Camera Design Tool with Google Maps Integration Update about
Pelco
on Mar 16 Pelco has released a free camera design tool with Google Earth integration. The tool is in beta and has no where near as many functionalities as JVSG's CCTV design software. However, we found the tool to:
Be ...
After Sharp Fall, Techwell Revenue Starts to Inc... Update about
Financials
on Mar 15 Major DVR component manufacturer, Techwell is showing signs of recovery after a steep drop in H1 2010. By Q2 2009, surveillance revenue had dropped 39% year over year (see p.15 of the 10k). Now, Q4 2009, show su...
Sales Decline Continues but Positive Signs Update about
EverFocus
on Mar 15 Revenue declines from Everfocus, one of the most widely used 'budget' CCTV suppliers, continue. For the 12 months ending 9/31/2009, revenue was down 15.4% from 1.6 Billion NTD down to 1.37 Billion NTD (approxima...
Aims for 10% 2010 Growth Update about
Axis
on Mar 14 In a March 2010 interview with a regional business magazine, Axis's co-founder states that Axis is aiming for 10% growth in 2010.
This is a fairly modest target relative to their most recent quarter resul...
Significant Sales Decline Q3 2009 Update about
Geovision
on Mar 14 Taiwanese video surveillance manufacturer, Geovision, reports a significant sales decline in the year ending Q3 2009, compared to the year ending Q3 2008. According to their disclosed income statement, sales dro...
Quadnectics / Synectics Sales Decline 2nd Half 2009 Update about
Synectics
on Mar 14 UK manufacturer Quadnectics, parent company of video surveillance supplier Synectics, reported continued decline in sales for the 2nd Half of 2010.
In their Interim Results for 2nd half 2009 (calendar year), Qu...
Education: IP Network Basics for Video Surveilla... Review about
Convergence
on Mar 14 Understanding IP networks is increasingly critical to designing and deploying video surveillance. In this special report, we provide nearly 2 hours of video training on the key issues, technologies and choices i...
Modest Growth 2nd Half 2009 Update about
IndigoVision
on Mar 13 Following monster growth in the last fiscal year, IndigoVision's revenue growth rate was positive but far more modest in the 2nd Half of 2009 of 12% year over year.
By contrast, the 1st Half of 2009 ...
Optelecom-NKF Significant Financial Decline Q4 2009 Update about
Financials
on Mar 13 Optelecom-NKF, a specialist in video surveillance systems for traffic monitoring and critical infrastructure security, announced a 21% year over year decline in revenue for Q4 2009.
From their financial documen...
Anixter IP Security Revenue Rebounding Q4 2009 Update about
Financials
on Mar 13 For Q4 2009, Anixter's revenue for their security solutions division improved from the previous quarter, with 9% year over year revenue growth compared to only 1% year over year growth in Q3 2009. This specific ...
NLSS Launches Website: Products and Positioning ... Update about
NLSS
on Mar 13 NLSS, a new entrant with a track record of successful exits to larger corporations, has launched a public website, disclosing a number of previously unannounced products and providing more insight into...
Video Surveillance Industry Weekly - Mar 12 2010 Review about
General
on Mar 12 New funding, new panoramic from Mobotix, more analytic bashing and the power of IT managers examined. All updates are available to premium members inside.
IT is Now in Charge of Security Systems Update about
Pelco
on Mar 11 In a surprising move to us, Pelco's magazine now declares that times have changed and the IT manager is the 'new sheriff' in town. Pelco Press, reprinting an SSI article, declares in a article on the "...
Expanding Panoramic Offerings Update about
Mobotix
on Mar 11 Mobotix is expanding its panoramic camera offering to add 2 more panoramic options to its Q series. In a recent "Hemispheric Workshop", Mobotix reviews the key value propositions they are advocating and the prod...
The Importance of On-Line Training Videos Update about
Convergence
on Mar 11 In an industry so focused on Internet based security video, it's shocking and somewhat sad that we have so few on-line training videos for the use of these products. Even more bizarre is that manufacturers spend...
Raises Modest New Funding Update about
Proximex
on Mar 11 A government filing reveals that Proximex has raised modest new investment. The SEC filing dated January 29, 2010, Proximex disclosed that it raised $1.39 Million USD.
This is the first public investment activi...
Funding for TimeSight Update about
TimeSight
on Mar 11 A government filing reveals that VMS/storage optimization specialist TimeSight Systems has received additional funding. The SEC document records a $750,000 investment on January 21, 2010. TimeSight's p...
Analytics Bashing Goes Mainstream Update about
Video Analytics
on Mar 11 Industry insiders know that video analytics suffers a bad reputation. However, the backlash continues to grow with trade magazines attacking analytics directly. Two examples are provided from Security Magazine a...
Using LPR to Repossess Automobiles Update about
Video Analytics
on Mar 11 In another sign of how License Plate Recognition is the most mature and widely accepted video analytic, a national US newspaper examines how LPR is being used by "repo men" or automobile recovery businesses to f...
On-Line Technical Training Videos from Axis Update about
Axis
on Mar 10 Axis has expanded its courses to the web with a series of technical training courses on their products. The web section consists of 4 videos currently, with the most complete video being on their Axis Camera Sta...
