Milestone and Briefcam bring premium forensic analytics to XProtect customers

With the introduction of XProtect Rapid REVIEW, Milestone Systems’ customers will be able to accelerate investigations and find what they are looking for with speed and accuracy. Powered by BriefCam’s video analytics technology, hours of video recordings can now be reviewed in minutes, bringing enhanced decision-making and momentum to any investigation.

Milestone’s XProtect Rapid REVIEW is an intelligent video analytics solution that allows security operators and investigators to efficiently search through hours and hours of video recordings and pinpoint exactly what they’re looking for in minutes.

Powered by the innovative BriefCam video analytics technology, XProtect Rapid REVIEW is an add-on product that’s seamlessly integrated into Milestone’s XProtect Smart Client. The product is supported on all paid XProtect VMS products.

“XProtect Rapid REVIEW is an ideal solution for those Milestone XProtect customers looking to enhance their VMS investment with premium forensic video analytics,” explained Gili Rom, vice-president of strategy and alliances at BriefCam. “Through Milestone and its vast partner ecosystem, BriefCam is thrilled to be able to tap into a segment of the market not currently addressed.”

Bjørn Skou Eilertsen, chief technology officer at Milestone Systems, responded: “Clearly, XProtect Rapid REVIEW is an important tool for our customers to help them speed up their investigation and, in general, work smarter with their VMS. Bringing the best solutions to customers is our key focus.”

Cross-camera video searches

XProtect Rapid REVIEW enables highly accurate, cross-camera video searches and filtering based on an expanding suite of classes, attributes, behaviours and visual layers that help investigators pinpoint people, objects and behaviors of interest.

The VIDEO SYNOPSIS technology gives the operator the ability to visualise objects simultaneously that appeared at different times within the video.

“The launch of XProtect Rapid REVIEW is a strategic partnership to bring video analytics closer to our core product and add further value to our customers’ XProtect investment,” continued Eilertsen.

“We want to enable businesses and Governments to harness the power of data insights, which can then help them to address the scarcity of resources, security threats and other challenges. Sometimes, we may find that the best option is to integrate analytics in XProtect. That said, openness is built into Milestone’s DNA, XProtect remains an Open Platform VMS, and we continue to deliver the video management solutions that best solve customers’ needs through strong partnerships with our technology partners.”

*For further information visit https://www.briefcam.com/

Milestone XProtect VMS update “takes security to next level” with Microsoft encryption

Protecting sensitive data in surveillance systems is key to maintaining video authenticity, personal privacy and adequate cyber security measures. XProtect 2020 R3 from Milestone includes a level of encryption from Microsoft called Cryptography New Generation that adheres to “the highest levels of cyber security and data protection” available on the market today.

XProtect’s new encryption modules include stronger data protection, increased cyber security, evidence authenticity and password-protected configuration. Embedding this encryption also means that XProtect can now be configured to operate in a Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 compliant mode. FIPS is a US Government computer security standard used in all software solutions deployed in US federal agencies and regulated industries such as healthcare and finance.

Security system operators are the eyes and ears of their organisation. When an incident occurs, they’re expected to provide video evidence immediately. This can sometimes be a challenging task, especially so for installations with thousands of cameras recording 24/7.

XProtect 2020 R3 offers a new multi-category search function that makes finding the specific video evidence easier and faster than ever. Multi-category search allows the operator to combine and search across multiple categories such as people, vehicles and location as well as any search agents developed and integrated into XProtect by third party technology partners.

By way of example, operators can narrow their investigation to only contain video sequences that include blue vehicles and males and exclude those that only meet one of them.

Expanded support for 360-degree cameras

XProtect 2020 R3 also offers expanded support for any 360-degree camera that delivers a complete fish-eye view. Most customers will experience significant installation and camera cost reductions and increased situational awareness when deploying these camera types compared to standard surveillance cameras.

