Physical Security – Security Review Magazine https://securityreviewmag.com We bring you the latest from the IT and physical security industry in the Middle East and Africa region. Tue, 11 Mar 2025 08:09:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://securityreviewmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cropped-SRico-32x32.png Physical Security – Security Review Magazine https://securityreviewmag.com 32 32 Matrix Announces IoTSCS-ER Compliant Network Cameras Certified by STQC https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27890 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 08:09:49 +0000 https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27890 Matrix, a leading provider of security and surveillance solutions, has announced that its Network Cameras have been certified under the IoT System Certification Scheme (IoTSCS) by STQC. This certification confirms compliance with the Essential Requirements (ERs) set under the Public Procurement Order (PPO) for CCTV, published in the Gazette of India by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

This certification confirms that Matrix Network Cameras meet MeitY’s security, performance, and compliance standards for surveillance in government and public projects. By meeting these requirements, Matrix strengthens its commitment to providing secure, high-quality, and compliant surveillance solutions, ensuring reliability in key government deployments.

Matrix Network Cameras have undergone rigorous testing by STQC to ensure cybersecurity, data protection, clear video recording, and durability in all environments. This certification confirms that Matrix Network Cameras provide secure video transmission, ensuring that video feeds remain protected from unauthorized access and interception. The built-in encryption mechanisms enhance data privacy, preventing sensitive footage from being compromised.

Additionally, these cameras are designed with robust network security, safeguarding against cyber threats and unauthorized intrusions. Their tamper-resistant build ensures the integrity of both the device and its recorded data, making them reliable for mission-critical applications.

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Axis Communications Intros Text Search in AXIS Camera Station Pro https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27821 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:18:51 +0000 https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27821 Axis Communications has introduced free text search in AXIS Camera Station Pro, a powerful video forensic tool that allows users to search using their own words. This enhances flexibility and accelerates investigations when searching for moving objects in large amounts of recorded video. The Smart search 2 toolbox will now include both pre-classified objects and free text search capabilities.

Free text search gives users greater flexibility and allows them to customize queries to meet segment-specific needs with fewer limitations. They can describe moving objects in greater detail using natural language and associations, enabling more relevant results. Typically, video scrubbing is the quickest way to find objects and incidents. However, if that doesn’t work, free text search offers a powerful AI-based alternative.

Free text search is based on an open-source foundation model, trained on billions of image-text pairs and fine-tuned by Axis for surveillance use cases to improve performance. With associations, users can broaden the search scope. For instance, it’s possible to search for people wearing professional uniforms such as construction workers. The model will then find objects matching these typical characteristics.

Additionally, it’s possible to find objects with a certain brand or logo. For quicker results, free text search can be combined with filters, such as date and time, object in area, direction, size, and duration.

Key Features:

  1. Freely use descriptions in English for searching
  2. Fine-tuned by Axis for surveillance use cases
  3. On-premises video processing
  4. Search for brand descriptions
  5. Combine with filters for greater accuracy
  6. Tools for responsible prompting to avoid misuse

With free text search, video data is only processed on the local server, enabling easier regulatory compliance. This feature is included in the Windows client and will also be accessible from the web client. What’s more, moderation assists the user in responsible AI prompting. Additionally, they have the possibility to send feedback to Axis, and a search log helps admin roles detect any misuse.

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Milestone Systems Outpaces Global VMS Market https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27672 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:02:34 +0000 https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27672 Milestone Systems, a leading video management software (VMS) provider, showcased its latest advancements at Intersec 2025, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) in video surveillance and analytics. An independent report by Omdia identifies Milestone Systems as a major supplier of VMS in the Middle East and Europe.

The Middle East, with its investment in smart cities and infrastructure, has fueled Milestone’s growth. The company has achieved growth rates higher than the average 8-9% in the VMS sector, meeting the demand for robust surveillance solutions.

“We are proud to participate for the 15th time in Intersec 2025, as a security leader in the transformation of the Middle East towards smart cities.” said Louise Bou Rached, Regional Director of META at Milestone Systems “Our strategy is to strengthen partnerships with integrators, resellers, and end-users to drive growth and innovation and simultaneously expand our presence in the MENA region.”

