IP Camera PC Training Review about
IP Cameras
on May 23 Over and over, we are told that this is the most common and fundamental problem techs have getting started with IP cameras. They come to a job site, or even to training, and they need to connect their laptop to ...
Should Integrators Go to PSA-Tec? Update about
General
on May 23 Trade shows typically are run by manufacturers, for manufacturers (except for ASIS which is simply controlled by manufacturers). By contrast, PSA, a co-op of integrators, offers an event that they claim is diffe...
Milestone as a VSaaS Update about
Milestone Systems
on May 23 While Milestone seeks global VMS domination, many view the VSaaS market as a potential new rival that could undercut the growth and future of traditional VMS applications like Milestone's XProtect. While Milesto...
Top 5 Integrator Concerns Update about
General
on May 22 What concerns keep integrators awake at night? During our recent visit to PSA-TEC, we informally surveyed integrator attendees and asked them 'What are your biggest business concerns?" In this note, we compile t...
Worst Parent Ever Caught on Surveillance? Update about
Case Studies
on May 22 Some things are almost beyond comprehension - like this surveillance video. Take a look:
What possessed this father to put his child in a washing machine is unclear. Needless to say, it's terrible.Thankfu...
Vivotek's 5 MP Camera Line Reviewed Update about
VIVOTEK
on May 22 Vivotek is the latest 'big name' to jump into the 5MP product market. While the true value of multi-megapixel cameras are debatable, the market mantra in IP Video has been "more pixels, more cheaply" for several...
Axis Ad: Throw Away Your Analog Equipment Update about
Axis
on May 21 In a surprising and, sure to be controversial ad campaign, Axis advocates throwing analog equipment away. If the reader is in any way confused about the intent, analog cameras and a DVR are stuffed inside a tras...
VLANs for Surveillance Update about
General
on May 21 If you want to pretend to be a surveillance networking expert, just sternly tell people that they need to use VLANs. However, little practical guidance is available to decide why or when users should use them. I...
NUUO Titan NVR Examined Update about
NUUO
on May 21 While the VMS software market is dominated by aggressive European and American providers, NUUO is the best known Asian alternative. In the past few years, NUUO has been relatively quiet. Recently, they released ...
IP Camera Standards Use Revealed Review about
Standards
on May 21 Just four years ago, IP camera standards were no more than a dream. All IP cameras were integrated with proprietary interfaces or using the simplest most basic connections. This added to the cost of using IP and...
IPVM New Features May 2012 Review about
General
on May 20 We have added in 4 new features to IPVM and have another half-dozen lined up for the second half of the year. In this post, we explain the new features.Invoice Auto GenerationEvery week, many members ask for cus...
Netgear Surveillance Reviewed Update about
Other Companies
on May 18 Netgear is one of the biggest IT brands in the world, with over a billion in annual revenue. Now, they are finally moving into the surveillance industry, with the ReadyNAS Surveillance Suite, what they call...
Free Tool to Capture Surveillance Problems Update about
General
on May 18 Getting a good image can help solve surveillance problems and quickly show people what video really looks like. While print screen is built in, this requires a number of cumbersome steps to produce a shareable i...
Testing Ethernet Cables Update about
General
on May 17 Proper cable installation is key to trouble-free IP surveillance systems. However, testing is often an afterthought, with problems only discovered when cameras have problems, resulting in increased troubleshooti...
Honeywell MAXPRO Cloud Reviewed Update about
Honeywell Video
on May 16 Until now, the surveillance cloud has been the province of IP upstarts and small companies pushing a new approach. The old guard incumbents have sit on the sideline. No more. Honeywell has made its move into the...
Recommended Switches for Small IP Surveillance S... Update about
General
on May 16 With so many options available, selecting network switches for surveillance can be especially daunting for inexperienced users, with little guidance available from independent sources. To that end, in this note ...
Axis vs Hikvision IP Camera Test Results Review about
Hikvision
on May 16 Hikvision is the most valuable video surveillance company in the world, going public in 2010 at $6 Billion USD and now trading at over $7 Billion USD, far higher than Axis Communications. Even in total revenue, ...
Pelco vs Integrators Update about
Pelco
on May 15 Once an integrator favorite, Pelco is increasingly viewed with distrust and concern by many. As the former US leader becomes assimilated into a French multinational conglomerate, Schneider Electric, concerns ris...
Axis One-Click Review Update about
Axis
on May 14 Connecting to remote cameras remains one of the most painful tasks in surveillance. Automatic setup features have proven unreliable in many cases, leaving users frustrated. Manual setup can be tricky for even ex...
Dynamic vs. Static IP Addresses Update about
General
on May 14 While many cameras default to DHCP out of the box, that does not mean you should use it. This may seem basic for some, but those new to the industry may not know there are other options. In this note, we ov...
Pelco Sued by ObjectVideo Update about
ObjectVideo
on May 14 The lawsuits keep coming. Now ObjectVideo is suing former, long time partner Pelco. Done quietly after business hours on a Friday afternoon, ObjectVideo issued a two paragraph release announcing the attack.Objec...
VMS Annual License Fees - Love 'Em or Hate 'Em? Update about
Statistics
on May 14 Extortion or Essential? It is common to hear integrators use both term when describing VMS software maintenance licenses / recurring software upgrade fees. While these types of fees, often 15%-20% or the purchas...
Alerting Against Unlocked Doors Update about
Access Control
on May 13 Unlocked doors are a key vulnerability of many access control systems. While a door may be closed, it can easily be kept unlocked, allowing an adversary to later enter without any authentication. Adding lock sta...
Sony CH240 WDR Test Update about
Sony
on May 11 With Wide Dynamic Range becoming an increasingly prominent feature for manufacturers, understanding the actual field performance of cameras is critical. Adding to this is the recent move of a number of manufactu...
Brivo Access Control Examined Update about
Access Control
on May 11 Does hosted access offer advantages over traditional panel based door access control systems? Brivo Systems, a US provider of 'hosted access' solutions, is the most prominent provider and advocate of a different...
