IP Camera Systems and Surveillance Blog

How to Integrate Door Control With Other IP Systems

Posted on October 19, 2016June 1, 2020 by Bob Mesnik

Door Control is much more than just a door reader

By Bob Mesnik

Door access control systems have become much more sophisticated, and easier to integrate with other security systems. These new IP door readers integrate with IP video systems, and IP intercoms, providing a much more secure environment.

The door access systems changed over 10 years ago with the introduction of IP door readers from Isonas. These new readers dramatically lowered installation costs and made it much easier to self-install these systems. This was a dramatic improvement over the older systems that used complex wiring harnesses to a central control panel.

There are new IP door readers that use cloud-based access control software. Now you can manage your door access from your mobile device. The latest door readers not only read the RFID card credentials, but they also recognize your fingerprint or face. They include multiple types of biometric keys that make them more reliable and secure. All these door access control systems can easily be integrated with IP camera systems and IP intercoms.

Here is a summary of the latest developments in door access control and how it integrates with other systems.

4K IP Camera Review and Comparison

Posted on September 28, 2016June 1, 2020 by Bob Mesnik

Resolution, Low Light, and Wide Dynamic Range Test and Shoot-out of 4K IP Cameras

By Francisco Gutierrez-Guerra

We tested and compared 4K IP cameras from Axis, Hikvision, Samsung, and Sony.

We tested the Axis P1428-E, the Hikvision DS-2CD4A85F-IZH, the Samsung PNO-9080R, and the Sony SNC-VM772R. We tested the resolution, low light capability, signal-to-noise, and wide dynamic range.

We also looked at the latest Sony SNC-VB770, which if you can afford it, is the best 4K IP camera we have seen. Here are the results of our testing.

Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 21

Posted on September 19, 2016March 20, 2021 by Bob Mesnik

A guy goes ice fishing for the very first time. All of a sudden, he hears a voice. “There are no fish under the ice!”

He ignores it and moves to another area, cuts a hole, and tosses his line in. Again, he hears the booming voice: “There are no fish under the ice!”

He nervously looks up and asks, “Lord? Is that you?”

“No, this is the manager of the skating rink!”

IP Video and Door Access or POS Integration

Posted on September 19, 2016June 1, 2020 by Bob Mesnik

Review of the methods for integrating IP Camera systems with IP door access or digital point of sale systems

By Bob Mesnik

What’s next for Video Recording Systems? IP Camera manufacturers and third party companies such as OnSSI, Milestone, Axis, Exacq, and others have been providing software and NVR recording systems for many years. All these systems provide basic video recording functionality. How can the functionality and value of these recording systems be increased?

We reviewed a number of different systems and found that the next generation of video management systems (VMS) is already here.

Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 20

Posted on August 17, 2016March 24, 2021 by Bob Mesnik

“If God had written the Bible, the first line should have been ‘It’s round.'” – Eddie Izzard

“A hotel minibar allows you to see into the future and find out what a can of Pepsi will cost in 2020.” – Rich Hall

“My great uncle Arthur died at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. But he wasn’t involved in the fighting. He was camping in a nearby field and popped over to complain about the noise.” – Rob Brydon

“You know you’re getting old when you get that one candle on the cake. It’s like, ‘See if you can blow this out.'” – Jerry Seinfeld

Fingerprint and Facial Recognition Access Control

Posted on August 12, 2016June 20, 2020 by Bob Mesnik

Selecting the right biometric reader

By Dennis Gallen

Biometrics is a much safer way to control door access than carrying a card or remembering a pin number. It’s more secure because you are identifying a person rather than something the person is carrying. The door credential can be stolen, but your face can’t.

biometric image banner — Biometric Door Access Concept

What can biometric readers do? How do you select the right fingerprint reader, facial recognition system, or multimodal biometric system? By the way, the latest Biometric IP reader-controllers combine a number of physiological characteristics and are more flexible and reliable than the older units. There are a lot of different choices, but what is best, what provides the best reliability and repeatability? This article examines the technology and provides guidelines for selecting the right biometric system.

Technical Jokes and Cartoons 19

Posted on July 22, 2016March 24, 2021 by Bob Mesnik

Some comments from Stephen Wright:

If a person with multiple personalities threatens suicide, is that considered a hostage situation?

If olive oil comes from olives, where does baby oil come from?

If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.

If your car could travel at the speed of light, would your headlights work?

I went to a restaurant that serves “breakfast at any time”. So I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance.

The History of Video Surveillance

Posted on July 20, 2016June 1, 2020 by Bob Mesnik

Evolution from Closed Circuit TV to Ubiquitous IP Camera Surveillance

By Bob Mesnik

From the early beginnings of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), it was somewhat controversial. It was designed to increase our security and safety, but does it threaten our privacy? How has video surveillance changed over the years? This article reviews the history of surveillance and how it has evolved into a technology that has become part of our lives.

History

Video surveillance is not new; it has been around for quite a while. One of the first recorded application for closed circuit television system (CCTV) was back in 1942. It was used to view the launch of V2 rockets in Germany.

In the US, commercial surveillance applications began around 1947. In 1957 a number of companies such as General Precision Labs (GPL division), provided CCTV camera systems for education, medical and industrial applications.

How to Select the Right IP Video Intercom

Posted on July 13, 2016March 22, 2020 by Bob Mesnik

Selecting the best video Intercom for your application.

By Bob Mesnik

The audio and video quality are important features when selecting IP video intercoms. You can select Video Intercoms that connect through IP cameras to Windows workstations, or others that communicate through cloud servers to smartphones.

The right type of intercom depends on your application. Intercoms, that connect to Video Management Software (VMS), integrate with your IP camera surveillance system. The other type of video intercoms connect through the cloud to a smartphone rather than a Windows computer.

Both systems integrate with IP door access control systems and allow you to grant access to visitors and anyone that doesn’t have a credential.

In a previous article, “How to Select the Best IP Intercom” we described the features and functions that should be considered when selecting audio IP intercoms. This article focuses on the intercoms that include video.

How to Select the Best IP Intercom

Posted on July 12, 2016March 22, 2020 by Bob Mesnik

What are the features and functions to look for when selecting your IP intercom?

By Bob Mesnik

IP intercoms are simple in concept, but complex in practice. They are easy to install, but there are many options to consider. We have evaluated a number of different types of intercoms, and found that the more successful products are provided by those who understand the black art of audio, rather than science of networks.

What are the most important features and functions for an IP intercom system?

Of course, the sound quality of all the intercoms is one of the most important aspects to consider. Reliable communication is another important capability. After all, controlling a door is one aspect of your overall security. Many of the other features and functions depend on the application. For example, some intercoms just include two-way audio, while others also include video. Some can control an electric lock or interface to an IP door access control system. You may need a system that allows you to communicate with a Windows computer, or one that communicates with your smart phone. Here are the features and functions you should consider when selecting your IP intercom system.