2005 News

 

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15 December 2005 - Swap to a Virtual CCTV Matrix for FREE

IndigoVision has committed to a program of swapping any analog CCTV matrix with a state of the art 10/100/Gigabit Ethernet switch and their ‘Control Center’ software, free of charge. This combination creates a powerful Virtual Matrix and allows existing CCTV systems to benefit from the advanced features and flexibility of IP Video. The deal is part of an IndigoVision IP video solution and is available until 31 July 2006.

‘Control Center’ is a professional digital CCTV and alarm management software application that provides control, administration, recording, viewing and playback of live video and audio over IP networks. It links IndigoVision’s IP-based compression and network transmission technology with its unique Network Video Recorders (NVRs) to provide a complete solution for digital CCTV.

As IndigoVision’s IP Video technology is very scaleable, the high cost associated with expanding hardware matrix systems is overcome, making it very easy to add additional cameras in the future. The significant cost advantage and the ability to easily interface to existing analog CCTV systems has meant that many end users have replaced their dedicated matrix systems with ‘Control Center’ solutions. This offer now makes it even easier to trade up to IP Video.

Migrating to IP Video also provides access to features not available on analog CCTV systems, such as advanced analytics. Analytics is the processing of video images to detect such events as congestion, stolen objects, cars parked too long outside a building, people moving the wrong way through security checkpoints. IP-based analytics can be run in two modes: real time within the IP transmitter/receiver at the camera, and post-processing on any operator’s PC. The real time mode allows the system to automatically identify events as they occur. Post processing allows operators to run many different scenarios on recorded video, for example looking for cars parked for more than 2 minutes. These two modes offer the best of both worlds, using analytics to identify events as they occur, and also providing advanced search tools for operators to analyze previous situations.

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5 December 2005 - Integrated IP-Security for City Center Museums

IndigoVision’s IP Video technology is at the heart of a new integrated security system for Glasgow’s museums and leisure centers. Housed in 17 different buildings throughout the city, ‘Glasgow Museums’ is the UK’s largest local authority museums service. Systems Integrator, Visual Management Systems (VMS) teamed up with IndigoVision to develop an IP-based system that could integrate all sites to one central control room.

The problem was how to centralize and integrate the existing security and CCTV systems which were unique to each site. A traditional cabled or fibred solution would have been too costly as the museums are up to 10 miles away from the new control center at Blochairn. An IP-Network was the only viable solution.

Each site uses a traditional Ultrak-based analog video system, which can operate independently. IndigoVision’s 8000 transmitter/receiver units are used to convert video trunk feeds from each of the local Ultrak matrices to high-quality MPEG-4 digital video. This is then transmitted to the control center via 100mb/s WAN links provided by THUS plc, Glasgow City Council's network partner. Other alarm and control data from the intruder, access control and fire systems are also transmitted on the IP-network, alongside the digital video. Video is recorded locally at each site but all recordings can be accessed from the control center via the IP-Network.

IndigoVision’s unique compression technology allows live 25 fps video from all sites to be transmitted around the network with minimal impact on the available bandwidth – this allows other facilities such as IT systems and Voice-over-IP to share the network.

VMS used their own ‘Titan Vision’ system in the control room to provide the central monitoring and recording facilities and alarm management. IndigoVision’s 8000 Software Development Kit (SDK) was used to integrate the IP video into the ‘Titan Vision’ system. The SDK allows system integrators to easily implement digital video solutions and to access the many benefits of IP Video technology. The seamless integration of all the systems allows high levels of automation. For example, when an alarm is received from a site, video from that area is automatically displayed on monitors and also separate map screens allowing multiple perspectives on any suspicious activity instantly.

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5 December 2005 - New 1 Gigabit Ethernet Switch card

IndigoVision is pleased to announce availability of a new 1 Gigabit Ethernet Switch card for its 10 channel video transmitter and receiver rack. This allows the 10 channel rack to handle a total of 200 Mbps of network traffic. In supporting Gigabit, it also allows racks to be connected directly into Gigabit switches. The new switch card provides TWO Gigabit connections and will support redundant connections to the network (if one link gets unplugged/broken/cut/etc, the other will keep working). When combined with our fully redundant Network Video Recorders this allows completely redundant systems to be built using IndigoVision equipment.

