The acquisition by Rite-Hite gives USA an opportunity to expand its operations both nationally and internationally. As a technically specialized system integrator of network-based video capture, storage and retrieval systems, United Security Alliance has been a leader in the emerging use of video analytics to enhance and automate system functionality. USA also has experience integrating video with access control and other systems and provides this full range of video-based solutions to commercial, public, and industrial facilities and operations. It is likely that that track record of custom integration will continue as video based systems may be integrated with certain product offerings of Rite-Hite in the future.

United Security Alliance will continue to conduct its business “as usual”, maintaining its current suppliers, business strategies, and direct sales model. Terry Ottinger, its former owner and President, will continue in this role, and concentrate on long-range growth plans to take USA’s distribution operation from its current small but concentrated presence in the Southeast US to being national in scope .

Jim Boerger, as the new General Manager of the business, will work in partnership with Terry and have responsibility overall for operations and sales support. This will include the critical task of growing and managing the specialized technical staff that will need to be hired and extensively trained to design, customize, install, commission and support and maintain video-based solutions in both individual locations, and across multiple locations on an enterprise basis. Jim and Terry will also focus on acquiring or licensing additional advanced technology, and on identifying opportunities where these advanced technologies may be utilized in Rite-Hite’s other businesses to develop product enhancements and/or new customer solutions.

 

Megapixel Video Surveillance at Orlando Infiniti

High-Definition (HD) Monitoring Provides Motion Detection at Night and Serves as a Management Tool During the Day

CUSTOMER

When Infiniti, the luxury division of Japanese automaker Nissan Motors, began selling vehicles in North America in 1989, Orlando Infiniti was one of the first dealerships to open its doors. Since the beginning, Orlando Infiniti has consistently ranked among the top Infiniti dealers in the country, in both sales volume and overall customer satisfaction. In 2009, Orlando Infiniti opened a new, state-of-the-art facility right next to the Mall at Millenia. The property is the first of its kind in Florida and part of Infiniti’s Retail Environment Design Initiative (IREDI) to establish a unique, new look inside and outside its dealerships. Owner Peter Wilson largely attributes the dealership’s continuing success to the Orlando Infiniti credo: “We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen.”

CHALLENGE

Not all the visitors to Orlando Infiniti after hours are “ladies and gentlemen”. Over the years, the dealership has had its expensive luxury vehicles stolen from the lot at night, and there have also been thefts of accessories, including wheels and tires. Orlando Infiniti was looking for a way to thwart these after-hours thefts. Specifically, they needed 24-hour surveillance of the premises and after-hours video monitoring to detect intrusion. During the day, the dealership wanted to be able to use the video surveillance system for internal management purposes to keep track of staff, customers and vehicles throughout the dealership’s spacious location.

Orlando Infinity’s showroom. 

MEGAPIXEL SOLUTION

Orlando Infiniti turned to United Security Alliance, Inc., a nationwide integrator of video surveillance and access control systems founded in 1985. United Security Alliance recommended Arecont Vision megapixel Internet protocol (IP) network video cameras for the installation, and Orlando Infiniti relied completely on the integrator’s professional recommendation, according to Terry Ottinger, President, United Security Alliance, Inc.

United Security Alliance installed sixteen Arecont Vision Model AV2155DN 2 megapixel all-in-one MegaDome^® cameras outside the dealership and fifteen Model AV1355 1.3 megapixel all-in-one domes on the inside. Arecont Vision megapixel IP cameras were chosen because fewer cameras could be used to provide optimal coverage with higher resolution for superior picture quality and better results in conjunction with after-hours video monitoring and forensics.

Orlando Infiniti’s parking lot after hours as seen through an Arecont Vision megapixel camera.

The Arecont Vision megapixel IP cameras were integrated with GeViScope servers and storage as the video management system (VMS). The GeViScope VMS is a product of Geutebruck, a German digital video supplier. Video analytics operate as part of the GeViScope software to detect activity when anyone enters the dealership grounds after hours.