On-Line Technical Training Videos from Pelco Update about
Pelco
on Mar 10 Pelco has posted a series of technical training videos for its Digital Sentry line, the DX8100 and the DX4500. Each of the videos/tutorials are quite in-depth and focus on use and deployment. This adds to Pelco'...
On-Line Technical Training Videos from Avigilon Update about
Avigilon
on Mar 10 Avigilon offers a comprehensive on-line technical training video series that covers both their cameras and their VMS. We used this as the core tool to learn Avigilon in our test of their Control Center VMS. Cons...
Testing Avigilon ControlCenter VMS Review about
Avigilon
on Mar 09 While Avigilon is best known for its high resolution cameras (up to 16 MP), Avigilon offers its own VMS, Control Center, a system that is required for using their cameras. With interest in megapixel high, many a...
All-in-One 'Plug n Play' Camera with No Monthly Fee Update about
SaaS
on Mar 07 Over the next few years, we believe an increasing number of products will provide 'plug n play' managed video solutions with no monthly fee. A recent product release by Brickcom is one example.
Their CB-100A Me...
Testing Digifort's VMS (Version 6.3) Review about
NVRs
on Mar 07 As video management software matures, more choices are emerging from around the globe. In the past year, we have heard increasing discussion about the use of Digifort, a company based in Brazil, now expanding in...
Testing Vitamin D Video Analytics Software Review about
Video Analytics
on Mar 06 With significant tech blog coverage, Vitamin D has generated widespread interest in using their video analytics. Two of the most commonly cited points is their technology, called HTM, that is based on a "new the...
Video Surveillance Industry Weekly - Mar 5 2010 Review about
General
on Mar 05 This week: Falling Analog sales.The future of GE Security. New Investments. New info on key startup and more. Aggregates premium weekly updates.
Vicon Revenue Plummets Update about
Vicon
on Mar 04 In another bad sign for analog CCTV providers, Vicon's Q4 2009 revenue plummeted, dropping 29% year over year from $15.7M in Q4 2008 down to $11.1 M in Q4 2009. Domestic sales were down 19&. International sa...
Census of US Security Installer Managers Update about
Statistics
on Mar 03 If you thought that managers of security installers were white, middle aged and Sarah Palin supporters, than you are right according to a recent survey by SSI magainze on US security installers. It is impor...
Prominent Blowhard Attacks Video Surveillance Update about
Video Surveillance
on Mar 03 Bruce Schneier's biases against surveillance cameras are clear, despite his lack of evidence. Schneier is an important public figure as he is one of the world's most cited people in security. While an undisputed...
March Networks Revenue Continues Fall Update about
March Networks
on Mar 03 In calendar Q4 2009, March Networks revenue continued to fall, though at a slower rate than the previous quarter. This quarter, revenue was down 15% (though more than half of the drop is attributed to exchange r...
iSecurity Virtual Trade Show Reviewed Update about
Convergence
on Mar 03 Below is a video screencast showing the live iSecurity Virtual Trade Show held on March 3rd. The virtual trade show is meant to be an on-line version of a physical trade show (like ISC, IFSEC, Essen, etc.). For ...
$25 Million Series D Round Examined Update about
Pivot3
on Mar 02 In March 2010, Pivot3 announced a $25 Million Series D Round (confirmed by Pivot3's press release and in its SEC filing). This follows a $25 million round in 2008 and brings their total amount raised to $75 Mill...
UTC-GE Closed: What Becomes of GE Security's Pro... Update about
GE Security
on Mar 01 Important new information on the future of GE Security's products and brands have been disclosed as part of the formal confirmation that the UTC-GE deal has closed. UTC has posted a new website dedicated to the ...
February 2010 Video Surveillance Monthly Summary Review about
General
on Mar 01 Lots of research and heated discussions in February, despite little industry news. Most read topics included our megapixel camera test results comparison, the future of security integrators and the Testing LuxRiot VMS (Version 1.7) Review about
LuxRiot
on Mar 01 As video management software matures, complaints increase about its high price. Even a small deployment of 16 cameras in a single site can cost $1,500 - $2,500 for basic VMS software without any enterprise manag...
Is Integrating PoS and Video Surveillance a Good... Update about
Retail
on Mar 01 While the answer to this frequently posed question is an obvious yes, it misses the real problem in integrating the two technologies (see a classic example in a retail magazine).
The key issue is how costly and...
Storage Market Size Examined Update about
Statistics
on Feb 28 As part of a press release for a manufacturer, IMS Research cites that the "storage market for physical security environments is a robust billion-dollar market." Since storage in video surveillance is deployed i...
Video Surveillance Industry Weekly - Feb 26 2010 Review about
General
on Feb 26 Will troubleshooting 'standards' be a problem?Will Samsung dominate the industry? How fast are Pivot3 and VideoIQ growing? We look at key news and emerging discussions for the industry this week.
Will Troubleshooting 'Standards' Support be a Pr... Update about
Standards
on Feb 25 In our first 3 tests of IP camera 'standards', we have run into problems with 2 of them. In the Sony-Milestone integration using ONVIF, the integration simply did not work. In the LILIN-Milestone integration usi...
Testing Sony's HD Camera (SNC-CH140) Review about
Sony
on Feb 24 Sony is well known and respected in the consumer market for its electronic products. The question, though, is how well does that carry over into their security products?
