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PSA Partners With Intelligent Communication Provider Zenitel

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WESTMINSTER, Colo. — PSA, the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators, announces its partnership with Zenitel, a provider of intelligent communication solutions and products. This new agreement will provide PSA members and owners an opportunity to work with Zenitel directly. “While PSA owners and members have long been able to purchase Zenitel products in the PSA network, our new partnership will allow them another channel to purchase Zenitel products,” says Chris Salazar-Mangrum, PSA’s vice president of technology partners. “Our partnership with Zenitel is a major step in the convergence of technologies between the sound/audio and security industries.” Zenitel intelligent communication solutions have been available to the PSA members and owners through other technology partner agreements and will continue to be available through those partners. Specifically, PSA says adding Zenitel to its network of technology partners increases the opportunity of the networ...

Report: Video Security Businesses Saw Growth in 2021 Despite Labor Shortage

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ASHBURN, Va. — Despite the challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly four in five video security systems-related businesses reported growth in the past 12 months, according to a 23-nation survey conducted by Calipsa, a provider of deep learning-powered video analytics. Slightly less than half of businesses reported growth in a 2020 report. The Calipsa 2021 Video Monitoring Report is a look inside the industry and its biggest trends. The second annual report was released as part of the recent Calipsa Masterclass, a virtual event presenting interactive workshops aimed at members of the video security systems industry. Small security businesses appear to be thriving the most, as this year 79% reported client growth, compared to 59% last year. Respondents from all sectors reported average revenue growth of nearly 34% in the past 12 months, up 4% over the 2020 results. Yet, despite overall growth in both revenue and clients, more than six in 10  businesses surveyed in 2...

Kitsap County (Wash.) Becomes First in State to Implement ASAP-to-PSAP

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McLEAN, Va. —  The Monitoring Association (TMA) announces it went live on Nov. 9 with its 93rd municipality to join its expanding Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) service network. The Kitsap County, Wash. Cencom is the first agency in the state of Washington to implement the service. Launched in 2011 as a public-private partnership, TMA’s ASAP service is designed to increase the accuracy and efficiency of calls for service from alarm companies to emergency communication centers (ECCs). “ECCs across the United States are increasingly implementing ASAP,” comments TMA CEO Celia Besore. “The benefits of the service are significant in an emergency situation. ASAP actually saves lives by reducing response time when it matters most.” The Kitsap Cencom issued a press release detailing the benefits of ASAP to its community, writing, “ASAP will improve 9-1-1 response times for Kitsap County residents and business owners who have alarm systems. Previously, alarm companies called Kit...

IDIS Releases Intelligent Video Wall Station for Centralized Monitoring

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COPPELL, Texas — IDIS announces its new Intelligent Video Wall Station, designed as a simple plug-in for the cost and license-free IDIS Center VMS. The company says the solution brings the benefits of video wall services to a wider market, including smaller and mid-sized customers. The new offering is said to make it easier for businesses to plan, design, configure and use dynamic video walls by optimizing safety and security with centralized monitoring for single or multiple-sites, without the traditional price tag. Integrating seamlessly with IDIS’s full line-up of network and analog cameras and devices, as well as third-party technologies, the IDIS Intelligent Video Wall Station uses a single server and network wall controller to manage up to 12 UHD monitors as standard. The station connects up to 4,096 cameras and lets operators monitor 64 panes simultaneously, including dewarped 360° fisheye video. Related: IDIS Cloud Manager Enhances Control of Surveillance Operations ...

2021 Holiday Gift Guide: 9 Ideas to Show Staff Appreciation

It is that time of the year again. When all should be showing appreciation of the efforts of others by giving gifts and presents. It is also a time to reflect on the past year and give thanks for a hopefully kinder and more loving world. Christmas should be the best time of the year for all. In the Christmas spirit of Tech Talk, this is a fun time for me to step back for a moment from all the wires and systems, and pick out some fun items that one can give to their peers, boss, and employees. As a manager or owner, your techs have endured another year of post-COVID-19 pandemic, and have kept your customers happy. This is the time to show gratitude for, as they used to say in the Navy, “Bravo Zulu,” a job well done. Shoppers are in luck, as Black Friday deals have started sooner than ever this year — so get shopping! Let’s not waste any time and get into some gift items I have selected for this year’s tech shopping list. View the 2021 Holiday Gift Guide The post 2021 Holiday Gift G...

Vivotek Unveils Network Audio Solution

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SAN JOSE, Calif. — Vivotek announce the launch of its new Network Audio Solutions. Now available, the system includes the AU-001 Network Horn Speaker and the AU-002 Network Audio Driver. “A variety of our cameras are the most optimal for setting specific video analytic detection events and synchronizing Vivotek audio devices,” explains David Liu, president of Vivotek USA. “As such, our new Network Audio Solutions have been integrated with our VAST 2 VMS software into these systems.” Liu continues, “This can apply in diverse situations to improve security on premises, properties and restricted zones with event-triggered announcements, providing an intelligent surveillance solution while reducing management costs.” The indoor/outdoor AU-001 Network Horn Speaker provides a long range 106 dB voice alarm. It’s compatible with VAST 2 and allows users to upload their own audio clips on VAST 2 for broadcasting. Related: Vivotek Adds New Features to VAST 2 IP VMS With an all-metal ho...

Paladin Technologies Acquires VTI Security

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AUSTIN, Texas — VideoTronix (DBA VTI Security) and Paladin Technologies announce they have agreed to terms to join forces. Headquartered in Burnsville, Minn., VTI and its team of over 230 colleagues nationwide will add geographic expansion to Paladin within the central U.S., along with passionate expertise on innovative technology solutions for end-users, according to the company. The announcement states VTI Security was formed in 1980 in response to client needs for a quality integration partner in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market. Focused on providing outstanding customer service and developing trustworthy relationships, VTI developed trusted business partnerships, invested in its colleagues, and remained at the forefront of technology education and training. Over the years, VTI Security expanded its presence, opening offices in Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, North Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. “Our growth is a direct result of our ability to deliver and support on cus...