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Netvio Training Day – 4th October 2023 – Sign up today!

NETVIO TRAINING

Netvio provides affordable, comprehensive solutions that feature cutting edge software and user control applications.

We will be hosting a Netvio Training Day at our HQ in Popham, Winchester on 4th October from 10am till 3pm. James Meredith, Technical Director at Netvio will guide you through the product range, the unique feature sets of the products and how they can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of project applications.

If you need to deliver the best quality HDMI video and audio signals in any multi-room environment, Netvio is the perfect choice. With cutting-edge software and User Control App, Netvio have installers covered with ease of setup. No programming or coding is required!

Join us to get all of the inside info on the range and learn how to easily setup Netvio’s fantastic control system to wow your clients.

To register for a place on the Netvio Training Day, please click HERE. We have limited spaces on the day, so don’t delay, sign-up today!

We have Netvio AV over IP, HDBaseT Matrices & Extender sets, HDMI Splitters, and AOC HDMI Cables in stock for next-day delivery.

To view the range, please click HERE.

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DPD Customer Bulletin – The King’s Coronation – Impact on deliveries in the London area from Thursday 4 May

The King’s Coronation will take place on the morning of Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey. However, we have been informed that the road closures in Westminster will start from Thursday 4 May and remain in place until Sunday 7 May.

We are doing everything we can to minimise the impact of this event on your deliveries, including transferring all our Westminster depot deliveries, since the road outside our depot will be closed, to our London City depot. However, these road closures will mean we are unable to gain access to certain roads and be unable to make some deliveries in the SW1 area.

On Sunday 7 May, the celebrations move to Windsor, which will impact the area in the SL4 postcode area and we expect the roads into Windsor to be extremely congested.

In addition, there are numerous street parties planned across the weekend which will see many residential roads closed which will restrict the movement of our delivery vehicles.

Any parcels that cannot be delivered will be reattempted on Tuesday 9 May, following the Bank Holiday.

For more information, please visit: https://www.royal.uk/coronation-weekend-plans-announced

 

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Together for Cinema – Bringing the joy of home cinema to children’s hospices around the UK

 

Together For Cinema is an AV industry good cause enterprise whose main focus is to design and install home cinema rooms in children’s hospices and other suitable locations across the UK. These rooms not only benefit the children and young adults, but also their families, carers, staff and volunteers. Together For Cinema has comprehensive support and backing from our industry, hence all products and installation services are donated.

Increasingly there are other opportunities presenting themselves that show there is much more than can be done, be it linking up international AV companies with good causes or recycling second hand AV equipment it is clear there is the need for an industry conduit to liaise with good causes in the UK.

Quite simply Together For Cinema is a pure and unquestionable good.

“Together For Cinema – together for better…”

OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Together For Cinema simply would not be without the support and backing of our Sponsors and Partners. The difference that their support makes to so many people’s lives, be them the poorly children, disabled young adults or a family member or a carer, is immense. I have been asked many times to pass on their thanks to all involved and I do what I can, but this page I hope goes some way to recognise their assistance and commitment to making a real difference and helping to deliver the end result.

TDI are very proud to be a Bronze Level Sponsor and we’d encourage our industry friends to get on board and help support this fantastic venture which makes such a huge difference to so many families.

To learn more about the fabulous projects completed so far, please visit https://www.togetherforcinema.co.uk/.

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How to design an Access Control System

We have put together a detailed list of professional tips and questions to ask to help you specify and design a door entry or access system which will meet the individual needs of your project, client and residents or work force.

Access Control comes in many different forms; from door intercom systems, to gate & barrier access to the latest in smart locks and remote unlocking from your smart phone.

In specifying and designing the most suitable access control or door entry system for your building, there are a number of key factors to consider, in order to achieve the most effective and secure results.

Here is a detailed list of professional tips and questions to ask to help you specify and design a door entry or access system which will meet the individual needs of your project, client and residents or work force.

Top 17 Tips for Access Control system design

  1. Scale of project and future expansion

The scale of an access control / door intercom project includes a number of different considerations, both in terms of size of property / campus and number of end point devices required.

The scale of project not only affects budget, of course, but also the choice and functionality of access control devices, cabling infrastructure and the ability to expand the system as the project / site expands or connects with additional sites.