In this test of the Sony SNC-CH140,...
Samsung is Aiming for World Domination Update about
Samsung
on Feb 24 Samsung is aiming for world domination -- so they or a trade magazine endorsing them claims. In a February 2010 Samsung "Vision Conference", the company outlined its plan to be the "world’s Number One secu...
Pivot3 2009 Revenue Growth Examined Update about
Pivot3
on Feb 23 Pivot3 has self-announced their 2009 revenue growth - a very high growth rate of 300% compared to 2008 revenue. In an email, Pivot3 clarified that all Pivot3 2009 revenues were from surveillance. They cite gamin...
Megapixel Camera Comparison 2010 Review about
Megapixel Cameras
on Feb 23 Megapixel cameras are clearly 'hot' - the fastest growing segment in the industry for multiple years now. Which should you use? What makes one megapixel camera better than another? In this groundbreaking compari...
VideoIQ's Series C Funding Examined Update about
VideoIQ
on Feb 23 In February 2010, VideoIQ announced $6 Million in new funding. This investment adds to the $18 Million invested in 2007 and 2008, after the company was spun out of GE Security. In a briefing, VideoIQ mentioned t...
Will Webcam Surveillance Cause Privacy Concerns? Update about
General
on Feb 22 In the future, there will almost certainly be more webcams in laptops and smartphones than their are surveillance cameras. If those cameras are activated or transformed into surveillance devices, they will have ...
Should Stolen DVRs Motivate a Move to VSaaS? Update about
SaaS
on Feb 22 While some propose hosted video as a solution to stolen DVRs, the risk is low, steps to avoid are easy and the negative impact of such a transition is high.
From our experience and discussions with numerous int...
Will Hosted/Managed Services Eliminate Small Cen... Update about
SaaS
on Feb 22 A recent conference exposed diverging views of the impact that managed/hosted security services will have on the central stations that monitor and respond to security alarms. An SSN article provides a survey of ...
Directory of Megapixel Camera Tests Review about
Megapixel Cameras
on Feb 22 We have completed the broadness and deepest testing programing of megapixel cameras. This directory provides links to each tests, guidance on future tests and reference to our testing guidelines.
Megapixel Came...
Will Emerging Manufacturers Choose Not to Use In... Update about
Convergence
on Feb 21 We see new video surveillance manufacturers choose business models that eliminate the need for the traditional channel. We think this will become a major issue /trend in the industry over the next 5 years. Indee...
Retail Sales of Video Surveillance to Consumers Update about
Statistics
on Feb 21 A February 2010 survey report provides a number of datapoints and trends for the retail sales of video surveillance to consumers (Read the Investor's Business Daily original article).
A manufacturer claims that...
ObjectVideo's Poor Reputation and Blaming Others Review about
ObjectVideo
on Feb 18 The sad story of video analytics is now well known. Unfortunately, one of the ringleaders of this circus, ObjectVideo, has taken to blaming others while failing to prove their own effectiveness.
Poor Reputation...
Readers Respond: 134 Votes, 25 Comments Examined Review about
General
on Feb 15 Over 100 people voted and more than 25 left detailed comments to our recent question/discussion. In this post, we review and respond to the comments offered.
134 people responded to our survey on "How Critical ...
The End of Integrators? Review about
Convergence
on Feb 14 By the end of the decade, security and IT integrators are likely to be displaced and replaced by the forces of Internet services, commerce and information. While integrators solved a clear business need over the...
Preview of the Video Surveillance Pro Service Review about
General
on Feb 13 If you are new to IP Video Market, we'd like to help give you a sense of what we offer. Our periodic open debates (such as on video management usability or the difficulties in installing IP cameras) definit...
Video Surveillance Industry Weekly - Feb 12 Review about
General
on Feb 12 Are Security integrators going extinct? Are IP video sales on the rise? Does VitaminD have the right new approach to video analytics? Can Ganz really improve video quality bad weather? A number of interesting po...
VitaminD Video Analytics Examined Update about
Video Analytics
on Feb 11 VitaminD's video analytics release offers a new market focus and business model for the video analytics market.
The two most important ways that VitaminD breaks from existing approaches are:
Clearly an...
Ganz THRU Series Claims to Increase Visibility i... Update about
Computar
on Feb 11 GANZ has released a camera series that claims to increase visibility in adverse environment. GANZ refers to this as their "MIST" technology (see datasheet for details).
GANZ explanation of how they do it:
"T...
The Integrator of the Future is No Integrator Update about
Convergence
on Feb 11 That security integrators will get better at IT is simultaneously boring and misses the point. It is boring because it's both obvious and the continuation of a multi-decade process. It misses the point because t...
Improved Growth - Q409 Update about
Mobotix
on Feb 11 Mobotix's financial growth has started to improve with a positive trend emerging from their 2009 end of year financial results. In Q309, their growth rate fell to only 2.8%. By contrast, for H209 (July - Decembe...
Selectable Power over Ethernet Classes Update about
IP Cameras
on Feb 10 As cameras offer more options (storage, analytics, etc.), their power needs will certainly rise. This poses a problem for appropriately measuring and setting up power draw for PoE switches. NetworkWebCams has a ...
