Category Archives: About Technology

Comparison of PTZ Cameras

What is the Best PTZ Camera

Pan tilt zoom (PTZ) IP cameras connect to the network and provide the ability to view extensive areas. A PTZ camera can move back and forth (pan), up and down (tilt), and zoom in and out. When it is combined with intelligent video management software (VMS), it provides an effective surveillance system.PTZ Camera Comparison

This article compares several PTZ camera. We considered several characteristics, such as the zoom lens, camera resolution, low light sensitivity, pan, tilt ability, and nighttime viewing capability. This comparison should help you select the right PTZ camera.  Remember that the most critical question is to determine if the PTZ camera meets your objectives.

 

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Access Control: What is it

What is Access Control?

What is Access Control

Access control is anything that is used to prevent the wrong people from gaining access to your secure area. A door lock and key control access. If you have a dog in your yard, with a big sign that says, “Beware of Dog!” You have access control. Access control always includes a key to allow entry. The dog only lets in the people it knows, so that’s the key.

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Comparison of Door Access Credentials

How Door Access Credentials Work

 

Access Control Credentials Illustration

Door access control systems use various credentials to unlock the door. Credentials can include physical cards that we carry, a PIN number we enter, or even the physical aspect of a person (biometrics such as fingerprint or facial recognition).  This article compares the credentials that we carry. They are sometimes called keycards, prox cards, or smartcards.

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PA System Configurations

Comparison of PA Systems

Network Attached PA SystemsWhat is the best IP paging system? There are several configurations and implementations that can be used depending on your requirements. In general, the PA over IP system is much easier to install than the older central paging amplifier systems. Instead of running wires from a central amplifier location, the IP paging systems use the network infrastructure that’s already in place. There is a choice of PoE powered speakers that attach to your network or small network-attached amplifiers that drive multiple speakers.

 

This article compares two types of implementation: the powered IP speakers, and the IP amplifiers with multiple attached speakers.

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Cameras for Extreme Environments

Explosion-Proof Cameras, High-Temperature Viewing, and Other Enclosures for Extreme Environments

Explosion-proof CameraUnfortunately, the need for special equipment is only discovered after the first disaster. When electric power was first used in coal mines, the lethal explosions prompted the changes in the electrical engineering standards. It became apparent that sparks had to be prevented when there was coal dust or methane gas present.

 

How do you prevent an explosion? What camera can you use on an oil rig or in a coal mine where the gases or dust could cause an explosion?  How about a camera that can view the scorching gases of a rocket launching into outer space? These are not your standard CCTV surveillance cameras. Special explosion-proof enclosures and protective enclosures are required.

 

The explosion-proof and other extreme environment cameras systems include special enclosures that protect the IP camera. This article reviews how industrial IP camera systems are protected in extreme environments.

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IP Camera System Installation

How to Save Money Installing the IP Camera System

IP Camera InstallationWouldn’t it be nice if it was easier to install IP cameras? After all, installation is a big part of the expense of an IP camera system.  Some manufacturers provide IP cameras that are designed for easy installation. They thought about everything from how the cameras are placed in the box to the software tools that help with the final installation process. The installation time makes a big difference in the total cost of an IP camera system installation.

 

This article reviews the things that are part of an IP Camera system installation. We review the packaging, remote setup capability, and software management tools that reduce the time to install your IP camera system.

 

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How Access Control Management Software Works

What is the Best Access Control Management Software

Access Control Management Software ConceptDoor access management software is an essential part of your access control system. It allows you to manage the door readers in your organization, and then enter and manage all the people who will use the doors.

 

Most of the access management software available provides simple door reader management. You can control who, when, and where people can enter. What else do you need? It depends on your requirements. Additional features will allow you to determine who is in the building, manage the system using your mobile device, lockdown the building in an emergency, and many other features. Here is a review of some of the things you may want to consider when you select your door access control system.

 

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IP Door Access Systems Wiring

Comparison of The Topography of Access Control Systems

access control concept illustrationAccess control systems used to be very complicated and difficult to wire.  The early access systems used a central control box that connected to all the doors. The wiring was complex and expensive to install.

 

The latest access control solutions bring all the control functions to the door. This makes it easier to install, and simpler to expand. There are several systems that connect to the network but have different wiring schemes.

 

We compared the different access control systems and the benefits and disadvantages of each system configuration.

 

This article compares four types of door control systems. They all use access control management software that runs on your Windows computer. We provided the pros and cons of the different wiring topographies.

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Mobile Credentials the New Key for Door Access Control

Mobile phones are the new Credential

Mobile credential conceptHave we reached the tipping point? Will our smartphones become our new door key? It all depends on the number of smartphones in the population. One survey indicates that 81% of the US population owns a smartphone. As the percentage increases, there will be enough smartphones to enable the use of mobile keys. It is quite likely that this will happen in the near future.

 

If everyone in your organization, apartment complex or school has a smartphone, you have reached the tipping point. You can use your smartphone as a mobile credential to open your doors.

 

Many smartphones use biometrics to unlock the phone. This security feature can make them more secure than carrying a card credential. This article describes how mobile credentials work in access control systems.

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IP Paging and Automated Emergency Announcements

Automated Network Attached Paging Provides Emergency Announcements

Automated Paging ConceptNetwork attached paging systems are replacing the older analog paging systems. They are not only easier to install; they provide increased functionality. One of the most helpful features of this system is its ability to make automated announcements. You can push a button and make a pre-recorded page, or automatically notify everyone about a weather emergency received from the national weather service.  The automation feature can even convert text messages to audio announcements.

 

Digital Acoustics was the first company to provide IP paging systems. Their PA over IP product was introduced in 2004 and included small audio amplifiers that were attached to the network. Today there are a number of companies that provide IP type paging systems, but Digital Acoustics continues to provide the most flexible and economic systems. Here’s how to use automated Paging.

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