IMS Moves Up Their Tipping Point to IP Update about
Statistics
on May 11 The most polarizing debate of the last few years is when the video surveillance market will 'tip' to IP video (i.e., be more than 50%). Last year, we declared that the market had already tipped to IP video for n...
Pan/Tilt Camera Selection Guide Update about
IP Cameras
on May 11 Multiple styles of PTZ are available, though little clear-cut guidance on which is best for a given application is available, making camera selection difficult for inexperienced users. In this note, we overview ...
Avigilon Q1 2012 Financials Update about
Avigilon
on May 10 While many surveillance manufacturer's revenue growth has slowed significantly, Avigilon's Q1 2012 financials show that the company is nearly matching the skyrocketing growth rate they achieved in 2011...
Disrupting Residential Access Control? Lockitron Update about
Access Control
on May 10 Can the traditional access control market be disrupted by new entrants leveraging consumer technologies and mobile phones? One startup, Lockitron, is backed by a powerful Silicon Valley investment firm...
Dealing with Low Light Problems Update about
IP Cameras
on May 10 Getting high quality images in low light is a common challenge. With the problem being so widespread, we were curious to understand how integrators normally address the issue. In our latest integrator survey, we...
Ocularis 3.0 reviewed Update about
ONSSI
on May 10 Hot on the heels of making a splash at this year's ISC West with an 'award' winning new product announcement, OnSSI surprised many this week by announcing version 3.0 of its Ocularis platform. How much of an imp...
Avigilon PTZs Reviewed Update about
Avigilon
on May 09 While Avigilon has touted how their multi-megapixel cameras can replace up to 95 conventional one as well as replace PTZs, they have now announced their own line of HD PTZ cameras. As such, this is an interestin...
Should Manufacturers Write A&E Specs? Review about
Access Control
on May 09 Users depend on architects and engineers (A&Es) to design buildings that best meet their needs. However, many A&Es use specifications from door hardware manufacturers that give away specification writing...
Milestone Unannounced Funding and Profitability Update about
Milestone Systems
on May 09 Last year, Milestone boldly proclaimed plans to dominate the global VMS market. To better understand how well they are executing this plan, we obtained a copy of their original Danish Financial report, analyzed ...
NLSS Facial Recognition Update about
NLSS
on May 09 Many have tried and many have failed at facial recognition. In the last few years, interest in and promotion of this technology has waned, as seemingly little development has taken place in surveillance. No...
World's Smallest Panomorph Lens Reviewed Update about
Immervision
on May 08 ImmerVision has been promoting the 'world's smallest panomorph lens', a lens that will be more than 80% smaller than its existing surveillance line. With interest growing in panoramic surveillance, what impact w...
Hotel Access Control Explained Update about
Access Control
on May 08 Hotel access control seems to work magically. Unlike electronic access control systems used in security, doors in hotels are not typically connected to a central server to confirm access. How does it work then? ...
Axis vs. RMR Update about
Axis
on May 08 We worship RMR. At least, we are supposed to. Security companies strive for new recurring monthly revenue streams. And while video is a big opportunity, squeezing RMR out of it has not been easy. As the American...
Ubiquiti AirFiber Gigabit Wireless Update about
Ubiquiti
on May 07 Can Ubiquiti translate their success in the wireless market to high-capacity carrier class backhaul? This is what they are aiming for with AirFiber, their latest product, promising "a new era in price disruptive...
Quiet Door Hardware Examined Update about
Access Control
on May 07 The incessant buzzing of electrified door hardware can drive people crazy. Is noisy door hardware the norm? In this note, we examine the causes of 'noisy' door hardware, examine the business case for buying 'qui...
Video Surveillance Buyer's Guide 2012 Review about
General
on May 06 With so many manufacturers and so many new products, deciding what products to buy can be overwhelming. Last year, to make this easier, we released our first ever Video Surveillance Buyer's Guide - a h...
The Crazy ObjectVideo CEO Interview Update about
ObjectVideo
on May 06 The last we heard from ObjectVideo, they boldly proclaimed manufacturers had only '60 days or else' to kneel before sign long-term patent license agreements. With time running out, OV's CEO has released an inter...
Camera Pre-Installation Checklist Update about
General
on May 05 There is a fine line between profit and loss on many surveillance projects. If just a few unexpected problems arise, the integrator may as well be paying to perform the work. Checking against 'Dead on Arrival' c...
The Right Aspect Ratio for Surveillance Review about
IP Cameras
on May 04 You are wrong about the best aspect ratio for surveillance, at least statistically speaking. In the past few years, as HD swept into living rooms, people have moved from watching video on 4:3 aspect ratios to th...
Security Management Digital Edition Reviewed Update about
General
on May 04 Most security trade magazines have boring web editions that simply copy the printed version. Indeed, ASIS's magazine Security Management did not even have a full web version. However, ASIS has now released a dig...
Locking Down Network Connections Update about
General
on May 03 Cameras and access control panels are gateways for hackers. Locating these devices throughout a building gives attackers multiple points of entry, many without any form of physical or network security. However, ...
Surveillance Monitor Preferences Update about
General
on May 03 All surveillance system use monitors but why is one monitor chosen over another? Are integrators selective in what types they specify? We recently surveyed integrators on how particular they are when recommendin...
How Nighttime Video May Crash Your Network Update about
IP Cameras
on May 03 Nighttime video may crash your network. During the day, under ideal conditions, bandwidth remains relatively stable. However, when the lights go down, bandwidth changes can become severe, creating problems like ...
Panasonic WV-SP509 Camera Test Review about
Panasonic
on May 03 The world's best all around HD camera - that's what the new Panasonic WV-SP509 was declared at the Milestone shootout. But is it really? That's the goal of this test. We took the Panasonic WV-SV509, testing it a...
Outdoor Camera Temperature Impact Examined Update about
IP Cameras
on May 02 How often do integrators fight temperature extremes to keep cameras operating? In our latest Integrator Insights Survey, we asked a group of integrators located in various climates around the world to describe h...
