Telguard Introduces Two-Way Voice Over Cellular Solution for New and Legacy Systems

An exciting development in two-way voice comes from Chicago-based Telular Corp., which recently announced the availability of two-way voice over cellular using Telguard’s TG-1 Express product. “Previously, cellular systems didn’t offer that feature at any level of ubiquity to alarm panels,” Shawn Welsh, vice president of marketing and business development for Telular Corporation, told SDM in an exclusive interview.

The TG-1 Express cellular alarm communicator is compatible with virtually all new and existing security alarm panels, making the two-way voice feature easily applicable to both new and legacy systems.

Telguard’s two-way voice over cellular functionality differs from other companies’ offerings in three ways, Welsh said.

First, “we separate voice and data so that we deliver signals in the most reliable format that we can,” he said. Welsh explained that some systems simply make a cellular voice call and send the signaling data over the voice channel and then send the voice over the voice channel.

“The voice channel on a cellular network has the same problem VoIP has when it comes to distorting and messing up the alarm signal. The same kind of thing happens if you try to pass along alarm signal data over the cellular voice channel.”

To address that, Telguard separates voice and data into “independent streams,” Welsh said. “When we receive a signal, we take the data portion and send it over a data pathway. That data pathway is the same pathway that we reliably deliver all of the other alarm signals on a daily basis. We don’t try to put data on the voice channel, nor do we try to take voice and turn it into data. We let data be data and voice be voice, which greatly increases the robustness and reliability of our two-way voice approach,” he described.

The second differentiator is that Telguard’s two-way voice over cellular does not require any additional hardware to be purchased by a central station.

Central stations already own receivers that all support two-way voice. “So why would they now want to buy additional equipment just to support two-way voice over cellular? What Telguard does, when we bring these two streams in, we recombine them into a single stream in our Telguard Communication center. Then we go off-hook and call the central station. The central station then receives a two-way voice call exactly like the one it would have received from the panel. We handle all of the recombination work ourselves within the communication center. For a dealer it makes our two-way voice system applicable to any central station,” Welsh said.

The third differentiator, he noted, is flat-rate pricing for the service. “We are offering it at a fixed rate — $1.99 extra per month, and no overages. It’s an ala carte option. You can buy any TG-1 Express and you can add two-way voice or take it away at any time,” he said.

Welsh explained that a key market for the TG-1 Express’ new functionality — in addition to alarm signaling — is Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), which rely on two-way voice.

Most two-way voice over cellular solutions are alarm-panel specific, Welsh stated. “We’re not manufacturer-specific. But in the PERS industry, the PERS guys are saying ‘no one’s made anything for us because we require two-way voice.’ So when they lose land lines they lose customers.”

“Our solution is effectively a way to retrofit cellular and have it be compatible with legacy PERS systems,” he emphasized, adding that the TG-1 Express already has been tested by some PERS providers and it’s working very well for them. (He also clarified that Visonic has introduced a new PERS system with two-way voice.)

“We had to make it work so seamlessly for any scenario. LogicMark, Linear, Visonic —all these systems connect to central stations exactly like alarm panels connect to central stations. You could hook up the TG-1 Express to any PERS system.”

Welsh said the two-way voice over cellular functionality uses Contact ID format with the voice to follow built into the protocol.

Check out the company’s new website at www.Telguard.com/twowayvoice.

Partner Program Offers Exclusive Training & Sales Support

VideoIQ, Bedford, Mass., launched a Tier 1 Partner Program, established to ensure end-users receive the best field support possible while recognizing, rewarding and enhancing VideoIQ’s relationship with top-tier integrators in North America. All Tier 1 partners will be certified to sell, install and service VideoIQ’s award winning all-in-one video surveillance solutions, including the iCVR-HD high-definition line of cameras, the line of iCVR D1 outdoor and indoor cameras, the iCVR line of encoders, the iCST line of streaming cameras and encoders, and VideoIQ View™ video management software.

