Author: dtaitano

Arecont Vision Guards The Hub Cargo Facilty In Hong Kong

Tecnologie e Servizi // Case Condividi As one of the world’s largest express delivery companies, TNT Express moves 4.7 million parcels, documents and pieces of freight every week to more than 200 countries. TNT Express operates air and road transportation networks in Europe, China, South America, the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. To more efficiently manage shipping operations in the Asia-Pacific area, TNT Express Worldwide (HK) Ltd. in Hong Kong opened a new 70,000-square-foot hub facility. TNT Express Worldwide needed a surveillance system to heighten security efforts at its new hub facility in Hong Kong.   When reviewing video surveillance alternatives, the company prioritized high resolution and superior image quality for identification and incident detection. TNT Express also favored using fewer cameras for greater system efficiency, and had the need to include remote monitoring / camera setting management capabilities. The project ADT Security designed an IP-based networked surveillance system and performed the installation for TNT Express as part of new construction. According to Tyn van Amelsfoort, regional security support manager at TNT Express Worldwide (HK) Ltd., TNT Express had evaluated several megapixel cameras related to another project with ADT Security, enabling a quick decision to go with Arecont Vision for the new facility.  Willie Hong, Senior Sales Engineer of ADT Hong Kong Limited, said TNT Express chose Arecont Vision megapixel IP cameras for their outstanding resolution and as a means to “future-proof” the system for future expansion. Arecont Vision’s 5-megapixel (MP) AV5115DN MegaVideo® Compact cameras are installed at high […]

Pines Cop Accused Of Stealing Pricey Watch After Jewelry Store

Kevin Burgs (Source: Broward Sheriff’s Office) PEMBROKE PINES (CBSMiami) – Security cameras at a Pembroke Pines jewelry store captured not one but two burglaries this week, the second one caught a police officer stealing a expensive watch during the investigation of the first burglary, according to police. During the investigation of a burglary at Jared’s the Galleria of Jewelry on Pines Boulevard, the Pembroke Pines Police Department learned that Officer Kevin Burgs, 36, took a watch valued at $795.00 from the store, according to a statement from the department. The reported theft was captured on the store’s surveillance video cameras. Burgs was arrested Thursday and charged with Grand Theft. Burgs, a nine year veteran of the Pembroke Pines Police Department, has been placed on suspension with pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Police were called to the store Wednesday morning after a couple of cat burglars broke into the store overnight and got away with $75-thousand worth of jewelry. The two burglars got into the store by cutting a hole in the roof. Once inside, they smashed the glass cases and grabbed the high-priced goods. A roofer who patched the hole said this was not a haphazard job. ”They had to bring a battery powered saw up there. They knew there was going to be corrugated metal, they knew how to cut it, like they cut it perfectly square,” explained roofer William Natale. Police said the crooks were dressed in all black and wore masks.  In surveillance […]

Cisco And AGT Form ‘Smart City’ Global Alliance To Transform How Cities Are Managed And Secured

SAN JOSE, CA–(Marketwired – Feb 5, 2014) – Cisco ( NASDAQ : CSCO ), the worldwide leader in IT, and AGT International, a global leader in city solutions, today announced a Smart City Global Strategic Alliance that will deliver the promise of the Internet of Everything (IoE) through edge analytics and cloud technologies that dramatically change the way cities are managed and safeguarded. The combination of intelligent networking, virtualized computing and video management software from Cisco and smart city software platform, sensor gateway and analytics from AGT will provide cost-effective and efficient delivery of services that enhance the daily lives of citizens and improve urban services — from transportation and healthcare to utilities infrastructure and disaster preparedness and personal safety. Wim Elfrink, executive vice president, Industry Solutions and Chief Globalisation Officer, Cisco, said : "Today, 99 percent of the physical world is not connected to the Internet. However, cities are the epicenter of the Internet of Everything, where people, things, data and processes can be connected to deliver new and amazing value. Think about the possibilities. It is a vision we can realize today through the unique combination of Cisco’s unparalleled networking and computing technology and AGT’s cutting-edge smart cities platform. With its recognized leadership in software and analytical solutions that improve everyday life, AGT is an ideal partner to transform city management." Mati Kochavi, CEO, AGT, said : "The Cisco and AGT alliance brings a holistic view of urban ecosystems, which are being challenged by dramatic growth and […]

