US vs the World: Megapixel Race
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 26, 2012 for Megapixel Cameras
"An IPVM global survey reveals startling differences in opinion on the desire for higher resolution between the United States and the rest of the world. Recently, this has become a hot topic with Axis declaring the"
Posted on Oct 26, 2012 for Megapixel Cameras
"An IPVM global survey reveals startling differences in opinion on the desire for higher resolution between the United States and the rest of the world. Recently, this has become a hot topic with Axis declaring the"
Test Your Access Control Knowledge
Posted on Oct 26, 2012 for Access Control
"How well do you know electronic access control? Do you understand maglocks, mullions, strikes, biometrics, card choices and more? Test yourself now with this 15 question online quiz. &am"
Posted on Oct 26, 2012 for Access Control
"How well do you know electronic access control? Do you understand maglocks, mullions, strikes, biometrics, card choices and more? Test yourself now with this 15 question online quiz. &am"
Bullet Resistant Cameras Reviewed
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 25, 2012 for General
"Shooting cameras is the surest way to disable them, and criminals know this. Most factory housings can endure getting smacked by a ball or even small rocks, but they are no match for bullets. In areas where gunfir"
Posted on Oct 25, 2012 for General
"Shooting cameras is the surest way to disable them, and criminals know this. Most factory housings can endure getting smacked by a ball or even small rocks, but they are no match for bullets. In areas where gunfir"
Everyone's Going 360
Posted on Oct 24, 2012 for Megapixel Cameras
"For more than a decade, panoramic cameras have been the next big thing (remember IPIX?). However, adoption struggled for year, but now new product options and integrations are increasing their acceptance. In this "
Posted on Oct 24, 2012 for Megapixel Cameras
"For more than a decade, panoramic cameras have been the next big thing (remember IPIX?). However, adoption struggled for year, but now new product options and integrations are increasing their acceptance. In this "
IPVMU Class 7 - PPF / Quality
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 24, 2012 for General
"Each week, the IPVM University Advanced Surveillance Course has two classes where we talk with attendees LIVE to help answer their questions and improve their knowledge. The class below is on pixels per foot / spe"
Posted on Oct 24, 2012 for General
"Each week, the IPVM University Advanced Surveillance Course has two classes where we talk with attendees LIVE to help answer their questions and improve their knowledge. The class below is on pixels per foot / spe"
Bad News for Face Recognition (FTC)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 23, 2012 for Video Analytics
"Cold water is being thrown on renewed dreams of using facial recognition and demographic analysis. This time it is coming from an unlikely source and country. The United States Federal Trade Commission has issued "
Posted on Oct 23, 2012 for Video Analytics
"Cold water is being thrown on renewed dreams of using facial recognition and demographic analysis. This time it is coming from an unlikely source and country. The United States Federal Trade Commission has issued "
Documenting Camera Layout
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 23, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Documenting camera layouts can be important: Ensuring that you have a realistic field of view that covers the area you want with the sufficient coverage Understanding what gaps in coverage you might have and w"
Posted on Oct 23, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Documenting camera layouts can be important: Ensuring that you have a realistic field of view that covers the area you want with the sufficient coverage Understanding what gaps in coverage you might have and w"
Axis Goes Panoramic (M3007-P)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 23, 2012 for Axis
"While fisheye panoramic cameras have been around for more than a decade, over the last few years momentum has accelerated with a number of new entrants. Now, Axis is launching its own panoramic camera - the M3007,"
Posted on Oct 23, 2012 for Axis
"While fisheye panoramic cameras have been around for more than a decade, over the last few years momentum has accelerated with a number of new entrants. Now, Axis is launching its own panoramic camera - the M3007,"
Axis vs Mobotix
