Author: Bob Mesnik

Helpful Answers Before Purchasing Your Video Management System

Video Management Software (VMS) and Network Video Recorders (NVR) are used to manage IP security cameras, view live videos, record events, search stored video, and respond to security incidents. Advanced systems also provide AI analytics, alerts, maps, and integration with other security technologies

Some camera manufacturers provide their own video management solutions, while others allow you to choose from a variety of VMS and NVR options. With so many choices available, how do you determine which system is best for your application?

The following questions and answers will help you understand the differences, evaluate important features, and select a surveillance management solution that meets your security requirements and budget.

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The Growth of AI Is Creating a Community Noise Problem

AI is driving the construction and expansion of large server farms and data centers. These facilities require enormous computing capacity, and thousands of high-performance servers operating continuously generate tremendous amounts of heat.

Removing that heat requires extensive cooling infrastructure. While the servers are generally located inside the building, much of the supporting mechanical equipment may be located on rooftops or around the exterior of the facility.

Cooling fans, chillers, cooling towers, air-handling equipment, pumps, transformers, and emergency generators can create significant amounts of sound.

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Reduce Background Noise So You Can Hear the Important Stuff

Noise is often an overlooked environmental problem. We may become so accustomed to the sounds around us that we no longer notice how loud our environment actually is, or recognize the effects that excessive noise can have on our health, safety, comfort, and productivity.

Whether the noise is in a restaurant, office, manufacturing plant, warehouse, data center, or server room, reducing excessive sound can create a healthier, safer, and more productive environment.

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 The New Generation of Door Access Control: Smarter, Safer, More Connected

Door access control has been protecting buildings for decades. The basic concept hasn’t changed: identify a person, determine whether that person is authorized, and unlock the door.

What has changed is the new technology used to accomplish those tasks.

Today’s access control systems can use smartphones instead of cards, biometrics to verify identity, cloud-based software to manage doors from anywhere, and integration with video surveillance, intercoms, visitor management, and other security systems.

These advances can transform access control from a relatively simple door-locking system into an important part of an organization’s overall security strategy.

This article describes some of the new ways access control can increase security.

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IP Intercoms and Paging Speakers Provide Increased Security

Intercoms have been used for generations. From early speaking tubes to modern digital systems, they have provided a convenient way for people to communicate in ships, apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, offices, and industrial facilities.

Today, IP intercom systems have greatly expanded that capability. Instead of functioning as isolated communication devices, IP intercoms can operate across an organization’s network and integrate with paging, access control, video surveillance, visitor management, and emergency notification systems.

This article describes how IP paging and intercom systems work together to provide targeted communications throughout an organization.

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How to Select and Set Up an IP Surveillance Camera

Choosing the right IP surveillance camera involves more than selecting a camera with the highest resolution. The camera, lens, mounting location, and viewing angle all work together to determine whether you capture the details you need.

The goal is simple: install the right camera in the right location so you can clearly see what is important.

Continue reading “How to Select the Right IP Surveillance Camera, Lens, and Resolution”