Chinese Counterfeiter Or Victim? Update about
Ubiquiti
on May 02 Explosive allegations are rocking the international wireless and surveillance markets. Chinese authorities allege that fast-growing American manufacturer, Ubiquiti, hired gangsters to terrorize and destroy a Chi...
Honeywell's LYNX Touch 5100 Reviewed Update about
Intrusion Detection
on May 02 While intrusion alarms are often considered dumb, many manufacturers are striving to deliver cutting edge technology. As part of this trend, Honeywell has announced the LYNX 5100 Touch, continues its trend of re...
Real World Camera Markups Revealed Update about
Financials
on May 01 How much money do integrators make on equipment? In our most recent survey of integrator members, we asked just that: "On average, what percent do you mark up cameras?" Not only does this answer provide guidance...
Beware of Fake Access Control Panels? Update about
Other Companies
on May 01 Do you need to worry about fake access control panels? A recent advertisement by Mercrury Security, one of the largest access control panel manufacturers, raises this concern. This follows the ongoing legal batt...
Genetec As a VSaaS? Update about
Genetec
on May 01 For all of the hype surrounding VSaaS, adoption remains sluggish. This is especially true among larger customers with more stringent demands, who have been hesitant to move their video to the public cloud. Capit...
Aiphone Overview Update about
Other Companies
on Apr 30 Aiphone is one of the biggest names in the intercom industry, used often by integrators on projects of all sizes. However, due to the breadth of their line, not much clear guidance is available to users to help ...
Closing Out Surveillance Projects Update about
General
on Apr 30 Closing out projects can be surprisingly difficult. For what seems to be simple process, gracefully concluding work and leaving a jobsite can prove challenging. Despite devoted efforts to bring work to an end, l...
IP Camera Networking Basics Review about
IP Cameras
on Apr 30 Getting started with IP cameras can be daunting for those without experience in computer networks. Fortunately, it is not that hard. In this report, we train networking novices on how get started using IP camera...
Mobotix Q1 2012 Financials Reviewed Update about
Mobotix
on Apr 28 In the past few quarters, Mobotix growth stalled, raising concerns about the future of the megapixel surveillance veteran. Now, first quarter 2012 results, show a modest increase in growth rate for the company. ...
Neat Tool To Document Surveillance Problems Update about
General
on Apr 28 Surveillance problems are often difficult to explain. Fuzzy language like 'grainy, nosiy, blurry' are common but those subjective terms are hard for others to pin down. Perhaps the best way to overcome this is t...
Encoder Tutorial Update about
Video Surveillance
on Apr 27 As more users look to upgrade aging analog camera systems, encoders play an increasingly vital role. Though not as frequently discussed as IP cameras, knowing how to properly apply encoders is key for use in the...
You Can Be Whoever You Are ... Update about
General
on Apr 27 You can be whoever you are ... as long as you are a man; So says security provider Monitronics in a recent industry wide marketing campaign that makes no pretense that women exist.
Here's the ad:
...
Motion Detection: Camera vs. Server-Side Update about
Video Surveillance
on Apr 26 The question of whether to run motion detection at the camera or on the server is fundamental to IP surveillance systems, and occasionally hotly debated, as in this recent member's discussion. This a complex top...
HD Barcode Examined Update about
General
on Apr 26 Is storing data within an ID image a leap forward for picture ID badges? A unique new barcode technology combines the data encryption of barcodes with the usefulness of a picture. The product, developed by ...
Axis Low Cost HD Cameras Update about
Axis
on Apr 25 A critical weakness of Axis' recently announced Camera Companion was lack of low-cost cameras with on-board storage support. Even if the 'DVR' is free, expensive cameras can eliminate any overall finan...
Top Trend - Edge Storage Test Review about
NVRs
on Apr 25 The top technology trend for Spring 2012 is edge storage, as selected by your fellow IPVM readers. While edge storage has slowly evolved it had never made a big push to the 'core' of the video surveillance marke...
Effective End User Training Update about
General
on Apr 25 Properly coordinating end user training is a key consideration of successful projects. It is important to recognize that a world class system installed in a flawless manner can be perceived as second rate if the...
Camera Repositioning Update about
General
on Apr 25 Reworking camera position is one of the most frustrating aspects of the install job. Not only is it inefficent and frustrating for both the customer and integrator, the issue can easily be prevented with a littl...
Anixter Q1 2012 Security Sales Reviewed Update about
Access Control
on Apr 25 As one of the biggest distributors in security, Anixter is a bellweather for the broader IP video surveillance market. Over the past few years, Anixter has been expanding robustly in the security market, with gr...
Schneider Goes VSaaS Update about
Pelco
on Apr 24 Schneider Eletric, the parent company of major surveillance manufacturer, Pelco, announced a partnership agreement to distribute VSaaS from OzVision. Many wondered, including us, if this was Pelco's move into VS...
Reducing Bandwidth Through Privacy Masks? Review about
IP Cameras
on Apr 24 Reducing your surveillance bandwidth means lower storage costs and better remote monitoring. As such, professionals are always looking for techniques to do so, including improved codecs (MPEG-4 to H.264, H.264 B...
Leasing Video Surveillance Update about
General
on Apr 24 Many argue leasing is a great way to sell more systems. Customers buy a big ticket item for a modest montly cost. Plus, sellers get to move products that customers might not otherwise afford.But well how does th...
Big Brother On Wheels: The CCTV Car Update about
Video Surveillance
on Apr 24 Just when you think surveillance in the UK couldn't get any crazier, the CCTV car is here to ticket you for, among other things, "eating at the wheel, playing with the radio, or applying make-up", with citations...
DIY Alarm Kits Surveyed Update about
Intrusion Detection
on Apr 23 When protecting one's home with an alarm system, deciding between professionally installed and DIY offerings is a fundamental choice. DIY options are far less known and can be more challenging to choose from, gi...
Milestone's New Support Take 2 Update about
Milestone Systems
on Apr 23 Controversy swelled around our recent report about Milestone's 'unprecedented' support charges. Now, as the plan is implemented, Milestone has clarified their approach, providing IPVM with additional details on ...
