Napolitano gives first State of Homeland Security address

This article originally appeared on www.securitydirectornres.com. We specialize in building all levels of surveillance systems, from home, small business, corporate and government level surveillance. Have questions about building the perfect solution? Give us a call at 1-877-615-7669 or chat with us from 9 am to 5 pm PST

This afternoon, Secretary Napolitano started a new tradition for the Department of Homeland Security. Just days after President Obama gave the annual State of the Union address, Napolitano decided to specifically address the nation’s security position. While DHS remains a nascent agency, it has obviously garnered a lot of attention (and funding) since its inception and I think it’s only appropriate for the public to hear about its progress and future goals.

The theme of the speech was this continued effort of “shared responsibility.” DHS has really been advocating the various roles that everyone, from law enforcement to the public, shares the collective responsibility of securing the homeland.

In case you forgot: “Homeland security starts with hometown security.”

She emphasized that DHS is working with other agencies to ensure that intelligence collected makes its way to the appropriate group of people, whether that be local law enforcement or members of the private sector.

Napolitano made a few big announcements including the formal end to the color-coded threat advisory system. “In its place, we will implement a new system built on a simple and clear premise: When a threat develops that impacts you, the public, we will tell you. We will provide you with whatever information we can so know how protect yourself, your families and your communities,” she said. This new National Terrorism Advisory System “means the days are numbered for automated recordings at airports about the color code system.” Here’s the link to the official DHS announcement.

She also highlighted four areas that DHS will focus on in the coming year:

1. Counter-terrorism efforts. “We’ve worked hard to strengthen and build information-sharing architecture by increasing the capacity of our state’s fusion centers and analytic centers of excellence,” she said. She also discussed the department’s effort to strengthen the global supply chain.

2. Border security and immigration enforcement. She discussed the improvements the government is making to increase technology and personnel to secure our borders. (No mention of the recent announcement to end the SBInet program, though.)

3. Cybersecurity. She discussed continuing to make the infrastructure more resilient to attacks.

4. Improving national preparedness. She touched on the President’s announcement to designate the D Block spectrum for public safety communication and further improving technology and interoperability (Check out a recent SDN article on the topic based on a speech by the former director of FEMA.). She also announced that FEMA will run the largest exercise to date based on a massive earthquake scenario.

Overall, I wouldn’t say there was anything particularly groundbreaking in this speech, but rather Napolitano’s continued effort to encourage everyone to play their part and take national security seriously.

Attikis End-User Surveillance At a Fraction of the Cost - But is it Worth it?

Attikis (in Beta) is a new essentially free way to provide surveillance to your home with an existing alarm system. But instead of paying a monitoring system company $400+ per year to notify you when there is an intruder, Attikis states you only pay when they notify you, and you can be notified via phone call, SMS text or email. For instance if your alarm goes off a mere 5 times per year you would only pay for those 5 instances. Phone call alerts will cost you a very small amount, however email alerts are completely free. 

Learn more about home monitoring and IP surveillance at WebCamProShop.com

Most Americans are cutting different types of home services these days in order cut down on costs in a struggling economy. Although this may seem like an affordable alternative to an actual alarm system, it should be tested in several different scenarios by consumers before jumping to conclusions, hoping that it will work in a time of crisis. 

Learn more about Attikis (and if you test it let us know) at www.attikis.com

Delivering on the Promise of IP

Here's a great article about the revolution of HD network cameras in the growing IP market. This article originally appeared on securityinfowatch.com

By Marek Robinson, Honeywell Security
1-18-2011 12:58 pm

Many will look at 2010 as the year in which the security industry finally began to deliver on the promise of IP the way end users have long expected. And the answer hasn't come in the form of anything too unfamiliar. In fact, the answer is fairly clear, both literally and figuratively: High-definition (HD) cameras. At long last, HD is delivering the value long promised by IP.

As we begin 2011, let's take a step back and look at where we've been. When IP first emerged, the industry was abuzz with how IP cameras were going to immediately revolutionize the industry. The reality was, however, that IP was still expensive, took up a significant amount of bandwidth and there were a limited number of cameras available.

