2020 Vision release their new corporate video

With more than 60 years combined industry experience, a reputation for no risk commitment and a history of thorough attention to detail, the company has evolved into being one of the United Kingdom's most prestigious integrated systems houses. 2020 Vision

2020 Vision see growth in export.

As the UK economy stutters into 2010 Integrated Systems specialist 2020Vision Systems realizes potential growth in export. With an enviable record in delivering ‘best of breed’ security solutions and urban surveillance systems gained in the UK. The company has been approached by a number of potential partners in the lucrative Gulf States. Security is a growing factor in the Middle East where they are keen to implement security solutions based on the best of UK methodology and standards.

Peter Houlis MD of 2020Vision, who visited Intersec 2010 in Dubai as part of the company’s sortie into the area said “it is clear from the various meetings we attended that 2020Vision has a great opportunity to export our knowledge and experience of delivering bespoke integrated security solutions into this exciting developing market.

Security is an important factor in this oil and gas rich region with a growing tourist trade and rapidly growing economy and population. Protection of property, infrastructure and people is paramount.

Major international security companies now state that the Gulf region has contributed significantly to their growth in business over the last year. The Gulf market is reputedly worth some $100M for IP systems alone. This will be further enhanced by Abu Dhabi's Ministry of the Interior instructing all hotels to upgrade their CCTV/Access Control systems with immediate effect to cover all public areas, including lift cars. It is expected other GCC states will follow this edict.

UK Threat level Severe

The UK Government has increased the current terrorism threat level to Severe
The increase from substantial means that a terrorist attack is highly likely. You should therefore remain alert to the danger of terrorism, look out for suspicious bags on public transport or any other potential signs of terrorist activity you may encounter.
There are five levels of threat:
• critical - an attack is expected imminently
• severe - an attack is highly likely
• substantial - an attack is a strong possibility
• moderate - an attack is possible but not likely
• low - an attack is unlikely
The threat levels are set by Security Service (MI5) and the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). Who work together to consider information gathered through intelligence in the UK and abroad and how terrorist organisations have behaved in the past.
The system of threat levels has been created to keep you informed about the level of threat the UK faces from terrorism at any given time. The system helps police and other law enforcement agencies decide how to allocate staff.
Experts predict it’s just a matter of time before the next attack. This coupled with rising crime and an increase in the severity of criminal acts, antisocial behaviour and the claims culture. Means whatever your walk of life security is probably more important today than at any point in history and we all need to take responsibility for our safety and security.

Given the increased risk now would be a good time to review your security and make sure its working.

In order to implement a successful security strategy, it is imperative that an audit is carried out and a security management plan be developed. The plan needs to list the risks and actual and perceived threats, along with an operational requirement.

Your audit should be carried out by a security professional with a working knowledge of your industry sector

Remember to contact your local police force and speak to the ‘Counter Terrorism Security Advisor.’

Good physical security will be your first line of defence backed up by electronic security.

The security measures should be multilayered like an onion skin, and backed up by sound management policies and procedures, including staff training.

Fortunately, today’s security professionals can draw from a substantial arsenal of security options with technology, providing many cost efficient ways to improve security for everyone.
Take the no risk option and let 2020Vision review your security issues now. We have the knowledge and experience to solve your problems simply, contact us on 0191 2962662 or visit us at www.2020cctv.com

For further information visit www.homeoffice.gov.uk/counter-terrorism

See What You’ve Been Missing

2020 Vision Systems, in partnership with Veracity UK and Instek Digital, is pleased to announce the availability of an integrated mega-pixel video surveillance solution.

In order to have a first-rate security system that misses nothing and offers excellent evidential material, it is vital to have image quality of the highest order. 2020's mega-pixel surveillance range meets this challenge, and provides a quantum-leap in image quality when compared with regular CCTV.

The new generation Mega-pixel CCTV camera is streets ahead of normal CCTV images, and really does allow you to see what you've been missing.

After careful evaluation, trials and use in a real application, 2020 Vision chose Veracity UK as the ideal partner to provide us with the digital technology due to our long and mutually beneficial relationship.

Veracity UK is a leading-edge technology company dedicated to developing innovative solutions for mega-pixel video surveillance and to bringing the best in ‘state of the art' enterprise-level digital video surveillance products to the UK market, including the highly acclaimed MatriVideo digital video recording and management solutions from Instek Digital, with whom Veracity work closely.

Keep yourself in the picture by contacting us 0191 2962662 for free information and a demo or visit us at www.2020cctv.com. We will delighted to discuss how you might update your system through a managed migration, safeguarding your legacy system investment.

2020 Vision has an enviable pedigree in designing, implementing and maintaining ‘best of breed’ CCTV solution.

Back to School for 2020Vision

Bothal Middle School in Northumberland is the latest education establishment to benefit from 2020 Vision's experience in providing high spec security solutions in schools, colleges and universities.

The school, part of the Ashington Learning Partnership Trust commissioned 2020 Vision to design and implement a comprehensive CCTV system to improve overall security of the site.

The system consists of fourteen high resolution colour fixed cameras strategically located to cover key areas. Along with two colour cameras with full pan, tilt and powerful zoom facility to enable surveillance of the building exterior and grounds.

All cameras are recorded digitally 24/7 365 days per year, providing post event investigative material in case of incident. With staff being able to view images on a 17" colour TFT monitor.

Safety and security is paramount in educational establishments. The introduction of the CCTV system forms part of the security strategy and facilitates duty of care to pupils and staff.

Peter Houlis speaks with Chris Jackson from the North Easts Inside Out programme

Ever had the feeling you are being watched on camera?

We've calculated there are a quarter of a million CCTV cameras spying on us in the North.

But do they really cut crime?

Or are they an alarming and unnecessary intrusion into our privacy?

Fifteen years ago, Britain barely had any CCTV cameras so what happened?

The murder of James Bulger in 1993 was captured on CCTV and provided a heartbreaking image that is still with us today. It was a very emotional moment, and prompted a call for CCTV to be installed across Britain

Soon CCTV was popping up in every city and town in the land. Today CCTV cameras are everywhere - where we live, work, eat and shop, and along roads we drive on. They're even in places where you might not expect them - in the back of cabs, on buses and trains.

The truth is that we're being spied upon far more than we perhaps imagine. It's estimated there's one CCTV camera for every 14 of us - and it's claimed that every day we are caught on camera 300 times.

So should we as ordinary citizens be concerned about it?

Peter Houlis says, "The technology can be trusted - but it's the people who are using it…

"It is a very powerful tool - what happens with that evidence is much more concerning."

Intrusion or necessary invasion?

So who guards the guardians of the information collected on camera and doesn't this smack of Big Brother?

David Wood sees CCTV as a positive but necessary intrusion: "It is more like there are many little brothers - there are many different people watching us all the time." But the thought of someone taking some CCTV footage out of context and using it for other uses remains a worry. This happened when film of the the Spencer Tunik nude art event was leaked by two civilian police staff, breaking the trust of the participants.

In terms of the future, surveillance looks likely to accelerate, and the downside will be that more and more aspects of our lives will be watched on a 24 hour basis.

Leading security specialist opens its doors to MP

Back to 2020 News

A North Shields based security systems provider has played host to a local MP, eager to learn the secrets of the company's successful surveillance pioneering.

2020 Vision opened its doors to Alan Campbell, MP for Tynemouth, who was given the chance to see the helm of the company's operations, which is situated right on his doorstep.

During his visit, Mr Campbell, who also holds the role of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office, responsible for crime reduction, discussed the benefits of CCTV as a core tool for reducing crime with the award winning security specialists, as well as the benefits of a host of other security solutions.

Mr Campbell said: "The UK as a whole doesn't get enough credit for the cutting edge technology we have here. It's a credit not only to the region but also to the UK that a company like 2020 Vision is based here, therefore I was keen to go and visit the company for myself and to meet those responsible for its success.

"2020 Vision is at company which is at the forefront of developments in security, be it with CCTV, access control or artificial intelligence. I wish them the very best of luck as the company grows and takes on more and more high profile and high security contracts."

2020's managing director, Peter Houlis, and a host of staff members were on hand to tell their local MP about the company's efforts in cutting edge technology both in the UK and further afield. Peter commented:

"The world is a changed place and security has never been more important and thanks to the advent of new technology there are now many highly effective ways to improve security for everyone.

"It was wonderful to be in a position to show Alan around our HQ and for him to meet some of the staff who really help to make it all happen. It was especially great to have the chance to discuss with Alan how the work we do here at 2020 Vision proves to be a major tool in reducing crime."

Alan was also on hand to officially present Peter Houlis with 2020 vision's national award for its work on the state-of-the-art system at Bede Academy in Blyth. The company's £250,000 system was recently named the Integrated Security Solution of the Year at the Security Excellence Awards.

2020 Vision was established in the North East in 1992 and specialises in security systems such as CCTV, remote site monitoring, access control and concierge services. It has provided security in a diverse range of environments such as hospitals, casinos, universities, sports stadia, government offices and a seabird island.

A Very Happy Christmas from all at 2020 Vision

2020 Vision are delighted with another £400,000 worth of new orders secured in December and would like to thank our valued clients.

We would like to take this opportunity and wish all our clients, suppliers, partners, friends and acquaintances a brilliant Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

We look forward to supporting our customers and offering valuable customer service to all for 2010

Peter Houlis
Managing Director

Good result for 2020 Vision at Newcastle University

North East based CCTV systems integrator 2020 Vision Systems is celebrating a great result from University of Newcastle securing a new frame work agreement to supply and maintain the University CCTV surveillance system.

The North Shields based company has had a long mutually rewarding relationship with Newcastle University, which began in the mid 1990’s when they won the tender to implement the original Campus wide CCTV system and carry out ongoing preventative and corrective maintenance.

Since that date 2020Vision have worked with the University to extend and upgrade the existing system and to provide a cost effective road map of system improvement and migration to network video solution which has seen the system grow to circa 200 cameras. The system now features fully networked enterprise level digital recording facilities networked across the campus estates with a hybrid mix of analogue, digital and megapixel cameras, monitored from a 24 hour manned security control room.

Security Manager George Westwater said “The University places great emphasis on the safety, security and well being of its students and staff with CCTV playing a major role in the security strategy. It is imperative that the system is fully operational and working to its optimum 24/7.

“2020 Vision has demonstrated its ability in a number of previous and ongoing contracts in this sector and we’re looking forward to our continued working relationship with the company to make our University safer for everyone.”

2020 Vision’s contract, which starts in December, will see the company providing routine preventative maintenance inspections as well as on call assistance and support for the entire system.

Peter Houlis, Managing Director of the CCTV specialists commented: “being responsible for the original installation of the University system and having looked after it since then. Makes it is particularly pleasing to fight off strong competition and secure this ongoing contract”.

“2020 has a fantastic track record specialising in public sector work for councils, prisons, hospitals, universities and the like. We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract and we’re certainly bucking the trend, securing a number of major contracts in the past few months.”

2020 Vision was established in the North East in 1992 and specialises in security systems such as CCTV, remote site monitoring, access control and concierge services. It has provided security in a diverse range of environments such as hospitals, casinos, universities, sports stadia, government offices and a seabird island.

Further information on 2020 Vision is available on: www.2020cctv.com.

CCTV User Group 2009 conference by Security Media Publishing | SecureView.ie

CCTV User Group 2009 conference by Security Media Publishing | SecureView.ie

North East based CCTV systems integrator - large contract for Gentoo

North East based CCTV systems integrator 2020 Vision Systems is celebrating after homing in on another large contract for Gentoo.

Gentoo Housing recently purchased from McCarthy and Stone the site in Sunderland city centre known as “City Green”.

Gentoo have an enviable track record turning run down, high and low rise housing developments into pleasant and desirable places to live. Fundamental to their success is providing a safe and secure environment.

2020 Vision have worked with Gentoo for a number of years, developing an award winning estate wide concierge system, including the implementation of a central concierge control room. As a result, 2020 Vision Systems have been commissioned to supply and install an integrated concierge system of the same award winning design to the new ‘City Green’ development.

When redeveloped, the six story ‘City Green’ residential site consisting of a ground and five other floors will comprise of a House Managers apartment, a guest apartment and 58 other apartments of various designs.

Each of the 60 apartments will be equipped with an audio visual entry system. Entrances to the site and building will feature proximity access control and the site will be monitored by internal and external CCTV surveillance. All of the systems will integrated into one easily managed front end management system located and controlled at the concierge control room.

Peter Houlis, MD of 2020Vision, explained that creating a safe and secure environment was the essential starting point for Gentoo (formerly Sunderland Housing Group).

“When the Sunderland Housing Group was established to take over responsibility for the social housing in the city of Sunderland, it had to decide whether to demolish them and start again, or to try to revitalise them. They decided that it would be worth improving them provided they could give them the feel of something like a modern hotel.”

To stand a chance of achieving this, it was recognised early on that security would be at the heart of the revitalisation. Without effective measures to tackle anti-social behaviour and fear of crime, any improvement would be short-lived. It would last only until the first graffiti appeared.

Their success in this sector vindicates that earlier decision.

2020 Vision was established in the North East in 1992 and specialises in security systems such as CCTV, remote site monitoring, access control and concierge services. It has provided security in a diverse range of environments such as hospitals, casinos, universities, sports stadia, government offices and a seabird island.

Further information on 2020 Vision is available on: www.2020visiontechnology.com

To IP or not IP - that is the question

According to market research carried out recently by Frost and Sullivan the Internet Protocol (IP) surveillance market’s predicted to grow from $435.8 million in 2005 to $6.48 billion in 2012.”

But is IP the right way forward? The answer depends on the wants and needs of a system. The UK has a long established pedigree in implementing analogue CCTV systems many of which have been successful and clearly satisfied most project requirements.

However, the world is a changed place since many of these systems were conceived. World events, international terrorism, home grown activists, criminal gangs, violent crime, anti social behaviour and the prevalent claims culture have created a need for more sophisticated surveillance systems and an increase in public demand for safer environments.

Clearly yesterday’s technology cannot address today’s security issues.

Security has never been more important - not just for the protection of people and property but for your reputation, brand and business success.

Traditional CCTV technology hasn’t really changed much over the past twenty years and it no longer meets the needs of many of today’s organisations who require more information, accurate data, accountability and the need for remote accessibility and secure sharing of real-time data event monitoring and recording.

The advent of IP CCTV addresses these points and provides three primary advantages:

• Transmission – once a video image is digital it can be transmitted over a structured cabling or IP network.

• Any live or recorded video stream can be accessed and controlled from any location in the world over wired or wireless network connections, even on hand held devices.

• Further benefits include lower cable costs, less containment, fewer power outlets by using PoE to power cameras and scalability

• System integration – IP surveillance technology provides an open platform for integrating:

1. - CCTV
2. - Access Control
3. - Intruder Alarm Systems
4. - External Detection
   
5. - Other Security and Safety Devices – such as Help Points
6. - Management data base and event reporting

Seamlessly connected and communicating to provide a holistic security approach. Based upon cause and effect

• Intelligence – this is perhaps the most exciting and powerful development. When coupled with Video Analytics, CCTV becomes a truly powerful and intelligent visual management tool. It can automatically alert the CCTV operator to unusual events. Intelligent software will alert the user to events as they unfold, so they are able to take immediate action and therefore prevent incidents, making operators more productive and providing an effective means of surveillance and monitoring of large systems. This event driven approach relieves burden from operators and lowers cost in terms of network, storage and staff.

Typical examples of video analytics include:

• Facial recognition
• Automatic number plate recognition
• Intruder detection
• Slip and fall detection
• People and vehicle counting
• Graffiti detection
• Theft detection
• Abandoned object detection in a crowd
• Suspicious behaviour analysis and tracking

In many IP systems intelligence is built in at camera level with many being armed with additional sensors such as temperature sensors, fluid detectors, door contacts, microphones etcetera. In the event of exceptions or incidents of concern the system can alert the operator.

The consensus of industry experts is IP surveillance is ideally suited;

where instant transmission of images is required any where in the world, on large sites or new developments were distance or cabling is an issue.

And where high definition surveillance and monitoring is desired and in multiple site organizations where remote centralised monitoring is desired. Typical market sectors to benefit from IP surveillance include education, health, retail, towns and city centre systems. Along with transport, utilities and infrastructure.