# Kintronics > The Experts in IP Cameras, Access Control, Paging and Other Network Attached Systems ### Acre Access Control Software Acre Integrated Management System More Access Control Management Software | Access Control Systems | Purchase This Access Control software provides a unified interface for managing various security systems, including IP camera systems and other security devices. It features an open interface that enables connection with various video management software systems. It includes an on-site or cloud-based management system. Features and Functions The software features advanced functionality and easy access that help maintain your security. Open Hardware Platform that Utilizes Mercury Controller Panels Supports a wide variety of door readers. OSDP Secure Channel and remote firmware upgradability MIFARE DESFire® EV2 & EV3 support Wiegand/OSDP readers support mobile credentials Multiple technologies in a single reader: Proximity, Smart, NFC & BLE LEAF credential support for secure, open interoperability Mobile wallet credentials IP Camera System Integration Integrates with the Hexagon VMS solution View surveillance cameras from your access manager Viewing door entry increases security, detects issues at the door, and reduces pass-back. Pass-back (or Piggybacking) occurs when an unauthorized individual follows an authorized person into a secured area. Visitor Management Visitor Management Software Manage visits within Acre Access Control Provides a complete list of visitors in the facility at any time Easy and efficient visitor enrollment Driver’s license/passport scanner support Seamless integrations available to Acre’s Professional and Enterprise Class visitor management applications (Fast-Pass and TDS Visitor Management) Cloud-Based Support Cloud Access Control The Access Control Manager system utilizes Feenics by Acre Security, the industry’s most secure and flexible cloud-based enterprise access control solution, which can be accessed anywhere. Available on all devices Manage your system on the go Search, view, and edit cardholders Add new cardholders with photo, badge type, access rights, and personal information Instantly revoke cardholders’ access rights Encryption – Feenics employs the latest encryption standards to ensure the security of your data. TLS 1.2 communications encryption and AES 256 database encryption are both utilized to ensure your data remains secure in transit and at rest. Multi-Factor Authentication – Multi-factor login protocols provide an increased level of login security when accessing Feenics. Acre Specifications Acre Specifications Specifications: Logon Security    2FA, password policiesClient Encryption AES 256-bit, TLS 1.2 & TLS 1.3 encryptionsCommunications Path   IP Client (outbound ports only) IncludedDatabase Redundancy/HAIncludedConcurrent Users   UnlimitedDatabase CapacityUnlimited (500,000 max/controller)Custom Attribute Fields Unlimited If you need help selecting the right Video Management Software (VMS), please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### WAVE Video Management Software More Video Management Solutions | IP Camera Systems | Purchase Wisenet WAVE is a powerful yet easy-to-use video management software solution that makes managing your IP Cameras easy. WAVE Video Management Software Many integrated access control management software solutions have selected WAVE as their VMS support platform. Features and Functions Supports the Hanwha AI-enhanced Cameras AI analytics help you find events and locate objects. The Hanwha AI camera analytics are fully integrated into WAVE VMS. The Hanwha AI cameras detect and classify people, vehicles, faces, license plates, and more in real-time. Reduce false alarms caused by non-interesting motion, such as wind-blown trees, shadows, or animals. Analytics becomes a reliable second pair of eyes for operators, helping them identify where to look for critical real-time events, while making post-event forensic searches highly efficient. Events and Rules Engine This powerful if-then function allows you to establish output actions based on detected inputs. It is most effective when it is teamed with the X-Series Hanwha cameras. Since these cameras include advanced analytics, you can automate a response when a gunshot is heard or when someone takes an object.  It provides a fantastic set of real-time responses to situations. Mobile Client Support Whether you have a remote computer or a mobile smartphone, you can view and control all your cameras. Merge Multiple Servers The software enables you to easily merge multiple servers, allowing all cameras to be viewed from a single source. By utilizing the centralized cloud system, you can have a camera system in numerous remote locations and then merge them into a single, powerful system. And more: Design and create your own custom live and recorded camera viewing workspaces with an intuitive drag and drop tool. Quick access to on-demand Zoom windows to see close-up details of live and recorded activity. Generate alerts and alarm notifications when specific motion detection or analytic-triggered incidents occur. Locate important video with ease with an interactive flex timeline with a powerful range of analytics-based search tools for recorded video. Nested search-based navigation menu to identify connected cameras and layouts. Bird's eye view of all cameras using built-in background map imagery. Consolidated notification panel for dedicated alarm management. Deep camera integrations and NVR monitoring, search & playback H.265 support All triggering events, including sound classification and loitering Simple Focus / Initialize Focus / Lens Control settings Multi-directional camera support Hallway view Camera profile/image configuration PTZ preset Sync  Imagery Settings Auto & HTTP discovery  Digital I/O A Powerful Expandable System Lightweight. Powerful. Server Hive. Server Hive Connect to any server with any client Instant Synchronization No single point of failure Automatic Failover One-click upgrades The Wisenet WAVE server application serves as the foundation of the entire platform, with the ability to operate independently or as part of a larger system (Hive). It's available as a downloadable software application from the Hanwha Vision website, which enables installers to quickly download, install, and configure the complete solution in minutes. The server application also provides a detailed user audit trail, including the ability to view and export, as well as real-time health and storage monitoring, and camera failover support. The supporting web-based application enables each Wisenet WAVE platform to be managed as a standalone system or as part of a larger, scalable video management solution. When to Use it The WAVE VMS is excellent for enhancing your video security. It fully leverages onboard camera analytics, scales your security system with ease, and tailors your dashboard to the needs of your operation.   If you would like help selecting your security software, please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425, email us at dennis@kintronics.com, or use our contact form. ### Armatura Security Control Software Armatura Advanced Security Control Software How to Purchase | Access Control Software Comparison | Access Control Systems Features and Functions Armatura is primarily an Access Control Management solution that includes a gateway to other security solutions, such as the WAVE video manager solution. This software enables you to access multiple security tools from a single control page.   All-in-One Web-based Platform Functions Available Include: Access Control Management Video Management Elevator Control Data Monitor Access Control Module Armatura Advanced Security Software This solution supports various credentials, including RFID, Mobile credentials, and biometric door readers. It also includes: Powerful Digital Map Seamlessly integrates with various powerful mapping tools, including Google Maps, GIS Maps, and SuperMap, to best suit different clients' needs. Integrated Security Solutions Fully integrated with different industry leaders' solutions to provide a well-rounded security solution. Scalable Access Control Able to communicate with over 10,000 edge devices (controllers, door units, readers, sensors, etc.) and manage over one million users under a simple network environment. 10,000 Devices 1,000,000 Users Supports Biometric readers for palm, face, fingerprint and more. High Security All communications are encrypted with Advanced Encryption Standards and Transport Layer Security (TLS) cryptographic protocols. Various Credential Options It supports multiple credential options, including RFID, Mobile credentials, and biometric technology. Video Management Solution Armatura VMS Solution Integrates with the WAVE VMS The WAVE Video Management Software (VMS) fully leverages onboard camera analytics, scales your security system with ease, and tailors your dashboard to your operation's needs.  Supports a large number (1024+) of IP cameras Camera event triggers, including sound classification and loitering Simple focus setting Mobile Smartphone viewing Multi-directional camera support with a single license Hallway view support and setup Camera profile/Image configuration PTZ preset Sync When to use Armatura Software: This is the right product when you require a standard interface for multiple security products. It provides one interface for your IP cameras, access control system, and elevator management. If you also need support for biometric door readers in your access control system, this is an appropriate choice. More Video Management Solutions | More Access Control Management If you would like help selecting your security software, please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425, email us at dennis@kintronics.com, or use our contact form. ### Hexagon dC3 Advanced Video Management System Hexagon VMS Solution Advanced Video Management Systems that provide integrated security solutions. This Video Management Software solution integrates IP Surveillance Camera management with Door Access Control, Visitor Management, and More. Hexagon dC3 VMS Based on the Ocularis and Qognify Video Management Software products, this product provides a unified physical security technology ecosystem designed to manage the entire lifecycle of an incident and minimize its impact. This innovative solution integrates Command, Control, and Collaboration (C3) capabilities used to control the security center environment with advanced event detection. Features Mobile Client is an easy and comfortable way to access HxGN dC3 Orchestrator, Ocularis, Qognify VMS, or HxGN dC3 Video on the go using a smartphone or tablet. Automatic Push Video Alerting (Blank Screen Monitoring):Upon an event, a push video alert from the IP camera that triggered the alert, or from any other camera, can be sent to users running the Client application. In addition, the alert can be configured to trigger alarms or send notifications to users. Map-based navigation of cameras, camera views, and carousels, with preview windows and local video walls. Optional Software Extensions Several add-on software packages enhance the capabilities of the dC3 VMS platform. Analytics Suite Advanced VMS Solution Video analytics is a tool that directs operators' attention, enabling them to focus on what's truly important in a continuous stream of video. This option offers a comprehensive application suite for perimeter protection, 2D counting, fire and smoke detection, and facial analytics. It includes features such as: Server-based metadata sources to Hexagon’s non-proprietary forensic search tool – QogniFinder. Utilizing the Track and Monitor (TAM) analytics functions from Qognify VMS Video Analytics, customers can now leverage a server-based analytics tool (powered by Saimos) to equip any camera channel with analytics intelligence, enabling the identification of specific persons or vehicles in recorded video footage. This helps security personnel and agencies significantly speed up investigations. Provides situational awareness: collects, integrates, and correlates data from a large number of sensors and third-party systems, creating a consolidated view of an incident to facilitate decisions. It also visualizes details in an intuitive multi-layered GIS-based map view. Object Detection: This Finder search tool utilizes metadata streams from many different sources to help locate persons or vehicles. It can detect objects that are left or removed in indoor environments.  License Plate Recognition: LPR helps secure parking areas and driveways. It can read license plates from more than 50 countries. Face Recognition: Identifies people in real time.   Video | Insight Solution Insight Solution The Hexagon dC3 Video | Insight (formerly Qognify BVI) integrates data and video. It enables you to utilize event and video data from a VMS and combine it with process data. By linking these previously unconnected areas, we gain valuable new information. By combining video and transaction data, dC3 Video | Insight makes it possible to search for particular items or transaction types – and to find the corresponding video recordings within seconds. Video | Insight helps improve process flow to make sure responsibilities are clear at all times. For instance, the transfer of liability within the supply chain can be documented reliably. dC3 Orchestrator Orchestrator is a software PSIM (Physical Security Information Management) and incident management solution, integrating and correlating information from multiple and diverse systems across the enterprise in real-time. At the same time, it coordinates the most effective responses, ensuring everyone in the operational chain knows what's happening, where it’s happening, and how to respond.  Provides situational awareness, providing a unified platform for security operators to monitor, manage, and respond to events more effectively, improving situational awareness and response times. Integrates disparate physical security information that includes video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and other sensors. Automated workflows can establish their standard operating procedures Provides enhanced compliance by automating the reporting process. When to use dC3 VMS: This is a suitable choice when you require a video management system that integrates with access control, provides several optional enhancements such as Analytics and Insight, and provides PSIM (Orchestrator) capability. More Video Management Solutions | More Access Control Management If you need help selecting the right Video Management Software (VMS), please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### Drone Detection with Radar There are several types of drone detection systems. Radar has proven to be an effective technology for the all-weather detection of drones. There are 10GHz and 24GHz radar systems available. The 24Ghz has a shorter range and can detect targets in more clutter. The 10Ghz has a longer range over ground and water. C-Series 10GHz | CK-Series 24GHz | GK and GX PoE Series | Purchase Drone Detection Radar Other types of drone detection devices include long-range IP Camera systems, acoustic detection, and ID identification. To learn more, see our article, Drone Detection. C-Series 10GHz Radar The licensed 10GHz band (unlike unlicensed bands) ensures the utmost reliability in detecting drones. X-Band Military Grade Licensed and Unlicensed Radars Our C Series radars cover 30–380 acres and are installed on every inhabited continent. One of the main reasons our customers choose us over the competition is that our radars perform reliably well in any environment and weather conditions. The drone-detecting radar system is so small that it can be installed on nearly any existing infrastructure, and setup time is a matter of minutes instead of hours or days. The C Series' wider field of view makes it easier to acquire and track potential threats on rugged, uneven terrain. X-Band Radar Range X-Band Specification X-Band Specification CK-Series 24GHz Radar CE Compliant Industrial K-Band Unlicensed Radar This drone-detection radar system is designed for smaller sites and is used in urban and suburban locations. Perfect for substations in urban or suburban environments, our CK-Series radars run on the 24GHz band, which means no headaches or hassle with acquiring spectrum licenses. Combine that with the small form factor, low power draw, and quick install time, and our CK-Series radars can cover your site in high heat, fog, rain, or snow. K-Band Radar Range K-Band Specification K-Band Radar Specifications GK and GX Series PoE Powered 10GHz and 24GHz Licensed and Unlicensed Drone-detection Radars use an Active Power over Ethernet connection, making installation easier and more cost-effective while maintaining high performance when tracking. GX and GK Radar Range Specification for GK and GX Series PoE Type X and K Band Radar Specifications Purchase Here’s how to order your Radar System: Call us at 914-944-3425. We are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, except holidays. If we are not there, leave a message, and we will call you back. If you don’t want to call, fill out our request form. We will respond very quickly. You can also send us an email dennis@kintronics.com We will determine your requirements and provide suggestions with pros and cons and pricing so you can make an educated decision. If the equipment we provide doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications, you can return it. ### Long-Range PTZ Camera for Harsh Environments Model: KNTOP-800-IP-40X Long-range PTZ Camera IP Camera Systems | Video Recording Systems | Night-Vision PTZ Cameras | Purchase This long-range PTZ is a high-end weatherproof pan & tilt PTZ camera station designed for accurate long-range surveillance. The unit has been specifically designed for Homeland Security such as border control, coastal, wide areas and critical infrastructures. The camera includes an excellent zoom lens, high resolution, and low-light sensor making it an excellent choice for many IP Camera Systems where there is minimum lighting. This PTZ camera provides excellent capability at a reasonable cost. If you need a Long-range camera that can see in total darkness, take a look at the other Night-Vision PTZ Cameras. PTZ Camera Overview The camera is entirely made of electropolished AISI316L stainless steel. The system can withstand the harshest climates, thanks to its high-quality materials, a robust mechanical structure and reliable high torque motors. The wiper and the window defogging system, combined with the ultra-high sensitive camera sensor, guarantee a clear view in virtually any condition. PTZ Camera Features The PTZ camera features a long-range telephoto lens, and a high-performance sensor. High-Resolution Light Sensitive Starlight Sensor The camera uses a 1/1.8” Sony high resolution 4K (8MP) Progressive CMOS sensor with capability to deliver color video at light levels as low as 0.05lux. Long-Range Zoom Lens  The camera includes a 52x optical zoom (15-775mm), with electronic stabilizer and optical defog/dehaze. The long-range 52x Autofocus Optical Zoom, 15-775mm, lens enables recognition of a vehicle that’s over 3 miles away.  The camera can also allow you to recognize a person over 750m (2400ft) away. PTZ Camera Specifications: Model: KNTOP-800-IP-40X 4K (8MP), 52x OPTICAL ZOOM (15-775mm) Very Low-light sensitivity: Color 0.05lux (at F2.8), AGC ON) AISI316L Stainless Steel Construction Electronic Image Stabilizer Optical-Defog, Optical Heat Haze Reduction Integrated Wiper ONVIF Edge Recording See our Product Sheet for more detailed specifications. PTZ Camera Resources Comparison of Long-Range PTZ Network Cameras. There are off-the shelf and specialized long-range PTZ cameras that are designed for both day and night viewing. Long Range Night Vision IR PTZ Camera. There are several types of long-range PTZ camera systems. The most sophisticated cameras include bot an optical camera and a thermal camera allowing them to see targets that are very far away. Calculating What You Can See with Your IP Camera. The lens controls how wide our field of view will be. The wider our field of view the less pixels per ft (or meter) we will get.  Let’s look at a simple example.  Take a look at the line below.  The line is broken into small sections or horizontal pixels.  The more elements per distance (pixels/m or pixels/ft.), the more detail we can see.  As we adjust our lens to provide a wider view, the number of pixels/ft. (m) decreases and the less detail we can see. If you need more help selecting your PTZ camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### AMT-Omni-AC Biometric Reader Multi-Function Biometric Reader More Face Recognition Readers | Door Access Control Systems | Purchase The AMT-Omni-AC is a high-performance outdoor face recognition and palm reader with an embedded Controller. This all-weather outdoor Multi-Biometric Smart Reader is used in access control applications that require increased security. Feature Summary: Multi-Function Palm, Face, and More IP66 water & dustproof protection rating It supports 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz frequency credentials. The model AMT-Omni-AC30 support PoE Supports multiple mount types Reliable Palm and Face Recognition Performance Multi-Biometric technology combines palm and face recognition with our unique deep learning algorithm to give users an efficient authentication experience. The industry-leading combination of visible and NIR infrared recognition technology provides exceptional authentication accuracy and the industry's top-notch anti-spoofing protection. Designed for the User The Omni30 provides an improved user experience with a 5“high-resolution touchscreen and intuitive UI design. Using our advanced algorithms, users can get the best verification experience. Palm recognition distance range: 7" - 15.7" (18cm - 40cm) Face recognition distance range: 15.7"- 47.2" (40cm - 120cm) Biometric Door Readers Touchless Door Access Solution The Omni meets the needs of the contactless world with features like remote user enrollment, palm, mask detection, and face recognition for users with or without masks. Multiple Credential Support The Palm/ Face/ Card/ QR code recognition technology supports multiple contactless authentication credentials. This multi-credential support provides the flexibility required in today’s access control systems. Multi-Factor Authentication To increase security multi-factor authentication ensures that the identity of the person entering. Options include: IC Card, Desfire, HID Prox, iClass, SEOS, etc. Integrate advanced multiple biometric recognition methods such as palm and face. QR code scanning for visitors & employees. PIN code option. Advanced Communication Security Secure communication: OSDP(V2.1.7) over RS485 communication between the AMT-Omni-AC and access control panels. Using AES-128 encryption standards ensures the highest levels of data protection & security. Software Support It can be connected through a Wiegand connection to access controllers or the network and use TVIPTirSoft management software. Specifications Primary Power POEModel 20: 12 to 24 VDC (3A min @12V) Model 30: 12V or PoE supportedRS485 connectionPort 1: RS485 standard/ OSDP V2.1.7CPU  1.2GHZ Quad Core ARM ProcessorMemory8 GB Flash + 1 GB RAMCameraFace Automatic Exposure Palm Automatic Exposure Face tracking Palm tracking WDR HDR 50Hz to 60Hz Automatic Adaption Dual Camera CMOS 2MP（Output image 720P*1280P）Primary Host CommunicationEthernet: 10/ 100 Mbps, auto MDI/ MDIX. Complies with TLS 1.2 for end-to-end secure communication channelEthernet network connectionPort 1:10/ 100 Mbps, auto MDI/ MDIXData ProtectionComplies with TLS 1.2 for end-to-end secure communication channel (Secured Communication between Standalone Terminal & Server) AES128 (Secured Communication between the Standalone Terminal & OSDP Readers & Access Control Panels)Number of Ports1-TCP/ IP 1-RS-485 Input: 4ch TTL Inputs Output: 1ch TTL Output 2 relaysInputsWiegand in, Button, Sensor in, Aux InputOutputs2 relays with dry contacts, Wiegand Output, Lock, AlarmFace Capacity10,000 (1:N)/ 50,000 (1:1)Palm Capacity5,000 (1:N)/ 20,000 (1:1)Face authentication DistanceDual Camera Liveness Detection On: 15.7" - 55.1" (40cm - 140cm) Single Camera Liveness Detection On: 15.7" - 78.7" (40cm - 200cm)Palm authentication Distance and Angle Tolerance7" - 15.7" (18cm - 40cm) / Pitch +/35, Yaw +/- 60, Roll +/-35, Blend +/-30Operating & Storage Temperature-4°F ~ 140°F (-20°C ~ 60°C)DimensionsModel30: 3.82" W x 1.112" D x 8.23" H (97 x 28.5 x 209mm) Model20: 2.3" W x 0.77" D x 7.3" H (58.47 x 19.5x 184.97mm)   More Face Recognition Readers | Door Access Control Systems If you would like help selecting the right product for your access control system, please call 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide or use our contact form. ### Fusion-DNA Access Control Software Interoperable Access Control Management Software Fusion-DNA Access Control Management Software How to Purchase | Access Control Software Comparison | Access Control Systems Fusion-DNA is access control management software that supports many different access control hardware and security systems, making it an ideal choice for mixed hardware environments. This interoperability allows you to select access control hardware that matches your requirements. Fusion-DNA connects with many leading security systems to create a comprehensive security solution, including video management, biometrics, audio communications, and many more. It is also an ideal way to upgrade an older IP access control system that doesn't include the features provided by Fusion-DNA. Fusion-DNA Management Software Description The Fusion-DNA access control management software works with many hardware systems. You can select from a wide variety of access control hardware, from door readers to controllers. This flexibility allows you to pick equipment that matches your requirements and budget. Access Control Management Description Compatible with Many Access Controllers The Access Controller Box contains the door management part of the system. It controls the locks on the doors, connects to all the door readers, and attaches to the network. The controller also interfaces with the access control management software. Fusion-DNA software supports a variety of controllers. For example, it is compatible with Mercury, SAFR, BioConnect, Idemia, EyeLock, Invixium, Aperio, ASSA ABLOY, Schlage, Domakaba, and Isonas controllers. Support for Biometric Door Readers Biometric door readers provide very secure control because detecting a person's attributes is the best way to ensure a person's identity. Biometric readers are used instead of card readers to open a door. They identify a human characteristic, such as your face or fingerprint, and are much more secure than standard card credentials. Card credentials can be stolen, lost, or given to another person, while a human attribute is difficult to duplicate. Fusion-DNA supports several biometric readers, such as face recognition, fingerprint, and palm. It is compatible with RealNetworks's SAFR face recognition reader, BioConnect facial recognition readers, Idemia face and fingerprint readers, and the EyeLock iris authentication reader. Integrates with IP Camera Video Management Software (VMS) Integrating access control software with IP camera VMS enhances security management, combining access control data with visual verification that strengthens security measures, improves incident response capabilities, and enhances operational efficiency. Access Control and Camera Integration Fusion-DNA works with many Video Management Systems (VMS) such as Ocularis VMS, Hexagon's Qognify VMS, Milestone,  and Wave. Customizable Logic Functions This access control management software includes if/then customization that allows you to provide unique enhancements that meet your organization's objective. Fusion-DNA software incorporates a powerful scripting language that helps you handle special events and situations. Features of Fusion-DNA Access Control Management Software Fusion-DNA Software Fusion-DNA provides some advanced access control features that make your organization more secure. ·         Building Lockdowns You can initiate single-door, building, or entire campus lockdowns with a single click from the Fusion-DNA Access Control's desktop app, web client, or mobile app. ·         Mass Notifications The access control management software allows you to alert employees and visitors of critical information via SMS or email with a button click. ·         Manage Access Levels The software makes it easy to grant and revoke access instantly and schedule door access through one integrated platform. ·         Visitor Management The built-in visitor management capability allows you to register and control visitors. You can check them in and out and run reports within the Access Control software or the Access Control VM kiosk. ·         Automatic Backups The Access Control software performs automatic daily system backups, helping to eliminate one of the most common flaws in legacy access control technologies. ·         Designed with Redundancy Multi-server redundancy and load balancing reduce service disruption and provide smooth disaster recovery. Fusion-DNA on-premise access control solution offers advanced security capabilities, streamlined management, and integration flexibility, making it a robust choice for securing physical environments in various industries, including commercial, industrial, and governmental sectors. Need more information? Just contact us If you would like some help with your Door Access Control System. Please contact us: 1-800-431-1658 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) FAX: 914-944-0717 ### Controllers for Access Control The Controller or Access Control Panel is an essential part of the Door Access Control System. The controller is an electronic or computer device that manages one or more door readers. Access Controller There are Four Types of Door Controllers: Select: Pro Controller | Pro-Bio Controller | Enterprise Controller | Reader-Controller The Pro-Controller is network-attached simple, lower-cost device that includes built-in software. It’s best used in small access control systems. Pro Bio Controller is used in larger access control systems and supports RFID-proximity and Biometric readers. The Enterprise controller is best used in larger systems (but is cost-effective in smaller systems as well). It is recommended for applications that require elevator control and integration with IP camera systems. It is an incremental system that supports many types of door readers, including those that use mobile credentials. The Reader-Controller combines the reader and the controller into one door device. It's one of the easiest systems to install. This type of reader-controller is best for small to medium size Access Control Systems. What the Controller Does The purpose of the Access Controller is to receive the person’s ID number from the door reader, match the credential to the list of approved users, and then open the electric lock. Access control management software is required to manage all the users, determine who can enter, what door they can use, and when they can enter. To learn more about Controllers, please read our article Access Controller Comparison. Pro-Controller Professional door access controller. The kit includes the Pro-control module, power supply, and metal box.  It also provides the vandal-resistant security required for outdoor readers.  There is a single door, two-door, and the four-door model.  The controller box provides power to the readers and the electric lock. A power adapter is included in the kit. TVIP-TIRSoft Access Control Management software is required to support these controllers. Models available: TVIP-ProControl-100Kit: Single-door controller TVIP-ProControl-200Kit: Two-door controller TVIP-ProControl-400Kit: Four-door controller IPPOEkit: Optional PoE splitter kit is available. Features of IP Controller: Network-attached controller device Multiple controllers are supported by the access control management software Up to 8,000 doors are supported by these Pro controllers. Multiple verification modes include credential and/or pin code Includes a power supply.  There is also an optional Power over Ethernet (PoE) splitter Stores up to 30,000 credentials Easy management and operation using a Windows computer running TVIP-TIRsoft software. Door Controller Pro Bio Hub-Controller Network-Attached Controller Pro-bio Hub Access Controller The Pro-Bio Hub-Controller connects to the network and can be powered over Ethernet (PoE). It is available with built-in access control management software. The controller supports up to 80 RFID readers. The controller is available with preloaded access management software. The software includes User Enrollment & Management, Door Control & Monitoring, individual grouping, and easy setup. Features of Access Hub Controller Built-in Web Application: provides advanced access control management Interface: User-programmable auxiliary relays can be used to control lights, alarms, annunciators, intrusion detection panels, additional locking devices, or any other external electrical device that a switch can control. Capacity: 1 Primary panel can support up to 20 Secondary panels. A maximum of 84 doors can be supported when using all 21 panels. Each Pro-Bio Series panel can store up to 5,000 users (fingerprint templates or RFID cards) & 10,000 transactions plus unlimited archive downloads. Power: Pro-Bio Series uses a 12V DC 3A power supply and supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). Choice of readers: The access controller box supports Wiegand or OSDP readers and fingerprint reader. Communications: Uses wired or wireless networks Mobile App: The panel supports a smartphone app that can remotely lock or unlock the doors. Enterprise Access Controller A Modular Approach to Access Control System The controller is located at each door and connects to the network. It makes it very easy to add just one door and then incrementally add other doors as required. The controllers are powered using PoE, making them very easy to install and expand. Each controller supports a single reader or back-to-back readers. Also available as a two-door system. The diagram below shows an example of the door devices attached to the door access controller. Hartmann Door Access Diagram These controllers are supported by Door Access Control Management software. Features of the Enterprise Access Controller The controller attaches to the network and is Powered over Ethernet (PoE). Multiple controllers are supported by the access control management software Integration with IP Camera Systems Elevator controls are supported by the access control management software Easy connections to all the devices required to provide complete door access control. Built-in relays control the lock and provide the capability to support two readers. Wide selection of door readers are available. You can select, RFID proximity readers which include 125 kHz versions, HID compatible readers, Smart Card readers, biometric readers, and Bluetooth connected Smartphone credentials. Learn more… Reader-Controller Isonas Reader with a Built-in Controller Reader-Controller Access Control System The Isonas reader-controllers is an innovative solution that combines the reader and the controller. It makes it very easy to install. It is supported by cloud-based management software and supports proximity readers and simple smartphone credentials. Pros: This is the easiest system to install Supports simple mobile credentials from your smartphone Uses PoE Cons: It doesn’t support biometric readers Requires a separate internal box for outdoor applications that require added security It doesn’t support elevators and camera integration It requires cloud-based management software license. What is the Best Door Controller? New door access controllers are more sophisticated and are modular controllers that can be located near the doors they control. They attach to the network and include general-purpose computers that add much more functionality to the access system. Some of these controllers are powered using PoE. They support one, two, or four-door readers, and several controllers can be distributed around the organization, making installation easier. The article Access Controller Comparison compares the different types of access controllers or control panels. If you need help selecting the right Door Controller, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### AI-Enhanced IP Camera Systems IP Camera Systems with AI Purchase AI-Enhanced IP Camera Systems | Learn More AI-Enhanced Camera Systems Overview Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances IP Camera Systems to improve safety and security. AI systems are defined as those that can learn from experience. Physical crises are automatically detected and provide alarms that prevent threats from becoming critical. This technology offers a paradigm change in the usage of IP Camera Systems. Kintronics provides three types of AI-enhanced surveillance systems. AI-Enhanced Cameras | Threat Detection Software | Perimeter Awareness Protection AI-Enhanced IP Cameras The latest IP cameras include Artificial Narrow Intelligence. Intelligent IP cameras can detect anomalies, suspicious activities, or objects of interest, enhancing security and enabling faster response to potential threats. By sending alerts to security personnel, it helps stop violent events before they happen. Smart or Intelligent Cameras have built-in software that provides functions that detect certain threat conditions. The camera is intelligent enough to determine if the object is a person, vehicle, or animal. Once the item is analyzed, it can define various attributes of the object.  These attributes can then be sent to video management software (VMS). This metadata can be used to enhance the surveillance and safety provided by the IP camera system. Intelligent IP Camera The cameras include the following Video Analytics capability: Object detection and classification(Person, Face, Vehicle, License Plate) Gunshot and scream detection Attribute classification, "BestShot," for selecting the video for review To learn more about the Hanwha intelligent cameras, see IP Camera Systems Are Getting Smarter. To select the camera, go to the IP Camera Selection Chart. To purchase... AI Software for IP Cameras AI-Software for IP Cameras AI video software that runs on a PC or is added to an IP Camera, provides more powerful functions. AI software enhances the IP surveillance system and works with the video recording system.  Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances IP Camera Systems by improving safety and security. These AI systems are designed to learn from experience and automatically detect and prevent physical crises, providing early alarms to mitigate threats effectively. The following AI software can be added to most IP camera systems: Scy-AI Software Provides Threat Protection Multi-behavior protection software notifies security automatically when a threat is detected. AI-Enhance Cameras for Threat Protection Scy-AI software detects various objects and behaviors, including: Guns Intrusions Vehicle counting Parking area monitoring Person search and recognition Human behavior anomalies. Scy-AI software is enhanced with Artificial Intelligence to analyze data coming from stationary and portable cameras. It then processes the acquired data to generate meaningful information about the activity contained in the video stream. By matching the data results from the decision-making algorithm, Scy-AI identifies the suspect via facial recognition and flags potential threats posed by the suspect's actions or vehicle in the video feed. Finally, Scy-AI analyzes the collected data and distributes alerts to law enforcement response units via web and mobile channels, including threat information, location, and the suspect's identity. To learn more, see the product description. The software licenses are sold for each camera with AI-enhanced capability and a server that supports many cameras. Licenses are available for cloud hosting and on-site servers. Servers are sold that support from 8 to 128 channels. AI Modules: AI TierSKU  Aggressive behavior detection (fight)  ABD  Vandalism detection  VAD  Suspicious shopping behavior  SSB  Slip & fall detection  SFD  Abandoned object detection  AOD  Thermal Screening  BTD  Industrial temperature monitoring  ITM  Smoke & fire detection  EHD  Perimeter intrusion detection  IDS  False Alarm Filtering  IDS (FAF)  Personal Protective Equipment  PPE  Gun detection  PTD  Face Recognition  FREnterprise Tier   Access Control System  ACS  Traffic Flow Analysis  TFAAvailable Capability Learn more Please see our Video: How AI-Enhanced Systems Work How to purchase... EV-Edge for Perimeter and and Situational Awareness EV-Edge provides enhanced perimeter and situational awareness, providing improved safety and security. AI-Enhanced Perimeter Awareness The software helps protect the perimeter and provide situational awareness. The EV-Edge AI-Enhancement significantly improves situational awareness for complex or busy scenes by enhancing the standard IP camera's capabilities, allowing tracking of multiple targets or events by seeing through the noise. EV-Edge saves money because it requires fewer cameras to cover significantly more physical areas. For example, the panoramic camera provides a wide field of view, but the further away the objects are, the less detail we can see. It means we could miss small things that are far away. By using AI-Enhancement, we can see two times as far away, increasing the range of the standard panoramic camera. The long-range perimeter detection is enhanced by AI's ability to transfer the location of a target to a PTZ camera that can zoom and track objects, making it easy to identify the target. Multiple Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) cameras can track multiple targets, reducing the need for many cameras. To learn more, see the EV-Edge product description. The software license is sold for each camera with AI-enhanced capability. The software is added to Axis or Hanwha cameras. AI-Enhanced Camera Models Available: Integration with Axis Cameras Part NumberDescription    INS-EV-Edge-AXIS-2  EV-Edge Perimeter Threat Detection Service including EV-Edge AXIS CS camera detection license– monthly per camera, 2-day event storage, help desk support, and EV-Edge included, no term commitment, monthly billing    INS-EV-Edge-AXIS-30  EV-Edge Perimeter Threat Detection Service including EV-Edge AXIS CS camera detection license– monthly per camera, 30-day event storage, help desk support, and EV-Edge included, no term commitment, monthly billing    INS-EV-Edge-AXIS-60  EV-Edge Perimeter Threat Detection Service including Edge™ AXIS CS camera detection license– monthly per camera, 60-day event storage, help desk support and EV-Edge Care included, no term commitment, monthly billing Integration with Hanwha Cameras   Part Number  Description    INS-EV-Edge-HAN-2EV-Edge Perimeter Threat Detection Service including Edge™ Hanwha CS camera detection license– monthly per camera, 2 day event storage, help desk support, and EvolonCare included, no term commitment, monthly billing    INS-EV-Edge-HAN-30EV-Edge Perimeter Threat Detection Service including Edge™ Hanwha CS camera detection license– monthly per camera, 30 day event storage, help desk support, and EV-Edge included, no term commitment, monthly billing    INS-EV-Edge-HAN-60EV-Edge Perimeter Threat Detection Service including Edge™ Hanwha CS camera detection license– monthly per camera, 60-day event storage, help desk support, and EV-Edge Care included, no term commitment, monthly billing Licenses are also available for cameras without the built-in software and situations where closed sites don't connect to the Internet. To purchase... How to Purchase Your IP AI Enhanced Camera System Call us at 914-944-3425. We are available from 9 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday, except holidays. If we are not there, leave a message, and we will call you back. If you don't want to call, fill out our request form. We will get back to you very quickly. You can also send an email to dennis@kintronics.com We will determine your requirements and provide pros and cons with pricing so you can make an educated decision. Contact us for questions and support: 914-944-3425.  Learn More about AI-Enhanced Camera Systems The latest intelligent IP cameras are smart enough to recognize objects like people, vehicles, and animals. They can reduce false alarms, increase awareness and response time, and even deliver information for demographics (Business Intelligence) purposes. The camera provides classification information that is used by the recording software. Learn more about AI-Enhanced IP Camera Systems. Articles about AI-Enhanced IP Camera Systems IP Camera Systems with AI Improve Perimeter Awareness: This article describes how the new EV-EDGE AI Software can enhance IP Camera Systems and improve perimeter security and situational awareness. IP Camera Systems With AI Protect PeopleThis article describes how the latest Scy-AI software can detect objects like guns in a person’s hand or a criminal in a crowd, intrusion into a perimeter, detect and count vehicles, enhance safety in parking areas, and recognize behavior anomalies. Detecting Threats using AI and IP Camera SystemsThis article describes how the latest AI software can help increase safety by analyzing many threats, such as detecting a person with a gun entering your facility, or notifying security if someone falls. ### IP Cameras With Artificial Intelligence Smart Cameras | Smart Software | Select Your AI-Enhanced System | IP Camera Systems Smart cameras and enhanced intelligent software provide advanced threat detection capability. AI-Camera Systems Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a broad term that ranges from limited or narrow intelligence (NAI) to General Artificial Intelligence (GAI). The latest IP camera systems include cameras with built-in NAI and advanced software, providing more advanced Narrow Artificial Intelligence. The latest IP cameras and AI software is getting very smart. Smart enough to detect threats before they turn into disasters. The intelligent software recognizes different objects, such as people, vehicles, and animals. It reduces false alarms, increases awareness and response time, and even delivers information for demographics (Business Intelligence) purposes. The Advanced AI software even has the ability to detect threats such as a person carrying a gun. Select Your AI-Enhanced Camera System. IP Cameras with Narrow Artificial Intelligence. The latest intelligent IP cameras are smart enough to recognize objects like people, vehicles, and animals. They can reduce false alarms, increase awareness and response time, and even deliver information for demographics (Business Intelligence) purposes. The camera provides classification information that is used by the recording software. Smart Cameras with Artificial Intelligence The cameras include the following capability: Video Analytics based on AI Object detection and classification(Person, Face, Vehicle, License Plate) Gunshot and scream detection Attribute, "BestShot" Go to IP Camera Selection Chart Intelligent IP Camera AI Software Provides Advanced Intelligence Threat Alert AI Software AI software uses Artificial Intelligence to analyze data coming from IP cameras. It then processes the acquired data to generate meaningful information about the activity contained in the video stream. AI detects potential threats posed by a suspect's actions or from vehicles. The AI software uses biometric identification of individuals to search, identify and track suspects continuously. It can locate the most wanted individuals, registered sex offenders, and missing persons nationwide. The analytic software analyzes the collected data and distributes alerts to the law enforcement response units through the web and mobile channels. It provides information about the threat, location, and the suspect's identity. Software Capability The AI software helps prevent acts of terrorism by tracking movements and identifying rogue activities and individuals. It can detect the use of suspicious items, including but not limited to different weapon types, track and alert on cargo movements, and unattended bags. It can also detect aggressive behavior, hand guns, long guns, slip and fall, etc Object Detection includes the identification and classification of objects. It enables Intrusion Detection, Occupancy, Counting, Smart Parking, Intelligent Traffic Management, and Thermal Screening. This engine also uses smart targeting. Action Detection is used for solutions like Fight/Violence/Assault detection, Smoke and Fire detection, Slip and Fall detection, Detection of Suspicious Shopping Behavior that may result in shoplifting, etc. Threat Detection: The Fusion of "Object" and "Action" Detection triggers Threat Detection. The combination of object (such as a weapon) detection and also the handling of it (action) generates the threat alert. Mobile Applications for Threat Alert The threat alert software can analyze video feeds from mobile camera systems. The mobile video capability can be used in Unmanned Vehicle (UAV) or body-worn cameras. This allows the monitoring of peripheral activity and helps apprehend criminals. To learn more about this powerful AI software, contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Tactical Covert Police System Tactical Covert Cameras This portable covert surveillance system is small, easy to set up, and has the ultra-low battery usage necessary for extended operations. The software app makes finding the desired video from an investigative mission easy. Indoor Covert Cameras | More City Surveillance Systems | IP Camera Systems Example Systems There are two basic configurations available to meet many different strategic situations. These covert camera systems are custom-built and configured for specific types of deployment. Tactical-Covert5 The small Tactical-Covert5 camera system can be placed inside another commonly found item, such as a traffic cone or power transformer. Nicknamed the “Rabbit,” This covert system includes a PTZ camera with recording designed for the mobile needs of law enforcement nationwide. It provides unique features for easy transport and quick deployment. Features The 4-inch diameter by 6-inch height makes the covert system ideal for concealment in a user-provided enclosure.Remotely controlled Zoom lens can read a license plate up to 450 ft away or identify a person’s face 300ft awayQuick deployment. The small PTZ surveillance system is easy to transport and install.Long recording time. The covert camera system Includes 250 GB of internal high-reliability solid-state storageLong battery operation. The camera system operates for 30 days on an external 12V 120AH LiFePO4 (lithium) battery. It has the world’s lowest power requirement of about 3 watts.Also powered using a solar panel, or external power supplyView and control the camera using a web browser (like Chrome).Built-in Cell modem (Cell service options available)Custom-built and configured for the specific application. Tactical-Covert5-Camera Tactical-Covert6 This tiny unit can be mounted on buildings or utility poles. Nicknamed the “Ghost,” this small PTZ camera system has a very small power requirement of about 3 watts avg. Features The small size and wireless hotspot, non-camera-like appearance provide an inconspicuous solution for covert use on utility poles, lamp poles, and buildingsThis high-definition (1920 x 1080) surveillance camera system provides clear HD video to view license plates and people’s faces.Remotely controlled Zoom lens can read a license plate up to 450 ft away or identify a person’s face 300ft awayA rugged and transportable covert camera system that is very small (8” x 6” x 4”).It makes this ideal for quick deploymentLong video recording operation. The 250 GB (~3 weeks) internal video storage and low power requirements allow this covert camera to operate for 30-days on  battery power with a 6-month optionWhen using external power, the systemcan use up to 2 TB of video storage for ~26 weeks (6 months) of continuous storageUltra-low power dissipation of 3 watts.*Also powered using a solar panel, or external power supplyBuilt-in Cell modem (Cell service options available)View and control the camera using a web browser (like Chrome). Tactical-Covert6 Covert Camera *A Performance Note: The system uses an average of 3 watts, with 24/7 operation at 1920x1080 HD video capture, with a cell modem on half the time. An optional external 120AH 12V LiFePO4 battery provides approximately thirty days’ run time (10X others’) or approximately twenty-one days with a cell modem on all the time. Software App for Fast Recovery of Video of Interest The software includes pattern-of-life, Rapid Review Integrated Time-lapse™, to view an hour’s video over the air in just one minute with low data usage; Image Timeline; Visual Presets; and PTZ Movement Sliders. How to Purchase Here’s how to order your IP Camera System: Call us at 914-944-3425. We are available from 9 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday, except on holidays. If we are not there, leave a message, and we will call you back.If you don’t want to call, fill out our request form. We will get back to you very quickly.You can also send us an email at infohome@kintronics.comWe will determine your requirements, make suggestions with pros and cons, and provide pricing so you can make an educated decision.If the equipment we provide doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications, you can return it. We look forward to talking to you about your IP camera system requirements. ### IP Door Access Control Systems 2023 Updates Increased Security and New Benefits for IP Door Access Control Access Control and Intercoms Learn More About Door Access Control |Contact Us | Purchase Door Access Control Systems have advanced over the last year. The access control system uses door readers that detect the unique identification numbers provided by credentials. A credential can be an RFID card or keyFob, a person's smartphone, or a biometric (for example, your face or fingerprint). A door access control system also includes Access Control Management Software that manages all aspects of the IP door access control system. It determines who can enter, when, and what door they can use. When a registered credential is detected, the controller releases the electric lock. Why Door Access Control Systems are Secure Access control systems increase security by preventing unauthorized entry. Credentials, like a card, are used to identify the right person who can enter the door. Access control determines who can open a specific door at a scheduled time and date. Access control systems include more than just a door reader. They can include intercoms, cameras, and even walk-through metal detectors. Each of these security systems adds another level of safety. The different components play unique roles in your overall security. The latest access control systems add better credentials and secure door reader connections. The door reader includes encrypted data transfers, and the electric locks are protected by internal circuits that prevent vandalism. The Benefits of Door Access Control Systems When we need to make an access control purchasing decision, we are motivated by many different factors. Maybe we recognize that there are increasing threats to the organization, or perhaps it's because something has already happened.  Maybe an intruder or an unauthorized person entered the computer room, or possibly some inventory was stolen from the warehouse. All these situations benefit from IP door control systems Here are some reasons to use door access control: Protect your Employees – IP Access Control provides a safe working environment Access control allows the right people to enter and keeps out those who shouldn't be there. This keeps your employees safe. Access Control and Increases Health The COVID pandemic has taught us that we need to be aware of how disease can be transmitted and take proactive measures to keep everyone healthy. Access Control Systems Restrict Unauthorized Access & Reduce Theft We can protect the organization's assets by controlling who has access to specific areas and at what time they can enter. IP door access control monitors who enter the storage rooms, computer room, laboratory, and parking garage ensure that everything is kept secure. Access Control at the Hospital Meet the Regulations in Healthcare Access control helps you meet HIPPA regulations. The systems provide data confidentiality, limit access to medication in Doctor's office, and protect insurance documents.   If you would like help selecting the best door access system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Hanwha A Series IP Cameras A-Series Comparison | More Hanwha IP Cameras | Video Recording  This family of IP cameras provides an economical solution for small to medium surveillance areas. The A series includes 2-Megapixel and 4-Megapixel models. They feature Intelligent Video Analytics, Lens Distortion Correction, 120dB True WDR, and Hallway View 270° Rotation Support.   Hanwha A Series IP Cameras The Wisenet A series IP cameras are best used in small areas that don’t require long-range low-light capability or sophisticated intelligence. There are 2 and 4-Megapixel models with fixed and variable lenses. The 4-Megapixel cameras include remote zoom capability.If you need to view large outdoor areas like parking lots, take a look at the Q series or X Series Hanwha cameras. IP Camera Comparison Chart ModelDescriptionANE-L6012R Flat Dome-type2 megapixel (1920 x 1080) resolution Color: 0.03Lux 3 mm lens. H: 107.7° / V: 59.0°  IR viewable length 20m  ANO-L6012R, ANO-L6022R Bullet Cameras2 megapixel (1920 x 1080) resolution Color: 0.03Lux ANO-L6012R 2.8 mm lens. H: 113.7° / V: 61.5° ANO-L6022R 4 mm lens. H: 84.3° / V: 45.6° IR viewable length 30m  ANV-L6012R Vandel Dome2 megapixel (1920 x 1080) resolution Color: 0.03Lux ANV-L6012R 2.8 mm lens. H: 113.7° / V: 61.5° IR viewable length 30m  ANV-L6023R Flat Dome2 megapixel (1920 x 1080) resolution Color: 0.03Lux 3.6 mm lens. 94.8° / V: 49.3° IR viewable length 15m  ANE-L7012R Vandal-Resistant Flateye4 megapixel (2560 x 1440) resolution Color: 0.13Lux 3 mm lens. 98.3° / V: 54.2° IR viewable length 20m (65.6 ft.)  ANO-L7012R Bullet Camera4 megapixel (2560 x 1440) resolution Color: 0.1 Lux 2.8 mm lens. 98.3° / V: 54.2° IR viewable length 20m (65.6 ft.)  ANO-L7082R Bullet Camera with Motorized varifocal lens4 megapixel (2560 x 1440) resolution Color : 0.1Lux (F1.6, 1/30sec), B/W : 0Lux (IR LED On) 3.3 ~ 10.3mm motorized varifocal lens. H: 94.8°(Wide) ~ 28.1° Color : 0.1Lux (F1.6, 1/30sec), B/W : 0Lux (IR LED On) IR viewable length: 30m (98.42ft)  ANV-L7082R Dome4 megapixel (2560 x 1440) resolution Color : 0.1Lux (F1.6, 1/30sec), B/W : 0Lux (IR LED On) 3.3 ~ 10.3mm motorized varifocal lens. H: 94.8°(Wide) ~ 28.1° Color : 0.1Lux (F1.6, 1/30sec), B/W : 0Lux (IR LED On) IR viewable length: 30m (98.42ft)   To learn more about More Hanwha IP Cameras | Compare Other Manufacturer's Cameras ### Hanwha NVR Solutions for IP Camera Systems Comparison of WAVE and Wisenet NVR servers There are several Network Video Recorders (NVRs) available from Hanwha. The NVRs range in size from four cameras to over sixty-four cameras. You can select either the Wisenet NVR that or the WAVE NVR solution. NVRs from Hanwha More Network Video Recording Systems | Video Management Software | IP Camera Systems Select the NVR Features You Require Select an NVR with a PoE network connection for each connected camera or select one that uses an external network switch.Choose the Wisenet NVR or the WAVE NVRThe Wisenet NVR doesn't require any camera licenses while the WAVE NVR do have camera licenses required. Select the Wisenet NVR if you need Simplified controls Easy installation.Select the WAVE NVR to get advanced features such as: The Events & Rules Engine that allows users to configure System Actions based on specific Events Automatic Device Fail-over, Smart Motion Search.Merge Multiple Systems. The Merge function allows users to expand an existing system using an unlimited number of Servers.Increase reliability with RAID Examples of NVR systems available: ModelCameras and FeaturesVideo StorageQRN-430SWisenet NVRUp to 4CH 8MP Cameras with PoE portsUp to 6TBXRN-1620SB1Wisenet NVRUp to 16CH with PoE ports, Supports up to 32-megapixel camera resolutionUp to 24TBXRN-3210B2Wisenet NVRUp to 32CH, Supports up to 32-megapixel camera resolutionUp to Eight internal HDDsXRN-6410(R)B2Wisenet NVRUp to 64CH, Support 4K video out on HDMI monitor. Available with RAID (R)Up to Eight internal HDDsWRR-P-S206SWAVE NVR- WAVE optimized 2U rack server- Up to 64CH, - Support 4K video out on HDMI monitor. - Preloaded and configured with Wisenet WAVE VMSUp to 416TB of Raw Storage, 26 hot-swap hard drives - Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 configurations  WWT-P-7200MWWAVE Client WorkstationThis client workstation is a micro form factor, easy to deploy solution that can be used on-site or remotely to access your WAVE video recorder. Comparison of NVR Models Network Video Recorders are a convenient method for recording surveillance video from your IP camera system. The WAVE servers include WAVE video management software (VMS). Please look at our Review of Video Management and Recording Systems to learn more. If you would like to learn more about the latest IP camera Systems, IP door access control, or IP paging systems, don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Hanwha Covert Hidden IP Cameras Covert Law Enforcement Cameras This city surveillance system is designed for law enforcement and neighborhood protection. It can be a high visibility or a covert IP camera system that looks like a power transformer. This is customizable vandal-resistant, rugged outdoor surveillance system includes everything you need to establish a neighborhood surveillance system. There is a choice of PTZ cameras with a complete environmental enclosure and power distributor, surge protection, heater/blower and router. Learn more... Covert-Pole-Mounted IP Cameras Hanwha Indoor Covert Cameras Hanwha 2-Megapixel Hidden Cameras These hidden or covert type IP cameras don’t look like standard dome or bullet IP cameras. They are classified as hidden cameras. You can select pole cameras, tiny cameras, and door cameras that can monitor people as they enter your facility. Hanwha has several specialized 2-Megapixel IP camera systems that can be used in covert applications. These IP cameras provide much better resolution than the old analog CCTV cameras that were used in smoke detectors, clocks, and other hidden devices.  These surveillance camera systems are designed for commercial applications. Covert Cameras add additional security to your IP camera system. Covert Cameras More Hanwha Cameras | IP Camera Systems | Video Recording Systems – Buyers Guide Covert Camera Comparison Chart Hanwha XNB-H6280B This 2-megapixel camera is inside a barrier type pole. You can select the size and color. Key Features Resolution: 2 Megapixel (1920 x 1080)Minimum illumination: color: 0.031 luxLens: 2.8mm wide-angle lens (H: 107.4-degrees)WDR (120dB)Built-in AnalyticsTampering, Loitering, Directional detection, Fog detection, Audio detection, Digital auto tracking, Heatmap, People, counting, Queue management, Face detectionMotion detection, HandoverPoE / 12V DC, Bi-directional audio supportAdjustable height and installation options for various installation typesSD / SDHC / SDXC memory slot (Maximum 256GB)Includes XNB-6001 main unit & SLA-T2480 lens with 1.5m cable Contact us for the best pricing Barrier Type Covert Cameras SLA-T4680D/T4680DW/T4680DS Door-Jamb Hidden Cameras 2-Megapixel IP camera mounts on the door-jamb and provides hidden cameras views. It requires the XNB-6001 interface unit. Key Features 2 Megapixel (1920 x 1080) resolution4.6mm pinhole lensCompatible with XNB-6001 not includedMin Illumination: 0.06Lux, B/W 0.061 luxCompatible with XNB-6001 not included2 Megapixel (1920 x 1080) resolution4.6mm pinhole lens0.06Lux@F2.58m cableEasy installationFlexible planning ± 30 degreesMultiple housing color options to match the door jambHidden security screw for discrete lookIncludes lens & housing8m cableEasy installationFlexible planning ± 30 degreesMultiple housing color options to match the door jambHidden security screw for discrete lookIncludes lens & housing XNB-6001 The Main Interface Module for Covert Cameras. It attaches the covert camera to the network Features Supports 2-Megapixel camerasWDR (120dB)Built-in AnalyticsTampering, Loitering, Directional detection, Fog detection, Audio detection, Digital auto tracking, Heatmap, People, counting, Queue management, Face detectionMotion detection, HandoverPoE / 12V DC, Bi-directional audio supportSD / SDHC / SDXC memory slot (Max. 256GB) XNB-6001 SLA-T2480/T2480V/T4680/T4680V/T1080F 2-Megapixel Camera Lens Modules used with the XNB-6001 and other covert cameras. Small Covert Cameras Features SLA-T2480SLA-T4680SLA-T1080F2.4 mm lens4.6 mm lens1.6mm lens0.45Lux0.06Lux0.03LuxH : 138°H : 73°H : 187° SHD-46VDB/46VDE Flush Type Housing This is just a housing and not a complete camera system. It requires the camera and the interface module. The flush type door Jam housing requires the XNB-6001 with SLA-T4680V camera. Flush Mounting Hardware Contact us for the best pricing If you would like help selecting the right IP camera, please contact us.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA or at 914-944-3425, or just use our contact form. ### Enterprise Mass Emergency Notification System IP-PACast Software Application Broadcasts Audio and Text Notifications Emergency Notification System Mass Emergency and Enterprise Notification System This emergency notification system provides important text and audio announcements to a large group of people. It alerts them to pending or existing emergencies. The system consists of a web interface that allows you to send trigger messages to target groups that receive the notification. The IP-PACast is a sophisticated system that includes advanced software and hardware. It includes everything you need when everyone must get the critical message. This powerful communication system integrates many different platforms such as mobile and on-premises devices to ensure that everyone gets the message.  The PA over IP paging system is an integrated part of the system. IP-PACast Communication Solution Audio and other messages can be sent from a computer, mobile device, automated service, or even Microsoft Teams to computer IP paging devices on your network or mobile devices.   Command Center Provides a Unified Notification Center. Command Center Interface Management is simple: The system provides a streamlined setup process, making it easy to get started. The users can be enrolled using a short URL or QR code. Reach Everyone This complete communication service can reach people on almost any channel. Send notifications to IP phones, IP speakers, desktop computers, digital signage, mobile devices, and more so no one misses a message. Audio Communication Interface for all Devices Manage all devices and messages via a single interface and create easy-to-trigger messages with IP-PACast command Center. The Mobile and Command users have access to the central Command Center to send notifications. It makes it easy to send a quick message in the event of an emergency. You can even build icons on the homepage for crisis scenarios such as: FiresChemical spillsSevere weatherMedical emergenciesActive shooterAnd more! Provides Emergency Management Get real-time responses from people in need of assistance and manage incidents from virtual spaces using integrations with collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex Teams. Users can send emergency notifications to a wide variety of devices. IP-PACast integrates with Microsoft Teams to simultaneously bring key personnel into a Microsoft Teams Incident Response Channel to manage crises. Active Shooter The mass communication system protects your organization by sharing alerts and triggers lockdowns with the push of a button. Weather Alerts When the National Weather Service notifies you of approaching severe weather, the system automatically triggers an automatic alert. Emergency Dispatcher Evacuation Notification Inform the right people of any emergency to facilitate an evacuation. Automatically dial your team to organize and manage the emergency. Emergency 911 Alerts Notify key personnel when 911 is dialed and listen to near real-time recordings so you can leverage the context for when a situation occurs. Panic Buttons Trigger IP-PACast from softphone keys, call buttons, keyboard function keys, and low-voltage relay buttons to notify the proper personnel in case of an emergency. Integrates with Other Physical Security Systems Mass notification messages can be triggered from fire alarms, access control systems, and IP camera systems. Complete Notification System Complements Your IP Paging System This enterprise notification system operates with your IP Paging system to provide enhanced communication capability. School Bells Schedule prerecorded notifications. The single interface provides school bell scheduling or even shift changes in the factory.   General Paging and Intercom Utilize the live audio features of the system to provide general announcements or use two-way conversations enabled by IP Intercoms. Pages can be made from your computer, desk phone, Microsoft Teams, mobile device, or smartphone Connect with Microsoft Teams Automatically broadcast from Microsoft Teams. IP-PACast integrates with Microsoft Teams so that key personnel can work together to handle incidences. The system provides a connection from the Teams group to the power of the mass broadcasting system that can include large audience participation in special meetings. Microsoft Teams Teams users can initiate an IP-PACast alert from Teams and broadcast through Microsoft Teams, mobile phones, digital signage, and other connected devices. Following the distribution, safety team members are prompted to join a Microsoft Teams channel to collaborate and follow up on the situation. Monitor Notifications in Real-Time The system provides feedback that allows administrators to analyze the effectiveness of their messages. Know that people have received the critical messages, and expand or modify the distribution to reach the right audience. How IP-PACast Mass Notification System Works IP-PACast is an emergency mass notification system that sends critical messages to on-premises devices and mobile users, helping keep people safe — by providing notification solutions for every need. Emergency Notification Diagram It uses a simple interface to upload users and devices. The users and the devices can be assigned to groups or zones, so the right people are reached.   Message templates can be pre-built with text audio and images or built when needed. Messages are sent to groups of users via SMS text, email, and phone calls.  It also sends audio to on-premises devices such as desk phones, IP speakers, desktop computers, and more for maximum reach. Technical Support for IP-PACast Paging and Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system, so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system, we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Top ### IP Video Intercoms IP Intercoms for Visitor Access Control IP Intercom Concept Diagram The IP intercom with video is a two-way audio device that includes an IP camera. The video intercom attaches to the network and is powered using PoE (Power over Ethernet. These enhanced intercoms add the additional security of seeing the person at the door. They communicate to an app on your smartphone or to a PC running VMS software. More IP Intercoms | Door Access Control Systems | Apartment Intercoms IP Intercom Models Available These IP intercoms can be used indoors or outdoors. The TID-600R IP Intercom and the InterCam50 are outdoor door-stations with video. The Intercam50 includes an RFID reader. The InterCam90 is an indoor intercom that is similar to the InterCam50 but doesn’t have an RFID reader.  They all include a door control relay for the electric lock. TID-600 Touchless Intercom for Door Control The TID-600 intercom is an indoor or outdoor IP intercom used to control visitors. The best intercoms include video. Video enhances security by allowing you to see and talk to the guest at the door. The TID-600R provides optimized video so you can see the person in a wide field of view and a wide range of lighting conditions. Features of Door Control Intercom Touchless call button connects the visitor to the security person Wide Dynamic range of 150dB to improve visibility in bright and dark areas. Night-time visibility enhanced by 16.4 ft range IR illumination Wide field of view provides increased viewable area. 180° horizontal and 114° vertical viewing angles Full duplex clear two-way sound includes echo cancellation SIP 2.0 support provides connections to VoIP phone systems A variety of mounting options makes it easy to install IP Intercom TID-600R Product Brochure | IP Intercom Specifications TVIP-Intercom The IP intercom Includes a call button and a door release and attaches directly to the network. It is powered by PoE, making it very easy to install. The Talkmaster software provides doorbell (call button) notification, two-way audio, integration with IP cameras, and door release. Indoor and outdoor versions are available.   These IP intercoms are best used to communicate with other areas of your organization or to control door entry. Read more about the Comparison of IP Intercoms IP-Intercoms for Door Access Product sheet Intercam50 Outdoor Intercom This outdoor intercom includes a built-in IP camera so you can not only talk to the person but also see them. This is also a door access control reader that allows people with a credential to enter by using their smartcard credential. Outdoor intercom with two-way audio and video Includes a 6-MegaPixel IP Camera Communicates to computer or smartphone App Can open the door from the smartphone or computer Access Control using RFID Smartcard Credentials Door status and electric lock control Bell notification Multiple intercoms can be controlled by software on Windows PC InterCam50 Product Sheet... InterCam70 Indoor Intercom The indoor intercom includes a camera with a wide angle lens that allows you to see the person on your smartphone app. The call button allows the user to notify the smartphone application that a person would like to speak to them. Indoor intercom with two-way audio and video Includes a 2-Megapixel IP Camera Communicates to computer or  smartphone Can open the door from the App on the smartphone Door status and electric lock control Bell notification Multiple intercoms controlled by software on Windows PC InterCam70 Product Sheet... IP Video Intercom System Diagram IP Intercom System Diagram The Intercoms connect to your network and are powered over Ethernet (PoE). VMS 3 software running on your Windows computer communicates through the cloud server to apps running on your smartphones. IP Intercom System Components The system includes the following components. Intercoms - Intercam70 or Intercam50 Video management software (VMS 3) License for each intercom (VMS3003) Optional subscription for cloud service to remote smartphone apps (VMSC-1000-01-12) Smartphone app Video-Intercom Management Software System VMS 3 is Video Management Software that controls and manages video intercoms and IP cameras. The VMS records and displays video from IP cameras and the video intercoms. It includes event triggers, a web-client, and a mobile app.  Video Intercom Management Software Features include: Support for IP cameras and video intercoms Two-way audio The software includes Push notifications from mobile devices when specific events occur Web-client for distributed view and control of devices Workstation connection to cloud service for mobile devices Motion detection Software Products The following software products are used with the video intercom system: VMS 3: Video Management Software that runs on your Windows computer VMS3003: Device license for each intercom or camera used with the VMS VMSC-10000-01-12: Cloud service subscription for 12 months Contact us for help with your video-intercom system. Apartment Video Intercom Connects to All the Tenants Apartment Intercom Product sheet: TruView-Touch7 A multi-tenant intercom station that communicates with your mobile device, smartphone, or VoIP telephone is excellent for controlling visitors to an apartment house. The TruView-Touch intercom panel makes it very easy to open the lobby door from anywhere. The app on your mobile device can use the WiFi network or cell phone system to communicate with the intercoms. Read More about Apartment Intercoms... Technical Support Intercom systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Comparison of Face Recognition, and Temperature Access Control Panels Biometric and Body Temperature Access Control These door access reader-controllers not only provide face recognition credential authentication, but they can also check a person’s temperature and check if they are wearing a mask. Face Recognition and Temperature Systems There are several temperature screening devices available including handheld thermometers, thermal scanning cameras that measure many people at a time, and entry panels that check each person at the door. The individual door panels are the most popular. Designed for today’s demands to improve safety in our organizations, these touchless temperature screening devices help maintain a safe environment in schools, hospitals, corporations, and government facilities. The following comparison guide will help you determine the right panel for your application.   Temperature and Mask Access Control Buyers Guide TVIP-FaceBio This is a network-attached biometric door reader that provides face authentication and temperature monitoring. It can prevent the entry of a person that has an elevated temperature or if they are not wearing a protective face mask. Best Application for the FaceBio It is best used in standalone applications that monitor people’s temperature or wearing a mask. The panel can be wired to an electric lock or integrated with an existing access control system. Learn more… TVIP-FaceBioPro This advanced model includes a touchscreen that makes it very easy to install. The network-attached panel can be configured from the touchscreen or the web browser interface. It can be integrated with other door access systems using the Wiegand interface. It also measures a person’s temperature even when they are wearing a mask. The mobile app provides immediate notification of alarm conditions.   Best Application for the FaceBioPro This panel is best used when you need one that can connect to an access control system. It also can be used as a standalone entry control system that can measure a person’s temperature even when they are wearing a mask. Learn more… TVIP-MultiBio The MultiBio panel not only includes face recognition, but it also provides palm recognition to enhance the biometric door access. Optional Door access control software and visitor management software are available to provide very powerful door access control solutions. It also provides a touchscreen for easy configuration. Best Application for the MultiBio The MultiBio is the best when you would like to integrate with other biometric door access control readers, or require integration with a visitor management system.  It is also the best choice when multiple doors share the same face credentials. Learn more… Face and Temperature Screening Comparison Chart FeatureFaceBioFaceBioProMultiBioFace RecognitionYesYesYesPalm RecognitionNoNoYesRead Time SpeedApprox. 0.5 -2 secApprox. 0.5 secApprox. 0.5 secWeb Browser User InterfaceWorks in most browsersWorks best in IE browser NAWiegand In (Door Reader)NoYesYesWiegand Out (to Controller)YesYesYesManagement SoftwareSimple face credential database Enhanced Video and Face Management Software Advanced Access Control Software with the ability to share face credentials as well as card credentials. The system can be enhanced with optional access control management software and visitor management software. Touchscreen InterfaceNoYesYesTemperature scanning applicationsReading the temperature with a mask is not as reliable as the othersMeasures temperature when a person is wearing a maskMeasures temperature when a person is wearing a maskApplicationsStandalone temperature and mask DetectionApplications with integration with other IP camera and access control systemsApplication with multiple doors. integration with other IP camera and access control systems, and visitor management system Top Visitor Management and Temperature Entry Control Integration This visitor management system can be added to the MultiBio panel. Visitor Management System Visitor authentication and management systems enhance the safety and security of your organization. Today’s heightened interest in security and health has resulted in the need for visitor authentication. With the addition of access control panels and kiosks, you can provide temperature monitoring and protective mask detection. Read more… Temperature Screening Panel Resources Thermal Body Temperature Screening Cameras reviews the various technologies and how they can help monitor people as they enter a secure area. Automatic Contact Tracing and Other Technologies for the Campus, This article describes the technologies that can be used to help us through the pandemic. Touchless Door Entry Control describes some of the ways to control the spread of disease by reducing contact with surfaces. Biometric systems that use fingerprints, palm recognition, or finger-vein are being replaced by face recognition. Temperature Screening Videos FaceBio Video: Provides a demonstration of how the TVIP-FaceBio works.  MultiBio Video: Provides a demonstration of the TVIP-MultiBio Automated Contact Tracing to Increase Safety To help you stay safe, take a look at the contact tracing system that provides the automated health tracing required in today’s environment.  Automated Contact Tracing System The system provides accurate, reliable, and easy-to-implement contact tracing in the workplace. It keeps a record of all the people who come into contact with each other. It allows employers to safely bring their employees back to the office while reducing the risk of a future shutdown due to infected employees. Read more… Top ### Temperature Scanning and Face Recognition System TVIP-FaceBioPro Reader More Temperature Monitoring | More Biometric Door Access | Door Access Control Systems The TVIP-FaceBioPro is a biometric door access control panel. The reader-controller recognizes faces, detects elevated temperature, and if a person is wearing a protective mask. It can measure the person’s temperature even if they are wearing a mask. The network-attached reader-controller can be integrated with other access control systems and prevent people with elevated body temperature or no mask from entering a secure area. Integrates with other Access Control Systems This access control reader includes a Wiegand output so it can be connected to an access controller. It also has an input for an alternative reader, such as an RFID reader. The panel includes a network connection, output power for the electric lock, relay for door control, alarm inputs and outputs, and an Exit button control.  Its embedded face recognition sensor provides 100% hands-free hygienic user authentication. Features of Access Control Reader Face authentication range 0.98-6.56Ft (0.3m-2m)Temperature Measurement range up to 1 ftBody temperature accuracy +/- 0.54 °FStores & matches up to 20,000 face templatesMask detectionIncludes access management software that integrates multiple panels and provides live views of the video from the IP camera in the panelsWiegand-In or Wiegand-out connections provide a flexible way to integrate with other systems8-inch touchscreen displayRecognizes faces in <500msAudio announcements: verbal temperature normal, or high-level alarm, face recognition verification A Temperature Monitoring Panel to Help Businesses, Hospitals, and Schools This access reader-controller provides a safe way of screening people as they enter a secure area. Its embedded face recognition sensor provides 100% hands-free hygienic user authentication while detecting elevated temperature or if the person is wearing a mask. Face Recognition Reader-Control System Diagram Temperature and Face Panel System Diagram Specifications for TVIP-FaceBio Door Reader SpecificationDescriptionCapacityFaces: 20,000Face Recognition Distance: 0.98-6.56Ft (0.3m-2m)Interface and IntegrationWiegand ControllersAccess Control SoftwareFace Recognition Distance0.98-6.56Ft (0.3m-2m)Height Range of Face Recognition3.93-7.21Ft (1.2m-2.2m) (the recommended installation height is 4.75ft/1.45m)Temperature Measurement CapabilityTemperature Distance: up to 2.5 ftTemperature Accuracy: +/- 0.3 °C (+/- 0.54F)Protective Mask DetectionDisplay8-inch LCD screen; resolution: 1280x800; contrast: 500:1Hardware2MP Camera with Color0.01 lux, BW 0.001 lux3D noise reduction, strong light suppression, electronic image stabilization, and has multiple white balance modes, suitable for various fieldsEnvironmentalWorking Temp.: 10C (50F) to 50C ( 122 F)Working Humidity: <90%  MechanicalMTBF >50,000 hrsNet Weight: 1.9Size (W x D x L): 4.8 x 1.8  x 10.5 inchPowerOperating Voltage: 12V DC at 2.5APower: 12-WattCertificateCE, FCCDimensions11.88x5.45x1.34 In (301.8x138.6x34.2mm)WeightApprox. 1.2KG FaceBioProSoft Temperature Scanning Panel Management Software FaceBioPro-Software is available that provides management of multiple FaceBioPro panels. It also supports IP cameras. The management software provides control and viewing of all the biometric Face recognition FaceBioPro panels. It includes configuration of panels, management of face credentials, integration with other panels and IP cameras on the network. Provides a live view of all the camera views from the panels and IP cameras attached to the networkRecords video from all the panels and IP cameras for reviewManages all the alarm conditions including temperature and mask detection alarms as well as standard IP motion alarmsFace recognition database for surveillance and matching.View temperature measurements and statistics from all the users.The management software provides easy editing of all functions and devices.    Software Management Product Sheet Notes for Operation of Temperature Scanning Panel: Face verification and temperature measurement is possible even when a person is wearing a protective mask, but it is not as reliable as without the mask. The temperature measuring device should be used in a room with a room temperature between 10 C -40C  Do not install the temperature measuring device under the vent, and ensure that there is no heating source within 3 meters; Personnel entering the room from a cold outdoor environment will affect the temperature measurement accuracy. The forehead temperature test should be performed after the forehead is unobstructed for three minutes and the temperature is stable; The temperature read by the temperature measuring device is the temperature in the forehead area. When there is water, sweat, oil, or thick makeup on the forehead or the elderly have more wrinkles, the read temperature will be lower than the actual temperature. Make sure no hair or clothing is covering this area.  More Face Recognition Door Readers | Access Control Systems Learn More About Face Recognition and Temperature Scanning To learn more about the pros and cons of temperature screening, look at our article, Thermal Body Temperature Screening Cameras. Automated Contact Tracing System To help you stay safe, take a look at the contact tracing system that provides the automated health tracing required in today’s environment.  Automated Contact Tracing System The system provides accurate, reliable, and easy-to-implement contact tracing in the workplace. It keeps a record of all the people who come into contact with each other. It allows employers to safely bring their employees back to the office while reducing the risk of a future shutdown due to infected employees. Read more… ### Contact Tracing System Digital Contact Tracing Concept Sorry, this product is no longer available Please take a look at all the other great products from Kintronics. The ZoneTag system enables contact tracing for all individuals within your organization. This safety control system provides the automated health tracing required in today’s environment. Not only does it meet the needs of the current pandemic, but it can be used in the future to track any new health issues transmitted between the people who work and visit your organization. Digital Contact Tracing System ZoneTag-System This system provides an accurate, reliable, and easy-to-implement workplace contact tracing system. It allows employers to safely bring their employees back to the office while reducing the risk of a future shutdown due to infected employees. The system doesn’t violate the users’ privacy by tracking their movements and locations. It only records that they came close to another person. Digital Contact Tracing Concept The ZoneTag system doesn’t use a cellphone, GPS, or an app. It provides a device-based tracing solution that ensures compliance, reliability, and incorporates a unique approach to privacy protection. The system consists of tags that people carry, a gateway receiver that connects through a cell network or Tablet to a cloud database. Each tag collects the contact information and sends it to the gateway. The gateway transmits the information to the central cloud database. If someone in the organization gets sick, the database can be used to instantly find all the other people they were in contact with thus reducing the spread of disease. Product sheet... The Digital Contact Tracing Tag Each person receives a tag that is used for contact tracing. A tag has a unique ID number that is assigned to the person who will be wearing the tag. The tags use Bluetooth 5 communication protocol to detect other tags near them. When tags get close together, they record the other tags ID number. The information collected by the tag is broadcast to the gateway or tablet. The system uses a proximity-based method that is more accurate than GPS and does not track locations. Contact Tag Features Sniff other “Tags” through Bluetooth 5 to trace the contact with other tags The contact exposure level is defined by the amount of time spent within the contact zone. The anonymized contact info is sent through the “Gateways” or tablet via Bluetooth 5 and then to the cloud. Battery life: up to 4 months. Replaceable battery (no charging of tags are needed) 1MB of memory (enough for storing contact data for 7 days) Waterproof – IP67 Certified Contact Tag Concept Proximity scan between tags is recorded and the data is transferred to the cloud database Contact Tag Options There are two types of mobile tags available. The ZT510 or the ZT710 are both worn by the people in the organization. ZT510 The pendant type mobile tag collects contact data but doesn't provide proximity alert to the person ZT710 The wristband or pendant type mobile tag collects contact data and provides a local proximity alert when they are close to another person wearing a proximity tag. Two Options for Transferring Contact Data to the Cloud There are two ways to collect and transfer the data from the tags to the cloud database. A Gateway (receiver device) is placed around the organization to continuously collect data from the tags. Tablets are used at the entryways of the organization. The tags are registered when they come in and then scanned when they leave. The data is transferred from the table to the contact cloud database. Digital Contact Tracing Gateway The contact tracing gateway continuously collects and transfers the contact information to the cloud. The gateway uses cell uses AT&T cell service, and doesn't require any local network connection. Several gateways can be used depending on the size of the organization. Each gateway collects contact data from many tags. Tracing Gateway Features The gateway uses the AT&T cellular network to transfer the data to the cloud database. No WiFi connection needed. Bluetooth 5 has ~800ft range. Very simple to install Depending on the layout of the space, multiple Gateways are needed Gateway can work with 100 tags simultaneously and cover a minimum of 30,000 square foot of open area. Gateways can be placed strategically (e.g. common areas, front desk, elevator bank etc.) Tablet Tracing Portal The tablet can be used instead of the Gateway. The tablet uses the WiFi connection to the local network and utilizes the Ethernet router connection to the Internet to gain access to the Tracing Cloud database. The Tablet uses an app that is downloaded form Google Play store. The app allows the user to check-in and check-out tags, and upload data to the cloud portal. Digital Contact Tracing Cloud Database The central database server maintains the history of all the tags from each organization. Each tag includes the ID of the person who owns the tag. If someone in the organization becomes sick, the database provides a list of all the people that person came in contact with. Contact Cloud Database Contact Tracing Cloud Features User database: Stores who owns which “tags” Contact database: Keeps track of all thecontacts Match maker: Connects the two databases above(devices/contacts with users/employees), only when a Covid-19 case wasdiagnosed Admin dashboard: When a positive Covid-19 caseis reported by an employee or health department, employers will able to see thecontact risk info. It gives instant notification to the employers about whoshould quarantine Digital Contact Tracing Benefits Affordable and Scalable No need to buy company phones, smart watches orrequire employees to use their personal phones to download an app. This systemcan fit any budget. Employee Friendly No apps to download to user’s personal phones.Avoids pushback from employees about privacy concerns. Gives Employers Risk Management Ability It gives the employer full control over theircontact tracing system to ensure compliance and reliability. Easy Visitor Integration Simply give each visitor a ZoneTag tag as partof the normal check-in process No GPS location or Third-Party Data is requiredto implement the tracing system The ZoneTag system does not collect employeelocation information. It simply identifies the ID of nearby tags. We are atechnology and security company that never monetizes data or shares with thirdparties. Automated Digital Contact Tracing Resources To learn more about Contact Tracing, read our articles How Digital Contact Tracing Systems Work. The article describes what contact tracing is, and describes several ways to provide contact tracing automatically. Automated Contact Tracing in a Pandemic describes how contact tracing is important in the pandemic. Automatic Contact Tracing and Other Technologies for the Campus describes the products that can be used to make schools safer. More Products for Safety Temperature Screening Door Control | Emergency Panic Buttons |Campus-Wide Emergency Alert System Learn more about protecting your organization with temperature and mask screening access control panels, emergency panic buttons, and emergency alert systems. Read more... To learn more about how the contact tracking and tracing system can be installed in your organization, contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Face Recognition and Temperature Access Control TVIP-FaceBio Reader More Temperature Monitoring | More Biometric Door Access | Door Access Control Systems This door reader-controller is designed for organizations that need more than standard access control. The TVIP-FaceBio is a biometric reader-controller that not only recognizes faces, it also detects elevated temperature, and if a person is wearing a protective mask. The reader-controller can prevent people with elevated body temperature or no mask from entering a secure area. Features of Access Control Reader Face authentication range up to 6.5 feetTemperature Measurement range up to 2.5 ftBody temperature accuracy +/- 0.54 °FStores & matches up to 22,400 face templatesMask detection7-inch touchscreen displayRecognizes faces in <500msDust-proof and water-resistantConnects an access controller (Wiegand)Audio announcements: verbal temperature normal, or high-level alarm, mask verification, and face recognition verification Designed to Help Businesses, Hospitals, and Schools This access control reader helps organizations control entry. It provides a way of screening people as they enter a secure area. Its embedded face recognition sensor provides 100% hands-free hygienic user authentication. Do you need more protection? The biometric reader detects if a protective mask is being worn. Users can be denied access if a fever is detected, or if the person is not wearing a mask. Face Recognition Reader-Control System Diagram Face Recognition System Diagram Specifications for TVIP-FaceBio Door Reader Specification Description Capacity Faces: 22,400 Face Recognition Distance: 0.5 m(1.6 ft)—2 m (6.5ft) Compatibility Wiegand Controllers Access Control Software Hardware 8” Touch Screen Display 2MP Camera with Color 0.01 lux, BW 0.001 lux 3D noise reduction, strong light suppression, electronic image stabilization, and has multiple white balance modes, suitable for various fields Access Control Interface Relay Temperature Capability Temperature Distance: up to 2.5 ft Temperature Accuracy: +/- 0.3 °C (+/- 0.54F) Protective Mask Detection Interface TCP / IP (RJ45) Wiegand Input / Output Note that this biometric door reader can be connected directly to the network or through a controller. RS485 / RS232 Wi-Fi (Optional) Environmental Working Temp.: 10C (50F) to 50C ( 122 F) Working Humidity: <90%   Mechanical MTBF >50,000 hrs Net Weight: 1.9 Size (W x D x L): 4.8 x 1.8  x 10.5 inch Power Operating Voltage: 12V DC at 0.3A Power: 20 watt max Notes for Operation: Face verification is possible even when a person is wearing a protective mask but it is not as reliable as without the mask. The temperature measuring device should be used in a room with a room temperature between 10 C -40C  Do not install the temperature measuring device under the vent, and ensure that there is no heating source within 3 meters; Personnel entering the room from a cold outdoor environment will affect the temperature measurement accuracy. The forehead temperature test should be performed after the forehead is unobstructed for three minutes and the temperature is stable; The temperature read by the temperature measuring device is the temperature in the forehead area. When there is water, sweat, oil, or thick makeup on the forehead or the elderly have more wrinkles, the read temperature will be lower than the actual temperature. Make sure there is no hair or clothing covering this area.  More Face Recognition Door Readers | Access Control Systems Learn More About Temperature Scanning To learn more about Temperature screening, look at our articles.  Thermal Body Temperature Screening Cameras.The article describes the pros and cons of temperature screening. Integrating Access Control and Temperature ScreeningThis article describes how to integrate the biometric temperature panel with other door access control systems Watch the Video: Provides a demonstration of how the TVIP-FaceBio works, please take a look at our video. The video provides details about how the access control reader works. Automated Contact Tracing System To help you stay safe, take a look at the contact tracing system that provides the automated health tracing required in today’s environment.  The system provides accurate, reliable, and easy-to-implement contact tracing in the workplace. It keeps a record of all the people who come into contact with each other. It allows employers to safely bring their employees back to the office while reducing the risk of a future shutdown due to infected employees. Read more… ### Outdoor Facial Recognition Door Reader Face Recognition Reader TVIP-Face8WP The TVIP-Face8WP is a high-performance outdoor face recognition and palm reader-controller used primarily in access control applications. It can be connected through a Wiegand connection to access controllers or to the network and use TVIPTirSoft management software. Provides touchless entry control. By combining the latest advancements in artificial intelligence with an optimized dual-core CPU, the Face8WP has truly reached a new height in user authentication technology. It’s powerful embedded anti- spoofing engine can withstand almost all types of fake photo attacks. The face recognition algorithm has been designed for the variable conditions found in outdoor environments. Face Recognition Reader Features: Large capacity of facial templates; 1: N – 50,000 facial templates Ultra-fast facial recognition in just 3s Outdoor waterproof IP-68 protection and dust-proof IK04 Operating temperature range (-30 ~ 60°C; -22~ 140°F) Anti-Impersonation technology prevents false approvals, discards color and black & white photographs, videos, and 3D The intelligent energy-saving design accurately assesses the distance of up to 8.5 feet between the user and the device using a microwave detector before activating the recognition device Integrated 125 kHz prox card reader (Mifare optional) 2MP CMOS sensor camera with WDR and starlight function, which allows the device to recognize faces in extreme lighting conditions (0.5 lux – 50,000 lux) Supplementary light with variable brightness 8ʺ touch screen with 400 lux, which offers better visibility under intense light Multiple communication methods: TCP/IP, RS485, RS232, Wi-Fi (optional) Face Recognition System Diagram Face Recognition Outdoor Reader Specifications of Outdoor Face Recognition Reader Specification Description CAPACITY Faces: 50,000 (1:N) Compatibility: 50,000 Transactions: 1,000,000 User photos: 30,000 Transaction photos: 10,000 ACCESS CONTROL INTERFACE Relay Output Alarm output Auxiliary output input Door sensor COMMUNICATION TCP/IP Wiegand entry and exit Wi-Fi (Optional) RS485 / RS232 OTHER FUNCTIONS IP68 & IK04 0.3s High-speed facial verification Live Face Detection Https communication encryption optional Instant Event Capture HARDWARE 8 “IPS touch screen (400lux)  Reader 125KHz EM / STANDARD FUNCTIONS Access levels, Groups, Holidays, DST Amago mode (Password), Anti- Passback Recording query Custom wallpaper and screensaver Tamper Switch Alarm OPERATION Facial Algorithm: Operation temperature: -30°C ~ 60°C, (-22°F~ 140°F) Relative humidity: ≤93%~ +65°C Storage temperature: -40°C Storage Humidity: ≤93% Net weight: 853g Dimensions(H*L*D): 227*143*26mm POWER Voltage: 12V DC Energy Consumption <2,000mA More Face Recognition Readers | Door Access Control Systems If you would like help selecting the right product for your access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### High-Speed Facial Recognition TVIP-Face5V Face Recognition Reader The TVIP-Face5V is a high-performance indoor face recognition reader designed for high-speed recognition. It provides touchless entry control for door access control systems. The recognition distance has been greatly extended up to 3 meters long, which significantly improves the maximum traffic rate. While most of the algorithms only support 15-degree angle facial recognition, the Face5V supports 30-degree angle facial recognition. It can be connected through a Wiegand connection to access controllers or to the network and use TVIPTirSoft management software. Face Recognition Reader Features Enhanced Visible Light Facial Recognition with Deep Learning built-inMultiple verifications with Fingerprint, RFID and Facial Recognition5-inch touch LCDDual-camera for real-time face detection6,000 face templates capacityRecognition distance: 0.3 – 3 mCompatible with external RS232, RS485 and Wiegand readerTCP / IP, Wi-Fi communication Face Recognition System Diagram Face Recognition Diagram Specification for TVIP-Face5V Face Recognition SPECIFICATION DESCRIPTION CAPACITY Faces: 6,000 (1:N) Transactions: 200,000 User capacity: 10,000 Compatibility: 50,000 Transactions: 200,000 User capacity: 10,000 ACCESS CONTROL INTERFACE Relay Output Alarm output Door sensor COMMUNICATION TCP/IP Wiegand entry and exit Wi-Fi (Optional) RS485 / RS232 SPECIAL FUNCTIONS 0.3s High-speed facial verification Live Face Detection Https communication encryption optional Instant Event Capture HARDWARE 5 “IPS touch screen (400lux) Reader 125KHz EM / 13.56MHz MF (Optional) 2MP camera with dual lens Hi-Fi sound ENVIRONMENT Operation temperature: —10°C ~ 50°C, (14F~ 122 °F) Relative humidity: =90% Dimensions: 6.57 in(H) x 5.3 in (W) x 0.8 in(D) POWER Voltage: 12V DC, 3A More Face Recognition Readers | Door Access Control Systems If you would like help selecting the right product for your access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Biometric Visitor Kiosk with Body Temperature Scanning TVIP-VisitorBio Kiosk The TVIP-VisitorBio Kiosk is a high-performance face recognition reader that includes body temperature and mask detection. This multi-purpose touchless kiosk is designed for visitor management applications such as TVIP-TirSoftVAMS. It includes a 13-inch touchscreen designed to provide users touchless check-in and body temperature verification. Features of Visitor Kiosk: Interactive 13.3″ touchscreen displayProvides body-temperature measurementDetects protective masksSupports up to 10,000 facesNo need to enroll users separately with and without a mask. Only one face enrollment necessary.Powerful anti-spoofing engineOptional fingerprint readerThermal sensorDual infrared & visible light lensProvides speed & accuracyStrong flexibility & adaptability in numerous applicationsSupports QR and barcode scanningIncludes ticket/receipt printerTCP/IP communication Visitor Management Kiosk Specifications for VisitorBio Kiosk SpecificationDescription Attendance Record Capacity 100,000 Facial Templates Capacity 10,000 User Capacity 10,000 Communication  TCP/IP, Wiegand, WiFi Screen Size  13.3 inch Capacitive Touch Resolution 1920×1080 pixels Communication RJ45, TF card slot, HDMI, RS232, RS484 Camera 2-MegaPixel QR Code Barcode or QR-code Ticket Printer Line Thermal Printer Printing speed: 100mm/s (max.) Paper width: 58±0.5mm Power Supply 12V-3A Operational Environment Temperature: 32-140°F Humidity: < 90% Dimensions (L*W*H) 14 in. X 2 in. x 56 in. VisitorBio Kiosk System Diagram Visitor Kiosk Diagram Dimensions of BioVisitor Kiosk Visitor Kiosk Dimensions If you would like help selecting the right product for your visitor management system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Visitor Management System Visitor Management Software Comparison A visitor management system (VMS) is a technology solution that helps manage and track visitors entering and exiting a facility or site. It modernizes how guests are received and recorded, making the process more secure, efficient, and compliant with regulatory standards. Visitor Management Comparison | How it Works | Purchase Visitor authentication and management systems enhance the safety and security of your organization. Today's heightened interest in security and health has resulted in the need for visitor authentication. With the addition of access control panels and kiosks, you can provide temperature monitoring and protective mask detection. There are three new visitor management software packages that support corporations, commercial properties, and education. Select from the Following Visitor Management Versions: Visitor Management for the Corporation TVIPTirSoft-VAMS2INC This software is designed for a single site. Hosts can use the driver's license scanning feature to ensure identity. Active Directory makes it easier to integrate into your computer system. This feature-rich software is an excellent resource for organizations that are interested in safety and security. Visitor Management for Commercial Properties TVIPTirSoft-VAMSCommercial This software supports locations where many organizations occupy the same building. The software supports the shared lobby welcome area. The database allows the central concierge to manage visitors to multiple organizations in the building. Visitor Management for Education TVIPTirSoft-VAMSEducation This software is designed for educational organizations. Visitor management in education provides essential functions that keep the school safer—blacklisting specific people in the student database avoids custodial mistakes with student pickups. It prevents fines or even lawsuits. All these visitor management software systems allow you to issue a QR code, an authentication key sent to the guest's mobile device, and a live photo captured at every visit to assure visitor validity. Product sheet What is Visitor Management A visitor management system is a software and hardware system that makes it easy to keep track of your visitors. The visitor management systems not only provide tracking of visitors they also provide visitor authentication and health monitoring. They can include access control panels that provide facial recognition, temperature monitoring, and mask detection to keep your organization safe. These new visitor management systems allow you to send invitations to meetings. They also can sign in a walk-in visitor. The software is available for on-site or cloud applications. Scheduling Visitors Hosts have the luxury of planning by sending visitors a unique QR code via text and/or email. This provides advanced registration for their appointment. When the guest arrives, they just present their QR code and their authentication key along with capturing a live photo, and they are digitally logged into the premises. Blacklisting Whether it be a school or a commercial facility, you can blacklist anyone to deter unwanted visitors from gaining access. Emergency Notifications When unexpected situations arise, TirSoftVAMS has your back with emergency notifications. You can customize who receives the notification and what the message says. And if the front desk does not have the time to type a message, there is an SOS button to alert the right people to assist in the situation. Health Questionnaire The visitor management control system incorporates a health questionnaire that automates the health check process for visitors. Reports TirSoft-VAMS allows you to run extensive reports from students to contractors to visitors. The reports can be exported in a CSV format or excel- whichever fits your needs! Visitor Management Software Common Features Web-Based Administration and Monitoring Software Simple Structure and Smooth Workflow Multiple language options Stable, Fast and Consistent Communication Customizable visitor entry forms Facial recognition technology Real-time analytics dashboard Sync and integrated with access control systems Alarms and Events Email Notifications System Log Monitoring System Standard, Advanced, and High Secure options Learn more about the history and evolution of Visitor Management Software by reading our article The Evolution of Visitor Management: From Logbooks to QR Codes How the Visitor Management System Works Here are some examples of the steps used for walk-in and pre-registered guests. Walk-in Visitor Workflow Walk-in visitor scans the QR code prominently placed near the Access Control device such as the TVIP-VisitorBio kiosk device.   This opens a visitor registration page on the browser of visitor's mobile phone Host approves the visit The visitor receives the appointment confirmation with a link to a new QR code via text message/email to be scanned on the access control device This QR code scan on the access control device gets the scan for temperature and mask compliances done   Successful scan checks the visitor successfully in the premises Scheduled Visitor Workflow The host creates an appointment for their visitors The visitor receives the appointment confirmation with a link to the QR code The visitor receives the appointment confirmation with a link to the QR code Visitor scans the QR code on the access control device, gets the scan for temperature and mask compliances done  Successful scan checks the visitor successfully in the premises Benefits of Visitor Management Systems Visitor Management Software (VMS) helps you provide a secure environment. It has become more critical in today's world. Now more than ever, it is essential to find the best way to protect our organizations from both physical intrusions and disease. The visitor management systems have evolved from the writing pad with people signing in. Now the latest digital systems can do many more things such as verifying people who visit, pre-registering them, and checking their temperature. These systems can use a person's license to assure that a person is not on any government watch lists or to provide a way of controlling people that are on a blacklist. Here Are Some More Advantages Screening Visitors: Visitor management systems allow organizations to screen visitors before granting them access. This can include checking against watchlists, requiring visitors to complete health questionnaires, or signing legal documents like NDAs. Identifying Visitors: By issuing visitor badges or electronic passes, these systems make it easy to identify who is a visitor and whether they are authorized to be in specific areas. This visibility is essential for maintaining security and safety. Controlling Visitor Access: Similar to access control for employees, visitor management systems can regulate where visitors can go within a facility. This ensures that visitors are only in areas where they have a legitimate reason to be. Visitor Management in Schools In schools, we monitor who enters the building, and if they are healthy. Schools can also find comfort in blacklisting specific people in the student database to avoid custodial mistakes with student pickups, therefore, avoiding fines or even lawsuits. Visitor Management in Corporations In large organizations, the software offers continuous communication between the visitor and the host, so both parties receive an email and or a text message to inform them when the appointment is set and when the visitor has checked in to see the host. The host even has the option to send out invitations so that they can approve and deny/ revise proposed appointments. To learn more, see our article, Benefits of Visitor Management Systems. Visitor Management Integrated With Access Control Systems Access Control and Visitor Management Systems play crucial roles in enhancing the safety and security of an organization by regulating who can enter and move within its facilities. They create a comprehensive approach to safeguarding people, assets, and information. The combination of Access Control and Visitor Management Systems increase safety and reduce insurance premiums for organizations. To learn more see our article Door Access Control and Visitor Management Integration Access Control and Visitor Management Integration To learn how Visitor Management and Access Control systems work together take a look at our video. Add the TVIP-VisitorBio Kiosk This multi-purpose touchless Kiosk is designed for visitor management applications. It consists of a 13-inch touchscreen designed to provide users touchless check-in and body temperature verification. The kiosk is compatible with our visitor management system and controls door access. For example, the TVIP-VisitorBio Kiosk is a high-performance face recognition reader that includes body temperature and mask detection. The VisitorBio kiosk has an integrated thermal camera that can detect body temperature within 0.6 F accuracy. It can be programmed to trigger an audio/visual alert and send notification's whenever unacceptable body temperature is detected. Learn more… Other Compatible Peripherals Hardware Brand Name Flatbed scanner Canon Flatbed Scanner – LID120 Signature Pad Wacom CTL-471 Passport Scanner ARH – ComboSmart Visiting Card Reader Cardscan 360 Barcode Scanner Honeywell/Argox QR Code Reader Honeywell 1452 Web Camera Logitech/Microsoft (Any Web Camera will do) Printer Any Windows Based Printer can be used for printing visitor pass. Android Tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab E SM – T561 iOS Tablet iPad (iOS 9 or above) Bluetooth Printer Brother QL 820NWB Label Printer Dymo Labelwriter 450 Laser Printer HP LaserJet P1108 Visitor Management System Devices More Visitor Management for Business EasyLobby SVM™ (Secure Visitor Management software), is an older software product. It provides comprehensive, enterprise-class visitor registration, tracking, reporting, and badge printing, as well as web-based pre-registration by employees, access control integration, package and asset management, and employee time and attendance. Read more... How to Purchase Your Visitor Management System Purchasing the right Visitor Management System can be confusing, so our technical team ensures that you get exactly what you need. We review your application, discuss the pros and cons of a number of solutions including your budget, Here’s what you do: Call us at 914-944-3425. We are available 9 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday, except holidays. If we are not there, leave a message and we will call you back. Or, fill out our request form, or send us an Email dennis@kintronics.com When you send a message or call us, real people answer your request. They will make sure that you receive exactly what you need. If you need help understanding the technology, please Read The Evolution of Visitor Management: From Logbooks to QR Codes or Benefits of Visitor Management Systems. We will provide suggestions with pros and cons of the different Visitor Management Systems, to make sure you get exactly what you need at the lowest price. Visitor Management System Visitor Management Support To learn more please see our article, What is a Visitor Management System? To learn more, please see Door Access Control and Visitor Management IntegrationThe article describes the combination of access control, temperature scanning, contact tracing, and access to control databases has increased security and health. This article reviews the new technology advances in visitor management and the integration of door access control and other technologies. We have a lot of experience with door access control and other security systems. If you need help selecting the right visitor management system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Biometric Door Reader With Body Temperature Detection TVIP-MultiBio Door Reader Face, Palm, and Body Temperature Access Control Door Reader More Temperature Monitoring | More Biometric Door Access | Door Access Control Systems This multipurpose access control reader provides more than facial or palm biometric entry control. It also includes the detection of a person's body temperature and if they are wearing a protective mask. The TVIP-MultiBio provides screening of people for healthcare, hospitals, schools, and businesses interested in detecting elevated temperature. Access Control That Monitors Body Temperature and Face Mask The TVIP-MultiBio, can prevent people with elevated temperature or no mask from entering a secure area. This biometric reader-controller combines a powerful thermal camera and the latest face and palm recognition algorithm that is supported by an optimized dual-core processor. Door Reader That Helps Hospitals, Businesses, and Schools This door access reader provides a way of screening people as they enter a secure area. Its embedded face recognition sensor provides 100% hands-free user authentication. Biometric Door Reader Face Mask Detection The biometric reader can also detect if a protective mask is being worn. You can select the additional protection to check for a mask. If the person is not wearing the mask, the reader denies entry. Screening of People Entering Your Organization The TVIP-MultiBio reader provides the first-line alert for people with elevated temperature. It not only authenticates the people in your organization it also controls visitors and guests to your facility. Contact Tracing System Adds More Security To help you stay safe, take a look at the contact tracing system that provides the automated health tracing required in today’s environment. The system provides accurate, reliable, and easy-to-implement contact tracing in the workplace. It keeps a record of all the people who come into contact with each other. It allows employers to safely bring their employees back to the office while reducing the risk of a future shutdown due to infected employees. Read more... Supported by Access Control Management Software The TVIP-MultiBio can be connected through a Weigand connection to an access controller or through the network. It is supported by TVIP-TirSoft access control management software for enterprise integration. Read more... Features of Biometric Access Control Reader Face authentication range up to 8 feetStores & matches up to 50,000 face templatesStores & matches up to 5,000 palm templatesBody temperature detection accuracy +/- 0.6 degrees Fahrenheit from up to 18-inches away. Protective mask detectionIt can provide face verification when a mask is present, but palm reading is more reliable when a mask is present.8” programmable touchscreen displayIntelligent energy-saving designDual lens IR & VL camera recognizes faces in both total darkness and bright sunlight (<50,000 lux)Vandal-proof ratingConnects directly to the network (RJ45) or an access controller (Wiegand) Product Sheet Door Reader-Controller System Diagram Biometric Door Reader Diagram Specifications for TVIP-MultiBio Door Reader specification Description Capacity Faces: 50,000 Palm: 5,000 Users Compatibility Wiegand Input Panels Wiegand Output readers TVIP-TirSoft Access Control Software Relay Box (SRB) Hardware 900 MHz Dual-Core AI CPU 512MB RAM/ 8C Flash 8” Touch Screen Display 2MP WDR Camera Distance Detection Sensor Reset Button and Tamper Switch Access Control Interface Lock Relay Output Alarm Output /Auxiliary Input Exit Button / Door Sensor Special Capability 0.3s Face Recognition Speed Liveness Detection Event Snapshot Standard Functions Access Levels, Groups, Holidays, DST, Duress Mode (password), Anti-Passback, Record Query, Tamper Switch Alarm, Custom Wallpaper & Screen Saver Detection Specifications Temperature Distance: 18-inches Temperature Accuracy: +/- 0.6 °F Protective Mask Detection Interface Note that this biometric door reader can be connected  directly to the network or through a controller. TCP / IP (RJ45) Wiegand Input / Output Wi-Fi (Optional) RS485 / RS232 Environmental Working Temp.: -22 F to 140 F Working Humidity: <93% Storage Temp.: – 40 F to 169 F Storage Humidity: <93% Mechanical Net Weight: 1.5 lbs Size (H x L x D): 8.9 x 5.6 x 1 inch Power Operating Voltage: 12V DC Current Draw: < 2,000mA More Face Recognition Readers | Door Access Control Systems | Contact Tracing System Learn More To learn more about the pros and cons of temperature screening, look at our article, Thermal Body Temperature Screening Cameras. Watch the video: It provides a demonstration of the TVIP-MultiBio, please take a look at our video. The video provides details about how the access control reader works. ### IP Door Reader Comparison Access Control Door Reader Systems  Network-attached door access control systems connect to your network through a controller or directly to the network. The access control door reader and the controller can be located at the door and use Power over Ethernet (PoE). There are several choices described below. Reader-Controllers | Slave Readers | Controllers | Door Access Control Systems | Purchase Comparison of Access Control Readers Door access control can be implemented using intelligent network-attached IP reader-controllers or by using an Slave Readers attached to IP controllers.  