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 22, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Axis and Mobotix are two of the biggest and oldest IP camera manufacturers yet their approaches are nearly mirror opposites. Based on an integrator member's request, in this note, we review the key structural diff"
Posted on Oct 22, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Axis and Mobotix are two of the biggest and oldest IP camera manufacturers yet their approaches are nearly mirror opposites. Based on an integrator member's request, in this note, we review the key structural diff"
4 Key Considerations for Camera Layouts
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 21, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Even once you know what you to monitor - the front door, the safe, the parking lot, etc. - how to layout cameras can be tricky. In this note, we explain the 4 fundamental considerations for camera layouts: Fiel"
Posted on Oct 21, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Even once you know what you to monitor - the front door, the safe, the parking lot, etc. - how to layout cameras can be tricky. In this note, we explain the 4 fundamental considerations for camera layouts: Fiel"
Logistical Challenges in Camera Layouts
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 21, 2012 for General
"The perfect spot for installing a camera may be infeasible or impossible to install. Lots of logistical challenges force cameras to be mounted in less than ideal conditions. In this note, we review the most common"
Posted on Oct 21, 2012 for General
"The perfect spot for installing a camera may be infeasible or impossible to install. Lots of logistical challenges force cameras to be mounted in less than ideal conditions. In this note, we review the most common"
360 / Panoramic Cameras Selection
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 20, 2012 for Megapixel Cameras
"A number of important considerations should be factored in when selecting Panoramic / 360 degree cameras. Key ones include: (1) limited VMS support, (2) low light issues, (3) Wide Dynamic Range problems, (4) pixel"
Posted on Oct 20, 2012 for Megapixel Cameras
"A number of important considerations should be factored in when selecting Panoramic / 360 degree cameras. Key ones include: (1) limited VMS support, (2) low light issues, (3) Wide Dynamic Range problems, (4) pixel"
Depth of Field Tutorial
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 20, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Ignore depth of field concerns for 95%+ of surveillance applications, despite what you hear. While this is a common consideration in digital photography, its goals and logistics differ. In this note, we explain th"
Posted on Oct 20, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Ignore depth of field concerns for 95%+ of surveillance applications, despite what you hear. While this is a common consideration in digital photography, its goals and logistics differ. In this note, we explain th"
Rodent Proof Cabling
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 19, 2012 for General
"The biggest risk to your surveillance systems can be from the smallest threats. Cabling that connects and powers cameras is quite vulnerable, but often nothing is done to protect it from being damaged by insects a"
Posted on Oct 19, 2012 for General
"The biggest risk to your surveillance systems can be from the smallest threats. Cabling that connects and powers cameras is quite vulnerable, but often nothing is done to protect it from being damaged by insects a"
PR Person Starved for Attention
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 19, 2012 for General
"I must admit I have a new favorite security blog. It's such a guilty pleasure but in an industry like ours that offers so few geniune public opinions, it is a winner. The most recent entry explores how the company"
Posted on Oct 19, 2012 for General
"I must admit I have a new favorite security blog. It's such a guilty pleasure but in an industry like ours that offers so few geniune public opinions, it is a winner. The most recent entry explores how the company"
Weak Growth Resumes for Axis (Q3 2012)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 18, 2012 for Axis
"Bad news for Axis alone or bad sign for the entire market? Now, for three of the last four quarters, Axis has turned in weak growth. In this note, we dig into the trend, the issues and Axis's plan for the future. "
Posted on Oct 18, 2012 for Axis
"Bad news for Axis alone or bad sign for the entire market? Now, for three of the last four quarters, Axis has turned in weak growth. In this note, we dig into the trend, the issues and Axis's plan for the future. "
Avigilon to be $500 Million Company in 2016?
