Thursday, October 30, 2008

Citywide Surveillance System an Overall Crime Strategy for City of Gardena, CA

Gardena is one step closer to installing a citywide police surveillance camera system. The council voted 4-0 on Tuesday to set aside $1.3 million for the project from extra card club revenues in the 2007-08 fiscal year budget.

The city plans to place 89 surveillance cameras in public areas atop utility poles and buildings. The video feed would be monitored 24 hours a day from a Police Department command center.

"This allows us to have eyes in a lot of areas," Police Chief Ed Medrano said. "It's not going to make crime go away. This is just the next step in our overall crime strategy."

Medrano said he expects to begin installing cameras in the city's jail, parks and public facilities by the end of the year.

The city initially tried to secure outside funding for the surveillance cameras, and it still anticipates a grant from Target Corp.'s Safe Cities Initiative and other donations.

Before voting for the funding, Council members Steve Bradford and Rachel Johnson said the surveillance program was too costly, considering the state's budget crisis.

"I would ask that we be a little more fiscally conservative," Bradford said. "I just think the camera program is a little ahead of its time."

City Manager Mitch Lansdell said he is still hoping to attract sponsors.

Mayor Paul Tanaka praised the initiative.

"I do believe that the camera system has proven to be of great benefit to any cities that use it," he said. "Public safety is not only providing police services, but providing a feeling of safety in this city."

The $1.3 million came from extra tax revenue from the Hustler and Normandie casinos. Together they are the city's largest tax generator, bringing in about $9.5 million last fiscal year.

The council on Tuesday also allocated $5.5 million in additional unspent revenue for one-time purchases of new computers, and insurance and equipment funds. About $1 million will go toward paying the $26 million debt the city racked up from two failed programs in the 1990s, a first-time home-buyers program and a city-owned insurance company.

Mazza, Sandy (2008, October 29). Gardena budgets $1.3 million for Cameras. DailyBreeze.com. Retrieved on October 30, 2008 from http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_10851804

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

CCTV market expected to see growth in transportation, retail industries

A new report by New York-based ABI Research projects that the video surveillance market will see growth within the transportation and retail industries over the next four years.

According to the report, global spending on video surveillance in the transportation and retail industries is expected reach $2 billion and $4 billion respectively in 2013. Among the factors cited for the increase in the report include companies within these sectors using CCTV cameras for applications beyond surveillance such as for liability prevention, analysis of customer behavior and store design.

In a prepared statement, ABI Research Vice President Stan Schatt said that many transportation facilities, such as rail station and airports, have begun using cameras to document accidents to guard against bogus lawsuits, while retail stores are using cameras to learn how they can more effectively manage their facilities and market products to consumers better.

(2008, October 8). CCTV market expected to see growth in transportation, retail industries: Report shows that surveillance cameras are being used for purposes beyond security. IPSecurityWatch.com. Retrieved on October 28, 2008 from http://www.ipsecuritywatch.com/web/online/IPSW-News/CCTV-market-expected-to-see-growth-in-transportation--retail-industries/512$14807

USPS going High Tech with Nationwide IP Surveillance System

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) plans to deploy an IPv6-capable video surveillance system to 40,000 postal sites across the country. In addition to providing high-quality video, the system is expected to provide the USPS with enhanced mobility, security and network management capabilities. The new video platform will be integrated into the existing USPS network.

Video surveillance is critical for USPS to prevent and investigate burglaries and other security incidents that occur inside and around USPS facilities. An IP-based system offers features unavailable in traditional closed circuit television (CCTV) systems, such as the ability to view live video from remote locations through an Internet connection.

An IP-based system also will provide the USPS with better abilities to centralize video surveillance and security operations. Unlike an analog CCTV system, a digital IP-based system provides an easier means to store video footage for later search and retrieval during an incident investigation.

The system will consist of IPv6-capable network hardware, video security cameras and digital encoders that translate the video to MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 digital frames suitable for transport over IP. The encoders can interoperate with the existing analog cameras, negating the need to replace them.

The project is being coordinated through the Joint Mission Support Center (JMSC), as well as the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. OIG is an independent entity dedicated to the USPS, while the Inspection Service is a division of the USPS responsible to “secure the nation’s mail systems” and investigate incidents involving the postal system, including the physical security of the facilities.

Part of USPS’ goals for mandating that the video system be IPv6-capable was to comply with the US federal government’s encouragement to migrate to IPv6-based networking.

“The USPS isn’t required to comply with the IPv6 mandate,” said Dan Mihalko, spokesperson for OIG and JMSC, “but has voluntarily chosen to comply. So, IPv6 needed to be in the RFP for this video system.”

The Postal Service sees value in IPv6 beyond just its expanded address space. It is fairly well-known that USPS is one of the original legacy “owners” of IPv4 address space, having acquired the entire 56.0.0.0 /8 block before strict allocation procedures were adopted to avert address depletion. This original “Class A” allocation provides over 16 million IPv4 addresses, far more than most other commercial entities can acquire today.

But because of the large number of USPS locations, their growing reliance on mobile devices and the increasing need for network-capable devices such as video cameras, postage meters and mail scanners, USPS expects IPv6 to be a gateway to enhancing its services and capabilities. Several of IPv6’s capabilities, such as built-in quality of service and multicast, are tailored to supporting real-time applications such as video.

Campbell, Dan. (2008, Sept 19). USPS to deploy IPv6-capable video surveillance. Government Computer News. Retrieved on October 28, 2008 from http://www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/47183-1.html

Monday, October 27, 2008

P/T/Z, IP Camera with 360 degree Continuous Rotation make the JVC VN-V685U, the World's First Power over Ethernet (PoE) camera of it's kind

WAYNE, N.J., Oct 27, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- JVC, an industry pioneer in IP camera technology, expands its V.Networks line-up with the introduction of the VN-V685U, the world's first Power over Ethernet (PoE) IP camera with Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) and 360 degree continuous rotation.


