What’s happened to 2020 ? Thoughts on CCTV & Thermal imaging cameras, also what roll do they play in the wake of Coronavirus and COVID-19

After a wet and blustery start to 2020 here in Bristol and the UK we have being keeping busy and waiting for the sun to start shining and things to really get cracking with what promised to be such an exciting year.

The start of the year has seen us continue with some of our ongoing clients from 2019 with old projects being completed whilst some other new exciting projects have begun including some large scale CCTV, Access control, Intruder alarm & fire alarm installations. With works being carried out all around Bristol including Clifton,Redland, Downend and Avonmouth we really have had enough to keep us busy with lots of new relationships being forged along the way.

Lots of new and exciting products have also hit the market recently and as a company Omega fire and security Ltd have being really looking forward to the opportunity of introducing some of these to the local southwest security market and seeing how they do in the field. Some of these include the Ajax alarm system, the EMS wireless fire alarm and also Dahua with the new and exciting night colour camera which boasts full colour images at extremely low Lux levels over the more traditional monochrome images we are used to seeing.

Just as things have really started to ramp we got wind of a new strain of coronavirus making its way across the seas which looks to have originated in china, the infamous COVID-19. From the first pieces of news we started to get back in January things have ramped up pretty quickly with thousands of confirmed cases now all around the world. As a result of this the UK is now in almost complete lockdown except for those offering emergency services. As a fire and security company we are considered a 4^th emergency service and although we aren’t keyworkers and have made the decision to close our doors temporarily we will still be responding to emergency callouts throughout this period which include some of the following scenarios that people may find themselves in around Bristol & the Southwest.

• Faults on fire alarm systems
• Intercom systems not working that may result in someone receiving critical care or vital deliveries
• Problems with gates where people are trapped inside.

Outside of this we will unfortunately be closed until further notice.

So now the question is where does this leave us after this situation has been dealt with and the coronavirus has been bought back under control? The truth is we won’t truly know the full impact to our economy until things get back underway again, although the best guess is that it’s going to take a huge amount of time and support starting locally within the community and then nationwide to really pull each other up and help dust ourselves off.

There is also the safety and prevention aspect of this moving forward. Although we may well beat this virus there’s nothing to say that it won’t return later down the line. In order to prevent this it’s going to take a global effort and a real shift in the way we go about our day to day lives.

With this in mind and CCTV already playing such a key roll within our homes, communities and businesses it got me thinking about where the future lies and what adaptations can be made to systems in order to help us transition into a safer future.

For some time thermal imaging cameras have been used in the CCTV industry for various tasks including helping increase visibility or highlight people during areas of extreme darkness that are highly built up, whilst also being used by fire fighters to distinguish huge differences in areas giving off heat in order to locate people whilst saving lives.

In recent weeks the leading and best CCTV manufacturers including HIK, Avigilon & Dahua have being working on new products to be released into the market which can be used on a large scale in pubs, clubs and all retail sectors to help locate and pick out people that may be presenting a slightly higher than normal body temperature as this is a good indicator as to whether someone is coming down with an illness or flu like symptoms.

With advanced detectors and algorithms, thermal imaging cameras are designed to detect elevated skin-surface temperatures and can thus be used for rapid and preliminary fever screening with an accuracy up to +0.3c cameras within the ranges have the following features

• One second to detect temperature in a person
• Multi-person detection simultaneously
• Non-contact measurement meaning no physical contact required in turn mitigating risk to staff.
• Instant alarm function

As you can imagine the use for this type of application is limitless. With Bristol fast becoming one of the UK’s most attractive cities with flocks of people re locating from bigger cities like London it seems that things will only get busier over the coming years, and more and more people will be operating within close proximity of each other. With this in mind it only seems sensible for people and businseses alike to start making use of this fast and efficient technology which can serve as an early warning system and help prevent the spread of any illness or virus.

For more information on fire and security or CCTV installations of IP based or thermal imaging type in Bristol or the surrounding areas, please feel free to get in touch for a free no obligation quote from hour local alarm company.

Omega Fire & Security Services Ltd – We would like to re-assure our clients that we have a robust Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in place that will be implemented (IF) the guidance from the UK Government enforces any temporary shutdowns or business closures as a result of the COVID-19 Virus (coronavirus).