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 17, 2012 for Avigilon
"Avigilon will be a $500 million company in 2016. So says their CEO. Can they do it? Can a company on pace for ~$100 million revenue this year, increase 500% in just 4 years? Not only that but can the company beco"
Posted on Oct 17, 2012 for Avigilon
"Avigilon will be a $500 million company in 2016. So says their CEO. Can they do it? Can a company on pace for ~$100 million revenue this year, increase 500% in just 4 years? Not only that but can the company beco"
New: Mapping Line Tester (MapMaster 2.0)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 17, 2012 for General
"A new cable testset delivers advanced features at a fractional cost of competitive offerings. However, while the set offers over 15 different tests, how many are useful to the average video installer? Does the too"
Posted on Oct 17, 2012 for General
"A new cable testset delivers advanced features at a fractional cost of competitive offerings. However, while the set offers over 15 different tests, how many are useful to the average video installer? Does the too"
Alarm Sensor That Needs No Panel
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 16, 2012 for Intrusion Detection
"A new alarm sensor claims to need no alarm panel. By integrating a common motion detector and a GSM dialer, Alpha Aresenal's Express GSM sensor 'take the complexity out of alarm systems' by simply hanging it where"
Posted on Oct 16, 2012 for Intrusion Detection
"A new alarm sensor claims to need no alarm panel. By integrating a common motion detector and a GSM dialer, Alpha Aresenal's Express GSM sensor 'take the complexity out of alarm systems' by simply hanging it where"
The World's Smartest Smoke Detector?
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 16, 2012 for General
"False smoke alarms kill. When 'traditional' smoke alarms are tripped by false sources like steam or weather changed, many people resort to disabling them to prevent annoyance. Thanks to a new type of sensor, a man"
Posted on Oct 16, 2012 for General
"False smoke alarms kill. When 'traditional' smoke alarms are tripped by false sources like steam or weather changed, many people resort to disabling them to prevent annoyance. Thanks to a new type of sensor, a man"
World's Best Alarm System Guarantees?
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 15, 2012 for Intrusion Detection
"In the cut-throat intrusion alarms industry, guarantees can make or break deals. Few companies have guarantee policies as bold as ADT, who issue several incredible promises, including $500 reimbursement if a theft"
Posted on Oct 15, 2012 for Intrusion Detection
"In the cut-throat intrusion alarms industry, guarantees can make or break deals. Few companies have guarantee policies as bold as ADT, who issue several incredible promises, including $500 reimbursement if a theft"
Arecont's Magical Marketing Exposed
Posted on Oct 15, 2012 for Arecont Vision
"Megapixel cameras are magical and if you don't believe it, let the fine folks at Arecont show you how. Some people say, "Megapixel cameras are great but how much more benefit do they have over SD?" Well, Arecont "
Posted on Oct 15, 2012 for Arecont Vision
"Megapixel cameras are magical and if you don't believe it, let the fine folks at Arecont show you how. Some people say, "Megapixel cameras are great but how much more benefit do they have over SD?" Well, Arecont "
F-Stop Tutorial
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 14, 2012 for IP Cameras
"To understand low light surveillance, appreciating the importance and role of the f-stop metric is critical. In this tutorial, we explain: Why minidomes and other small form factor cameras typically have far wo"
Posted on Oct 14, 2012 for IP Cameras
"To understand low light surveillance, appreciating the importance and role of the f-stop metric is critical. In this tutorial, we explain: Why minidomes and other small form factor cameras typically have far wo"
IPVM Testing Program Update
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 14, 2012 for General
"We are finalizing major improvements to IPVM's testing program. In this note, we explain what they are, how testing will change and what to expect in our expanded program. Background Over the last 3 years, we ha"
Posted on Oct 14, 2012 for General
"We are finalizing major improvements to IPVM's testing program. In this note, we explain what they are, how testing will change and what to expect in our expanded program. Background Over the last 3 years, we ha"
Focusing Tutorial
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 13, 2012 for IP Cameras
"This tutorial explains the fundamentals of focusing including: The two fundamental controls - fine focus and zoom How and where to focus Field issues Options for auto focusing We focus on varifocal lenses"
Posted on Oct 13, 2012 for IP Cameras
"This tutorial explains the fundamentals of focusing including: The two fundamental controls - fine focus and zoom How and where to focus Field issues Options for auto focusing We focus on varifocal lenses"
3VR Demographic Analytics (Gender / Age)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 12, 2012 for 3VR
"What if your recorder could automatically identify people as well as their gender and age? 3VR claims they can do this with their new demographics feature. In this note, we examine how it works, its limitations an"
