X sets the Benchmark with victory in 2017 Innovation Awards

Hanwha Techwin’s Wisenet X cameras have been selected as the winner of the Video Surveillance Hardware category in the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2017.

Designed to recognise and reward innovative thinking and the delivery of benefits through advanced security solutions, the awards scheme is run by Benchmark Magazine, the monthly publication which is widely regarded as the ‘Which?’ magazine for the electronic security industry and is the sister title of Risk UK and Professional Security Installer (PSI) at Pro-Activ Publications.

A Benchmark test team and an independent panel from the security industry judged across nine technology areas, with Wisenet X standing out against stiff competition as the winner of the Video Surveillance Hardware category.

Defining a new standard

“When we launched the Wisenet X camera series earlier this year, we believed we had also delivered on our commitment to set a new standard for IP network video surveillance cameras,” said Bob Hwang, managing director at Hanwha Techwin Europe. “We’re absolutely delighted the innovative technology developed by our highly talented engineers and product management team has led to our Wisenet X cameras receiving this high profile and prestigious award.”

Equipped with 150 dB Wide Dynamic Range (WDR)  technology and a varifocal F0.94 low-light lens, Wisenet X cameras are ‘supercharged’ by the most powerful DSP chipset ever incorporated into a full camera range. Together, these features ensure that “superb quality” colour images are captured, regardless of the environment or the time of day, and without the need for IR LEDs or supplementary lighting.

The advanced 150 dB WDR technology built into many of the Wisenet X cameras and domes ensures clear, sharp images can be captured even when there may be strong contrasting lighting conditions. A standard WDR image is normally captured by composing two frames with different exposures. Wisenet X 150 dB WDR uses four frames to create a more natural image and negates the problem of image blurring which is a weakness of standard WDR.

Faster processing of video

With an all-new architecture, the Wisenet X chipset runs up to three times faster than older generations of chipsets. This delivers much faster processing of video as well as specialist analytics pre-loaded on board the cameras as standard. This includes people counting, which offers the opportunity to measure store efficiency between footfall and actual sales and also identifies the busiest days, times and seasons, as well as queue management to identify peaks and troughs of customer flow at checkouts.

Heat mapping provides accurate, real-time information about customer in-store behaviour. It does so by displaying ‘hotspots’ within a store to indicate customer buying patterns, including dwell times and areas of a store where there might be low activity in order to assist with product placement decisions.

Processing power

The processing power of the Wisenet X chipset also provides an opportunity to run multiple on-board third party analytics applications in the same way that we all use Apps on our smart phones. These include face recognition to assist security personnel to quickly identify known offenders and ANPR to control vehicle access to sensitive areas such as loading bays, as well as to manage car parking areas.

The latter serves to generate event notifications when an authorised vehicle number plate is recognised and can be configured to trigger access control operations such as opening/closing a barrier, as well as sending activity reports and snapshots via e-mail, FTP or SMS.

Tyco Security Products answers small business surveillance needs with affordable IP video solutions

Tyco Security Products has unveiled a new range of IP cameras and NVRs that meets the budget of SMEs while at the same time satisfying their need for high quality video surveillance.

lllustra Essentials – which which features 1 and 2 Megapixel resolution variants (including bullet cameras and mini-domes with IR LEDs and an indoor mini-dome option) – is the latest addition to Tyco’s extensive Illustra camera portfolio.

All Essentials versions offer H.264 and MJPEG dual-stream, a 3.6 mm fixed lens, 30 images per second at 1080p or 720p for crisp, clear images and IR illumination up to 20 metres.

The Essentials outdoor mini-dome and bullet cameras are equipped with IR illuminators, true day/night filter and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) to capture quality video in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. The WDR capabilities of the Essentials indoor mini-dome also assist in capturing video in challenging lighting conditions, rendering the domes ideal for a range of indoor applications.

The Essentials IR Mini-Dome

The second part of the low-cost IP surveillance equation is Tyco Security Products’ new Holis range of four and eight-channel NVRs featuring 1080p resolution, video search and export functions.

With PoE support on all ports, a start-up wizard that includes automatic camera discovery and simple installation, Holis NVRs greatly reduce the total cost of ownership and minimise labour costs/time on site.

Models in the Holis range have been specifically designed to support small camera count installations in an economical and efficient manner for independent retailers, small offices and restaurants, subsequently providing the dependable recording solution upon which such end users rely.

“There’s a growing segment within the commercial community, ranging from corner shops to doctors’ surgeries, that want to embrace security for their premises, but they need products that are inherently trustworthy, easy to operate and budget friendly,” said Julian Inman, product marketing manager for video across the EMEA region at Tyco Security Products.

“With the affordable addition to the Illustra IP camera portfolio and the new Holis NVRs, we’ve struck the right balance between high quality features and a truly affordable price point.”

*For more information visit: www.illustracameras.com

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

Tyco’s Illustra Edge cameras with exacqVision recording software deliver “complete IP solution” for end users

Tyco Security Products has now introduced Illustra Edge, a complete HD video system combining an IP camera, pre-installed exacqVision Edge video management software (VMS) and SD storage in one out-of-the-box solution.