As a Fire & Security Company that fully embraces advanced technology which enables our engineers to operate remotely, if any of our local depots in the UK shut down this means Omega Fire & Security Services Ltd will stay open for business, even if one or more of our UK depots may need to close.

We have also implemented some initial policies in the short-term to mitigate any potential issues arising from coronavirus.

These include:

• Encouraging our clients and employees to reduce travel and face-to-face meetings where a virtual meeting is appropriate;
• Implementation of robust staff support and engagement plan.
• Cancelling all work-related travel to affected areas as advised by the UK Government.
• Ensuring staff wherever possible have remote devices with them in the event of an office shut down.
• Additional guidance for hygiene precautions.
• Reviewing our BCP against all likely impacts arising specifically from a coronavirus-related closure.

If you have any queries or concerns and would like any additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with either us: info@omegafireandsecurity.co.uk

We will notify all customers of any changes in circumstances via email, as well as on our website and social media channels.

Kind Regards

Martyn, Andy & The Team

www.omegafireandsecurity.co.uk

HEAT WAVE ON THE HORIZON BUT WHAT ABOUT CRIME?…………………

Did you know that figures show that during the summer months crime rates actually increase? With the later evening comes more light which does offer an element of security, however it does open itself up to some other security issues which thieves know how to exploit.

WARMER DAYS AHEAD

As the days get warmer and we all begin to spend more time outside with windows open as well as gates and sheds there are things we can do to prevent intruders entering the house or our premises.  Be sure to lock any gates and shed doors with suitable padlocks wherever possible and keep the key somewhere safe and out of plain site. If you already have an alarm system it is likely you will have the ability to set up part sets and potentially secure separate areas of the property whether that be a garage or shed. If you are looking to get an intruder alarm system then this is a feature you will definitely want to think about, as it adds another layer of security at a relatively low cost in comparison to what you may already be spending on a basic installation.

 

WIFI OUTSIDE BUT DON’T FORGET YOUR PHONE

As tech continues to improve most of us can now receive Wi-Fi signal from the comfort of a deck chair in our gardens,  whilst we soak up the rays. If you are catching some sun and decide to head back in biefly then be sure to take any mobile devices or phones back in with you as these can also be a temptation for people passing. With a whole host off tracking apps on IOS and Android there are also ways to protect and follow your phone to its location should it be taken.

 

A COMPANY THAT CAN TAKE THE HEAT

As one of Bristol and the South West leading security companies we pride ourselves on being a company that you can trust. With NSI accreditation as well as being safe contractor approved we tick all the boxes. Offering all forms of fire alarm system and home security as well as solutions for the commercial sector covering CCTV, Alarms, Intercoms and access control.

www.omegafiresecurity.co.uk

Bristol Security and why you can call on Omega

Omega Fire and Security Ltd have now been successfully operating out of Bristol for the last 5 years.

We really are proud to be a bristol security and alarm company. With so many businesses to choose from nowadays I’m going to give you the low down and hard hitting facts, that will hopefully help you make the right choice when choosing a reliable security company to carry out your work.

Built on a foundation of good customer relationships

when the company began we knew that the key to success was to build long term and trustworthy relationships with customers over a period of time. Never looking for the quick sale we trully value return custom and understand that it’s this over a long period that will help to make us succeed as well as keep you the customer happy and coming back time and time again.

With a desire for customer feedback and reviews we feel that this has helped us continue to develop as a company and provide top quality service, as well as also letting new potential customers see the good work that we do so that you can spend your money with confidence and the knowledge that you will be getting the service anyone would expect.

Trusted trader operating to industry standards.

As an NSI (formerly NACOSS) approved secirity installer, we meet the highest standards set out by the governing bodies in the security industry. Insurance approved and NSI accredited alarms means that we can supply and install police monitored systems that signal through to an NSI gold accredited monitoring station. Offering above range of monitoring devices that are insurance approved from standard digicom units all the way through to dual path signalling units and encrypted technologies including BT redcare, CSL Dualcom and EMIZON units.

Home alarm systems.

with numerous alarm companies in Bristol and the southwest we have done our best to stand out from the rest. One thing we enjoy doing at omega is giving the customer continuity in our services and products. This enables us to demonstrate our trust in the products we fit to our customers, whilst also offering peace of mind that what they spend their hard earned cash on will still be supported with up to date replacement products later down the line.