PoE technology speeds installation and is the preferred method of powering IP network cameras. JVC is the first manufacturer to develop a PTZ PoE network camera that has 27x optical zoom and endless 360 rotation with its smooth direct drive motor. The VN-V685U complies with the IEEE 3af industry standard of Power over Ethernet for reliable connection to IEEE 3af standard power sources.

The VN-V685U PTZ camera is part of JVC's well established V.Networks line-up of advanced IP-based video security products, which provides the most reliable, proven and secure surveillance solutions available. V.Networks products embody three core technologies: imaging, networking and mechanism design to deliver the world's most advanced IP surveillance system.

"The VN-V685U is the first of its kind in Pan Tilt Zoom Power over Ethernet cameras, demonstrating JVC's continued leadership in IP video surveillance. JVC's V.Networks strategy is to be the first to market with the right products to meet customer demands," said Geoff Anderson, national marketing manager for Security Products, JVC Professional Products Company. "The VN-V685U is designed and manufactured by JVC's world class team and was built on the well established technology found in all JVC security products. The market has been demanding that every IP camera have flexible and easy to install features such as IEEE 3af standard PoE. JVC is the first to deliver the capability in a commercial grade PTZ platform."

The VN-V685U PTZ camera can be powered through its Ethernet connection and enables continuous 360-degree rotation delivering fast and precise operation with a speed range of 0.04 to 400 degrees per second and accuracy within 0.03 degrees. 100 preset positions are available. Additionally, its silent direct drive motor provides quiet operation so that the camera is virtually undetectable.

The VN-V685U has a powerful 27x optical zoom (32x digital zoom) capability and intelligent auto-tracking function to detect and track a moving object instantly and automatically, providing the most precise details. A true day/night camera, the VN-V685U provides excellent image quality in low light situations which is achieved with the IR cut filter to deliver images in light levels as low as 0.04 lux.

The VN-V685U utilizes a powerful 1/4-inch progressive scan CCD with 380,000 pixels. A full motion dual stream codec delivers both MPEG4 and M-JPEG VGA streams simultaneously at 30 frames per second.

JVC's unique Hot-Swap functionality gives the installer the ability to swap out the camera head while keeping the digital hardware in place maintaining camera presets and connection to the network for seamless maintenance. The hot swap camera head provides One-touch-lock for quick de-installation and maintenance of the camera head. In addition, JVC's plug and play platform reduces installation time significantly.

The VN-V685U will be available in December 2008.

Need a quick recap of the VN-V685U features?
  • - 1/4 type high resolution IT CCD with 380,000 effective pixels
  • - 36x optical zoom lens and 32x electronic zoom
  • - MPEG-4/Motion JPEG full frame (30 fps each) dual stream in VGA
  • - Day/Night surveillance with auto IR cut filter on/off
  • - Active gamma function (Easy wide-D) for backlight compensation
  • - Direct drive motor for pan/tilt mechanism
  • - Image stabilizer for reducing image blur
  • - Auto tracking function
  • - 8 areas private mask
  • - "One-touch lock" quick and easy installation
  • - Built-in display mode (LCD1/LCD2/CRT/Custom selectable)
  • - Web based setup and viewing tool and access protection
  • - 20 simultaneous users, unlimited users by multicasting
  • - Trigger input by built-in motion detection and external alarm input
  • - Pre/Post alarm buffer of 8 MB
  • - Alarm terminal (input x 2, output x 2)

High School Expands Surveillance Camera Network

Perched in front of three computer monitors in his office at the high school, Tom Bobkowski watches as 16 different scenes unfold simultaneously across campus: Teenagers exiting the hallway; a student pacing across an outdoor path; a car pulling into the lot.

With a click of his mouse, Bobkowski, the town's school safety resources director, pulls up another image - this time, a video-camera image of the courtyard - which slowly scans across Hillside Avenue before settling on a view of the northern parking lot a 200 yards away.

"You can cover a lot of ground with these things," he said of Greenwich High School's new outdoor surveillance cameras. "It's impossible to be omnipresent" on a 58-acre campus, he added, "but this gives you a pretty good sense of what's going on."

Dozens of indoor security cameras were installed throughout the high school last school year, as part of a closed-circuit television network designed to monitor bad behavior, prevent theft and deter trespassers. Now, Bobkowski is overseeing an expansion of these monitoring capabilities that will extend outside - in parking lots, athletic fields, walkways, foyers and roadways - as part of the third and final phase of a half-million-dollar facilities project.

Security cameras were first installed in the student center, media center and hallways in the first phase of the project in 2007-08, with additional cameras set up to monitor the school's entrances for the second phase in summer 2008.

The latest expansion of the camera network to the athletic fields and all parking lots will cost about $210,000 in the 2009-10 Capital Improvement Plan, which the Board of Education approved Thursday.

The outdoor cameras, some of which are already operational, record in color and can store digital footage for later viewing. During the day, security staff can use a computer to tilt, pan and zoom. After hours, they can be set to be activated by motion or changes in light, Bobkowski said.

School administrators say the expanded camera network will allow security staff to bolster safety at the high school while better monitoring infractions that take place outdoors, such as smoking and vandalism. They will also be better equipped to mediate disputes and investigate disciplinary infractions that occur beyond the watchful eyes of security staff and the school resource officer, said GHS Headmaster Al Capasso.

