This is different. Not sure where this would be appealing or not.
Video:
My main concern is that the camera is so overt (and designed to be so). It could be a US thing but having a camera right in a customer's face would generally be a negative.
Also, MSRP $889, even after dealer discount, etc. that's still pretty damn expensive.
That said, different applications or cultures, perhaps...
What do you think?
Just a bit of background: The original concept of this camera was for use at an interview station where the employee was behind a barrier. We have since found applications in Financial institutions and other locations where there are benefits to somewhat visible surveillance, and the optional Audio channel.
The unit has a standard 1/4" twist mount, and so is compatible with a multitude of 3rd party mounts, beyond the ones ACTi is offering.
As far as MSRP goes, well, I highly suggest reaching out to a Distributor or ACTi sales rep to get a more realistic cost.
...having a camera right in a customer's face would generally be a negative.
Ditto for a "powerful microphone" in a customer's face.
But even worse is when it's not in your face, say you are 2nd or 3rd in the bank line, and you and your SO are unaware that your discreet discussion about your finances is being monitored/recorded and analyzed.
So I think some sort of major disclosure would be necessary there. Adding to the chilling effect.
Maybe they could equip the thing with a "powerful sound sensor" instead of a microphone, capable of capturing intensity without enough resolution to decipher conversations. But then so much for the Manager coming up to speed on the situation quickly.
An overt camera doesn't mean people are aware that audio is being recorded in any effect, so I wonder what it says in their terms and conditions...
No doubt something like, "check your local laws" and don't do anything illegal...
I've seen cameras like this used in banking. I was surprised. No audio though.
The audio is very easy to disable, but absolutely the Dealer and End User need to know and comply with the locals laws regarding Audio recording. There is wide variation on this across the country.
In my personal opinion, that's going to change radically over the next few years, and the day is not far off when audio recording as part of a surveillance system will be standard. You will have no expectation of audio privacy in public, anymore than you have the expectation of not having your image recorded.
...the Dealer and End User need to know and comply with the locals laws regarding Audio recording. There is wide variation on this across the country.
There may be variation, but I don't believe you will find anywhere in the US that allows citizens to record private conversations that they are not a party to. And if the "powerful microphone" is enabled, I don't see how you could avoid it happening at least sometimes.
HAWAII has a "one party" rule the last time I checked. As long as the teller knows and that could be handled by the employee handbook. Other states are far more restrictive.
What I have never heard defined is a person in Hawaii for example being monitored by someone in a more restrictive state???? What are all the wiretap laws and crossing state lines that could apply!
....but I don't believe you will find anywhere in the US that allows citizens to record private conversations that they are not a party to.
More states than not are "one party". No states are "zero party".
Full Disclosure: I am not a lawyer, don't want to be one, and have never played one on TV.
A quick review online for Washington State shows that it is a Two Party Consent state. The legal opinions seem to agree that Signage or an audible announcement (either must be reproduced on the recording - so the sign would need be visible in the field of view) constitutes consent.
This lines up with work experience in the northwest for 20+ years selling Audio surveillance gear to go with CCTV and now IP Video systems.
Your mileage may vary. And it may vary A LOT if it was engineered by VolksWagen.
an audible announcement... ...constitutes consent.
"For the best customer service, your conversations may be monitored or recorded."
"For even better service your image and voice will be recorded" and that usually makes a legal difference as well as a customer perception.
At first I thought they are pitching analytics that detect customers wait time in line and alert management to open more registers. From my experience, this is a bigger and more common problem to solve.
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