Arecont Vision’s model AV2155DN is an H.264 IP MegaDome^® integrated camera, lens and IP66-rated dome providing 1600×1200-pixel images at 24 frames per second and 0.1 lux light sensitivity at F1.4. Features of the all-in-one integrated camera, lens and housing include a 1/2” CMOS sensor and Arecont Vision’s MegaVideo^® image processing at 80 billion operations per second. The cameras employ H.264 (MPEG 4, Part 10) compression to minimize bandwidth and storage requirements while maintaining real-time image resolution. Capabilities include motion detection, image cropping, region-of-interest viewing and the ability to zoom into an image after it is archived (forensic zooming). Light sensitivity of 0.1 lux at F1.4 enables low-light viewing and recording, and the day/night version of the camera used at Orlando Infiniti has a motorized infrared (IR) cut filter for greater sensitivity in nighttime conditions.

The Arecont Vision Model AV1355 is a 1.3 megapixel H.264 MegaDome^® IP camera providing 1280×1024-pixel images at 32 frames per second. It has other features similar to Model AV2155.
Terry Ottinger stated that Arecont Vision’s responsiveness related to the Orlando Infiniti installation has been “outstanding”. Arecont Vision collaborates with various network video recorder (NVR) suppliers such as Geutebruck to ensure smooth integration of systems using Arecont Vision megapixel IP cameras. Arecont Vision also works with technology partners for tighter integration with complementary products, including servers, storage and other systems, which makes the integrator’s job even easier.

Orlando Infiniti’s service bay as seen through an Arecont Vision megapixel camera. 

MEGAPIXEL BENEFITS

HD-quality images from the Arecont Vision megapixel cameras with server-based video analytics now enable Orlando Infiniti to detect and prevent intrusion and theft on its premises after hours. The system provides superior images in both daytime and evening lighting environments. The cameras combine superior image quality, smaller image files and improved video streaming using H.264 compression.

The video system is monitored locally by the dealership for internal management purposes. Cameras inside and outside the facility provide video images with extreme clarity throughout the course of the day. In addition to greater image clarity, the megapixel cameras are able to cover more square footage with fewer cameras versus conventional standard-resolution IP cameras, lowering the total cost of ownership of the system. The megapixel IP cameras allow management to zoom in on specific areas of live or archived video to see important details such as a license plate number.

Parking lot view during the day on the Arecont 2.0 Color Day/Night Camera

Parking lot view after hours at night on the same Arecont Megapixel Camera

After hours, the system and its high-quality Arecont Vision megapixel IP video images are monitored remotely by United Security Alliance’s Central Station. Any individuals entering the premises are detected and trigger a video analytics alarm, allowing central station operators to clearly see intruders on the lot after hours and to respond quickly to prevent theft and losses.

“On a number of occasions, the central station has detected individuals on the premises in the middle of the night and been able to speak to them through an interactive audio system to let them know the premises are under surveillance, the facility is closed and they should leave the facility immediately,” said Peter Wilson, Owner, Orlando Infiniti. “This has obviously prevented potential criminal activity and saved the facility an unknown sum of money that could have resulted from losses and damage to vehicles on the property.”

In fact, the system has performed flawlessly to date. Based on the sticker prices on the windows of the luxury vehicles, it’s safe to say the prevented losses would total many thousands of dollars.

ABOUT ARECONT VISION
Arecont Vision is the leading manufacturer of high-performance megapixel IP cameras and associated software. Arecont Vision products are made in the USA and feature low-cost massively parallel image processing architectures MegaVideo^® and SurroundVideo^® that represent a drastic departure from traditional analog and network camera designs. All-in-one products such as MegaDome^® and MegaView^™ provide installer friendly solutions. Compact JPEG and H.264 series of cameras address cost sensitive applications. These innovative technologies enable Arecont Vision to deliver multi-megapixel digital video at IP VGA camera price points.

