Access Control is only as reliable as its cables. While this aspect lacks the sexiness of other components, it remains a vital part of every system. In this note, we look at the types of cables used by these systems, including 22/4, 18/6, 22/2,...
By Brian Rhodes - 6 days ago
Today is the last day to register for the Winter 2019 IP Networking course. This is the only networking course designed specifically for video surveillance professionals. Lots of network training exists but none of it really explains how it r...
By John Scanlan - 10 days ago
European intrusion detection startup Ajax Systems proclaims: How are they standing against evil? And what are the differentiators and potential roadblocks for this self-described "disruptive" company? Based on our interview with the company, w...
By Dan Gelinas - 18 days ago
Ubiquiti has now been in the video surveillance market for 7 years (see our first coverage back in 2011). In that time, the company's revenue has tripled from ~$350 million to more than $1 billion for the past year. Ubiquiti's growth has mainly b...
By IPVM Team - 2 months ago
Video doorbells are one of the fastest growing categories in video surveillance, especially among residences. The optimal placement of these cameras and their added functionality as a communication device drives their popularity in the market. Thi...
By IPVM Team - 3 months ago
Cloud-based access control company VIZPin is releasing a solar-powered and smart phone based access control system for gates and other remote sites. The company claims it can do access at these locations, typically with no power and network infras...
By IPVM Team - 3 months ago
Setting up IP cameras has historically been challenging, with techs often precariously using a laptop on a ladder or lift. Some options for install tools were available but limited in speed, screen size, and usability (e.g., see previous IPVM test...
By IPVM Team - 3 months ago
What are the best and worst cameras from an installation standpoint? Which manufacturers make it harder or easier to install their cameras? We tested 25 cameras from 8 manufacturers, as overviewed below: Our test included multiple series from ...
By John Scanlan - 3 months ago
In this guide, we examine locks; critical elements of any security system and fundamental parts of every access control system. Two fundamental classes of locks are used in access, electrified locks and mechanical locks. But with thousands of l...
By Brian Rhodes - 4 months ago
Fire alarm pull stations are commonplace but police ones are not. A self-funded startup, BluePoint Alert Solutions is aiming to make police pull stations commonplace, changing not only the way the alarms are deployed but also the way people thi...
By Dan Gelinas - 4 months ago
When crimes, accidents or problems occur, exporting video from one's video surveillance system is critical to proving incidents. But who does it the best and worst? We tested 6 manufacturers - Avigilon, Dahua, Exacq, Genetec, Hikvision and Miles...
By Sean Patton - 4 months ago
Ubiquiti has become the most common choice for wireless in video surveillance (see Favorite Wireless Manufacturers) but not without controversy and debate, as Ubiquiti's no sales reps, no phone support model contradicts industry norms. In recent ...
By Sean Patton - 5 months ago
Wireless access control is frequently promoted by manufacturers as a way to cut installation costs. Perhaps the biggest proponent of this is mega access control manufacturer Assa Abloy. Their most recent version of their wireless access control li...
By Brian Rhodes - 5 months ago
Backboxes are a necessity in surveillance, whether for managing cable whips, recessing cameras, adding wireless radios. But it can be confusing to know which option works for their install. In this report, we explain: When to use backboxes Ca...
By IPVM Team - 5 months ago
This directory provides a list of video surveillance startups to help you see and research what companies are new or not yet broadly known entity in the market. 2018 State of Security Startups Today, most of the major companies in the industry...
By IPVM Team - 6 months ago
Amazon Ring is going to hurt traditional dealers, and especially ADT, new IPVM test results of Ring's Alarm system underscore. IPVM found that the system overall works well, easily overdelivering versus its groundbreaking low pricing. The sys...
By Brian Rhodes - 6 months ago
In our 13th access control company profile, we examine S2 Security's Netbox platform: Unified Security Management Platform positioning Core feature comparison Management Software Review Controller Hardware Support Netbox Video Integration ...
By Brian Rhodes - 9 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 - 9 months ago
150+ Integrators told IPVM "What is your favorite access control management software/system? Why? Unlike the 2016 access favorites where a group of favored manufacturers was close, in 2018, a single manufacturer pulled ahead to be the clear lea...
By Brian Rhodes - 9 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 - 10 months ago
Locks are used everywhere, but they are not all the same. In fact, even the shape of the lock changes, sometimes for no other reason than geography. The variation can complicate the most basic access control designs, and not being aware of the dif...
By Brian Rhodes - 10 months ago
We have compiled a list of new products for Spring 2018 in the categories: Video Surveillance Access Control Fire and Intrusion Other (Wiring, Audio units, Networking Products, etc) One notable trend so far in the year is the low number...
By IPVM Team - 10 months ago
100+ Security integrators periodically report on their favorite and worst products to IPVM. These are known integrators who IPVM pays to answer surveys. Integrators respond with detailed comments on their selections. IPVM incorporates this integra...
By John Honovich - 10 months ago
Wireless networking is a niche in video surveillance applications, but it can be a difficult one to understand with proper wireless design, equipment selection, interference, and other factors impacting it usage. In this guide, we break down the ...
By IPVM Team - 10 months ago
Learn how to use the IPVM Camera Calculator. The guide below includes instructions, images, gifs, and videos demonstrating and explaining the Calculator's features. It will be updated periodically and you can ask questions or request new sections ...
By IPVM Team - 11 months ago
