Tech Watch

Apr 1, 2007 12:00 PM

Visitors at ISC-West in Las Vegas this year got a chance to become more familiar with vocabulary words such as “fault tolerant,” “power-over-ethernet” and “IP-enabled access control.” The new talk in the aisles clearly reflected a transforming product mix in our industry. Here is a sampling.

Pan/Tilt/Zoom Network Video Camera

BUILT-IN NETWORK SERVER; POWER-OVER-ETHERNET

The pan/tilt/zoom network camera offers a wide angle of view and new network video recording software. It offers a 70-degree horizontal angle of view and pans bi-directionally at plus-or-minus 170 degrees to deliver a viewing angle that exceeds 360 degrees. The camera's high-sensitivity progressive-scan CCD provides well-defined images of rapidly moving objects and powerful low-light performance (1 lux at 1/30 shutter speed). An automatic day-and-night mode switches from color video to light-sensitive black-and-white video depending on illumination. The lens design reduces “fish-eye” distortion. Integration of the supplier's video codecs maintains a high video frame rate during simultaneous access by multiple viewers. VB-C300 Wide-Angle Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) network camera, Canon U.S.A. Inc. (usa.canon.com) Circle No. 1 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Security Controller

WITH “FAULT TOLERANT” ARCHITECTURE

The system functions as an access, alarm monitoring and output control system. In the event of a hardware or firmware failure, the system automatically “takes over” the duties of the failed device. If communication fails, it uses one of three communication ports to re-establish a secure link. System features include fail-safe operation, open system and architecture, peer-to-peer communications, a Homeland security threat level control, cardholder or card group action, three levels of anti-passback control, automatic card activation and deactivation by date and time, and a configurable cardholder history capacity. The patent-pending system meets FIPS 201 requirements. Fault Tolerant FT Controller, PCSC (1pcsc.com) Circle No. 2 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Video To Connect With Structured Cabling

USABLE WITH EXISTING UNSHIELDED TWISTED PAIR CONNECTIVITY

A line of unshielded twisted pair (UTP) products enables video connectivity using existing telephone cabling. The UTP products can connect cameras to DVRs, matrix switchers and multiplexers, and can transport video signals from point-to-point in any application where coax cable could be installed. The active receiver units incorporate an adaptive technology to adjust the low, medium and high frequency components of the video signal automatically. A DIP switch on the unit allows users to override the automatic compensation and manually select the cable distance at up to 4,000 feet. The active line includes a single channel active transmitter and receiver, and multi-channel video receivers. Passive models include a single channel balun and a series of multi-channel video transceivers. Eliminating the need for external power, the passive models provide video signal up to 750 feet. PelcoUTP, Pelco (pelco.com) Circle No. 3 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Environmental Monitoring Of Networks

REMOTE MONITORING PROVIDES NOTIFICATION OF IMPENDING FAILURES

The network monitoring system remotely monitors user-defined environmental conditions such as temperature, airflow and humidity levels for a variety of networked devices. The system includes the Scout Series Environmental Monitoring Systems applicable to any IP-based system components; Scout Series Probes that can be positioned for standalone or with an operation mounting arm for rack mount operation; Commander Series 10- and 26-port network switches; and Pilot CS Management Software to collect and display network station and environmental conditions. V'nes Video Network Enterprise Solution, American Fibertek Inc. (americanfibertek.com) Circle No. 4 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Single-Door IP-Based Access Control

REQUIRES LESS WIRING FOR NEW BUILDING INSTALLATIONS

The smart card reader is an IP-enabled intelligent access control processor and host interface solution in a single unit. It is designed to provide an access control hardware/software infrastructure and contactless smart card read/write capability at the edge of the network for OEM software host systems. Incorporating power-over-ethernet capability, the reader takes advantage of existing LAN and Cat-5 cable infrastructure to integrate into any host system using an IP network software interface. It connects with and stores a complete access control and configuration database for one controlled door and 44,000 cardholders. The reader allows connection of a laptop computer for diagnostics and configuration. EdgeReader ERW400, HID Global (hidcorp.com) Circle No. 5 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

IP Door Reader with Power Over Ethernet

BUNDLED SOFTWARE ENABLES PLUG-AND-PLAY FUNCTIONALITY

The access reader-controller connects to an IP network and eliminates the need for traditional security control panels. Use of power-over-ethernet allows users to reduce the cost of installation and labor. An RJ45 plug with network activity lights replaces the typical “pigtal.” Other features include a power reset button, a power selector, and output power for the electronic lock. The supplier's Crystal Matrix Software enables network administrators to directly monitor and control an unlimited number of door readers across the enterprise. PowerNet IP Reader-Controllers, ISONAS Security Systems (isonas.com) Circle No. 6 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

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