Milestone’s flagship product, XProtect Video Management Software, and the AI-driven BriefCam Video Analytics platform took centre stage. Integrations with technology partners, including Conexao Technology and CIAS, highlighted the open-platform flexibility of XProtect.

BriefCam’s analytics capabilities allow organizations to analyze hours of video quickly, aiding in emergency response, forensics, and operational efficiency. Milestone aims to meet the rising demand for hybrid and cloud-based VMS solutions, contributing to safer public spaces and smarter business operations.

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Axis Communications to Unveil the Future of Physical Security at Intersec Dubai 2025 https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27633 Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:45:42 +0000 https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27633 Axis Communications will be exhibiting at Intersec Dubai 2025 where the company will showcase product innovations, demonstrate key product offerings, participate in thought leadership events, and engage with stakeholders from across the safety and security industries. The 26th edition of the premier event will take place from 14 to 16 January 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

“The security landscape is constantly evolving and nowhere is that more apparent with the adoption of intelligent technologies. Backed by our reputation for, quality, reliability, and innovation, we’re ready to explore what’s possible and show business, industry, and government leaders the power and impact of Axis,” said Ettiene Van Der Watt, Regional Director for Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa at Axis Communications.

A major feature of the Axis exhibition stand will be a showcase of Axis’s vision of an AI-enabled future where artificial intelligence transforms traditional processes and plays a role in how people live, and businesses operate. Some key features include AI-enhanced cameras that can detect and respond to specific events, how enabled cameras and sensors can improve business processes through quality control and predictive maintenance, cybersecurity through advanced threat detection and mitigation, and data analytics. Stand visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy hands-on demonstrations and learn more about the use of AI-powered applications with Axis solutions.

Axis’s presence at Intersec Dubai 2025 follows the company’s recent announcement of the 9th generation of its purpose-built system-on-chip (SoC), ARTPEC-9. Refining and adding to the capabilities of previous generations of Axis’s in-house SoC, ARTPEC-9 boasts incredibly low bitrate, quality imaging, strengthened cybersecurity, and next-generation AI-powered analytics. ARTPEC-9 also supports the AV1 video encoding standard, ensuring extended client compatibility. Combined with Axis Zipstream technology that lowers network bandwidth and storage requirements while preserving forensic details, AV1 offers efficiency and reliability for both on-premises and cloud-based video management. At Intersec Dubai, Axis will exhibit selected network video products featuring ARTPEC-9 SoC.

Other innovation showcases that visitors can expect to see include:

  1. Video Technology: Thanks to the latest breakthroughs in video technology, Axis Solutions offers unparalleled image quality and usability while unlocking new insights for a variety of use cases. Come see our latest 41 MP, 8K camera utilizing electronic image stabilization for long-distance City surveillance or Sports Stadium surveillance.
  2. Axis Cloud Connect: A secure platform that enables users to manage their video surveillance systems from remote locations i.e. device lifecycle management. It is an open, hybrid cloud platform that enables managed services to increase efficiency and ensure scalable, future-proof solutions.
  3. Body-Worn Solutions: Useful for documenting events and gathering valuable evidence, Axis body-work solutions offer system operators an effective and reliable way to deter bad behaviour and influence the actions of both the wearers and those captured on camera.
  4. Radar: By not relying on visibility, radar keeps false alarms to a minimum while capturing crucial information that traditional visual cameras cannot. You will also see Radar / Video fusion products that combine these two technologies into one to improve overall performance by leveraging the best of both.

The Axis stand will also explore trending topics in more depth and showcase specialised solutions, to highlight a few:

  1. Critical Infrastructure: By combining multiple technologies including visual and thermal cameras, radar, access control, audio equipment, and analytics, Axis Solutions helps businesses confront the three main threats to the continuity of critical operations: Intrusion, interruption, and injury.
  2. Network Audio: Audio is a powerful tool with which to protect people and property. Leveraging the power of IP, Axis network audio solutions can be used to deter intruders, deliver instructions in the event of an emergency, and make general announcements.
  3. TCO: Utilising a total cost of ownership (TCO) approach, users can capture all costs associated with the security camera system over its complete lifecycle.
  4. Cybersecurity: Featuring built-in cybersecurity features designed to decrease the risk of compromise and enable secure behaviour, Axis solutions are built to confront the cybersecurity risks of today and ensure people and businesses are protected from digital threat actors.
  5. Sustainability: An important component of any business, Axis strives to make sustainability a cornerstone of its product offering and overall business operations.