Video Surveillance For Construction Sites

If you are a construction site owner then you are likely to understand the specific set of issues related to construction business. There are bound to be solutions specific to this industry & the range of issues could include theft of raw material like compressors, tools, generators, wires, lumber, fixtures, copper pipes, steel etc., vandalism, union issues, accidents, planned notoriety and more. The ease of stealing unprotected material that sells or re-sells at good value is the encouraging factor. People in surroundings do not smell the rat if the material is being loaded onto a ferry vehicle. To take charge, it is advisable to install a video surveillance for construction site that could act as round the clock vigilance eye, roving to each corner of the facility and recording anything that should not have been there. This statement holds true multifold if you have many sites under construction simultaneously. Having one plan for construction site video surveillance not only is advantageous but is easy to manage. Features of a good video surveillance system are: Easy installation: A moment’s notice is what it takes to deploy the system anywhere and anytime at the site. Video system is self sustaining: Construction site security camera system is self sustaining for the want of power, security, communications and video quality. Motion detection and video recording: The camera takes perfect videos even during motion, and saves it marked with date and time for easy reference, storage and viewing. Remote accessibility to video: Due to […]

Security Scans May Mean Delays At Military Gates

Naval Station Mayport is adding an additional Security measure to its gates and it may be an initial delay to getting on the base. The Navy Access Control Management System (NACMS) Handheld Scanners have been re-issued to Naval Station Mayport for use at the station’s Entry Control Points (ECP’s), such as the main gate at Mayport Road and Gate 5, off of SRA1A. The scanners have the added capability to scan, read and authenticate DoD Common Access Cards (CAC), DoD Retired Military IDs, and DoD Dependents IDs, along with RAPIDGate credentials. Initial scanning of an ID Card or RAPIDGate credential may take 15-20 seconds to complete, however, once an ID Card or RAPIDGate credential is scanned, all scans afterwards should only take around 5 seconds to complete. To reduce traffic back-ups and delays, personnel are asked to plan an extra 15-20 minutes in their morning commute during the next 3 to 4 weeks while the scanners work to effectively scan each and every credential and ID card.

WavestoreUSA Releases Latest Version Of Its Video Management Software: V5.42

Published on 5 Feb, 2014 WavestoreUSA, a provider of professional digital video and audio recording solutions for video surveillance applications, recently announced the availability of the newest version of its video management software, V5.42. This release delivers new functionality, further empowering organisations to achieve higher levels of awareness and quicker response using a streamlined software platform. The highly integrated software suite dramatically facilitates operator workflow, saves time, reduces costs and significantly simplifies system management and operation, providing users with the confidence and flexibility to ensure a safe environment. Surveillance users can leverage a new Quickfind timeline slider to easily access valuable video data for investigations. One of the key benefits of the Wavestore VMS is customisable camera layouts that allow video images to be configured and displayed in a large variety of sizes, formats and positions. Flexible to support a range of camera resolutions, the client software provides the option to switch from a traditional layout (i.e. 2×2, 3×3 or 4×4) to a free-form structure that enables each operator to configure their own favourite camera layouts and save them. V5.42 provides the ability at logon to recall the last layout viewed or one of the saved layouts automatically by user.  V5.42 is ONVIF Profile S conformant and additional options are now supported, including event streams and auxiliary output controls. The updated version of V5 also includes support for MOBOTIX audio talkback (bi-directional audio), customised camera drivers for Oncam Grandeye Evolution devices and enhanced optimisation for Arecont Vision cameras. "Customers […]

Avigilon Promotes Engineering Leader And Expands Executive Team With Seasoned Experts In Key Departments

