At ASIS: Video Standards Advances Continue –PSIA and ONVIF

Coming from different groups of manufacturers, two industry standards organizations are, however, moving toward the small endpoint.

The Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (www.psialliance.org), a global consortium of physical security providers focused on promoting the interoperability of IP-enabled devices, is ramping up development of its entire range of IP-based specifications to achieve system-wide interoperability of IP security devices.

PSIA is committed to developing IP specifications for all product segments including IP video, access control, recording and storage devices, and software. To date, more than 1,700 industry professionals have accessed existing PSIA specifications including the IP Media Device for IP camera and VMS compatibility; the Recording and Content Management specification, which standardizes the way recording and content management products interface with other devices in the security ecosystem, specifically security management systems; and the Video Analytics specification that enables video analytic platforms of all types and brands to automatically integrate with video management systems and physical security software, and the PSIA Common Metadata and Event Model. The PSIA Area Control Working Group is currently working on an access control specification that will be released in the coming months.

“Until IP technologies are just as easy to design, sell and install as traditional analog CCTV systems, IP will not deliver on its true value,” said Scott Harkins, President and General Manager, Honeywell Systems. “Deploying standards that drive true interoperability is a key initiative and is a critical step to unlocking the potential of IP for our customers and the industry as a whole.”   

Since PSIA is developing specifications for the entire IP product portfolio, it is helping end users protect existing investments and guarantees that an IP-based product deployed today will be supported in the future. IP standards provide a common platform for future infrastructure expansion, decreasing total cost of ownership in the long term. PSIA believes the best way to develop specifications and bring true interoperability to the industry is through the systems approach to standards development.

“PSIA’s systems approach to standardizing the IP surveillance market is a very important step in the industry’s move towards interoperable solutions for enabling flexible, seamless and cost efficient security deployments,” commented Israel Livnat, President, NICE Security Group. “Recommendations that encompass the broad range of security devices, systems and data sources across all segments of the security industry will become a critical part in the design of complex solutions. This approach, which enables security personnel to choose the best and most relevant components to address their needs, coincides with NICE’s drive towards open situation management solutions that combine a variety of sensors and devices into one unified operational picture.”

The PSIA Systems Working Group oversees the process of confirming individual specifications work in concert to enable system-wide interoperability between various IP devices. Furthermore, the Systems Working Group provides architecture and design leadership in areas that span multiple working groups to ensure cohesive system designs that assure interoperability across all technical segments of the industry. The Systems Working Group works alongside PSIA’s four other working groups — Area Control, IP Video, Recording and Content Management and Video Analytics — to develop standards, specifications and supporting materials.

“A broad range of specifications ensures IP-enabled security devices work seamlessly with other systems such as intrusion, building management, and fire and life safety,” said Dave Fowler, Chairman, PSIA, and Senior Vice President, Product Development and Marketing, VidSys. “The systems approach brings comprehensive networked-enabled security and operational solutions to the market that allow for flexibility and freedom of choice.”

The complete range of IP specifications from PSIA will be on display at the PSIA Interoperability Reception at the ASIS International 56th Annual Seminar & Exhibits on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010, at 4 p.m. This networking event, which will be held in Room A122 at the Dallas Convention Center, is an opportunity for all industry stakeholders to witness the benefits of the PSIA systems-based approach to interoperability. Arecont Vision, Milestone and Synectics are the sponsors of this year’s event.

During the PSIA event at ASIS, various technology providers will demonstrate the use of PSIA specifications in networked video and access control devices, and recording and video management platforms, video analytics and unified, networked platforms.

On the ONVIF side of the aisle, Avigilon, with high definition (HD) and megapixel video surveillance systems, announced at ASIS a new line of Avigilon HD H.264 1 MP and 2 MP IP cameras. This new line of ONVIF H.264 cameras delivers megapixel and HD performance to customers who are looking to capture high quality surveillance footage while minimizing bandwidth and storage requirements. Designed for ease of installation and superior image quality, all models include a fully motorized lens that provides remote zoom and focus.

“Avigilon is continually developing new products to help security professionals implement effective and affordable HD surveillance solutions,” said Dave Tynan, vice president of global sales and marketing at Avigilon. “This new line of HD H.264 cameras delivers a perfect solution for customers looking to capture high quality video but still meet low bandwidth and storage constraints.”

Available as dome or box-body cameras, the new Avigilon HD H.264 IP cameras deliver the following features and benefits:

•    Easy installation using remote zoom and focus to ensure unsurpassed image quality

•    ONVIF compliance provides support for leading third party Network Video Management Software, as well as Avigilon Control Center Standard and Enterprise Editions

•    H.264 compression technology provides high image quality with low bandwidth and minimal storage at high frame rates

•    Multiple independent streams allow optimization of storage and bandwidth

•    Superior low-light performance and sensitivity to IR illuminators

•    Power-over-Ethernet means that no external power is required