BV50 firmware version 4.14 released
A new version of the BV50 firmware has now been released, 4.14. Firmware is contained within the currency dataset files and is available to download free from our website within Technical Support/ Currency Download.
Features
• Improved security routines
• Improved anti-strim detection
NV10 USB firmware version 3.40 released
A new version of the NV10 USB firmware has now been released, 3.40.
Firmware is contained within the currency dataset files and is available to download free from our website within Technical Support/ Currency Download.
Features
• First version for NV10 USB and NV10 USB+ (see below)
NV10 USB+ coming soon
The NV10 USB will soon be replaced with a new NV10 USB+. The new model, which should be available this Summer will be compatible with all existing protocols and has identical external dimensions so no modifications will be required on any existing machines currently utilising the NV10 USB unit. The NV10 USB+ includes enhanced sensing technology to future proof the unit. The additional sensors will allow further improvements to security, reliability and overall performance moving forward.
Validator Manager version 4.4.0 coming soon
We are able to announce that a new version of Validator Manager, 4.4.0 will soon be released. Beta trials are currently taking place and the new issue 4.4.0 will be added to our website soon.
The update will include:
• Increased support for all products
• Various bug fixes
• New “issue submission form”
• Full rainbow bezel support
ECB Approval
In March 2016, we announced that our range of banknote validators have received independent certification from the European Central Bank (ECB). Our banknote validators have received ECB approval for their ability to recognise genuine and counterfeit Euro banknotes. The NV9 USB+, NV10 USB and NV200 banknote validators were tested at De Nederlandsche Bank in Amsterdam and all achieved 100% in the test.
Ben Wright, Lead Currency Support Engineer, said: “Our banknote validators have again identified 100% of the genuine and counterfeit Euro banknotes. This year’s approval was of particular importance due to the introduction of the new €20 note last year, which caused a stir in the industry. We’re constantly developing our mathematical techniques and global currency datasets to ensure we remain at the forefront of validation technology, so it’s great to receive this independent certification from the ECB.”
The test results, which are published by the ECB to assist
banknote users when selecting appropriate counterfeit detection equipment, can be found online here.
£5 polymer note update
Later this year we will see the introduction of polymer banknotes with new material, designs and security features. In terms of note validation, polymer banknotes pose no additional issues, all ITL note validators will accept and stack as normal after a simple currency dataset update. Although new to us in the UK, polymer notes are already widely used in a number of countries worldwide including Australia and Canada.
Due to enter circulation September 2016, the new £5 note will feature Winston Churchill and will be the first plastic banknote to be issued by the Bank of England. The £10 note will be replaced the year after, again issued in polymer and will feature Jane
Austin. The £20 will also be replaced in the future and it has been confirmed that this again will be a polymer note. The new polymer note range will be slightly smaller in size than our current notes, with increased durability and enhanced security features, thereby
offering more fraud protection. Polymer banknotes are manufactured from transparent plastic film, specially coated with an ink layer that enables it to carry the printed design features of banknotes. The materials allow the inclusion of ‘windows’ or clear
portions in the design, which enhance protection against counterfeiting. Despite the visible material change the UK polymer banknotes will retain their overall look.
With the new notes being issued in September, ITL will begin to include the new £5 polymer banknote in all applicable currency datasets from 29th April 2016, allowing sufficient time for all validators in the field to be updated ahead of the note entering circulation. To further simplify the process, we will create a SMART Update Tool allowing all equipment to be updated with one of our DA3 handheld programmers in minutes. More information will follow in subequent Technical Bulletins.
New £1 coin announcement
The current £1 coin is being replaced for the first time in over 30 years due to its vulnerability to sophisticated counterfeiters. The new £1 is to be issued from March 2017 will be a 12-sided, bi-metallic, bi-colour coin with milled edges. It will weigh 8.75g and will have a
diameter of 23.43mm from point to point (23.03mm edge to edge). The edge thickness will be 2.8mm and the metallic composition is: nickel-brass outer; nickel-plated solid alloy inner. HM Treasury and The Royal Mint also announced that following the introduction in March 2017 there will be a six-month period of co-circulation, where the current £1 and the new £1 coins will both be in circulation. All ITL coin hoppers will accept the new coin after a simple, free currency update. More information will follow in
subequent Technical Bulletins.