The Reader-Controllers are easier to install, while the controllers with separate readers are more flexible and include advanced features. These IP door readers are part of the Door Access Control System. IP Controller with Reader(s) Controller with attached readers Readers connect to a controller and the controller is connected to the network. One or more readers can be connected to the network-attached controller  Enterprise Controller plus Readers IP Reader-Controller Reader-Controller The reader-controller connects directly to the network. There are three types of network-attached reader-controllers:  Isonas Reader-Controllers Biometric Reader-Controllers Pro-Series Proximity Reader-Controllers We provide Free Consulting so that you get exactly what you expect Door Access Control Resources We have resources to help you purchase the access control system you need. Articles cover How it Works, What to Consider Before Buying, How to Choose the Best Access Control System, a Comparison of the Latest Door Readers, and more.   IP Door Reader Comparison Professional Door Access Systems Isonas Reader-Controller  The Isonas access control system includes intelligent readers. The controller includes all the Power for the electric lock It also provides connections for door sensors, relays, Request to Exit (REX) buttons, motion detectors, and more. The Isonas reader/controller supports mobile credentials.  Read more …  Biometric Reader-Controllers  Biometric Reader/controllers use your fingerprint or facial features as the credential. These IP reader-controllers hold all the biometric information inside the reader/controller. They are powered over Ethernet.  This series of reader/controllers also includes proximity door reader/controllers (without biometrics).  Read More …  Enterprise Access Control System Access Controller with Slave Readers  The Hartmann door access system uses a separate network-attached IP controller. The controller can be located at the door or placed in a central location and can support more than one door. This access control system uses Slave Door Readers.  Read More …  IP Access Controller  The access controller connects to the network and one or more slave door readers can be connected to it. The controller connects to the network and is managed by access control management software.  Read more about the access controller …  Slave Door Control Readers  Slave or dumb Proximity door readers connect to a separate controller.  The door readers use proximity (or “prox”) credentials. There are several types of credentials that can be used with these readers such as 125KHz frequency or the Smartcard or Mifare technology that use 13.56 MHz. Both types are contactless credentials that are activated when they are close to the reader (in proximity).  The slave readers are sometimes called Wiegand readers because they use the Wiegand interface to connect to the controller.  Read more about door readers … Door Access Control System Door Readers for Mobile Credentials  You can also add mobile credential door readers that use your smartphone as the credential.  Read More About Door Readers…  For more information about credentials read our article, Comparison of Door Access Credentials.  IP Access Control System Comparison  The reader-controllers such as the professional biometric IP readers and Isonas reader/controller include a built-in access controller. The Isonas system is the easiest to install while the Hartmann Enterprise access control system is more flexible and provides increased functionality. The following chart provides a quick look at the features of each type of access control system.  Enterprise Access ControlMidsize Access ControlBiometric Access ControlControllers connect to NetworkDoor Reader-controller connects to the NetworkDoor Reader-Controllers connect to the NetworkPoE PowerPoE PowerPoE Power (Some Models)Operates even if the network is down (if the controller has PoE power)Operates even if the network is down (if the controller has PoE power)Operates even if the network is down (if the controller has PoE power)Separate Controller supports up to two Door ReadersCombined reader and controllerCombined reader and controllerThe readers provide 12 VDC power for the electric lockThe readers provide 12 VDC power for the electric lockDoesn't provide door powerWide selection of RFID-type card credentials and Mobile credentialsLimited RFID credential types and Mobile CredentialsBiometric Fingerprint, finger-vein, palm, face recognitionIndoor and Outdoor OperationIndoor and Outdoor OperationMostly IndoorSophisticated Mobile credentials using smartphoneSimple mobile credentials using smartphoneNoAccess Control Management: Local and limited mobile controlCloud Access Control Management Access Control Management LocalEnhanced Management SoftwareSimple Management SoftwareGood Management SoftwareIntegrates with IP Camera SystemsNoYesHigh Security level with multiple credentialsMedium security levelHighest security levelAnti-passbackNoAnti-passbackSupports thousands of doorsSupports hundreds of doorsLarge Number of DoorsElevator Control OptionNoElevator Control OptionSelect the Enterprise SystemSelect the Isonas Midsize Access Control SystemSelect the Biometric Access SystemIP Door Access Control Comparison Chart Take a look at our article, IP Door Access Systems Wiring for more information about installation and the wiring topography of these access control systems,  What is IP Door Access Control Technology  This new IP access control technology doesn’t use a central access control box so the installation is much easier.  The intelligence is at the door with the reader instead of being in the central control box. You can start with one reader and add new readers as you need them. For more information about how this new IP access control technology compares to the old technology, take a look at our webpage that Compares Door Access Control Systems.  The latest IP readers support various card credential RFID proximity formats.  Besides using credentials, you can use pin codes or even your smartphone to open the door.  You can select readers with a keypad, and those that can operate indoors or outdoors. They are available with trim kits and pre-cut pigtail wiring (10′ or 25′).  The readers accept HID, proprietary proximity credentials (like Isonas), smartcard, MiFare, or Bluetooth mobile credentials.  Since these door readers attach to the network and use PoE (just like IP cameras) they are very easy to integrate allowing you to create a complete security and safety system.  We provide complete integrated systems so please contact us (914-944-3425) for help designing your system.  Read more about all the IP door access control systems.  ### Access Control Access Control Comparison Chart What is the Best Access Control System The network-attached access control system consists of a door reader, a controller, an electric lock, credentials, and access control management software. Access Control Concept The door access control system prevents unauthorized entry. Credentials, like a card, are used to identify the right person who can enter the door. Access control determines who can open a specific door at a scheduled time and date. Access Control Configurations | Comparison Chart | Integration with Other Systems Access Control System Configurations There are access systems that use simple door readers that connect to central controllers, and there are intelligent reader-controllers that connect to the network. The latest access control systems are powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE). This makes them very easy to install and expand. You can start with a single door and expand one at a time. Reader-Controllers The reader-controllers provide a complete access control system at the door. It not only controls entry into your facility, it also integrates with other IP security systems to provide increased safety. The Access Control Management Software enables integration with other IP connected systems such as IP camera systems, IP paging systems, intercoms, gates, and elevators. It provides sophisticated if-then logic that can provide a response to many types of security situations such as lock-downs, and fire. We provide three types of access control systems. You can select the Isonas IP door readers that are excellent for small to medium systems, or the Hartmann Controls Enterprise access control system that includes advanced capability such as elevator control, and integration with IP camera systems. If you need additional security, you can select the biometric access control system. These access control systems are implemented as a distributed processing system. The individual intelligent IP controllers contain all the information so they can operate even if the administration software computer is down. They all support active directory to make it easier for administration. Isonas Access Control System The Isonas IP access control system is the easiest system to install. The reader/controllers contain all the intelligence that was normally found in the central controller. The reader/controller connects to the network and is powered over Ethernet (PoE). Isonas Features The IP access control system can grow incrementally. You can purchase a single door and add doors one at a time. The access control system is a distributed processing system. The individual intelligent IP controllers contain all the information so they can operate even if the administration software computer is down. Active Directory support, on both the administrator levels as well as cardholder/user levels. Door readers support proximity credentials, HID, smartcard, and mobile credentials. Access control management software provides excellent reporting features. Powerful and fast reports allowing you to display to screen, output to CSV or write to PDF. Includes access control Administration log recording every change made on the system as well as the time it was made and by whom. Mobile interface allows you to administer your Access Control System from any Browser-Enabled Device: Tablet, Smartphone, laptop or PC Read more about the Isonas access control system ...   Hartmann Enterprise Access Control System The Hartmann Control access control system is designed to support large enterprise systems yet it is perfect for single door applications. The access control system includes an IP door access controller that is located at the door. It is a very flexible system that allows you to select the door reader you would like. You can select several style door readers with different capability. The Hartmann access system can also be configured using a central IP controller box so it can be used to replace older access control systems. Features of the Hartmann Access Control System The IP access control system can grow incrementally. You can purchase a single door and add doors one at a time. The access control system is a distributed processing system. The individual intelligent IP controllers contain all the information so they can operate even if the administration software computer is down. Active Directory support, on both the administrator levels as well as cardholder/user levels. Anti-passback logic prevents multiple uses of a credential within a certain amount of time. The access control system supports a wide variety of door readers including Bluetooth-enabled mobile credentials from smartphones. The readers support proximity credentials, HID, smartcard, biometric, and mobile credentials. Mobile interface allows you to administer your Access Control System from any Browser-Enabled Device: Tablet, Smartphone, laptop or PC Integration with IP Camera systems. Integration with IP intercoms and paging systems Elevator Control allows you to control what floor people can go to Read more about the Hartmann Access Control System ... To learn more about How Access Control Works and How to Select the Best System, take a look at our video. https://youtu.be/tNYxOEETfOs How to Select the Best Access Control System Biometric Door Access Control The biometric door access control system uses fingerprints, facial recognition, finger-vein, and other biometrics as the credential. This IP door access control system provides the most secure system since it identifies the person rather than the credential that they carry. Features of the Biometric Access Control System The IP access control system can grow incrementally. You can purchase a single door and add doors one at a time. The access control system is a distributed processing system. The individual intelligent IP controllers contain all the information so they can operate even if the administration software computer is down. Active Directory support, on both the administrator levels as well as cardholder/user levels. Door readers support biometric credentials such as fingerprint, facial and finger-vein. Also supports proximity credentials, HID, smartcard, and mobile credentials. Crisis Mode Responses: allows the door access control system to respond to emergencies. The access control crisis mode is activated by one button press from any IP device. Optional Mobile interface allows you to administer your Access Control System from any Browser-Enabled Device: Tablet, Smartphone, laptop or PC The access control management software provides Integration with many IP camera video management software systems (VMS). Elevator Control allows you to control what floor people can visit Read more about the Biometric Access Control System Door Access Control Comparison Chart Hartmann System Flexible Access Control: This is a very flexible access control system that is designed for the enterprise. It supports a wide variety of door readers including Bluetooth-enabled mobile credentials from smartphones. The readers support proximity credentials, HID, smartcard, biometric, and mobile credentials. IP Camera system integration:  The design of the access control system makes it very easy to integrate with IP camera video management software systems (VMS). Elevator Control: There is an optional door controller unit that can be used to control Elevators. Triple Swipe Program provides special codes for particular users allowing them to swipe three times then enter their code at a keypad reader to cause up to 32 special events. (EG: you are closing early for the day and just want to go to the reader and lock the door down for the rest of the day OR enable an alarm system, etc.). Crisis Mode Responses: allows the door access control system to respond to emergencies. The access control crisis mode is activated by one button press from any IP-enabled device. Doors will, in turn, lockdown and only users with appropriate crisis mode privileges (up to 16 pre-defined levels) will be granted access. Supports 125 kHz, or 13.56 MHz Smart-card credentials, or Mobile Smartphone credentials Learn more about the Enterprise System... Isonas System Simple Access Control system: This access control system is very easy to install. Supports 125 kHz, or 13.56 MHz Smart-card credentials, or Mobile Smartphone credentials Cloud-based management software: The management software provides all the basic functions required by small to medium applications that don't require special features. Learn more about the Isonas Access Control System... Biometric System The Most Secure Access Control: Door readers support biometric credentials such as fingerprint, facial, and finger-vein. Also supports proximity credentials, HID, smartcard, and mobile credentials. Crisis Mode Responses: allows the door access control system to respond to emergencies. The access control crisis mode is activated by one button press from any IP device. Cameras in the readers: Some of the biometric reader/controllers include cameras for better identification of people using the system Elevator Control: There is an optional door controller unit that can be used to control Elevators. Learn more about biometric access control... Learn more about Access Control Systems … Access Control Integration Door access control can be integrated with IP camera systems, elevator control systems, IP intercom, and paging systems. The IP access control systems connect to the network which makes it easier to integrate with other IP security systems. It is important to select the right systems when planning your access control integration. Some systems are easier to integrate than others. Access Control Integrations with IP Camera Systems The Hartmann door access control system integrates with many IP video recording systems. This includes many Video Management Software (VMS and Network Video Recorders (NVR). The video from multiple cameras is displayed in the same web browser as your door access management software. The real-time video can be displayed based on pre-defined alerts from the door access control system. The alerts include “Door Held Opened,” Door Forced Open, and many more. Examples of IP camera system systems currently supported include Hanwha Recording systems, Milestone xProtect, ViconNet, Exact, Digital Watchdog, and some Hikvision NVR systems. The list is growing so please check with us for the latest supported IP camera recording system support Provides easy management of IP cameras Learn more about IP camera integration … Access Control Integration with Elevator Access Control Both the Hartmann access control system and the biometric access control system provide elevator control. The elevator access security system consists of a door access control reader in the elevator, an elevator control unit, and special elevator control software. A special elevator access control unit is elevator-access-control-with-card-reader used to determine the floors that can be reached based on the door access control credential.  For example, all the accountants who work on the 5th floor can reach that floor, but not be able to go to the IT department on the 3rd floor.  Floors that contain general areas such as cafeteria or fitness center, would typically be available to everyone. The system can also be programmed to allow certain people, such as the executives to go to any floor. Read more about Elevator Control ... Access Control Integration with IP Intercoms All the accesss control systems support intercoms at the door. The intercoms connect to the network and allow control of electric locks or door access control readers. Video Management Software (VMS) can be used for control, monitoring, and recording. Please contact us to select the correct interface equipment for your specific door and access control reader. These network attached IP intercom systems provide a secure way to control access to all your doors. The intercoms include call button and door release Select a model that connects directly to an IP camera, or your network Easily integrate with IP door access control systems to provide a complete security system Integrate with Video Management Software for easy door control and increased safety Read more about IP intercom integration ... Integration with Paging Systems The Hartmann and biometric access control systems include advanced door control software that allow you to respond to alarms that are detected at the door or by an emergency button. If-then logic can be used to establish a linkage between a door reader and other systems on the network, including paging systems. A crisis mode can be established so that when an emergency button is pressed a page can be sent to the organization that notifies people of crisis situations such as a lockdown or a fire. The alarms include situations such as access denied, anti-passback, duress alarm, an emergency password used, etc. When one of these conditions occurs video from a camera can be popped up on a security guards monitor and a local or organization-wide page can be sent. Read more about IP Paging Systems ... Access Control Components The complete door access control system consists of door reader, access controllers, access control management software. Access Control Door Readers Both the Hartmann and biometric access control systems support separate door readers. There are several types of access control door readers.  There are simple, slave readers that connect to controllers using Wiegand communication, and intelligent door reader-controllers that include the controlling function inside the reader. There are also readers that use different types of credentials such as proximity, HID, smartcard, and mobile credentials. Slave Proximity Door Readers These simple readers usually connect to a controller using a Wiegand interface. The Wiegand connection is a serial type connection that provides data, and control signals to the access controller unit. It uses a simple protocol that includes the ID code provided by the credential. Wiegand readers are available in different sizes that mount on the mullion of the door or on the wall on a single-gang electric box. The readers are designed to read certain types of credentials such as 125 KHz proprietary proximity credentials, or smartcard 13.56 MHz credentials. Door readers are also available with a keypad that allows a person to enter an ID code. Select the door reader … Mobile Credential Readers Mobile credential readers are available with Bluetooth or NFC (Near-Field Communication). These door readers connect to your smartphone and use an app on the phone as the credential. There are also readers available that read multiple types of credentials. For example, our readers can read mobile credentials that use Bluetooth as well as smartcard credentials. Select the Mobile Bluetooth reader … IP Door Reader-Controllers These intelligent IP door readers have the access controller built into the reader. They can be powered using Power over Ethernet (PoE). Everything is at the door, so the wiring is much easier. The pigtail of wire from the reader is used to control the electric lock, REX, and door sensors. Isonas was the first company to introduce a door reader that included a built-in controller. These readers can read several types of credentials including 1265 kHz (HID), smartcard (13.56MHz) and mobile credentials (Bluetooth). Select the reader/controller … Biometric IP Reader-Controllers The most secure type of door reader uses biometrics as the credential. In this case, entry is determined by the person’s biometrics rather than the credential that they carry. 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 fingerprint or face can’t. For a review of the levels of security provided by different door access systems, read our article, Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems. These readers connect to the IP network and can be powered over Ethernet (PoE). They include a built-in controller that makes it easy to install. Some of these reader/controllers can also use a Wiegand connection. Select the biometric reader … Access Controller at the Door The Hartmann access control system provides a separate door controller located at the door or a multi-door controller that can be used to replace an existing access control system controller. The access controller connects to the network and is powered using PoE. It supports one or more door readers. The door controller connects to the network and is powered using PoE, making this very easy to install and expand. The Hartmann access controller is an example of this type of controller. Features of the Hartmann Access Controller A very flexible controller that can mount on top of the door and provide a built-in motion detection function. Supports Readers with Mobile Credentials Each door controller supports up to two readers. You can select inside and outside readers, with or without motion detection, or two separate door control. Operates even if the network is down (as long as the controller has power). The same controller modules can be ganged together inside a central control box that can be used to retrofit older door access control systems. The controller provides power for the electric lock. Includes an optional built-in motion detector that can provide the Request to Exit (REX) function. Access Control Door Diagram Includes an optional built-in motion detector that can provide the Request to Exit (REX) function. The controller can control two readers (inside and outside the door) or two separate doors. Integrates with many fire alarm systems 256-Bit AES Encryption: Protects data at a level often required by high-security environments such as financial, military, municipal and hi-tech organizations Read more about the Access Controller … Access Control Management Software The access control management software determines who, when and where a person can enter. This is established when a credential is assigned to a person and entered into the management system. The credential number is entered manually or by swiping the card. The person’s name, their privilege level, maybe their picture, and other information is entered at this time. Everyone can be assigned to a specific group. For example, office workers can enter the front door only from 9 am to 5 pm. The management team can enter through the front or back door and can enter anytime between 8 am and 10 pm. The security person can open any door at any time. All this is controlled by setting up access privilege groups and then assigning the people to each of the groups. To learn more about door access management software … Electric Locks Magnetic locks and Electric StrikesElectric locks are part of your door access control system. There are a variety of automated door locking systems available from Rutherford Controls. You can select either a magnetic lock or electric strike to secure a door. Magnetic locks are used in high-security areas where you need to monitor the movement of people. Since people are required to use their access cards in both directions, you can track who enters and leaves a secure area. Electric strikes are easy to install and are used to secure outer and inner doors, but do not prevent egress from an area like the magnetic lock. It replaces the fixed strike place in a standard lock. Special Cabinet Locks are available as well. For example, we have small locks that can be used to secure cabinets. These can be used to lock everything from filing cabinets to drug cabinets. Access Control Resources In our access control resource section you can find many technical articles, and videos that will help you understand the technology. We have a lot of experience with access control systems so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance in selecting the right IP access control system for your application. We will provide suggestions for different systems with the pros and cons and pricing trade-offs. Find more resources ... If you would like help selecting your access control system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Hanwha X Series Plus IP Cameras Series-X Modular IP Cameras These cameras include advanced features that make it very easy to install and video intelligence that provides increased security capability. Advanced Video Intelligence: The Hanwha X-Series Plus is the latest generation of high-performance IP Dome cameras. It features advanced functions that provide better video and effective analytic video functions. The cameras can notify security immediately when an alarm occurs. If you need to be warned about a gunshot or notified that someone is screaming, these are the right cameras to choose. Designed for Easy Installation: One of the nicest features of this family of IP cameras is the easy installation. The cameras are designed from the box to the network set up to be the easiest IP cameras to install. Advanced Features of the Modular X-Series Dome Cameras These dome cameras have advanced analytics and features that provide immediate security alarms. The cameras also provide superior video quality. Here is a summary of the features: 2-Megapixel and 5-Megapixel dome camerasDay-Night operation with excellent wide dynamic rangeRemote zoom and focus with motorized varifocal lensBuilt-in stabilization with gyro sensorsAudio Playback on an event can be preconfiguredAnalytic functions such as Shock detectionDirectional movement detection (enter or exit), creates an alarm if someone crosses a virtual lineObject appear or disappear function creates an alarm if someone left an object or took an objectLoiteringAudio detection notifies security if the camera detects a gunshot or a person screamsDigital automatic trackingSound classificationTamperingDefocus detectionFace detection Handover to another camera (like PTZ camera) when motion or audio event is detectedVery low-light capabilityWide dynamic range Easy Install Features of the X-Series Plus IP Cameras The X-Series Plus was designed for easy installation. From the box to the camera set up on the network, these cameras are the easiest to install. We all know that installation can be an expensive part of the IP camera system installation. These cameras make installation as quick and simple as possible. Modular Camera components organized in the order they will be installedYou can plug the IP camera into the network while it is still in the boxThe magnetic mount of the camera to the mounting brackets makes it easy to install and change camerasRemote motorized set up of the lens zoomCamera models with motorized PTRZ remote set up of the pan and tilt position (±175˚ / 0~85˚ / ±175˚)USB connection for installation convenienceIP installer tool that makes it easy to install all your cameras using one simple installation tool IP Camera Installation Dome IP Camera Specification and Comparison Table MODEL LENS LIGHT SENSITIVITY Indoor Cameras 2-MP Indoor Dome, 1920 x 1080 XND-6081RV motorized varifocal lens with remote focus and with 164 ft (50m) IR illumination - Spec sheet XND-6081RF Flush Mount with a motorized varifocal lens with remote focus and with 164 ft (50m) IR illumination - Spec sheet XND-6081VZ with remote PTRZ motorized pan tilt and  varifocal lens with remote focus - Spec sheet XND-6081FZ Flush Mount with remote PTRZ motorized pan tilt and varifocal lens with remote focus- Spec sheet XND-6081V motorized varifocal lens with remote focus - Spec sheet XND-6081F Flush mount with a motorized varifocal lens with remote focus 2.8 ~ 12mm (4.3x) Motorized V/F (F1.4)   H: 119.5°(Wide)~27.9°(Tele) Color: 0.015Lux (F1.4, 1/30sec)BW: 0.0015Lux (F1.4, 1/30sec150 dB WDR 5-MP Indoor Dome, 2616 x 1976 XND-8081VZ with remote PTRZ motorized pan tilt and  varifocal lens with remote focus - Spec sheet XND-8081FZ Flush mount with remote PTRZ motorized pan tilt and  varifocal lens with remote focus - Spec sheet XND-8081RV motorized varifocal lens with remote focus and with 164 ft (50m) IR illumination - Spec sheet XND-8081RF Flush mount with a motorized varifocal lens with remote focus - Spec sheet Lens   3.6~9.4mm 2.6x H: 102.5°(Wide)~38.7°(Tele) Low Light Sensitivity   Color: 0.07Lux (F1.2, 1/30sec) BW: 0.007Lux (F1.2, 1/30sec)120 dB WDR Outdoor Dome Cameras 2-MP Outdoor Dome  IP66/IP67, IK10+, NEMA4X   XNV-6081Z with remote PTRZ motorized pan, tilt, rotate and motorized varifocal lens with remote focus. Can remotely pan, tilt and rotate the camera for set up.- Spec sheet XNV-6081R motorized varifocal lens with remote focus and with 164 ft (50m) IR illumination - Spec sheet XNV-6081 motorized varifocal lens with remote focus (no IR) Lens   2.8 ~ 12mm (4.3x) Motorized V/F (F1.4) H: 119.5°(Wide)~27.9°(Tele) Low Light Sensitivity   Color: 0.015Lux (F1.4, 1/30sec)BW: 0.0015Lux (F1.4, 1/30sec) 150 dB WDR 5-MP Outdoor Dome   XNV-8081Z with remote PTRZ motorized pan, tilt, rotate and motorized varifocal lens with remote focus. Can remotely pan, tilt and rotate the camera for set up.  - Spec sheet XNV-8081R motorized varifocal lens with remote focus and with 164 ft (50m) IR illumination - Spec sheet Lens   3.6~9.4mm(2.6x) motorized varifocal H: 102.5°(Wide)~38.7°(Tele) Low Light Sensitivity   Color: 0.07Lux (F1.2, 1/30sec)BW: 0.007Lux (F1.2, 1/30sec) 120 dB WDR   Enhanced Video Analytics and Sound Classification Behavior Analytics: Appear, Disappear, LoiteringPassing:  Virtual line, Enter/Exit, Directional DetectionImage quality enhancement: Defocus Detection, Fog detectionDetection: Motion Detection, Tampering, Face Detection, Audio detectionStatistics for Market Intelligence: Heatmap, People counting, Queue managementAudio Analytics:  Scream, Glass breakage, Gunshot, ExplosionMinimize Lens Distortion:  Lens distortion typically causes straight lines near the edge to curve outwards from the center of the image. With Lens Distortion Correction technology integrated into the Wisenet X series, image imperfections can be easily corrected.General analytics: Tampering, Loitering, Directional detection, Defocus detection, Fog detection, Virtual line, Enter / Exit, (Dis)Appear, Audio detection, Motion detection, Face detection, Digital auto tracking, Sound classification Automated Audio Playback On Event These intelligent IP cameras provide pre-recorded audio messages that can be played automatically. The cameras have built-in "if-then" logic that allows you to determine when the audio will be sent to the speaker. IP Camera with Automated Audio If the camera detects motion, or a person crossing a virtual line, the camera can say, "Please leave. You are entering a restricted area!" Suppose you see a crowd gathering? You can automatically broadcast the audio, "The police have been called." To implement the audio you can choose from several speaker systems. Motorized PTRZ Remote Set-Up Installation just got very easy. Once all your cameras are mounted, you can go to your computer to make all the camera adjustments. You can adjust where the camera is pointed using the motorized pan-tilt feature. You can adjust the zoom and field of view of the IP camera using the remote zoom lens control. Learn more about Other WiseNet Dome Cameras  | More Hanwha IP Cameras | Compare Other Manufacturer's Cameras To learn more about smart IP cameras and advanced video analytics, take a look at our article, “The Intelligent IP Camera.” If you would like help selecting the right IP camera, please contact us.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or just use our contact form. ### Door Access Management Software Hartmann Enterprise Door Access Management Software More Access Control Management Software | Access Control Hardware | Purchase This door access control software supports the Hartmann access control system. The door access control software allows you to control a very large number of doors and the people that use them. It provides advanced functions such as logic if-then functions, and allows you to control elevators, visitors, and integrates with IP camera systems. Even though the door access management software provides advanced features, it is intuitive and very easy to use. The management software can be installed at your site or from a cloud server. It uses a browser window that’s compatible across all platforms from desktop to mobile. Door Access Management Software Product sheet for Access Control Management Software Features of Door Access Software Administer your Access Control System from any Browser-Enabled Device: Tablet, Smartphone, laptop or PC Easy Video integration into many video management software systems (VMS). Our unique communication protocols allow the controllers to broadcast and reach out for the web server rather than the other way around as so many other systems employ. This eliminates Port Forwarding Intuitive, easy to use action plan editor allows you to create complex action plans in minutes Advanced logic functions provide complex branching action plans to meet your business needs. Over 40 customizable actions Including HTTP requests, door overrides, SMS messaging and emails actions Flexible trigger engine allows you to trigger action plans from the door, input, output state changes, or trigger action plans upon scheduled times Elevator Control allows you to control what floor people can go to Active Directory support, on both the administrator levels as well as cardholder/user levels IP Camera System and Door Access Control Integration The Hartmann door access control system integrates with many IP video recording systems. This includes many Video Management Software (VMS and Network Video Recorders (NVR). The video from multiple cameras is displayed in the same web browser as your door access management software. The real-time video can be displayed based on pre-defined alerts from the door access control system. The alerts include “Door Held Opened,” Door Forced Open, and many more. Integration of IP Cameras and Access Control Examples of IP camera system systems currently supported include Hanwha Recording systems, Milestone xProtect, ViconNet, Exact, Digital Watchdog, and some Hikvision NVR systems. The list is growing so please check with us for the latest supported IP camera recording system support Provides easy management of IP cameras You can create different viewing matrixes so that you can view many different cameras at the same time. Easy playback of the recorded video allows you to select a time period and verify any security concerns. Cameras can be viewed on all platforms including desktop and mobile devices. Cameras can be associated with elevators, providing door/elevator alerts and history Elevator Access Control The Hartmann Door Access Management Software provides easy control of elevator floor access. The Hartmann Door Access Management Software provides easy control of elevator floor access. An elevator access control unit is used to determine the floors that can be reached based on the door access control credential. For example, all the accountants who work on the 5th floor can reach that floor, but not be able to go to the IT department on the 3rd floor.  Floors that contain general areas such as cafeteria or fitness center, would typically be available to everyone. The system can also be programmed to allow certain people, such as the executives to go to any floor. To learn more about Elevator Control … Access Control Reports and Logs Reports are available to track users, door activity, elevator floors, administration usage, and more. Access Control Log Information Product sheet for Access Control Management Software Hosted Cloud Access Control Management Service Cloud Access Control System Hartmann provides a complete hosted IP door access control platform available in the cloud. This allows full installation, administration, and management of your Hartmann access control hardware. The cloud server makes installing and controlling your Hartmann IP door access control system extremely easy.  All the IP controllers can be installed from anywhere. Manage an unlimited number of door access points across any geography through a mobile device, tablet or modern browser. A 100% browser-based experience for installation and administration Less Maintenance: Since the service is hosted online; there is no need to worry about database backups or security patches. Access securely anytime, anywhere from just about any device Streamlined installation and configuration Manage multiple properties departments, and organizations Runs on Windows, Mac, or other platforms Operates on IOS and Android mobile devices using a web browser Access Point Configuration Set up and configure your door control access points in a matter of minutes. This cloud system reduces overall installation time and cost. The step by step access point check-out process allows you to test the IP configuration and connectivity. You can even test the lock, wiring, and other accessories all from your mobile device. Fully Hosted Access Control Platform This hosted system provides peace of mind and eliminates the need to support on-site hardware.  The IP controllers and readers only require a network connection on your site; making your Cloud Access Management system truly plug and play. Intuitively add users, access points and rules with our drag and drop functionality. Simplified workflows provide an easy to use system that requires minimal training. Browser-based:  Can be controlled using a web browser on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. It’s a truly universal access control system. Elevator Access Control: The cloud system provides control of your elevator access control allowing you to determine what credentials can reach a specific set of floors. Product sheet for Access Control Management Software If you need help selecting the right Door Access Control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### RFID Proximity Door Readers Proximity and Mobile Credentials Readers Select Proximity RFID Reader | Mobile Credential Reader | Door Access System | Purchase Select a Controller for these readers: Enterprise Controller | Pro Controller Access Control Door Readers are devices that are used to control entry using credentials. These credentials contain a unique ID number that provides identification. The slave door readers connect to an intelligent controller such as the Hartmann controller. The readers support Radio Frequency ID (RFID) credentials that the person carries or mobile credentials provided by the person's smartphone. There are RFID credentials that use 125KHz or 13.56MHz Mifare Smartcard format. The mobile credentials use Bluetooth connections to your smartphone. The 125KHz readers support either proprietary format 125KHz Prox credentials (that costs less) or an HID Prox card format. The HID format is branded by HID and costs more. The HID type readers are usually used when the organization already has HID type credentials. These readers can be used in many access control systems that support Wiegand type door readers. They are also available in access control kits that include the controller. Proximity RFID Door Readers Select Reader that uses: Proprietary Credentials | With Keypad | HID Reader | HID with keypad RF100P (M) Simple Proximity RFID Readers These economical proximity RFID readers connect to an access controller such as the Hartmann controller, using standard Wiegand connections. They can be used indoors or outdoors. There is a choice of credentials that can be used Two credential types and two sizes available – RF100P – 125 kHz proprietary proximity credentials, Mullion mount RF100M - 13.56 MHz Smartcard Mifare type credentials, Mullion mount RFWall-Prox – 125 kHz proprietary proximity credentials, Wall mount single-gang mounting RF103M - 13.56 MHz Smartcard Mifare type credentials, Wall mount Size RF100: 3.2 x 1.7 x .7 inches (81 x 43 x 18 mm) RF103: 4.6 x 3 x .4 inches (117 x 76 x 10 mm) Read range: 125 kHz proprietary - Up to 10cm (P) 13.56 MHz Smartcard - 5cm for (M) External LED control External Buzzer Control Indoor/Outdoor operation, IP65 Solid Epoxy Potted Waterproof IP65 Reverse Polarity Protection Operating temperature: 14 F to 158 F / -10° C to 70° C RF120P Proximity readers with keypad These proximity RFID readers include a backlit keypad and connect to an access controller such as the Hartmann controller, using standard Wiegand connections. They can be used indoors or outdoors. There is a choice of type of credential. The credential is either 125KHz proprietary or 13.56 MHz Smart card Mifare type. Two sizes and two types of credentials are available – RF120P – 125 kHz proprietary proximity credentials, Mullion mount RF123P  – Wall type single-gang 125 kHz proprietary proximity credentials RF120M – 13.56 MHz Smartcard Mifare proximity credentials, Mullion mount RF123M – 13.56 MHz Smartcard Mifare proximity credentials, Single-gang wall mount Size RF120: 5.35 x 2.2 x .87 inches (136 x 56 x 22 mm) RF123: 4.6 x 3 x .4 inches (117 x 76 x 10 mm) Read range: 125 kHz proprietary - Up to 10cm (P) 13.56 MHz Smartcard - 5cm for (M) Indoor/Outdoor operation, IP65 Metallic Waterproof IP65 Operating temperature: -4° F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C) RF200H Proximity Readers that support 125 KHz HID credentials These proximity RFID readers support the HID type credentials and connect to an access controller such as the Hartmann controller, using standard Wiegand connections. They can be used indoors or outdoors. There is a choice of sizes and choice of the type of credential. The credential can be either 125KHz proprietary or 13.56 MHz Smart card Mifare type. Two sizes and two types of credentials are available – RF200H – 125 kHz proprietary proximity credentials, Mullion mount RF203H – 125 kHz proprietary proximity credentials, Wall mount single-gang mounting Size RF200H: 3.2 x 1.7 x .7 inches (81 x 43 x 18 mm) RF203H: 4.6 x 3 x .75 inches (117 x 76 x 19 mm) Read range: Up to 5 inches (126 mm) 125 KHz proprietary - Up to 5-inches (126 mm) Indoor/Outdoor operation, IP67 Plastic Waterproof IP67 Operating temperature: - 35° F to 149° F / -40° C to + 65° C RF223H Proximity Reader with a keypad that supports 125 kHz HID credentials This proximity RFID reader includes a keypad and supports the HID type credentials. It connects to an Access Controller such as the Hartmann controller, using standard Wiegand connections. It can be used indoors or outdoors. Model RF223H – 125 kHz proprietary proximity credentials, Wall mount single-gang mounting Size RF223H: 4.6 x 3 x .75 inches (117 x 76 x 19 mm) Read range: Up to 5 inches (126 mm) 125 kHz proprietary - Up to 5-inches (126 mm) Indoor/Outdoor operation, IP67 Plastic Waterproof IP67 Operating temperature: - 35° F to 149° F / -40°C to + 65°C Top Readers That Use Mobile Credentials The Ethos readers connect to a controller: Ethos Door Readers Select Multi-Credential Reader: for Mullion | Wall Mount | With Keypad These door readers connect to a Door Controller, and have an IP65 outdoor rating, military encryption, EAL 6+ certification, and accelerometer-based tamper detection. They feature mobile smartphone credentials using Apple and Google apps on a smartphone. Eachmultifunctional access readerfeatures mobile wallet credential capabilities and remote programmingwhile utilizing existing wiring for simple upgrades. The Prox filter ensures only smart,secure credentials are read for enhanced security. With unlimited access, flexible upgrades allow you to transition at your own pace without reconfiguring readers. RF Technologies Select ET10, ET20, or ET25 format door reader with RF technologies 13.56 MHz and Mobile (-6WS) 125 kHz & 13.56MHz & Mobile (-7WS) MIFARE® DESFire® Supports NXP's MIFARE® DESFire® EV1, EV2, EV3 and MIFARE 2GO credential technologies. OSDP Verified A comprehensive testing program that validates the interoperability of devices. Remote Updates Through an OSDP secure channel, users can make remote updates as needed. Mobile Smartphone Wallet Compatibility Employee credentials stored in their mobile wallet provide the use of a smart device to gain access. Supports Apple and Google Wallets. Multifaceted Technology Supports Proximity (125 kHz), Smart (13.56 MHz), Mobile Wallet, and Bluetooth®, ensuring a seamless and secure transition to each credential type. General Specifications Current: ET10 & ET20: 105 mA average, 145 mA peak, ET25: 145 mA average, 195 mQ peak Voltage: 5 – 16 V DC Temp Range: -35° to 66° C Read range: up to 4” Dimensions: ET10: 5.1” x 1.7” x 0.71. ET20, 25 : 5.1”  x 3.25”  x  0.71” ET10-6WS : 13.56 MHz   ET107WS : 125KHz ET20-6WS : 13.56 MHz ET20-7WS : 125KHz  ET25-6WS : 13.56 MHz   ET25-7WS : 125KHz  Top Mobile Credential Options The "ET" series of door readers uses virtual credentials. The credentials are stored in the smartphone app. The Wavelynx Wallet solution provides a modern and convenient access experience for end-users across Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet. By leveraging the smartphones they already carry, users benefit from seamless entry through simple taps, eliminating the need for physical cards or fobs. This digital approach enhances security through the phone's built-in biometric authentication and robust encryption, significantly reducing the risks associated with lost or stolen cards—all with the added benefit that managing access becomes effortless with remote provisioning and revocation. Reader-Controllers The readers don’t need a separate controller. Everything is built in. Reader Controllers The reader-controller is an all-in-one solution that includes a controller inside the reader. These Schlage RC reader controllers connect directly to existing IT networks, reducing installation time and eliminating the need to run separate power to the door. The reader-controller concept was developed by Isonas (who is now part of Schlage). R-1-MCT-M: Mullion style Dual-frequency: 13.56 MHz (ISO 14443 A & B) or 125KHz credentials can be used Bluetooth connection to smartphone 5.1” x 1.7” x 0.71”   R-1-MCT-W Wall style (can mount on an electric box) Dual-frequency: 13.56 MHz (ISO 14443 A & B) or 125KHz credentials can be used Bluetooth connection to smartphone 5.1” x 3.25” x 0.17” R-1-MCT-WK Wall style (can mount on an electric box) Dual-frequency: 13.56 MHz (ISO 14443 A & B) or 125KHz credentials can be used Includes Keypad Bluetooth connection to smartphone 5.1” x 3.25” x 0.17”   Top IP Access Control Systems Intelligent IP door reader systems include built-in controllers or have the controller at the door with the door reader. The Isonas reader/controller includes the intelligence in the reader. The Hartmann enterprise access control system includes a slave reader and an IP controller at the door. The Biometric IP door reader/controllers provide biometric identification. By identifying your face or reading your fingerprint they provide increased security. Top For help selecting the right access control door reader, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Hartmann Access Control IP Access Control Systems for Small to Enterprise Systems Door Readers | Access Control Management Software | Access Control Comparison | Purchase Your System The Hartmann door access control system includes the door controller, door readers, and access control management software. The controller connects to the network and is powered using PoE. It supports a single reader or back-to-back readers. Also available as a two-door system. The door controller connects to the network and is powered using PoE, making this very easy to install and expand. The door controller is mounted in a small ABS enclosure. It is designed to be mounted above the secure side of the door, but it can also be placed somewhere else in the area near the door. When it is placed above the door, the optional built-in PIR sensor can be used as an automated Request to Exit. IP Door Access Control Features include: A very flexible controller that can mount on top of the door and provide a built-in motion detection function.The door access control system supports Readers with Mobile CredentialsEach door controller supports up to two readers.You can select inside and outside readers, with or without motion detection, or two separate door control.Operates even if the network is down (as long as the controller has power). Access Control Door Diagram Integrates with IP Camera SystemsProvides Elevator Floor Control The access control system allows the user to divide and sub-divide the system into Multiple Partitions and Sites partitions and multiple sites within each partition. Allows for better local level administration and protecting other sites configuration and data. You can define with specific administrative roles, the abilities of sub-administrators – what they can see, what they can manage, and what tasks they can perform. Triple Swipe Program provides special codes for particular users allowing them to swipe three times then enter their code at a keypad reader to cause up to 32 special events. (EG: you are closing early for the day and just want to go to the reader and lock the door down for the rest of the day OR enable an alarm system, etc.). Extremely Powerful Holiday Configurations: The sophisticated access control system allows you to pre-program several different reactions to recurring or specific holidays (eg: front door may be locked partially for one holiday but for a full day on another holiday, while other doors react differently). Also can program how user cards will work during holidays. One-Time Run Time Zones allows you to configure the doors or elevator floors to function differently for a special event. Simply program the period, and what you want the door or floor to do and the system takes care of it for you. Create and store multiple OTR events on the panel allowing you to program months in advance. Great for board meetings, move-in days, special events, etc.Access control management software provides excellent reporting features. These powerful and fast reports allow you to display to screen, output to CSV or write to PDF. The reports include an access control Administration log recording every change made on the system as well as the time it was made and by whom.Crisis Mode Responses: allows the door access control system to respond to emergencies. The access control crisis mode is activated by one button press from any IP-enabled device. Doors will, in turn, lockdown and only users with appropriate crisis mode privileges (up to 16 pre-defined levels) will be granted accessThe unique communication protocol allows the controller to broadcast and reach out for the webserver rather than the other way around as so many other systems employ. This eliminates Port ForwardingThe intuitive, easy to use action plan editor will enable you to create complex action plans in minutesAdvanced logic functions provide complex branching action plans to meet your business needs. Over 40 customizable actions Including HTTP requests, door overrides, SMS messaging and emails actionsFlexible trigger engine allows you to trigger action plans from the door, input, output state changes, or trigger action plans upon scheduled timesThe same controller modules can be ganged together inside a central control box that can be used to retrofit older door access control systems.The controller provides power for the electric lock.Includes an optional built-in motion detector that can provide the Request to Exit (REX) function.The controller can control two readers (inside and outside the door) or two separate doors.Integrates with many fire alarm systems256-Bit AES Encryption: Protects data at a level often required by high-security environments such as financial, military, municipal and hi-tech organizations System Diagram for Door Controller Connections The diagram below shows an example of the devices that can be attached to the door access controller. Hartmann Door Access Diagram The controller attaches to the network and is powered over Ethernet (PoE). It provides optional connections to all the devices required to provide complete door access control. The built-in relays control the lock and provide the capability to support two readers. Many different door readers are available. You can select, RFID proximity readers which include 125 kHz versions, HID compatible readers, Smart Card readers, biometric readers, and Bluetooth connected Smartphone credentials. Network Diagram The following diagram shows an example of how all the access controllers are attached to the network. All the controllers connect to a PoE type network switch. Hartmann Access Control Network Diagram Door Access Controller Specifications Door Access Controller   Specifications Description     Inputs: 4 x Fully configurable Inputs including supervised or digital input setting, includes door contact, exit button, external request to exit motion, etc. Supports 2 x Wiegand Reader Inputs Wire Gauge/Type: 2-conductor stranded 22 AWG, Shield: Recommended, Length: up to 152 m or 500 ft. Outputs: 1 x Lock relay - supply power (12V, 500mA) to the lock, Over current protection 2 x Solid State Relay (TVS circuit limits 24V), 1A limit.Wire Gauge/Type: 2-conductor stranded 18 AWG, Length: up to 152 m or 500 ft. Schedules: Unlimited Door Time Zones (20 zones per time zone) 256 User Time Zones 32 One-Time Special Event Door Time Zones (single zone) 50 Door/User Holiday Groups Users: Holds 100,000 cardholders Events: Holds 50,000 events Display: 2 line x 16 character LCD Display 1 heartbeat LED 1 on/offline indication LED 2 power LED’s 3 relay output indication LED’s 2 reader LED’s 2 network LED’s  Time: Maintains up to 1 month without power connection No battery needed Automatic DST switch Misc: Sound: Piezo buzzer 32-bit microprocessor Remote firmware upgradable Optional Passive Infrared sensor built into the enclosure as a Request to Exit Dimensions: 10” x 2.2” x 3.5” Communication: Between each controller and Access Control Management web server: Ethernet 10/100 Mbps Power Input: 1 x RJ45 Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Port - IEEE 802.3af PoE standard (15.4 W) Access Control Slave Door Readers There are many different door access readers that can be used with the access controller. You can select readers that support standard proximity card credentials or others that allow you to use your smartphone as the credential. The proximity readers support 125KHz credentials or the new 13.56MHz Smartcard format. The 125KHz  readers support either proprietary format 125KHz Prox credentials (that costs less) or an HID prox card format. The HID format is branded by HID and costs more. The HID type readers are usually used when the organization already has HID type credentials. The door reader that supports smartphone credentials connects over Bluetooth. See all the models available ... Door Access Management Software Access Control Management Software The door access control software allows you to control a very large number of doors and the people that use them. It provides advanced functions such as logic if-then functions, and allows you to control elevators, visitors, and integrates with IP camera systems. Even though the door access management software provides advanced features, it is very easy to use and intuitive. The management software can be installed at your site or from a cloud server. It uses a browser window that's compatible across all platforms from desktop to mobile. Product sheet for Access Control Management Software Features of Door Access Software Administer your Access Control System from any Browser-Enabled Device: Tablet, Smartphone, laptop or PCEasy Video integration into many video management software systems (VMS).Our unique communication protocols allow the controllers to broadcast and reach out for the webserver rather than the other way around as so many other systems employ. This eliminates Port ForwardingIntuitive, easy to use action plan editor allows you to create complex action plans in minutesAdvanced logic functions provide complex branching action plans to meet your business needs. Over 40 customizable actions Including HTTP requests, door overrides, SMS messaging and emails actionsFlexible trigger engine allows you to trigger action plans from the door, input, output state changes, or trigger action plans upon scheduled timesElevator Control allows you to control what floor people can go toActive Directory support, on both the administrator levels as well as cardholder/user levels Learn more about Door Access Control Management Software ... Models Available for Door Access Control IP Door Access Control Kits that include the controller and reader MODEL DESCRIPTION SDC-XB-BT100KitKit includes a Controller and Mobile Credential Mullion reader.   Includes the BT100M multi-credential Reader Supports Bluetooth credential, and RFID credentials (13.56 MHz Smartcard). Single Door POE Controller in a black enclosure. Supports back to back readers. (* - opt. white enclosure). Uses BT-VCredit virtual credentials Other models available that use single-gang wall-mounted reader, and another that includes a keypad     SDC-XB-BT123Kit Kit with PoE Controller and Mobile Credential Reader with keypad   Door kit includes a PoE powered controller Includes BT123M multi-credential reader with Bluetooth smartphone credential Single door controller mounts above the door Controller color: Black (Optional white controller available) Reader supports Bluetooth Credential, and RFID credentials (13.56 MHz Smartcard) SDC-MB-BT100Kit:Kit with Motion Detector PoE Controller and Mobile Credential Reader     Door kit with PoE controller with Motion Detector Includes BT100M multi-credential reader with Bluetooth smartphone credential The kit includes a Single Door POE Controller and multi-credential reader with integrated PIR / REX in a black enclosure. Supports Bluetooth credential, and RFID credentials (13.56 MHz Smartcard) SDC-XB-RF100KitKit includes a PoE controller and Proximity Reader   Single door controller mounts above the door The reader supports proprietary 125KHz credentials Includes the RF100P door reader The reader is a Mullion style (optional 2-gang wall mount available) SDC-XB-RF120KitKit includes a PoE controller and a Proximity Reader with Keypad   The reader supports proprietary 125KHz RFID credentials. Includes a keypad. Includes the RF120P proximity reader. The reader is a Mullion style (optional 2-gang wall mount available) SDC-XB-RF200FKitKit includes a controller and a door reader that supports HID credentials   The reader supports HID card credential, (125KHz). Includes RF200H RFID credential reader. Single Door POE Controller in a black enclosure. (* - opt. white enclosure). The reader is a Mullion style (optional 2-gang wall mount available) SDC-XB-RF223FKitKit includes a controller and HID compatible reader with keypad   Includes the RF223H RFID credential reader with keypad. Supports HID card credential, (125KHz). Single Door POE Controller in a black enclosure. (* - opt. white enclosure). Wall type 2-gang reader Product sheet for Door Control kit Door Controllers Without the Readers. These controllers can be used with many different types of door readers. MODEL DESCRIPTION     SDC-MB (W) Single Door Controller with Motion Detector Mounts above door Includes Motion Detector, Supports two Wiegand door readers for in and out control Color Black (Optional White) Includes connections for the lock, and door monitoring and control SDC-XB (W) Single Door Controller Mounts above door Supports two Wiegand door readers for in and out control Color Black (Optional White) Includes connections for the lock, and door monitoring and control TDC-MB (W) Two Door Controller with Motion Detector Includes Motion Detector Supports two Wiegand door readers for two separate door control Color Black (Optional White) Includes connections for the lock, and door monitoring and control TDC-XB (W) Two Door Controller Supports two Wiegand door readers for two separate door control Color Black (Optional White) Includes connections for the lock, and door monitoring and control You can select from several types of Wiegand type readers that connect to these controllers. For more details, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Mobile Panic Button Personal Emergency Panic Buttons The mobile panic button is a personal security alert system that allows you to get help no matter where you are.  It integrates and enhances other security systems such as door access control, surveillance IP cameras or emergency paging system. You can rely on the panic button even when you are in the field. The personal panic button system is designed for large organizations such as businesses, schools, hotels, healthcare, and other enterprise organizations. When an emergency occurs, will you have time to dial your smartphone? Panic Button System Concept Emergencies occur without warning. It could be a health problem, an active shooter situation, or a criminal attack. The personal panic button system is essential when you need a very quick response to an emergency. The push of a button on the mobile panic button sends an alert through the system. The emergency notification is sent to your designated security center. The personal emergency panic button system provides a quick response to any emergency. It’s more than a medical alert system. It is a total personal emergency call button system designed to be used no matter where you are in the USA or Canada. Operation in other countries is expected in the future. Product Sheet Key Features The mobile panic button is a small device that can be attached to your keyring. It’s about the same size as a US half-dollar. This personal emergency alert system is designed for large and small organizations. The provides a single-button automated voice call that provides location and profile to the call center. In non-critical situations, you can send a message that can fake a call, or send a text message to a specific person This personal emergency panic button communicates through your smartphone so if you have cell service, you can get help Provides a personal emergency panic button that provides personal safety and security features This personal emergency panic button provides an audible or silent alarm Accurate GPS provided through your smartphone Preselect your call response center. You can set the system to contact 911, your security center, or even a friend or family member. Provides automated walking escort service that tracks your movement until you reach your destination and provides an alarm if you don’t reach your destination Find your keys Provides an audio recording of all calls that go through the system A Personal Emergency Panic Button The small and convenient key fob is small enough to attach to your key-ring. The panic button is about the same size as a half-dollar. It connects to your smartphone using Bluetooth. Attach it to your key-ring for easy access to your personal security system.  The button is easily connected to the Bluetooth connection of your iPhone or Android phone. It is recharged through the USB cable that comes with the button. How the Personal Mobile Panic Button Works Instant alert to your security center: Emergency Center Push the alert button on the unit three times, and you can alert the emergency center of your choice. For example, give the panic button to each teacher, and they can instantly alert the main office of an active shooter, medical situation, or other threat. You can select the right security notification center such as the hospital's security staff, the campus police, the universal “911”, or even your management. This is a professional emergency button system that is designed for your organization. Service Center Details The Mobile Panic Button System Works Wherever You Are When you’re out and about, you can instantly connect through your phone to the local police or designated dispatcher. Your GPS location, as well as your profile, is sent to the dispatcher. The two-way communication is established allowing you to talk through your button to the center. The button's GPS is also triggered to track any movements until the call is resolved. The personal emergency panic button can react with an audible alarm or can send a silent request. This silent alarm prevents making the situation worse. For example, a visiting nurse can trigger the alarm without upsetting the patient. Messaging function for non-critical communication. Some models include a function that allows you to react to non-emergency situations. You can fake a phone call to get out of a meeting or find an excuse to leave a hostile environment.  It allows you to send a text message to a designated person providing a quick way to react to special situations. The Personal Panic Button Connects Through Your Smartphone The button connects to your smartphone through a Bluetooth connection. It generates a standard phone call that not only provides two-way communication, but it also provides your location and provides your personal information to the dispatch center. Because it uses the smartphone GPS locating system, your location is accurately provided to the safety center. The location services continue until the situation is resolved to create a breadcrumb path that can help determine exactly where you are. The mobile app is available for IOS and Android smartphones. It makes it easy to set up the panic button and connect to your emergency response center. How the Mobile Panic Button is Integrated into a Security System A Mobile Panic Button for your organization: The personal panic button enhances your organization's security. Instead of mounting buttons around the campus, you can have a panic button that travels with you.  Whether you are in a school building, on the campus, inside a corporation, or work in a hospital, you can utilize the mobile panic button. The ability to provide a very quick notification allows the school administration or hospital staff to quickly respond to medical emergencies, fire, active shooters, or any other emergency. When an emergency is detected, the video surveillance system can be used to provide important information about the situation. The button pin-points the campus map location of the emergency and the video recording and management system’s mapping feature can be used to view the closest camera. To learn more about how panic buttons integrate into your security system take a look at our article Panic Buttons and Security. The Emergency Button Adds to Workplace Security Select Who to Contact: Provides emergency alerts to your choice of your emergency responder. You can select your security center, 911, or even friends or family. Some models provide a Check-in and Check-Out notification: You can use the button to send quick messages that notify your management or security team exactly where you are. You can indicate that you’re going to a meeting and then when you are leaving the meeting. This quick messaging helps keep you safe. Some models provides a Walking Escort: The tracking and timing feature allows you to automatically set an automated alert if you exceed the amount of time required to reach your destination. For example, if you need to walk to your vehicle, you can set the timer. If you don’t reset the function, it will automatically send an emergency alert to your safety center. The security center automatically receives your identification and can track your movements until the situation is resolved. This critical information provides intelligent alerts and the information that makes your journey much safer. The system provides a virtual escort to the parking lot, subway station, or even your next appointment. The silent-alert capability provides a measured response. The silent alarm capability allows you to make a call to the emergency responder without making any noise. The responder can listen through the button and then decide what action to take.  For example, this silent alert can be used by a teacher in a school. The call to the administration office can determine whether it’s an aggressive student, an active shooter, or a medical emergency. The button provides an open telephone call to the security center so they can analyze the situation by listening in. Operates all over the world. Wherever there is a smartphone service the button system will keep you safe. The IP camera systems, emergency paging systems, and door access control systems provide security when you are at work. The button system is designed to keep you safe when you are anywhere else. Some models include Find your Keys function that makes it easy to locate the missing button as well as your keys that are attached to the button. Applications Panic Buttons for Healthcare Emergency Button for Nurses The mobile panic button helps to keep the visiting nurse safe. Nurses can face challenging situations when visiting people's homes. They may travel through unsafe neighborhoods, and deal with difficult patients. The added safety provided by this mobile personal alert system is helpful when recruiting and retaining good nurses for your health service. The GPS location provided by the system assures that help can be sent to the right location. The walking escort feature assures that the nurse gets to the next location safely. The monitoring capability allows the hospital staff to analyze and respond to the situation. The fake phone call provides an excuse to leave a hostile situation. The personal panic button increases safety at the hospitals and other healthcare organizations. Personal Panic Buttons for Schools Emergency Button for Education Student safety is very important.  The personal mobile panic button can be used by students or staff. It can help in student medical emergencies, assault, or active shooter situations.  The mobile panic alert provides instant notification of an emergency on the campus. The GPS location allows the security center to use its IP surveillance camera system to view the situation. A student can use the panic button to get immediate help. The safety center can listen to the audio from the unit and determine the right response to the call. The personal emergency panic button can be used to trigger campus-wide announcements through the IP paging system. The student is protected even if they are off-campus. The cell phone communication, along with GPS location, medical information, and emergency contacts are all available to the school's safety center.  This provides assurance to the administrators and parents that the best protection is available for their students. Panic Buttons for Hotels Emergency Button for Hospitality Staff The safety of your hospitality staff is dramatically increased when they have a way to quickly communicate to the security center. Hotel personnel can face hostile situations during their daily activities around the hotel. The mobile panic button system provides a safe and easy way to communicate with the hotel security. The silent alarm allows the security center to determine the correct response. The locating capability of the unit allows the security center to view the surveillance camera closest to the incident allowing them to determine the correct response. If a fire is detected, the alert can be used to notify the security center to trigger an alarm and use the emergency paging system to alert all the occupants of the hotel. Panic Buttons for Corporations Panic Button for Corporations The Personal Emergency Panic Button system works anywhere there is a cell phone connection and an emergency 911 type response system. The panic button provides alerts not only when the employee is at the company but also wherever they travel. This added security improves corporate recruiting. The personal panic button provides increased security in the building, in the parking lot, or out in the field. This personal panic button helps in many different situations such as in urban offices, realtors in the field, drivers such as delivery people, Lift, Uber, or taxi services.  The mobile panic button system works on the job or even in the commute to work. To learn more about applications take a look at our article, Mobile Panic Buttons for Business, Schools, and Healthcare. If you need any help selecting the right personal panic button and emergency alert and notification system, please contact us. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Facial Recognition in a Crowd Facial Recognition Face Recognition Improves Safety Face recognition is used to improve security, prevent crimes, and keep us healthy. The latest facial recognition systems use your IP camera system. They can be used for access control, and provide real-time information about who is entering specific areas in your facility, such as: recently terminated employees returning to work, restraining order alerts, a person of interest, people making threats to employees, contact tracing, etc. Facial Recognition for Pandemic Control Face recognition is used to track people within an organization. By maintaining a list of people who come in contact with each other the system builds a database that can be review for contact tracing. Read more... Face Recognition and Access Control Facial recognition is used for door access control. The face recognition algorithms are built into the door reader. Biometric access control provides a very secure way to control access to your organization. Read more... Facial Recognition in a Crowd Identifying a person in a crowd can be challenging. Sometimes the person may not be facing in the right direction. 3D facial recognition extends the traditional methods of facial recognition to live-stream accurate capture and identification. Read more... Facial Recognition in a Crowd Facial algorithms use your IP camera system to provide live-stream accurate capture and identification. If you need to find the criminal entering your building or walking down the street, this is the best solution for you. How 3D Face Recognition Works There are different methods used for matching facial biometrics. The simplest method measures various features of a person’s face, such as the distance between the eyes, or the position of the mouth to the nose.  These geometric measurements or vectors are then coded and stored in a database for later comparison.  This method is usually used for biometric door access control The second method is more complex and uses sophisticated algorithms including 3D facial processing. This methodology is used in our crowd type facial recognition system. It captures the full facial image and uses as much information as it can. It then uses various computer algorithms, including machine learning, to build a set of definition data.  This statistical database increases the reliability of the facial recognition system. This is one of the methods used for finding a face in a crowd. It uses IP cameras and integrates with Video Management Software such as Ocularis 5. Three-dimensional face recognition (3D face recognition) is a method of facial recognition where the three-dimensional geometry of the human face is used. It has been shown that 3D face recognition methods can achieve significantly higher accuracy than their 2D counterparts, rivaling other biometric recognition. 3D face recognition measures the geometry of rigid features on the face. This avoids such pitfalls of 2D face recognition algorithms as a change in lighting, different facial expressions, make-up and head orientation. Specifications Identifies human subjects at a distance where the subject’s face is as little as 25 pixels highPerforms analysis and recovery of camera focus, head pose, quality and directions of light sources, facial expression, and security camera lens distortionExecutes 25 million template comparisons per second per 3.3GHz CPUProvides Operator assisted gallery boosting to further refine existing galleries.Integrates with Ocularis 5 Video Management Software. 3D-Face Recognition Features Pose insensitive – Even if the face is not facing the camera, accuracy is maintained;Illumination – accuracy through variations of indoor & outdoor lighting, including colored lights, and colored lights with changing colors;Shadow – accuracy through variations of illumination within the face itself, such as dappled light via shadows from tree leaves, for example.;Expression – accuracy through alternatives of facial expression even though a given facial expression is not represented by an image of each person holding that expression in the face recognition gallery;Occlusion – accuracy when the face is partially blocked from view;Image quality – accuracy despite variations of face resolution, and image degradation such as compression artifacts and motion blur;Spoofing – ability to recognize and identify an attempt to fool the face recognition system into seeing or not seeing a given individual. IP Camera System Integration Our 3D-Face Recognition integrates with video management software solutions such as Ocularis from OnSSI. This integration allows the security person to be notified when a person of interest is detected. It also allows the recorded video to be searched for all the instances when a certain person has been recorded. Here are more features: Improve security and prevent crimes by knowing in real-time who is entering specific areas in your facility, such as: recently terminated employees returning to work, restraining order alerts, a person of interest, people making threats to employees, etc. along with the associated video.For hotels, casinos, and restaurants to incorporate the ability to identify your most valuable clients immediately and respond to their needs intuitively.Alert security in real-time with actions to take by pushing company approved standard operating procedures to the screen when an event occurs.Use face recognition upfront in retail as an obvious deterrent or employ a more subtle and strategic deployment.Having the real-time ability to monitor specific individuals leads to improved security through increased intelligence.Send Email and SMS alerts to designated personnel when predefined events take place.Export facial recognition events to a CSV file format with a single mouse click.Display events in graphical form for easy visual interpretation showing trends of events. Ex: an individual showing up repeatedly at specific locations when other events occur.Reduce installation time with user-friendly built-in test tools which minimize installation setup time and reduce installation costs. For help determining the right facial recognition system, contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Ocularis Legacy Upgrade Path The list below shows the upgrade path to the latest version of the Ocularis software: OcularisPS -> Ocularis Professional Description:  This has been replaced by Ocularis Professional.  This VMS software is designed for organizations or with small security and monitoring requirements. Ocularis Professional is best used in small security applications operating in a single location, running a relatively small number of cameras. OcularisPS software replaced ProSightSMB.  If you have the older software, contact us for the upgrade program available. Key Benefits of Ocularis Professional: Centrally manage camera views, events, and operators user rightsAdvanced investigation tools provide fast access to incidentsBuilt-in, multi-level maps allow you to easily navigate your systemReceive analytics and smart alerts from cameras and recordersOn-demand or scheduled video exports from mobile or remote locations128 cameras per serverA wide range of third-party integrations to help you quickly identify various threats OcularisIS --> Ocularis Enterprise OcularisCS --> Ocularis Enterprise Description: Both Ocularis IS and CS have been combined and replaced by Ocularis Enterprise. It is a mid-range solution for organizations where the security organization is localized to each location. It is designed for security applications at multiple locations with a large number of cameras. It supports integration with access control, intercoms and other 3rd-party systems. It is excellent for organizations with dedicated resources for security. It adds the capability of On-event automated push-video alerting. Ocularis Enterprise is a more sophisticated product that is best for large distributed organizations with complicated command and control security needs. It includes all the features listed for the other versions and adds support for VideoWall (option) and OpenSight add-ons (option), allowing the control of video walls at multiple command and control centers, and incorporating camera streams from other Ocularis installations. This software replaced NetDVR software.  Note NetGuard-EVS client software has been replaced by the Ocularis client.  CS replaced the previous DS version and is an improvement over NetDVMS. NetGuard-EVS which has been replaced by the Ocularis client. Contact us if you would like to upgrade your VMS software. If you have the older software, contact us for the upgrade program available. Key Benefits of Ocularis Enterprise: (Adds the following additional capability) Unlimited cameras per sever allow for greater scalability and densityEnhance collaboration by sharing your display with remote operators with the VideoWall optionCentralized recorder management for easier configuration with advanced system monitoring capabilitiesGet Closer To Prevention™ with advanced alerts from third-party integrations for video analytics, access control, POS, ATM, LPR and moreRecording server failover and camera management redundancy provides maximum data protection OcularisLS --> Ocularis Ultimate OcularisES --> Ocularis Ultimate Description: Both Ocularis LS and ES have been replaced by Ocularis Ultimate.  Ocularis LS was best for organizations that have a large distributed security organization. It has no size limitation,and provides alerting and 3rd party integration including video content analytics when required.Customer typically has an extensive Command Center and requires centralized management of all recording servers, multi-cast network and system fail-over support.. Key benefits of Ocularis Ultimate: (Adds the following additional capability) OpenSight™ allows other Ocularis systems to easily share cameras and events for quicker responseEdge recording provides network failure backup with seamless reconnection of videoRecording server failover and camera management redundancy provide maximum data protectionVideo Aging enables efficient long-term storageEnhance collaboration by sharing your display with remote operators with Ocularis VideoWallMulticast video to Ocularis Clients for better bandwidth optimization Ocularis 6 Description: Ocularis 6 is the next generation of Ocularis video management software. It provides many new capabilities.  There are 3 versions of the software designed for small, medium and enterprise type surveillance systems.  more ... Other Video Recording Systems ### Metal Detectors Choose from standard full-featured walk-through metal detectors or easy-to-install and move portable units. Walk-through Metal Detectors | Portable Metal Detector Walk Through Metal Detectors Walk-through and handheld metal detectors are used to increase safety and security. Today, these metal detectors are used not only at airports but in office buildings, theaters, and schools.  The full-featured walk-through multi-zone metal detectors are designed to keep you safe from the threat of metal weapons. The metal detector works by generating a short pulse induction magnetic field across the opening. If a metal object passes through the detector, it creates an echo pulse that can be detected by the electronic circuits. The latest walk-through detectors include multiple detection zones, so you can identify where the metal object is located. For example, a single zone walk-through detector only indicates that metal was detected. A two-zone detector can indicate if the metal is on the right or left side.  The more advanced detection systems can pinpoint the location with greater accuracy. For example, it can determine if there is a gun located at the ankle or belt. A hand-held detector is also available. Purchase Your System Models The following walkthrough detectors provide from 6 to 33 overlapping detection zones. You can select models with different adjustments, display, remote control and one model with TCP/IP communication. Walk-Through Metal Detectors TVIP318TVIP43318 overlapping zonesUp to 33 overlapping zonesNAProgram modes available · 1-zone · 6-zone · 11-zone · 33-zoneSensitivity adjustable in 255 incrementsSensitivity adjustable in 300 incrementsDisplay: 5.7 inch (14.5 cm)Display: 5.7 inch (14.5 cm)NAIP65 WeatherproofNAOptional coaster wheelset available for portabilityInfrared remote controlInfrared remote controlNATCP/IP Communication Common features: No need for manual calibration. The unit runs self-diagnostics and re-calibrates with each power-on Modular design makes parts replacement and maintenance simple and easy. Easy assembly: 2 pieces, cables, and 8 screws 4-8 hours backup battery (optional for models TVIP318 and TVIP433. Not available with TVIP118) Automatically counts people and alarms Secure operation. Only authorized personnel can access the control panel. Sound & LED alarms located on both sides clearly indicate precisely where metal is detected. Completely safe to operate and walkthrough. Harmless to a heart pacemaker, pregnant women, magnetic storage media, etc. Common Specifications SpecValuePower Supply85-264V ACWorking temperature4 F to 122 F (-20° to +50°)Working Frequency4-8 kHzStandard External Size87(H) x 32(W) x 23(D) inches (2200(H) x 800(W) x 580(D) millimeters)Standard Internal Size79(H) x 28(W) x 20(D) inches (2010(H) X 700(W)X 500(D) millimeters)Gross Weight155 lbs (70 kg) Installation and setup The metal detectors are all easy to install and set up. The units include easy to follow instructions. The units run automatic calibration each time the unit is powered on so manual calibration is not required. Portable Metal Detector PortableMetalScan Metal Detector Portable Magnetic Scanner PortableMetalScan provides a portable, easy-to-set-up metal scanning system that detects metal (ferrous) objects such as guns and knives. Benefits Perfect for schools, hospitals, special events, and other locations where a metal detector is required. It’s a portable, unobtrusive detector An easy-to-set-up system that is ideal for enhancing safety in various environments. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. Portable Metal Detector Compared to Walk-Through Unit Portable Metal Detector The portable detector can be deployed in minutes and detects a wide range of metal objects, making it suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. Walk Through Metal Detector Requires longer installation and calibration time. Detects a broader range of metal objects and can locate the position of the object on the person. The portable metal detection unit fits in the trunk of a car, making it easy to share between organizations. The two hockey puck-sized sensor units can be placed on a set of barrier poles (not included) and are almost unnoticeable to the public.  The Portable Controller This is a complete kit that includes the magnetic sensors and the controller. The portable controller is used to install, set up, and monitor the magnetic detectors. The controller connects to two magnetic detectors using Ethernet cables. The detection levels can be adjusted using the display and control knobs, making this an easy-to-use safety device. The controller can activate two alarm devices when ferrous objects are detected. Magnetic Controller Controller Display and Control Functions Magnetic Controller Panel Specifications: Detection – guns, knives, vape devices, and other ferrous objects. Set-up: 5 minutes. Sensors can be placed 32 to 48 inches apart on user-provided stanchions (around 41 inches high). Calibration: Automatic Alarm: Lights and audio alert sound Speed: About 45 people with backpacks/minute Range: 3 feet Communication: Ethernet Network, wireless, interface relay for turnstiles. Temperature range: 14°F to 122°F Includes:  Two (2) Magnetic anomaly sensors that work in tandemControl box with touchscreen display2 rechargeable Milwaukee batteries with 110/220-volt AC power adapterhard plastic case with wheels and extendable handle Purchase Your System Resources Articles: To learn more, take a look at our article "How Walk-Through Metal Detectors Work". How Technology Can Help in Active Shooter Situations, provides an overview of the technology that can be used. Video:  Technology Provides Increased Security Describes when to use the different security technology including IP cameras, walk-through metal detectors, door access control, intercoms, and campus paging. How Walk-Through Metal Detectors Work, describes the basic physics behind the product. Technical Support Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system, we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Storage for Protected Video Evidence Chain Chain of Evidence Compliance Unchallengeable storage guarantees the integrity of digital evidence, audit records, investigation records, case management files, and other critical data, thereby ensuring that it cannot be altered, modified, sabotaged, manipulated or deleted. Placing IP camera video recordings onto immutable storage assures that the video has not been tampered with, and proves the authenticity and admissibility of the evidence in the courtroom. HDWrite1X write-protected storage can be used with any video recording system. It complies with the CJIS requirements. This is an important addition to your IP camera surveillance system, especially if you are interested in preserving your video for law enforcement. Computer Server Select the Video Storage System Internal Drives | External Drives | Large Storage Systems HDWrite1X protected hard drive systems are available as individual internal or external drives to large multi-drive rack systems with 84 hard drives in HDD-trays. System solutions are available that connect to your computer, server, network (NAS) or SAN connections on your servers. They are compatible with video management software systems These are samples of the types of systems available. Contact us for other capacities and configurations. Internal SATA Hard Drives MODELCAPACITYDESCRIPTION   W1X-I25-101TBSATA 3, 2.5” disk driveW1X-I25-202TBSATA 3, 2.5” disk driveW1X-I35-505TBSATA 3, 3.5” disk driveW1X-I35-606TBSATA 3, 3.5” disk drive External SATA Hard Drives with USB & eSATA interface MODELCAPACITYDESCRIPTION   W1X-E25-101TBeSATA 3, 2.5” disk driveW1X-E25-202TBeSATA 3, 2.5” disk driveW1X-E35-303TBeSATA 3, 3.5” disk driveW1X-E35-505TBeSATA 3, 3.5” disk driveW1X-E35-606TBeSATA 3, 3.5” disk drive Multi-Drive Hard Drive Servers with GigE in SAN or NAS configuration MODELCAPACITYDESCRIPTION   W1X-KMN-1U043520TB1U. 4 removable 3.5” 5TB Disks in HD tray, GigE interfaceW1X-KMN-2U083540TB2U Rack 8 removable 3.5” 5TB drives in HD-trays 2XGigE SAN/NAS interfaceW1X-KMN-4U2436144 TB4U Rack 24-removable, 3.5" 6TB HD, 2XGigE SAN/NAS interface Contact us for other configurations and capacities. Providing immutable video evidence is essential in the criminal justice system. Video recording systems must safeguard the chain of evidence so that it can be accepted by the criminal justice system. There must be assurance that the recorded video has not been changed or deleted.  The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy defines how this should be done. How to Protect the Video Evidence HDWrite1X write-protected storage can be used with any video recording system. Instead of using standard storage systems, we use modified storage that includes the HDWrite1X-HD solution.  The HDWrite1X drives can be locked against any modification or deletion. The operating system can also be protected using HDWrite1X-OS.  The system is now totally protected from intentional data changes as well as malware. Your video recording system continuously records the video from all your cameras. Once an incident occurs, the video disk can be locked. The video segment can be transferred to a removable Write-once HDD disk. The video plus the video management software can be provided to law enforcement for forensic review and criminal prosecution. Removable storage is also protected when you use an HDWrite1X protected removable drive. The HDWrite1X storage system can also protect Audit Information. The system prevents modifications to the audit information and tools, applications, and executables from modification, or deletion. Protecting Your Computer System Your total computer system can be protected not only for criminal evidence but also from malware attacks that could damage your computer's hard drive.  HDWrite1X is a complete malware protection system. It protects your data storage and operating system. To learn more about protected your computer system take a look at our article, “Protecting Your Computer from Malware.” If you need to protect your recordings for criminal review, contact us. We will provide the storage capacity you need to meet your total IP camera application.  Contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Virus Protected Storage Systems Ultimate Solution to Virus, Ransomware, and other Computer Attacks Overview of Cyber Defense System Cyber Defense SYstem Safeguard your computer systems using this patented disk technology that protects your computers from cyber-attack. Write-once disk control prevents any changes to your data. There are various malware protection programs available that can protect your computer. Software solutions are available from companies such as McAfee, Kaspersky, Norton, Webroot, Bitdefender and others. These programs need to be constantly updated to protect the computer system from the latest iteration of malware. The software programs are hackable, and if the hacker gets around your current virus protection, your computer system can be compromised. The latest hard disk protection works all the time. No matter what invasion occurs, your hard drives are always protected within the disk drive itself, and this protection cannot be bypassed. HDWrite1X protected disk systems block malicious attacks on your computer system. It acts like a typical hard drive, but prevents data from being modified using a write-protected hard drive system.  HDWrite1X protects your information even after your firewall has been breached, or even if a disgruntled employee attempts to modify your data. The HDWrite1X solution utilizes standard hard drives that are modified to become write-once drives. The write-once feature can be turned on to provide controlled protection. This technology has been approved by US Government agencies for data integrity protection against Ransomware and other malware attacks. HDWrite1X is also used to assure conformance to the guidelines of the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security policies. This is an important addition to your IP Camera System. Video recordings are protected to ensure the integrity of all digital evidence required for the chain of evidence in any criminal proceeding. Malware Protected Computer Systems Your hard drive cannot be modified, deleted, or reformatted. Two versions are available: HDWrite1X-OS Protects the operating system.  Cyber-attacks cannot change the Master Boot Records, disk partition, or firmware. HDWrite1X-OS is configured so that the sensitive operating system boot and partition information is permanently protected. This allows the OS to operate normally but prevents a hacker from damaging these sensitive areas of the disk.  Your systems will remain bootable even after a cyber-attack. HDWrite1X-HD This version protects data disks. You can protect your data at various security levels, either temporarily or permanently. You can select protection of a complete disk, or incrementally protect files as they are changing, or you can open or close a disk or files temporally. Complete disk protection is the simplest operating mode. In this mode, you write your data to the HDWrite1X protected disk. When operations are complete, the disk is finalized (write-protected). This is very similar to the way a DVD-R works. Incremental disk protection protects your data as you process information. In this case, you write data, have it protected (Enforce), then at a later time write more data, have that protected, and continue until you are done. At some point, the disk either fills up, or you choose to protect the entire disk by finalizing the disk. The disk is now permanently protected from modification or deletion. Temporary disk protection allows an area of the disk to be temporarily protected against data changes. This is a lock function that sets the files to read-only. It can be unlocked and data can then be changed. HDWrite1X Models These are samples of the types of systems available. Hard drive systems are available as individual internal or external drives to large multi-drive rack systems with 84 hard drives in HDD-trays. System solutions are available that connect to your computer, server, network (NAS) or SAN connections on your servers. Write-Once Storage Internal SATA Hard Drives MODELCAPACITYDESCRIPTIONW1X-I25-101TBSATA 3, 2.5” disk driveW1X-I25-202TBSATA 3, 2.5” disk driveW1X-I35-505TBSATA 3, 3.5” disk driveW1X-I35-606TBSATA 3, 3.5” disk drive External SATA Hard Drives with USB & eSATA interface MODELCAPACITYDESCRIPTIONW1X-E25-101TBeSATA 3, 2.5” disk driveW1X-E25-202TBeSATA 3, 2.5” disk driveW1X-E35-303TBeSATA 3, 3.5” disk driveW1X-E35-505TBeSATA 3, 3.5” disk driveW1X-E35-606TBeSATA 3, 3.5” disk drive Multi-Drive Hard Drive Servers with GigE in SAN or NAS configuration MODEL CAPACITY DESCRIPTION W1X-KMN-1U0435 20TB 1U. 4 removable 3.5” 5TB Disks in HD tray, GigE interface W1X-KMN-2U0835 40TB 2U Rack 8 removable 3.5” 5TB drives in HD-trays 2XGigE SAN/NAS interface W1X-KMN-4U2436 144TB 4U Rack 24-removable 3.5" 6TB HD in HD-trays, 2XGigE SAN/NAS interface The protected storage is available from a single internal hard drive to over 500TB storage systems. To learn more about protected storage take a look at our article, “Protecting Your Computer from Malware.” HDWrite1X Product sheet Contact us to configure your storage system. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Panoramic IP Cameras Camera Comparisons | Purchase the IP Camera | Resources  A panoramic IP camera provides a very wide unbroken view in all directions. The panoramic view can be achieved using a single sensor or an array of sensors (or cameras). The following chart compares single-sensor, multi-sensor, and multi-directional IP panoramic cameras. The chart includes key features that help you select the right panoramic camera for your application. This includes the maximum distance for identifying a person, the low light capability and wide dynamic range. Note that the Multi-directional cameras are not considered to be panoramic, but in many cases, can be used in similar applications. It is also important to selct the right Video Recording System for these IP cameras. We calculated the range at which you can identify a person using 80 pixels/ft. See our panoramic application article for details. Panoramic Camera Comparison Chart Model  Resolution and Identification Range Specifications  Single-Sensor Hanwha PNF-9010R (Indoor) PNF-9010RV (Outdoor) PNF-9010RVM (Mobile) PNM-9010 Panoramic Cameras product sheet  12-Megapixel: 4000 x 3000 pixels Range for Identification: 11.9 ft. (3.6 m)Indoor/outdoor Camera Variable view mode: (Fishyeye), Single panorama, Double panorama, Quad view etc) Simple focus / Manual – Remote control via network Color : 0.3 Lux (F2.2, 30IRE), B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on) WDR: 120 dB Power: 12V DC ±10%, PoE (IEEE802.3af, Class3) Hikvision Unfortunately, Hikvision IP cameras and systems are no longer available from Kintronics because of the current US government restrictions. Please take a look at the other IP Cameras we have available.  DS-2CD63C2F-IV (Indoor/outdoor) Single-Sensor More Hikvision IP Cameras   12-Megapixel: 4000 x 3072 pixels Range for Identification: 11.9 ft. (3.6 m)Indoor/outdoor Camera Up to 14 live view displays Color : 0.4Lux (F2.4, 30IRE), B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on) Power: 12V DC ±10%, PoE (IEEE802.3af, Class3)   Sony Single-Sensor SNC-HM662 5-Megapixel More Details2560 x 1920 Identification range: 7.6 ft. (2.3 m)Minimum Illumination: 0.7 lux color; 0.3 lux B/W Uses ImmerVision Panamorphic lens and de-warping PoE Multi-Sensor Hanwha PNM-9020V PNM-9020V Product sheet Four 2-Megapixel Sensors 7.3 Megapixel Identification range: 17.2 ft. (5.2 m)Indoor/Outdoor Camera Panoramic 180-degree Color: 0.3Lux Outdoor rated IP66 PoE+ (IEEE802.3at) / 12V DC Hanwha 15-Megapixel Multi-Sensor PNM-9030V   PNM-9030V PNM-9030V Product sheet  Four 3.75-Megapixel Sensors 15-Megapixel Identification range (180-degree): 24.3 ft. (7.3 m)Indoor/Outdoor Camera Panoramic 180-degree or 220-degree camera Color : 0.15lux (F2.0, 1/30sec, 30IRE) / B/W : 0.01lux (F2.0, 1/30sec, 30IRE) Outdoor rated IP66 PoE+ (IEEE802.3at) / 12V DC Pelco Sorry, this camera is no longer available from Kintronics. The Hanwha PNV-9030V has replaced this camera. It provides improved performance at a lower price.  180°, 270°, 360° PANORAMIC, 12 MPX IP CAMERAS 180° IMN-12018 270° IMN-12027 360° IMN-12036 Optera IMM Product sheet  Four 3-Megapixel Sensors 12 Megapixel Identification range: 180° 24.5 ft. (7.5 m) 270° & 360°: 12.25 ft. (3.7 m)Indoor/Outdoor Camera Panoramic 180°: Color : 0.2Lux, BW: 0.14Lux Panoramic 270°: Color: 0.3Lux, BW: 0.2Lux Panoramic 360°: Color: 0.3Lux, BW: 0.2Lux There are indoor and Outdoor rated IP66 cameras. See product sheet for models available. PoE+ (IEEE802.3at, class 4) Multi-Sensor, Multi-directional Hanwha PNM-9080VQ 7.3 MegaPixel Not really a Panoramic camera, but can be used in similar applications. Each camera can be positioned and focused separately.  PNM-9080VQ Product sheet   PNM-9081VQ 20-MegaPixel PNM-9081VQ Product sheet  PNM-9080VQ: Four 2-MegaPixel Identification range at 90-degree setting: 11.9 ft. (3.6 m) Range doubles (22.8 ft (7.2 m) if the lens is set at 45-degrees. PNM-9081VQ: Four 5-MegaPixel Identification range at 90-degree lens setting: 20 ft. (6 m) The range doubles (40 ft.) if the camera lens is set to 45-degrees.Indoor/outdoor Camera PNM-9080VQ Color : 0.015 Lux (F1.4, 1/30sec), B/W : 0.0015 Lux (F1.4, 1/30sec) WDR: 150 dB PNM-9080VQ Power: 12V DC, PoE+ PNM-9081VQ Color : 0.07 Lux (F1.2, 1/30sec), B/W : 0.007 Lux (F1.2, 1/30sec) WDR: 120 dB Power: 12V DC, HPoE (Injector included) Application Notes - Panoramic Cameras Single-Camera Panoramic Cameras: IP cameras that provide 360-degree views use special wide-angle lenses. Very wide lenses distort the image so de-warping software is required that straightens the view.  Single-sensor panoramic cameras are smaller than the multi-sensor panoramic cameras but have less resolution. Multi-sensor (or camera) Panoramic Cameras: These cameras are larger than the single-sensor camera but provide much more resolution. The cameras (or sensors) are positioned so that the software can stitch the video together to create one large panoramic image. The camera direction can not be changed. They are available with the capability for 180-degree or a 360-degree view. Multi-Sensor, Multi-Directional Cameras: The latest cameras contain four or more high-resolution cameras (or sensors) that can be adjusted independently. These multi-direction cameras can be used in similar applications as the panoramic cameras. The difference is that these cameras do not stitch all the views together like the panoramic cameras. To learn more about IP Panoramic cameras and learn how to calculate the working distance for the camera take a look at our article, Comparison of Panoramic IP Cameras. If you need help selecting the right panoramic IP camera, please contact us. ### Pro Series Proximity IP Door Reader More Proximity RFID Readers | Biometric IP Door Readers | Access Control Software | More Access Control Systems Access Control Readers and Reader-Controller Access Control Reader-Controller This Reader-Controller is part of the Biometric family of Door Access Control There are two types of access control systems. One uses simple slave door readers, and the other uses reader-controllers. The professional series of RFID proximity IP door reader-controllers provide extended functionality.  These IP readers provide advanced functionality such as elevator control, pass-back control, emergency lockdown, and integration with video recording systems. The readers are part of the pro-series biometric family of IP door readers. The Pro Series biometric readers can detect multiple characteristics such as fingerprint and finger-vein, or facial recognition and fingerprints. The network-attached Pro-series is designed to be easily installed. You can start with just one IP reader and add additional readers as required. The door readers can operate in standalone mode or as part of a centrally managed enterprise door access control system. The central on-site software TVIP-TIRSoft is licensed per reader. TVIP-2R-Pro This indoor professional network-attached RFID reader includes an LCD touchscreen that allows you to enter a PIN code, or set up the reader. The reader can also be managed using TVIP-TIRSoft central access control software. The readers can be powered using the included power adapter or using the optional PoE kit. The kit includes a power injector and splitter that provides high power for readers and electric locks. Features of IP Pro Door Readers: Network-attached reader Multiple verification modes include credential and/or pin code Network-attached with the option of power over Ethernet (PoE) Stores up to 50,000 credentials. USB flash interface for back up or transfer of database Easy management and operation. It can work by itself or with a computer for large installations requiring centralized management TVIP-TIRSoft Access Control Software provides central management and control Optional HID or Smartcard (MiFare) credential support Built-in camera stores 7,000 event snapshot history and 3,000 user photos Tamper sensor Models available TVIP2R-Pro: Includes RFID IP Reader, and everything you need for installation including a backplate, network cable, screws, pigtail cables diode, and screwdriver. TVIP2R-Pro-POE: Includes RFID IP Reader plus the PoE kit.  The kit includes a high power injector and splitter. It also includes all the items above. TVIP2R-ProMF: Adds the capability to use Smartcards (MiFare) credentials. Specifications for Indoor IP Reader  Feature DescriptionTouchscreen display2.4-inch TFT-LCDNetwork AttachedTCP/IP RJ45 connectionPower12 VDC, 3A (adapter included) or PoE kitFunctionsAccess Levels/Groups/Holidays, DST/Bell Schedule, Duress Mode (Password), Anti-Passback, Record Query, Custom Wallpaper & Screen SaverSoftware for Windows ComputerCentral software management—TVIPTirSoftDimensions7.7 x 3.5 x 1.4 inches (195.5 x 87 x 35 mm)CommunicationTCP/IP, RS485 (for slave reader) USB Host Wiegand Input/Output (TVIP-1200 uses RS485)Lock and Door InterfaceLock Relay Output, Alarm Output/Auxiliary Input, Exit Button/Door Sensor, Doorbell OutputCredential capacity50,000 Product Specification Sheet Proximity Slave Readers Connect to the Controller The following door readers can be used indoors or outdoors. They are available in kits that include the indoor Procontrol control box that attaches to the same network as other pro readers.  Another option is the outdoor RFID reader with fingerprint capability.  It attaches directly to the network and doesn't include a control box. The kit prevents the reader wires from being used to open an external door secured by an electric lock. The TVIP-Procontrol100 box provides the power to the reader and controls the electric lock. TVIP-TIRSoft software provides the central control and management for these door reader systems TVIP500H-IPVkit The kit includes the TVIP500H RFID slave reader that communicates to the indoor TVIP-procontrol100-KIT, using Wiegand communication. This very small reader is best when you need just an RFID proximity reader for your outer door. TVIP-SMK-IPVkit The kit includes the TVIPSMK-V RFID reader with a control box that provides a connection to the same network system as other Pro readers.  The reader includes a keypad. This metallic access control reader is designed to be vandal resistant. It reads proprietary prox. cards or keyfob credentials TVIP502H-IPVKit The kit includes the TVIP502 RFID reader with keypad and with a control box that provides a connection to the same network system as other Pro readers. The reader supports HID RFID proximity credentials. Specifications for Outdoor IP Reader Systems FeatureDescriptionCommunication to ReadersWiegand 26(Default) /Wiegand 34, USB (TVIP-1500 uses RS485)Network AttachedTCP/IP RJ45 connection to TVIP-ProController100Reader PowerPower provided from Pro-control box (TVIP-procontrol100-KIT)Power to control box9.6~14.4V DC (adapter provided with kit), or PoE splitter kitTVIP-502H Environment32°—113° F / 0° C—45° C, IP65TVIP-500H Environment-35° F to 149° F / -37° C to + 65° C, IP67TVIP-SMK Environment-4F° to 122F°  / -20° C to + 50° C, IP65, vandal resistant metallic design  Credential capacity (Pro-Control)30,000Connections (Pro-ControlElectric lock power and control, Door sensor, REX, Door button, AUXPro-Control Temperature0° C—45° C Product Specification Sheet Access Controllers The heart of a door access control system is the controller or access control panel. The controller is an electronic or computer device that manages one or more door readers. The access controller receives the person's ID number from the door reader, matches the credential to the list of approved users, and then opens the electric lock. Access control management software is required to manage all the users, determine who can enter, what door they can use, and when they can enter. To learn more about Controllers, please read our article Access Controller Comparison. There are three families of controllers: The Pro Controller is used in larger access control systems and supports RFID-proximity and Biometric readers. The network-attached Hub-Controller is simpler, lower-cost device that includes built-in software. It's best used in small access control systems. The Enterprise controller is best used in larger systems (but is cost-effective in smaller systems as well). It is recommended for applications that require elevator control and integration with IP camera systems. It is an incremental system that supports many types of door readers, including those that use mobile credentials. Select: Pro Controller | Pro-Bio Controller | Enterprise Controller TVIP-Procontrol Access Control Box Professional door access controller. The kit includes the Pro-control module, power supply, and metal box.  It also provides the vandal-resistant security required for outdoor readers.  There is a single door, two-door, and the four-door model.  The controller box provides power to the readers and the electric lock. A power adapter is included in the kit. TVIP-TIRSoft Access Control Management software is required to support these controllers. Models available: TVIP-ProControl-100Kit: Single-door controller TVIP-ProControl-200Kit: Two-door controller TVIP-ProControl-400Kit: Four-door controller IPPOEkit: Optional PoE splitter kit is available. Features of IP Controller: Network-attached control box Multiple controllers are supported by the access control management software Up to 8,000 doors are supported by these Pro controllers. Multiple verification modes include credential and/or pin code Includes a power supply.  There is also an optional Power over Ethernet (PoE) splitter Stores up to 30,000 credentials Easy management and operation using a Windows computer running TVIP-TIRsoft software. Network-Attached Hub-Controller Pro-bio access controller The Hub-Controller connects to the network and can be powered over Ethernet (PoE). It is available with built-in access control management software. The controller supports up to 80 RFID readers. The controller is available with preloaded access management software. The software includes User Enrollment & Management, Door Control & Monitoring, individual grouping, and easy setup. Features of Access Hub Controller Built-in Web Application: provides advanced access control management Interface: User-programmable auxiliary relays can be used to control lights, alarms, annunciators, intrusion detection panels, additional locking devices, or any other external electrical device that a switch can control. Capacity: 1 Primary panel can support up to 20 Secondary panels. A maximum of 84 doors can be supported when using all 21 panels. Each Pro-Bio Series panel can store up to 5,000 users (fingerprint templates or RFID cards) & 10,000 transactions plus unlimited archive downloads. Power: Pro-Bio Series uses a 12V DC 3A power supply and supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). Choice of readers: The access controller box supports Wiegand or OSDP readers and fingerprint reader. Communications: Uses wired or wireless networks Mobile App: The panel supports a smartphone app that can remotely lock or unlock the doors. Enterprise Access Controller A Modular Approach to Access Control System The controller is located at each door and connects to the network. It makes it very easy to add just one door and then incrementally add other doors as required. The controllers are powered using PoE, making them very easy to install and expand. Each controller supports a single reader or back-to-back readers. Also available as a two-door system. The diagram below shows an example of the door devices attached to the door access controller. Hartmann Door Access Diagram These controllers are supported by Door Access Control Management software. Features of the Enterprise Access Controller The controller attaches to the network and is Powered over Ethernet (PoE). Multiple controllers are supported by the access control management software Integration with IP Camera Systems Elevator controls are supported by the access control management software Easy connections to all the devices required to provide complete door access control. Built-in relays control the lock and provide the capability to support two readers. Wide selection of door readers are available. You can select, RFID proximity readers which include 125 kHz versions, HID compatible readers, Smart Card readers, biometric readers, and Bluetooth connected Smartphone credentials. Learn more... Application Note Door Security: Special wiring is required to ensure security when the door reader is outside. The outdoor RFID readers connect to an indoor control box. The controller connects to the same network as other Pro readers.  It also provides increased security.  An outdoor door reader can be vandalized. If they break off the reader and short the wires going to the electric lock they may be able to open the door.  To prevent this type of vandalism, the wires that control the lock are removed from the reader. Instead, the lock control is wired from inside the building. Access Control Diagram The door reader provides a coded signal to the TVIP-procontrol100-KIT located inside. The Procontrol determines if the credential is acceptable, and if it is, provides the control signals directly to the electric lock. If you need help selecting the right IP proximity reader, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Long Range Access Control Door Readers | Access Control Management Software | Access Control Comparison | Purchase Your System Long-Range Readers The long-range reader can be used to open a gate from a vehicle.  It can also be used for other long-range applications. It has a range of up to 39 ft. Gate Access Control System Diagram The long-range system consists of the TVIPUHF-LR long-range reader, TVIP-Procontrol160-Kit access control box, and access control software that runs on your Windows computer. The long-range reader connects to the access control box through a serial Wiegand type connection. The control box and the computer are both connected to the local area network.  The software controls all the credentials. If the credential is accepted, the control box sends a signal (relay connection) to open the gate. The long-range access control reader uses higher frequencies, such as 865MHz, or 902MHz.  Since this is a different frequency than the standard door readers, the credentials are different. These special credentials are available as a card or as a stick-on tag for the vehicle. The same access control software (TVIPTirSoft) controls standard readers. This means that all the readers can be integrated into the organization's system (except using different credentials).  You can select IP door access readers that use proximity credentials, or even biometric readers. Long-Range Access Control Reader Specifications TVIPUHF-LR The long-range access reader is IP66 rated for outdoor applications. It has a range of up to 40 feet. This reader has a Wiegand output port.  It connects to the TVIP-Procontrol100Kit access control box. A mounting kit is included with the reader. Specifications   Frequency:902Mhz – 928Mhz (for USA), or 865MHz – 868MHz (for Europe)Read Range:Up to 39 feet (12m)Material:Die-casting aluminum shell, Antenna panel with engineering plasticColor:WhiteInterface:Wiegand connectionPower Supply:9 to 12V DCCurrent:  <3W (RF output 26dBm, multiple tags)Outdoor weather protection:IP-66Operating Temperature:-4° F to 140° F ( -20° C to + 60° C)Operating Humidity:15% to 90% relative humidity non-condensingDimensions (H×W×D):17.5 x 17.5 x 2.8 inches (445 x 445 x 70 mm)Certifications:FCC, CE Product sheet   TVIP-Procontrol100-Kit Specifications The access controller is available by itself or inside a metal box. The kit includes the power supply. This access control can be used with any Wiegand type slave door access reader. The long-range reader connects to this controller and provides the output required to control the electric gate. Management software allows indication of real-time gate status and remote commanding of the gate to open or close. The controller can be administered using a web browser. Specifications Number of readers supported:1Outputs:2 (1 Form-C Relay for Lock and 1 Form-C Relay for Aux Output)Credential capacity:30,000Communication:Network, TCP/IP RJ45 connectionInterface:Wiegand connectionPower Supply:9.6V-14.4V DCDimensions (H×W×D):350(L) × 90(H) × 300(W)mm   Resources For more about door access control, please see our technical articles: Product sheet for TVIPUHF-LR Long range reader Comparison of Long-Range Door Access Control, Compares card credentials and Mobile smartphone credentials. How Long-Range Access Control Works: Describes how the long-range access readers and credentials work. How Does Facial Recognition Work: Describes the technology used in facial recognition How Fingerprint Readers Work: Describes the technology behind fingerprint recognition. For help selecting all the components of your access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Elevator Access Control Door Readers | Access Control Management Software | Access Control Comparison | Purchase Your System The Complete Elevator Access Control System An elevator access control system consists of a credential reader in the cab and a controller box that is usually located in the elevator control room. The access control system is used to determine the floors that can be reached based on the door access control credential.  For example, all the accountants who work on the 5th floor can reach that floor, but not be able to go to the IT department on the 3rd floor.  Floors that contain general areas such as the cafeteria or fitness center, would typically be available to everyone. The access control software can be programmed to allow certain people to go to specific floors on specific days and times. Executives can go to any floor at any time. Elevator Access Control Elevator Control System Components The elevator access security system consists of a door access control reader in the elevator, an elevator control unit, and special elevator control software ELCK-SK Elevator Controller The ELCK-SK control panel is specifically designed to control elevators. It includes relays and intelligence necessary to provide secure and versatile access to up to 64 floors. This is a flexible system connects to the network and is powered using power over Ethernet PoE.  You can purchase the right controller kit depending on the number of floors you need to control. Floor access can be determined by the credential used.  You can use RFID credentials, fingerprint, or passwords to determine who and when someone can reach predetermined floors. Kits are available in a metal housing that includes the electronics and powered by PoE. Models Available ELCK-SK:  8-floor controller ELCK-16: 16-floor controller ELCK-24:  24-floor controller ELCK-32:  32-floor controller ELCK-40:  40-floor controller ELCK-48:  48-floor controller ELCK-56:  56-floor controller ELCK-64:  64-floor controller Elevator Controller Door Access Control Readers You can select from RFID door readers such as: RFID Proximity Readers RF100P: RFID 125KHz readers with Wiegand interface. Supports proprietary credentials. RF200H: RFID 125KHz readers with Wiegand interface. Supports HID credentials. RF223H: RFID 125KHz readers with keypad, and Wiegand interface. Supports HID credentials. Read More ... Mobile Credential Readers Mobile credentials use your smartphone as the credential. BT100M: Mullion style Bluetooth uses your smartphone as the credential as well as RFID 13.56 MHz credentials BT123M: Wall mount with keypad supports mobile and 13.56 MHz RFID proximity credentials. Read More ... Biometric Readers Optional Biometric door access readers can also be used. The fingerprint and other biometric readers are larger so installation depends on the availability of physical space. Software for Elevator Control System The elevator system runs on your Windows PC. This is the same door access management software that is used to control all your doors. Access Control Software Door Access Management Software: The management software provides the following capability: Assign the door reader in the elevator to the ELCK control panel Set elevator rules such as time intervals that define 3 intervals for all the days of the week and holidays. Who can reach certain floors When certain people can reach certain floors Reports of usage Learn more about the software ... Elevator Access Control System Wiring Diagram The elevator control panel integrates with the buttons inside the elevator and the electronics in the machine room. The access control reader in the elevator determines what floors the person can reach. The reader can be a simple RFID type reader or a biometric reader.  