Visitors to the Axis stand will also be able to engage with co-exhibitors and members of the Axis technology and integration partner network:

  1. Aarani: Araani stands as a pioneer in video fire recognition technology, utilizing advanced video analysis for smoke and fire detection in critical environments. With the power of analytics, Araani systems do no not require physical contact with smoke or flames to sound the alarm. Axis stand visitors will get to see how Araani and Axis technologies work together to detect smoke and fire.
  2. Genetec: Genetec Inc. is a global technology company that has been transforming the physical security industry for over 25 years. The company’s portfolio of solutions enables enterprises, governments, and communities around the world to secure people and assets while improving operational efficiency and respecting individual privacy. Genetec delivers the world’s leading products for video management, access control, and ALPR, all built on an open architecture and designed with cybersecurity at their core. The company’s portfolio also includes intrusion detection, intercom, and digital evidence management solutions. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Genetec serves its 42,500+ customers via an extensive network of accredited channel partners and consultants in over 159 countries.
  3. Milestone Systems: A leading provider of open platform VMS, Milestone Systems’ solutions enable organisations to monitor their premises and resources securely. Milestone’s VMS platform can be integrated into a wide range of third-party devices, and offers a high level of flexibility and scalability, making it the perfect fit for any organisation facility or site. With the help of Milestone’s data-drive video technology software, organisations can also access actionable insights that can help inform decision-making and optimise operational efficiencies.
  4. FF Group: FF Group is an innovative solution data provider with 10 years of experience creating AI Edge and data solutions for road traffic and parking vendors and integrators. Our revolutionary CAMMRA AI, Next-generation, on-camera AI-powered Vehicle recognition and license plate recognition (LPR) software sets a new standard in real-time analytics. By leveraging the power of five Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) integrated seamlessly into Axis cameras, CAMMRA AI delivers unmatched performance, even in the most demanding environments. It brings new standards in urban traffic management projects.
  5. PowerStack: An innovator of powered infrastructure, PowerStack reimagines the future of remote power generation and smart technology deployments to power and light up enterprises. PowerStack solutions are designed to be deployed quickly and easily, all while solving connectivity, lighting, and security challenges across a variety of industries.
  6. DataFromSky: A provider of real-time/post-recording traffic situations in cities, highways, parking lots, and buildings, redefining the concept of smart cities with innovative solutions for smart parking, traffic control and retail.
  7. CamStreamer: CamStreamer is a cutting-edge software solution that enhances IP cameras by enabling live streaming and advanced video analytics directly from the camera itself. Designed for seamless integration with Axis Communications’ network cameras, CamStreamer offers innovative tools for real-time content delivery to platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and custom RTMP servers without the need for additional hardware.
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Matrix Intros New Features in its Video Surveillance Solutions https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27555 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 07:20:00 +0000 https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27555 Matrix has rolled out a series of exciting updates to its IP Video Surveillance Solutions. These new features are designed to provide enhanced functionality, better integration, and ease of surveillance management for users across industries. Here’s what’s new:

Supercharged Performance for NVRs
Matrix Network Video Recorders now come with improved performance parameters, ensuring smoother operations for users managing high-resolution surveillance systems:

  1. Uplink and Downlink Speeds Enhanced: The NVRs now support up to 512Mbps Uplink and Downlink speeds, double the previous limit of 256Mbps. This enhancement allows for seamless management of multiple high-resolution cameras without compromising on data flow.
  2. Expanded Storage Capacity: Each SATA port can now accommodate up to 18TB of storage, compared to the earlier 10TB limit. This increased capacity ensures extended recording retention for users requiring long-term storage.

These updates are available as a free software upgrade for existing 32-channel and 64-channel NVR models, ensuring that current users can easily benefit from these advancements.

Stay Alert Anytime, Anywhere with WhatsApp Notifications
The latest version of Matrix Video Management Software introduces WhatsApp integration as a notification medium for system events. This feature enhances real-time responsiveness by delivering event notifications—such as intrusion detection, motion detection, or tripwire alerts—directly to a user’s WhatsApp.

