Original Articles on Video Surveillance
Mobile App Usage Statistics
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 16, 2012 for Statistics
"The market for surveillance mobile applications has exploded in the last 3 years. Now, almost everyone offers one - from the VMS providers to third party app developers and now even to low end DVRs and home offeri"
Posted on Feb 16, 2012 for Statistics
"The market for surveillance mobile applications has exploded in the last 3 years. Now, almost everyone offers one - from the VMS providers to third party app developers and now even to low end DVRs and home offeri"
How to Measure IR Illumination
Posted on Feb 16, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Using IR for night time surveillance is a popular choice. The added non visible light can improve image quality when ambient street or visible lighting is absent. However, adding the right amount of IR light can b"
Posted on Feb 16, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Using IR for night time surveillance is a popular choice. The added non visible light can improve image quality when ambient street or visible lighting is absent. However, adding the right amount of IR light can b"
Vivint: A Company to Celebrate or Condemn?
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 15, 2012 for General
"Vivint is one of the fastest growing and most aggressive companies in the entire surveillance industry. Many puff pieces, including a recent 'Dealer of the Year' award, laud the company as 'being a true leader'. T"
Posted on Feb 15, 2012 for General
"Vivint is one of the fastest growing and most aggressive companies in the entire surveillance industry. Many puff pieces, including a recent 'Dealer of the Year' award, laud the company as 'being a true leader'. T"
Mobotix Growth Stalling
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 15, 2012 for Mobotix
"Over the past 2 years, Mobotix has grown robustly. Now, in the last 6 months, Mobotix's growth has slowed substantially and is essentially stalling. In this note, we look at the details in this drop and some of th"
Posted on Feb 15, 2012 for Mobotix
"Over the past 2 years, Mobotix has grown robustly. Now, in the last 6 months, Mobotix's growth has slowed substantially and is essentially stalling. In this note, we look at the details in this drop and some of th"
Sentry 360 Panoramic Cameras
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 15, 2012 for Sentry360
"In this update, we will examine the panoramic camera offerings of Sentry360. This camera line differs from competitors in key ways, with a broader line, increased resolution, and wider VMS support. We will look at"
Posted on Feb 15, 2012 for Sentry360
"In this update, we will examine the panoramic camera offerings of Sentry360. This camera line differs from competitors in key ways, with a broader line, increased resolution, and wider VMS support. We will look at"
Turning Smartphones into Surveillance Cameras
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 15, 2012 for DVTel
"An emerging surveillance trend is mobile apps allowing cameras embedded in smartphones to be used for surveillance, integrated, viewed and recorded by a VMS system. DVTel was first to announce this funct"
Posted on Feb 15, 2012 for DVTel
"An emerging surveillance trend is mobile apps allowing cameras embedded in smartphones to be used for surveillance, integrated, viewed and recorded by a VMS system. DVTel was first to announce this funct"
How to Handle Hard Drive Failures
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 14, 2012 for Storage
"No matter how well maintained a surveillance system is, hard drives eventually fail. Indeed, A recent member's poll showed that most find hard drive failures to be 'a common and significant problem'. Wh"
Posted on Feb 14, 2012 for Storage
"No matter how well maintained a surveillance system is, hard drives eventually fail. Indeed, A recent member's poll showed that most find hard drive failures to be 'a common and significant problem'. Wh"
How Doors Impact Access Control
Posted on Feb 14, 2012 for General
"Assuming every door can be secured with either a maglock or an electric strike can be a painful assumption in the field. While those items can be applied flexibly with various openings, there are occasions"
Posted on Feb 14, 2012 for General
"Assuming every door can be secured with either a maglock or an electric strike can be a painful assumption in the field. While those items can be applied flexibly with various openings, there are occasions"
LPR Warning Letters: Innovation or Privacy Invasion?