When the right credential is detected, and the floor button is pressed in the elevator, the signal goes through the elevator control panel, and then to the elevator system that moves the elevator. Elevator Control Diagram The elevator control panel includes relays that disconnect the button from the elevator system. If the person has permission to a specific floor, the relay is closed and provides the connection between the button and the elevator system (in the elevator control room). The example wiring diagram shows how the control panel can be used to control the elevator. Resources For more about elevator access controls and door access control, please see our access control technical articles. These articles provide technical information that will help you understand door access control systems. Elevator Control Using Door Access Readers: Describes how elevator control works. How Does Facial Recognition Work: Describes the technology used in facial recognition How Fingerprint Readers Work: Describes the technology behind fingerprint recognition. For help selecting all the components of your elevator access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Access Control Software OnSite Door Access Control Software Also, see More Door Access Software | IP Door Readers Access control management software is a central component of modern security systems, allowing organizations to efficiently control and monitor access to their premises, resources, and information. It is an alternative to cloud management software such as the Isonas Pure Access Cloud platform. The on-site management software offers advanced features, including integration with IP Camera Video Management Systems (VMS), pass-back control, elevator control, and more. Access Control Management Software Many access control management software products offer a wide range of capabilities.  They not only let you specify who is allowed in, which door, and at what time, but also let you add pictures and track door statistics. They can be used in enterprise applications that require a large number of users and support many advanced features. Access Control Data Setup and Management Easy management of business rules: The door control software self-configures common business-rules. It's easy to setup components like Doors, Door Groups, and Areas which are all managed within the web interface. Easy Reader Installation and Commissioning: Provides reader discovery and management of the Isonas IP readers. Multiple Security Groups and Management: User groups and separate authorization allow a number of managers to control specific areas of an organization. Multiple Platform Support: The application can be used on PC workstations as well as tablets and smartphones that support web browsers. Advanced features include: Supports virtually unlimited number of credentials, users, and doors Dual-authentication allows the user to swipe plus enter a pin number for increased security Elevator management and control is supported Scripting allows the system to take multiple actions once a single event occurs Establish schedules for door locking and unlocking Supports anti-passback Provides operator-controlled manual operations such as admit, unlock, lock-down, etc. Integration of door access with Video Management Software using C2P The system can be configured to enforce unique rules during special events (like an open house) Optional Active Directory Integration Door definition Doors can be grouped to simplify the system's configuration. Credential (badge) can be set to expire based on date or usage Hardware Support On-site access control management software supports the broadest range of IP door readers, from basic RFID card readers to the latest mobile and biometric door readers.   Design and Support Assistance We make sure you purchase the right door access control system for your application. We know that one system doesn’t fit all; each system is designed to fit exactly what you need. We design systems that include IP cameras, network-attached paging devices, and door access control. We assure that all systems work together and meet your specific requirements. We assure that the equipment you purchased operates as expected and that you get full use of all the components of your IP security system. We provide technical support and warranty assistance after the sale. We are the first people you call to get help. If necessary we coordinate support from Manufacturers and software companies to assure all your problems are corrected. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Hikvision PTZ Cameras Hikvision PTZ IP Camera Overview Unfortunately, Hikvision IP cameras and systems are no longer available from Kintronics because of the current US government restrictions. As an alternative see the Hanwha PTZ IP cameras. They have similar models at comparable prices. Also, please take a look at the other IP Cameras we have available.  Alternatives Compare Other Manufacturer’s Cameras | IP Camera Systems | More Hikvision IP Cameras The following information is for reference only Hikvision has a number of pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) IP cameras available. They range from 20X optical zoom cameras with 1.3-megapixel resolution to 8-megapixel (4K) 36X PTZ cameras with built-in IR illumination.  There is a choice of indoor and outdoor network-attached PTZ cameras. The very high performance 8 Megapixel (4K) PTZ camera provides enough zoom (36X) and resolution to read a license plate that's over 585 m (1900 ft.) during the daytime.  At night, the built-in IR illuminator has a range of 200 m (656 ft.). PTZ IP Camera Specification and Comparison MODELRESOLUTIONFEATURES   Outdoor 4K, 36X2DF8836IV-AELW 8 MP, 4096 x 216036X zoomFocal length: 6.2 mm to 202 mmLens angle: 56.8 – 2.02° (wide to telephoto)Color: 0.02 lux,   B/W: 0.002 lux, 0 lux with IR IR up to 200 m (656 ft) PTZ  -  Pan: 360° endless; Tilt: -20° to 90° (auto flip) Outdoor 36X2DF8336IV-AELW with IR3 MP, 2048 x 153636X zoomFocal length: 5.7 mm to 205 mm,Lens angle: 60.6° to 3.68° (wide to tele)   Color: 0.05 lux @ ƒ/1.6, AGC on; B/W: 0.01 lux B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on) WDR: 120 dB IR range 200 m (650 ft.) Pan Range: 360°endless Tilt Range: -20°~90°(Auto Flip)     Outdoor 36X2DF8236I5W-AELW with IR Includes very long IR and excellent low-light sensitivity 2 MP, 1920 x 108036X zoomFocal length: 5.7 mm to 205 mm,Lens angle: 60.6° to 3.68° (wide to tele)   Color: 0.002 lux @ (F1.5, AGC ON); B/W: 0.0002 lux @ (F1.5, AGC ON) B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on) WDR: 120 dB IR range: up to 1640 ft (500 m) Pan Range: 360°endless Tilt Range: -20°~90°(Auto Flip) Includes: Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), wiper, and optical defog Outdoor 36X2DF8236I-AELW Outdoor2 MP, 1920 x 108036X zoomFocal length: 5.7 mm to 205.2 mm, 36xLens angle: 58.7° to 2.0° (wide-tele)   Color: 0.002 lux, ƒ/1.5, AGC on B/W: 0.0002 lux, 0 lux with IR WDR: 120 dBRH model only, IR up to 200 m (650 ft)       Indoor2DF5286-AE3 2 MP, 1920 x 108030X zoom   4.3 ~ 129mm, 30X optical zoom 65.5 ~ 2.11 degree (Wide-Tele) Color : 0.3 lux (F1.6,1/30 sec, 50 IRE, AGC On) B/W : 0.02 lux (F1.6,1/30 sec, 50 IRE, AGC On)   Indoor2DE2103-DE3/W 1.0 MP, 1080x7203X zoom   Color : 0.1 lux, F2.0,1/30 sec, 50 IRE, AGC On B/W : 0.01 lux Zoom lens: 3.6~11mm, 3x 80~33 degree (Wide~Tele)     Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with video recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system.   Technical Support IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Samsung Hanwha X Series IP Cameras WiseNet X-Series IP Cameras This is the highest performance IP Camera series available from Hanwha Techwin (Samsung).  These surveillance cameras are excellent for creating an IP camera system that can provide immediate notifications of security threats. The X-Series uses the latest Wisenet 7 chip.  You get the very best low light sensitivity, highest performance wide dynamic range (up to 150 dB WDR), as well as some very helpful advanced analytics.  If you need to be notified when your laptop goes missing, or create an alarm when someone screams in the lobby, this is the camera series for you. Learn more about the X-Series | Hanwha IP Cameras | Compare Other Manufacturer's Cameras The Hanwha Techwin IP cameras conform to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), effective August 13, 2019, specifically section 889.  This means they are the best choice for government projects that require products that comply with all government and international trade regulations. The X-Series IP camera family supports the latest H.265 compression and adds WiseStreamII Compression technology to provide some of the lowest bandwidth and storage requirements available.  The family includes box, dome, bullet, and an amazing new PTZ camera that can see over 1600 ft. in total darkness. Dome and Bullet IP Camera Specification and Comparison Table MODELLensLIGHT SENSITIVITY Indoor 2-MP Dome, 1920 x 1080 XND-6010 fixed lens   XND-6020R fixed lens with IR XND-6080V Vandal, vari-focal and remote focus XND-6080RV Vari-focal and remote focus with IR XND-6010 Lens: 2.4 mm fixed   XND-6020R: Lens 4 mm 6080V/6080RV:  2.8 ~ 12mm (4.3x) Motorized V/F (F1.4)       XND-6010: Color : 0.055 Lux B/W : 0.0055 Lux XND-6020R: Color: 0.015 lux B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED On) 6080V Color : 0.015 Lux B/W : 0.0015 Lux 6080RV Color : 0.015 Lux B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on) All cameras: 150 dB WDR Outdoor 2-MP Dome, 1920 x 1080 XNV-6012 fixed lens   XNV-6020R fixed lens with IR XNV-6080V Vandal, motorized varifocal and remote focus XNV-6080RV Vandal, with motorized Vari-focal and remote focus with IR XNV-6012 Lens: 2.8 mm fixed   XNV-6020R: Lens 4 mm 6080V/6080RV:  2.8 ~ 12mm (4.3x) Motorized V/F (F1.4)       XNV-6012: 0.04Lux (F2.0), B/W : 0.04Lux (F2.0) XNV-6020R: Color: 0.015 lux B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED On) 6080V Color : 0.015 Lux B/W : 0.0015 Lux 6080RV Color : 0.015 Lux B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on) All cameras: 150 dB WDR 2-MP Mobile and Rugged Dome, 1920 x 1080   XNV-6022M with a fixed lens XNV-6022RMFixed lens with IR   2.4mm fixed   H: 135.4°     XNV-6012N Color : 0.04Lux (F2.0), B/W : 0.04Lux (F2.0) XNV-6022RM Color : 0.04Lux (F2.0), B/W : 0Lux (IR LED On) 150 dB WDR 2-MP, 1920 x 1080 Very Low-Light Outdoor Dome XNV-6085   Remote control of the zoom lens, focus, and position of the camera. Can remotely pan, tilt and rotate the camera for set up.     4.1 ~ 16.4mm (Optical 4x)H : 100˚(Wide) ~ 26.2˚(Tele)       Color : 0.004 Lux (1/30sec, F0.94), 30 IREB/W : 0.0004 Lux (1/30sec, F0.94) 150 dB WDR 2-MP, Extended 12X Zoom Outdoor Dome XNV-6120R   Remote control of zoom lens, focus.      4.1 ~ 16.4mm (Optical 4x)H : 100˚(Wide) ~ 26.2˚(Tele)       Color : 0.004 Lux (1/30sec, F0.94), 30 IREB/W : 0.0004 Lux (1/30sec, F0.94) 150 dB WDR 5-MP Indoor Dome, 2560 x 1920 XND-8020R/ 8030R/8040R fixed lens with IR   XND-8080RV Vandal, Vari-focal and remote focus with IR 3.7mm fixed (F1.6) (XND-8020R)   4.6mm fixed (F1.6) (XND-8030R) 7mm fixed (F1.6) (XND-8040R) 3.9 ~ 9.4mm (2.4x) Motorized V/F (F1.3) XND-8080RV XND-8020R/ 8030R/8040R Color : 0.16 Lux B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)   XND-8080RV Color : 0.07 Lux B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on) WDR: 120 dB   XND-8020F 6-Megapixel 2560 x 1920 pixels Small drop-ceiling mount dome camera 3.7mm fixed (F1.6) 0.16 Lux B/ W: 0.16 Lux   WDR: 120 dB   XNV-8020R/8030R/8040R fixed lens with IR XNV-8080R Vandal, Vari-focal and remote focus with with IR 3.7mm fixed (F1.6) (XNV-8020R)   4.6mm fixed (F1.6) (XNV-8030R) 7mm fixed (F1.6) (XNV-8040R) 3.9 ~ 9.4mm (2.4x) Motorized V/F (F1.3) (XNV-8080R) XNV-8020R/8030R/8040R Color : 0.16 Lux B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)   XNV-8080R Color : 0.07 Lux B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on) WDR: 120 dB 2-MP Bullet, 1920 x 1080 Outdoor Bullet Cameras   XNO-6010R/6020R Fixed lens with IR 2.4mm fixed (F2.0) (XNO-6010R)   4mm fixed (F1.4) (XNO-6020R) Color : 0.055 Lux (XNO-6010R),   0.015 Lux  (XNO-6020R) B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on) WDR: 150 dB XNO--6080R Vari-lens with IR2.8 ~ 12mm (4.3x) Motorized V/F (F1.4)Color : 0.015Lux B/W : 0Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 150 dBXNO-6085R Outdoor, Very low-light with IR4.1 ~ 16.4mm (4x) Motorized V/F (F1.2)   H : 100˚(Wide) ~ 26.2˚(Tele) Color : 0.004 Lux   B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on) WDR: 150 dB XNO-6120R Outdoor, Extended 12X zoom with IR5.2 ~ 62.4mm (Optical 12X)   Motorized V/F (F1.2) H : 54.58˚(Wide) ~ 5.30˚(Tele) Color : 0.03 Lux (F1.6, 1/30sec)   B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on) WDR: 150 dB 5-MP Bullet, 2560 x 1920   XNO-8020R/8030R/8040ROutdoor fixed lens with IR 3.7mm fixed (F1.6) (XNO-8020R)   4.6mm fixed (F1.6) (XNO-8030R) 7mm fixed (F1.6) (XNO-8040R)   XNO-8020R/8030R/8040R CColor : 0.16 Lux B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)   WDR: 120 dB XNO-8080R Outdoor, Vari-lens with IR3.7 ~ 9.4mm (2.5x) Motorized V/F (F1.2)XNO-8080R Color : 0.07 Lux B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)   WDR: 120 dB New IP Cameras with Extended PoE capability The following cameras include the ability to power additional cameras and intercoms that use PoE XND-8081REV 5MP Vandal-Resistant Indoor IR Network Dome Camera with PoE Extender 5 megapixel resolution2.8~12mm 4.3x motorized varifocal lens164 foot IR viewable range for low light/no light monitoring30fps@all resolutions (H.265/H.264)H.265, H.264, MJPEG codec supported, multiple streamingDay & Night (ICR), WDR (120dB), DefogShock detection, Loitering, Directional detection, Fog detection, Audio detection, Digital auto tracking, Sound classification, TamperingMotion detection, Handover, Audio event playbackDual SD/SDHC/SDXC memory slots (Max. 512GB)Hallway view, WiseStream II support, IP52, IK10,LDC support (Lens Distortion Correction)PoE+ In / PoE Out, Bi-directional audio supportWhite camera body XND-6081REV 2MP Vandal-Resistant Indoor IR Network Dome Camera with PoE Extender 2 megapixel (1920 x 1080) resolution2.8 ~ 12mm (4.3x) motorized varifocal lens164′ IR viewable range60fps@all resolutions (H.265/H.264)H.265, H.264, MJPEG codec supported, multiple streamingDay & Night (ICR), WDR (150dB), DefogShock detection, Loitering, Directional detection, Fog detection, Audio detection, Digital auto tracking, Sound classification, TamperingMotion detection, Handover, Audio event playbackDual SD/SDHC/SDXC memory slots (Max. 512GB)Hallway view, WiseStream II support, IP52, IK10LDC support (Lens Distortion Correction)PoE+ In / PoE Out, Bi-directional audio supportWhite camera body Common Specifications: Compression H.265, H.264, MJPEGLow light noise reduction technologyWiseStream ⅡImproved digital image stabilizationLens Distortion correctionUSB portDual SD card slotSound classificationFog DetectionPTZ Hand-overHighlight Compensation (HLC)High Power IR LEDs Enhanced Video Analytics and Sound Classification Behavior Analytics: Appear, Disappear, LoiteringPassing:  Virtual line, Enter/Exit, Directional DetectionImage quality enhancement: Defocus Detection, Fog detectionDetection: Motion Detection, Tampering, Face Detection, Audio detectionStatistics for Market Intelligence: Heatmap, People counting, Queue managementAudio Analytics:  Scream, Glass breakage, Gunshot, ExplosionMinimize Lens Distortion:  Lens distortion typically causes straight lines near the edge to curve outwards from the center of the image. With Lens Distortion Correction technology integrated into the Wisenet X series, image imperfections can be easily corrected.General analytics: Tampering, Loitering, Directional detection, Defocus detection, Fog detection, Virtual line, Enter / Exit, (Dis)Appear, Audio detection, Motion detection, Face detection, Digital auto tracking, Sound classification To learn more about advanced video analytics, take a look at our article, "The Intelligent IP Camera." Box Cameras The box cameras provide flexible alternatives for special applications. You can select the right lens and camera enclosure (if required).  Camera housings can protect the camera from weather, or even provide explosion proof protection These IP cameras provide excellent specifications, especially their low light sensitivity of 0.001 lux in B/W mode. The camera includes a USB port for easy setup, as well as two-way audio and advanced analytics. XNB-8000 shown with optional lens XNB-6000 Resolution: 2-Megapixels (1920 x 1080)Low Light: Color : 0.01Lux B/W : 0.001LuxFrame rate:  60fpsCompression: H.265, H.264, MJPEGSimple focus / ManualI/O connections: 1 input / 1 outputP-iris XNB-8000 Resolution: 5-Megapixels (2560 x 1920)Low Light:Low light Color 0.07Lux@F1.2 (), 0B/W 0.007 Lux@F1.2Frame rate:  30fpsCompression: H.265, H.264, MJPEGSimple focus / ManualI/O connections: 1 input / 1 outputP-iris PTZ Cameras Hanwha has some amazing PTZ IP cameras. For example, the X-series PTZ cameras include the 55X zoom camera, with a very long IR illuminator and excellent low-light sensitivity. Three new high-performance PTZ cameras include a wiper. PTZ Quick Comparison Chart Model ResolutionLensXNP-6550RH2-Megapixel55X4.75 - 261 mmXNP-8300RW6-Megapixel30X5 - 150 mmXNP-6400RW2-Megapixel40X4.25 - 170 mmPNP-9300RW8-Megapixel30X5 - 150 mmXNP-6320H2-Megapixel32X4.4 - 142 mmXNP-6040H 2-Megapixel4.3X28 - 119 mm More PTZ Cameras ... XNP-6550RH PTZ Camera This high-resolution 2-Megapixel PTZ camera has excellent performance.  It includes a 55X zoom lens (4.75 ~ 261.4mm), with an additional 16x digital zoom.  The long zoom lens allows you to identify a license plate number over 1,800 ft. (567m) away during the day or 1,600 ft. (500m) at night. This IP PTZ camera includes analytic functions such as Intelligent video analytics. This is a relatively long-range camera with an IR illuminator that allows you to see over 1600 ft (500 m) in total darkness. For more information about other night-vision PTZ cameras, take a look at PTZ IR IP Camera page.  For more about very long-range, night-vision cameras take a look at our Long Range Night Vision PTZ Cameras page. Specifications for the XNP-6550RH PTZ Camera SpecificationDescription  Imaging Device1 / 2.8" 2.16M CMOSMin. IlluminationColor : 0.02 lux (1/30sec, F1.6), BW : 0.002 lux (1/30sec,F1.6),0 Lux (IR LED On and in range)IR Illuminator1600 ft (500m)Focal Length (Zoom Ratio)4.75mm ~ 261.4mm (Optical 55x)Angular Field of ViewH : 58.6˚(Wide) ~ 1.23˚(Tele) / V : 34.8˚(Wide) ~ 0.71˚(Tele)Pan / Tilt RangePan: 360˚ Endless / Tilt 95˚(-5˚ ~ 90˚ )Pan Speed / Tilt SpeedPan: Preset : 400˚/ sec, Manual : 0.024˚/ sec ~ 250˚/ sec   Tilt: Preset : 250˚/sec , Manual : 0.024˚/sec ~ 250˚/sec Preset (300 ea), Swing, Group (6 ea), Trace, Tour, Autorun, Schedule Preset Accuracy: ±0.2˚ Wide Dynamic Range120 dBDigital Image StabilizationOff / On (Built-in gyro)Video Compression FormatH.265 / H.264 (MPEG-4 Part 10 / AVC) : Main / Baseline / High, Motion JPEGOperating Temperature / HumidityAC24 : -50°C ~ +55°C (-58°F ~ +131°F) / Less than 90% RHHPoE : -40°C ~ +55°C (-22°F ~ +131°F) / Less than 90% RH* Start up should be done at above -30°C (HPoE mode)Input Voltage / Current24VAC / HPoE (Injector included)   Max. 90W (24VAC), 60W (HPoE)   XNP-8300RW This PTZ camera is a very-high 6-Megapixel PTZ camera with IR and a built-in wiper. It has a 30X lens that provides enough resolution to identify the size and shape of a person that's about 1 mile away. It has some excellent features: Maximum 6MP resolution5~150mm(30x) optical zoomMaximum IR viewable length 200m, Wise IRDay & Night (ICR), extreme WDR, DIS (Built-in gyro sensor)Intelligent Analytics, Object auto-tracking (Person/Vehicle), Target lock trackingH.264, H.265, MJPEG codec, WiseStreamIIIP66, IK10, NEMA4X, NEMA TS-2 2.2.8 (Vibration) & 2.2.9 (Shock)PTZ PLUS Design applied (Compact, Lighter, Simple cabling) SpecificationDescription  Imaging Device1/2.8" CMOS (max. 3328 x 1872 pixelsMin. IlluminationColor : 0.1 Lux (1/30sec, F1.5) B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)IR Illuminator656 ft (200 m)Focal Length (Zoom Ratio)5 ~ 150mm (30x)Angular Field of ViewH: 57.42˚(Wide)~2.19˚(Tele) / V : 33˚(Wide) ~ 1.25˚(Tele)Pan / Tilt Range360˚ Endless / 110˚ (-20˚ ~90˚ )Pan Speed / Tilt SpeedPan: Preset : 500˚/sec, Manual : 0.024˚/sec ~ 250˚/sec   Tilt: Preset : 350˚/sec, Manual : 0.024˚/sec ~ 250˚/sec Wide Dynamic Range120 dBDigital Image StabilizationOff / OnVideo Compression FormatH.265/H.264 (MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC) : Main/Baseline/High , MJPEGOperating Temperature / Humidity -40°C ~ +55°C (-40°F ~ +131°F) / Less than 90% RHInput Voltage / CurrentHPoE(IEEE802.3bt, Class6, Type3, Injector included) XNP-9300RW 4K Resolution, 30X Zoom, with IR and Build-in Wiper This PTZ camera is a very-high 8-Megapixel PTZ camera with IR and a built-in wiper. It has a 30X lens that provides enough resolution to identify the size and shape of a person that's about 1 mile away. It has some excellent features: Maximum 8MP resolution5~150mm(30x) optical zoomMaximum IR viewable length 200m, Wise IRDay & Night (ICR), extreme WDR, DIS (Built-in gyro sensor)Intelligent Analytics, Object auto-tracking (Person/Vehicle), Target lock trackingH.264, H.265, MJPEG codec, WiseStreamIIIP66, IK10, NEMA4X, NEMA TS-2 2.2.8 (Vibration) & 2.2.9 (Shock)PTZ PLUS Design applied (Compact, Lighter, Simple cabling) Product sheet SpecificationDescription  Imaging Device1/2.8" CMOS (max. 3328 x 2160 pixelsMin. IlluminationColor : 0.1 Lux (1/30sec, F1.5) B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)IR Illuminator656 ft (200 m)Focal Length (Zoom Ratio)5 ~ 150mm (30x)Angular Field of ViewH : 57.4˚(Wide) ~ 4.56˚(Tele) / V : 33˚(Wide) ~ 1.25˚(Tele)Pan / Tilt Range360˚ Endless / 110˚ (-20˚ ~90˚ )Pan Speed / Tilt SpeedPan: Preset : 500˚/sec, Manual : 0.024˚/sec ~ 250˚/sec   Tilt: Preset : 350˚/sec, Manual : 0.024˚/sec ~ 250˚/sec Wide Dynamic Range120 dBDigital Image StabilizationOff / OnVideo Compression FormatH.265/H.264 (MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC) : Main/Baseline/High , MJPEGOperating Temperature / Humidity -40°C ~ +55°C (-40°F ~ +131°F) / Less than 90% RHInput Voltage / CurrentHPoE(IEEE802.3bt, Class6, Type3, Injector included) XNP-6400RW Replaces the XNP-6370RH PTZ Camera This 2-Megapixel PTZ camera 40X zoom lens (4 ~ 170 mm), with an additional 16x digital zoom.  It includes a wiper and the long zoom lens allows you to identify a license plate number over 970 ft. during the day. This IP PTZ camera includes analytic functions such as Auto tracking and intelligent video analytics. This is a relatively long-range camera with an IR illuminator that allows you to see over 656 ft (200 m) in total darkness. For more information about other night-vision PTZ cameras, take a look at the PTZ IR IP Camera page.  For more about very long-range, night-vision cameras take a look at our Long Range Night Vision PTZ Cameras page. SpecificationDescription  Imaging Device1/2.8" CMOS (max. 1920x1080 pixelsMin. IlluminationColor : 0.05 Lux (1/30sec, F1.5) B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)IR Illuminator656 ft (200 m)Focal Length (Zoom Ratio)4.25~170mm (40x)Angular Field of ViewH : H: 65.66˚(Wide)~1.88˚(Tele) / V : V: 39.40˚(Wide)~1.09˚(Tele)Pan / Tilt Range360˚ Endless / 110˚ (-20˚ ~90˚ )Pan Speed / Tilt SpeedPan: Preset : 500˚/sec, Manual : 0.024˚/sec ~ 250˚/sec   Tilt: Preset : 350˚/sec, Manual : 0.024˚/sec ~ 250˚/sec Wide Dynamic Range120 dBDigital Image StabilizationOff / OnVideo Compression FormatH.265/H.264 (MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC) : Main/Baseline/High , MJPEGOperating Temperature / Humidity -40°C ~ +55°C (-40°F ~ +131°F) / Less than 90% RHInput Voltage / CurrentHPoE(IEEE802.3bt, Class6, Type3, Injector included) XNP-6320H PTZ Camera This high-resolution 2-Megapixel PTZ camera has excellent performance.  It includes a 32X zoom lens (4.44 ~ 142.6mm), with an additional 16x digital zoom.  The long zoom lens allows you to identify a license plate number over 900 ft. away day or night. This IP PTZ camera includes analytic functions such as Auto tracking and intelligent video analytics. XNP-6320: Indoor version XNP-6320HS: Stainless steel version provides outdoor protection from salt spray environments. SpecificationDescription  Imaging Device1/2.8" 2.4M CMOSMin. IlluminationColor : 0.05Lux (F1.6), B/W : 0.005Lux (F1.6)Focal Length (Zoom Ratio)4.44 ~ 142.6mm (Optical 32x)Angular Field of ViewH : 61.8˚(Wide) ~ 2.19˚(Tele) / V : 36.2˚(Wide) ~ 1.24˚(Tele)Pan / Tilt Range360˚ Endless / 210˚ (-15˚ ~ 195˚)Pan Speed / Tilt SpeedPreset : 700˚/sec, Manual : 0.024˚/sec ~ 200˚/secWide Dynamic Range150dBDigital Image StabilizationOff / On (Built-in Gyro sensor)Video Compression FormatH.265/H.264 (MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC) : Main/Baseline/High , MJPEGOperating Temperature / Humidity24V AC : -50°C ~ +55°C (-58°F ~ +131°F)/ Less than 90% RHPoE+ : -35°C ~ +55°C (-31°F ~ +131°F)/ Less than 90% RH* Start up should be done at above -30°C (-22°F)Input Voltage / Current24V AC ±10%, PoE+ (IEEE802.3at, Class4) XNP-6040H PTZ Camera SpecificationDescription  Imaging Device1/2.8" 2.4M CMOSMin. IlluminationColor: 0.015 Lux (1/30sec, F1.4), B/W : 0.0015 Lux (1/30sec, F1.4)Focal Length (Zoom Ratio)2.8 ~ 12mm (Optical 4.3x)Angular Field of ViewH: 119.5˚ ~ 27.9˚Pan / Tilt RangePan: 0˚ ~ 350˚ / 0.1˚/sec ~60˚/secTilt: 0˚ ~ 90˚ / 0.1˚/sec ~ 60˚/secPan Speed / Tilt SpeedPreset (300ea), Swing, Group (6ea), Trace, Tour (1ea), AutoRun, Schedule / ± 0.5˚Wide Dynamic Range150dBDigital Image StabilizationNAVideo Compression FormatH.265/H.264 (MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC) : Main/Baseline/High , MJPEGOperating Temperature / Humidity-30°C ~ +55°C (-22°F ~ +131°F)/ Less than 90% RHInput Voltage / CurrentPoE+ or 12VDC The IP surveillance camera is only one part of the IP camera system. The surveillance system also includes a video recording system. This can be video management software (VMS) that runs on your Windows PC or a network video recording (NVR) that provides a complete recording solution that attaches to your network. Learn more about Hanwha IP Cameras | Compare Other Manufacturer's Cameras If you need help selecting the right Hanwha Techwin (Samsung) camera for your IP camera system, just contact us. We have a lot of experience with IP camera systems.  We can help you select the right camera and video recording system. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or just use our contact form. ### Professional Biometric Door Readers Biometric IP Door Readers for Access Control Select the Reader | Select the Software | Overview of Biometrics | Buyers Guide | Purchase The biometric IP door readers are designed with an advanced fingerprint, vein pattern, and facial recognition detection technology. The pro-series door control readers described below, provide improved performance over the older biometric readers.  The readers include multiple biometric detections in a single IP reader. Many fingerprint readers have problems reading dry and damaged fingerprints. The new readers include advanced technology that can read these challenging fingerprints. They are also able to detect live fingers for a higher security level. The latest biometric are economical and much more reliable than previous generations of biometric readers. Biometric Door Access Control Read the Overview of Biometric Door Reader/Controllers ... Note that the biometric readers do not store a picture of the fingerprint or face. Everything is encoded for security and privacy. To read more about security and privacy, look at our article, Biometric Door Control Misconceptions. Biometric Reader-Controllers The multifunction reader-controllers described below provide multiple verification modes that include combinations of fingerprint, finger-vein pattern, and facial recognition.  These reader-controllers have all the intelligence built-in to the unit so an external controller is not necessary. You can add RFID Prox credentials, and password entry to create a very flexible and reliable door entry control system. All these IP door readers can be powered by PoE (splitter), or 12 V DC. The TVIPTirSoft software provides support for a very large number of doors. Face and Palm Recognition Door Readers AMT-Omni-AC Biometric Reader The AMT-Omni-AC is a high-performance outdoor face recognition and palm reader with an embedded Controller. This all-weather outdoor Multi-Biometric Smart Reader is used in access control applications that require increased security. Feature Summary: Multi-Function Palm, Face, and More IP66 water & dustproof protection rating It supports 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz frequency credentials. The model AMT-Omni-AC30 support PoE Supports multiple mount types The industry-leading combination of visible and NIR infrared recognition technology provides exceptional authentication accuracy and the industry's top-notch anti-spoofing protection. Read more... Biometric Door Readers The latest face recognition readers provide touchless door entry TVIP-Face8WP Provides Touchless Entry Outdoor face recognition and palm reader. The TVIP-Face8WP is a high-performance outdoor face recognition reader used primarily in access control applications. By combining the latest advancements in artificial intelligence with an optimized dual-core CPU, the Face8WP has truly reached a new height in user authentication technology. It’s powerful embedded anti- spoofing engine can withstand almost all types of fake photo attacks. Read more…  Face Recognition Door Readers TVIP-Face5V Face Recognition Reader The TVIP-Face5V is a high-performance indoor face recognition reader designed for high-speed recognition. It provides touchless entry control for door access control systems. The recognition distance has been greatly extended up to 3 meters long, which significantly improves the maximum traffic rate. While most of the algorithms only support 15-degree angle facial recognition, the Face5V supports 30-degree angle facial recognition. Optional fingerprint reader is available. Read more… Face Recognition, and Temperature Access Control Door Reader These door access reader-controllers not only provide face recognition credential authentication, but they can also check a person’s temperature and if they are wearing a mask. There are three temperature screening and face recognition panels available. For help selecting the right panel see Comparison of Face Recognition, and Temperature Access Control Panels. TVIP-FaceBio Door Reader with Temperature Monitoring This biometric door reader provides face authentication and temperature monitoring. It can prevent the entry of a person that has an elevated temperature or if they are not wearing a protective face mask. Designed for organizations that need door access control as well as a way to screen people as they enter a secure area. The biometric door reader includes an embedded thermal camera and the latest face recognition algorithm. This face recognition reader-controller is best used when you have a small number of biometric readers at your organization. Read more… TVIP-FaceBioPro Door Reader with Advanced Temperature Screening with Mask This biometric door reader provides face authentication and temperature monitoring. It can prevent the entry of a person that has an elevated temperature or if they are not wearing a protective face mask. Designed for organizations that need door access control as well as a way to screen people as they enter a secure area. The biometric door reader includes an embedded thermal camera and the latest face recognition algorithm. This face recognition reader-controller is best used when you have a small number of biometric readers at your organization. Read more… TVIP-MultiBio Door Reader Face, Palm, and Temperature Access Control Door Reader The new biometric door reader provides face and Palm authentication. It also can prevent the entry of a person that has an elevated temperature or if they are not wearing a protective face mask. Designed for organizations that need door access control as well as a way to screen people as they enter a secure area. This biometric door reader combines a powerful embedded thermal camera and the latest face and palm recognition algorithm that is supported by an optimized dual-core processor. Read more… TVIP4FF-Pro Facial recognition, Fingerprint, RFID, and Pin The TVIP4FF-Pro is the first access control terminal to apply the most advanced fingerprint and face recognition technology together.  The fingerprint detection can operate under strong light and activates automatically when a finger approaches to save power. This biometric reader includes the latest high-speed facial recognition algorithm.  It has very fast verification speed and low error rate.  When you need the highest degree of reliability, this multi-mode IP reader is the best choice.   The combination of facial and fingerprint biometrics increases reliability. Features: High performance and reliable fingerprint capture and identification. Advanced facial recognition algorithm Live finger detection Multiple verification modes – Fingerprint, Facial Recognition, Credential, and Password Built-in Camera stores up to 4,000 snapshots 2.8 inch LCD Display Capacity 4,000 fingerprints 2,000 face 10,000 card credentials Network-attached Built-in camera for event snapshot and user photo Powered using 12 VDC power supply, or optional PoE kit (with splitter)  TVIP4FF-Pro Product Sheet Face Recognition in a Crowd Face recognition is used to improve security, prevent crimes, and keep us healthy. The latest facial recognition systems provide real-time information about who is entering specific areas in your facility, such as: recently terminated employees returning to work, restraining order alerts, a person of interest, people making threats to employees, people who may be sick, and more. Facial Recognition for Pandemic Control Face recognition is used to track people within an organization. By maintaining a list of people who come in contact with each other the system builds a database that can be review for contact tracing. Face Recognition and Access Control Facial recognition is used for door access control or to identify a person in a crowd. Door access uses face recognition algorithms that are built into the door reader. Face recognition in a crowd uses an IP camera. Read more... Fingerprint Reader-Controllers TVIP3F-ProX Fingerprint, RFID Credential, and Pin with Built-in POE Support This professional fingerprint reader is PoE ready. It includes an RFID Prox reader and keypad. The latest high-speed processor has increased the fingerprint verification speed. Its optimized fingerprint algorithm has improved recognition of difficult fingerprints that are wet, dry, or rough. The touch keypad delivers a smooth and easy user operation to enroll and delete users, set device, and access control parameters. Features: Sophisticated Fingerprint sensor and detection Live finger detection Supports PoE without a splitter Multiple verification modes - Fingerprint, Credential, and Password 2.4 inch LCD Display Built-in Camera stores up to 7,000 snapshots Capacity 20,000 fingerprints 50,000 card credentials Network-attached Powered using PoE or 12 VDC power supply (included) TVIP3F-ProX Product Sheet TVIP3F-ProWP Outdoor Fingerprint Reader, RFID credential, and Pin This professional fingerprint reader can be used outdoors. It includes an RFID Prox reader and keypad.  The latest high-speed processor has increased the fingerprint verification speed.  Its optimized fingerprint algorithm has improved recognition of difficult fingerprints that are wet, dry, or rough.  The touch keypad delivers a smooth and easy user operation to enroll and delete users, set device, and access control parameters. Features: Sophisticated Fingerprint sensor and detection Live finger detection Outdoor rated, IP65 door reader Multiple verification modes - Fingerprint, Credential, and Password Built-in Camera stores up to 7,000 snapshots 2.4 inch LCD Display Capacity 20,000 fingerprints 10,000 card credentials Network-attached Includes 12 VDC power supply, or optional PoE kit (splitter) TVIP3F-ProWP Product Sheet Finger-Vein Reader TVIP4FV-Pro Finger-vein, Fingerprint, RFID, and Pin The combination of fingerprint and vein pattern recognition dramatically increases the reliability of this IP reader.  The multi-biometric capability processes the vein pattern under the finger as well as the fingerprint. This biometric information is captured and converted to a biometric template.  The matching and verification algorithm is fast and accurate. Features: Sophisticated vein pattern capture and identification. Advanced fingerprint sensor and detection Live finger detection Multiple verification modes - Fingerprint, Vein pattern, Credential, and Password 2.8 inch LCD Display Capacity 1,500 fingerprints 1,500 vein patterns 2,000 card credentials Network-attached Includes 12 VDC power supply, or optional PoE kit (with splitter) TVIP4FV-Pro Product Sheet Proximity door reader/controller TVIP-2R-Pro This reader-controller reads standard RFID proximity credentials The 2R-Pro IP door reader can be used in an access control system that provides advanced functionality such as elevator control, pass-back control, emergency lockdown, and integration with video recording systems. This network-attached reader-controller is designed to be easily installed. You can start with just one IP reader and add additional readers as required. The door readers can operate in standalone mode or as part of a centrally managed enterprise door access control system. Read more ... > RFID Door Reader Product sheet More Door Access Control Systems There are several door access control systems available. The IP door control system connects to the network. You can select the Isonas IP door reader/controllers that are excellent for small to medium systems, or the Hartmann Controls Enterprise access control system that includes advanced capability such as elevator control, and integration with IP camera systems. Isonas Reader/Controller The Isonas access control system includes intelligent readers. The controller includes all the Power for the electric lock It also provides connections for door sensors, relays, Request to Exit (REX) buttons, motion detectors, and more. The Isonas reader/controller supports mobile credentials.  Read more … Separate Controller and Slave Reader Door Access Control System The Hartmann door access system uses a separate network-attached IP controller. The controller can be located at the door or placed in a central location and can support more than one door. This access control system uses Slave Door Readers.  Read More … Access Control Software for Biometric Door Readers TVIPTirSoft is door access control and management software that works with the professional door readers. The software is licensed per device and is a web-based secure platform for managing all the Pro biometric IP door readers. This powerful door access management software supports up to 2,000 door readers per server, with a total capacity of 8,000 readers using multiple servers. It includes optional modules for video integration, elevator control, and visitor management.  It even has an optional smartphone app for mobile control of your door control system. Door Access System Management Features The graphical user interface provides easy management of personnel, door readers, registration of credentials, and reports. The interface allows you to easily select Personnel information the device information and establish alarms, access levels monitor events, view a map, determine the status of all the door readers. It even can tell you who is inside and list all the transactions. The sophisticated database makes it easy to add all the organization's personnel information. It includes information such as a person's ID, social security number (if required), department, license plate number, phone number, etc.  with departments and company organization. The software makes it easy to add the biometric information, You can add a fingerprint, or finger-vein biometrics using a graphic user interface that makes it easy to assign the fingers. You can even add more that one biometric for additional security. Features include Web-based administration and monitoring All-In-One solution (Access Control, Video Integration, Elevator Control, and Visitor Management) Optional Mobile App If-then logic table for automated reaction to alarms Simple structure and user interface Controls up to 2,000 doors, with the option of adding additional servers for a maximum of 8,000 doors Advanced Access Control Functions (inc. Zone Control + Who’s inside) Global Anti-Passback and Linkage Video Camera integration with Samsung (Hanwha), Hikvision, and other IP cameras Automatic data backup Alarms and event notification by Email System log functions Hardware required:   Pentium class dual-core processor or above, 2GB RAM, 10 GB of free HD space. Product Specification ### Samsung WiseNet Lite Series WiseNet Lite Series of Economical IP Cameras The Hanwha L-Series family provides a selection of inexpensive yet very functional cameras.  They use up to 2-Megapixel sensors, have good low light performance, but don't have the higher resolution provided by the other families of products.  You can select dome, bullet, or PTZ cameras. The L-series provides the following features True WDR(120dB), WiseStreamⅡHallway view, LDC (Lens Distortion Correction)Motion detection, TamperingSD/SDHC memory slot (Max. 32GB), PoEIP66 / IK10 support (Vandal-Resistant cameras) IP Camera Comparison Chart MODELRESOLUTIONDESCRIPTION  Dome IP Cameras Fixed lens   LND-6011R/6021R/6031R (indoor) 2.0-MP, 1920 x 1080Select, 3mm fixed (LND-6011R), 4mm fixed (LND-6021R), 6mm fixed (LND-6031R)   Color : 0.18 Lux (F2.0)B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)IR range 65 ft. (20m) Wide dynamic range (WDA): 120 dB, Hallway view, Motion detection, and Tampering detection. Variable lens LND-6071R (indoor) LNV-6071R (Outdoor) 2.0-MP, 1920 x 10803.2 ~ 10mm (3.1x) varifocal, H : 101.6°(Wide) ~ 31.3°(Tele)   Color : 0.095Lux (F1.6), B/W : 0Lux (IR LED on) IR range 65 ft. (20m) Wide dynamic range (WDA): 120 dB, Hallway view, Motion detection, and Tampering detection. SND-L6013 (indoor) SND-L6013R (IR) (indoor)IR: 20m (65.62 ft) 2-MP, 1920 x 10803.6mm fixed, H : 86.5   Color : 0.15Lux (1/30sec, F1.8),B/W : 0.15Lux (1/30sec, F1.8) Built-in mic With IR Illuminator20m (82.02ft) SND-L6083R  (indoor) SNV-L6083R (Outdoor) 2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens: 2.8 ~ 12mm (4.3x) varifocal, H : 103.8˚(Wide) ~ 32.4˚(Tele)   Color : 0.095Lux (1/30sec, F1.4), B/W : 0Lux (IR LED on) - 15m (49.21ft)     Note that the XNV-6022RM replaces this cameraSNV-L6014RM 2-MP, 1280 x 1024   Mobile Vandal flat Dome Lens: 3.6mm fixed:H : 86.5°   Color : 0.15Lux (1/30sec, F1.8) B/W : 0Lux (IR LED on) IR viewable 15m, IP66, IK10 IP Bullet Cameras Outdoor Cameras with fixed lenses LNO-6011R /6021R/6031R 2-MP, 1280 x 1024    Lens: 3mm fixed (LNO-6011R), 4mm fixed (LNO-6021R), 6mm fixed (LNO-6031R) H : 102° / V : 54° / D : 120° (LNO-6011R)H : 80° / V : 43° / D : 94° (LNO-6021R)H : 51° / V : 29° / D : 58° (LNO-6031R) Color : 0.18Lux (F2.0), B/W : 0Lux (IR LED on) With IR Illuminator: 30m (98 ft) Wide dynamic range (WDA): 120 dB Outdoor camera with variable lens LNO-6073R 2-MP, 1280 x 1024Lens:  3.2 ~ 10mm (3.1x) varifocal. H : 101.6°(Wide) ~ 31.3°(Tele)   With IR Illuminator: 30m (98 ft) Wide dynamic range (WDA): 120 dB IP PTZ IP Cameras SNP-L5233H (Outdoor) SNP-L5233 (Indoor) 1.3-MP, 1280 x 1024Lens: 4.44 ~ 102.1mm (Optical 23x   Color : 0.1Lux (1/30sec, F1.6, 50IRE, AGC high), B/W : 0.01Lux (1/30sec, F1.6, 50IRE, AGC high),     SNP-L6233 (Indoor) SNP-L6233H (Outdoor)   2-MP, 1280 x 1024Indoor L6233: 4.44 ~ 102.1mm (Optical 23x)   Outdoor L6233H: 4.4 ~ 101.2mm (Optical 23x), H : 63.68˚(Wide) ~ 3.1˚(Tele) Color : 0.3Lux (1/30sec, F1.6, 50IRE, AGC high) B/W : 0.03Lux (1/30sec, F1.6, 50IRE SNP-L6233RH (outdoor)   Outdoor PTZ with IR Illuminator 2-MP, 1280 x 1024Outdoor with IR: 4.4 ~ 101.2mm (Optical 23x)   Color : 0.3Lux (1/30sec, F1.6, 50IRE), IR Illuminator: 100m (328.08ft) Learn more about Hanwha IP Cameras | Compare to Other Manufacturer's Cameras If you need help selecting the right IP cameras just contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Samsung P-Series 4K IP Cameras WiseNet P Series of 4K IP Cameras 4K IP Camera Chart | More Hanwha IP Cameras | IP Camera Systems | This family of cameras provides 4K resolution and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capability.  They use up to 12-Megapixel sensors to provide the highest resolution.  These amazing cameras have excellent low light performance and wide dynamic range.  You can select dome, bullet with remote zoom and focus, or PTZ cameras.  The cameras support the latest H.265 compression. This means you use less bandwidth and video storage. The latest 4K IP cameras were tested against other 4K IP cameras.  This 4K camera review compared the Axis, Hikvision, and Sony.  The PNO-8090R was one of the best cameras in the shootout. The advantage of a 4K camera is that it provides a much wider field of view than the lower resolution IP cameras. The following chart summarizes the key features of the cameras in this group. AI-Enhanced Cameras | SolidEDGE Built-in Recording 4K IP Camera Selection Chart MODELRESOLUTIONKEY FEATURESPND-9080R (indoor)PNV-9080R (outdoor), IP66, IP67, IK10, Bi-directional audio support12-MP, 4000 x 3000Lens: 4.5 ~ 10mm (2.2x) motorized varifocal lens.   Lens angle:  [3840 x 2160] H : 92.3˚(Wide) ~ 42.6˚(Tele) / V : 49.7˚(Wide) ~ 24.0˚(Tele) Day & Night (ICR), WDR (120dB), Simple focus, P-Iris 0.3 Lux@F1.6 (Color), 0 Lux (B/W : IR LED on) WDR: 120 dB     Fisheye Panoramic Cameras PNF-9010R (Indoor)PNF-9010RV (Outdoor)PNF-9010RVM (Mobile) 12-MP, 4000 x 3000Lens: 2.1mm fixed / F2.2, Viewing angle: H : 180° / V : 180° / D : 180°   Variable view mode (Fishyeye, Single panorama,Double panorama, Quad view etc) Simple focus / Manual - Remote control via network Color : 0.3Lux (F2.2, 30IRE), B/W : 0Lux (IR LED on) WDR: 120 dB   Bullet IP Camera PNO-9080R (Outdoor) 12-MP, 4000 x 3000Lens: 4.5 ~ 10mm (2.2x) motorized varifocal   Lens angle:  [3840 x 2160] H : 92.3˚(Wide) ~ 42.6˚(Tele) / V : 49.7˚(Wide) ~ 24.0˚(Tele) Simple focus (Motorized V/F) / Manual, Remote control via network (Manual, Simple focus) Color : 0.3Lux (1/30sec, F1.6, 30IRE), 0.01Lux (2sec, F1.6, 30IRE) B/W : 0Lux (IR LED on) WDR: 120 dB 4K PTZ Camera PTZ 4K, 20X with IR PNP-9200RH (Outdoor) Product sheet 8-MP, 3840 x 21604.8 ~ 96mm (Optical 20x) H : 65.1˚(Wide) ~ 3.8˚(Tele) / V : 38.4˚(Wide) ~ 2.2˚(Tele)   Color : 0.3Lux / F1.6 (1/30sec, F1.8, 50IRE), 0.005Lux (2sec, F1.8, 50IRE) 0.1Lux / F1.6 (1/30sec, F1.8, 30IRE), 0.0005Lux (2sec, F1.8, 30IRE) B/W : 0Lux (IR LED on) Pan: Range, speed: 360˚ Endless / Preset : 400˚/sec, Manual : 0.024˚/sec ~ 250˚/sec Tilt: 190˚ (-5˚ ~185˚ ) / Preset : 300˚/sec, Manual : 0.024˚/sec ~ 250˚/sec WDR: 120 dB   Multi-sensor 180° IP Camera PNM-9020V(Outdoor) 7.3-MP, 4096 x 1800Lens: 3.6mm fixed   Color : 0.3Lux Pan/tilt/rotate: 0° ~ 355° / 0° ~ 60°     Multi-sensor Multi-directional IP Camera PNM-9080VQ(Indoor/outdoor) 8-MP, using Four 1920 x 1080 pixel camerasLens: 2.8 mm to 12 mm (4.3x) motorized zoom and focusLens angle: 119.5° to 27.9°Color : 0.015LuxB/W: 0.0015 luxWide Dynamic Range (WDR):  150 dBRequires PoE+ or 12VDC power Multi-sensor Multi-directional IP Camera   PNM-9081VQ(Indoor/outdoor) 20-MP, using Four 2560 x 1920 pixel camerasLens: 3.6 mm to 9.4 mm (2.6x) motorized zoom and focusLens angle: 102° to 38°Color : 0.07LuxB/W: 0.007 luxWide Dynamic Range (WDR): 120 dBRequires HPoE (injector included) or 12VDC power  IP Cameras with Narrow Artificial Intelligence.  The latest intelligent IP cameras are smart enough to recognize different objects, such as people, vehicles, and animals. Intelligent enough to reduce false alarms, increase awareness and response time, and even deliver information for demographics (Business Intelligence) purposes. The addition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides a much more effective and efficient IP camera system.  This AI provides critical alarms and reduces the time it takes to review and find the vital video. These cameras also include a high-performance image processor that enables very low-light performance. Read more about IP cameras with AI. There is also analytic software with advanced capability that can detect threats. Read more about AI in IP camera systems. Camera models with Artificial Intelligence The cameras include the following capability: Video Analytics based on AI Object detection and classification(Person, Face, Vehicle, License Plate) Attribute, "BestShot" Resolution 3864(H)x2180(V) MODELDESCRIPTIONKEY FEATURES PNV-A9081R4K Network AI IR Vandal Outdoor Dome Camera. H:101.4°(Wide)~45.5°(Tele) Resolution: 3864(H)x2180(V)0.05Lux@F1.6 (Color), 0Lux (B/W, IR LED on) Day & Night(ICR), WDR(120dB)4.5~10mm(2.2x) motorized varifocal PND-A9081RF 4K Network AI IR Indoor Dome Camera, H:101.4°(Wide)~45.5°(Tele)0.05Lux@F1.6 (Color), 0Lux (B/W, IR LED on) Day & Night(ICR), WDR(120dB)4.5~10mm(2.2x) motorized varifocalPNO-A9081R 4K Network AI IR Bullet Camera Up to 3840x2160 4K resolution H:101.4°(Wide)~45.5°(Tele)0.05Lux@F1.6 (Color), 0 Lux (B/W, IR LED on)Day & Night(ICR), WDR (120dB)4.5~10mm(2.2x) motorized varifocal More AI IP Cameras PNV-A6081R 2-Megapixel Vandal Dome Camera Key Features Max. 2MP resolution, Up to 120fps Very low-light sensitivity: 0.007 Lux@F1.3, 1/30sec. (Color), 0Lux (B/W, IR LED on) Day & Night (ICR), WDR (120dB), WiseNRII (Using AI engine) H.265, H.264, MJPEG, WiseStreamII, WiseStreamIII (Using AI engine) Video Analytics based on AI Object detection and classification (Person, Face, Vehicle, License Plate) Face mask detection, Social distancing detection Attribute, BestShot Compatible with Wisenet Retail Insight v2.0 for Business Intelligence Age/gender based People counting Heatmap, Queue management TPM with FIPS 140-2 level 2, Secure boot, Verify firmware forgery System requirements Wisenet WAVE 4.1 or later, SSM v2.10.8 or later, Genetec plugin v1.0 or later, Milestone plugin v1.0.2 or later, NVR model (XRN-6410DB4/B4, XRN-3210B4) Hard-coated dome bubble/IP66, IP67, IP6K9K, IK10+, NEMA4X PNO-A6081R 2-Megapixel Bullet Camera Similar to the PNV-A6081R except this is a bullet type camera. To learn more about IP cameras with Artificial Intelligence See our article, IP Camera Systems Are Getting Smarter. Brochure describes all the features of the Hanwha AI IP cameras. Serverless Camera with Built-in SSD drive PNV-A6081R-E 2MP AI IR Outdoor Vandal Dome Camera with 1TB / 2TB SolidEDGE WAVE Recording Solution SolidEDGE is the first true serverless, cloud-managed surveillance solution with a built-in rugged SSD drive—engineered for harsh environments and remote locations. With dependable in-camera recording, SolidEDGE also connects up to five additional cameras using Hanwha Vision’s powerful WAVE VMS. SolidEDGE PNV-A6081R-E Built to endure: Reinforced housing, scratch-resistant dome, humidity control, and wide operating temperature range (-30°C to +55°C / -22°F to +131°F) ensure reliable, long-term performance in harsh outdoor environments. Serverless & compact: Records directly to 1TB or 2TB onboard SSD Expandable: Supports up to 5 nearby cameras and merges with up to 30 SolidEDGE systems AI-enabled forensic search: Enhanced object detection for faster, smarter reviews Secure by design: Embedded TPM 2.0 and NDAA compliant Specifications: NDAA, FCC & UL compliant PNV-A6081R-E1T (1TB) and PNV-A6081R-E2T (2TB) embedded Solid State Drive (SSD) with WAVE VMS pre-loaded Includes 1-channel WAVE Professional camera license A complete server-less VMS solution Capable of recording up to 5 additional cameras for a total recording solution, up to 6 total cameras (32Mbps total recording throughput) Cloud-managed and accessible using WAVE Sync License-Free Video Analytics based on AI Object detection and classification (Person, Face, Vehicle, License Plate), Attribute, BestShot Virtual line/directional detection, Enter, Exit, Intrusion, loitering, defocus detection, Face mask detection, social distancing detection, audio detection, sound classification, tampering, shock detection, People Counting, Queue Management, Heatmap, Motion detection, PTZ Handover, audio event playback 2MP resolution up to 120fps WiseIR 131.23ft WDR (120dB) 4.38~9.33mm(2.13x) motorized varifocal lens with Simple focus for easy remote adjustments Triple codec H.265/H.264/MJPEG WiseStream III compression technology to save bandwidth & storage USB, analog video output ports for easy installation True D/N Hard-coated dome bubble PoE+(IEEE802.3at type 2, Class4), 12VDC, Power redundancy failover IP66/IP67/IP6K9K, NEMA4X, IK10 TPM with FIPS 140-2 level 2, Secure boot, Verify firmware forgery 19.1mm(3/4")(M25) conduit hole, single, double, 4" octagon, 4" square gangbox compatibility Note: to use AI/Analytics on the SolidEDGE or connected cameras, please update the system to: Camera firmware  2.21.03 or later. WAVE build 5.1.2.37996 or later, WiseAI App 1.01.02 (20230127) or later.   Learn more about More Samsung IP Cameras | Compare Other Manufacturer's Cameras If you need help selecting the right IP cameras just contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Samsung Hanwha Q Series IP Cameras WiseNet Q-Series Q-Series Comparison Table | Cameras With Motorized Lenses | Cameras with Advanced Motion Detection These IP cameras support the latest H.265 compression, which saves bandwidth and storage.  The family includes an affordable set of dome and bullet cameras that include 2-Megapixel, 4-Megapixel, and 5-Megapixel cameras.  The 4 and 5-Megapixel models include remote zoom and focus lens, yet are very inexpensive. The PTZ camera provides 2-Megapixel resolution, IR illumination, and yet is very affordable. These cameras also provide WDR, and video analytics that includes motion detection, tampering and defocus detection.  This series of cameras provide the best cost-performance available. There are indoor and outdoor vandal-resistant cameras to choose from.  They all include IR-illumination.  Here are some of the models available. Q-Series IP Cameras Learn more about More Hanwha IP Cameras | Compare Other Manufacturer's Cameras Q-Series Dome and Bullet IP Camera Comparison Table MODEL RESOLUTION LENS and LIGHT SENSITIVITY Dome IP Cameras QND-6012R/6022R/6032R (Indoor)QNV-6012R/6022R/6032R (Outdoor) 2-MP, 1920 x 1080 Lens: 2.4mm fixed (QNV-6012R), 4mm fixed (QNV-6022R), 6mm fixed (QNV-6032R)Color : 0.10Lux, B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dB With Variable LensQND-6082R (Indoor)QNV-6082R (Outdoor)2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens: 3.2 ~ 10mm (4.3x) manual. H : 103.8˚ ~ 32.4˚ / V 53.7˚ ~ 18.4˚ / D 121.9˚ ~ 37.1˚Manual focusColor : 0.095Lux (30IRE), B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dBQND-7010R/7020R/7030R (Indoor)QNV-7010R/7020R/7030R Discontinued see QNV-8080 below (Outdoor)4-MP, 2592 x 1520Lens: 2.8mm fixed (QNV-7010R), 3.6mm fixed (QNV-7020R), 6mm fixed (QNV-7030RColor : 0.5Lux (QNV-7010R), 0.4Lux (QNV-7020R), 0.3Lux (QNV-7030R)B/W : 0Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dBWith variable zoom lens and remote focusQND-7084R (Indoor)QNV-7084R (Outdoor)4-MP, 2592 x 1520Lens: 2.8 ~ 12mm (4.3x) motorized varifocalSimple focus (Motorized V/F) / Manual, Remote control via networkColor : 0.095Lux (30IRE), B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dBBullet IP CamerasQNO-6010R/6020R/6030R(Outdoor)2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens: 2.8mm fixed (QNO-6010R), 3.6mm fixed (QNO-6020R), 6mm fixed (QNO-6030R)Color : 0.15Lux, B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dBWith Variable lensQNO-6070R2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens: 2.8 ~ 12mm (4.3x) manualColor : 0.095Lux (30IRE), B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dBQNO-7010R/7020R/7030R (Discontinued see QNO-8080 below)(Outdoor) QNO-7080R with 2.8 ~ 12mm (4.3x) motorized varifocal lens4-MP, 2592 x 1520Lens: 2.8mm fixed (QNV-7010R), 3.6mm fixed (QNV-7020R), 6mm fixed (QNV-7030R)Color : 0.5Lux (QNV-7010R), 0.4Lux (QNV-7020R), 0.3Lux (QNV-7030R)B/W : 0Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 60 dBWith variable remote zoom and focus lensQNO-8080R5-MP, 2592 x 1944Lens : 3.2~10mm (3.1x) motorized varifocal lensSimple focus (Motorized V/F) / Manual, Remote control via networkColor : 0.15Lux (30IRE), B/W : 0Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dBIR Viewable length 30mPTZ CameraQNP-6230RH2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens : 4.44~102.2mm(23x) lens. H: 61.8°(Wide)~3.08°(Tele)Maximum IR viewable length : 100mColor: 0.05Lux(F1.6, 1/30sec), BW 0 lux with IR IP Cameras With Motorized Varifocal Lenses: QNO-6082R1 2 MP Network IR Bullet Camera with Motorized Varifocal Lens Key Features: 2 Megapixel (1920 x 1080) resolution Bullet Camera 3.2 ~ 10.0mm (3.1x) motorized varifocal lens 0.095Lux (Color), 0Lux (B/W, IR LED on) 30fps@all resolutions (H.265/H.264) H.265, H.264, MJPEG codec supported, Multiple streaming Day & Night (ICR), WDR (120dB) Defocus detection, Directional detection, Motion detection, Enter/Exit, Tampering, Virtual line micro SD (128GB) memory slot, PoE / 12V DC IR viewable length 30m, IP66, IK10 Hallway view support Analog video out & simple focus for easy installation LDC support (Lens Distortion Correction) QNV-6082R Dome IP Camera 2 MP Network IR Vandal Resistant Dome Camera with Varifocal Lens has better low-light capability of 0.03lux (Color), 0Lux (B/W, IR LED on) The other specifications are similar to the Bullet QNO-6082R described above. QNO-80802R 5 MP Network IR Bullet Camera with Motorized Varifocal Lens Key Features: 5 Megapixel resolution 3.2~10mm (3.1x) motorized varifocal lens 0.15Lux (Color), 0Lux (B/W, IR LED on) 30fps@all resolutions (H.265/H.264) H.265, H.264, MJPEG codec supported, Multiple streaming Day & Night (ICR), WDR (120dB) Defocus detection, Directional detection, Motion detection, Enter/Exit, Tampering, Virtual line micro SD (128GB) memory slot, PoE IR viewable length 25m, IP66, IK10 Hallway view support Analog video out & simple focus for easy installation LDC support (Lens Distortion Correction) QNV-8080R Dome IP Camera 5 MP Network IR Vandal Resistant Dome IP Camera with Varifocal Lens has similar specifications as the QNO-8080R bullet camera described above. QNO-8010R/8020R/8030R 5.0 Megapixel IP Bullet Cameras with fixed lenses Lenses 2.8 mm, 4.0 mm, 6 mm IP Cameras With Advanced Motion Detection These advanced 4-Megapixel cameras include some advanced features such as directional movement detection. They can provide an alarm if someone is moving into and area, but not if they are leaving the area. Here are examples of these advanced outdoor IP cameras: QNV-7082R QNV-7082R 4-Megapixel Dome Camera 4MP resolution, Up to 30fps Color : 0.1Lux (F1.6, 1/30sec), B/W : 0Lux (IR LED On) 3.2 ~ 10mm (3.1x) motorized varifocal. 98.6˚(Wide) ~ 30.8˚(Tele) IR viewable length: 30m (98.42ft) Day & Night (ICR), WDR (120dB) H.265, H.264, MJPEG, Multiple streaming supported Defocus detection, Directional detection, Motion detection, Enter/Exit, Tampering Hallway view (90⁰/270⁰), LDC support, WiseStream II Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC memory 1 slot (Max. 128GB) IP66, IK10 QNO-7082R QNO-7082R 4-Megapixel bullet camera 4MP resolution, Up to 30fps Color : 0.1Lux (F1.6, 1/30sec), B/W : 0Lux (IR LED On) 2 ~ 10mm (3.1x) motorized varifocal H : 98.6˚(Wide) ~ 30.8˚(Tele) IR viewable length: 30m (98.42ft) Day & Night (ICR), WDR (120dB) 265, H.264, MJPEG, Multiple streaming supported Defocus detection, Directional detection, Motion detection, Enter/Exit, Tampering Hallway view (90⁰/270⁰), LDC support, WiseStream II Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC memory slot (Max. 128GB) IP66, IK10 Common Specifications: H.265, H.264, MJPEG codec supported, Multiple streaming Motion detection, Tampering, Defocus detection micro SD (128GB) memory slot, PoE / 12V DC IR viewable length 30m, IP66, IK10 Hallway view support LDC support (Lens Distortion Correction) Cloud Ready IP Cameras With AI and Two-Way Audio QNV-C6083R Now the Wisenet Q series meets AI with advanced Object Detection and WiseMD for accurate Motion Detection of AI Objects, eliminating false positives from foliage, lighting changes, etc. CloudConnector Compatible – Connects easily with HealthPro, OnCloud, SightMind 2MP resolution 3.2 ~ 10.2mm ((H: 102.0°~32.2° / V: 54.2°~18.3°) motorized varifocal lens 30fps@all resolutions (H.265/H.264) Triple codec H.265/H.264/MJPEG with Wisestream III (Based on AI engine), WiseNRII(Based on AI engine) Day & Night (ICR), WDR (120dB) Defocus detection, Appear/Disappear, Tampering, WiseMD based on AI engine, AI Object Detection - Classified object type: Person/Vehicle (vehicle type: car/bus/truck/motorcycle/bicycle); IVA events based on AI engine: Virtual line (Crossing/Direction), Virtual area (Loitering/Intrusion/Enter/Exit) People Counting, Heatmap, Queue Management, & Vehicle Counting micro SD (256GB) memory slot PoE / 12V DC IR viewable length 40m (131ft) IP66, IK10 Hallway view support LDC support (Lens Distortion Correction) USB for easy installation, open platform Audio I/O & Alarm I/O is supported through an optional cable (SPP-C7400) Conduit access with optional SBO-147BA adapter accessory Operating temperature -30°C~+55°C(-22°F ~ +131°F), white color QNV-C6083R To learn more about More Hanwha IP Cameras | Compare Other Manufacturer's Cameras ### SCSI Expander from Atto We have discontinued the SCSI expander that was used with CD-ROM Tower/Servers. Discontinued Products: | CD-ROM Towers | CD-ROM Server | CD Connections and CD-Server Software If you need a CD DVD ROM type server, take a look at PrimeArray Systems.  They still manufacture these systems. We used to sell CD/DVD systems, but today we focus on network-attached security systems.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. They were a great way to share CD-ROM or DVD-ROM discs on the network, but today most information is available either on the Web, Cloud server or local server.  CD and DVD discs for data storage are mostly obsolete. Other products available include IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control For your reference, here is some information about the old product: The Atto SCSI expander allows more than 7 CD-ROM drives to be attached to a SCSI adapter card. Usually, only one 7-drive tower can be attached to a SCSI interface, but the SCSI expander allows up to seven 7-drive towers to be attached to one SCSI interface. This is excellent for Macintosh computers, where SCSI output connections are limited. The SCSI interface has a limit of 7 drives per interface, but with the SCSI expander from Atto, up to 49 drives can be attached to one SCSI interface. This means up to Seven 7-drive towers with SCSI expanders installed, can be attached to one SCSI interface. Our towers are available with or without the SCSI expander. The Atto SCSI expander makes use of Logical Unit Numbers (LUN). Seven LUNs are available for each SCSI ID. Instead of having only seven drives per SCSI adapter card, you can now have up to 49 drives per SCSI adapter card. The SCSI Expander is also the perfect way to add more than 6-drives to your Macintosh computer. Your hard disk takes up one of the SCSI IDs, so only 6 more drives can be added, but with the SCSI expander, you can add towers with up to 42 drives. Do not confuse the expansion of the SCSI port, with software that provides a single drive letter for many CD-ROM drives or CD-platters.  The CD-Server software described below, not only supports the SCSI expander, but also combines drive letters into one letter. ### Print Factory-2 Automated CD DVD Printer Sorry, these systems have been discontinued.   We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems For your reference, here is some information about the old product: More Duplication Systems | Automatic Duplicators | Duplication Towers | Other CD-R Printers The PF-2 Disc Printer provided the fastest, highest-quality duplicators in the world. Based on their popular Print Factory design, the PF-2 achieved the highest throughput without sacrificing quality because it was the highest resolution CD/DVD printer on the market. And you could do it for a lower-cost-per-disc than any other printer! Additional features include a 100-disc capacity and spindled output for perfectly handled discs every time! Highlights 100 Disc Input/OutputUp to 4800 x 1200 DPIPrints in Less than 15 Seconds (1200 DPI Image with 20% Coverage)Cartridges Yield in the Hundreds of DiscsFully Integrated, Automated PrinterSoftware IncludedUSB or Parallel Port Specifications Specification Print Speed:Depends upon percentage of coverage and print mode selected:About 108 seconds for 100%, full-color coverage, Photo Normal ModeAbout 20 seconds for 100%, full-color coverage Text & Graphics, Best ModeAbout 12 seconds for 20% coverage Text & Graphics, Normal ModeInk Types:3-color 38ml cartridge: Part Number PRF38ML3-Color 19ml cartridge: Part Number PRF19MLBlack monochrome C8842a Fast Dry Black (recommended)Optional Ink Types:Black monochrome C6615d Photo Mode OnlyBlack monochrome 51645a Photo Mode Only Media Types:Printable-surface 120mm CD-R or DVD-R Label Editing Software:Surething TM First Edition Software for Windows included Maximum Print Width:4.72" (120mm) Power Supply:Auto Detect AC Power:90VAC - 240VAC, 47Hz - 63HzWarranty:One Year   Print Technology:HP Thermal Inkjet Print Quality, Black: 600 x 600 dpi, with HP PhotoREt III Print Quality, Color: 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi, with HP PhotoREt III Color Technology: HP PhotoREt III Connectivity:USB or Parallel Supported Operating Systems:Windows 2000, Windows XP System Requirements:Pentium 233 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 40 MB hard disk space For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Microboards MX-2 Disc Publisher Sorry, we no longer sell the MX-2 disc publication system.   We no longer carry CD-R Auto Duplicators We used to sell CD/DVD systems, but today we focus on network-attached security systems.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. See our security products such as IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control For your reference, here is some information about the old product: The MX-2 Publisher, featured two 52X/18X CD/DVD recorders combined with our World Famous Print Factory® print engine. The easy-to-use, yet powerful recording software enables users to burn and print separate jobs to each drive or a single job to all drives. The MX-2 prints at up to 4800 dpi with ultra-fast CD or DVD recording The MX-2 print engine and the recorders connect to your PC via USB 2.0, ensuring true 18X DVD recording. Amazing Features! Two 18x DVD / 48x CD recordersWorld Famous Print Factory® Print EngineAsynchronous Print and Record functionSureThing Label Design SoftwarePrassi Technology Zulu2 Recording SoftwareDynamic interface for both beginners and power users.Burn easily DVD Video, DVD-ROM, Audio CD, CD Rom, CD Extra, Video CD and much more. All popular and non popular recording formats are supported. It also supports RAW mode and direct copy.Full support for CD Text, CD Extra, Pre-Gap, UPC and ISRC.True recording speed. During the reading process, the effective, real-time writing speed is displayed.Multi-borders support.Supports all images (.ISO, .BIN, .CUE, etc.) and creates DiscImage from any actions.Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Windows Media 9 audio.Integrated print function supports SureThing label files and prn files. Specifications SpecificationFeatureInput Capacity:100 DiscsDrives:2 18x DVD / 48x CD recordersReliability:MTBF>10,000 HoursWeight:61 lbsDimensions:9”H x 22”D x 22” W Please contact us for assistance in selecting the right archiving system for your application.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Microboards GX Publisher Sorry, we no longer sell CD and DVD Duplication Systems. We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems For your reference, here is some information about the old product: The GX2 Print & Burn Station allowed you to make Discs on your desktop It connected to your PC. or Mac. It allowed you to easily design labels, print, and burn discs of superior quality! With its 50-disc input capacity, high-speed CD/DVD combo drive, integrated inkjet printer, and small desktop footprint, the GX is perfect for businesses and organizations requiring short runs of discs. Anyone can benefit from its innovative design and low price point! Easy to OperateSet up multiple jobs with any quantity, walk away, and leave the GX to do the rest. Burn virtually any DVD or CD format, including dual layer! Controlled from your PC over a single USB 2.0 cable, the GX is your all-in-one production package. Four Easy Steps to Creating Professional, Finished Discs Design your label. Use included templates for easy design or import from Photoshop®.Choose your recording files. Make audio discs, burn multimedia content, distribute software or archive data.Set the quantity desired. Also, access advanced features through the intuitive software interface.Walk away! Let the 50-disc input, reliable robotics, integrated inkjet printer, and high-speed recorder do the rest! Product Specifications 18X DVD/48X CD burning50-disc input capacity20 cents cost per print, full color, full coverageFast--less than one minute per printSoftware included (PrassiTech Zulu2 v. 2.0.302 and SureThing CD Labeler 4 SE, Microboards Edition)Tri-color ink cartridge (P/N: GX-200HC)Single high-speed USB 2.0 interfaceWindows XP/2000Up to 4800 dpi printingPatented disc-movement technology enhances speed and reliabilitySmallest desktop footprint: 11.5 inches wide! CD-R Auto Duplicators | CD-R Archivers | CD-R Printers For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Microboards Automated CD and DVD Disc Duplication Systems Sorry, we no longer sell CD and DVD Duplication Systems. We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems CD-R Auto Duplicators | CD-R Archivers | CD-R Printers Microboards provided a number of CD and DVD duplication systems. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: Comparison table of CD and DVD Duplication systems: MicroOrbitDVD CD and DVD Duplication 50-Disc CD Duplication system with one 16X/40X DVD/CD recorders. Batch-load DVD duplicator utilizing a new design from Microboards Technology. The Micro Orbit has only one button to operate its simulation and copy modes. GX2 Publisher Easily design labels, print, and burn discs of superior quality! With its 50-disc input capacity, high-speed CD/DVD combo drive, integrated inkjet printer, and small desktop footprint, the GX-1 is perfect for businesses and organizations requiring short runs of discs. The Orbit 3 100-disc DVD/CD recorder provides a low-cost DVD and CD duplication system. Includes one DVD recorder. MX-1 Publishing System 100-disc DVD/CD publishing system is a very cost-effective system that includes one recorder and a built-in printer. MX-2 Publishing System 100-disc DVD/CD publishing system is a very cost-effective system that includes dual recorders and a built-in printer. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Archive to Optical Discs Archiving systems now use Bluray Jukebox library systems instead of small appliances. Please take a look at the optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data to Bluray discs. Other systems to consider include Optical Jukebox Libraries | Archiving emails | IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control The following information is provided as a reference: The archiving appliances took advantage of the same robotic mechanisms used in automatic duplicators.  With these systems, you could archive email data or general data to a stack of discs. This is a batch process where a set of blank discs are placed on a spindle and written one-at-a-time and placed on an output spindle. The discs are stored off-line and can be accessed by reading them back in using the same. The jukebox or Library systems are the only devices that provide easy on-line retrieval of the discs. Most people can't recover emails from even a year or two ago. Why? Because even if system backups are being performed, emails are often deleted from servers during routine tape rotations. Tape can also break, wear out and become demagnetized. But what happens when some of those emails or files are needed in a lawsuit? Or what if a regulatory agency asks for specific emails and you can't produce them? The liabilities to an organization can be substantial. Archiving is now the law of the land. Sarbanes-Oxley and other regulations require archiving of your emails and other critical files. Archiving means that the information is placed on permanent media. Tape is not an archive media. Only Optical discs are considered to be archive media. Select the system that's right for your application. The Email Archiving Appliance makes it easy to archive Microsoft Data Exchange E-mails. The BaxterBAckup and ScribeBackup Achievers archive your general computer data to optical discs. If you also need fast retrieval of archived data, select from our optical libraries and jukeboxes. Take a look at the following comparison table. Here are some of the models we had available: MODELS  E-mail Archiving Appliance archives to CD and DVD media. Creates an off-line set of discsSimple Data Backup Archiving Appliance archives to CD and DVD media. Creates off-line a set of discs.Medical Imaging PACS Appliance. Archives images and provides hospital-wide viewingOn-line data archiving using an Optical Jukebox with Hierarchical Data Archiving system and on-line random retrievalHierarchical Data archiving Appliance with a network-wide, filter-based archiving archives to DVD and CD media creates a set of off-line discsDiscHub 100-disc Jukebox for writing and retrieving your data Please contact us for assistance in selecting the right archiving system for your application.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### GW-902H Video Camera Other Products to consider include IP Surveillance Systems | More Special Cameras | IP Camera Selection Chart With a highly sensitive CCD sensor, visibility is assured in conditions with a minimum illumination of 0.0003 lx. 3 times more sensitive (940nm) in the near-infrared wavelength.2.5 times more sensitive in the visible ray wavelengthSmear can be reduced by approx. -10dB.Using an infrared beam (700nm~950nm) an object can be monitored in darkness.High resolution: 380K(EIA) 440K(CCIR) pixels (570 horizontal TV lines).   Specifications for GW-902H SPECIFICATIONFeatureNotes  Pick-up element1/2"Interline transfer CCD image sensorNumber of effective pixelsEIA: 768(H)*494(V)CCIR: 752(H)*582(V)Unit cell sizeEIA: 8.4um(H)*9.8um(V)CCIR: 8.6um(H)*8.3um(V)Sync. systemInternalScanning system2:1 InterlaceVideo output1Vp-p, 75ohm unbalancedResolution(horizontal)570TV linesMinimum illumination0.0003 lx., F1.4(AGC High) / 0.002 lx., F1.4(AGC Low)S/N Ratio46dB(AGC off)Electronic irisEIA: OFF=1/60,1/60~1/100,000sec.CCIR: OFF=1/50,1/50~1/100,000sec.Gamma characteristic0.45AGCHigh:5~50dB, Low: 5~32dBBack light compensationONLens mountCS-mount/C-mount(30CMA-R)Power supplyDC+12V (-+10%)Currentmax.160mADimensions(m/m)35.5(w)*36.0(h)*58.0(d)Weight(g)approx.90 Please contact us for assistance in selecting the right archiving system for your application.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Operating Systems Supported by Qstar Sorry, the Jukebox Connectivity Software from Qstar, is no longer available.  Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems The following information is for reference only Qstar supported a wide variety of operating systems including HP-UX, IBM AIX, Windows, Sun, and many others. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.  We also provide optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data. Please contact us for assistance in selecting the right archiving system for your application.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### QStar Jukebox Software Jukebox Connectivity Software from Qstar, is no longer available.   Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.  We also provide optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data. Other products available Optical Jukebox Libraries | IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control The following information is provided as a reference: OVERVIEW CDs and DVDs have become a well-established storage media within the workplace. They are easily transported from one system to another and knowledge of their benefits has significantly increased. The CD/DVD Master product works across the network allowing both System Administrators and privileged clients to harness the power to manage more than just the standalone CD/DVD-R writer. With QStar's CD/DVD Master product, users get the ability to manage hundreds or thousands of CD/DVDs, with ease, through an intuitive GUI and advanced management tools. QStar's CD/DVD Master software combines all of the great features offered in the QStar CD/DVD Axxess product with the ability to intelligently write and group CD/DVD-R media within sets. FEATURES AND BENEFITS Standards Based Formats QStar's CD/DVD Master software adds the ability to write in either the ISO 9660 standard or UDF. These formats, recognized as world standards, will allow the media created with the QStar CD/DVD Master product to be transportable to other systems, even if they are not running the same operating system. Writing Options QStar’s CD/DVD Master supports both direct writing to media or scheduled writing of the ISO/UDF image. Administrators can assign mastered media to different media sets, and a profile can be defined to guarantee consistent media creation. E-mail notification ensures that System Administrators are informed of the completion of the write process and alerted to any conditions that could affect the systems ability to perform correctly. Automatic Media Assignment Administrators can create numerous sets whereby media will automatically be added, as appropriate, once mastered. This ensures that only the media the set requires will be allocated. Each surface of the set can be its own filesystem or all the media together can be one contiguous filesystem. Multi Disk Sets By allowing multiple CDs or DVDs to be grouped together, a reduced number of mount points or drive letters are required. Within a disk set, each CD or DVD may be seen as a sub-directory, or they may be grouped within sub-directories. Full Directory Caching By caching the directory structures of all of the CDs and DVDs, performance is increased by eliminating the need to repeatedly access the jukebox. Directory caching of disks provides off-line data management for CDs and DVDs, which can then be removed from the jukebox. Full Media Caching QStar Axxess can cache an entire CD or DVD if required; meaning the disk no longer has to reside in the jukebox for the data to be available to the users. This feature may be used for individual disks or by default on all of them. Set Management CDs and DVDs may be added and removed from disk sets while the set is mounted. When using off-line volume management, QStar Axxess will prompt for media to be added and removed from jukeboxes as needed. Please contact us for assistance in selecting the right archiving system for your application.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Archimedia Jukebox Connectivity Software from K-Par, is no longer available.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.  We also provide optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data. Some other products available include Optical Jukebox Libraries | IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control The following information is provided as a reference: Introduction Archimedia has been designed to take the heartache out of storage. Providing a means of viewing storage devices as a selection of large file systems, which are accessible over the network. This technology allows the system administrator to design a storage solution that will suit the needs of the users. Storage Management Using already proven technology, such as CD and magneto-optical, Archimedia enables the storage devices to be grouped together so that they can be viewed as a group of large file systems. This enables filesystems to grow to be terabytes in size, allowing access to enormous amounts of data. All data is stored on the media in internationally recognized formats such as ISO9660, Rock Ridge, Joliet, NTFS, SUN UFS, and UDF. Archimedia indexes all the files stored within the jukebox to provide fast access when a list of directory contents is requested by a user. This prevents the jukebox from thrashing, extending the life of your hardware. This is only part of the caching that Archimedia provides though. Data caching is just as important so that fast access can be provided to the actual files stored within the archive. Offline Access to Files Media can be off-lined within a file system allowing the disk to be removed from the archive, but leaving the files visible from the client. This allows the slot that was occupied to be reallocated for use by another piece of media. When a request for a file that is offline is made to the file system, Archimedia- can generate an event to alert a set of users that the media needs to be placed back online. This functionality allows the archive to grow infinitely so that your oldest, least accessed files can remain indexed but placed out of the jukebox to allow room for new media. Logical Volumes - eXtended File Systems (XFS) An XFS consists of a set of media stored within a jukebox that is grouped together logically to be presented across the network as one large storage area. This can be made to appear on the network as an NFS mount on UNIX, or as a drive letter on Windows-based machines. This makes transferring data easy to do, just drag and drop using file manager, explorer or even from the command line. Never before has it been so easy to store such enormous amounts of data. Hardware Supported Supporting all major manufacturers hardware, Archimedia provides instant access to CD, CDR, DVD, MO and WORM jukebox library systems. With quick and easy installation programs, storage couldn't be simpler. Please contact us for assistance in selecting the right archiving system for your application.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### CD-R Printer System Sorry, we no longer sell this CD printing system.  We used to sell CD/DVD systems, but today we focus on network-attached security systems.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: Affex CD Label Printer Now you can have the next generation in color printing for recordable CD and business card CDs. More Auto Duplicators | More CD-R Printers Professional quality printing on any high-quality printable surface CDs (and business card CDs) is now a reality with the Affex inkjet color printer. The printer is ideal for advertising agencies, recording studios, software developers, archiving service bureaus, educational, governmental and military institutions; any organization wanting to produce professionally printed CDs. The CD-ARTIST is a robust, industrial-strength, front load CD inkjet printer with our proprietary-design CD locking mechanism for precision-based CD printing. Based on the sturdy HP printer engine, this printer offers precision registration and full-bleed, edge-to-edge printing for the most discriminating of customers. This CD printer is perfect for service bureaus and others who must print complete graphic art on the entire printable surface of the CD-R. It prints using HP's Photo REt system for crisp and vibrant true 4 Color (CMYK) results at up to 2400 x 1200 dpi. Equipped with a USB port, and a parallel port, the CD-ARTIST can be used with any reputable graphics application and is PC Windows (95,98, ME, 2000, and NT) and Mac compatible (iMac; G3, G4). The NEW CD-ARTIST includes a CD-R Business Card Kit for printing on printable inkjet CDR business cards (80mm x 63mm). For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Plus U2-1110 Projector Sorry, we no longer carry the Plus projectors. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.   More Plus Projectors | Other Presentation Systems For your reference, here is information about some of the projectors: Introducing the expanded ultra-bright, ultra-light, ultra-compact PLUS U2 Series! Room to room presentations have never been more mobile-thanks to the PLUS U2 Series. If this is your presentation environment, the PLUS U2 series is the one for you. Take one look and you'll agree that never before have so many features been loaded into something so compact, so light, and oh so mobile. FEATURESPECIFICATIONResolution:Brightness:Contrast:Weight:Dimensions:XGA -- 1024 x 7681100 ANSI Lumens800:1 (full on/off)3 Lbs (1.3 kg)2.8"(H) x 9.3"(W) x 11.7"(L) For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### U3-1080 Digital Projector Sorry, we no longer carry the Plus projectors.  Today we focus on network attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.   More Plus Projectors | Other Presentation Systems For your reference, here is information about some of the projectors: Introducing the amazingly compact 1.9" thin, 3 pound, 800 ANSI Lumens PLUS U3 Series Digital Projectors. The PLUS U3 1080 SVGA digital projector marks the introduction of an entirely new class of palm-sized compact projectors that delivers everything you need to make a brilliant presentation in any small room environment--from the airport meeting room to the family room. FEATURESPECIFICATIONResolution:Brightness:Contrast:Weight:Dimensions:XGA -- 1024 x 7681100 ANSI Lumens800:1 (full on/off)5.6 Lbs (2.5 kg)1.9"(H) x 9"(W) x 7"(L) For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### 3M Multimedia Projectors Sorry, we no longer sell 3M projectors.   Today we focus on network-attached security systems.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. Please take a look at the other products we carry IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control For your reference, here is some information about the old product: To help maintain your professional image and deliver winning presentations, you could select a multimedia projector from the full line of 3M Digital Projection Systems. Models MP7640i Weight: 5.5 lbs. Resolution: SVGA Brightness: 1100 lumens Featuring whisper mode for quieter presentations MP8765 Weight: 9.2 lbs. Resolution: XGA Brightness: 2,500 lumens Connect for sharp presentations, XGA MP8775i Weight: 14.3 lbs. Resolution: XGA Brightness: 3,500 lumens Dynamic presentation at 3,500 lumens of brightness Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### SmartStor Jukeman SmartStor Jukeman software is no longer available.  It was used to control optical jukeboxes and libraries.  Please take a look at the replacement optical library management software products that are used to manage and control the latest blu-ray libraries. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: SmartStor Jukeman was a complete read/write archival storage solution for multiple UNIX platforms, including Solaris, HP-UX, IBM-AIX, and Linux. SmartStor Jukeman was completely media independent, which meant that users were free to configure any combination of MO, WORM, CD, or DVD device on a single server, and view the entire configuration as one large network storage repository. SmartStor Jukeman was easy to install and use, and provided a common interface to document imaging, COLD, prepress, legal, e-mail archive, audio, video-on-demand, banking, health care, web-based storage, and other data-intensive applications. SmartStor provided comprehensive support for optical drives, libraries, and jukeboxes. The content information from all of the discs in a file system is bound and presented as the SmartStor file system to the network.  This can be presented to the network as a mount point.  When this location is expanded, a view of the SmartStor file system is presented. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Automated Everest and Prism Sorry, we no longer sell Duplication Systems.   We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems For your reference, here is information about these products: Everest™ printing technology ushered in a new era of affordable, off-set quality CD/DVD printing, producing photo-realistic labels that had the rugged durability of thermal.  With Everest™, CD-R/DVD-R labeling had taken a quantum leap into the future. This is also available as an AutoPrism, with a Prism printer in place of the Everest printer. Photo-Realistic Images using Rimage's patented Everest™ printing technology-a groundbreaking thermal-retransfer system that redefines the industry standard.Unmatched Durability delivering dependable, lights-out production, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.MicroDry™ variable dot printing delivers images equivalent to 160 lines per inch, a true paradigm shift in technology.  AutoEverest blows away traditional screen printing (90 LPI), and eclipses magazine print standards (150 LPI), delivering unequaled CD printing quality.Innovative White Undercoat Printing is achieved by using an available CMY-White ribbon.  This remarkable capability allows you to achieve label effects previously unattainable, including photorealistic printing on silver surface media. AutoEverest™ FEATURESPECIFICATION Standard SystemRimage AutoEverest transporter, Everest CD-R surface printer (see above specifications), CD Designer label editing for WindowsBin CapacityFour 100-disc bins configurable as input, output, or rejectMaximum input capacity is 300 discsPower100/240V, 50/60 Hz, 5.3-3.2A, 600W maximumPhysicalAutoEverest 22.5"H x 15.5"W x 24.0"D(57.2cm H x 39.4cmW x 61cm D) 97 lbs. (44Kg)Operating Temperature60ºF-86ºF (15.5ºC-30ºC)WarrantyOne year limited depot (U.S.A.).CertificationsEmissionsEN55022 Class B, FCC Class BSusceptibilityEN55024SafetyUL 1950, CANC22.2 No. 950, EN60950Conformance MarksUL, cUL, CE AutoPrism FEATURESPECIFICATION Standard System Rimage AutoPrism transporter, Prism CD-R surface printer (see above specifications), CD Designer label editing software for Windows Bin Capacity Four 100-disc bins configurable as input, output, or rejectMaximum input capacity is 300 discs Power 100/240V, 50/60 Hz, 5.3-3.2A, 600W maximum Operating Temperature 60ºF-86ºF (15.5ºC-30ºC) Certifications EmissionsEN55022 Class B, FCC Class BSusceptibilityEN55024 Warranty One year limited depot (U.S.A.). Service Options Various Rimage Service Programs are available. ### Plus M-17W Wide Copyboard This Wide Format Whiteboard copies what's written on it! Sorry, these products are no longer available from Kintronics. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network attached paging systems. Other Plus Copyboards | Other Presentation Systems M and N-Series Copyboards | C-Series Capture Boards | Wireless Flex Boards | BF-041 | M17S Select Standard or Wide-Format Board Key Features Select 35 X 50 inch or 35 x 70 inch writing panel size.2 Writing Panels.USB Memory Stick port.USB port for Direct PC Connectivity.USB port for an on-board printer. (Printer sold separately.)Up to 20 print-outs at a time from copyboard.Repeat button allows you to print again without re-scanning.Inkjet and Laser Printer compatible. (See compatible printer list.)Lightweight design for added portability and wall mounting or partition mounting.Optional stand with casters allows for easy room-to-room transfer. The standard width model featuring USB Stick digital memory, a direct PC connection via a USB cord, and an on-board printer (printer is optional). The M17 takes another leap forward in copyboard technology. Increased scan speed, color printing to an on-board printer (printer is optional), digital storage options, and a direct to PC connection make the M-17 the new standard in the copyboard market. Perfect for the corporate boardroom, education, training, or your committee brainstorming sessions, PLUS' electronic whiteboards enhance meeting productivity by allowing participants to focus on the meeting rather than taking notes. Store your work digitally. With digital storage functionality, the PLUS M-17 expands organization-wide communication. The M-17 allows you to store and retrieve the data from the board through either a Direct PC Connection, or by using a USB Memory Stick. Once the image data has been download to your computer, you can utilize it in many useful ways: Easily distribute exact copies of your work via email. Send it to absent audience members! Using office applications, insert the writing on the board into business documents and other materials. Further edit and enhance your work with image editing software. Cut down on storage space and clutter with compact digital files. Print your work to paper. The M-17 allows you to print the contents of the board in color or black and white using standard (compatible) inkjet or laser printers. You can utilize the printer in either the copyboard's wall-mounted or floor-standing configuration. Please note that the electronic whiteboard does not come with a printer. Compatible printers are widely available from retailers nationwide. (View compatible printer list) Advantages of plain paper copies: Present your audience with an exact copy of what has been written on the board. Listeners can commit their attention to the presentation; not to taking notes. Maintain consistency by preventing errors or omissions in drawings, charts, and diagrams. Conveniently store paper copies for future reference. The functions of the M-17 can be controlled and customized though the direct PC connection by using the bundled software. You are able to chose the file format of the image downloaded. Choose from PNG, JPG, BMP and TIFF file formats. You are also able to adjust the paper size and binding margins of your print as well as add a time/date stamp. The M-17 uses a new LED light system for low power consumption. No lamp replacement is necessary. Specifications: FEATURESPECIFICATIONPanel Size71 (W) x 36" (H), 1800 (W) x 920 mm (H)Readable Area70 (W) x 35" (H), 1780 (W) x 900 mm (H)Number of Panels2Panel Driving MethodOne Direction Endless Driver (Motorized / Manual)Grid2 x 2", 50 x 50mmReading MethodCCD Optical Sensor (RGB LED)Print MethodInkjet - HP (PCL Level 3e DeskJet or Compatible - With some exceptions); Lexmark Z2300Color Laser - Konica Minolta magicolor 1600W, 1680MF, 1690MF(Does not come with copyboard.)PaperLetter-Size Plain PaperColorsBlack, Red, Blue, GreenMemory MediaUSB Memory StickMemory Media File FormatPNG ImagePC InterfaceUSB CordPC Interface File FormatPNG/BMP/JPG/TIFF ImageSupported OSMicrosoft Windows 2000 Professional (Service Pack 4 or later) / XP (Home Edition / Professional Edition Service Pack 2 or later)/ Windows Vista (32 Bit)Power SourceAC Power 100-240V, 50-60 HzDimensions (with stand)78 (W) x 28 (D) x 78" (H) max1970 (W) x 700 (D) x 1970 mm (H) maxWeight (without printer)99.2 lbs, 45 kgInstallationStand/Wall-MountIncluded AccessoriesMarkers (Black, Red, Blue, Green), Eraser, AC Power Adaptor, USB Cable (9ft length), User's Manual, Assembly Set-up Manual, Quick Guide, CD-ROM (Twain Driver, User's Manual (PDF), PLUS TOOLBOX software), Printer Table, Wall Mounting Brackets.Optional AccessoriesFloor StandPartition MountUSB Memory StickCompatible PrinterWarrantyOne Year for Parts, 90 Days for Labor ### Samsung SDP-900 Video Presenter The SDP-900 advanced technology Video Presenter improved the quality of your presentation.  Sorry, this product has been discontinued.  Please take a look at the other systems we have available. IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control The following information is provided as a reference: The SDP-900 was designed for use with today's high performance Digital Projectors and computers. It provided high resolution XGA output that allows you to present opaque documents to your audience. A fifth generation, multi-media unit, the SDP-900 was designed to meet the demands of the conferencing and presentation marketplace.  Specifications DescriptionRemarks Optical System Lensf=6.4-73.6 Optical ZoomX 10 Shooting AreaMAX: 15.12" x 10.71", MIN: 1.97" x 1.57" FocusPowered IrisAuto/Manual Image TV SystemNTSC/PAL Pick-up1/2" PS CCD Pixels1024 X 768 Frame Rate15 Frame/Sec S/N Ratio46 DB Resolution600TV POWER Power SourceAC 120V-240VLight Panel Bottom Light PanelO.K FUNCTIONSWhite BalanceO.K Saving Image8Picture Nega/PosiO.K Image rotation 90¡£NO FreeseO.K RecallO.K 3X3 Multi ScreenO.K Divide ScreenO.K PresetO.K Remote controlO.K Slide drawerNOHead Rotation PANNO TILT90¡£IMAGE SIGNAL OutputVGA X 2C-VIDEO X 1S0VIDEO X 1 InputVGA X 2AUDIO InputMic X 1 OutputRCA X 1PC INTERFACE Save to PCO.K Rs-232 controlO.K USBO.K Twain DriverO.KS/W Saving ImageWINDOW&MACSPECIAL Basic ACCESSORIES Option DIMENSION Set-up676 X 537 X 558 mm Weight11.5KG Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Quantum Tape Summary Sorry, we no longer sell the Quantum Tape systems.  Please take a look at all the IP security products we provide.  For more information about the Quantum systems, please go to the Quantum web site. Just Tape Drives | Optical Jukebox Libraries | IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control The following information is provided for reference only: From the Autoloaders and stackable and flexible workgroup libraries up to the highly reliable Enterprise solutions, Quantum tape libraries seamlessly manage and protect business-critical data in all business environments. With an emphasis on investment optimization, our tape libraries grow with your business needs and capitalize on your initial investment. Our certified, global service and support, paired with over 20 years of engineering innovation and excellence make Quantum tape libraries second to none. More...    Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Sony SNC-RZ25N IP Network PTZ Camera Sorry, the SNC-RZ25, SNC-RZ50, and the RX550 have been discontinued. Please take a look at the latest Sony IP PTZ cameras. They provide much better performance than this older model. For example, the latest Sony PTZ W-series of pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) IP cameras use the most advanced IPELA ENGINE™. These are all megapixel cameras - two indoor and two outdoor models with unitized enclosures make them easy to use indoors or outdoors. The 130 dB of wide dynamic range allows them to be used in a wide range of lighting conditions. You can select the 1.3 or the 2.0-megapixel resolution model. The amazing 30 X optical zoom and 2-megapixel sensor, allows you to recognize a person's face from about 900 ft away. Sony RZ25 PTZ Camera Select: W-Series PTZ IP Camera | ER Series Rapid Dome PTZ | EP Series PTZ | More Sony IP Cameras | Compare to Other IP Cameras Other Older and Discontinued PTZ Cameras There are a number of older models available. For example, the SNC-RH164, SNC-RH-124, SNC-RS86N, and SNC-RS46N are still available, but probably not the best choice for new applications. Models that have been discontinued include SNC-RX550, SNC-RZ50 and SNC-RZ30 Comparison of the SNC-RZ25 and the new PTZ Cameras Sony PTZ camera.  The older SNC-RZ25 had a resolution of only 640 x 480, while the latest cameras have resolutions up to 1920 x 1080. The low light sensitivity has been improved from 0.7 lux to 0.03 lux. The latest W-Series PTZ cameras from Sony have megapixel resolution and include wide dynamic range which assures you will see the video in the most challenging lighting conditions. Sony is known for performance. This means you will get better video, in different lighting situations, with a higher likelihood you can identify a person's face. These are top-quality IP cameras with excellent reliability. They come with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. WDR allows you to operate in challenging lighting conditions. The new W-series cameras include the latest video processing chip that provides 130 dB of wide dynamic range (WDR). This makes it a good choice for applications where you are viewing a scene with very large differences in lighting. The Sony cameras provide both WDR and low light level performance at the same time, while other manufacturers such as Axis require that you choose between low light performance and WDR. Gyro Based Image Stabilizer. Whenever you zoom in on objects that are far away (30X), you require camera stability. The image stabilizer makes sure you get a clear image even if the camera is mounted on a pole that's buffeted by the wind. Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system, we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Rimage Perfect Image® Prism Printer Sorry, these systems have been discontinued. We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems For your reference, here is some information about of the duplicators: More Duplication Systems | Automatic Duplicators | Duplication Towers | Other CD-R Printers The Rimage CD and DVD printer system was an excellent way to print a large amount of discs.  We used to sell this automated disc printing system, but today we focus on network attached security systems.  For more information, take a look at the Rimage web site to learn more about their products. The following information is provided as a reference: This was one of the first thermal printer to offer full color, high-resolution text, and graphic printing. The only full-color CD thermal printerHigh-volume speed to keep pace with productionExclusive color and single-color capabilitiesIndelible process requires no drying time Product Highlights: FeatureDESCRIPTIONPrinting MethodThermal transfer line printerPrinting Speed50 seconds per CD depending on image complexity and print modePrint ModesFull color or one-colorPrint Quality300 dpi (11.8 dots per mm)Nominal Media Diameter120 mm (4.73 inches)Effective Print Area115 mm (4.5 inches)Media TypesStandard CD-R or CD-ROM, includes pre-screened mediaRibbon ColorYMC paneled ribbon or one-color ribbonRibbon Capacity500 CDs/color or 1500 CDs/monocolorPhysicalDimensions:6.0"H x 8.5"W x 16.0"D(152.4 mm x 215.9 mm x 406.4 mm)Weight:20 lbs. (9.1 kg)InterfaceCentronics Parallel, SerialRelative Humidity30%-80% non-condensingPower100-240 VAC50/60 Hz1.10-0.55 Amps auto rangingOperating Temperature60° F to 95° F (15.5° C to 35° C)Graphics Filterspcx, bmp, tifLabel Editor SoftwarePerfect Image® CD Designer for Windows includedSoftware DriversWindows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows NT 3.51, Windows NT 4.0System RequirementsPentium or Greater with minimum 16MB RAMCertificationsEmissions:FCC Class A (meets class B), EN 55022 Class BSusceptibility:EN50082-1   Safety:UL 1950, CAN C22.2, No 950, EN 60950 Conformance Marks:UL, cUL, CE WarrantySix months from invoice.Service OptionsVarious Rimage Service Programs are available. Contact your local Rimage Service Representative for details For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### The Avantis ContentCache™ Web Server Sorry, this product is no longer available.  The Avantis ContentCache was Powered by Microsoft® ISA Server.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: Web Server Features FeatureDESCRIPTIONPlug and PlayWeb Appliance technology makes it very easy to install and use.Dynamic cachingThe first time a web page is accessed it gets cached, making it rapidly available for subsequent usersPre-cachingWeb content can be pre-cached ahead of lessons or scheduled for download when internet usage is lowLocal content hostingMedia rich e-learning packages can be locally hosted and updated automaticallyCD DVD ServerShare the content of your CD and DVD discs on the networkSecureintegrates with Active Directory allowing different content to be enabled for each pupilBuilt-in filteringComplements existing central school district or ISP filtering systemsManifest list supportTo enable pre-caching of content packages in line with Becta specificationStreaming media supportOptional plug-in for live stream-splitting and video on demand cachingPowered by Microsoft® ISA ServerBest of class caching, high performance and high reliabilityUp to 400 GB capacityProviding a range of capacities to cope with the growing size of e-learning packagesContent readyTested and approved for use with many major education content providersCentral management software(optional) for managing clusters of ContentCache™ appliancesHierarchical cache array supportIntegration with up stream caching solutions at the school districtRemote support & upgradesSchool districts can administer the appliance without visiting the schoolSecurity updatesAutomatic installation of Microsoft security patches approved by AvantisBuilt in DVD drivefor web content preloading on CD or DVD Some features unavailable in initial release, please contact Kintronics for further information. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Medical Picture Imaging System PACServer Medical Picture Archiving and Communications System Sorry, we no longer sell this PACS Appliance.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.  We also provide optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data. Also, see other products we sell such as IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control | Optical Jukebox and Library Systems The following information is provided as a reference: Radiology units using SntryPACS could set up multiple user-friendly viewing stations. Every user sitting at his private workstation had extensive viewing and processing tools at their disposal. This means, depending on the access rights assigned to the users through SntryPACS, images could be viewed by every consultant in the hospital. It included the following features: PACServer is an Archive Appliance for Medical ImagesOptional Archive to Optical Blu-ray mediaProvides easy hospital-wide viewingCompatible with most DICOM viewers and leading 3D volume rendering workstationsInstalls in minutes in the existing networkIntegrated support for optical archive systems for long term archivingEmbedded PACS SoftwareIncludes Modality Work ListModality Performed Procedure Step (MPPS)Integrates with third-party Modality Work ListsWeb-based admin GUIHelps to meet HIPAAReliability enhanced by redundant, hot-swap disks, power supplies & fans. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Microboards Gemini CD/DVD Duplicator Sorry, these systems have been discontinued.   We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems For your reference, here is some information about the old product: For your reference, here is some information about of the duplicators: More Duplication Systems | Automatic Duplicators | Duplication Towers | Other CD-R Printers The Gemini was a simple to operate, mid-level throughput duplicator that did not require a PC. Single Button operation and twin high-speed drives made the Gemini an easy way to copy quickly and painlessly. It replaced the popular Microboards Orbit Pro duplication system. Easy to Operate Duplicator The master disc and blanks are inserted in the Gemini's 100 disc input hopper. When the start button is pressed, the master is read first by the recorders. A disc image is created on the Gemini's hard drive, and burned to the subsequent blanks in the recorder. Finished discs are dropped into the caddy below. Batch Mode Processing If Gemini finds another master disc in the input, it will overwrite the hard drive image and start recording the new data to the following blank discs. Easy to Operate Duplicator The master disc and blanks are inserted in the Gemini's 100 disc input hopper. When the start button is pressed, the master is read first by the recorders. A disc image is created on the Gemini's hard drive, and burned to the subsequent blanks in the recorder. Finished discs are dropped into the caddy below. Batch Mode Processing If Gemini finds another master disc in the input, it will overwrite the hard drive image and start recording the new data to the following blank discs. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Whitepaper on RAID RAID Review RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive or Independent Disks) is an important component for servers on a critical enterprise or workgroup network. RAID provides crash-proof hard drive systems. How does it work? How do I administer it? What does it cost? What is the difference between RAID levels and RAID vendors? RAID systems can be provided in IP Camera video recording systems to increase reliability. Systems that can use RAID include IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control RAID Background RAID as a computer concept has been around for over twenty years.  The computer science department at UC Berkeley first developed the RAID concept back in the 1980s. They used the word Inexpensive rather than today's Independent. Since then, changes in technology and the use of computers have made RAID more popular. Computers and hard disk drives became faster, smaller, and less expensive. The computer has become a critical part of an organization's business. More and more data is stored inside the computer and this information must be available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. Data accessibility and reliability has become a key factor in the success of business. Accessibility is the essential component of RAID. RAID technology makes data more accessible by preventing downtime due to a hardware failure. RAID systems can sustain several bad sectors and even whole disk failures, continue running, and all the while being transparent to the end-user. But, with that accessibility, comes a price. How much? It depends on your total storage requirement, the type of redundancy, and how quickly you need to recover from a failure. The cost of this hardware should be measured against the cost of having a failure, and on the cost of the downtime due to this failure. Some companies can sustain the loss of a disk drive or two and not suffer financially. Other companies, such as brokerages, measure downtime in minutes of revenue loss. For this class of customer, RAID with full redundancy is a must-have. RAID systems not only increase reliability, they also increase available storage capacity. Kintronics manufactures RAID systems with Terabyte capacity. Remember when a 40 megabyte drive was overwhelmingly large? RAID Levels Six distinctive RAID levels have been developed and agreed upon, voluntarily, by various manufacturers. These RAID levels are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Other combinations of these levels are also used, such as level 10 (which is 0+1) or level 6 (which is 5+1). A RAID system appears as a single large hard disk to the operating system. All of the computations associated with creating the RAID set are hidden from the operating system. RAID responds to standard disk commands such as read, write, and format. RAID Level 0 stripes data across all disks without redundancy or parity. This Level maximizes data transfer rates and is good for handling large files. Spare drives are not useful on this Level. RAID Level 1 mirrors data across multiple disks. Data is duplicated on another set of drives. If one drive fails, then the data is still available on the other mirror. This Level has the highest cost per MB and is best suited for smaller capacity applications such as mirroring the boot drive. Typically only one drive is mirrored at a time. Spare drives are not useful on this Level. RAID Level 2 bit interleaves data across multiple disks with parity information created using a Hamming code. A Hamming code detects errors that occur and determines which part is in error. RAID Level 2 specifies 39 disks with 32 disks of user storage and 7 disks of error recovery coding. This Level is not used in practice. RAID Levels 3 and 4 stripe data across multiple drives and writes parity to a dedicated drive. Level 3 is typically implemented at the BYTE level. While Level 4 is typically implemented at the BLOCK level. These Levels combine the performance of RAID 0 with a redundancy feature. If a drive fails, the data can be restructured by the parity drive. RAID 3 and 4 are best suited for large transfer sizes and rates where redundancy is important. The parity information is calculated during write time and can affect overall performance. Spare drives take over in the event of a drive failure. RAID Level 5 stripes data and parity information at the block level across all the drives in the array. Parity is written onto the next available drive rather than a dedicated parity drive. Reads and writes may be performed concurrently. Level 5 also calculates parity during the write cycles but uses an Exclusive-OR (X-OR) algorithm. This algorithm is best suited for smaller data transfers. Spare drives take over in the event of a drive failure. Table 1 - Summaries RAID Levels Raid LevelDescriptionCapacityExample of Actual Capacity, using eight (8) 4 TB disks0Striping# Drives x Cap Drive32 TB1Mirroring(# Drives / 2) x Cap Drive16 TB2Hamming code parity(# Drives -1) x Cap Drive28 TB3Byte level parity(# Drives -1) x Cap Drive28 TB4Block-level parity(# Drives -1) x Cap Drive28 TB5Interleave parity(# Drives -1) x Cap Drive28 TB RAID Implementation RAID can be implemented in hardware or software. Software RAID solutions use the host computer's CPU and memory to implement the RAID functions. As an example, Sun Computers (Online Disk Suite) implement RAID Level 0 or Level 1 using software and the internal processor. It takes advantage of the large cache memory available inside this computer. RAID Level 3 or 5 is usually implemented in hardware. The hardware RAID controller has a dedicated CPU to calculate parity and map the location of the files. Hardware RAID is implemented using either using an internal RAID board (like the Adaptec RAID systems) or an external RAID processor such as the CMD controllers.  Internal RAID, like software RAID, is operating system dependent. It usually requires a driver to access and configure the RAID controller. On the plus side, the internal RAID controller can communicate faster than an external controller, because it incorporates the SCSI adapter function.  This means that access to the data avoids one communication layer. Also, an internal RAID controller is usually less expensive than a comparably equipped external controller. There are some major disadvantages to an internal controller. First, if the controller fails, then the host computer must be shut down to repair or replace the board. If an external RAID controller fails, simply turn off the other devices on that bus. Second, most internal controllers do not have expansion cards, so the size of the RAID set is limited. External controllers offer more flexibility in the number of drives it can address. Third, only one host can talk to an internal controller. Fourth, failover on an internal controller is difficult at best to configure. RAID Benchmark A known benchmark is used to compare the performance of various RAID systems. A group of RAID controller manufacturers, disk drive manufacturers, and adapter board manufacturers agreed to create standards and formed a committee called the RAID Advisory Board (RAB). The RAB has developed and reviewed several benchmarks suitable of creating data derived solely on the merits of the RAID controller, and not the test environment. The RAB can be reached via the Internet at http://www.raid-advisory.com/ A partial list of these benchmarks is IOBENCH, IOZONE, BONNIE, and IOGEN. Of these four, IOGEN and IOBENCH are used most often. All three tests are available free from various sites and relatively easy to set up and run. RAID Features and Functions Comparative performance is just one measure of a RAID controller. The feature set, upgrade path, and ease of use all play a significant role in choosing the proper controller. These three measurable statistics are advertised heavily and discussed at length with various slants towards and against different vendors. The following table describes a brief list of features and benefits for RAID controllers. Table 2 - Partial RAID Controller Feature Set FeatureBenefit and AdvantageDisadvantageHot Spare DrivesAbility to recover from single disk failureMakes drive work but is not usedWarm Spare DrivesAbility to recover from single disk failureDelay in recovering because the drive must be startedGlobal Spare DriveAbility to recover from a single disk failure on any rankRequires multiple ranks running on the RAID controllerFailover (Active-Passive)Avoids RAID controller as the single point of failureThe other controller sits idle until neededFailover (Active-Active)Avoids controller as the single point of failureMore expensive Upgrade path and ease of use also should be considered when purchasing an RAID controller. How much user downtime is required to expand the RAID set? How much work does the systems administrator need to do for the upgrade? How is the RAID controller addressed? Is there a graphical user interface or does the systems administrator need to stand in front of the controller? These questions should be considered as well as performance. If the RAID controller is the fastest one on the market but impossible to configure, why use it? Another set of features to consider when purchasing a RAID system is the physical packaging. Most MIS rooms have limited space and need to efficiently allocate precious rackmount inches. Also, ease of upgrading and repairing the RAID system are important purchasing factors. How many disk drives can this RAID cabinet hold? How easy is it to install another drive? Do I need extra power plugs? What about SCSI cables? How quickly can I swap out a bad disk, controller, power supply, cooling fan? ### Archive to CD or DVD Discs Unfortunately, we no longer carry these CD and DVD duplication systems. We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems More information about CD-R Auto Duplicators | CD-R Archivers | CD-R Printers These archiving systems are no longer available.   We used to sell CD/DVD systems, but today we focus on network-attached security systems.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. We also provide optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: Overview This archiving system provided the following: Automatic Archive of your PC Hard Disk Drive to CD or DVD discsSchedule backupsCreates a backup set of discsEasy restore procedureSelect models 25 to 600 discsUSB Connection to your PCSupports disc spanning: Large backups will be automatically split to several parts and stored on several disksOptional label printerCompresses filesSupports encryption for added security FeatureDESCRIPTIONArcBackup25 Disc Capacity25 DiscsDrives1 DVD-R/+R writerSpeed16XWeight6.6lbs.Dimensions7.1 "H x 9 "W x 15.75"DPower100 - 240 VAC FeatureDESCRIPTIONArcBackup300 Disc Capacity300 DiscsDrives2 DVD-R/+R writerSpeed16XWeight31lbs (15KG)Dimensions20" x 18" x 15"Power100 - 240 VAC For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### SmartStor Device Support List SmartStor software is no longer available.  It used to support a variety of disc solutions such as: CD/DVD-ROM ReadersCD-R DrivesDVD-RAM DrivesDVD-R DrivesCD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-R JukeboxesDVD-R JukeboxesDVD-RAM Jukeboxes Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network-attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Vivotek IP3111 and other IP Cameras Vivotek provides low-cost cameras and is not the best choice for professional surveillance solutions. See the other IP cameras available Compare to Other IP Cameras | Video Recording Systems IP3111 has been discontinued There are a number of IP cameras available from Vivotek. Here is a sample of cameras that are available: IB836BA-H This is a series of outdoor-ready Full HD bullet network cameras offering superb video quality with up to 30 fps at 1920x1080. Featuring VIVOTEK’s WDR and SNV technology, the series is capable of capturing high quality and high visibility video whether in high contrast or low light environments. FD816BA-H This is one of a series of indoor dome network cameras equipped with a Full HD sensor enabling viewing resolution of 1920x1080 at 30 fps. Featuring VIVOTEK’s WDR and SNV technology, the series is capable of capturing high quality and high visibility video whether in high contrast or low light environments. SD9364-EHL This is the latest professional speed dome camera from VIVOTEK, specifically designed to enhance low light surveillance in large coverage areas. Equipped with 150 M IR illuminators and a 30x optical zoom lens, the IP PTZ camera provides a superb low light image in the most challenging situations. The SD9364-EHL also adopts VIVOTEK's latest IR technology, VAIR (Vari-Angle IR). VIVOTEK's VAIR provides smooth vari-angle adjustment of the IR illuminators, allowing broad coverage FOV and highly uniform IR intensity while avoiding hot-spots traditionally associated with IR illumination. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### CD and DVD Duplicator Towers  Sorry, these systems have been discontinued.   We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems For your reference, here is some information about the old product: CD-R Auto Duplicators | DVD-R Archivers | CD-R Printers Select the Value Line or Professional Duplication Tower that's right for you. The Value Line are standalone 7-Drive duplicators while the Professional duplicators are network-attached and expandable. FeatureDESCRIPTIONModel NumberDescription DVD and CD Duplicator Towers Value Line CD and DVD DUPLICATION TOWER SERIESWrite Speeds: Selectable 16X DVD-R, DVD+R, 48X CD-RSupport: CD / DVD-R,+RDrives: 7 Drive Configurations and 6-drive expandable systemsInternal Hard Drive: 80GBSupported Formats: All Major Formats including CD + G KaroakeDP5-5907 VL7-Drive tower. The front panel LED monitors the duplication session while in process, assuring its integrity. 9.5” x 14” x 20”, Weight: 48LBS. Professional CD and DVD Duplicator Towers   HIGH-PERFORMANCE STANDALONE DVD-R DUPLICATION Network ReadyWrite Speeds: Selectable 16X DVD-R, DVD+R, 48X CD-RSupport: CD / DVD-R,+RDrives: 6 Drive ConfigurationsInternal Hard Drive: 80GBSupported Formats: All Major Formats including CD + G Karoake DP5-59066-Drive Expandable copier module tower. The front panel LED monitors the duplication session while in process, assuring its integrity. 9.5” x 14” x 20”, Weight: 41LBS. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### PLUS V-SERIES DIGITAL PROJECTORS Sorry, we no longer carry the Plus projectors.   Today we focus on network attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.   