Notifications include images of the event, providing immediate visual confirmation for faster decision-making. Previously limited to Email, SMS, and TCP notifications, this addition expands the ways users can stay connected to their surveillance systems, ensuring timely awareness and action.

Intelligent Building Automation with BACnet Integration
Matrix Video Management Software now supports BACnet Integration, enabling seamless connectivity with Building Management Systems (BMS). For example, if a camera tampering event is detected at a branch office, Matrix VMS alerts the BMS via the BACnet protocol. The BMS then notifies the concerned person, enabling immediate action.

This integration ensures centralised monitoring, faster response times, and streamlined operations, making it ideal for environments that demand synchronised facility management and security.

Ruggedised Network Cameras with New Certifications
Matrix’s ruggedised network cameras are now even tougher and more reliable with:

  1. IP68 Certification: Improved durability to withstand extreme weather and environmental conditions, upgrading from the previous IP67 standard.
  2. EN45545 Certification: Ensuring compliance with fire safety standards for applications in railways and other critical environments.

These cameras are designed to operate in the harshest conditions, making them ideal for industries like transportation, manufacturing, and defence.

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Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera Review: Security Made Simple https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27524 Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:46:30 +0000 https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27524 The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera is widely acclaimed for its 360-degree panning and 169-degree tilting capabilities, enabling comprehensive coverage of a room. It boasts 1080p HD resolution and colour night vision, ensuring clear visuals both during the day and at night. The camera is designed to be user-friendly, allowing for easy setup, and integrates seamlessly with other Ring devices and Alexa.

Design
The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera sports a sleek, modern design with a compact and lightweight body. It’s designed to blend effortlessly into your home decor while being robust enough to endure daily use. Its unobtrusive design ensures it can be easily mounted on walls or placed on flat surfaces, offering stability and longevity.

The build quality of the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera is impressive. It features a durable plastic casing that protects the internal components. The camera is engineered to be sturdy and reliable, ensuring it stands the test of time.

Features
The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera offers several features designed to enhance home security. It delivers sharp and clear video quality with its 1080p HD resolution, providing detailed images for better surveillance. The two-way audio feature facilitates effective communication between you and anyone in your home, adding an extra layer of convenience and security. The colour night vision capability ensures visibility even in low-light conditions, offering peace of mind around the clock.

With the Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera, you can easily interact with your pets, whether it’s saying hello, shooing them off the table, or keeping them company. The camera enables you to see, hear, and speak with live audio and video. It sends notifications to your phone when it detects movement, and with Advanced Pre-Roll, you can capture motion a few seconds early to get the full story. You can customise the camera to monitor specific areas, reducing unnecessary alerts from things such as ceiling fans or TV screens. If you see something you don’t like, you can activate the powerful siren from the Ring app to scare off intruders or even break up a catfight.

Ring App
The Ring app is designed to be user-friendly, offering a seamless experience. Through the app, you can view live footage, receive motion alerts, communicate via two-way audio, and control the camera’s pan and tilt functions. The app supports multiple users, making it easy to share access with family members.

Subscription Package
The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera can operate without a subscription package. However, subscribing to the Ring Protect Plan unlocks additional features such as video recording, video history, and extended cloud storage. These features enhance the functionality and utility of the camera, making it a more comprehensive security solution.

Overall Performance
The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera delivers reliable performance across various lighting conditions. Its motion detection and two-way audio features work effectively, providing a robust security solution. The pan and tilt functions are smooth and responsive, greatly enhancing the surveillance capabilities of the camera.

Verdict
The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera is available for a price of AED 299. Considering its features, build quality, and overall performance, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera offers good value for money.

Price: AED 299

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Here’s How Smart Devices are Eroding Privacy and Security https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27518 Tue, 10 Dec 2024 06:58:00 +0000 https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27518 Privacy is generally held as a fundamental right, with citizens often having high expectations regarding the protection of their personal information. Citizens protest when they fear that governments are increasing their involvement in the citizens’ personal lives. However, they don’t consider how much personal and sensitive data they share with any application that they install on their smartphone, or with smart devices in their homes.

