2010 Goal: Publish 100 IP Video Surveillance Tests

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 independent information to help end users and integrators quickly and accurately understand the strengths and, more importantly, weaknesses of available products. We will build on the 20 IP video surveillance tests we released in 2009.

Why 100 Tests are Important?

Tests create hands-on knowledge that enable us to distinguish marketing hype from real world benefits. Most information on video surveillance is poor because it is based on what marketing and PR people say, rather than what the technology can actually do.

Moreover, performing a large number of independent tests allows us unique insight into the competitive positioning of products. We have already seen the benefits in our testing of 8 megapixel cameras - leading to our critiques of low light performance, exposure tricks and true increases in image quality. While our 2009 megapixel camera comparison report provided good coverage of fundamentals, our 2010 version (scheduled for Feb 2010) will be even better because it will draw from hundreds of hours of megapixel camera testing over the last few months.

How we will do it

In 2009, we built a subscriber base of about a thousand people around the world paying a hundred to a few hundred dollars per year. That's our income - we do not do any consulting for manufacturers, no advertising, no sponsorships, no payments for testing, no selling products, etc.

As our subscriber base has grown, it has allowed me to build a team. We have 3 people now and new lab space. We will continue to grow the team throughout 2010.

We plan to release about 2 reports per week with the focus in early 2010 on VMS software, getting through 15 to 25 systems to provide a comprehensive review of options on the market. Of course, camera testing will continue throughout. Finally, by mid 2010 we will add in video analytic tests with a goal of testing at least 10 product offerings.

Please let me know if you have questions or feedback.