All Tier 1 VideoIQ partners represent market leaders in their respective regions and have completed extensive training to be certified to resell and service all VideoIQ products. In addition to certification, VideoIQ’s Tier 1 partners have demonstrated the highest levels of customer service and satisfaction in real-world VideoIQ deployments. Finally, Tier 1 partners receive preferred pricing, access to co-marketing opportunities, exclusive training and direct sales assistance. The result is not only a more knowledgeable channel, but highly satisfied customers that are able to recognize the greatest return from their investment, according to the manufacturer.

“By providing Tier 1 partners access to exclusive training and resources, VideoIQ is showing its commitment to ensuring customers receive not only the best product on the market, but the best service in the industry,” said Holly Tsourides, vice president of worldwide sales for VideoIQ. “With extensive experience and a deep understanding of VideoIQ’s entire product line, Tier 1 partners will be able to successfully meet even their most challenging customer needs, further extending their deep end-user relationships.”

For information, visit www.videoiq.com or follow on Twitter @VideoIQ.

Core Technology Partnership Announced by Arecont Vision & Lenel Systems

In a new partnership, Arecont Vision’s complete line of IP network megapixel cameras, including 1.3 MP, 2 MP, 1080p, 3 MP, 5 MP, 8 MP and 10 MP resolutions, are now fully integrated with the latest generation of Lenel Systems International’s security platform OnGuard® LNVR Version 6.4.500, Technology Update 1. In addition, Arecont Vision is now a Lenel global business partner, supporting customers across the country. Lenel is a business of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp.

“Arecont Vision provides our customers with cutting-edge megapixel video as an integrated solution with Lenel’s OnGuard security platform,” said Jonathan Lewit, product manager for Digital Video Solutions at Lenel. “OnGuard takes advantage of Arecont Vision’s H.264 image compression and fast frame rates by integrating video, access control and visitor management, as well as additional database and operating system support.”

For information, contact Arecont Vision by calling toll-free 877-CAMERA-8, or visiting www.arecontvision.com.

Customer Service & Support Programs Get Extensive Upgrade

Vicon Industries Inc., Hauppauge, N.Y., made an extensive upgrade to its service program effective immediately. The program will enhance the customer experience by improving the company’s technical and personnel infrastructure and adding new pre- and post-sale support services. These services will be available for customers throughout the Americas as well as international customers who are serviced through Vicon’s U.S. headquarters.

Key components of the program include:

• Shorter wait time for technical support: Requests for real-time support by dealers will be improved through a number of key initiatives that include increasing technical support personnel by 50 percent, implementing a new computerized customer service support system, ending support of obsolete products, and limiting direct phone support to only authorized dealers.

• Customer scheduled support calls: Customers now can pre-schedule technical support sessions to avoid waiting phone queues.

• Factory direct system configuration programming: Vicon’s new menu of professional services includes factory-direct system pre-configuration of network system components such as network cameras, encoders, NVRs, DVRs, and workstations. These services include the configuration of network settings, camera titles, recording, and pre-registration of all software licenses specific to the needs of the customer and are intended to provide an efficient means of installing and commissioning network video systems.

• Professional services: Engineers are now available to provide on-site project supervision and system commissioning and customized Vicon classroom training at the customers’ location of choice.

“Vicon recognizes that, from the customers’ perspective, the support and service they receive pre- and post-sale are every bit as important as the products they choose, and a video management system is only as good as the company that supports it. Our new service program demonstrates Vicon’s commitment to delivering a consistently positive, hassle-free customer experience, as well as our goal to become the market leader in this respect,” explained Kenny Rohan, director of Customer Service.

For information, visit http://www.vicon-security.com/5-point-customer-service.htm

New Website & Electronic Catalog Make Finding the Right Cable Easier

Honeywell, Melville, N.Y., launched a new website and electronic catalog designed to help custom integrators more easily find and select cabling products for their projects.