Small and light ! The PLUS "V" Series are small in size, but not in features. More Plus Projectors | Other Presentation products Plus Digital Projector For your reference, here is information about some of the projectors: HDTV ready, up to 1300 lumens, 4-way keystone correction, and picture-in-picture to name a few! Available with the latest Dual-Color mode allowing you to switch between high brightness for business presentations and optimized brightness for home use. With the V-339, PLUS introduces Dual Color Mode (DCM). Dual Color Mode is an innovative new technology from Plus that allows users to easily switch between optimized brightness for business use and optimized color for home use. This is achieved by having two color wheel configurations: a four-segment configuration and a six-segment configuration. With the push of a button this projector transforms from a business machine to a home theater and back again. The V-339 is FCC Class B certified for home use. The V-339 weighs only two pounds, but it is mighty powerful. With 1,300 lumens, XGA clarity, new features like Unplug & Go and the patented Iris Lens Cover, the V-339 is the most ideal projector to take anywhere. Features: Dual Color Mode (DCM).Unplug & Go function: Even after it's unplugged, the cooling fan remains on; allowing you to remain on the go.Quick Start: Projection from image source within 18 seconds of power-on.Double Security: Password protection feature and security cable slot.Iris Lens CoverUser-selectable "Eco-Mode" to help you save valuable lamp life hours.Incredible contrast ratio of 2000:1.1300 bright lumens! An amazing level of light output for such a small projector.Support for High-Definition (480p, 576p, 1080i, 720p), fluid video with built in line-doubling function.On-screen user interface features simple pull-down menus: Digital keystone correction, zoom, smooth, mute, and freeze commands.Ultra-lightweight "pico" projector: Half the size of conventional models.Auto-Detect inputs: Automatically identifies and projects RGB and video input sources.Automatically adjusts the phase, clock speed, and resolution of the RGB signal from the PC.Optimized picture quality with a high contrast ratio and built-in progressive scan converter.Enhanced presentation support with on-screen timer. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### JVC IP Cameras JVC IP Cameras are not the best choice for your surveillance needs. Other manufacturers such as Hanwha and Axis have become the major IP camera solution companies. They provide much better price-performance products. The following information is for reference. The following list compares the features and benefits of the JVC IP Cameras. JVC cameras are known for their reliability and excellent picture quality. The latest PTZ cameras are powered over Ethernet (PoE) making installation very easy. VN-H57UA FULL HD NETWORK SECURITY CAMERA (BOX TYPE, LESS LENS) VN-H657WPBU OUTDOOR NETWORK HD PTZ DOME CAMERA VN-H237VPU FULL HD NETWORK OUTDOOR DOME CAMERA Super LoLux HD™ Sensitivity Super LoLux™ is JVC's original technology that ensures superior color reproduction even in extremely low light. The camera can produce rich color images in light as low as 0.5 lux (50% video level, without slow shutter). Full HD Monitoring The VN-H237VPU Outputs High-resolution Full HD images of up to 1920 x 1080 pixels. VN-H657U NETWORK HD PTZ DOME CAMERA 18x optical zoom lens360° endless PTZ functionLens focal length 4.7-84.6mm2 megapixel CMOS image sensorSuperLoLux sensitivity 0.35 lux (25%) colorEasy Wide D extended dynamic rangeH.264 High/baseline profile / MJPEG dual encodeFluent 30/30 ips dual stream [1080p+720p]True Day/Night for precise night monitoring3D Noise ReductionAlarm IN / OUT functionPoE Plus/ 24VAC power supply For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Microboards MX-1 Disc Publisher Unfortunately, we no longer carry these CD and DVD duplication systems. We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards and Rimage websites. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: This CD Duplicator allowed you to master and print discs. Please take a look at the other systems we have available. The following information is provided as a reference: The MX-1 Publisher A Desktop Solution for Producing Low to Mid-Volume Runs of Discs...In House! A single, high-speed DVD/CD combo drive and robust software made designing labels, printing, and burning discs a snap. Don't let the small size and ease of use fool you...The MX-1 was an all in one production package, controlled from your PC over a single USB 2.0 cable using the included software suite. Now you could: Create and submit multiple unique jobs simultaneouslyPrint at up to 4800 dpi resolutionBurn at 18X (DVD) or 48X (CD)Load up to 100 discs and walk away The MX-1 Disc Publisher is ideal for businesses and organizations requiring frequent short runs of discs. Churches, Schools, Small Office/Home Office, Sales and Marketing Departments, Videographers, and Recording Studios will benefit from its innovative design and low price point. NOTE: Content protection makes it impossible to copy encrypted entertainment DVD titles on general-purpose media. Amazing Features included: Easy-to-use interface, even for novice usersBurn virtually any DVD or CD format, including Dual LayerSet up multiple jobs with any quantity, and walk away-unattended burning and printing of up to 100 discs at a time! Specifications: SPECIFICATION / MODELFeatureInput Capacity:100 DiscsDrives:1 DVD-Recorders - 18X/48XReliability:MTBF>10,000 HoursWeight:61 lbs.Dimensions:9”H x 22” D x 22” W (14”H with input rods installed) Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network-attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Samsung SVP-5500 Video Presenter The SVP-5500 advanced technology Video Presenter improved the quality of your presentation.  Sorry, this product has been discontinued.  Please take a look at the other systems we have available. IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control The following information is provided as a reference: Provides efficient presentations with a variety of presentation modes. The user can avoid any interruption of the presentation with the built-in memory for up to 8 images. The SVP-5500DX has a built-in 1024 scan converter in it.  In addition, the SVP-5500DX/ST has a small but very useful sub camera. SPECIFICATION / MODEL  Optical System Lens F1.4~2.7, f=3.9~62.4, 16x Zoom Lens Shooting Area MAX: 10 x 297 mm, MIN: 18 x 24 mm Zoom Powered Focus Powered(One Touch Auto Focus) Iris Auto (with Fine Level Adjustment) LensF1.4~2.7, f=3.9~62.4, 16x Zoom LensShooting AreaMAX: 10 x 297 mm, MIN: 18 x 24 mmZoomPoweredFocusPowered(One Touch Auto Focus)IrisAuto (with Fine Level Adjustment)Illumination System Upper Side Arm Type Lower Built - in Light Box UpperSide Arm TypeLowerBuilt - in Light BoxImage Pick-up Device 1/4" 470,000 Pixels IT CCD Total Pixels 811(H) x 508(V) NTSC Effective Pixels 752(H) x 582(V) NTSC Frame Rate 7.5 Frame/Sec Sync System Internal Sync. Resolution NTSC 460 TVL     Video Output C-VIDEO (VBS 1.0Vp-p / 75 (Unbalanced) Normal Resolution S video Y:1.0Vp-p / 75 Unbalanced C :0.286Vp-p / 75 unbalanced White Balance Manual / AWC (One Touch) Negative /Positive Selectable On-Screen Display Built-in Pick-up Device1/4" 470,000 Pixels IT CCDTotal Pixels811(H) x 508(V) NTSCEffective Pixels752(H) x 582(V) NTSCFrame Rate7.5 Frame/SecSync SystemInternal Sync.ResolutionNTSC 460 TVL  Video OutputC-VIDEO (VBS 1.0Vp-p / 75 (Unbalanced)S video Y:1.0Vp-p / 75 UnbalancedC :0.286Vp-p / 75 unbalancedWhite BalanceManual / AWC (One Touch)Negative /PositiveSelectableOn-Screen DisplayBuilt-inTerminal Input - MIC x 1 3 Optional Subcamera : MiniDIN x 1 Video(RCA) x 2 Audio(RCA) x 2 RS-232(9Pin D-Sub) x 1 VGA (15Pin D-Sub) x 1 Output Video(RCA / 75 Unbalance) x 1 S-Video(MINI DIN 4P CON / 75 Unbalance) x 1 - VGA (15P DIN) x 1-Audio(RCA Jack) x 1 - USB Jack x 1 Optional LCD(MINI DIN 6P) x1 Input- MIC x 13 Optional Subcamera : MiniDIN x 1Video(RCA) x 2Audio(RCA) x 2RS-232(9Pin D-Sub) x 1VGA (15Pin D-Sub) x 1OutputVideo(RCA / 75 Unbalance) x 1S-Video(MINI DIN 4P CON / 75 Unbalance) x 1- VGA (15P DIN) x 1-Audio(RCA Jack) x 1- USB Jack x 1Optional LCD(MINI DIN 6P) x1PC Interface USB Built-in 5500 DX only RS-232C Built-in USBBuilt-in 5500 DX onlyRS-232CBuilt-in Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### MF Digital CD and DVD Disc Duplicator and Publisher Systems Sorry, these systems have been discontinued.   We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems For your reference, here is information about this product: Unfortunately, we no longer carry these CD and DVD duplication systems. This standalone CD Duplicator allowed you to master and print discs. It provided a complete publishing system. These unique CD and DVD duplication and publishing systems included a built in PC, and could be attached to the network so they could be used by everyone on your network. You could select the CD and DVD Copier that met your requirements. Choose from 300 to 600-disc capacity systems and printers that provide professional quality CD and DVD disc publishing. Scribe When you need a duplication system that can be shared by everyone on the network, the Scibe is best for you. Network attached models available with 300 Disc capacity. Select 2 or 4 writers and optional inkjet, dye sublimation or thermal printer. Features Built in PCNetwork readyStandalone or network operation. Allows multiple users to send jobs to this publishing system.Image pre-stagingComplete job logPrint unique, serialized labels and custom individual prints through powerful labeling softwareQueuing and spooling make this best for network disc publishing applicationsIncludes client software for easy sharing of this duplication and publishing system Systems Available DP-9602PCJDP-9604PCJIncludes Picojet printer300 Disc capacity.2 drives SpecificationsIncludes Picojet printer300 Disc capacity.4 drives.Specifications Director When you needed a duplication system that could publish one-off unique discs as well as duplicating many discs, this was the system for you. It allowed you to burn discs on-demand providing a powerful disc publishing system. Provides asynchronous on demand duplication / publishing — each drive prints and burns independently of the others.Network Attached and shared by many users24/7 Mission Critical / High Capacity 250 discsJob processing of up to 4 unique jobs simultaneously (depending on model) More... Towers Network attached 6-drive tower systems allow you to burn discs from your PC. You can link multiple systems to create a very large, very high speed duplication system. Link multiple towers on the network to grow the systemBusiness card CD compatibleNetwork Attached and shared by many usersSimple one-touch keypad makes it as easy as a photo copierAudio MP3 to Wav conversion More... ### Videolarm Indoor Enclosures Videolarm features a variety of Indoor Housing styles, available in plastic or metal construction. Choose your own camera and lens for these aesthetically pleasing, well-designed housing units. We also provide enclosures from Videotec.  Contact us for help selecting the right enclosure. The following enclosures are available: IPCH8 Attractive wall/ceiling mount housing High-impact polycarbonate housing and windowMount easily converts from ceiling to wall configurationFlip open top for easy accessAdjustable camera sledIncludes right angle BNCDimensions: Housing Length - 9.3” with mount - 11.1” Housing Width - 4.7” Housing Height - 3.9” with mount - 7.7” RC200 2x2 ceiling mount wedge housing Replaces standard 2x2 ceiling tileManually adjustable for 360° viewingThis lightweight enclosure requires no special ceiling supportViewing window sonically welded to snap-in mountMetal back box availableDimensions: Housing Width - 24” Housing Height - 6.25”. Indoor FusionDome™ Series for IP Cameras The indoor 7” FusionDome™ models offer versatility and camera protection in a compact size.A number of different configurations are available including pendant, ceiling mount, and drop ceiling mounts.Supports network cameras from Axis, Canon, Elmo, JVC, Panasonic, and Sony or a single fixed camera with a maximum camera length of 7.5”.It also supports many different analog cameras.Also available with ruggedized housings. Product Sheet CN90 Standard Corner Housing Standard corner mountRugged, high impact plastic bodyClear or tinted window (1 F stop light reduction)Easy installationTamper-resistant fastenersDimensions: Housing Width - 7.88” Housing Height - 11.88 Housing Depth - 10” ACN90 Compact Corner Housing Compact corner mountPolycarbonate body and windowTamper-resistant fastenersCable access from back• Includes adjustable camera bracketIncludes right angle BNCDimensions: Housing Width - 5.15” Housing Height - 7.16” Housing Depth - 7.14 ACE20 Ceiling Mount Wedge Housing High-impact polycarbonate housing and windowEasy installation to any type of ceilingMolded-in hinge for easy access from belowTamper-resistant fastenersFully adjustable camera bracketIncludes right angle BNCDimensions: Housing Length - 10.25” Housing Width - 5.75” Housing Height - 4.5” Learn more about: Enclosures for Extreme Environments | Explosion-proof Enclosures | Videolarm | Pelco | Batko | More Enclosures For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Director Series CD and DVD Duplication System Unfortunately, we no longer carry these CD and DVD duplication systems. We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems This standalone CD Duplicator allowed you to master and print discs. It provided a complete publishing system. The following information is provided as a reference: When you needed a duplication system that could publish one-off unique discs as well as duplicating many discs, this was the system for you. It allowed you to burn discs on-demand providing a powerful disc publishing system. CD-R Auto Duplicators | DVD-R Archivers | CD-R Printers Add the optional inkjet or thermal printer to create an easy to use disc publishing system. Requires you own keyboard, mouse and monitor. You can configure it to meet your exact CD duplicator equipment production needs. Its 250 disc maximum duplicator spindle capacity translates to hours of unattended equipment operation! Features: Uses your own keyboard, mouse and monitorSupports inkjet or thermal DVD CD printers.250disc spindle capacityIntelligent Spindle Select Now Available — Director selects CD or DVD media based on image submitted!Job Queue - Unlimited Job Queuing at each duplicator station Systems Available  ModelsDrivesCapacity2102 PC2 DVD-Writers250 disc capacity   Printers  PJ-6000InkjetPicoJet 4800dpi, 6 color printerCDPR13SThermal600dpi Tri-color and monochrome printer Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Samsung SDP-6500 Video Presenter The Samsung SDP-6500 was built on the SXGA reputation of its predecessor, the SVP-6000.  Unfortunately, these systems are no longer available. Please take a look at the other excellent products available from Kintronics. IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control The following information is provided for information: Sporting a faster frame rate, a new high-speed autofocus zoom lens, digital rotation, image storage, annotation and more....the SDP-6500 set the new standard for high-resolution presentations. Specifications LensF2.9, f=6.3~75.6mm (12X Powered AF Optical Zoom)Shooting AreaMAX: 15.12" x 10.71", MIN: 1.97" x 1.57"Zoom12X PoweredFocusAuto Focus / Manual FocusIrisAuto/ Manual Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Automated CD / DVD Publishing System Scribe CD DVD Duplication System  Unfortunately, we no longer carry these CD and DVD duplication systems. When you needed a powerful network attached publishing system, the Scribe with built-in PC was the right choice. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.  We also provide optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data. The following information is provided as a reference: The system provided job queuing that allowed many users on the network to share this duplicator.  Add the optional inkjet, thermal printer or dye sublimation printer to create an easy to use yet professional quality, disc publishing system. Select models with choice of 2 or 4 CD/DVD writers and printers. Required your own keyboard, mouse, and monitor. You could configure it to meet your exact CD or DVD duplicator equipment production needs. Its 300-disc maximum duplicator spindle capacity translated to hours of unattended equipment operation! Features: Uses your own keyboard, mouse, and monitorSupports inkjet or thermal DVD CD printers. (Excluding 6 burner model)300 disc spindle capacityFLEX Cell control allows you to control one to four independent duplicators from a single station. Can even control multiple systems over the network - submit, edit or check status of duplicating or print jobs from any computer across your networkJob Queue - Unlimited Job Queuing at each duplicator stationJob Save - Store and recall repetitive jobsPDF Print- receive .pdf label art from any source (MAC Included)Relay Mode - copy from multiple masters & print images on the fly Systems Available  ModelsDrivesPrinter9602 PCJ2 WritersInkjet9604 PCJ4 -WritersInkjet9602 PCT2 WritersThermal9004 PST4 -WritersThermal9002 PSD4 -WritersDye-Sublimation9004 PSD4 -WritersDye-Sublimation   Printers  PJ-6000InkjetPicoJet 4800dpi, 6 color printerP55-DSPDye-sublimationPhoto-realistic images with the highest resolution available.CDPR13S-PLUSThermal600dpi Tri-color and monochrome printer Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Rimage CDR2000i Specifications Unfortunately, we no longer carry these CD and DVD duplication systems. We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems More information about CD-R Auto Duplicators | CD-R Archivers | CD-R Printers The following information is provided as a reference: This CD Duplicator with two recorders, connected to your PC and allowed you to master and print discs from anywhere on the network. It provided a complete publishing system. Unfortunately, we no longer carry these CD and DVD duplication systems. System Specification Type of system Input hopperOutput hopperRecording configurationsPrintingRoboticsWarranty100 discs100 discs2 writers (52X CD-R)4800 dp with 480i™ print technologyMicroprocessor Controlled1 year System Specifications Mechanical Height 21.0" x Width 15.75" x Depth 20.0" Weight: 58 lbs. (26.3 kg) Height 21.0" x Width 15.75" x Depth 20.0"Weight: 58 lbs. (26.3 kg)Height 21.0" x Width 15.75" x Depth 20.0"Weight: 58 lbs. (26.3 kg) Electrical PowerCertifications 120/220 VAC 50/60 HzFCC, UL, ULC, & CE PowerCertifications120/220 VAC 50/60 HzFCC, UL, ULC, & CEPowerCertifications120/220 VAC 50/60 HzFCC, UL, ULC, & CE Printer Print MethodResolutionCartridgesMedia Thermal Ink-Jet4800 dpi3-Color (C,M,Y) and BlackPrintable-surface discs Print MethodResolutionCartridgesMediaThermal Ink-Jet4800 dpi3-Color (C,M,Y) and BlackPrintable-surface discsPrint MethodResolutionCartridgesMediaThermal Ink-Jet4800 dpi3-Color (C,M,Y) and BlackPrintable-surface discs Interfaces Interface USB 1.1, Firewire IEEE 1394 Interface USB 1.1, Firewire IEEE 1394Interface USB 1.1, Firewire IEEE 1394 Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Network Attached CD DVD Duplication Equipment Scribe SA CD and DVD Duplication System The Scribe CD and DVD Duplicator provided an automated systems for duplicating discs. Unfortunately, we no longer carry these CD and DVD duplication systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.  We also provide optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data. The following information is provided as a reference: This was an easy to use duplication system with 10 Keypad panel.  When you need a simple yet powerful duplication system, the Scribe SA was the right choice. It was as easy to use as a photocopier.  No PC is required. Select 250 to 600 disc models with choice of 2 to 6 DVD writers and printers. You could configure it to meet your exact CD duplicator equipment production needs. Its 600-disc maximum duplicator spindle capacity translates to hours of unattended equipment operation! Features: One-button intuitive menu system means CD / DVD duplicator standalone systems that are as easy to operate as a photocopierSupports inkjet or thermal DVD CD printers. (Excluding 6 burner model)250 to 600 disc spindle capacity (depends on printer selection)Features Relay Mode — can copy multiple DVD Duplicator and CD Duplicator images from multiple masters and change print images without user intervention. Also features mixed CD/DVD operation.Provides Asynchronous DVD Duplicator operations on your DVD / CD Duplicator / Printer — each drive burns and prints independently of each other.Intelligent Spindle Select Now Available — Scribe SA selects CD or DVD media based on image submitted! • Affordable consumable pricing - ink cartridges and ribbon Models Type of system  ModelsDrivesCapacity3102 SA2 DVD-Writers250 disc capacity3104 SA4 DVD-Writers450 or 600 disc capacity (depends on printer)3106 SA6 DVD-Writers600 disc capacity   Printers  PJ-6000InkjetPicoJet 4800dpi, 6 color printerCDPR13SThermal600dpi Tri-color and monochrome printer Specifications Type of system  Models3102 SA3104 SA3106 SACapacity250 discs450 discs with inkjet printer, 600 with thermal printer600 discsNumber of Drives246Dimensions20" x 18" x 15"22" x 20" x 20"22" x 2"0 x 24"Weight (without printer)31lbs (15KG)53lbs (25KG)57lbs (26KG)Printer optionInkjet or ThermalInkjet or ThermalNot Available Common specifications: Standalone operation requiring no PCNetwork AttachedPower consumption: 200 - 248 wattsBusiness card type CD capabilityStores multiple masters to hard driveIncludes client software for network applications Supported formats: DVD-Video (unprotected), ISO / UDO bridge, CD-ROM mode 1, CD Enhanced / Extra, mixed modes. Photo-CD, Video-CD, CD-! (Form 1 & 2), ISO-9660, Joliet, Romeo, Rockridge / UFS, CD-DA (CD Digital Audio) with ISRC Subindex & UPC code support, Hybrid Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### CD-ROM Duplicator Selection Guide Sorry, these systems have been discontinued.   We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems The following information is provided as a reference: The following chart was helpful when selecting the right duplication system. Unfortunately, we no longer carry these CD and DVD duplication systems. Choose manual systems or automatic systems. The automatic duplication systems are also available with built-in printers. Some systems connect to computers or the network, and others operate standalone. Type of system  ManualTowersAutomatic StandaloneNo PrinterAutomatic Network Attached through PC with printer DuplicationShared PublisherMF Digital   5906 Tower 6 DVD Drive writerAttaches to network Orbit DVD   Automatic50-DiscStandalone DX-1 Publishing System   Automatic100 Disc CapacityPC Connected 5907 Value Line   Manual TowerStandalone MicroOrbitDVD   Automatic50-DiscStandalone CDR2000i   Rimage Automatic100-Disc CapacityPC ConnectedNetwork Attached through PC.includesInk-jet Printer    Automatic Network Attached with optional printer. No PC required.AutomaticStandalone with PrinterPC connected with PrinterShared PublisherPublisherPublisherMF Digital   ScribeSAUp to 600 disc capacity ScribeSA   AutomaticSelect 250, 450 or 600 Disc CapacityStandalone. SelectInkjet or Thermal 3-color printer Primera   Bravo Automatic100 Disc CapacityPC ConnectedInkjet printer ScribePCUp to 600 disc capacity  DirectorUp to 250 disc capacity   Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### The Everest II Thermal CD DVD Printer Sorry, discontinued.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.  We also provide optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data. The Rimage CD and DVD printer system was an excellent way to print a large number of discs.  We used to sell this automated disc printing system, but today we focus on network-attached security systems.  For more information, take a look at the Rimage web site to learn more about their products. The following information is provided as a reference: The Everest II was designed to speed through every job, printing discs in less than 60 seconds. With its offset-quality printing, photo-realistic color, resolution that exceeds most screen printing, and its industry-leading durable printed surface; the Everest II was right for any job. The Everest II utilized Rimage's patented retransfer printing process. The CMY panels are first printed to a clear retransfer ribbon inside the printer. Then, using heat and pressure, the printed image and a layer of the clear ribbon are applied to the disc. The finished product emerges dry, durable, and ready to handle. The final effect is amazing - a colorful, high resolution, disc with your choices of photos, graphics, text, bar codes, you name it - in less than 60 seconds. CD-Designer label creation software is also included with the Everest II. This software allows you to import graphics and text. Features include serialization, bar codes, and data merging capabilities. However, you don't need to be limited to the tools provided because the printer works well with such industry-standard software as Adobe® Illustrator®, Adobe® Photoshop®, Macromedia® FreeHand®, QuarkExpress®, and CorelDRAW®. Graphic designers can compose labels using their choice of software. Specifications ItemSpecificationPrint TechnologyThermal RetransferMicroDry™ Variable Dot print technologyPrint Resolution173 LPI (lines per inch)Color Management Photo optimized and process optimizedPrint Speeds60 Seconds Normal mode - CMY 78 Seconds Best mode - CMYRibbons3-Color (CMY) ribbon Part # 202944-001 4-Color (CMY+White) ribbon Part # 202945-001 Monochrome (black) ribbon Part # 202946-001 Retransfer (transparent) ribbon Part # 203384-001Prints per ribbon3-color (CMY) ribbon 500 images per ribbon 4-color (CMY+W) ribbon 375 images per ribbon Monochrome (black) ribbon 1000 images per ribbon Retransfer (transparent) ribbon 1000 transfers per ribbonMedia Types120mm CD and DVD mediaLabel Editor SoftwareCD Designer for Windows includedPrint Drivers Windows 2000, XPSystem RequirementsPentium or Greater with min 64MB RAMWindows XP requires 128 MBInterfaceUSB 1.1 for printing, serial for roboticsPower100-120V/220-240V, 3.9-2.9A, 50/60 Hz, 500W maximumOperating Temperature60° F to 86° F (15.5° C to 30° C)Relative Humidity30% to 80% non-condensingCertificationsEmissions: FCC Class B, EN 55022 Class B Susceptibility: EN55024Safety: EN 60950, UL1950, c-UL1950 Conformance Marks: UL, cUL, CEPhysical Height 9.7" Width 9.4" Depth 14.8" (24.6 cm x 24 cm x 37.5 cm) Weight 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg)WarrantyOne year limited depotService OptionsVarious Rimage Service Programs are available.Contact us for details. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Rimage AutoPrinter Sorry, discontinued.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.  We also provide optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data. The following information is provided as a reference: The Rimage CD and DVD printer system was an excellent way to print a large amount of discs.  We used to sell this automated disc printing system, but today we focus on network attached security systems.  For more information, take a look at the Rimage web site to learn more about their products. This CD printer offered automated, unattended thermal printing with a 120-disc capacity for your most demanding CD production requirements. Features In-line automatic/unattended desktop environmentBuilt-in robotics120-disc capacity for high-volume productionUp to 99 merge fields for unique CD production at run timesIndelible process requires no drying timeRugged durability to withstand 24-hour, 7-day useOptional aligned printing on pre-screened discs Specifications ItemSpecificationPrinting MethodThermal transfer line printerPrinting Speed10-20 seconds per CD depending on image complexity and print modePrint ModesSingle pass (standard) and double pass for improved print quality on some media typesPrint Quality300 dpi (11.8 dots per mm)Nominal Media Diameter120 mm (4.73 inches)Effective Print Area115 mm (4.5 inches)Media TypesStandard CD-R or CD-ROM, includes pre-screened mediaRibbon ColorBlack (standard), with other one-color ribbons available (minimum quantities apply)Ribbon Capacity1500 CDs fully printed (single pass printing)Ribbon SaverIntelligent ribbon consumption uses only the ribbon required, which greatly increases ribbon capacity and lowers printing costsPhysicalDimensions:6.0"H x 8.5"W x 16.0"D(152.4 mm x 215.9 mm x 406.4 mm)Weight:20 lbs. (9.1 kg)InterfaceCentronics Parallel, SerialRelative Humidity30%-80% non-condensingPower100-240 VAC50/60 Hz1.10-0.55 Amps auto rangingOperating Temperature60° F to 95° F (15.5° C to 35° C)Graphics Filterspcx, bmp, tifLabel Editor SoftwarePerfect Image® CD Designer for Windows includedSoftware DriversWindows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows NT 3.51, Windows NT 4.0System RequirementsPC 486DX2-50MHz or greater 8MB of RAM (16MB recommended) Windows 3.1 or greaterCertificationsEmissions:FCC Class A (meets class B), EN 55022 Class BSusceptibility:EN50082-1Safety:UL 1950, CAN C22.2, No 950, EN 60950Conformance Marks:UL, cUL, CEWarrantySix months from invoice.Service OptionsVarious Rimage Service Programs are available. Contact your local Rimage Service Representative for details Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Exabyte Tape Libraries Sorry, these systems have been discontinued. We used to sell tape systems, but these are no longer available. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is information about this product: Exabyte X200 Mammoth Tape Automated Tape Library SAN-ready native fibre channel or SCSI HVD and LVD12 TB native capacity432 GB/hour native transfer rateMammoth Tape technology 430 Tape Library High capacity, high performance automated data storageUp to 4 drives, 30 cartridges2.4 to 4.5 TB capacity (compressed)86.5 to 173 GB/hr transfer rateAccommodates either VXA-2 or M2 tape drivesOptimized for rack-mount installations 221L Fibre Channel Tape Library 21 cartridge slotsUp to 8.4 TB capacity*Up to 504 GB/hr performance*LTO Ultrium technology * "Compressed" specifications assume a 2:1 compression ratio.  Compression capacity and throughput will vary dependent upon type of data. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Field of View Calculator Remember the lens calculator wheels made out of cardboard?   You could select 1/4 in., 1/3 in or maybe 2/3 in. sensor, then spin the wheel to the field of view you needed and then read the lens size you needed. Now there are many more sensor sizes available, especially with megapixel sensors.  Luckily, most manufacturers provide the lens angles, so you don't need to calculate this. All you really want to do is figure out the field of view at a certain distance, based on the lens angle.  To do this, you can use a trig calculator. Here's How You Do It Before you select the IP camera lens, make sure you understand your expectations.  It is important to first know the objectives for each area you are viewing.  Do you want to identify a person’s face, a license plate, or just detect a person walking far away?  In general, the more detail you want, the higher the resolution you need.  Once you decide what you need, you can select the lens and resolution of the camera.  The camera and lens could be different for each location. Take a look at our article, Calculating What You Can See with Your IP Camera.  This article reviews how to use trigonometry to calculate the lens angle you will need to achieve a specific field of view. FOr more information about selecting the right lens, take a look at Selecting the Right Resolution and Lens for the IP Camera System. If you need help with these calculations, don’t hesitate to give us a call.  We have a lot of experience with IP camera systems and can help you get the exact surveillance system you need. Contact us at 914-944-3425 or 1-800-531-1658 (in the USA), or just use our contact form. ### DiscHub Optical Disc Archiving System The DiscHub Workgroup jukebox was an easy to use archiving solution. Unfortunately this small library was discontinued.  Please take a look at the other blu-ray optical disc libraries available. The following information is for reference purposes only.  Overview of Disc Jukebox: This jukebox (or library) connected to your USB port and had a capacity of 100 discs. The included DiscHub Management software made it easy to use. it controlled the robotics, and how the data was organized on your discs. The data could be organized as individual discs (appearing as folders) or as large volumes that include the data spanned across many discs. Since the jukebox (or library) looked like a virtual drive letter on your computer, it didn't require any client software to access your data. It was fully compatible not only with Windows systems, but also with Apple and Linux systems making it a very universal storage system. Whether you want to archive your important data from your network server, archive your pictures or artwork from your Mac, it all can be easily done with the DiscHub jukebox system. Features: 100-Disc Jukebox with single reader/writerDrag and drop your data to DVD discs in the jukeboxDrive Letter access to your Centurion DiscHubRead cache ensures quick access to your recent used filesSophisticated write cache allows for multiple applications and users to write to various volumes in parallelUSB Connection to your PCSupports disc spanning: Large backups will be automatically split to several parts and stored on several disksUnlimited Unified Offline TrackingIndustry-standard discs written with the UDF file system ensure your data will be in a readable format far into the future Specifications: SPECIFICATIONVALUEDisc Capacity100 DiscsDrives1 x CD/DVD/DVD-RAM Multi Drive (Included)Data transfer rate4,570 KBps to 16,620 KBps on DVD discMedia Change Time15 sec's.InterfaceUSB 2.0 ports.DiscHub Management SoftwareAllows you to easily access your data locally or over the network access to your data. Providing control of the robotics, organization of the data (including disc spanning), caching and multi user access.Operating Systems SupportedMicrosoft Windows 2000 (SP4), Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista and Macintosh OS X Leopard. Weight10 lbs.Dimensions99in Height x 12in Width x 19in Dept (approximate).Power100~240VAC, 50/60 Hz 12VDC, 3.0 A   Today it is more and more important to archive your companies data. Archiving is now the law of the land. Sarbanes-Oxley and other regulations require archiving of your emails and other critical files. Archiving means that the information is placed on permanent media. Tape is not an archive media. Only Optical Discs are considered to be archive media because they are much more reliable. Please contact us for assistance in selecting the right archiving system for your application.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### AXIS 207, 207W, 207MW IP Cameras Discontinued. The alternative is M10-Series These Network Attached Cameras have been discontinued. They have been replaced by the Axis M10 series of cameras. More Axis IP CamerasMore IP CamerasIP NVR Software For your reference, here are the old features: AXIS 207 IP Network CameraSuperior video quality for professional indoor applications The AXIS 207 Network Attached Camera offered a cost-effective, IP-based solution for professional indoor security surveillance and remote monitoring. The camera was available in 3 models: Axis207, Axis207W, and Axis207MW. Features include: Simultaneous Motion JPEG and MPEG-4Built-in Web server for monitoring via standard browser on Windows or MacExcellent low light performanceBuilt-in microphone for synchronized audioWireless IEEE 802.11g and Ethernet for flexible installation (AXIS 207W)Axis207MW includes Wireless and Ethernet direct connect as well as 1.3 Megapixel resolution (1280x1024 pixels). Take a look at the following Axis models:  M1004-W, M1013, M1014, M1025, M1034-W, M1054, and M1065-L.  You can also look at low-cost cameras from Hanwha (Samsung) and Hikvision. Please contact us for assistance in selecting the right camera for your surveillance application.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Product Comparison Guide: Axis Dome Cameras These IP dome cameras include fixed cameras with a choice of lenses.  Some can only be used indoors while others are designed for outdoor applications. The following chart provides a summary of some of the key features for some of the IP cameras available from Axis.   You can choose standard dome, vandal-resistant, and outdoor versions.   There are 1-megapixel to 5-megapixel IP camera domes available. Take a look at the full line. More Axis IP cameras Box IP Cameras | Dome IP Cameras | PTZ Camera SPECIFICATION / MODELAxis M3024-LVEAxis M3026-VEImage sensor1/4 "1/3.6” (effective) progressive scan RGB CMOSLensM12 mount, Fixed iris, IR corrected 2.8 mm, F2.0 Horizontal field of view: 77°M12 mount, Fixed iris, IR corrected 2.0 mm, F2.0 Horizontal field of view: 106°Min illumination/light sensitivity (lux)Color: 0.8-100000 lux, F2.0,   B/W: 0.16 lux, F2.0, 0 lux with IR illumination on Color: 0.3-200000 lux, F2.0,   B/W: 0.06 lux, F2.0 Max video resolution (pixels)1280x800 (1 MP)2048x1536 (3 MP)Operating Conditions-30 °C to 50 °C (-22 °F to 122 °F)Humidity 20-80% RH (non-condensing)-30 °C to 50 °C (-22 °F to 122 °F)Humidity 20-80% RH (non-condensing)Audio supportNoNoAlarm inputs/outputsNoNo More Models SPECIFICATION / MODELP3365 (V,E)P3367 (V,E)Image sensorProgressive scan RGB CMOS 1/2.8”Progressive scan RGB CMOS 1/3.2”Lens3-9 mm, F1.3 Horizontal field of view: 100°–35° view Vertical field of view: 55°–20° Varifocal, Remote focus and zoom, P-Iris control, IR corrected3-9 mm, F1.2 Horizontal field of view: 84°–30° Vertical field of view: 63°–22° Varifocal, Remote focus and zoom, P-Iris control, IR correctedMin illumination/light sensitivity (lux)Color: 0.2 lux, F1.3, B/W: 0.04 lux, F1.3Color: 0.2 lux, F1.2, B/W: 0.04 lux, F1.2Max video resolution (pixels)1920x1080 (2MP)2592x1944 (5 MP)Operating Conditions0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F) Humidity 10-85% RH (non-condensing)0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)Humidity 10-85% RH (non-condensing)Audio supporttwo-wayTwo-wayAlarm inputs/outputs1/11/1 ### Presentation Systems Kintronics used to provide technology to enhance your presentations. Sorry we no longer carry these products.   Today we focus on network attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is information about this product: Whether you need a video projector for a classroom, a portable digital LCD projector for a business trip, or a high performance digital projector for a conference, you can rely on Kintronics for the right equipment. If you need an extremely bright, light-weight, small digital projector take a look at the latest Plus projectors utilizing the Digital Light Processing Technology™ from Texas Instruments. Note LCD Panels have been replaced by LCD or digital projectors that provide better cost performance. Many of these projectors are not available from: Plus Are no longer available3M Are no longer available Eiki See the Eiki website for more details. Proxima Are no longer available Please check the latest technology for enhancing your security systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### SDLT 320 Tape Drive Sorry, these systems have been discontinued.   We used to sell tape systems, but these are no longer available. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is information about this product: Overview The SDLT 320 represented a major advance in capacity and performance. It offered the lowest cost per GB of any other storage solution on the market and, as part of the DLTtape product family, enjoyed the highest industry acceptance. The SDLT 320 was backward read compatible with DLTtape IV media and used the same Super DLTtape I cartridges as the SDLT 220, preserving your data storage investments. Specifically designed for the high duty-cycle requirements of high-end and automated environments, the SDLT 320 was the ultimate solution for today's demanding backup needs. Benefits Native capacity of 160 GB at 16 MB/s transfer rate2:1 Compression allows 320 GB at 32 MB/s250,000 hours MTBF at 100% tape motionFully backward read compatible with DLTtape IV cartridges and uses Super DLTtape I mediaAdvanced Metal Particle Media embeds the optical servo tracks onto the reverse side of the tape freeing up 100% of tape's magnetic side for recording dataHigh efficiency PRML Channel creates more tracks on the tapeLaser Guided Magnetic Recording combines best of optical and magnetic technologiesPivoting Optical Servo increases high duty cycle reliabilityMagneto-Resistive Cluster Heads for the highest data densityIncreased media capacity provides easier use and lower cost of ownership Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Rimage DVD2000i Specifications Sorry, these systems have been discontinued. We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs, but these are no longer available.   Today we focus on network attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems For your reference, here is information about this product: This DVD Duplicator with two writers, connected to your PC and allowed you to master and print discs from anywhere on the network, providing a complete publishing system. Provided 100-disc capacity, configurable for CD, DVD or both, allowing you to burn and print CDs and DVDs at the same time. Specification  Feature CapabilityInput hopper100 discs Output hopper 100 discs Recording 2 writers (8X/24X DVD-R/CD-R) DV +/- formats Feature Detail Electrical 120/220 VAC 50/60 Print Thermal Ink-jet Resolution 4800 dpi Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Primera Bravo SE Sorry, we no longer sell CD and DVD Duplication Systems. We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems For your reference, here is information about this product: The Bravo SE Disc Publishing System We used to sell these systems, but today we focus on network attached security systems.  For more information, take a look at the Rimage web site to learn more about their products. Sorry, discontinued.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is information about this product: Bravo SE was the answer for low-volume applications for printing and recording CD or DVD. Easy to Operate, Proven ReliabilitySoftware Included Product Highlights: All-in-one Printer and DuplicatorCD or DVD Options4800 dpi printer52X CD or DVD/CD Recording Drive50 Disc Duplicator Technical Specifications   ModelBravo CD DVD Publisher (CD/DVD-R)Bravo Bluray Publisher (DVD-R & CD-R)Disc Capacity25 Disc input/output or 50 discs in "kiosk" modeRecording SpeedsCD-R: Up to 40XDVD-R/CD-R: 2X/8XRecordable FormatsCD: CD-R, CD-RW, CD-Audio (CD-DA), Video-CD. MP3 to CD-Audio, most other industry standard formats.   DVD: DVD-R, DVD-RW Print MethodInk-jetPrint Resolution4800x 1200, 2400 dpi x 1200 dpi, 1200 x 1200 dpi, and 600 x 600 dpiMaximum Print Width4.724" (120mm)Ink CartridgesDual CMY color and black monochromeColors16.7 million and blackColor MatchingPrimaColor(TM) color matching software includedLabel SoftwareSureThing CD Labeler First EditionMedia TypesPrintable surface CDs and DVDsMinimum Systems RequirementsPentium III processor at 700 MHz or higher, 512MB or more RAM, available USB 2.0 port or open PCI slot for optional USB 2.0 adapter card (combo cards not recommended), Desktop PC (laptops not recommended), Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4, or Windows XP with Service Pack 1, User account with Local Administrator equivalent rights, 2GB free Hard Drive space, at least 5GB free for DVD Disc ImageNote: For DVD±R system you must have Windows 2000 or XP with a NTFS drive partition.Electrical Ratings12 VDC, 4.5ADimensions17.25"W x 7.25"H x 16"DInterfacesControl and printing - USB 2.0 ### Rimage CD DVD Duplicators  Sorry, these systems have been discontinued.   We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems The following information is for reference only. The Rimage CD and DVD Duplication systems were an excellent way to duplicate large amounts of discs.  We used to sell these systems, but today we focus on network attached security systems.  For more information, take a look at the Rimage web site to learn more about their products. Sorry, discontinued.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.  We also provide optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data. The following information is provided as a reference: The Rimage 2000i was the most versatile desktop CD/DVD recorder and direct to disc publishing system available. The DVD2000i CD/DVD duplication system duplicated both CD-R and DVD-R discs.  Only Rimage offered an out-of-the-box ready digital printing and publishing solution that combined speed, reliability, and highly intuitive software to assist you with your on demand CD/DVD printing and recording needs. The large 100-disc input bin allows you to handle your unique CD/DVD publishing projects - large or small. Whether you needed one disc or several hundred, the Rimage 2000i recorded your unique content and prints customized graphics and text directly on the disc for a complete, professional publishing solution. The Rimage DVD2000i contains 2 DVD-Recorders supports + and - DVD formats. This duplicator contains two writers, connects to your PC and allows you to master and print discs from anywhere on the network, providing a complete publishing system. Provides 100-disc capacity, configurable for CD, DVD or both, allowing you to burn and print CDs and DVDs at the same time. Thermal Printer 480i4800 dpi Printer Rimage introduced the most advanced thermal inkjet technology available today. The Rimage 480i features the best speed, the best resolution, and the best color management. The Rimage 480i product incorporates HP's unique PhotoREt IV color-layering technology and ColorSmart III color optimization technology to create realistic photo images, vivid color output, and extremely sharp text to your published CDs and DVDs. The Rimage 480i product also features the smallest droplet size in the industry (3 pico-liters) and a new six-ink color capacity to give you stunning results-disc after disc. You'll get 4800 dpi resolution and a full-color spectrum of 16.7 million colors Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Primera Duplication Systems Sorry, these systems have been discontinued. We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems For your reference, here is information about this product: Primera provides a number of duplication systems.  You could select a model based on your production requirements. Here are more details: CD-R Auto Duplicators | CD-R Archivers | CD-R Printers Bravo SE Includes 1 drive with 50 disc input and output with Kiosk adapter ModelsBravo SE CD/DVD Publisher (DVD±R & CD-R)Bravo II AutoPrinter (No drives, for printing only) Disc Capacity50 discs with included Kiosk Mode Kit Recording SpeedsDVD±R/CD-R: Latest Pioneer® drive Recordable FormatsCD: CD-R, CD-RW, CD-Audio (CD-DA), Video-CD, MP3 to CD-Audio, most other industry-standard CD formatsDVD: DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD+R Dual Layer; other formats to be added as they become standardized Number of DrivesOne Pioneer DVD±R/CD-R drive Print Resolutions4800 dpi x 1200 dpi, 2400 x 1200 dpi, 1200 x 1200 dpi and 600 x 600 dpi Power Requirements100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz, 60 watts (12vdc)Weight18 lbs. (8.2kg)Dimensions17.25"W x 7.25"H x 16"D (438mmW x 184mmH x 406mmD) Data InterfacesUSB 2.0 Bravo Pro Includes 2 drives with 100 disc input and output with Kiosk adapter Models BravoPro DVD Publisher BravoPro AutoPrinter (no drives; for printing only) Disc Capacity Up to 50 discs in standard input/output mode; up to 100 discs using kiosk adapter (included) Recording Speeds DVD±R/CD-R: Latest Pioneer® drive DVD+R Double Layer: Latest Pioneer drive Recordable Formats CD: CD-R, CD-RW, CD-Audio (CD-DA), Video-CD, MP3 to CD-Audio, most other industry-standard CD formats DVD: DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD+R Dual Layer; other formats to be added as they become standardized Number of Drives Two Pioneer DVD±R/CD-R Dual-Layer drives Print Method Inkjet Print Resolution Up to 4800 dpi; printer driver-selectable Media Types Printable-surface CD-Rs and DVD±Rs Data Interface High-speed USB 2.0; network-ready using PTBurn Network Software Power Switch-selectable 100-120 VAC @ 1A or 220-240VAC @ 1A, 50/60 Hz Weight 26 lbs. (11.8 kg) Dimensions 17.8"W x 11"H x 17.5"D (452mmW x 279mmH x 445mmD) Warranty One year parts and labor; optional extended warranty available Bravo XR Series Includes 2 drives with 100-disc capacity. The XR-Series disc publishers, servers and software development tools are designed specifically for deployment in mission-critical applications that require fast and efficient disc burning and printing, rock-solid reliability and professional-quality recorded and printed CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray™ (BD) Discs. Models Bravo XRP Disc Publisher Disc Capacity: 100 discs Recording Speeds: CD-R: Up to 40x, DVD±R: Up to 16x Number of Drives: Two DVD±R/CD-R or two BD-R/DVD±R Print Resolution: Up to 4800 dpi Ink Cartridges: One CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) and one K (black) Color Matching: Primera Z-Color™ profile included Operating Systems: Windows XP/2000 and Mac OS X v10.2 or higher Power: Switch-selectable 100-120 VAC@1A or 220-240 VAC@1A, 50/60 Hz Certifications: UL, UL-C, CE, RoHS, WEEE, FCC Class B Weight: 43 lbs. (19.5 kg) Dimensions: 17"W x 10.8"H x 16.7"D  (432mmW x 274mmH x 424mmD) Data Interface: USB 2.0 Options: Kiosk Adapter Kit Rack Mount Adapter Kit (6U) Extended Warranty Hot Swap Program Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network-attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Plus M-17S Standard Width Copyboard Sorry, we no longer carry electronic copyboards.   Today we focus on network attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.   For your reference, here is some information about the whiteboards: Other Plus Copyboards | Other Presentation Systems M and N-Series Copyboards | C-Series Capture Boards | Wireless Flex Boards | BF-041 The Most Affordable Copyboard A board so advanced, it copies whatever is written on it!Select Standard or Wide-Format Board Quick Facts Writing Panels: 2Writing Area: 35"h x 50w"Paper Type: Plain Paper Specifications The standard width model featuring USB Stick digital memory, a direct PC connection via a USB cord, and an on-board printer (printer is optional). The M17 takes another leap forward in copyboard technology. Increased scan speed, color printing to an on-board printer (printer is optional), digital storage options, and a direct to PC connection make the M-17 the new standard in the copyboard market. Perfect for the corporate boardroom, education, training, or your committee brainstorming sessions, PLUS' electronic whiteboards enhance meeting productivity by allowing participants to focus on the meeting rather than taking notes. Store your work digitally. With digital storage functionality, the PLUS M-17 expands organization-wide communication. The M-17 allows you to store and retrieve the data from the board through either a Direct PC Connection, or by using a USB Memory Stick. Once the image data has been download to your computer, you can utilize it in many useful ways: Easily distribute exact copies of your work via email. Send it to absent audience members!Using office applications, insert the writing on the board into business documents and other materials.Further edit and enhance your work with image editing software.Cut down on storage space and clutter with compact digital files. Print your work to paper The M-17 allows you to print the contents of the board in color or black and white using standard (compatible) inkjet or laser printers. You can utilize the printer in either the copyboard's wall-mounted or floor-standing configuration. Please note that the electronic whiteboard does not come with a printer. Compatible printers are widely available from retailers nationwide. (View compatible printer list) Advantages of plain paper copies: Present your audience with an exact copy of what has been written on the board.Listeners can commit their attention to the presentation; not to taking notes.Maintain consistency by preventing errors or omissions in drawings, charts, and diagrams.Conveniently store paper copies for future reference. The functions of the M-17 can be controlled and customized though the direct PC connection by using the bundled software. You are able to chose the file format of the image downloaded. Choose from PNG, JPG, BMP and TIFF file formats. You are also able to adjust the paper size and binding margins of your print as well as add a time/date stamp. The M-17 uses a new LED light system for low power consumption. No lamp replacement is necessary. Specifications Contact us for the latest pricing.  If you need help selecting your copyboard, please contact us.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, and at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Spectra Logic Tape Libraries The Spectra Logic Tape Libraries were an excellent way to store large amounts of computer data.  We used to sell these systems, but today we focus on network-attached security systems.  For more information, take a look at the Spectra Logic site for more about their products. Sorry, discontinued.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.  We also provide optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data. The following information is provided as a reference: Treefrog:  The TreeFrog architecture of automated tape libraries has been replaced by newer Spectra Logic technology.  They continue the tradition of offering scalable and upgradeable automated tape libraries. Equipped with industry-leading drive technologies, the Spectra 2Kâ„¢ provides a low-cost, entry-level backup and storage solution for today's distributed networks and servers. Networked Storage Flexibility: - TAOS delivers the open, standards-based storage networking protocols required to move data efficiently and reliably across both a fiber channel or an IP SAN. Affordable Automation - The Spectra 2K library provides an affordable automation solution without sacrificing high-end features.Simplicity - The cornerstone of this simple Spectra 2K library design is an integrated picker and uni-body robotic chassis. The intelligent picker increases reliability by accomplishing all required motion with only two motors.Multiple Connectivity Options - The Spectra 2K library allows you to combine leading-edge backup infrastructures, such as SAN and NAS, with an affordable automation solution. Models that used to be available include: Bullfrog: only 4U (7") of rack space, the Spectra 10K® library utilizes BullFrog architecture offering a reliable, cost-effective and scalable tape storage solution for data centers of all sizes. The Spectra 10K library delivers exceptional capacity and throughput - ideal for fast, frequent backups of large networks, servers, VLDBs, and data warehouses. Industry's Highest Storage Density - Over 10 TB* (2 TB native) in only 4U of rack space (seven inches), helps minimize the cost of backup when data center space is at a premium. Interface Technologies - The Spectra 10K library allows you to use leading-edge backup infrastructures such as SANs by supporting Fibre Channel (private loop, public loop, and fabric) and SCSI-2 (Single-ended, HVD and LVD) interfaces. Dual Logical Libraries - Allow a library's resources to be split between two servers. By creating logical libraries you can provide support for heterogeneous platforms, operating systems, and software applications - all in the same physical library Gator The Gator architecture meets the needs of midrange to high-end data centers. If your goal is to centralize backup and restore operations across a heterogeneous enterprise, nothing compares to the Spectra 20Kâ„¢ and Spectra 64Kâ„¢ tape libraries for performance, connectivity, reliability, storage and return on investment. Industry's Highest Storage Density - Over 166 TB* (64 TB native) in a standard NEMA 19-inch rack mount enclosure, helps minimize the cost of backup when data center space is at a premium. Networked Storage Flexibility: - TAOS delivers the open, standards-based storage networking protocols required to move data efficiently and reliably across a fiber channel or IP based SAN. User-Installable Performance and Capacity Upgrades - Most upgrades can be installed without requiring library downtime. Features can be added using a simple key activation. Multiple Connectivity Options - Gator architecture allows you to select from multiple interface technologies, giving you flexibility and control as your enterprise infrastructure changes. Shared Library Service - Allocate a library's resources across your enterprise. By creating logical libraries you can provide support for heterogeneous platforms, software applications, tape drives, media, and interface technologies, all in the same physical library. Best of Class Manageability - The Spectra 20K and Spectra 64K libraries include a color touchscreen interface for simple and intuitive configurations. The Remote Library Controller allows you to perform configuration and management of your library from anywhere in the world. Management options such as SNMP, modem, and Ethernet are also standard on both models. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### JVC CD-ROM Jukebox - Library The JVC DVD Jukebox or library system was discontinued a number of years ago. It was first introduced in 2001 and promised to be an excellent archiving library.  The robotic mechanism moved the CD and DVD discs very quickly, without scratching or damaging them in any way.   Unfortunately, like many other jukeboxes from Sony, Panasonic, and others, the market demand was not there, and the product was discontinued. Please take a look at the other optical jukebox libraries available. For reference purposes the JVC library had the following characteristics: Reliability Utilizes over 35 years of experience in designing and manufacturing robotics technology Two years’ warrantyYear 2000 Compliant Performance Fast disc exchange timesMulti-tasking deviceRead/Write from up to six drivesMultiple SCSI buses for load balancingFast disc swap times Drive Options CD (CD-ROM, CD-R)DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM) Other discontinued models: Discontinued Models MC-7000 Series (100/200/600 Disc Capacities)Supports DVD-RAM drives MC-2000 Series (100/200/600 Disc Capacities)Supports CD-ROM, CD-R & DVD-ROM drives and Printer MC-1000 Series Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network-attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Panasonic PTZ IP Cameras The Panasonic PTZ IP cameras include a very nice “fog compensation” mode, but don't have the same wide dynamic range (WDR) as the newest Sony and Samsung PTZ cameras. You can select the 1.3 or the 2.0-megapixel resolution model. The 30X optical zoom and a 2-megapixel sensor, allows you to recognize a person’s face from about 800 ft away. For comparison, Axis provides a maximum of 20X zoom while Sony has a 30X zoom lens on its PTZ camera.  Samsung (Hanwha) beats them all with the 32X optical zoom lens. Panasonic PTZ Camera Also Select: Dome IP Cameras | Box Cameras | More Panasonic Cameras | Compare to Other Cameras Sample Panasonic PTZ Cameras SPECIFICATION / MODELWV-SW598A WV-SW397BImage sensor2MP (1,080p), 1/3 MOS1 megapixel, HD (720p / ),  1/3 MOSZoom Lens30X, f=4.3-129mm, F1.6H: 2.6-63 deg. V: 1.5-37 deg.f=4.2-25.2mm, F1.6 motorizedH: 17-96 deg. V: 9.3-54 deg.Pan TiltPan: EndlessTilt: -15 – +195 deg.Pan: EndlessTilt: -15 – +195 deg.Min illumination/light sensitivity (lux)Color: 0.15B/W: 0.018Color: 0.1 luxB/W: 0.013 luxMax video resolution (pixels)1,920 x1,0801,280 x 720Auto TrackingWhen motion detected will track objectH.264 / JPEGAudio support2-Way (No Built-in MIC)2-Way (No Built-in MIC)PowerAC24 V : 3.5 A, 55 W PoE+ : DC 54V 470 mA, 25 W (IEEE802.3at compliant) Tested POE Injector (60 W) : DC 54V 1.0 A, 50 WPoE+, 24V AC More models WV-SC385 Super Dynamic HD Dome Network PTZ Camera 12 V DC or PoE PTZ camera for indoor applications. This is one example of the many pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) IP cameras that are available from Panasonic.  This is an economical indoor camera. Features: 720p HD images up to 30 fpsNewly developed 1.3 Megapixel double speed MOS SensorFull frame (Up to 30 fps) transmission at 1,280 x 960 image sizeHigh sensitivity: 0.5 lx (Color), 0.06 lx (B/W) at F1.6 (Wide) / 0.031 lx (Color), 0.004 lx (B/W) at F1.6 (Wide) with Sens Up 16xSupports Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3af18X optical zoom There are many more PTZ IP cameras available from Panasonic.  For help selecting the right IP camera system, including the video recording system, please contact us.  We have a lot of experience with surveillance and security systems, and will make sure you purchase the right systems for your application. ### Panasonic Box and Bullet IP Cameras Panasonic has a number of IP box and bullet cameras, with a maximum of 12-megapixel resolution. Many of the IP cameras have remote motorized zoom lenses as well as remote back focus. They have good low light sensitivity. Some of the cameras include face detection. You can select indoor or outdoor models. Panasonic 4K Camera Also Select: Dome IP Cameras | PTZ IP Cameras | More Panasonic Cameras | Compare to Other Cameras Overview: These IP box cameras are available with up to 12-megapixel resolution. There are a number of outdoor models (with and without IR Illuminator), and indoor models. The latest IP cameras include wide dynamic range of 133 dB. SPECIFICATION / MODELWV-S1531LNWV-SPV781LImage sensor2MP – 3MP (1,080p), 1/3 MOS4K , 12 Megapixel, 1/1.7 MOSLensf=2.8 – 10 mm, F1.6H: 30-108 deg. V: 17-58 deg.f=4.2-25.2mm, F1.6 motorizedH: 17-96 deg. V: 9.3-54 deg.Min illumination/light sensitivity (lux)Color: 0.012B/W:0.006 / 0 (w/IR-LED)Color: 0.3 luxB/W: 0.04 / 0 (w/IR-LED)Max video resolution (pixels) 2,048 x 1,536(3,840 x 2,160) / 4,000 x 3,000Compression H.265H.264 / JPEGAudio support2-Way (No Built-in MIC)2-Way (No Built-in MIC)PowerPoE, 12V DCPoE, 12V DC More models WV-S1131 Super Dynamic Full HD Network Camera.   This is a very flexible IP camera. It doesn't come with a lens. The CS-mount allows you to select the best lens for your specific application. Full HD / 1,920 x 1,080 60 fps H.265 Network Camera featuring Super Dynamic Panasonic Box Camera Features: 2MP – 3MP (1,080p / 2,048 x 1,536)Extreme Super Dynamic technologies deliver 144 dB wide dynamic rangeIntelligent Auto (iA) feature provides increased discernibility even in environments with poor visibilityHigh sensitivity with Day/Night (ICR*) function : 0.01 lx (Color), 0.004 lx (B/W) at F1.4*ICR : IR Cut filter RemovalH.265 compression and Smart coding technology realize high image quality streaming at low bit ratesIntelligent Face Compression provides high picture quality at “Face best shot area” while reducing other non-important areas to save the network bandwidth and the disk space of recorder.Encryption and alteration detection functions enhanced the security. There are many more dome IP cameras available from Panasonic.  For help selecting the right IP camera system, including the video recording system, please contact us.  We have a lot of experience with surveillance and security systems, and will make sure you purchase the right systems for your application. ### Panasonic Dome IP Cameras Panasonic Dome Cameras Panasonic's latest megapixel dome IP cameras include remote zoom and focus lenses. They have excellent low light sensitivity along with very wide dynamic range.  Many of their IP cameras use the latest H.265 compression that reduces bandwidth and storage use. The cameras include analytic functions such as object left behind, object missing, and line crossing. You can select indoor models, indoor with vandal resistance and outdoor domes. The cameras are available with 1.3 or 2-megapixel resolution. They all include IR Illuminator and WDR. There is an indoor model (with and without vandal resistance), and an outdoor model. Panasonic Outdoor Dome Camera Also Select: Box and Bullet IP Cameras | PTZ IP Cameras | More Panasonic Cameras | Compare to Other Cameras Comparison Table and Guide - Panasonic IP Dome Cameras The table describes the different models available. Remember to contact us for help selecting the right IP camera system. We provide free consulting and engineering to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just contact us. SPECIFICATION / MODELWV-S2531LNWV-S2570LImage sensor2MP – 3MP (1,080p), 1/3 MOS4K , 8.3-MegapixelLensf=2.8 – 10 mm, F1.6H: 30-108 deg. V: 17-58 deg.f=4.3-8.6 mm, F1.6 motorizedH: 52-101-degreeMin illumination/light sensitivity (lux)Color: 0.012B/W:0.006 / 0 (w/IR-LED)Color: 0.09 luxB/W: 0.05 / 0 (w/IR-LED)Max video resolution (pixels) 2,048 x 1,536(3,840 x 2,160)Compression H.265H.265, H.264, JPEGAudio support2-Way (No Built-in MIC)2-Way (No Built-in MIC)PowerPoE, 12V DCPoE, 12V DC More models WV-SFN130 2 - 3 Megapixel camera with remote zoom Full HD / 1,920 x1,080 Compact Dome Network Camera featuring Super Dynamic Features include: 1080p Full HD images up to 30 fpsMultiple H.264 (High profile) streams and JPEG streams ensure simultaneous real-time monitoring and high-resolution recording.Super Dynamic and ABS (Adaptive Black Stretch) technologies deliver 122 dB wider dynamic range compared to conventional cameras.Face Super Dynamic Range technology ensures clear face image.High sensitivity with Day/Night (Electrical) function: 0.1 lx (Color), 0.08 lx (B/W) at F2.3VIQS (Variable Image Quality on Specified area) technology allows the designated eight areas to retain higher image quality while the excluded area will have a decreased image quality, which enables to use lower image file size and bit rate.2x, 4x digital zoom controlled by browserWide coverage [16 : 9 mode] Horizontal : 108 ° Vertical : 60 °Low profile design for discrete installation Panasonic Dome IP Camera WV-SFV631LT Super Dynamic Full HD Vandal Resistant & Waterproof Long Focus-Type Dome Network Camera Full HD / 1,920 x 1,080 60 fps H.264 Vandal Resistant Network Camera featuring Super Dynamic Features Include: 1080p Full HD / 720p HD images up to 60 fpsSuper high resolution at Full HD/1,920 x 1,080 created by high sensitivity MOS Sensor.Maximum Screen Size is 2,048 x 1,536* @30fps, H.264 * Used by super-resolution techniquesEnhanced Super Dynamic and ABS (Adaptive Black Stretch) technologies deliver 133 dB wider dynamic range compared to conventional cameras.Multi process NR & 3D-DNR ensures noise reduction in various conditions.High sensitivity with Day & Night (IR) function: 0.04 lx (Color), 0.01 lx (B/W) at F1.6IR LED equipped: The equipped infrared LED makes it possible to take pictures at zero lx.IR LED is controlled to match the environment, thereby the camera provides clear images of human faces without white blur.IP66 rated water and dust resistant. Compatible with IEC60529 measurement standard, Type 4X(UL50), NEMA 4X compliant.Vandal-resistant mechanism for high reliability WV-SFN480 360-degree Indoor Dome 9 Megapixel Network Camera High resolution, sensitivity, and built-in intelligent features Features Include: 360° monitoring with a wide variety of transmission modes : Panorama, Double Panorama, Quad PTZ, Single PTZ, and Quad streams (H.264)9 Megapixel images up to 15 fps.Smooth PTZ operation without mechanical actionBuilt-in distortion correction functionA fisheye lens control function realizes intelligible screen operation intuitively.Smartphone monitoring: Direct camera control from smartphoneWide dynamic range and ABS (Adaptive Black Stretch) technologies deliver wider dynamic range.High sensitivity with Day/Night (Electrical) function : 0.3 lx (Color), 0.2 lx (B/W) at F1.9 Panasonic Panoramic Camera There are many more dome IP cameras available from Panasonic.  For help selecting the right IP camera system, including the video recording system, please contact us.  We have a lot of experience with surveillance and security systems, and will make sure you purchase the right systems for your application. ### Microboards Orbit 3 DVD Duplicator Unfortunately, we no longer carry these CD and DVD duplication systems. We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems More information about CD-R Auto Duplicators | CD-R Archivers | CD-R Printers For your reference, here is information about this product: This was the latest in a line of outstanding disc duplication products from Microboards Technology. It was the third generation of the award-winning Orbit automated CD/DVD copier. The Orbit 3 (Part No: NX1-1000) allowed unattended duplication of up to 100 discs at a time.  It featured Microboards' patented disc singulation technology, 100 CDs or DVDs can be placed into the Orbit 3 at a time. The dual-drive system wrote  two discs simultaneously at top speeds of 48X CD and 18X DVD.  The Orbit 3 stores successful discs in a spindled output bin while automatically ejecting rejected discs. The Orbit 3 also came complete with HDD for multiple image archiving. Features Low cost /entry levelCompletely standalone, no PC required100 disc input capacity"Insert and Duplicate" buttonless operationHigh performance autoloading mechanism48X CD burning and 18X DVD Burning)Small desktop footprintSupport for almost all CD and DVD formats Operational Specifications: Hopper capacity:  100 discs Electrical:  Universal power supply, 400Watts Dimensions:  15.25" W x 10" D x 9.5" H (15.5" with input rods installed) Weight: 27.5 lbs Environment Temperature: 40° F - 105° F (5° C - 40° C) Humidity:   Operating 20% to 80% RH Non condensing Recording Format CD:         CD-ROM Mode 1, CD-ROM XA Mode 2 (form 1 & 2), Photo CD, CD-DA (Audio CD), CD-Extra, CD-R, CD-RW DVD:      DVD-ROM, DVD+/-R/RW/DL, DVD-VIDEO Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Microboards MicroOrbitDVD Sorry, we no longer sell Duplication Systems.   We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP NVR Recording Software MicroOrbitDVD was a 50-disc, batch-load duplicator utilizing a singulator design from Microboards Technology.   For your reference, here is information about this product: The Micro Orbit had only one button to operate its simulation and copy modes. Masters were read into the internal hard drive through the recorder, eliminating the need for a separate reader. Masters and blanks could be interleaved on the input spindle to allow for batch mode processing. When the system recognized a new master, it read it into the hard drive then ejected the master into the output bin and started recording the next series of blanks until it ran out of media or recognized a new master in the drive. Duplicates CD and DVD discs! NOTE: Content protection makes it impossible to copy encrypted entertainment titles on general purpose media. DVD Duplicator Amazing Features! 40X Speed CD16X Speed DVDCopies Both CDs & DVDsEasy-Load System has Minimal moving parts - safe & Reliable!No computer requiredBased on award-winning loading & copying technologyCompact footprintDVD Version can copy from DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW and DVD Authoring Media Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### CD and DVD Duplication and Publishing Systems  Sorry, these systems have been discontinued.   We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems For your reference, here is information about these products: These automated duplication systems allowed you to stack 50 to 800 discs on the input spindles, start the job, and walk away. The duplication systems included robotics that moved the CDs from the input spindle into the recorders and then stacked them on the output spindle.  Publishers include built-in ink jet or thermal transfer printers to provide professional quality discs.  We also had automated disc printing systems. This provided the flexibility of duplicating on one system and printing on another system, increasing the total throughput and improving reliability. Here are some of the CD DVD duplicating systems that were available: PC Connected Duplication Systems PrimeraDuplication Systems DVD and CD Disc Publishing Systems Select from entry-level to production class CD and DVD publishing systems Microboards MX-1 Publishing System Microboards 100-disc DVD/CD publishing system is a very cost-effective system that includes dual recorders and a built-in printer. Rimage Desktop Publishing System PC connected with Automatic Media Handling. Unattended Processing with built-in CD-Printer (100 CDs) Standalone CD and DVD Duplication Systems Microboards Select from 50 to 300-disc CD or DVD automated standalone duplicators. The MicroOrbitDVD  Was one of the most economical automatic 50-disc CD/DVD Duplication Systems available. MF Digital Stand Alone Duplication systems are available with and without printers. Systems that duplicate and print Network Attached CD and DVD Publishing Systems MF Digital Publishing Systems that can be shared on the network Select from 250 to 600-disc CD or DVD network-attached, automated, standalone duplicators with choice of printers. These CD/DVD Duplication systems can be linked together to create very large duplication and publishing systems. Please check the latest technology for enhancing your security systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Axis IP Camera Comparison Guide Specification Chart for Box IP Cameras: This Axis camera comparison guide will help you select the right fixed network camera. These IP cameras can be used indoors (or outdoors with enclosure).  These box IP cameras provide a flexible solution for surveillance applications.  They include environmental enclosures when they are used outdoors.   They all come with lenses, but the lenses can be changed (with care). Select: Axis IP Camera Guide | Axis Dome IP Cameras | PTZ Axis IP Cameras | Box Cameras | More Axis IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras Box cameras are available from other manufacturers as well.  Take a look at the Sony and Hanwha Samsung IP cameras. These brands have better wide dynamic range than the Axis cameras.   Here's a comparison of some of the box cameras available. Axis Comparison Table SPECIFICATIONAXIS M1124AXIS M1125Image sensor1.3 Megapixel, Progressive scan RGB CMOS 1/3"2 Megapixel, Progressive scan RGB CMOS 1/2.8"LensDC-iris,3-10.5 mm, 91–32° view, 49–18° viewVarifocal, IR corrected, CS-mount, Megapixel resolution, DC-iris,3-10.5 mm, 91–32° view, 49–18° viewMin illumination/light sensitivity (lux)Color: 0.25 lux F1.4B/W: 0.05 lux F1.4Color: 0.25 lux F1.4B/W: 0.05 lux F1.4Max video resolution (pixels)1280x7201920x1080Outdoor model M1124-EM1125-EAudio supportNoNoPower8-28 V DC or Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3af Class 2,max. 5.0 W, typical 3.6 W8-28 V DC or Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3af Class 2,max. 5.0 W, typical 3.6 W More models SPECIFICATIONAXIS P1365 MKIIAXIS P1357Image sensor2.0 Megapixel, Progressive scan RGB CMOS 1/2.8”5 Megapixel, Progressive scan RGB CMOS 1/3.2”LensIR corrected, CS-mount lens, P-Iris Varifocal 2.8–8 mm, F1.3 Horizontal field of view: 112°–39°IR-corrected, CS-mount lens P-Iris Varifocal 2.8-8 mm: 92°-32°Min illumination/light sensitivity (lux)at highest resolution:   1080p 50/60 fps: Color 0.22 lux, B/W: 0.02 lux, at 50 IRE F1.3 Color: 0.2 lux, F1.2, B/W: 0.04 lux, F1.2Max video resolution (pixels)1920x10802592x1944Outdoor model P1365-E   -40 °C to 50 °C (-40 °F to 122 °F) Humidity 10-100% RH (condensing) P1357-E   -30 °C to 50 °C (-22 °F to 122 °F) with PoE, down to -40 °C (-40 °F) with High PoE Audio supportTwo-way, full duplexTwo-way, full duplexPowerIndoor:  8–28 V DC, max 7.3 W, typical 4.2 W Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3af/802.3at Type 1 Class 3, max 6.8 W, typical 3.6 W   Outdoor model: Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3af/802.3at Type 1 Class 3, max 12.95 W, typical 4.3 W 8-28 V DC or Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3af Max. 7.9 W, PoE Class 3   Outdoor version: Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3af max. 12.95 W or High PoE max. 25.5 W Selecting the right camera can be complicated.  You need to consider the application, the field of view, and lighting conditions.  A complete IP camera system also includes the video recording system.  We can help you select the right cameras and video management recording system.  Contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or just use our contact form. ### Plus U5-Family of Enhanced Digital Projectors Sorry, we no longer carry the Plus projectors.  Today we focus on network attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.   For your reference, here is information about some of the projectors: More Plus Projectors | Other Presentation Systems The Plus U5 series of projectors was the business standard projector line from PLUS. There were 4 models to choose from. Excellent performance value with high brightness; the dream of less than $1.00 per lumen has been achieved! Further protect your investment: The U5 series projectors can be set to require the input of a password at startup. Models available: U5-512h Affordable Brightness with a Manual Zoom Lumens: 2000 Resolution: SVGA 800x600 Weight: 4.2 Pounds Special Features: 2000:1 Contrast Ratio, Manual Zoom, Password Protection, Digital Keystone Correction, Eco-Mode. U5-632h XGA and Up to 3000 Lumens in Bright Mode with a Short-Focus Zoom Lens Lumens: 2300 Resolution: XGA 1024x768 Weight: 4.4 Pounds Special Features: 2000:1 Contrast Ratio, Short-Focus Zoom Lens, Bright Mode of 3000 Lumens, Advanced Color Wheel, Password Protection, Digital Keystone Correction, Eco-Mode. U5-732h XGA with 2500 Lumens of Brightness Lumens: 2500 Resolution: XGA 1024x768 Weight: 4.6 Pounds Special Features: 2000:1 Contrast Ratio, Advanced Color Wheel, Digital Zoom, Keystone Correction, Password Protection, Eco-Mode Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Axis Comparison Guide for PTZ IP Cameras Axis was the first company to introduce IP cameras in 1996.  PTZ IP cameras were introduced about one year later.  These new cameras competed with the older analog CCTV cameras. PTZ cameras are used to view large areas, but usually, require someone to watch the video.  The following chart compares pan, tilt, zoom PTZ cameras available from Axis.  Note that there are also PTZ cameras available from other manufacturers.  Take a look at the following comparison chart.  Please contact us for help selecting the right IP camera. PTZ IP Camera Comparison Chart SPECIFICATION/MODEL AXIS P5532 and P5532E Axis 214PTZ DISCONTINUED Image sensor 1/4'' interlaced CCD 1/4'' interlaced CCD Lens 3.6 - 104 mm,auto iris,auto focus lens,29x optical zoom,12x digital zoom 4.1 - 73.8 mm,auto iris,auto focus lens,18x optical zoom,12x digital zoom Min illumination/light sensitivity (lux) Color: 0.5 lux at 30 IRE F1.4B/W: 0.01 lux at 30 IRE F1.4 0.3 (Color)0.005 (B/W) Max video resolution (pixels) D1 720x480 4CIF Pan/Tilt/Zoom- Pan range- Tilt range 360º180 º ±170º-30º to 90º Audio support Two-way Two-way Alarm inputs/outputs Requires multi-connector cable (not included) for external microphone input or line input and line output 1/1 Axis Q6042 PTZ Camera Details Axis Q6045 Camera Details SPECIFICATION / MODELAxis Q6042 PTZ Camera DetailsAxis Q6045 Camera DetailsImage sensor1/4'' Sony ExViewHAD interlaced CCD1/2.8 progressive scan CMOS megapixelLens3.4 – 119 mm,auto iris,autofocus lens,35x optical zoom,12x digital zoom4.7 - 94 mm,auto iris,autofocus lens,20x optical zoom,12x digital zoomMin illumination/light sensitivity (lux)Color: 0.5 lux at 30 IRE B/W: 0.008 lux at 30 IREColor: 0.8 lux at 30 IRE F1.6 B/W: 0.04 lux at 30 IRE F1.6Max video resolution (pixels)704x4801080p 1920x1080Pan/Tilt/Zoom- Pan range- Tilt rangePan: 360° endless, 0.05 – 450°/sPan: 360° endless, 0.05° – 450°/s Tilt: 220°, 0.05° – 450°/sAudio support--Alarm inputs/outputs4 configurable alarm inputs/outputs4 configurable alarm inputs/outputs   Using a PTZ at night The latest PTZ cameras are available with built-in IR illumination.  These allow you to see in total darkness. They have a range of about 150 m (490 ft).  There are also very special PTZ cameras designed for very long-range surveillance.  Some of these include special laser illuminators that can provide visibility to 5000 m (3 miles). ### CD Duplicator Realtime Recorder We no longer sell these products.    Realtime live audio recording to CDR discs used special computers and CD-recording drives to provide real-time recording directly to the CD.  Please take a look at the other products we have available. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: The CD recording system used to be able to record up to 6 discs in one rack. By adding additional racks, you could burn many discs at one time. It was very easy to record your sermons or other live events. Live record We also provide PA system to go with this recorder. Please take a look at our selection of PA systems. Example system: 5500 DVD CD Live Duplicator The 5500 Live CD duplication system could be easily expanded to add additional capacity. The Live Event CD realtime Recorder system was a fully automated production system. You could start with 4 or 6 drive master system and easily expand with 6 drive slave units.  It allowed you to grow your production anywhere from 4 to 60 drives by adding a 5506 copy module slave. Configuration Options: 4 or 6 drive configurations Expandable 6 drive rack mount slave units 2nd and 3rd year extended warranties available. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Memory RAM Upgrades We no longer provide memory upgrade modules. Please check all the other products we have available. Random Access Memory or RAM acts as the machines workspace while the computer is switched on, but any information stored here will be deleted once the computer is switched off. The capacity of computers is often described in terms of the amount of available RAM. The more RAM, the larger the programs and data that can be stored and processed. Computers continue to use more and more memory. Years ago Windows 95 required at least 16 MBytes of memory, and today the current operating systems use Giga-bytes of memory.  Each application program such as Word, or Excel requires their own memory requirements. Since Windows allows more than one program to run at the same time, the more memory available the better. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Exabyte Mammoth-2 MammothTape(TM) Technology Tape Drive Exabyte's new M2 was one of the best enterprise-level high-performance tape drive engineered for the midrange market.  Unfortunately, it is no longer available. Please check all the other security solutions we have available. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: This used to be the fastest tape drive in its class, M2 delivers a 30 MB per second compressed transfer rate, and a capacity of up to 150 GB (60 GB native). Ideal for UNIX, NT and LINUX environments, M2 automatically scales its performance to match the host system, without impacting server efficiency. The superior speed and capacity of M2 were invaluable for companies that needed to store large amounts of data and retrieve them quickly and easily.  The M2 was a self-cleaning tape drive, equipped with conditioning heads and a dynamic cleaning wheel. Superior 225 AME media features Exabyte's exclusive SmartClean(TM) technology with a section of cleaning tape at the beginning of each data cartridge. Features Exabyte M2, MammothTape(TM) Drive20, 40, and 60 GB native capacity108 GB per hour compressed data transfer rateIndustry-standard 5.25" half-high form factorHigh reliabilityLibrary compatibleIndustry-leading price/performance Specifications Capacity Tape Length - 75m, 150m, 225m 50 GB, 100 GB, 150 GB (compressed) 20 GB, 40 GB, 60 GB (native) Performance Transfer rate, sustained:    30 MB per second, compressed      (108 GB per hour)    12 MB per second, native      (43.2 GB per hour) Transfer rate, burst:    LVD, 80 MB per second    Fibre Channel, 100 MB per second Search rate, nominal (20 GB):     60 second    Load to ready:     < 17 seconds Interface:  Low-voltage differential (LVD) Buffer size:  32 MB Data Integrity:  BER < 1 in 1017 Reliability: MTBF> 300,000 hours Read-after-write verification Recording Method: Advanced 8mm helical scan Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### SmartStor for Archiving SmartStor Archive Comprehensive Read/Write Storage software was used with Optical jukeboxes and libraries.  It is no longer available.   Please take a look at our other Blu-ray library solutions. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: SmartStor Archive was a robust and comprehensive read/write storage solution that included all the features of SmartStor Access but also provides flexible data archiving functionality and expanded media support. Users or applications archive to and access data from the same single drive letter. SmartStor Archive offered the following award-winning capabilities: Flexible Data Recording Options -- SmartStor Archive offers unparalleled flexibility in how and when data is archived. The Job Scheduler can be used to schedule data archiving to off-peak hours, thereby spreading the system load. The methods of data archiving are: Direct Write provides single-drive-letter recording to the SmartStor drive letter. Clients and applications treat the SmartStor Archive drive letter like a large writable hard disk. Data can be written to the system using simple system commands like COPY, MOVE, and SAVE AS, or be dragged from its source through Explorer. Retrieval of data is just as easy — the client or application simply locates the data file from the same SmartStor drive letter and opens it.Polling provides an efficient way to record premastered images to CD/DVD. The Poller continuously scans predefined "queue" directories on the server. When a premastered image is placed into this directory, SmartStor Archive automatically writes it to a disc and incorporates it into the SmartStor file system. This method of data archiving is particularly valuable in situations where data must be manipulated at network stations before being submitted to a central server for recording. Watermarking allows an administrator to define a network directory where clients save data. When the directory fills to a predefined watermark, SmartStor Archive automatically premasters an image and writes it to disc. Scalable Mixed Media Support — SmartStor Archive manages a wide range of optical jukeboxes and drives that support leading read-only, write-once, and re-writable optical media, such as CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, WORM, and MO. Our standards-oriented philosophy protects the customer's data assets as new technology is adopted. Users can grow with SmartStor Archive from low-capacity CD-R solutions to high-capacity, high-performance MO solutions. Capacity Management — In addition to the Volume Management functionality described in the SmartStor Access section, SmartStor Archive allows the file system to be aggregated and presented in our patented Capacity Management mode. Using Capacity Management, directories can logically span physical media. Instead of viewing a 100-slot DVD-ROM jukebox as 100 sub directories, the system appears as a single volume. Files in a particular directory may actually reside on more than one disc, while the SmartStor file system aggregates the structure and presents them in a single location. Off-Line Support — This allows users to remove infrequently accessed data — a single piece of media or a magazine — from the system for storage on a shelf. This feature precludes the need for re-inventory when discs or magazines are reinserted into the jukebox. Label Printer Support — With SmartStor Archive, users can customize, serialize, and print labels on discs inside a jukebox with a printer. Application Programming Toolkits (APIs) — Smart Storage offers a full family of API toolkits with all the "tools" an integrator needs to embed storage technology — control of data creation, replication, and/or device management — into a parent application. The toolkits are highly functional, easy to use, well documented, and fully supported by the Smart Storage ISV Partner Program. System Requirements Windows NT / 2000 Intel Pentium 333 MHz (min), 400 MHz recommended. Windows NT 4.0 workstation or server with service pack 4. 64 MB RAM (min), 128 MB recommended. 1 GB hard disk space for file system cache. 4 GB hard disk space for additional SmartStor caching(configurable). 32 bit (PCI or EISA) SCSI adapter for readers. 32 bit (PCI or EISA) SCSI adapter for recorders. 1 GB SCSI hard disk for CD premastering. Optical storage device(s). UNIX (MO Only) Sun Microsystems workstation or server. Sun Solaris v. 2.x. 64 MB RAM (min). 1 GB hard disc space (min) for file cache (configurable, see doc for algorithm Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Tape Drive Storage Products Unfortunately, these drives are no longer available.   Tape drive units used removable media to provide the local backup of data.   Please take a look at the other products we have available. Tape drive units used removable media to provide local backup of data.  They are no longer available. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: Quantum SDTL 320 Tape Drive Product Information Combining innovation and compatibility, the SDLT 320 is the ultimate in capacity and performance for high-end and automated environments. Native capacity of 160 GB at 16 MB/s transfer rate2:1 Compression allows 320 GB at 32 MB/s250,000 hours MTBF at 100% tape motionFully backward read compatible with DLTtape IV cartridges and uses Super DLTtape I media Exabyte Mammoth-2 (M2) Tape DriveExabyte Mammoth Product Information Product Information Exabyte M2 is the first tape drive to deliver performance at a price that's affordable for every application server on the network. 60 GB native capacity.12 MB/sec (30 MB compressed),M2 can record a 150 GB tape in under 1.5 hours.LVD SCSI, HVD, or Fibre Channel interfaces.Three-year warranty Quantum DLT 8000 This workhorse of DLTtape drives delivers on performance and value. The DLT 8000 delivers high performance at an exceptional price. Native capacity of 40 GB at 6 MB/s2:1 Compression allows 80 GB at 12 MB/s"Compressed" specifications assume a 2:1 compression ratio.Compression capacity and throughput will vary depending upon the type of data. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Quantum Tape Libraries and Autoloaders We no longer sell the Quantum Tape systems.  Please take a look at all the IP security products we provide.  For more information about the Quantum systems, please go to the Quantum web site. More Tape Libraries | Just Tape Drives | Optical Jukebox Libraries | IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control For your reference, here is some information about the old product: There used to be a number of tape libraries available. From the Autoloaders and stackable and flexible workgroup libraries up to the highly reliable Enterprise solutions, Quantum tape libraries seamlessly managed and protected business-critical data in all business environments. With an emphasis on investment optimization, these tape libraries were able to grow with your business needs and capitalize on your initial investment. There was certified, global service and support, paired with over 20 years of engineering innovation and excellence make Quantum tape libraries second to none. Models that were available include DAT Autoloader The standard for DAT tape automation 1 Drive, 6 SlotsBest total cost of ownership (TCO) in its class with six times the capacity at only twice the cost of a single DAT driveInvestment protection with backward read/write capabilityAvailable with DAT 72 drive formatsBackup software included at no additional cost for a complete out-of-the-box data protection solution SuperLoader 3 Easy automation at an affordable price1 Drive8 to 16 SlotsComplete backup, recovery and archive solution in one box, including Backup Exec™ QuickStart softwareCompatible with all major backup software packages, OS environments, network infrastructure and management toolsAvailable with DLT VS160, DLT-V4, SDLT 600, DLT-S4, LTO-2 HH or LTO-3 drive formatsSecure access from any Web-based browser for remote diagnostics, operations, upgrades and maintenance SuperLoader 3A A solution for professional video environments MXF-aware technologyEasy automation at an affordable price1 Drive8 to 16 SlotsComplete “Pro Video” feature set including:File system on each 300GB cartridge.  Makes media application-independent, transportable and exchangeableNetwork-attached media and drive sharing:  Available to any workstation on the network over Gigabit EthernetMXF-aware technology:  Restores sub-clips by timecode to save time and increase productivityContent on Quantum’s 30 year archival life Super DLTtape II cartridges can be shared between different applications and devices making it an ideal exchange mediumAccommodates up to 16 SuperDLTtape II 300GB native cartridges for 4.8TB of storage in a compact 2U enclosureWhen combined with available asset management applications, creates a complete backup, archive and restore solution for video professionalsProvides Quantum’s proven reliability and expert support for the highest security and reliability for video archiving Scalar 10K Enterprise library for consolidated backup and archivingScales from 700 to 13,884 slotsUp to 324 drivesUp to 11,386TB capacity*Supports LTO-3, LTO-2, or TS1120 technology Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### CD-ROM Tower of Changers We have discontinued the CD-ROM Tower/Servers.  If you need a CD DVD ROM type server, take a look at PrimeArray Systems.  They still manufacture these systems. Discontinued Products: | CD-ROM Towers | CD-ROM Server | CD Connections and CD-Server Software The security products we provide include: IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control For your reference, here is some information about the old product: These servers were a great way to share CD-ROM or DVD-ROM discs on the network, but today most information is available either on the Web, Cloud server or local server.  CD and DVD discs for data storage are mostly obsolete. The Tower of Changers contains a number of 5-disc SCSI CD-Changers inside a tower and provides a large number of CDs to network users. This relatively high drive to disc ratio assures that many people on the network can use the CDs without a long wait time.  The application note can help you determine if this is the right solution for you. FEATURES: High-Performance CD Changers in a TowerThe latest 16X Nakamichi CD-ROM changers.A totally sealed environment protects the discs.Easy to install or remove drives.Expand your system one drive at a time.Switchable supply 115/220 volts.3 fans and filters. Nakamichi - 16X 5-Disc CD-ROM Changer Data Transfer Rate: 2.42 MB/sec, Avg. Access Time: 125 ms, Buffer Memory: 256 KB, SCSI-2 interface, MTBF: 50,000 hrs. Supported formats:  ISO 9660, CD-ROM XA, Kodak Photo-CD Multisession, CD-Audio. Tower of Changers was available in the following configurations: Description         Model Number 7 Changers and 35 Discs CDR J73516X-* 14 Changers and 70 Discs              CDR J147016X-* 28 Changers and 140 Discs           CDR J2814016X-* 56 Changers and 280 Discs           CDR J5628016X-* *- Add the proper suffix to define the interface kit for a computer or network connections. - NetServ connects the tower to the network, - NSoft connects the tower to a computer. You can also specify models with any number of changers installed. Application Note How to Select the Right CD Solution: There are a number of ways to provide CDs to your network users. The method depends on how many CDs you want to make available and the estimated number of simultaneous users. CD DVD Bluray Jukebox: Hold a large number of discs, available to a relatively few simultaneous users. They are excellent for archiving data, but not a good choice if you just want to read the discs. For example, the JVC MC-8000 holds up to 600 discs. It can store over 5.6 TB of data. It is not the best way to access data, since a jukebox with six drives allows only six users to access six different discs simultaneously. The next user has to wait (if they want to read a different CD). The total cost for this solution includes not only the jukebox but a software driver and interface kit for your computer. Jukeboxes are available with multi-purpose CD/DVD-recorders. Turbo Servers: These systems are best for reading discs. They utilize Hard Drive caching of CD or DVD titles and provide a very cost-effective and high-performance solution. Turbo tower/servers contain a powerful thin server, IDE hard drives, and DVD-ROM drives, and even CD/DVD RW Recorders. They connect directly to an Ethernet 10/100 network hub. The Turbo Server provides a number of benefits including faster access time, faster data transfer rate, and lower cost per Disc title (between 10 and over 1,000 discs). The downside is that it takes time to cache or copy the CD to the hard drive. Even though the process is very easy and automatic it still takes about 2 minutes per CD to load the CDs for the first time. Turbo towers can not be connected directly to a computer or server. They only connect to the Ethernet network. CD-ROM Tower: Holds one CD or DVD disc in each drive, and makes all the discs available to everyone at virtually the same time. This is a costlier solution than a server that uses a hard drive to hold the content of all the discs. This is an excellent solution for applications where discs are updated very frequently. CD-ROM towers connect directly to your network. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network-attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### EIKI Digital Projectors Presentation products Sorry, we no longer sell the Eiki projectors.   As an alternative please look at the Eiki Projectors. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: Select from a wide variety of projection systems. Whether you need a small portable digital projector or a high powered system for the boardroom or small theater, Eiki has the right projector for your application. Models that are no longer available include: LC-SD12SVGA    1250 ANSI LumensLC-XB30XGA       3000 ANSI Lumens          Manual Zoom & Focus   6.2 lbsLC-XB26XGA       2500 ANSI Lumens          Manual Zoom & Focus   6.2 lbsLC-XB22XGA       2000 ANSI Lumens          Manual Zoom & Focus   6.2 lbsLC-XB15XGA       1700 ANSI Lumens          Manual Zoom & Focus   6.2 lbsLC-SB21SVGA    2000 ANSI Lumens          Manual Zoom & Focus   2.8 kg Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### TurboPlus CD/DVD Server Multifunction CD and DVD-ROM Server Sorry, these CD and DVD servers have been discontinued.  If you need a CD DVD ROM type server, take a look at PrimeArray Systems.   They still manufacture these systems. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: The TurboPlus CD/DVD Server is a multifunction system with RAID protected storage that allows you to share CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs on the network. This network-attached server caches CD and DVD images to built-in hard drives. The stored CD and DVD data is actual ISO images of the discs so they can be Booted, Autorun, and Installed from just as though they were an actual disc in a CD or DVD-ROM drive. Load new discs via front-mounted CD/DVD drives or from any computer on your network in minutes. The caching process is automatic. Place the disc in the built-in CD/DVD drive; wait about 2 minutes and the disc will be ejected indicating the caching process is complete. Managing the images and the server is done using a simple intuitive web browser interface. Features: Share over 1,500 CD and DVD images on the Ethernet networkFull support for Windows 2000/2003 Active Directory Native ModeChoice of: Celeron Processor, Pentium III or Pentium IVProvides data redundancy RAID for high reliabilityUp to 8 Hot-swap SATA hard drivesHot-swap dual redundant power supplies and fansCan also be used to share general data on the network (NAS)Enterprise-class Antivirus ProtectionDual integrated 10/100/1000M Gigabit Ethernet portsArchive to CD-R or DVD-R media from anywhere on the networkSimple LCD panel system settings and monitoringIntuitive web browser based administration interfaceConcurrent disc sharing for Windows, Macintosh and UNIX clientsMount ISO-9660 and HFS simultaneously for hybrid discsGroup multiple discs under a shareSupport various CD or DVD formats, including ISO-9660,Joliet,Rock-ridge, HDF, UDF, hybrid and multi-session discs, etc. Hardware Specifications Configurations:  Choice of 4-bay, 9-bay towers.  Choice of rack drawer, 1U and 4U 9-bay Controller:   Choice of: Celeron Processor, Pentium III or Pentium IV Supports 512 MB PC-133 SDRAM; 4.5MB flash-ROM On-board dual Intel Gigabit Ethernet interface Back-lit LCD display with 3 push-buttons for IP setting and system status/event indication Built-in buzzer to show system status and warning event Built-in thermal sensor for server temperature monitoring Dual-color LEDs for indicating Power/Fault, LAN activity, and LAN link/speed, device activity Built-in ATX power control and server management circuit Real Time Clock for scheduling power on and shutdown Drives Up to 2 CD/DVD-ROM drives or 2 IDE CD/DVD writer(s) Up to 8 SATA high capacity hard disk drives Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### EZCD Print Printer This low-cost CD and DVD printer is no longer available. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: EZ/CDPrint provided a low-cost way to create professionally printed CD-Rs or DVD-Rs. Instead of writing on the  CD or applying labels, you could print directly on the CD surface!  EZ/CDPrint worked with both MAC and PC. With the high-speed capabilities of EZ/CDPrint, a full-color image could be printed directly on the top surface of your CD in less than 1 minute! EZ/CDPrint included software and templates for MAC and PC. Features EPSON C-60 EngineInkjet (CMYK) Separate BlackUse Standard EPSON Ink carts.PC or MAC CompatibleUSB or Parallel ConnectionsPhoto quality 2880 dpi x 720 dpi2 separate ink tanksIncludes software and templates for MAC or PCCompatible with all inkjet printable CDR or DVDRPrints regular paper and stickersPrints 1 CD per min. on average with full coverageCost per CD print, about 0.07 Cents Specifications Printing speed:               12 ppm monochrome / 7 ppm color Print resolution:               2880X720 dpi color External connection:               USB and Parallel Operating systems:               Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP, Mac OS 8.1 or later Ink recommendation Black:    EPSON T028 Color:    EPSON T029 Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network-attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Tower Series of DVD and CD Duplicators Expandable CD / DVD tower System Unfortunately, we no longer carry these CD and DVD duplication systems. We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems More information about CD-R Auto Duplicators | CD-R Archivers | CD-R Printers For your reference, here is some information about the old product: This duplication system allowed you to burn many CD and DVD discs right from your PC When you needed high speed duplication of a CD or DVD discs and didn't require printing, the 5906 tower was right for you. You could link multiple towers to create a very large high speed duplication system. This Standalone system also allows you to burn discs from your PC. Features: Runs on a Windows XP Embedded operating system - Unlike ordinary CD Towers, you can always upgrade your software manufacturing equipment.Limitless data image storage on local hard disk and network.Simple one-touch keypad for use as easy as a photo copierAudio Track Extraction and editing — Compile an audio CD one track at a time from multiple masters!Audio MP3 to Wav conversion Live Event Audio Recording Models: 5906 PC Drives:  6 DVD-Writers Specification FEATUREDESCRIPTIONCapacity6 discsNumber of Drives6Dimensions7.5" x 14.25" x 18.75"Weight41lbs (18.65KG)     Common specifications: Built-in PCNetwork AttachedPower consumption: 1560 wattsBusiness card type CD capabilityStores multiple masters to hard driveIncludes client software for network applications Supported formats: DVD-Video (unprotected), ISO / UDO bridge, CD-ROM mode 1, CD Enhanced / Extra, mixed modes. Photo-CD, Video-CD, CD-! (Form 1 & 2), ISO-9660, Joliet, Romeo, Rockridge / UFS, CD-DA (CD Digital Audio) with ISRC Subindex & UPC code support, Hybrid For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### CD and DVD Tower Duplicators Network Attached and Standalone Duplication Systems are no longer available.  We used to sell CD/DVD systems, but today we focus on network-attached security systems.  Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: There were two models to select from.  Select the Value Line or Professional Duplication Tower that's right for you. The Value Line were standalone 7-Drive duplicators while the Professional duplicators were network-attached and expandable.  Here's more about what was offered. Value Line System Easy to use CD Recorder and DVD Duplication systems that utilize superior technology and have a compact footprint. They are available in multiple configurations. You can select towers with built-in hard drives that allow you to duplicate any of the Disc masters stored in the hard drive. Take a look at the models available. Advanced features of the 5907 VL include: FeatureDESCRIPTIONSimplicityStandalone CD / DVD Towers, equipped with 7 NEC 16X DVD+/-RW Drives. CD 48X.CapacityFill 80 GB HHD with multiple master images with alpha-numeric files via touchpad.High-End QualityNo cool-off period like other "economy" towers. Set password for restricted access.Self-Diagnostics5907 VL performs self-test diagnostics upon boot-up to insure component performance.ErgonomicLCD display and touchpad positioned for easy viewing and access of control panel during operation.Feature RichCopy, Test, Verify, Compare functions. Audio compilation feature and supports CD-Text.Media Format SupportSupports DVD+R / RW, DVD-R / RW, and DVD+DL DVD blank media formats as well as CD-R and CD-RW   The MF Digital 5907 VL CD DVD Towers is where price meets performance for CD DVD Towers. The Standalone Tower System does not require a PC and functions via an easy-to-use touch-pad and digital LCD display interface. Professional Duplicator System These expandable towers are network-attached and can grow to 60 drives. MF DIGITAL's exclusive new License Free (Command Module Client) CD copier software lets you link together multiple 6 bay CD or DVD copier towers that can be operated through a central station Windows XP client; not possible on commodity DVD Towers. Through the wizardry of Microsoft Windows XP, our CD DVD copier module magically allow you to maintain online image storage of thousands of images, each categorized and archived. Advanced features of Individual 5906 Modular DVD CD Copier: FEATUREDESCRIPTIONUnlimited StorageLimitless data image storage on the local hard drive and/or network-attached storagePowered by WinXPUnlike ordinary CD towers, user can always upgrade systemNetwork ReadyThe license-free XP client software allows for remote access, job submission, and job trackingExpandableCommand module client (included) allows for tower expansion, control all units from a single access pointLive Event RecordingRecord live events directly to hard disk, edit at the station for immediate duplication for on-site productionVideo FeedEthernet connect with Pioneer PRV-LX1 to accept video for stream-line DVD productionSimpleSimple one-touch keypad, MP3 to Wav conversion, audio track extraction for audio compilations Specifications Best of all the 5906 Modular Series CD / DVD copier systems offer vertical applications commodity DVD Towers cannot. Take a look at the models available. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network-attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### ContentCache Specifications The Avantis ContentCache™ Internet Web Server is no longer available. Sorry, ContentCache is no longer available from Kintronics. We used to sell these servers, but today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: Internet Caching Proxy Server Appliance Specifications Administration Attachment:    Direct network attachment via network hub or switch Initial Configuration: Self-configures using DHCP /manually using Appliance Manager Console Management:   Remote managed from Web browser (Internet Explorer 5.x or greater / Netscape 6.x or greater). GUI: User-friendly Web browser-based Administrator, Teacher and Pupil interfaces Security Options:  Open Access, MS Workgroup (manual user/group entry), MS NT Domains & Active Directory Capacity Expansion: All models can be doubled in capacity (return to base service) Software Server OS Platform:   Microsoft Windows 2003 Server Caching Platform:      Microsoft® Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000 Protocol Support:   TCP/IP,WPAD, HTTP, FTP over HTTP, FTP over TCP, Gopher, and Tunnel (SSL) for Web requests, SSL connection termination Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Internet Web Caching Server Models The Avantis ContentCache™ Internet Caching Appliance is no longer available. Sorry, ContentCache is no longer available from Kintronics. We used to sell these servers, but today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: Models available: CntCacheEd420T CntCacheEd420R CntCacheEd440T CntCacheEd440R Concurrent Users (Typical):   Up to 200  |  Up to 200   |    Up to 500    |     Up to 500 Performance     300 Requests/sec | 300 Requests/sec  | 1000 Requests/sec | 1000 Requests/sec Capacity:               200 GB |  200 GB  |  400 GB (dual discs)    |      400 GB (dual discs) Disk Type         SATA Network:         10/100/1000 Case:      Mini-Tower    |    2U Rack    |      Mini-Tower   |     2U Rack Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Proxy Server and CD DVD Server The Internet Web Caching Server Appliance is no longer available. Sorry, ContentCache is not available from Kintronics. We used to sell these servers, but today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: This high-Performance Proxy Server was used to speed up your Internet access as well as providing CD and DVD Disc sharing. Avantis ContentCache™ was a Plug and play Internet caching appliance that was very easy to install and use. This high performance proxy server was powered by Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server. It was a smart web caching appliance that was installed on a network to speed up access to web content and e-learning resources.  Whether your school or business had a fast or slow Internet connection, it provided a better Internet experience by delivering web content from the local cache rather than directly from the internet. This server offered much more than a standard caching device - enabling the selection, pre-caching and preloading of web content as well as dynamic caching. This is also a CD/DVD Server. Not only could you quickly receive information from the web you could also share information on CD or DVD discs. ContentCache™ Central Software was also available for school districts or publisher. It could be used to centrally manage clusters of ContentCache™ appliances installed in a number of locations and carry out a policy-based content deployment. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Samsung SDP-950 Video Presenter Sorry, the SDP-950 video presenter is no longer available.  These products were used to display opaque and even small 3-dimensional objects on a video video monitor. The following information is provided for information: The SDP-950 is designed for use with today's high performance Digital Projectors and computers. It provides high resolution XGA output that allows you to present opaque documents to your audience. There are two versions available: the ST and DX which provide flexible features to meet your exact requirements. The DX model adds digital image rotation, 8 frame storage, 3 x 3 image preview and recall of 8 images, divided screen function, presets and more. Specifications Optical System:  Lens F=3.2~3.3 f=6.3~74.4, 12x power zoom Zoom: Powered (12x) Shooting Area Max: 11.8" x 8.1", Min: 5.2" x 7.9" Focus:  Powered (Auto Focus / Manual) Iris:  Auto (with fine level adjustment) Illumination system Upper: Attached to the side arm of the main unit Lower:  Light box (built-in main unit)  Video Pick-up Device/ Effective pixel: 1/3" 850,000 pixels PS CCD / 1034(H) x 779(V) Frame rate: 15 frame/sec Sync system: Internal sync. VGA output: 1024 x 768(XGA) RGB color, 800 x 600(SVGA) RGB color Video output C-Video VBS 1.0Vp-p / 75§Ù (unbalance) S-Video Y: 1.0Vpp / 75§Ù (unbalance)              C: 0.286Vpp / 75§Ù (unbalance)  White Balance: Manual / Auto (one touch type), Positive / Negative Selectable Freeze: built-in Input terminals VGA:2  Output terminals VIDEO:1, VGA:2 USB:1, RS-232C:1, S-Video:1  NTSC / PAL Selectable Remote controller: Supplied GUI (Graphic User Interface) Image save: Available (8 frames) (SDP-950DX Only) Image recall: Available (8 frames) (SDP-950DX Only) Image divide: Available (2/9 divide) (SDP-950DX Only) Image rotation: Available (SDP-950DX Only) Image transfer to  computer: Available (USB: full, 1/4, 1/16 mode) Preset function: Up to 4 user settings PC connection  USB built-in  RS-232C SET control Application software Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000Professional, XP & Mac 9.0~9.x General Operating  temperature/Humidity:  +5¡ÆC ~ +35¡ÆC, 30% ~ 90% Power: AC 100V ~ 240V Free Voltage, 50/60Hz, 40W Dimensions(mm): In-use: 360(W) x 500(H) x 310(D), Storage: 360(W) x 135(H) x 310(D) Weight: 5kg Accessories: Remote controller, Cables, etc. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Samsung Video Presenters Transfer Pictures and 3D Objects Directly to Video Sorry, the video presenters are no longer available.  These products were used to display opaque and even small 3-dimensional objects on a video monitor. The following information is provided for information: The following models were available: SDP-950 Digital system that's compatible with the latest Digital Projectors.Advanced 1/3" 850,000-pixel PS CCD1024 X 76812X Optical Zoom with AutofocusBuilt-in computer InterfaceDX model - 8 image storageCompatible with Windows and Mac OS SDP-900 Series Digital Projection system that's compatible with the latest Digital Projectors.Advanced 1/2" 850,000 pixel-PS CCD PS CCD1024 X 768, XGA12X Optical Zoom with AutofocusBuilt-in computer Interface8 image storage SVP-5500 DX/ST 470,000 Pixel 1/4 Inch Color ImagerProject Printed Matter, 3D Objects and Slides (with optional light-panel)16X Motor-driven Zoom LensComputer Interface (5500 ST)Wireless Remote Control SDP-6500 The Samsung SDP-6500 builds on the SXGA reputation of its predecessor, the SVP-6000. Now sporting a faster frame rate, a new high-speed autofocus zoom lens, digital rotation, image storage, annotation and more....the SDP-6500 sets the new standard for high-resolution presentations. 1/2" 1,500,000 Pixel Progressive Scan CCD with 15 Frames / Second12X Powered Autofocus Optical Zoom Lens(F2.9, f=6.3~75.6mm)• Digital Image RotationBuilt-in Annotation and Image Storage Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Buhl Mark IV Opus Opaque Projector Sorry, this opaque projector is no longer available. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network-attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. The following information is provided information only: This optical projector used a very bright illuminator to allow you to project the image of virtually any material.  This was a remarkable Direct Projector.  The Buhl Mark IV OPUS was able to project non-transparent materials such as original documents, books, magazines, and even thin three-dimensional solid objects. This was a professional opaque projector, designed for professional artists and educators, it displayed printed materials in amazing clarity. The 4 halogen lights provided enough light for presentations in daylight. Features: LED indication of lamp failureLight-source dims when opening the top coverFine picture tuningDetachable top cover with dimmer-override function (including special dust/slipcover) The alternative to an Opaque Projector is the Video Presenter. The Video Presenter uses a video camera to view the object and requires either a TV monitor or LCD or Digital Projector to display the image. The Video Presenter with a projector usually provides a brighter image. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### SmartStor Software SmartStor software is no longer available.  It was used to control optical jukeboxes and libraries.  Please take a look at the replacement optical library management software products that are used to manage and control the latest blu-ray libraries. The following information is just for reference: SmartStor provided high-performance, seamless access to both large and small collections of CDs.  Solutions were available for Windows NT/2000,  Novell, UNIX environments. The software provided native file access to all SCSI CD-ROM readers, towers, mini-changers, and many popular jukeboxes. Sophisticated, flexible caching accelerated access to all leading CD storage devices. The software featured the ability to mirror CD titles to hard disk, providing very fast performance. SmartStor Archive was a complete read/write archival storage solution for Windows NT and NetWare. The entire configuration could be viewed as a single drive letter, allowing Windows, UNIX, and Macintosh clients to archive and retrieve data from the same network location. SmartStor Archive also supported multiple industry standard file formats (ISO9660, Rockridge, Apple HFS, and UDF) for universal accessibility.  In addition to flexible file system options, mixed media support (CD-R, CD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM), sophisticated caching schemes, and an easy-to-use GUI (graphical user interface), SmartStor Archive offers complete UDF support for v. 1.02, 1.5, and 2.0, providing complete read/write support and portability.  SmartStor Archive was an ideal solution for document imaging, medical imaging, broadcast archiving, digital asset management, and other data-intensive applications.  Smart Storage also offered the SmartStor Archive API toolkit for integration with parent applications. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information please contact Kintronics.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### The Inscripta 2 color Thermal Printer CD and DVD Printing Systems are no longer available from Kintronics. We used to sell CD/DVD disc label printers, but today we focus on network attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is some information about of the CD printer: Two Color Thermal Printer Production quality print with no fading or smearing610 x 305 dpiSaves thousands of dollars a yearTrue Production Printer5 to 10 seconds per disc Prints customized design Technical Specifications Printing Method  Thermal transfer line printer Printing Speed 5 to 10 seconds per disc depending on image complexity and print mode Print Quality 610 x 305 dpi Nominal Media Diameter   120 mm (4.73 inches) Media Types Requires thermal printable media. Standard lacquer-finish CD-R, CD-RW, CD-ROM; DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD±R, DVD±RW, other 120mm optical media types; can also use pre-screened media Warranty 1 year from invoice Power 100-240 VAC   50/60 Hz   1.10-0.55 Amps auto ranging Operating Temperature 60° F to 95° F (15.5° C to 35° C)   Specifications subject to change without notice. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. For more information, please contact Kintronics.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Plus U7-SERIES Digital Projectors Sorry, we no longer carry the Plus projectors.  Today we focus on network attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.   Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. More Plus Projectors | Other Presentation Systems For your reference, here is information about some of the projectors: The U7 series of projectors is the new light weight high lumen line from PLUS. Works anywhere from small seminar rooms to large conference rooms. Up to 3500 lumens, PC-free/Wireless presentation capability, and numerous other technologically advanced features! Standard with crisp XGA resolution and manual zoom lens. U7-132 projector Looks as good in the conference room as it does on the road!Lumens: 3000Resolution: XGA 1024x768Weight: 6.6 PoundsSpecial Features: 2000:1 Contrast Ratio, Password Protection, Digital Keystone Correction, Eco-Mode Advanced Color Wheel (ACW) allows for further enhancement of color reproduction.Two simultaneous data input terminals.Second monitor output.Double Security: Password protection feature and security cable slot.User-selectable "Eco-Mode" to help you save valuable lamp life hours by up to 30%.High contrast ratio of 2000:1 gives clear crisp images. Black looks black and white looks white.Auto-source features automatically identifies the input as RGB or Video before projecting.Improved video clarity with DLP DDR chip by Texas Instruments.Automatically adjusts the phase, clock speed, and resolution of the RGB signalfrom the PC.Enhanced presentation support with on-screen timer.Support for High-Definition (480p, 576p, 1080i, 720p) broadcasts with line-doubling function.On-screen user interface features simple pull-down menus.Digital keystone correction, zoom, smooth, mute, and freeze commands.Easily accessible PC-control RS232 port.One-touch foot adjustment: Easily adjust the projector's position using front foot adjuster. More models available: U7-132SF A projector with a short-focus zoom lens!Lumens: 3000Resolution: XGA 1024x768Weight: 6.6 PoundsSpecial Features: Short-focus zoom lens, 2000:1 Contrast Ratio, Password Protection, Digital Keystone Correction, Eco-Mode U7-132h Introducing the world's brightestmobile projector!Lumens: 3500Resolution: XGA 1024x768Weight: 6.6 PoundsSpecial Features: 2000:1 Contrast Ratio, Password Protection, Digital Keystone Correction, Eco-Mode U7-132hSF The world's brightestmobile projector with a short-focus zoom lens!Lumens: 3500Resolution: XGA 1024x768Weight: 6.6 PoundsSpecial Features: Short-Focus Zoom Lens, 2000:1 Contrast Ratio, Password Protection, Digital Keystone Correction, Eco-Mode U7-137 The world's brightest mobile projector with next generation features!!Lumens: 3500Resolution: XGA 1024x768Weight: 6.8 PoundsSpecial Features: Wireless, Network Capability, CF Memory, 2000:1 Contrast Ratio, Password Protection, Digital Keystone Correction, Eco-ModeAdvanced, next generation features standard on the U7-137 include the following: RS232 controls, manual and digital zoom, "Eco-Mode," increasing lamp life by up to 30%, and an on-screen timer to make sure your presentations stay on track. U7-137SF Brightest Short Focusmobile projector with next generation features!!Lumens: 3500Resolution: XGA 1024x768Weight: 6.8 PoundsSpecial Features: Short-Focus Zoom Lens, Wireless, Network Capability, CF Memory, 2000:1 Contrast Ratio, Password Protection, Digital Keystone Correction, Eco-Mode Contact Kintronics for more information.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### 480i CD/DVD Printer Specifications CD and DVD printers are no longer available from Kintronics. We used to sell CD/DVD disc label printers, but today we focus on network attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is some information about of the CD printers: Rimage introduces the most advanced thermal inkjet technology available today. The Rimage 480i features the best speed, the best resolution, and the best color management. The Rimage 480i product incorporates HP's unique PhotoREt IV color-layering technology and ColorSmart III color optimization technology to create realistic photo images, vivid color output, and extremely sharp text to your published CDs and DVDs. The Rimage 480i product also features the smallest droplet size in the industry (3 pico-liters) and a new six-ink color capacity to give you stunning results-disc after disc. You'll get 4800 dpi resolution and a full-color spectrum of 16.7 million colors. Product Features Up to 4800 dpi driver selectable resolution.Full color spectrum of 16.7 million colors.Smallest droplet size (3 pico-liters) for unsurpassed ink control.Unsurpassed color management.Printing with 6 ink colors. Specifications: Print Technology Drop on-demand thermal Inkjet printing Printing Resolution Up to 4800 dpi driver selectable resolution Color Spectrum 16.7 million colors Pixel Density 5.76 million pixels per square inch Print Speeds Percent of coverage and print mode effects print speed108 seconds for 100% coverage, full-color, Photo normal mode 20 seconds for 100% coverage,Text and Graphics Best mode12 seconds for 20% coverage,Text and Graphics Best modePower100-120V/220-240V, 0.7-.29A, 50/60 Hz Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. The following systems have been discontinued:  CD DVD-ROM Towers, CD-ROM Server, CD DVD  RAID, Presentation Technology and more. Kintronics.