  1. Number of users requiring access

The scale and application of the project will have a significant influence on the number of users who will be requiring access to the building. Lower user numbers may allow for more secure authentication methods; whereas high foot traffic and a need for fast throughput may require simple, high speed authentication methods and high speed door/barrier opening and closing.

The type of users will also affect the choice of system; are users all regular, registered individuals (e.g. residents or staff) or are there a high number of unregistered visitors needing access to and from the building?

  1. What sort of identity authentication is required?

‘Identity authentication’ is the method used to confirm the identity of the user wishing to access the building. There are a vast range of identification methods available, from the simplest PIN code typed into a keypad, to the latest in AI-powered biometric identification such as face or iris recognition.

Identity authentication methods:

PIN Code – typed into a keypad access unit, PIN code systems may be as simple as a global numeric code for all users, or unique pin codes or passwords per individual or group of users.

RFID – (radio frequency identification) the most common ‘contactless’ radio frequency authentication method used in ID keyfobs and cards. Available in various frequencies.

NFC – (near field communication) the latest generation of RFID touch-free communication, this is the same technology used for contactless payments from credit/debits card and increasingly from your smart phone. NFC allows for short range, secure access using your smart phone as the authentication device.

Bluetooth (BLE) – (Bluetooth low energy) another option for keyless entry via smart phone, Bluetooth Low Energy provides a contactless identity verification method with reduced energy consumption.

QR Code Scanning – ideal for single-use or temporary access permissions (e.g. parcel deliveries or service staff), a unique QR code can be generated with limited time/date/use quantities and sent to a visitor’s smart phone to be scanned at the access control endpoint device.

Fingerprint Reader – This form of biometric authentication uses a fingerprint reader to scan each individual registered user’s unique fingerprint for identity verification.

Face Recognition – This form of biometric authentication uses a high resolution cameras and AI technology to scan each individual registered user’s unique facial features for identity verification.

Iris Recognition – This form of biometric authentication uses a high resolution scanner for highly secure authentication via iris recognition.

ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) – ANPR is a technology that uses optical character recognition on images to read vehicle registration plates to create vehicle location data.

  1. Multiple-factor Authentication methods or multiple options?

Higher levels of access security can be achieved using multiple-factor authentication (sometimes referred to as dual-authentication), where a combination of two or more identity verification methods is required to allow entry. For instance, a system may require the user to scan their smart phone for Bluetooth or NFC and enter a unique PIN or password into the access unit’s key pad.

Multiple-factor authentication should not be confused with multiple authentication methods; many door intercom and access control devices will feature a variety of identity verification options to choose from, whilst only requiring the user to provide one identifier for entry – e.g. Bluetooth or NFC or PIN code).

  1. How many access location points in the system and how will they be used?

Large scale projects may have high numbers of access locations for staff, visitors and vehicle access. Undertaking a detailed site review to confirm all access (entry and exit) points – including external and internal locked doors, gates, barriers, car park access and secured separate buildings – is essential in calculating the correct quantity and functionality of access or door intercom end points.

  1. Does every door or gate require access control?

Be sure that all of the doors and gates you have identified for access control really do need a locking mechanism and access control. Consider whether or not access control is essential to each individual door or are there certain entrances/exits where it would be a hindrance?

For example, in high foot traffic areas, the need for each individual user to pause to authenticate their identity is likely to slow down the flow of movement; can the number of controlled access points in the route through the building be reduced?

And are secure locked doors required for all of the identified areas? Do the WCs or bin stores, for example, require access control?

  1. Internal or external access points?

The location of access control or door intercom devices will dictate the choice of devices, particularly outdoor or harsh environments. Professional access control and door intercom brands will offer both IP (ingress protection) and IK (impact protection) ratings for weather, vandal and harsh condition resistance. (The higher the IP and IK rating, the greater the level of protection).

In addition, consideration of light and temperature changes should also be considered, particularly in outdoor locations. Many door intercom systems will feature built-in cameras for the resident or security officer (for example) to visually identify visitors from a remote location. Low light levels at night time and glare (e.g. due to the position of the sun) can greatly affect the picture quality. However, many high quality intercom devices will feature low light cameras or infrared lights to give high performance picture quality at night.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, body temperature detection has become increasingly common in access control and intercom devices to help identify fever-like symptoms and reduce the spread of the virus among staff or residents. However, the accuracy of thermal detection systems can be notably affected by outdoor ambient temperatures and, therefore, are recommended for indoor location for the most successful results.

