Testing Pelco Digital Sentry VMS Software

by Benros Emata, posted on May 04, 2010

Pelco is not known for its software. While the company is one of the largest global analog surveillance providers, this is primarily for its cameras and recorders. However, Pelco does have VMS software. As they and other incumbents move to IP, these offerings will receive more attention.

In this test, we examine Pelco's Digital Sentry VMS software - ControlPoint client v. 7.0, DSAdmin v. 4.3 and DS service v. 6.8. The test was hosted on a Windows XP machine, connected to the IQinVision Series 4Pelco Sarix IXE20DN and Sony SNC-CH140 cameras. You can test the software yourself (with the DS4U free edition). Note that the DS4U edition only supports Pelco IP cameras (while the full Digital Sentry supports 3rd party IP cameras).

Compare to our test results of Axis Camera Station (for a single camera vendor solution) or Exacq (for a multi-camera vendor solution) that provides comparable features and functionality. 

[Update October 2010: Pelco has added a few new features and changed pricing moderately. Read our review/update on Digital Sentry Version 7.]

Inside the Pro Section

Pro members may read the entire report including (1) recommendations on best applications, (2) evaluation of Pelco DS on 9 key decision points, (3) a video screencast examining the usability of the VMS, (4) video screencasts on live monitoring, investigations and administration plus (5) answers to how the VMS works.


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