A good example of this is the Pyronix home control APP for home smart alarms. As the product and range has grown over the last year’s, particularly after the companies aquasition by HIK, we have seen the app being given a complete makeover, meaning that the system is now more user friendly whilst also enabling the user to link in the new range of home control WI-FI cameras.

Once your system has been installed we offer a free follow up visit and routine inspection at the end of the first year. After this had been done we then offer various maintenance packages that cover basic testing as well as fully comprehensive maintenance plans that cover all callouts and parts, meaning that there will never be any surprises with unexpected costs should something go wrong.

Fire alarms

Fire alarms, now these are systems we really love to install and maintain. with asset and life protection being one of our main responsibilities we feel that fire alarms really do encompass the two beautifully.

For any mid to large size residential block or HMO then a fire alarm is a must. This also applies for any business setting, particularly those that have large numbers of staff or where the building is attached to a residential block where people may be sleeping.

All of our fire alarms are designed to BS5839-1/6-2013:2017. we specialize in standard conventional fire alarm systems as well as large scale addressable panels that enable the system to be split up into zones more effectively. For most buildings we would always recommend a fire risk assessment be carried out so that you can get a full overview of all the fire safety systems that may be required.

Fire alarms should be tested on a 6 monthly basis and this is something we provide. with a database and CRM system that we have invested heavily in, we are able to provide digital reports as well as contacting you in a timely manner to schedule in any upcoming maintenance visits meaning all the stress is taken out of your hands.

CCTV Systems

with a vast knowledge on the full array of systems on the market. we offer professional CCTV systems for all homes and businesses in Bristol and the southwest. With mid to high end IP CCTV systems, as well as entry level systems that operate over POC and HDCVI that offer a solution for domestic CCTV installations as well as smaller businesses, and are a more reliable security solution to other DIY home security systems.

Free no obligation quotes

Each if our experienced surveyors are happy to visit your home or business to carry out a Free no obligation quote.

Each one of our bespoke quotes comes to you in a PDF format detailing the technical specification of every device we would propose to fit. we understand that every customer has a different set of needs and requirements from their system, and we are happy to modify the quote and system set up until the system operates seamlessly with the way you use your home or business.

www.omegafiresecurity.co.uk

CCTV……… The who, the why, the how, the what, the when.

Good questions huhhh ? these might be some of the questions you’re looking to ask not only when somebody breaks into your house but also when deciding on who should fit your CCTV system.

Here at Omega fire and security we have endless solutions for your CCTV requirements to suit all budgets. With CCTV equipment becoming ever more affordable there really is a solution for everyone from HDCVI systems Which operates over old coax all the way through to modern day network based systems that operate using IP

One thing we always try to do at Omega Fire and security is offer the latest products with the customers budget in mind, by keeping a close eye on the market and any new products it means that we are always offering the best solution at the most affordable price.

What type of CCTV system suites me best.

The most popular home CCTV systems we tend to fit are HDCVI CCTV as there is no restrictions for wiring as access across the top of the house is normally fairly easy. By fitting this type of home CCTV system it means that we can offer images anywhere up to 8 megapixel at a far more cost-effective price.

If the customer has a bigger budget or requirements for image quality greater than 8 megapixel then an IP system will be the next step up. The bonus of using an IP system is that it provides you with far more Analytics meaning a whole host of other functions are enabled, some of which include line crossing which is a much more reliable method of triggering the recording function and enables you to reduce storage wastage as much as possible.

Outbuildings, wireless network links or even CCTV for Sheds.

Something we have really started to utilise to its full capability is the ligowave which is one of many wireless network links available on the market by using these it means that we are able to transmit camera images from a remote area such as an outbuilding or even a garden shed back to the main recorder in the house or office wherever it may be cited in doing this it means that you can cover a far greater area and encompass it all under one system the logo waves themselves have wireless network capabilities of up to 1 km so as long as you have power wherever the cameras are to be fitted you can Assange essentially fit cameras anywhere that they may be needed again a great example of this is large scale car parks the commercial shopping centres and retail parks

Mobile app services and remote viewing.

