Tag: Zistos Corp

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Google Cloud Integration with ZistosHD Pole Camera Systems

One of the design objectives for the new ZistosHD Pole Camera System was to provide a simple way to remotely share recorded images and videos. Traditionally this was accomplished by offloading images and videos onto a computer by either removing the system’s SD memory card or using a USB cable to transfer files. While the files reside on the computer, they can be emailed to the specific individuals for review. This process works, but we were hoping to come up with a mechanism that would provide faster access to the files for those who may be situated in remote locations.

To achieve this desired result, we utilized Google Cloud services along with the ZistosHD Pole Camera System’s dedicated imaging application. A Google Cloud account needs to be set up in advance. The ZistosHD tablet normally connects to a dedicated network created by the system’s handle. Following the Google account creation, the ZistosHD tablet can be configured to access a secondary network with internet access. This network can be a local WiFi network used in an office, facility, or even a WiFi based cell modem. Once setup is complete, all that needs to be done to upload images and videos to your Google account is simply turning off the ZistosHD pole camera with the tablet still powered on.

When the pole camera is turned off, the tablet will automatically connect to the local secondary network. It will then begin syncing the images and videos to your Google account. Once the sync is complete, just turn the handle back on and you are instantaneously ready to continue using the system to inspect, surveil, or search. The time for this process to complete will vary and depends on the amount of data, along with the bandwidth of the network connection.

With this process, anyone with access – and only those with access – to your secure Google account can access your photos and videos anywhere with an internet connection. This Google Cloud account can also act as an archive for your collection of videos and images that can be accessed from anywhere.

The ZistosHD products can now share and archive images and videos anywhere in the world where there is an internet connection by just connecting a Google account to our system tablet. This solution facilitates image sharing with anyone/anywhere, and it is accomplished with a single push of a button.

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ZistosHD Battery Technology Evolution

Portable Video Systems rely on batteries for power and are an integral part of any system design. Batteries are also a frequent cause for system failure, unreliable field performance, and cause for end-user complaint. The most common battery problems and complaints include;

  • Not having enough power to last for an entire operation
  • Recharge time for a battery can be excessive
  • It is difficult to tell if a battery is properly charged
  • It is difficult to know what the remaining charge that is left on a battery after partial use
  • One-time use batteries are expensive and inconvenient to constantly purchase and properly dispose of

The new ZistosHD systems are designed to address these issues of battery power. The new ZistosHD batteries (BAT-15XL) are lithium-ion, rechargeable batteries that have significant advantages over many of the batteries that are supplied with other battery powered systems.

These BAT-15XL batteries have a significant period of time they can power our ZistosHD system. They provide power for 6 – 12 hours of continuous operation. The exact time depends on the camera in-use and the user-controlled illumination levels. They also have a quick recharge time of 3 and a half hours if fully depleted. Our batteries can be charged using our system battery charger, that itself can be powered using standard AC power, or using a vehicle power source. All ZistosHD systems come standard with two BAT-15XL batteries. This allows for one battery to be charged to full capacity while the other battery is in use.

Another one of the big issues for battery life in portable video systems is knowing how much battery life is left on any given battery, at any given time. The BAT-15XL battery solves this problem by providing a power/charge meter on the base of the battery. This battery meter has an LCD screen that displays 5 segments that represent the battery life remaining on the battery. This window is visible whether the system is on or off, and is visible even if the battery isn’t connected to the system at all. An operator can tell how much power is left on the battery at a glance. This is especially important in those instances when a system is deployed that was previously used on a recent job and the batteries may not have been recharged.

The BAT-15XL batteries help keep ZistosHD systems powered and operating without having to worry about constantly maintaining a supply of disposable batteries, such as the CR123s. There is also no need to constantly deal with the nuisance of proper disposal of one-time use batteries.   All in all, our new ZistosHD Systems have been engineered to remove the inconvenience and problems associated with many of the other battery-powered video systems that are on the market. They help ensure that the ZistosHD system remains operational in times of crisis, when reliable system performance is essential.

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Zistos Corporation COVID-19 Update

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Zistos Corporation is taking every precaution necessary to both protect our staff and keep our lines of communication open between each other and our customers. We have already started shifting our workers to working from home to protect them and will be keeping the office open with a small crew to keep certain business moving for now. In this time, we will be available via phone and email just as we usually are to deal with any issues, questions or opportunities you may have.

Zistos is based in NY and may have to deal with a shutdown at some point moving forward. If that does occur, we are prepared and still commit to having our phones and emails open to you. If anyone has any questions or concerns about orders, demos, T&Es, or any other Zistos business please do not hesitate to reach out to us and we are committed to taking care of our customers in any way possible.

We will be keeping you updated via our blog and email. Again, if there are any questions about anything Zistos related please do not hesitate to reach out, our phones will always be on.

Thank You,

The Zistos Team

Phone: (631) 434-1370 | Email: info@zistos.com

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The Dual View Under Door Camera

The Zistos Dual View Under Door Camera is designed to provide visual information of an otherwise unviewable situation or environment – from underneath the door.  Its applications consist of hostage-barricade scenarios, dynamic entries, clearing a building’s interior, and many more. It can be an invaluable tool for a tactical team.

This system consists of a uniquely designed dual sensor camera that generates a video image, under low light conditions, when inserted into the small slot underneath a closed door.

The camera contains two low light sensors with invisible IR illuminators in its 5 mm thick tongue. One sensor points forward, the other points upwards.  The forward looking sensor lets you see into the interior of the room, while the upward looking sensor allows you to see back at the inside of the door and door frame.  Looking back at the inside of the door allows you to see barricades, booby traps, trip wires and other potentially deadly devices before entering the room.  The display image is toggled from the forward sensor or the upward sensor by adjusting the illumination control knob on the display unit.

The Dual View Under Door Camera is also equipped with a built-in audio listening device with advanced signal processing that makes it easier to hear subtle audio information and reduces the loud sounds and background noise.

The double hinged pole allows a tactical team member to insert the camera and pan the room while away from the door frame and outside of the fatal funnel.

Like many of our systems, this camera uses a safe and secure wired design and the camera images are viewed on our portable battery powered WalkAbout monitor. This means that sensitive video images cannot be viewed by unauthorized third parties as is the case with many wireless systems. The monitor is very rugged, shock and weather resistant, and features a bright display that offers the highest resolution for its size.

The Zistos Under Door camera is a valuable tool that can provide video intelligence that can help ensure success in a tactical mission. This camera is fully compatible with the other tactical surveillance tools manufactured by Zistos, such as our articulating and telescoping pole cameras, our IR zoom pole cameras, thermal pole cameras, videoscopes, and even our through the wall camera.

It rounds out a suite of tools that are interchangeable and allow a team to increase their real time situational awareness so that they have a better chance of accomplishing their mission goals in a safe and effective manner.

For more information about Zistos portable video inspection systems, visit our website www.zistos.com, or call us at (631) 434-1370 to request a free, no obligation product demonstration.

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