Power over Ethernet has become one of the most popular features of many video, access, and other security products. See our PoE for IP Video Surveillance Guide and PoE Powered Access Control Tutorial. Now PoE is able to transmit even more power, ...
By Brian Rhodes - 4 days ago
Proper cable installation is key to trouble-free surveillance systems. However, testing is often an afterthought, with problems only discovered when cameras have problems, resulting in increased troubleshooting, or even worse, reinstallation. Sim...
By John Scanlan - 14 days ago
Central stations are facing off against the NFPA over what they call anti-competitive language in NFPA 72, the standard that covers fire alarms. The central stations say the NFPA is unfairly favoring municipalities but the NFPA contends it is foll...
By Dan Gelinas - 28 days ago
Terminating cables properly is critical to network performance, but it can be a tricky task with multiple steps. Fortunately, this task is easy to manage and get right when the proper tools, connectors, and methods are understood. In this guide...
By John Scanlan - about 1 month ago
When the main power fails, many believe maglocks must leave doors unlocked. However, battery backed up maglocks are allowed according to IBC / NFPA code. It just needs to be done properly. We examine the five critical steps for using backing up m...
By Brian Rhodes - about 2 months ago
Navigating the world of system specifications and bidding work can be complex and confusing, but a standard format exists, and understanding it greatly helps integrators respond and win bids. We purchased the 2018 version of CSI's MasterFormat, t...
By Brian Rhodes - 3 months ago
Ripping out and replacing access control systems is hard for important reasons. Because users typically hold on to access control systems for as long as possible, often decades, switching them can be tricky and prone to mistakes. However, in thi...
By Brian Rhodes - 4 months ago
Finding applicable codes for security work can be a costly task, with printed books and pdf downloads costing hundreds or thousands. However, a number of widely referenced codes are avavailable free online if you know the right places to search. ...
By Brian Rhodes - 4 months ago
There is often confusion about plenum ceilings, with misinformation about what is required when running cables through them and mounting cameras into them. Failing to understand plenum requirements can land installers on the wrong side of an AHJ, ...
By IPVM Team - 5 months ago
Video surveillance systems depend on IP networking equipment. In this guide, we explain the key pieces of equipment and features, explaining where and why they are typically used. The topics covered include: Fast / Gigabit / 10 Gigabit Ethern...
By IPVM Team - 6 months ago
A new company, EarthNow, with backing from Bill Gates, Airbus and more, is claiming that: Users will be able to see places on Earth with a delay as short as about one second. This makes it possible to see and monitor events as they happen. T...
By John Honovich - 6 months ago
For ISC West 2018, what is new and interesting in access control? This rundown will bring you up to speed on the exhibitors, what they are releasing, and give you an idea of what is new. Notable Trends In terms of marketwide trends, three them...
By Brian Rhodes - 6 months ago
ISC West has a new segment for 2018: the 'Emerging Technology Zone', which they boast: Featuring 50 of the latest and greatest startup businesses, these entrepreneurial start-up companies will help drive change and evolution in our complex cybe...
By Sean Patton - 7 months ago
This guide provides comprehensive explanations of the elements in selecting and using Power Over Ethernet with IP cameras, covering: PoE vs Low Voltage When to Use PoE, When Not PSEs vs PDs PoE Classes 802.3af vs 802.3at vs 802.3bt Nonstan...
By IPVM Team - 7 months ago
ONVIF has long 'won' the standards battle for video surveillance. But has the now 10-year-old ONVIF 'won' vs direct integrations? Undoubtedly, ONVIF has very wide support, with 9,496 (and counting) conformant products. However, most VMS and recor...
By Sean Patton - 7 months ago
ASIS is being deceptive with its conference reporting, effectively inflating the event's real actual attendance. What they try, but struggle to do, is report 'registrants' but, as our examples below show, they clearly are misrepresenting it as ac...
By John Honovich - about 1 year ago
Infrared (IR) has become an increasing core component to video surveillance systems. In particular, the expansion of integrated IR cameras that build IR illuminators within the camera has become common. On the positive side, this means that camer...
By IPVM Team - about 1 year ago
For access control jobs, a single person can be the difference between finishing a job, costing thousands in extra dollars, and being profitable and safe for all. That person carries the title 'Authority Having Jurisdiction', commonly just 'AHJ' (...
By Brian Rhodes - over 1 year ago
Technicians encounter multiple hazards when running wires and installing security devices. Wearing personal protective equipment, or PPE, helps protect against these hazards and mitigate the chance and severity of injuries. Enforcing a strict PPE ...
By Ari Erenthal - over 1 year ago
ONVIF has been one of the most debated aspects of the video surveillance industry. On the one hand, its aim to increase interoperability has been widely applauded. On the other, many have criticized ONVIF for not working well enough or fully deliv...
By Brian Karas - almost 2 years ago
While alarm systems are popular, balancing between the right level of protection, the appropriate components and an acceptable price can be very challenging. This in-depth tutorial explains each fundamental element, offering guidance on the pros a...
By Ari Erenthal - almost 2 years ago
ONVIF is well known within the surveillance industry as an interface to connect IP cameras and VMS systems but: Is ONVIF a 'Standard'? Why ONVIF? What does ONVIF do? What does it consist of? Who supports ONVIF? What does that mean? What are...
By IPVM Team - almost 2 years ago
While Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are key to 'open' platforms, they are frequently misunderstood and over-hyped in physical security. While APIs can provide great benefits, using them is much more complex than often mentioned in sale...
By John Honovich - almost 2 years ago
Simplisafe, the upstart DIY intrusion alarm system, is increasingly Public Enemy Number One in the alarm business. Recently, Security Sales ran an article from Jeff Zwirn ripping SimpliSafe apart and concluding that essentially no one should use ...
By Ari Erenthal - almost 2 years ago
If you are a fan of HD analog, stock up now. Axis says the popular low-cost architecture is going to reverse course and die out in the next couple of years. Axis has moved from misunderstanding HD analog, to creative positioning against HD analo...
By Brian Karas - almost 2 years ago
