• CCTV

    Widening the net
    Sanyo has launched an IP network camera and server enabling users to increase their use of computer networks by allowing CCTV images to be transmitted on it.

    The VCC-WB200P network camera accepts a standard CS Mount lens and gives up to 30 fps at 640x480 pixels in JPEG format. It can store 16 Mbytes of pre/post alarm images, and a PCMCIA slot allows an additional alarm buffer memory and optional wireless LAN. It also has motion detection, an alarm input/output terminal and RJ484 or RS232 control.

    Images can be distributed from standard CCTV around a LAN network via the VSP-SV2000P network server. It delivers high quality pictures to any PC when used with any of Sanyo's 520TVL resolution cameras.

    Up to 16 users can gain access to the system which has four composite video inputs and loop through outputs, giving up to 30 fps at 640x480 pixels with JPEG compression. It also has four alarm inputs and two alarm outputs, pre and post alarm image buffer memory, back-up flash card in the event of a LAN failure, and gives RS485 equipment control over the IP network. Like Sanyo's IP network camera, it also includes a PCMCIA slot for additional alarm buffer memory and optional wireless LAN.

    An edge on Advantage
    Petards Vision has added extra functionality to its control room software with the Advantage.IP. It allows viewing, monitoring and recording of live video from a combination of up to 14 IP and/or standard analogue cameras using IP video servers.

    Users can control traditional pan, tilt and zoom functions as well as digitally simulate camera PTZ functionality on fixed camera images. Advantage.IP's advanced video processing automatically detects motion, colour and even video images. For instance, the system can be triggered by a change in brightness, if an intruder uses a torch. The triggered event can be set to start video recording, which is automatically tagged for easy retrieval, as well as generating an e-mail at the same time.

    Other enhancements include file management storage making effective use of disk space, unlimited camera icons on maps, as well as alarm inputs from camera and other output controls.

    Topping Baxall's range
    Baxall Ltd's new dual filter day/night camera range is said to be the most advanced, commercially viable top camera range in the CCTV market and is aimed at system designers and consultants who deal with highly complex installations.

    The CDH range includes a number of unique features including a switchable optical filter that stops IR light reaching the camera sensor during day use for correct colour rendition, being replaced during night time use with one that allows IR to pass through ensuring maximum IR sensitivity. It also has a motorised back focus coupled with remote set-up, allowing the installer to control and configure installations from the control room.

    With on-screen, menu driven, set-up and four user definable groups, peak white inversion, auto black level, advanced back light compensation, full colour genlock and high sensitivity EXview CCDs, the cameras also have all features common on conventional CCTV cameras. The 'intelligent' CDH range also covers basic entry level cameras for price sensitive installations through to general purpose cameras with a choice of features.

    Advanced searching
    Alarmcom has introduced an event-driven image recording and management system featuring an 'easy search' function enabling users to automatically review images from up to 16 CCTV cameras.

    The VDR is aimed at the leisure, retail and commercial sectors, and has a 'click and drag' selection box to highlight areas that users want to check for activity.

    The VDR is available as a basic starter kit. It includes four cameras and a monitor and is a plug and play device. Images can be exported via a built-in CD writer or to remote users via LAN/WAN connectivity or ISDN dial-in. Options include four, eight and 16 camera models.

    A colour coded time and date bar makes supervision of activity easier, and the user has a variety of viewing options such as zoom, full screen, quad and multiscreen.

    Privacy ensured
    Bewator's RX3 telemetry receiver, which allows users to designate privacy zones in public CCTV systems, has been designed with ease of installation as a top priority. Each terminal is clearly marked for individual functions with five separate neutral connection points.

    The company says it designed the product to ensure lengthy training sessions were not required for either installers or end users to make full use of the receiver's benefits.

    With increasing requirements for privacy zones in public area CCTV systems, the RX3 is able to allow the size and shape of the required privacy zone to be automatically adjusted to compensate for any changes in the camera and zoom angle.

    Operators simply follow an on-screen menu driving privacy zone functions. Users can also alter the degree of opacity in the designated masked-out zone.

    Alarm sent via LAN
    Available from CBC (Europe), the IP COM network video transmits video, audio and control data via an ethernet LAN.

    Working as a web server, it is equipped with HTML pages which can be read with every standard browser and can be modified individually on request.

    After being called – by, for instance, a computer with installed web browser – the IP COM transmits live video pictures to the remote device.

    In the case of an alarm, the IP COM sends an e-mail with an attached alarm picture to a previously determined office. Ring recording mode allows alarm verification with pre-alarm recordings.