Will Frame Rate Make a Difference for Thermal? Update about
Flir
on Feb 10 In the growing rivalry between FLIR and Axis, FLIR is emphasizing its advantage in frame rate over Axis - 30fps for FLIR but only 9fps for Axis Q1910 (actually 8.33 according the the Axis Q1910 specifi...
Projecting Network Video Surveillance Sales Update about
Statistics
on Feb 10 IMS says that they have adjusted their 2010 estimate for global network video surveillance sales. In 2007, they estimated a market of $2.6 Billion. Now, they are estimating about $2 Billion for 2010 sales or a r...
Testing HikVision's 2MP Camera (DS-2CD852MF-E) Review about
Hikvision
on Feb 09 Hikvision is one of the fastest growing video surveillance manufacturers in the world. Already a leader in their home market of China, Hikvision is aggressively expanding direct sales efforts throughout Nor...
150 Booths Still Available for ISC West Update about
General
on Feb 08 In a sign of trade show convention struggles, about 150 booths are still available for ISC West with a little over 1 month to the show. From ISC West's interactive exhibitor map, it appears that almost half of t...
How Critical Should We Be of Video Surveillance ... Review about
General
on Feb 08 IP Video Market Info is definitely critical of video surveillance products - routinely looking for hidden problems or over-hyped claims. Many love this, some hate it, others are confused.
We think it's essentia...
Testing DVTel's Latitude 6.0 VMS Software Review about
DVTel
on Feb 08 One of the key selling points for IP Video software is its greater scalability, flexibility and advanced functionality compared to traditional DVRs.
This test of DVTel's Latitude VMS version 6.0 provi...
Spins Out Trax / Loss Prevention Software Update about
March Networks
on Feb 07 March Networks has spun out their Loss Prevention Software product lineup, originally purchased in 2006 for CAD $7.8 Million.
In an email statement, March discloses:
"March Networks has negotiated a strategic ...
BRS Labs Patents Examined Update about
BRS Labs
on Feb 07 While BRS Labs is opposed to disclosing technical information, their patent applications do provide information on their approach. Key documents include:
A collection of 9 BRS Labs patent applications fr...
What Makes an Analyst Independent? Update about
General
on Feb 06 Those who make recommendations on products need to be independent of those who develop them. We are committed to maximizing our independence.
An upcoming February webinar makes this matter timely. Aimetis...
IT / Security Integrator Partnerships are a Failure Update about
Convergence
on Feb 05 The PSA, a major proponent of IT / Security integrator partnerships has acknowledged the failure of having IT and Security integrators partner. In January 2009, we called this a "horrible idea made wor...
Video Surveillance Industry Weekly - Feb 5th Review about
General
on Feb 05 The big story is the dueling and diverging financial results of two security powerhouses - Axis and ADT / Tyco. While Axis bounced back with strong results, ADT / Tyco's struggles continue.
This report aggregat...
Optimizing Bandwidth Consumption Through I Frame... Update about
IP Cameras
on Feb 04 A blog post from Genetec offers an interesting example of lower level IP camera optimizations that can impact bandwidth utilization. Genetec claims such an optimization can lower bandwidth consumption by 2 to 3x...
ADT / Tyco Security Installation and Product Rev... Update about
ADT
on Feb 04 Weak results and a poor outlook for the integration business is a concerning sign for the physical security industry at large. The sharp decline in ADT's System Installation and Tyco Security's product reve...
Strong Q409 Financial Results Examined Update about
Axis
on Feb 04 Reversing a year long negative trend, Axis's Q4 2009 financial results were very strong, raising the question, why?
Revenue was up 32% (Q409 compared to Q408). The results were even better in local currency ter...
Many VMS Systems Do Not Support 64 Bit Operating... Update about
NVRs
on Feb 04 A growing practical problem is the lack of VMS software applications that support 64 Bit Operating Systems. As more and more PCs are shipped with 64 bit OSes standard, this blocks those computers from running th...
Testing IQinVision's 4 Series and PSIA Integration Review about
IQinVision
on Feb 03 IP camera standards are a hot topic. Determining how, when and with whom these 'standards' will work are key questions.
IQinVision was the first company to announce support for the PSIA IP camera 'standard'. Wi...
Understanding the Benefits and Limits of XML For... Update about
Convergence
on Feb 03 While APIs and XML are useful for integrating security systems, their value and ease of use are routinely over-stated. This is nicely demonstrated by a recent contributed piece by a manufacturer in SecurityInfoW...
Is SourceSecurity.com the Biggest Security Websi... Update about
General
on Feb 03 SourceSecurity.com claims to be the highest trafficked website in the security industry but no one we talked with ever says they use it. How can that be?
We do think they are telling the truth about their stati...
Testing Panasonic's Megapixel Camera (WV-NP502) Review about
Panasonic
on Feb 02 In this test, we examine's Panasonic WV-NP502 megapixel camera. The camera provides a number of advanced features including wide dynamic range optimization (their Super Dynamic technology), facial dete...
Should Manufacturers Publicly Share Technical Docs? Review about
General
on Feb 02 Technical documentation is important for evaluating products and learning how to optimally use them. User manuals, training materials and videos are some of the most critical. Despite this, a significant number ...