The existing ethernet hub will continue to be provided as standard on fully populated racks. Racks within existing installations can be upgraded to use the new Gigabit switch by ordering an upgrade kit, part number 980137, which contains a new front panel for the rack plus the new gigabit switch card. For new purchases of racks requiring the gigabit switch, please order part number 980096, which consists of a rack chassis and gigabit switch card, and order rack cards separately.

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23 November 2005 - On the Record: Oliver Vellacott, CEO of IndigoVision

On the Record: Oliver Vellacott, CEO of IndigoVision

The second in the series of interview with those influencing the future of security and surveillance technology. IPfocus quizzes those in the know and gains an insight into opinions that will be shaping the industry in the future.

Q1 How do you see the IP networking market
in the short and long term?
Growing rapidly, and continuing to grow strongly for years. IndigoVision is experiencing 100% year on year growth, so, either the market is growing at this rate, or, we’re increasing our market share – probably a bit of both. I think the market is at the same stage it was at when VCRs where just starting to significantly give way to DVRs - DVRs had been around for a long time before the market was confident to embrace them fully. IP Video has been through the same process. That's why being field proven is critical for any IP Video manufacturer.

Q2 Where is IndigoVision’s place in the market?
We’re in the medium to high end. We developed and own the entire technology for a complete end-to-end solution in house, from the chip that powers the MPEG-4 compression in the transmitters through to enterprise level video and alarm management software.That means responsibility for the total solution remains firmly with us, rather than being split between multiple vendors, as is the case if you are sourcing the hardware and software from different manufacturers.

Our focus is on robust, high integrity solutions, often involving a requirement for redundancy - for example, in recording, network connectivity, etc. We've done some of the bigger projects - 20 airports, 2 G8 summits and both summer and winter Olympics - but also numerous medium sized projects such as schools and hospitals.

Q3 What new plans does IndigoVision have to help installers make the jump?
Training, training and more training. When we train people, sales always result. I have never seen an untrained installer succeed in selling IP Video. That's why we make our valuable training free of charge; we know that strong sales will directly result from it.

Q4 How can traditional security/CCTV installers win contracts against IT integrators? What is the best piece of advice you could give?
They need to get the networking skills in house, somehow, whether that's through training, hiring or acquisition.

Q5 How does IndigoVision regard the general UK installer knowledge level?
Maturing fast. We are seeing tier one installers coming on board with us now, and making a serious commitment to IP Video. In some of these installers we have already trained upwards of 30 people.

Q6 Do installers respond well to training or are they slow?
Different installers have different needs - that's why we normally tailor each course to the audience. Installers that are strong in video but weak in IP networking need a serious dose of network training; IT installers generally find the networking aspects of IndigoVision solutions very straightforward but need a decent amount of video training.

Q7 Is there a type of installation company which will never use IP?
Yes, the ones that don't plan on surviving. IP will take some years to penetrate some sectors of the market (corner shops, for example) but it will displace analog eventually.

Q8 Are companies leaving IP to the "young geeks in the office"?
The CEO of one of our installer partners personally logged 45 hours in front of our Control Center software to ensure that he understood it from back to front. They are one of our top customers and not small either. So, no, the successful ones have commitment to IP Video, including an understanding of the basics & benefits of IP networking, right from the top.

Q9 How does IndigoVision regard their dealings with traditional installers as opposed to IT integrators?
The traditional installers are doing far better, provided they're prepared to get trained in IP networking. I think the reason for this is that video is a core part of their business, so they have the focus and hence commitment to IP Video. General IT integrators, on the other hand, handle video as one of many disciplines, and therefore it's not as critical for them to succeed in IP Video as it is for their traditional security installer competitors.

Q10 Do IP installers need a particular mindset?
Yes, commitment to IP Video. It takes hard work and persistence to explain the benefits of an IP solution over the "no brainer" DVR that the end user has been buying for the last 3 years. However, this is changing fast.

