Since the introduction of the digital communicator in 1978, our industry has spent thousands of costly man-hours programming (and often reprogramming) communicators, sensors and other devices. In the old days we had to program PROM chips using a vendor-specific “burner.” Today we still have to program many devices using either a keypad or a PC. Technicians performing these tasks need extensive knowledge of the device and the programming options to ensure the device or system functions properly and to avoid expensive callbacks.

With this issue, SDM kicks off its annual exclusive State of the Market Reports, a series of four in-depth feature articles that delve into the market viability of video surveillance, access control, intrusion alarms, and fire protection — beginning with video on page 44. These articles are a valuable read, as they are chock-full of not only testimony from industry professionals about the challenges and opportunities they see in each market, but also exclusive data from SDM and IHS Research about selected vertical segments and technologies poised for growth. 

 Samsung Electronics agreed to sell its shares of Samsung Techwin to Hanwha Group. With the stock purchase, Hanwha Group will become Samsung Techwin’s largest shareholder, strengthening Hanwha Group’s position in the defense and security industry. The news of the agreement comes on the heels of a record sales year for Samsung Techwin in the U.S., as the company continues to design and sell video surveillance solutions.