Blog

Criminals Steal Cameras and get Caught

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:21:17 +0000

If you're looking into becoming an enterprising criminal, don't be like these guys. Why? Because these two super slick robbers stole security cameras... without bothering to steal the security cam's footage. Meaning they were recorded stealing by the items they stole. Safe to say, one of the thieves has already been caught. That tends to happen when you plaster your face all over the scene of the crime. It also tends to happen when police get a real good look at you since you're getting up close and personal with the security cameras as you steal it. And it definitely happens when you leave behind the footage of yourself for everyone to mock and see. Now if only the CCTV system owner knew about using high resolution Cameras from Mobotix or Brickcom, the job would have been made easier for the local law enforcement.

Great Video from the FBI

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:54:29 +0000

January 2012

This great video from the FBI shows what is needed for a good CCTV setup to be useful for law enforcement and anti terrorism. Watch closely and you will see that all of the features they recommend are included in Mobotix IP cameras and with installation support from ProTelecomSupply.com

From FBI.GOV

The TV news anchor soberly announced the day’s top story: another city transit bus had been bombed, and a domestic terror group was claiming responsibility. The report went on to say that witnesses saw a man get off the bus just before it blew up, and that the FBI was investigating.

The scene described above—realistic as it may sound—is part of a fictional new video.But Caught on Camera is not a product of Hollywood. While it does have high production values, special effects, and narration by Annie Wersching, co-star of the TV show 24, the video was created by our Operational Technology Division to show business owners how their security cameras can aid law enforcement investigations and maybe even help solve a terrorist attack.

Using the transit bus bombing as its story line, the 20-minute instructional video (view it here or at YouTube) shows how closed circuit television (CCTV) systems can be installed and maintained for maximum effect—not only for the business owner but for the needs of law enforcement as well.

“Convenience stores, banks, mom and pop operations, gas stations—potentially tens of thousands of businesses could enhance their security systems with the simple tips provided by this video,” said Katrina Gossman, unit chief for the Forensic Audio, Video, and Image Analysis Unit. Buying expensive new equipment isn’t necessary, Gossman added. In most cases, a few changes to existing systems can make a significant difference.

“Often the surveillance images we receive from these types of security cameras are of poor quality, and they don’t need to be,” she said, explaining that such images can be critical in identifying and apprehending a terrorist or fugitive.

Caught on Camera shows how to avoid common problems such as installing cameras in the wrong places, ignoring lighting and line-of-sight issues, and having administrators who don’t understand how the systems operate. “Many business owners think their systems are fine until something happens,” Gossman said.

New Grandstream GXV-3500 IP Video Decoder/encoder

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:42:12 +0000

Grandstream Networks, the leading manufacturer of IP voice/video telephony and video surveillance solutions, today announced the release of the new GXV3500 IP Video Encoder+Decoder+PAS 3-in-1 combo device that combines H264 video compression for analog video cameras, video decoding for displaying on TV, and voice/video public announcement system (PAS). The GXV3500 video encoder+decoder+PAS 3-in-1 device combines advanced single channel H.264 realtime video compression or decompression functions at up to D1 resolution and up to 30fps in a single box. In addition, it features two-way audio paging and video streaming using SIP/VoIP, integrated PoE (Power over Ethernet), serial port for PTZ camera control, microphone input, audio/video output, alarm inputs & outputs, pre- and post-event recording buffer, as well as advanced encryption for security protection. Compactly designed, the GXV3500 fully conforms to ONVIF industry standard for broad interoperability with a large number of ONVIF compliant Video Management Systems (VMS) in the market.

The GXV3500 can also be managed with GSurf, Grandstream’s FREE video management software that controls up to 36 cameras simultaneously. The GXV3500 can also function as both a voice and video PAS (Public Announcement System) for office floors, lobbies, shopping malls, warehouses, waiting rooms, supermarkets, public transportation stations, etc. Users can speak from an attached external microphone, or call into the device from a SIP IP phone to make voice announcements or supply digital background music to public areas through an externalloudspeaker (with integrated power amplifier), or call into the device from a SIP video phone to make live video announcement or video advertisement on a TV connected with the GXV3500 from anywhere in the world. “We are pleased to announce this 3-in-1 combo device that allows SMBs to preserve their investment in traditional CCTV analog cameras with the new capability to remotely display live video on a TV or use it as a voice/video public announcement system over an IP network,” said David Li, CEO of Grandstream Networks. “Grandstream solutions are all about making it easy and affordable for businesses to take advantage of voice, video and surveillance technology to improve their operations, communications and security within their organizations,” he added. Grandstream’s wide range of award-winning GXV series IP video surveillance solutions include CMOS & CCD cameras, tube cameras, fixed dome cameras, cube cameras, outdoor cameras and more, all of which deliver high quality imagery, are in full compliance with industry standards such as ONVIF and SIP/VoIP, and have broad interoperability with most VoIP service providers, ONVIF or SIP platform vendors and 3rd party products.

Mobotix Dual Dome D14 Released

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 04:40:33 +0000

We are pleased to announce the NEW MOBOTIX D14 DualDome Camera. It is a weatherproof and shock-resistant 6.2-megapixel surveillance camera that is the powerful successor to the MOBOTIX D12 cameras.

With two separately adjustable camera modules, each with 3.1 megapixels, the D14 offers a variety of ways to examine a scene because the two modules can be combined to create one image. The D14 also provides a digital PTZ and has no mechanical moving parts.

Impressive 6.2 Megapixels

Equipped with a 90° wide angle and tele lenses, the camera can monitor an entire scene and, at the same time, the tele lens can record portrait photos in front of a particular area, such as an entrance. With one D14 installed on the wall, the two 90° lenses even allow 180° recording when monitoring an entire parking lot, for example. With the addition of a digital sensor switching function, the D14 can also be used as a day/night camera since it can be equipped with one color and one black/white module ensuring the most brilliant color during the day and high sensitivity at night.

Integrated Recording

The MOBOTIX D14 includes motion detection that can trigger recording and alarm notifications can be sent via email or VoIP. It is also compatible with the SIP audio protocol. The integrated DVR includes up to 64 GB memory and records for weeks without a PC. If needed, the memory can be extended to terabytes with an external NAS drive.

Low Installation Costs

Heating and cooling are not necessary. As a result, the very low power consumption of approximately 4 watts via network cable (PoE) reduces investment and operating costs, and provides an inexpensive back-up. A version of the D14 that includes a stainless steel, vandalism-proof design with 3 mm polycarbonate dome, and elegant wall and pole mounts is also available.

Higher Frame Rate and Echo Elimination

Compared to the previous model, the D14 now offers USB and MxBus interfaces for extension modules such as I/O, GPS or RS232. The new, more powerful processor in the camera allows higher frame rates of up to a 6.2 megapixel image format. Microphone and speaker are supported by new audio functions that include echo elimination.

Video Management Software Included at No Charge