Already this year, school administrators have been able to review footage gathered by the outdoor cameras to set the record straight on a minor physical altercation in which two students' account of the incident differed considerably. Instead of relying on witness accounts, Capasso said, the security staff and school administrators simply reviewed the security tapes and determined that one of the student's stories had been exaggerated.

"The camera has no perceptual bias, no attitude," Bobkowski said. "Just a clear picture of what happened."

While some critics have raised concerns about privacy issues posed by the presence of more cameras, Capasso said the school will use the cameras primarily to review footage after specific incidents - not to conduct regular surveillance of the students.

"We don't sit there and watch these non-stop," he said. "We don't want to give the impression that this is Big Brother, because it's not," Capasso said. "It's just way to see what we've missed, and keep the school safe."

Gustafson, Colin. (2008, Oct 27) No hiding from Greenwich High School Cameras: Security has a bird's-eye view of school grounds outside. GreenwichTime.com. Retrieved on October 27, 2008 from http://www.greenwichtime.com/ci_10827157

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Infrared Cameras on San Diego's Copter 1 and Copter 2 prove Invaluable for Fighting Fires

New technology is helping San Diego firefighters work more efficiently. They used it to fight a hard-to-reach brush fire in Mission Valley back in July.

Investigator say the fire last night that threatened the Fletcher Parkway trolley stop was caused by human activity. It briefly shut down trolley service, but also demonstrated the value of the new firefighting tool.

Copter 1's infrared camera was installed two years ago through a grant from the Department of Homeland Security. San Diego Fire-Rescue spokesman Maurice Luque says it's already been used extensively.

"It's a very, very valuable tool again because it saves a lot of time, it takes a lot of the guess work out of what's happening on the ground, or inside a building," Luque said.

The camera has three main uses: to find potential victims or suspects through their heat signature, to locate hot spots in deep seeded fires at night and to keep track of a fire inside a building.

"The video is downlinked to the commanders on the ground who have a real-time picture of what's going on, and they can make decisions based on what they see,"

The overnight fire that burned in the river basin was surrounded by thick brush and was difficult for ground crews to reach. But through the help of a Copter 1 water drop, and the eyes of the infrared camera, Luque says it was stopped without causing injury or property damage.

"It makes firefighting more efficient, more effective and safer," Luque said.

Luque says the camera cost about $250,000. This is the first time he says video has been released to the media from it, but he expects its uses will continue to grow.

(2008, July). New Camera Used To Fight Mission Valley Fire. KFMB-TV. Retrieved on October 23, 2008 from http://www.cbs8.com/story.php?id=135865#

Monday, October 20, 2008

Surveillance Cameras keep watch over La Jolla Children's Pool

New surveillance cameras are keeping a watchful eye near the Children's Pool at Casa Beach in La Jolla.

The four cameras are owned and operated by the San Diego Police Department. They can pan nearly 360 degrees, and zoom in on a license plate from about one-quarter mile away.

The new surveillance is part of a response to the home invasion and violent rapes of two college students in Mission Beach in 2006.

A series of cameras were installed in Mission Beach last year.

Canon VB-C60 1/4" CCD, 40x Zoom, P/T/Z, IP Network Camera with Smart Shade Control

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 8, 2008 – Offering unprecedented performance and value, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the new VB-C60 Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) Network Camera. This new camera is designed as a versatile, compact solution for high-quality, remote-video monitoring over IP and can be used for many diverse applications, including monitoring property and facilities, surveillance in hospitals and schools, or web conferencing in board rooms. Featuring Genuine Canon Optics, the VB-C60 has an ultra-long built-in zoom (40x optical) and wide angle lens (56-degree horizontal field of view), as well as an Auto Focus system and Image Stabilization.

“The ever-expanding role of network cameras cannot be underestimated,” affirmed Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Immediate, interactive access to high-quality moving images has become the norm in the age of the Internet. Canon has now advanced PTZ performance and versatility to new heights with the VB-C60 PTZ Network Camera.”

The VB-C60 PTZ Network Camera’s wide panning range (± 170) which, combined with the 56-degree wide angle lens, provides coverage for a full 360-degree horizontal field-of-view. When viewing moving objects, images remain clear thanks to a high-sensitivity progressive-scan CCD and advanced auto focus system.


The camera also features Panorama Image Creation in which the entire viewing range is stitched together into one image. This allows the user to quickly move the camera to any specific portion within the cameras viewing range. Additionally, the user can utilize the Pre-set Tour function, allowing for up to 20 camera positions to be pre-set and viewed at specified intervals.

The VB-C60 features several image enhancement functions, including:

  • Image Stabilizer - which effectively works to compensate for image blur caused by exterior vibrations
  • Smart Shade Control - which automatically adjusts the contrast between bright and dark areas of an image for optimum detail display
  • Auto Day/Night Capability - where the camera automatically switches to night mode depending upon lighting conditions



The VB-C60 PTZ Network Camera uses the proprietary Canon DIGIC NET Processor, a powerful hardware-based engine that performs all image processing and encoding. This results in the camera being able to handle simultaneous encoding of Motion-JPEG and MPEG-4 video in high-quality VGA (640 x 480) at a full 30 frames per second.


The high image quality of Motion-JPEG is suited for live monitoring; the compression scheme of MPEG-4 is ideal for recording due to its smaller file size and lighter network load. The VB-C60 PTZ Network Camera offers support for up to 30 simultaneous “clie nts” (users accessing and viewing video images at the same time).

The ability to distribute Motion-JPEG images in three sizes simultaneously: 640 x 480, 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 is also found on this camera and allows for access by a cell phone/PDA. The 320 x 240 size is useful when monitoring multiple cameras on a single screen; the 640 x 480 resolution provides for optimum image quality. The VB-C60 also has a recording stream function that can greatly minimize the possibility of lost frames due to brief network interruptions.