VANCOUVER, Feb. 5, 2014 /CNW/ – Avigilon Corporation ("Avigilon") (TSX:AVO), a leader in end-to-end surveillance solutions, today announced the promotion of Danny Kam to executive vice president of engineering and the expansion of Avigilon’s executive team to include: Joel Schuster, vice president of legal and corporate secretary; Terry Neely, senior vice president of emerging technology; and Angela Baldonero, vice president of people, formerly known as the human resources department. "With the expansion of our executive team, we will continue to deliver excellent results through strong leadership and innovation," said Alexander Fernandes, founder, president, CEO and chairman of the board of Avigilon. "I congratulate Danny on his new position and welcome Joel, Terry and Angela to the team. With their leadership, we will continue to make great strides in the industry." Mr. Kam, Mr. Schuster, Mr. Neely and Ms. Baldonero will report directly to Mr. Fernandes. Danny Kam, executive vice president of engineering Since joining Avigilon in January 2013, Mr. Kam has been instrumental in the successful execution of Avigilon’s product roadmap and the expansion and development of its engineering team to support the company’s global growth. Highlights of projects completed under Mr. Kam’s leadership include: the launch the Avigilon Control Center 5.0 software , Avigilon’s high-definition cameras with LightCatcher technology , and the HD Micro Dome camera. Over the past year, Mr. Kam doubled the number of employees within the engineering department at Avigilon, implementing an effective and scalable structure with dedicated teams to support product innovation. Joel Schuster, […]

ipConfigure Enters Video Surveillance Server Market

ipConfigure has announced its formal entrance into the video surveillance appliance and server market with SteelFin. Built exclusively for surveillance applications, SteelFin offers a range of configurations supporting entry-level to enterprise applications. (PRWEB) February 05, 2014 Designed to meet the high-availability requirements of video management software (VMS), SteelFin provides appliance and server solutions compatible with all major VMS manufacturers and protected by a three year hardware warranty. When bundled with ipConfigure’s Enterprise Surveillance Manager VMS, ipConfigure offers two additional years of complimentary software support and upgrades at no additional cost. Four SteelFin hardware classes are available to support a wide range of video surveillance installation profiles. The SteelFin Tiger Server line offers a small-footprint appliance supporting small business surveillance applications. With dimensions of 7.5” x 6.5” x 1.7” and a weight of 2.75 lbs., SteelFin Tiger Servers are a slim but powerful platform offering the quality and performance necessary to meet the processing and storage requirements of high quality surveillance applications in a robust, versatile chassis. SteelFin Reef Servers are designed for entry-level IP video surveillance systems. Available as a tower, 2U or 4U rack-mountable IP server, the SteelFin Reef Server offers ample memory and enhanced processing without compromising on quality or reliability. Equipped with an Intel i5 or i7 processor, the Reef delivers high performance processing with Intel’s latest Turbo Boost technology. With enterprise surveillance drives, the SteelFin Reef Server line is optimized for high-volume, long-term data storage. The SteelFin Mako Server line delivers outstanding speed and reliability […]

New York Tests Video Analytics For Foot Traffic

GCN LOGO Emerging Tech Blog archive New York tests video analytics for foot traffic Think of it as a benign Big Brother. New York City is testing a new application that analyzes video streams of the city’s streets to glean data about pedestrian traffic patterns. Data showing the flow of people can offer several advantages, say city planning officials, from helping small businesses scout new locations to enabling the sanitation department to anticipate demand for trash pick-ups.  "Our goal is to build a real-time data layer about what is happening in the physical world, where people are, by analyzing existing video feeds and using computer vision algorithms on them," said Alexandre Winter, CEO and founder of Placemeter, the company that is providing the pedestrian data to the city.  According to Lindsay Mollineaux, a quantitative analyst with the city’s Office of Data Analytics, "We had great city data on business conditions and demographics, but the one thing we really wanted were really granular, neighborhood pedestrian foot-traffic patterns." The city currently uses the pedestrian traffic data primarily to aid those interested in opening small business to determine the most promising location.  But there are many other potential applications.   "The Department of Sanitation has expressed interest in exploring further," said Nick O’Brien, chief of staff of the Office of Data Analytics.  "If they know there’s going to be more activity in an area they can be sure to get somebody out there to clear the trash bins so they don’t overflow." […]

