Security reaches the TiVo era in NYC apartment buildings.

Al Simon, president of Nortronics Corp., a New York-area security integrator, told a group of public officials, security equipment manufacturers, property managers, architects, security personnel and residents that the 'TiVo era' of security has finally arrived for New York City apartment buildings.

The comments were made at a January 10 ribbon cutting at 1199 Plaza/East River Landing in Upper Manhattan, where Nortronics unveiled the most advanced security system in place at a New York residential complex.

Keith Spadaro, the Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Office of Emergency Management, was on hand to learn more about the sophisticated technology and how it can better protect New York?s apartment dwellers.

According to Simon, buildings that jump a generation of technology, from old-fashioned video tape recorders and closed-circuit security cameras to new network based systems that rely on hard drives to store camera footage the way a TiVo stores TV shows, are at a distinct advantage by skipping second generation technology such as DVRs.

"We find that the older systems that rely too heavily on video tape recorders leave too much room for human and equipment error," says Simon.

"Security personnel may forget to change the video tape once it stops recording, or the tape may have been used so frequently that it provides a grainy, unrecognizable image."

The digital system like that at 1199 Plaza also allows for more effective monitoring of video feed from the more than 100 cameras onsite.

"It is much easier to record, search and monitor a large number of camera feeds on a digital system," says Maria Gonzalez, vice president and president-in-waiting at Nortronics. "The system's large 42-inch flat screen color monitors relay crisp, digital-quality images for the security personnel to keep an eye on." "Because this sophisticated technology is no longer cost-prohibitive, we expect similar systems to be installed in more and more residential buildings throughout the New York area," adds Simon.

"We never thought we could afford this type of futuristic technology," adds Ron Bynoe, general manager for 1199 Plaza/East River Landing. "While we are pleased with it?s affordability and functionality, our residents and board members are thrilled with the added security."