Doesn’t the security year flash by? It seems we’ve barely gotten through those half dozen carrier bags stuffed with company information, brochures, press releases and case studies we dragged back from lFSEC 07, than we’re looking forward, once again, to those four crazy days in May.
Re-reading my review of last year’s event, I see that the themes we identified as being hot issues for installers, were video analytics, thermal imaging, the increasing acceptance of biometrics and the onward march of IP. These are all still on the boil. As I write, most exhibitors have yet to announce their launches (some, of course, don’t want to give the game away to their rivals), but I’d bet that the following areas will get the tongues wagging at IFSEC 08.
Mega big potential
I don’t want to sound like a weekend fashion hack, but megapixel cameras are THE thing in CCTV this year. Watch them go up. Yes, we saw some at last year’s show and, even after four days trekking the halls, we were mightily impressed with the image quality from the display by Canadian-based Avigilon.
But this technology is just so hot at the moment that I doubt there will be many major CCTV manufacturers without an offering by autumn, and probably earlier. So expect to see a lot of launches at IFSEC 08.
Why the sudden interest in cameras that produce huge volumes of data? Mainly the falling cost of storage and improved compression algorithms which offset all that extra data generated. There’s also been a clamouring for higher definition images as a defence against the bashing CCTV has taken in the national media that images are not good enough. Giving greater detail and a wider field of view, megapixel cameras bring the prospect of far superior images, especially when zooming in on a recorded image. Could this now-affordable technology be the thing that gives CCTV more credibility?
We’ve seen a number of launches already this year including offerings from Axis, Extreme and Hikvision. I’ve also had a close-up look at Panasonic’s new models – a day/night megapixel network cam and a megapixel metal body fixed dome (which we’ve lined up for a forthcoming Bench Test). But this is hardly a Mystic Meg prediction: A recent IMS survey said that over the next three years the CAGR for this sector will increase by more than 100 per cent and by 2009 half a million units a year will be shipped.
How easy to cross over?
Another area for installers that is ‘hot’, if I may use that term, is fire. In mainland Europe installers run and work for fire and security companies, whereas in the UK it’s the exception.
Now, many security installers are trying to get a foothold in that potentially profitable sector. Remember, the F in IFSEC stands for fire, so make sure you check out any companies that could help you with training or handholding.
Intruder alarm installers may feel that because both technologies are built around a panel, it’s a natural step. But in recent months we’ve heard a lot about video smoke detection – using images to detect smoke where traditional detection is inadequate because of wide open spaces. Surely then, a natural step for CCTV installers?
Business driver
Grabbing headlines as an election issue in London, public transport CCTV is an expanding market all over the world, creating a demand for huge numbers of cameras and on-board and remote-based recording.
This is sparked by the dual need for better security against on-board crime and the all important need for transport operators to protect themselves against those nasty bogus injury claimants. Small operators need this as much as the largest, so installation contracts are open to SME installers.
Niche no more
There was a time when IP was certainly seen as a niche. Now it’s another mainstream option. So how much longer will the industry go on treating as some kind of special interest area? I guess those installers who are still doggedly saying no to IP will probably retire before they change their minds.
Is there any more reason to sub-section off IP networking? In my opinion, there isn’t apart from the specific area of IP training, for which there is a real demand. But if you want to see the major IP players together there is a dedicated IP and networks area at the show. However, don’t forget the major CCTV manufacturers in the CCTV areas who are all helping drive the technology switchover.
Part work
Biometrics development is a constant surprise and injects a great deal of life into the access control sector. Last year we saw many bio-technologies at the show – palm, hand, vein, face, signature, iris and, of course, our old friend, finger. What next? I’ve seen ‘gait’ (ie individual walking pattern analysis) and voice stress analysis on TV, but this area is full of surprises, so gait on down to the access control area of the show.