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### ContentCache Central Avantis ContentCache Central™ Sorry, ContentCache is not available from Kintronics. We used to sell these servers, but today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is some information about the old product: ContentCache Central™, is a product aimed at district level administrators, to allow them to centrally manage a large number of Avantis appliances installed at remote sites. This server opens up a whole new world of functionality and ease of use for administrators of multiple ContentCaches, such as content publishers. ContentCache Central allows an authorized Local Education Authority Administrator to: deploy content; view and change settings; monitor statistics & performance; install software updates from Avantis, software patches and security fixes. This can be conducted on individual caches or on a multitude of caches at the same time. ContentCache Central can manage edge caches but can also be used to manage hierarchical caches at the LEA and even at hub locations between LEA and schools. ContentCache Central offers the following powerful key features: Empowering the Edge Cache Unlike competitive content delivery systems, the ContentCache Central system requires no additional hardware other than the edge cache. Under control of the ContentCache Central software, ContentCache edge caches are fully empowered to retrieve all the content they require to achieve content delivery. Additional upstream hierarchical cache layers need only operate as dynamic web caches to provide the full acceleration and bandwidth saving benefits of a hierarchical content delivery system. Remote Administration Provides a single User Interface through which one or many ContentCache appliances can be remotely administered and monitored. Minimize Unnecessary Engineer Site Visits Deployment of ContentCache Central reduces the need for engineers to visit site to change settings or install content saving time, money and trouble. Content Delivery You can set up centrally-managed content jobs and content channels/categories which can then be deployed to one or more ContentCache edge caches, to implement content delivery. Firewall Safe ContentCache Central communicates with the caches on a pull basis initiated by the caches themselves using HTTP on port 80. These communications pass through firewalls without the need for reconfiguration. Instant Response Unlike competitive solutions, the ContentCache Central system displays live information. Settings are implemented instantly when applied. Software Only Quick to install with no additional expensive hardware. Windows Application Provides a superior faster mechanism to view and control the large volume of information presented in a system of this kind. Far superior to web-based central management and content delivery systems. Deploy Software Updates and Patches.  ContentCache Central can be used to deploy new software versions to one or more ContentCache appliances. All these features add up to a powerful tool for LEA administrators saving thousands of pounds in engineer time. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network-attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. The following systems have been discontinued:  CD DVD-ROM Towers, CD-ROM Server, CD DVD  RAID, Presentation Technology and more. Kintronics.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Web Caching Appliance and CD/DVD Server Avantis Caching and Content Delivery Solutions Sorry.  We no longer provide the Avantis caching and content delivery solution. For information purposes only:  Thee systems were designed to accelerate and enhance access to web content and e-learning resources and enable the effective delivery, sharing and management of content within schools and local education authorities. This powerful system is not only a Proxy Server it is also a CD DVD Server. Optimized for high performance and high reliability, Avantis web caching appliances and content delivery management software have been developed specifically to cope with the rigorous demands of the education sector. ContentCache™  Internet Acceleration and Effective E-learning for Schools ContentCache™, powered by Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server, is a new smart web caching appliance available in Primary School, Secondary School, and College editions. Please click on the ContentCache™ link to find out more. ContentCache™ Central Unleash the Power of ContentCache™ ContentCache™ Central is a central management platform for ContentCache appliances that converts a multitude of stand-alone ContentCache edge caches into a fully-fledged network Please click on the ContentCache™ Central link to find out more. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems:  Optical Bluray-Jukeboxes, IP Camera Systems, Door access control, Network-attached Intercoms, and IP paging systems. The following systems have been discontinued:  CD DVD-ROM Towers, CD-ROM Server, CD DVD  RAID, Presentation Technology and more. For more information please contact us.  Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form to request more information. ### Archiving to CD or DVD Discs Sorry These Products Have Been Discontinued We no longer provide these systems. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.  We also provide optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data. The following information is included for reference only. These archiving systems provide different ways to archive your data. The simplest solution archives your data to DVD discs on a spindle. This automated system includes an automated robotic mechanism to move the discs from the input spindle to the output spindle. The hierarchical archiving system not only archives the data automatically to an output spindle, it also provides an easy to use index and recovery procedure for all your data. The DiscHub Workgroup is a 100-disc jukebox or library that not only archives the data, but also makes it easy to retrieve without manual intervention. The following models were available: This simple system archives your data to DVD discs on a spindle. Creates an off-line set of discs. This automated hierarchical system provides an easy to use index and recovery procedure for all your data. Creates an off-line set of discs. DiscHub 100-disc Jukebox for writing and retrieving your data. Provides near-line access to your data. Email Archiving Appliance. Transferred email to optical disc. Overview: The ArcPoint includes PoINT Archiver software which is a Windows Server application providing a secure and cost effective process to identify, monitor and archive relevant data in a network. It works with leading Disc Publishing systems to provide a central “console” from which you can manage the archival of data throughout the network. Archiver periodically monitors network folders and copies or moves files to removable optical media according to Administrator defined filters. Additionally, criteria can be defined to identify and archive multiple versions of the same named file. Archive and Compliance Point Archiver provides the security and authenticity of information which is required to fulfill the constantly rising number of compliance regulations. Archive jobs monitor existing data folders and files. An intuitive Wizard interface provides step by step procedures which allow the administrator to specify: Name for the ArchiveMedia type and Target DeviceData source folders, files & extensionsArchiving conditionsMigration Rules Monitoring and Migration Based upon Archiving Conditions files within the monitored Data Source folders are copied or moved to the Archive Volume. Conditions include size, time, hash value and attribute changes. Automated Disc Publishing Based upon Migration rules each Archive is automatically written to a CD, DVD or BD Disc and labeled. A complete database of all Archive Volumes is maintained, and all folders, files and versions are viewable. All media are produced using a standardized file system (udf) assuring the accuracy and recoverability of the data. Search and Retrieve Individual files, directories or complete archives can be searched and copied back to hard disk. Point Archiver’s “Directory Tree” displays the structure of the archived data in a view similar to the Windows Explorer. The file information (e.g. name, size, date) and the name of the corresponding archive medium can be queried for each stored file version. Using the Retrieval Module, a Point Archiver database query identifies and generates a list of all necessary media and instructs the user to place these onto the publishing system. The requested files are automatically copied into the selected target directory, which can be the original location or any specified directory location. Data Security During the migration process, all significant information is stored in a database. Point Archiver can check the integrity of archived files and verify if a medium or file was manipulated. This assures the trustworthiness of the archive and its documents. In order to recognize possible manipulations of the archived data, digital fingerprints of the files as well as of the complete medium are encoded and stored on the media itself and also in the database. Thus any individual archive medium can be examined for consistency and compared with the database records. Additionally, the files in the origin folder can be compared with the database or with the archived files. Documents which have been deleted or changed are identified and reported to the administrator. An optional encryption module provides protection from unauthorized access. Supported File systems, UDF 1.5, 2.5 Optical Technologies CD-R, DVD-R, Blu-Ray DiscCD/DVD/BD Publishing SystemsPrimeraRimage The list of supported devices is extended on a continuous basis ### Archive Email to Optical Discs Sorry, E-Mail Archiving systems are no longer available from Kintronics. Many years ago we used to sell these systems, but today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.  We also provide optical jukebox libraries that can be used to archive all your data. The following information is provided as a reference: Features E-mail Archive Appliance for Microsoft ExchangeAutomatic archive to DVD optical mediaWrite Once Read Mostly (WORM) media prevents overwriting and lost data25 Disc capacityArchive over 100GB per set of discsAutomatically labels discsEasy retrievalConnects to your PC through USB 2.0 portIncludes EMC® Retrospect® for Windows Overview: E-mail archiving is now the law of the land. Sarbanes-Oxley and other regulations require archiving of your e-mail and other critical files. Archiving means that the information is placed on permanent media. OptiVault is a new archival appliance that backs up and quickly recovers all emails that are sent, received or deleted through Microsoft Exchange, including attachments. It operates unobtrusively in the background of your Exchange server, reliably backing up all emails on optical media. OptiVault is designed for use in a wide range of environments that are already utilizing a variety of primary backup methods such as tape or RAID. It interfaces to your server(s) through a single high-speed USB 2.0 port. An optional Rack Mount Kit allows installation in a standard 19” 4U configuration. The lockable front panel door keeps media and the robotics safe and secure. Using the included software from EMC Dantz, emails and other critical files are automatically archived on optical media according to customizable scripts. Each disc is also printed with serialization — an exclusive feature of OptiVault — for fast and easy cataloging and retrieval. With a capacity of up to 117 GB (234 GB compressed) per backup set, OptiVault has more than enough room for every email plus attachments generated by hundreds of typical users per month. You can archive and backup emails and other important files not only from the server, but also from networked client computers running Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Solaris and Netware. Specifications ArcEmail25 Disc Capacity:    25 discs Print Method:   Inkjet Print Resolution:              Up to 4800 dpi Ink Cartridges:   Dual CMY color and black monochrome Media:  DVD+R Media; 4.7GB/disc (up to 9.4GB/disc compressed)* Data Interface:  High-speed USB 2.0 Power Requirements:    100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 60 watts Certifications:    UL, UL-C, CE Weight 25 lbs. (11.3 kg) Dimensions:      17”W x 7.72”H x 16.65”D  (432mmW x 196mmH x 423mmD) Electrical Rating:               12v DC, 5A Internal Lighting:              Dual blue LED light clusters Data Capacity/Set:           Native: 117GB Compressed:   234GB  *Compressed data specification assumes a 2:1 compression ratio, which may not always be possible with certain types of files, attachments and other data Options:               Rack Mount Adapter Kit (19”, 4U) Extended Warranty, One Year or One Year plus “Hot Swap” Application Note: So you are being dragged kicking and screaming to archive your e-mails and data. What can you do that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Well, there are some new systems available that make it real easy to get the job done as well as being economical. The Archival appliance backs up and quickly recovers all e-mails that are sent, received or deleted through Microsoft Exchange, including attachments. It operates unobtrusively in the background of your Exchange server, reliably backing up all emails on optical media. The discs can be kept save and then recovered easily when needed. The system writes to DVD discs and then prints a label on the disc so you can find it. When you need to recover emails from any mailbox for any date range the system finds them on the appropriate backup discs and restores them automatically. Because it uses non-erasable, non-rewritable media that can be stored off-site, the system provides true WORM (Write Once Read Many) compliance. This is a critical specification for publicly-held corporations, healthcare, brokerage and financial institutions and others who must meet the strict email, data and document retention requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley, SEC 17-a, HIPAA and a host of other government regulations. WORM technology is also highly desirable for any organization that needs to be able to quickly and reliably retrieve data and files of all types without overburdening primary storage devices or media. Experts agree that optical media is the most rugged and reliable backup media available. Its archival life is measured in decades — not just years. ### CD and DVD Thermal Printers CD and DVD Duplication Systems are no longer available from Kintronics. We used to sell CD/DVD disc label printers, but today we focus on network attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For your reference, here is some information about of the CD printers: More Duplication Systems | Automatic Duplicators | Duplication Towers | Other CD-R Printers Rimage Prism Full Color Thermal Printer | Inscripta 2 Color Thermal Printer Everest II Superlative color and durability Everest II is the next generation thermal retransfer CD/DVD direct-to-disc printer. The Everest II features full color, offset-quality printing, edge to edge coverage, and durability unmatched by any other disc printing method. The Everest II with its photo-realistic printing and durable laminated finish is truly the world leader in disc printing. Print quality ideal for commercial useLess than 60 seconds per disc print timePrints color, monochrome and grayscale Everest II is the next generation thermal retransfer CD/DVD direct-to-disc printer. The Everest II features full color, offset-quality printing, edge to edge coverage, and durability unmatched by any other disc printing method. The Everest II with its photo-realistic printing and durable laminated finish is truly the world leader in disc printing. Print quality ideal for commercial useLess than 60 seconds per disc print timePrints color, monochrome and grayscale Thermal Printer Technology Is Your Solution On-demand printing at unprecedented speedProduction quality on all standard mediaIndelible process requires no drying timeRugged durability for 24-hour, 7-day useFull custom design capabilitiesEconomical production costs ### CD-R Printer Systems Sorry, we no longer sell these products. CD-R and DVD-R printers are no longer available from Kintronics. We used to sell CD/DVD disc label printers, but today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. You can find an alternative source for CD-R and DVD printers at Epson and B&H.  The following information is for reference only.  Select the CD Printer for your application For your reference, here are some of the CD printers: Manual CD and DVD Disc Printers 480i CD/DVD Printer The new 480i™ print technology is an HP enabled, 4800 dpi, drop-on-demand, thermal inkjet CD and DVD label printer. It features the industries smallest droplet size (3 pico-liters) for unsurpassed ink control. 480i is world-class printing right from your Desktop. Discontinued. The new 480i™ print technology is an HP enabled, 4800 dpi, drop-on-demand, thermal inkjet CD and DVD label printer. It features the industries smallest droplet size (3 pico-liters) for unsurpassed ink control. 480i is world class printing right from your Desktop. Discontinued. Rimage Thermal Transfer PrinterDiscontinued Affex Color CD-R Printer Discontinued Automated CD/DVD Printer Systems Print Factory2 Print Factory is an automated CD-R and DVD-R inkjet type printing solution. It has a 100-disc capacity, making the task of printing large numbers of discs fast, easy and hands-free. Discontinued Automated Everest and PrismCD/DVD PrintersThese thermal printers produce photo-realistic labels that have the rugged durability of thermal printing.Discontinued ### Live Recording to CD Disc We used to sell the 5500 Live system, but sorry we don't offer this any longer.  Today this capability is provided by software applications. Record all Your Real-time Audio Events Please check some of the other products we have available: IP Surveillance Systems | Door Access Control | Intercom Systems | Audio over IP For your information, the system offered the ability to expand your audio CD duplicators. The Live Event Recorder system becomes a fully automated production system. Start with 4 or 6 drive master system and easily expand with 6 drive slave units. Growing your production anywhere from 4 to 60 drives is as simple as adding a 5506 copy module slave. 5500 DVD CD Live Duplicator Configuration Options: 4 or 6 drive configurationsExpandable 6 drive rack mount slave units2nd and 3rd year extended warranties available. The 5500 Live Series Audio CD Copiers paired with our frame accurate drive technology quality are the perfect solution for live event CD Audio recording and production. Features FeatureBenefitRecord Directly to SystemRecord directly from mixer, console or any analog / digital source.Record Hours of AudioRecord over 50 hours of audio CD quality directly to system. Duplicate at any time.Edit Track MarkersInsert and remove Start IDs (track makers) with ease. Include pre-recorded intro's or exit messages.Span to Multiple DiscsChoose a logical break point to create a multi-disc recording. Don't limit yourself to 74 or 80 minutes discs.Expand SystemStart with Master 4 or 6 drive system. Increase production with 6 drive expansion units.SimplicityKVM System with PC built inside. Simply connect Keyboard, Video and Mouse and record LIVE!Verify Audio CapabilityThe Live Series uses our exclusive "frame accurate" technology to insure you get the best in every copy.Advanced EditingInsert ISRC codes (for radio) and sub-index points (mark within track) through our simple audio edit interface. Specifications Model 5504, Live 5506, Live 5506 Add OnNumber of Drives 4,  6,  6 per unitStandalone YesMultiple Masters To Hard DriveAuto Loading System NoWindows XP Network Client Yes80mm & Biz Card Compatible YesSoftware YesPower Consumption 150 WattsDimensions (W x H x D) 17” x 22.3” x 7”  per unitWeight (lbs / kg) 48lbs / 22kg per unit Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems as well as all the other products from Kintronics. Return to the Kintronics Home Page. Contact us or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information and our catalog of products. ### Camera Enclosures for Extreme Environments These special enclosures are designed to protect IP cameras from harsh environments. The first set of IP camera housings is designed to operate in extremely high-temperatures such as blast furnaces, or rocket test viewing. These liquid-cooled enclosures are designed for very high-temperature environments. The second set of enclosures are designed for saltwater applications like marine or coast patrol, industrial or chemical applications, and where external agents are highly corrosive. Learn more about: Other Enclosures Available | IP Camera Systems High-Temperature Enclosure for Optical IP Cameras Features of TVIP-N2XW Made of AISI 316L electropolished stainless steelSteel cylindrical chamber for internal circulation of cooling liquid linked to an external circuitIP66/IP67 Supplied air barrier2 PG13,5 cable glands nickel-plated brass for external connectionsAvailable accessories: camera power supply, air filtering group for glass cleaning, tempered glass (max 260°C (500°F)) quartz glass (max 400°C (752°F)) infrared glass (max 260°C (500°F)) High-Temperature Enclosure High-Temperature Enclosure for Thermal IP Cameras The TVIP-N4TW enclosure is a liquid-cooled housing for thermal cameras. Special glass is used to allow proper operation of the thermal camera. The enclosure can be equipped with zinc selenide glass designed for thermal video cameras with a wavelength from 7.5μm to 14μm, or sapphire glass for shortwave thermal video cameras, with a wavelength from 0.75μm to 4.5μm. Features of TVIP-N4TW Made of AISI 316L electropolished stainless steelSteel cylindrical chamber for internal circulation of cooling liquid linked to anexternal circuitZinc-Selenium glass for thermal cameras, wavelength 7.5 - 14μm (up to200°C/500°F)Sapphire glass for shortwave thermal cameras, wavelength 0.75 – 4.5μm (up to400°C/752°F)Designed to operate in high-temperature environmentsIP66/IP67 Stainless Steel Enclosures for Harsh Environments The TVIP-N3XM is an example of some of the stainless steel enclosures available. These housings are used in saltwater and other harsh environments. Weatherproof IP66/IP68, it provides complete protection against dust and it’s submersible down to 40m (130ft). The options of a wiper and water pump ensure a constant cleaning of the front window For the coldest environments down to -40°C (-40°F), the range includes a specific version with a reinforced heater. The housing can be installed on Pan & Tilt head, to obtain a complete positioning system. Features of TVIP-N3XM Made of AISI 316L electropolished stainless steel IP66/IP68,Submersible down to -40m (-130ft), equal to 4 bar max pressureCylindrical body enclosed by two 6mm(0.24in)-thick circular flanges2 PG13,5 cable glands nickel-plated brass for external connectionsAvailable accessories: heater and double heater (for temperatures down to -40°C (-40°F), camera power supply, wiper and washer pump Stainless Steel PTZ Enclosures for Saltspray and other Extreme Environments TVIP-N4XPTZ DELUX pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera system is designed for off-shore or on-shore applications where there are saltwater spray and other corrosive environments. This is a 2-Megapixel HD PTZ camera that integrates very low-light imaging and encoding technology for outdoor video surveillance, allowing recordings to be produced with incredibly bright and vivid colors both by day and by night. In addition to improved light sensitivity with outstanding color reproduction and greater noise reduction, the DELUX technology gives an advanced new performance in terms of proportional zoom control. The system is protected to IP69 standard. This means it not only can be emersed in water, but it can also be cleaned with a high-pressure, high-temperature water jet. KEY FEATURES Stainless steel AISI 316LCamera Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels), 60fpsZoom lens: 30X, 4.5mm - 135mm (61.6° wide to 2.5° tele)Minimum Illumination: Color: 0.006lx B/W: 0.0006lx pan 360 continuous rotation, tilt +90 to -90Video compression H.264/AVC, MJPEG, JPEG, and MPEG4Up to 3 simultaneous video streams in FULL HDOperating temperature: from -40°C (-40°F) up to +60°C (140°F)Protection degree: IP66, IP67, IP68, IP69 There are other enclosures in this family that are designed for different size cameras and for thermal cameras. The range includes different models that can meet the needs of any application:  housings that are adapted for immersion in water, with an air barrier for cleaning or cooling of the front window; housings for Hi-PoE cameras that are powered via Ethernet cable. These housings can be used in places such as tunnels and high-pollution areas, in underwater monitoring systems, for the management of industrial processes, and in blast furnaces and foundries. If you need help selecting the right extreme IP camera enclosure system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425. Alternatively, use our contact form. ### Explosion-Proof Cameras and Enclosures These special cameras and enclosures are intrinsically safe in hazardous areas You can select an explosion-proof enclosure, and then add the camera of your choice, or select an enclosure that includes the camera. Either way, you can get the protection you need when operating in a hazardous environment. These special explosion-proof systems are intrinsically safe in environments where there are explosive gas or dust. They are designed for use in areas with risk of explosion, such as refineries, gas pipelines, oil tankers, offshore platforms, industrial processes, chemical industries, etc. The complete explosion-proof camera system includes an HD IP camera.  The enclosures are equipped with heating, the housing has operating temperatures between -40° C and + 60° (-40°F / +140°F). Select enclosures made of stainless steel or solid non-corrosive aluminum construction. Note that these are examples of available enclosures and camera systems. Contact us for more details about all the models available. Explosion-Proof Camera Systems Learn more about other enclosures available | IP Camera Systems Explosion-Proof Enclosures with Cameras TVIP-EXSHD-XLux This explosion-proof very low-light IP camera system is in a stainless steel enclosure. The day/night IP camera provides 2-Megapixel resolution at a very low light. The camera includes a 30X zoom lens. The enclosure protects the camera to an IP69 rating. The stainless steel protects the enclosure in salt water environments. The IP69 ratings guarantee the complete protection against harsh weather and submersion in up to 5 meters of water for 2 hours. Moreover, the IP69 rating allows the device to be cleaned with high-pressure water jets. This IP explosion-proof IP camera system can operate at temperatures from -60°C to +65°C. Features AISI 316L stainless steel construction Camera Full HD 1080p, 30x zoom Certified ONVIF, Profile S, Profile Q Minimum Illumination :• Color: 0.006lx• B/W: 0.0006lx Certifications for use in Zones 1 and 2, IIC T5 and T6 Group (Gas) and in Zones 21and 22, IIIC T100°C and T85°C Group (Dust) Marine Certification: Lloyd's Register Marine Type Approval Integrated wiper Power supply: 12-24Vdc/24Vac IP66 / IP67 / IP68 / IP69 TVIP-EXCSHD This explosion-proof IP camera system is in a small compact enclosure. The stainless steel enclosure is perfect for use in environments where the atmosphere is potentially explosive due to the presence of inflammable gases or dust, typical of the Oil and Gas, marine or industrial food sectors. The day/night IP camera provides 2-Megapixel resolution and includes a 10X zoom lens. The enclosure protects the camera to an IP69 rating. The stainless steel protects the enclosure in salt water environments. The IP69 ratings guarantee the complete protection against harsh weather and submersion in up to 5 meters of water for 2 hours. Moreover, the IP69 rating allows the device to be cleaned with high-pressure water jets. This IP explosion-proof IP camera system can operate at temperatures from -40°C to +70°C. Features AISI 316L stainless steel construction Camera Full HD 1080p Select 3X or 10X zoom lens Minimum Illumination :• Color: 0.25lx• B/W: 0.03lx Certifications for use in Zones 1 and 2, IIB T6 or T5 Group (Gas) and in Zones 21and 22, IIIC T85°C or T100°C Group (Dust) Certification temperature: from -40°C (-40°F) up to +70°C (158°F) Marine Certification: Lloyd's Register Marine Type Approval Power supply: 24Vdc/24Vac or PoE+ IP66 / IP67 / IP68 / IP69   Explosion-Proof Enclosures for Your Camera TVIP-M2X Stainless steel enclosure includes an optional wiper.   These explosion-proof housings have been certified and designed to meet the strictest standards regarding installation in potentially explosive environments, given the presence of gas and flammable dust. The design ensures excellent performance for monitoring critical processes in areas with risk of explosion, such as refineries, gas pipelines, oil tankers, offshore platforms, industrial processes, chemical industries, etc. Equipped with heating, the housing has the same installation and operating temperatures, comprised between -40° C and + 60° (-40°F / +140°F). In the version with wiper, M2X is equipped with an integrated telemetry receiver that allows, through the RS485 serial interface, to receive data from the remote control for the activation of the wiper/washer and for switching an eventual external illuminator. The wiring is made easier thanks to the removable connectors on the circuit board. The control board, with removable connectors, is also equipped with an input for the wiper activation through a dry contact. The housing can eventually be controlled by VMS through a video encoder with an RS485 serial port. Key Features: Made of AISI 316L electropolished stainless steel Solid non-corrosive aluminum construction 2 ¾” NPT threaded holes for use of cable glands or conduit Versions with wiper Integrated telemetry receiver for the version with wiper Supplied with a heater. Sunshield as option Power supply: 230Vac, 24Vac or 120Vac Environment temperature:   -40°C / +60°C (-40°F / +140°F)   TVIP-E2XH The E2XH housings are made with a strong Anticorodal aluminum die-cast alloy of AISi Mg EN AB- 42000 group. All external components are stove enameled using powder offering an excellent resistance to UV rays, salt-spray, environment polluting substances. The cylindrical body of the housing (210mm diameter and 400mm length) is closed on opposite sides by two 12 mm thick flanges. The housing is supplied with two holes for the 3/4" NPT cable glands. The camera housing is equipped with a heater and optional sunshield. E2XH Ex-proof housing with the same specifications as the E2XH series but fitted with a patented device for the protection of the glass which gives clear vision in dirty environments. The glass protection device consists of a connection flange with the housing, a closing flange and an explosion-proof central body containing a rugged and transparent glass, a motor powered in 24Vac, two windings and a transparent Mylar film, installed just in front of the glass. The motor drives, through four pinions with gear rim, the winding for recovering the dirty Mylar film, while at the same time the other winding installed on the opposite side releases the clean film. NOTE: the control unit of the glass protection device is not supplied with the product. The transparent Mylar film, 80mm wide and 18m long, allows 350 steps. When the film is dirty, the operator will activate the motor shifting the film to obtain a clean camera picture (the step for allowing the complete shift of the dirty film is about 50mm). The end of the Mylar film will be indicated to the operator through marks printed on the last 50cm of the film. Key Features: Designed to meet the strictest international standards and to operate in hazardous areas Solid, non-corrosive die-cast aluminum construction 2 holes for cable glands 3/4" NPT Environment temperature:   -40°C/+50°C (-40°C/+122°F) with reinforced heater   Resources For more about the special enclosures, take a look at our article, "What is an Explosion Proof Camera?". ### Sony 4K IP Camera Sony's latest 4K IP cameras provide very high resolution and excellent low light performance.  They use very large sensors and the latest high-performance image processors. There are two models available, the SNC-VM772R IP dome camera and the sensational SNC-VB770 box IP camera.  The SNC-VM772R dome camera tested very well against the competition, while the latest SNC-VB770 box camera far exceeded the competition for clarity, and low light performance. More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras SNC-VM772R Features and Specifications: With four times the resolution of Full HD, Sony's first 4K network security camera brings industry-leading clarity and sensitivity to critical video monitoring and surveillance applications. Thanks to the camera's large, highly sensitive 1.0-type back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor, high-speed image processing engine and high-quality zoom lens, the SNC-VM772R captures detail-packed 4K/30 fps video footage with a minimum illumination of 0.06 lx - even in near darkness. Features include: Excellent low-light capabilities are further enhanced with in-built IR illuminators for true night-time coverage.Edge Storage (onboard recording with memory cards) safeguards recordings during network outage.The camera's outstanding image performance is enhanced with features, including Optical Image Stabilisation for steadier pictures.Quick, simple installation and setup (SNC toolbox mobile).The discreetly styled mini dome camera features a ruggedized vandal and weather-resistant design that is ideal for tough round-the-clock video security and surveillance assignments, indoors or outside (IK10, IP66). 4K IP Dome Camera Sony SNC-VM772R IP 4K Camera Specifications FEATURESPECIFICATIONSImage Sensor1.0-type progressive scan Exmor R CMOS sensorNumber of Effective PixelsApprox. 20 MegapixelsMinimum Illumination (50 IRE)Color: 0.1 lx (F1.8, 1/30 s)B/W: 0 lx (IR LED On, F1.8, 1/30 s)Dynamic RangeEquivalent to 90 dB with View-DR TechnologyLensBuilt-in zoom lens, with remote focus, and zoomHorizontal Viewing Angle70.7 ° to 27.5 ° (16:9 aspect ratio)76.6 ° to 29.8 ° (3:2 aspect ratio)IR IlluminatorWave length (typical): 850 nm, IR LED: 3050 m (30 IRE)164.0 ft. (30 IRE) SNC-VB770 Features and Specifications Sony 4K IP Camera Features include: Thanks to ultra-high sensitivity, the SNC-VB770 4K network camera operates at a very minimum illumination of less than 0.004 lx - to capture exceptionally detailed 4K/30 fps color video.  This camera is excellent for low light applications.The SNC-VB770 uses the 35 mm full-frame Exmor sensor, which is developed based on Sony’s most advanced image processing technology. The sensor captures significantly more incident light than conventional camera sensors to bring drastic improvements to the sensitivity.E mount lenses maximize the performance of the 35 mm full-frame sensor, keeping high resolution across the entire image area from the center to fringe. SNC-VB770 Specifications FEATURESPECIFICATIONSImage Sensor35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensorNumber of Effective PixelsApprox.12.2 MegapixelsMinimum Illumination (50 IRE)0.007 lx(ISO409,600, 1/30 s, F1.4)Dynamic RangeEquivalent to 100 dB with View-DR TechnologyLensE-mount FE lens (option). Can select from a number of very high-performance lensesVideo Resolution4240 x 2832, 3840 x 2160, 2880 x 2160, 1920 x 1080, 1440 x 1080, 1440 x 960, 1280 x 720, 960 x 720, 640 x 480, 640 x 360, 320 x 240, 320 x 180IR IlluminatorNo Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. To learn more about IP Cameras check our IP Camera Resource page After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Integration of IP Cameras and Door Access Control and more Integration of Video and Access Control Access Control and IP Camera Integration The integration of IP camera systems with door access control provides enhanced security. Integration can be accomplished using one of the advanced Access Control Management or Video Management Systems (VMS) that support the integration of door access control and surveillance cameras. Advanced Integrated Software Solutions The following software integrates access control and video surveillance management. To learn more, see our article Comparison of Integrated Security Management Software. Acre Access Acre Integrated Management System This is an Access Control software that provides a unified interface for managing various security systems, including IP camera systems and other security devices. It features an open interface that enables connection with various video management software systems. It includes an on-site or cloud-based management system. When to use it: It is a good choice when you need an Access Control Management system that supports fewer than 200 doors, and you would also like to view your IP surveillance camera system. Note, you will require an additional license for the VMS solution. More... HxGN dC3 from Hexagon Hexagon Integrated Security Management The Hexagon dC3 solution is based on the Ocularis Video Management Software. You can add the S2 Access control software. It supports Lenell, Isonas (hosted), and other access control. When to use it: When you need a Video Management System that interfaces with an access control system, this is a good choice. Armatura One Solution Armatura Advanced Security Software Armatura One is an all-in-one solution with an Access Control and Video Management System that integrates other solutions not handled by other integrated systems. It is a web-based solution that includes multiple modules, such as Access Control, Time & Attendance, Elevator, Parking Management, Face Kiosks, Temperature Detection, Data Monitoring, Building Automation, and Intrusion Detection. When to use it: If you want to incorporate biometric door readers into your access control system, this is an appropriate choice. It is also an excellent solution for complex security environments that include access control, surveillance cameras, and other systems. You require a license for each of the security systems. Hartmann Door Access Management Software Hartmann Integrated Access Management The Hartmann door access control system integrates with many IP video recording systems. This includes many Video Management Software (VMS and Network Video Recorders (NVR). Examples of IP camera system systems currently supported include Hanwha Recording systems, Milestone xProtect, ViconNet, Exact, Digital Watchdog, and some Hikvision NVR systems. The list is growing so please check with us for the latest supported IP camera recording system support. When to use: This is an ideal system if you plan to use the door control hardware from Hartmann and also want to view your surveillance cameras. Learn more... Integration Using Software from C2P C2P software provides another way to integrate various security systems. It can be used with some access control and IP camera management software. For example, it provides the integration of data from digital devices with the Ocularis video management software. Key features include: Isonas IP Door Access Control and IP Video Surveillance Integration Facial Recognition in a crowd POS and IP Camera systems integration Integrates Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) with IP camera systems Provides forensic database searches for all systems Access Control and IP Camera Integration The complete database can be exported to CSV file so that various reports and graphs can be made.  It also allows you to export video evidence. The software is licensed with a base license plus a device license (door reader, or POI, etc.). Door Access Control Integration with Video Recording Software Access Control Integration When Door Access Control, from Isonas, is integrated with Ocularis through C2P, we can create complex alerts.  For example, if a person, who has been removed from the access control system, tries to enter a door, the security person is automatically notified.  We can also create alerts when the door is held open, or the door is forced.  The video at the door is automatically popped up on the OnSSi Ocularis screen, and an alert sound notifies the security person that action is required. Besides receiving alerts, the database provides much more powerful analytic tools. The security person can search for specific information such as; who entered after a certain time, or what person tried to enter using a bad badge, etc. If you need to know who came in late, or when a specific door was used and who came in, the database can be displayed in a new window, and the search parameters can be entered. Ordering information:  Product License:  ESE Base license plus Access node license. Point of Sales Integration with Video Management Software Integration of Point-of-Sales (POS) systems with IP surveillance systems are made much more effective when you can use a database.  Now you can do searches, and make charts that help you understand your business.  For example, you can search for how many products were sold above a certain price. You can also find the video for a specific time, or when a specific transaction occurred. POS Integration You can do complex database searches and then create a table that shows all the details.  For example, you can look at all of the transactions that may have occurred over a selected time range, and at the same time display the video associated with the transactions. You now have a complete history that includes both video and cash register information.   This makes it easy to do an audit.  You can monitor performance, detect cash register fraud, or track missing inventory. C2P-Software The convergence of video and database information make it much easier to audit your business.  You now have forensic information from your POS and IP camera system that dramatically improves the information available from your business. Ordering information:  Product License:  ESE Base license plus POS node license. Integration of Other Digital Devices The convergence of information with IP video can also be used with many other IP connected devices. LPR – Automated license plate readers convert the video captured from the license plate into digital data. Integrations of the data collected with the IP camera video provides an easy way to monitor the license plates, and trigger alerts if a specific number is detected.  It can also be used to audit the number of license plates and when they were detected.  This allows you to easily follow a vehicle through a parking facility or across a city. ATM and Teller Transactions -  The video from a specific ATM or teller workstation can be viewed and displayed with information collected when a person uses the ATM.  Using the database, it is easy to find specific transactions and see the actual video that was captured at that time.  Using the C2P features, it’s easy to settle any customer disputes or uncover fraud. System Integration Concept The convergence of information with IP video can also be used with many other IP connected devices. LPR – Automated license plate readers convert the video captured from the license plate into digital data. Integrations of the data collected with the IP camera video provides an easy way to monitor the license plates, and trigger alerts if a specific number is detected.  It can also be used to audit the number of license plates and when they were detected.  This allows you to easily follow a vehicle through a parking facility or across a city. ATM and Teller Transactions -  The video from a specific ATM or teller workstation can be viewed and displayed with information collected when a person uses the ATM.  Using the database, it is easy to find specific transactions and see the actual video that was captured at that time.  Using the C2P features, it’s easy to settle any customer disputes or uncover fraud. Asset Tracking – Attach an RFID tracking device to a high-value item, and now you can track the item as it moves through specific portals in your organization.  For example, you can track a hospital medical cart, and be alerted if it is removed from a storage area.  Or, even detect when a computer leaves the building. Product Control at the Loading Dock - There are many other applications that can benefit from the convergence of video and data.  For example, products coming into your facility can be monitored at the loading dock.  A barcode reader can be used to help detect and flag alerts at the receiving dock.  If a product recall is sent by a manufacturer, you can now stop the contaminated food or dangerous products from getting past the loading dock. Learn more about Door Access Control | IP Camera Systems | Technical Articles If you need help with integrating IP security systems, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or just use our contact form. ### CD-Tower - Server System Axis Network CD-ROM Server & Tower for Ethernet Sorry Discontinued Please take a look at all the other network-attached security systems available from Kintronics. For historic purposes, we have included details about these products.  They were discontinued in 2010 This old Axis server system attached CD-ROM/DVD-ROM Towers directly to the Ethernet network and allowed everyone to share CD and DVD data discs.  It used a special CD and DVD Server. This Server provided a Multi-protocol CD-ROM server for Microsoft, Macintosh, and UNIX Ethernet networks. Simple plug and play system. Just plug the server box anywhere on the network. Access your CDs or DVDs using your existing network application or a web browser.  Modular system with easy plug/replace functionality. Appears as a network server. Doesn't use software on network server or workstation. A high performance CD/DVD-ROM Server, (up to 1,300K Bytes/sec network data rate). The CDDVD server is also a web server that can be accessed from your web browser. Quick to Install and Easy to Use No software is needed. Configuration and management is done via already existing network application tools. High speed CD-ROM drives are supported through use of 32-bit RISC processor technology. Designed for Mixed LAN Environment Can be used simultaneously from Windows, Mac and UNIX workstations.  Security and License Control Options Ability to restrict user access and control user licenses. Location Independent Can be placed anywhere on the network, and does not need a file server.  Technical Specifications SUPPORTED SYSTEMS: Simultaneous operation in the following network environments:  Microsoft Windows 95/98 Me/NT 200x XP; UNIX: Solaris, FreeBSD, Linux; MacOS 8.x, 9.x, OS X. Internet/Intranet using HTTP 1.0 and HTML 2.0 compatible browsers, e.g., Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer and Microsoft Supported protocols TCP/IP, AppleTalk, HTTP, CIFS/SMB, NFS v3, FTP, AFP, BOOTP, RARP, DHCP; DNS; WINS; SMTP, SNMP SUPPORTED FILE SYSTEMS: High Sierra (HSF), ISO 9660 NETWORK MANAGEMENT: SNMP MIB-II, and private enterprise MIB. SECURITY: The server unit can be User/Group access controlled by password and the number of users, specified in unit resident database, can be restricted.  Windows   Share Level Security APPROVALS: EMC: CE:EN 55022/1987, EN50082- 1/1992. FCC Class A. Safety: EN 60950, UL, CSA ### CD and DVD Network Connectivity These products have been discontinued We have discontinued the CD-ROM Tower/Servers.  If you need a CD DVD ROM type server, take a look at PrimeArray Systems.  They still manufacture these systems. Discontinued Products: | CD-ROM Towers | CD-ROM Server | | CD-Tower of Changers The security products we provide include: IP Surveillance Systems | IP Intercoms and Paging Systems | Door Access Control For your reference, here is some information about the old product: Software for CD/DVD Jukeboxes and Network Attached CD/DVD Servers. Kintronics provides a number of ways to share CD or DVD discs on the network. We provide CD/DVD jukeboxes and libraries that connect to Window or UNIX servers using special software and high-performance CD DVD Servers that connect directly to your network. The Turbo CD DVD servers are high-performance Thin Servers that provide hard disk caching of CD and DVD titles. They use web browsers for administration making it very easy to install. You can select servers with SATA or IDE hard drives and CD or DVD recorders. Please take a look at all the other network-attached security products we have available. Pentium CD-Server The Kintronics' Turbo CD/DVD-Servers comes complete with Pentium processor, hard drives, CD/DVD-ROM drives and Server software; all in a console that provides a complete self-contained CD/DVD-ROM solution for your network. This Server supports over 1,000 discs. Jukebox and Library Software Jukeboxes and libraries require special management software that connects them to a computer. Point Software is still available and connects many different optical jukebox library systems to Windows servers. CD, DVD and Blu-ray recording is integrated to fulfill all archiving, mastering and duplication requirements. The automated recording feature (ECR) for CD-R simplifies the overall recording process dramatically. Due to its multi-threaded implementation PoINT Jukebox Manager allows multiple users to access the jukebox simultaneously and to record different data streams to different media in parallel. Disc caching to hard disk improves performance dramatically. All these products were discontinued in 2011: QStar software not only supports Windows servers, it also supports Sun UNIX, Linux, SGI IRIS, HP-UX, IBM AIX and many other UNIX operating systems. The CD/DVD Master product works across the network allowing both System Administrators and privileged clients to harness the power to manage more than just the standalone CD/DVD-R writer. With QStar's CD/DVD Master product, users get the ability to manage hundreds or thousands of CD/DVDs, with ease, through an intuitive GUI and advanced management tools. Smart Storage (now part of Legato and EMC) is discontinued. K-Par software is one of the best software products for the UNIX and Windows environments. Not only does it make it easy to share a jukebox on the network, but it also keeps track of media that's removed from the jukebox. This functionality allows the archive to grow infinitely so that your oldest, least accessed files can remain indexed but placed out of the jukebox to allow room for new media. ### DiscPort CD DVD Server by Microtest Discontinued The Discport CD/DVD server provided CD and DVD disc sharing on the network.  During the late 1990s. It was one of the convenient and easy ways to provide disc sharing. It was discontinued in 2002. CD and DVD-discs have been replaced by cloud reference, and streaming video sites. Please take a look at all the new technology available from Kintronics. We specialize in IP security systems such as IP camera systems, door access control, IP paging systems, and intercoms. We are experts in security systems and can help define- the best solution for your application. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### NUUO Video Management Software NVR Software for IP Cameras Discontinued Please take a look at all the other video recording software solutions. NUUO is a Windows-based Video Management Software application that controls and stores the video from IP networked Cameras and Video Encoders, delivering full color still and motion images to any standard PC computer. The software is used with network-attached IP cameras and standard computer storage to create a powerful yet easy-to-use surveillance system. NUUO also provides complete NVR systems that include both the software and computer in one complete package. The Servers can be located on an Intranet, Internet, or any networking protocol that supports TCP/IP. The software controls Pan / Tilt / Zoom cameras and can record images from any sites at any interval, including triggered events from sensor detection and video motion detection detected by the camera. All recorded images are stored in a tree structure based on Server name, Camera name, and Date / Time stamp. Extremely low network utilization enables a complete system to operate on a common network carrying normal business traffic. NUUO is licensed according to the number of cameras you have 4, 8, 12, 16, 32 and 64 cameras. The license is controlled by USB dongle. Upgrades require additional USB ports. Features Low-Cost solution for home and small business.Scalable for up to 64 cameras.Dual monitor support for viewing live video and playback simultaneously.Includes intelligent motion detection, missing object, foreign object, loss of focus and camera occlusionRemote access from windows application or browser.Printing and image/video export for evidence requirementsCameral based video motion detection.Recording can be scheduled based on time-of-day and, day-of-weekEasy setup and control of all the cameras.Admin password for settings changesWeb-based viewer applet for remote viewing of archivesView / Record at up to 30 FPS ### IP Camera Video Servers Video Recording Servers These video servers are designed to support Video Management Software. They include the computer, video cards, storage and VMS, everything you need to support your IP camera surveillance system. We custom design the Video Server based on your needs. It's easy to set up and use. The video server manages all the cameras on the network. Hundreds of clients can view, control, store and retrieve video from all the IP cameras. It provides secure distributed and expandable storage for all network attached cameras. Video Server Features of Video Server: Includes all hardware and software needed.Included viewing client that run on any Windows PC, with optional support for portable device with unlimited concurrent usersView real time and recorded video from any place on the network or InternetOperates as a Windows service for reliable operationExport to AVI or Authenticated database format Export to AVI or Authenticated database formatOptional multiple site, multiple server provides virtually unlimited camera support Optional multiple site, multiple server provides virtually unlimited camera supportSoftware provides Push Video on-event to any workstation provides instant notification of alarm conditions.Manage alarms, control PTZ cameras,Supports MJPEG, and H.264 and H.265 compression schemesOptional two-way audio, multi-channel audio recordingOptional multiple schedules of PTZ patrol sequencesOptional Video Content AnalyticsActive Directory supportVery easy to expand Video Server System Diagram Video Server Diagram Select the system that's right for you. Multiple servers can be used to support thousands of cameras. All the cameras are viewed using client software that can be located on any workstation on the network or Internet. Network bandwidth is controlled. Servers provide dual network connections that allow the cameras to be connected to a separate segment of your LAN. Optional RAID for Increased Reliability Server can include RAID 5 or other RAID configurations depending on performance and reliability required.   Multiple servers can be configured for redundancy and failover. Examples of Video Servers Entry Level System Supports 4 to 25 camerasVideo storage for up to 30 days of recordingIncludes Video Management SoftwareRecord single channel of audio Professional Level Professional level Network Video RecorderSupports up to 64 camerasVideo storage for up to 30 days of recordingVideo Management SoftwareIncluded viewing client software, unlimited concurrent usersPush video on-eventOperation as Windows ServiceExport to AVI/Authenticated database formatMulti-channel audio recordingMultiple PTZ patrol sequences Enterprise Systems Enterprise video server system supports multiple servers at multiple sitesVideo Management Software with centralized managementSupports thousands of camerasVery large scale storage capacity using multiple storage pointsPush video on-eventOperation as a Windows serviceExport to AVI/Authenticated database formatTwo-way audio, multi-channel audio recordingMultiple schedulable PTZ patrol sequencesOpen APIs for easy integration with Access Control, POS and Video Content AnalyticsActive Directory support What is a Video Server A Video Server is a dedicated computer that includes video management software (VMS). It is very similar to the Network Video Recorder (NVR), but instead of a dedicated computer it uses a general-purpose Windows type computer. Since it uses a general-purpose computer it is easier to add additional hard drives to record the video. The computer includes a high-performance video processor necessary to support the IP cameras on the network. The computer is matched to the number of cameras, the resolution, and the management system required. What is the best Video Server for you? The right system depends on the number of cameras you want to support.  Contact us for free consulting. We will define not only the IP cameras you need but also the right computer server, and storage you need. ### Cloud Video Surveillance Systems IP Camera Surveillance System In the Cloud Video Management Software | Network Video Recorders | Camera Comparisons | Purchase | Resources  Cloud Video Surveillance, refers to recording video in a recording server that’s located at another location.  The cloud system includes video recording and camera management and appears as a service to clients that can view the real-time and recorded video.  Since the recording server is located on the Internet, the outbound bandwidth plays an important role in how many cameras can be supported. The bandwidth required for each camera is primarily determined by resolution and frame rate.  As an example, a 2-megapixel IP camera requires about 2 Megabits/sec of bandwidth.  If you have 4 cameras, you require at least 16-Megabit/sec Internet service. When you are concerned about vandalism of your video recording system, this is a good system to consider. IP Camera Recording to Cloud TVIP-CloudVMS This system provides remote storage that can’t be removed or damaged by intruders.  Video is recorded in the server based on predetermined settings.  Record on alarm condition detected by the camera.  The alarm conditions available depend on the camera used and can include motion detection, line crossing, removed object, object left behind, and other camera side analytic alarms. There is a monthly service charge based on the number of cameras, and recording time.  Other features include remote notification of alarms and remote camera control.  It is important to select the right cameras, for each location.  The resolution, compression and frame rate must be balanced to maximize performance. Contact us for details about this type of system. Mobile Viewing of the IP Camera System IP Camera Cloud System Diagram A video recording system that is on the same network as the IP cameras, can provide remote client viewing on any smart device.  Since it provides local recording on the same network, high outbound bandwidth is not required. The bandwidth necessary is determined by the number of remote computers or mobile devices connecting to the central server (cloud).  It is also determined by the number of cameras viewed on each remote display. The system provides notification when an alarm is detected.  You can review the real-time and recorded video from your smartphone or other mobile devices. There are a number of recording systems that support mobile apps on your smartphone and other mobile devices.  Both NVR and VMS that run on your own computer can be selected.  The performance of the computer depends on the number of IP camera on the local area network (LAN). There are also a number of small systems available that can be easily be hidden, or locked away to prevent local vandalism. TVIP-MobileClient The mobile app runs on your smart device. The video is recorded locally using a video recording system that is located on the same network as the cameras. The bandwidth requirements are much lower because we only need to provide video streams for the specific cameras of interest, rather than all the cameras. This system provides remote alarm notification, camera management and control from the mobile device. When you are interested in viewing your cameras from your mobile smart device, or browser, then this is the system of choice. On-site Video Recording Systems Video recording systems include Video Management Software (VMS) that runs on your own Windows computer, or Network Video Recorders (NVR) that include both the computer and the software. These systems can manage camera at multiple locations and allow viewing of the video using your smartphone. To learn more about all the cloud surveillance systems available, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, and at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or just use our contact form. ### Multimode Biometric Door Control Readers Pros and Cons of Types of Door Control Readers Pros and Cons | Overview of Technology | Select Software | Select the Reader What is the best door access control system? The latest door readers are actually IP readers with built-in controllers. They are called reader-controllers to distinguish them from door readers with separate controllers. This buyer's guide will help you select the right door reader-controller. Multimode door access control readers provide multiple ways of controlling entry.  This can include RFID readers and pin numbers, or multiple biometrics.  Security can be increased by using multiple modes together.  In other words, a person can place their fingerprint on the readers as well as using their RFID credentials.  This adds additional security.  Alternatively, if you don't need the enhanced security, you can use one of the modes instead of another.  For example, if a person's fingerprint doesn't work, they can use their credential instead. You can select a number of different types of multi-mode readers available.  The professional series of door readers provide a high level of reliability. IP RFID Proximity Readers with Pin Numbers: These IP reader-controllers use proximity credentials such as cards, or keyfobs. They can also use your smartphone as a credential. The cards can use 125KHz or 13.56 MHz frequencies (smart cards).  Or you can enter a pin number on the keypad. Pro:    These are the lowest cost readers.  They are reliable and can be used indoors or outdoors.  It is the easiest type of door reader to install. Con:  Using a pin number is not very secure, especially if everyone has the same number.  It's hard to control when people have left the organization.  RFID cards are more secure, but again the card can be lost or given to another person. Select the card reader ... Fingerprint and RFID Multimode readers: Fingerprint readers are much more secure than RFID Prox card readers.  Multimode readers also include RFID readers and sometimes pin numbers. Pro:    These IP readers provide increased security.  There are models that can be used indoors or outdoors.  The additional RFID reader mode can be used to increase security or used instead of the fingerprint depending on the level of security required. Con:  Some fingerprints can be difficult to read, especially those that are worn out or damaged.  It is possible to spoof some readers, by using copied fingerprints. The Pro series of fingerprint door access control readers are more reliable and include live person detection for much higher security. Select the Fingerprint Reader Facial and RFID Multimode Readers Facial readers add an additional level of security.  They sometimes include RFID and pin number access as well. Pro:    These IP readers provide increased security.  The additional RFID reader mode can be used to increase security or used instead of the facial recognition depending on the level of security required. Con:  Most readers work in controlled lighting situations, so they are usually used indoors.  Wearing glasses or hats can sometimes reduce reliability. There is one model that is designed for outdoor use. See the TVIP-Face8WP Select the Facial Recognition Reader Multimodal Biometric Readers Readers that use multiple types of physiologic characteristics provide the highest level of security and flexibility.  If one mode doesn't work you can use another mode, or you can use all the modes together to increase security. You can select door readers with both fingerprint and vein sensors, or another with a combination of fingerprint reader and facial recognition. Pro:    These multimodal IP readers provide the highest level of security.  The additional biometric modes can be used to increase security, or one at a time to increase reliability. Con:  They are a little more expensive, than a reader that just reads fingerprints, but worth the added cost. Select the Multi-Mode Readers For more information about the door access control readers, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Multimodal Biometric Door Control Readers Biometric Reader Upgrade Path The biometric door reader-controllers have been upgraded to provide improved performance. We listed the upgrade suggestions for each type of biometric door reader. Biometric access control readers detect a person’s unique physiological characteristics. Biometric readers attach to the network or to a access controller and provide increased security. There are fingerprint IP door readers, finger vein IP door readers, facial recognition readers and multi-biometric readers that can read a number of different physiologic characteristics. Multimodal biometric readers increase reliability, because if one metric doesn’t work then another will. The readers on this page have been replaced by new professional readers with much better reliability. Multimode readers provide more than one access key to control the door.  This includes RFID proximity credentials, pin numbers, and biometrics.  What is the best type of reader for your application?  Take a look at our door reader comparison guide.  We describe the pros and cons of each type of multimode reader. Select the Professional Reader | Overview of Biometrics | Buyers Guide | More Access Control Systems Fingerprint and Biometric Reader Upgrade Path These Fingerprint readers have been discontinued and replaced by the pro-series fingerprint readers.  The new readers provide improved reliability. Fingerprint readers detect the pattern of your fingerprint.  The following readers also include RFID credential readers.  Two of the models also include a keypad for entering a pin code. TVIP18ID | TVIP1600 | TVIP1700 Indoor Fingerprint Reader TVIP18ID Discontinued - Replaced by TVIP3F-Pro Reads fingerprints, RFID proximity credentials, and pin numbers. The reader Includes LCD display and keypad. IP fingerprint reader that's reliable, durable and highly accurate. This fingerprint sensor provides less than 1.5-second user recognition. The fingerprint reader works even if the network is down. Complete setup and programming can be done via keypads and embedded firmware. The graphical user interface on a 3.5 inch TFT display provides a rich user experience. Audio-Visual Indication for acceptance and rejection of valid/invalid fingerprints. Relay outputs for electric lock and alarm. Inputs for door status sensor and exit switch. Supports multiple time zones and personnel groups for programming valid entry zones. The alarm will be triggered when the tamper switch is activated. Wiegand output for connecting to an access control panel and an Ethernet port for fast and reliable communication with the computer. Optional RFID Mifare (smart card), HID formats. Features Reliable, durable and highly accurate infrared detection fingerprint sensor Less than 1-second user recognitionStores 1500 fingerprint templates and 30,000 transactionsReads fingerprint and/or RFID cards.Built-in Serial and Ethernet portsBuilt-in Wiegand input/output port for connection to third-party access control panelsBuilt-in USB port allows for manual data transferAudio-Visual indication for acceptance and rejection of valid/invalid fingersTamper switch and alarm contactsSpecial Order with HID or Mifare card modules Outdoor Fingerprint Reader TVIP1600 Discontinued - Replaced by TVIP3F-ProWP Fingerprint, and RFID credential reader for outdoor use in wide temperature ranges. Note that this IP reader doesn't include a keypad so you require a separate enrollment reader that connects to the Windows computer. Provides audio-visual indication for acceptance and rejection of valid/invalid fingerprints. Includes Relay Outputs for electric lock and alarm, and Inputs for door status sensor and exit switch. This outdoor fingerprint reader supports multiple time zones and personnel groups for programming valid entry zones. IP65 rated waterproof enclosure permits this reader to be used for outdoor applications. Features` Rugged structure for outdoor installation and extra durabilityIP65 rated weatherproof enclosureSlim and elegant designFast and accurate fingerprint algorithmEasy installation and connectivity with Wiegand input and output and network connectivity using TCP/IP port.Full access control features include relay for electric lock, inputs, and outputs for door sensor, exit button and alarmEasy operation and managementSpecial Order with Mifare card module Outdoor Fingerprint Reader TVIP1700 Discontinued  - Replaced by TVIP3F-ProWP Fingerprint reader, RFID credential reader, or pin number can be used in this outdoor reader.  Operates in cold temperatures. Audio-Visual Indication for acceptance and rejection of valid/invalid fingerprints. Includes Relay for electric lock and alarm outputs. It also includes Inputs for door status sensor and exit switch. The fingerprint reader supports multiple time zones and personnel groups for programming valid entry zones. The special enclosure permits this reader to be used for outdoor applications. The IP reader is IP65 rated, waterproof and operates in cold temperatures. Features Rugged structure for outdoor installation and extra durabilityIP65 rated waterproof and weatherproof structureSlim and elegant designOne of the world’s smallest fingerprint terminalsSleek and slim design for narrow spaces.Fast and accurate fingerprint algorithmFingerprint identification in 1 secondStores 3000 fingerprint templates, 10,000 cards, and 50000 transactionsEasy installation and connectivity with Wiegand input and output and network interface by TCP/IP and RS485Full access control features include DLST, Web-server, Anti-Passback, and access control interface for third party electric lock, door sensor, exit button and alarmEasy operation and management; works without a computer and has built-in keypad and RF card reader for multi-modal authenticationSpecial Order with Mifare card module Facial Recognition System    TVIPCAM300 Discontinued - Long Range Facial Recognition This IP door facial recognition reader uses a special facial recognition algorithm,  It can identify users from a database of 400 faces in less than one second. Users can be identified from a distance of 12.5 feet with a built-in IR light source. The cam300 combines IP video with door access control. It includes relay I/O connect, door sensor, electric lock, and REX hardware. Features Hands-free Standalone Biometric Reader Controller using Facial RecognitionHD IP camera with 1.3MP for Networked Video SurveillanceLCD for displaying real-time information as well as our rich user interface guides users during enrollmentCan identify users from a distance of 12.5 feetStorage capacity of 400 faces and 100,000 logs.Infrared light source enables face detection and matching in dimly lit environments in less than 1 secondA visual indication for acceptance & rejection of valid & invalid faces TVIP700ID - Facial and Fingerprint Reader See this multimodal door access reader below Multimodal Biometric IP Reader Multimode biometric readers include at least two physiological characteristics to increase reliability.  This includes a unit that provides fingerprint and vein, another that includes facial recognition and fingerprint, and a third that includes facial recognition and body motion. TVIP350ID - Fingerprint and Vein Reader Fingerprint reader, and Vein Reader combination, as well as RFID credential reader and pin number.   Finger vein readers are one of the most reliable readers since they read the unique vein pattern under the skin. This is a multi-biometric reader that's capable of capturing and processing finger vein and fingerprint biometric data at the same time. The Finger vein reader captures an image of the vein patterns which exist beneath the surface of the finger.  In this case, the vascular pattern is detected using a near-infrared LED.  The system detects the hemoglobin in the bloodstream, providing a distinct pattern. Ergonomic, intuitive and highly secured, this reader provides a new level of security with biometrics. Features Multi-biometric reader with finger vein and fingerprint authenticationUnsurpassed performance with highly accurate finger vein recognition technologyIntuitive graphical user interface and touchscreen display for rich user experienceCan store 1000 vein and 1000 fingerprints and identify in less than 2 secondsComplete built-in Access Control functionality and can operate without a dedicated computerFlexibility to use any of the three credentials i.e. finger vein, fingerprint and passwordAdvanced access control functions based on time zones, groups and unlock combinationsBuilt-in TCP/IP, Serial and USB interfacesOperates as stand-alone, or managed with access control software Also available with Mifare card (smart card) module TVIP350ID Product specification   Discontinued TVIP700ID - Fingerprint and Facial Recognition Replaced by TVIP4FF-Pro Provides multimode Facial recognition and Fingerprint IP Reader, with RFID and pin number options This multi-biometric reader can Identify or verify users by their face, fingerprint, proximity card or PIN/Password…. or any combination, all conveniently from a single device. Built-in Infrared light source enables operation in dimly lit rooms. The MB700-ID works without a computer. Complete setup and programming can be done via keypads and embedded firmware. Stunning 3-inch color TFT touch screen provides ease of use and rich user experience with intuitive and user-friendly GUI. Includes both voice and visual prompts which indicate the acceptance or rejection of fingerprint, Can store up to 1500 faces, 2000 fingerprints, 10000 cardholders and 100,000 transactions. The data can be backed up to a USB flash drive and can also be transferred to another reader in the absence of computer connectivity. Relay Outputs for electric lock visitor bell and alarm. Inputs for door status sensor and exit switch. Supports multiple time zones and personnel groups for programming valid entry zones. The Alarm will be triggered when the tamper switch is activated. Internal Proximity Card or Mifare Card reader allows triple factor authentication for access control. Features Elegant ergonomic German-designed enclosure3” TFT color touch-screen displaySupports 50 time zones, 99 groups and 10 unlock combinations for access controlContact relays for door locks, exit button, alarms, bell, etcStores 2000 fingerprints and 400 faces and matches with a superior accuracyInfrared light source enables face detection and matching in dimly lit environmentsContactless 1-second employee recognitionBuilt-in TCP/IP, Serial and USB interfacesOperates stand-alone or can be interfaced with third-party access control panel using Wiegand InterfaceA voice & visual indication for acceptance & rejection of valid & invalid fingerprints/facesMulti-language supportSDK available for OEM customers and software developersAlso available with HID or Mifare card modules FSTBM-01 - Facial Recognition and Motion Analytics has been Discontinued Unfortunately, FST corporation is no longer in business. Take a look at the systems that identify a face in a crowd. The FST biometric door access control system increased identification accuracy by adding full-body motion analytics to facial recognition. It could quickly identify authorized people as they approach the door. It gradually learned more about the person’s body motion becoming more accurate as time goes on. Console software is included that allows you to enroll and administer all people using the system. This sophisticated identification system is the latest in biometric recognition. More ... TVIP-Access Control Software Discontinued TVIP-Access is a Windows administration and control software that comes with the readers.  The software manages all the standard Biometric IP readers (except the FSTBM-AC reader). It does not support the Pro-series biometric readers.  For pro-reader support see TVIPTIRSoft software. TVIP-Access is designed to manage all TVIP Access control IP readers, except the Pro panels. The software can manage access control as well as generate reports such as attendance reports. This is very easy to use software with a simple interface that makes it very easy to enroll new users, monitor door activity, and remotely control doors. Features Server-Client Administration and Monitoring Software for IP Reader-ControllersEasy to Use, Menu-Driven Dashboard Displays Quick Links to All Common OperationsReal-Time Event Monitoring With Door Status Icons & Photo Pop-Ups of personnelSimple Fill-In-the-Blanks Enrollment of PersonnelIncludes Embedded Fingerprint Registration Tool For using Biometric ReadersCan Link Personnel To Photos For Visual VerificationMaps and Floorplans Can Be Imported for Site-Specific Door ManagementAlarms and Exception Events Are Logged with Email NotificationAdvanced Access Control Features Are Easily ProgrammedAnti-PassbackDoor Interlocks for Mantrap Control ApplicationsMulti-Card Opening Groups for High Security DoorsOne Click Database back-upDetailed User Roles Are Easily Created to Allow Different Levels of Password-Protected Management of the SystemAll software modification actions are internally logged for later review Software product specification Resources and Support: Need help selecting the right biometric reader, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IP Door Access Cloud Control Pure Access IP Door Access Cloud for Isonas Cloud Access Control and Management More Management Software: Pure Access Cloud | More Access Control Management Software Pure Access provides a complete hosted IP door access control platform available in the cloud.  This allows full installation, administration, and management of your Isonas access control hardware. The cloud server makes installing and controlling your IP door access control system extremely easy.  All the IP door readers and IP controllers can be installed from anywhere. Manage an unlimited number of door access points across any geography through a mobile device, tablet or modern browser. A 100% browser-based experience for installation and administrationAccess securely anytime, anywhere from just about any deviceStreamlined installation and configurationManage multiple properties departments, and organizationsRuns on Windows, Mac, or other platformsOperates on IOS and Android mobile devices using a web browserIncludes Active Directory Integration (with over 51 readers) Cloud Access Control Management Access Point Configuration Wizard Set up and configure your door control access points in a matter of minutes. This cloud system reduces overall installation time and cost.  The step by step access point check-out process allows you to test the IP configuration and connectivity.   You can even test the lock, wiring, and other accessories all from your mobile device. Pure Access Mobile App Fully Hosted Access Control Platform This hosted system provides peace of mind and eliminates the need to support on-site hardware.  ISONAS reader-controllers are pre-configured to the cloud.  The IP readers only require a network connection on your site; making your ISONAS system truly plug and play. Intuitively add users, access points and rules with our drag and drop functionality. Simplified workflows provide an easy to use system that requires minimal training. Browser-based:  Can be controlled using a web browser on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. It's a truly universal access control system. Customizable Dashboards Access Control Management Dashboard Individual dashboard widgets allow you to customize how you monitor your access control system in real-time. The responsive design provides a fully interactive monitoring capability from your mobile device, tablet or modern browser. Customize the system to your specific organization.  Set up a management screen for your receptionist, your human resources, or security manager.  Each dashboard controls and monitors specific functions. Isonas Door Access Reader/Controllers IP Isonas door reader/controllers provide the Intelligence at the door. This access control system is connected to the network and use PoE.  Read More ...  More Access Control Software Access control management software determines who can enter, what door they can use, and when they can come in.  The access control management software is associated with each type of access control systems. The software controls the specific type of door readers and controllers so they must be selected with the matching system. We provided descriptions of the software that supports the specific access control system.  Read More ...  Hartmann System Management Software  Biometric System Management Software  Do you need help designing your security system, just contact us.  We have a lot of experience with network-attached security and surveillance systems.  Whether you need a door control system, IP intercom, or surveillance IP camera system, contact us for assistance in designing your system.  We provide pre and post technical support.   Call us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 outside the USA, or use our contact form. ### Disc Library Systems Modular Blu-ray Storage Optical Libraries from DISC The DISC BD Series is a modular design product family utilizing the Blu-ray technology with 50 or 100 GB per media. The DISC BD Series capacity ranges from 4.4 TB to 69 TB and provides up to 14 parallel data streams of 9MB/s. WORM and rewritable media are supported, offline data management is maintained by intelligent pack technology. Optical Library Highlights: Modular design for individual configurationsPack technology for offline managementBlu-ray technologySupports Blu-ray, DVD and CD mediaRedundant power supply option (standard for DISC 7000 models)Multiple LVD bussesBuilt-in diagnosticsRackmount optionOptions for direct-attach, NAS, Fibre Channel, i-SCSI interface Disc Optical Libraries Disc NSM Blu-ray Optical Jukebox Library System Configuration ModelNumber of SlotsMax Data Capacities in TBNumber of DrivesDisc1000-045-2454.4 TB2Disc1000-105-210510.42Disc3000-270-2270242Disc3000-240-4240244Disc3000-210-6210246Disc4000-400-2400402Disc4000-370-4370374Disc4000-340-6340346Disc7000-510-690510-69051 - 692-14 More Jukeboxes and Libraries | Technical Articles | Support Connectivity Direct attached to PC Server via USB/SAS or LVD SCSI Host Interface Network attach support through NAS and SAN. Connects to virtually any application via file systems or APIs with transparent access to your data. Software Support Special archiving and management software is required to control these libraries. Support for Windows, Apple Macintosh, Linux and other platforms via storage management software. Read more ... After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Biometric Door Access Control Biometric Door Control Systems Overview Select Biometric Technology | Buyers Guide | Software | More Access Control | Resources The latest professional biometric readers provide increased reliability and functionality.  Biometric door access control units attach to the network and measure a person’s unique physiological characteristics. Note: They do not store a picture of the fingerprint or face. Everything is encoded for security and privacy.  All these IP door reader-controllers can be powered using PoE (with splitter), or 12 VDC. Select the Type of Biometrics Fingerprint, finger-vein, palm, retina, iris, face, and voice are examples of some of the identified biometrics. Biometrics provides far better security than RFID card credentials.  It is better than cards or pin numbers because you are identifying a person rather than something the person is carrying. Many of the readers available Have multiple access keys.   They can read biometrics as well as RFID cards and PINs. Please take a look at our article Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems for more detail about the security levels provided by different door access control readers. Facial Recognition Door Reader-Controllers Face recognition systems use either an IP camera with recognition software that runs on your computer or a biometric door reader that includes built-in software. The latest facial recognition systems are self-contained units that attach directly to the network.  These IP Facial readers are very easy to install.   Facial recognition readers connect to the network and identify a person’s face from a template that has previously been recorded.  These integrated units contain all the intelligence, allowing enrollment as well as door control. They record coded information rather than an actual picture of a person. If you need contactless door entry control, then face recognition is right for you. Select the Face Recognition Reader Face Recognition What is Face Recognition Face recognition is a process that electronically identifies a person based on their facial features. Face recognition is one of the biometric methods for identifying a person. Other forms of biometric identification include fingerprints, palm prints, and eye retina analyses. Most face recognition systems use IP cameras to capture various features of a person's face. Facial recognition is used for door access control and by law enforcement to find people in a general population. How Face Recognition Works There are different processes for identifying a face but here are some of the basic processes that are used. Find the face in the video field of view. There is a particular resolution required to be able to identify a person. It is defined by the number of pixels across the face. You should have at least 160 pixels across the face for the system to work reliably.The facial recognition software then processes the image. It detects features such as the nose, the eyes, and the mouth. There could be a large number of features captured in this process.The facial feature’s information is converted into a digital signature, and this information is stored with the person’s name and other information.Each time the camera detects an image, the facial signature is compared to all the signatures in the database. Select the Facial Recognition Reader Biometric and Body Temperature Access Control The new biometric door reader provides face and palm authentication. It also can prevent the entry of a person that has an elevated temperature or if they are not wearing a protective face mask. Designed for organizations that need a door access reader as well as a way to screen people for elevated temperature and if they are wearing a protective mask. This biometric door reader combines a powerful embedded thermal camera and the latest face and palm recognition algorithm that is supported by an optimized dual-core processor. Read more Need help selecting the right reader?  Take a look at our door reader buyers guide.  It provides the pros and cons of each type of reader. Fingerprint Readers Fingerprint readers detect the raised pattern on your finger.  These fingerprint IP readers actually encode the pattern that they detect into key data points.  These minutiae points reduce the total amount of data stored. Since the information is encoded the data can’t be used to reconstruct the actual fingerprint.   We have readers that just read fingerprints, and some that are multi-biometric and read both fingerprints and finger vein patterns, and those that read fingerprints and do facial recognition.  These multi-modal readers increase reliability, yet don't cost much more than conventional fingerprint readers. Select the Professional Fingerprint Reader Finger Vein The Finger vein reader captures an image of the vein patterns which exist beneath the surface of the finger.  In this case, the vascular pattern is detected using a near-infrared LED.  The system detects the hemoglobin in the bloodstream, providing a distinct pattern. Select the Professional Finger Vein Reader Multi-Biometric Readers Multimodal readers read a number of different biometrics.  For example, they can read both fingerprint and/or finger vein, or fingerprint plus facial recognition. These readers can also use RFID credentials and pin numbers for increased multiple authentications.  See the Professional Readers There are also biometric facial recognition systems that can recognize a person in a crowd.  These systems operate very quickly and improve the accuracy.  See more about this special facial recognition system system Biometric Facial Recognition in a Crowd Facial recognition can also be used to find a person in a crowd. This is a different type of system but It can be used to provide dual authentication when a credential is used. The 3D facial recognition technology provides recognition even if the person is not facing exactly in the right direction. Identifying people is one of the best ways to control access to your facility. You are granting access to the person rather than an RFID credential card they carry. The 3D facial recognition technology not only authenticates a person, it can also be used to monitor and control guests. Note: This new 3D facial recognition system replaces the  FST biometric door access control system. The FST technology increased identification accuracy by adding full-body motion analytics to facial recognition, while the new system utilizes 3D analytics to dramatically improve reliability. It quickly identifies authorized people as they approach the door. It gradually learns more, becoming more accurate as time goes on. This sophisticated identification system is the latest in biometric recognition. If you need help just contact us for assistance with your access control system package. Console Management Station Software The facial management software runs on a Windows computer and allows you to receive alerts, control the system in real time and manage the system's database. A single station can manage hundreds of biometric stations, and aggregate the databases to provide redundancy and advanced management of authorizations on a single or multiple sites. Buyers Guide to Biometric Door Access This buyers guide will help you select the right door reader. The access control buyers guide provides the pros and cons of several technologies. We compared proximity door readers to the latest biometric fingerprint and finger-vein door access systems. Read more ... Software for Biometric Access Control The software manages all the standard Biometric IP readers. The software is licensed per device and is a web-based secure platform for managing all the Pro biometric IP door readers. Read more ... Technical Support Biometric security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. Tech Support We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### About Kintronics Overview - We Are the Experts in IP Security Systems Kintronics is an engineering and consultation company that sells complete IP security solutions at the very best prices. We know that one system doesn’t fit everyone; each system is designed to fit exactly what you need. We help you select the right system by providing options that meet your needs and your budget. We ensure that all systems work together and meet your specific requirements. We provide systems that include: IP camera systems IP Door Control Network attached paging and intercom systems Optical disc archiving libraries and jukeboxes And more Network-Attached Security Systems Consultation and Engineering What do you actually need?We review your objectives to make sure you get exactly what you expect. When we provide an emergency paging sound system, we analyze and determine the sound distribution system required. We review the sound levels and define the speakers, amplifiers, and software required to meet your objectives. If you need help just contact us for help. Decision Assistance Review Alternative SolutionsOnce we have completed the consultative phase, we work with you to review the pros and cons of a number of solutions, including a review against the budget available. We make sure that you understand all the possible solutions so you can make an educated decision on the best choice. For example, we review the various camera systems that you can choose from as well as the software that will do exactly what you need. We review your return on investment so you can understand the benefits and value of all the solutions available. System Integration Make sure it all goes togetherWhen necessary we integrate multiple systems and software. We provide integration that assures all parts of the system work together. For example, a door access control system uses credentials to allow entry, but what happens when you need to let in a visitor? We provide the intercom and cameras to allow you to speak and see the person at the door. You can then make a decision to allow manual entry by pushing a software button on your computer desktop. Installation Assistance Getting the System Installed and WorkingOnce you have decided on the right solution we help you determine the best way to install the system. Sometimes you can do it yourself, and in other cases, you may need a skilled professional to do the work. We will make sure that you have the best resources available. We work with installers all over the world. Whether you're in Nigeria, Iraq or Cleveland, USA we have installation teams that you can count on. Technical Support We are here to help. We assure that the equipment you purchased operates as expected and that you get full use of all the components of your IP security system. We provide technical support and warranty assistance after the sale. We are the first people you call to get help. If necessary we coordinate support from Manufacturers and software companies to assure all your problems are corrected. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA), and 914-944-3425 (everywhere else), or just use our contact form. Resources Want to know how the IP camera works, or the advantages of network attached IP door control systems, or how to install the IP intercom and emergency paging systems? Visit our resource pages where you will find technical articles, white papers, and videos. Reviews and Buyers Guide: Which camera is best? We have done a number of tests that compare the performance of a number of different IP cameras. Blog and Videos Describing the Technology Blog For more information take a look at our blog. Our blog includes articles that describe how the technology works, how it is used and even jokes and cartoons about the technology. Videos We also have entertaining and informative videos on our YouTube channel. The easiest way to assure you get the right system is to let us help. We have a lot of experience so we can help you select the right system for your application. Not only do we provide the best pricing, our technical support is free. Just contact us for assistance. More About Kintronics Kintronics has provided high technology products since 1977, and today specializes in network attached security systems. For more about our history read our article, the History of Kintronics. Kintronics is a "women Owned Company" that sells complete solutions at the very best prices. Our staff includes engineers and system integrators who have the experience and expertise to help you select the best products for your application. We know that one system doesn't fit all; each system is designed to fit exactly what you need. We have real people, answering phones, who can assist you in selecting the right product. You can also take a look at the technical articles and product guides we provided on this site. Our technical staff not only helps you select the right product they also provide continued support after you purchase. Take a look at our sales and service policy. Call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 outside the USA. Fax: 914-944-0717. Or, Contact us for more information. We are located at 1940 Commerce St. Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. ### Storage Network Attached Storage Network Attached Storage (NAS) Server provides the easiest way to attach scaleable hard drive storage to your network. You can add up to 2,000 GB without disturbing your network or file servers. The Network Attached Storage server is ideal for local databases, backup of workstation data and is very economical. Continue Reading RAID Storage for IP Camera Systems RAID is used to assure that your video is not lost if one hard drive fails. Kintronics provides reliable RAID storage solutions that are part of the video servers used to record video from IP cameras. Continue Reading ### Presentation Systems Discontinued Products Sorry, we no longer sell these systems. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. 3M Overhead Projectors Need help becoming more productive? Turn to 3M–just like educators, trainers and corporate executives have been doing for years. When it comes to overhead projectors, 3M has the right one to meet your needs and your budget. Continue Reading Panasonic Panaboard Ever want a copy of what you wrote on your whiteboard? Well, now you can print and make copies of anything that’s drawn, written or even taped to the Panasonic electronic whiteboard! Also, check the excellent features provided by the PLUS Copyboards. Plus Digital Projectors Plus Digital Projectors Now there’s proof that two bright ideas are brighter than one. Never before has so much brightness and clarity come packaged in a projection system so small and portable. Continue Reading Plus Electronic Copyboards A built-in thermal printer prints in black-and-white to thermal paper. This electronic whiteboard is the popular choice for meeting professionals everywhere because it delivers an extremely high-performance value. Continue Reading Plus Electronic Whiteboards and Copyboards These electronic whiteboards let your audience concentrate on what’s being said, not on taking notes. Continue Reading Plus N-20S and 20W Whiteboard Perfect for presentations that incorporate projected materials and extensive written information. The multifunctional model featuring USB Stick digital memory, a direct PC connection via a USB cord, and an on-board printer (printer is optional), plus network connection. Continue Reading ### Door Access Control Door Access Control IP Door access control readers and door controllers connect to your network and are powered by PoE. Continue Reading IP Door Readers These door readers are placed at the door. They control who can enter using a credential such as a card, badge, or keyfob. They can also use a mobile credential which connects the door reader to your smartphone. Your smartphone becomes the credential. Biometric door readers use a physical feature such as a fingerprint or face recognition to gain entry. Continue reading Access Control Management Software Access control management software is a key component of the door access control system. It provides the resources for adding new users, editing, and deleting their information. There is different software available for the mid-range Isonas door access system, the Hartmann Enterprise door access control system, and the Biometric door access system. Continue reading Intercoms for IP Systems These network attached IP intercom systems provide a secure way to control access at all your doors. Continue Reading Intercoms for Mobile Devices iDor Mobile is a video intercom system that connects to your network. You can select a single user intercom or multi-user intercom dialer unit that is designed for apartments and office buildings. Continue Reading Smartphone Door Access Using the Bluetooth Reader When you don’t want to swipe! You can unlock your door, open a gate, or even your garage door using your Smartphone. Just add the Bluetooth enabled door readers such as the Isonas reader or the Hartmann door access control system. Continue Reading ### Accessories IP Camera Accessories IP camera systems may require additional items that allow them to be used in many environments. You can select an alternative lens, wall brackets, IR illuminators, microphones, speakers, or even a network extension system. Continue Reading Batko Insulated Housing or Enclosure for IP Cameras This design has been tested since 1987 in severe Canadian subzero outdoor conditions, this rustproof, tamperproof, weatherproof, all-aluminum, mineral fiberboard insulated housing doesn’t need a heater (nor a blower) to keep the camera in good working order. Continue Reading Camera Enclosures for Special Applications The special stainless steel enclosures provide protection in the harshest environments. The enclosures protect cameras from the very high temperature of blast furnaces or rocket launches.  The special explosion-proof enclosures allow you to use IP cameras in areas with risk of explosion, such as refineries, gas pipelines, oil tankers, offshore platforms, industrial processes, chemical industries, etc. Learn More Videolarm Camera Housings and Enclosures Videolarm has been the leading innovator in the CCTV industry for more than a quarter-century. It all began with the introduction of the world’s first outdoor dome and has continued with a host of cameras, housings, accessories, and more. Now, these excellent environmental enclosures are available from Kintronics. Continue Reading Videolarm Outdoor Enclosures A wide variety of outdoor housings are available including Enclosures designed to meet IP65 standard, Bullet resistant housings, Pressurized housings, Optional sunshield, Heater and blowers for all environments. Continue Reading Videolarm Vandal-Resistant Enclosures Vandal-resistant housings protect your cameras from damage. Continue Reading ### Archiving HIT-Storage Optical Jukebox and Library System These libraries and jukeboxes are based on the technology developed at Grundig AG.e. They feature: Continue Reading ### CD and DVD Duplication CD Towers and DVD Towers Specifications The CD tower or rack drawer is a bunch of SCSI or IDE CD/DVD-ROM drives connected to a computer or network. They can also contain hard drives, CD-R or DVD-R drives. Take a look at the Selection chart and specifications below. Continue Reading ### Network Video Recorders Exacq Network Video Recorders Video Recording from your IP cameras has never been easier. These network video recorders are easy to install and use. Continue Reading ### License Plate Recognition License Plate Recognition Cameras These cameras are designed from the bottom up to provide dependable license plate images required by the license plate recognition system. Continue Reading LPR Digital Processing Units These License Plate Recognition Processing Units support up to four cameras and come with the LPR software. They provide consistent and reliable automated license plate recognition (APLR) results over a wide range of vehicle speeds and lighting conditions. Continue Reading Standard Resolution Analog Cameras for License Plate Recognition This camera provides high-performance day or night. With 60 images / second performance. It is best for narrow lanes where high-speed traffic is encountered. Continue Reading ### Video Encoders AXIS M7001 Video Encoder Take a look at all the convenient features. Continue Reading More Video Encoders Connect any analog CCTV Camera to the network using these flexible Camera video encoders. These Video Encoders (sometimes called Camera Servers) allow you to upgrade your analog CCTV cameras to the latest IP-based systems. Continue Reading ### PTZ Cameras Axis IP PTZ Cameras A pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) camera is best for viewing very large areas. These network-attached cameras allow you to remotely control PTZ providing a very wide area of coverage. Continue Reading Hanwha (Samsung) PTZ IP Cameras The Pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) cameras from Samsung range in performance from the economical cameras with 12X optical zoom to the high performance 4K-megapixels PTZ cameras with 20X optical zoom. You can select indoor or outdoor models with a variety of mounting brackets. Continue Reading Sony PTZ IP Cameras These new PTZ cameras from Sony feature megapixel resolution, wide dynamic range (130 dB), and gyro-based image stabilizer. Continue Reading Long-Range PTZ Cameras These off-the-shelf long-range cameras provide high powered zoom lenses and IR-illumination so they can operate at night. Continue Reading Very Long-Range PTZ Day/Night Cameras Long Range PTZ camera systems are available with optical or thermal imaging cameras, or both in one system.  These customized IP camera systems provide night-vision using either a long-range laser illuminator or an additional thermal camera. We build the long-range surveillance system exactly to your requirements. Continue Reading ### Pan Tilt Zoom IP Cameras PTZ IP Cameras Hanwha PTZ Cameras | Axis PTZ Cameras | More PTZ Cameras | Purchase An IP Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ) camera is a network attached video camera that can move under control of computer mouse, joystick, software, or in an automatic patrol mode. It has the ability to move left and right (pan) and up and down (tilt). It also includes a zoom lens that can be remotely controlled from the computer or NVR. Many of the new PTZ cameras include an IR illuminator so it can be used in total darkness. The PTZ camera is used in an IP camera system that includes video management software (VMS) or Network Video Recorder (NVR). These PTZ cameras connect to your network and are excellent for viewing large areas. They can be placed in auto-patrol modes where they automatically step through predetermined positions. If motion is detected, the optional IP NVR software can be set to record the video until motion is stopped. The following chart provides the pros and cons of the various PTZ cameras available. Please contact us for help in selecting the right PTZ camera for your application. Hanwha (Samsung) PTZ Cameras The Pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) cameras from Hanwha (spin-off from Samsung) range in performance from the economical cameras with 12X optical zoom to the high performance 8 Megapixel (4K) PTZ cameras with 20X optical zoom. You can select indoor or outdoor models with a variety of mounting brackets. Hanwha’s new 2-megapixel PTZ IP camera provides amazing long-range viewing and includes a built-in IR illuminator with a range of over 500m (1,640ft).  The combination of 55X optical zoom, wide dynamic range (120 dB), makes this the best choice against competing brands such as Axis, Hikvision, and Panasonic. Axis PTZ IP Cameras Axis was the first company to introduce IP cameras, but today there are many other IP camera companies such as Hanwha and Hikvision that sell more cameras.   Take a look at their full line of PTZ products.  They have a variety of PTZ cameras, from economical P5532 to the full features Q60 series. Many of the PTZ cameras can be powered using PoE, but some require special high powered power over Ethernet (PoE+). Sub-PTZ This underwater PTZ camera provides 4K video resolution and AI capability. It is small and affordable, designed to enhance underwater exploration and research. The applications include underwater imaging, ocean conservation, educational outreach, live streaming, remote sensing, underwater surveillance, and submersible cameras on ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles). Compact Design: The housing is just nine inches high and has a five-inch diameter. AI Image Tracking: Advanced technology for precise subject tracking, making it ideal for marine biology, environmental monitoring, and underwater research. Remote Control: Manage multiple cameras effortlessly via LAN connections, providing flexibility and ease of use. There is a choice of indoor or outdoor-ready PTZ cameras. They feature high-speed pan and tilt motion, excellent low light sensitivity, and good wide dynamic range (WDR). Long-Range Day-Night PTZ Cameras Long-range PTZ camera are available for operation in total darkness. The night-vision IP camera systems include built-in IR illumination or thermal imaging cameras that allow them to see in total darkness. Off-the-shelf night-vision PTZ IP cameras feature up to 55 X optical zoom lens with 850nm IR illuminator. They are excellent for covert nighttime security applications.  PTZ with IR is available from Hanwha and other manufacturers. See the Product details Custom PTZ cameras include very-long lenses and specialized systems for operating in total darkness. Read more... Long-Range PTZ Camera Long-range PTZ cameras include optical cameras with longer lenses and laser illumination or thermal imaging cameras that can see in total darkness. There are off-the-shelf PTZ cameras that can identify targets that are almost 1 mile away (1.5Km). Long-Range PTZ Camera designed for harsh environments. The 15-775mm zoom lens and 4K camera with low-light sensitivity makes this an ideal camera for long-range surveillance. There are custom-made models long-range PTZ cameras that can identify an object that's over 5-miles away (3Km). The custom-made very long-range camera systems provide very long-range capability.  The PTZ camera systems can be designed with special high-resolution IP cameras, very long zoom lenses (over 2000mm) and special laser IR illuminator to allow you to see about 5000 m at night. Since these are all network-attached IP camera systems they can be integrated into a complete IP security system. Thermal Imaging Cameras Select from military or commercial grade cameras that can see even when there’s no light. Thermal imaging cameras detect energy emitted from objects so intruders can be seen night or day. Objects can be seen through fog, smoke, sand, rain, and snow. The camera systems can be combined with optical cameras to create a very effective long-range detection system. ### Panasonic IP Cameras Panasonic IP Cameras Panasonic has provided IP cameras that attach to your network for many years. They are a well-known brand that provides excellent quality and performance cameras for surveillance. The latest Super Dynamic cameras feature excellent wide dynamic range (WDR) of 144dB.  The image processing in the IP camera provides sharp and natural color images.   The new image processor offers incredible features like high-definition resolution at 60 frames per second and Enhanced Super Dynamic Range (144 dB), delivering extraordinary low-light performance even in the most dynamic and challenging lighting conditions. The high-speed processor allows the cameras to encode up to four H.264 streams which provide simultaneous real-time monitoring and high-resolution recording.  Some of the cameras support the latest H.265 compression. Select from box or bullet, dome, fish-eye, and PTZ cameras. Panasonic IP Cameras Select: Box and Bullet IP Cameras | Dome IP Cameras | PTZ IP Cameras | Compare to Other Cameras The megapixel cameras provide great price-performance. If you know the type of camera you need just select the link on the left. If you need help use the overview below or just contact us for help. Panasonic IP Camera Overview - Box and Dome Cameras Fixed Box and Bullet IP Cameras:This group of cameras is excellent for applications where you need flexible solutions. These IP cameras are available with 1.3, 2.0 and 12-megapixel resolution. The IP box cameras can be used indoors or select the bullet IP cameras for outdoor applications. There are a number of Panasonic lenses that can be selected for the box cameras so always ask us for help selecting the right one.  These IP cameras have very good low light performance and include a very wide dynamic range (WDR). more ... Panasonic 4K Camera Panasonic Dome IP Camera Dome IP Cameras:Dome cameras are nicer looking than the box type IP cameras, but you can't change the lens. The latest Panasonic IP domes include impressive low light capability of 0.012 lux (in color), and excellent wide dynamic range (up to 144dB). They are available with 1.3, 2.0 and the latest 4K 12-megapixel resolution.  Many of the dome cameras include an IR Illuminator so you can operate in total darkness. There is even a 360 degree (fish-eye) dome camera that provides panoramic awareness and has built-in image and distortion correction. There are indoor standard dome models, vandal-resistant models, and outdoor-ready models. The latest 2-megapixel domes provide up to 144 dB of WDR which is similar to the capability of the Sony and Samsung dome cameras and exceeds the performance of the Axis IP dome cameras. More about Panasonic Dome Cameras... Dome IP Cameras:Dome cameras are nicer looking than the box type IP cameras, but you can't change the lens. The latest Panasonic IP domes include impressive low light capability of 0.012 lux (in color), and excellent wide dynamic range (up to 144dB). They are available with 1.3, 2.0 and the latest 4K 12-megapixel resolution.  Many of the dome cameras include an IR Illuminator so you can operate in total darkness. There is even a 360 degree (fish-eye) dome camera that provides panoramic awareness and has built-in image and distortion correction. There are indoor standard dome models, vandal-resistant models, and outdoor-ready models. The latest 2-megapixel domes provide up to 144 dB of WDR which is similar to the capability of the Sony and Samsung dome cameras and exceeds the performance of the Axis IP dome cameras. more ... Panasonic PTZ IP Camera Overview The series-5 pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) IP cameras provide 2-megapixel resolution with 30X of zoom, which is about the same as the Sony and Samsung PTZ IP cameras. Select indoor or outdoor-ready cameras that are all powered using PoE. The Panasonic PTZ cameras include a very nice "fog compensation" mode, but don't have the same wide dynamic range (WDR) as the newest Sony and Samsung PTZ cameras. You can select the 1.3 or the 2.0-megapixel resolution model. The 30X optical zoom and a 2-megapixel sensor, allows you to recognize a person's face from about 800 ft away. For comparison, Axis provides a maximum of 20X zoom while Sony has a 30X zoom lens on its PTZ camera. Samsung beats them all with the 32X optical zoom lens. More about Panasonic PTZ cameras Panasonic PTZ Camera Models include: ModelResolutionSpecificationsWV-X6533LNWith IR 2-Megapixel, 1920 x 1080Color night vision (0.001 to 0.015 lx)40X zoom lens: f=4.25-170 mm (1.9-66 deg at 16:9)IR Illumination: up to 350 m (1150 ft) with AC powerWV-X6531N2-Megapixel, 1920 x 1080Color night vision (0.015 to 0.006 lx)40X zoom lens: f=4.25-170 mm (2.1-65 deg at 16:9)WV-SC588A2-Megapixel, 1920 x 1080Color night vision (0.15 to 0.018 lx)30X zoom lens: f=4.3-129mmWV-SW5982-Megapixel, 1920 x 1080Color night vision (0.5 to 0.06 lx)30X zoom lens: f=4.3-129mm There are many other models available. Please contact us for more details on all these models. Why Select Panasonic IP Cameras? Panasonic is well known for camera technology. Panasonic has been providing surveillance cameras for 50 years. The latest image processing computer provides improved performance at up to 60 fps. These professional IP cameras come with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. Very good performance in all lighting conditions: Panasonic only has WDR in the latest 6-series cameras, but many of the older cameras include "adaptive black stretch" which improves the visibility of scenes that contain very dark and light areas. The cameras all have very good low light sensitivity and reduced noise that allow you to see video in color at lower light levels. Built-in analytics include "object removed" and "object left". The newer cameras also include "line crossing" detection, camera tampering, and detection of abnormal audio sounds (in cameras with audio support). Technical Support IP camera security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### License Plate Recognition System Automated License Plate Recognition Learn more about: LPR Cameras | LPR Software | Digital Processing Servers | LPR Web Server Software LPR Summary Automated License Plate Recognition (LPR or APLR) is more than just a License Plate Capture. These systems convert the image (picture of the license) to computer data that can be checked against a database. The system includes high-performance IP cameras designed for this application and powerful software that provides consistent and reliable results. Learn more about Solutions and Applications Key Features of the License Plate Recognition System These systems include standard resolution IP Cameras or High-resolution IP cameras designed specifically for license plate recognition.Cameras include an integrated infrared LED illumination system for day and night-time operationLPR system performs equally well with fast or slow-moving trafficProvides up to 60 progressive scan images per secondSelect Megapixel image sensor optimized for License Plate Recognition in large viewing areasContinuous day/night operation, with high contrast images even in direct sunlight.Complete system solutions for public transport lane enforcement, parking lot and gate control.Integrates with Isonas access control system to provide a complete security access systemIntegrates with OnSSi Video Management Software to create a complete security and surveillance system that uses IP cameras. Enforcement Systems, Parking, Traffic Monitoring and more. The TruViewLPR system provides a variety of hardware and software configurations that provide the appropriate solution for different applications of ALPR (Automatic License Plate Reader) technology. The LCR system is used to enhance security, fight crime, enforce toll collection, compare license plates to a list, provide parking revenue management, provide access control and more. This system can be broken down into four major components: image collection, image analysis, image and data storage, and data transmission. ALPR System Diagram License Plate System Diagram This system diagram provides an overview of a typical system: ### Locks Electric Locks There are a variety of automated door locking systems available from Rutherford Controls. You can select either a magnetic lock or electric strike to secure a door. Continue Reading Electric Strikes and Locks The Electric Strike is easy to install and are used to secure outer and inner doors, but does not prevent egress from an area like the magnetic lock. It replaces the fixed strike place in a standard lock. Continue Reading Magnetic Locks Magnetic locks are used in high-security areas where you need to monitor the movement of people. Since people are required to use their access cards in both directions, you can track who enters and leaves a secure area. Continue Reading RCI Special Cabinet Locks These special locks from Rutherford Controls are small enough to be used on various types of cabinets and drawers. Since people are required to use their access cards, you can track who opened the cabinet or drawer. Continue Reading ### Archiving Systems Archiving Summary Archiving systems have two major components. First, they are stored on media that lasts for over 50 years. Second, once the information is stored, it cannot be changed. Paper and microfiche were replaced by optical discs in the 1980s. Optical discs are certified as archival media because they last over 50 years.  Write Once Read Many (WORM) media can't be modified. Once it is written, it cannot be changed. We now have more alternatives for archiving our information. There are four types of systems that use Write-Once Storage: Optical Jukebox libraries: store the information on discs that can be easily retrieved. Archiving appliances Archive Appliance: Transfers data to a stack of optical discs and labels each one so they can be placed in a cabinet or drawer. This system requires manual disc handling. Cloud Archiving: Uses similar archiving software as optical jukebox libraries except the information is sent to a remote server.  Because the data is redundantly stored, it is considered to be archival. Malware Protection Using Write-Once Storage: This malware protection system protects your computer system from virus and other attacks.  It uses modified hard drives that provide write-once storage. It is not considered archiving but does have the characteristic of the optical WORM storage. ArcPoint-Blu Storage Appliance This archiving system provides the policy-based recording to Write Once Read Many (WORM) Blu-ray media.  Your data is kept safe for over 50 years. Features Policy-Based File Archive Storage Manager – Archive Edition offers policy-based file archiving. This is fully automated archiving directly to an optical storage device such as an Olympus Series Blu-Ray Disc Archiving System – no user action is needed.WORM File System with CIFS Access Most applications do not support archive storage systems (like tape and optical) natively and require a standard storage access interface like CIFS. The VFS (Virtual File System) is an integral module of Storage Manager – Archive Edition and implements a native Windows file system. It provides standard CIFS file system access to archive storage systems. This means applications can make use of the benefits of the Olympus Archive Systems without adaptations.User-Defined Archiving by Web Client Besides the automatic process of file archiving, Storage Manager – Archive Edition offers user-defined archiving supported by a Web Client. The Web Client is aimed at environments in which particular users need to be able to perform archiving operations by themselves. Usage of the Web Client is protected by a user authentication mechanism.Archiving Methods Storage Manager – Archive Edition provides multiple archiving methods. This comprises copying of files (Copy Mode), moving of files (Data Mover Mode), and stubbing of files (HSM Mode).Use of Standards Storage Manager – Archive Edition strictly adheres to standards for storing data on secondary storage systems. This ensures independence from a specific hardware vendor and protects customer investments. Furthermore, access to all archived data is provided by standard operating system methods. MTF (Mircosoft Tape Format), LTFS1 (Linear Tape File System) and UDF (Universal Disk Format) are supported as standard formats for tape and optical. ArcPoint Publisher ArcPoint Publisher This software controls all aspects of your archiving system.  