Also available on the VB-C60 is Motion Detection, which can be triggered based on user pre-set parameters, and Subject Auto-Tracking, which automatically pans and tilts to follow a subject’s movement. In addition to tracking the detected motion, the camera can instantly take a picture and email it to a desi gnated account or cell phone/PDA, and upload multiple images to a http or ftp server.

The camera has audio input/output supporting full-duplex audio communication. Audio output can also be used to playback pre-recorded sound when triggered by an event, such as motion detection.

Included with the camera is IPv6 and IPsec Support (IP security), a set of protocols for securing IP communications by encrypting data streams while also securing the data flow to and from the camera, ensuring only authorized users have access.

For convenience and ease of installation, the VB-C60 PTZ Network Camera supports the IEEE 802.3af standard for Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, which allows both power and data to be carried over a single LAN cable when connected to a PoE hub/switch/midspan. Since a power cable is not require d, the camera can be installed at sites without accessible AC outlets.

The VB-C60 PTZ Network Camera can be mounted in an upright position or on a ceiling with a simple setting change. The optional indoor recessed dome housing and ceiling mount cover are available for ceiling-mounted

installations. The recessed dome housing is available in “clear” and “smoked” finishes and the ceiling mount cover is available in black.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Presidential Campaign Signs in need of Protection

In honor of the upcoming presidential election, here's a somewhat disturbing yet mildly entertaining story from Florida regarding a new use for surveillance cameras...

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WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. -- A rash of vanishing campaign signs has been reported in Central Florida, prompting homeowners to set up security cameras to protect them.

At least 120 Republican signs have been reported stolen from yards in Seminole County, Fla., according to GOP organizers.

Police said campaign signs being ripped out of the ground is a growing problem in Central Florida.

Homeowner Jack Bradshaw said he set up a surveillance camera in his home's window to protect his "Obama '09"signs.

"This year I did buy a security camera and it actually records on the computer," Bradshaw said. "I can actually watch it from the Internet."

Bradshaw said thieves ripped his candidate's signs from his front yard in Winter Springs last election.

"It would not last more than two days and I had more than a half dozen I picked up from the campaign office," Bradshaw said. "Not only is someone actually stealing your property but they are trying to suppress your right to express your political views."

Republican Party officials in Seminole County said they are reporting all instances of the stolen signs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(2008, October 16). 120 Campaign Signs Vanish in Fla. County: Homeowners set up security cams to monitor Obama signs. WKMG Local 6.  Retrieved on October 17, 2008 from http://www.local6.com/politics/17727105/detail.html

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Surveillance Cameras go up to Improve Safety and Behavior in University Heights Community

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo has purchased three security cameras for the Buffalo Police Department as part of UB's ongoing efforts to improve safety and behavior in University Heights, in cooperation with the City of Buffalo, neighborhood residents and community leaders.

The three cameras have been installed on street corners identified as areas of concern by the Buffalo Police Department and UB. They are located on traffic-signal or street-light poles on the corners of Winspear Avenue and Parkridge Street, Main Street and Custer Street, and Englewood Avenue and Eley Place.

Purchase and installation of the cameras cost UB about $80,000. Each new camera will provide video streaming to the Buffalo Police Department camera room located at 74 Franklin Street.

UB President John B. Simpson said purchase of the cameras is an example of UB's proactive approach to helping solve problems in University Heights, which borders UB's South Campus in Buffalo.

"The steps we've taken in collaboration with neighborhood leaders and the City of Buffalo have helped curb crime and bad behavior in University Heights," Simpson said. "We will continue to take a leadership role in improving safety and behavior in the neighborhood."

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said the city was thankful for UB's investment in the safety of University Heights residents and called for continued community-wide efforts to reduce crime in the neighborhood.

"Security cameras are a proven crime deterrent and valuable investigational tool," Mayor Brown said. "This technology will enhance the collaborative approach taken by UB, the City of Buffalo and University Heights residents to improve quality of life in the neighborhood."

The City of Buffalo began installation of a city-wide surveillance camera system in 2007. Currently, there are more than 60 security cameras in locations around the city, with another 40 cameras to be added by the end of the year. Each camera feeds live video to the Buffalo Police Department camera room, which stores the video.

H. McCarthy Gipson, Buffalo Police Commissioner, said the Buffalo Police Department continues to work very closely with officials from UB to ensure the safety of students and residents who live in the area.

"The new cameras will be one more crime-fighting tool used by the department and UB," Commissioner Gipson said. "Recently, extra patrols and security details were added by the Buffalo Police Department to the University Heights area. Most importantly, we want to thank the residents for working hand-in-hand with police to help fight crime. And, of course, we thank UB for their investment in the long-term safety of the area."

Dennis Black, UB's vice president for student affairs, said the university has initiated several programs to help improve safety and student behavior in University Heights.

"Purchase of the cameras is another example of how UB is working with the City of Buffalo and our community partners to reduce crime and improve the safety of students and residents who live in University Heights," said Black noted. "We hope the cameras also will serve as another deterrent to inappropriate, nuisance behaviors that affect quality of life in the neighborhood."

Other programs initiated by UB to improve safety and behavior in University Heights have included an agreement with the Buffalo Police Department to target and break up disruptive parties; a new neighborhood clean-up program; and creation of a Problem-Properties Task Group, with neighborhood residents, that targets residences that need better upkeep and repair.

This fall, UB again distributed 4,000 door hangers to University Heights students and residents with tips on how students can be good neighbors and whom residents should call if there are any problems in the neighborhood.