Big tech companies and vendors of personal devices such as wearables, smartphones, and voice assistants collect intimate details about their users—often far more than any healthcare provider or government agency. These devices capture data on physical health (like heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity), mental well-being (through analysis of speech, facial expressions, and online activity), and personal preferences, including what we search for, buy, or listen to. Voice assistants continuously learn from user interactions, building profiles that can include details about routines, relationships, and even moods, inferred from voice tone and language.

This data extends beyond what any individual doctor could know, compiling a digital “fingerprint” of personal health and behaviour. For instance, wearables record heart rate, stress levels, and steps taken, creating a comprehensive record of the wearer’s physical and mental state. Online Platforms use sophisticated algorithms to understand users’ interests and behaviours better than many friends or family members might, mapping out everything from buying habits to political views.

These companies achieve such depth by aggregating data across devices, apps, and digital environments. The insights generated are not just for providing services but are also used in targeted advertising and can be shared with third parties or government entities under certain conditions, sometimes without users’ explicit knowledge.

Applications must request consent and permission to ask for sensors in your device, and usually, users easily give it. While this data has immense value for improving products and personalizing services, it raises significant privacy concerns because it operates largely without oversight, allowing tech companies to wield unprecedented insight into the intimate details of billions of lives.

In 2018, we learned about the Facebook and Cambridge Analytica scandal. In short, a consulting firm harvested personal data from millions of users without their consent. The data was used to build psychological profiles of users, which were then leveraged to deliver targeted political advertisements. The major concern was data monetization, ad profiling and targeted campaigns.
The discussion has escalated since then, and it is now around homeland security, influence campaigns, and espionage by foreign governments.

Privacy and cultural differences
A current public debate surrounds data collection practices by popular social media and technology companies. Investigations revealed that such apps gather extensive user data, including location, contacts, and behavioural data, raising concerns about data security and potential access by foreign governments. While these companies deny any unlawful access, governments have imposed strict oversight measures to ensure that sensitive user information is not compromised. This has sparked action worldwide, as countries prioritize data security for their citizens.

Smartphone and IoT device manufacturers from various regions are also under scrutiny. Concerns have been raised about the risk of foreign governments accessing user data through backdoors or other surveillance mechanisms. This issue is particularly prominent in countries with different approaches to data privacy, especially in authoritarian regimes that prioritise state control over individual privacy. These practices have led to heightened concerns over the potential misuse of devices for espionage or surveillance.

How Governments are Responding
Privacy Laws in Western countries exemplify this commitment to data privacy by giving individuals control over their data and requiring transparency from companies about data collection and sharing practices. Such frameworks are influenced by cultural values that prioritise individual freedoms and a deep-seated aversion to surveillance, especially in the private domain of one’s home.

This divergence not only shapes local privacy standards but also impacts international relations and the global IoT market. Democracies are increasingly implementing policies to restrict foreign-made devices suspected of being vulnerable to government interference, reinforcing the broader geopolitical contest between open and closed data governance models.

As these cases demonstrate, the threat is not hypothetical. Governments worldwide are actively grappling with the security and privacy implications posed by IoT devices, particularly from vendors with potential ties to state surveillance. In response, several regulatory and legal actions are underway:

  1. Bans and Restrictions on High-Risk Vendors: Select governments have taken action by banning specific foreign-made devices from critical infrastructure, particularly in government buildings and other sensitive areas. This approach, while controversial, is perceived as a necessary step to reduce the risk of espionage.
  2. Data Protection and Privacy Laws: The European GDPR and similar laws around the world are designed to give consumers more control over their data. These regulations require that companies provide clear consent options, disclose data usage, and allow users to manage the data collected by their devices. However, enforcing these laws on foreign companies remains a challenge. Therefore, in Europe, the commission approved last month the new extended Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which demands manufacturers to comply with both privacy and security requirements in any connected device, if they want to sell them in the European market.
  3. Device Security Standards: Several countries have introduced laws mandating minimum security standards for devices used by government agencies. These laws encourage basic security measures like banning default passwords, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

The privacy breach incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger regulations and better consumer awareness of potential security threats. This story is not just about one family or a single breach; it’s a broader narrative of how the “smart” devices in our homes could, in the wrong hands, compromise our privacy and security. As governments, regulatory bodies, and consumers begin to navigate this new reality, collaboration and vigilance will be key to preserving the sanctity of our private spaces.