Many end users argue that IP cameras haven't been better than analog, citing high costs and complex installation and support requirements among the commonly-faced challenges. The industry has tried various remedies to address these issues, including looking to more megapixel cameras to meet surveillance needs. This still doesn't, however, provide the type of all-encompassing solution that users seek.

Consider why: While adding more megapixels can increase image quality, this typically only applies to situations in which the lighting is good. So, one might look at a megapixel camera and be satisfied, but that all changes once the lights go out. Adding megapixels also increases the cost of the technology, as well as network requirements -- which drive up costs, too. Add bandwidth and storage issues to the mix, and you're back to where you started.

Hitting the Sweet Spot with HD

That's where HD comes in. Now, we're seeing more HD technologies emerge that hit the sweet spot between standard definition analog cameras and high-end megapixel cameras. HD cameras are providing what many end users are looking for--namely, better picture quality, color saturation and low-light performance at a lower cost of ownership. Costs are typically comparable to analog, and users get three times the resolution level of standard definition. Users also can zoom in after the fact, which is a paramount requirement for most security surveillance settings today, and the cameras themselves do not impact storage capacity any more than analog technology.

The key to making HD video work for an end user is developing a solid platform first, followed by establishing the imaging technology. Most end users want better picture quality so they can capture crisp images of incidents and limit any uncertainty. Megapixel cameras can provide the resolution, but they lack the crisp color and clean image provided by HD technology.

IT directors in particular are embracing these types of cameras because their cost is only marginally more than conventional video graphics array (VGA) systems, and also because of standards and the ability to house HD video technologies on a network. Of course, standards discussions continue to permeate the marketplace, and the HD space is no exception. As the industry moves toward recognized standards, we will see more of a plug-and-play world.

Today's HD cameras are built on open platforms because of this new reality, so integration with other cameras and recording systems is easier and consequently driving adoption. End users don't have to change their platforms to get the benefit of a powerful camera. And housing HD video technologies on the network improves overall performance because bandwidth requirements remain largely the same as those required for analog, while picture quality becomes three or four times better.

Addressing Real Surveillance Challenges

Imagine a bell curve of cameras ideal for different end user needs. HD falls in the middle. Standard definition analog cameras rest at one end, and at the other far end of the curve, you'll find high-end megapixel cameras -- the kind that let you see all the way across a football stadium, for example.

That type of megapixel need belongs to a totally different market than the segment HD best serves. HD technology is ideal for those who want to see more detail in a frame of something like a building or a parking lot. HD's ability to zoom in three times the normal amount gives end users that ability. Again, another key benefit is the technology's ability to maintain the same level of performance in low-lighting situations, like the floor of a casino--one of the lowest lighting environments our customers face. End-user environments like casinos, however, present the surveillance challenges that HD technology can best address.

With HD video cameras, casino surveillance departments can easily monitor gaming tables as if they were looking at them in full daylight--something that can't be done with most megapixel cameras. Other environmental elements like high ceilings with high-mounted cameras make tight camera shots a challenge. However, with the zoom and resolution factors of HD technology, surveillance personnel can view specific details like chips and the numbers on dice, without having to spend more money on storage or invest in network redesign. Overall, no two end users are alike, and casinos are the extreme. But this flexibility makes HD technology a good fit for versatile environments.

Evolving Benefits

The development path for HD is also a compelling factor that will continue to improve the technology's capabilities and, in turn, enhance its appeal as a "sweet spot" technology. Driving this development is the way in which the industry is continuing to embrace technology at the edge. Technology at the edge enables faster processors and chipsets, among other things. This enables capabilities such as analytics at the edge and smart cameras, which further reduce cost of ownership, bandwidth and storage requirements.

As with any technology, challenges will accompany benefits as HD continues to evolve. But IP video technology is here, and new ways of leveraging its promise are coming into focus, thanks to HD. There will always be applications that require much higher resolution, but HD is hitting the sweet spot of high picture quality and low light performance that end users need.

 

Installing the Axis P5534 HD IP Camera into a Dotworkz D2 Camera Enclosures -- A 10 Minute Process

We originally posted this on our WebCam ProShop Knowledge Base. It's a quick guide on installing one of the leading PTZ cameras from Axis into a D2 dome outdoor housing.