Posted on Oct 12, 2012 for 3VR
"What if your recorder could automatically identify people as well as their gender and age? 3VR claims they can do this with their new demographics feature. In this note, we examine how it works, its limitations an"
Sucker Punch Surveillance
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 11, 2012 for Case Studies
"A vicious, out of nowhere, attack on a Pennsylvania high school teacher demonstrates the power of surveillance while raising important social issues. A group of teens walk past a teacher as one jumps out and pu"
Posted on Oct 11, 2012 for Case Studies
"A vicious, out of nowhere, attack on a Pennsylvania high school teacher demonstrates the power of surveillance while raising important social issues. A group of teens walk past a teacher as one jumps out and pu"
Cabling Best Practices Guide
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 11, 2012 for General
"Surveillance cabling is often a "rat's nest." Nothing adversely impacts system reliability more than a poorly installed or maintained network. Furthermore, troubleshooting problems is a costly, length, frustrating"
Posted on Oct 11, 2012 for General
"Surveillance cabling is often a "rat's nest." Nothing adversely impacts system reliability more than a poorly installed or maintained network. Furthermore, troubleshooting problems is a costly, length, frustrating"
LPR Providers Overview
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 10, 2012 for Video Analytics
"License Plate Recognition is the most successful of all video analytic systems (sure, faint praise but still). In this note, we overview 8 different LPR providers from around the world and provide guidance on the "
Posted on Oct 10, 2012 for Video Analytics
"License Plate Recognition is the most successful of all video analytic systems (sure, faint praise but still). In this note, we overview 8 different LPR providers from around the world and provide guidance on the "
Arecont Tests Firmware
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 10, 2012 for Arecont Vision
"The tech gods must be smiling at the recent Arecont Vision 'news'. The brave journalists at Security Products traveled all the way to Germany to get this scoop, presented below: I wondered if there could be anyth"
Posted on Oct 10, 2012 for Arecont Vision
"The tech gods must be smiling at the recent Arecont Vision 'news'. The brave journalists at Security Products traveled all the way to Germany to get this scoop, presented below: I wondered if there could be anyth"
Minidomes vs Full Size Domes
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 09, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Not too long ago, dome cameras were huge, fitting a full-size box camera into a large protective bubble. The move to "minidomes" changed that, cutting their size in half or smaller. Now, the definition of "mini" h"
Posted on Oct 09, 2012 for IP Cameras
"Not too long ago, dome cameras were huge, fitting a full-size box camera into a large protective bubble. The move to "minidomes" changed that, cutting their size in half or smaller. Now, the definition of "mini" h"
Cable Installation Gun (LaserLine)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 09, 2012 for General
"Not many think shooting a gun can reduce labor costs. However, that is exactly the claim made by LaserLine, a tool for shooting pull lines over long distances. The company claims to make quick and easy work of a d"
Posted on Oct 09, 2012 for General
"Not many think shooting a gun can reduce labor costs. However, that is exactly the claim made by LaserLine, a tool for shooting pull lines over long distances. The company claims to make quick and easy work of a d"
PPF vs Lighting Variances
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 09, 2012 for General
"A major flaw in using Pixels Per Foot (PPF) to specify surveillance cameras is how easily the metric is undermined. Theoretically, you should specify a PPF number, say 50, and know that you will be able to capture"
Posted on Oct 09, 2012 for General
"A major flaw in using Pixels Per Foot (PPF) to specify surveillance cameras is how easily the metric is undermined. Theoretically, you should specify a PPF number, say 50, and know that you will be able to capture"
Revolutionary Door Lock? (Lockitron)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 08, 2012 for Access Control
"This could be the biggest thing to hit access control in years. A Silicon Valley startup has developed a low cost 'smart' adapter for existing locks allowing users to remotely open and close their door from their "
Posted on Oct 08, 2012 for Access Control
"This could be the biggest thing to hit access control in years. A Silicon Valley startup has developed a low cost 'smart' adapter for existing locks allowing users to remotely open and close their door from their "
ASIS Financials Investigated
Posted on Oct 08, 2012 for General
"Nonprofit ASIS International has richly compensated executives, driven primarily by promotional payments from vendors, and supported by numerous security experts who volunteer at paid ASIS events. In this report, "
Posted on Oct 08, 2012 for General
"Nonprofit ASIS International has richly compensated executives, driven primarily by promotional payments from vendors, and supported by numerous security experts who volunteer at paid ASIS events. In this report, "
Who's #1 Online for Video Surveillance?