“We are excited about this expansion as the need and demand for our programs has never been greater than it is today.” Mr. Ottinger said; ”the addition of as many as 50 new sales representatives will be the largest expansion in our 25 year history and will take us into 2011 in a strong position for continued growth next year”. 

Information regarding employment opportunities at United Security Alliance, Inc. may be found by on the company website at www.usacctv.com.

We hope you find our website informative and bookmark it so you can visit us frequently. I also encourage you to post your questions and/or comments here at any time.

Terry Ottinger, President

Unveiled here at ESSEN 2010, model AV1315 provides 1280×1024-pixel (1.3 megapixel) images at 32 frames per second, and model AV 2815 provides 1920×1080-pixel (2.07 megapixel) images at 24 frames per second. Both camera models use H.264 compression to minimize bandwidth and storage requirements. The cameras are also fully compatible with the PSIA (Physical Security Interoperability Alliance) industry standard and have passed PSIA conformance tests. Each is also available in a Day/Night version (Model AV1315DN or Model AV2815DN). The units are powered via PoE eliminating the need for auxiliary power.

“Our new compact H.264 megapixel cameras set a new bar for performance and price in the market giving yet another compelling reason to ‘Go Megapixel’ in any surveillance application,” said Dr. Michael Kaplinsky, CEO, Arecont Vision. “The attractive price points of these new cameras reflect a 20% to 25% price decrease compared to previous models making them even more cost competitive against standard definition IP and analog cameras.  And, the user gets the full benefit of much greater image resolution and functionality in a smaller camera.”

The new Arecont Vision compact camera models also provide added functionality. The privacy mask enables video to be blocked in multiple regions in any arbitrary shape. Extended motion detection provides a higher-granularity grid of 1,024 distinct motion detection zones (compared to 64 zones supported earlier). These features are controlled via both HTTP and TFTP commands and by the on-camera web interface. Flexible cropping provides even more adjustability in image sizes.

Arecont Vision’s complete line of cameras range in image resolution from 1.3 to 10 megapixels, including camera models providing advanced capabilities such as dual sensor day/night and panoramic viewing. Compact JPEG and compact H.264 cameras lead the price/performance curve.  The Arecont Vision line also includes the MegaDome^® Series of all-in-one dome cameras and the new MegaView™ line of all-in-one Day/Night/IR H.264 megapixel cameras enclosed in IP-66 and vandal-resistant bullet-style housings.

His camera was unconventional. It was much simpler to make and cheaper to buy and to use than anything produced by trained photographic camera developers. It transported the film with rubber rollers, so perforations weren’t needed and less film was required. The camera was a run-away success and came to dominate the market, not just in Germany but right round the world with updated versions of it in production until 2005.

Fortunately for many of the high security sites, prestigious buildings and important organizations across Europe and round the world which are now protected by Geutebrück video security systems, Thomas Geutebrück did not rest on his laurels.

His garage-based enterprise flourished and grew, first into a CCTV manufacturer with a strong emphasis on R&D and innovation, then into a digital video security company with an international reputation for quality. Now under the direction of his daughter Katharina, it has developed its IT skills to levels normally only achieved by the top IT specialists; it boasts a 35 million Euro annual turnover and sales partners in 40 countries.

Katharina Geutebrück, daughter of the company’s founder and present managing director, thinks this 40th anniversary is not just a good excuse for a celebration but also carries with it a relevant message for today’s prospective security buyers.

“In a fast-moving world,” she contends, “continuity and stability are important factors in building trust. And with the complexity of today’s technology, pure feature-plus-function based decisions become more and more difficult for users to make, so trust has an increasing part to play. Finding a partner you can trust to provide a solution that fits, and that will adapt and still perform after years of use is increasingly important.”

“From our 40 years in the business,” she continues, ”we hope customers will see that we are a company which builds long term relationships and is here for the duration. We invest a great deal in backwards compatibility to allow our users to benefit from future developments even years after their original investment decision. This is one of our strengths, and it is a persuasive factor for knowledgeable users who have had experience with other manufacturers with product strategies based on high volume and short term gain.”