Winners Losers Spring 2012 Review about
Financials
on Apr 23 Now that the dust has settled from the product announcements of the last month, we can better understand the impact on the overall video surveillance market.TrendsHere's the biggest three trends we see out of
Designing Security Monitoring Stations Review about
General
on Apr 20 Recently, we published the Security Monitoring Station Guide as an introduction to selecting the right surveillance monitoring console furniture. A number of people commented on challenges in using design softwa...
Outdoor Surveillance Camera Usage Update about
General
on Apr 19 How many cameras are deployed outdoors? We asked integrators in our Spring 2012 Survey to describe how commonly they deploy surveillance cameras outdoors and why. In this note, we examine deployment patterns of ...
Critiquing Mobotix's Video / Access Integration ... Update about
Mobotix
on Apr 19 Now more than ever, Mobotix is touting the benefits of integrating access control and video surveillance with their T24 IP door station. This is especially important as this line is a cornerstone of Mobotix...
'DIY' vs Professional Alarm Systems Update about
Intrusion Detection
on Apr 19 A growing yet controversial trend in alarm systems is for people to do it themselves, installing their own alarm systems and monitoring it themselves. This is certainly a controversial practice, especially to pr...
Manufacturers - The Wisdom of Corruption Update about
General
on Apr 18 New research demonstrates that, while many manufacturers may be corrupt, they are smart to do so. A paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research concludes that companies "stand to gain $11 in market ...
Cellular for IP Cameras Update about
Wireless
on Apr 18 4G wireless networks are on the rise, with cellular providers builing out their networks and heavily marketing increases in speed and availability. As we discussed in a previous update, the City of Dallas has ev...
Are ObjectVideo's Patents Going to Be Invalidated? Update about
ObjectVideo
on Apr 18 Publicly, the last few months have been outstanding for ObjectVideo - with Sony capitulating and the world wide leader in analytic patent litigation celebrating their 60 day ultimatum in a tiny booth at the...
Camera Installation Guide Review about
IP Cameras
on Apr 18 Camera installation is fundamental to the security industry, but in many cases, little thought is given to planning and installation, leading to system which perform poorly and look unprofessional. As an example...
Markups / Margins Tutorial Update about
Financials
on Apr 17 How much an integrator marks up a product when they sell it to a customer has a big impact on both the total end user cost and the profitability of the integrator. Equally importantly, markups have been going do...
The Failed Ingram Micro Pitch Examined Update about
Convergence
on Apr 17 The biggest failure of ISC West 2012 was the Ingram Micro Pavilon. The massive, empty, confusing exhibition hall was widely disparaged. But why did Ingram do it and what where they trying to accomplish? In this ...
Axis's Weak Q1 2012 Financial Results Update about
Axis
on Apr 17 After strong expansion the past few years, Axis's sales growth continues to decelerate for the third consecutive quarter. At the end of 2011, growth slowed substantially. Now, in the beginning of 2012, that slow...
Reverse Auctions: A Horrible Way To Buy Security Update about
General
on Apr 17 One of the hottest procurement trends is using a ‘reverse auction’. Unlike an RFP, which typically awards a project based on multiple criteria, a ‘reverse auction’ awards solely on lowest price, usually in a man...
World's Smallest IP Fixed Dome? Update about
VIVOTEK
on Apr 16 Camera size is a key selection consideration. Some prefer cameras be overt, so subjects know they are being watched, hopefully preventing problems. Others prefer cameras be as unobtrusive as possible, to best bl...
Storage Duration for Surveillance Review about
Storage
on Apr 16 How long should video surveillance be stored? 1 week, 1 month, 1 year? This is a fundamental question for security systems. Store for too short a time and you could lose critical evidence yet record too long and...
China to Block Out Western Manufacturers? Update about
General
on Apr 14 Fueled by massive Chinese government spending, Chinese video surveillance is one of the fastest growing markets in our industry. With its already formidable size and potential rapid growth, many manufacturers wo...
Success in the Security Industry Update about
General
on Apr 13 Unsuccessful people often wonder why they are so, developing silly theories about what is holding them back. The Women's Security Council is an organizition essentially dedicated to that cause. In their awkwardl...
SIW Flip Flops on Analog Update about
General
on Apr 13 Days after a spirited defense of analog and a scathing critique by us, SecurityInfoWatch has reversed course on the future of analog.In its original post, SIW declared analog's strength and dominance:"Don't Coun...
FLIR Operational Analytics (A Series) Examined Update about
Flir
on Apr 13 Despite marketing hype, the relative high costs of thermal cameras restrict their adoption. Making these cameras useful for site inspection and maintenance, in addition to security may help to ease adoption and ...
Panasonic Full HD Domes Update about
Panasonic
on Apr 12 Panasonic has added two models of full HD fixed domes to its line, promising the highest resolutions and framerates of any Panasonic dome. In this note, we examine these cameras' featuresets and compare to optio...
Critiquing HID's 'Access Control Goes Mobile' Pr... Update about
Access Control
on Apr 12 Are Mobile Credentials ready for primetime? ASSA ABLOY / HID, who have invested heavily in the technology, posted a webcast of their joint 'Access Control Goes Mobile' event at ISC West. Using mobile devic...
Panasonic New Integrated IR Camera Reviewed Update about
Panasonic
on Apr 11 Panasonic is the latest manufacturer to jump on the built-in IR bandwagon with the introduction of the WV-SW316L outdoor camera. This camera promises improved nighttime performance without the additional expense...
FST21 SafeRise Overview Update about
Other Companies
on Apr 11 FST21 has hit the industry with much fanfare, winning the 2011 ISC West Best In Show, surrounded by much hype and promises that the future of security was here. Like many of these award winners, however, points ...
Z-Wave Automation Explained Update about
Intrusion Detection
on Apr 11 What if you could network any device in your home? An emerging technology called 'Z-Wave' aims to accomplish just that. Home automation is nothing new, but Z-Wave technology promises to inexpensively deliver tha...