One of the best features for CCTV and something it seems everybody is interested in is remote viewing whether that be via a mobile phone, tablet/iPad or even your laptop you are now able to watch the highest quality of images from anywhere in the world. With each CCTV manufacturer offering their own app there really is no end of options.

With home control becoming more and more popular there are now options to Link in many other different types of technology, some of which include RING doorbell systems, automatic gates and barriers, home control light switches and smart thermostats.

Best Brands

With the many numerous cctv brands on the market it can be difficult to decide what is best for you. Fortunately Omega fire and security do that for you, but just to give you a little overview amd some help alomg the way, below we’ve made a list of our top 5 CCTV brands.

The ratings are based on overall image quality, ease of use on the app and setup of additional features through the mobile app itself.

• Dahua
• AVIGILON
• BOSCH
• SAMSUNG
• HIK Vision

On the next blog we will be talking about the best CCTV camera systems for your home in 2019.

What the main differences are in overall system quality and service between a CCTV company like Omega Fire and Security Ltd in the South West.

Or purchasing a DIY CCTV system from somewhere on the local high street. Examples of this are screw fix CCTV, Argos CCTV or SWANN CCTV.

The Most Popular Wireless Alarms

So for today’s blog we are going to be reviewing the third of the final big three of the most popular wireless alarms in the security and intruder alarm industry, for home and business.

For this weeks instalment it’s the Visonicpower range of alarms which include the powermax and the powermaster. We have a fair few of these in the portfolio and have found them to be a very liable alarm system. The company is owned by ADT and has dominated a large part of the industry for some time now, with a huge range of wireless devices that offer competition to their rivals on all fronts.

The Visonic offers two fully wireless systems with different models within each of the ranges to suit any application.
The system is a Grade 2 system, environmental class II. Meeting all British and European standards which for ourselves being an NSI approved alarm company is as always a must.

THE POWER CODE WIRELESS NETWORK

The visonic works on their power code wireless network, Two-way power code RF system with diversity antenna enables support for Visonic’s two-way sirens and two-way keyfobs for instant feedback from the system

The alarm complete with a high end modular design is ideal for basic installations all the way through to small to mid size businesses as it has a while host of expansion devices tjat enable you to add more devices or integrate home control into the systems.

The Visonic power range has a wide variety of systems suitable for any application from residential to commercial. Below is a list of their full range

PowerMax

Smart Home Security and Control System
PowerMax is a complete, wireless home security system that enables users to conveniently manage all the systems in their home or office environment – from security and lighting to air-conditioning and appliances. It promotes peace of mind by combining industry-leading intrusion detection with early alerts of smoke, gas, and flooding
systems in the home.

PowerMaxExpress is a wireless home security solution that includes all the reliability and features that homeowners and professional installers require. Packing outstanding functionality into an exceptionally small, wireless control panel, the PowerMaxExpress provides the ideal combination of functionality and affordability, and gives installers the versatility to offer a home security solution that meets the needs and budgets of the broadest range of customers.

VisonicGO
Mobile App

By seeing inside their home or business in near real time, they can make the right decisions about events and notifications – from anywhere, using their smartphone or tablet.

VisonicGO is part of the PowerMaster solution. The control panels are connected via IP connectivity.

Key End-User Capabilities

Arm/disarm
Image notification and image-on-demand
Alarm and event histories
Alarm and alert push notifications
Zone status & zone bypass
Full partition support
Set panel user codes
PGM device support
Change panel date/time

https://www.visonic.com/products

overall product review

The Visonic power range is one of the long standing products on the market and has stood the test of time for a reason. with an ever increasing range, that is competitively priced they won’t be going anywhere soon.

https://www.visonic.com/products

At omega fire and security ltd we pride ourselves on using market leading technology offering the end user high end cost effective security solutions.

We have two offices in the south west of England operating out if bristol and Weston-super-mare. For more details on the full range of fire and security services we offer in the south west please visit our website at

www.omegafiresecurity.co.uk

listed below are some of the services we provide.

• free same day no obligation quotes
• fire alarm installations
• intruder alarm installations
• wireless alarms
• alarm repairs
• access control
• Automatic Gates
•  Home CCTV, Business CCTV
• Automatic gates and barriers
• police response
• NSI insurance approved contractor

Wireless CCTV Systems

On the next blog we will be talking about another area in the security industry and one that is ever increasing in popularity for home and business owners alike, and that is CCTV. whether that be home CCTV installations or large scale IP CCTV systems with Super HD images all options being capable of streaming live to mobile devices.