Axis P5534 HD network/IP PTZ camera into the Dotworkz D2 outdoor protective dome housing - 10 minute installation guide We have put together this quick installation guide on how to properly install the Axis P5534 HD camera inside the new Dotworkz D2 rugged IP66 camera enclosure, with step-by-step photos and procedures. Be sure to check our pro tips to avoid pit falls and installation mistakes. The Dotworkz housing is great choice for the Axis HD camera for many reasons: it looks great when installed, versatile so you can add wireless or other products safely inside with the camera and best of all it is engineered to protect the camera better then any other product available. The process should take 10 minutes:
All the parts and tools Please read both Axis and Dotworkz manuals before beginning. Photo of hardware and components you will need to have the Axis P5534 installed into the D2 outdoor enclosure system.	Prepare the camera Using the included Axis Torx screw driver unscrew all 8 bottom Torx screws (4 "outside" ones for the main cover plus 4 for smaller cables latch cover).	Remove shroud After unscrewing, remove P5534 camera cover and open smaller cable latch. Set aside the main lower camera shroud as it is not going to be needed.	Connect cables Attach the Dotworkz 5502-491 patch cable that will provide camera power; attach the RG45 connector of a CAT5 Ethernet cable to the camera; Feed both cables out their respective slots.
Reassemble latch cover Securely close the cable latch using the Torx screw driver again.	Install Axis collar Attach the Axis P5534 camera collar to the Dotworkz universal camera mounting plate, making sure to line up correctly and tightening lock washers securely.	Mount the standoffs You will need to use the 1.5 and the 0.75 inches standoffs on the 4 brass inserts on top of the D2 enclosure - DO NOT over tighten or cross thread the standoffs.	Secure camera Twist-lock camera into collar while applying down pressure; line up the diamond mark as in this picture; Secure the camera plate to the standoffs using included 832 pan head screws.
Check camera fit Check camera install by carefully closing the D2 camera hatch and verifying clearance between camera and D2 lens: should be enough space between the clear dome and the camera to move freely.	Using Dotworkz cable Remove the terminal block from Dotworkz 5502-491 cable: you will only use BROWN and RED wires.	Correct poles Connect BROWN wire to (-) negative and RED to (+) positive on the MVP terminal. The BLACK wire is not used so we recommend isolating it with electrical tape.	IP68 Cable glands Run CAT5 cable through existing D2 cable gland; Remove the plug and install an included second cable gland, making sure to seal it tight. Note: if using conduit be sure sealing to avoid water moisture.
External power source Have a qualified electrician connect an external power source to D2 terminal power block. See manual for more details.	Tighten cable glands Make sure to have only one cable per gland and tighten them really shut to completely seal D2 enclosure from the outside.	Close the D2 Close the enclosure and tighten all screws using a philips screw driver. The D2 can be mounted directly to a wall or to a pole mount adapter.	Leave a drip loop Make sure to create a U shape drip loop with the cables to prevent water from pooling and possibily seeping inside.
PRO Tips: The camera uses and comes standard with a proprietary POE (802.3AT) that is not compatible with standard POE 802.3AF. With the AXIS POE you are limited to under 90 meters in total end to end CAT5 cable run Install the camera high enough to prevent camera theft and improve viewing angle. Be sure to install the camera while safely on the ground to avoid acidents. Check everything that is NOT going to be used on this install. For cleaning the outdoor lower lens on the housing be sure to use the DomeWizard™ dome cleaner at www.domecleaner.com

Sony Europe Marketing Manager Explains the Dos and Don'ts When Selecting an IP Camera

This article originally appeared on SourceSecurity.com

Note: To learn more about Sony IP Cameras, check out our selection on webcamproshop.com

IP network-based surveillance cameras offer enticing possibilities. However, you need to evaluate several factors before deciding on the type of IP camera installation you'd like to go for.  For example, do you want full or partial IP? How much bandwidth? Simon Nash, Senior Marketing Manager at Sony Europe explains the entire process. Transition to IP surveillance

Network cameras for IP-based video surveillance systems have been around since 1996. These are attached directly to the network and send video to a network video recorder or to a server equipped with video management software, which stores, displays or broadcasts the images. While it will be another couple of years, according to consultancy and research firm Gartner, before the market favours IP over analogue, IP cameras are considered a fast-growing market; according to IMS Research, the global network video market grew will reach an expected $2.6 billion by 2010.