Examining Basler's Market Acceptance Update about
Basler
on Feb 02 Recently, SecurityInfoWatch ran a 'fluff' piece on Basler, regurgitating their marketing claims with no analysis.
Key claims made:
The small size of the cameras are a differentiator.
They have exp...
FLIR Thermal Network Cameras Examined Review about
Flir
on Feb 02 FLIR has announced the availability of network thermal cameras starting as low as $3,495 USD MSRP. These cameras are additions to the F (fixed) and PT (pan tilt) series from FLIR. Thes
Mobile NVR (Q8108-R) Examined Update about
Axis
on Feb 01 Based on details from an interview with Axis, this update provides new details on the Axis Q8108-R mobile NVR.
The Q8108-R represents Axis expansion into the mobile video surveillance market. The appliance...
Advocates Economic Benefits of 'Green' NVRs Update about
IndigoVision
on Feb 01 We question the economic significance of IndigoVision's marketing campaign around 'green' NVRs.
Here's the core of their case:
"In a RAID 5 system, typical power consumption for a video storage server and at...
iSecurity Virtual Trade Show Examined Update about
Convergence
on Feb 01 On March 3, 2010, a one-day 'virtual' trade show will be held. Called the iSecurity Virtual Trade Show and run by Security Magazine / SDM, the event will allow people to log in from their computers to ...
Professional Services Offering Examined Update about
Genetec
on Jan 28 The launch of a formal professional services department by Genetec raises 2 interesting questions/points.
Genetec notes that this adds, "three new initiatives including field service and project engineering, de...
Video Analytics Company Says They Are Not Video ... Update about
Video Analytics
on Jan 28 The poor state of video analytics is exemplified by video analytic manufacturers that deny they are video analytics. Briefcam recently took to Twitter to issue their denial.
At one level, they clearly perform v...
Marketing Statistics for Security Integrators Update about
Statistics
on Jan 28 Security Sales Magazine has released a statistical report on marketing expenditures and choices for US security integrators.
The most interesting points made include:
Close rates for new business dropped f...
Makes Their Case for Thermal Cameras Update about
Axis
on Jan 28 With thermal cameras announced, Axis is building up their case for using their thermal cameras. This features an extensive amount of marketing materials, including an introduction to thermal white paper and a th...
ARTPEC-3 Performance Examined Update about
Axis
on Jan 28 Axis's ARTPEC-3 chip is a key element in the positioning and performance of Axis network cameras. Axis has released a technical paper with metrics on the ARTPEC-3's performance. ARTPEC-3 was announced in 2008. T...
Asian Video Surveillance Market Forecast Update about
Statistics
on Jan 28 Frost & Sullivan has released projections and sizing for the Asia Pacific Video Surveillance market. In 2008, Frost estimates total market revenue of $1.21 Billion USD. By 2015, Frost estimates total market ...
Mobile Video Surveillance Market Projection Update about
Statistics
on Jan 28 Frost & Sullivan has issued projections for the Mobile Video Surveillance Market from 2008 to 2015. They estimate the global market to be $615.4 Million in 2008 with projected growth to $1.55 Billion in 2015...
iPad Use for Video Surveillance Examined Update about
General
on Jan 28 We believe the Apple iPad will be useful for video surveillance applications. The Apple iPad (see video intro) was launched to great fanfare and then subsequently debate. While it may or may not become a mass su...
Autonomy Partners with Vidient Update about
Vidient
on Jan 27 Autonomy offers a classic case of failure in the video analytics segment. Over the last 5 years, they have pitched and pushed their solutions into the video surveillance market. The pitch was always unclear and ...
Integrators Review of Real-World IP Camera Perfo... Update about
Cisco
on Jan 26 In the Cisco physical security LinkedIn group, integrators provide feedback on the performance on the Cisco 2500 and 4000 IP cameras.
Key comments include:
From an integrator who has deployed hundreds of Cis...
Promotion to Cut Costs on Security Lighting Update about
Raytec
on Jan 26 UK IR/lighting specialist Raytec is running an expanded promotion that offers cash back to installers deploying Raytec's IR or white light LED products.
Of the various green initiatives within the video surveil...
Are Integrators at Fault for Wireless Video Surv... Update about
Wireless
on Jan 26 A common theme from manufacturers of emerging physical security technology is problems caused by security integrators. Firetide presents a very interesting case where an integrator was at fault for problems with...
Testing Videofied's Video Security System Review about
General
on Jan 25 Videofied has gained significant attention for tightly integrating video monitoring/recording into an intrusion detection system. The most commonly cited differentiator is the lack of any wires for any of the eq...
Testing AvaLAN's Wireless Video Surveillance Review about
Wireless
on Jan 24 Wireless IP video surveillance has plenty of hype (claims of 300 Mb/s city wide meshes) and also significant challenges (repeated deployment nightmares). Recently, we helped an integrator friend of ours who need...
Controversy over Market Sizing Statistics Update about
Statistics
on Jan 24 A controversy between a number of US security publications and IMS Research has arisen, demonstrating some key issues in using market sizing statistics.
On January 20th, IMS issued a press release claiming that...
Video Surveillance Industry Weekly - Jan 22 2010 Review about
General
on Jan 22 Covers new events and announcements including Pelco, Genetec, market statistics controversy, another public failures for video analytics and more. Aggregates all premium updates for the week.