The 2020 R3 release contains many more new and improved features and capabilities such as improved video rendering performance in the XProtect Smart Client, adaptive streaming for XProtect Mobile and direct streaming improvements in XProtect Web Client. On the cameras and devices side, XProtect 2020 R3 includes improvements such as increased security without compromising ease-of-use, more freedom to build installations that suit customers’ needs and new Device Packs.

Milestone Systems introduces centralised Search feature in capability enhancement for XProtect

In the latest product update of Milestone XProtect 2019 R3 VMS, Milestone Systems has introduced several new features and capabilities. These include centralised Search, a new driver framework, adaptive streaming and enhanced device password management.

With this product update, Milestone Systems highlights that the business is continuing to pursue ever-higher performing software to fulfil the market’s rising demands for cost-effective video technology solutions.

One of the main features of the 2019 R3 release is Search. This is a new centralised search platform in XProtect Smart Client that makes it possible for end users to search for everything in one place. Previously, end users performed several standalone searches, depending on what data they were searching for. With the new Search tool, users can search for motion, alarms, events, bookmarks and other types of data in one single place enabling rapid and efficient video investigations.

Moreover, the new Search platform also smoothly embeds partner integrations and their powerful analytic capabilities via dedicated filtering options. Through specific plug-ins and devices, search criteria such as line-crossing and object-in-field will be enabled directly in the Search Tab, saving time and increasing efficiency.

Milestone Systems provides customers with support for more than 8,000 cameras and devices. In order to allow XProtect device support to grow exponentially with the number of devices in the market, and to provide support for new types of devices such as the Internet of Things, the company has introduced its Driver Framework. Within the Milestone Integration Platform Software Development Kit, this allows device manufacturers to develop their own drivers and provide faster device compatibility and deeper integration that goes beyond the capabilities of ONVIF.

This new feature will enable end users to receive lower resolution streams from the recording server when a high resolution one isn’t required (for example, when displaying video in the smart client or smart wall in window sizes smaller than a full screen). This will give users smoother viewing and a better user experience, a lower total cost of ownership due to less hardware being needed to decode unnecessary high-resolution video and a better use of bandwidth that can then be employed for other requirements within the organisation.

The new Device Password Management continues XProtect’s focus on ease of use and enhanced cyber security during set-up of new installations, as well as when expanding existing ones. This feature makes it possible for system administrators to manage all devices’ passwords directly from the XProtect Management Client for selected device manufacturers.

In the 2019 R3 update, Milestone Systems has doubled the number of supported device manufacturers and added the option to schedule future password changes according to the cadence in given organisations and their password policies, in turn making device password management fully automatic.

Xellip2’s integration with Milestone VMS affords “seamless control” for end users

Castel’s open protocol Xellip2 IP intercom has been integrated with Milestone’s Xprotect video management system (VMS) to offer “seamless interoperability” between systems.

The ONVIF-compatible Xellip2 features a 1200 x 800 wide-angle HD camera. Sporting a sleek and contemporary design with backlit and flushed nameplates, the Xellip2 has two output relays and two inputs for third party integration. It also features two Ethernet ports (one PoE plus an additional one for serial/bus architecture type and loopback).

Other highlights include echo and noise cancellation, a built-in induction loop for compliance with disability discrimination legislation, audio feedback and call status LEDs, power back-up, a built-in web browser and the ability to record audio and video.

The integration enables all the components of the intercom system – ie camera, microphone, speaker and button – to be monitored and controlled from the Xprotect interface.

The VMS enables users to record video via the event button or via motion detection, record audio, trigger actions via the rule engine (such as the display on a matrix or on Xprotect’s dynamic image wall), send pre-recorded messages to the intercom’s speaker, reassign an alarm and display a flashing icon in the case of detection.

“Interoperability between Castel’s intercom systems and video management systems is now a key demand from our markets, with developments in the latest Xellip2 intercom range offering the perfect answer to this challenge,” explained Atmane Bensghir, business development manager at Castel. “This integration with Milestone’s VMS puts end users firmly in control, enabling them to manage their video entry and security systems using a single interface.”