Worst Advice Ever Update about
General
on Apr 11 "Don't count analog video out yet" is the worst advice ever. Integrators who want to bankrupt themselves should jump on this immediately. Unfortunately, though, a US trade magazine has recently promoted thi...
Crowdsourced Funding for Security Startups Update about
General
on Apr 10 "I have a great idea, but no money to do anything with it!" This circumstance has to be one of the most frustrating sentiments shared by tinkerers, tweakers, and freestyle designers today. The security industry ...
New Product: OCULUS Surveillance Robot Update about
General
on Apr 10 While new innovation in surveillance is sorely lacking, a startup is championing an amitious idea - surveillance robots - using very non traditional means. In this note, we examine OCULUS's key features, pricing...
StarDot 10MP Cameras Examined Update about
StarDot
on Apr 09 The race to higher resolutions continues, now with 10 megapixel entries from Stardot. These new cameras aim to provide increased resolution at prices close to previous 5MP. In this update, we overview Stardot's ...
Favorite Encoders Update about
IP Cameras
on Apr 09 Encoders play a secondary, but vital, role to IP cameras in surveillance systems, normally relegated to upgrades of existing analog systems. Because of this, they are discussed far less often than cameras. Howev...
How to Calculate Surveillance Storage Review about
Storage
on Apr 09 Calculating errors are common when estimating surveillance storage needed. The most common way to do so is to use an online calculator tool yet these tools are fundamentally insufficient to reflect the particula...
Sens Up is For Suckers Update about
IP Cameras
on Apr 08 Run as fast and far as you can, if you are looking for a good low light camera and the manufacturer cites 'Sens Up.' This is a sneaky trick that vendors play when rating low light performance. Instead of admitti...
Axis: Good or Bad For Partners? Update about
Axis
on Apr 06 Is Axis good or bad for its partners? While no company has done more than Axis to champion and grow the IP video surveillance market, many partners - both integrators and manufacturers - express fear and frustra...
PIR Detector Selection Guide Update about
Intrusion Detection
on Apr 06 Motion sensors are a frequent source of 'false alarm' headaches in many intrusion systems. 'PIR', or 'Passive Infrared' technology have been widely deployed over many years of use, yet these sensors are still a ...
Beautiful - the New Surveillance 'Standard' Update about
General
on Apr 05 Crappy video quality is expected with surveillance. Grainy, fuzzy, pixilated, blurred images are the norm. In the UK, the common refrain is even that "80% of CCTV is not fit for purpose."Megapixel adoption, over...
New Panasonic Home Cameras Reviewed Update about
Panasonic
on Apr 05 Panasonic is aggressively improving their home video surveillance offerings. Continuing the trend of better video performance at a cheaper cost, the company has updated their 'Home Series' cameras with added fea...
Best New Product Awards Investigated Review about
General
on Apr 04 The ISC best new product awards use a secretive process that lacks transparency, making it impossible to understand the rationale, fairness or accuracy of the awards. Equally troubling, SIA, the organizatio...
Bad Dog Rover Bits: Good Stuff? Update about
General
on Apr 04 Bad Dog Tools ran a surprisingly busy booth at ISC West. Based in Rhode Island, the cutting tools manufacturer demonstrated their unique 'Rover Bit' and how it may prove to be useful for wire and cabling in...
Security Monitoring Station Guide Update about
General
on Apr 04 Console furniture optimized for security command centers is typically required for surveillance systems installations of 50+ cameras. Those sites regularly have a trained security operator or staff to view live ...
TKH Siqura BC620WDR Reviewed Update about
Other Companies
on Apr 04 The highest award for any camera was given to the new BC620WDR camera from Siqura at the ISC West 2012 show. In this note, we examine what makes this camera special and its potential application.OverviewWhile th...
MorphoAccess VP Examined Update about
Other Companies
on Apr 03 Safran Morpho's MorphoAccess VP was voted best in show in the SIA New Product Showcase at ISC West this year. This reader offers better accuracy and security by using dual-technology biometrics, but is this real...
Sony XIS - 248MP Camera System Update about
Sony
on Apr 03 The Sony XIS series is one of the most intriguing and unknown surveillance systems available. Designed to capture up to 186.6 Megapixels, this system is optimized for wide area monitoring of critical infrastruct...
Samsung's Next Big Thing: VGA? Update about
Samsung
on Apr 03 "More pixels, more cheaply" has been the camera market mantra in IP video for the last several years. Despite (or perhaps because of) the hyper-competitive nature of this market segment, Samsung Techwin is promo...
Disaster at the Ingram Micro Pavilion Update about
General
on Apr 02 What a horrible first impression. Determined to take the physical security industry by storm, IT mega distributor Ingram Micro pulled out all the stops at ISC West 2012, failing in dramatic fashion. In this note...
Honeywell Total Connect 2.0 Reviewed Update about
Honeywell Video
on Apr 02 Historically, a key part of Honeywell's security business has been selling low cost residential intrusion alarm equipment. Honeywell has recently introduced a way to use those inexpensive alarm panels to blend v...
Louroe Line Powered Microphone Update about
Other Companies
on Apr 02 Many IP video cameras contain microphones that do not provide enough fidelity to record more than muffled audio. When high-quality audio recording is required, external microphones must be installed. Unfortunate...
DVTel TruWitness Overview Update about
DVTel
on Apr 02 Originally announced in limited release as part of its Latitude NVMS version 6.2, DVTel has officially released the TruWitness mobile application. This app, separate from their DVTel Mobile applic...
Arecont WDR Cameras Examined Update about
Arecont Vision
on Apr 01 Arecont Vision has once again set new low price levels, this time with the announcement of wide dynamic range additions to their MegaVideo Compact line. These cameras claim wide dynamic performance at prices wel...
ISC West 2012 Show Best / Worst Review about
General
on Mar 31 We spent the week on the ISC West show floor checking out what is interesting and have come away with a series of observations and images.Here are the topics/companies covered:Show Floor TrafficIngram MicroSamsu...