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 14, 2012 for Video Analytics
"A US city has devised an interesting strategy to combat drug usage: LPR cameras monitor vehicles going into and out of areas with high criminal activity, tracking vehicle usage patterns. Letters are sent to vehicl"
Posted on Feb 14, 2012 for Video Analytics
"A US city has devised an interesting strategy to combat drug usage: LPR cameras monitor vehicles going into and out of areas with high criminal activity, tracking vehicle usage patterns. Letters are sent to vehicl"
Monitoring Contracts Examined
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 13, 2012 for General
"Contracts for monitoring intrusion detection / alarm monitoring systems are one of the most fundamental elements of using such solutions. The terms and conditions in those contracts have a significant impact on th"
Posted on Feb 13, 2012 for General
"Contracts for monitoring intrusion detection / alarm monitoring systems are one of the most fundamental elements of using such solutions. The terms and conditions in those contracts have a significant impact on th"
Milestone Spring 2012 New Releases
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 13, 2012 for Milestone Systems
"Milestone has announced a number of new product versions including XProtect Corporate 5 and XProtect Smart Client 7 as well as an interesting new feature for using smart phones as surveillance cameras. In this not"
Posted on Feb 13, 2012 for Milestone Systems
"Milestone has announced a number of new product versions including XProtect Corporate 5 and XProtect Smart Client 7 as well as an interesting new feature for using smart phones as surveillance cameras. In this not"
Altronix eBridge Examined
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 13, 2012 for Other Companies
"While Ethernet over Coax (EoC) adapters have allowed existing analog camera cables to be reused for some time, they have seen limited adoption. The biggest hindrance to their widespread use is price, with most uni"
Posted on Feb 13, 2012 for Other Companies
"While Ethernet over Coax (EoC) adapters have allowed existing analog camera cables to be reused for some time, they have seen limited adoption. The biggest hindrance to their widespread use is price, with most uni"
Top Surveillance Storage Manufacturers
Posted on Feb 13, 2012 for Statistics
"Determining the right manufacturer to provide storage for your surveillance system is a fundamental, yet complicated choice. The choice significantly impacts cost, reliability and scalability of the overall system"
Posted on Feb 13, 2012 for Statistics
"Determining the right manufacturer to provide storage for your surveillance system is a fundamental, yet complicated choice. The choice significantly impacts cost, reliability and scalability of the overall system"
Reusing Existing Coax Cabling (EoC)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 10, 2012 for General
"The coaxial cables which transmit most analog CCTV video can be reused when migrating to IP cameras. The technology to do so, most often referred to as Ethernet over Coax (or EoC), is mature and available from a v"
Posted on Feb 10, 2012 for General
"The coaxial cables which transmit most analog CCTV video can be reused when migrating to IP cameras. The technology to do so, most often referred to as Ethernet over Coax (or EoC), is mature and available from a v"
OV Patent Infringement Claims
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 09, 2012 for ObjectVideo
"In this note, we review the key patents cited by ObjectVideo in their litigation against Bosch, Samsung and Sony, focusing on the most fundamental claims that can impact video surveillance applications.The specifi"
Posted on Feb 09, 2012 for ObjectVideo
"In this note, we review the key patents cited by ObjectVideo in their litigation against Bosch, Samsung and Sony, focusing on the most fundamental claims that can impact video surveillance applications.The specifi"
Q-Star Flashcam Examined
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 09, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Monitoring criminal hotspots, where graffiti, drug transactions, and dumping are taking place is a common need of municipalities. However, this can be challenging as criminals often target areas where lighting is "
Posted on Feb 09, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Monitoring criminal hotspots, where graffiti, drug transactions, and dumping are taking place is a common need of municipalities. However, this can be challenging as criminals often target areas where lighting is "
Convenience Store Robbery Surveillance Video
Posted on Feb 09, 2012 for Case Studies