Q11 Does IndigoVision support the idea of independent consultants representing installers as the IT-savvy "face" of the installation company?
Yes, we work with consultants all the time, to help them put specs together. But no, I think the installer should always keep this knowledge in-house. If the installer is going to make a name for themselves in IP Video, and recover the margins they once enjoyed, they will do so by trading on their expertise in using IP to give the end user significant new benefits, and they can't afford not to have that knowledge in-house.

Q12 Are IP-trained installers now demanding higher rates for their wider security/IP skills?
Undoubtedly. If you are one of, say, 6 installers responding to a tender with 'yet another DVR', you're going to be squeezed on price, and your success rate is probably going to be low. If on the other hand all the rest are going in with their standard DVR offering, and you are going in with a future-proofed, higher value IndigoVision solution, you're in a much stronger competitive position.

Q13 Is the UK CCTV market too mature for wholesale IP penetration?
No. Some areas of the UK market will take longer for IP to penetrate because they were saturated with analog some time ago, whereas in other geographies they weren't. However IP will penetrate 99% of the market eventually - it has too many cost and performance advantages not to do so.

Q14 What other countries are big potential areas for IP?
We're seeing very strong growth across EMEA. Countries with large capex projects are also obvious targets - e.g. China building 8 new airports this year alone.

Q15 How long will it be before IP penetrates the access control and intruder alarm sectors in the same way as it has with CCTV?
We have recently extended our solution to include enterprise level alarm handling as well as video, so an IndigoVision solution now addresses two of the three main sectors of the security market. We also already integrate with access control systems using 'software bindings' which allow the two systems to sit side by side, so the end user can get the best of breed in each sector. Actually, I think IP penetrated access control well before video, because video is much harder to get over a network than basic user data.

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27 October 2005 - Wireless IP-CCTV Protects Amsterdam’s Central Station

IndigoVision’s IP Video technology is providing an innovative integrated wireless CCTV solution for Amsterdam’s Central Station.

The requirement to extend the existing analog CCTV system at the station with an additional 20 dome cameras highlighted the drawbacks with traditional cabled video systems. The cost to install these remote cameras, with traditional fibre/coax cable, around the vast station complex was prohibitive. Q-CAT, a local Dutch security and communications specialist, in co-operation with IndigoVision developed a scheme using an extension to the existing IT network infrastructure. The analog video-feeds from the new dome cameras are converted to MPEG-4 high quality digital video by IndigoVision’s 8000 transmitter units. The IP-datastream from the 8000 devices is then transmitted via Wavesight’s WaveMAX wireless Ethernet bridges to the Station’s Security Control Center (CTR). Here several WaveMAX receivers/antennas convert and feed the digital transmissions from each camera onto the new local IP-network. The system is bi-directional allowing camera control data to be sent to each camera over the wireless network.

This innovative wireless approach allows the existing network to be extended to all parts of the station complex without the need to install cable. Within the station CTR both IndigoVision’s ‘Control Center’ video and alarm management PC software and dedicated Network Video Recorders (NVR) are installed on the IP-network. Four NVRs provide continuous recording at 25fps from each of the dome cameras. The ‘Control Center’ software allows the operators to view live and recorded video from any camera on the network, either directly from the camera or from the NVR. An IndigoVision IP video receiver rack is also installed on the network in the CTR to convert the camera feeds back to analog so they can be connected into the matrix hardware of the existing CCTV system.

The dome camera feeds are also transmitted over a point-to-point wireless link from the CTR to the local police control center 600m away. Again IndigoVision’s ‘Control Center’ software is installed and is integrated with the existing CCTV monitoring equipment. The police can view live and recorded video and control the cameras independently from their remote control center. The new camera feeds are also made available to the main CCTV system of the Dutch Rail System.

This project highlights the flexibility and benefits of a wireless IP Video solution. It provides a very cost-effective way to expand existing systems and provides a simple interface into any traditional CCTV configuration.

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27 July 2005 - Network Video Recorder Features Removable Hard Disk

IndigoVision has launched a new addition to its range of Network Video Recorder (NVR) products. The NVR 1.5 has a hot-swappable disk, with the estimated gap between recordings when changing disks a mere 20 seconds. There is no limit to the number of disks that can be cycled through the NVR, and configuration is stored in flash memory so recording configuration is kept with the unit, not the disk. Any number of disks can be swapped out providing increased storage capacity. Typically a single disk will store 4 months of continuous full frame-rate high quality digital video. In addition disks can be moved between any NVR1.5 on the network allowing for example, remote recording with archiving and playback at a central location. NVR1.5 provides fault-tolerant solutions for mission critical applications. It has built-in redundant power supplies and network connections and recordings can be mirrored to multiple NVRs around the network.