#omegafireandsecurity
#security
#Bristol
#Alarms

We are going to be reviewing the second of three of the most popular wireless alarms in the security and intruder alarm industry.

Next up on the list it’s the Texecom premier elite. Now it would be a lie if we said we hadn’t fitted these in the past as they used to be our go to product. They offer a wide variety of features that are appealing over some of their close competitors.
texecom
The Texecom premier elite is by it’s true nature a hardwired control panel, however with the release of the wireless ricochet range texecom have kept the same platform and built wireless capabilities on top of it, which is a trully brilliant move, given how familiar people already are with the Texecom range. The Texecom have far more diversity in the range, starting with the 12W panel which is capable of giving you 8x wirelss devices as well as 4x hard wired. from there you can uograde the panel to either the premier elite 24-W which offers up to 16x wirelss devices and 8x hardwired. and then another two panels which are the premier elite 48-W and the premier elite 64-W providing up to 64x wirelss alarm devices. Because of these variations this system is right up there as one of the best on the market.

The system is a Grade 2 system, environmental class II. Meeting all British and European standards which for ourselves being an NSI approved alarm company is a must.

THE RICOCHET WIRELESS NETWORK

What sets the RICOCHET network apart from other systems is the way in which devices communicate with each other, so below is a detailed description on exactly how this works.

RICOCHET enabled wireless devices receive and repeat wireless transmissions from other devices. The size, scalability and range of the entire system are extended as wireless signalling is no longer limited by point-to-point communications.

The range of a RICOCHET enabled wireless system is greater than previous systems, with multiple devices capable of relaying messages to and from even the most remote locations in a building.

Each RICOCHET enabled device provides signalling routes to and from Texecom Premier Control Panels. Should wireless connection between two devices weaken, the network will ‘self-heal’ and automatically re-route communications via alternate RICOCHET enabled devices. With more RICOCHET enabled devices installed, the greater the reliability of the system.

Devices in the range

The texecom premier elite has a wide variety of detection devices suitable for any application from residential to commercial. Below is a list of the most popular devices in the range.

Internal motion detectors

• Premier Elite AMQD

• Premier Elite AMDT

• Premier Elite AM360 QD

• Premier Elite IR

• Premier Elite TD

• Premier Elite QD

• Premier Elite DT

• Premier Elite MR

• Premier Elite Orbit DT

• Premier Elite Orbit QD

• Premier Elite CW

• Premier Elite PW

https://www.texe.com/uk/technology/ricochet/

perimeter detection

• premier elite micro shock
• premier elite impaq plus-W

https://www.texe.com/uk/products/series/wireless-peripherals/premier-elite-series/

Wireless keypads

• Premier elite LCDLP-W

Texecom connect APP and smart com modules.

With all the competitors having very user friendly and reliable smart phone apps, Texecom needed to think outside of the box and produce a new app that could be released to the market and immediately compete with the likes of pyronix and visonic. Their answer to this is texecom connect. The app is a breath of fresh air and let’s you do all the things other apps do whilst also having some nice little add ons. For instance they have the Texecom connect smart plug which can be set up and connected to devices around your house which can all be turned on or off via the app. Using what texecom have called recipes, you can programme a chain of events that happen when the alalrm is set and unset via the app.

for more details on texecom connect and the full range of smart plug devices please see the link below.

https://www.texe.com/uk/products/series/automation/texecom-connect/

overall product review

The Texecom premier range has been around for well over a decade now so it’s tried and tested and by enlarge people love it. The Elite RICOCHET WIRELESS range has added another string to this already good bow. If you’re looking for something user friendly that operates on small to large size domestic premises or even small commercial sites then this wirelss range is a great option.

At omega fire and security ltd we pride ourselves on using market leading technology offering the end user high end cost effective security solutions.

we have two offices in the south west of England operating out if bristol and Weston-super-mare. For more details on the full range of fire and security services we offer in the south west please visit our website at

www.omegafiresecurity.co.uk

listed below are some of the services we provide.