The easy integration of the Xellip 2, combined with the XProtect access module, enriches the Milestone Smartclient with an integrated intercom client. This module allows the display of a pop-up alert to pinpoint a call made from an intercom.

Milestone Access pop-up notification enables video monitoring at the relevant intercom and two-way audio communication with the intercom directly from the Milestone Smartclient, as well as the opening of a door and association of intercom information with access control data.

*Readers of Risk Xtra who would like to test the Milestone solution can register at www.milestonesys.com and request a partner account for free demonstration licences

Milestone Systems introduces ‘Push-To-Talk’ feature in Mobile Client

In the latest update of Milestone Systems’ XProtect 2019 R1 video management software (VMS), the company has introduced two-way audio in the Mobile Client, enabling end users to speak to people on camera directly from their mobile devices.

The first XProtect release of 2019 extends the usability of the Smart Client and takes it outside the Control Room with support for both one and two-way audio in the Mobile Client. This is beneficial for ‘on-the-go’ security personnel whose tasks require them to be away from the Smart Client on occasion.

One-way audio allows end users to listen to audio captured by the microphone connected to the camera directly from their mobile phones using the Milestone Mobile application. Users can also increase their situational awareness when video isn’t available, such as in extreme darkness or when an incident happens outside of the camera’s viewing range.

Two-way audio takes the audio capability a step further with Push-to-Talk, a feature that allows users to speak through the camera-connected speaker directly from their mobile phones. This enables security personnel to use their VMS systems preventatively for things like access control, crowd warnings and intruder alerts – all available on mobile. 

The 2019 R1 version of XProtect also includes support for two-way audio in the Web Client. Two-way audio allows end users to speak through the camera-connected speaker directly from the Web Client anywhere. This transforms the VMS system into an interactive tool and allows users to respond quickly to access control requests and incident prevention without having to be present in the Control Room or on-premise.

The 2019 R1 version of XProtect takes the system’s resistance against cyber security threats a step forward by encrypting all communication between the recording server and other servers and clients connected to it. This certificate-based encryption requires that all components communicating with the recording server (including third party solutions integrated with the VMS system) follow a strict certification process, guaranteeing the system’s resistance against cyber security threats. This system design provides the end user with the best level of performance encrypted end-to-end.

TDSi partners with Milestone at Integration Expo UK

Integrated security solutions manufacturer TDSi will be appearing as a partner at the Milestone Integration Expo UK, which is being held at the Hilton at St George’s Park Hotel, Burton Upon Trent on Wednesday 19 September.

The Milestone Integration Expo UK provides visitors with a greater insight into the powerful integration of Milestone’s XProtect VMS (Video Management System) solution by a number of complementary security systems, including TDSi’s EXgarde security management software.

Alex Rumsey, director of UK sales at TDSi, commented: “Given that it’s the world’s Number One provider of VMS solutions, we’re proud that Milestone has invited us to partner with them at this event. This is the perfect opportunity for installers, specifiers and end users to view and understand the powerful integration capabilities of using Milestone’s XProtect VMS and our EXgarde solution in order to provide a truly 360-degree view of security management.”

Alex Rumsey of TDSi

The event will feature eight Milestone Partners, all of them providing insights into the flexibility of their integrated security products. Live demonstrations will be held throughout the day from 9.30 am until 4.45 pm, giving visitors the opportunity to attend and participate in as many of these as required.

The Milestone Integration Expo UK is free to attend, but requires registration. Visitors will have access to the newest technologies within access control, video analytics, body-worn cameras, system design and storage optimisation, along with networking opportunities with some of the most successful IP video systems integrators, resellers and distributors in the UK.

Rumsey concluded: “Unlike a general trade show, this is a highly focused event which will provide specific details and assistance for anyone that uses Milestone’s market-leading systems. All of the presentation teams will be there to provide a solid educational forum and to discuss specific applications for the technology in the real world.”