It will adapt to your requirements and fit well into an existing networked environment. The software consists of the server component, which controls the actual recording process as well as a set of applications for the definition of the disc contents. The Olympus server controls the hardware and administers the job list. Each job represents one production series and contains important information like the number of copies, label print file, and additional parameters. The job attributes and the job list can also be modified by network clients under control of the integrated user management. A job is easily created and hundreds of copies produced by just dragging & dropping the Disc Image to the job list. The user interface provides all important hardware and job status information even over the network and internet. Contact us for more details about this system.  Call 800-431-1658 in the USA, and 914-944-3425 everywhere else.  Or, just use our contact form. More Archiving Systems Application Note: The archiving appliances take advantage of the same robotic mechanisms used in automatic duplicators.  With these systems, you can archive general data to a stack of Blu-ray discs. This is a batch process where a set of blank discs are placed on a spindle and written one-at-a-time and placed on an output spindle. The discs are stored off-line and can be accessed by reading them back in using the same. The jukebox or Library systems are the only devices that provide easy on-line retrieval of the discs. Archiving is now the law of the land. Sarbanes-Oxley and other regulations require archiving of your emails and other critical files. Archiving means that the information is placed on permanent media. Tape is not an archive media. Only Optical discs are considered to be archive media. Select the system that's right for your application. The Archiving Appliance makes it easy to archive  Data.   If you also need fast retrieval of archived data select from our optical libraries and jukeboxes. Take a look at the following comparison table. Comparison Table: On-line Data Archiving and RetrievalAppliance Data Archiving SystemOptical jukebox and libraries provide online data archiving and retrieval. This is a more sophisticated solution that provides both archiving and retrieval functions. Provides over 600 disc On-line capacity High capacity Blu-ray discs Software solutions connect libraries to Windows servers and can be shared on the network. Over 34TB capacity Immediate storage compliance Drag & Drop Disc Publishing Jukebox management software provides transparent drive letter access to all discs This batch type archiving system uses a small network attached appliance described above.  Provides a network-wide, filter based archiving archive to Blu-ray media.  This automated Blu-ray writing system utilizes PoINT Archiving software.  This powerful Archiving Compliance Disaster Recovery system is a complete Archiving, Management and Restoration Solution. Network-wide, filter based archiving Automated Publishing to Blu-ray disc Any data, any application Drag & Drop Disc Publishing Manage Client Storage on Servers Immediate Storage Compliance Disaster Recovery The database provides a complete index Automated Restore & Recovery Store/Restore all Versions of files Encryption and Authentication modules ### Sony 1.3 Megapixel IP Dome Cameras Specifications: Sony 1.3 Megapixel Dome IP CamerasSNC-EM600 and SNC-VM600 Sony's high performance 1.3 Mpixel dome IP cameras include remote zoom and focus lenses. They have excellent low light sensitivity along with very wide dynamic range. These megapixel cameras provide excellent resolution and picture clarity. All these cameras include analytic functions such as object left behind, object missing, line crossing and face detection. You can select indoor models, indoor with vandal resistance and outdoor domes. Overview: The E series of dome cameras are economical cameras starting at $798 MSRP. Even though they are cost-effective solutions they have excellent low light performance of 0.03 lux in color and 0.02 lux in BW.  The V series adds extra functionality such as two-way audio, IO connections, and edge storage. More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Comparison Table and Guide - Sony IP Cameras The table describes the different models available. You can select the economical EB series or the VB series which adds additional features. Remember to contact us for help selecting the right IP camera system. We provide free consulting and engineering to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just contact us. Sony 1.3 Megapixel Dome IP Cameras Specifications MODEL RESOLUTION SPECIAL FEATURES SNC-EM600   Indoor 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 IR:  NoAudio: NoI/O: NoEdge Storage: NoOperating Temp:  -10 °C to +50 °C SNC-EM601   indoorVandal 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 IR:  NoAudio: NoI/O: NoEdge Storage: NoOperating Temp:  -10 °C to +50 °C SNC-EM602RC   OutdoorRugged 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 IR:  Yes, 98 feet (30m)Audio: NoI/O: NoEdge Storage: NoOperating Temp: -40°C to +60°C (IR OFF, heat en) -40°C to +50°C (IR ON, heat en) -10°C to +60°C (IR OFF, heat dis) -10°C to +50°C (IR ON, heat dis) SNC-VM600   Indoor 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 IR:  NoAudio: 2-way audioI/O: 1 input / 1 outputEdge Storage: SD / SDHC card slotOperating Temp:  -10 °C to +50 °C SNC-VM601   indoorVandal 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 IR:  NoAudio: 2-way audioI/O: 1 input / 1 outputEdge Storage: SD / SDHC card slotOperating Temp:  -10 °C to +50 °C SNC-VM602RC   OutdoorRugged 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 IR:  YesAudio: 2-way audioI/O: 1 input / 1 outputEdge Storage: SD / SDHC card slotOperating Temp: -40°C to +60°C (IR OFF, heat en) -40°C to +50°C (IR ON, heat en) -10°C to +60°C (IR OFF, heat dis) -10°C to +50°C (IR ON, heat dis) Common specifications SCENE ANALYTICS:  Object left behind - Object removed - Line crossingWide Dynamic Range: 130dB with View-DR turned on Remote Zoom Lens: f = 3.0 mm to 9.0 mm, 93° to 31°Minimum Illumination: Color: 0.05 lx (F1.2, View-DR OFF, VE OFF, AGC ON, 1/30 s, 30 fps,Minimum Illumination: B/W: 0.07 lx (F1.2, View-DR OFF,VE OFF, AGC ON, 1/30 s, 30 fps), 0 lx (IR LED ON)Power: 12 V DC ± 10%; 24 V AC ± 20%, 50 Hz/60 Hz; IEEE802.3at compliant (PoE/PoE+ system)Mechanical Dimensions: φ166 mm x 128 mmWeight: Approx. 1730 g   Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system. Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. To learn more about IP Cameras check our IP Camera Resource page After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IP Bullet Cameras Hikvision IP Megapixel Bullet Cameras These outdoor-ready IP66 rated bullet cameras include IR illumination (20 M to 30 M distance) and remote zoom and focus lens. Continue Reading Hanwha (Samsung) Bullet IP Cameras Bullet cameras with IR illuminators are easy to install and have many advanced fictions such as remote zoom and focus lenses. All these IP cameras are powered using PoE. There are currently only a few bullet models, but more are expected in the future. Continue Reading Sony Bullet IP Camera You can select a 1.3-Megapixel or 2.0-megapixel bullet camera with built-in IR or white light. These are all outdoor-rated Bullet IP cameras with IR Illuminator and Superior HD picture quality. Continue Reading ### Discontinued Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network attached paging systems. Anchor MiniVox Lite PA Systems The miniVox has been replaced by the RescueMan. Continue Reading CD and DVD Duplication Systems For information purposes only:  These systems provide CD-R and DVD-R recording products from desktop publishing stations to full CD-R and DV-R duplication systems. Continue Reading CD DVD Servers For information purposes only:  They were a great way to share CD-ROM or DVD-ROM discs on the network, but today most information is available either on the Web, Cloud server or local server.  CD and DVD discs for data storage are mostly obsolete. Continue Reading CD and DVD Tower Duplicators For information purposes only:  Easy to use CD Recorder and DVD Duplication systems that utilize superior technology and have a compact footprint. They are available in multiple configurations. Continue Reading CD-ROM Tower of Changers For information purposes only:  These servers were a great way to share CD-ROM or DVD-ROM discs on the network, but today most information is available either on the Web, Cloud server or local server.  CD and DVD discs for data storage are mostly obsolete. Read More CD Towers and DVD Towers Specifications For information purposes only:  These systems consisted of a bunch of SCSI or IDE CD/DVD-ROM drives connected to a computer or network. They could also contain hard drives, CD-R or DVD-R drives. Take a look at the Selection chart and specifications below. Continue Reading Discontinued - Older Versions - OnSSi The following software has been replaced by the Ocularis series of products. On-Net Surveillance Systems, Inc. (ONSSI) provides a range of NVR or IP software solutions that support IP cameras, camera servers and IP network storage. Continue Reading Presentation Systems ELectronic whiteboards, projectors, and other presentation systems are no longer provided by Kintronics. Continue Reading Network Attached Storage Network Attached Storage (NAS) Server provides the easiest way to attach scaleable hard drive storage to your network. Continue Reading Sony SNCRZ30N/2 IP Network Camera Has Been Discontinued Sony has introduced a number of other PTZ cameras that replace this older camera. Continue Reading Web Caching Appliance and CD/DVD Server For information purposes only:  Thee systems were designed to accelerate and enhance access to web content and e-learning resources and enable the effective delivery, sharing and management of content within schools and local education authorities. This powerful system is not only a Proxy Server it is also a CD DVD Server. Continue Reading ### IP Low Light Camera Hanwha X-Series IP Cameras Hanwha (used to be Samsung) has many low light sensitivity cameras available. Continue reading AXIS Q17 IP Camera Series Cameras for Challenging Lighting Conditions Outstanding Day / Night Cameras operate in a wide range of Lighting. Continue Reading Sony 4K Megapixel IP Cameras Thanks to ultra-high sensitivity, the SNC-VB770 4K network camera operates at a very minimum illumination of less than 0.004 lx – to capture exceptionally detailed 4K/30 fps color video.  This camera is excellent for low light applications. Continue Reading Hikvision IP Cameras Hikvision has many low-light models Continue reading ### Remote Zoom and Focus IP Cameras Axis, Hanwha (Samsung), and Sony Include IP Camera Models with Remote Zoom and Focus AXIS P335X and P336X Series of IP Cameras with Remote Zoom and Focus Fixed Dome Network Cameras for any environment with remote zoom and auto-focus lenses. Provide excellent low light performance. Select from 16 different models that include tamper-proof, vandal-resistant and outdoor-ready as well as Meg-pixel resolution. Continue Reading Hanwha IP Cameras Hanwha (used to be Samsung) has five families of cameras: the WiseNet lite, P series, Q series, WiseNet III series, and the highest performance X-Series. Some of the dome and bullet cameras include remote focus and zoom. For example, the XNV-6085 includes remote control of the zoom lens, focus, and position of the camera. Can remotely pan, tilt and rotate the camera for set up. Continue Reading Sony 2 Megapixel Dome IP Cameras Sony’s high-performance dome IP cameras include remote zoom and focus lenses. They have excellent low light sensitivity along with very wide dynamic range. Continue Reading ### IP Cameras Axis IP Cameras The IP cameras from Axis are well known in the industry. They provide a very wide selection of cameras and accessories that can be used in many applications. Continue Reading FAQs IP Cameras Q: What makes the network IP cameras different than a CCTV video camera? Q: How large are the images in Kbytes? Find the answers to these questions plus many more. Continue Reading Hanwha (Samsung) IP Cameras Hanwha (used to be Samsung) has a full line of IP megapixel cameras that attach to your network. They have been making quite an impression in the security and surveillance market. Continue Reading Hikvision IP Cameras Hikvision is one of the largest manufacturers of CCTV surveillance cameras. Their new IP cameras feature megapixel resolution, wide dynamic range, and remote zoom and autofocus lenses. Continue Reading IP Camera Comparison Table We compared the Axis, Canon, Hikvision, and Sony Dome IP cameras against their specifications and the other cameras in the test. We provided pros and cons that separate each camera from the rest. Continue Reading IP Camera Review Before we selected the significant specifications to review in our camera buyer’s guide, we had to consider how the cameras would be used. Of course, this all depends on the objectives of your project. Continue Reading IP Camera Review and Guide What is the best IP camera? The real question is what is the best camera for your application. The first thing to do is to define your objectives. This assures that you get the right equipment. Continue Reading IP Camera System Packages Good indoor IP cameras range in price from under $250 to over $600, while outdoor cameras range in price from $500 to over $1,500. Continue Reading IQinVision IP Cameras The IQeye Network Attached IP Camera family consists of a range of cameras featuring Megapixel resolution. With support for up to 5 MP resolution, these advanced cameras provide multiple, individually configured H.264 and simultaneous MJPEG streams. Continue Reading  Panasonic IP Cameras Panasonic has provided IP cameras that attach to your network for many years. They are a well-known brand that provides excellent quality and performance cameras for surveillance. Continue Reading Sony Box and Bullet Camera Review Sony provides a range of high-performance IP megapixel box and bullet cameras. They use a large sensor (over 1/3 inch) to provide better low light performance, and improved wide dynamic range (WDR). Continue Reading Sony IP Cameras Sony’s new generation of IP cameras provides increased functionality and capability. Powered by the latest IPELA ENGINE™ signal processing system, they provide excellent high-resolution images, with very good low light sensitivity and wide dynamic range. Continue Reading TruViewLPR Megapixel IP Cameras These License Plate Recognition Processing Units support up to four cameras and come with the LPR software. They provide consistent and reliable automated license plate recognition (APLR) results over a wide range of vehicle speeds and lighting conditions. Continue Reading ### IP Dome Cameras Axis IP Dome Cameras You can select from a variety of economical or high-performance dome IP network-attached cameras. Dome cameras are designed to be unobtrusive and nice looking. Continue Reading Canon VB-610VE IP Camera Review The Canon VB-610VE is a new 2.0-megapixel camera with very good resolution and very low light capability. It includes some video analytic functions which can be used to detect special situations such as a removed object or left object. Continue Reading Hikvision DS-2CD2112 IP Camera Review The Hikvision DS-2CD2112 is an economical dome IP camera with built-in IR illumination. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive cameras but provides a very nice image that can be used in many different applications. Continue Reading Hikvision IP Megapixel Dome Cameras The FIXED IP DOME SERIES is a full-featured, 3-axis, fixed-dome, IP megapixel network camera. Select the resolution and then add options such as the remote zoom and focus lens ("-Z" option), IR illuminator ("-I" option) or the wide dynamic range ("-WD" option). Continue Reading Hanwha Samsung Dome IP Cameras Hanwha (which used to be Samsung) has a wide choice of dome IP cameras that are unobtrusive and nice-looking. They are also easy to install. The high-end models include remote zoom and focus lenses. All these IP cameras are powered using PoE. Continue Reading Sony Dome IP Cameras There are a number of megapixel dome IP cameras available. You can select the resolution, vandal-resistant or outdoor-ready models. Continue Reading ### IP Box Cameras Axis IP Box Cameras You can select from a variety of economical or high-performance Box IP network-attached cameras. Box cameras are designed for flexibility and can be used in many different applications. Continue Reading Hanwha (Samsung) Box IP Cameras Samsung has a wide choice of box IP cameras that are great for applications that require special lenses and enclosures. The high-performance models include remote focus. Continue Reading Hikvision IP Box Cameras The Hikvision IP box cameras can be used in many different applications. The cameras provide excellent low light sensitivity along with very good wide dynamic range (WDR). Continue Reading Sony IP Box Cameras Sony’s latest high-performance box, V and E series IP cameras provide excellent low light sensitivity along with excellent wide dynamic range. Continue Reading ### Video Servers IP Camera Video Servers These video servers are designed to support Video Management Software. They include the computer, video cards, storage and VMS, everything you need to support your IP camera surveillance system. Continue Reading Video Recording Systems There are three types of IP camera recording systems to consider. Each one provides some unique capability. Video Management SoftwareNetwork Video RecorderCloud service systems Continue Reading ### CD Towers and DVD Towers Specifications CD-ROM Tower/Servers have been discontinued.  If you need a CD DVD ROM type server, take a look at PrimeArray Systems.   They still manufacture these systems. See more about: CD DVD Servers For information purposes only:  These systems consisted of a bunch of SCSI or IDE CD/DVD-ROM drives connected to a computer or network. They could also contain hard drives, CD-R or DVD-R drives. Take a look at the Selection chart and specifications below. CD and DVD Towers are no longer available from Kintronics   We have discontinued the CD-ROM Tower/Servers.  If you need a CD DVD ROM type server, take a look at PrimeArray Systems.  They still manufacture these systems. We used to sell the CD tower and rack systems, but this is no longer available. Most of the information that was stored on CD and DVD discs are now stored on hard drives or is available from Internet sources.  The Cloud has replaced these storage devices. Each of the following systems provides unique functionality to meet your specific requirements. For example, you can select a system that contains CD/ DVD-ROM readers, a CD or DVD-Recorder and shareable RAID hard drives. You just specify the configuration, and we will build it. Need more information? Contact us or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914 944-3425 to request technical information and review alternative storage solutions.     The folowing CD-ROM Towers and Servers are no longer available Axis CD-ROM and DVD-ROM server are no longer available.  They used to attach towers or racks with CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drives directly to your Ethernet or Token Ring network. This is a very flexible, multiprotocol unit for Windows NT, Novell or UNIX networks. Add the suffix -NetServ for this option. One of our more popular models: CDR N8740X-NetServ, contains 7 40X drives in an 8-bay cabinet and includes a built-in 10/100Base Axis StorpointCD server. This is a plug and play system for your ethernet network. No software is required on your network server or workstations.Turbo CD-ROM and DVD-ROM server is no longer available.  It provided hard disk caching of the CD or DVD Titles and attached the tower or rack directly to your Ethernet or Token Ring network.SuperTurbo system is no longer available.  It was a very high performance system that supported thousands of discs and provided streaming Audio and Video capability.SmartCD is no longer available.  is a high-performance software solution that can attach towers to a Windows NT or 2000 server or workstation, or UNIX servers. The latest version includes hard disk mirroring of CD titles for high performance. Add the suffix -NSoft for the package that connects a tower to a Windows NT server.Computer Attached SCSI CD/DVD Towers are no longer available. This was one of the first technologies for sharing discsDiscPort and DiscZerver from Microtest have been discontinued. . Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems as well as all the other products from Kintronics.   Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### IP Camera Systems Review and Comparison of IP Camera Systems Purchase Your IP Camera System | Learn More About Camera Systems Kintronics is an engineering and consultation company selling complete IP Camera Systems at the best prices. The right IP Camera System for one application may not be suitable for another. We can help you determine the right system for a specific application. Start with Defining Your Objectives or contact us. IP Camera Systems Concept Illustration An IP camera system is a type of closed-circuit television (CCTV) that is network-attached. The surveillance system comprises network-attached IP cameras and lenses, camera enclosures, a PoE network, and a video recording system. IP camera systems are used to reduce liability, improve production, and even view animals in the wild. Most importantly, they increase security in schools, businesses, healthcare facilities, industrial settings, military installations, and government organizations. To learn more, please read our article, Increasing Workplace Safety. Quick Links IP CamerasSelect the Best Camera Video Management SoftwareWhat is the Best Video Recording Solution Purchase Select the IP Camera | Select the Video Recording Software | Learn More | Purchase Learn about IP Camera Systems Before You Buy. We Provide Free Consulting Resources We believe that an educated market is our best customer. The resources on this site enable you to know what you are buying and how it meets your requirements. Our articles help you understand the technology and how to select the right cameras, recording systems, lenses, and enclosures. These technical articles cover topics such as How the IP Camera Works, Advances in IP Surveillance Cameras, IP Cameras With Artificial Intelligence, IP Camera Systems Questions & Answers, and more. What is the Best IP Camera? The best IP Camera System is the one that meets your objectives. There are many different types of IP cameras. We specialize in surveillance systems for commercial applications. If you'd like to learn about the difference between consumer cameras and commercial models, please read our article, Comparison of Commercial IP Camera Systems and Home Cameras. Each type of IP camera offers distinct capabilities and functions tailored to meet specific goals. There are fixed cameras, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, low-light-level cameras, and AI-enhanced IP cameras. Cameras range in price from about $150 to over $1,000. You should choose cameras that meet your requirements rather than opting for the one with the lowest price. You can learn more about the different cameras available by reading the article, Best IP Camera for Your Application. Please contact us for help. You can also look at our IP camera comparison chart and other technical resources. Some Things to Consider The IP camera system that is good for one application may not be suitable for another. Read our article Defining Your Objectives to learn more. Another helpful article defines IP Cameras Price Versus Performance. Each surveillance area has unique requirements. That's why it's always good to use our free consulting so you get the best IP camera system for your application. The latest AI enhanced IP cameras have changed the way surveillance cameras are used. The intelligent cameras can notify you of threats before they become problems. Proactive threat detection is the latest technology for increasing security. An IP camera system is not just the cameras. It include everything from the camera lens to the network switch and computer systems for recording the video. There are several types of IP cameras such as fixed dome, bullet, PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom), panoramic, and thermal. To learn more read our article IP Camera Systems for all Occasions Each component of an IP Camera System depends on your application. For example, if the camera is used outdoors, you probably need a camera with good low-light sensitivity, and if it is used to view a parking lot a high-resolution 4K IP camera could be required. To learn more read our article The Best IP Camera for Your Application Determine your objectives before you select your IP camera system. Set your expectations for each area. This process ensures that you get the right IP camera system. Learn more about setting your objectives... IP Camera Systems are only one part of an integrated physical security system. For example, by integrating door access control with IP camera systems and intercoms, we can create a holistic security system.  This strategy integrates all the elements designed to safeguard an organization into a multifaceted and interconnected Physical Security System. The objective of the holistic security method is to provide continuous protection across the organization’s community and physical environment. Heightened threats Have Increased the Need for Security Equipment Workplace Safety Businesses and other establishments are increasing security measures as a result of recent shootings and targeted high-profile incidents. Organizations have added more security personnel, surveillance camera systems, door access control, visitor management systems. Please read more about how to Increase Workplace Safety. The AI Revolution in Surveillance Camera Systems Today’s buzzword is AI. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a game changer for IP camera systems because AI-equipped cameras can instantly notify security personnel about critical events, enabling faster response times and minimizing potential risks. Learn more… Did you know that the latest AI-enhanced IP cameras can notify security if they hear a gunshot? Or that the camera system can notify security the moment a person with a gun enters the facility? To learn more, take a look at the article Security Questions and Answers. AI is included with the latest intelligent IP Camera and as specialized AI-enhanced software that can be added to existing IP camera systems. When you contact Kintronics, we will provide IP camera system suggestions, pricing, and the trade-offs for each solution. Whether you need to purchase one IP camera or an IP camera system integrated with a door access control system or intercoms, we provide free consulting, excellent pricing, and support. Select the IP Camera | Video Recording System | Integration with Other Security Systems How to Purchase Your IP Camera System Here’s how to order your IP Camera System: Call us at 914-944-3425. We are available 9 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday, except holidays. If we are not there, leave a message and we will call you back. If you don’t want to call, fill out our request form. We will get back to you very quickly. You can also send us an email dennis@kintronics.com We will determine your requirements, provide suggestions with pros and cons, and pricing so you can make an educated decision. If the equipment we provide doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications, you can return it. Order Your IP Camera System Why don’t we have an on-line store? Because we found that it is not the best way for our customers to purchase the right solutions. It’s always best to talk to us about your requirements so we can make sure that the IP Camera System meets your needs. Do you have questions about the best IP Camera System? Take a look at our Q & A page or give us a call at 914-944-3425. We look forward to talking to you about your IP camera system requirements. Select the Right IP Camera IP Camera Surveillance Systems for Business, Schools, Hospitals, and Other Organizations There are several types of IP cameras such as dome and bullet IP cameras, variable-lens cameras, PTZ cameras, indoor and outdoor, wireless, those designed for night applications, and others that can be used for long-range surveillance applications. There are even specialized cameras that can be used inside a furnace or in hazardous environments. IP Camera Comparison | Wireless Cameras | PTZ Cameras | Long-Range Cameras | Explosion-Proof Cameras | Panoramic Cameras IP Camera Comparison Chart There are many types of cameras, including fixed-lens cameras and others that offer remotely adjustable lenses. Intelligent IP cameras can detect a gunshot or someone screaming. Thermal IP Cameras can see in total darkness. To view an overview of the available cameras, read our article, "Best IP Camera for Your Application." What's the best camera? The chart below compares IP cameras from a number of manufacturers such as Axis, Hanwha (Samsung), Hikvision, Panasonic, and others. We provide a review of the IP Camera performance and compare pricing to ensure you get the best camera for your application. We suggest the best IP camera systems for business, healthcare, schools, military, and government applications. Read What IP Camera Specifications are Important to learn what to consider before your purchase. Note that some manufacturers have not been approved by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Many Chinese cameras have been disqualified. Though this was a political move, it also recognized certain security risks associated with these cameras. We provided guidance on approved IP Cameras. Learn More Top PTZ Cameras These IP cameras can be used in a variety of applications. The pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) cameras are excellent for long-range viewing applications. We provided a comparison of the IP PTZ cameras available from Samsung, and Sony, as well as special long-range cameras with IR illumination. Learn more.... Long-Range PTZ Cameras These IP cameras include special pan, tilt mechanisms, high-performance zoom lenses, and IR or laser illumination for nighttime viewing. Some cameras are off-the-shelf, while others are designed and built for specific applications. Custom-made PTZ cameras can include thermal and optical sensors, making them extremely capable of handling all conditions. Long-range PTZ cameras are used in law enforcement and military applications. Learn more... IP Camera Systems for Harsh Environments These specialized camera enclosures are designed to protect IP cameras from harsh environments. For example, one type of camera housing is designed to operate in extremely high-temperatures such as blast furnaces, or rocket test viewing. These liquid-cooled enclosures are designed for very high-temperature environments. The second type of enclosure is designed for saltwater applications like marine or coast patrol, industrial or chemical applications, and where external agents are highly corrosive. Learn more... The third type of enclosure provides protection in high-risk environments. Explosion-Proof Cameras These camera systems are designed for use in areas with risk of explosion, such as refineries, gas pipelines, oil tankers, offshore platforms, industrial processes, chemical industries, etc. Explosion-proof systems are intrinsically safe in explosive gas or dust environments. Learn more... Wireless Camera. This comparison of wireless cameras compares the options available for wireless connection of the IP CCTV cameras.  The chart reviews the two ways to provide a wireless connection.  We also provide solar power solutions for wireless cameras that are in remote locations Learn more... Panoramic Cameras A panoramic IP camera provides a 360-degree view. These cameras are best used for situational awareness. The panoramic view can be achieved using a single sensor or an array of sensors (or cameras). We provided a comparison of single-sensor, multi-sensor, and multi-directional IP panoramic cameras. Read more... To learn more about the best camera, You can explore the resources that are available to help you make an informed decision. Top Product Highlights of the Month How To Select the Lens for Your IP Camera System The camera lens is a key component of your IP Camera System. It determines the desired field of view, clarity, and day/night performance of your surveillance camera. Many cameras come with a lens, so there’s a wide selection of cameras that include the correct lens for your application. Read more... Camera Lens election Best IP Camera for Your Application What IP camera system is right for you? Cameras come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and capabilities. Before selecting your cameras, it’s essential to understand your objectives. Do you want to reduce liability, catch a criminal, detect when someone is carrying a gun, improve productivity, or watch a rocket launch? This article will help you select the right camera. Read more... Best IP Camera Computers in IP Cameras and Access Control Systems Computers are embedded in many security devices used in IP Camera Systems and Door Access Control. They have become essential in improving our safety. Specialized computers and dedicated software control and enhance the functions of IP Cameras and Door Access Control Systems. This article describes how computers and software are used in these systems. Read more... Computers in Security Devices Long-Range PTZ Cameras With Drone Deterrents The rise of drones as a weapon has resulted in an increased demand for effective countermeasures. Drones can be used for illegal activities, such as smuggling or spying. They can also be used to carry out attacks or disrupt critical infrastructure. Overall, drones can be a valuable tool in many contexts, but it is essential to consider the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. This article describes how enhanced long-range PTZ camera systems can protect us from drones. Read more... Long-Range PTZ Cameras with Anti-Drone Systems Video Recording System IP camera systems include a video recording system. Do you need Video Management Software, an NVR or Cloud Services? The comparison table and Buyers Guide for IP video recording systems reviews which recording system is best for you. IP Video Management Software The video software (VMS) runs on your computer and controls video display, video recording, retrieval, motion detection, alarms, etc. There are many IP camera recording software products available. The information we provide helps you purchase the right product for your IP camera system. Learn More Network Video Recorder (NVR) System The Network Video Recorder System is a complete system that includes the computer, storage, and VMS software. This complete system allows you to view and manage video on the network. It is an alternative to using the VMS software on your own computer. We sell a choice of open NVR systems or proprietary recording systems from Hanwha (Samsung), and other manufacturers. Learn More Top Accessories for IP Camera Systems Camera accessories are part of the complete IP camera system. You can buy mounting brackets, IR illuminators, microphones, speakers, or even a network extension system. We have a family of housings that support network IP cameras.  For example, the special stainless steel enclosures provide protection in the harshest environments. The enclosures protect cameras from the very high temperature of blast furnaces or rocket launches.  The special explosion-proof enclosures allow you to use IP cameras in areas with risk of explosion, such as refineries, gas pipelines, oil tankers, offshore platforms, industrial processes, chemical industries, etc.  Learn more ... Camera Enclosures Environmental enclosures that are made for all types of cameras protect your cameras from the weather. There are also special enclosures for explosion-proof environments. Learn More Lenses for Megapixel IP Cameras Choose a variable, fixed, megapixel, or standard lens that is compatible with high resolution and Day/night cameras. Learn More Video Encoders or Camera Encoders for IP Camera Systems Do you have older analog CCTV cameras that you would like to upgrade?   You can use a video encoder to attach the old camera to the network. You can select a single-channel or multi-channel encoder from Axis, or Hanwha (Samsung). Learn More Top Integrate IP Camera Systems with Other Security System License Plate Recognition | Door Access Control | IP Intercoms IP Camera System Video Integration Integration of Video Surveillance and Access Control Surveillance cameras and access control devices can be viewed on the same screen using advanced software that provides integrated functionality. Several software solutions facilitate the integration of Door Access Control systems. See 'Integration of IP Cameras and Door Access Control' to learn about integrated systems. IP Camera Systems and Audio systems, such as intercoms and paging systems, can enhance security. Our article, Integration of IP Camera Systems with Audio, describes how merging video and audio can enhance both situational awareness and real-time interaction, improving safety, deterrence, and response time. There are numerous benefits to an integrated system, including creating lines of defense that enhance safety and security. Please take a look at our video about Creating Lines of Defense to learn more. The latest intelligent camera solutions utilize AI-enhanced cameras and software to change the way surveillance camera systems are used. Instead of reviewing old recorded video, the enhanced systems notify security as soon as a problem is detected. These systems detect people with guns, people falling, and even a person shouting for help. Panic buttons can also be added to IP camera systems to provide immediate notification of security issues. The buttons can be placed in strategic locations or can be mobile. The new mobile panic buttons provide instant notification to the security staff. The IP camera system can be used to verify threats to the organization. License Plate Recognition System (LPR) The license plate capture system includes the sophisticated conversion from an image to digitized computer data that can be compared to a database. LPR analytics is built into some IP camera systems.  Learn more ... Top Add Door Access Control and Intercoms to Create a Complete Security System Security can be improved when door access control and intercoms are added to your IP camera system. Door access control assures that only registered people can enter the doors. Intercoms can control entry of visitors. These combined systems maximize the safety and security in hospitals, schools, government, military, and other organizations.   Now it's easier than ever to install a door access control system using your existing Ethernet network. It can be easily integrated with an IP video surveillance security system. Take a look at the latest integration using C2P convergence software. Learn more... Top IP Intercoms for Manual Door Control Intercoms attach to IP cameras or directly to the network. There are network-attached video intercoms that provide a completely integrated solution for manually unlocking the door. Learn More About Intercoms IP cameras and door access control can be integrated in a number of different ways. Take a look at the article How to Integrate Door Access and IP Camera Systems. The article reviews all the ways to integrate these systems. Learn More About Door Access Control ... Top Long-Range and Night Vision Cameras Did you know that IP cameras can see in the dark? They use either IR illumination, white-light illumination, or use a thermal imaging camera to see in total darkness. Long-range PTZ surveillance cameras that work day or night are available with optical IP cameras, thermal imaging cameras, or both. These dual sensor systems can view objects that are miles away in total darkness. There are also PTZ cameras with built-in IR illumination that can be used to see about 600 ft. away. Our long-range IP camera systems are used by the military to view borders, military operations, and rocket launches. Learn more ... Long-Range Optical PTZ cameras with IR The very long-range optical IP camera systems include night-vision capability. The camera systems include high-resolution sensors, very long zoom lenses, and unique laser IR illuminators that allow you to see details that are over two miles away. It attaches to your network and can be integrated into a complete security system. Learn more ... Thermal Imaging Cameras Select from military or commercial grade cameras that can see even when there's no light. Thermal imaging cameras detect energy emitted from objects so intruders can be seen night or day. Objects can be seen through fog, smoke, sand, rain, and snow. Learn more ... Night Vision IR PTZ cameras Night Vision IR PTZ cameras allow you to see in the dark. These networked PTZ cameras with IR illuminator allow you to see over 180 meters (600 feet) away. Learn more ... Top Analytic and Specialized Surveillance Systems IP camera systems are getting more intelligent every day.   There cameras with built-in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced AI software that can detect threats. These functions that can create an alarm when someone leaves a package in the bus station or lobby, There are systems that can read license plate numbers so you can match them to a database and others that automatically recognize a person's face. Thermal cameras can see objects in total darkness and long-range cameras can see for miles Learn more ... IP Camera System Concept IP Camera Systems with AI The latest cameras include Artificial Narrow Intelligence. The smart IP cameras can detect anomalies, suspicious activities, or objects of interest, enhancing security and enabling faster response to potential threats. It helps to stop violent actions before they happen. The advanced AI software predicts threats by analyzing the video from many cameras. It can notify security if someone enter the facility with a gun. To learn more about how Artificial Intelligence works (AI) and AI-enhanced camera systems, please see our video: https://youtu.be/zls8Jbn6fDE?si=lf_7HmaZXpVnMxuS AI-Enhanced Cameras Read more about AI-enhanced IP Camera Systems... Threat Alert AI Software Face Recognition with Temperature Screening This biometric door reader includes an IP camera that can be integrated with your IP camera system. It provides face authentication and temperature monitoring. It can prevent the entry of a person that has an elevated temperature or if they are not wearing a protective face mask. Designed for organizations that need door access control as well as a way to screen people as they enter a secure area. The biometric door reader includes an embedded thermal camera and the latest face recognition algorithm. Read more… Top Specialized CCTV Analog Cameras Special cameras for very low light or no light conditions are described. We compare hidden cameras, covert cameras, thermal imaging cameras, IR cameras, etc. Learn more ... Complete City Surveillance System This complete police, city surveillance system includes fixed or Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) IP cameras, NVR computer system with up to 1 TB of storage all in stainless steel environmental enclosure with blue light. Select from day/night, megapixel cameras or a variety of PTZ network cameras. Learn more ... Covert Cameras A covert camera is designed to look like something else. Pin-hole cameras can be placed behind the wall or inside a pole providing hidden surveillance. The covert camera can look like a clock, sprinkler system, or smoke detector. These cameras are used when you don't want anyone to know there is surveillance. Many covert cameras are analog but can attach to the network using a video encoder. Learn more... If you like to see more technical jokes and cartoons to brighten your day, take a look at our technical blog. It also includes technical articles that help you learn about the technology we sell. These hidden or covert type IP cameras don’t look like standard dome or bullet IP cameras. They are classified as hidden cameras. You can select pole cameras, tiny cameras, and door cameras that can monitor people as they enter your facility. Covert Cameras IP covert cameras are available from Hanwha and Axis. These 2-megapixel cameras provide better performance than the older analog type hidden cameras. Top Wall Mount Camera Views a Person’s Face Small areas such as doorways and rooms can use a simple wall or ceiling-mounted camera. The camera can include an IR or white-light illuminator to see the person if the lights are turned off. Your objectives could include viewing people entering a room, listening and viewing an activity, or recognizing a person’s face. Wall Mount Camera Views a Person’s Face The TNV-C8011RW, Hanwha's latest wall-mounted camera, is a prime choice for small-area surveillance. Its features, such as AI capability with Virtual line crossing detection, 5MP resolution, wide-angle lens, and IR illuminator, make it ideal for small areas. It can be placed lower on the wall to see a person’s face. Here are some more details about this new camera. Overview of Specifications AI Camera with Virtual line (Crossing/Direction), Virtual area [Loitering/Intrusion/Enter/Exit/(Dis), Appear], virtual area (intrusion/enter/exit), virtual Line (crossing/ direction) 5MP resolution provides 2592x1944 of resolution. A wide-angle lens of 175° provides a wide field of view The camera provides enough resolution to identify a person at about 14 ft. It can be used indoors or outdoors. The camera is powered over Ethernet (PoE). It includes an IR illuminator to see 15m(49.21ft) away in total darkness. It includes a built-in mic to hear and record what’s happening remotely. TNV-C8011RW IP Camera Product sheet... What is an IP Camera System? Video security is a type of surveillance system that uses IP cameras to observe an area and detect any suspicious activity. It is used to monitor activity within a given area and can be used to deter crime, detect suspicious activity, and alert authorities of potential threats. Video security systems are typically composed of many IP cameras, one or more monitors, and a recording device that captures and stores data from the IP cameras. This data can be used to provide evidence in criminal investigations and can help authorities identify suspects or witnesses. https://youtu.be/39pVp93HiuI To learn more about how to select the best IP Camera System, view our video The IP Camera System consists of a set of IP cameras, a video storage system, network switches and routers. The IP camera includes an appropriate lens, a video processing component, analytic computer, and an interface to the IP network. The camera sends the digital coded video over the network to a recording and monitoring system. The video storage system provides management of all the cameras, video storage, and display of the real-time and recorded video. IP camera systems for business applications are different than home applications. The IP cameras for business provide higher performance, increased reliability, and increased capability. The IP camera systems include the video recording system and many different types of cameras. The right camera depends on your application. The factors that affect the IP surveillance system include where you want to mount the surveillance camera, the details you need to see, the lighting, the distance from the camera and many other factors. IP camera systems are also called CCTV surveillance camera systems, but the "IP" indicates they connect to the network rather than a coax cable. The IP camera system is one part of a complete security system. To learn more about IP Cameras, please look at the article How the IP Camera Works. Here are resources to help you determine the right IP Camera How do you make sure you get the right equipment?  The first step is setting your objectives. Objectives include how large an area you need to view, do you want to identify a person's face, day or nighttime surveillance, and more. Please read Technical Note: Defining the Objectives for Your IP Camera System to learn more. Resources to help you decide: Read our article, The Economic Benefits of IP Camera Systems, to justify the investment cost and your return on investment. Read What IP Camera Specifications are Important to learn what to look for before making your purchase, and IP Cameras Price Versus Performance that will provide some idea of your camera cost. IP Camera Security Systems What is the best camera? There are bullet, dome-type, and PTZ cameras. Some are designed for indoor use, while others are suitable for outdoor use in low-light conditions. Specialty cameras can view the inside of a blast furnace, while others can capture a rocket launch from over two miles away. Here's a video that describes some of the cameras you can select for your application. https://youtu.be/-KGSgDesroY The IP camera security system consists of many items that need to work together.  It's important to make sure that everything is compatible.  Read more about What is a Complete IP Camera System … Please contact us for assistance. We will be happy to make sure you get everything you need. Not only do we provide a complete IP camera security solution, but we also include free IP camera consulting services. We provide technical advice and consulting that assures that you purchase exactly the right IP camera system you need. Why Select Kintronics for Your IP Camera System Kintronics provides IP camera systems for a variety of applications, including video surveillance, access control, and remote monitoring. Our systems are designed to provide reliable security and peace of mind. Our systems include high-definition cameras, recording and storage devices, and software for easy management. Our IP Camera Systems are developed with the latest security standards and designed to be user-friendly and cost effective. We offer a variety of packages to choose from, so you can find the system that best meets your needs. Our team of experts can help you find the right system and provide personalized support. More Resources for IP Camera Systems For more information about IP Camera Systems, please look at our complete resource section. It includes how to get started, a buyers guide, understanding the technology, IP camera video recording systems, lenses, and applications. Read more... Top ### Terms and Conditions Terms, Conditions, and Privacy Policy Kintronics makes every effort to ensure customer satisfaction. We provide extensive pre-sales technical support to assist in the selection of the products. All sales and technical support personnel have many years of experience. Customers are urged to take advantage of this assistance in making the appropriate choice and thus avoid the need for unnecessary returns. We also make every effort to provide free post-sales technical support for as long as you own the product.  In some cases, support for obsolete products may be limited, or when product information is not available from the manufacturer. Support is provided during our normal operating hours. Terms and Policies Orders:Orders may be placed by telephone, E-mail, Fax or mail.  All orders should include ship to address, Bill to address, contact person and their telephone number, the person placing the order and their telephone number, purchase order number (if required by purchaser's Accounts Payable). Payment:Payments from USA based organizations can be made by credit card, wire transfer, check in advance, COD or by establishing credit terms. Payments from outside the USA must be made by wire transfer to our bank in advance of shipment. Please request details for bank transfer information. Technical Support:We provide free technical support for as long as you own the equipment. Technical support is provided by Kintronics, and/or the manufacturer of equipment or software included with the system. Technical support is available from Kintronics between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM (EST) by telephone 800-431-1658 (in the USA) or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA). We also provide technical support by E-Mail infohome@kintronics.com. Returns:Kintronics may, at its discretion, accept equipment back for credit. If equipment does not meet the published specifications we usually will provide full credit for a return, but only if it meets all the conditions defined below. All sales are final after 30 days. A minimum of twenty percent (20%) restocking fee will be charged for all other returns that Kintronics, at its discretion, accepts back. In general, it is a good idea to keep the original boxes and packing material to facilitate any returns. Purchaser must always request a Return Material Authorization Number (RMA Number). Authorization for Return is granted at the sole discretion of Kintronics. No Equipment will be accepted by Kintronics without an RMA Number. Conditions for return: All Equipment must be returned to Kintronics freight prepaid by the Purchaser. To receive full credit, all Equipment must be returned as originally received in the original packing material and boxes. All cables, documentation, electronic media and mounting hardware must be returned in the original packing material and boxes. The RMA Number must be shown on the address label of all packages to be returned. No markings of any kind may be placed directly on the packaging or boxes. In addition to the restocking fee, Purchaser may be charged for any missing, defaced or damaged unfit for use boxes, packing materials, software, power cords, or equipment. Warranty Policy: Most equipment comes with a warranty provided by the original manufacturer. It is usually a one year warranty, but please check with your account manager for details about the warranty of a specific model. For warranty returns in the USA, the customer pays for shipping the equipment back to Kintronics or other designated point of repair. Kintronics will ship (at no charge) the repaired or replaced unit to the customer at normal ground rates. Expedited shipping is available at an additional charge. Outside the USA, Kintronics will replace or fix components, or repair or replace systems that have been sent under warranty repair. The customer is responsible for all shipping costs (both directions) and must be prepaid. All warranty activity and returns under warranty must be authorized by Kintronics. A Return Material Authorization Number (RMA Number) must be requested by telephone or E-mail. No merchandise will be accepted by Kintronics without an RMA Number. The failed equipment must be returned to us or to a designated third party to receive credit. Please contact your account manager for the shipping address. The unit must be packaged so that it is not damaged in shipping. We make every effort to return the unit promptly or provide a replacement unit to you as soon as possible. Kintronics is not responsible for any optical discs or data that may be left on hard drives sent back to Kintronics. It is the customer's responsibility to remove or save any data on disks. SoftwareIn most cases, software is not refundable. The policy for return is defined by the manufacturer. Once the software is installed, it is non-refundable. To avoid costly mistakes, evaluation copies can be downloaded to assist you in making a final choice. Kintronics Account Managers work very diligently to help customers in the selection process to avoid the need for return. Special Order ItemsThese include custom cases, cables, ceiling mount kits, and other non-stock items. These are non-refundable. Account managers will advise customers at the time of purchase if an item is a special order. Extended Warranty and MaintenanceExtended warranty, as well as on-site maintenance, is available at added cost. Please consult your account manager for details. Privacy Policy Kintronics makes every effort to protect the loss, misuse, and alteration of the information under our control.  The information you supply to us during ordering is not released to any third party. Any information that you provide is used only by Kintronics. It is not shared, sold, or in any way provided to other organizations. From time to time we may send you a newsletter or other email messages. You may always opt out of receiving these messages. Details of Privacy Policy Kintronics respects the privacy of every individual who visits www.kintronics.com (“Our Website”) and/or purchases its products. This Privacy Policy is our commitment to transparency in communicating how Kintronics collects, uses, and discloses the information that is collected from you, the visitor of its website and/or customer as well as the choices you have with respect to the information. SCOPE OF POLICY This Privacy Policy applies to how we collect, use, and disclose information from the following individuals: Customers – individuals who purchase Kintronics products. Email and Phone Contacts – individuals who provide their information to Kintronics when they request information when they call in or send an email Website Visitors – individuals who visit Kintronics’ Website and opt to provide contact information including an email address to receive communications from Kintronics, subscribe to our newsletter, participate in surveys or contests, or attend other Kintronics events. Information We Collect Customer Information When you purchase products from Kintronics, we ask for your account information which includes your name, business name, email address, physical address, phone number, credit card and bank account information, and in some case additional information required to provide credit terms. By voluntarily providing Kintronics with your account information, you represent that you own and consent to our use of such data. Email and Phone Contacts Kintronics may ask for your name, email address, physical address, and phone number when you contact us by phone or email. Website Visitors At your option, Kintronics asks and may collect your name, email address, physical address, and phone number when you request information using our contact form. Cookies and Other Tracking Technologies Kintronics doesn’t use cookies, beacons, tags, and other tracking technologies to gather demographic information. How We May Share Your Data We may share your data with a third party that provides distribution of emails or newsletter. We share your data required for business transactions regarding credit card information or data used to establish credit As required by law, we may share your data to comply with legal obligations such as subpoenas or legal violations. How We Use Your Information Kintronics uses the information it collects about you in the following ways: To respond to any requests from you regarding sales and support To contact you regarding any purchases. To provide you with marketing emails, special offers, advertising campaigns, or newsletters. To collect payment and bill for our Products. To diagnose problems. To find and prevent fraud. Process for other purposes for which we obtain your consent Your Choices You may unsubscribe from receiving promotional material or newsletter from Kintronics at any time using our unsubscribe button, or by contacting us by phone or email. Please visit the Kintronics Home Page for more product information. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information and our catalog of products.   Kintronics, Inc. 1940 Commerce St. Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Tel: 800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) ### CD and DVD Duplication Systems Sorry, These products have been discontinued We used to sell CD/DVD duplicators and publishers that made it easy to copy CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. As an alternative visit Microboards, Primera, and Rimage websites. Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems The following information is for reference only. Tower Duplicators CD-DVD-Tower Duplicators Automated CD DVD Duplicators CD Disc Printers We provide a complete line of CD-R and DVD-R products from desktop publishing stations to full CD-R and DV-R duplication systems. Automated CD and DVD Duplication Systems: CD-R and DVD-R Duplicators make many copies of the same disc. Take a look at our Duplication Selection Chart to select the right system for your application.Tower Duplicators: Manual towers are excellent for small runs that need to be duplicated quickly.CD and DVD Printers: These Printers print directly on the disc providing a professional look to all your discs. They are available as manual or automated systems. Live Audio CD Recorder Systems Record your live Audio Event The Live Recorder System is an easy to use device that is perfect for recording business conferences or church services to produce instant audio CDs from most analog and digital sources within minutes of the end of the live event. CD and DVD Duplication Systems CD-R and DV-R Duplication systems are available in manual towers or in automated systems. You can choose systems that are standalone devices, or come with computer or network interfaces. The automatic duplicators are also available with or without built-in CD printers for printing labels directly on the CD. Tower Duplicators: Manual towers are excellent for small runs that need to be duplicated quickly. A manual system consists of up to 16 recorders in a tower. You can make up to 8 CDs in less than 3.5 minutes. These manual systems, require the user to insert the master in one drive and the CD-R media in the recorders. They are available in standalone or PC attached systems. Standalone duplication towers start at about $1,000 (for a 4 recorder DSR Pro unit). Automated Duplication Systems: If you need to make more than 8 copies at a time, consider the automated duplicators. Automated CDR and DVR duplication systems allow you to stack 50 to 800 discs on their input spindles, start the job, and walk away. These systems include robotics that moves the discs from the input spindle into the recorders and then stack them on the output spindle. For example, the Micro Orbit 50-disc duplication system starts at under $1,000. Desktop Publishing Systems: Duplication systems are available with built-in printers. The robotics automatically move the discs from the recorders to the printer. You can duplicate and print the labels without any manual intervention. For example, the Scribe SA makes it very easy to publish up to 600 discs at a time. These systems can be operated stand-alone (without connecting to a PC) or attached to a PC. A PC attached system allows you to create the master and then make copies all on the same PC. Either way, you have a true desktop CD duplication system. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Network Attached Storage Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. Network-Attached Storage Has Been Discontinued The following information is for reference only. See our other products IP Camera Systems | PA over IP | Door Access Control Kintronics used to build Network Attached Storage - NAS systems that use high performance thin servers. We build expandable systems to your requirements. Take a look at some of the sample configurations. Network Attached Storage (NAS) Server provides the easiest way to attach scaleable hard drive storage to your network. You can add up to 2,000 GB without disturbing your network or file servers. The Network Attached Storage server is ideal for local databases, backup of workstation data and is very economical. NAS provides equal access to the storage devices from workstations and servers. The network-attached storage server is a totally integrated network appliance with the hard disks and modular thin server built into a small tower or rack enclosure. It's available with a choice of SATA hard drives. This fast, powerful Thin Server system allows for quick and safe installation, without impacting the network server. This high-performance appliance runs independently, therefore it will function even if the network server is 'down" and provides excellent service to all the users. Choose from many different capacities, and models with built-in RAID controllers. Complete Network Support: The NAS Server comes network-ready and connects to your Ethernet hub. It's truly plug-and-play. The Server networks and manages hard disks on Windows, Apple and UNIX networks concurrently. It simultaneously supports multiple protocols. TheNAS8200 systems come with dual Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and the NAS 8100 systems have optional Gb Ethernet interfaces to the network. RAID Data Protection: The NAS Server supports RAID 0 (Striping), RAID 1 (Mirroring) and RAID 5. The NAS systems supports hot-swap SATA drives. Tape Backup Support: All the NAS systems support built-in tape backup. Easy, Seamless Sharing: The NAS Server operates with unmatched simplicity right out of the carton. The server appears in the network neighborhood and can be mapped to a single drive letter. This is an independent network appliance, its operation neither affects nor is impacted by the network file server. The NAS Server appears as a server on your network and can be accessed as such. Hundreds of users can simultaneously access the hard drives with unmatched ease and simplicity. Easy to Install and Manage: Installation is very easy. Just plug in the Ethernet cable, plug in the power cable and turn on the unit. There's no software to load. A quick installation wizard, and a Web Browser are used to configure the NAS Server. It allows you to set up security by individual and group. Your server is never out of date - you can download the latest firmware as it becomes available. Built to Your Requirements: We will configure a system to your requirements. Select - capacity, tower or rack cabinet, SATA drives, RAID or just plain drives, hot-swap drives, hot-swap power. Great for storing video from IP Cameras: These storage systems work with our IP Video NVR Software. It provides reliable storage for the video recorded from IP Cameras. NAS8200 Very high Performance- up to 230 Mbps throughputThe dual redundant Gigabit Ethernet interface ports with failover and load balance feature to offer the uninterrupted and robust accessRAID 0, 1 or 5Hot-swap SATA hard drivesAdd capacity on demandCan archive data to CD-R or DVD-R discsGlobal RAID hot-spare hard drives for all RAID groupsHot-expansion for RAID 5 online storage expansionTape Backup OptionAdvanced remote data synchronization, backup, and distribution with other NA8200 StorageWindows 2000/2003, Novell (not NDS compliant), Apple, UNIX networkArchive to CD/DVD media (optional)Antivirus supportTower or Rack Cabinet NAS8400 Optimized for high-performance NAStorage™ 8420R provides the unprecedented throughput for file-serving, making it more cost-effective than general-purpose servers.SmartExtend* The main goal of SmartExtend is to manage storage resources for multiple NAStorage units in the network as a single IP Storage network. That's mean better resource utilization, ease of storage management and simpler expansion of storage infrastructure.SmartSyncEnable fast data replication and NAS-to-NAS backup by employing differential block transfer to speed up the process. All the backups are kept online for easy data restoration.Enterprise-class antivirus protectionHigh-performance real-time virus scanning protection with automatic virus pattern updates from Trend Micro ensuring data integrity for the NAStorage™ 8420R.Snapshot*NAStorage™ 8420R supports snapshot function which creates a read-only copy (in a flash of a second) of the contents of a NAS Server at a particular point in time. User can easily restore previous versions of files or folders without having to contact a system administrator.NDMPNAStorage™ 8420R supports Network Data Management Protocol (NDMP) which is an open standard protocol for enterprise-wide backup of heterogeneous network-attached storage. Specification*Optional features - requires the purchase of a license NAS Server Models These are some sample configurations. We configure a unit exactly to your requirements - Select: capacity(80GB to over 3 TB), tower or rack cabinet, SATA drives, RAID or just plain drives (JBOD), hot-swap drives, hot-swap power. Some of these models are available with built-in tape drives or DVD-R for data archiving. The NAS82 models provide up to 130 Mbps data throughput. The NAS82 models provide up to 250 Mbps throughput. Model NumbersType of SystemType of Hard DrivesNumber of DrivesTotal Useable HD Capacity (RAID5)NASDV42-4080TRAID tower, dual 10/10080 GB SATA with DVR180 GBNASDV42-0240TRAID tower, dual 10/10080 GB SATA with DVR3160 GBNAS82-4U320RHot-swap RAID 4U rack, dual 10/100 and 1 Gbit intefrace80 GB hot-swap SATA4240 GBNAS82-4U0480IRHot-swap RAID 4U rack, Dual Gb network interface160 GB hot swap SATA3320 GBNAS42-1U0600IRRAID1U rack, dual 10/100/1000200 GB SATA3400 GBNAS82P-4U0800IRHot-swap RAID 4U rack, dual 10/100/1000 network interface with PentiumIII160 GB hot-swap SATA5640 GBNAS82P-4U1400IRRAID tower, dual 10/100/1000 network interface with PentiumIII200 GB SATA41200 GBNASDV8420-4U3200IRHot-swap RAID 4U rack, DVR drive, dual 10/10/0000 Pentium IV400 GB hot-swap SATA82,800 GBNAS8420-4U4000IRHot-swap RAID 4U rack, dual 10/10/0000 Pentium IV500 GB hot-swapSATA83,500 GB *Prices and specs may change at any time. Contact us for more details and to place your order. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 Tel: 800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) ### Plus Digital Projectors Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network attached paging systems. More Presentation Systems Plus Projectors are small and light Now there's proof that two bright ideas are brighter then one. Never before has so much brightness and clarity come packaged in a projection system so small and portable. Thanks to the unprecedented combination of Texas Instruments DLP Projection technology with PLUS® Corporation's breakthrough Optical Engine, these PLUS Projectors allow you to experience the incredible Lightness of Brightness as never before.   V SERIES Small and light ! The PLUS "V" Series are small in size, but not in features. HDTV ready, up to 1300 lumens, 4-way keystone correction, and picture-in-picture to name a few! Available with the latest Dual-Color mode allowing you to switch between high brightness for business presentations and optimized brightness for home use. Ideal for the travel setDual Color Mode (DCM)"Unplug & Go""Quick Start"Unique Iris Lens CoverAuto Gyroscopic Keystone Correction More information   U5 SERIES 4lbs: The U5 series of projectors is the new complete business standard line from PLUS. 4 models to choose from. Excellent performance value with high brightness! Further protect your investment: The U5 series projectors can be set to require the input of a password at startup. Advanced Color WheelModels with a Short Focus Zoom LensesModels with Bright ModeModels with a Second Monitor Out More Information   U7 SERIES The U7 series of projectors is the new light weight high lumen line from PLUS. Works anywhere from small seminar rooms to large conference rooms. Up to 3500 lumens, PC-free/Wireless presentation capability, and numerous other technologically advanced features! Standard with crisp XGA resolution and manual zoom len. Superior Brightness in a compact & light 6 pound projectorLamp easily accessed when ceiling mounted or sitting table-topAdvanced Color WheelModels enabled for Wireless Presentations (U7-137/137SF)Models enabled for PC-Free Presentations (U7-137/137SF)Short-Focus Zoom Lens Models (SF models) More Information Sometimes referred to as LCD projectors, these new digital projectors make use of the new DLP technology from Texas Instruments. Since these projectors do not use an LCD system, they are not called LCD projectors.These are digital/video projectors. The DLP technology provides brighter, higher contrast displays when compared to the LCD projection technology. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### RAID Storage for IP Camera Systems Raid   RAID is used to assure that your video is not lost if one hard drive fails. Kintronics provides reliable RAID storage solutions that are part of the video servers used to record video from IP cameras. They are configured to your exact requirements. All provide easy scalability, reliability, high availability storage. Also, see RAID Whitepaper | IP Cameras | Understanding IP Camera Systems | NVR Systems How it Works RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive or Independent Disks) is an important component for servers on a critical enterprise or workgroup network. It is used in many data storage systems to improve reliability. We also use RAID in Network Video Recorders. RAID provides crash-proof hard drive systems. How does it work? How do I administer it? What does it cost? What is the difference between RAID levels and RAID vendors? RAID as a computer concept has been around for over twenty years. The computer science department at UC Berkeley first developed the RAID concept back in the 1980s. They used the word Inexpensive rather than today's Independent. Since then, changes in technology and the use of computers have made RAID more popular. Computers and hard disk drives became faster, smaller, and less expensive. The computer has become a critical part of an organization's business. More and more data is stored on internal disks of the computer and this information must be available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. Data accessibility and reliability has become a key factor in the success of a business. RAID is an option when using a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or your own Windows computer and Video Management Software (VMS).If the NVR does not include RAID you can use a Windows computer that is running VMS software. This provides the most flexibility. It's more complicated but we provide the consulting service to make it easy. Our Network Video Recorder page describes all your options. Take a look at the rest of this article. Kintronics We are an engineering and consultation company that sells complete IP security solutions at the very best prices. We know that one system doesn't fit all; each system is designed to fit exactly what you need. We design systems that include IP cameras, network-attached paging devices, and door access control. We assure that all systems work together and meet your specific requirements. Learn more about us or go to our home page for a complete list of products available. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 ### Presentation Systems Sorry, These Products Have Been Discontinued Sorry, we no longer provide these systems. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Please take a look at the other network attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network attached paging systems. Do you need a campus-wide paging system? One that can provide emergency broadcasts to selected parts of the campus, well we have that too. Take a look at our network attached IP paging and intercom systems. Your network provides all the wiring you need to interconnect this flexible paging system. The following information is included for reference only. We are no longer providing these products. Audio Visual Presentation Systems from Kintronics have been Discontinued Need help becoming more productive? Turn to Kintronics -- just like educators, trainers and corporate executives have been doing for years. We have a wide selection of products from portable PA systems from Anchor, Amplivox, Fender, Califone. We also have electronic copy-boards from Panasonic and Plus. Kintronics provides many products to enhance your presentations.   Electronic Whiteboards and Copyboards have been Discontinued These electronic whiteboards make a copy of anything written or taped to them. The capture boards record everything written on them directly to your computer. These electronic whiteboards let your audience concentrate on what's being said, not on taking notes. Select electronic whiteboards from Plus or Panasonic   Portable PA Systems Portable public address paging systems include wireless microphones to make it easy to make your presentation. Since the PA systems are lightweight and small, they're easy to carry with you. Whether you are making a business presentation, addressing a large lecture hall, or performing a concert, you can select the right PA system for your needs. Select wireless Public Address Systems from Anchor, Fender, Amplivox, and Califone. Take a look at our buyer's guide and comparison chart for all the portable PA system. Contact us for help selecting the right equipment for your application. Video Presenters Video Presenters are ideal for media centers, classrooms, meeting rooms. The Samsung Video Presenters Provides the ultimate in video capture and display. The Video Presenter is a new teaching aid for lab or classroom group study. It can display slides or 3-D objects, as well as printed matter, on a TV monitor or LCD projector. The video presenter connects to your PC, monitor or digital projector to provide high-quality pictures of whatever is being viewed.   Other Presentation Products Sorry, these products are no longer available The opaque projector displays virtually any material with remarkable clarity. The Buhl Mark IV OPUS projects non-transparent materials such as original documents, books, magazines, and even thin three-dimensional solid objects. The alternative to the opaque projector is the Video Presenter which uses a camera to view the object. more... We no longer sell overhead projectors and digital projectors. We used to provide Digital Projectors from Plus 3M Eiki More. Also Overhead Projectors from 3M, but these products are not available.   Resources The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical and Application ArticlesLet the Recorder Beware This article discusses the legal issues of recording audio. What is the Best Sound Level for Your Paging System?, or How Loud is Loud?This article discusses how to determine how loud your PA system should be and how to specify the type of equipment you need. Technology Notes Newsletter If you would like to receive our technical newsletter, just fill out the form. Our Technical Notes newsletter is filled with articles about how the technology works and examples of how it is used. It also includes some great technical jokes and cartoons. Technical White-paper:How to Create the Complete Safety and Security System. This white-paper describes how to make your world safer by integrating IP camera systems, access control and emergency paging systems. Blogs Our blog describes how the technology works, includes educational notes, describes how to do your own calculations, and how to select the right equipment. We also included examples of how technology is used. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the IP camera system components and setting objectives. More...   Technical Support Paging and Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information and our catalog of video products.   Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 Tel: 800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) ### 3M Overhead Projectors Unfortunately, 3M has discontinued all Projectors. After over 50 years of providing these products, 3M has decided to stop manufacturing projectors. Please see the other products and solutions provided by Kintronics. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Video Management Software Ocularis Software Chart The Ocularis software solutions run on Windows computers and record the video from IP cameras, and video camera encoders or servers. The solutions range from the entry-level, easy-to-use Ocularis PS to the large enterprise Ocularis-ES version. Continue Reading Ocularis CS Software Ocularis CS from OnSSI is an IP video recording software that is designed for IP video surveillance and security systems with large numbers of IP cameras that are located at multiple sites. Continue Reading Ocularis ES Software Ocularis ES is designed for large organizations that require failover capability that assures reliability even if one computer fails. Continue Reading Ocularis IS Software Ocularis IS from OnSSI is a video recording software that is designed for IP video surveillance and security systems with large numbers of IP cameras that are located at multiple sites. Continue Reading Ocularis PS Software Ocularis PS is video management software designed for small IP camera systems with 25 cameras or less, but it can be scaled to support more cameras. Continue Reading Ocularis Software Overview OnSSi Video Management Software (VMS) is an excellent solution for recording and controlling video from IP cameras. Continue Reading TruViewIP This full-featured video management software for IP cameras runs on your Windows computer.It not only provides video viewing and recording, but it also supports web browsers and smartphones. Continue Reading WAVE Video Management Software This video management software is extremely easy to use yet it has some very powerful features. It supports the Hanwha cameras, as well as IP cameras that conform to OnVIF, and today this means almost all other cameras. Continue Reading ... ### Understanding the IP Cameras Understanding the IP Cameras IP cameras are actually similar to the older CCTV analog camera. They consist of a lens, sensor, and amplifiers. The IP camera adds a computer and network interface that connects the camera to the network. Take a look at our video about how the IP camera works. The sensor of the camera defines the resolution, but it is just as important to select the right megapixel lens. Take a a look at our article about Selecting the Right Resolution and Lens. All optical type cameras require some light to operate. Some do include IR illuminators, but you can always add standard lighting when required. Take a look at the key specifications to consider. Amplification and signal processing are used to maximize how the video looks. The circuits adjust the brightness and contrast of the video. The camera circuits improve the dynamic light range of the video. Some cameras add additional processing to provide wide dynamic range of 120 dB or more. To better understand how the IP camera system goes together take a look at our video IP Camera Systems - How to Set Objectives and Select the Components More Resources Blogs:  Our blog provides technical advice and descriptions about how things work.  The article "What Video Cameras Learned from TV" takes you through the history of the video camera. Videos: We have published a number of videos about IP camera technology. The latest video describes, "How the Video Camera Works", and "How the IP Camera Works". Select the Best Camera for your Application The IP camera chart compares the features and benefits of many of the IP security cameras available. Pricing examples are provided, to give you some idea of the cost to performance ratio of the camera. We Can Help Not only do we sell IP cameras and security equipment at the best price, we are also an engineering and consulting company, and provide design assistance at no charge. It may be helpful to visit our Camera Buyer's Guide, to help you pick the right IP camera. A camera System is More than Just the Camera Take a look at the some of the other things you may need to complete your Network Attached IP Camera system. To learn more about what the camera specifications mean take a look at our technical note about understanding the "Specifications for the Latest IP Cameras". More ResourcesTechnical articles help you understand the technology as well as providing product comparisons. Contact us for assistance in designing your system. We assure that the cameras are compatible with the video management software, the lens, the enclosure your computer and storage. Important specifications to consider when selecting an IP camera: Resolution of the camera will determine the detail you can see in a specific field of view. If you want to identify a person's face or license plate number you may need a higher resolution megapixel camera. We will help you determine the right camera for each location. Light sensitivity will determine how well the camera can see in darkness. For example a camera with a 0.1 lux sensitivity can operate in full moon light.  Take a look at our article, How to Set Up Your Camera for Low Light. The Lens is a critical part of the camera system especially for a megapixel camera. Learn more about Calculating What you Can See. Compression Note that some cameras use M-JPEG compression, others use MPEG-4 or H.264 compression and some can use more than one.  The right compression will save bandwidth and storage, but can also affect the quality of the video. Technical articles help you understand the technology as well as providing product comparisons. System Notes: Always make sure the cameras are supported by the Video Management Software or NVR. We know that one IP camera doesn't fit all; we design each each system to fit exactly what you need. Cameras can be integrated with other systems for access control, paging and intercoms, audio recording and license plate recognition. Contact us for assistance in designing your system. We assure that the cameras are compatible with the video management software, the lens, the enclosure your computer and storage. ### Blog ### Contact ### Software Access Control Management Software Door access control management software allows you to enter the credentials that people will use to enter the door. It makes it easy to add, delete and edit the users as well as notifying you when there are alarm conditions. Continue Reading BellCommander School Bell Software Now it’s easier than ever to add scheduling software for school bells. Continue Reading Hartmann Door Access Management Software This door access control software supports the Hartmann access control system. The door access control software allows you to control a very large number of doors and the people that use them. It provides advanced functions such as logic if-then functions, and allows you to control elevators, visitors, and integrates with IP camera systems. Continue Reading LPR Web Server Software The Server Software (LPR-Server) Is a web-based software system that provides centralized access, management and control of one or more LPR systems. Continue Reading Ocularis Software Chart OnSSI provides a range of Video Management Software (VMS) that is designed for IP cameras. Continue Reading Pure Access Control Software The software is used to manage and control, monitor and configure the ISONAS Access Control System. This optional software allows many people to control and administer the credentials from anywhere on the network. This software replaces  EasyWeb™ Continue Reading PoINT Storage Manager PoINT software provides a complete storage manager for your optical library. Besides providing easy archiving and retrieval of data it adds powerful storage management functions that make it easy to assure that your information is secure and easy to retrieve. Continue Reading TruViewLPR License Plate Recognition Software Our License Plate Recognition Software (LPR-Software) comes with the Digital Processing Units (DPU or ODPU) and provides consistent and reliable automated license plate recognition (APLR) results over a wide range of vehicle speeds and lighting conditions. Continue Reading Video Management Software Video management software (VMS) is a key part of the IP camera system. VMS is software that runs on your Windows computer and allows you to manage your IP cameras, record the video and determine what video to display. Continue Reading ### Speaker Monitor Sorry, these systems are no longer available from Kintronics. Please see all the other security products we have available. The following information is for reference only Anchor AN-1000X Speaker Monitor The Anchor Audio AN-1000x is one of the most versatile powered speaker monitors. It is similar to the AN-130+, but provides more sound output. Continue Reading Anchor AN-130+ Speaker Monitor The Anchor Audio AN-130+ speaker monitor is a lightweight, easy to use system. It fills the room with your voice. This powered speaker is similar to the AN-135 except this adds the wireless microphone capability. Continue Reading Anchor AN-135+ Speaker Monitor The Anchor Audio AN-135+ speaker monitor is similar to the AN-130+. It is a lightweight, easy to use system, and fills the room with your voice, but doesn’t include a wireless microphone option. Continue Reading Anchor AN-Mini Speaker Monitor The Anchor Audio AN-Mini is a very small powered speaker monitor. Even though it is small it provides excellent sound output. Continue Reading ### PA Systems Campus-Wide Alert System This network-attached IP based public address and intercom system improve campus security by adding emergency alert capabilities. They provide communications to multi-building or multi-campus school or corporate environments. Continue Reading IP Speakers with Built-in Amplifiers IP Speaker systems that connect directly to the network are the simplest and quickest to install. No need to run speaker wires, just plug the speaker system into your PoE type network drop and you’re done. It’s easy. Continue Reading ... PA over IP Now it’s easier than ever to install a campus-wide paging or intercom system using your existing Ethernet network. It can be used to provide emergency notification to the campus or specific messages to each room. Continue Reading Portable Public Address and PA Systems Make Sure you get what you need. Here are the answers to the questions you should be asking. Continue Reading Wireless PA Systems Some portable sound systems include wireless microphones. This makes it easy to walk around while making the presentation. There are a variety of microphones available so you need to specify the one you want when ordering the system. Continue Reading ### Standard Resolution Cameras for License Plate Recognition TruViewLPR Key Features of Cameras Sensor optimized for license plate recognition.Integrated infrared LED illumination system for day and night-time operationPerforms equally well with fast or slow-moving trafficProvides up to 60 progressive scan images per secondContinuous day/night operation, with high contrast images even in direct sunlightAnodized aluminum construction, rated IP66 (NEMA4) and certified eye-safe Standard Resolution Camera. This camera provides high-performance day or night. With 60 images / second performance. It is best for narrow lanes where high-speed traffic is encountered. Camera Specification General Maximum operating range 100 feet (30 meters) Vehicle speed range 120 mph (190 km/h) Distance from camera to processing unit 1,500 ft (450m) with proper cable Imager Resolution 2-Megapixel, 60 images/sec, Image Sensor 1/3" Electrical Power PoE Power Consumption 45 Watts RMS Environmental Operating Temperature -4 F to 122 F (-20 C to 50 C) Humidity 0% to 85% non-condensing Enclosure IP66 rated Connectors Video RJ-45 Input Power / Trigger / Comms Quick Connect screw on connector (water tight glands available upon request Mechanical Lens CS mount, varifocal lens Dimensions (W x H x D)8.3in x 5.5in x 19in(210mm x 140mm x 480mm) Unit Weight 8 lbs (3.6 Kg) Learn more about LPR Cameras | LPR Software | Processing Servers | More LPR Systems | Contact Us for help selecting the right LPR System Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### TruViewLPR License Plate Recognition Software TruViewLPRLicense Plate Recognition Software From Kintronics Our License Plate Recognition Software (LPR-Software) provides consistent and reliable automated license plate recognition (APLR) results over a wide range of vehicle speeds and lighting conditions. It works in even the most challenging weather conditions. Additional web-based server software is available to centralize the management and control of multiple LPR units. There is a choice of LPR systems depending on the application, Key Features of LPR-Software A wide range of license plate accepted. It can be configured to read plates from most any locale in the world.Provides accurate ALPR results in real-time, typically 250msec or lessOperates with hardware or software triggers or automatically determines license plate presence using Virtual Vehicle Detection (VVD)Open system architecture plus a wide range of communication protocols simplifies integration with existing back office or access control applications This real-time software technology comprises a proprietary set of algorithms developed over the course of many years with the sole purpose of reading a license plate. The LPR software runs automatically eliminating the requirement of any action by the user. This is just one reason it is the best choice for standalone solutions such as access control, parking revenue management, open road tolling, surveillance and a host of other applications. An open architecture allows it to be tailored to work with existing back-office programs or most any application needs. LPR Software System Software Details - Software is included with all NVR Digital Processing Units. LPR ModulesEvent HandlerImage handling and ALPR processingDevice ManagerConfiguration toolSav-Pic-ProCamera set-up toolData EditorEasy to use User Interface for editing vehicle informationData ViewerEasy to use User Interface for viewing the central journalImage ProcessingProcessing rateUser-configurable – up to 60 images per secondProcessing speedLess than 250 msec from image capture to ALPR result/3"Pre and post imageUser-configurable buffer size of up to 20 images.Camera ConfigurationNumber of APLR per lane1Number of Overview cameras per laneUp to 2 cameras  TypeTCP/IP (megapixel) - OverviewImage CaptureExternal Trigger SourceTCP/IPInternal Trigger SourceVirtual Vehicle DetectionCommunication ProtocolsTCP/IP – fixed fieldSOP protocol NCTCP/IP – tagged fieldZAP XML protocol    Journaling (Data Recording)DatabaseMS AccessLocal JournalStores on DPUCentral JournalUser configurable – store on central location.Data storedALPR result, confidence, date, time, unique event ID, lane identifiers, camera identifier, vehicle information (if configured).Central JournalUser configurable – store on central location.Monitoring ToolsZEB MonitorLive view of video streams and rreal-timeALPR resultsJournal MonitorView of ALPR event data and associated images; updated on each eventProtocol MonitorsLive view of sent/received messages for communication protocolsUIC MonitorStatus monitor for relay activity Learn more about LPR Cameras | Processing Servers | More LPR Systems | Contact Us for help selecting the right LPR System Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### LPR Web Server Software TruViewLPRLPR Web Server Software From Kintronics The Server Software (LPR-Server) Is a web-based software system that provides centralized access, management and control of one or more LPR systems. Users of the interface can view, sort, create reports on, and receive alerts from the LPR data collected and stored in the IZServer system database. Learn more about LPR Cameras | LPR Software | Processing Servers | More LPR Systems   Key Features of LPR-Server Provides an easy to use web client interface.Provides an interface to other software systems such as OnSSi video management software and access control systemsProvides a centralized access point for multiple LPR systemsView, sort and create reports, receive alertsMonitors system health   This real-time software technology provides the current operational status of each lane. Information includes a view of alerts and stored data.   Software Details LPR ServerCommunicationIt provides a go/no-go connectivity status for each connected lane. A green icon indicates the lane is connected. A red icon indicates the lane is out of service or not operating properly.SystemIDThis is the lane ID assigned in the InSignia Device Manager on the DPU. This field will have a numerical value.Health Status monitorLastUpdateTime, Provides the date and time of the last heartbeat detected from each system monitored.Journaling (Data Recording)DatabaseMS AccessCentral JournalUser configurable – store on central location.Data storedALPR result, confidence, date, time, unique event ID, lane identifiers, camera identifier, vehicle information (if configured).Central JournalUser configurable – store on central location.Monitoring ToolsZEB MonitorLive view of video streams and real-time ALPR resultsJournal MonitorView of ALPR event data and associated images; updated on each eventProtocol MonitorsLive view of sent/received messages for communication protocolsUIC MonitorStatus monitor for relay activity Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 ### TruViewLPR Megapixel IP Cameras TruViewLPR Megapixel IP Cameras From Kintronics These License Plate Recognition IP cameras come with the LPR software. They provide consistent and reliable automated license plate recognition (APLR) results over a wide range of vehicle speeds and lighting conditions. It works in even the most challenging weather conditions. Key Features of LPR Cameras High-Resolution Sensors optimized for license plate recognitionAvailable in three different resolutions viewing lanes that are up to 12 ft (3.74m) wideIntegrated pulsed infrared LED illumination system for day and night-time operationProvides up to 60 progressive scan images per secondContinuous day/night operation, with high contrast images even in direct sunlight.Anodized aluminum construction, rated IP66 (NEMA4) and certified eye-safePerforms equally well with slow or fast-moving traffic LPR Camera Specifications High-Resolution Megapixel IP Cameras. These cameras provide high resolution in all lighting and weather conditions. They operate day or night at up to 50 images/second. These IP cameras are best for wide lanes where high-speed traffic is encountered. General Maximum operating range100 feet (30 meters)Vehicle speed range100 mph (160 km/h)Distance from camera to processing unit300 ft (100 m) with CAT5e cableImagerSensor CCDSelect camera:1920 x 1024 (2-Megapixel)1600 x 1220 (3 Megapixel) 1/2 " sensorFrame rateAdjustable up to 60 fpsElectricalDC VoltagePoEPower Consumption20 Watts RMSCamera supportUp to 2 IP camerasEnvironmentalOperating Temperature-30 F to 122 F (-34 C to 50 C)Humidity0% to 100% non-condensingEnclosureIP66 ratedConnectorsVideoRJ45 network connectionInput Power / Trigger / CommsQuick Connect screw on connector (water tight glands available upon request)MechanicalLensCS mount, varifocal lensDimensions (W x H x D)8.3in x 5.5in x 19in(210mm x 140mm x 480mm)Unit Weight8 lbs (3.6 Kg) Learn more about LPR Cameras | LPR Software | Processing Servers | More LPR Systems | Contact Us for help selecting the right LPR System Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### LPR NVR Processing Units Art-LPR NVR Video Processing Servers From Kintronics LPR-NVR System These complete network video server (NVR) devices not only support IP camera video recording, but they also support Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR). They come with video management software and LPR software. They provide consistent and reliable automated license plate recognition (APLR) results over a wide range of vehicle speeds and lighting conditions. Select the NVR system Model 3000 - Small NVR supports about 8 IP Cameras*, 1 TB of storage,Model 5000 - Medium size NVR supports 25 cameras*, maximum of 40TB storage (hot-swap)Model 7000 - High-performance rack-mountable NVR supports over 64 cameras*, with a maximum of 80TB of storage *Note that the number of cameras supported depends on the camera resolution, compression, analytics, and frame rate. Key Features of LPR Digital Processing Units Each NVR comes pre-loaded and tested with your selection of Camera licenses (sold separately). Choose the version that fits your needs between Pure, eMotion, Active or Extreme.Not sure if you will need to add storage in the future? The Model-5000 gives you the ability to install up to 4 HDDs, either immediately or at a later time, thanks to disk controllers with full hot-swap support. High-performance processing unit supports License Plate Recognition SoftwareSelect desktop or rack-mounted serversThese high-performance processors support many different types of IP camerasOpen system architecture the server connects to the network NVR Specifications These processor units include a proprietary set of algorithms for reading license plates. IP cameras can be connected to handle multiple lanes of traffic. The video management system supports both overview and license plate capture cameras.    Model 3000Computer SystemIncludes high-performance processor, Operating System, and Storage   Hard Drive Capacity 1TB  IO Connections 1X Gigabit LAN, RJ45 network connection, Keyboard and mouse 2X USB 2.0, 2X USB 3.0 ports 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 COM Audio• 1 audio output jack 2.5 mm• 1 Microphone input 2.5 mm Physical and PowerPower and HD indicator LEDsDimensions: 5.3 in. x 1.8 in. x 4.9 in. (134 x 46 x 124 mm) (WxHxD) 220/110 Vac, 50Hz, Power 60 WEnvironmental Operating temperature 32° - 104° (0 to 40 ° C), 80% RH max n  Model 5000 Computer System Includes high-performance processor, Operating System, and Storage   Hard Drive Capacity 2TB (expandable).  4 Hot-Swap HDD Bays Maximum capacity of 40TB using 10TB HDD IO Connections 2x Gigabit LAN, RJ45 network connection, 2x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse), 6x USB 2.0, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 DVI-I output 2 RS-232 Serial Port Audio• 1 audio output jack 2.5 mm• 1 Microphone input 2.5 mm Physical and Power Power and HD indicator LEDsDimensions: 7.9 in. x 8.27 in. x 13.5 in. (200 x 210 x 342 mm) W x H x D220/110 Vac, 50Hz, Power 120 W Environmental Operating temperature 32° - 104° (0 to 40 ° C), 80% RH max n  Model 7000Computer SystemIncludes high-performance processor, Operating System, and Storage   Hard Drive Capacity 8 Hot-Swap HDD Bays Max capacity of 80TB using 10TB HDD IO Connections 2x Gigabit LAN, RJ45 network connection, 1 x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse), 4x USB 2.0, 4X USB 3.0 1X eSATA3 port 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 DVI-I output 2 RS-232 Serial Port Audio• 1 audio output jack 2.5 mm• 1 Microphone input 2.5 mm Physical and PowerPower and HD indicator LEDsDimensions: 16.9 in. x 5.2 in. x 17.5 in. (430 x 132,5 x 445 mm) W x H x D220/110 Vac, 50Hz, Power 120 WEnvironmental Operating temperature 32° - 104° (0 to 40 ° C), 80% RH max n Learn more about LPR Cameras | LPR Software | More LPR Systems | Contact Us for help selecting the right LPR System If you would like help selecting the right LPR solution for your application, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### License Plate Recognition Cameras TruViewLPR License Plate Recognition Cameras From Kintronics These cameras are designed from the bottom up to provide dependable license plate images required by the license plate recognition system. The camera systems are designed for daytime and nighttime operation and include special LED illumination that enhances images regardless of the ambient lighting conditions. Select Standard Resolution Cameras | High-Resolution Cameras Key Features of LPR Cameras Select Standard to High-Resolution Sensors optimized for license plate recognition.An integrated infrared LED illumination system for day and night time operationPerforms equally well with fast or slow-moving trafficProvides up to 30 progressive scan images per secondSelect resolution optimized for License Plate RecognitionContinuous day/night operation, with high contrast images even in direct sunlight.Outdoor rated IP66 (NEMA4) and certified eye safe. LPR Camera Comparison Select standard resolution or megapixel IP cameras depending on your requirements and application. Select the standard resolution camera for narrow lanes or select high-resolution megapixel IP cameras for viewing larger areas. Take a look at the picture showing the viewing area depending on camera resolution. Learn more about Standard Resolution Cameras | High-Resolution Cameras | NVR Processing Servers | More LPR Systems | Contact us for help selecting the right LPR camera Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 ### PoINT Storage Manager Jukebox Connectivity Software From Kintronics The universal storage management solution optimizes your storage infrastructure PoINT software provides a complete storage manager for your optical library. Besides providing easy archiving and retrieval of data it adds powerful storage management functions that make it easy to assure that your information is secure and easy to retrieve. Summary and Highlights Tiered storage (HSM) architecture with standardized file system interfaceFile Protection by automated replication on alternative storage technologiesTransparent migration and off-loading of NetApp FAS systemsCompliant archivingMigration and integration of storage systems as integral part of the solution (storage consolidation)“Software only” solution incl. clustering support solution incl. clustering support   Multi-Tier Storage Architecture (Tiered Storage / HSM) PoINT Storage Manager supports Multi Tier Storage Architecture and migrates data to an appropriate storage tier depending on its status. A tiered storage concept combines the advantages of different storage technologies (hard disk, tape and optical) into an optimal storage mix. There are 3 different Tiers: Tier 1 = Performance Tier (storage with highest performance like NetApp FAS Systems)Tier 2 = Capacity Tier (cost-optimized storage systems like SATA RAID)This tier is typically used to migrate data from Tier 1 which becomes less active. Storage Tier Tier 3 = Archive Tier (implements the storage layer for long‐term archiving, e.g. realized by optical or tape Data stored in this tier is controlled by retention management and can only be altered or deleted under specific conditions, e.g. not before the corresponding retention period has elapsed. Transparent Migration with PoINT NetApp FAS Agent Archiving Data Migration The PoINT NetApp FAS Agent of PoINT Storage Manager performs a transparent migration of files according to configurable rules. Thereby, files migrated from the NetApp FAS systems are replaced by so called “Stubs” (references) and stored safely by PoINT Storage Manager on second level storage, e.g. a Blu-ray Disc (BD) jukebox. This concept especially fulfils the “single path” requirement, so that no changes in the applications are necessary. PoINT Jukebox Manager offers transparent drive letter access to jukeboxes in a networked environment. Seamless integration into the Windows NT/2000 operating system kernel ensures support for all Windows NT/2000 supported network clients. Windows NT/2000 enhanced security and permission control is also active in the shared jukebox file system. CD and DVD recording is integrated to fulfill all archiving, mastering and duplication requirements. The automated recording feature (ECR) for CD-R simplifies the overall recording process dramatically. Due to its multi-threaded implementation PoINT Jukebox Manager allows multiple users to access the jukebox simultaneously and to record different data streams to different media in parallel. Long Term Archiving PoINT Storage Manager offers by PoINT TAFS or PoINT VFS a file system interface which meets compliance requirements by its flexible “write once” features (Compliant Archiving). Thanks to the virtualization possibilities (File virtualization), storage technology and manufacturer can be chosen freely and regulatory requirements are fulfilled.   Migration and Storage Consolidation Data migration is an integral part of PoINT Storage Manager. The PoINT VFS integrates obsolete systems (e.g. MO/WORM jukeboxes) and new systems into a consolidated storage solution (storage consolidation).   PoiNT Storage Manger PoINT Storage Manager is a “software only” solution for Windows Server 2003/2008. Fail-safe requirements are realized by the clustering function of the product. To Learn More Select: Optical Libraries and Jukeboxes | Application Notes Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### License Plate Recognition Solutions and Applications TruViewLPR License Plate Recognition Complete Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) applications are sometimes called license plate recognition (LPR) or even automated vehicle identification (AVI), but they all do the same thing.  These systems translate the video image into digital data that can be stored or compared to a database. Applications include Vehicle Identification Alerts that let you know when a targeted license has been detected, Gate Access control that lets you open a gate when the right license is detected or even detect toll road violations. Here are some examples.  Please contact us to discuss your application. Access Control Control a gate using the APLR system or use the Isonas door access control system. Now you can not only control your doors you can also control vehicle access to parking lots and interior roads. LPR Auto Access Control Diagram Alert Notification Monitor Traffic Match license plate numbers to a watch-list in less than 500msec When you need to be notified that a vehicle of interest has been detected, you can add the Alert Notification and Management module. Each alert message contains plate and vehicle images along with vehicle informationAlert messages can be sent to an individual or broadcast to a list of authorized recipients. of a match via email, SMS or MMS messagingAlert messages can be in e-mail, SMS or MMS format Automatic License Plate Recognition system to accurately read the license plates of passing vehicles. These reads are matched against a known list of vehicles of interest with all positive matches reported via email, SMS or MMS messaging. The system takes less than 500msec from the time a vehicle with a listed license plate is encountered to issuing the outbound alert messages. Each message contains an image of the license plate, an optional image of the scene with the vehicle present, and other pertinent data such as date, time, location and other user-supplied information in the blacklist. LPR Alert Screen System set-up only takes a few minutes to configure the system characteristics along with the list of authorized recipients of alert messages. Vehicle lists can be provided in text or standard spreadsheet formats and all imported lists are immediately activated for use by the system. Toll Road Violations and enforcement Systems Open road toll lanes appear to be the preferred way to keep traffic moving by eliminating the bottlenecks associated with gates and cash lanes. The reduction in air pollutants from the exhaust of queued vehicles and the lower operating costs also cannot be overlooked. These benefits are offset by the requirement to provide accurate transaction accounting and an effective violation enforcement tool. Automatic License Plate Reading has proven to be the right solution for those requirements. To be truly effective, the ALPR system needs to be able to read all plate types and at any speed anticipated in the lane. The TruViewLPR in-lane VES solution is deployed on well over five hundred lanes worldwide and effectively protects against toll fraud at speeds up to 120 mph (200kph) in all weather conditions and at any time of day. Toll Road Learn more about: LPR Cameras | LPR Software | Digital Processing Servers | LPR Web Server Software | Contact us for help selecting the right system Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### CD DVD Servers CD and DVD-ROM Servers for your Network from Kintronics CD - DVD Server We have discontinued the CD-ROM Tower/Servers.  If you need a CD DVD ROM type server, take a look at PrimeArray Systems.  They still manufacture these systems.  They were a great way to share CD-ROM or DVD-ROM discs on the network, but today most information is available either on the Web, Cloud server or local server.  CD and DVD discs for data storage are mostly obsolete. TurboPlus System has been discontinued.  It not only allowed you to share CDs and DVDs, but it also provided Network Attached Storage (NAS) RAID storage.  It Included hot-swap drives, power supplies, and fans.  This flexible multipurpose system also allowed you to archive data to CD-R or even DVD-R media.   Servers Built to Order The CD DVD Server is made to your requirements. Just tell us the number of discs you need to share and we will select the right processor and storage. You can also choose a rack or desktop cabinet. Each of the CD-server systems provides unique functionality to meet your specific requirements. For example, you can select a system that contains CD-ROM, DVD-ROM readers, a DVD-Recorder and shareable RAID hard drives. You just specify the configuration, and we will build it. For more help selecting the right CD server take a look at the following server comparison table. We also included jukeboxes attached to a network server for comparison.   Specifications The CD DVD Server is very easy to install. If you have DHCP running on your network, the towers will acquire the IP address automatically. If necessary you can set the IP address using the front panel or a software tool. It's very easy. Once the IP address is set, the towers appear on the network like another server. The ones that are Apple compatible appear in the chooser. All the CDs appear as folders. Everyone on the network can share all the discs at virtually the same time. The tower is administered using a standard web browser. TurboPlusCD/DVD ServerDescriptionDisc Capacity4 - over 2,000Number of discs depends on CD or DVD type and the total hard drive capacity.Data transfer rateup to 40 MB/secSingle user on 1 GB/sec networkData Access Time9 msecDepends on type of hard drives usedDisk CachingYesAutomatic caching of any disc inserted into optical drive in server.CD-R and DVD-RYesIncludes optical drive for writing on recordable mediaSystem compatibilityWindows, Unix, AppleCompatible with many systems   Technical Note - History of CD and DVD Discs CD-discs were introduced by Sony and Philips in 1980. The primary purpose of these optical discs was to provide a music delivery system that would replace the vinyl record and audio tape cassette. In 1982 the first music disc was introduced. Billy Joel's album 52nd Street was the first album released on CD. Even though the discs were originally designed for music, it was obvious that they could also be used to hold computer information. By 1985 the CD-ROM was introduced, which allowed computer programs, games and even books to be distributed on a low cost media. These CD-discs held about 650 MBytes of read-only computer data. Philips introduced the first CD-Recorders in the early 1990's, and that was when Kintronics first started selling them. This Write Once Read Many (WORM) technology allowed data to be written, but not changed. Since the media was very stable, the data was expected to last for over 50 years. This was the first archival type of optical media. DVD-ROM was introduced in 1996 and DVD-R was introduced a couple of years later. This optical disc had much higher density than the CD-ROM disc and increased capacity to 4.7GB. It allowed not only music but full movies to be stored on the disc. Kintronics originally provided simple CD and DVD-ROM drives with SCSi computer interfaces. Today we provide network-attached CD and DVD servers that cache the data discs to an array of hard drives. Since all the data is on the hard drives, there is much faster access time. By the way, these servers do not support audio CDs or standard movie DVD discs.   Resources CD and DVD Servers have been discontinued.  The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical and Application Articles CD / DVD Servers Get Better This article described the evolution of CD and DVD-ROM systems.   How the CD Server WorksThere are some tricks to simulating a CD disc when it's cached on a hard drive. This article discusses how it's done. The Difference Between Jukeboxes and CD Servers This article describes the differences between the jukebox or disc library and a CD DVD Server. Blog Our blog describes how the technology works, includes educational notes, describes how to do your own calculations, and how to select the right equipment. We also included examples about how the technology is used. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the IP camera system components and setting objectives. More...   Technical Support CD-Server systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information and our catalog of video products. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 ### Safety and Security Systems Safety and Security Systems for Emergencies Safety and Security Panic Buttons | Paging Systems | Mass Emergency Notification | More We provide integration of IP cameras, IP door access control, intercoms, personal emergency request systems, and emergency paging systems to create a complete safety and security system. The following systems can help in emergencies. Emergency Systems Personal Emergency Panic Buttons Panic buttons provide immediate assistance. The mobile panic button is a personal security alert system that allows you to get help no matter where you are. When an emergency occurs, will you have time to dial your smartphone? Emergencies occur without warning. It could be a health problem, an active shooter situation, or a criminal attack. You need a personal panic button system that provides a very quick emergency notification. The push of a button on the mobile panic button sends an alert through the system. The emergency notification is sent to your designated security center. The personal emergency panic button system provides a quick response to any emergency. It’s more than a medical alert system. It is a total personal emergency call button system designed to be used no matter where in the world you are. Continue Reading Campus-Wide Emergency Alert System When a network-attached paging and intercom system is added, it increases safety by providing the emergency notification. This modular IP paging system provides announcements to specific locations in the organization or to the complete campus. It's very easy to install a paging system that uses the network infrastructure you already have in place. Continue Reading Smartphone Paging and Mass Emergency Notification System The IP-PACast emergency notification system uses multiple communication channels to notify a large group of people of an emergency. It provides text and audio announcements. The system consists of a web interface that allows you to send trigger messages to target groups that receive the notification. Audio and other messages can be sent from a computer, mobile device, automated service, or even Microsoft Teams to computer IP paging devices on your network or mobile devices. IP-PACast uses a simple interface to upload users and devices. The users and the devices can be assigned to groups or zones, so the right people are reached. Read more... Emergency Notification System Temperature Screening Access Control These biometric door readers provide face authentication and temperature monitoring. It can prevent the entry of a person that has an elevated temperature or if they are not wearing a protective face mask. Designed for organizations that need door access control as well as a way to screen people as they enter a secure area. These biometric door readers include an embedded thermal camera and the latest face recognition algorithm. Read more… More Safety and Security Systems Drone Detection There are several types of drone detection systems. Radar has proven to be an effective technology for the all-weather detection of drones.  There are 10GHz and 24GHz radar systems available. Choose from X-band or K-band radar. There are also 10GHz and 24GHz Licensed Radar systems that use an Active Power over Ethernet connection, making installation easier and more cost-effective while maintaining high performance when tracking. Read more... Drone Detection Radar Door Access Control: The IP Door access control system can be integrated with IP cameras with the right software. For example, Video Management Software and Door Access Control software work together to increase security by allowing you to see who entered the door. It allows you to check that the person using a credential is the right person and that they didn't let anyone else in at the same time. Continue Reading ... Intercoms with IP Cameras The door access system keeps unauthorized people out, but what happens if you have a visitor? Adding an intercom to your IP camera system allows you to talk to visitors at the door as well as seeing them. Now you can make a decision about whether or not you would like to grant them access to your facility. Continue Reading ... Face Recognition Improves Safety Face recognition is used to improve security, prevent crimes, and keep us healthy. The latest facial recognition systems use your IP camera system. They can be used for access control, and provide real-time information about who is entering specific areas in your facility, such as: recently terminated employees returning to work, restraining order alerts, a person of interest, people making threats to employees, contact tracing, etc. Facial Recognition and Temperature Screening Face recognition is used to check people's temperature and track people within an organization. By maintaining a list of people who come in contact with each other the system builds a database that can be review for contact tracing. Read more... Face Recognition and Access Control Facial recognition is used for door access control. Door access uses face recognition algorithms that are built into the door reader. Biometric access control provides a very secure way to control access to your organization. Read more... Facial Recognition in a Crowd Facial recognition can be challenging. Sometimes the person may not be facing in the right direction. 