It’s time to play … “Electronic Security Jeopardy!” CATEGORY: Industry Trade Shows. ANSWER: To find out about new technology and products. (Now hum “Jeopardy” theme music to yourself.) QUESTION: Why do security dealers and integrators attend the International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC) West in Las Vegas? If only the TV show were so easy!

Although that answer could also apply to other shows – and there are other reasons why people attend – it is most applicable to ISC West. The annual event, which drew more than 12,000 industry professionals to Sin City March 26-28, has become the place for vendors to display their latest and greatest equipment and systems (for more on the show, see our May issue).

However, with greater than 700 companies vying for attention and pushing thousands of products, taking it all in – let alone differentiating the contenders from the pretenders – can be overwhelming. Not to worry, Security Sales & Integration is here to help both those who attended ISC West make sense of the endless product parade and those who didn’t find out what they missed.

SSI‘s technical gurus – “Tech Talk” columnist Bob Dolph and “Fire-Side Chat” writer Al Colombo – slogged up and down the Sands Convention Center’s busy aisles, speaking with booth personnel, observing demonstrations and scooping up forklifts’ worth of marketing materials. The event allowed the admitted “tech geeks” to feast on a smorgasbord of tasty product information.

After taking the necessary time to digest the show’s full and diverse menu, Bob and Al have each handpicked their top 15 choices as the convention’s most notable products. Their selections run the gamut of technology, from intelligent video to open platform systems integration to testing equipment to wireless systems, and much more. Together, in no particular order, these special products comprise SSI‘s 2003 ISC West Top 30.

Bob’s Picks …
Camera Can Track Movement
It has always been the challenge of CCTV to truly relieve some of the burdens of guard interaction. Fairport, N.Y.-based Bosch Security Systems’ (formerly Phillips CSI) Autodome system accomplishes this feat nicely. If motion is detected, while making typical pan and tilt positions, the system’s AutoTrack(tm) option tracks the movement and automatically adjusts zoom to keep the moving subject within the frame.

I have always been a fan of Phillips (Burle) CCTV equipment, and this system meets my expectations. Automatic slow shutter speed adjustments and AGC controls allow for optimum nighttime viewing. Digital stabilization in the 25x zoom version filters up to 80 percent of movement at 10Hz, caused by wind, etc.

Reader Service Card Number 310

Sensor Covers Large Areas
I always get excited about a quality product that gives me extra versatility in my installations. How about a multitechnology motion sensor that can be mounted up to 25-feet high and cover 70 feet at 360°? Bosch Security Systems of Fairport, N.Y., answers that question with the DS9370 TriTech motion sensor, which offers 360° PIR/microwave coverage that can be used on ceilings as high as 25 feet.

The product also has a highly visible test LED with a special light pipe design that provides good visibility for easy walk testing. The sensor has a very good temperature range of -40° F to 120° F, first-step catch technology and good RFI immunity.

Reader Service Card Number 311

Wireless System Separates Functions
Have you ever noticed how there always seems to be one little feature missing when selling and installing wireless security systems? Well, our jobs have gotten much easier with the new Allegro wireless security system from GE Interlogix of N. St. Paul, Minn.

This system includes the Dialog(tm) telephone interface module, a separate battery-operated telephone communications module that provides extra security since critical security communications are physically and electrically separate from the self-contained 20-zone wireless control. This makes for an easier installation, especially in multidwelling locations. An 85dB siren is built into the wireless panel. GE says that typical Allegro installations can be performed in less than 1 hour.

Reader Service Card Number 312

Product Supports Other Vendors
As I have previously mentioned, the race for security integration open architecture is on! St. Paul, Minn.-based GE Interlogix‘s CASI division has a new system called Facility Commander(tm) that currently integrates all GE security products. Additionally, the system is expanding to other vendors such as Panasonic Security Systems, Nice Systems, Integral Technologies and Loronix.

CASI has also created a developer’s program that enables third parties to write their own drivers. The program includes a software developer’s kit (SDK), a published application programming interface (API), sample code, system simulators and full documentation. Some vendors, such as Caliber and Intellex, are already integrating their digital video platforms with Facility Commander.

Reader Service Card Number 313

Unit Eases Camera Elevation
If you can’t get to the work, then bring the work to you. I am always interested in unique designs that make an installer’s job easier, safer and more productive. Videolarm of Decatur, Ga., has provided such a design with its PolEvator(tm) PV16/PV18.

The product allows technicians to lower a camera housing on a 16-foot pole in less than 3 minutes by simply using the power from their cordless drill. This eliminates the need for getting and maneuvering a bucket truck. Poles can be mounted in high, out-of-the-way areas, such as on top of large utility tanks or buildings.

Reader Service Card Number 314
Access Lockset Handles 2,000 Users
Some of you may already be familiar with the LS access control locksets from International Electronics Inc. (IEI) of Canton, Mass. Well, I have just discovered IEI’s newest version, the LS-2.

For a standalone access lockset, this unit is pretty versatile. It has the capacity for 2,000 individual users with provisions for access level, time zone and holiday scheduling. This flexibility is provided through IEI’s Hubmanager(tm) software, using a PDA to wirelessly transfer data to and from the LS-2 device via the PDA’s infrared communications.

Another version, the LS-2P, comes with an HID proximity reader. Also, take a look at IEI’s new BioRead(tm) fingerprint readers.

Reader Service Card Number 319

 

Video System Detects Activity
Since Sept. 11, 2001, there has been an increasing need to keep an ever-vigilant eye on suspicious people and object activity. San Jose, Calif.-based Intellivision is addressing that need with its Intelligent Video(tm) system, which includes the capability of activating an alarm if the system notices an object is left unaccompanied in a predefined area.

Another one of the company’s program packages can detect access violations such as tailgating or piggybacking. System outputs can include XML and IP messages; E-mail, pager or
phone alerts; XML

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