DellaContrada, John (2008, Oct 16). UB Purchases Security Cameras for University Heights. Univeristy of Buffalo. Retrieved on October 16, 2008 from http://www.buffalo.edu/news/9706


Wednesday, October 15, 2008

CIS True Smart Security Camera with on-board DSP - VCC-V90S

The VCC-V90S is CIS’ first true smart camera featuring an on-board DSP powered by Texas Instruments’ DaVinci platform. The DSP provides unparalleled customization and flexibility. An additional on-board DSP offers additional real-time image processing such as Wide Dynamic Range, privacy masking, and motion detection- all through the Ethernet or analog outputs.

Intended for commercial-grade surveillance applications, the VCC-V90S has already made its mark in traffic monitoring and enforcement applications.

The camera is easily configured via the multi-platform web interface or use the Software Development Kit (SDK) that comes with the camera to custom-tailor your own applications to work with the camera. With its built-in capabilities and extensibility, the V90S represents the pinnacle of surveillance cameras.

The camera is compatible with auto-iris and zoom lenses, as well as electric pan/tilt housings. The mechanical IR cut filter ensures superior image quality in low-light situations over Ethernet or analog interfaces. Integrated audio in/out enables users to not only see and hear but interact with what they're viewing through the camera.

Basic Specs:
● High resolution 1.3Mpixel
● High processing speed (20 fps)
● Day & Night Modes
● Motion sensor
● Privacy mask(Max. 32)
● Automatic exposure compensation
● Automatic white balancing
● Digital zoom (~x256)

Ethernet Features:
● 100BASE –TX compatible
● DHCP, DNS (DDNS), HTTPD, FTP, SNTP compatible
● TCP, UDP compatible

Application Processing Features:
● Dedicated 600MHz, FastDSP (C64x+Core) for application processing only purpose
● TI’s FR, XDAIS Standard, provides environment to focus on programming applications without having to be aware of the hardware.
● Provides higher reusability and transferability
● Memory: User has 128MB RAM (DDR2 SDRAM) and 8MB ROM
● Can download programs through Ethernet.

Interface:
● IEEE802.3af (PoE) compatible: Single Ethernet cable provides both data transmission/receive as well as power supply.
● Audio line Out/Mic. In
● Generic I/O port x3
● DC Iris

CIS imaging products have earned global acclaim for their high image quality, sensitivity and reliability. Applications include general security, metro surveillance and tunnel surveillance systems. All CIS cameras are developed with an unwavering devotion to quality, and each is tested individually to ensure reliable and accurate performance in demanding environments.

CATEGORIES:

Monday, October 13, 2008

Newport follows Norfolk - Installing Surveillance Cameras across city

NEWPORT NEWS - City officials said they hope to begin installing a network of crime surveillance cameras across Newport News by the end of the year, starting in the southeast community.

The news comes the same week that Norfolk installed its own system of crime surveillance cameras in the crime-plagued oceanview area.

The creation of a surveillance camera network in Newport News follows a recommendation from the Violence Reduction Task Force that met last year and made its report in December.

Officials had hoped money could be found for the cameras in February, but financial issues delayed the decision until May 13, when the City Council agreed to spend $400,000 on the system, city spokeswoman Kim Lee said.  "We hope to have them up by the end of the year," she said.

Under an additional $1.6 million package, paid for by reallocating school bus replacement funds, cameras are being placed in all high schools and middle schools.

"Installation of the security cameras in our secondary schools is nearly complete. Installation at the last school, Menchville High School, is under way now. Afterwards, the cameras at all schools will be checked to ensure proper operation," Newport News Public Schools spokeswoman Michelle Price said.

The city's system includes crime hot spots and public buildings.

The money will allow police to activate seven cameras in the southeast community that are already in place but not yet operational, at a cost of about $61,400.

The cameras would be located at 16th and Madison; 19th and Jefferson Avenue; 23rd and Chestnut Avenue; 24th and Marshall Avenue; 33rd and Roanoke Avenue; 36th and Marshall Avenue; and 36th and Madison Avenue. They would be movable and linked to laptop computers, police spokesman Lou Thurston said earlier this year.

Lee said the other cameras would be linked to a control room in the former Community Services Board building on Washington Avenue.

Cameras also would be placed at City Hall, Doris Miller Community Center and Pool, Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center, Magruder Pool and Lassiter Courts public housing complex.

A report to the task force from the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority said the apartment complex in southeast Newport News is prone to a high number of calls about drug selling, trespassing and crimes against persons.

The report considered putting cameras in other public housing complexes with high levels of crime, including Aqueduct Apartments in Denbigh, but they are not included in the program.

Cameras also might be installed around some public libraries.

The task force was set up in reaction to "an unusually violent first half of 2007," an increase in daytime shootings and the increasing number of males ages 16 to 20 participating in violent crimes.


Macaulay, David (2008, October 11). Officials to have more eyes in the sky. DailyPress.com.  Retrieved on October 13, 2008 from http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-local_crimecameras_1011oct11,0,3018257.story

Friday, October 10, 2008

Surveillance System Pays Off for Owner of Car Wash

One carwash. Four crimes within a year. And yet, Ron Romeo owner of Double Bubble Car Wash in Uniontown, PA, 50 miles south of Pittsburgh, isn’t closing shop or thinking of relocating. His carwash, which includes two touchless automatics and two self-serve bays, is all under careful watch 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Romeo’s “big brother” is his video surveillance system and everything that goes on at his wash, including criminals who like to see themselves on TV, are all caught on tape.

“The last guy was within one foot of the camera inside my equipment room and if he had any brains he would have ripped the computer out — which I had left on with the monitor showing the whole thing,” Romeo said.“And it was just sitting on a shelf, and he even looked at himself in the monitor and even fixed his hat.”