Most Interesting Thing We Saw at ISC Update about
ipConfigure
on Mar 30 The most different and interesting thing we saw demonstrated at ISC West 2012 was the ipConfigure Gigapixel surveillance camera - a 1000MP camera. As noted in our original review, important tradeoffs and issues ...
Axis IR Integrated Cameras Reviewed Update about
Axis
on Mar 29 While almost all major IP camera manufacturers have released integated IR cameras, Axis has not. Now, Axis is releasing two lines with integrated IR. In this note, we examine what those lines, how Axis is integr...
What is Ocularis X? Update about
ONSSI
on Mar 29 Ocularis X is more mysterious than its name. The new offering from VMS supplier OnSSI is marketed as 'bringing HD cameras via the cloud' and just won the best wireless video surveillance NPS award. So is it a wi...
D-Link Cloud Surveillance Reviewed Update about
D-Link
on Mar 28 While 'cloud' is a big buzzword, low cost cloud security solutions are mostly a myth. D-Link aims to change this with their DNR-322L, a NAS-based NVR integrated to their D-Link Cloud Services. In this note, we o...
Axis New Generation P33 Domes Update about
Axis
on Mar 28 Axis has released a new generaton of their P33 dome camera line, incorporating hardware improvements and price changes. In this note, we examine features and pricing comparing to existing P33 models and sim...
ISC West Show Floor Review Day 1 Update about
General
on Mar 28 We spent hours on the ISC West show floor today and yesterday checking out what is interesting and have come away with a series of observations, images and one juicy rumor about a top manufacturer up for sale.He...
Bosch Edge Recording Reviewed Update about
Bosch Security
on Mar 27 Quietly and for a number of years, Bosch has offered edge and direct to storage surveillance solutions. Before Axis, Bosch already had a free 'no VMS' edge recording offering. Now Bosch is adding 3rd party camer...
New Products Reviewed ISC West 2012 Review about
General
on Mar 27 Here is what's new in video surveillance and for the ISC West 2012 show. We have aggregated all of our reviews in this directory to make it easy to find those that most interest to you. Below, we also group by p...
Avigilon H3 Series Reviewed Update about
Avigilon
on Mar 27 Improved low light and WDR performance are two of the year's biggest megapixel camera trends. Avigilon's H3 series continues this trend with the company's new 'platform' supporting H.264 3MP and 5MP cameras. In ...
Arecont Vision's Growth Slows Significantly Update about
Arecont Vision
on Mar 26 One of the world's fastest growing surveillance companies, Arecont Vision's growth rate slowed significantly in 2011. Over the past few years, Arecont Vision's revenue skyrocketed from less than $10 million in 2...
From the Pelco Jet to the Ex-Pelco Yacht Update about
Pelco
on Mar 26 The Pelco jet was a symbol of the old Pelco. Long gone, the new Pelco is a far less powerful and ostentatious force. Since the $1.5 Billion acquisition 5 years ago, Pelco has changed.On the other hand, Pelc...
Interlogix Releases a Cake Update about
GE Security
on Mar 26 In a past millenium, historians tell us that Interlogix innovated digital surveillance solutions. Now, the once proud brand has been reduced to trade show parlor tricks. Rather than dazzle us with great new tech...
Aimetis Edge Recording Reviewed Update about
Aimetis
on Mar 26 Continuing the trend of edge recording, Aimetis has announced support for this in version 6.10 of their Symphony VMS software, allowing cameras to write to on-board storage or NAS drives when the connection to t...
Pixim Nightwolf IR Optimization Reviewed Update about
Pixim
on Mar 26 Overexposure and blooming can ruin video from cameras with integrated IR illuminators. Now, chipset manufacturer Pixim is releasing a new series, named Nightwolf, that is optimized for use with IR illuminators, ...
LPR App to Run on Axis Cameras Update about
ipConfigure
on Mar 25 Recognizing license plates typically require specialized cameras or servers to process and identify plates, a costly proposition. Now, ipConfigure is releasing an LPR application for Axis cameras that turns regu...
ExacqVision Edge Recording Reviewed Update about
Exacq
on Mar 25 Edge recording is a big trend at ISC West 2012 with Axis's Camera Companion release generating a lot of debate. Now, VMS povider Exacq has released their own edge recording offering that allows IP cameras t...
You Have 60 Days ... Or Else Update about
ObjectVideo
on Mar 23 Gangster capitalism reigns. Exactly one year after ObjectVideo launched lawsuits against 3 of the biggest global manufacturers, they have now issued an ultimatum to all manufacturers packaged as a magnanimo...
Will Axis Camera Companion Hurt Integrators? Update about
Axis
on Mar 23 Eliminating recorders can reduce an integrator's time on site or reduce the need to employ an integrator at all. The announcement of Axis Camera Companion and the ensuing marketing tsunami means that eliminating...
SD Card For Surveillance Tutorial Update about
Storage
on Mar 22 Axis's VMS elimination solution uses SD cards to store video on the camera. This makes SD card selection and specification a key part of a surveillance design. In this note, we examine SD cards, key criteria and...
Axis Eliminating VMS Review about
Axis
on Mar 21 No more VMS? That's the plan for Axis's new Camera Companion. The 800-pound IP camera gorilla has taken aim at the low end of surveillance, looking to displace analog cameras in the sub-16 camera market segment....
VideoIQ Analytic Bridge Reviewed Update about
VideoIQ
on Mar 21 VideoIQ has announced the first product in its Rialto Series, a four-channel analog encoder with on-board storage, or analytic bridge, as they refer to it. This product is specifically aimed at small installatio...
Cisco Virtualizing Video Surveillance Update about
Cisco
on Mar 21 Cisco's big surveillance announcement for Spring 2012 is virtualizing VMS software. Last Fall, Cisco announced a strategy shift to focus on large scale surveillance projects. In this note, we examine how virtual...
Turnstiles Guide Update about
Access Control
on Mar 20 Turnstiles are security devices that control pedestrian access to secured areas, designed as moving portions of fence or barricades that restrict unauthorized access. They typically have a physical barricade arm...