"In this post, we examine actual surveillance video from recent robberies providing recommendations on key steps to improve surveillance quality in common surveillance scenarios.Police in Tampa have released video "
Posted on Feb 09, 2012 for Case Studies
"In this post, we examine actual surveillance video from recent robberies providing recommendations on key steps to improve surveillance quality in common surveillance scenarios.Police in Tampa have released video "
Digital Locks / eCylinder Tutorial
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 08, 2012 for General
"In some applications ‘traditional’ panel/controller based Electronic Access Control are difficult to justify the total cost. After the costs of hardware, cabling, installation, and training are all tallied, "
Posted on Feb 08, 2012 for General
"In some applications ‘traditional’ panel/controller based Electronic Access Control are difficult to justify the total cost. After the costs of hardware, cabling, installation, and training are all tallied, "
Pivot3 Raises $23 million / Refocuses
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 08, 2012 for Pivot3
"Last year, we raised concerns that Pivot3 was pivoting away from the surveillance business. Now, Pivot3 has raised a major fundraising round of $23 million lead by Samsung. In this note, we examine how this impact"
Posted on Feb 08, 2012 for Pivot3
"Last year, we raised concerns that Pivot3 was pivoting away from the surveillance business. Now, Pivot3 has raised a major fundraising round of $23 million lead by Samsung. In this note, we examine how this impact"
Sony Folds to OV Lawsuit
Posted on Feb 08, 2012 for ObjectVideo
"Bad news for the overall industry and perhaps the best news for ObjectVideo since their global litigation campaign began last year. Sony has folded their defense and entered into a patent license agreement wi"
Posted on Feb 08, 2012 for ObjectVideo
"Bad news for the overall industry and perhaps the best news for ObjectVideo since their global litigation campaign began last year. Sony has folded their defense and entered into a patent license agreement wi"
Big Security Hole in Surveillance Cameras
Posted on Feb 07, 2012 for Trendnet
"The mainstream press has been abuzz with an IP camera vulnerability that allows people from anywhere on the Internet to directly and easily access TRENDnet cameras without any authentication. In this note, we"
Posted on Feb 07, 2012 for Trendnet
"The mainstream press has been abuzz with an IP camera vulnerability that allows people from anywhere on the Internet to directly and easily access TRENDnet cameras without any authentication. In this note, we"
ACTi New Low Cost HD Cameras (TCM)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 07, 2012 for ACTi
"In the past two years, ACTi has struggled. As we saw last year, their growth has not kept pace with the overall IP camera market. Recent product releases have focused more on the higher end of the market"
Posted on Feb 07, 2012 for ACTi
"In the past two years, ACTi has struggled. As we saw last year, their growth has not kept pace with the overall IP camera market. Recent product releases have focused more on the higher end of the market"
Wireless Surveillance Market Size and Growth
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 07, 2012 for Wireless
"Our recent wireless surveillance usage statistics demonstrated that an extremely low percentage of cameras used wireless networks. This was surprising to many, even somewhat to ourselves, given the level of market"
Posted on Feb 07, 2012 for Wireless
"Our recent wireless surveillance usage statistics demonstrated that an extremely low percentage of cameras used wireless networks. This was surprising to many, even somewhat to ourselves, given the level of market"
Favorite Surveillance Storage Type
Posted on Feb 06, 2012 for Statistics
"When selecting storage for an IP surveillance system, there are four standard options: internal / direct-attached storage (DAS), network-attached storage (NAS), storage area networks (SAN), and on-camera edge stor"
Posted on Feb 06, 2012 for Statistics
"When selecting storage for an IP surveillance system, there are four standard options: internal / direct-attached storage (DAS), network-attached storage (NAS), storage area networks (SAN), and on-camera edge stor"
ONVIF New Profiles Reviewed (S)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 06, 2012 for Standards
"More than 1500 products are now ONVIF compliant but users cannot easily determine which features are supported by any given product. Features which many users would consider vital, such as PTZ control, the ab"
Posted on Feb 06, 2012 for Standards