Pitching Hybrid DVR Boxes Update about
Genetec
on Jan 21 Given that Genetec now sells hybrid DVRs, it should not be surprising to see them starting to pitch the virtues of using hybrid DVRs as they did in a contributed piece to a security magazine.
This is a sig...
False Alarms are Through the Roof Update about
Video Analytics
on Jan 21 We repeatedly stress how false alarms are the most important weakness of the video analytics market (and security sensor systems in general). The ongoing failure of a large scale deployment in the New York metro...
New Camera Installation Tool Announced Update about
Mobotix
on Jan 21 Mobotix has announced a new camera installation tool that allows connecting and powering one's laptop and IP camera through this tool, called the NPA-PoE set. The tool requires an external battery or connection ...
Free 4 Channel VMS Software Released (DS4U) Update about
Pelco
on Jan 21 Pelco has released a free 4 channel VMS software application (the DS4U) that supports Pelco's own cameras.
This is interesting from a Pelco perspective because they, like most analog incumbents, primarily sell ...
Defends PSIM Against Penny Stock Company Update about
Vidsys
on Jan 21 Vidsys has taken to its blog to defend PSIM against criticism from the President of a penny stock company using an AOL email address and a website not found on Google.
The company, Infrared Systems Internationa...
IP Camera Manufacturers Claim High Growth in Mid... Update about
Statistics
on Jan 21 A number of the largest IP camera manufacturers claim high 2009 growth rates in the Middle East.
Sony claimed 160% growth from 2008 to 2009 in the region for IP
Panasonic claimed 'more than 50%' growth
Ax...
Testing OnSSI's NetDVMS and Ocularis Client Lite Review about
ONSSI
on Jan 19 OnSSI, one of the most well known VMS providers, gained significant attention with their 2009 announcement of the Ocularis 'platform'. Ocularis's client with its 'slick' user interface was the most regularly not...
Special to Promote IP Migration Update about
NUUO
on Jan 18 Asian VMS/NVR provider NUUO has announced a special program to incent customers to migrate to IP. In their 'Capture the Market' special, for each 4 channels of analog capture card one purchase, a single IP chann...
Company/Product Overview Webinar Update about
Theia
on Jan 18 Wide angle lens manufacturer, Theia, has released a company/product overview webinar that can be downloaded without registering.
While it is a standard sales/marketing pitch, what we like is that it is easy to ...
Axis Enters Thermal Camera Market (Q1910-E) Review about
Axis
on Jan 18 Axis has entered the thermal camera market with potentially disruptive pricing and positioning. Axis's first thermal offering - the Q1910/-E (indoor and outdoor options available) is an IP camera with an MSRP o...
US Security System Sales Down Sharply in 2009 Update about
Statistics
on Jan 17 SDM's 2010 Industry Forecast Survey estimates that 'total annual revenue declined 7.8 percent in 2009 to $44.67 billion. Revenue in 2010 has been forecasted to fall an additional 1.6 percent to $43.9 billion." S...
IMS Top 10 Video Surveillance Predictions Examined Update about
Statistics
on Jan 17 IMS has released Top 10 video surveillance predictions for 2010. We think it's useful to consider but important to appreciate the timing and product support issues impacting these predictions. Specifically:
M...
Business Case for Mobile Video Recorders Update about
March Networks
on Jan 17 In response to our LinkedIn discussion on mobile digital video recorders, March Networks has posted a business case/ financial analysis of mobile video recorders, including the total costs of ownership (servicin...
Aggressive Hiring Continues Update about
Genetec
on Jan 17 Genetec has been one of the most aggressive companies hiring over the past year. This week, they added 6 new job openings to their career opportunities online section. Positions are available in most areas of th...
Top 5 Reasons Analog Cameras are Easier to Insta... Review about
IP Cameras
on Jan 16 While IP has many advantages over analog, ease of installation is not one of them. IP cameras are far harder to install even if the installer has extensive networking expertise. And for the majority of security ...
What does the DVTel-ioimage deal say about the v... Update about
Video Analytics
on Jan 14 IP Video Market poll respondents are heavily divided about the meaning of the DVTel-ioimage deal to the video analytics market. Of 129 respondents, 43% believed it was a good sign, 40% thought it was not a good ...
What do Pelco's Layoffs Say About the Industry? Update about
Pelco
on Jan 14 IP Video Market poll respondents are divided among 3 conflicting interpretations about Pelco's 4% layoff.
45% - the entire industry faces economic challenges
32% - the analog incumbents face economic...
Conference Attendence Continue to Drop Update about
General
on Jan 14 SSN is reporting that conference attendees to the US ISC East trade show continue to drop precipitously from 187 people in 2005 to only 44 people in 2009. Access to the conference/speaking sessions usually ...
Expands Manufacturing in China Update about
Pelco
on Jan 14 As part of the details emerging from Pelco's layoffs, an interview with Pelco in SSN reveals that Pelco will be expanding its manufacturing inside of China. Specifically, Pelco notes that it, "does not think it ...
US - Mexico Border Boeing Security Systems Failu... Update about
General
on Jan 14 At the US border with Mexico a billion USD has been spent on underground sensors, long range radars and high resolution and infrared cameras but the best comment is on the project is, "it hasn't worked out...
