Idea: Should IPVM Open An Online Lab?
We are thinking of opening an online lab that would allow members to connect and try out various manufacturer's cameras and VMSes.
The idea is that many people are interested in more manufacturers and models than they want (or can reasonably) buy.
By contrast, IPVM has bought 50, maybe 100 unique camera models from 30+ manufacturers. And we buy more every month.
We could make these cameras available. We could also put web based controls to adjust lighting, control motion, etc.
This would let you try out and experiment with different devices, help learn more about how they work, etc.
So what do you think?
Vote:
Wow. How cool would that be. Also a good way to show clients what they can expect.
Where would you host such a lab? I suspect a lot of upstream bandwidth would be consumed by the site.
Excellent Initiative !
...But if I go to Anixter's Lab, I could possibly get a nice steak dinner and possibly get awesome seats 2 or 3 rows behind the catcher at Wrigley Field (Season Tickets) plus be on TV for a majority of the game. Being on TV would prove to my friends and family that I'm an important business person.
This would be a great Idea to test other solutions/cameras/funcionalities along with a good scheduling tool and time-based slots.
About ppl and manufactures using it to show that their cameras/vms are better than the others, well I think this would surely happens but then its over the web, you have bandwidth issue, you could also hide some settings, etc...
And..... at least down here, most of the customers only beleive if they see it in person or with a PoC.
Though undoubtably a novel and noble idea, on reflection, it seems like more than a minor effort, and quite possibly a major pain in the ass. I'm sure that John wouldn't suggest it unless he thought he and the team could do it well, and they are certainly capable of executing.
But its not just like plugging in 96 cameras into a couple of switches in a room with a ip controlled dimmer/blinds and an electric train and walking away. That might be somewhat possible in a pure learning/experimentation scenario, with a "it is what it is" mentality. However, there is a huge difference in asking the question "i wonder how much better WDR cameras are than non-WDR", than "Is the Axis ABC with XYZ with better in low-light than the Bosch..."
The temptation to try to perform ad-hoc shootouts for specific situations/oppurtunities will be great, and attempting to facilitate them might be quite labor intensive. As in:
- How do I try the lens from that IPVM shootout?
- Can I upgrade/rollback the firmware?
- How do I get the same scene in camera X as Y?
- How do I record these clips?
- Is there a license plate/face available?
- How do I adjust a vari-focal lens?
- What happened to camera ABC?
@John, what do you envision the parameters for concurrent use would be, to keep it within a reasonable effort level for staff?
77% overall are very interested in this, including 88% of integrators.
I think if there is ever going to be a Saint that looks over the world of CCTV, it'll be you one day John! It's a great gesture and will make a terrific addition to the site.
Personnally, I would love to see it evolve into a Wizard type set up that could offer guidance and feedback regarding every configuration choice each camera has on it's menu. This could take into consideration not only the data available from the manufacturers and any IPVM tests performed, but also the overall best practice guidelines and perhaps the experiences of the writer.
This could also be linked to a Camera Selection Wizard that doesn't ask the user to select the components and specs for the camera, but asks questions relating to the objective and desired outcome of the application.
I accept that all of this would be a massive task, however, I believe there could be potential commercial benefits in such a tool.
Anyone agree?
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