Experts say the reasons for analogue's continued dominance centre mainly around upgrade costs and a general lack of knowledge about networking technologies in many physical security departments.

Points to consider when opting for a network video surveillance solution

When looking at your options, the first thing you need to consider is whether you should use full or partial IP. You can still get some of the advantages of IP while maintaining your investment in analogue by using video encoders that convert the analogue signal to one that can run over IP. Though this kind of system works well, it is not architected for growth. Full IP installations are more streamlined and efficient and require less maintenance. They're digital from one end to another and are very reliable because there are fewer moving parts. Second, consider if there is enough bandwidth on the corporate backbone.

Because IP-based surveillance places new demands on existing network infrastructures, the physical security department has to work with IT to implement or even choose the best system, which means overcoming a traditional barrier between the two groups. "The best decisions on network design will be made jointly between the two groups", says Jeff Vining, research vice president at Gartner. "For instance, because streaming live video is bandwidth-intensive, it can be too costly to upgrade networks or too difficult to use in situations where there are many users. To optimise bandwidth, you may need to use application delivery controllers and/or wide-area-network optimisation controllers," he says.Evaluation Criteria for a network camera system

The range of features available on network cameras is constantly changing, but here are some basic things to look for, according to analysts.

Field of view: According to Vining, most surveillance applications call for a 240-degree field of view and a zoom capability of 500 feet. For those who need more, there are pan/tilt/ zoom (PTZ) cameras, which can provide 360-degree views. "These cameras can cost more than twice as much as fixed cameras", Vining says, "and normally require more maintenance because of their moving parts."

Bandwidth: "It's a huge issue, especially as demand grows for more cameras on the network and higher-resolution images. You can reduce bandwidth consumption by putting intelligence into the camera," says Simon Harris, senior analyst at IMS Research, so, for instance, only certain images are forwarded. However, that means you're not recording non-events that may supply needed context. "You need to use that selectively," he says.

Power source: The state-of-the-art approach for network cameras is to use power over Ethernet (POE), which means you power the camera through the same wire that sends the IP signal, saving up to $300 per camera. POE is not always available on PTZ cameras, however, because of the amount of power they consume.

Resolution: Many users are moving toward megapixel network cameras, which offer five times the resolution of video graphics array (VGA) cameras. Not only do you get a clearer image, but because of the higher resolution, you can also reduce the number of cameras you need.

Auto filtering: For image clarity in various lighting situations, it's important to get a network camera with adjustable lenses to control the amount of light that is received. This is especially important, Vining says, when a camera is facing east or west. However, he says, some organisations will simply elevate camera mounts and then angle downward to view the horizon rather than incur the additional costs of adjustable lenses.

Open platforms: Look for vendors that comply 100 percent with industry standards, such as in the areas of security (PSIA or ONVIF) and video compression (H.264), Gartner recommends. Also look for open application programming interfaces and multiple supported software applications.

Scalability: Companies with large installations will want the equipment to be compatible with tools that locate, update and monitor the status of the devices and their IP addresses.

Service/support: Make sure the camera vendor or reseller is able to send replacement parts quickly and can readily offer engineering support. Many network camera manufacturers sell indirectly through channel partners, which is common in the IT industry but not in the security industry. This takes some getting used to among traditional security personnel.

Do's and Don'ts

Don't let cost be your guiding light. Most people buy surveillance cameras with cost as their highest priority and effectiveness as the second, which results in grainy, out-of-focus images. There are tools available that help you choose the resolution and lens that fits your needs, based on factors like distance and camera height. Determine what you need to accomplish- whether it's reading a license plate number or simply knowing whether cars are moving through a tunnel.

Do understand the trade-offs to high-quality images. Industry experts advise people to favour a crisper image over smooth motion.

Do consider the benefits of centralising video surveillance

Don't assume everything is mix and match. While many network cameras claim compatibility with many vendors' video management software, some management software is more open than others.