3D facial recognition extends the traditional methods of facial recognition to live-stream accurate capture and identification. Read more... License Plate Recognition Safety can be increased by controlling the vehicles entering your campus or parking lot. The new systems use megapixel IP cameras for improved performance. Continue Reading ... Increase safety and security by integrating a number of technologies. Each organization has different requirements for increased safety and security. We understand that each system is unique and requires customization. That's what Kintronics is good at. Not only do we provide the best prices, but we also provide free consulting and engineering that allows us to provide a system that meets your objectives and budget. Please contact us for assistance. For more details see our white paper Creating Safe Environments. Resources and Technical Support Technical Information Read more about the technology used to increase safety and security. Support Safety and Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else. ### Videolarm Camera Housings and Enclosures Videolarm has been the leading innovator in the CCTV industry for more than a quarter-century. It all began with the introduction of the world's first outdoor dome and has continued with a host of cameras, housings, accessories, and more. Now, these excellent environmental enclosures are available from Kintronics. More Environmental Enclosures | IP Network Cameras and Systems Choose: Wireless Enclosures | Outdoor Domes | Indoor Domes Indoor Housings | Outdoor housings | Vandal-resistant housings Camera Enclosure AMS90 Steel Corner Housing IP Network cameras are in use now more than ever, and users want to be able to access them via wireless. Now Videolarm provides standard dome technology, network cameras, and a wireless Ethernet bridge together to offer the best solution in the industry. The camera can be located up to 10 miles away from the encryption-mated receiver and can be viewed on the web anywhere. Uses 900MHz frequency. Other models available with 802.11 radios and greater range. Contact us for details. ProductSheet Outdoor Enclosures Outdoor FusionDome™ Series for IP Cameras The indoor and outdoor FusionDome™ models offer versatility and environmental camera protection in a compact size. It accepts analog camera systems from Canon & Elmo and many network cameras from Axis, Canon, Elmo, JVC, Panasonic, and Sony or a single fixed camera with a maximum camera length of 7.5”. On outdoor models a heater and blower are standard, and a cold-weather kit is available to offer even wider temperature ranges. Also available with pressurized and ruggedized housings. Ceiling Enclosure Indoor FusionDome™ Series for IP Cameras The indoor 7” FusionDome™ models offer versatility and camera protection in a compact size. A number of different configurations are available including pendant, ceiling mount, and drop ceiling mounts. Supports network cameras from Axis, Canon, Elmo, JVC, Panasonic, and Sony or a single fixed camera with a maximum camera length of 7.5”. It also supports many different analog cameras. Also available with ruggedized housings. ProductSheet Indoor Housing Indoor Housings A wide variety of indoor housings are available including domes, ceiling housings, wall and corner mounted enclosures. Moreinformation Outdoor Enclosure Outdoor Housings for IP Cameras A wide variety of outdoor housings are available including the wall, ceiling, dome, and corner mounts. Moreinformation Vandal Resistant Indoor Housings Indoor Vandal-Resistant Housings Vandal-resistant housings are available to protect your cameras from damage. They include corner, ceiling, and wall housings. Moreinformation Need more information? Just contact us. We will be happy to help you select the right enclosure for your application. More Environmental Enclosures | IP Camera Software | Network Attached IP Camera Systems | Network Attached Cameras ### Plus Electronic Whiteboards and Copyboards Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network attached paging systems. More Presentation Products The following information is for reference only. These electronic whiteboards let your audience concentrate on what's being said, not on taking notes. The electronic whiteboards from plus corporation are similar to the Panaboard offered by Panasonic. The key difference is the choice of boards with color copy capability. The electronic whiteboards come with stands or wall mounts. Copies created on the printer can be distributed immediately. Plus Copyboard M-17S and M-17W and N-20S and 20W The M-Seires is an affordable series of electronic copyboards that allows you to print a black-white copy or save your work to a USB memory or even to your PC.The world's only copyboard with a built-in memory stick slot is here! An overall improvement and upgrade to the world of electronic whiteboards, the M-12 Series from PLUS gives you the choice of printing out your notes in color with an optional on-board printer or saving a digital copy to an optional USB Memory Stick, and includes a direct PC connection through a USB cord for both digital storage and board control. Five panel M125 copy-board.- four writing, plus one projection screen as the fifth panel. Key Features Select 35 X 50 inch or 35 x 70 inch (W model) writing panel size.2 Writing Panels.USB Memory Stick port.USB port for Direct PC Connectivity.USB port for an on-board printer. (Printer sold separately.)Up to 20 print-outs at a time from copyboard.Repeat button allows you to print again without re-scanning.Inkjet and Laser Printer compatible. (See compatible printer list.)Lightweight design for added portability and wall mounting or partition mounting.Optional stand with casters allows for easy room-to-room transfer. Plus Capture Boards C-12S and C-12W The M-Seires is an affordable series of electronic copyboards that allows you to print a black-white copy or save your work to a USB memory or even to your PC.The world's only copyboard with a built-in memory stick slot is here! An overall improvement and upgrade to the world of electronic whiteboards, the M-12 Series from PLUS gives you the choice of printing out your notes in color with an optional on-board printer or saving a digital copy to an optional USB Memory Stick, and includes a direct PC connection through a USB cord for both digital storage and board control. Five panel M125 copyboard.- four writing, plus one projection screen as the fifth panel. Key Features Select 35 X 50 inch or 35 x 70 inch (W model) writing panel size.2 Writing Panels.USB Memory Stick port.USB port for Direct PC Connectivity.USB port for an on-board printer. (Printer sold separately.)Up to 20 print-outs at a time from copyboard.Repeat button allows you to print again without re-scanning.Inkjet and Laser Printer compatible. (See compatible printer list.)Lightweight design for added portability and wall mounting or partition mounting.Optional stand with casters allows for easy room-to-room transfer. Plus Wireless Portable Flexible Interactive Panels UPIC-64M and UPIC-W72M Portable and Wireless: These two features combine to make the UPIC not only unique, but also one of the most versatile interactive products on the market.Made of a thin and lightweight material, the UPIC is easy to transport. The panel rolls up and can be quickly packed away in its carrying case.Its magnet backing allows one person to easily set up the UPIC on any surface to which a magnet can be adhered: a blackboard, a whiteboard, or a steel wall. Panels are available in two sizes. UPIC-64M - 64" diagonal (52.4" w x 39.2" h) UPIC-72M - 72 " diagonal (64.2" w x 42.1" h) Features of UPIC Panels Extremely easy to set-up. Just unroll the sheet against any surface to which a magnet may be adhered: a chalkboard, a whiteboard, a steel wall, etc. This is easily done by one person. After that, you only need to start your computer and projector, remove the digital pen's cap, tap the four corners of the sheet to calibrate the projected image and, lastly, begin the UPIC software. You are now ready for your interactive meeting or lesson. Easy to use software. Intuitive icons. The "Touch and Draw" software requires very little training to master. The tool bar icons are familiar and will be readily identifiable by anyone who has worked with similar technology. The software allows the user to add comments and make annotations as well as insert graphics onto areas of the projected content. This type of visual communication - through drawings and graphics - allows the user to express themselves with greater clarity and more nuance than when simply speaking. At the end of the presentation, you can save the digitally written comments along with the original projected image as a new digital image file. Everything fits neatly into the compact carrying case. The UPIC and all of its accessories fit neatly into the provided carrying case. Set up an interactive classroom anywhere on campus or take your interactive meeting from city to city. The UPIC is a truly portable interactive solution. Wireless. Bluetooth® technology. The panel does not require any power and the UPIC does not need a cord to communicate with a computer, therefore there is no power cord to connect . . . or to trip over. The unique digital pen transmits information via Bluetooth. Simply pair the pen with your Bluetooth-enabled computer (or use the included Bluetooth USB dongle) and the UPIC panel becomes an interactive board. Like three presentation tools in one. Beyond the UPIC functioning as a interactive board, with the provided markers and eraser, you can write and erase on the panel just like when using a regular whiteboard. Furthermore, the UPIC can be used as a projection screen. Its unique surface minimizes the reflection and glare of a projector making viewing projected images more comfortable. Like three presentation tools in one. Beyond the UPIC functioning as a interactive board, with the provided markers and eraser, you can write and erase on the panel just like when using a regular whiteboard. Furthermore, the UPIC can be used as a projection screen. Its unique surface minimizes the reflection and glare of a projector making viewing projected images more comfortable. Economically priced. The UPIC is less expensive than conventional interactive boards since the number of materials used in its construction are limited. Its reasonable price will fit into your increasingly tight budget. Dot Matrix Sheet. To achieve the feat of digital writing, a patent-protected dot pattern from Anoto has been added to the UPIC writing surface. The pattern, almost invisible to the naked eye, consists of numerous intelligent small black dots that can be read by the unique digital pen. The pattern indicates the exact positions of the digital pen and the pen sends this information to your PC via Bluetooth. Unique digital pen. The pen contains an integrated digital camera, an advanced image microprocessor and a mobile communications device for wireless connection. When you write over the projected image, the unique pen takes digital snapshots (more than 50 pictures per second) of the dot pattern on the UPIC writing surface. Every snapshot contains enough data to determine the exact position of the pen. The data is transferred via Bluetooth in real time to your computer which in turn projects the writing. This happens so quickly that it appears as if you are writing on the screen. Easy to use software. The "Touch and Draw" software requires very little training to master the software. The tool bar icons are familiar and will be readily identifiable by anyone who has worked with similar technology. The software allows the user to add comments and make annotations as well as insert graphics onto areas of the projected content. This type of visual communication - through drawings and graphics - allows the user to express themselves with greater clarity and more nuance than when simply speaking. At the end of the presentation, you can save the digitally written comments along with the original projected image as a new digital image file.   Plus BF-041S and BF-041W Two panel standard or wide format electronic copyboard with built-in thermal printer. Standard width (36" X 51") or Wide format (36" X 71") electronic copyboardsBuilt-in printer - single panel or two panels on one page.Auto Sheet Feed ControlPrint speed: 11 to 15 Seconds. We used to sell portable high performance projectors. Sorry they are no longer available. See Plus Video Projector for details . Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems as well as all the other products from Kintronics. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Videolarm Vandal-Resistant Enclosures More Videolarm Enclosures | More Enclosures | IP Network Cameras and Systems Vandal-resistant housings protect your cameras from damage. AMS90 Steel Corner Housing Corner mount14-gauge cold-rolled steel bodyBarrel lock.220” thick clear polycarbonate windowIncludes Window Guard. paint shieldfor vandal protectionOff white powder coat finishHinged lid for easy accessDimensions:Housing Width - 5.5”Housing Height - 8.25”Housing Depth - 8.5” AMS180 Steel Ceiling/Wall Housing Wall mount14-gauge cold-rolled steel bodyBarrel lock.220” thick clear polycarbonate windowIncludes Window Guard. paint shieldfor vandal protectionOff white powder coat finishHinged lid for easy accessDimensions:Housing Width - 5.5”Housing Height - 8.25”Housing Depth - 8.5” ACEM20 Steel Wedge Ceiling housing Wedge ceiling mount14-gauge steel body3/16” polycarbonate windowIncludes Window Guard. paintshield for vandal protectionOff white powder coat finishEasy installation and servicingDimensions:Housing Length - 8.37”Housing Width - 5.44”Housing Height - 4.67”. Need more information? Just contact us. We will be happy to help you select the right enclosure for your application. ### Portable Public Address and PA Systems Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. The following products are no longer available: Amplivox | Anchor | Califone | Fender The following information is for reference only. Amplivox Amplivox Lecturn Lectern and Console systems as well as portable PA systems with wireless microphones. These systems are designed more for just voice applications. They are more economical than some of the other brands. More... Fender Fender PA SYstem Fender is known for their excellent sound. They are known by musicians all over the world and their systems provide excellent amplification of music. More… Anchor Audio Anchor Audio High performance means that you can hear the difference in quality especially when you are using the sound system for music. These systems come with wireless microphones and are used for both music and voice with crowd sizes of up to 5,000 More... Califone Califone Portable PA Califone provides lightweight portable PA Systems. These models are small and light and provide good voice amplification when you have small groups More... Application Note Make Sure you get what you need. Here are answers to the questions you should be asking Q Can I get an extra wireless microphone with my basic package PA system?.A. Yes. You need to add both the wireless microphone and the wireless receiver. Each microphone you add needs its own receiver.Q. We'll be having a question and answer session at our meeting and need one microphone in the audience and one up on the stage.A. In that case, the best thing to do is purchase a dual package PA system with two receivers. Q. Can I add more than two microphones? A. Yes, you can add wired mics and wireless microphones. You just have to be careful to not run out of available wireless frequencies. Each microphone needs its own frequency to prevent interference. Need help selecting the right products? Just give us a call. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or contact us using our Contact form. Discontinued Products CD DVD Server, CD DVD Jukeboxes and libraries Presentation Technology, See our other IP security systems: Network Attached IP camera systems, Campus-wide PA Systems, and Door Access Control Systems Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Videolarm Outdoor Enclosures A wide variety of outdoor housings are available including Enclosures designed to meet the IP65 standard, Bullet resistant housings, Pressurized housings, Optional sun shield, Heater and blowers for all environments. ACH13 ACH13/ACH8Aluminum Outdoor Housing Designed to meet IP65 standardSide-hinged for obstruction-free camera adjustmentOptional low current 24 VAC heater/blowerOptional sun shieldACH13 MCL - 10.5", ACH8 MCL - 7.5" BH8W Enclosure BH8W BlackhawkA housing with style Wall mount, includes DECO1 decorative mountBlack polycarbonate bodyFlip open top for easy accessAdjustable camera sledHeater availableDimensions:Length - 9.3”, with mount - 11.1”Height - 3.9”, with mount - 7.7”Width - 4.7” BMT10 Enclosure BMT10Bullet-Resistant Housing - Protects the camera and cabling 7-gauge steel bodyIncludes Window Guard. paint shield foradded vandal protectionThermostatically controlled heater standardRotating camera sledHeat reflective, white powder coat finishDimensions:Length - 13.75”Height - 6.75”Width - 5.25”. Learn more about Enclosures for Extreme Environments| Explosion-proof Enclosures | Videolarm | Pelco | Batko | More Enclosures Need more information? Just contact us. We will be happy to help you select the right enclosure for your application. ### Panasonic Panaboard Sorry, these products are no longer available from Kintronics. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network attached paging systems. Other Plus Copyboards | Other Presentation Systems The following information is for reference only. Ever want a copy of what you wrote on your white board? Well, now you can print and make copies of anything that's drawn, written or even taped to the Panasonic electronic white board! Also, check the excellent features provided by the PLUS Copyboards. These boards are now available with color capability and USB connections to your computer. Shown with optional stand UB-5310 USB PC Interface Panel Size: 35.4"x 51" Two-Panel Opertion Wall Mount Kit Included Thermal printer using thermal paper UB-5315 Plain paper technology(thermal transfer) Panel Size: 35.4" x 51" Two-Panel Operation USB PC Interface Wall mount kit included UB-5815 Plain paper technology (thermal transfer) Panel size: 35.4" x 64.5" Two-Panel Operation USB PC Interface Wall Mount Kit Included UB-7325 Plain Paper Model(thermal transfer) USB Interface 1716 Sq. in. copy area, 4 panels - including projector panel Includes 3 markers, 1 eraser UB-2315C Plain Paper Color Model (Optional color printer) USB Interface 1748 Sq. in. copy area, 2 panels - Flip style Includes 3 markers, 1 eraser. UB-2815C Plain Paper Color Wide Model (Optional color printer) USB Interface 2397 Sq. in. copy area, 2 panels - - Flip style Includes 3 markers, 1 eraser. UB-8325 Interactive Whiteboard (thermal transfer) USB Interface 1716 Sq. in. copy area, 2 panels -Ultrasonic and infrared pointing Includes 4 interactive markers, 1 eraser. Note the following boards have been discontinued: KX-B430, KX-B530, KX-B630, KX-B730, KX-BP535, KX-BP635 To receive a quotation and place your order, contact us at1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems as well as all the other products from Kintronics. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Optical Jukeboxes and Libraries Blu-Ray Optical Libraries and Jukeboxes Kintronics has a wide selection of optical BluRay jukeboxes and libraries available, as well as all the software or network attached storage manager necessary to attach them to your computer and network. They range in size from 35 to over 600 discs capacity. The Blu-ray Jukeboxes also support DVD media. If you need to just archive to disc and have infrequent access, take a look at our Archiving Appliance. BluRay archiving systems provide the latest technology for assuring your data is there when you need it. To help you select the correct product, take a look at the application note below, and our technical articles, but don't hesitate to contact us for personalized technical assistance Archiving to the Cloud The alternative to optical jukebox and libraries is cloud based archiving systems.  This system uses Archiving Software - Automated File Tiering and Archiving to Hosted Cloud Services. Archiving Cloud Manager provides a file based bridge to any cloud storage system, such as Amazon S3 or Cloud Data management interface (CDMI) compatible cloud service using a Windows NAS Appliance. It’s easy to Incorporate our Archiving Storage Manager (ASM) software.  It can be integrated into any existing storage infrastructure.  This makes the advantages of hosted cloud storage useable without a need for costly changes and adaptations to existing infrastructure The software performs policy-based file tiering and archiving from primary storage systems to any compatible hosted cloud storage service and keeps all data transparently accessible from links created at the original location. To learn more about Cloud Archiving take a look at our article, Cloud Archiving Systems. Optical Libraries and Jukeboxes The first optical libraries used large WORM (Write Once Read Many) discs. These 12-inch discs didn't hold too much data (about 650K Bytes), but they were the first disc to be called archival since the data was predicted to be available for over 50 years. Write Once discs have the benefit of preventing data from being changed. Similar capability is provided by using modified hard drives. HDWrite1X technology protects your computer from malware. The latest discs are called blu-ray type discs because they use the blue laser to read and write the data. Today the discs can hold up 100G Bytes and next year are expected to double to 200 GB. Here is a summary of the libraries available. Archiving Libraries - Optical Libraries and Jukeboxes Disc Library Capacity: From 45 to 690 discs depending on number of drives with Blu-ray media. Description: This complete family of optical jukebox libraries provides a range of flexible libraries with 45 to 690 Blu-ray discs. Total capacity varies depending on the number of drives required. HIT-Storage Capacity: Disc capacity from 35 to 560 discs. Supports 100GB /128GB Blu-ray media. Description: This new jukebox library system uses the latest multi-function drive supporting CD, DVD Blu-ray discs. Select up to 8 drives, with capacity not affected by the number of drives. It features removable 35-disc magazines with built-in RFID tags providing easy off-line storage retrieval... Features Jukeboxes or Libraries from Kintronics provide secure data storage management that meets compliance regulations such as Financial (SEC, Sarbanes-Oxley), Medical (HIPAA, DICOM, PACS), Government (DOD), Legal Admissibility (ISO-18501 and 18509) and many others. Did you Know that Blu-ray is Green? Since Blu-ray optical storage uses less power and less cooling it is a much greener technology than hard drives. I guess you can say; save your data, save the world. Optical Library and Jukebox Application Note: This application note compares the jukebox, Archiving Appliances, CD Towers and Turbo Servers. Note the term jukebox and library are sometimes used interchangeably. We usually use the term jukebox when we are talking about devices that handle DVD and CD discs. The term Library is usually used when the device handles optical media such as UDO or Blu-ray optical media. Today the most popular media uses the Blu-ray technology. A jukebox or optical library is excellent for archiving data to optical discs. Optical media has evolved over the years. Optical media includes DVD, UDO, MO and Bluray discs. Today Blu-ray is the most popular optical disc media because it is also used in consumer video. If you have a library with any of the older media, contact us for help in migrating to the latest media. The current Blu-ray discs hold up to 100GB/disc, and the new 200GB discs are becoming available. Most of the optical libraries contain multifunction writers that support a variety of formats such as DVD, CD and Blu-ray, etc. If the drives support Bluray media they don't usually support the UDO media. They hold from 100 to over 600 discs. You can select WORM (Write Once Read Mostly) or rewriteable media. Jukeboxes connect to a Windows, UNIX or Linux server using special software. Users on the network can copy or drag and drop data to the server which automatically transfers the data to an optical disc in the jukebox. All the jukeboxes work best when only a few users need to access the discs at the same time. Small jukeboxes have only one or two optical drives, so only one or two users can share the jukebox at the same time. If additional users want to use a new disc, they have to wait for the disc to be swapped by the robotics in the jukebox. This takes from 4 to 9 seconds. Larger jukeboxes have six or more readers, so more users can simultaneously access the different discs at the same time. Archiving Appliances There are a number of systems that take advantage of the same robotic mechanisms used in automatic duplicators. With these systems you can archive email data, medical images or general data to a stack of discs. This is a batch process where a set of blank discs are placed on a spindle and written one-at-a-time and placed on an output spindle. The discs are stored off-line and can be accessed by reading them back in using the same mechanism. Learn more... Speeding up Access to your Data If you need to speed up access to the data in the jukebox you can cache some data to your computer's hard drive, RAID or use Network Attached Storage. The jukebox management software makes use of this cache storage to dramatically improve access time. Control and Interface Software from PoINT Point Software connects many different jukebox systems to Windows servers. Optical recording is integrated to fulfill all archiving, mastering and duplication requirements. The automated recording feature simplifies the overall recording process dramatically. Due to its multi-threaded implementation PoINT Jukebox Manager allows multiple users to access the jukebox simultaneously and to record different data streams to different media in parallel. Disc caching to hard disk improves performance dramatically. Read more ... Discontinued Libraries and Jukeboxes For reference only:  The following jukeboxes and libraries are discontinued or no longer available from Kintronics. PowerfileJVCNakamichiKubicPioneerPlasmon Resources The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical and Application Articles Review of the Current Optical Jukebox and Library Technology Blu-ray wins the standards war and becomes the technology of choice. How to handle all the Information that needs to be Archived How to Meet the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act How Blu-ray optical discs work You may know about Blu-ray discs which are used for holding high quality movies, but do you know how they are used by computers for holding lots of data. Technology Notes Newsletter If you would like to receive our technical newsletter, just fill out the form. Our Technical Notes newsletter is filled with articles about how the technology works and examples of how it is used. It also includes some great technical jokes and cartoons. Blog Our blog describes how the technology works, includes educational notes, describes how to do your own calculations, and how to select the right equipment. We also included examples about how the technology is used. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the IP camera system components and setting objectives. Technical Support Optical jukebox and library systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance ### City Surveillance Camera System Covert or Visible Law Enforcement Surveillance Cameras This city surveillance system is designed for law enforcement and neighborhood protection. It can be a high visibility or a covert IP camera system that looks like a power transformer. This is customizable vandal-resistant, rugged outdoor surveillance system includes everything you need to establish a neighborhood surveillance system. There is a choice of PTZ cameras with a complete environmental enclosure and power distributor, surge protection, heater/blower and router. Optional 4G LTE modem connections make it easy to monitor and view recorded video. The City Surveillance system can be placed where you need it. Includes stainless steel straps for quick deployment to a pole. Select from a large variety of cameras to create the exact surveillance system you need Surveillance System Indoor Covert Cameras | Tactical Covert Mobile Cameras | IP Camera Systems IPDeputyPTZ City Surveillance Features Covert Vandal-Resistant City Surveillance SystemDesigned to be installed by one person (weighs under 50 lbs)Built-in storage (45 - 60 days of 24/7 recording)Wireless connectivity with high gain antennaSelect PTZ camera or up to three (3) fixed camerasNEMA IP66 Rating to prevent the ingress of water and minute particlesSelect optional IR-illumination light kitPower source AC 110 V (60 Hz)Operating temperature: -30° F to 130° F (-1° C to + 54° C) Pole Mounted Police Surveillance This is a customizable surveillance system for city surveillance. The vandal-resistant environmental box includes the camera required for your application. Housing Designed to blend into urban environmentWeather resistantAppears as standard pole mount electrical enclosureFan cooled & ventedSecure & vandal resistantDeployed and operated in extreme temperature range-25Fto120F Smart Control System: Web interface to remotely monitor the system, includes temperature and power Scheduled daily system hard restartSchedule system standby to extend batterySystem or individual component can restart from the web interfaceEmail/SMS text notifications for alarmsKey fob remote for fail-safe restartTemperature controlled Fan and over heat turnoff protectionLow battery email/SMS notificationHigh temperature fail safe turnoff to protect componentsBrowser and software access to cameraIncluded software for phone and desktop use Need more details or pricing? Give us a call at 1-800-431-165 or 914-944-3425 or contact us. IPDeputyNVR Camera System Configurations ModelIPDeputyNVRIPDeputyPTZConfigurationUp to 3 fixed camerasOne PTZ CameraResolution 2-Megapixelscameras:Fixed lens.Color : 0.1 LuxExample: 2-Megapixel PTZ Camera: 32X: zoom, Color : 0.1 LuxLens113-degree lens4.3-137.6 mm (32X)RecordingHigh-performance NVR with extended operating temperatureHigh-performance NVR with extended operating temperatureVideo StorageUp to 2 TBUp to 2 TBPower110 / 220 VAC110 / 220 VACEnvironmentIP66 Weather resistantIP66 Weather resistant Mobile Tactical Police Systems These customized systems are available for tactical surveillance systems. Learn more... CONVENIENTLY TRANSPORTED Power supply and communications equipment conveniently contained inside a heavy-duty wheeled pelican case. EASY TO USE Covertly deploy from inside of a vehicle, a friendly home, or set up on an active crime scene for situational real-time monitoring.  SELF CONTAINED POWER SUPPLY Included constant run with 110v AC, or using 12VDC battery with AC inverter charger.  These systems are custom designed based on your requirements Contact us for other configurations ### IQinVision Power More Benefits High Resolution | Field of View | Lightgrabber | Lower File Sizes | The IQeye family draws less than 5 watts of power. With normal operation using only 3 watts, IQeye smart camera platforms are great for battery-powered applications - temporary surveillance operations or field applications without power hookups. A small solar grid (approximately 18 inches by 12 inches) can provide enough power. Lead-acid batteries can provide days or weeks of full-time use. And our XT rated cameras can withstand the temperature extremes of field use. Power Over Ethernet = no power cable installation The IQeye camera family makes installations quick and inexpensive. Imagine installing IQeye's with only one cable, Category 5 twisted pair. A single data cable carries data and power! Power Over Ethernet means that an electrician is no longer needed to run power to camera locations, dramatically lowering installation costs. Simple and easy for interior and exterior use. The IQ511 and IQ700 are series IEEE 802.3af ready while the IQ300 series uses the IQPoet splitter.   Learn more about Cameras from Other Manufacturers | Compatible lenses | Software Management System | More IQeye3 Cameras ### CCTV Video Cameras Analog and Special Video Cameras Sometimes you need a special camera that is not available as an IP camera (with built-in network connectivity). These analog cameras can be connected to the network using a separate video encoder (or camera server). Here are some examples of what's available. We know that each system will be different. That's why we provide free engineering and consulting so you will get exactly what you need. For example, you can select special thermal imaging cameras that pick up the heat image of objects in total darkness. These advanced cameras have been used by the military for many years. You may have heard the term FLIR which means Forward-Looking InfraRed which was used in airplanes. A thermal camera and an optical camera can be used in one system allowing viewing during the day or night. If you need to see a vehicle over one mile away, in total darkness, then this is the camera equipment you need. The cameras use a video encoder to connect to the network and become part of a complete IP camera system. Once you have selected the cameras you can select video recording system. The recording system uses video management software (VMS) that runs on your own Windows computer or a complete Network Video Recorder (NVR) that includes the computer and software in one package. Learn more: IP Camera Buyers Guide | Video Recording Systems - Buyers Guide | Resources If you need help just contact us for assistance with your IP camera system package. Waterproof Bullet Camera There are a number of bullet cameras that can be used in all types of weather and some that can be submerged. These cameras include special pressurized housing to keep them from filling with water.  As an example, the ProVideoB/W Waterproof Bullet with Infrared LED Lighting includes a 60 Ft Cable. This B/W weatherproof CCTV camera is 100% waterproof with underwater operation capabilities to a 90 feet maximum. Features: 3.6mm fixed focus lens, infrared LEDsBuilt-in electronic irisEncased in a black brass housingIt comes with a clip-on sun shield. A mounting bracket 60 ft. cable and 12V DC power supply are includedAvailable in white with 3 ft. cable (CVC-320WP/W) and in black (CVC-320WP/B)The model is also available with 10 IR LEDs and 120 ft cable under model number CVC-321WPMore detail specifications Covert Smoke Detector Camera Do you need a camera that no one can see? There are a number of ways to add a covert camera to your camera system. Small Analog cameras can be placed inside equipment that doesn't look like a camera. There are covert cameras in smoke detectors, wall clocks or PIR units. One example is the ProVideo CVC-560SD which looks like a smoke detector: Features 1/4" color CCD high-resolution color video cameraHidden inside a smoke detectorFeatures a 1.0 lux low light sensitivity350 line resolution3.6mm lens with built-in electronic irisA 12V DC power supply is included Specifications Also look at the covert IP Cameras from Hanwha that provide better resolution and performance. Covert Pinhole Camera Most of the covert cameras that are hidden inside other equipment use pin-hole cameras. You can use just the pin-hole camera and place it behind a wall. These cameras don't have very good resolution because of the simple lens but are effective in certain applications. One example is the VCH7P4 Features: 1/3” COLOR 480 TV LINE HI-RES CCD CAMERA3.7mm SUPERCONE (VCH7P4) • 0.2LUX / f2.012VDC REGULATED 130mABLACK METAL CASE 1- 3/16” X 1- 3/16”OPTIONAL LENSES: P1 =3.7mm CONE, P2 = 2.8mm SUPERCONE, P43 =4.3mm CONE, P28F= FLAT 2.8mm, P5 = SUPERCON Thermal Imaging Cameras Thermal Imaging cameras use infrared or heat spectrum to see in total darkness. These special cameras have been used by the military for many years. Recently they have come down in price and can be used by police and fire departments. Thermal Imaging cameras are used when there is no light available from either an IR illuminator or standard lighting. They are available with IP network connectivity. These thermal cameras are sensitive to long-wavelength (8-12 micron) light and are intended for use in all weather applications. Cooled thermal cameras provide better sensitivity than uncooled thermal cameras, but cost more.  Even though the uncooled thermal cameras cost less, they still provide high-quality imagery for high -security applications.  This type of thermal imager will detect thermal activity in total darkness, through smoke, dust, blowing sand, fog, and other obscurants. These versatile, high-performance imagers meet a wide variety of needs in a small, lightweight, military approved package. Straight forward inputs and outputs to the camera provide ease of integration. More information ... Very Low Light Cameras If you have a very low light application and don't want to use a thermal camera or add IR illumination, you can use a BW camera with extremely low light sensitivity. These cameras still need some light but some can operate with the light from the moon. Here is an example of a very sensitive low light camera. The GW-902H is a very sensitive low light camera. With a highly sensitive CCD sensor, visibility is assured in conditions with a minimum illumination of 0.0003 lx. Features: 3 times more sensitive (940nm) in the near-infrared wavelength2.5 times more sensitive in the visible ray wavelengthSmear can be reduced by approx. -10dB.High resolution: 380K(EIA) 440K(CCIR) pixels (570 horizontal TV lines)Specifications Technical Support IP camera security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### FAQs about IP Camera Systems Frequently Asked Questions or FAQs about IP Camera Systems What is an IP camera system? How do you record the video from IP cameras systems? What is a Video Server? What is a Network Video Recorder (NVR) What is the Difference between a network video server and the Network Video Recorder What is a Digital Video Recorder (DVR)? What is the difference between a DVR and an NVR? What software do I need? How much bandwidth is required on my network to support IP Cameras? What is Power over Ethernet or PoE? What is the difference between an optical camera and a thermal camera? What is an explosion-proof Camera? What is a CCTV System? Q: What is an IP camera system? A: An IP camera system consists of a number of network attached cameras, which are generally called IP cameras.  The system also includes some type of video recording system and a number of viewing workstations.  The video recording system can be either a computer running video management software (VMS, or a Network Video Recorder (NVR). Q: How do you record the video from IP cameras systems? A: There are three types of recording systems: Video Management Software, Network Video Recorders (NVR), and Cloud service systems. Each one provides some unique capability. Video Management Software (VMS) is software only that runs on your Windows computer and can be scaled to any size of system. Network Video Recorder (NVR) is a complete system that includes the computer and software and is typically proprietary and not expandable. Cloud service provides remote recording (over the Internet) for IP cameras at many different locations. For more details take a look at our review and comparison of a number of these IP video recording systems. Q: What is a Video Server? A: The network video server is a computer that runs special Video Management Software (VMS) and is used to record video from IP cameras. A Windows computer is usually used as the platform for the VMS. Video is recorded onto the computer's hard drives in a special video format. Learn more about Video Management Software. There has been some confusion with this term because a number of years ago a device that attached an analog camera to the network was also called a video or camera server. A video camera server, is now usually referred to as a Video Encoder. Q: What is a Network Video Recorder (NVR) A: The Network Video Recorder (NVR) is a complete IP Camera recording device. It is similar to the Video Server system, but instead of using a standard Windows computer, it uses a dedicated special computer with an operating system and application software that is dedicated to recording the video. It also allows many people to view real time and recorded video. The term evolved from the older DVR (or Digital Video Recorder). The NVR includes both the computer and special Video Management Software (VMS). The computer usually uses Linux, but there are some that use Windows as well. For a comparison of the Computer Server using VMS and the Network Video Server (NVR), take a look at our review and comparison of various systems. Q: What is the Difference between a network video server and the Network Video Recorder A: The Video Server is similar to the Network Video Recorder (NVR) in that they both record the video. The Network Video Recorder comes with the VMS software already installed, while the Video Server does not include the VMS software. You can select the VMS you like and then load it on the Video Server. The Video Server usually runs the Windows operating system and is more flexible than the NVR because it is easier to expand and add cameras. The NVR usually has a fixed limit to the number of cameras it will support. Q: What is a Digital Video Recorder (DVR)? A: The DVR is a device that records video from analog cameras to one or more hard drives. It is used in CCTV systems. The term DVR is also used by the consumer TV market. The DVR used in the security market has a fixed number of BNC connections to attach analog CCTV cameras. DVRs are available with 4, 8 16, 32 and 64 channels (or connections). This means that you have a maximum number of cameras that can be supported by one unit. Once you exceed the number of connections available on the DVR, you will need to add another DVR to your system. Some DVRs connect to the network and can be viewed using a Windows computer. Q: What is the difference between a DVR and an NVR? A: Here are a few of the many differences between these devices. - The NVR connects to the computer network and so does all the IP cameras. This allows you to take advantage of the existing network infrastructure instead of running wires from a "home base" location to all the cameras. - The DVR uses coax connections to each of the analog cameras - The NVR supports high-resolution megapixel cameras - The DVR supports only cameras with VGA resolution There are many more differences between systems that use analog cameras and those that use IP cameras. To learn more take a look at our article that compares an analog system to the new IP camera systems.. Q: What software do I need? A: If you want to view many cameras on the same screen, or need to record the video, you must select a video management software product (VMS) or select one of the network video recorder (NVR) systems. There are a number of different Video Management Software (VMS) products available. The primary job of the VMS is to record the video from many IP cameras on the network. It is very important to select software that is very reliable and doesn't crash. You certainly don't want to lose important video. It is also important to use a dedicated computer system to run the VMS. The various software products available have many additional functions including motion detection, special alerts that tell you when something important has happened. Flexible display of real-time and recorded video, and easy locating and display of multiple recorded video channels to name a few. The exact feature set depends on your objectives. Take a look at the table of VMS that compares a number of different products. Q: How much bandwidth is required on my network to support IP Cameras? A: Calculating bandwidth used by IP cameras is complicated, but it can be estimated. Bandwidth used by an IP camera system is determined by the number of cameras, camera resolution, frame rate, the compression used, amount of motion seen by each camera, and sometimes even the lighting. For example, one frame of video uses about 30K Bytes when using MJPEG compression. If we require 10 frames per second, it takes up 10 frames/sec. X 30K Bytes = 300 K Bytes/sec. which equals 2400 K bits/sec. (using 8 bits per Byte). This can be reduced over 20 times when using the latest H.264 compression, so you use only 120 K bits/sec. To learn more about calculating bandwidth take a look at our article about "IP Camera Bandwidth". Q: What is Power over Ethernet or PoE? A: The latest IP cameras get power over the network. This is referred to as Power over Ethernet (PoE). You can also add a PoE midspan or power injector between the switch and the camera. This means that you only need to run one network cable to each camera, making installation very easy. Q: What is the difference between an optical camera and a thermal camera? A: Thermal and optical IP cameras use different technologies to capture video. Each type of camera system provides a unique role in an IP video surveillance system.  Optical IP cameras are primarily used for general surveillance. We use IP camera systems indoors and outdoors to view and record everything from criminals to wildlife. Thermal IP cameras are excellent for nighttime surveillance and can also be used to provide non-contact temperature measurements. The thermal imaging camera not only can be used at night, it can also “see” through rain, snow, and fog so can be used to enhance surveillance applications. To learn more look at the article Thermal versus Optical IP Cameras. Q: What is an explosion-proof Camera? A: An explosion-proof camera is one that can be used in a hazardous potentially explosive environment. This means that the camera system will not cause an explosion, rather than survive an explosion outside the enclosure. The cameras used in these environments are designed to prevent ignition of the surrounding gases or dust. They will either contain any explosion within the device or prevent sparks from exiting the device and triggering an explosion. To learn more, take a look at the article What is an Explosion-Proof Camera. Q: What is a CCTV System? A CCTV system is a Closed Circuit TV system. These are cameras that are available to a private group of people rather than provided to a very large number of people using a broadcast TV signal. It is the original term used for a camera surveillance system that was connected using analog coax wire. Today we use IP cameras instead. The system consists of analog cameras, a DVR or tape recorder, and connected by coax cable. More Information Learn more about: IP Camera Systems IP Camera Recording Systems IP Camera Selection ChartIP Camera ReviewVideo Management SoftwareNetwork Video RecordersComponents of the IP Camera SystemResourcesMore FAQs about IP Camera Systems Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Lens Selection Chart Lens Selection Chart Kintronics offers a selection of lenses for purchase.If you don't see the lens you would like, please contact us for more information. What focal length lens do I need?Guide: the smaller the focal length number => the wider is the angle of the field of view. To determine what lens you need, take a look at the article Calculating What You Can See With Your IP Camera.   Once you calculate the viewing angle you need, you can select the lens.   It's easy to select the right lens if the manufacturer provides the lens angle as well as the mm of the lens. It they don't provide the angle, then use the lens calculator to determine the mm of the lens. If you have a camera in a large office area or warehouse, and you want to see as much as you can, you should use a 2.8 or 4 mm lens (that provides a wide view) If you want to observe an area that's far away area, or zoom in on a small area like a doorway, you should use an 8 mm or 12 mm lens (that provides a narrow view and objects are closer). Check the table below for the angle for field of view.  It's always a good idea to select a varifocal lens so you can make final adjustments when the camera is installed.  Calculations will get you close, but the real world may require some fine tuning to get the view you want. Learn more about Available Lenses | Megapixel IP Cameras Lens Selection Chart - For Megapixel Cameras * C mount lens require CS Adapter when used with cameras with CS type mounts. Manufacturer and Product NumberApproximate Field of ViewMountFocal Length (in mm)ApertureApplicationComputar M0814-MP40 degreeC*8f1.4megapixel normalComputar M1214-MP25 degreeC*12f1.4megapixel teleComputar M2514-MP12.5 degreeC*25f1.4megapixel X-teleUOSS HKM1214CS25 degreeCS12f1.4inexpensive Alternative Megapixel Lenses Many of the megapixel box IP cameras accepts different lenses. Any camera with a megapixel imager, should use a lens that has a resolution capability that matches the camera. Normal CCTV lenses do not take full advantage of the resolution of Megapixel cameras, and you will notice the image improvement if you select a megapixel lens. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### TruViewIP Camera manufacturers supported by TruViewIP   4XEM (3)Absolutron (6)ACTi (69)Appro (21)Arecont Vision (40)Asoni (39)AVS Uriel System (1)Axis (105)Basler (17)Bosch (27)Brickcom (18)Camdeor (1)Canon (12)CBC (AMERICA) Corporate (14)Clairvoyant (4)CNB (31)Cornet Technology (2)Dante (9)DLink (36)DVTel (5)DynaColor (17)EverFocus (4)FLIR (11)GadSpot (2)GeoVision (1)Hawking (1)Hikvision (39)HUNT (7)IDView (2)Infinova (64)Intellinet (13)IPx (4)IQinvision (46)JVC (4)LevelOne (11)Linksys (2)Lumenera (2)Luxon Video (6)MOBOTIX (7)Moxa (1)ONVIF (1)Panasonic (42)Pelco (11)Pixord (10)Planet (14)Samsung (11)Sanyo (10)SC Black (5)Scallop Imaging (3)Sentry 360 (24)Sony (61)Speco Technologies (2)StartDot-Tech (1)TCLink (1)Toshiba (8)Trendnet (4)Truen (11)UDP Technology (30)VCenter (2)Verint (3)Video Insight (14)Vivotek (106)Weldex (1) The TruViewIP Server allows you to view live and recorded video from IP based cameras on the server, Network Client or Web Client. The TruViewIP Server is based on the same leading Microsoft.Net and SQL technologies as our other products and is designed to support hundreds of cameras from leading camera manufacturers including Axis, Canon, D-Link, JVC, Panasonic, Mobotix, Pixord, Sony, Toshiba, and Vivotek. We support most of the cameras made by the manufacturers listed. We are constantly adding new cameras to the list so please contact us to determine if the specific model is supported. ### IQinVision Small JPEG Files Sizes More Benefits High Resolution | Field of View | Lightgrabber | Low Power Small JPEG File Sizes IQinVision reduces file sizes in two ways, saving you money by reducing storage requirements and network bandwidth. Better JPEG compression from our internally developed JPEG algorithms provides you smaller files with better quality.One large image compresses better than two (or more) small images with the same total pixel count and field of view.Replace 2 or 4 cameras with one IQeye3. Same total pixel count, but use up to 25% less disk space. Higher-resolution brings a greater field of view, with the same pixels per visual content. One IQeye3 provides as much visual information as 4 normal cameras. In addition to saving money on the cameras, networking gear, and ongoing maintenance issues, you also benefit by substantially lower file sizes per pixel. One large JPEG is much more efficient than 4 smaller JPEGs, and that efficiency is greater the more the file is compressed. You can expect a range of an additional 5 to 25% less storage required when one IQeye3 is doing the work of 2 or 4 regular cameras. This reduction is on top of the savings that result from our better JPEG compression! Would you rather have one image 1288 by 968 using 208,283 bytes of disk storage Or, wouldyou rather have four images each 640 by 480 using a total of 225,820 bytes Learn more about Cameras from Other Manufacturers | Compatible lenses | Software Management System | More IQeye3 Cameras Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 Tel: 800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) ### IQeye Alliance-MX6 Features and Benefits of IQ Cameras | More IQeye IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras IQinvision Alliance-MX6 IP dome camera has been Discontinued This camera has been discontinued. Take a look at the alternative dome IP Dome camera from Hanwha. The latest Alliance-MX 6 Series are indoor / outdoor Megapixel dome IP cameras with built-in IR illuminator and on-camera storage capability. They have some great features such as wide dynamic range (WDR), and true day/night capability, and two-way audio. The IQeye Alliance's PoE support, variable lenses, and 3-axis gimbal make it easy to install. They can be mounted to a ceiling or wall (with additional hardware). Select 1.3 MP, 2.0 MP, 3.0 MP or 5.0 MP models. Features: Resolutions up to 5 MegapixelsOutdoor rated  (IP66)Vandal-resistant (IK10) domeSlot for Micro-SD cardWide Dynamic Range of 100 dB (except 5 MP model)Select lens, variable, P-iris, or remote zoom and focusONVIF and PSIA CompliantTwo-Way AudioIO relay and inputTrue Day/Night Movable IR FilterPower Over Ethernet3 Year Warranty Comparison Table and Guide - Alliance MX-6 Dome Please contact us for help selecting the right IP camera system. We provide free consulting and engineering to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just contact us. IQeye Alliance-MX6 IP Dome Camera Specifications SPECIFICATIONS / ModelIQM61WR (1 MP)IQM62WR (2 MP)Resolution1280 x 7201920 x 1080Day / NightIR cut filterIR cut filterMinimum IlluminationColor: 0.2 lux;B/W: <0.05 lux without IRWDR: 100 dBColor: 0.2 lux;B/W: <0.05 lux without IRWDR: 100 dBIR Distance50 ft (15 m)50 ft (15 m)LensesB5: 3-13 mm; A4: 2.8-8.5 mmB5: 3-13 mm; A4: 2.8-8.5 mmMotorized remote zoom and focusUsing A4 lensUsing A4 lensMax. Frame Rate30 fps30 fpsRemote zoom and focusA4: MotorizedA4: MotorizedTwo-way Audio*Mic and line in, line outMic and line in, line outIO connectors*Out (100ma at 24V), InputOut (100ma at 24V), InputOn-board storageSlot for Micro SD cardSlot for Micro SD cardOperating Temp -30 to 122° F (-34 to 50° C) -30 to 122° F (-34 to 50° C) High-Resolution Models SPECIFICATIONS / ModelIQM63WR (3 MP)IQM65NR (5 MP)Resolution2048 x 15362560 x 1920Day / NightIR cut filterIR cut filterMinimum IlluminationColor: 0.2 lux;B/W: <0.05 lux without IRWDR: 100 dBColor: 0.3 lux;B/W: <0.05 lux without IRWDR not availableIR Distance50 ft (15 m)50 ft (15 m)LensesB5: 3-13 mm; A4: 2.8-8.5 mm (39° - 95°)A4: 2.8-8.5 mm (39° - 99°)Motorized remote zoom and focusUsing A4 lensUsing A4 lensMax. Frame Rate20 fps10 fps   Two-way Audio*Mic and line in, line outMic and line in, line outIO connectors*Out (100ma at 24V), InputOut (100ma at 24V), InputOn-board storageSlot for Micro SD cardSlot for Micro SD cardOperating Temp -30 to 122° F (-34 to 50° C) -30 to 122° F (-34 to 50° C) * Two-way audio, IO connections, and analog outputs require additional back-box (IQM-Box) or cable (IQM-CAB) Lens selection: B5: 3-13 mm With fixed iris);  26° - 65°A4: 2.8-8.5 mm (with P-iris);  37° - 90° Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system. Accessories   Part NumberDescriptionIQM-BOXTerminates I/O relay, audio, and analog video cableswhen the installation is on a hard surface. (Includes IQMCAB Auxiliary Cable).IQM-CABWhen IQM-Box is not used, terminates I/O relay,audio and analog video cables wheninstallation is in a drop ceiling.IQA-CNRInterior/Exterior Corner & Pole Mount AdapterIQA-FGInterior/Exterior Flush Mount AdapterIQM-GBAGang Box AdapterIQM-WM2Interior/Exterior Wall Mount AdapterIQM-PNDInterior/Exterior Pendant Mount Adapter Technical Support Paging and Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance ### TruViewIP Sorry, this software has been discontinued. Please see the other software available. Key Features of TruViewIP This full-featured video management software for IP cameras runs on your Windows computer. It not only provides video viewing and recording, it also supports web browsers and smartphones Web clients supported include Explorer, Firefox, Safari and Chrome. Reduces bandwidth by using the video intelligence available in the latest IP Cameras Includes redundant facilities to assure operation even when failures occur. Multilevel Maps help you locate your cameras and select the view you want TruViewIP Video Management Software (VMS) provides powerful capability at a reasonable price. This open architecture system is easy to use and supports hundreds of IP cameras using multiple servers. Take a look at our list of supported cameras. Client software is included at no additional cost. It integrates with many door access control systems. The facility mapping feature makes it very easy to create multilevel maps that allow you to select IP cameras at a geographic location, building and room.The software supports hundreds of different IP Cameras, including megapixel cameras. It includes support for motion detection not only at the camera but also at the server. The web viewer streams video in a universal format, allowing you to view your live video from almost any type of computer. Not just Windows. Provides full featured Windows, Web, Smart Phone and PDA Client. supports multiple smartphone devices including iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and Android mobile phones without the installation of an app. TruViewIP Supported Cameras | More Video Management Software Contact us for more details and pricing. In the USA call 1-800-431-1658. Outside the USA call + 914-944-3425 Evaluation software is available To get started, try the software for 30 days. Contact us for the evaluation software. Documentation The following documentation is available.  Contact us for the latest copy: Installation ManualUser GuideProduct sheetSupported IP Cameras Versions available 32-bit versionContact us for link64-bit versionContact us for link For support We support the complete IP Camera system, not just the software. For assistance with your IP camera system, please contact us at: 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IQinVision IP Cameras Unfortunately, the IQeye Cameras have been Discontinued We have provided alternative solutions below Alternatives to the Megapixel IQeye IP Cameras from IQinvision Alternative cameras are available from Hanwha. The alternative cameras have better performance at lower prices.  See below for examples. All the cameras include every low light sensitivity and wide dynamic range that allows them to be used in challenging lighting situations. You can select indoor or outdoor box type or dome type cameras with excellent performance and amazing features. They all can be powered using PoE. IQinvision merged with Vicon to create a new company that offers a larger variety of products.   IQinvision was the original place to go for high-resolution cameras.  Now there are many other camera manufacturers that provide higher resolution cameras.  Take a look at Hanwha (Samsung) and Sony cameras. Quick Look at the features Alliance Mini Dome Series -> Alternative is the QND-6011 Indoor dome with up to 3 MPixel resolution Alliance Mini Dome Series This is an economical indoor dome IP camera. There are three cameras in the series that provide 1, 2, and 3-megapixel resolution. All the models have very good low light performance, 0.20 lux in color and as low as 0.05 lux in BW mode. Read More ... Alliance MX II Dome Series -> Alternative is the Q-Series of Hanwha Dome Cameras Outdoor or indoor dome with IR and up to 5 MPixel resolution Alliance MX II Dome Series:This outdoor dome can also be used indoors. There are four cameras in the series that provide 1, 2, 3 and 5-megapixel resolution. These cameras include two-way audio capability and built-in IR that allows you to use these cameras in total darkness. The variable lens makes it easy to adjust the field of view. All the models have very good low light performance, 0.2 in color and as low as 0.05 lux in BW mode. Read More ... Alliance-Pro Series -> Alternative is the X-Series Hanwha Cameras Outdoor or indoor dome with remote zoom and focus, 2-way audio, and IO connections and with up to 5 MPixel resolution Alliance-Pro Series:This is a full-featured IP dome camera that can be used indoors or outdoors. There are five cameras in the series that provide VGA, 1, 2, 3 and 5-megapixel resolution. These cameras include two-way audio capability and remote zoom and focus lenses that make it very easy to set up. All the models have very good low light performance, 0.2 in color and as low as 0.05 lux in BW mode. Read More ... 7-Series -> The alternative is the Hanwha Box Cameras Indoor box camera with up to 5 MPixel resolution 7-Series:This is an indoor box-type camera. It can also be used outdoors if it is placed inside an environmental enclosure. There are four cameras in the series that provide 1, 2, 3 and 5-megapixel resolution. These cameras include analog video out and back focus lens that makes it easier to install. All the models have very good low light performance, 0.2 in color and as low as 0.05 lux in BW mode. More ... Sentinel Series -> The alternative is the Hanwha Bullet Cameras Outdoor box camera with up to 5 MPixel resolution. Sentinel Series:This outdoor box-type camera includes a complete mounting system that allows it to be used in a variety of applications. The low power requirements (8 watts) make it ideal for applications where you have limited power available. There are four cameras in the series that provide 1, 2, 3 and 5-megapixel resolution. These cameras include back focus lens that makes it easier to install. All the models have very good low light performance, 0.2 in color and as low as 0.05 lux in BW mode. Read More ... Resources: Features and Benefits of IQeye Cameras | Lenses | Compare to Other IP Camera Brands Why Select IQeye Cameras? A: IQinVision was the first camera manufacturer to introduce megapixel resolution IP cameras. They have been providing high-quality cameras since 1998. They are best known for their high image quality, system stability and high reliability. Technical Support Paging and Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance     Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information and our catalog of video products.   Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 Tel: 800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) ### Technical Articles Technical Information About Network Attached Security Systems Want to know how the IP camera works, or the advantages of network-attached IP door access control systems, or how to install the IP intercom and emergency paging systems? Here's everything you need to know about the latest network-attached technology. Learn how the technology works and how to make use of it. Many of these articles are from our Newsletter. Take a look at a sample of out Technology Notes Newsletter, and If you want to receive a copy just fill out the contact form. More technical information and application notes are available in our blogs and videos. The easiest way to assure you get the right system is to let us help. We have a lot of experience so we can help you select the right system for your application. Not only do we provide the best pricing, but our technical support is also free. Just contact us for assistance. Frequently Asked Questions Questions about IP Cameras Questions about the complete IP Camera systems Door Access Control FAQ Getting Started With Your IP Camera System How to Install Your IP Camera System This article describes how to install your IP camera system. It reviews all the steps required to mount the cameras, install it on the network, and connect it to your video recording system. Surveillance and Security Objectives Before purchasing anything, you need to establish what you would like to accomplish. Understanding the IP Camera How the IP camera works includes a great tutorial video. IP Camera Systems – The Complete Reference Guide This article provides everything you wanted to know about the IP camera system. It describes everything from how the IP camera works to the best way to record the video. IP Surveillance Systems compared to CCTV Systems What's better? IP camera systems are replacing the older CCTV analog camera systems. IP cameras offer major benefits over the older systems. Here is a review of the differences between the technologies. IP Camera System TroubleshootingWe are frequently asked to help correct problems with IP camera systems. Troubleshooting the surveillance camera system can be challenging. Here is a list of things that could help. Selecting the Right Camera System By answering all the questions in this article, you will have all the information you need to define the exact system for your application. Complete Surveillance System A complete Surveillance system consists of IP cameras, software, and video storage. In this article, we put it all together. We create a real-life requirement and then assemble a complete surveillance system. Everything is included from the cameras and lenses to the mounting brackets and power supplies. Specifications for IP Cameras Before purchasing your IP Cameras, it’s best to understand the specifications. Specifications to consider include the resolution, lens, light sensitivity, and dynamic range. Determine the Right Lens and Resolution required for Your IP Cameras. The resolution of the camera and the lens define what you will see. The resolution of the camera defines what detail you will see while the lens will determine how far away the image is from the camera and how wide an area (the Field of View) you can see. What are Video Servers, NVR, and DVRs Video Server, Network Video Recorder, Digital Video Recorder, all three devices will record and store your video but exactly how do they differ? This article describes the pros and cons of each type of system. Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria We use the Johnson criterion to predict how far away we can see something using a specific camera and lens.  The criteria define the threshold for detection, recognition, and identification (DRI). The industry has used this criterion since World War II. It has not been updated to reflect today’s technology and resolution requirements. Top... IP Camera Buyers Guides and Reviews Comparison of Panoramic and PTZ Cameras PTZ and Panoramic surveillance cameras provide a wide viewing area but do it differently. This difference is important. Two popular options for surveillance cameras are PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) and Panoramic cameras. Each has strengths and limitations, depending on factors like viewing distance, low-light performance, situational awareness, critical situation detection, and best applications. IP Camera Systems: Proprietary Versus Open Systems An IP Camera system includes network-attached IP Cameras, the PoE network, and Video Management Software or Network Video Recorder. IP Camera Systems have historically been designed as “open systems” with many manufacturers’ cameras and video recording software. A few manufacturers have bundled IP cameras into their VMS solutions and provided proprietary systems. They have traded easy implementation for flexibility. This article describes and compares open systems to proprietary IP Camera System solutions. Read more... Comparison of PTZ CamerasWhat is the best PTZ camera? It depends on your application. The article reviews how to select the right PTZ camera. We provided several of the best IP PTZ cameras available.  IP Camera Systems – Professional Versus Consumer Systems You can find IP cameras starting at under $40, but are these IP cameras right for your business, school, hospital, government organization, or commercial organization? Buyers Review and Guide to IP Camera Systems In this second review, we tested Axis, Sony, Canon, and Hikvision to determine if they met their published specifications and how they performed against each other. Bullets, Domes, and PTZ CamerasWhat is the Best IP Camera for Your Application: This article compares the different IP cameras and describes the Pros and Cons, and the best place to use each type of camera. IP Camera Systems for all OccasionsThese days, IP camera systems can be used in many different applications and environments. It’s not just to determine who robbed the bank. IP camera systems are more than just recording the video. They include sophisticated intelligence that can notify us of real-time alarm conditions. The Evolution of IP Camera SystemsThis article provides a review of the changes in IP camera technology and how the increased capability can enhance your security. How to Select the Right IP Camera SystemYes, it takes some work to select the right IP camera for the area, but it will make the difference between security and uncertainty. This article describes the process you can use to choose your camera and video recording software. The Best IP camera for Your ApplicationThere are many IP cameras available. Some are very inexpensive, while others cost a lot. Why the price difference? It mainly depends on the performance and quality.  The first thing to consider is what you want to accomplish, and then use the following guide to select the right IP camera. Selecting the Right IP Camera SystemAn IP Camera System is a complete solution that includes the camera, the software and the network. The best system meets your objectives. This article reviews the best system solution for specific applications. Comparison of Commercial IP Camera Systems and Home CamerasWhat’s the difference between a home surveillance camera and a commercial IP camera system used in schools, office buildings, and hospitals? Home IP Cameras cost between $20 and $100, while the professional IP cameras range from $150 to over $2,000. There is a difference. This article compares the capability you should expect from a home camera versus a commercial surveillance IP camera system. What is the Best Camera for Your IP Camera System Do you want to know when a person steals the laptop from the desk or leaves an unattended package, or do you need to record what happens in the parking lot? This article suggests the right surveillance camera for your IP camera system. Long Range Camera Systems – Custom Vs. Off-the-Shelf While custom-made cameras are best for very long-range applications, the latest off-the-shelf cameras provide some of the same capability for less money. What is the Best IP Camera? The answer is, it depends. It depends on what you want to do. This article reviews the important features for different applications. What is the Best 4K IP Camera? We reviewed 4K cameras from Axis, Hikvision, Samsung, and Sony.  We tested resolution, low light capability and other features of these very high-resolution cameras. What is the Best Price for Your IP Camera System The other day I was walking down a street in Manhattan and I saw a guy selling watches. There was one watch that looked just like an expensive Rolex but cost only $50. What a deal, I thought. We consistently try and find the best deal, but sometimes forget that “you get what you pay for”. I know I do. How many times have we gotten burned by this? I’m not sure how to tell if the watch is worth $50, but I can provide some guidance about what to consider when purchasing an IP surveillance camera system. Buyers guide and comparison chart for IP Camera Recording Systems We compared Video Management Software (VMS) to NVRs and Cloud video recording services. Thermal versus Optical IP Cameras Thermal and optical IP cameras use different technologies to capture video. Each type of camera system provides a unique role in an IP video surveillance system. IP Cameras Price Versus Performance How much should you expect to pay for your IP camera? Do you need a camera for a small room or an outdoor camera that can recognize a person over 300 ft. away? This article compares the price to the performance of IP cameras Top... Understanding AI-Enhanced IP Camera Technology IP Camera Systems with AI Improve Perimeter Awareness: This article describes how the new EV-EDGE AI Software can enhance IP Camera Systems and improve perimeter security and situational awareness. IP Camera Systems With AI Protect People This article describes how the latest Scy-AI software can detect objects like guns in a person’s hand or a criminal in a crowd, intrusion into a perimeter, detect and count vehicles, enhance safety in parking areas, and recognize behavior anomalies. Detecting Threats using AI and IP Camera Systems This article describes how the latest AI software can help increase safety by analyzing many threats, such as detecting a person with a gun entering your facility, or notifying security if someone falls. The Revolution in IP Camera Systems Today’s buzzword is AI (Artificial Intelligence). It is a game changer for IP camera systems because AI-equipped cameras can instantly notify security personnel about critical events, enabling faster response times and minimizing potential risks. The IP camera system is transformed from a review of past events to an instant reaction system. Read more... IP Camera Systems with AI Safeguarding Campuses: The Integration of AI Gun Detection and Behavioral Analysis for Enhanced Security In an era where safety concerns loom large, university campuses are at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technologies to ensure the well-being of their students, faculty, and staff. One groundbreaking advancement in this domain is the implementation of an AI-driven surveillance system designed to detect firearms and preemptively identify aggressive behavior, thus fortifying campuses against the threat of mass shootings. This article describes how artificial intelligence (AI) provides a powerful enhancement to IP camera systems. Proactive Physical Threat Detection What are your Safety and Security expectations? Do you want to be Reactive or Proactive? In a reactive system, the security person searches video after an event or incident. In a proactive system, the facility is actively monitored by an AI-enhanced camera system that sends alarms to security personnel. This article describes how a proactive security system works, why it is helpful, and how to install it. Read more... Integration of IP Cameras and Other Security Systems Physical Security Systems Guide Physical security systems encompass a range of products designed to protect facilities and individuals by controlling access, monitoring activities, and providing communication. This article provides the resources to help you select the best physical security solution. Read more... Physical Security Systems Guide Physical security systems encompass a range of products designed to protect facilities and individuals by controlling access, monitoring activities, and providing communication. This article provides the resources to help you select the best physical security solution. Read more... How to Use IP Cameras With Access Control Access control systems provide increased safety by controlling who can enter the organization. IP cameras provide surveillance of the organization. Together, they offer a synergistic method that dramatically improves the organization’s safety. This article describes how to use IP cameras with access control systems Integration of Access Control and IP Camera Systems IP Cameras, Access Control, and Paging System Enhance Security Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) make our lives more secure? AI is controversial but has become an asset in our efforts to increase our safety. Another technological advancement is integrating several protection systems to achieve a much-improved security environment. This article reviews the latest AI enhancements of IP camera Systems and the improved integration capacity in security systems, which results in better security. Read more... How to Use IP Cameras With Access Control Access control systems provide increased safety by controlling who can enter the organization. IP cameras provide surveillance of the organization. Together, they offer a synergistic method that dramatically improves the organization’s safety. This article describes how to use IP cameras with access control systems. Read more... Articles about IP Camera Systems Alternative to Hikvision and other Banned IP Cameras In 2022, the US government banned Hikvision, Dahua, and other Chinese-manufactured cameras. Unfortunately, they do not meet the requirements established by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and can’t be sold to government agencies. Though this was a political move, it also recognized certain security risks associated with these cameras. Even though the Hikvision is no longer available, other camera manufacturers have equivalent cameras. This article provides alternative cameras with even better performance and a lower price. Read more... How Low-Light Sensitivity Works in an IP CamerasThe low-light capability of IP cameras has gotten much better over the last few years. We used to be happy with cameras that could see at 0.1 lux in color, but now we have IP cameras (like the PNO-A6081R) that have low-light sensitivity in color at 0.007 Lux. The camera can see at night when the stars are shining. This article reviews the technology behind very low-light IP cameras. How the CMOS Video Sensor Works in IP CamerasThis article describes how the CMOS sensor in IP camera systems converts the visual world into digital signals. Explosion-Proof IP Camera SystemsThis article reviews the certifications and standards that define what type of explosion-proof camera system should be used. How the IP Camera WorksThis article describes all the components of an IP camera. To better understand how the IP camera works, let’s start with the old analog film camera. This camera has three fundamental parts, the lens, the shutter, and the film. Camera, Sound, Action on the NetworkAdding sound to security systems increased our safety. The sound provided better clues about what we were seeing. For example, if we saw two people together, we would react differently if we heard laughing or yelling. IP Camera System Site SurveyThis article helps you understand how to get the best coverage for your IP camera system. It describes how to develop your site survey, select the correct cameras, resolution, lens, and location. The Evolution of the PTZ CameraThis article describes the evolution of the PTZ cameras from coax connected analog cameras to network-attached digital cameras with much greater capability. IP Camera Systems Are Getting SmarterThe latest IP cameras are getting very smart. Smart enough to recognize different objects, such as people, vehicles, and animals. Intelligent enough to reduce false alarms, increase awareness and response time, and even deliver information for demographics (Business Intelligence) purposes. Requirements for Long-Range PTZ Cameras If we want to detect an object that is miles away, is the magnification of the lens the most important, or is it the camera resolution? It turns out that many factors determine the effectiveness of a long-range camera. The things that determine the performance of a long-range camera system include the magnification provided by the lens, motion of the object, camera resolution, atmospheric clarity, lighting, and contrast.  All these variables are inter-related. Cameras for Extreme Environments 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. IP Camera System InstallationThis 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. IP Camera Systems – The Complete Reference Guide This technical summary provides the information you need to make an informed purchase of your IP camera system. How to Integrate Door Access Control and IP Camera Systems When Door Access is integrated with IP cameras it provides increased security. The article reviews the best way to provide integration. Mobile Panic Buttons Panic buttons can be added to security systems to increase safety and security. It can be integrated into a security system such as surveillance camera systems, Paging systems, and door access control systems. The Intelligent IP Camera Intelligent IP cameras are providing advanced detection capability. These advanced cameras can tell you if someone has taken your laptop or if someone is screaming in the lobby. Extreme Environment IP Camera Enclosure Systems Do you need to view a rocket launch or the inside of a blast furnace? This article describes how high-temperature camera enclosures are made. How Surge Protectors Work or the Lightning's Thief Surges caused by lightning and other power disruptions can damage cameras as well as network switches and computers. This article describes how these surge protectors work and where to use them. Understanding Camera Specifications IP camera specifications include resolution, low light sensitivity, wide dynamic range, signal to noise, etc.  What do all the specifications mean in real-world application?  This article reviews what specifications are important for your specific application. Defining the Low Light Sensitivity of IP Cameras The low light sensitivity of an IP camera is a very important specification. It will determine if we can use the camera at night or in a dark room. Here's how to set up your camera for the best results in low light situations. How ALPR Works Learn how the automated license plate recognition systems work. Besides the analytic software that converts the image to computer characters, the system requires a good IP camera. It also requires proper lighting and the correct physical placement of the camera. What is an Explosion Proof Camera? An explosion-proof camera is one that can be used in a hazardous potentially explosive environment.  This means that the camera system will not cause an explosion, rather than survive an explosion outside the enclosure. Understanding IP Camera Resolution Specifications  High-Resolution Mega-pixel Cameras are Not all Alike.  This high resolution allows you to zoom in on portions of the video and still have enough resolution to identify a person’s face or license plate number.  You can even zoom in on the stored video, providing a distinct advantage over manual PTZ cameras. Cameras are available with 5 or more megapixels of resolution.  But how much resolution is required? Seeing in the Dark Can you see as well as an Owl? Many of the cameras can. There are choices of cameras available ranging from low light, IR sensitive and thermal imaging types. This article describes the differences in low-light technology. What is Bandwidth and how much is Required Are you having trouble with your cable connection? Are there problems with your telephone system? This article introduces you to the concept and helps you determine what Internet bandwidth is needed for sending video and audio. Viewing Your IP Camera from the Cloud  Cloud recording services can be used to provide remote recording and viewing of your IP surveillance camera system.  It replaces the local video recording system, but does it actually work?  This article reviews the technology and what you can and can't do with a remote server and your mobile smart cellphone device. Wireless IP Cameras There are a number of ways to create a wireless network for your IP camera. Some cameras have built-in wireless radios while other systems rely on separate radios.  Which is better? Here's a review of the wireless technology. How Face Recognition Works in a Crowd Facial recognition used to identify a person’s face in a crowd is different than biometric access control systems. They have different requirements and challenges. IP Camera Motion Stabilization When you are using a long-distance lens (higher focal point), it is hard to keep the camera steady. This article describes the various mechanisms used to stabilize an IP surveillance camera. Top... IP Camera Recording Systems There are three types of recording systems: Video Management Software, Network Video Recorders (NVR), and Cloud service systems. Each one provides some unique capability. We provided a summary of video recording systems available on our web page, and these articles provide more details about this important video recording function. IP Camera Systems – Professional Versus Consumer Systems Consumer IP cameras start at under $40, but are these IP cameras right for your business, school, hospital, government organization, or commercial organization? This article compares consumer and professional IP cameras. The Best Camera Video Recording SystemWhat is the best video management System? This article reviews several video recording systems for IP camera systems.  Buyers Guide and Comparison Chart of IP Camera Recording Systems We compared Video Management Software (VMS) to NVRs and Cloud video recording services. Real-time IP Camera Systems Many video recording systems support general alarms from the IP cameras, but only a few are able to identify each type of alarm and then react to the specific threat. For example, you may detect that a box was left in the lobby. How to Ensure Video Chain of Evidence It is important that video digital evidence follows the rules for the chain of evidence so it will be acceptable by the courts. It must be treated just like fingerprints, confiscated weapons, and other physical objects that need to be authenticated in court. What is the Best IP Camera Recording System There are NVRs and VMS systems, but what is best for you? Software for Your IP Cameras There are a number of different video management system solutions available.  This article reviews a number of different VMS products available,  Your application will determine the best product for your IP camera system. Real-Time IP Camera Systems This article describes the newest way that IP camera systems are adding real-time functionality that handles the uncertainty of real-time security. Top... About the Lens for IP Cameras The lens is one of the most important components of the IP camera system. The right lens allows you to see exactly what you want to see (field of view), with the clarity (resolution) you require. Take a look at our white paper about Selecting the Right Lens, and also read the following articles for more comprehensive information about the lens. Selecting the Right Lens and Resolution The resolution of the camera and the lens define what you will see. The resolution of the camera defines what detail you will see while the lens will determine how far away the image is from the camera and how wide an area (the Field of View) you can see. Calculating the Angle of the Lens How to calculate the viewing angle of the lens is important so you can know the maximum distance and field of view to expect. Top... Applications that use IP Camera Systems Enhancing School Safety With Technology Ensuring students, teachers, and staff safety and security within educational institutions is paramount in today’s rapidly evolving world. IP camera systems, door access control, and visitor management have emerged as powerful tools to enhance school safety in many ways. This article explores how these systems contribute to a safer learning environment: Read more... How IP Cameras, Access Control, and Intercoms Enhance Security What is the best way to use access control, IP camera systems, and intercoms to create lines of defense against intrusions. Surveillance cameras provided by IP camera systems have helped catch the criminals, but what can we do to prevent the intrusions. This article describes the proactive measures we can take to make life safer. Read more… IP Camera Systems for all OccasionsThese days, IP camera systems can be used in many different applications and environments. It’s not just to determine who robbed the bank. IP camera systems are more than just recording the video. They include sophisticated intelligence that can notify us of real-time alarm conditions. Recent Crime Wave Emphasizes the Need for Better IP Camera SystemsThis article reviews the basic requirements for providing good video evidence. It examines the IP Camera, the Video Recording Systems, and the installation of the IP camera system. Technology Review of 2021New IP cameras included advanced intelligence that improved camera performance, enhanced object detection and notified the user about alarm conditions. How Technology Helps Hospitals IP surveillance, intercoms, and door access control have been used to control how people move through all areas of hospitals. This article describes how technology is being used to help hospitals and other healthcare organizations meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Panic Button and Other Security Systems for SchoolsSecurity devices such as IP cameras, paging systems, metal detectors, door access control, and panic buttons can be used to help control emergency situations. This article provides a summary of the safety and security systems. PoE for Network-Attached DevicesThis article describes how access control systems, IP Camera Systems, and IP paging systems utilize power over Ethernet (PoE) IP Cameras in Action: Fighting Fires with Technology How the University of Montana College of Forestry uses the IP camera system Can Drones Help Firefighters contain Wildfires? Due to the prolonged drought in California, the number of wildfires in that state alone is 123% of the state’s average. The National Guard launched a Predator Drone to aid firefighters by using infrared sensors to detect hot spots along the fire’s perimeters or in isolated spots. Creating Safe Environments with IP Access Control, IP Cameras, and IP Paging Providing a safe environment is as old as the days when people lived in fortress enclosed towns. Today we can use technology instead of sentries on the ramparts. We can provide the three basic elements required for a safe haven: Create a barrier that prevents unauthorized people from entering; situational awareness; and third, alarms and notification to allow the proper response to situations. How to Answer Your Door with Your Mobile Device Now it's easy to get a notification on your smartphone that someone is at your door. You can then see who it is and talk to them, and finally unlock the door. It's all done with your mobile smartphone. IP Camera Systems and the Police As police come to depend more and more on the forensic assistance IP camera systems can give, they are also becoming increasingly frustrated when a video is of such poor quality that it cannot be used to furnish positive identification of a suspect. How Syracuse, NY is Using IP Cameras This report from the field describes how Syracuse added their surveillance camera system.  The police call their camera network the Criminal Observation and Protection System, or COPS for short. Believing in transparency, the city lists the location of all its cameras on a special COPS Cameras map. Integration of Mobile Smart Devices and Door Control Convergence is a word that means many things to many people; just try Googling it. But when applied to ConvergenceTP LLC, a company specializing in IP appliance connectivity to video management systems, Merriam-Webster.com has the best definition The merging of distinct technologies, industries, or devices into a unified whole. ConvergenceTP designed their Event Streaming Engine (ESE) to add value to the world of IP cameras that use video management software (VMS). It makes it possible to wed video surveillance to access control. Integration of IP Cameras, IP Audio Systems, And Door Control Increase Security When we integrate IP cameras with other network-attached devices such as intercoms, paging systems, and door control we can create a physical security system that increases your safety. Using an IP Camera with Audio IP cameras are getting more and more sophisticated. Many of the newer cameras include two-way audio that can be used with an intercom. License Plate Recognition A twenty-first-century Fact of Life. How it works. You may not have realized it, but Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology is all around us. It is used for toll collecting, to control access to parking lots and even to capture criminals. The technology has improved over the years and has become more economical. Top... About IP Network Attached Access Control Systems Door Readers for IP Access Control Systems Door readers are devices at the door that determine your permission to enter. The first electronic readers were developed in the 1960s. They had a keypad allowing users to enter their credentials. This PIN (Personal Identification Number) permits entry if you enter the correct number. Over the years, many types of door readers have been developed that are safer, simpler to install, and easier to use. This article reviews some of the most popular door readers and provides each type’s advantages and disadvantages: Read more... Door Access Control Justification Door access control systems have become much more valuable these days. They have always provided significant security benefits and have evolved to provide many more advantages. The most important technical advance is the use of IP-type access control devices. Implementing an access control system is a strategic move to enhance security, streamline operations, and ensure organizational compliance. This article describes how you can justify the investment in door access control. Read more... When to Install an Access Control System There’s an old expression: “Closing the door after the cows have left.” It perfectly encapsulates a mindset we often see when it comes to access control. Too many people or organizations realize its importance only after an incident has occurred. Unfortunately, by then, the damage is done, and the cost—whether financial, emotional, or reputational-can be steep. Read more... Access Control Features Modern door access control systems do more than regulate who enters a building—they have evolved into versatile tools that enhance security, convenience, and operational efficiency. With features such as flexible credentialing, integration with other systems, and advanced security measures, these systems provide robust capabilities that extend far beyond basic access management. Read more... Access Control Electric Locks: Mags versus Strikes The electric lock is a critical part of the Access Control System yet it is sometimes overlooked during the planning of the door access control system. Among the most common electric locks are the electric strike and the magnetic (Mag) lock, each offering distinct advantages and best suited for specific scenarios. Understanding the differences between these two types is essential to ensure the security and functionality of your access control system. Read more... Access Control Management Software: Cloud Versus On-site What is the difference between cloud and on-premise Access Control Software? On-site Access Control Software is the classic model of providing a perpetual license, allowing you to run the software on your computer. Cloud software runs on a remote server and is provided under a monthly or yearly subscription plan. Here are some pros and cons. Read more... Cloud or On-Site Access Control How Access Control Improves Safety Access control is a critical component in enhancing security for various environments, including businesses, educational institutions, government facilities, and residential areas. It refers to the selective restriction of access to a place or other resource. This article describes several ways in which access control improves security: Read more... The latest door access control readers connect directly to the network. The Isonas controller is built into the reader so you don't need an additional control panel. The enterprise access control system uses a separate controller located at the door and provides greater flexibility. The biometric door reader/controllers provide increased security. All these systems dramatically reduce installation time and cost. Here are a number of articles that explain the latest IP door control technology. Touchless Door Entry Control One way to control the spread of disease is to reduce the amount of surface contact. Biometric systems that use fingerprints, palm recognition, or finger-vein are being replaced by face recognition. This has the advantage of providing contactless or touchless door entry control. This article reviews several new products that use face recognition to control door entry. Thermal Body Temperature Screening Cameras This article reviews the various technologies used to measure a person’s body temperature, and how they can help monitor people as they enter a secure area. Access Controller Comparison The brain of a door access control system is the controller or access control panel. One or more door readers connect to a controller. The access controller receives the person’s ID number from the door reader, matches the credential to the list of approved users, and then opens the electric lock. This article compares the different types of access controllers or control panels. How Access Control Works The access control system ensures that only registered people can enter the organization. It provides four essential functions: It identifies who can enter Determines what door a person can use Defines when they can enter It maintains a record of everyone who is registered and keeps a list of who goes in and out This article describes the components of an access control system. Door Readers for Everyone We have come a long way since the early magnetic stripe cards. The new door readers can read RFID card credentials, mobile phone credentials, and biometric credentials. Some of the door readers are combinations of a reader and a controller. This means that all the intelligence is built into the reader at the door. This reader-controller connects to the network. Read more… Multi-Tenant Visitor Access Control IntercomMonitoring visitors in large organizations is a continuing challenge. The pandemic of 2021 increased our need to improve entry control to multi-tenant buildings and apartment houses. Not only do we want to know who would like to enter, but we also want to know if they are healthy.  This article describes how the multi-tenant wireless intercom works. How to Choose the Best Access Control SystemThis article reviews how to select the right access control system. We discuss the features, security requirements, the type of hardware required, the installation, credentials, and management software. And we compare the cost of ownership for several access control systems. Door Access and Other Security Systems After the DisruptionAccess control, IP camera systems, intercoms, and paging systems were used to mitigate the disruption. This article describes how the Pandemic caused an upheaval in access control and other technologies that will stay with us into the future. Scalable Door Access ControlThis article reviews the incremental capability of these new IP access control systems. The new IP Reader-Controllers connect to the network and are intelligent. One of the most significant advantages is the ability to install one door at a time. Access Control Locks FAQ – Fail-Secure or Fail-SafeConfiguring the electric lock is an essential part of your access control system installation. The electric lock can be configured for Fail-safe or Fail-secure. What is better? The answer is not that simple. Here are some of the frequently asked questions that we received. The answers will help you decide how to configure your door access control system. IP Physical Security SystemsWhen we provide interaction or cooperation between two or more devices or agents, we produce a combined effect more significant than the sum of their parts. That’s synergy. And that’s what we get when we integrate IP camera systems, IP door access control systems, and paging and intercom systems. Benefits of a Door Access Control SystemOne of the key motivators in business is the return-on-investment (ROI). We will invest in marketing if it increases sales. We will purchase new machinery if it increases production. We will select the access control system if it meets our security requirements. Door Access Control – Commercial Versus Residential SystemsBoth the residential and commercial access control systems have all the same components, yet they have very different capabilities. This article compares the difference between commercial enterprise and residential access control systems. Door Access Control – After the PandemicThe need for security had been growing over the last few years, but when COVID hit, access control became more important.  Since many people were working from home, empty office spaces needed to be protected. Visitors needed to be monitored, and temperature screening became essential.  Access Control Systems Good PracticesThere are several things to consider when selecting and installing a door access control system. These safer practices increase the overall security of the system. Door Access Control and Visitor Management IntegrationThe combination of access control, temperature scanning, contact tracing, and access to control databases has increased security and health. This article reviews the new technology advances in visitor management and the integration of door access control and other technologies. Access Control Enhanced With IntercomsAn access control system allows people with a credential to enter, but what happens when a visitor comes to the door?  One easy way to handle the visitor is to add an IP intercom.  An IP camera, and some additional software, can be added to provide a safe way to allow visitors to enter. This article describes how you can enhance your access control system.  Integrating Access Control and Temperature ScreeningAccess control systems can be enhanced to increase safety by adding biometric (face and Palm) access credentials, temperature scanning, and mask detection. The biometric temperature scanning panels can be used by themselves or added to existing access control systems. The Best Single-Door Access Control System Today there are several ways to control a single door. There are single-door systems that use a keypad and IP door reader-controller systems that use card credentials or your smartphone for access. This article compares the single-door access control systems that attach to the network. How to Upgrade Your Access Control SystemThe latest access control panels provide improved functionality. By upgrading your access control panel, you can add many new functions. You can integrate IP cameras systems, elevator control, and other functions that will enhance safety and security. What is the Best Access Control SystemThe best access control system depends on your requirements. To determine your requirements, you should answer a few questions. What is Access Control In the security world, we refer to access control as a combination of electric lock, a door reader, and a controller that is used to prevent unauthorized entry. Comparison of Door Access Credentials 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. How Access Control Management Software Works 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. IP Door Access Systems Wiring The article reviews the wiring topography of various door access systems. We compared the different access control systems and the benefits and disadvantages of each system configuration. Mobile Credentials the New Key for Door Access Control A mobile credential is an authorization token much like a Prox card or keyfob.  The ID number is held in your smartphone instead of a card. That’s why we call it a mobile credential. Just like other types of credentials, it contains a unique number that can be used as the electronic key to open a door with an electric lock. What is the Best IP Door Access System for You? We compared three access control systems, the Isonas reader/controller system, the Hartmann control system with a separate IP controller located at the door, and the Biometric IP readers. Door Access Control – Frequently Asked Questions FAQs FAQ about door access control. How does door access control work, what is the most secure access control system, and why do I need door access control management software are some of the questions and answers provided. How Door Access Control Works The RFID door readers use credentials that have embedded circuits and an antenna. The reader broadcasts a signal that is received by the credential antenna. The broadcasted electrical signal contains enough power to energize the circuit in the credential. This article describes how the technology works. How to Increase Security in Apartment Buildings Network-attached security devices can provide walls of defense that increase safety in apartment buildings. Door access control is one of the first lines of defense. Automated Emergency Notification and Response When seconds count, a single-button alert system is essential for your organization’s safety. Whether you need to establish a lockdown or let everyone know about a fire, the rapid notification capability is important. Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems This article summarizes the various levels of electronic security provided by different door control systems. Level 1 provides the least overall security while level 4 provides the highest level of protection. We compared the cost to the effectiveness of each type of system. The Evolution of Access Control Remember when access control was limited to fitting a key into a lock and turning?  Door control systems have come a long way, and now are easier to install and much more reliable. How Long Range Access Control Readers Work Long-range access control systems are primarily used to open a gate as you go into a parking area. This article describes how the long-range readers work. Elevator Control Using Door Access Readers Door access readers can be used to determine what floors a person can reach depending on their credential authorization.  This article describes how we use access control readers along with a special relay control box and software to increase security in a high-rise building. Comparison of Multimode Biometric Door Readers Which door reader is best for your application.  Take a look at this buyers guide.  It provides the pros and cons of each type of reader.  It includes a comparison of RFID readers, fingerprint, finger vein, facial recognition, and multimodal readers that read more than one physiological characteristic. Security Provided by Access Control Systems What can we do to increase our security? By integrating different security systems we increase our safety. IP door access prevents unauthorized access to our buildings, walk-through metal detectors prevent people from bringing in weapons and using campus-wide paging systems we keep everyone informed of any emergency. This article describes when and how to use these technologies. Biometric Door Access Control Biometrics provides one of the most secure ways of granting access.  It authenticates the person rather than the card that they carry.  Biometric identification includes fingerprint, handprint, and facial recognition.  The latest technology includes both facial recognition plus body motion and shape.  It is one of the more reliable biometric solutions available. Biometric Door Control Misconceptions There are many misconceptions about science and technology. One of the misconceptions is that biometric IP door readers store a picture of your fingerprint or face. Instead of storing a picture of our actual fingerprint or face, the biometric readers captures only a small subset of data and then convert these minutiae points to encrypted binary data. Review of the Biometric Authentication This document reviews a number of different biometric systems.  It compares fingerprint authentication and facial recognition. Advanced Door Access Control Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to push a button to initiate campus-wide lockdown? What about integrating IP door access with your IP surveillance system, or controlling what floor a person can go to in the elevator? Or, maybe you would like to use the access system as a visitor management system? Well, the latest network-attached access control systems provide these advanced features as well as many others that can make it easier to control security. Access Control Software Which is better, cloud subscription or on-site licensed software. This article describes the pros and cons of both access control software solutions. How does Fingerprint Readers Work? Fingerprint readers detect the features of a person's fingerprint and create a digital code that is used as a unique digital template. How Does Facial Recognition Work? There are two primary methods for capturing and matching facial information.  This article reviews the technology available. Door Access Control Review Remember when access control was limited to fitting a key into a lock and turning?  Keys and keyholes may still be sufficient for residential use, but are all but obsolete at most workplaces, having been replaced by IP access cards and card readers. But cards, too, are going through a flux of change. Access Control Software Cloud versus on-premise software. What is best for you? How to install an IP Door Control System Everything you wanted to know about how to install and control a door from a remote location. How to Integrate Door Control With Other IP Systems 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. How to Answer Your Door From Your Mobile Device Now it's easy to get a notification on your smartphone that someone is at your door. You can then see who it is and talk to them, and finally unlock the door. It's all done through your mobile smartphone. Automated Emergency Notifications and Response When seconds count, a single-button alert system is essential for your organization’s safety. Whether you need to establish a lockdown or let everyone know about a fire, the rapid notification capability is important. Visitor Management Benefits of Visitor Management Systems A Visitor Management System (VMS) offers various benefits for schools, businesses, and other organizations in efficiently managing and tracking visitors. It augments the door access control system to increase facility safety. This article reviews some of the key advantages. Read more... The Evolution of Visitor Management: From Logbooks to QR Codes Visitor management has come a long way since the advent of computerized visitor management systems, transforming from traditional paper logbooks to modern, efficient systems prioritizing security and convenience. This evolution reflects the advancement of technology and the growing need for streamlined, automated, and more secure processes. In this article, we will explore the key milestones in the evolution of visitor management, highlighting the transition from manual sign-ins to digital solutions and the integration of smartphones and QR codes. This article reviews the history of Visitor Management Systems. Read more... Automated Digital Contact Tracing Resources To learn more about Contact Tracing, read our articles How Digital Contact Tracing Systems Work. The article describes what contact tracing is, and describes several ways to provide contact tracing automatically. Automated Contact Tracing in a Pandemic describes how contact tracing is important in the pandemic. Automatic Contact Tracing and Other Technologies for the Campus describes the products that can be used to make schools safer. About IP Intercoms and Paging Over Networks Classic paging systems utilize large amplifiers with wires radiating out to all the speakers in the building. But what do you do when you need to make announcements to many buildings in a campus. Network-attached intercoms and paging systems make it easy to make campus-wide announcements. Whether you need to make an emergency announcement or just communicate to one classroom or office the PA and intercoms over IP make it very easy to do. Buyers Guide to IP Paging Systems IP paging is the latest way to broadcast a message in an organization. It is excellent for emergency notifications or public address notifications. It can also provide background music and notify students of class changes.  Determining your objectives and where you want people to hear the broadcast is essential. This article reviews how to ensure that everyone hears the message. It reviews the type of speakers, the amplification required, and the sound levels required to achieve your paging goals. Read more... Benefits of IP Paging Systems IP paging systems, which use Internet Protocol (IP) networks for communication, offer several significant benefits over traditional paging systems. These advantages span various aspects, including functionality, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Here are the key benefits of IP paging systems: Read more... Advantages of an IP Intercom System IP (Internet Protocol) intercom systems offer numerous advantages over analog systems. There are one-to-one, many-to-one, and one-to-many configurations. This article reviews the different types of intercoms and describes their benefits. Read more. The Best Apartment IntercomsThe latest IP apartment intercoms use wireless networks to communicate with the tenant. The new wireless multi-tenant intercoms allow you to contact the resident’s smartphone or standard phone to request entry into the building. The lobby intercom touchscreen display provides a list of all the tenants in the building. This article provides critical features and functions of the best apartment intercom systems. Apartment IntercomsThe Latest Network-Attached Multi-Tenant Building Intercoms An apartment intercom is a communication device located in the lobby or at the front entrance. This article provides information about the new IP apartment intercom systems. Comparison of Apartment Intercom Systems The latest intercom systems use smartphone apps and cloud servers to enable direct communication all over the world.  This article provides the pros and cons of different intercom systems. The article How Network-Attached Audio Works describes how network-attached paging systems work. It explains how the sound waves from someone talking or singing are picked up by a microphone and converted to analog electric signals. This electric signal can be sent to an amplifier and then to a speaker so that many people can hear the sound. When we convert the analog signal to a digital signal and connect to the IP network, we can send sound around the world. Multi-Tenant Visitor Access Control IntercomMonitoring visitors in large organizations is a continuing challenge. The pandemic of 2021 increased our need to improve entry control to multi-tenant buildings and apartment houses. Not only do we want to know who would like to enter, but we also want to know if they are healthy.  This article describes how the multi-tenant wireless intercom works. IP Physical Security SystemsWhen we provide interaction or cooperation between two or more devices or agents, we produce a combined effect more significant than the sum of their parts. That’s synergy. And that’s what we get when we integrate IP camera systems, IP door access control systems, and paging and intercom systems. Camera, Sound, Action on the NetworkAdding sound to security systems increased our safety. The sound provided better clues about what we were seeing. For example, if we saw two people together, we would react differently if we heard laughing or yelling. Mass Emergency Notification Product ComparisonA Mass Emergency Notification System is a communication system that alerts people to a dangerous situation. The system includes software and hardware and uses multiple communication channels to provide the information necessary to facilitate an appropriate response and action to a situation that could be life-threatening. Though mass notification systems were created for time-sensitive emergencies, they can also be used to provide general information that can help manage large organizations. IP Intercom Selection and ComparisonThere are a variety of network-attached intercoms. Some connect to a central computer, while others connect to smartphone apps. The new IP intercoms use your network infrastructure, are powered over Ethernet (PoE), include IP cameras, and have great features and functions that were never available with the old analog intercoms. They can open doors, integrate with IP camera systems and door access control systems to provide a complete security system. PA System Configurations What is the best IP paging system? There are several configurations and implementations that can be used depending on your requirements. IP Paging and Automated Announcements One of the most helpful features of an IP Paging 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. IP Paging Systems Provide Advanced FunctionalityThis is Not Your Father’s Paging SystemPaging systems have changed over the years.  Remember the old days when the principal would make announcements on that old PA system. You were lucky to hear anything that was said. IP Paging Systems for Schools IP paging speaker placement and sound volume settings are key to providing clear sound in the school. Whether there is a general announcement or an emergency message, it’s important that the instructions can be heard and understood by everyone. Paging and PA Over IP You may have heard about Voice over IP or VoIP, well now it’s paging over IP. This new Public Address system provides Voice and Intercom over the network. But how does this all work? Emergency IP Paging Using Panic Buttons, This article describes how an IP PA system can increase safety and security. Mobile Panic Buttons Panic buttons can be added to security systems to increase safety and security. It can be integrated into a security system such as surveillance camera systems, Paging systems, and door access control systems. Review and Comparison of the Classic Paging System to the New PA over IP Systems This article compares the cost of installing a classic paging system versus the latest network-attached PA systems. Integration of Audio and Video With IP Cameras  An intercom can be used to manually control a door. It can be used with an IP camera so you can talk and see who's at the door. How Network Attached IP Paging Systems Work, You may have heard about Voice over IP or VoIP, well now it’s paging over IP.  This new public address system provides voice and intercom over the network. But how does this all work? This article describes how this technology works. Intercoms for IP Cameras An intercom can be used to manually control a door. It can be used with an IP camera so you can talk and see who's at the door. What is the Best Sound Level for Your Speakers? or How Loud is Loud? This article discusses how to determine how loud your PA system should be and how to specify the type of equipment you need. How IP Powered Speakers Work: IP powered speakers connect to the network and use PoE for power, How to Design Your IP Paging System: The secret to designing your sound system is to start at the ears. Comparison of IP Intercoms Pros and cons of different IP intercoms. Let the Recorder Beware Discusses the legal issues of recording audio. Select the Right Speaker How to get the best sound requires some planning. Understanding all the speaker specifications will help you make the right choice for each area. How Loud is Loud, Selecting the Right Speaker This article discusses how to determine how loud your PA system should be and how to specify the type of equipment you need. Automated Emergency Notifications and ResponseWhen seconds count, a single-button alert system is essential for your organization’s safety. Whether you need to establish a lockdown or let everyone know about a fire, the rapid notification capability is important. About Panic Buttons and Emergency Notification Mobile Panic Buttons for Business, Schools, and Healthcare The latest mobile panic buttons are designed for business, education, healthcare, hotels, and other organizations.  The mobile panic button provides advanced capability and operates through cell phone services so are not tethered to one location. They can be used anywhere there is a phone connection. Panic Buttons and Security Panic buttons can be added to security systems to increase safety and security. For example, these alarm buttons can be integrated into a security system such as surveillance camera systems, Paging systems, and door access control systems. Emergency IP Paging Using Panic Buttons, This article describes how an IP PA system can increase safety and security. Panic Buttons and Other Security Systems for SchoolsSecurity devices such as IP cameras, paging systems, metal detectors, door access control, and panic buttons can be used to help control emergency situations. This article provides a summary of the safety and security systems. About Optical and Computer Storage There are a number of ways to store information - including hard drives and RAM. One of the most archival or permanent storage systems is the optical disc. The latest Blu-ray optical discs are placed in a disc library or jukebox. You don't have to worry about a disc crash since nothing touches the disc surface. Here are some articles that describe this technology and older DVD storage devices. Review of the Current Optical Jukebox and Library Technology Blu-ray wins the standards war and becomes the technology of choice. How Blu-ray optical discs work You may know about Blu-ray discs which are used for holding high-quality movies, but do you know how they are used by computers for holding lots of data. How to handle all the Information that needs to be Archived Meeting the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act About Malware Protected Computers Protecting Your Computer from Malware This article reviews how you can use modified hard drive systems that prevent data from being changed. These Write-once storage systems protect computers from viruses, ransomware, and other malware. Blogs and Videos Blog The Kintronics blog includes articles that describe how the technology works, how it is used and even jokes and cartoons about the technology. Videos Describing the Technology These entertaining and informative videos can be found on our YouTube channel. Here are some examples: Selecting IP or Analog Access Control Selecting the Best IP Camera The Benefits of AI-Enhanced Cameras Creating a Secure Environment Using Access Control, IP Camera Systems, and Intercoms 55X PTZ camera TVIP FaceBio Access Control with Temperature Monitoring TVIP MultiBio Temperature Screening with Face and Palm Recognition Comparison of Access Control Systems Real-time IP Camera Systems Long Range PTZ Cameras How Biometric Readers Work IP Cameras are Compatible with IP Access Control Readers Technology Provides Increased Security How to Set Objectives and Select Components of the IP Camera System How the IP Camera Works How the Analog Video Camera Works IP Door Access Control with IP Cameras IP cameras for Cities PA over IP Provides Paging over Your Network How Walk-Through Metal Detectors Work IP Camera Testing: Samsung versus Sony IP Cameras – How to Select the Right One Kintronics Designs IP Camera Systems Finding the Mystery Stranger with Kintronics Technical Support IP camera systems, door access control systems, and Intercoms can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA) or 914-944-3425 (everywhere else) whenever you need assistance. ### IQeye 7-series Specifications: IQinvision Sentinel Outdoor IP Camera This camera has been discontinued. Take a look at the alternative IP Dome cameras from Hanwha. The IQeye 7 Series are full featured Megapixel indoor IP cameras that are powered over Ethernet (PoE). Features and Benefits of IQ Cameras | More IQeye IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras The 7 Series cameras are indoor cameras but can be placed in environmental enclosures for outdoor applications. There are optional variable lenses with remote back focus that make this IP camera very easy to install. Select VGA, 1.3, 2.0, 3.1 or 5.0 mega-pixel models Features: Resolutions up to 5 MPH.264 Main profile + MJPEG Compression60 fps @ 720p, 30 fps @ 1080p, 10 fps @ 5 MPWide Dynamic Range (WDR) is available on 1 Mpixel, 2 Mpixel & 3 Mpixel cameras (100 dB)Two-way audioOn camera storageRemote back focus for easy installationVery low light sensitivity with Lightgrabber™True Day/Night Movable IR FilterPower Over Ethernet, Aux 24V AC and Aux 12-24V DCContinuous analog video out3 Year Warranty Comparison Table and Guide 7-Series IP Box Camera The table describes the different outdoor box camera models available. You can select 1.0 megapixel to 5.0 megapixel models. The NE series are economical while the WE series adds wide dynamic range (WDR). Please contact us for help selecting the right IP camera system. We provide free consulting and engineering to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just contact us. IQeye 7 Series Camera Specifications SPECIFICATIONS / MODELIQ761W (1 MP)IQ762W (2 MP)Resolution1280 x 7201920 x 1080Day / NightIR cut filterIR cut filterMinimum IlluminationColor: 0.1 lux, B/W: <0.05 luxWDR: 100 dBColor: 0.2 lux, B/W: <0.05 luxWDR: 100 dBIR Distance50 ft (15 m)50 ft (15 m)LensesV6, V17V6, V17, W2   Max. Frame Rate30 fps30 fpsRemote focusBack-focusBack-focusTwo-way Audio*Line in, line outLine in, line outIO connectors*Out (100ma at 24V), InputOut (100ma at 24V), InputOn-board storageSlot for Micro SD cardSlot for Micro SD cardOperating Temp32˚F to 104˚F, 0˚C to 40˚C32˚F to 104˚F, 0˚C to 40˚C High Resolution Models SPECIFICATIONS / MODELIQ763W (3 MP)IQ765NI (5 MP)Resolution2048 x 15362560 x 1920Day / NightIR cut filterIR cut filterMinimum IlluminationColor: 0.2 lux;B/W: <0.05 lux without IRWDR: 100 dBColor: 0.3 lux;B/W: <0.05 lux without IRWDR not availableIR Distance50 ft (15 m)50 ft (15 m)LensesV6, V17, W2V6, V17, W2Remote focusBack-focusBack-focusMax. Frame Rate20 fps10 fps   Two-way Audio*Line in, line outLine in, line outIO connectors*Out (100ma at 24V), InputOut (100ma at 24V), InputOn-board storageSlot for Micro SD cardSlot for Micro SD cardOperating Temp32˚F to 104˚F, 0˚C to 40˚C32˚F to 104˚F, 0˚C to 40˚C * Two-way audio, IO connections, and analog outputs require optional cable. Lens Choices: V6 Telephoto Lens 1/2” CS, 12-40 mm, F1.8, IRV17 Wide Angle Lens 1/2.5” CS, 3.3-10 mm, F1.4, IRW2 Wide Angle Lens 1/2” CS, 1.8-3 mm, F1.4 IR Technical Support Paging and Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### IQeye Sentinel   Sorry, this camera has been discontinued. As an alternative see the Hanwha Bullet cameras Also Compare to other IP Cameras | Find the Best Video Recording System The following information is for reference only. Specifications: IQinvision Sentinel Outdoor IP Camera The IQeye Sentinel Series is a full-featured Megapixel outdoor box IP cameras that are entirely powered over Ethernet (PoE). The Sentinel is an all-weather outdoor camera with a versatile mounting system included. There are optional variable lenses with remote back focus that make this IP camera very easy to install. They can be mounted to a ceiling, wall, parapet or pole (with pole adapter). Select 1.3, 2.0, 3.1, 5.0, and the latest 12-Megapixel models. The IQeye Sentinel Series are full-featured Megapixel outdoor box IP cameras that are entirely powered over Ethernet (PoE). The Sentinel is an all-weather outdoor camera with versatile mounting system included. There are optional variable lenses with a remote back focus that make this IP camera very easy to install. They can be mounted to a ceiling, wall, parapet or pole (with pole adapter). Select 1.3, 2.0, 3.1, 5.0, and the latest 12-Megapixel models. Features: Resolutions up to 12 MPH.264 Main profile + MJPEG Compression60 fps @ 720p, 30 fps @ 1080p, 10 fps @ 5 MP, 15 fps @ 4KWide Dynamic Range (WDR) is available on 1 Mpixel, 2 Mpixel & 3 Mpixel cameras (100 dB)Remote back focus for easy installationVery low light sensitivity with Lightgrabber™True Day/Night Movable IR FilterPower Over Ethernet, Aux 24V AC, and Aux 12-24V DCIP66/NEMA 4 Outdoor Enclosure3 Year Warranty   Comparison Table and Guide -Sentinel The table describes the different outdoor box camera models available. You can select 1.0 megapixel to 5.0-megapixel models. The NE series are economical while the WE series adds wide dynamic range (WDR). Please contact us for help selecting the right IP camera system. We provide free consulting and engineering to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just contact us.   