Ideal for smaller installations of up to ten cameras or remote sites where server hardware installations are rendered impractical, the Illustra Edge solution provides an easy and effective means to deploy an HD IP video system without incurring separate server hardware installation and configuration costs as the server software and video storage capability reside on board the camera.

For system set-up, simply mount the camera, connect and start monitoring live and recorded video. Illustra Edge is supplied pre-configured with an included server licence for simple and automatic installation.

For larger applications and enterprise solutions, a simple licence upgrade to exacqVision Edge+ makes this solution expandable to unlimited servers.

With the included exacqVision Edge software, end users have the ability to view live or recorded video from multiple Illustra Edge devices or server-based recorders simultaneously. The included VMS allows users to export video search results, display alarm events on screen and access instant replay of both video and audio events via exacqReplay.

Tyco Security Products’ Illustra camera in detail

Windows, Linux and Mac computers

The exacqVision client software runs on Windows, Linux and Mac computers. Additionally, end users can install the free web service software on a separate PC in order to view video on a web browser, tablet or smart phone.

The Illustra Edge recording solution offers high reliability as there is no single point of server failure. If one camera fails, the others will continue to stream and record video. The camera-to-server traffic is internal and not on the customer’s network, thus yielding low overall network traffic.

“This is a complete solution for end user customers looking to create their own video surveillance solution without the added costs of servers and complex installation,” said Julian Inman (video product marketing manager for the EMEA at Tyco Security Products).

“Whether it’s a small business or retail store, or an end user who needs to supplement their enterprise system because of a remote location or intermittent wireless coverage, the Illustra Edge solution can be deployed to fit their needs.”

Illustra Edge is available in three camera models: the Illustra Pro 5 Megapixel Fisheye, the Illustra Pro 2 Megapixel Compact Mini-Dome and the Illustra Pro 2 Megapixel Compact Mini-Bullet. The Illustra Edge Fisheye camera boasts in-camera de-warping offering real-time 180º/360º panoramic views or a quad view delivering four independent ‘Quad’ 4×3 normalised video streams. Its 5 Megapixel capacity affords this camera solution the power of two-to-four cameras for many indoor applications.

The Compact Mini-Dome and Mini-Bullet offer end users HD video with a wide field of view, IR illumination and wide dynamic range. Although discreet, these versatile cameras are equipped with multiple viewing angles including corridor mode, making them highly useful for hallways, aisles and alleyways.

*For more information about Illustra and the new Edge solutions line visit: www.illustracameras.com

Norbain showcases new Pelco Optera camera series at IFSEC International 2015

Norbain has announced that Pelco will be showcasing its new Optera Series ‘panomersive’ cameras at IFSEC International 2015. These high resolution cameras with panoramic viewing and SureVision 2.0 Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) “bring a new dimension” to CCTV, and can be seen at London’s ExCeL on the Pelco Stand (D800).

The Optera Series cameras seamlessly blend high quality images from four 3 Megapixel cameras mounted within the same housing. An ultra-HD panomersive video stream of an entire scene is produced while the cameras simultaneously render detailed, immersive video streams of multiple areas of interest within the scene.

Each video stream is processed separately by Pelco’s VideoXpert video management software (VMS) and other compatible, integrated VMS solutions.

The Optera Series cameras have been developed by Pelco

The panomersive video stream is up to 12 Megapixels at 12.5 frames per second in full resolution. SureVision 2.0 WDR, anti-bloom technology, 3D noise filtering and advanced tone mapping all help to deliver exceptional image quality in low light, high-contrast scenes, day and night. Privacy settings and zones are also built-in.

The Optera Series cameras integrate with Pelco VideoXpert VMS and Pelco Digital Sentry systems. Integration with major third party VMS solutions is enabled using the Pelco API, Panomersive SDK and ONVIF standard as well as client-side de-warping.

Pelco video analytics is applied across the Optera Series’ wide field of view and includes abandoned object, adaptive motion detection, camera sabotage, directional motion, loitering detection, object counting, removed object and stopped vehicle.

Axis Communications introduces Zipstream compression technology for end users

Axis Comunications has launched its Zipstream compression technology, developed specifically for video surveillance applications. This new technology reduces bandwidth and storage requirements by an average of 50% or more without the need for end users having to invest in new cameras or software. In addition, Zipstream is fully compatible with the widely adopted H.264 compression standard.

In use, Zipstream analyses and optimises the 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 for optimal use of available bandwidth and storage. This allows important forensic details like faces, tattoos or license plates to be isolated and preserved.

Irrelevant areas such as white walls, lawns and vegetation are sacrificed by ‘smoothing’ in order to achieve the better storage savings.

The new Zipstream security solution from Axis Communications

End user customers can deploy Axis’ Zipstream technology alongside other Axis Communications network camera technologies such as Lightfinder  and Wide Dynamic Range – Forensic Capture. Zipstream will also work with third party video management software installations already in place.

Axis Communications is making its Zipstream technology available on the existing network camera models Axis Q1615 and Axis Q1635 and also in the Axis Q35 Series via firmware updates.

New fixed network cameras and fixed dome network cameras due for release this year will also include the new Zipstream technology.

*Zipstream is now available through distributor Norbain