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.
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.
Review of the methods for integrating IP Camera systems with IP door access or digital point of sale systems
By Bob Mesnik
C2P Convergence Concept
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Resolution required for Recognition, Detection, Identification depends on the type of camera
By Bob Mesnik
There is some confusion in the industry about how much camera resolution is required to detect an object, recognize the type of object, or identify exactly what or who it is. The criteria are different between thermal and optical cameras. Resolution for thermal cameras and optical IP cameras are measured differently.
For example, when defining the performance of a thermal camera we use the Johnson Criteria of “detection”, “recognition” and “identification” (DRI).
On the other hand, IP camera resolution performance is usually defined by the number of pixels in the sensor, and we are usually interested in the ability to identify a person.
How much resolution do you need? This article compares how resolution is defined using thermal and optical technologies.
How to determine the resolution required for your IP camera system By Bob Mesnik
How much resolution do you need? It depends on what you need to see. Do you want to identify who stole your car, or just see that there’s a dog in your yard again.
It’s very important to first determine exactly what you want to see, because it will affect how much your IP camera system costs.
This article reviews the amount of resolution required to recognize objects such as people, vehicles, license plates, or even a small crack in a wall.
This article has been updated on 10/4/2018 to reflect the new PoE injectors available.
Many network-attached devices, such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, WiFi radios, and IP door readers use power over Ethernet (PoE). The single network cable transfers both data and power to the device making installation very simple. The data uses one set of wires, while the power uses another set of wires in the network cable.
CD Servers, RAID, Optical Disc or Cloud Storage? That is the question by Dennis Gallen
“What’s the difference between a jukebox and a CD/DVD Server?” That was the question we used to get. It was a time when CD-and DVD discs were a great way to archive data. Today the there are a number of different storage options available. We continue to get questions about the best way to store data. We are asked, “What is the difference between Cloud storage and optical disc storage? And, “What is the difference between tape and optical discs”?