Most Aggressive Pilot Program Ever? Update about
Video Insight
on Mar 20 For analog holdouts, or those with no surveillance, making the move to IP can be challenging. Typically it involves some outlay of cash for demo cameras or encoders, in addition to VMS licensing, neither of whic...
Iomega / EMC to be VMS Platform Update about
NVRs
on Mar 19 One of the world's largest storage providers is turning their NAS devices into a platform for 3rd party VMS software. In this note, we examine what Iomega, a division of EMC, is doing, what market segments this ...
Dell and HID: Convergence? Update about
Convergence
on Mar 19 Convergence typically describes political or process integration. Beyond buzzword, it very seldom takes shape beyond in hardware. In this note, we detail a rare example of 'true' hardware convergence, examining ...
Reusing Existing SAN for Surveillance Update about
General
on Mar 19 Free Storage? Reusing an organization's existing Storage Area Network (SAN) for video surveillance can eliminate the need for buying a new storage system. However, many details impact this decision. In this note...
Video Surveillance Statistics Directory Vol 2 Review about
Statistics
on Mar 19 In this report, we aggregate and present numerous statistics about how surveillance is being used in the real world. Recently, we conducted an in depth survey of 100 integrators around the world, asking them a v...
How Weak is VSaaS Growth? Update about
SaaS
on Mar 19 The Next Big Thing - For the past few years, VSaaS has worn this mantle. Does it deserve it? Hype took off in 2008 and four years later, numerous providers emerged and market awareness soared. Now, we are at a p...
Preventing Camera Theft Update about
General
on Mar 18 Reports of video surveillance cameras being stolen are surprisingly common. While the crime is ironic, the theft of camera equipment can be costly. Cameras themselves are tools used to prevent items from being s...
How to Replace VMS Software Update about
Video Surveillance
on Mar 16 The uproar over Milestone's unprecedented new support charges has motivated many to replace existing VMS software with new ones. However, how can this be done? While it may be less expensive to replace VMS softw...
Optimizing Motion Based Recording Update about
General
on Mar 16 Often users will be shocked to find video is being stored only for as half as long as they expected. The #1 problem is typically unoptimized motion based recording. Various real world problems will cause unoptim...
PR People are Worthless Update about
General
on Mar 16 To say, "PR People are Worthless" may be going easy on them. Indeed, it is probably fairer to say that PR people are a total waste of money. It boggles the mind how truly inept the PR people who contact us are.H...
Selecting the Right Type of Electric Lock Update about
Access Control
on Mar 15 Picking between electric strikes, magnetic locks, electronic bolts and locksets can be a complex decision. A number of factors determine what the best choice is, but picking the wrong type can land you in jail. ...
Where to Install Headend Equipment Update about
General
on Mar 15 Installing surveillance headend equipment in the wrong location can lead to increased failure rates or tampering. Often little thought is given to this decision, since security systems are frequently considered ...
Public View Monitors Update about
General
on Mar 15 Showing that video surveillance is in use can be a powerful crime deterrent as criminals seek out environments where their illegal activity cannot be observed. A common method of doing this is with Public View M...
Fast vs. Gigabit Ethernet for Surveillance Update about
General
on Mar 14 This guide is intended to help users decide when to use 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet vs 1 Gbps Ethernet in surveillance deployements. It covers:The basics of Ethernet, Fast vs. GigabitPower over Ethernet supportCost d...
Video Surveillance / Access Control Integration Review about
Access Control
on Mar 14 One of the most desired high end security system features is integrating video surveillance and electronic access control systems. In this report, we detail the issues involved and the reasons why real world int...
UL / Safety Approvals Update about
Standards
on Mar 14 If your surveillance equipment is not UL listed, it can be ripped out. Often this feels completely random (as discussed in a member's exchange). Understanding UL listings can avoid these issues and their re...
Selecting the Right Bit Rate for CBR Cameras Update about
IP Cameras
on Mar 13 Some of the most popular cameras on the market, like Panasonic and Sony, are especially tricky to configure the right bit rate. In our experience, because of these camera's use of Constant Bit Rate, most deploym...
Firetide Failing in Dallas Update about
Firetide
on Mar 13 While the City of Dallas is was a flagship 'win' for wireless mesh vendor Firetide, a recent RFP and numerous reports to IPVM indicate major problems for the system in Dallas. In this note, we examine what ...
PoE: Switch vs. Midspan Update about
General
on Mar 13 Whether to use PoE switches or midspans is a fundamental decision with strong opinions on both sides. Some insist that midspans are completely unnecessary, given the reliability and lower costs of PoE switches t...
Fire Video Analytic IP Camera (Fike SigniFire) Update about
General
on Mar 12 Fire and smoke detection can be a challenge in large, open buildings. Smoke can dissapate quickly and can drift a long way from the source before traditional sensors are tripped into alarm state. Video fire and ...
Favorite Hard Drives for Surveillance Update about
Storage
on Mar 12 Hard drive failure is perhaps the number one cause of lost video in a surveillance system. But which hard drive manufacturer, if any, is most reliable? Are all hard drives the same? As part of our Winter 20...
Milestone's Unprecedented Support Charges Update about
Milestone Systems
on Mar 12 Following 2 years of unprecedented licensing price drops, Milestone is now implementing unprecedented support call charges and restrictions on upgrades. While support policies tend to be an afterthought, Milesto...
FBI CCTV Recommendations Review about
General
on Mar 11 The United States FBI provides a CCTV Best Practices guide in a unique form of a TV show episode. In this post, we review the FBI's recommendations, providing feedback and commentary on what is realistic and wha...
Access Credential Form Factor Tutorial Update about
Access Control
on Mar 09 Deciding which type, or form factor, of access control credential to use and distribute can be a difficult task. Knowing the limitations and strengths of common form factors will help the integrator recommend th...
Favorite Network Switches for Surveillance Update about
Convergence
on Mar 09 Today's IP surveillance systems depend on reliable, quality network switches to connect cameras and VMS servers. Which one should you choose given the vast number of switches available in the market? As part of ...