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 06, 2012 for Convergence
"Who's #1 online for video surveillance? You'll never guess. I can pretty much guarantee that. Are you thinking old school? Pelco? No. How about new school? Axis? Wrong again. Perhaps it's the Wikipedia page for"
Posted on Oct 06, 2012 for Convergence
"Who's #1 online for video surveillance? You'll never guess. I can pretty much guarantee that. Are you thinking old school? Pelco? No. How about new school? Axis? Wrong again. Perhaps it's the Wikipedia page for"
Security Breach Case Study: A Literal Key to NY City
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 05, 2012 for General
"How much would it take to bring a city to it's knees? How about $150? It sounds impossible, but that is exactly what has happened in NYC. A major security vulnerability has been exposed with a simple set of keys -"
Posted on Oct 05, 2012 for General
"How much would it take to bring a city to it's knees? How about $150? It sounds impossible, but that is exactly what has happened in NYC. A major security vulnerability has been exposed with a simple set of keys -"
Extreme HD PTZ Series (Moog/Videolarm)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 04, 2012 for General
"Want a bullet resistant, pressurized or explosion proof High Definition PTZ? Until today, one had to buy a third party enclosure and assemble it themself. Now, Specialty housings manufacturer Moog/Videolarm&n"
Posted on Oct 04, 2012 for General
"Want a bullet resistant, pressurized or explosion proof High Definition PTZ? Until today, one had to buy a third party enclosure and assemble it themself. Now, Specialty housings manufacturer Moog/Videolarm&n"
DANGER: BRS Labs Goes Pre-Crime
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 04, 2012 for BRS Labs
"Big Brother - A selling point, human rights violation or both? Controversial video analytic supplier BRS Labs is pushing forward with its most aggressive marketing ever, embracing the 'Pre-Crime' mantle of science"
Posted on Oct 04, 2012 for BRS Labs
"Big Brother - A selling point, human rights violation or both? Controversial video analytic supplier BRS Labs is pushing forward with its most aggressive marketing ever, embracing the 'Pre-Crime' mantle of science"
The World's Smallest Minidome?
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 04, 2012 for Axis
"The quest for the world's smallest minidome continues. Whether for aesthetic or security purposes, unobtrusive domes are in demand. Axis' recently-announced P12 may fill this need, with a line of accessories inten"
Posted on Oct 04, 2012 for Axis
"The quest for the world's smallest minidome continues. Whether for aesthetic or security purposes, unobtrusive domes are in demand. Axis' recently-announced P12 may fill this need, with a line of accessories inten"
The UK's Gone Mad
Posted on Oct 03, 2012 for General
"Surveillance cameras are putting human rights at risk, blares a UK government official, a UK newspaper and the venerable BBC, creating an uproar of protests online. Unfortunately, the technical claims underlying "
Posted on Oct 03, 2012 for General
"Surveillance cameras are putting human rights at risk, blares a UK government official, a UK newspaper and the venerable BBC, creating an uproar of protests online. Unfortunately, the technical claims underlying "
LPR Privacy Problems Reviewed
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 03, 2012 for Video Analytics
"The Wall Street Journal has released a detailed investigative report that raises significant concerns about privacy threats from the growing use of license plate recognition (LPR, often called ANPR outside of the "
Posted on Oct 03, 2012 for Video Analytics
"The Wall Street Journal has released a detailed investigative report that raises significant concerns about privacy threats from the growing use of license plate recognition (LPR, often called ANPR outside of the "
Scare Off Burglars with FakeTV?