*For further details and to register for Milestone Integration Expo UK visit www.milestonesys.com/events/events-and-webinars/milestone-integration-expo-uk/

360 Vision Technology joins Milestone Systems’ Camera Partner Programme

Enabling the entire 360 Vision Technology camera range to be simply and easily integrated with all Milestone Systems products, 360 Vision Technology has now partnered with Milestone to become a member of the latter’s Camera Partner Programme.

The Milestone Camera Partner Programme is designed to ensure that the leading device manufacturers in the industry can certify that their products are supported by all Milestone VMS software, including XProtect.

Harnessing the advantages of the Milestone Camera Partner Programme, integrators and end users can mix hardware from different manufacturers in order to ensure the optimum functionality for any surveillance installation.

Now, with the announcement of 360 Vision Technology joining the Milestone programme, integrators and end users are be free to specify any HD, thermal, radar or stainless steel camera from the 360 Vision range for safe inclusion within any Milestone-controlled surveillance camera installation.

Designed to deliver advanced situational awareness, identification and alert to activity within any surveillance application, 360 Vision’s range of high-performance cameras are available in a number of integrated technology options – and with integrated infrared and white light LED illuminators – to deliver the perfect 24/7 imaging solution.

Milestone’s VMS software is proven in more than 100,000 installations worldwide. Based on a true open platform, the Milestone Camera Partner Protection Programme ensures the widest choice of cameras can be specified to create ‘Best in Class’ solutions.

“We’re delighted with our inclusion in the Milestone Camera Partner Programme,” enthused Mark Rees, business development director at 360 Vision Technology. “Working with leading companies who are spearheading new developments in the security industry is a natural fit for us. We’re very pleased that new and existing Milestone customers can now benefit from the performance advantages 360 Vision Technology cameras offer, along with Milestone’s scalable video control, recording and management solutions.”

Samsung Techwin open platform WiseNetIII Series cameras integrated with Milestone XProtect VMS

Samsung Techwin’s award-winning open platform WiseNetIII network camera series has been successfully integrated with Milestone XProtect video management software.

Milestone XProtect video management software (VMS) is powerful, reliable, easy-to-use and proven in more than 100,000 installations worldwide. Based on a true open platform, XProtect VMS enables integration with the industry’s widest choice of cameras and ‘Best in Class’ business solutions, such as access control and video analytics.

All of the 1.3, 2 and 3 MP IP network cameras and domes within the WiseNetIII Series have been integrated with Milestone XProtect, including the recently launched SNP-6320. This is the world’s first 2 MP 32x PTZ dome, while the 1.3 MP SNP-5430 can claim to be the world’s first 43x PTZ network video surveillance dome camera with intelligent auto-tracking.

Samsung Techwin’s open platform WiseNetIII DSP chipset recently won the Video Hardware of the Year category at Benchmark Magazine’s 2014 Innovation Awards. The spare processing power and open platform capabilities of the chipset provides end users with complete freedom to choose their perfect combination of on board video analytics, as well as a VMS that best matches the requirements of individual video surveillance projects.

Samsung Techwin’s award-winning open platform WiseNetIII network camera series has been successfully integrated with Milestone’s XProtect video management software

“A key element of our product development strategy is based on the understanding that customers are looking for easy to implement and easy to operate integrated video surveillance solutions,” said Peter Ainsworth, head of product and marketing for Samsung Techwin Europe.

“Integration with independently developed video management software such as Milestone XProtect is essential in order to provide the option for the latest generation of Samsung Techwin WiseNetIII cameras and domes to be controlled and monitored alongside devices and systems produced by other manufacturers, as well as facilitate a gradual transition from an existing analogue system to a full IP network-based surveillance solution.”

Samsung Techwin is a member of the Milestone Systems Camera Partner Programme, in turn enabling a tight collaboration with Milestone for developing new and innovative solutions.