GE Infrastructure, Security announced that its revolutionary new Transition Series multi-technology card readers are multi vendor 125KHz proximity compatible with GE and HID Proximity cards as well as contactless smart cards that meet Mifare (ISO 14443A) and Vicinity (ISO 15693) standards. They are also specifically designed to work with most types of access control systems employing Wiegand-based data communications up to 64-bits, including the most popular biometric technologies.
To support the multi-technology products, HID and GE are entering into an agreement that provides for incorporation of HID's prox reader technology into future GE products.
"The innovative architecture of Transition Series card readers supports our initiative to establish flexible, scalable, non-proprietary platforms that let organizations maintain their current user bases and upgrade to their access control systems to meet new security requirements on their own timelines and within budget," said Steve Walin, president of GE's security business' Enterprise Solutions. "With Transition Series card readers, companies can continue using their existing proximity cards but easily migrate to more secure access control when opportune."
GE Transition Series readers also feature intelligent four-state supervision that continuously monitors for a cut line, short circuit, closed circuit, and open circuit conditions at door contacts and request to exit (REX) connections. Tri-state LEDs and audible alerts indicate status, alarm and perimeter-tampering conditions. An internal tamper switch automatically alerts security personnel if the reader is violated. This supervision ensures that security personnel are immediately notified if someone tampers with the reader, a door is breached or a circuit is bypassed, either by cutting or shorting. Upon an alert, the reader is removed from the system.
The new GE Transition Series card readers also offer expanded hassle-free contactless convenience when entering and exiting secure facilities. A special optimization technology automatically adjusts to a wide range of installation environments to provide consistent read range performance no matter where or on what the reader is mounted. It automatically detects and optimizes the credential read field, even in challenging environments with metal surfaces. By optimizing the card readers to any metal or non-metal environment, cardholders experience consistent reader performance, regardless of location or environment.
Customers can choose from a variety of wall and doorframe (mullion) readers, all of which feature a compact housing with or without keypads in light gray, charcoal or black.
"Importantly, over the next couple months, we will be adding more leading card architectures to the Transition Series of card readers to provide truly open, seamless solutions," said Provoost.
The GE Transition Series will be available in December.
