Introducing a range of new features to the popular Portal Plus range, our networkable access control system that supports proximity, keypads and bio access readers.

Portal Plus is used in many applications across the private and public sector and is scalable from simple one entrance systems through to multiple entrances with local or remote management facilities.

The new features offer even more flexibility and customisation to users, adding further appeal to our Portal Plus range. One exciting new feature is a messaging system that enables events to be brought to the operator’s attention with popup windows and sound or ability to be automatically emailed. An event can also activate any of the available doors and outputs on any of the controllers and can be used to run other applications if required.

There’s also a new addition for integrators who require the facility to integrate the Portal Plus features into another programme or management suite as a software development kit (SDK) is now available. The SDK is built for Microsoft .NET and can be used with popular programming languages such as Visual Basic and C#. It runs as a client on the system and connects to the Portal Plus server programme which could be on the same PC or installed on another machine on the network. Many of the features of Portal Plus can then be integrated into third party applications to offer the end user a more bespoke application.

Another great new feature is the quick user view option that now allows users’ details to be displayed quickly after an event, such as entry into the building, which allows security checks to be made quickly and efficiently. For high security applications, ‘Global Anti-Pass back’ is now available allowing entry and exit readers to be selected across any number of controllers. Global output triggers are also a new feature allowing any of the four outputs on each controller to be activated by any other controller or via the PC software.

The Portal Plus system is based on two entrance controllers and is managed via a PC client/server application which can run on a PC either on site or remotely via the internet with the option for multiple clients if required. The installation process is very simple and Videx provides comprehensive technical support if assistance with the setup is needed.

The monitors, which feature a 7 inch high resolution colour LCD screen in a satin white finish, enable apartments to receive calls from one or more entrance points to the building and communicate with the caller with a colour video image before allowing the caller access to the building.

Video door entry is becoming an increasingly popular access control choice because it enables a resident to see and talk to a caller prior to opening the door which offers additional peace of mind and security as they have the option to deny access to a caller without having to open the door first.

Our new 6700 series of hands free monitors carry a number of advanced features such as entrance recall, door release, a do not disturb function and an optional video clip record facility while maintaining ease of use and installation. Additionally there are a number of programmable features such as ring tone, privacy time and number of rings allowing each apartment to be customised to the client’s needs.

A brand new optional feature is the video memory facility which can be used with or without a Micro SD card. Without the Micro SD card installed the 6700 Series is able to store up to 100 still images of the caller while with a Micro SD card it’s possible to store up to 4096 still images or up to 512 15 second video clips of callers. The facility can be used manually where the user can press a button to either take a picture of the caller, start recording a short video clip or it can be used in an automatic mode where the picture/video clip will automatically be taken when a visitor calls – allowing the user to review any missed calls when they arrive home. The Micro SD card can also be removed allowing the images and video clips to be used in another device such as a mobile, tablet or PC.

Currently the monitors are available for the VX2200 6 wire system, VX2300 2 wire system and video kits enabling these monitors to be used in one apartment systems all the way through to high rise systems with up to 1000 apartments.

6700 Series Product Page

 

Introducing vandal resistant doors with a new range of proximity, finger print and coded access readers.

With the new options, door panels can include a sophisticated access control solution which can be managed centrally by those responsible for building management such as residential, schools, hospitals, airports and commercial office blocks.

The integration of finger print readers, proximity readers and coded access allows a fully networked access control system to be integrated into the door entry intercom system. These readers offer greater flexibility enabling all three technologies to be used together if required and can be used with third party access control systems and Portal Plus.

Adding the reader option to the door panel range provides users with a choice of access control technologies, whether that’s finger print access, proximity access (both Mifare and EM technologies), or coded access. It also enables integration with other access control doors which do not require intercom  but need to be managed as one with the intercom system.

The readers themselves provide their own unique benefits to the door panel range. For example, there are proximity readers available for Mifare and EM technology cards and fobs, a finger print reader and a back lit coded access keypad. The proximity readers and finger print readers have a tri colour halo illumination indicating a ready state (amber), access granted (green) and access denied (red).

The readers all have an industry standard wiegand output enabling them to be connected to the Videx Portal Plus access control system or any third party access control systems supporting the Wiegand protocol, allowing multiple readers to be controlled and managed from a central location. The finger print reader can support up to 9,500 finger prints while the proximity readers and keypad can be used for up to 15,000 users.

When used with the Portal Plus the system can be configured to communicate over Ethernet and/or RS485 and is managed by the Portal Plus PC management program which enables one or more PC’s (Either on site or remotely connected) to manage all users and entrance points effectively. Integrating these access control readers in the panels while also using access control readers from the range on other doors which may not need intercom communication allows the installer to manage all the readers centrally and eliminates the need to mount readers separately at the intercom doors.

The development, which will welcome its first residents this week, will provide 123 student flats in Clavering Place, a prime location in the centre of Newcastle for those choosing to study and live in the city.

Talking about the project, Steve Natton, Projects Manager at Videx, said: “In partnership with our installation partner, SMT Electrical, we have installed our leading VX2200 digital door entry system to ensure the safety and security of students but also allow easy and convenient access. We provided a high level of support throughout the project so that each stage of the installation went smoothly and any challenges faced were addressed and quickly overcome. All of the client’s requirements were met and their objectives achieved with the new door entry installation.”

The scheme has been designed by Newcastle based Intersect Architects to be ‘best in class’ in terms of accommodation in the city and will provide larger than average rooms in a mix of self-contained studio units and en-suite bedrooms in cluster flats, with a range of amenity space including a large communal lounge, study room, television room and gym.

The GSM PRO intercoms are available in kit form or as part of the popular 4000 Series modular door entry system for single call button applications up to 50 apartments all with the facility to divert to three additional numbers if the first is busy or unanswered.

