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 - 29 days 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 - about 2 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 - about 2 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 - 3 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 - 4 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 - 4 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 - 4 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 - 5 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 - 5 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 - 5 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 - 11 months 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 - about 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 - over 1 year 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 - over 1 year 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 - over 1 year 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 - over 1 year 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 - over 1 year 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 - over 1 year ago
ONVIF Profile S does not support H.265. And Profile S is what literally every ONVIF device supports today for video. So what happens to H.265 cameras? In this note, we explain ONVIF Media2 service and ONVIF Profile T, how they impact H.265, the...
By Ethan Ace - almost 2 years ago
Many often ask about running Ethernet beyond its standard distance of 100 meters for UTP, especially when cameras are 400', 500' or more away. Will it fail? How We Tested We tested lengths of Category 6 and 5e cables starting at 1000' (~300m),...
By John Scanlan - about 2 years ago
IPVM went to numerous locations and measured the lux readings / light levels at each one. Here is an example of the approach we took and output created: Many surveillance professionals know that knowing light levels is important but tend not t...
By John Scanlan - about 2 years ago
Dealing with fragmented local codes is one of the most frustrating parts of electronic access control design. However, the 'International Code Council' writes the most widely adopted set of building codes, yet many EAC designers are unaware when a...
By Brian Rhodes - over 2 years ago
An ongoing debate rages about how the IP camera cables should be terminated. This argument surrounds two common options: 'Direct Attached', where the first terminates the field cabling with an RJ45 modular plug, and connects it directly to the...
By Brian Rhodes - over 2 years ago