  1. Does the access point require audio / video communication? (Access Device or Door Intercom)

A standard ‘access control’ point does not require any interaction / communication with another person in order to authenticate identity and, therefore, gain access. However, where unexpected visitors require access and are, in effect, ‘ringing the doorbell’ – communication with an individual apartment resident or reception/security office staff, in the case of commercial premises, requires audio / and or video communication. And in simple terms, this is the difference between an access control device and a door intercom device; the ability to communicate via video and/or audio.

Therefore, if audio/ video communication is a requirement, then a door intercom device will be required. A huge variety of intercom devices are available on the market with a wide range of functionality and authentication methods. But for communication purposes, specifying a device / system with built-in microphones and/or camera is required.

In such cases, of course, an ‘answering device’ for the resident / staff is also required, which will usually take the form of a telephone, videophone or answering panel. (And increasingly, remote answering and access via smart phone is becoming a standard option for IP intercom and access systems).

  1. What type of lock technology will be required?

There are various types of Door / Gate locking methods available dependent upon the levels of security required, functionality and application of the system.

Electric or electronic lock systems are used in conjunction with an access control or door intercom device, with the access/intercom sending a signal to the lock once identity authentication has been confirmed.

  • Maglock (Magnetic Lock)
    A maglock is a strong electromagnet normally located above a door. It’s attracted to a door plate when powered holding the door locked. The door is unlocked by the opening of a relay which cuts power to the lock.
  • Electric Strike Lock
    A strike is a device that lives in the door frame in line with the catch. It goes ‘slack’ when powered to allow the latch to ‘pull through’ the strike and the door to open in the case of a fail secure strike and goes slack when not powered in the case of a fail-safe (same as a maglock).
  • Solenoid Lock
    A Solenoid is a bolt-like device that moves in a particular direction when electrically-powered. A maglock, strike and solenoid all rely on electromagnets to operate.
  • Automatic Gate Controller
    A device that tells a gate motor to operate when it receives a signal. In the case of an intercom this signal would normally be a closing contact from a relay in the form of a pulse which momentarily completes a circuit.
  1. How to exit the building? (Egress options)

What (or who!) goes in, must come back out! So as well as considering access into the building, consider the form of egress (exit) on each door or access point. In most cases the level of security to exit will be lower than that for access into the building.

  • So exiting may simply require a manual, mechanical egress option such as a door handle or push bar.
  • It may require 2nd-party interaction such as a request-to-exit ‘buzzer’ or intercom button, advising concierge or the security office, from which the door unlock can be activated remotely.
  • Automated ‘RTE’ (Request to Exit) buttons can be physical (Press to Exit) or contactless in the form of a ‘no-touch button’ featuring an infrared sensor.
  • Or security levels may be required to be just as high for exit as it is for entry to the building, in which case a duplicate access control device may be required on both sides of the door.
  1. How will the access control points be powered? (PoE or 12v power supply?)

For an IP-connected access system (a system connected via internet protocol using standard LAN infrastructure), most IP access control, door intercom and door answering devices will support PoE (Power-over-Ethernet), therefore using the same Category cable for both data and power connectivity. POE is normally supplied from a suitable network switch or PoE injector.

Most access and door intercom devices can also be powered via external 12v power supply, either as an alternative or as a back-up supply to the PoE, should there be a network outage for any reason.

  1. What happens in the event of a power cut?

Though power cuts are a rare occurrence these days – and many buildings feature backup power supplies such as generators or UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) – it is still a fire and safety requirement of access control system designs to consider access to and from the building in the case of a power outage.

So consider each lockable access point and whether to apply Fail Safe control (the door or gate automatically opens in a power outage) or Fail Secure control (the door or gate remains locked in a power outage). Please consult access control and fire safety regulations for where and when to apply fail safe and fail secure locking methods

  1. Flush or surface mount devices?

Most access units and door intercom devices can be supplied with a choice of flush-mount or surface-mount back boxes or mounting plates. Surface mounting of devices is quicker and easier as there is no requirement to cut a hole in the wall for the back box; simply fix directly onto the wall. However, flush mounted devices may be preferable both aesthetically and for protection purposes (both from being damaged and from adverse weather conditions.

