The People's Republic of China (PRC) government has released a new set of overarching standards for authorities to follow when they install video surveillance networks across the country. The standards were drafted over several years by Chinese p...
By Charles Rollet - about 1 month ago
For access controlled doors, especially those with maglocks, 'Request to Exit', or 'RTE' devices are required to override electrified locks to guarantee free egress. Inside we examine these key RTE factors: The Common RTE Devices: REX and Pu...
By Brian Rhodes - about 1 month ago
ADT's largest authorized dealer, The Defenders, has been sued more than 20 times since 2012, IPVM has verified through analyzing legal records. In February 2019, we examined how ADT And 'The Defenders' Silent About Massive Complaints and was ti...
By Dan Gelinas - about 2 months ago
Last week, when we profiled Verkada (The Fastest Growing Video Surveillance Sales Organization Ever - Verkada), we predicted they would raise $40 million. Now, Verkada has raised $40 million at an astounding (for video surveillance standards) $...
By John Honovich - 2 months ago
In the past decade, ONVIF has grown from a reaction to the outside Cisco-lead PSIA challenge, to being the de facto video surveillance standard officially supported by 11,000 products and thousands of more illicitly. Integrators have responded p...
By IPVM Team - 3 months ago
With 40+ years of experience in IT from a wide array of verticals, including US and foreign military, and large corporate and industrial settings, retired IT professional Richard Buckmaster now applies his years of experience in security and IT to...
By Dan Gelinas - 4 months ago
Installing cables through firewalls is a critical installation issue. Failing to properly seal a penetration can cause smoke and fire to spread, which can be deadly in an emergency. Understanding the parts and methods used to firestop properly ca...
By IPVM Team - 4 months ago
Mobotix has long been criticized for not offering integrated IR, mechanical cut filters, varifocal lenses, optical zoom and other features that have been commonplace for almost all other manufacturers for many years. In 2018, Mobotix announced 'M...
By IPVM Team - 4 months ago
ONVIF is well known within the surveillance industry as an interface to connect IP cameras and VMS systems. However, new users may find it confusing, with questions such as: Is ONVIF a standard? Why ONVIF? What does ONVIF do? What does it con...
By IPVM Team - 5 months ago
Open systems and interoperability have become core features of video surveillance systems, as virtually all professional IP cameras integrate with various 3rd parties for recording, analysis, and management. In addition to IP camera manufacturers ...
By IPVM Team - 5 months ago
Historically, UL listings for central stations have been important, with UL 827 having widespread support. However, few central stations have adopted UL 827B, the companion listing for managed video, which debuted in 2015. In this note, based ...
By Dan Gelinas - 6 months ago
Proving a company is cybersecure has become a major concern for security companies. But how trustworthy are these certificates? Earlier in 2018, a false Hikvision cybersecurity certification announcement caused controversy. And Genetec itself has...
By Dan Gelinas - 6 months ago
Video Intercoms, also known as Video Door-Phones or Video Entry Systems, have been growing in the past decade as more and more IP camera manufacturers enter this segment. This directory tracks the players in this market, contrasts Video Interco...
By IPVM Team - 7 months ago
Contactless credentials are the most common component used in an access control system and while many look alike externally, important differences exist. Choosing the correct one can be the difference between a secure facility and wasting signifi...
By Brian Rhodes - 8 months ago
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 - 9 months 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 - 9 months 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 - 9 months 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 - 10 months 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 - 10 months ago
The US Congress has authorized the School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) to fund various security measures and training to mitigate active shooting. $25 million is available and the deadline to apply is next Monday. IPVM examines: What I...
By Dan Gelinas - 11 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 - 11 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 - 12 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 - 12 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 - about 1 year 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 - about 1 year ago