Steve Natton, Special Projects Manager at Videx UK, said: “We’re excited to introduce our new GSM system as it’s the next generation of Videx GSM that provides users with much greater security and freedom. The intercom enables people to answer calls to their front door or gate from their mobile phone or land line so they never have to miss that important visitor and are made aware of who has visited even when they are not there. The systems provide spoken call progress information so that the visitor is informed how the call is progressing. Four call progress LEDs also offer the visitor a visual indication of the call’s status.”

Programming is carried out via SMS messaging or using the micro USB connection and specially developed PC software. The intercoms also include an exit button input, auxiliary inputs and outputs and a dry contact relay. Kits are also supplied with a surface or flush housing, antenna and 2A power supply unit.

Steve added: “An exciting new feature to GSM PRO is the integrated proximity access control (for up to 1000 users), administrators can remotely manage their access control user fobs and cards, eliminating the need for the engineer to visit site to enrol, modify or delete users. The reader is concealed behind the call button name plate window meaning the door panel is no larger than the previous version that doesn’t carry this feature and, importantly, is half the length of previous proximity access door panels. Programming options are by text or via the PC software and an optional desk mount proximity reader is also available to enrol large numbers of users quickly. In addition to the 1000 user proximity access control, there is also a 1000 user dial to open access control where users can dial the intercom number to release a door or gate without being charged for the call.”

Other key features of the GSM intercom include an event log that is maintained within the entry panel. This will log events such as who is being called and when, who’s opened the door or gate and many other functions. The operation voltage is also wider than the previous version – it is now 12-24V AC or DC and the bespoke PC software within the intercom includes many features to simplify the installation and programming process.

Videx has expanded its presence in the housing market by winning a three year contract with North Tyneside Council.

North Tyneside Council provides a range of accommodation across the region to meet the differing needs of the local community. The Council wanted to refurbish 16 sheltered housing schemes with better suited door entry systems and provide new systems to a further 10 new builds. These schemes ranged in size from a new build development comprising of 8 bungalows to a 54 bed extra care scheme. The number of properties in total that required access control additions or modifications was 1,000.

Videx, working with Goldshield Securus, has provided door entry systems that offer flexible access control that meets both the changing needs of the residents and also the operational aspects of the staffing arrangements.

Steve Natton, Projects Manager at Videx, said: “The requirement was clear – the Council wanted an easy way for residents to report issues such as anti-social behaviour, general maintenance faults and any other non-emergency related issue that did not require a call through their warden call system. With the Videx IP based door entry system, tenants have been provided with a remote IP help line through to a dedicated team at North Tyneside Council. By using the door entry handset the tenant can place a call through to the Council which is handled by an operator on a PC based concierge. The operator views the call on the screen and can call the resident back over the IP connection. This call has no cost associated to it as it utilises the authority intranet and also provides inclusion for all tenants living within their schemes whether they have a telephone line or not. Another main benefit of this feature is that it also relieves the strain on the Warden Call system freeing up time for emergency calls.”

A full access control and CCTV system with IP remote monitoring covers the external perimeter, controlled access doors, lobby area and an additional camera is set up in the Scheme Manager’s office. The controlled access door cameras are made available on the residents’ communal IRS TV system allowing them to validate the visitor and the office camera can be switched on to also broadcast on to the TV system to allow the residents to view the Scheme Manager during morning calls. This feature was a specific request by the client to provide the residents with a visual presence if they wish during the call process. Perimeter intruder alarm detection was also provided with remote monitoring which interfaced with the CCTV and provided a complete security package.

Steve added: “What’s particularly reassuring for the Council is that our door entry systems come with a lifelong guarantee of support so if the client has any issues with the system or needs to modify it to meet the changing needs of residents, they can. That is one of the most unique aspects of the Videx service – lifelong support – and one of the reasons why we are able to grow our client base in the housing market.”

Videx was chosen to provide an audio door entry system, complete with a concierge facility, to a significant new residential development for students attending the University of Leeds.

The large-scale development consists of 525 Bedrooms across four main blocks and it was vital that each apartment had secure door entry as the safety of the students was paramount.

Steve Natton, Projects Manager at Videx, said: “Installing a secure but user friendly door entry system presented a number of challenges both from a logistical and operational point of view. The development required a total of 15 digital style entrance panels and 525 audio phones along with a desktop concierge phone located in the reception area which had to have full communication to each student bedroom.”

Steve continued: “Using our leading VX2200 system, we worked closely with out installation partner and offered a high level of support that ensured the project ran smoothly across each stage – specification, design and commissioning. All of the client’s requirements were met and their objectives achieved with the new door entry installation.”

Enhancing the range of hands free colour video monitors with 4.3” LCD screen providing access control solutions to residential properties across the UK.

Video door entry is becoming an increasingly popular way to manage door entry to and from a property due to the enhanced security measures it provides.

The new 6400 series of hands free monitors are a cost effective solution for a hands free video intercom system offering features normally only associated with higher priced products. Advanced features include entrance recall, door release and a do not disturb function that enable enhanced access control security of residential and commercial buildings. Additionally, there are a number of programmable features such as ring tone, privacy time and number of rings allowing each apartment to be customised to the client’s needs.

Currently, the monitors are available for the VX2200 6 wire system, VX2300 2 wire system and video kits enabling these monitors to be used in one apartment systems all the way through to high rise systems with up to 1000 apartments. The monitors are a low profile surface mount finished in an attractive satin white. The low profile design negates the need to flush fit the device and the connections are all plug type for ease of installation reducing installation time enabling further cost savings to be made.

The 6400 complements the existing 6300 series hands free monitors and 6200 series with handset and can be used together on the same system.