Russia?s Olympic Wall Of Security Surrounds

Russia’s Olympic wall of security surrounds Sochi Quotation from BBC News, Sochi As you drive towards Sochi along the road, you have to go through a huge concrete checkpoint in the tiny hamlet of Magri, around 60 miles (100 km) short of the city centre. For the duration of the Winter Olympics only vehicles registered in Sochi – and those with special permission – are being allowed through the checkpoint. We watched as every bus, truck and car was thoroughly searched by police officers with sniffer dogs. The checkpoint is being overseen by Russia’s internal security service, the FSB. Apart from the road, and the single railway line, Sochi is effectively cut off from the outside world. It is a long coastal strip bordered by the Caucasus Mountains to the north-east and the Black Sea to the south-west. The border crossing to Abkhazia – a region of Georgia which has declared independence – is shut to vehicles for the duration of the Games. In the sea off the Olympic Park we spotted high-speed naval boats and a mysterious ship bristling with communications masts. Named “Seliger”, it was commissioned in December 2012 and was described at the time as a “deep-sea research vessel”. The mountains are being guarded by the Russian army. The Olympics are split between the “coastal cluster” of ice rinks by the Black Sea in the Sochi suburb of Adler, and the “mountain cluster” of skiing and sliding events at Krasnaya Polyana. All along the road between […]

Bosch Gets Milestone Systems Elite Partner Status

The Danish IP video management software (VMS) company Milestone Systems, has made Bosch Security Systems an Elite Partner in the Milestone Alliance Partner program (MAP). Christian Bohn, Milestone Systems VP Corporate Marketing & Alliances, says: “Our Elite program is the highest partnership level we offer in the MAP program. It represents a partner’s total commitment to achieving maximum return on investment for its customers through superior camera technology and a focus on long-term customer satisfaction with camera solutions integrated to Milestone products. Milestone Channel Partners and customers now gain the advantage of the deepest relationship between Bosch Security Systems and Milestone.” The companies say that they have put in a dedicated and targeted effort on mutual technical and commercial engagement. Milestone says it will provide even deeper integration for Bosch Security Systems’ cameras with support from the XProtect software. And Rudolf Spielberger, Head of the Bosch Integration Partner Program, says: “Our video technology focus is to deliver superior intelligence and analytics, highest quality of video images, most efficient data rates, with lowest storage requirements. And now, through this strengthened partnership with Milestone, we will bring even more unique and relevant cutting-edge features to customers – offering them new integration possibilities.”

Super Bowl XLVIII Gets Super-Sized Security With Mobile Pro Systems And Fluidmesh

One of the finest features of this security program is that it’s instant; it uses radio frequency to talk to one another. No wiring is essential to connect each of the parts. Sensors for Apartments: By having an home security system installed to protect your residence consider installing motion sensors. There are two forms of detectors for sale in best home security system . The initial are motion detectors which are an excellent protection choice for apartments. The 2nd form of devices would be the PIR techniques. PIR stands for passive infrared detection. PIR program monitors any visitor’s existence. In addition they help identify all moves occurring in the apartment. PIR systems are instant and easy to install. What is the one oldest safety device? Well, it is very flexible. It can be carried on you all the time, it can be used to protect your individual physique, and it can be used to protect your house! It’s your fists! A method that causes a call for the homeowner or business owners cellular phone first. If theres no remedy it goes to the house telephone. If theres no remedy it visits law enforcement. Situations can turn life-threatening, even scarier. Our neighbors, who were my partners cousins, were murdered in a botched robbery, once I lived in another part of their state. The thieves assumed no body was home and that the house wouldbe a straightforward job. The 2 men broke in to the house one Saturday morning, and these […]

9/11 Conspiracy Theorist Snuck Past Super Bowl Security To Interrupt Postgame Show

The NFL’s layers of security at Super Bowl XLVIII proved vulnerable to an expired festival pass and some social engineering. During MVP Malcolm Smith’s postgame appearance, independent journalist and conspiracy theorist Matthew Mills rushed the stage and grabbed the microphone, exhorting viewers to investigate the truth about 9/11. Mills wasn’t just hijacking a press conference, though: he had infiltrated a stadium that law enforcement hoped would be all but impenetrable. Before the event, police and the FBI had set up multiple layers of security in an attempt to identify potential terrorists, mixing plainclothes agents into the crowd and setting up hundreds of temporary security cameras in Midtown Manhattan to catch suspicious activity… Continue reading… via The Verge – All Posts http://ift.tt/1dYlJLT

