January 2010 Product Solutions

Top-notch security

University sets a nationwide example by addressing campus safety proactively with state-of-the-art technology

Genetec. Grambling State University (GSU) occupies 375 acres in the heart of Lincoln Parish, in northern Louisiana. GSU security staff employed an advanced video surveillance system, but the small-scale solution restricted GSU to incremental implementations of 60 cameras each, without campuswide monitoring capabilities.

Winfred R. Jones, associate vice president of information technology at GSU, consulted Jim Walker of Camera Watch in Jackson, Miss., who suggested Genetec's Omnicast video surveillance solution to fulfill GSU's security aspirations: a campuswide security system deployed on a much wider scale.

Today, GSU has more than 260 cameras positioned throughout the campus. In addition, GSU kept campus growth in mind, as it put in place expansion plans to increase the installation to more than 500 cameras.

“The more and more we use it, the more we are finding features that we really like,” says Jones. “[Omnicast] has so many advantages that we are only beginning to scratch the surface.”

One such feature of Omnicast is the web client, which allows unlimited remote access to live or stored video recordings from an authorized client's desktop. Similarly, the university has taken advantage of the archiver. Security personnel are reviewing archived video constantly to identify culprits or security breaches.

The residence-management company also has been given access to the archive video recordings for investigations within the residence halls. Eventually, Jones plans to give the university police the same capabilities. In the meantime, he says, “we have had several incidences on campus, and have been able to be a resource to the university police in providing them with critical information from the system.

Select the January 2010 issue RSN number 165 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Sports floor standards

Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA). The association has designed PUR Standards to quantify performance characteristics that best define a “good sports floor.” The focus for the standards are shock absorption, vertical deflection, area of deflection, basketball rebound and surface friction. The standards have been designed using exacting testing methodologies to ensure that customers receive a reliable, well-performing, competitive sports surface.

Select the January 2010 issue RSN number 160 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Wireless technology

KI. The company has partnered with Fulton Innovation, creator and licensor of eCoupled technology — an intelligent wireless power solution that can charge portable devices without traditional power cords. eCoupled provides wireless power management to any applicable furniture surface. Without the conventional restraints of cords, connectors or contact points, it provides power to common office devices, including laptops, cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras, and more with more than 98 percent efficiency.

Select the January 2010 issue RSN number 161 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Cell phone detector

Berkeley Varitronics Systems, Inc. (BVS). The Bloodhound, a handheld cell phone detector, will enable security officers to scan real-time for unauthorized cell phone activity and detect the precise location of the caller using a direction-finding antenna. It provides an alternative solution to cell phone jamming that will not interfere with 911 calls, citizens' cell phone use or public-safety communications.

Select the January 2010 issue RSN number 162 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Contemporary restroom accessories

Bobrick Washroom Equipment. The Cubicle Collection accessories line adds style and convenience to any restroom or toilet cubicle. The sleek, satin-finish stainless steel used in the products is a premium material that is low-maintenance and vandal-resistant. Featuring contemporary styling, the models share common elements such as threaded escutcheons and post diameters to enhance coordination. The pieces in the collection include a spare toilet-roll holder, a surface-mounted toilet-tissue dispenser, a toilet-brush holder and a coat hook. Set screws and concealed mounting plates provide a snug fit on the wall and help to prevent vandalism.

Select the January 2010 issue RSN number 163 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

HVAC unit

Johnson Controls. The Series 100 single outdoor packaged HVAC unit is available with environmentally responsible refrigerants and has a cooling capacity of 50 to 130 tons to meet ASHRAE 90.1 efficiency standards. The unit also features high-efficiency scroll compressors, multiple-step capacity control and full modulating gas heat. The microprocessor control center ensures the proper quality of ventilation air, eliminating the cost of conditioning excess air.

Select the January 2010 issue RSN number 164 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.