Making their presence known

Romeo’s Double Bubble cameras are large and he likes them that way. “They’re huge and I don’t cover them,” Romeo said. “I want people to see them. They’re in large housings on the outside of the building and I have various cameras throughout; nine in total.”

There’s not a doubt in Romeo’s mind that every potential perpetrator or thief can see those cameras. “My housings are 14 inches long and five inches wide. They’re so intimidating and not even in real high areas, because you can’t get good resolution when they’re too far away. I don’t understand these thieves; they’re so brazen.”

The most recent incident took place in April 2008, when a man tried to pry into his ACW, but didn’t make any headway. So he went to the equipment room where he took over $3,000 in cash. “We had a really good camera that was able to get a good look at his face and we were able to get a good look at his tattoos. We even saw that his car had a hubcap that was a tad different from the other three,” Romeo said. The state police posted one frame of DVD into a local newspaper.

After several weeks, the police sent the picture to a Pittsburgh news station. Within three days, a police officer recognized the perp and he was nailed. Turns out, he was wanted in five other counties. The week prior, he stole a purse from an elderly lady and knocked her down.

The proof is on DVD

Back in November, Romeo helped nab a guy who was on parole for murder. Two individuals broke into the vacuum sweepers and then two weeks later the same guys came back and tried to break into the self-serve bay meter boxes.

“One of the men was pretending to wash his car, but in a terrible fashion, so the neighbors called the state police and they transported a unit right away,” Romeo explained. But by then the men had gotten nervous and took off with the money they got out of the meter boxes.

Luckily for Romeo, it was all caught on camera. After a lengthy and high speed pursuit at 102 mph down the wrong way of a major four-way highway, both men were caught. One guy was on parole for murder, and Romeo’s video surveillance helped the cops tie the two incidents together.

Last June, Double Bubble was hit up again when someone removed two of his cylinder locks out of his front loading changer, but he didn’t get into the machine entirely and that incident was also caught on DVD. “I’ve got two really good camera shots. And I was able to get three digits of his license plate.”

Choosing the right camera

When Romeo built his carwash seven years ago, there weren’t a lot of surveillance companies to choose from that had remote view software. He found a company out of Toronto.

The owner had never done a carwash before. He was used to doing pizza shops, convenience stores and banks.

“He really wanted to see the layout of the carwash,” Romeo said. “So he loaded up his vehicle with all different types of equipment and drove down here from Canada. He said, ‘We’re going to experiment with the different types and see what their capabilities are.’”

They used four different types and Romeo hardwired everything after he was told what to do and how to do it. “I found what I felt were the best locations,” he said.

The locations of the cameras, eight which record in color and one in black and white, include:
  • One camera per bay;

  • One on the very end of the building that oversees two vacuums and a fragrance machine;
  • Another one that pans across the back of the entrance area and oversees a change machine, a vacuum and three vending units;
  • One in the top corner of the other side of the building that watches the equipment room door and the back portion of the lot;
  • One in the equipment room; and
  • A final one above the second automatic bay entrance area that shoots down on the ACW.
The cameras record onto his computer’s hard drive and they’re remote viewable with a fixed IP address. Romeo, who is on the road a lot for work, says he only has time to “spot check” the footage. He says that the more frames per minute the cameras can capture, the better. They also need to be weather proof and with an exhaust fan.

A little added security

Romeo said the surveillance also protects him against lawsuits and liabilities. “Customers will call me and say, ‘You ripped me off’ or ‘The machine ate my money,’ and I’ll tell them that after I review my footage I will call you back. Then I’ll hear, ‘Well, that’s okay, forget about it.’ And then they’ll hang up. Sometimes they don’t realize that they’ve been recorded.”

Romeo said he has encountered a lot of situations that could have gotten him into trouble if it weren’t for the footage. “People are intoxicated and will come in at 2 a.m. in the morning and will think the doors are open and just drive through them. In February, a guy drove right through my door.”

He said his security system is also there to protect his patrons. “I wanted my place to be safe, too. I wanted females to feel safe and protected. That to me is just as important as protecting my carwash.”

Gorgos, Debra (2008, November). Smile (or run), you’re on camera! Professional Carwashing & Detailing®, Volume 32, Issue 11. Retrieved on October 10, 2008 from http://www.carwash.com/article.asp

Thursday, October 9, 2008

City Wide Surveillance begins today in Norfolk, VA

NORFOLK - Norfolk will begin to install crime cameras in several parts of the city today.
This morning the first cameras will go up in East Ocean View at 16th Bay and Pleasant Avenue. This is the exact place where a man was attacked and beaten to death last year.

Engineers will begin installing the equipment on poles that will link to police headquarters.
The police cameras will not be monitored 24 hours a day, but police will have access to the video anytime they need it.
The cameras were approved by city council almost a year ago, but an error in the bid package delayed the process for months.

A large crowd of residents and civic league members are expected this morning as the installation begins.
Many residents in the crime plagued area are applauding the cities efforts, but there are some who are skeptical about how effective they will be. 
"If the cameras is pointing over there, and a crime is happening over there, what good is the camera," said Tyrone Iams, an Ocean View resident.
There are several other trouble spots getting cameras. Denby Park and Park Place are scheduled for later this year.

Leimer, Carl (2008, Oct 9) Norfolk begins installation of surveillance cameras around the city. WVEC.com. Retrieved on October 9, 2008 from http://www.wvec.com/news/topstories/stories/wvec_local_100908_norfolk_cameras.f614b5f0.html


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Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Pentax Line of CCTV Lenses - Quality with Reliability

Whether it's in a bank, traffic, office, factory, city or home, the CCTV lens is a critical part in security, monitoring, and factory automation CCTV systems.