"More than 1500 products are now ONVIF compliant but users cannot easily determine which features are supported by any given product. Features which many users would consider vital, such as PTZ control, the ab"
Milestone Shootout - Panasonic Best MP Camera
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 05, 2012 for Milestone Systems
"Panasonic is the winner of open platform VMS developer Milestone System's first camera shootout and the best all around HD/MP camera. In this note, we examine the results, looking at the procedure used, limit"
Posted on Feb 05, 2012 for Milestone Systems
"Panasonic is the winner of open platform VMS developer Milestone System's first camera shootout and the best all around HD/MP camera. In this note, we examine the results, looking at the procedure used, limit"
New IQeye 7 Series (76x)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 03, 2012 for IQinVision
"IQinVision has announced the latest release in the revamping of their camera line, with an update to the IQeye 7 Series cameras. In this update, we'll look at how these cameras compare to the previous 7"
Posted on Feb 03, 2012 for IQinVision
"IQinVision has announced the latest release in the revamping of their camera line, with an update to the IQeye 7 Series cameras. In this update, we'll look at how these cameras compare to the previous 7"
S2 Enters Surveillance Market
Posted on Feb 03, 2012 for S2 Security
"Convergence between access control and video is a growing trend. While historically, independent systems from different vendors would be intergrated together, recently, manufacturers are developing and deploying b"
Posted on Feb 03, 2012 for S2 Security
"Convergence between access control and video is a growing trend. While historically, independent systems from different vendors would be intergrated together, recently, manufacturers are developing and deploying b"
100% Video Analytics Accuracy?
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 02, 2012 for SightLogix
"In January 2012, analytic provider SightLogix announced its SightSensor intrusion detection analytics had been validated by the Transportation Safety Administration, providing "100% video analytics accuracy", a bo"
Posted on Feb 02, 2012 for SightLogix
"In January 2012, analytic provider SightLogix announced its SightSensor intrusion detection analytics had been validated by the Transportation Safety Administration, providing "100% video analytics accuracy", a bo"
AD to Pay Patent "Protection Money" to OV
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 02, 2012 for ObjectVideo
"ObjectVideo has signed a global patent licensing agreement with American Dynamics. This falls in the midst of Object Video's ongoing global litigation campaign against industry notables Bosch, Samsung and Sony. In"
Posted on Feb 02, 2012 for ObjectVideo
"ObjectVideo has signed a global patent licensing agreement with American Dynamics. This falls in the midst of Object Video's ongoing global litigation campaign against industry notables Bosch, Samsung and Sony. In"
Axis Slowing Growth - Q4 2011
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 02, 2012 for Axis
"The end of 2011 marked Axis's slowest growth quarter in more than 2 years plus the company offered pessimistic guidance for the short term. While Axis is still expanding notably, especially for its size, it is dow"
Posted on Feb 02, 2012 for Axis
"The end of 2011 marked Axis's slowest growth quarter in more than 2 years plus the company offered pessimistic guidance for the short term. While Axis is still expanding notably, especially for its size, it is dow"
First Covert MP Camera Released (Axis)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 01, 2012 for Axis
"Reliably capturing identification video of subjects, even under baseball caps and hoods is one of the common challenges of the industry. Mounting cameras at eye level provides the best chance of identification, bu"
Posted on Feb 01, 2012 for Axis
"Reliably capturing identification video of subjects, even under baseball caps and hoods is one of the common challenges of the industry. Mounting cameras at eye level provides the best chance of identification, bu"
Samsung Slaps ObjectVideo
(PRO Only)
Posted on Feb 01, 2012 for ObjectVideo
"The video analytic legal fight is heating up. Now, approaching a year of litigation with no end in sight, Samsung sharply criticized ObjectVideo for misuse of their source code. In this update, we examine the deba"
Posted on Feb 01, 2012 for ObjectVideo
"The video analytic legal fight is heating up. Now, approaching a year of litigation with no end in sight, Samsung sharply criticized ObjectVideo for misuse of their source code. In this update, we examine the deba"
Cat 5e vs. Cat 6 for IP Cameras?