Visitors to www.honeywellcable.com can easily search for specific cabling products by criteria such as AWG, shielding, rating, and others. Each product page includes photos, descriptions, associated literature and specification sheets, and a host of other resources. Additionally, a weekly “Copper Outlook” report can be found on the homepage to assist customers in understanding the copper market.

Visitors also can download an electronic version of Honeywell Cable and Custom Electronics’ newest catalog, which features a new navigational layout that sorts products by type and gauge size. The catalog includes new charts, photos and technical data.

For information, visit www.honeywellcable.com.

Fire Website Developed for North American Market

As UK-based Apollo Fire Detectors expands its presence in North America, the company launched a dedicated Apollo America website, www.apollo-fire.com. The site provides information about its commercial and industrial fire detection solutions, customized to the needs of North American customers.

The intuitive site highlights key regional distributor and approval information for North American users on the home page. An interactive distributor map allows users to quickly find relevant contact information. Customers may also easily locate products from Apollo’s range of analog addressable and conventional smoke detection devices, sounders, beacons and manual call points that are UL, FM, CSFM, MEA, or MSFM approved.

Visitors may sign up for the Apollo America e-blast newsletter. To learn more about Apollo’s U.S. product visit www.apollo-fire.com.

Philadelphia Security Integrator Gets Platinum Certification from Honeywell

Security and Data Technologies Inc. (SDT), Newtown, Pa., achieved Platinum certification in the Dealer Service Certification Program for Honeywell’s security enterprise-level products, which includes the Pro-Watch® Security Management platform.

Platinum certification acknowledges an integrator’s dedication to investing in training and certification of Honeywell products and services for its sales staff, engineers and technicians. It is a distinction reserved for security integrators that demonstrate the highest level of expertise and commitment in Honeywell’s enterprise-level systems and products.

Incorporated in 1988, SDT is licensed to perform work in the tri-state area of southeastern Pennsylvania, central and southern New Jersey, and Delaware. Its product offering includes fire alarm, access control, video surveillance and intrusion detection, in addition to intercom, nurse call, GPS clocks, mass notification systems, A/V systems, video conferencing equipment, and wireless mesh networks.

“The HIS program establishes a higher level of credibility and sets an industry standard to be followed,” said Scott Harkins, president of Honeywell Systems.

To be Platinum certified, SDT met Honeywell’s qualifying criteria for service performance on Honeywell’s enterprise-level products within the areas of project management, product training, technical expertise, CAD capabilities, test facilities, support software agreements, Microsoft certifications and customer satisfaction.

Code Blue Chooses ComNet for Its Media Products

Communication Networks of Danbury, Conn., known as ComNet, was approved by Code Blue of Holland, Mich., to supply fiber optic media converters and EoVDSL modems (Ethernet over Very High Digital Subscriber Link) for use with its line of IP-compatible phones and emergency call boxes. Code Blue turned to ComNet for its product quality, scope of products, ease of use, and level of customer support, ComNet related. These products are manufactured in the United States.

“Code Blue had been seeking a partner to provide a method of extending the usable distance between our devices, and ComNet proved to be the right choice for the solution,” said Mick Doran, Code Blue product development manager.

For information, visit www.comnet.net.

Program Promises to ‘Cover the Service Call’ if Camera Fails

Concurrent with the launch of its new Pinnacle camera line-up, Digimerge Technologies introduced a unique program called “Time is Money.” The program reinforces the high quality and reliability of Pinnacle cameras by offering a free camera as “compensation” for the installer’s time, in the unlikely event of a Pinnacle camera failure, the company stated.

“We are so confident in the reliability of our Pinnacle cameras, if one fails we’ll cover the service call,” said Wayne Hurd, executive vice president of Digimerge.

Launching in July and August, the Pinnacle lineup of dome, bullet and box cameras consists of indoor, outdoor, wide dynamic range and vandal-proof models with advanced features such as Ultra Resolution at 600 TV lines, Polaris Vision, Smart IR night vision, motion adaptive digital noise reduction, full OSD menu control and dual voltage, according to Digimerge. All Pinnacle cameras are backed by a five-year warranty, including over-the-counter replacement during the first year.