Funding Surveillance Maintenance Update about
General
on Mar 08 Too often, users forget to fund surveillance maintenance costs, resulting in systems that break down and become essentially worthless. While most understandably focus on the initial installation and getting a sy...
Beware of Cube Cameras Update about
IP Cameras
on Mar 08 Integrators may find the low price of cube cameras a tempting reason to propose them for surveillance applications. Cube cameras represent many IP camera manufacturer's low-end price offerings and they often be ...
Videolarm Fusion Housing Reviewed Update about
Other Companies
on Mar 07 Videolarm has announced a next generation camera housing series but does it matter? Many simply assume all camera housings are the same or simply take whatever the camera manufacturer is offering. In t...
NFC For Access Control Review about
Access Control
on Mar 07 Led by door access gorilla, Assa Abloy / HID, NFC is getting a lot of unwarranted hype as the next big thing in access control. They envision mobile phones using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology replaci...
Fixed Camera Housing Guide Update about
General
on Mar 07 This guide will help you pick the best fixed camera housing for your outdoor surveillance applications. We cover:Enclosure size optionsMetallic vs Non-Metallic vs Vandal Resistant constructionOptions for Stainle...
Prebid Meetings and Walkthroughs Update about
General
on Mar 07 Integrators who fail to take prebid meetings and walkthroughs seriously can lose the job or lose their shirt when responding to RFPs. While prebid meetings and walkthru meeting are common elements of many RFPs, ...
Video Alarm Verification Guide Update about
General
on Mar 06 Increasing fines for false alarm dispatches plus police non-response to unverified alarms have made video alarm verification a hot topic in the alarm industry. The hope is that it can eliminate false alarm fines...
Axis Encoder Marketing Claims Examined Update about
Axis
on Mar 05 In the past few months, Axis has accelerated promotion of encoders, with a flurry of marketing moves including videos, articles, brochures, etc. (e.g., announcements of encoder kits bundled with software, a...
Top 4 End User Surveillance Complaints Review about
Case Studies
on Mar 05 In our latest integrator survey, we asked "What are end users most common complaints about their surveillance systems?" as integrators often hear unfiltered feedback from them. Since it is difficult to describe ...
Murder on Video - The Value of PTZs Update about
Case Studies
on Mar 04 While many argue for the end of PTZs, a recent murder demonstrates the value of using PTZs versus multimegapixel fixed cameras for monitoring large high crime areas. Inside this note, we show why through a serie...
ISC West Manufacturer Coverage Update about
General
on Mar 03 Manufacturers: To be included in IPVM's ISC West coverage, please share your announcements with us no later than Monday, March 26, 2012. Moreover, we strongly encourage you to publicize your announcements by tha...
Sole Source Justification Tutorial Update about
General
on Mar 03 The sole source justification is a very powerful yet controversial way of specifying products. Vendors love them because it eliminates competition and all but guarantees higher profits. Users often want them to ...
Milestone / Razberi All in One NVR Reviewed Update about
Razberi
on Mar 02 Traditionally, small to mid size projects has been the weakest fit for VMS software, due to low camera counts and setup complexity. Recently, providers have been rolling out VMS appliances to simplify deployment...
PoE Door Strike? Update about
Access Control
on Mar 02 A true PoE / network door strike would reduce costs and simplify installations considerably. Indeed, one access control vendor is marketing a PoE strike. However, what real benefits does this PoE strike deliver?...
Primary School Surveillance Guide Update about
Case Studies
on Mar 01 In education, surveillance has become much more prevalent in the past decade. Prior to that, many schools had no surveillance systems or limited its use to entrances only. This changed as serious incidents, gran...
Door Intercom Tutorial Update about
Access Control
on Mar 01 Door entry systems are an often overlooked subsystem of facility security. Typically, entry systems are installed on doors with little thought of integration to the overall security systems of a facility. Howeve...
Body-Worn Surveillance Overview Update about
Video Surveillance
on Feb 29 In the past year, body worn video system use has increased. Many police departments are adopting this to protect against false allegations and potential litigation. They are seen as an answer to increased public...
Remote Access Utilities Update about
General
on Feb 29 Issues often arise with surveillance systems located far away. The problem is that it may take more time to travel to the site than to actually fix the issue. Worse, the end user onsite may have a hard time unde...
Axis Q1604 Shootout Results Review about
Axis
on Feb 28 In the past year, Axis has advocated improved image quality versus more 'megapixels'. The two cameras most central to that are the Q1602 Lightfinder camera and the Q1604 WDR camera. In this report, we share test...
Surveillance Warranty Terms Reviewed Update about
General
on Feb 28 While often overlooked upfront, warranty terms have a big impact on long term costs and support. Plus, the length of warranties and the specific conditions, such as start date, can vary widely. In this note...
Genetec Criticizes Milestone Update about
Genetec
on Feb 27 Genetec and Milestone are fierce rivals in the VMS market, continuously competing for similar large scale surveillance projects. In that space, advanced technical features are key differentiators. To this end, G...
Battery Backup for Outdoor Cameras Update about
General
on Feb 27 Pole-mounting cameras, especially for use in parking lots and municipal surveillance systems, is a growing trend. However, power in these locations may be unreliable, subject to fluctuations and outages. Supplyi...
Understanding the RFP Process Update about
Case Studies
on Feb 26 Dealing with RFPs (or Request for Proposals) is a major component of buying or selling video surveillance systems as large projects typically use them. The process, however, can be complex with many stages and n...
Solar Surveillance Guide Review about
General
on Feb 26 Off-grid solar power is gaining attention for video surveillance. In this article, we examine what video surveillance applications are typically used with solar power, examine what key factors affect the design...
Low Quality Surveillance RFPs Review about
Case Studies
on Feb 23 In our international integrator survey, respondents raised numerous concerns about low quality surveillance RFPs. In this report, we explain and examine their specific concerns.OverviewRequest for Proposals (i.e...