Pyramid Vision's VisionAlert intelligent video security system is used by the Virginia Port Authority (VPA), a leader in post 9/11 securing of seaports. VPA scans all containers that are handled for possible radiation, and, with a grant from the Transportation Security Administration (TPA), began a project to secure its perimeter with a wireless network of closed circuit TV cameras. Over 80 cameras had to be installed at three major seaports, but hiring security guards to watch all the monitors would have been very expensive. VisionAlert motion detection software automatically monitors video feeds and alerts guards to security situations. VisionAlert is sufficiently intelligent to differentiate between harmless motion and threatening motion. VPA is able to monitor its whole perimeter from a centralized location without addition of security staff, and only when suspicious motion is detected does VisionAlert alert guards. Advanced algorithms have been developed by Pyramid Vision, a subsidiary of Sarnoff, which can trace its beginnings to RCA Laboratories, an early leader in video technologies. VisionAlert processes each pixel of every video frame, which helps detect motion against a background environment that could also be in mot ion due to weather conditions. Many agencies that want to increase security have contacted Pyramid Vision. The company is presently bidding on almost 150 national and international security-related contracts and expects to win as many as 10 contracts.