NVR1.5 is designed to work with IndigoVision’s IP Video technology and provides significant benefits over traditional Digital Video Recorder (DVR) solutions. It is important to differentiate between DVRs and NVRs, as both are often termed ‘digital’. A DVR digitally compresses analog video feeds and stores them on a hard disk, the term ‘digital’ referring to the compression and storage technology, not the transmitted video images. The DVR therefore has to be located near the analog feeds, typically next to a matrix. In contrast an NVR stores digital images directly from the IP-network, and can be located and distributed anywhere on the network. IndigoVision’s NVRs overcome the scalability issues associated with stand-alone DVRs.

IndigoVision is currently the only provider of NVRs which can be used transparently in locations remote from the viewing software. This is achieved by the implementation of thumbnails, which allow 24 hours of video to be retrieved and displayed within 6 seconds. This overcomes network bandwidth limitations and makes searching video in remote locations a reality.

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25 July 2005 - IP Video Partnership for Australian Security Market

IndigoVision, the leading supplier of IP Video systems for the security and surveillance industry has partnered with Rexel Video Systems, one of Australia’s major security and CCTV distributors. This partnership creates an excellent platform for Rexel Video Systems to become a major player in the rapidly expanding network CCTV market in Australia.

IndigoVision’s IP Video technology has a proven track record for providing cost effective, scaleable solutions for small standalone CCTV systems through to large-scale mission critical systems such as the recent Athens Olympics.

“In today’s market, a viable network security option is a must as more and more customers are demanding the flexibility and lower cost of ownership these solutions offer,” said Adam Sellers, Marketing Manager Rexel Video Systems.

Commenting on the partnership, IndigoVision’s CEO Oliver Vellacott said,

“The combination of Rexel’s 35 years’ experience in the security industry and IndigoVision’s world leading technology will create a powerful force in the Australian IP Video market.”

Rexel Video Systems
Tel: 1800-1-REXEL
E-mail: security@rexel.com.au
Or visit: www.rexelvideo.com.au

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12 July 2005 - Luton Airport Phases in Network Video Recorders (NVRs)

Over a period of 3 years London's Luton Airport has phased in a new IP-based CCTV system that has become one of the largest ever single-site IP based systems in the UK. Using IndigoVision’s IP Video technology installed by Intruder International, the final phase is now complete with the adoption of Network Video Recorders (NVRs) to replace the original digital video recorders (DVRs) and matrix hardware.

24 standalone NVR 8000 units were installed on different parts of the network, in 12 “redundant pairs”. Not only can IndigoVision’s IP technology record high-quality 25 fps video images, from any of the 300 cameras, to an NVR anywhere on the network, it can also record the same images simultaneously to two NVRs at separate locations. This provides a highly secure backup in the event of operational disruption. Using IndigoVision’s “Control Center” software any user with the appropriate security access can view and analyze recorded video from any NVR on the network. The NVR solution provides a high level of flexibility and scaleability and eliminates the restrictions imposed by traditional analog CCTV matrices and DVR technology.

Throughout the implementation of the IP Video system, Luton Airport has installed new elements in parallel with the existing CCTV technology to trial the system and to ensure a smooth transition. This was also the case with the NVR system, which was run concurrently for 6 months. The original DVR hardware has now been completely replaced. The system can also be maintained remotely via a VPN; for example, a recent system upgrade to the NVRs and other hardware was installed by IndigoVision without the need for an engineer to visit the airport, thereby reducing disruption to the client.

Luton Airport’s IP Video CCTV system is used for a wide range of applications including security and anti-terrorism operations, baggage handling, Customs and Excise, cargo sheds, airside gates, retail establishments, car parks and aircraft movements on the taxiways and runways via cameras mounted directly in the Control Tower.