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HID Acquires IXLA to Enhance Card and Passport Personalization Portfolio https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27381 Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:51:26 +0000 https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27381 HID has acquired IXLA, an Italian manufacturer of advanced laser and colour personalisation systems for cards and passports. The addition of IXLA expands HID’s card and passport personalization portfolio, particularly in European markets and emerging economies.

“Welcoming IXLA into the HID family demonstrates our commitment to providing convenient and efficient document personalization solutions across a variety of industries,” said Björn Lidefelt, EVP and Head of HID. “With IXLA’s technology and expertise, we are better positioned for geographic expansion, particularly in the government and financial institution space.”

XLA specializes in the design, development, and implementation of advanced laser and colour personalisation systems in three core categories:

  1. Card printers: Laser desktop and mid-range solutions for the secure personalization of security documents such as identification cards, driver’s licenses, health cards, and other government-issued credentials
  2. Passport printers: Low-Mid-volume printers with laser and inkjet-based colour personalisation that offer precise printing solutions for personalizing passports
  3. Application software: Machine management software that ensures all personalization processes meet stringent security requirements to safeguard sensitive data

The IXLA portfolio offers laser and inkjet personalization systems for government and payments. The offering specializes in card printing and flexible issuance for driver’s licenses, ID cards, police and military IDs, high-security government cards and passports, and more.

Craig Sandness, SVP and Head of Secure Issuance, HID, said, “We look forward to incorporating IXLA into our growing printer and credential personalization offering. This addition helps increase our relevance in both the government and finance space, as well as better serve users in emerging markets across the globe.”

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Romano Canavese, Italy, IXLA is now part of HID’s Secure Issuance Business Area. Together with 2015 acquisition, IAI Industrial Systems B.V., IXLA will benefit from HID’s sales and other global functions to support its offering. “At IXLA, we are proud of our achievements spanning 20+ years of designing, developing, manufacturing, and selling advanced personalization systems,” said Ettore Ghirlanda, CEO, IXLA. “Now, we are thrilled at the opportunity to combine forces with HID to expand our reach and further meet growing customer needs.”

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Panasonic Launches New CCTV Lineup for SMEs and Homes https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27127 Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:16:51 +0000 https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=27127 Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa (PMMAF) has announced its latest innovation in CCTV technology for the region. The Japanese manufacturer returns with a completely new series of security cameras that are designed to provide superior image quality, reliability, and advanced features, ensuring optimal performance in diverse applications. Panasonic’s new range of cameras and network video recorders are designed to meet various customer application needs, providing high security, and ensuring safety in homes, shops, and offices.

Panasonic CCTV solutions provide a cutting-edge lineup with unparalleled surveillance capabilities in a climate where safety and security hold utmost importance. Meticulously designed to empower businesses, communities, and individuals, they significantly help safeguard critical assets. The new Panasonic cameras are complemented by Network Video Recorders (NVRs) supporting 8 to 32 channels of IP cameras with PoE inputs. These NVRs are designed to meet diverse security requirements, leveraging advanced system-on-chip (SoC) technology for high-definition recording on each channel.

Furthermore, a mobile application allows users to access connected cameras via the NVR from their mobile phones. This app supports both iOS and Android platforms. “Panasonic security cameras are sophisticated surveillance systems that utilize intelligent algorithms that enhance functionality and effectiveness. Unlike traditional security cameras, which rely solely on motion detection, Panasonic cameras can intelligently analyze video feeds in real-time, identifying and flagging potential threats or suspicious activities. These cameras can distinguish between normal and abnormal behaviour, allowing for more accurate threat detection and minimizing false alarms,” commented John Hardy – Chief Operating Officer, PMMAF.

Panasonic lineup includes dome, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) and bullet cameras that suit multiple installation environments like wall, ceiling, indoor, and outdoor enabling the customer to find the best option for his project. Panasonic lineup contains 2MP,4MP & 5MP that match the customer requirements and MEA country regulations. Panasonic cameras are designed to offer high security, ensuring the safety of customers in their homes, shops, and offices. Equipped with smart intelligence, name few features like line crossing, and abandoned or missing objects can be customizable through the Region of Interest (ROI) feature built into the camera enhancing user security and peace of mind. Moreover, the cameras guarantee customer privacy through an advanced encryption algorithm.