    The one-channel IPCom1 has one video input and one monitor output and can be delivered with optional audio function and hard disk.

    All IP Com devices have a serial RS232 interface for control of peripheral devices (e.g. dome camera systems or pan-and-tilt heads) and are equipped with relay inputs and outputs for external devices.

    Versatile recorder
    Philips CSI's new DIVAR range comprises a family of digital versatile recorders.

    The top of the range DIVAR model is a complete standalone 16 channel digital video recorder with integrated multiplexer and switcher. It also includes smaller 9 and 6 channel versions.

    All models have extensive alarm handling, search and playback capabilities and include telemetry for controlling PTZ cameras. DIVAR can also be connected via a network or the Internet for remote viewing, playback and configuration.

    Up to 16 DIVAR units can be man-aged as a single integrated CCTV system with up to 256 cameras being controlled by a single operator.

    The full-colour duplex recording system has three recording modes with overwrite protection of marked video to prevent the loss of evident-ial material. It also includes user definable motion detection, with alarms being coded for instant recall.

    Desktop switchers
    Baxall has launched the DVS range of desk video switchers for manual and automatic sequential video switching. There are five models in the DVS range offering a choice of four or eight camera inputs and one or two independent monitor outputs.

    The DVS switchers' features include programmable camera titling and positioning options, user definable camera sequencing, variable dwell per camera, and a VCR keylock function to prevent accidental use of the DVS keypad when used in conjunction with a VCR. The DVS2 models also support alarm functionality.

    The switchers can also be wall-mounted to save space and come in an attractive casing. A multi-lingual version will be launched later in the year.

    Time and date generators
    M&P Electronics has upgraded its Time & Date generator for use with one to four camera installations. Two lines of text are available with a total of 56 characters. The time is displayed in an xx:xx:xx format with the addition of GMT, if required, to prevent the need to change to BST, while the date is displayed as two numbers for the day, followed by three letters indicating the month, and four number year. There are six different positions for the time, date and title, which are selected by on-screen programming.

    The generator has a high quality DS/PTH circuit board and accepts PAL or NTSC signals. Three models are available. The OEM Module CDP 22 is a fully functional circuit board with dimensions of 73x48x25mm. The Model DCP42 is an upgrade of the DCP32 with three external connecting sockets.

    Low cost filter
    3M is offering a simple, low cost solu-tion to help CCTV companies comply with the Data Protection Act.

    Its Privacy Filters have a special patented microlouvre film that allows only the person sitting directly in front of the monitor to see the images or data displayed.

    3M Privacy Filters come in a range of sizes to fit CRT monitors and LCD flat panels, as well as laptops. They are said to virtually eliminate glare and reflections, helping to prevent eye strain and improve screen contrast, aiding compliance with UK Health and Safety regulations as well as the DP Act.

    Virtually noiseless ptz
    Sony has launched its second network camera incorporating a built-in IP server and integrated ptz capability.

    The SNC-RZ30P Video Network PTZ camera gives remote ptz control, direct connection to any LAN, and is the first IP camera that can stream up full motion video (25 frames per second) of high quality colour images at VGA (640x480) resolution. Pictures can be viewed via a standard web browser.

    The SNC-RZ30P's direct drive pan-tilt mechanism is virtually noiseless, and the auto focus lens offers a large 25x optical zoom ratio with day/night function.

    It supports both ceiling and desktop mount, with an image stabiliser ensuring a steady shot at all times. An embedded motion detector or sensor input and 16 programmable pre-set positions offer alarm/event handling.

    The camera also has a PCMCIA type II slot to extend its local image memory by adding an optional PC card with memory stick. A transparent RS-485/232C serial interface gives control of other peripheral devices.

    Cabling solution
    Cablenet has launched the HomeMaster cabling solution for homes and apartments, which gives all the IT benefits of multi-computer points, digital and satellite television, digital radio, CCTV and multiple telephone points.

    There is a HomeMaster Mini Cabinet (320wx320hx85d) for two to three bedroom houses, flats and apartments, and a HomeMaster Midi Cabinet (320wx445hx85d) for larger four to five bedroom executive homes. Both HomeMaster packages come with full installation and wiring instructions.

    Time lapse alternative
    Videor Technical has introduced a single-channel digital recorder under the eneo brand. The DLR-101/40 is said to be easy to install with a five-language OSD menu allowing users to understand different functions easily. It also has an audio input and head switch function, which supplies an impulse output so that it can control a connected multiplexer.

    The DLR-101/40 records image material on a 40Gbyte removable hard disk, though more memory is promised later with a 120Gbyte hard disk. Images can also be stored and archived on an external hard disk.