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 03, 2012 for General
"What if a gadget that cost the same as one's month alarm monitoring charge could scare off burglars? That's the claim of a new product called FakeTV - a device whose entire aim is to cast a glow mimicking a t"
Posted on Oct 03, 2012 for General
"What if a gadget that cost the same as one's month alarm monitoring charge could scare off burglars? That's the claim of a new product called FakeTV - a device whose entire aim is to cast a glow mimicking a t"
Test Your Video Surveillance Knowledge v1
Posted on Oct 03, 2012 for General
"How well do you know IP Video Surveillance? Here is our first in a series on online tests for you. Each test will be 10 questions long and cover a variety of technical and design aspects of video surveillance base"
Posted on Oct 03, 2012 for General
"How well do you know IP Video Surveillance? Here is our first in a series on online tests for you. Each test will be 10 questions long and cover a variety of technical and design aspects of video surveillance base"
NFC: Not Ready for Primetime
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 02, 2012 for Access Control
"NFC continues to be the biggest buzzword in access control. HID, the principal manufacturer of the technology for EAC applications, is eager to evangelize its benefits every chance it gets. In this ASIS webinar, H"
Posted on Oct 02, 2012 for Access Control
"NFC continues to be the biggest buzzword in access control. HID, the principal manufacturer of the technology for EAC applications, is eager to evangelize its benefits every chance it gets. In this ASIS webinar, H"
Next Generation Intercoms (Stentofon Turbine)
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 02, 2012 for Access Control
"Just like IP cameras, IP intercoms are getting more sophisticated. In the olds days, it might have been little more than a microphone and speaker in a box but increasingly they are becoming powerful computing appl"
Posted on Oct 02, 2012 for Access Control
"Just like IP cameras, IP intercoms are getting more sophisticated. In the olds days, it might have been little more than a microphone and speaker in a box but increasingly they are becoming powerful computing appl"
Lenel's New VMS: PRISM
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 01, 2012 for General
"A few years ago, Lenel OEM'ed OnSSI (who OEM's Milestone, etc). Now, Lenel is changing the way it does VMS by introducing a new product named PRISM. Unlike previous offerings, PRISM has been developed internally b"
Posted on Oct 01, 2012 for General
"A few years ago, Lenel OEM'ed OnSSI (who OEM's Milestone, etc). Now, Lenel is changing the way it does VMS by introducing a new product named PRISM. Unlike previous offerings, PRISM has been developed internally b"
Genetec Access Control - What Happened to the SMC?
(PRO Only)
Posted on Oct 01, 2012 for Genetec
"While most view Genetec as a VMS company, they have offered an electronic access control platform, named Synergis for years. However, with slow development relative to Omnicast and Security Center, how commit"
Posted on Oct 01, 2012 for Genetec
"While most view Genetec as a VMS company, they have offered an electronic access control platform, named Synergis for years. However, with slow development relative to Omnicast and Security Center, how commit"
Axis Declares Megapixel Race Over!
Posted on Oct 01, 2012 for Megapixel Cameras
"It's Over! The race for more megapixels and higher resolution is no more, according to IP camera gorilla Axis - whose top resolution for most cameras is 720p/1.3MP and who has no cameras supporting more than 5MP. "
Posted on Oct 01, 2012 for Megapixel Cameras
"It's Over! The race for more megapixels and higher resolution is no more, according to IP camera gorilla Axis - whose top resolution for most cameras is 720p/1.3MP and who has no cameras supporting more than 5MP. "
Advanced Surveillance Course Details Overview
Posted on Sep 30, 2012 for General
"This 4 minute video overviews the 6 key components of the IPVM Advanced Video Surveillance course explaining the use of pre-class quizes, weekly assessments, live webinars, online forums, final projects and more. "
Posted on Sep 30, 2012 for General
"This 4 minute video overviews the 6 key components of the IPVM Advanced Video Surveillance course explaining the use of pre-class quizes, weekly assessments, live webinars, online forums, final projects and more. "