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 31, 2012 for Case Studies
"What cabling should you use for IP cameras? Cat 5e or Cat6? Spend any time talking to cabling professionals these days, and they'll tell you that Category 6 cabling is the only way to go in any new applicatio"
Posted on Jan 31, 2012 for Case Studies
"What cabling should you use for IP cameras? Cat 5e or Cat6? Spend any time talking to cabling professionals these days, and they'll tell you that Category 6 cabling is the only way to go in any new applicatio"
IndigoVision Takeover Talks Terminated
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 31, 2012 for IndigoVision
"A wild two month period for IndigoVision may be at an end. Recently, we reported that IndigoVision's CEO 'resigned' and then led an effort to take back the company. Now, as the parties have announced those talks h"
Posted on Jan 31, 2012 for IndigoVision
"A wild two month period for IndigoVision may be at an end. Recently, we reported that IndigoVision's CEO 'resigned' and then led an effort to take back the company. Now, as the parties have announced those talks h"
Estimating IP Camera Cabling Costs
Posted on Jan 30, 2012 for General
"Cabling is a fundamental, yet often overlooked, component of any surveillance project. Indeed, often estimating cabling costs can be more difficult than camera pricing as cabling frequently faces difficult to dete"
Posted on Jan 30, 2012 for General
"Cabling is a fundamental, yet often overlooked, component of any surveillance project. Indeed, often estimating cabling costs can be more difficult than camera pricing as cabling frequently faces difficult to dete"
March Mobile Overview
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 30, 2012 for March Networks
"In this update, we will examine the mobile recording offering of surveillance provider March Networks.Product OverviewThe March mobile recorder line consists of two models, the 5412 twelve-channel model, and the e"
Posted on Jan 30, 2012 for March Networks
"In this update, we will examine the mobile recording offering of surveillance provider March Networks.Product OverviewThe March mobile recorder line consists of two models, the 5412 twelve-channel model, and the e"
Cooling Surveillance Systems
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 30, 2012 for General
"A recent IPVM LinkedIn survey and discussion addressed the topic of “How often, if ever, do you add additional cooling measures to rack/equipment rooms?” The survey results show that 70% of the respondents re"
Posted on Jan 30, 2012 for General
"A recent IPVM LinkedIn survey and discussion addressed the topic of “How often, if ever, do you add additional cooling measures to rack/equipment rooms?” The survey results show that 70% of the respondents re"
Manufacturer's #1 Complaint: Integrator Errors
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 29, 2012 for General
"I have never seen manufacturers so passionate nor united than on the topic of integrator error. In our recent debate about manufacturer product failures, the most consistent rejoinder was, 'yeah but most of the pr"
Posted on Jan 29, 2012 for General
"I have never seen manufacturers so passionate nor united than on the topic of integrator error. In our recent debate about manufacturer product failures, the most consistent rejoinder was, 'yeah but most of the pr"
Louroe Audio Surveillance Review
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 29, 2012 for Other Companies
"When discussing audio for security applications, Louroe Electronics is normally the first name that comes up. In previous discussions on our LinkedIn group, nearly every member commented support for Louroe. In thi"
Posted on Jan 29, 2012 for Other Companies
"When discussing audio for security applications, Louroe Electronics is normally the first name that comes up. In previous discussions on our LinkedIn group, nearly every member commented support for Louroe. In thi"
Wireless Surveillance Usage Statistics
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 28, 2012 for Wireless
"How much wireless is being used in video surveillance? While wireless becomes more and more ubiquitious for smart phones and tablets, what is its uptake in the video surveillance market. In this note, we examine u"
Posted on Jan 28, 2012 for Wireless
"How much wireless is being used in video surveillance? While wireless becomes more and more ubiquitious for smart phones and tablets, what is its uptake in the video surveillance market. In this note, we examine u"
Hard Drive Failure Statistics
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 27, 2012 for Statistics
"Hard drive failures are possibly the number one reason for lost video in the surveillance industry. To get a better idea of how long drives last in the field and most common causes of failure, we asked two qu"
