Choosing the right frame rate for your application is important but understandind when you should use 10 or 15 or 20 or 30 or even 60 frames per second can be unclear. In this guide, we explain: What speed do people move at and how does th...
By IPVM Team - 2 days 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 ...
By Brian Rhodes - 2 months ago
Manufacturers are regularly cryptic about what WDR support they actually provide. They invent marketing buzzwords. They self assign dB rating that cannot meaningfully be compared across manufacturers. In IPVM's testing, the key differentiato...
By Ethan Ace and John Scanlan - 5 months ago
Remotely accessing surveillance systems is key in 2020, with more and more users relying on mobile apps as their main way of operating the system. However, remote access brings unique challenges with system security, ease of access, and configurat...
By IPVM Team - 6 months ago
Cameras with video analytics, sometimes called 'Smart' camera or 'AI' cameras, etc. are one of the most promising growth areas of video surveillance. But what makes a camera 'smart' or 'AI'? In this 101 tutorial, we explain.
By Ethan Ace - 11 months ago
Use the existing network or deploy a new one? This is a critical choice in designing video surveillance systems. Though 'convergence' was a big theme of the past decade, deciding what to do has been much harder in practice. In this guide, we b...
By IPVM Team - 11 months ago
Bandwidth is the most fundamental element of computer networking for video surveillance systems. Because video surveillance can consume an immense amount of bandwidth and because variations in bandwidth load of surveillance cameras can be so signi...
By IPVM Team - about 1 year ago
Field of View (FoV) and Angle of View (AoV), are deceptively complex. At their most basic, they simply describe what the camera can "see" and seem self-explanatory. However, when analyzing images, comparing cameras or projecting quality, subtletie...
By IPVM Team - about 1 year ago
Nearly all access control systems are vulnerable to an easy exploit called 'tailgating'. Indeed, a friendly gesture in holding doors for others often compromises access security. In this note, we take a look at 'tailgating', the most common cau...
By Brian Rhodes - about 1 year ago
Camera focus is fundamental to quality imaging. Mistakes can significantly reduce details, making cameras less effective. In this guide, we explain focus issues and proper procedure, covering: Fixed vs. Varifocal Cameras Auto vs. Manual Foc...
By IPVM Team - over 1 year ago
Camera specifications often list focal lengths, e.g., 3mm, 6mm, 2.8 - 9mm, 5 - 50mm, but what do these specs really mean? These metrics are important in determining the correct camera coverage and Field of View (FoV). In this tutorial, we loo...
By IPVM Team - over 1 year ago
This guide explains when subnetting is used on security networks, and how it works. We explain how to add or remove IP addresses to your range, borrowing bits, and the role of the subnet mask. Inside this report we provide information on: Ho...
By John Scanlan - over 1 year ago
Doors equipped with door operators, specialty devices that automate opening and closing, tend to be quite complex. The mechanisms needed to achieve these actions, the configuration how they work, and how they integrate with standard access syst...
By Brian Rhodes - almost 2 years ago
Poles are a popular but challenging choice for deploying surveillance cameras outdoors. Poles are indispensable for putting cameras at the right height to get the best picture and for keeping cameras out of harm's way. However, mounting cameras...
By John Scanlan - almost 2 years 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 i...
By IPVM Team - almost 2 years ago
Turnstiles control pedestrian access to secured areas, essentially becoming moving portions of fences, walls, or barricades for physically stopping intruders. However, they can be ugly, expensive, ineffective, and downright dangerous if used un...
By Brian Rhodes - almost 2 years ago
Trenching cable for surveillance is surprisingly complex. While using shovels, picks, and hoes is not advanced technology, the proper planning, construction, and execution of trenched cable runs is underestimated. In this note, we look at the b...
By Brian Rhodes - almost 2 years ago
H.265 support has improved significantly since its introduction, with H.265 camera/VMS compatibility increased compared to only a year ago, and most manufacturers shipping H.265 models. However, there are still challenges impacting H.265's compet...
By IPVM Team - about 2 years ago
A building or room's classification can greatly impact which building codes must be followed. In terms of access control, these 'occupancy codes' dictate how openings can be locked and what equipment is required, often representing a range of hund...
By Brian Rhodes - about 2 years ago
Labeling cables can save a lot of money and headaches. While it is easy to overlook, taking time to label runs during installation significantly speeds up troubleshooting and maintenance. In this guide, we examine this practice and the ways tha...
By John Scanlan - over 2 years ago
While many cameras have Input/Output (I/O) ports, few are actually used and most designers do not even consider them. However, a good understanding of their flexibility can save hundreds of dollars on complex designs. In this guide, we explain ca...
By IPVM Team - over 2 years ago
Choosing the right backup power system depends on system size. While small and medium systems greatly benefit from using UPS battery backup sources, larger systems need a centralized generator power source. How are these systems designed and ...
By Brian Rhodes - over 2 years 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 - over 2 years ago
Mounting cameras into synthetic stucco, commonly known as EIFS finishes, can be problematic If not properly planned, EIFS/stucco can be downright impossible for installing surveillance cameras. In this note, we examine the four major methods of m...
By Brian Rhodes - over 2 years ago
IPVM is producing the definitive series on installing surveillance cameras. This entry covers one of the most common scenarios - installing dome cameras indoors and is the second entry following Installing Box Cameras Indoors Guide Inside we teac...
By IPVM Team - over 2 years ago
.jpg)
.jpg)