Pelco Layoff Examined Review about
Pelco
on Jan 13 Pelco has announced a layoff of 100 employees, or approximately 4% of their global workforce of 2400. Pelco cites 3 main factors: "the result of slower than expected sales recovery from early 2009 declines, incr...
Is Bundling Video Analytics a Good Strategy? Update about
Video Analytics
on Jan 12 While increasingly adopted, we believe bundling video analytics with cameras and recorders is a reflection of failing initial strategies rather than an inherently strong approach.
Bundling video analytics is in...
DVTel Acquires ioimage: Deal Debated Review about
DVTel
on Jan 12 IP Video Surveillance provider DVTel has acquired video analytics specialtist ioimage for an estimated $80 M USD in a stock transaction (based on future benchmarks). This is being reported by multiple ...
Testing Exacq's VMS Software (exacqVision 3.7) Review about
Exacq
on Jan 11 Exacq provides VMS software and multiple lines of DVR/NVR appliances. While not as well known as some VMS providers, we regularly hear positive comments from integrators and competitors (in the North American ma...
Will Military Drones Provide a Boost for Intelli... Update about
General
on Jan 10 A January 2010 New York Times article examines the severe problem the US military is having analyzing video from drones patrolling Afghanistan. According to the Time, video volume is expected to 'multiple in the...
Is Retail On the Way Up? Update about
Retail
on Jan 07 After a difficult 2009, some signs indicate the retail market for security products may be turning around. New retail statistics released indicate Christmas sales were up year over year and projections for 2010 ...
Compact MJPEG Camera Release Examined Update about
Arecont Vision
on Jan 07 The most important element in Arecont Vision's announcement of a new line of Compact MJPEG cameras is the reduction of price for megapixel cameras. Already providing some of the lowest priced megapixel came...
Reports Significant 2009 Growth Update about
Agent Vi
on Jan 07 Agent Vi is reporting 39% growth in 2009 sales, compared to 2008. They 'expect further dramatic growth in 2010', citing recovering economy, recent addition of Anixter distribution and their video analytic search...
Details on Archerfish Solo SmartCam Disclosed Update about
Cernium
on Jan 07 In conjunction with the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, Cernium is releasing more information on its Archerfish managed video / smart camera / embedded storage product.
New details disclosed include:
On-boar...
Should We Allow Some Potential Terrorist Acts? Update about
General
on Jan 07 While terrorism certainly drives the surveillance business, a growing and influential trend suggests that in many cases, the best solution is to do nothing. Bruce Schneier, perhaps the most famous person in secu...
AgentVi Says They Can Prevent Airport Terminal S... Update about
Agent Vi
on Jan 07 In an aggressive move, AgentVi claims that their analytics could have prevented the airport terminal shutdown in Newark on Jan 3, 2010. They claim that a "simple upgrade to the airport's surveillance system" of ...
Large Scale Deployment in Pakistani City Update about
Case Studies
on Jan 07 In a further sign of the rapid expansion of a Pakistani public video surveillance, a new $150 Million USD plus project is being planned in Karachi.
This ambitious project aims to cover 309 sites with 1500 surve...
Can Video Analytics Stop Suicide? Update about
Video Analytics
on Jan 06 A metropolitan subway station is evaluating the use video analytics to identify and stop suicide attempts. It is a fascinating concept that faces significant risks.
The City of Calcutta India has a su...
MicroPower Ultra-Low Power Wireless/Solar Video ... Update about
Wireless
on Jan 06 MicroPower Technologies is a startup aimed at eliminating power wiring for wireless video surveillance cameras through radical reduction of power consumption for the wireless camera. Their first two planned prod...
Production Support for ONVIF and PSIA Update about
Milestone Systems
on Jan 05 Milestone has released production support for both ONVIF and PSIA in their 4.6 device pack. We have already tested the ONVIF implementation with a PTZ camera from LILIN.
Connecting to the LILIN camera using the...
DM Launches New Brand but Will it Help? Update about
Dedicated Micros
on Jan 04 In a strange move that we think has low probability for success, Dedicated Micros's IP products will go to market through a new division/brand called "AD Network Video". See the new AD Network Video website.
Wh...
Testing Milestone's XProtect Enterprise VMS Soft... Review about
Milestone Systems
on Jan 04 Milestone is one of the most used and well-known Video Management Software providers, with 4 VMS versions. Of them, Milestone XProtect Enterprise is the most commonly discussed and referenced by in
10 Keys for 'Easy to Use'' Video Management Sof... Review about
NVRs
on Jan 03 In this report, we examine well established usability principles for software, how they are routinely violated and what can be done. Contrary to common suggestions, the answer is not more training, ignoring it b...
Mobotix Criticizes IP Camera Standards Efforts Update about
Mobotix
on Dec 30 The January 2010 Mobotix Installer magazine posts a series of criticisms and concerns on the developing PSIA and ONVIF interoperability specifications.
Mobotix specifically objects to:
The potential for VMS ...
Hollywood's Negative Impact on Using Video Surve... Update about
General
on Dec 30 Hollywood's amazingly inaccurate use of video surveillance is a frequent source of both frustration and amusement for video surveillance professionals. The key risk is expectations are set for the public that th...