The London Luton Airport project is a prime example of how the flexibility and scaleability of IP Video provides the only real solution for expanding large mission critical and complex operations such as airports. However, the way the project has been phased in underlines how IP Video isn’t just for large installations but can provide simple cost effective expansion for existing systems. IP Video allows potential end users to easily trial the system at first-hand without commitment to large scale change from day one. Even though IP Video has been an established technology for many years, users will always want to convert to new technology at their own pace.

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18 March 2005 - IP Video Software Replaces Dedicated CCTV Matrix Systems

On show at:
IFSEC 2005, NEC Birmingham, UK Hall 20, Stand K115

On show at IFSEC will be the latest release of IndigoVision’s professional digital CCTV application software, ‘Control Center’, which now matches and in many cases exceeds the features, functionality and performance of dedicated CCTV matrix systems. Control Center provides control, administration, recording, viewing and playback of live video and audio over IP networks. It links IndigoVision’s IP-based compression and network transmission technology with its unique Network Video Recorders (NVRs) to provide a complete solution for digital CCTV.

Its significant cost advantage and the ability to easily interface to existing analog CCTV systems has caused many end users to replace their dedicated matrix systems with Control Center solutions. As IndigoVision’s IP-technology is very scaleable, the high cost associated with expanding hardware matrix systems is also overcome. The system can support up to 10,000 cameras.

Control Center version 2.5 offers enhanced virtual matrix features including keyboard and joystick support and the addition of Guard Tours, which can be automatically scheduled for different times of the day. Dual monitor support is provided which allows users to view 50 live cameras simultaneously at 25/30fps.

This latest release also provides some new video management tools including automatic alarm protection and advanced motion search/detect facilities. All recorded video up to 2 hours before and after an alarm event is automatically protected from erasure during housekeeping when the hard disc is full. The system can now detect and search motion within a scene based on size and direction, for example one person walking in the opposite direction to the normal crowd movement. An advanced museum mode has also been implemented that not only detects objects permanently leaving an area of the scene, but also objects appearing such as an illegally parked car.

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18 March 2005 - IP Video Monitors Iraqi Elections in UK

Intruder International plc provided IP-CCTV surveillance for the three polling stations in London, Manchester and Glasgow during the recent UK Iraqi elections, as part of the security operation provided by Group 4 Securicor. Due to an extremely tight timescale and the high security surrounding the event, Intruder International was initially given very little specific information and did not know the exact camera locations until the day of the installation. To meet these demanding requirements and provide maximum flexibility Intruder International chose to install IndigoVision’s IP Video technology.

IndigoVision’s digital video technology provided high quality live and recorded video, easy PTZ camera control and quick switching between video feeds without the need to install a separate matrix. All of the IP Video viewing, recording and control was PC based, allowing the system to be easily configured. The user friendly front end also provided a familiar environment for the operators who found the system easy to use with little training.

After receiving the go-ahead on Friday, all three system installations were started on Monday and were fully commissioned and working by Tuesday afternoon – a testament to the flexibility of Intruder International’s UK wide operation and IndigoVision’s technology. It would have been very difficult to meet this demanding schedule and level of flexibility using a traditional cabled analog system. This advantage was further highlighted when the election hall at the London, Wembley center was changed part way through the Election. The entire surveillance system was relocated and re-commissioned within one day.

Each center typically had 9 static cameras and 1 PTZ camera all connected to IndigoVision’s 8000 IP-transceiver modules. These modules transmitted compressed camera video and control data via a network cable routed around the center, back to the control room, for recording review and live monitoring. The system provided live and recorded 25fps digital video from all cameras at 2CIF resolution, ensuring the operators viewed ‘analog’ quality CCTV images at all times.

Intruder International Plc
Founded in 1991, Intruder International Plc is a privately owned company that provides world leading security systems to organizations of all sizes. Based in Essex, Intruder International provides National coverage and local support through a network of regional offices. By utilizing leading edge technology backed by first class customer service, Intruder International has secured major contracts both in the UK and across Europe.

For information about Intruder International contact:
Intruder International Plc,
Tel: +44 (0) 1371 879 200,
Fax: +44 (0) 1371 879 201,
E-mail: sales@intruder.co.uk
or visit: www.intruder.co.uk

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