• free same day no obligation quotes
• fire alarm installations
• intruder alarm installations
• wireless alarms
• alarm repairs
• access control
• Automatic Gates
• CCTV
• Automatic gates and barriers
• police response
• NSI insurance approved contractor

On the next blog will be the final entry in this particular series where we will be focusing on the visonic power max range. These systems have a long history and again are one of the main go too products on the market. Owned by TYCO and ADT these systems play a huge role in the security industry and are well worthy of a mention.

#omegafireandsecurity #texecom #wirelessalarms #security #Bristol #Alarms #intruderalarms #alarmcompany

Discussing and reviewing the first of three of the most popular wireless alarms in the security industry. With this blog in particular being 1 of a 3 part series explaining in depth the various capabilities and options the systems have to offer.

First up it’s our personal favourite the pyronix enforcer. This system has been on the market for some time now, which has given this product the opportunity to be developed and fine tuned to perfection.

The enforcer panel itself known as the enforcer 32WE comes fresh out the box with 32 wireless zone inputs and 2x hardwired inputs. This means that you can have up to 34 devices on this system without the need for expansion units. If that’s not enough then the system does have the option to be expanded to a total of 64 zones in various combinations of hardwired and wireless devices.

The system is a Grade 2 system, environmental class II. Meeting all British and European standards which for ourselves being an NSI approved alarm company is a must.

Devices in the range

The enforcer has a wide variety of detection devices suitable for any application from residential to commercial. Below is a list of the most popular devices in the range.

Internal alarm devices

• KX12DQ-WE wirelss 12 m put
• MC1MINI-WE wireless door contact
• MC1/SHOCK-WE wirelss shock detector

https://www.pyronix.com/uk/products/category/detectors-sensors/?filter%5Bapplication%5D%5B%5D=wireless-indoor

External alarm devices

• XDL12TT-WE 12 metre externally rated animal friendly pir

check out the full camera specifications on the link below.

https://www.pyronix.com/uk/products/category/detectors-sensors/?filter%5Bapplication%5D%5B%5D=wireless-outdoor

Wireless Cameras

• Internal WI-FI PT dome camera.
• indoor WI-FI cube camera
• outdoor WI-FI mini dome camera

check out the full camera specifications on the link below.

https://www.pyronix.com/uk/products/category/wifi-cameras

Home control APP modules for smart alarm systems and remote access.

With a variety of monitoring units we have picked out the best unit for home applications. The unit enables the user to connect the alarm to mobile devices via a local router utilising its WiFi network. Because of this it means that there is no need to run any cables around the property.

With various options like remote arm and disarm as well as voice notifications upon alarm activation. The System can also be linked into home lighting and control systems to offer a fully automated service.

see below for full unit features.

DIGI-WIFI

PRODUCT FEATURES

WiFi Network communication module for the IP connected control panels

Uses existing broadband

Communicates via the Pyronix Cloud, so no complicated port forwarding setup is required

Low cost installation with no additional costs other than the existing broadband connection

Send push notifications directly to the user’s smartphone via the Home Control+ App

Easy setup by DHCP or manual IP configuration

Fully secure IP connection

Compatible with In-Site programming software

For more information on this unit and others within the range visit the pyronix website at https://www.pyronix.com/uk/

Overall product review

As a whole the intruder alarm offers plenty of bang for your buck. With lots of versatility and the opportunity to expand the system with ease it’s a great domestic system and also great for small commercial sites.

At Omega Fire and Security Ltd we pride ourselves on using market leading technology offering the end user high end cost effective security solutions.

We have two offices in the South West of England operating out of Bristol and Weston-super-mare. For more details on the full range of fire and security services we offer in the South West please visit our website at:

www.omegafiresecurity.co.uk

listed below are some of the services we provide.

• free same day no obligation quotes
• fire alarm installations
• intruder alarm installations
• wireless alarms
• alarm repairs
• access control
• CCTV
• Automatic gates and barriers
• police response
• NSI insurance approved contractor

See you next time where we will be reviewing one of the pyronix enforcers closest competitors, the Texecom premier elite. This panel is steeped in history and is a true hybrid system with lots of programming and oart set abilities as well as its own mesh technology which operates differently to most other panels, but will be something we talk about in more detail at a later date.

#omegafireamdsecurity
#security
#Bristol
#Alarms