New feature allows users to quickly cancel false alarms
BY SIW EDITORIAL STAFF
SecurityInfoWatch.com
Updated: 07-20-2011 9:02 am
Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) announced this week that is has developed a new False Alarm Question feature for its alarm panels to help users quickly cancel false alarms.
According to a statement, when the False Alarm Question option is selected, the user will be prompted to enter their code at which point the keypad will then display the question, “is this a false alarm?” The user can then cancel or verify the alarm by pressing "yes" or "no" respectively.
"DMP long ago recognized the need to provide end users with a simple way to reduce or eliminate false alarms," said DMP Executive Director of Marketing Mark Hillenburg. "The CANCEL/VERIFY false alarm reduction feature has been available for many years. This new False Alarm Question feature provides a different option for end users to cancel an alarm, prevent an unnecessary emergency response, and avoid the financial penalty of a false alarm."
Dealers can retain the current CANCEL/VERIFY (default) operation or select the new False Alarm Question feature depending on their customer needs. This feature is now available on the XT, XTL, and XR100/500 panels and can be updated.
Atlanta City Council approves video integration project
Thousands of public and private cameras to be tied together at city's video integration center
BY ERNIE SUGGS, STAFF
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Updated: 07-19-2011 4:14 pm
Big Brother is coming to Atlanta. Or is it a watchful eye that will make walking city streets safer?
On Monday, the Atlanta City Council approved a measure to network and monitor thousands of public and privately owned security cameras throughout Atlanta.
The cameras and images will be part of a new multimillion-dollar video integration center, designed to compile and analyze footage from the network.
To start, images from as many as 500 cameras --- some city-owned and some private --- are expected to flow into the center, providing images from Piedmont Park to Underground Atlanta. The center will use software that can identify "suspicious" behavior and allow monitors to quickly deploy public safety personnel. The software is also capable of pinpointing where gunshots originate from.
The center is being built by a $2.6 million federal grant from the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department. The Atlanta Police Foundation --- which funds the camera network operated by the Midtown Blue, a private security agency --- is also raising money to operate the center. The city has not determined yet how much it will cost to operate the center annually, but the council is committed to establishing virtually blanket video monitoring of the city.
"I am in full support of increased eyes on the streets," said Ivory Lee Young, chairman of the council's public safety committee. "[Atlanta police] Chief [George] Turner expressed early on that this was a way to supplement enforcement with technology. This is a way to operate smarter."
Others are conflicted, worried about the camera network's impact on privacy.
"I have very mixed feelings about it," said Marsha Guobadia, a Sandy Springs resident. "I want my family to feel safe and protected. The question is how far is too far in protecting citizens, but possibly infringing on those citizens' privacy?"
The American Civil Liberties Union opposes the cameras.
"When you start centralizing video footage from one place, run by the government, you are opening up the possibility that everybody will be tracked and monitored, which is inconsistent with our oldest traditions of privacy," said Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst for the national ACLU.
Peter Aman, the city's chief operating officer, said the city is aware of privacy concerns and will remain sensitive to them.
"But we do believe that appropriate video monitoring of public spaces can reduce crime and avoid privacy issues," Aman said.
In cities where cameras have been employed to help fight crime, there have been measures of success. San Francisco installed cameras in 2005 and last week the city's police chief asked for more, after an art thief was arrested after being captured on video.
But Stanley argues that there is no data that conclusively proves that cameras reduce crime in a city.
"It may move crime somewhere else," Stanley said. "These centers are expensive and people would be better off having police officers on the streets, instead of these high-tech gizmos, which people assume is a silver bullet."
Aman said video deters crime and helps with investigations..
"If you go to COBRA, you will hear 'video' in every case," said Aman, about the APD's weekly crime analysis meeting. "Whether low or high profile, video evidence is a critical part in putting people in jail. And putting people in jail reduces the crime rate."
Cameras to be installed in 14 more Chicago schools
Officials say surveillance cameras will help create a safe environment for teachers, students
BY JAE MILLER
WGN-TV, Chicago
Updated: 07-26-2011 8:39 am
July 25--CHICAGO -- After a successful pilot program at Fenger High School, Chicago Public School officials are planning to install new security cameras in 14 other city high schools.
It will cost the district $7 million. CPS officials say it will help reduce crime and create a safe environment for students.
The enhanced electronic security system will place high definition security cameras at 14 Chicago public schools during fiscal year 2012. Those 14 schools include Clemente, Hyde Park, Sullivan, Morgan Park, or Marshall, Dunbar, Tilden, Bogan, Wells, Senn, Juarez, Julian, and Farragut.
The high tech system piloted at Fenger High School in the fall of 2009 will be poured into the nearest police station and to mobile devices. It will also be viewable at CPS Safety and Security, the Chicago Police Department, and the Office of Emergency Management and Communication.
Michael Shields, head of Safety and Security at CPS, says cameras help create a safe environment and climate for teachers and for learning.
CPS has already started installing cameras at some of the schools. Cameras should be installed at all 14 schools by February 2012.
Avigilon introduces H.264 Analog Video Encoder
Solution facilitates efficient transition to IP-based surveillance while preserving legacy assets
By Avigilon
Updated: 07-22-2011 10:40 am
VANCOUVER, CANADA - July 18, 2011 - Avigilon, the performance and value leader in high definition (HD) and megapixel video surveillance solutions, today announced the introduction of the Avigilon H.264 Analog Video Encoder, the latest version of its award-winning analog video encoder. The Avigilon H.264 Analog Video Encoder offers customers the most cost-effective way to realize the benefits of HD surveillance while leveraging existing investments in legacy surveillance systems.
"Avigilon offers a complete and open surveillance solution designed specifically for high definition performance," said Keith Marett, director of marketing and communications at Avigilon. "The Avigilon H.264 Analog Video Encoder is the latest addition to our overall solution that enables organizations to cost-effectively leverage their existing analog cameras as they transition over to HD surveillance for greater investigative success and enhanced overall security."
Leveraging H.264 compression technologies, the new encoder minimizes bandwidth and storage requirements while capturing high quality surveillance footage for greater coverage and enhanced overall protection. ONVIF compliance provides interoperability in a wide range of network video management software platforms, including Avigilon Control Center.
A 4-port analog video encoder, the Avigilon H.264 Analog Video Encoder is designed to integrate legacy analog cameras into an HD IP surveillance system. Supporting NTSC and PAL video standards, the encoder includes an RS-485 interface for PTZ support, an external I/O interface for connecting alarms and relays, and four audio input and output jacks for enhanced communication. Encoding in full resolution up to 30 images per second per analog camera for improved image quality, the Avigilon H.264 Analog Video Encoder seamlessly integrates with Avigilon Control Center NVMS and High Definition NVRs using standard network equipment to create a network-based surveillance solution with unmatched performance, ease of use, and ease of installation.
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