A new study has found that smart home customers prefer professionally installed solutions to DIY, but solution providers should do more to educate users on the possibilities of their systems. In a survey conducted by icontrol Networks across seven branded smart-home solutions customers, those with professionally installed solutions said they feel the costs are worth it. About 96 percent respondents said they are very satisfied or satisfied with their systems. An equal numb

Tyco Integrated Security (TycoIS) announced the availability of Total Security, a solution including access control, IP video surveillance and intrusion detection. Available via a unified graphical user interface (GUI), Total Security allows users to manage multiple security tasks on any Internet connected device. With real-time alerts, remote arm/disarm capabilities, access management and live video look-in, Total Security provides new ways to help improve workplace safety

The intercom technology has gone through an evolution over the decades, changing from simple voice communication between the resident and the visitor to video systems where the resident can get a visual of who is on the outside. With the intercom migrating to IP, the user can do even more with it, for example seeing who is at the door and opening the door for them, all remotely via their mobile app. One company that has leveraged this trend is ButterflyMX, a U.S.-based startu

The increased popularity of devices like smartphones and affordability are helping “connected” and “smart home” security devices replace traditional residential security, suggests a report from IHS. The market for traditional residential security equipment was valued at US$2.3 billion in 2015. Despite its size, growth remains flat at best. The term traditional security refers to systems installed by a professional which have local management capabilities alone. “Connect

Amid intense competition in the security industry, vendors differentiate themselves by offering products and solutions that are unique to satisfy the user’s various needs. Yu-Heng Electric, a manufacturer of detectors, is one example. The company claims to be Taiwan’s first to be certified by UL. “In the US, UL certification for detectors for driveway applications is now required, and we got it in December last year. It has contributed to our revenue significantly,” said Chia

The intruder alarm market, especially in developed economies, has always shown steady growth, unlike some other sectors of security that have remained more volatile. According to Research and Markets, the global intrusion detection market is expected to grow from $2.7 billion in 2014 to $5 billion by 2019, at an estimated CAGR of 13.2 percent. Another report from Marketsandmarkets suggests the home security solutions market alone could grow from $31.4 billion in 2015 to $47.5

The large number of people often present in a hotel is one of the major reasons that makes it vulnerable. That the environment in hotels is designed to make it easy for visitors to come and go make things complicated. “Hotels were targeted due to ‘multi-nation people staying’,” said an industry professional working for one of the global solution providers, referring to the recent untoward incidents. He added that hotels and places like open-air markets are becoming targets

Most traditional security companies are still not completely at home with DIY products. Daniel Wan, UK Channel Marketing Manager at Honeywell Security & Fire - Security said that despite the increased prevalence of DIY products, the importance of professional installation cannot be dismissed. First of all, installers have a more comprehensive knowledge of the industry and products, which means they would be in a better position to understand a customer’s requirements and s

Home automation systems that take advantage of a whole range of technologies, some of which are included under the umbrella term Internet of Things (IoT), are expected to be one of the key markets in the coming years. A visit to any of the technology trade shows these days will give a glimpse of the products that are coming up in this segment. Interestingly, most of what is seen now is considered to be just the tip of the iceberg, as the possibilities of connected devices are

On March 8, US-based IP video surveillance solution provider IPConfigure released the latest version of its video management software (VMS) that makes use of secure real-time transport protocol (SRTP) encryption technology. Named Orchid 1.8, it is claimed to be the “the most secure and efficient VMS solution available.” Most VMS transmit video and audio using HTTPS protocol, which was developed to secure web content, not specifically for video. SRTP encryption allows Orchi