Pentax Security offers several types of lens available to meet the needs of your application including;

Monofocal Lenses

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Vari-Focal Lenses
  • Vari-focal Manual Lens
    • C70316 -
      • 1/3", 3-8mm, F1.0-C, CS-Mount, Day/Night
    • C70509 -
      • 1/3", 5-50mm, F1.8-C. CS-Mount

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Manual Zoom, Focus and Iris Lenses
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Motorized Zoom & Focus, Auto-Iris Lenses (Video)
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Motorized Zoom & Focus, with Pre-Set Auto-Iris Lenses (Video)
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Day and Night Lenses

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Murders Prompt Use of Surveillance Cameras in Southwest Fresno

Four murders in 15 months was the topic of a community forum in West Fresno, on Tuesday night. More than 100 people packed into Kirk Elementary to discuss solutions to the violence plaguing their neighborhood.

Hester Ricks-Hensley says it's time community members get involved. Hensley made a personal plea to neighbors to come forward and report crimes as they happen.

"I had a son murdered back in 2001," said Hensley. "His name was Derrick George-Ricks and he was murdered on 'B' street at a motorcycle club."

According to Hensley, more than 100 people witnessed the shooting but no one came forward. Seven years later, Hensley says the cycle continues. "People are out here killing each other every day," said Hensley.

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer says his officers have installed a new surveillance camera on the corner of Poppy and Grove, where 3 people where killed during three separate shootings. Chief Dyer said officers are monitoring the camera 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

"These folks are tired of the violence," said Dyer, "they are tired of the drug dealing that is occurring. They want to partner with us and make this a better neighborhood, and that's what we are here."

Moneaya Johnson says she supports video policing. "I hate that it had to take Michael's death for them to finally put it up," she said.

Johnson attended Tuesday's forum wearing a T-shirt with Michael Caldera's picture on it as a reminder.

Caldera is one of three people killed on the corner of Poppy and Grove Avenue.

"I came because I wanted to let the community know that they need to speak up and do something about the killings that are going on in their neighborhood," said Johnson. They need to stand up and do not let these punks and cowards and come into their neighborhood and do what they want to do."

So far, Fresno Police have installed a total of 90 surveillance cameras in the city of Fresno, 32 of them are in West Fresno.

(2008, Oct 8) Yuriar, N. and Jenkins, K. New Surveillance Camera Installed in Southwest Fresno. Retrieved on October 8, 2008 from http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=9143078&nav=menu612_2

Monday, October 6, 2008

Orion 15", 17" and 19" CCTV LCD Security Monitors

World Leading Active Matrix TFT-LCD Panel
Truly flat LCD screen delivers razor sharp images

Versatile terminals for Security and Industrial Solution
Multiple input and output of Video(BNC Type), Audio, S-Video and RGB

Real Industrial Mechanical Design
Rigid case comes with LCD protection glass

Unique Stand
Allows for easy cable management, wall or rack mounting

Hi Performance Image Proceseeing Circuit
3D comb filter and deinterlace function realize perfect images

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Orion CCTV LCD Security Monitors include:

15RTC -
  • 15" LCD Monitor
  • 1024 x 768 @ 75Hz Resolution
  • 400:1 High Contrast Ratio
  • 430 cd/m2 High Brightness
  • 17" LCD Monitor
  • 1280 x 1024 @ 75Hz Resolution
  • 700:1 High Contrast Ratio
  • 300 cd/m2 High Brightness
  • 19" LCD Monitor
  • 1280 x 1024 @ 75Hz Resolution
  • 700:1 High Contrast Ratio
  • 300 cd/m2 High Brightness

    Sony RM-BR300 Joystick Remote Control Panel for Sony P/T/Z Cameras

    The Sony RM-BR300 is an advanced remote control unit for Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) Cameras including the BRC-300, EVI-D100, EVI-D70 and EVI-HD1 cameras all with using the VISCA control system. A joystick controller gives precision camera moves and focus adjustments. For the BRC-300 up to 6 preset camera and lens positions can be programmed for immediate recall. The other camera models have up to 16 preset positions.

    Controller operations include adjustments for auto-focus, white balance, the auto-exposure feature and backlight compensation. A tally lamp feature is also possible in these systems. The remote control features are performed using the standard VISCA protocol. A 10 foot cable required for the control functions is included with the package. This controller can perform these functions with up to seven cameras in a daisy-chain configuration.

    Other optional accessories include:

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    AEG Series of Interlace & Progressive Scan CCD Industrial Cameras - Small, Light Weight, Low Cost

    The Aegis AEG series of 29mm cubic analog B/W industrial cameras is now available for purchase. The AEG series of industrial machine vision cameras is great for embedded systems for image calibration and microscopic applications. It’s small size, light weight, and low-cost make it a perfect entry-level Machine Vision camera.

    AEG Models Available

    AEG-U20 ~ UXGA, 1/1.8″ CCD @ 15FPS
    AEG-S20 ~ SXGA, 1/2″ CCD @ 15FPS
    AEG-X30 ~ XGA, 1/3″ CCD @ 30FPS
    AEG-V30 ~ VGA, 1/3″ CCD @ 60FPS/30FPS

    Thursday, October 2, 2008

    Highly Anticipated Sony FCB-H11 SD/HD Color Block Camera Hits Shelves, Now Available from Distributors

    Word has spread that the highly anticipated SD/HD 1/3" CMOS Color Block camera from Sony, the FCB-H11, has hit the shelves of all Sony distributors and is available for purchase. The new H11 camera was developed to mirror the ever popular FCB-H10 that Sony released in 2007, however, there are a few new features added that make this camera ideal for a variety of applications.