    The DLR-101/40 has a user-friendly jog shuttle and duplex operation with 25fps allowing recorded images to be viewed while recording. A version that includes an Ethernet port – the DLR-101/40NW – is also available as an option.

  • ACCESS

    Split modules
    Impro Access Control has launched the IXP 100 modular series, single door access control system aimed at up to 500 users in small to medium sized residential, commercial and industrial premises.

    It can be configured as a standalone or Windows operated system and has split modules for total security, based on Impro's proven hardware. An extruded aluminium internal controller unit connects to an IP66 external module for tag reading via secure inter-module communication.

    The IXP 100 has a choice of three readers – a hidden tubular reader and two visible metal units (one with keypad for added security). It also has three types of user tag levels – administrator, supervisor and user.

    Other features include a door open sensor, supervisor unlock feature, alarm panel interface for final setting of arm and disarm alarm panels and a real time clock.

    The system also allows an operation time pattern for each day of the week as well as time-stamped transactions that can be coded showing reasons for the transactions.

    Digital panels bar vandals
    BPT Security Systems (UK) Ltd has launched a range of Vandal Resistant Digital Door Entry Panels. The faceplate is manufactured from 2.5mm thick stainless steel, with a bezel mounted on the stainless steel back box, to provide the panel with protection against vandalism. The engraved faceplates show clear instructions and a backlit LCD display has two optional digit sizes.

    The panels are available in a range of options including audio and/or monochrome or colour video, 16 button public telephone style keypad or 20mm vandal resistant buttons. They can be fitted with a proximity reader to combine door entry and electronic access control.

    The installation package includes standard components that can be used with the full range of BPT door entry systems.

    Surveillance gets smart in bad light

    Philips CSI has brought out the Dinion series of digital mid-range monochrome/colour CCTV cameras. Priced attractively and giving easy installation, the Dinion range is also compatible with every type and brand of CCTV equipment giving ‘smart’ operation and superb image quality in varying light conditions. The camera technology has been integrated into a single chip, allowing high end camera performance from a mid-range camera. It also incorporates multiple picture enhancement features to aid detection and improve identification. Its NightSense technology guarantees excellent picture quality regardless of light levels. Low light performance and image integrity is high, since the camera automatically switches to monochrome when it is too dark for colour reproduction, as well as increasing sensitivity by a factor of three. All cameras are supplied pre-configured and ready to operate with a push-button connector for 24V power supplies that ensures connection without special tools. With automatic detection of the type of lens (DC-Iris, manual Iris or video Iris) the camera adjusts itself for optimum operation. An intuitive, on-screen menu system also gives adjustment of various parameters. The Dinion simply plugs in to any type and make of CCTV equipment. The range includes eight different models, four full-colour and four monochrome. It is intended for use mainly as a fixed CCTV indoor camera, although it can operate with pan and tilt mechanisms and zoom lenses, and be fitted externally when protected adequately.

    Compact performer

    Stortech Electronics has a new range of professional CCTV cameras offering superior levels of performance and reliability. The compact cameras join the established Pecan range aimed at a wide range of interior general security applications. The SCS Box cameras are said to be ideal for size critical applications, with the DC model measuring just 50x60x65mm and the AC model measuring 50x60x88mm. Based around a 1/3 inch colour Sony CCD imager, they provide high quality images and incorporate a CS lens mount that can accommodate a variety of lenses, including both DC and video drive auto-iris units. High quality images are obtained in light levels down to 1 lux through a BNC video connector and camera synchronisation offering line-lock options. The cameras also have auto/fixed white balance adjustment, automatic exposure mode and backlight compensation. Delivering a spectral response of 380-660 nm, and a maximum horizontal resolution of 450 TVL, the cameras incorporate an electronic auto-exposure function for non auto-iris applications. The SCS Box range requires a power supply of 12V DC or 24V AC and are suitable for internal use or with an external housing in temperatures between -10 degrees and +55 degrees C. It weighs between 180-350g without the lens.

    Retail theft solution

    To deter casual and professional theft of DVDs and video games, AGI Media Packaging and The Tag Company are marketing an anti-theft device called the Red Tag. The device locks the disc to the case and locks the case shut, securing the EAS label inside. Red Tag prevents thieves from acquiring pristine product and packaging for personal use or resale. Illicit tampering of the protected stock leads to substantial damage to the case and/or the disc. The device is re-usable and applied and disengaged in store using a DeTagger. The Tag Company is partnering with AGI to deliver the Red Tag to the marketplace.