Choosing which mounting format involves a number of parameters including:

  • Wall/surface material the devices will be mounted on or into
    If the devices are being located inside, then the materials the wall is made from are likely to be more accommodating for flush mounting (e.g. plasterboard). Some building materials will be very difficult to cut into for a back box, in which case, surface mounting of the device is required.
  • Ease of installation
    Surface mount installation will inevitably be quicker and easier than flush mount, as there is no requirement for cutting a hole for pattress back boxes.
  • Depth of wall
    Limited thickness of wall may make it difficult or impossible to flush mount a device.
  • Protection against damage and the elements
    Flush mounting of devices can often provide greater protection from damage (the device is not protruding from the wall and is less susceptible to being caught) and from water / rain ingress.
  1. Door logging – how should door activity be logged?

Is there a requirement for logging of door activity? (i.e. Who has accessed and exited the building, when and how frequently). This might be required for health & safety or fire regulations, or perhaps for integration with staff attendance systems.

Consider how this data should be stored and who has access to this information. The door activity data may be stored on an on-site server or can be stored in the cloud via the IP access/intercom system’s management software platform.

  1. Integration with lift access control?

Are there lifts (elevators) in the building and is identity authentication required to use them? For instance, in a shared office environment, users may only have access to specific office floors of the building. In an MDU / multi-floor apartment application, resident lift access may be restricted to the floor of their apartment and all-resident areas such as gymnasium, pool, lobby etc.

In such cases, not only can access control be integrated, but also ‘lift call’ can be an added functionality, for example from each individual apartment door answering panel.

  1. Is remote monitoring or emergency alarm integration required?

In order to support independent living in MDU residential buildings and retirement villages, smart home answering panels can be integrated with telecare remote monitoring and emergency alarm call systems.

Emergency telecare buttons (such as pendant or wristband buttons) can be programmed to connect to the intercom answering panel to either unlock the door or call an emergency phone number for assistance.

  1. Making an access control system inclusive for impaired users

Ensuring that access systems provide inclusive use for impaired users is a legal requirement of The Equality Act. Simple design considerations such as locating access/intercom endpoints in locations accessible to all users is recommended. Additional system functionality such as voice control and integrated hearing induction loop systems will support users with limited mobility, sight or hearing impairments.

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Join us for the CYP / TDI Partner Development Day @ CYP HQ on 28th September 2022

Location: CYP (UK) Ltd, Unit 7 Shepperton Business Park, Govett Avenue, Shepperton, TW17 8BA

With so many new technologies and products to introduce, we are cordially inviting you to join us at CYP’s HQ in Shepperton so that we can give you an exclusive preview of the latest offerings from the ever-growing CYP product range. Featuring demonstrations and explanations from our experts, we will give you a fully guided tour of the latest iterations of the following technologies and product offerings:

1G AV over IP systems – The IP-7000 series allows installers to extend HDMI, VGA & audio signals along with USB KVM via a dedicated IT Network Infrastructure. Using the IP-CS7 Master Controller you are capable of simultaneously managing & configuring multiple IP extenders across the same network with ease.

10G AV over IP systems – CYPs’ SDVoE CAT & Fibre Transceivers are able to transmit 4KHDR (6G) signals over a 10G IP Fiber & CAT Network with almost zero latency. Every Transceiver can be configured to function as either a Transmitter or a Receiver, providing additional flexibility for any installation. Using a sophisticated ultra-light compression (lossless for most content) it’s the perfect solution for extending 4KHDR video and data.

A NEW range of medical-related products – The new MED-VPR-8430 video recorder is dedicated design to integrate with multiple medical devices for video recording during surgical operations or diagnosis. It supports high quality video of 4K@60 video input and output to display over HDMI. The video from medical equipment such as endoscopes, X-Ray systems, ultrasonic devices, da Vinci Surgical Systems…etc. exports to monitors and is recorded to the built-in hard simultaneously.

The latest meeting room solutions – From our HDMI tabletop switching modules, to our Advanced 4K Multi-Format Presentation Switchers & finally to our new Wireless Presentation Systems (the Hyshare range); find out how CYP can impact your meeting rooms, classrooms & huddle spaces to create a flawless presentation experience.

In addition, we will also showcase how we have implemented the latest AV distribution technology, including HDBaseT3.0, AVX and Dante, whilst offering an insight in how to utilise our latest testing and analysis hardware.

All of our technical and sales team will be on hand to answer any questions throughout the day.