    The new FCB-H11 color block camera incorporates a 1/3 type HD CMOS image sensor with a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a 120x zoom ratio (10x optical + 12x digital). In addition, the FCB-H11 inherits many outstanding features from Sony's previous FCB cameras and couples these with superb HD picture quality.

    • 1/3 type CMOS imager
    • Approx. 2M effective pixels
    • 16x9 Aspect Rat
    • Auto ICR for DaylNight function
    • Minimum Illumination - 1.0 lx (ICR On Mode - F1.8 50 IRE)
    • High-speed serial communication (max. 38.4 kbps)
    • TIL signal-level control (VISCA1M protocol)
    • 120x optical zoom (10x zoom/12x digital)
    • Programmable factory preset
    • High Performance Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
    • Various customizable settings
    • Electronic Shutter/Slow Shutter
    • VBS and Y/C video output (SD modes only)
    • Picture Freeze Function
    • Spot AE
    • Internal/External sync
    • Small and Compact

    With its high sensitivity (1.0 lx with ICR-on mode), multi-format video outputs (1080i/720p, and NTSC/PAL) and auto ICR for day/night function, the FCB-H11 is ideal for:

    • Inspection
    • Security
    • Broadcast
    • Traffic and
    • IP monitoring applications

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    Why "Dummy" Surveillance Cameras might not be a smart investment

    There are many sites on the web and many people who will tell the average consumer, why spend money on a "real" surveillance camera system when you can run down to your local consumer electronics store to pick up a $39.99 dummy camera and a sign for the front yard that will give the appearance that you have a legitimate high tech security system in place.

    Sure, spending $40 versus say $2,000 is ideal for anyone, especially with the current state of our financial markets, but remembering the old adage "you get what you pay for" should be on your mind when thinking about the results you are looking to achieve.

    When you first install your dummy camera, people will initially sit-up, take notice and behave for fear of retribution from being caught on a surveillance camera. This is where the effectiveness of a dummy camera versus real surveillance camera can be blurred, but eventually someone is going to gamble on the fact that the camera might be fake and test it. If your system is real, they gambled, they lost and were then caught on tape. If your "dummy surveillance system" is discovered for what it really is, all bets are off and you will be very surprised at how quickly word spreads.

    With the current state of our economy in flux and an anticipated rise in crime to compensate, investing in a higher quality, real surveillance system is recommended. Yes, spending $1, 000 - $2,000 now might sting a little in the pocketbook, but if/when something happens, that investment can protect you, your family, your property and others while paying for itself ten fold (depending on the situation).

    A story out of Corpus Christie, Texas yesterday is a perfect example of what happens if you have "dummy" cameras in place. When I say "dummy" I mean either a camera that serves no other function but to appear to work, or a camera that is supposed to work but doesn't.

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    October 1, 2008

    CORPUS CHRISTI - If you have been down to Cole Park lately, you may have noticed that graffiti vandals have struck once again.

    You may also remember a security camera was installed at the park at the beginning of the year that was supposed to help deter crimes such as this.

    However, as it turns out, the camera is not in use, and has not been in use for some time. City officials KRIS 6 News spoke with on Wednesday say they hope to change that soon.

    Police say taggers started avoiding the park when the camera was first installed.

    City of Corpus Christi's Chris Semtner confirmed, "Just the presence of a camera will deter some crime."

    There were some software issues when the city repurchased the Wi-Fi system from Earthlink last April. The changeover required some reprogramming in order to get a signal from the camera and that has not been done yet.

    However, those in charge of the camera at the Municipal Information Systems department are aware of the situation and are trying to evaluate what they want the system to do before they reestablish contact.

    Semtner added, "We'd like to survey not only the skate park but also Kids Place a little bit closer."

    The assessment will include the evaluation of roughly 1,250 devices, including the park camera, to determine the best way to support this camera. The MIS department is also considering making the skate park camera a part of a ten-camera video project that will be installed throughout the city.

    "We're going to be working with our Municipal Information Systems department and the police department and see if we can get some of these troubled areas under surveillance."

    So, for now, the camera does not work, but it should be up and running when the network assessment is finished in three to four months. Additional cameras could be installed to help improve security.

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    There are many different cameras to choose from depending on where cameras need to be placed and the look they need to achieve. Are you interested in the "eye in the sky" mini-dome PTZ cameras that have a more aesthetically pleasing, unobtrusive look? Or are you more interested in the "in your face", fixed, boxed housing look you tend to see in parking lots?

    Either way, there are cameras available that fit the needs of any application at many different price levels. Contacting a professional about qualifying your needs would be my first suggestion so that you don't spend hours on the Internet spinning your wheels only to find out the system you want is not in your budget.

    Another reason to start with a professional is because chances are, they may have everything you need for your system in one package. They can tell you what camera will best fit your requirements and the accessories to go with them, whereas, trying to put together a system on your own can become tedious. Trying to figure out what cables, controllers, lenses, recording systems, monitors, etc. are compatible with the camera you want, in addition to whether you can easily work with the camera technology (USB 2.0, FireWire, GigE, etc) is a hurdle most people find frustrating when trying to get their system up and running.

    So, before you run out to set-up a "dummy" security system, it might behoove you to at least consider some of the more less expensive industrial surveillance cameras available as an option. Industrial grade cameras have a longer life span then consumer grade cameras in addition to the fact that these cameras have housings available that are built to be "more ruggedized" to withstand more extreme weather conditions.

    (2008, October 1) Fraser, D. Cole Park Tagged Again, Securiy Camera Not in Use. KRISTV.com. Retrieved on October 2, 2008 from http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9109044&nav=Bsmh

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