Axis IR Illuminators Coming to P33 Series

Axis announced that the Axis T90C Fixed Dome IR-LED will be available in Q1 of 2011 in a recent newsletter. 

This outdoor-ready illumnator attaches directly to the P33 series outdoor fixed domes, for a compact and easy installation.

The Axis T90C IR-LED is vandal-resistant IP66- and IK10-rated, and can be powered by PoE (IEEE 802.3 af) or 18-56 VDC.

Panasonic IP Bullet Cameras Starting at $229

Check Out our eBlast for the latest in IP Camera technology!

We now offer the Panasonic IP Bullet Cameras, Starting at $229.

Check out the models WV-SP102 and WV-SP105 for more Info

Also Available from Axis Communications:
Axis P1346 HD Fixed Camera- $1999
Axis Q8108-R Mobile NVR - $3439.00

WebCamProShop eBlast Sneak Peak!

Be sure to check your inbox tomorrow morning for our first eBlast of the New Year! We've featured the lastest in Axis IP Camera and NVR technology with the Axis P1346 and Axis M3114-R and Q8108-R for surveillance on commercial and public transportation.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Panduit Uses Dotworkz Housings for Camera Protection

In a recent article in Security Products Magazine, Fredrik Nilsson General Manager of Axis Communications, discussed how Panduit built a remotely-monitored global video surveillance system. Some of the cameras installed were housed in Dotworkz outdoor enclosures.

He notes in his article, "...IPVision turned to Dotworkz Dome enclosures to ensure optimum performance under conditions ranging from harsh Chicago winters to Costa Rica's tropical humidity."

Dotworkz enclosures have a wide range of operational temperatures, ranging from -60 degrees F to 150 degrees F, making them the ideal solution for surveillance projects in extreme environmental locations.

Click here to read the full article.

Dotworkz Releases Compatibility Page for IP Cameras; 100% Compatible with Axis Cameras

Dotworkz Systems has launched a new feature on its website that lists each major IP network camera brand models and its compatibility with the D2, D3 or S-Type outdoor enclosure lines. This compatibility page can be found at www.dotworkz.com/products/compatibility/.

Dotworkz dome and fixed camera enclosures are 100% compatible with Axis Communications network cameras, including PTZs, minidomes and fixed cameras. Other major camera manufacturers Dotworkz enclosures are compatible with include most models of Sony, Canon, Pelco, Bosch, Toshiba, Panasonic, General Electric, JVC, ACTi, Arecont Vision, Mobotix and Cisco IP and analog surveillance cameras.

WebCamProShop sells all models of Dotworkz Outdoor Camera Housings.

The Dotworkz Systems extreme outdoor camera enclosures are designed with several options of environmental units that protect camera hardware and additional components from harsh outdoor weather conditions and a range of temperatures from as high as 145 degrees F to as low as -60 degrees F. Models include: Base (Standard) model for indoor locations, Heater Blower and Heater Blower Solar models for cold and warm temperate climates, Tornado for humid, wet marine locations, Ring of Fire for extreme cold, snowy and icy climates, and COOLDOME for extreme heat, desert and direct sunlight locations.

For more information about Dotworkz outdoor camera housings, visit www.dotworkz.com.

Axis Outdoor IP Camera Systems

Axis Cameras are some of the best in the IP surveillance industry with a number of features that surpass the competition. It's important that you protect your expensive security hardware with quality made enclosures, ensuring that your outdoor security video never goes down.

We've coupled some of the best selling Axis cameras with the 100% Axis Compatible Dotworkz Line of outdoor camera housings. These enclosures are designed for the rigors of outdoor weather conditions and can withstand even the most high traffic and vandal prone areas.

View the Axis -D Series Outdoor Camera Systems:

Axis P5534-D Outdoor IP Camera

Axis Q1755-D Outdoor IP Camera

NEW! Axis P1347-D Outdoor IP Camera

Don't see an Axis Camera model you need? Contact us at 1-877-615-7669 and we'll assist you with a complete outdoor surveillance solution.
Find more Axis Cameras and Outdoor Camera Enclosures at webcamproshop.com