“The Time is Money program has been created in response to input from dealers and integrators, who told us about the time and cost involved in replacing a failed camera. Frankly, the quality of our Pinnacle cameras is so high we don’t expect to be covering many service calls, but the program is there to let our dealers know we understand their concerns and have their back,” commented Hurd.

The Pinnacle line is available at major distributors. For information about how the program works and to register, visit www.digimerge.com/tim/

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The integration has been finalized between Home Automation Inc. (HAI) Omni and Lumina Family control systems and URC (www.universalremote.com) remote controls. The URC Complete Control Connectivity Partnership allows homeowners to use elegant two-way control modules with HAI home control products, HAI announced. Homeowners gain the ability to use a single remote control for security settings, HAI Lighting Control, HAI Omnistat2 thermostats, and other subsystems such as pumps and water heaters. URC offers several two-way control modules for HAI’s Omni Pro II, Omni IIe, Lumina Pro, and Lumina home control systems. The integration includes URC’s MX-6000 Two-Way Touch Screen, MX-5000 Two-Way Wand Remote, and the in-wall KP-4000 Network Keypad. Connectivity documents are available on the public HAI website at: http://homeauto.com/Products/HAIConnectivityPartners/URC.asp?Sort=Company&Type=ALL

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SightLogix Inc. (www.sightlogix.com) announced compatibility between its SightSensor® perimeter security detection cameras and Panasonic’s i-PRO WJ-ND400 Network Video Recorder. The integrated system enables deployment of a seamless outdoor video security solution. “Panasonic customers can now benefit from the highest levels of outdoor security awareness without costly integration,” said John Romanowich, SightLogix president and CEO. “We’re pleased to work with Panasonic to provide this new level of video security to our integration partners in support of their clients.” SightSensor intelligent video surveillance cameras are designed to accurately detect objects that violate a site’s security rules. Video and alarm information is sent over the network to the Panasonic NVR.

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U.S. Lock, a national distributor of security hardware and access control products based in Brentwood, N.Y., announced the upcoming release of its new catalog: the 2011/2012 U.S. Lock Master Catalog.

The U.S. Lock Master Catalog contains hundreds of new commercial and residential security hardware and access control, automotive, electronics, and safe products. U.S. Lock has added the Stanley Grade 1 Outdoor Gate Lock, Armor Concept’s Fix-a-Jamb and Door Jamb Armor products, the Arrow Revolution Deadbolt, the Kaba PowerStar 2000, and the Schlage CO100 Series.

“Our new catalog includes hundreds of new products for security professionals. We’ve expanded the Legend line of door hardware and locksets to include over 200 more products,” said Lauri Christiansen, U.S. Lock’s director of marketing and business development.

In addition, uslock.com now features more than 16,000 convenience products that offer customers an alternative to the local “big box” store. These items, as well as others, may be ordered on uslock.com or by calling a U.S. Lock sales representative 800-925-5000.

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Premier Mounts (www.mounts.com), a manufacturer of projector mounts, flat-panel mounts, carts and stands, and accessories, signed Paradigm Strategic Marketing (PSM) as its representative in Florida. Paradigm offers an online presence providing 24/7 access to convenient and powerful tools and resources such as pricing, configuration aids and technical data on the Web. Contact a PSM sales representative: Chip Bowden, vice president, Channel Sales, at 754-214-3135 or 407-927-1329 or chipbowden@psmreps.com; or Scott Hill, territory manager, north and central Florida, at 352-348-3059 or 407-927-1329 or scotthill@psmreps.com

Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution Publishes Second Annual IP Catalog

Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution released its second annual IP Product Catalog, available now at all 43 branches in the United States and Canada. Dedicated solely to the IP product line category, the 70-plus-page catalog features hundreds of products from the industry’s leading IP manufacturers.

