T24 IP Door Station Cameras Examined

Published Oct 05, 2010 00:00 AM
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Mobotix has recently launched two new megapixel panoramic IP cameras, designed to integrate with their various home/building automation modules to create customized IP video door stations. The T24M-Sec-D11 is a 3 MP color IP camera while the T24M-Sec-N11 is a 1.3 MP b/w IP camera with additional low-light sensitivity. The new door station modules are representative of Mobotix's efforts to expand into manufacturing access control systems, cited in a recent update on Mobotix's 2010 Financial Status and Growth Examined.

  • Both the T24M-Sec-D11 and T24M-Sec-N11 have a MSRP of $998 USD
  • Both models come equipped with the Mobotix L11 lens (180 deg. horizontal and 160 deg. vertical)
  • Specifications and pricing very similar to the Q24M-Sec-D11 and Q24M-Sec-N11
  • Managed and operated via MxEasy free software or Grandstream IP Video Phone GXV3140 MSRP $468
  • Available as a bundle MX-T24M-Sec-Bundle-1-PW at MSRP $1712 USD (Camera, Keypad, Door Opener, and Info module)
  • Recording on-board via MicroSD, PC, or NAS

The Mobotix bundle is priced at MSRP $1712. The comparable Aiphone KC series analog solution involves a total hardware cost of $1480. The solution requires at least one door station KC-DAR (MSRP $592), one master KC-1GRD (MSRP $786), and one PS242UL ($120) power supply unit. The analog system requires extensive wiring which increases installation cost and complexity. Additional monitoring stations require KC-1HRD (MSRP $760), and are subject to the same wiring complexities and distance limitations.

The Aiphone JK series  is another analog solution, but provides an option to IP enable door station systems. The JK series provides a 170 deg. color camera, and options for keypad and RFID functionality. One limitation is that the JK series supports only up to two (2) master/control stations and one (1) door station.  Adding up the required components to compare to the Mobotix bundle:

  • 1 Master/Control Unit (JK-1MED MSRP $500)
  • 1 Door Station w/ RFID Reader (JK-DVF-XP MSRP $914)
  • 1 Keypad (AC-10S/F MSRP $179)
  • 1 IP Gateway (JKW-IP MSRP $714)

The comparable JK series solution yields a total MSRP of $1593. Additionally, for IP connectivity the price tag increases to $2307. Currently, Aiphone does not offer an end-to-end IP audio/video door station solution. However, Aiphone does feature an end-to-end IP audio only solution in the AN series [link no longer available]. Sources suggest the future addition of a video enabled IP solution, as well.

Evidently, Mobotix has priced its solution competitively compared to a leading analog solution. For a similar price, the IP based Mobotix solution reduces installation 'head-aches', provides free multiple monitoring/control stations using MxEasy over 'untethered' LAN/WAN topologies, enables video recording, a panoramic field of view and megapixel resolution.

With the camera component of the door station at MSRP $998, Mobotix could better serve the market with a lower cost (less functional) camera component to make the cost benefit over analog rivals unequivocal. Another point to consider is Mobotix's reputation as a company whose products offer poor usability. This can add some level of frustration to both end-user and integrator. We covered Mobotix usability issues in the following reports: Mobotix Software 'Truly Horrible' and Mobotix Camera Configuration Tested.