As camera counts and amounts of data increase, IP-based video surveillance signals and footage become more difficult to transmit, store and manage. There are a bewildering number of equipment choices for digital recording, but effectively recording and storing data requires more considerations than just hardware. Choosing the “right” architecture and storage distribution network that suit your needs and purposes will help ease a lot of headaches down the road.

When surveillance video is broadcast on the evening news, it almost always looks grainy and dark. Even if suspects are looking straight at the camera, the image quality may be insufficient for identification. Image enhancement software promises to bring that to an end, with ways to amplify video signals and filter out noise.

A new generation of smart card technology is enabling organizations to consolidate physical and logical access control onto a single, unified identity platform.  This convergence isn’t restricted to traditional cards and readers, either. Integrated, multi-application access control solutions are also moving onto mobile devices including phones enabled with wireless Near Field Communications (NFC) technology.

VMS is evolving according to the needs and expectations of end users. One method to meet user needs is to design VMS with specific verticals in mind. In this article, we discuss what variables change between VMS for different verticals.

The migration to IP surveillance is driven by megapixel cameras. However, low-light performance remains an unknown, as smaller and less light-sensitive pixels are crowded onto an image sensor. a&s finds out whether megapixel cameras are ready for nighttime surveillance, compared to analog models, and how components affect performance

Colleges and universities grant the freedom of advanced learning and the pursuit of knowledge. More open spaces and a more dynamic population make campus safety a complex task. As the global economic downturn continues, colleges are experiencing budget shortfalls. Despite funding challenges, higher education benefits from strong IT networks offering plentiful bandwidth. Security providers need to look for practical ways to make every cent count in higher education. While spending on security equipment is low, solutions with added value offer greater benefits. Shootings are a horrific reality in higher education. Virginia Tech made headlines again in December with a second shooting, resulting in the deaths of an officer and the gunman. Despite the tragic loss of life, the institution responded quickly, notifying students and staff about what happened, and lifting the campus alert once it was safe. This was a marked improvement from the 2007 massacre, when 33 lives were lost to a shooter. There is no gadget for preventing violence, but technology can play a valuable role in emergency response. Institutions have unique considerations depending on the region and the campus environment, which is discussed in the first article of our three-part coverage. Next, we examine how IP networking benefits integration on campuses, along with how to overcome challenges. Finally, security players must deliver value-added benefits to survive in the highly selective procurement process. While the financial outlook is gloomy, education continues to beat the market. It takes IP savvy, site-specific planning and a strong value proposition to deliver a best-in-class solution. Besides security technologies, institutions need plans and exercises for emergencies from dangerous weather to active shooters. While there is no way to plan for every scenario, higher education has to be prepared for the worst

Schools are using different security technologies to help operate campuses more efficiently and foster a safe learning environment

As 2012 approaches, the world is watching as events unfold in Europe and the U.S. All industries are connected by the world of finance, and all people are affected by the global economic situation. What does shaky world finance mean for security? In this special feature, a&s discusses key market conditions, needs and drivers that are propelling industry movers and shakers to innovate, transform and adapt to a world of uncertainty and a possible second recession in just three years. The security markets in 2012 are being moved by two large trends: first, the need to protect in times of financial uncertainty; and second, a shifting focus from developed to emerging markets. For 2012, security industry players need to focus more on specific applications. Localized R&D and marketing may lead to more favorable results. IP will continue to boom, and channels will be affected, as more try to understand IP and join the movement. Industry players also need to look for the added value in their solutions — why should end users use your security offerings? This 2012 preview feature is composed of five parts. Our first article discusses two trends that are emerging from the global market. Our second article analyzes the security market by product segment. Our third article focuses on security from the manufacturing perspective. Part 4 includes tips, tricks and trends to watch for in 2012, from Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric and Siemens Building Technologies. Our final article contains insight from market researcher Memoori Business Intelligence. We hope after reading this special feature, you will be better prepared for the world of security in 2012.

Uncertainty is the theme for 2012. a&s talks to researchers, solution providers, channel partners and consultants to find out what’s next in the year to come.

The smart home offers many benefits, as seen in these real-world applications.