The IP market continues to rank as one of the fastest-growing segments within the security industry. Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution stated that it is proud to offer installing dealers and systems integrators the products and training they need to compete successfully in this growing arena. The company invites its customers to take advantage of the other resources designed to grow their businesses, such as:

• Network and IP video training programs — CEU/BICSI certification for selected classes;

• Great Expectations Loyalty Program;

• Factory certified/trained personnel on major software and IP camera lines;

• Microsoft and Cisco Certified personnel on staff to assist in design and sales;

• Vendor Relations Group — facilitates special pricing, product registration, technical experts on individual IP product lines;

• Online ordering and links to product specification sheets; and

• Tri-Ed / Northern Video Technology Support Center — design services, bid spec take-offs, troubleshooting, and lead generation.

For information, visit www.tri-ed.com.

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IndigoVision (www.indigovision.com) released a new integration module for Software House C•CURE 9000 access control. This supports C•CURE 9000 versions 2.0 and 2.01 and has been tested and certified by Software House for use with SMS 4, IndigoVision’s Security Management System platform. The integration allows events and alarms from C•CURE 9000 systems to be sent across the IP network to “Control Center,” IndigoVision’s Video Management Software. The integration module is two-way; for example, an operator could lock/unlock an exit with a click on an interactive building map. IndigoVision architecture is a truly open solution, the company said. Users have freedom to choose third-party ONVIF cameras and Windows-based storage solutions and an SDK allows integrators to connect specialist systems.

IndigoVision currently has 23 integrations to other manufacturers, in access control, intruder detection, building management, process control and electronic point of sale systems.

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SightLogix® Inc. (www.sightlogix.com) appointed Fiber Networks Inc. to represent its intelligent video surveillance systems for perimeter security applications in northern New Jersey, metropolitan New York City and Long Island. Fiber Networks has more than 30 years of experience as a manufacturer’s rep firm, and specializes in transportation security applications for highways, bridges, tunnels, subways, rail and airports. Fiber Networks assists in network design and solutions to connect video, voice and data systems using fiber, networks, IP and wireless systems.

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New Book for Those Seeking NICET Sprinkler Certification

NTC released a new and expanded NTC Grey Book (Water Based Fire Protection Systems Layout Certification Guide). It is designed for individuals seeking NICET Water Based Fire Protection Systems Layout (formerly Fire Sprinkler Design) Certification.

The NTC Grey Book is based on NICET’s new CBT (computer based testing) format and covers certification through Level III. The book features more than 300 sample questions, plus it includes information about testing and certification requirements. The NTC Grey Book also covers testing skills and strategies.

It includes a section on manual hydraulic calculations, a critical concept in NICET Fire Sprinkler Design testing at all levels of certification.

For information, visit www.NationalTrainingCenter.net.

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Home Automation Inc. (HAI) announced that integration has been finalized between HAI Omni and Lumina Family control systems and Vivotek IP surveillance solutions. Vivotek’s line of high-definition IP cameras is compatible with HAI’s OmniTouch 10pe Touchscreen, 5.7e Touchscreen, as well as software: Snap-Link Mobile for Android, Snap-Link Mobile for iPhone, and WL3. Users are able to choose from a broad camera selection with features such as H.264 compression, SD card recording, multiple video streams, true day/night, and much more.

“We are pleased to partner with HAI, which has a long history in this industry for providing top-end home automation solutions,” said Archie Mandap, technical manager at Vivotek USA. “Models appropriate for residential installation include dome and cube style cameras that are unobtrusive while providing detailed surveillance video.”

For information about how to connect Vivotek cameras to HAI platforms, visit: http://homeauto.com/Products/HAIConnectivityPartners/vivotek.asp?

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Siqura B.V. (www.siqura.com), manufacturer of advanced video surveillance solutions and member of TKH Group, announced that its analog and IP cameras are now UL certified, joining the codecs, switches and fiber optic solutions in the Siqura UL listing. UL-certified Siqura cameras offer true day/night and backlight compensation as standard features, as well as wide dynamic range functionality in many models, to ensure quality images in difficult lighting conditions.