Florida Lawmakers To Consider Banning Biometrics In Schools

TALLAHASSEE — Polk County parents were apoplectic last year when they discovered the school district had been scanning the irises of students’ eyes without parental permission. The controversial practice might soon be banned. On Tuesday, state lawmakers will take up a proposal that would prohibit school districts from collecting biometric information, including the characteristics of fingerprints, hands, eyes and the voice. It would affect the Pinellas County school district, which allows schools to scan the palms of students’ hands instead of accepting cash in the cafeteria, and school systems that use fingerprint scanners. “We’ve been able to get kids through a lunch line for decades,” said state Sen. Dorothy Hukill, a Port Orange Republican who brought the idea to the Florida Senate. “Why do we need to take their biometric information when we know there is the potential for identity theft?” But the idea may meet resistance from local school boards, some of which want the flexibility to create their own policies. “Biometrics is coming,” said Miami-Dade School Board member Raquel Regalado, who spearheaded an effort to create a local biometrics policy this month. “It exists in the market. It will exist in our schools. It may end up being a viable way to ensure there isn’t fraud.” Broward school officials said there is no district-wide use of biometrics. The measure being considered by the Florida Legislature is part of a larger bill meant to address concerns over student data security. For years, Florida schools have used student achievement […]

Milestone At Intersec 2014 – The Numbers Have It

Milestone Systems, the Danish IP video management software (VMS) company, showcased its XProtect products at Intersec 2014, in Dubai. Nine Milestone Solution Partners were also exhibiting in the booth to present integrations based on Milestone software. This event showcase and local presence in the Middle East/Africa (MEA) region gave Milestone more than 19,067 visitor impressions and 3,520 visits at Intersec 2014. These numbers where measured using video analytics, where a certified Milestone Solution Partner, NetApp, had an application that captured the number of Intersec visitors passing and their age, gender and interest level in the company stand. The total number of visitors to Intersec 2014 was 24,853, meaning the firm says that it has documented a huge visitor imprint that confirms the region’s growth in interest for video-enabled solutions. Video analytics are a focus area for the firm and four of the nine Milestone Solution Partners present showed video analytics. The number of third-party integrations is now in the hundreds. Video analytics provide a tool for use in security systems, and for business applications, for example in retail and as a part of ‘smart buildings’. Peter Biltsted, Sales Director, Middle East and Africa, for Milestone Systems says: “It was a very successful Intersec 2014 for Milestone and our partners. In particular, the huge interest shown by visitors, who came from the entire MEA region, is a clear indication that the market is accelerating. We can build on this positive response to further leverage our open platform strategy and dedicated […]

Law Enforcement Of The Future: Body Cams, Data Mining, And GPS

A whole raft of new technologies are making their way into police departments around the nation. If there wasn’t much profit in being a criminal before, there will be notably less by 2025, when all of these new technologies are fully deployed. So what does the police force of the future look like? Read on to see some of the new tools being tried out right now, in cities around the nation. Body Cams These will take two forms, primarily. First, Police departments around the country are running pilot programs with Google Glass and related gadgets, and second, they’re looking at tiny “lapel cams” that would allow for safer pursuit of fleeing suspects. Other advantages of such body cameras include: • Increased accountability for officers and departments • Providing real-time video evidence of interactions with the public • Such devices could allow officers and emergency responders to access live information feeds as they engage or pursue suspects on city streets or inside buildings “The camera within the device could potentially capture the facial images of persons of interest or suspects and run these images against databases of known felons, repeat offenders, wanted or missing persons,” Daly told FoxNews.com. Data Mining and Automation One key advantage law enforcement will see from these various technologies is that it will enhance their ability to respond to emergencies with decreasing resources, according to “American Policing in 2022: Essays on the Future of a Profession,” a Department of Justice collection of ideas on the […]