To book your place, please email info@tdigroup.co.uk with your name and contact details, and we will confirm your booking. Alternatively, give us a call on 01256 397770 and speak to our friendly Sales Team.

Click the link to download details and map as PDF – CYP-Partner-Dev.-Day-Sept22.pdf

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AKUVOX DOOR ENTRY TRAINING DAY – DON’T MISS OUT! – BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY!

 

10:00 – 15:00hrs on 21st April 2022 @ TDI, West Farm, Popham, Winchester, SO21 3BH

We are very pleased to announce that we will be hosting an Akuvox Access Control Training Day, here at our offices on 21st April 2022. Akuvox is one of the leading global brands for Smart IP Intercom Door Entry Systems, access control, and telephony systems and is the perfect choice for installers wanting to offer a comprehensive and elegant door entry solution to their clients.
The training course is free of charge, and on the day we will provide an introduction to Akuvox and their range of access control products, and their application in real-World environments. You will gain a good understanding of the range and the key features and benefits with hands-on demonstrations and configuration of live products for a variety of different applications.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided (please let us know if you have any specific dietry requirements on the Registration Form).
If you would like to join us for this informal training session, please register for a place by clicking the following link – CLICK HERE
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Akuvox – Control4 Integration – Drivers and Downloads Available Now

Control4 develops smart home automation systems to control lighting, entertainment, security, energy, and other connected devices.

The company’s 2013 initial public offering was considered to be the first pure-play home automation IPO ever.

The PDF manual is intended for guiding dealers of configuring and adding Akuvox smart intercoms to a Control4 solution. It will introduce how dealers can make video calls between Akuvox smart intercoms and Control4 T3 10” dock tablet, and manage the door lock connected to the Akuvox smart intercoms. Akuvox door phone can send video stream via MJPEG codec or H264 codec which dealers need to enable RTSP server in Akuvox door phone. Control4 will open the door via HTTP command which dealers need to enable open relay via HTTP feature in Akuvox door phone.

To download the PDF Manual, Drivers, and Firmware, please click HERE.

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TRIAX: 8 + 12 WAY TDSCR MULTISWITCHES CERTIFIED TO EICS SCHEME

8 + 12 way TdSCR Multiswitches certified to EICS scheme

We’re delighted to announce our 8 and 12 output TdSCR Multiswitches have been certified by the European IRS Certification Scheme (EICS), DTG Testing and CAI’s newly launched European-wide assurance scheme for TV and Satellite distribution equipment.

The certification is a testament to TRIAX’s values of quality and reliability.  The CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) said the EICS certification demonstrates “the high quality of the TRIAX solution and compatibility with all major satellite and TV platforms”, enabling end-users such as installers, specifiers, housing associations and platform operators to select products with confidence when they see the EICS mark.

Benefits of EICS Certification

The European IRS Certification Scheme (EICS) is the first scheme of its kind and will provide reassurance of end-to-end device compatibility, interoperability and robust RF performance within satellite and DTT distribution systems.

The scheme has been developed through an industry collaboration of satellite and DTT platforms, major equipment manufacturers, and led by industry associations DTG and CAI. It consists of a test specification underpinned by international standards and a consumer-facing logo.

Supported by the leading retailers, the logo will ensure a high quality of experience for the end customer. End-users, such as installers, specifiers, housing associations and platform operators can use the logo to recognise equipment that is compatible with all major satellite and TV services; and therefore interoperable with other EICS equipment.

Alex Buchan, Strategic Technologist at the Digital Television Group (DTG), said “DTG Testing is delighted that a major manufacturer such as TRIAX has joined this scheme. The continued uptake of the scheme is great news for TV platforms, manufacturers of satellite and TV distribution equipment, and installers who can select products with confidence when they see the EICS mark.”

Peter Sealey, Chairman of CAI, said “CAI are pleased to have worked with DTG Testing to develop this new Product Certification Scheme, which follows on from the success of CAI’s existing Cable and Aerial Certification Schemes. This new scheme will enable our members, as well as other parts of the industry, to select the best products for their installations. The EICS mark will also enable developers, landlords and the specifiers working for them, to ensure they get systems that work as intended, when combined with CAI Codes of Practice and installation by our members.”

For full product details and specs, please click the following link to learn more – tdigroup.co.uk/dscr-multiswitches/