US Security Year in Review Update about
General
on Dec 30 Security Director News has a fairly comprehensive year in review of US security events and issues. It covers and links to stories on retail, port, educational and healthcare security.
Using Virtual Machines to Test VMS Systems Update about
NVRs
on Dec 30 If you want to try out new software, like VMS, and are concerned about creating problems with your PC, you should certainly use Virtual Machines.
A verbose rant from a security consultant demonstrates the error...
Testing Canon's PTZ Camera (VB-C60) Review about
Canon
on Dec 28 While megapixel cameras are hot, PTZs remain an important part of video surveillance deployments. Probably the most frequently mentioned product of Canon is their 40x optical zoom, network PTZ camera - the VB-C6...
How Should Video Management Software be Evaluated? Review about
NVRs
on Dec 28 In this report, we propose criteria to evaluate Video Management Software (VMS). Those selecting VMS software may find this useful. Moreover we plan to use this criteria for our upcoming testing series on VMS so...
2010 Goal: Publish 100 IP Video Surveillance Tests Review about
General
on Dec 27 Our 2010 goal is to publish test results for 100 IP video surveillance products covering the most commonly used IP cameras, VMS software, hybrid DVRs and video analytics. This will provide unprecedented depth of...
GuardYourPlace.com: MLM Comes to Video Surveillance Update about
SaaS
on Dec 26 With IP video expanding the use of video surveillance in the home, classic and controversial consumer marketing practices are arising, specifically Multi-Level Marketing.
A new entrant, GuardYourPlace.com, offe...
Pricing Special to Steal Customers from Mileston... Update about
Video Insight
on Dec 26 Video Insight, a US based VMS provider, has launched an interesting program to steal customers from larger rivals, including Milestone and OnSSI who they reference by name.
Their "Competitive Upgrade" programs ...
Anixter H.264 Performance Claims Examined Update about
IP Cameras
on Dec 23 Equipment distributor Anixter's deeply flawed H.264 study reveals key issue in the use and marketing of H.264 IP cameras. In their Lab Report on H.264, they claim, "In tests with little or no motion, the H.264 v...
Standardize Exposure Settings for IP Camera Comp... Review about
IP Cameras
on Dec 23 We recommend all surveillance camera comparisons be performed with standardized exposure settings to ensure fairness and eliminate 'games'. Starting immediately, we will use 1/30th and 1/8th second exposure time...
Most Agree that VMS Software is Too Hard Update about
NVRs
on Dec 23 The reaction to our December 2009 criticism of VMS software poor usability has been surprisingly strong and positive.
With over 1500 reads in the first 3 days during Christmas week, the sheer size of reade...
Sample RFP for IP Video Surveillance System Update about
General
on Dec 23 Request for Proposal documents (RFPs) are common and important documents for specifying and bidding video surveillance systems. Video Insight has posted samples of their RFP document in both PDF and DO...
Fragility of Video Analytics Update about
Video Analytics
on Dec 23 The December 2009 uproar over 'racist' facial recognition from HP demonstrates an important risk for real world video analytic deployments. For background, watch the viral video with almost 1 million views below...
Samurai UK Video Analytics Project Examined Update about
Video Analytics
on Dec 23 Samurai is a UK based project to develop behavioral / advanced video analytics to detect suspicious or high risk behavior in public facilities, led by Queen Mary, University of London.
Samurai was fea...
Testing Oncam Grandeye's Panoramic Cameras (IPC) Review about
Megapixel Cameras
on Dec 21 For almost a decade, panoramic surveillance cameras have been promised as a 'next big thing' but has yet to meet its potential.
In that last few years, however, the situation is changing as megapixel and IP vid...
Why is Most VMS Software So Damn Hard to Use? Review about
NVRs
on Dec 20 I am shocked at how damn hard most Video Management software is to use. At first we thought it was just one or two but now that we have done significant testing on a dozen VMS systems, it is becoming clear that ...
Video Analytics to be $1 Billion in 2012 Update about
Video Analytics
on Dec 19 An extremely bullish but wildly misleading projection for the video analytics market has been made. V/B Research claims that video analytics will generate more than $1 Billion in 2012 revenue up from an estimate...
Video Analytic SaaS to target Sweethearting Update about
Retail
on Dec 18 ASIS's Security Management magazine has profiled a company, StopLift, providing a video analytic managed service that aims to reduce losses from sweethearting. The article cites $3 Million in cost savings over 9...
Hacking Military Video Surveillance Feeds Update about
General
on Dec 18 The US military's embarrassing situation illuminates trade-offs and risks of video surveillance encryption. The Wall Street Journal released an investigative report examining how Shiite fighters in Iraq use...
UK Market Size Falling Sharply Update about
Statistics
on Dec 17 A UK research firm, Key Note, estimates a significant fall in 2009 CCTV UK sales and an even steeper fall projected in 2010.
In their Closed Circuit Television 2009 report, they estimate an 8.9% decline in tota...
Is Momentum Shifting Away from IT? Update about
Convergence
on Dec 17 Canada's SP&T News examines weakening momentum for IT providers in the physical security market. Referencing the November 2009 Securing New Ground Conference, she observes a number of signals and statements ...