The Challenging Future Of American’s Privacy

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/02/technology/when-no-one-is-just-a-face-in-the-crowd.html?_r=1 Fitbit, Nike, and Garmin could sell your personal fitness data without your permission: Fitness-minded Americans have started wearing sporty wrist-band devices that track tons of data: Weight, mile splits, steps taken per day, sleep quality, sexual activity , calories burned—sometimes, even GPS location . People use this data to keep track of their health, and are able send the information to various websites and apps. But this sensitive, personal data could end up in the hands of corporations looking to target these users with advertising, get credit ratings, or determine insurance rates. In other words, that device could start spying on you—and the Federal Trade Commission is worried.  "Health data from [a woman’s] connected device, may be collected and then sold to data brokers and other companies she does not know exist," Jessica Rich, director of the Bureau for Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission, said in a speech on Tuesday for  Data Privacy Day . "These companies could use her information to market other products and services to her; make decisions about her eligibility for credit, employment, or insurance; and share with yet other companies. And many of these companies may not maintain reasonable safeguards to protect the data they maintain about her." Several major US-based fitness device companies contacted by Mother Jones —Fitbit, Garmin, and Nike—say they don’t sell personally identifiable information collected from fitness devices. But privacy advocates warn that the policies of these firms could allow them to sell data. When you buy one of these bracelets or clip-on devices, you have […]

High-Tech ?Peeping Toms? Spy On Women, Children

Piping & Core Driller Location: New York NY 10017 US Category: Engineering, Information Technology, Construction Degrees Required: 4 Year Degree Employment Type: Full-Time Manages Others: No Requirements:   MUST HAVE A CAR A college or technical school degree in Information Technology, Information Systems or Engineering preferred. Minimum one-year technical degree or equivalent from college or technical school AND 2-4 years related experience. Proficiency in a broad range of CCTV and Access Control products and security architecture. Direct field technicians in installation of cabling and device set up and wiring Ability to work with power tools and ladders. Relevant experience either through employment or personal use/activities. Proficiency in Network architecture and protocols, database management, and fiber optics. Electrical expertise including knowledge of digital electronics, AC & DC circuits and understanding of parallel and series resistor circuits and there effects SKILLS: Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills. Ability to quickly learn to use new software tools, with respect to (NVMS) Network Video Management Systems. Effective verbal and written communications skills. Team player – ability to work well in a close employee/support environment. Must be comfortable working in a dynamic environment with constant changes. Must be comfortable with travel, sometimes on short notice, and occasional after-hours support requirements.   EOE Requirements: The Technician will complete installations of Video surveillance and Access Control systems. The incumbent needs to be versed in running Cat6 and 18 gauge wiring, along with running all types of conduit through concrete walls of residential buildings to enclose the […]

Minnesota Company Played A Big Role In Super Bowl 48 Security

Created: 02/02/2014 11:20 PM KAALtv.com (ABC 6 News) — NFL officials took great effort in making sure the 80,000 fans were safe at the Super Bowl 48 Sunday in New Jersey. And a Minnesota company played a big role in keeping everyone safe. Twenty security cameras were strategically placed at the MET Life Stadium’s parking lot, surroundings and nearby hotels to help keep deter crime and terrorism. Thanks to Steve Dunker of Mobile Pro System based out of West Saint Paul whose company made mobile trailer units that power the cameras atop thirty foot masts. The trailers use generators, solar panels, and even wind to power cameras, lights and radar for months. This technology is also used at construction sites, mines, and by the U.S. Navy. Separately, Mobile Pro Systems also says the University of Minnesota is evaluating whether the systems might also prevent or reduce crime on campus.

San Diego Police Department Starts Using Facial Recognition Software

San Diego, California News Station – KFMB Channel 8 – cbs8.com SAN DIEGO, Calif. (CBS 8) — More than two dozen San Diego county law enforcement agencies have started testing facial recognition technology used to help identify people in the field. Currently, the software allows officers to compare any photo of your face to a database of local mug shots. But there are concerns about what may happen next. Patrol cop Robert Halverson is one of seven officers in the Chula Vista Police Department who carries a tablet computer loaded with the facial recognition software, made by FaceFirst, LLC. "This only taps into the county booking photos," Officer Halverson said while demonstrating the software to CBS News 8. "This is just an investigation tool. It’s only scanning against that one database to compare faces," he said. Twenty-five local agencies currently are testing about 180 of the devices, paid for with a Homeland Security grant under a $475,000 annual contract with the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). The devices and software allow officers to snap a photo of a person in the field and compare that image to mug shots already on file. "I think a policeman doesn’t like it when someone gets away with not being held accountable, like say, they give you a bogus name and you weren’t able to catch it," said Officer Halverson. Right now, the software ties into the county’s criminal mug shot database of about 1.4 million images. But privacy advocates says it’s […]