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Testing Avigilon ControlCenter VMS

by Benros Emata, IP Video Market Info posted on Mar 09, 2010


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 are curious to understand the capabilities and features of Avigilon's VMS - both for use with its own cameras and third party IP cameras.

In this test, we examine Aviglon's Control Center VMS version 4.2. The test was hosted on a Windows XP Pro server, using Avigilon's 5 MP HD-DN and the 2 MP HD-DN in addition to the Axis Q1755. Additionally, the remote client was hosted on a Windows 7 (64-bit) laptop, Intel Core 2 Duo and 4GB memory.

Our key findings include:

  • Workflow is simple and compact with a few potential areas for confusion
  • Provides key benefits for use with Avigilon cameras offset by bandwidth load of Avigilon's JPEG2000 codec
  • Moderate third party/enterprise support though with some notable gaps

One other element to call out is Avigilon's on-line technical training videos. They are the most helpful training resource we have yet to find from a VMS provider, reducing our learning time significantly and eliminating many questions / support calls we generally have. We highly recommend this to integrators and encourage more manufacturers to bolster such offerings.

Readers should review our test results on Avigilon's 5MP and 2MP cameras in conjunction with this report.

Inside the Pro Section

Premium members may access:

  • 5 screencasts (a total of 55 minutes of video) covering (1) usability, (2) administration, (3) investigations, (4) live monitoring and (5) on-line training materials available
  • Extensive analysis and commentary on the functionality and implementation of the VMS (answering 30 VMS evaluation questions on Avigilon's performance)
  • Examination of key features and limitations
  • Product and pricing review
  • Recommendations on use and application

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