ADI Now 'Manufacturing' Metal Detectors

•Published May 27, 2016 12:25 PM

ADI aims to be far more than just a distributor.

ADI launched W-Box which started as a collection of basic "everyday" products - low-cost cameras, cable, connectors, etc. but has been moving up market into multi-megapixel IP cameras as well.

Now W-Box has a walk-through metal detector.

In this report, we look at this latest addition to the W-Box brand, and how it fits with the rest of their products and the competition.

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Comments (7)

John Bazyk

•May 27, 2016

Command Corporation • IPVMU Certified

"A customer who asks for a metal detector most likely has an elevated security concern."

I think we could compare this to megapixel cameras 6 years ago. A few years ago only high end clients were purchasing MP cameras. Now I install 4MP cameras with true WDR for my most basic clients.

If this detector works (I don't know anything about detectors) and it's affordable could this be a way for businesses like charter schools who have limited budgets add a little more security to their building?

Obviously if this is junk than its probably a bad idea. Most of the stuff that we've purchased from wbox isn't half bad. It's allow us to be more competitive in the low end market and still earn healthly profits.

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John Honovich

•May 27, 2016

IPVM

In reply to John Bazyk

If your 4MP true WDR $99 camera fails, what's the downside? If your bargain metal detector lets someone carry a gun inside, what's the downside? The latter seems to be a lot more significant than the former, yes/no?

John, btw, what do you buy from W-Box? Cameras and recorders or just accessories?

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(1)

John Bazyk

•May 27, 2016

Command Corporation • IPVMU Certified

In reply to John Honovich

I would be curious to know who OEMs the metal detector and if they are a reputable brand. As I mentioned, I do not know much about these detectors. If it proves to be reliable, I do not see why someone would not want to use it in a low-cost situation where a business would not have one otherwise. Like anything else, a careful examination of a product before installation is necessary.

We've purchased several things. Never any of their recorders, I tried one out and didn't like the UI, and it did not run as well as Hikvisions. We purchase their bullet cameras when we install DMP NVRs; we do not use their domes because they have the old IR on them, and I do not like those. We have used a few maglocks for indoor traffic control situations. We use a ton of their high gain antennas, power supply board only, relay boards and other random accessories. We have not had any issues with any of their products yet.

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Brian Karas

•May 30, 2016

IPVM

In reply to John Bazyk

John -

You make some good points, however I think it's much harder to compare these to a simple Hikvision OEM camera.

For starters, metal detectors don't have much value if nobody is there to man the unit. If the unit goes off, somebody has to stop the person, instruct them to try again, or ultimately scan them with a wand (and then also react accordingly if it is a legitimate threat).

It would seem that someone who determines they *need* a metal detector, would also have the cost of 1 or more guards. Is it really worth it to save a few thousand dollars with a cheap unit like this in the grand scheme of things?

Also, as I touched on in the article, metal detectors require some initial setup/calibration, and ongoing checkups to ensure reliable operation. If someone is looking for the cheapest option, it would seem that the odds they neglect to perform (or hire out) the proper ongoing maintenance are high. Then if the unit fails to detect something, will they try to come after you the integrator, ADI/W-Box, all of the above?

Yes, I'm sure you could have a contract that limits your liability, but we all know that "limited liability" doesn't mean "free of hassle and frivolous lawsuits" all the time.

You also make two statements that highlight part of the problem (IMO):

Like anything else, a careful examination of a product before installation is necessary.

and

As I mentioned, I do not know much about these detectors.

Are you, and other similar integrators, in a strong enough position to recommend and install a walk-through metal detector for clients that have a need for one?

Do you/would you trust that ADI has found the most fool-proof and low-cost unit that removes some of the need for you to do your own evaluation, or do you think that they've mostly just concentrated on the "low cost" aspect?

If you run into problems, which tech support line will you be able to call? Will the ADI folks be able to efficiently help you troubleshoot this?

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Steven De Smet

•May 27, 2016

W-box cameras are HIK-vision cameras. They are not bad for the home market and ADI gives a warranty of five years on their IP cameras (W-box).

The 50% discount is not bad neither and this combined with a promo price often result in 60% - 65% discount.

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John Honovich

•May 27, 2016

IPVM

In reply to Steven De Smet

Steven,

Yes, related:

ADI's W Box Camera / NVR Tested

ADI Refuses to Fix Their OEM'd Hikvision Security Risks

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Undisclosed #1

•May 31, 2016

IPVMU Certified

This particular unit looks like it might be vulnerable to the man-in-the-middle/gun on the side exploit:

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