Geutebruck has highlighted the benefits of creating new interfaces vis software development kits. Achieving inter-system communication and interoperability requires interfaces to act as simultaneous interpreters, to convert the coding used by CCTV equipment into the coding used by other systems, be they access control, building management, ATMs, or computerised payment systems - and vice-versa. However, the standard of service offered by interfaces can vary.

Code conversion may be limited to the translation of just a basic range of coding which supports only a basic range of functions, or it can be extensive and sophisticated enough to support the full capabilities of the systems involved. It depends on the philosophy of the CCTV manufacturer as to what he includes as standard, whether he charges for its provision, and whether he offers additional help in dealing with additional individual project requirements.

Where the CCTV manufacturer does not have a free interface, SDK and developer support policy, there can be significant extra costs involved in achieving the desired level of system integration. The SDK or software development kit is a set of tools which enables a software developer to develop individual applications for a particular device or system. Besides the relevant software interface, the SDK usually provides source code examples with supporting technical documentation. It may also include a full digital test environment - a virtual device enabling the developer to test out his new software for a limited period.

Developing interfaces and SDKs to enable their products to communicate with third party devices and systems is an expensive business, and consequently many manufacturers charge for this work. Others see facilitating integration as part of a broader marketing strategy, in which the provision of free SDKs along with free assistance to outside developers enables higher levels of integration, greater customer satisfaction and long term customer loyalty. So when choosing a CCTV system supplier be sure to think about your current or future need for integrated functionality and check out the supplier’s interface policy. That can avoid surprises and significant costs later in the project.

NEWS from PSI magazine

The TR-5a series is one of Tranzeo’s newer generation of 5.8GHz product lines. Radios and systems described below are powered by a 13 dBm radio. These are integrated fully functioning radios, which means they can be configured as an Access Point, a Point -to-Point Bridge, or a Client Adapter (CPE)

The TR-5a-N Wireless Network Transceiver (S76070) and TR-5a-20 Wireless Network Transceiver (S42077) are fully integrated 802.11a wireless network transceivers that can be configured as an Access Point (AP), Client Adapter (CPE) or as a Point to Point bridge. These units are designed to work in the 5.8GHz ISM microwave band – which is the band of choice for heavy demand system such as video transmission, with the 2.4GHz band now being very congested and noisy in most areas.

The TR-5a-N transceiver has a controllable RF power output and is fitted with an N-male RF connector for connection to a suitable microwave antenna. The antenna must be chosen for that specific application. Whilst the TR-5a-20 transceiver has a intergrill 20dBi antenna.

Both units are ideal for implementing simple single point to point IP camera links and computer network links.

The units’ pole mounted and is remotely PoE powered requiring only 7 Watts.

The Access Point can be configured for WEP encryption or WPA – wireless protected access and includes improved data encryption and user authentication.

The CPE allows visual antenna alignment using the LED display without having to log onto the radio.

The units have many additional advanced features, such as routing and tunneling protocols.

Supplied by Hills wire secure news letter

It is important to remember that IP-enabled cameras, as with cameras that utilise coax or unshielded twisted pair connectors, should be judged as cameras. All of the camera tests were carried out simultaneosly, and all used the same network which had no other traffic. The lenses used for all cameras (excluding the Ganz unit which has a supplied lens) were also the same - in this case the HG3Z45 from Computar.

     PRODUCT                                   OVERALL RATING

Bosch NWC0455                                     9/10

CBC GANZ ZN-YH305                          7.75/10

Vista VK-C402CM                           8/10

All testing done by Benchmark magazine

D-LINK has announced the launch of two new network cameras, the DCS-1100 and the DCS-1130, which enable affordable high-quality home security monitoring.

The DCS-1100 is able to connect to a user’s home or office network by wires, while the other, the DCS-1130 enables the user to use Wi-Fi all the way up to 802.11n.  

Both cameras feature 16x digital zoom, ability to set up monitoring via 3G enabled phone, motion detection, integrated microphone and multiple profiles.

The wired DCS-1100 has a recommended retail price of $179, and is available now.  

From Security Industry News

For the test, three single low risk doors were fitted with the devices. The specifications was for simple, cost-effective area management, with a minimal investment on equipment. Foe the customer, aesthetics count highly when it comes to any item mounted in full veiw. As such, we asked a number of end users which devices they would select for there sistes, and why.

     PRODUCT                                   OVERALL RATING

ACT ACT10                                     8/10

PAXTON ACCESS K38                   8.12/10

SIEMENS K44 Duo                       8/10

All testing done by Benchmark magazine

All the DVR tests were carried out simultaneously, and all used the same cable lenghts, cameras and lenses. The tests were split down into several sections, including final image quality, the effect of compression on final images, ease of use and addtional functionality.

     PRODUCT                                   OVERALL RATING

Cop Symphony                                      8/10

LG Electronics LE3116D                    7.87/10

Samsung SVR1645                       8.37/10

Videcon VXM4-RT16                         8.12/10

All testing done by Benchmark magazine

re_porter, Geutebruck’s high performance hybrid recorder is now available in a special edition at a special price and dispatched within 24 hours. re_porter/econ processes up to 19 video channels and an audio channel. It supports analog, network and megapixel cameras from all well-known manufacturers, and enables easy migration from analog to digital.

Ideal for many types of application, re-porter/econ’s preconfigured software and wide range of options makes installation quick and customisation easy. Digital signal processors and software updates enable state-of-the-art functionality to be maintained indefinitely. re_porter/econ is preconfigured and now comes from the German factory with an even larger hard disc capacity of 1 TB at the same unbeatable price.

• Hybrid recorder and virtual matrix all in one
• MPEG4CCTV compression
• Easy to use
• Preconfigured for fast installation

As an exhibitor at the Microsoft booth, Hall 4 Stand A26, GEUTEBRÜCK is displaying as a Microsoft Goldpartner its highly reliable IT solutions for the security market – from analog to hybrid to pure IP. Katharina Geutebrück: “We save all users from having to make complicated decisions. Our systems offer seamless integration and migration from analog to hybrid to pure IP systems. Because it’s not the technology, but rather the user’s information needs that count.” Thus, integrated solutions to address the demands of all involved, from the operator to the admin. Uniform operating interfaces increase the operating security and thus the security of the object protected.

GEUTEBRÜCK will show live at Cebit: