The effectiveness of facial-recognition technology in video surveillance has been cause for debate in the past. Some claim the technology -- originally seen as an advanced tool in the fight against terrorism -- is overhyped and has yet to produce solid results. That's not the case in banks however, where video facial-recognition systems are proving to be useful in combating check fraud.

Each and every time the Olympics Games are in session, we hear quite a bit about the security measures being taken by the host city. In 2008, the Olympics will be held in Beijing, and as always, security is a key concern. When it comes to video security for the 2008 Games, IBM plans on making a big splash with its Smart Surveillance System. This sophisticated computer system will be used to scan video images of Beijing streets in an effort to spot suspicious activity and potential terrorist threats.

Don't get the lead jumpsuits out of storage - the x-ray camera isn't yet a reality. The surveillance company ThruVision, has just introduced a revolutionary new surveillance camera that uses electromagnetic rays that explosives, drugs, and other illicit substances emit - from under clothing.

Milestone and Vidient Systems have announced a partnership aimed to improve the effectiveness of video analytics in IP video surveillance. While Milestone is a leader in IP video management software, Vidient specializes in video analytics software for a range of security and safety applications. The two companies plan to integrate Vidient's SmartCatch 3.0 analytics software into the Milestone XProtect open platform solution for IP video management.

A recent study conducted by IMS Research indicates the retailers in Europe are really starting to warm up to the idea of IP-based surveillance as a superior alternative to analog CCTV systems. The growth in popularity of IP cameras for the retail market has to do with a number of factors, including lower installation costs, and exciting features such as video analytics that can serve additional functions beyond video security.

Thanks to a grant from the US Department of Homeland Security, Orlando residents will soon see a new landmark in public areas. Smart surveillance cameras for project IRIS (Innovative Response to Improve Safety) will be installed in public areas around Orlando, with the intent of improving the response of law enforcement to urgent situations.

Southern California's Poway Unified School District is in the midst of a large-scale construction project that requires continuous video surveillance to protect the site and construction materials from vandalism and theft. The chosen solution features intelligent IP video appliances from ioimage along with Pelco Spectra IV network cameras.

With the advent of video analytics, there has grown an increasing need to meld physical and IT security when it comes to video surveillance. Back in the day, a traditional video surveillance setup would typically require operators to monitor multiple video screens, each displaying the view from an individual camera. A pretty simple set up, in a simpler time. Flash forward to the present and we have incredibly sophisticated technology at our disposal – technology that can greatly increase the effectiveness of our video surveillance systems, while benefiting from IT-style analysis.

The stream of new product announcements at ASIS 2009 continues to flow steadily. Today ioimage revealed the all-in-one ioicam sc1dn, an entry-level IP security camera that boasts high-performance video analytics. This is ioimage's stab at making intelligent surveillance more affordable to the end user.

Last week at the ASIS trade show, it was announced that the VideoIQ iCVR line of intelligent IP cameras is now supported by Milestone XProtect video management software. This integration provides users with a seamless solution for proactive surveillance using advanced video analytics. The VideoIQ's iCVR camera is an innovative network camera that features a built-in DVR and integrated video management. The camera and iCVR encoders will now work with Milestone XProtect Enterpise software and version 2.0 of XProtect Corporate.

Milestone Systems and ioimage have announced a technology partnership in which ioimage intelligent network cameras and video servers will now be supported by Milestone's XProtect video management platform. The pairing gives users unique IP surveillance capabilities for applications of all sizes.