Knowing which access credentials are insecure can be unclear, especially because most look and feel the same. Even the most insecure 125 kHz types are still widely supported, and using 13.56 MHz smartcards is no sure guarantee the format has not b...
By Brian Rhodes - 2 days ago
Hikvision's 'security code' feature has been cracked and a program generating security codes is being distributed online. IPVM has obtained and tested this program, verifying that it works. Hikvision 'security code' allows unauthenticated users t...
By IPVM Team - 8 days ago
Locating the IP address of a DHCP client or factory defaulted device on a network is often a difficult task. In another report, we discussed agnostic IP Scanners for Video Surveillance. In this directory report we list ~40 surveillance manufactu...
By John Scanlan - about 2 months ago
Bluebeam Revu is a construction design markup tool that claims it is "used by 94% of top US contractors", but what role does it have for physical security professionals? In this report, we share our tested findings of Bluebeam Revu, including 2...
By Brian Rhodes - 2 months ago
150 integrators explained how they use IPVM and how it helps them stay informed and improve their business. The 4 main uses integrators cited for IPVM were: Tests Product tests and shootouts were the most commonly cited use by integrators. I...
By Brian Karas - 3 months ago
One company, CaP Connectors, is marketing their coax connectors as “The 30-second Connector You Can’t Screw Up”, by claiming to combine the best attributes of others in a single design. But is it worth using? Inside we examine CaP's claims, see h...
By Brian Rhodes - 5 months ago
A developer has decrypted Hikvision's firmware, allowing examination of Hikvision's device source code and contents. In this report, we overview the tool, showing you how it works, sharing a Hikvision's camera decrypted firmware and overviewing s...
By Brian Karas - 5 months ago
Few assets are as commonly used by integrators and installers as their service vehicles. 125 integrators explained to IPVM in detail about their service vehicles, including: Which Vehicle Types Are Most Popular? Which Vehicle Brands Are Pre...
By Brian Rhodes - 7 months ago
Installing a smart camera? Perhaps you should use a 'smart' drill. The intelligent appliance / IoT trend has hit power tools. In this note, we examine Milwaukee's One-Key system including: Advanced control / optimization Inventory control ...
By Ari Erenthal - 7 months ago
Calculating surveillance bandwidth is complex, and inexperienced users can easily underestimate bandwidth, leading to reduced storage durations and/or overloaded networks. The most common way technicians estimate storage is to use manufacturer or...
By IPVM Team - 8 months ago
Boring holes is a basic part of running cables for most security system projects. To do so, you will need to choose the right drills for various scenarios. This guide will help you understand the different types of drills available and the tradeo...
By Ari Erenthal - 8 months ago
One of the most common camera mounts are parapet mounts, and they can be found on the roofs of all types of buildings; old and new, used to hold cameras in systems from small sheds to huge office buildings. However, understanding why, where, an...
By Brian Rhodes - 11 months ago
Setting up cameras is often a pain. A number of test tools exist but are frequently limited on camera support or have a small screen, slow interface or other issues. Many installers still use laptops, even though they are inconvenient or risky wh...
By Ethan Ace - about 1 year ago
Intransa reincarnate Viakoo is giving away its networking monitoring service. Viakoo released a freemium product, FreeMonitor, aimed at providing basic system health monitoring services for security systems. This report takes a look at how FreeM...
By Brian Karas - over 1 year ago
Ex Avigilon VP of Engineering Danny Kam is putting his support behind networking startup Optigo. Networking monitoring and analytics tools that can plot trends or send alerts on failed devices have been around for decades. Optigo Networks is bui...
By Brian Karas - over 1 year ago
IP scanners, tools like Advanced IP Scanner, Angry IP Scanner and Fing, can be useful for setting up and managing video surveillance systems. In this tutorial, we explain their uses, limitations, comparisons to vendor specific ones and conclude wi...
By Ethan Ace - over 1 year ago
Fewer installation tasks are as nuanced as terminating cables and attaching connectors. Fortunately, this task is easy to manage and get right if the proper components and tools are understood. In this note, we explain: Connector Type vs Cable...
By Brian Rhodes - almost 2 years ago
In this video below, you will learn: How to select the right resolution and angles for your cameras. How to demonstrate to customers why this is right How to find the right models for your specific needs How to save money on camera select...
By John Honovich - about 2 years ago
End users sometimes look at integrator proposals, see ~$100 per hour pricing and think "Hey, we can do that ourselves for a lot less." In this note, we examine 6 key issues that end users must consider when evaluating the total cost of doing it t...
By John Honovich - about 2 years ago
Integrators frequently cited insufficient installation tools as one of the key problems of IP camera installation. While many use a laptop, the size and necessary accessory devices to do this make it cumbersome. We bought a new device from Tatung...
By Ethan Ace - over 2 years ago
For years, Axis has had the Dynacolor OEMed T8414 installation display but it has received mixed reviews. Now, they are releaseing their next-generation install tool, with a different approach, the T8415. In this note, we look at the features, p...
By Ethan Ace - over 2 years ago
In this guide, we teach the fundamentals of setting up an IP video surveillance network, taking factory default cameras through to a fully configured and ready to run network. We explain these topics: Discovering IP cameras on your network Ass...
By Ethan Ace - over 2 years ago
Initializing IP cameras can be tedious and frustrating, made worse because manufacturers have no standardization, with some supporting DHCP, some using default IP addresses, and some using both. In this post, we have compiled a list of 14 IP came...
By Derek Ward - over 2 years 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 Ethan Ace - over 2 years ago
Adding to our Camera Install Labor Standards, IPVM has established standards for the following two common scenarios: "How many manhours would you estimate to: Configure an uninstalled camera, ie: IP addressing, firmware updates, basic image set...
By Brian Rhodes - over 2 years ago