Posted on Jan 27, 2012 for Statistics
"Hard drive failures are possibly the number one reason for lost video in the surveillance industry. To get a better idea of how long drives last in the field and most common causes of failure, we asked two qu"
Armored Car Robbery Video Examined
Posted on Jan 26, 2012 for Case Studies
"Continuing our analysis of real-world surveillance video, in this update, we look at video released after a the attempted robbery of an armored truck driver as he serviced an ATM. Very little footage of the robber"
Posted on Jan 26, 2012 for Case Studies
"Continuing our analysis of real-world surveillance video, in this update, we look at video released after a the attempted robbery of an armored truck driver as he serviced an ATM. Very little footage of the robber"
Tri-Ed's Terrible Advice
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 25, 2012 for General
"Tri-Ed / Northern Video is not exactly known for being the highest end or most sophisticated distributor. However, even for them, their recent advice to analog holdouts is quite bad. In this note, we examine their"
Posted on Jan 25, 2012 for General
"Tri-Ed / Northern Video is not exactly known for being the highest end or most sophisticated distributor. However, even for them, their recent advice to analog holdouts is quite bad. In this note, we examine their"
Calling Out Manufacturer Failures
Posted on Jan 24, 2012 for General
"Serious problems with surveillance products are commonplace - from cameras dying out of the box to significant VMS bugs causing unstable systems. These problems cause real pain for both integrators and end users. "
Posted on Jan 24, 2012 for General
"Serious problems with surveillance products are commonplace - from cameras dying out of the box to significant VMS bugs causing unstable systems. These problems cause real pain for both integrators and end users. "
PTZ Usage Statistics
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 24, 2012 for IP Cameras
"How many PTZs are actually used? What's normal? These are especially interesting questions as multi megapixel adoption continues to grow. Inside this note, we examine survey results of 100 international integrator"
Posted on Jan 24, 2012 for IP Cameras
"How many PTZs are actually used? What's normal? These are especially interesting questions as multi megapixel adoption continues to grow. Inside this note, we examine survey results of 100 international integrator"
Convergence Bandwagon Collapsing
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 24, 2012 for Convergence
"For years, pundits have declared the imminence of convergence. Now, a recent Information Week survey declares to the contrary, "The wheels have officially come off the security convergence bandwagon". This survey "
Posted on Jan 24, 2012 for Convergence
"For years, pundits have declared the imminence of convergence. Now, a recent Information Week survey declares to the contrary, "The wheels have officially come off the security convergence bandwagon". This survey "
UPS Deployment Statistics
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 24, 2012 for Statistics
"Providing backup power for equipment is generally accepted as best practice in surveillance systems. An unexpected power loss can result in lost video or create issues when servers or DVRs are shut down unexpected"
Posted on Jan 24, 2012 for Statistics
"Providing backup power for equipment is generally accepted as best practice in surveillance systems. An unexpected power loss can result in lost video or create issues when servers or DVRs are shut down unexpected"
Cabin Security System
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 23, 2012 for Case Studies
"A PRO member recently asked for recommendations to secure a cabin in a remote location, with no power or internet connectivity. We posed the question on LinkedIn, discussing a number of options. In this update, we"
Posted on Jan 23, 2012 for Case Studies
"A PRO member recently asked for recommendations to secure a cabin in a remote location, with no power or internet connectivity. We posed the question on LinkedIn, discussing a number of options. In this update, we"
Dropcam HD VSaaS Examined
(PRO Only)
Posted on Jan 23, 2012 for SaaS
"Last October, Dropcam received an investment of nearly $6 Million, the largest funding any VSaaS provider has yet received. Now, Dropcam has announced its first major new product in nearly 2 years. The new HDcamer"
Posted on Jan 23, 2012 for SaaS
"Last October, Dropcam received an investment of nearly $6 Million, the largest funding any VSaaS provider has yet received. Now, Dropcam has announced its first major new product in nearly 2 years. The new HDcamer"