At Ifsec it was time for Panasonic to present the third generation of i-Pro SmartHD cameras to their European customers and to show the new Smart HD concept, GIT-SECURITY.com had already reported about in the cover story of issue 3/2010. Visitors at the show could also see Panasonic's entirely new system called Panasonic Alarm Manager. The system monitors multiple third party alarm inputs and generates multiple, customisable outputs.

The Smart Six i-Pro SmartHD Cameras
With increased market demand for truly converged IP surveillance and communications systems added to a greater than ever expectation for high resolution images, the new range will satisfy both trends whilst also minimising total cost of ownership and maximising efficiency. The first three clever cameras in the i-Pro SmartHD line-up are box type network cameras that yield high data compression rates to minimise network data traffic through the H.264 format. WV-SP306 and WV-SP305 HD network cameras plus the WV-SP302 network camera are all scheduled for release in June, 2010. Additionally, Panasonic was showing off a further three fixed dome network cameras, equipped with 3.6 variable focal auto iris lens, the WV-SF336 and WV-SF335 HD fixed dome network cameras plus the WV-SF332 fixed dome network camera (available in July 2010).

Panasonic Alarm Manager
Security system installers know very well that with every security customer there can be a different security requirement and a multitude of different security solutions that can answer those requirements. Intruder alarm systems, CCTV security systems, alarm monitoring systems and even security staff on the ground, all play a vital role in securing physical and intellectual property. At the same time organisations are diverse; small, large or sited physically close or dispersed. What Panasonic Alarm Manager provides is a bridging solution to help manage the flow of information within any network of simple or complex security systems and ultimately aid faster response to eradicate any security threat.

Essentially Panasonic Alarm Manager extends the capabilities of PSNE's smart security systems; Panasonic Alarm Manager creates a relationship between common intruder alarm systems and Panasonic CCTV security systems. In essence, Panasonic Alarm Manager uses previously inaccessible information detected by third party sensors to point and coordinate faster deployment of ‘on the ground' security resource.

For example in an installation at a prestige vehicle manufacturing site Panasonic Alarm Manager can be used to help security staff immediately bring up images of compromised areas during a 24 hour alarm zone. Cameras are assigned to devices such as alarms through the Panasonic Alarm Manager Configurator. When alarm sensors are triggered the Panasonic Alarm Manager Live system immediately switches monitors to the cameras overlooking the compromised area so that security staff can quickly assess the threat and deploy a response.

Meeting with Football Legends
During the Ifsec week Panasonic System Networks Europe invited partners and customers to an evening with England's football legends Bryan Robson and Peter Reid at the Panasonic industry evening. The night was held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Birmingham and offered a great opportunity to relax and ask Bryan Robson and Peter Reid about their career and the the upcoming World Cup.