Panasonic network video recorders come with an offering from 8 input channels to 32 input channels, ensuring high-definition recording on each channel through advanced SOC techniques. The NVR’s support IP PoE inputs for easy configuration and network infrastructure simplification enables simultaneous playback across all channels, It meets diverse security requirements for homes, shops, and offices, ensuring customer safety.

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Security Unseen: Unpacking the Present and Future Value of Radar and Thermal Imaging https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=26851 Fri, 21 Jun 2024 08:44:27 +0000 https://securityreviewmag.com/?p=26851 Written by Magnus Lundegård, Global Product Manager and Niklas Lindman, Global Product Manager at Axis Communications

When formulating a security or perimeter protection plan, Middle Eastern enterprises are inclined to utilise as many independent surveillance and monitoring technologies as possible. While organisations would simply purchase and set up a collection of CCTV cameras dotted across a building or facility in the past, the ever-changing security needs of organisations today demand a more comprehensive and holistic approach, as well as solutions that go beyond traditional visual surveillance. It’s also relevant for organisations to rethink their approach to visual surveillance, especially amidst increased privacy concerns surrounding surveillance cameras and systems in the region.

Radar and thermal imaging technologies serve as key components of that security approach. By complementing network cameras with radars and thermal cameras, organisations can unlock additional value from their physical security strategies, as well as tap recent innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics to enhance their physical security resilience.

Where we started…
Developed in the 1940s, primarily for military and defence purposes, radar technology has evolved and now boasts a wide variety of applications across multiple industries, most notably in physical security. Radar technology and thermal imaging allow you to see what visual cameras cannot. Devices can detect moving objects (people, vehicles, etc.) regardless of lighting conditions, or in environments where weather or operating conditions do not allow for adequate visual surveillance.

This way, operators can improve their understanding of the surveyed area and be more accurate when it comes to detecting multiple objects. Their deployment alongside traditional visual cameras also helps to create a wide buffer zone and well-defined perimeter line thanks to two-layered security. An innovation that warrants attention is visual cameras that are integrated with radar. Radar-video fusion cameras combine radar and video data for the purpose of the visual image – radar detections fused into the video image – with analytics, where the input from both sources is merged to enhance the output.

Where we’re going…
There’s a debate to be had around which technology is superior or whether they work best separately or together. But the fact is that radar and thermal imaging solutions, used in conjunction with video surveillance, let operators enjoy total coverage of an area. To achieve this, many solutions are designed to be compatible with major video management systems (VMS). They are also a practical solution in the event video surveillance cannot be used due to privacy restrictions, as people and their faces cannot be identified with thermal cameras or radars. Thermal imaging cannot be used for reliable identification so, along with radar, it enables operators to abide by any restrictions they may have to adhere to, while the technology itself is inherently secure.

However, the applicability of radar technology and thermal imaging extends beyond perimeter protection. The technologies offer real promise for road, traffic, and vehicle monitoring and management, especially in the Middle East where traffic-related incidents cost lives and can have severe annual economic consequences to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. Using radar devices strategically placed across highway systems, traffic management centres and officials can detect and identify vehicles, how many there are, and at what speeds or directions they are travelling, culminating in reliable data and statistics that can improve decision-making. Meanwhile, thermal cameras give officials a means to see vehicles 24/7, regardless of the weather conditions.

One innovation that takes radar technology and thermal imaging forward is AI. Combined with radar, AI allows for enhanced object detection and classification to the point that it serves as the basis for trends such as autonomous driving. The goal is to minimise false alarms, and AI-based human and vehicle classifications, combined with modern intrusion detection analytics, make that possible by ignoring variable illuminations and moving objects such as vegetation that may cause moving shadows.

All this goes to show that radar technology and thermal imaging are still evolving. Cutting-edge devices and solutions represent not just a value in terms of security, but also a value in forward thinking. With the help of trusted manufacturers and vendors, organisations in the Middle East can leverage the full power of these technologies for their operations and projects.

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