IQeye Sentinel Camera Specifications SPECIFICATIONS / MODELIQ861W (1 MP)IQ862W (2 MP)Resolution1280 x 7201920 x 1080Day / NightIR cut filterIR cut filterMinimum IlluminationColor: 0.1 lux, B/W: <0.05 luxWDR: 100 dBColor: 0.2 lux, B/W: <0.05 luxWDR: 100 dBIR DistanceNANALensesV6, V17V6, V17, W2   Max. Frame Rate60 fps30 fpsRemote focusBack-focusBack-focusTwo-way AudioNANAIO connectors*Out (100ma at 24V), InputOut (100ma at 24V), InputOn-board storageNANAOperating Temp-22˚F to 122˚F, -30˚C to 50˚C-22˚F to 122˚F, -30˚C to 50˚C High-Resolution Models SPECIFICATIONS / MODELIQ863W (3 MP)IQ865NI (5 MP)Resolution2048 x 15362560 x 1920Day / NightIR cut filterIR cut filterMinimum IlluminationColor: 0.2 lux;B/W: <0.05 lux without IRWDR: 100 dBColor: 0.3 lux;B/W: <0.05 lux without IRWDR not availableIR DistanceNANALensesV6, V17, W2V6, V17, W2Remote focusBack-focusBack-focusMax. Frame Rate20 fps10 fps   Two-way Audio*Mic and line in, line outMic and line in, line outIO connectors*Out (100ma at 24V), InputOut (100ma at 24V), InputOn-board storageNANAOperating Temp-22˚F to 122˚F, -30˚C to 50˚C-22˚F to 122˚F, -30˚C to 50˚C Very High Resolution 4 K Model SPECIFICATIONS / MODELIQ8712NE (12 MP) Resolution4000 x 3000 Day / NightIR cut filter Minimum IlluminationColor: 0.2 lux;B/W: <0.05 lux without IR IR DistanceNA LensesV18 Wide Lens (4.5-10mm) (41˚-80˚) Remote focusBack-focus Max. Frame Rate15 fps at full resolution    Two-way Audio*Mic and line in, line out IO connectors*Out (100ma at 24V), Input On-board storageNA Operating Temp-22˚F to 122˚F, -30˚C to 50˚C  *IO connections, and analog outputs require optional cable. Lens Choices: V6 Telephoto Lens 1/2” CS, 12-40 mm, F1.8, IRV17 Wide Angle Lens 1/2.5” CS, 3.3-10 mm, F1.4, IRW2 Wide Angle Lens 1/2” CS, 1.8-3 mm, F1.4 IR       Technical Support Paging and Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 ### IP Camera Review and Guide IP Camera Review and Ratings: Buyers Guide for IP Cameras What is the best IP camera? The real question is what is the best camera for your application. The first thing to do is to define your objectives. This assures that you get the right equipment. Once you have defined what you need, you can review the specifications. Here is a review of some popular camera specifications. Sometimes the specifications don’t tell you everything.  In some case, the marketing department wrote the specs, rather than the engineering department.  This means you will not get the performance you expect.  To determine if the cameras actually meet the specifications we have to test them. Take a look at our IP camera test and evaluation. Also remember that the camera is only one part of the complete IP camera system. Rating Cameras By Their Specifications The camera graph compares low light sensitivity, ease of installation, and analytics versus the price of the selected megapixel IP cameras. One camera stands out from the competition. These factors may not be as important for your application. You may want a camera that's very easy to install, and this could be more important than the low light sensitivity. Yes, we know it's complicated and that's why we offer free consulting to help you get the right system. If you need help just contact us. We compared the Axis P3364VE-12mm, Canon VB-M600VE, and IQinvision IQM31NE. All these camera have similar megapixel resolution, and are outdoor rated vandal resistant dome cameras. The higher the bar the better the feature (except for price). We tried to normalize all the factors in the chart above to better compare all the factors. For example, to compare the low light sensitivity we took the log of the reciprocal of the sensitivity value (in lux), in this way the higher the bar on the chart the better the performance. Unfortunately, if you just looked at the lux rating, the specifications can be very misleading. The Canon camera listed low light sensitivity of 0.001 lux (at a shutter speed of 1/2 second) compared to 0.03 lux for the P3364V-12mm, and 0.05 lux for the IQM31 (all at a shutter speed of 1/30 second). Other variables such as frame rate and camera amplifier level (IRE) affect the actual performance. Take a look at our white paper that Describes How to Set Up a Camera for Low Light Situations. The ease of installation can be a very important factor. If you spend $200 less for one camera compared to another, but then have to spend $300 more to install the camera, you can lose the cost advantage. The Canon camera was the easiest to install because it has an unique remote pan, tilt, zoom and focus. It received a rating of "3". You can just mount the camera on the ceiling and then go back to your computer to make all the adjustments. The Axis camera has remote zoom and focus (and rated a "2"), while the IQ camera has no remote controls for installation so was rated the lowest (at "1"). Analytics can be very important in some applications since it places the burden of alarm detection on the camera rather than the security guard. In some applications it can reduce the overhead cost associated with security. Analytics includes motion detection, active tampering, audio detection, line cross detection, object removal, and object left behind. Each camera has a unique set of video analytics. Most cameras include motion detection, but not many have the advanced analytic functions. The Canon includes the more advanced object removal and object left behind functions. Price is always an important factor and in the chart the lower the bar the better the pricing. The IQM31NE is the lowest price, with a list price of $699 compared to the P3364VE of $966. The Canon was the most expensive at $1300, but remember it is the easiest to install so could actually end up saving you money. There are many specifications that can be used to select the right camera. Take a look at our technical article "Specifications for the Latest IP Cameras" for help in understanding the IP camera specifications. IP Camera Buyers Guide Comparison Table The following table compares some of the popular key specifications for each of the IP Cameras we reviewed. We included the "lens" range "Quality" and "Reliability" to the list of factors to consider. The lens range is helpful because it allows you to adjust the field of view. The wider the adjustment the more freedom you will have as to where the camera is mounted. IP Camera Review and Guide Model Lens in mm Ease of installation* Analytics* Axis P3364VE-12mm3.3 - 1222Axis P3346VE3 - 922Axis P3367VE3 - 922Canon VB-M600VE3 - 1333IQinvision IQM31NE-B53 - 1311IQM32NE-B53 - 1311IQA33NE-B53 - 1311IQA35NE-B63 - 1311Vivotek FD8133VFixed 3.611IPX-DDK-1700D3 - 911 *The higher the number the better Reliability is included because you want a product that will last for many years. Cameras that fail are very costly to replace. The warranty period can be related to the reliability. Unfortunately manufacturers sometimes provide a warranty that is established by the marketing department rather than the actual MTBF. When we recommend a camera it's because we have found that it does meet the reliability expectation. We also included quality as one of the factors. In many cases this is directly related to the pricing since, "You get what you pay for". This can certainly be argued, especially by the manufacturers. Note about Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) In this review we didn't consider wide dynamic range of the camera, which can be very important in challenging lighting situations, but we did test this in our IP camera test. How WDR Improves the Picture The latest cameras, with faster signal processing, have added this important capability. Sony and Samsung have introduced new cameras that have wide dynamic range of 120 dB. WDR arverages several images to provide an image that sees a wide range of light. This means that if you view a person with a large glass window behind them, you will be able to not only see the person but also the things that are outside in the bright sunlight. There are a number of other camera specifications such as iris control (p-iris), that can be important for your application. IP Camera Testing Reviewing the specifications only takes you so far. Sometimes the manufacturer’s specifications are more marketing hype than reality. We did a test of four dome cameras that have similar specifications. It’s clear that even though the specifications were similar the test revealed some differences.In our camera review we bench-tested the Axis, Canon, Hikvision, and Sony megapixel IP cameras. We compared the cameras to their specifications and we also compared the cameras against each other. We provided pros and cons that distinguished each camera from the rest. This is much better buyer’s guide and it will help you select the right camera for your application.  More … How to Review All the Other Brands of IP Cameras There are many other camera manufacturers and more are coming out each day. We provide a summary of various cameras on our Network Attached Cameras page. Some of these cameras cost much less than the ones we have reviewed. How do you decide what to get especially when the specifications look the same? Just remember that you get what you pay for. Some manufacturers provide very low quality lenses while others don't meet their published specs. Take a look at our article "Understanding IP Camera Specifications" for an overview of some of the things to consider. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Technical Support Selecting the IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### IQeye Alliance Pro IQinvision Alliance-Pro IP dome camera has Been Discontinued Features and Benefits of IQ Cameras | More IQeye IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras The alternative high-performance X-Series IP cameras from Hanwha provide better low-light sensitivity and some models include IR illumination. The Alliance Series was a full-featured Megapixel dome IP camera that is entirely powered over Ethernet (PoE). The IQeye Alliance Pro's solid aluminum construction and impact-resistant polycarbonate bubble make it tough enough for any environment. There are optional lenses that provide remote zoom and focus lenses that make this IP camera very easy to install. They can be mounted to a ceiling or wall (with additional hardware). Select VGA, 1.3, 2.0, 3.0 or 5.0 megapixel models Features: Resolutions up to 5 MPH.264 Main profile + MJPEG Compression60 fps @ 720p, 30 fps @ 1080p, 10 fps @ 5 MPWide Dynamic Range (WDR) is available on 1 Mpixel, 2 Mpixel & 3Mpixel cameras (100 dB)Optional Remote Zoom and Focus for Easy Installation (A2 and A3 lenses)Continuous Analog Video OutputTwo-Way AudioTrue Day/Night Movable IR FilterPower Over Ethernet, 12-24 VDC, 24 VACIP66/NEMA 4 Outdoor EnclosureOn-Camera StorageDirect-to-Storage5 Year Warranty (3 years on Auto-Focus models)   Comparison Table and Guide - Alliance Pro IP Dome Cameras Please contact us for help selecting the right IP camera system. We provide free consulting and engineering to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just contact us. IQeye Alliance-Pro Camera Specifications SPECIFICATIONS / MODELIQA31WR (1 MP)IQA32WR (2 MP)Resolution1280 x 7201920 x 1080Day / NightIR cut filterIR cut filterMinimum IlluminationColor: 0.2 lux;B/W: <0.05 lux without IRWDR: 100 dBColor: 0.2 lux;B/W: <0.05 lux without IRWDR: 100 dBIR Distance50 ft (15 m)50 ft (15 m)LensesB5, A3B5, A3Remote focusUsing A3 lensUsing A3 lensMax. Frame Rate30 fps30 fps   Two-way Audio*Mic and line in, line outMic and line in, line outIO connectors*Out (100ma at 24V), InputOut (100ma at 24V), InputOn-board storageSlot for Micro SD cardSlot for Micro SD cardOperating Temp -30 to 122° F (-34 to 50° C) -30 to 122° F (-34 to 50° C) High-Resolution Models SPECIFICATIONS / MODELIQA33WR (3 MP)IQA35NR (5 MP)Resolution2048 x 15362560 x 1920Day / NightIR cut filterIR cut filterMinimum IlluminationColor: 0.2 lux;B/W: <0.05 lux without IRWDR: 100 dBColor: 0.3 lux;B/W: <0.05 lux without IRWDR not availableIR Distance50 ft (15 m)50 ft (15 m)LensesB5: 3-13 mm; A3B5, A3   Max. Frame Rate20 fps10 fpsRemote focusA3A3Two-way Audio*Mic and line in, line outMic and line in, line outIO connectors*Out (100ma at 24V), InputOut (100ma at 24V), InputOn-board storageSlot for Micro SD cardSlot for Micro SD cardOperating Temp -30 to 122° F (-34 to 50° C) -30 to 122° F (-34 to 50° C) * Two-way audio, IO connections, and analog outputs require additional back-box (IQM-Box) or cable (IQM-CAB) Options Lens selection: B5: 3-13 mm With fixed iris);  26° - 65°A3: 2.8-8.5 mm (remote focus);  37° - 90° The table describes the different models available. You can select 1.0 megapixel to 5.0-megapixel models. The N series is economical while the W series adds wide dynamic range (WDR). Here are the models available: Indoor models: NI and WI series Outdoor models: NE and WE series, -20°to 50°. Extended temperature: NX and WX series -30° to 50°C WDR models: WI, WE and WX Remember to contact us for help selecting the right IP camera system. We provide free consulting and engineering to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just contact us. Technical Support Paging and Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 Tel: 800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) ### IQeye Alliance-Mini This Camera has Been Discontinued See the QND-6011 as an alternative. Features and Benefits of IQ Cameras | More IQeye IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras Specifications: IQinvision Alliance-Mini IP dome camera The Alliance Mini-Series are economical indoor Megapixel mini dome IP cameras that are entirely powered over Ethernet (PoE). They may be inexpensive, but they have some great features such as wide dynamic range (WDR), and true day/night capability. The IQeye Alliance's PoE support and 3-axis gimbal make it easy to install. They can be mounted to a ceiling or wall (with additional hardware). Select VGA, 1.3, 2.0, 3.0 and 5.0 megapixel models. Resolution: 1, 2, 3 & 5 MP (see chart below)Built-in Mic, also Mic/line-in and line-out connectionsPowered over Ethernet (PoE)H.264 Main Profile + MJPEG CompressionWDR Models Available (100 dB)Temperature range: 0° to 40°CSelect fixed or variable lensesONVIF and PSIA compliantTwo-Way AudioTrue Day/Night Movable IR FilterPower Over Ethernet5 Year Warranty (3 years on Auto-Focus models) IQeye Alliance Comparison Table and Guide Remember to contact us for help selecting the right IP camera system. We provide free consulting and engineering to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just contact us. IQD55WVF2 (2.8 mm) (86˚)F2 (2.8 mm) (86˚)F2 (2.8 mm) (92˚) ModelsRESOLUTIONLOW LIGHT SENSITIVITYIQD51WV1.0 MPColor: 0.2 lux BW: 0.05 luxIQD52WV2.0 MPColor: 0.2 lux BW: 0.05 luxIQD53WV3.0 MPColor: 0.2 lux BW: 0.05 luxIQD55WV5.0 MPColor: 0.3 lux, B/W <0.05 lux Common Specifications Dimensions: 70.7 x 90.0 x 115.0 mm Weight: 298 gm     Accessories   Part NumberDescriptionIQD4-PB-5Alliance-mini Pendant Mount, Black, 5 Pack, No CameraIQD4-PG-5Alliance-mini Pendant Mount, Black, 5 Pack, No CameraIQD4-WBAlliance-mini Wall Mount, Black, 5 Pack, No CameraIQD4-WGAlliance-mini Wall Mount, Beige, 5 Pack, No CameraIQA-GBAGang Box Adapter Technical Support Paging and Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 ### IQinVision Low Light Performance More Benefits High Resolution | Field of View | Lightgrabber | Low Power LIGHTGRABBER Low light performance standard in IQeye300 and IQeye600 smart camera systems. Take incredible images with light levels as low as 0.3 lux. Seeing is believing. Learn more about Cameras from Other Manufacturers | Compatible lenses | Software Management System | More IQeye3 Cameras ### Sony W-Series PTZ Cameras Sony W-Series PTZ Camera Features The W series are the latest PTZ cameras from Sony. You can select indoor or outdoor models with 1.3 Mpixel or 2.0 Mpixel resolution.Features include: Megapixel resolutionWide dynamic range (130 dB)Gyro-based image stabilizerHPoE and HPoE+ for powerSD card slot storage (SDHC)30X zoom lenses. The 2-megapixel PTZ IP cameras with 30X optical zoom allow you to recognize a person's face from a distance of over 900 ft. (274 meters), while the 1.3 Megapixel camera allows you to recognize a person's at about 600 ft. away (183 m). W-Series PTZ Cameras Specifications MODEL RESOLUTION FEATURE COMPARISION IndoorSNC-WR600 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 Color: 0.2 lx (F1.6,View-DR OFF,VE OFF, AGC ON,1/30 s,30 fps);B/W: 0.015 lx (F1.6,View-DR OFF,VE OFF,AGC ON,1/30 s,30 fps)Horizontal Viewing angle: 58.3° to 2.1° OutdoorSNC-WR602 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 Color: 0.2 lx (F1.6,View-DR OFF,VE OFF, AGC ON,1/30 s,30 fps);B/W: 0.015 lx (F1.6,View-DR OFF,VE OFF,AGC ON,1/30 s,30 fps)Horizontal Viewing angle: 58.3° to 2.1° IndoorSNC-WR630 2 MP, 1920 x 1080 Color: 0.4 lx (F1.6, View-DR OFF, VE OFF, AGC ON, 1/30 s, 30 fps);B/W: 0.03 lx (F1.6, View-DR OFF, VE OFF, AGC ON, 1/30 s, 30 fps)Horizontal Viewing angle: 63.7° to 2.3° OutdoorSNC-WR632 2 MP, 1920 x 1080 Color: 0.4 lx (F1.6, View-DR OFF, VE OFF, AGC ON, 1/30 s, 30 fps);B/W: 0.03 lx (F1.6, View-DR OFF, VE OFF, AGC ON, 1/30 s, 30 fps)Horizontal Viewing angle: 63.7° to 2.3° Common specifications Auto Focus, Optical Zoom Lens: 30 X optical zoom 4.3 mm to 129 mm,  (65.0˚ to 2.3˚)WDR: 130 dBRotation: 360° endless rotation / Tilt: 220°Pan Speed: 700°/s (max.)Input sensors: x4, make contact, break contactOutputs: x2, 24 V AC/DC, 1 A (mechanical relay outputs electrically isolated from the camera.Audio:  two-way (line in and line out mini-jacks)Edge Storage:  SD / SDHC card slotPower: IEEE802.3at compliant (HPoE), or AC 24 V, DC 12 V 25.0 W maxOperating Temperature: –40 °F to +122 °F (–40 °C to +50 °C) using AC 24 VAC23 °F to +122 °F (-5 °C to +50 °C) using HPoEMechanical Dimensions: ø8 3/4 inches x 12 7/8 inches (ø222.0 mm x 324.1 mm)Weight: Approx. 3 lb 12 oz (1.7 kg) Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system. More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Why Select Sony IP Dome Cameras? Sony is known for performance. This means you will get better video with a higher likelihood you can identify a person's face in a wide range of applications. These are top-quality IP cameras with excellent reliability. They come with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. WDR allows you to operate in challenging lighting conditions. The latest video processing chip built into these 6th generation megapixel PTZ cameras provides 130 dB of wide dynamic range (WDR) that makes it ideal for applications where there is a very bright background scene that you would like to be able to see. The Sony cameras provide both WDR and low light level performance at the same time, while Axis requires that you choose between low light performance and WDR. Gyro Based Image Stabilizer. Whenever you zoom in on objects that are far away (30X), you require camera stability. The image stabilizer makes sure you get a clear image even if the camera is mounted on a pole that's buffeted by the wind. Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Sony Rapid Dome PTZ IP Camera Specifications This series of Rapid Dome PTZ cameras is distinguished by the ability to rotate or pan continuously over 360 degrees. These cameras also have improved tilt capability allowing them to swing a full 210 degrees. If you don't require this extended pan and tilt, you can save some money by selecting one of the PTZ cameras. There are three models in this family of PTZ IP cameras. Each model provides different resolution and zoom optics, but they all have very similar specifications. The higher resolution cameras allow you to view a wider area with the same detail. Even though the amount of zoom is different for each model, you can see virtually the same distance away because of the digital zoom available in the higher resolution models. These cameras can be used outdoors but require a separate environmental enclosure. Sony has environmental enclosures but you can also use enclosures from 3rd party manufacturers. Contact Kintronics and we will help make sure you have the right camera, enclosure, and mounting hardware. Sony PTZ Camera Sony Rapid Dome PTZ IP Camera Specifications ModelsZoomLow Light sensitivitySNC-ER58020X (55.4 - 2.9 degrees)1.7 color, 0.07 BW luxSNC-ER55028X (55.9 - 2.1 degrees)1.0 color, 0.1 BW luxSNC-ER52036X 57.8 - 1.8 degrees)1.4 color 0.15 lux More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. To learn more about IP Cameras check our IP Camera Resource page After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IQinvision High Resolution More Benefits Field of View | Digital PTZ | Lightgrabber | Lower File Sizes | Low Power Benefit #1: Greater Detail with the Same Field of View   Digital zoom using a higher resolution camera provides much better detail 1280 x 1024 Resolution Digital Zoom A low-resolution camera does not have enough pixels to provide a clear image 640 x 480 Resolution Digital zoom is not clear when using a lower resolution camera Both cameras were set for minimum compression, and we got the best image quality we could in about 10 minutes of setup, focus, exposure and color balance. The color balance between the retail images differs slightly. We're sure that with more time you could achieve color balances from both cameras that were better than we achieved here. Since this test was for the resolution we didn't spend much time on color balance. The lens in the retail images was a wide-angle 6.5mm 1" lens on the IQeye3, and a varifocal lens (provided with the camera) set at wide-angle on the competitor. In the construction images, the IQeye3 had a 12mm 1" lens and the competitor had the manufacturer provided varifocal, this time set at medium. For the hotel grounds, the IQeye3 used the 6.5mm 1" and the competitor had the varifocal lens set at medium. Digital zoom applications use greater native resolution to allow each user to digitally 'zoom in' and examine a portion of the image. Higher-resolution brings you greater pixels per image detail or greater field of view, depending on what is desired.IQeye IP cameras are available with up to 5-megapixel resolution. They not are designed from the lens to the video compression to provide enhanced video performance. Learn more about Cameras from Other Manufacturers | Compatible lenses | Software Management System | More IQeye3 Cameras ### Sony PTZ IP Camera Specifications There are three models in this family of PTZ cameras. Each model provides different resolution and zoom optics, but they all have very similar camera specifications. They use the same cameras as those available in the Rapid dome group, but use a lower performance pan and tilt mechanisms. The cameras rotate or pan 340 degrees instead of the 360 continuous rotation provided by the Rapid Dome models. They also have less tilt capability allowing them to move up and down from -15 to +90 degrees.The higher resolution cameras allow you to view a wider area with the same detail. Even though the amount of zoom is different for each model, you can see virtually the same distance away because of the available digital zoom. To use these PTZ cameras outdoors you require a separate environmental enclosure. Sony has environmental enclosures but you can also use enclosures from 3rd party manufacturers. Contact Kintronics and we will help make sure you have the right camera, enclosure and mounting hardware. Sony PTZ Camera More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Sony PTZ IP Camera Specifications These PTZ cameras are older models. Please see the latest Sony PTZ IP cameras.  There are also other models available at our PTZ comparison and review page. SNC-EP58 20X (55.4 - 2.9 degrees), 1920 x 1080 (2-Megapixel), Network 1080p Resolution HD 3.0-Megapixel Vandal Resistant Minidome camera, PoE, black base, 88 degrees horizontal field of view. Low light sensitivity of 1.7 color, 0.07 BW lux, Pan: 340 degrees, Tilt -15 to +90-degrees, SNC-EP550 28X (55.9 - 2.1 degrees), HD PTZ camera with 720p HD, 1280 x 720 resolution, 1/2.8 type Exor CMOS imager, 28x optical zoom, dual streaming JPEG/MPEG-4/H.264. 1.0 lux color, 0.1 BW lux SNC-EPR520 36X (57.8 - 1.8 degrees), 704 x 480 resolution. 1.4 color 0.15 lux Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. To learn more about IP Cameras check our IP Camera Resource page After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Sony PTZ IP Cameras Sony PTZ IP Cameras - Quick Look at Features W-Series: These new PTZ cameras from Sony feature megapixel resolution, wide dynamic range (130 dB), and gyro-based image stabilizer. The cameras can use HPoE for power, have an SD card slot storage (SDHC), and 30X zoom lenses. You can select indoor or outdoor models with 1.3 Mpixel or 2.0 Mpixel resolution. Learn more ... ER and EP series: The ER (Rapid Dome) and EP series PTZ cameras are older models. Both the ER and EP have similar performance, except the ER Series features a full 360-degree pan range, while the EP Series has a limited pan range of 340 degrees (and is more economical). Both require environmental enclosures to be used outdoors. Sony W-Series PTZ Camera Select: W-Series PTZ IP Camera | ER Series Rapid Dome PTZ | EP Series PTZ | More Sony IP Cameras | Compare to Other IP Cameras Older and Discontinued PTZ Cameras There are a number of older models available. For example, the SNC-RH164, SNC-RH-124, SNC-RS86N, and SNC-RS46N are still available, but probably not the best choice for new applications. Models that have been discontinued include SNC-RX550, SNC-RZ25, and SNC-RZ50. Learn More: Resources | Support Why Select Sony IP Dome Cameras? Sony is known for performance. This means you will get better video with a higher likelihood you can identify a person's face in a wide range of applications. These are top-quality IP cameras with excellent reliability. They come with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. WDR allows you to operate in challenging lighting conditions. The latest video processing chip built into these 6th generation megapixel PTZ cameras provides 130 dB of wide dynamic range (WDR) that makes it ideal for applications where there is a very bright background scene that you would like to be able to see. The Sony cameras provide both WDR and low light level performance at the same time, while Axis requires that you choose between low light performance and WDR. Gyro Based Image Stabilizer. Whenever you zoom in on objects that are far away (30X), you require camera stability. The image stabilizer makes sure you get a clear image even if the camera is mounted on a pole that's buffeted by the wind. Technical Support IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### IQinVision Field of View More Benefits High Resolution | Lightgrabber | Lower File Sizes | Low Power IQeye3 High-resolution cameras have a field of view advantages that lower your system cost when compared to normal camera installations. How? Using one IQeye high-resolution camera instead of two normal network cameras. In some cases, one IQeye3 replaces four normal cameras with no loss in pixel detail or coverage area. Camera Position Example IP Camera installation with low-resolution cameras Camera Layout with High-Resolution Cameras High-Resolution Camera placement Greater Field of View reduces cost in three ways:1. Smaller file sizes so less disk required for archival2. Fewer devices to install and manage - upfront and ongoing cost savings 3. Fewer network nodes - smaller switches and less wiring Every installation has unique requirements for camera placement and lens selection. Here is an excerpt from the U.S. Department of Justice report intended for use by schools when designing surveillance systems: For observation of a camera scene to determine only if a human is in the scene (or to be able to distinguish between a person and an animal), a minimum criterion of 6 horizontal TV lines across a 1-foot-wide object within the scene is used. (In terms of active picture elements, this means that a 1-foot-wide object would cover 8 horizontal active picture elements for each row of picture elements for the height of the object on the camera imager.) For identification of a person by facial features, 16 horizontal lines (21 pixels) of resolution subtending a 1-foot-wide object is needed. To test this, we took some pictures with an IQeye3. The area highlighted as the face below is about 10" high, so the DOJ report would allow the use of the smallest image Learn more about Cameras from Other Manufacturers | Compatible lenses | Software Management System | More IQeye3 Cameras ### Sony Box and Bullet Cameras Sony IP Cameras - Box and Bullet Camera Review and Buyers Guide Sony provides a range of high-performance IP megapixel box and bullet cameras. They use a large sensor (over 1/3 inch) to provide better low light performance, and improved wide dynamic range (WDR). Wide dynamic range provides better video quality in challenging lighting situations. If you have a very bright area with some areas in dark shade, WDR allows you to see everything in the picture. More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony 4K Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Overview of Sony IP Box Cameras: The box camera is the most flexible choice since you can select the lens, enclosure and mounting system for each type of application. Since these are all day/night cameras they can be used indoors or outdoors with an optional enclosure. The outdoor bullet camera is in an IP66 enclosure so it is outdoor-ready and includes an IR illuminator. It's perfect for applications when there's no lighting available. There is an economical (E Series) and Value added (V series) version of the box and outdoor bullet cameras. Both series cameras are day/night and include auto-iris lenses and wide dynamic range. The V series adds extra functionality such as two-way audio, IO connections. and edge storage (using an SD card). There is also an indoor, economical X series bullet camera. Comparison Table and Guide - Sony IP Cameras Select the box cameras when you need flexibility. Whether you need an extreme long-range lens or operating in harsh environments, this is the camera of choice. The cameras can be used indoors with various wall and ceiling mounts or can be used outdoors with optional environmental enclosures. Select the 1.3-megapixel camera when you would like to identify a person's face or license plate in a field of view that's less than 25 ft wide. Select the 2.0 Megapixel Camera when you need to identify a person's face in a field of view that's less than 38 ft. wide. Select the new high-performance E-series and V-Series for challenging lighting conditions that require wide dynamic range (WDR). These new cameras don't cost more so this is the best family of cameras to select. You can select from a wide variety of lenses. To use these cameras outdoors we have bundled the camera with a choice of outdoor enclosure. Enclosures are available with and without heaters and blowers, with PoE power, stainless steel for harsh environments and even for explosion-proof environments. You can also select a wide variety of mounting systems based on where you want to place the cameras. Bullet Cameras for Outdoor use Include IR Illuminator Bullet cameras are designed for outdoor applications where you need IR illumination. These bullet cameras are a good choice when you need to operate in total darkness, but be careful not to exceed the maximum distance of about 15 meters (49 feet) when using the illuminator. Bullet cameras include a variable lens (3.1 to 8.9 mm) which makes it easy to adjust the camera for specific distance and field of view requirements. If you need more lens variation you should use one of the outdoor box cameras (that include the environmental enclosure). These cameras provide more flexible lens choices. Select the megapixel IP bullet camera when you need to identify a person's face or license plate in a viewing area that's less than 25 ft. wide. Select the 3.0 Megapixel bullet camera when you need to identify a person's face or license plate in a viewing area that's less than 38 ft. wide. Indoor Bullet Camera The X-Series bullet cameras are economical cameras with fixed lenses. They can be used for small areas where you don't require an adjustable lens. The 1.3-megapixel bullet camera allows you to identify a person's face in a field of view that's about 25 ft. wide at a distance of 15 ft. from the camera. Select the 3.0-megapixel camera when you need to view a person's face in a field of view that's less than 38 ft wide from a distance of 19 ft. from the camera. If you need to view areas that are further away, select the box type IP camera. Other Box and Bullet IP Cameras There are some 1.3 and 3.0 Megapixel box and bullet Sony that provide additional features for applications where increased resolution is required. 1.3 Megapixel Box Cameras3.0 Megapixel Box Cameras3.0 Megapixel Bullet Cameras with IR The box cameras have standard type lens mounts which allow you to select from many different lenses.  For example, you can select a 50 mm lens that allows you to identify a person's face over 300 ft. away (with a 2 megapixel camera).  To learn more about selecting the right camera and lens for long distance surveillance, take a look at our article How Far We Can See With the PTZ IP Camera. Technical Support IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### IQinVision Digital Pan Tilt Zoom More Benefits High Resolution | Field of View | Lightgrabber | Lower File Sizes | Low Power IQeye3 The IQeye3 is the first network camera to offer integrated digital pan tilt zoom. This is made possible by the high-resolution 1.3Mpixel imager and the Smart Camera Platform. The IQinVision HTML-based pan tilt zoom interface allows each user to control his own view, independent of other users logged on to the camera. Two or more users can be viewing entirely different portions of the view, at different resolutions, all at the same time. Full Scene ArchivalHigh ReliabilityMultiple Simultaneous Views There are no moving parts, no motors, no servos, nothing to jam or wear out. All digital, all reliable, and with the added benefit of capturing all views, all the time. No longer will the camera be pointed in the wrong direction when an incident occurs. Learn more about Cameras from Other Manufacturers | Compatible lenses | Software Management System | More IQeye3 Cameras Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 Tel: 800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) ### Sony IP Box Cameras Specifications: Sony SNC-EB600, SNC-EB630, and SNC-VB600, SNC-VB630 Box IP Cameras Sony's latest high-performance box, V and E series IP cameras provide excellent low light sensitivity along with excellent wide dynamic range. Wide dynamic range provides better video quality in challenging lighting situations. If you have a very bright area with some areas in dark shade, WDR allows you to see everything in the picture. These are all megapixel cameras that provide excellent resolution and picture clarity. All the megapixel cameras include analytic functions such as object left behind, object missing, line crossing and face detection. Sony IP Box Camera More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Overview: The E series of box cameras are economical cameras starting at $798 MSRP. Even though they are economical they have excellent low light performance of 0.1 lux in color and 0.07 lux in BW. The V series adds extra functionality such as two-way audio, IO connections, and edge storage. Comparison Table and Guide - Sony IP Cameras The table describes the different models available. You can select 1.3 megapixel or 2.0-megapixel models. The EB series are economical while the VB series adds great value. Remember to contact us for help selecting the right IP camera system. We provide free consulting and engineering to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just contact us. Sony IP Box Camera Specifications MODEL RESOLUTION FEATURES / Comparison SNC-EB600 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 Color: 0.05 luxBW: 0.04 luxWDR: 120 dB SNC-EB630 2.0 MP, 1920 x 1080 Color: 0.1 luxBW: 0.07 luxWDR: 90 dB SNC-VB600 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 Color: 0.05 luxBW: 0.04 luxWDR: 120 dB   Edge StorageTwo-way audioSensor input: x2, make contact, break contactAlarm output: x2, 24V AC/DC, 1 A (mechanical SNC-VB630 2 MP, 1920 x 1080 Color: 0.1 luxBW: 0.07 luxWDR: 90 dBEdge StorageTwo-way audioSensor input: x2, make contact, break contactAlarm output: x2, 24V AC/DC, 1 A (mechanical Common specifications Lens Type: CS-mount lens: f= 2.8 mm to 8.0 mmRemote Focus:  Back focusScene Analytics - Object left behind - Object removed - Line crossingPower: PoE system (IEEE 802.3af compliant), DC 12V, AC 24VOperating Temperature: 14° F to 122° F (-10° C to +60° C)Dimensions:  2 7/8 inches x 2 1/2 inches x 8 inches (72 mm x 63 mm x 205 mm) with lens Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system. Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. To learn more about IP Cameras check our IP Camera Resource page After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Sony Dome IP Cameras There are several megapixel dome IP cameras available. You can select the resolution, vandal-resistant or outdoor-ready models. The outdoor models have built-in IR illumination that allow them to see in total darkness, but make sure that your viewing area is within the range of the illuminator. Most of the Sony IP dome cameras provide megapixel resolution. You can select 1.3, 2.0, or 3-megapixel models. If you require a higher resolution camera then you will have to look at some of the other IP camera manufacturers such as the Hanwha Dome IP cameras More Sony IP Cameras Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony 4K Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras | More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras You can select from the cost-effective EM6XX series or VM6XX series with value-added features such as two-way audio, IO connections and edge storage (using SD card). There are also a number of very small X series IP domes for indoor applications where a variable lens is not required. Quick Look at the Sony IP Camera Features 1.3 Megapixel Dome IP Cameras This series of cameras include indoor dome, vandal resistant, and outdoor models with built-in IR illumination. These IP cameras come with variable 3.0 mm to 9.0 mm lenses. These lenses allow adjustment from 93.0° to 31.6°. The X-Series of dome cameras come with fixed lenses. There are standard and vandal resistant indoor models. Select one of these models if you would like to be able to recognize a person's face in a viewing area that's less than 20 ft wide. more ... 1.3 Megapixel Dome IP Camera 2-Megapixel Dome IP Cameras The V-series and E-series domes include remote zoom and focus lenses that make them easy to set up. The VM632R and EM632R are available with built-in IR illuminators so they can operate in total darkness. You can select indoor standard dome models, vandal-resistant models and outdoor-ready models. The sensor provides 1920 x 1080 resolution. The remote zoom and focus lens can be adjusted between 105° and 35°. Select one of these models if you would like to be able to recognize a person's face in a viewing area that's less than 35 ft wide. more ... 2-Megapixel Dome Camera 3.0 Megapixel Dome IP Cameras Select this series of domes when you need to view a very wide area. The higher resolution 1920 x 1440 allows you to identify a person's face or license plate in about a 35 ft. wide area. The lens can be adjusted between 88.5° and 32.3°. You can select the V-Series with wide dynamic range and audio capability, the E-Series economical dome cameras. More... 3-Megapixel IP Dome Camera Special X and H Series Dome IP Cameras The X series indoor/outdoor domes and the 5 Mpixel H series dome IP camera provide a very wide view. The X Dome is small and provides up to 113 degrees while the H series provides 360-degree view using the advanced hemispheric imaging technology of the panomorph lens from ImmerVision. More... SNC-XM632 Dome IP Camera Why Select Sony IP Dome Cameras? Sony is known for performance. This means you will get better video with a higher likelihood you can identify a person's face in a wide range of applications. These are top-quality IP cameras with excellent reliability. They come with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. Operates in challenging lighting conditions: The latest video processing chip built into the 6th generation 1.3 megapixel dome cameras provides 130 dB of wide dynamic range that makes it ideal for applications where there is a very bright background scene that you would like to be able to see. Remote Zoom and Focus: The remote set up, makes it very easy to install the VM6XX and EM6XX series of IP cameras. Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. To learn more about IP Cameras check our IP Camera Resource page After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Sony 3.0 Megapixel Dome IP Camera Specifications All these models feature 3-megapixel resolution, providing 1920 x 1440 resolution. You can select an outdoor vandal-resistant model, indoor vandal-resistant model or an indoor model without vandal resistance. These cameras come with variable lenses 3.1 mm to 8.9 mm lenses with horizontal viewing angles between 88.5 and 32 degrees. The X Series are small indoor domes with fixed wide-angle lenses All these Dome IP Cameras incorporate Sony’s new 1/2.8 inch Exmor™ CMOS image sensor. Sony elected to use the larger sensor to achieve better low light and wide dynamic range. Select the E Series for standard indoor or outdoor applications. Choose the V series for challenging lighting situations. Select the X series if you can make do with a low cost fixed lens dome for indoor-only applications. 3-Megapixel IP Dome Camera More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Sony 3.0 Megapixel Dome IP Camera Specification SNC-DH260 1920 x 1440, Network 1080p HD.  3-Megapixel Vandal Resistant Minidome Camera with IR Illuminator, Lens: 3.1 - 8.9 mm (88.5 - 32.3 degrees H), IP66, JPEG/MPEG-4/H.264, Day/Night and PoE SNC-DH220T / DH220 1920 x 1440, 0.7 color, 0.45 BW lux, 3.1 - 8.9 mm (88.5 - 32.3 degrees H), 3 Megapixel Vandal-Resistant Minidome Camera with IR Illuminator, IP66, JPEG/MPEG-4/H.264, Day/Night and PoE SNC-DH280 Network HD 1080p Vandal-Resistant Minidome Camera with View-DR technology, IR Illuminator, IP66 rated with a built-in heater, Dual Stream H.246/MPEG-4/JPEG, Day/Night, PoE, built-in 3.1-8.9mm auto-iris lens. Working temp PoE (IEEE802.3af) : 14 °F to 122 °F. Working temp AC24V/DC12V: -22 °F to +122 °F SNC-DH240T / DH240 1920 x 1440, 3.1 - 8.9 mm (88.5 - 32.3 degrees H), Network 1080p HD / 3 Megapixel Indoor Vandal Resistant Minidome Camera with View-DR Technology, JPEG/MPEG-4/H.264 Dual Streaming, Day/Night and PoE. SNC-DH210T / DH210 Network 1080p Resolution HD 3.0-Megapixel Vandal Resistant Minidome camera, PoE, black base, 88 degrees horizontal field of view. Low light sensitivity of 2.3 lux SNC-DH210T / DH210 Network 1080p Resolution HD 3.0 Megapixel Vandal-Resistant Minidome camera, PoE, black base, 88 degrees horizontal field of view. Low light sensitivity of 2.3 lux Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. To learn more about IP Cameras check our IP Camera Resource page After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Sony 3.0 Megapixel Outdoor Bullet IP Camera Specifications E Series and V Series Outdoor Bullet Cameras Both the SNC-CH260 and the SNC-CH280N are outdoor rated IP cameras with 3-megapixel resolution, providing 1920 x 1440 resolution. All these cameras have a composite video out, which makes the cameras easy to install and set up. Both cameras come with variable lenses and are day/night cameras with IR illuminator. The V Series SNC-CH280 adds wide dynamic range, two-way audio and CF-Card slot. More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Sony 3.0 Megapixel Outdoor Bullet IP Camera Specifications ModelResolutionLow light sensitivitySNC-CH260(720p) 1920 x 14400.7 lux color, 0 BW with IR onSNC-CH280(720p) 1920 x 14400.4 lux color, 0 BW with IR on Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. To learn more about IP Cameras check our IP Camera Resource page After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Sony 2 Megapixel Dome IP Cameras Specifications: Sony 2 Megapixel Dome IP CamerasSNC-EM630 and SNC-VM630 Sony's high-performance dome IP cameras include remote zoom and focus lenses. They have excellent low light sensitivity along with very wide dynamic range. These megapixel cameras provide excellent resolution and picture clarity. All these cameras include analytic functions such as object left behind, object missing, line crossing and face detection. You can select indoor models, indoor with vandal resistance and outdoor domes. Overview: The E series of dome cameras are economical cameras starting at $1048 MSRP (call for your price). Even though they are cost-effective solutions they have excellent low light performance of 0.06 lux in color and 0.05 lux in BW. The V series adds extra functionality such as two-way audio, IO connections, and edge storage. Sony VM632 IP Dome Camera More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Comparison Table and Guide - Sony IP Cameras The table describes the different models available. You can select the economical EB series or the VB series which adds additional features. Remember to contact us for help selecting the right IP camera system. We provide free consulting and engineering to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just contact us. Sony 2 Megapixel Dome IP Cameras Specification MODEL RESOLUTION SPECIAL FEATURES SNC-EM630   Indoor 2.0 MP, 1920 x 1080 IR:  NoAudio: NoI/O: NoEdge Storage: NoOperating Temp:  -10 °C to +50 °C SNC-EM631   indoorVandal 2.0 MP, 1920 x 1080 IR:  NoAudio: NoI/O: NoEdge Storage: NoOperating Temp:  -10 °C to +50 °C SNC-EM632RC   OutdoorRugged 2.0 MP, 1920 x 1080 IR:  Yes, 98 feet (30m)Audio: NoI/O: NoEdge Storage: NoOperating Temp: -40°C to +60°C (IR OFF, heat en) -40°C to +50°C (IR ON, heat en) -10°C to +60°C (IR OFF, heat dis) -10°C to +50°C (IR ON, heat dis) SNC-VM630   Indoor 2.0 MP, 1920 x 1080 IR:  NoAudio: 2-way audioI/O: 1 input / 1 outputEdge Storage: SD / SDHC card slotOperating Temp:  -10 °C to +50 °C SNC-VM631   indoorVandal 2.0 MP, 1920 x 1080 IR:  NoAudio: 2-way audioI/O: 1 input / 1 outputEdge Storage: SD / SDHC card slotOperating Temp:  -10 °C to +50 °C SNC-VM632RC   OutdoorRugged 2.0 MP, 1920 x 1080 IR:  YesAudio: 2-way audioI/O: 1 input / 1 outputEdge Storage: SD / SDHC card slotOperating Temp: -40°C to +60°C (IR OFF, heat en) -40°C to +50°C (IR ON, heat en) -10°C to +60°C (IR OFF, heat dis) -10°C to +50°C (IR ON, heat dis)   Common specifications Scene Analytics:  Object left behind - Object removed - Line crossingWide Dynamic Range: 90 dB with View-DR turned onRemote Zoom Lens: f = 3.0 mm to 9.0 mm, 93° to 31°Minimum Illumination: Color: 0.05 lx (F1.2, View-DR OFF, VE OFF, AGC ON, 1/30 s, 30 fps,Minimum Illumination: B/W: 0.07 lx (F1.2, View-DR OFF,VE OFF, AGC ON, 1/30 s, 30 fps), 0 lx (IR LED ON)Power: 12 V DC ± 10%; 24 V AC ± 20%, 50 Hz/60 Hz; IEEE802.3at compliant (PoE/PoE+ system)Mechanical Dimensions: φ166 mm x 128 mmWeight: Approx. 1730 g Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system. Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. To learn more about IP Cameras check our IP Camera Resource page After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Sony Dome IP Cameras X and H Series Sony X Series and H Series Dome IP Cameras The X series dome cameras are designed for rugged mobile environments. There are two models that include the special rugged M12 network connection. You can select two different lenses that match the viewing angle you require. viewing wide areas. The HM662 is a 360-degree camera that uses the ImmerVision Panamorph lens.  It is excellent for providing situation awareness. Overview: The X series of dome cameras are cost-effective solutions with wide dynamic range and excellent dynamic noise reduction at low light. The camera can be used indoors or outdoors. The H series includes the ImmerVision Panamorph lens which is compatible with many recording systems. Sony XM-Series IP Camera Advanced dewarping technology for immersive monitoring to efficiently correct for the distortion of a hemispheric image and newly produce rectangular images with video management software (VMS); this maintains higher video quality than produced at the camera level and it is achieved without incurring the image degradation typically caused by camera processing limitations during the dewarping process. This 360 degree IP camera can be used indoors or outdoors. More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Comparison Table and Guide - Sony IP Cameras The table describes the different models available. Remember to contact us for help selecting the right IP camera system. We provide free consulting and engineering to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just contact us. Sony X Series and H Series Dome IP Cameras Specifications MODEL RESOLUTION SPECIAL FEATURES SNC-XM631   Indoor, wide angle, vandal 2.1 MP, 1920 x 1080 Lens: f = 2.8 mm, 113°Minimum Illumination: Color: 0.18 lx, B/W: 0.18 lx (50 IRE @ 1/30 sec)I/O: 1 input / 1 outputEdge Storage: SD card, mac 64 GBOperating Temp:  14°F to +122 °F (-10° C to 40° C) SNC-XM632   OutdoorRugged 2.1 MP, 1920 x 1080 Lens:  f = 2.8 mm, 113°Minimum Illumination: Color: 0.3 lx, B/W: 0.3 lx (50 IRE @ 1/30 sec)Audio: Built in mic.I/O: NoEdge Storage: SD / SDHC card slotOperating Temp:  -25°C to +50°C SNC-XM636   Outdoor Rugged 2.1 MP, 1920 x 1080 Network Connection:  M12 connector for rugged environments.   Lens:  f = 3.8 mm, 83°Minimum Illumination: Color: 0.3 lx, B/W: 0.3 lx (50 IRE @ 1/30 sec)Audio: Built in mic.I/O: NoEdge Storage: SD / SDHC card slotOperating Temp: -25°C to +50°C SNC-XM637   Outdoor Rugged 2.1 MP, 1920 x 1080 Network Connection:  M12 connector for rugged environments.   Lens:  f = 2.8 mm, 113°Minimum Illumination: Color: 0.3 lx, B/W: 0.3 lx (50 IRE @ 1/30 sec)Audio: Built in mic.I/O: NoEdge Storage: SD / SDHC card slotOperating Temp:  -25°C to +50°C SNC-HM662   360 degreeOutdoor Vandal 5 MP Lens:  ImmerVision Panamorph lensAudio: 2-way audio, built in mic. I/O: 1 input / 1 outputEdge Storage: Micro SD card slotOperating Temp: -25°C to +50°C        Common specifications Power: PoE Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system. Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. To learn more about IP Cameras check our IP Camera Resource page After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Sony Megapixel Outdoor Bullet IP Camera Specifications Sony E Series and V Series Bullet Camera These are all outdoor-rated Bullet IP cameras with IR Illuminator and Superior HD picture quality.   The SNCVB632D is a 2 Megapixel bullet camera with both IR and white light illumination.    All these cameras have a composite video out, which makes the cameras easy to install and set up. More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras These IP cameras have remote zoom and focus, and very good wide dynamic range. Sony Megapixel Outdoor Bullet IP Camera Specification MODEL RESOLUTION LIGHT SENSITIVITY SNC-EB602R 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 Color: 0.05 lx,B/W: 0 lx (F1.2, View-DR OFF, VE OFF, AGC ON, 1/30 s, 30 fps)WDR: 120 dB SNC-EB632R 2.0 MP, 1920 x 1080 Color: 0.1 lx, B/W: 0 lx (F1.2, View-DR OFF, VE OFF, AGC ON, 1/30 s, 30 fps)B/W: 0 Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 90 dB SNC-VB632R(With dual illumination) 2 MP, 1920 x 1080 Color: 0.1 lx, B/W: 0 lx (F1.2, View-DR OFF, VE OFF, AGC ON, 1/30 s, 30 fps)B/W : 0 Lux (with IR or white light on)WDR: 90 dB Common specifications Lens Type:  Built in remote zoom vari-focal lens.  3X zoom, 3.0 mm to 9 mmRemote Focus: Remote back focus for easy installationPower: PoE system (IEEE 802.3af compliant Class 2)Operating Temperature: -22 °F to +122 °F Please contact us for help for help selecting an IP camera system. Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. To learn more about IP Cameras check our IP Camera Resource page After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Sony 3.0 Megapixel Box and Bullet IP Camera Specifications There are three series of cameras in this 3.0 megapixel family of IP cameras. The V-series provides extended capability such as wide dynamic range, audio and CF memory card slot. The E-series are economical IP cameras with very good day/night capability. The X series is a low cost indoor bullet type camera. Sony Box IP Camera Indoor Bullet IP Camera They all feature 3 megapixel resolution, providing 1920 x 1440 resolution and have composite video out, which makes installation easier. The E and V Series family include replaceable lenses. The X series has a fixed non replaceable lens. The SNC-CH220 and SNC-CH240 incorporate Sony’s new 1/2.8 inch Exmor™ CMOS image sensor. It is specially designed for security applications and includes state-of-the- art image enhancement technologies. The SNC-CH240 Fixed Network Camera is the ideal choice for the most demanding lighting applications. More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Sony 3.0 Megapixel Box and Bullet IP Camera Specification ModelResolutionLow Light SensitivityLens (angle)SNC-CH2201920 x 14400.7 lux color,0.45 BW2.3 - 6 mm (101.2 - 47 degrees)SNC-CH2401920 x 14400.4 lux color,0.25 BW2.3 - 6 mm (101.2 - 47 degrees)SNC-CH2102048 x 15362.0 lux color3.3 mm (88 degrees) Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. To learn more about IP Cameras check our IP Camera Resource page After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Sony SNCRZ30N/2 IP Network Camera Has Been Discontinued SNC-RZ30N PTZ Camera Sorry, this camera has been discontinued Please contact us for help selecting an alternative PTZ camera. The following information is for reference only Description This PTZ camera was introduced over 10 years ago. It was one of the original PTZ cameras converted from an analog model made by Canon. Sony has introduced a number of other PTZ cameras that replace this older camera. The original marketing message was that this was a versatile and flexible SNC-RZ30N/2 camera that was packed with incredible features. It was a sleek, compact and lightweight design that could be ceiling mounted or placed on a flat surface. If the SNC-RZ30N/2 camera is installed on a desktop, captured still images and composite video output images will be inverted.   ### Sony SNCDH180 IP Dome Camera Bullet Camera with IR illuminator IP Camera Sorry, this camera has been discontinued The following information is for reference only DescriptionThis Sony vandal-resistant, outdoor rated with wide dynamic range camera is designed with a built-in infrared (IR) illuminator. As a dual-stream network camera, it supports H.264, MPEG-4, and JPEG compression formats, and delivers excellent picture quality in HD 720p resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). Incorporating the new Exmor™ CMOS image sensor from Sony, which is specially designed for surveillance applications, this rugged camera features Sony’s latest image-enhancement technology, View-DR, which provides an extremely wide dynamic range.The SNC-DH180 also features an IR illuminator to deliver quality images even in absolute darkness (0 lx)*. Along with a host of superb features such as DEPA™ Advanced, PoE, a built-in heater, and the Easy Focus/Easy Zoom function, the SNC-DH180 minidome network camera is ideal for the most demanding surveillance applications.   Highlights Superior 720p HD picture quality, supporting H.264 at 30 fpsMaximum resolution 1280 x 1024The new Exmor CMOS sensor achieves high image quality and high sensitivityClearly see objects in the dark up to 15 m (49 feet) away with IR IlluminatorsSuperb dynamic range using newly developed View-DR (Visibility enhanced wide Dynamic Range) technologyThe Visibility Enhancer optimizes contrast and makes the subject more visible, even in severe backlight or shadow conditionsXDNR (eXcellent Dynamic Noise Reduction) technology for clear images without motion blur under low illuminationEasy Focus function/Easy Zoom functionDEPA Advanced Intelligent Video and Audio Analytics trigger an alarm, based on user-defined rulesIntelligent Motion DetectionTamper AlarmAdvanced Audio DetectionThree codecs (H.264, MPEG-4, JPEG) with dual streaming capabilityPower over Ethernet (PoE) capabilityBuilt-in heaterIP66 RatedONVIF™ Software (Open Network Video Interface Forum)Vandal Resistant - IK10 rated Please contact us for help designing your system and pricing. ### Sony SNC-RH164 Outdoor PTZ IP Camera Discontinued Sorry, this camera has been discontinued The following information is for reference only More Sony Cameras | Compare to Other Cameras | Select Video Recording System PTZ Camera with Megapixel Resolution DescriptionThe SNC-RH164N has been discontinued.  Take a look at the W-Series of PTZ cameras with better zoom, excellent light sensitivity, and wide dynamic range. This was an outdoor-ready PTZ camera that featured superior 720p HD picture quality, with 10X optical zoom and megapixel resolution. The new SNC-WR600 (indoor) and SNC-WR602 (outdoor) cameras have replaced this camera.  The new cameras include an excellent 30 X zoom lens.   Highlights 360-degree panSuperior 720p HD picture quality, supporting H.264 compressionMaximum resolution 1280 x 72010 X optical zoom, 5.1 to 51 mm zoom lensOutdoor camera with an IP-66 ratingAdvanced Audio Detection creates a threshold detection level that follows the area’s ambient noise level and frequencyXDNR (excellent dynamic noise reduction) for clear images without motion blur under low illuminationThree codecs (JEPG/MPEG-4/H.264) and dual encodingRS-232C external interface (data transparency)Power AC 24VVisibility Enhancer - Tone correction technology allows viewing highlight and dark areasAudio Functions - Dynamic Range Compressor controls mic gain adaptively Please contact us for help designing your system and pricing. ### IPX-DDK-1700D Discontinued: DDK-1700D Vandal-Proof 2 Megapixel Dome All-weather IP Camera with IR illumination The following information is for reference only. Product Specifications More information about More IP Cameras | NVR IP Software Products DDK-1700D IP Dome Camera 2 Megapixel CMOS Sensor - 1920 x 1080 resolutionDay/Night camera with built-in IR illumination effective to 20 M (65 ft)Multi-Codec: H.264 / M-JPEG / MPEG-4 SelectablePoE ReadyIP-66 Outdoor readySD Card Slot for On-Board StorageMulti-Zone Privacy MaskingUltra-Compact Form FactorReal-time, Synchronized A/V Stream3 -9 mm Varifocal Auto Iris Lens The DDK-1700D is an compact multi-codec network camera supporting H.264, MPEG-4 and MJPEG compression. The 1920 x 1080 resolution CMOS sensor provides excellent performance at low light and includes LED illumination. This vandal-proof dome camera can be used indoors or outdoors. Camera is shown with optional CS-mount lens.This day/night camera is available with choice of lenses. Need more details or pricing? Give us a call at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425. Take a look at our newsletter for details on how to select the right resolution camera and lens. Resources: Technical articles help you understand the technologyTake a look at How to Select the Right Resolution CameraContact for assistance in designing your system Specifications VideoLens3 -9 mm Varifocal Auto Iris DCMax Resolution1920 x 1080Light Sensitivityolor: .2 lux @ F1.2B & W: 0.01 lux @ F1.20 lux required within range of IlluminatorFrame Rate at max resolution30Format1/2.7”" CMOSDay/night TypeIR cut filter, IR LE D x 18, 20 MetersCamera FunctionsPassword AuthorizationMulti-level / Multi-usersAudio2-way audio with 2 x 3.5 mm connectionRS-232/RS-4859-pin D-typeMotion Detection512 zones, levelsPrivacy Masking3-zonesOn Camera StorageSD SlotAlarm I/OAlm-InAlm-outAdjustmentTri-axisVideo AdjustmentsMax AGC, Contrast, Brightness, BLC, Saturation, SharpnessMulti-level Password ProtectionStandardApprovalsFCC, CECompressionH.264/MJPEG/JPEGTypical File Size at Max Res.30KB at MJPEGHardware/EnvironmentalProtocolsTCP/IP, DHCP, HTTP, UDP, SNTP,ICMP, DDNS, DNS, UPnP, PPPoESupports MDIX connectServersFTP File Servers, HTTP Web ServersBrowser CompatibilityWindows IE 5.5+Dimensions4.84" (H) x 5.91" (D)Power Requirement12V DC (4.8W) , 24 V AC (6 W) or / PoE (6W) IEEE 802.3af compliant class 2Weight0.85 lbs.Optional Accessories RequiredAC Power Adapter (if not PoE) and mounting bracketOperating Temperature Range-20C-50C (-4F-122F)ApprovalsCE, FCC, RoH S, I P-66, I K-10 , C-Tick Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### IPX-DDK-1700 DDK-1700 Network IP Camerahas been Discontinued The following information is for reference only. Product Specifications More information about More IP Cameras | NVR IP Software Products The camera is shown with optional CS-mount lens.This day/night camera is available with choice of lenses. 2 megapixel Day/Night cameraDual-Codec, M-JPEG / MPEG-4 SelectableSupports Pre- & Post-Alarm FunctionsSD Card Slot for On-Board StorageMulti-Zone Privacy MaskingUltra-Compact Form FactorAnalog Video Output, Auto-Iris CapableReal-time, Synchronized A/V StreamAdjustable Bandwidth and ResolutionAdvanced Motion Detection Feature The DDK-1700 is an ultra-compact dual-codec network megapixel IP camera supporting H.264, MPEG-4 and MJPEG compression. It's equipped with a 1/2.7” CMOS image sensor. Need more details or pricing? Give us a call at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425. Take a look at our article, "Selecting the Right Resolution and Lens for the IP Camera System" for details on how to select the right resolution camera and lens. Specifications VideoMax Resolution1920 x 1080CoverSliding, sealed, locked by 2 screwsLight SensitivityColor: .2 lux @ F1.2B & W:0 .01 lux @ F1.2IR 400 ~ 700nmFrame Rate at max resolution30Format1/2.7”" CMOSAuto-Iris TypeDC-Iris SupportCamera FunctionsMicrophoneBuilt-in Omni-directionalAudioInputs / outputs: 1 x input / 1 x output (3.5mm earphone jack)RS-232/RS-4859-pin D-typeMotion DetectionMulti-zoneOn Camera StorageSD SlotAlarm I/OAlm-InAlm-ResetAlm-outUSB InterfaceProvides easy camera set-upAnalog Video Out400 TV linesVideo AdjustmentsMax AGC, Contrast, Brightness, BLC, Saturation, SharpnessBacklight CompensationStandardApprovalsFCC, CEMulti-level Password ProtectionStandardCompressionH.264/MJPEG/JPEGTypical File Size at Max Res.30KBExternal Dip-SwitchesAES, DC Iris, DHCP/Static IPMax Frame RateSingle profile: 30FPS (1920x1080).Multiple profile : 20FPS (1920x1080)Hardware/EnvironmentalRJ45 10/100bTStandardProtocolsTCP/IP, DHCP, HTTP, UDP, SNTP,ICMP, DDNS, DNS, UPnP, PPPoESupports MDIX connectServersFTP File Servers, HTTP Web ServersBrowser CompatibilityWindows IE 5.5+Dimensions(HxWxD): 56 x 68 x 125 mmPower RequirementDC 12V (DC power jack) Approx. 4.8 W.- AC 24V (2pin terminal block) Approx. 6 W.- PoE: Approx. 6 W, IEEE 802.3af compliant class 2.Weight318g / 0.7lbs.Accessories ProvidedAC Power AdapterOperating Temperature Range5° to 50°CPower Over EthernetYes Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Sony SNC-CH180 IP Network Camera Specifications Bullet Camera with IR illuminator IP Camera The SNC-CH180N features Wide Dynamic Range. It provides superior 720p HD picture quality, supporting h.264 at 30 fps. Includes View-DR technology and IR illuminator. Sony's SNC-CH180 dual-stream network HD cameras, supporting H.264, MPEG-4, and JPEG compression formats, delivers excellent picture quality in HD resolution at 30 fps.   DescriptionThe SNC-CH180 incorporates Sony’s new Exmor™ CMOS image sensor and state of the art image enhancement. It is specially designed for security applications and includes state-of-the-art View-DR image enhancement technology. The SNC-CH180 Fixed Network Camera is the ideal choice for even the most demanding outdoor surveillance monitoring applications. Highlights Superior 720p HD picture quality, supporting h.264 at 30 fpsMaximum resolution 1280 x 1024Outdoor camera with IP-66 ratingDEPA Advanced - intelligent video and audio analytics, trigger an alarm based on user-defined rules, intelligent motion detection, tamper alarm, and advanced audio detectionIncludes IR illuminator for viewing objects up to 15 M (49 ft) awayXDNR (excellent dynamic noise reduction) for clear images without motion blur under low illuminationThree codecs (JEPG/MPEG-4/H.264) and dual encodingRS-232C external interface (data transparency)Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, AC 24V / DC 12V Power Capability, Auto SelectCF slot for on-board recording allows streaming of locally stored data using RTP/RTCP protocol for backup purposes or post-recording reviewsActivity Detection and Alarm Trigger Function More Sony Cameras | Compare to Other Cameras | Select Video Recording System ### IPX-DDK-1000 DDK-1000 Network IP CameraFrom Kintronics Sorry, this product has been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. The following information is for reference only Dual-Codec, M-JPEG / MPEG-4 SelectableSupports Pre- & Post-Alarm FunctionsSD Card Slot for On-Board StorageMulti-Zone Privacy MaskingUltra-Compact Form FactorAnalog Video Output, Auto-Iris CapableReal-time, Synchronized A/V StreamAdjustable Bandwidth and ResolutionAdvanced Motion Detection FeaturesFree 16-Channel NVR Video Recording Software The DDK-1000 is an ultra-compact dual-codec network camera supporting both MPEG-4 and MJPEG compression. It's equipped with a Sony WFINE CCD 1/4" Progressive Scan sensor. Camera is available in dome or outdoor enclosures and with choice of lenses. Need more details or pricing? Give us a call at 1-800-431-165 or 914-944-3425 Take a look at our newsletter for details on how to select the right resolution camera and lens.   Specifications VideoMax Resolution680 x 480CoverSliding, sealed, locked by 2 screwsLight Sensitivity1.5 lux @ F1.2Frame Rate at max resolution30FormatSony WFINE CCDAuto-Iris TypeDC-Iris SupportCamera FunctionsMicrophoneBuilt-in Omni-directionalAudio16bit, 8 kHz sample rateAudio Output for external speakerRS-232/RS-4859-pin D-typeMotion DetectionMulti-zoneOn Camera StorageSD SlotAlarm I/OAlm-InAlm-ResetAlm-outUSB InterfaceProvides easy camera set-upAnalog Video Out400 TV linesVideo AdjustmentsMax AGC, Contrast, Brightness, BLC, Saturation, SharpnessApprovalsFCC, CEMulti-level Password ProtectionStandardCompressionMJPEG/JPEGTypical File Size at Max Res.30KBExternal Dip-SwitchesAES, DC Iris, DHCP/Static IPMPEG-4 Frame Rate30, 24, 15 fpsHardware/EnvironmentalRJ45 10/100bTStandardProtocolsTCP/IP, DHCP, HTTP, UDP, SNTP,ICMP, DDNS, DNS, UPnP, PPPoESupports MDIX connectServersFTP File Servers, HTTP Web ServersBrowser CompatibilityWindows IE 5.5+Dimensions2.4" (W) x 2.0" (H) x 3.75" (D)62 (W) x 50 (H) x 95 (D) mmPower Requirement5V DC / 2AWeight318g / 0.7lbs.Accessories ProvidedAC Power AdapterOperating Temperature Range5° to 50°CPower Over EthernetAvailable but non- standard Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 ### Sony SNC-CH160 IP Network Camera Specifications Bullet Camera with IR illuminator IP Camera The SNC-CH160N features Superior 720p HD picture quality, supporting h.264 at 30 fps. Sony's SNC-CH160 dual-stream network HD cameras, supporting H.264, MPEG-4, and JPEG compression formats, delivers excellent picture quality in HD resolution at 30 fps.   DescriptionThe SNC-CH160 incorporates Sony’s new Exmor™ CMOS image sensor. It is specially designed for security applications and includes state-of-the- art image enhancement technologies. The SNC-CH160 Fixed Network Camera is the ideal choice for even the most demanding surveillance monitoring applications. HighlightsSuperior 720p HD picture quality, supporting h.264 at 30 fpsMaximum resolution 1280 x 1024Outdoor camera with IP-66 ratingIncludes IR illuminatorfor viewing objects up to 15 M (49 ft) awayXDNR (excellent dynamic noise reduction) for clear images without motion blur under low illuminationThree codecs (JEPG/MPEG-4/H.264) and dual encodingRS-232C external interface (data transparency)Power over ethernet (PoE) capability, AC 24V / DC 12V Power Capability, Auto SelectCF slot for on-board recording allows streaming of locally stored data using RTP/RTCP protocol for backup purposes or post-recording reviewsActivity Detection and Alarm Trigger Function More Sony Cameras | Compare to Other Cameras | Select Video Recording System ### Sony 1.3 Megapixel Box and Indoor Bullet IP Camera Specifications Sony Box and Bullet Cameras Sony Box IP Camera E Series and V Series Both the SNC-CH120 and the SNC-CH140N feature Superior 720p HD picture quality, providing 1280 x 1024 resolution. All these cameras have composite video out, which makes them easy to install and set up. Indoor Bullet IP Camera X-Series Bullet Camera The X Series is a small economical indoor bullet type IP camera with a fixed non replaceable lens. Sony's SNC-CH120 is part of the E Series family. These cameras come with variable lenses with horizontal viewing angles between 96.5° and 33.9°. The V Series adds wide dynamic range, two-way audio, CF card slot. These cameras incorporate Sony’s new 1/3 inch Exmor™ CMOS image sensor. It is specially designed for security applications and includes state-of-the- art image enhancement technologies. The SNC-CH140 Fixed Network Camera is the ideal choice for the most demanding lighting applications. More Sony IP Cameras Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras |More Sony Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Sony 1.3 Megapixel IP Camera Specification SpecificationsResolutionLow light sensitivityE Series(720p) 1280 x 10240.5 lux color,0.3 BWV Series(720p) 1280 x 10240.2 lux color,0.1 BWX Series(720p) 1280 x 10245.0 lux color Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. To learn more about IP Cameras check our IP Camera Resource page After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Sony IP Cameras Sony IP Camera Overview Sony does it again with their latest 4K IP cameras.  The amazing SNC-VB770 provides extremely high resolution with excellent low light sensitivity.  We tested the Sony 4K camera against other manufacturer's cameras and were amazed at its performance. Sony's new generation of IP cameras provides increased functionality and capability. Powered by the latest IPELA ENGINE™ signal processing system, they provide excellent high-resolution images, with very good low light sensitivity and wide dynamic range. Our testing showed that they are superior to Axis, Canon, and many other major brands. Sony 4K IP Camera The V-series cameras provide added features such as on-camera storage (using SD card slot), two-way audio and IO connections that make them excellent for integrated applications such as door access control systems. The E-series are cost-effective cameras that have the same excellent video capability, but not some of the advanced features. Select Sony Box and Bullet Cameras | Sony Dome IP Cameras | Sony 4K Cameras | Sony PTZ IP Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Sony IP Camera Selection Chart Fixed Box and Bullet IP Cameras This group of cameras is excellent for applications where you need flexible solutions. These IP cameras are available with 1.3, 2.0, and 20.0-megapixel resolution. The box cameras can be used indoors or outdoors with enclosures and can use many different CS-mount lenses. The bullet cameras come with build-in IR illumination and are outdoor ready. Read More ... IP Dome Cameras Dome cameras are easy to install and less obtrusive than the box type cameras. The V-series and E-series domes include remote zoom and focus lenses that make them easy to set up. They are available with 1.3, 2.0 and 3.0-megapixel resolution. The outdoor-ready cameras include built-in IR illuminators so they can operate in total darkness. You can select indoor standard dome models, vandal-resistant models and outdoor-ready models. The X-Series 2 megapixel domes with fixed lenses are excellent for indoor or outdoor applications and the H-Series (360 or 180-degree domes), 5-megapixel hemispheric-view cameras provide panoramic awareness and can be used indoors or outdoors. Read more ... PTZ IP Cameras The latest W series of pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) IP cameras uses the most advanced IPELA ENGINE™. These are all megapixel cameras - two indoor and two outdoor models with unitized enclosures make them easy to use indoors or outdoors. The 130 dB of wide dynamic range allows them to be used in a wide range of lighting conditions. You can select the 1.3 or the 2.0-megapixel resolution model. The amazing 30 X optical zoom and 2-megapixel sensor, allows you to recognize a person's face from about 900 ft away. ou can also still select the E series rapid dome (360° continuous rotation) and economical PTZ (340° degree pan) cameras. more ... Why Select Sony Cameras? Sony is known for its quality. This means you will get better performance and excellent reliability. The better video quality and the best performance in all light conditions make this brand an excellent choice for all applications. These are top-quality IP cameras with excellent reliability. They come with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. Excellent performance in all lighting conditions: Sony's visibility enhancer optimizes contrast and makes the video more visible, especially in severe backlight or shadow environments. The higher performance sensors allow Sony to maximize very low light situations as well as providing wide dynamic range without having to choose between these conditions. Wide Dynamic Range: The latest 1.3 megapixel IP cameras include up to 130 dB of dynamic range. You can really see the difference in challenging lighting conditions. Easy to install: Remote zoom and focus make it very easy to set up the VM6XX and EM6XX series of IP cameras. Built-in analytics includes "object removed" and "object left" as well as the unique "face-finder" feature. The face finder function allows you to create an alarm if a face is detected in a certain area. For more about these cameras take a look at our product review of the SNC-VM630, IP dome camera. Technical Support IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. To learn more about IP camera systems go to our resources page. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Paging over IP Systems IP Network Attached Paging and Intercom Systems IP Intercoms | IP Paging Speakers | IP Amplifiers | Software | Purchase IP Based Paging Systems for Campus-Wide Announcements, Intercoms and Emergency Paging Paging Over IP Systems Kintronics is an engineering and consultation company selling complete Paging and Intercom Systems at the best prices. Continue reading to learn more about how we can help you purchase the right system for your application. Resources We believe that an educated market is our best customer. The resources on this site enable you to know what you are buying and how it meets your requirements. On our Intercom and Paging Resource page, you will find articles such as IP Intercom Selection and Comparison, Emergency IP Paging Using Panic Buttons, How to Design Your IP Paging System, and more. Quick Links Intercoms Speakers Purchase Paging System Summary and Overview An IP Paging System is an audio system consisting of network-attached intercoms and speakers that amplify the sound of a human voice, music, or other sounds. It also includes Audio Management Software. Increased safety is provided by directing pages to exactly where you need the message. IP paging with zone control allows you to send a message to one room or the entire campus. This is essential in an emergency. IP speakers or small IP amplifiers can be placed wherever you have a network drop. No need for long speaker wire connections from a large central amplifier. Power is provide over the Network (PoE). Installation is easy. TalkMaster software runs on your PC, manages the system, and provides digital voice quality sound wherever you need it. The IP paging and intercom system is excellent for new and replacement installation. The latest campus-wide IP Paging and Intercom systems are easy to install using your existing Ethernet network. Campus-wide IP paging Check our article "Paging System Sound Levels" to learn how we calculate the right sound levels for your paging system. Features of IP Paging Systems The paging and intercom systems can be located indoors or outdoors; anywhere there is a network drop. Easy installation - Since the intercoms and speakers are powered over Ethernet (PoE), the installation is easy. High level of reliability and failure monitoring. To learn more please read our article Reliability and Redundancy Automated broadcasts using the optional if-then tables. Announcements can be made in response to external triggers. IP cameras can be added to create a complete surveillance system. Scheduled announcements and Bells using Bell Commander Software. Wired or wireless connections for flexible installation Zones extend over networks and span the Internet Supports 1000's of stations, without head-end hardware Highly configurable zone template mapping The powerful integrated amplifier provides loud, crisp quality sound Interface to a choice of speakers: analog overhead loudspeakers, wall-mounted, outdoor horn speakers, etc. Fast to deploy, easy to maintain Audio monitoring and intercom capability at any end-point Patent-pending Digital Acoustics® technology Things to Know Did you know that each IP speaker is one zone. This means you can page a single speaker or notify everyone in the building to leave? Take a look at the article Security Questions and Answers. Integration of IP Audio and IP Camera Systems Increases Security Today’s advanced IP camera systems are more than just “eyes on the scene”; when combined with sound and intercom integration, they become a much more effective security response tool. Please read our article, Integration of IP Camera Systems with Audio, to learn how merging video and audio can enhance both situational awareness and real-time interaction, improving safety, deterrence, and response time. IP Camera and Audio System Integration Top How to purchase your Paging and Intercom Systems Note: we stopped providing on-line ordering because it did not provide our customers the best way to purchase a complex system. Here’s how to order the right system for your application: Call us at 914-944-3425. We are available 9 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday, except holidays. if we are not there leave a message and we will call you back. If you don’t want to call, fill out our request form. We will get back to you very quickly. You can also send us an email dennis@kintronics.com We will determine your requirements, provide suggestions with pros and cons, and pricing so you can make an educated decision. If the equipment we provide doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications, you can return it. We look forward to talking to you about your Paging and Intercom Systems. Purchase Paging and Intercoms IP Paging Amplifiers The IP7 IP Audio Amplifier module is the core hardware component of the Digital Acoustics' paging system. The IP7-FX uses PoE power from the network and provides up to 8 watts of sound to the attached speakers. It has dual Ethernet ports and supports two-way audio. The IP7-SS40 provides up to 40 watts of audio. The number of speakers attached to an amplifier is determined by the sound volume levels required. For example, the IP7-SS40, with a maximum output of 40-watts (using an 8 Ohm speaker), is capable of driving paging horns with sound pressure levels in excess of 120 dB SPL. This is about the sound of nearby thunder or the sound made by a child screaming. You don't want to listen to that too long because it will hurt your ears. For these higher output applications, an external power supply is required. IP Amplifier Models Model Description IP7-FX 8 Watt audio amplifier with audio-in, Dual Ethernet port, PoE, 2-Way Audio. It can be used as an intercom interface or 8W speaker driver IP7-SS40 40 Watt audio amplifier, Powered using a power supply, single Ethernet port. Product sheets: IP7-FX | IP7-SS40 Top IP Speakers with Built-In Amplifiers Powered IP Speakers connect directly to the network are the simplest and quickest to install. No need to run speaker wires, just plug the speaker system into your PoE type network drop and you're done. It's easy to install. These speakers have built-in amplifiers that provide 8-Watts of power from their PoE connection. The amount of sound (dB) available depends on the type of speaker used. If you need more sound power then you require a separate amplifier and speaker. IP Speaker systems that connect directly to the network are the simplest and quickest to install. No need to run speaker wires. Plug the speaker into your PoE-type network drop, and you're done. You can install one to hundreds of speakers around your organization. Each speaker is a defined zone you can select using the audio management software. These speakers have built-in amplifiers that provide 8 Watts of power from their PoE connection. The amount of sound (dB) available depends on the type of speaker used. If you need more sound power then you require a separate amplifier and speaker. Here are some examples of integrated powered speakers that are powered over the network using PoE: Model Description Sound Output Spkr-IP SYS1 8" Wall, vandal resistant. Frequency Response: 65 Hz - 17 kHz EIA 462A Standard Sound rating: 92dB SPL, 1W/ 1M.   99 dB SPL, at 5W/ 1M. Spkr-11-VCP Bi-directional, wall mount, Size 4” Square, Moisture Resistant. dual 4-ohm Speakers, Power Rating 10 watts each. Magnet Type and BeFe Ceramic, Weight 4.8 oz. Dispersion of 130 degrees. Frequency Response 130 Hz - 9 kHz. Hallway length for optimum coverage 40 – 110 feet.92 dB SPL at 1 Watt 1 Meter.   Maximum SPL 98 dB SPL at 8 Watts 1 Meter SPKR-IP System 12 Drop-ceiling tile IP speaker with built-in amplifier. A complete loudspeaker assembly, with 8” frame, perforated steel baffle and integral back box. 65 Hz-17 kHz EIA 426A Standard. 100° included angle -6 dB/ 2 kHz.92 dB SPL, at 1W / 1M   99 dB SPL at 5W / 1 M IP-HORN-PoEKIT Weatherproof powered horn kit, 107 dB at 1W, 1 M (500 - 5000 Hz). Compact re-entrant compression driver horn. Uses PoE network attached IP7 amplifier. 107 dB SPL at 1 Watt 1 Meter.   Maximum SPL 116 dB SPL at 8 Watts 1 Meter Top Powered speakers for IP Cameras Powered speakers can also be attached to an IP camera. The IP camera must support audio out, and the video recording system must also have audio support available. For more information about powered speakers used with IP camera systems, see our IP camera accessories page. Just the Speakers that Connect to Your Amplifiers Paging Speakers Every acoustic environment is unique and using the right speakers is important in providing intelligible public address solutions. Kintronics offers a wide range of speakers. You can select wall-mounted speakers, drop-in ceiling speakers, outdoor horns, and even speakers that direct sound in two directions down a hallway. Before selecting the speaker Kintronics will help you do a sound level analysis. We will make sure that you have the right sound level for each area. Choose from: 8" Ceiling Mounts - Round and Square Surface Mounted Enclosures - Square and Sloped Internal Horns External Paging Horns Corrections Grade Solutions (Vandal Proof) Weather Proof & Flame-retardant Add any of our other portable PA systems for high-quality sound Sample Speaker Models: Here are some examples of the speakers available: Speaker Models Model Description KLIS8T72Drop ceiling loudspeaker assemblyMini400K-8Weatherproof horn, 120 dB output soundKPBC6T72K3Wall-mounted 6-inch speakerCell10BDTBidirectional extruded aluminum sound projector. Two 5 Twin-cone Speakers We have many more speakers to choose from. Contact us for the complete list Top IP Intercoms are Network Attached Did you know that intercoms allow that you to notify security if someone needs help? Intercoms allow you to communicate to a central safety control station. You can communicate from a management console to an intercom in a specific room, or to everyone in the organization. You can reach any network-attached intercom. There are indoor and outdoor models available.  For example, you can place intercoms in each classroom or office or even use it at a door to control entry. Intercoms can also be used to control visitors at the door. There are a number of different network-attached intercoms. They are all powered using PoE or optional power adapter for easy installation. Select desktop, surface mount models, or outdoor intercoms. The IP7-EDW solutions are designed for desktop convenience, and the IP7-ESW is designed to be surface mounted in secure locations. Also available in a Black desktop model (EDB) or surface mount (ESD). For more details take a look at the Indoor Intercoms Product Specifications, or the Outdoor Intercoms Product Specifications. Intercoms To learn more about the benefits of IP Intercoms, please read our article Advantages of an IP Intercom System. Intercom Features: High quality integrated speaker and microphone Four-button controls include Volume Up/Down, Monitor/Open, and Push-to-Talk Four LED indicators include Active, Link, Monitor and Talk TalkMaster Audio Management Software is included Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) 3.5mm external jacks for Mic In and Speaker Out Relay to control the electric lock Outdoor intercoms are available with a protective enclosure or ready to be mounted to an electric box. TVIP-intercomPA-O-2G: 1 watt, PoE, Flush-mounted Intercom for 2-Gang installation with stainless steel front plate. TVIP-intercomPA-O-BB: 1 watt, PoE, surface mounted intercom with metal back-box and hood The model TVIP-IntercomPA includes the outdoor-ready enclosure, network intercom module, and analog panel with a call-button. For more details take a look at the Outdoor Intercoms Product Specifications. The glowing LED Push-to-Talk button provides a display of the status of the intercom. Intercoms for Door Access Control Door Access with Intercom Network Attached Intercoms: Intercoms can be used to provide manual door access control. They are used to control visitors to your organization. Apartment Intercoms or Multi-tenant Intercoms provide increased safety by controlling visitors to your building. Our multi-tenant intercoms use a mobile-enabled app to control the door. The lobby-based intercom systems include a built-in camera that allows you to see the person at the door. You answer the door on your smartphone or mobile device. You can select an intercom by itself, or integrated with an IP camera system, or even integrate with an IP door access system.  Take a look at all the intercoms that can integrate with IP Camera security systems. Read more about IP intercoms... These special intercoms are easily connected to an electric lock through a relay or integrated with an IP door access control system.   Read more about apartment intercoms ... Top Product Highlight of the Month Paging Considerations Before Purchasing Primary Functionality: Determine the system’s main purpose—mass announcements, emergency alerts, background music, or the end of class at school. Consider whether the system requires automated announcements. Environment: Assess whether the system will be used indoors, outdoors, or in both settings, as this will impact equipment requirements. Audience Size: Consider the number of people the system needs to reach and the area it will cover. Each location in the organization should be considered. For example, how large is each classroom, gym, or auditorium? Consider if you would like to make announcements outdoors. The background noise should always be considered. Read more... IP Paging Systems Buyers Guide to IP Paging Systems This article reviews how to ensure that everyone hears the message. It reviews the type of speakers, the amplification required, and the sound levels required to achieve your paging goals. IP Paging uses speakers similar to those in older analog systems, except they are not connected to a central amplifier. The speakers connect to the network and have individual amplifiers. This configuration allows us to use the network infrastructure and reduces the wiring required. Read more... Network Paging Systems Paging Software Software that uses a Computer Console for Paging and Intercoms VOIP Phone Paging Software Solution Paging from your Smartphone and Mobile Device TalkMaster Focus is the control and management software for paging and intercom communications. It runs on your Windows computer and allows you to make pages or to communicate to intercoms on your network.  This suite of software is designed to manage intercom and public address operations over IP networks. TalkMaster Focus is the control and management software for paging and intercom communications. It runs on your Windows computer and allows you to make pages or to communicate to intercoms on your network.  This suite of software is designed to manage intercom and public address operations over IP networks. There are a number of options. TalkMaster-Solo comes at no charge with your amplifiers or intercoms and allows you to make announcements to all your IP amplifiers and IP intercoms on the network. Talkmaster-Enterprise is a licensed software product, that adds additional capability such as allowing you to make pages from multiple computer consoles, and adds optional modules. Talkmaster-Solo This full-featured control software comes without charge with any amp or intercom. It allows you to make a page or talk to all your intercoms from a single computer console. It includes a sophisticated fail-over feature so if the first console is not operating it automatically switches to a secondary or even third level computer console. This paging application software includes functions such as talk and listen, page, and manage intercoms and amplifiers from your Windows PC. Functions include: Selective or master call to page all stations Master control and auto-detection Remote door release and GPIO control Record, log, and archive audio sessions Audio file playback (.WAV) Remote and local digital volume control Talkmaster-Enterprise For sophisticated users and applications, TalkMaster Enterprise Edition provides flexibility in addressing the special needs of complex, multi-station, multi-operator, and multi-site installations. The Talkmaster Focus suite of applications provides additional capability such as automation tools, vision, and VoIP connect. Provides full intercom support: A powerful set of intercom call queue rules establishes site-specific call response hierarchies. You can communicate with intercoms from multiple sites and consoles, regardless of geography. TalkMaster-EE's server-based topology can support 15,000 audio endpoints. Support multiple Sites: This IP paging and Intercom system can be used in a single building, a campus, or multiple sites— locally or globally. Records Transactions: Every substantial aspect of an intercom call transaction; among the information gathered and available on the Administration Console Screen are: Console operator and administrator sign-in and sign-off, Call start/stop including source, Recording of both audio paths, and Intercom call station status Summary of TalkMaster Focus Suite Modules: Enterprise Operator | Automation | Video | VoIP Connect | Bell Scheduler Focus Enterprise Operator License for additional operator consoles. This allows you to use more than one Windows computer to make pages. Focus Automation Tools This adds Alert Management and Events modules to the Focus Operator. “If this...then that” capability Trigger pre‐recorded audio files Alerts for system interruption Reads RSS/CAP: Atom Feeds Scheduled Actions Runs in the background The Events Module adds the ability to monitor events from IP Endpoints and send audio or email messages in response to them.  For instance, you can connect a door switch to an IP Endpoint and play an automatic audio message when someone opens the door. The Alert Manager module adds the ability to monitor RSS and CAP/Atom feeds and automatically convert the associated text messages to speech so they can be played on Digital Acoustics IP Endpoints.  For instance, this can be used to announce severe weather alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Or create your own RSS or CAP/Atom feed to create custom on-demand announcements. Focus Video This module allows operators to view live video from IP Cameras associated with IP audio endpoints.  Supports industry-standard RTSP based IP cameras. By adding the Vision license to TalkMaster FOCUS, all Operator Consoles can see who they are talking to. Visually verifying a guest or intruder can be the difference between safety and danger. Vision provides the ability to: View an RTSP based IP Camera that has been associated with an IP Intercom Continuously monitor up to four RTSP based IP Cameras Focus VoIP Connect FOCUS VoIP Connect is an optional component that provides SIP 2.0 integration with industry-standard SIP 2.0 VoIP Telephone systems.   TalkMaster FOCUS VoIP Connect adds the ability to assign an “extension number” to one or more IP Endpoints so they can communicate with phones on the SIP-based phone system. Add Bell Schedule Control Announcements Now it’s easier than ever to add scheduling software for school bells. The familiar ring now can be replaced by chimes, music, or even customized sounds like chirping birds, all made possible using BellCommander.  Learn more... Top Why Use IP Based Audio Systems This IP Audio system includes speakers, intercoms, audio amplifiers, and management software. Very easy to install because it uses your network infrastructure Amplified integrated speakers connect directly to PoE network connection Intercoms connect to your PoE network Provides centralized paging and intercom from your Windows PC Create as many zones as you need Select IP amplifiers with the power required for each location Add Bell Commander scheduling software that provides automated announcements Whether your application is a parking facility, educational institution, corrections, high-security port authority, or many other applications, this is the best system for you. Technology for Safety The integration of various security and communication systems, such as IP cameras, IP door access control, intercoms, personal emergency panic buttons, emergency broadcast systems, and emergency paging systems, provides a comprehensive approach to safety and security. Read more... Emergency Broadcast for Campus-Wide Alerts These network-attached IP based public address and intercom systems improve campus security by adding emergency alert capabilities. They provide communications to multi-building or multi-campus school or corporate environments. Read More... Smartphone Paging and Mass Emergency Notification System The IP-PACast emergency notification system provides important text and audio announcements to a large group of people. It alerts them to pending or existing emergencies. The system consists of a web interface that allows you to send trigger messages to target groups that receive the notification. Audio and other messages can be sent from a computer, mobile device, automated service, or even Microsoft Teams to computer IP paging devices on your network or mobile devices. IP-PACast uses a simple interface to upload users and devices. The users and the devices can be assigned to groups or zones, so the right people are reached. Read more... Emergency Notification System Biometric and Body Temperature Access Control The biometric door reader provides face authentication and temperature monitoring. It can prevent the entry of a person that has an elevated temperature or if they are not wearing a protective face mask. Read more... Digital Contact Tracing System This contact tracing system provides the automated health tracing required in today’s environment.  The system provides accurate, reliable, and easy-to-implement contact tracing in the workplace. Read more... Top Resources for IP Paging Systems Why Purchase Paging Systems from Kintronics The Kintronics Paging over IP System is an innovative solution that enables businesses to quickly and easily send paging messages over the network. This system is designed to work with your existing network and allows users to send paging announcements to any room, area, or building where an IP speaker or intercom is connected. The system is easy to install and configure, and provides reliable, secure messaging with minimal disruption to existing infrastructure. This system also offers features such as scheduling, volume control, and multiple user levels, making it an ideal solution for businesses of any size. The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical and Application Articles The IP paging and intercom technical articles describe how the technology works, how to install the intercom and paging systems, as well as providing buying guides. The article How Network-Attached Audio Works describes how network-attached paging systems work. It explains how the sound waves from someone talking or singing are picked up by a microphone and converted to analog electric signals. This electric signal can be sent to an amplifier and then to a speaker so that many people can hear the sound. When we convert the analog signal to a digital signal and connect to the IP network, we can send sound around the world. IP Paging and Automated Announcements. One of the most helpful features of an IP Paging 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. Panic Buttons and Security, Panic buttons can be added to security systems to increase safety and security. It can be integrated into a security system such as surveillance camera systems, Paging systems, and door access control systems. IP Paging Systems for SchoolsIP paging speaker placement and sound volume settings are key to providing clear sound in the school. Whether there is a general announcement or an emergency message, it’s important that the instructions can be heard and understood by everyone. How Network Attached IP Paging Systems Work, You may have heard about Voice over IP or VoIP, well now it’s paging over IP.  This new public address system provides voice and intercom over the network. But how does this all work? This article describes how this technology works. How IP Powered Speakers Work: IP powered speakers connect to the network and use PoE for power, How to Design Your IP Paging System: The secret to designing your sound system is to start at the ears. Comparison of IP Intercoms:  The pros and cons of different types of IP intercoms. Emergency IP Paging Using Panic Buttons: This article describes how an IP PA system can increase safety and security. Comparison of the Classic Paging System to the New PA over IP System This article Reviews and Compares the analog paging system to the new IP paging system. It compares the cost of installing a classic paging system that uses a large central amplifier to the latest network-attached PA systems that use distributed small amplifiers. How Network Attached Amplifiers and IP Intercoms Work.  How do the IP audio systems actually work?  This article helps you understand the technology. Intercoms for IP Cameras An intercom can be used to manually control a door. It can be used with an IP camera so you can talk and see who's at the door. Let the Recorder Beware  This article discusses the legal issues of recording audio. Selecting the Right Speaker How to get the best sound requires some planning. Understanding all the speaker specifications will help you make the right choice for each area. What is the Best Sound Level for Your Speakers? or How Loud is Loud? This article discusses how to determine how loud your PA system should be and how to specify the type of equipment you need. Kintronics Technology Notes Newsletter If you would like to have our technical newsletter sent to you, just fill out the form. Out Technical Notes newsletter is filled with articles about how the technology works and examples of how it is used. It also includes some great technical jokes and cartoons. Technical White-paper How to Create the Complete Safety and Security System. This white-paper describes how to make your world safer by integrating IP camera systems, access control, and emergency paging systems. Blogs Our blog provides up to date technical insights about the technology.  It includes articles about the latest network-attached technology and how it works. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the IP camera system components and setting objectives. More... Top How to Purchase We sell all over the world. Please contact us for the latest pricing and shipping costs. More importantly, you can also receive our free consulting that assures you purchase the right things. Please call us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. Technical Support for IP Paging and Intercom Systems Paging and Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Top ### Campus Wide Alert System More IP Paging Systems | IP Intercoms | Mass Notification System Campus-Wide Emergency Alert IP Paging Systems These network-attached IP based public address and intercom systems improve campus security by adding emergency alert capabilities. They provide communications to multi-building or multi-campus school or corporate environments. Panic Buttons that are strategically placed can be used by the administration to initiate a lockdown or emergency evacuation. Benefits and Features The IP paging systems are very easy to implement. You can quickly and cost-effectively install new or replacement intercoms and paging systems using existing Ethernet networks. Here are some of the major features: Benefits and Features The central software runs on your PC. It manages the system and provides digital voice quality sound wherever you need it.PA amplifiers and speakers or intercoms can be mounted around the campus indoors or outdoors. Integrated powered speakers connect to the network and use PoEZones extend over networks and span the InternetSupports thousands of stations, without head-end hardwareHighly configurable zone template mappingThe powerful integrated amplifier provides loud, crisp quality soundInterface to analog overhead loudspeakersFast to deploy, easy to maintainAudio monitoring and intercom capability at any end-pointAdd IP cameras and door access control to create a complete surveillance and security system. Emergency Alert at University More Paging over IP Systems Top Improving Safety and Security IP amplifiers allow you to make announcements to a classroom, a building or the complete campus. The small IP amplifiers attach to your existing network infrastructure making it very easy to install. Panic Buttons Alert the Organization Panic buttons can be used for lockdown notifications, medical emergencies, notifying the school or organization of active shooter situations, or other emergency situations. The Panic buttons are used with automation software to generate prerecorded messages. The buttons can also be used with door access control to automatically lock all the doors.  Take a look at our article,  Automated Emergency Notifications, and Response for more details. The Personal Mobile Emergency Alert Mobile panic buttons can also be used to enhance security. The personal emergency panic button is a small device that attaches to your key-ring and provides instant notification to the safety center. The emergency panic button operates through a Bluetooth connection of the person's smartphone. The safety center can listen to the audio and provide the appropriate response to the emergency. Learn more ... Emergency Button Sends Page To determine the best emergency system for your organization, read our article Panic Button Comparison. Smartphone Paging and Mass Emergency Notification System The IP-PACast emergency notification system provides important text and audio announcements to people who are on or off the campus. It alerts them to pending or existing emergencies. The system consists of a web interface that allows you to send trigger messages to target groups that receive the notification. The system allows you to make a page from your smartphone. It also provides audio and text messages from a computer, automated service, or even Microsoft Teams to computer IP paging devices on your network or mobile devices. IP-PACast uses a simple interface to upload users and devices. The users and the devices can be assigned to groups or zones, so the right people are reached. Read more... Emergency Notification System Maintaining Health on Campus Temperature Screening Access Control To improve safety on the campus you can add access control with temperature screening and mask detection. TVIP-FaceBio Door Reader with Temperature Monitoring This biometric door reader provides face authentication and temperature monitoring. It can prevent the entry of a person that has an elevated temperature or if they are not wearing a protective face mask. Designed for organizations that need door access control as well as a way to screen people as they enter a secure area. The biometric door reader includes an embedded thermal camera and the latest face recognition algorithm. This face recognition reader-controller is best used when you have a small number of biometric readers at your organization. Read more… Contact Tracing System The ZoneTag system provides contact tracing for all people inside your organization. This safety control system provides the automated health tracing required in today’s environment. Not only does it meet the needs of the current pandemic, but it can be used in the future to track any new health issues transmitted between the people who work and visit your organization. Learn more… Top Integration of IP Paging and other IP Security Systems Emergency paging systems are one part of a complete network attached safety and security system. When PA over IP systems are integrated with IP camera surveillance systems and IP door access control systems you can create a safe and secure environment. Here are some examples: Intercoms and Door Access Control Door access control is enhanced when you can view a person at the door and talk to them before letting them in. There are systems that integrate Intercoms, door access control, and IP Camera systems. Intercoms with IP CamerasThe door access system keeps unauthorized people out, but what happens if you have a visitor? Adding an intercom to your IP camera system allows you to talk to visitors at the door as well as seeing them. Now you can make a decision about whether or not you would like to grant them access to your facility. More ... Apartment Intercoms: You can add additional capability to your apartment house by using the latest apartment intercom with smartphone connectivity. By adding the mobile app to your IOS or Android device, you can be notified when someone is in the lobby. With the new mobile-enabled intercom system and smartphone App, your phone rings when someone pushes the button on the intercom. Now you can talk to someone at the door from anywhere.  More … License Plate RecognitionSafety can be increased by controlling the vehicles entering your campus or parking lot. The new systems use megapixel IP cameras for improved performance. They automatically read the license number and compare to a database allowing a gate to open or notify a security person. More ...   Technical Support IP paging and intercom systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Samsung PTZ IP Cameras Hanwha (Samsung) PTZ IP Camera Overview PTZ Comparison Chart | More Hanwha IP Cameras The Pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) cameras from Hanwha range in performance from the economical cameras with 12X optical zoom to the high-performance 8-megapixel PTZ cameras with 20X optical zoom.  You can select indoor or outdoor models with a variety of mounting brackets. These network-attached PTZ cameras provide excellent low light performance, with wide dynamic range, internal memory slots, and video analytics. PTZ cameras can be used to manually view a very large viewing area. They can also be used in automatic patrol (or tour) mode. The patrol mode is best used when it can be controlled by software such as Ocularis video management software. The software provides intelligent motion detection that only detects motion when the camera is stopped rather than when the camera is moving between positions. Remember that the IP cameras are just one part of the surveillance and security system. You also need video management software to record your video, the right lens, computer, and enclosures. Contact us and we will make sure you have everything you need. IP PTZ Cameras Specifications XNP-8300W PTZ Camera Hanwha provides a range of PTZ cameras. The 8-megapixel and 6-megapixel cameras provide wide field of view and excellent zoom lenses. The selection of cameras makes this a better overall choice against competing brands such as Axis.   The X-series PTZ cameras provide the highest level of performance, while the Q-series includes great performance at an economical price. If you only need to view areas that are less than 200 ft. away, you can select the more economical SNP-3120 with 12X optical zoom and 4CIF resolution (704 x 576 pixels). MSRP for the SNP-3120 PTZ camera is under $965. Please contact us for your price and for help selecting the right PTZ camera and mounting brackets. You can select from a wide variety of brackets - wall, pole, corner, and ceiling. For more information, please see our PTZ video showing the capability of the 55X PTZ 2-Megapixel IP camera. PTZ IP Camera Specification and Comparison MODELRESOLUTIONFeaturesPNP-9200RHOutdoor 4K 20X8 MP, 3840 x 216020X zoomFocal length: 4.8 ~ 96mm,Lens angle: H : 65.1˚(Wide) ~ 3.8˚(Tele) / V : 38.4˚(Wide) ~ 2.2˚(Tele)Color: 0.3Lux / F1.6 (1/30sec, F1.8, 50IRE)BW:  0Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dBRH model only,IR up to 200 m (656 ft) XNP-9300RWOutdoor 4K 30X8 MP, 3840 x 216030X zoomFocal length: 5 ~ 150mm,Lens angle: 57.4˚(Wide) ~ 4.56˚(Tele) / V : 33˚(Wide) ~ 1.25˚(Tele)Color: 0.1Lux / (1/30sec, F1.5, 50IRE)BW:  0Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dBRH model only,IR up to 200 m (656 ft)XNP-8300RWOutdoor 6-Megapixel6 MP, 3328 x 1872 pixels30X zoomH: 57.42˚(Wide)~2.19˚(Tele) / V : 33˚(Wide) ~ 1.25˚(Tele)Color: 0.1 Lux (1/30sec, F1.5), 50IRE)BW:  0Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dBRH model only,IR up to 200 m (656 ft)XNP-6550RH with IR2-Megapixel 55X PTZ Outdoor:2 MP, 1920 x 108055X zoomFocal length: 4.75 ~ 261.4mmLens angle: H : 58.6˚(Wide) ~ 1.23˚(Tele)Color : 0.02 lux (1/30sec, F1.6), BW : 0.002 lux (1/30sec,F1.6), 0 Lux (IR LED On)IR: Distance 500m (1,640ft)WDR: 120 dBIR up to 350m (1148 ft) More details … XNP-6400RH with IR2-Megapixel 40X PTZ Outdoor: 2 MP, 1920 x 108040X zoomFocal length: 6 ~ 222 mm,Lens angle: H : 59.3˚(Wide) ~ 1.9˚(Tele)Color: 0.05 Lux (1/30sec, F1.5)B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dBIR up to 350m (1148 ft) More details … XNP-6320: Indoor: XNP-6320H: Outdoor: XNP-6320HS Stainless steel2 MP, 1920 x 108032X zoomFocal length: 4.44 ~ 142.6 mm,H : 61.8˚(Wide) ~ 2.19˚(Tele) / V : 36.2˚(Wide) ~ 1.24˚(Tele)Color : 0.05Lux (F1.6), B/W : 0.005Lux (F1.6)WDR: 150 dBMore detailsSNP-6320 Indoor:SNP-6320H: OutdoorSNP-6320RH: Outdoor with IR: 2 MP, 1920 x 108032X zoomFocal length: 4.44 ~ 142.6 mm,Lens angle:  H : 62.8˚(Wide) ~ 2.23˚(Tele)Color: 0.3 Lux (1/30sec, F1.6, 50IRE)BW: 0.03 Lux (1/30sec, F1.6, 50IRE),WDR: 120 dBRH model only, IR up to 150m (492 ft)QNP-6230 Indoor:  QNP-6230H OutdoorQNP-6230RH Outdoor with IR range of over 300 ft2 MP, 1920 x 108023X zoom Color: 0.2Lux (F1.6)B/W: 0.01Lux (F1.6)Zoom: 23X (4.44 ~ 102.2mm) H: 61.8˚(Wide) ~ 3.08˚(Tele)WDR: 120 dBDiscontinued SNP-5321SNP-5321H1.3 MP, 1280 x 102432X zoom Color: 0.05Lux@F1.6BW:  0.005Lux@F1.6WDR: 120 dBDiscontinued Indoor: SNP-3120 SNP-3120VH: Outdoor4 CIF12X zoom Color : 0.7Lux (F1.65, 50IRE),B/W : B/W : 0.07Lux (F1.65, 50IRE)WDR: 52 dB PTZ camera Comparison Chart...  Learn more about: More Hanwha (Samsung) IP Cameras | Compare Other Manufacturer's Cameras | Complete IP Camera Systems Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with video recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system.   Technical Support IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### BellCommander School Bell Software Bell Commander School Bell Scheduling Software Now it's easier than ever to add scheduling software for school bells. Some forward-thinking schools across the country have replaced the traditional school bell that signals the end of classes with a more high-tech version that is cheaper to install and can be programmed easily by computer software. The familiar ring now can be replaced by chimes, music, or even customized sounds like chirping birds, all made possible by a software called BellCommander. Working with the IP Connected Paging system, the amplifiers and intercoms from Digital Acoustics provide a complete announcement system. Major Features: Broadcast school or factory bells, announcements, and music over your existing PA or intercom systemPlay popular sounds such as included chimes and tones, traditional school bell sounds, or play custom sounds/music such as the national anthemThe system can act as a stand-alone school bell and emergency notification system or interface with existing Digital Acoustics paging and intercom systemsFlexible day schedulesSchedule up to 300 events per dayQuickly change schedules for holidays, snow days, or special assembliesMulti-Zone Scheduling. Set different bell schedules by building or classroom. Network Attached IP Paging and Intercom System Diagram IP Connected Speakers and Intercoms IP amplifiers allow you to make announcements to a classroom, a building or the complete campus. The small IP amplifiers attach to your existing network infrastructure making it very easy to install. Learn more about IP paging and intercom systems ...  Campus Alert System The network-attached IP based public address and intercom systems improve campus security by adding emergency alert capabilities. They provide communications to multi-building or multi-campus school or corporate environments. Panic Buttons that are strategically placed can be used by the administration to initiate a lock-down or emergency evacuation.  Learn more ...  Resources and Support To learn more about IP paging and intercom systems, look at our technical articles. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 Tel: 800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) ### Samsung Dome IP Cameras Samsung Hanwha Dome IP Cameras Hanwha has five families of cameras, the WiseNet lite, WiseNet P series, X-Series, WiseNet Q series and the WiseNet III dome series. Remember that the cameras are just one part of the surveillance and security system. You also need video management software to record your video, the right lens, the computer, and enclosures. Contact us and we will make sure you have everything you need. What is the best dome camera for your application?  It depends on what you want to see, the lighting in the area, and how large a field of view you need.   Contact us for help selecting the right IP cameras. WiseNet Lite Dome Cameras This is the most affordable family of cameras.   You can select fixed or variable lens models, with up to 2 Megapixel resolution.  This economical family includes dome, bullet, and PTZ cameras.  But, but they don't include remote zoom and focus, or Wide Dynamic Range (WDR).  If you need to save money, this is the right choice.  More ... Dome IP Camera WiseNet Q Series These new cameras feature the ability to support the latest H.265 compression, which saves bandwidth and storage.  The family includes an affordable set of cameras that include 2-Megapixel and 4-Megapixel cameras.  So far there are only dome and bullet cameras in this group.  The 4-Megapixels models include remote zoom and focus lens, yet are very inexpensive.   The cameras also provide WDR, and video analytics that includes motion detection, tampering and defocus detection.  This set of cameras provides the best cost-performance available. More ... WiseNet X Series Dome Cameras The X-Series of dome IP cameras uses the latest Wisenet 5 chip.  This high-performance video processing chipset provides very high-quality video.  You get the very best low light sensitivity, highest performance wide dynamic range (150 dB WDR), as well as some very helpful advanced analytics.  The camera family supports the latest H.265 compression and adds WiseStreamII Compression technology to provide some of the lowest bandwidth and storage requirements available.    Learn more … WiseNet P Series This family of cameras provide 4K resolution.  They use up to 12-Megapixel sensors to provide the highest performance at a reasonable price.  You can select dome, bullet or PTZ cameras with this very high resolution.  You can select cameras with remote zoom and focus.  More ... WiseNet III Dome Camera Specifications The full-featured series dome IP cameras includes remote zoom and focus lenses, excellent low light and wide dynamic range. You can select domes for indoor and outdoor applications. Some domes include built-in IR illuminators so they can operate in total darkness. With the two-way audio support and IO connections, they can be used in a variety of applications. MSRP starts at $859 for indoor 1.3 Mpixel domes. Please contact us for pricing. All the models have motorized varifocal lenses that make it extremely easy to set up.  Note that in the chart below the SND-models are indoor, and the SNV-models are outdoor models. Dome IP Camera Specification and Comparison Table MODEL RESOLUTION LIGHT SENSITIVITY SND-5084SNV-5084 (Outdoor) 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 Color: 0.05Lux (1/30sec, F1.2, 50IRE), 0.0008Lux (2sec, 50IRE)B/W: 0.005 lux (1/30sec, F1.2, 50IRE)WDR: 130 dB With IR Illuminator30m (98.43ft)SND-5084RSNV-5084R (Outdoor) 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 Color: 0.05Lux (1/30sec, F1.2, 50IRE), 0.0008Lux (2sec, 50IRE)B/W: 0 Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 130 dB SND-6084SNV-6084 (Outdoor) 2 MP, 1920 x 1080 Color : 0.1Lux (F1.2, 50IRE),B/W : B/W : 0.01Lux (F1.2, 50IRE)WDR: 120 dB With IR Illuminator15m (49.21ft)SND-6084RSNV-6084R (Outdoor) 2 MP, 1920 x 1080 Color : 0.1Lux (F1.2, 50IRE),B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dB SND-7084SNV-7084  (Outdoor) 3 MP, 2048 x 1536 Color : 0.1Lux (F1.2, 50IRE), 0.06Lux (F1.2, 30IRE)B/W : 0.01Lux (F1.2, 50IRE), 0.006Lux (F1.2, 30IRE)WDR: 120 dB With IR Illuminator25m (82.02ft)SND-7084RSNV-7084R (Outdoor) 3 MP, 2048 x 1536 Color : 0.1Lux (F1.2, 50IRE), 0.06Lux (F1.2, 30IRE)B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on))WDR: 120 dB SNV-8080 (Outdoor) 5 MP, 2592 x 1944 Color :  0.2Lux (1/20sec, F1.2, 50IRE), 0.005Lux (2sec, F1.2, 50IREB/W :  0.02Lux (1/20sec, F1.2, 50IRE), 0.0005Lux (2sec, F1.2, 50IREWDR: 60 dB With IR Illuminator30m (98.43ft)SNV-8081R (Outdoor) 5 MP, 2592 x 1944 Color:  0.25Lux (1/30sec, F1.2, 50IRE), 0.004Lux (2sec, F1.2, 50IRE)B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on))WDR: 60 dB Lens Specification and Comparison Table MODELLENS TYPEVIEWING ANGLESND-5084SNV-5084SND-5084RSNV-5084R3 ~ 8.5mm (2.8x) motorized varifocal: F1.2DC auto iris, P-IrisH : 93.4°(Wide) ~ 33.1° (Tele)SND-6084SNV-6084SND-6084RSNV-6084R3 ~ 8.5mm (2.8x) motorized varifocal: F1.2DC auto irisH : 105.5°(Wide) ~ 37.1°(Tele)SND-7084SNV-7084SND-7084RSNV-7084R3 ~ 8.5mm (2.8x) motorized varifocal: F1.2,DC auto iris, P-IrisH : 100.12°(Wide) ~ 35.38° (Tele)SNV-8080SNV-8081R3.6 ~ 9.4mm (2.6x) motorized varifocalDC auto iris, support P-Iris modeH : 104.0°(Wide) ~ 39.2°(Tele) Common Specifications Environment: SNV models are outdoor rated at IP66Lens: DC auto iris, support P-Iris mode / Board-in typeFocus:  Simple focus (Motorized V/F) / Manual, Remote control via networkAudio: Mic(Line)-in / Built-in mic selectable via UI, Line-out (Mono, 1Vrms)2.5V DC (4mA) powered 2K OhmInput / Output:  1/1Edge Storage - SD card slot: Micro SD/SDHC/SDXCVideo Analytic functions: Tampering, Virtual line, Enter / Exit, Appear / Disappear, Audio detection, Face detection with metadataOperating temperature: -30°C ~ +55°C (-22°F ~ +131°F) / Less than 90% RHInput power: 24V AC, 12V DC, PoE (IEEE802.3af class3), 11.4 WDimensions: Ø160.0 x 118.5mm (Ø6.3" x 4.67" Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with video recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system. Cost-Effective Dome Camera Specifications The WiseNet Lite is an economic series of dome IP cameras. It includes megapixel resolution and is best used when you don't need a remote zoom lens or remote focus. You can select domes for indoor and outdoor applications. Some domes include built-in IR illuminators so they can operate in total darkness. They are great for viewing a doorway or small room. MSRP starts at under $200. Please contact us for pricing. Cost-Effective Dome IP Camera Comparison Table MODEL RESOLUTION Lens type SND-L5013(Indoor) 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 3.6mm fixed, H : 74˚ With IR Illuminator30m (98.43ft)SND-L5083RSNV-L5083R (Out) 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 2.8 ~ 12mm (4.3x) varifocal, H : 88.2˚(Wide) ~ 28.6˚(Tele) SND-L6013SND-L6013R (IR)IR: 20m (65.62 ft) 2 MP, 1920 x 1080 3.6mm fixed, H : 86.5 With IR Illuminator20m (82.02ft)SND-L6083RSNV-L6083R (Out) 2 MP, 1920 x 1080 2.8 ~ 12mm (4.3x) varifocal, H : 103.8˚(Wide) ~ 32.4˚(Tele)   Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with video recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system.   360 Panoramic Dome IP Camera Specifications When you need to see everything the panoramic 360° camera is essential.  You can select an indoor or outdoor dome with 3 MP or 5 MP resolution. The high resolution allows you to see good detail and is best used to get situational awareness rather than forensic detail. With the two-way audio support the camera can be used in a variety of applications that require audio. Pricing starts at under $450 for the indoor dome. Please contact us for your price.   Panoramic IP Camera Detail Specification Table MODEL RESOLUTION Features SNF-7010 3.0 MP Indoor, with 120 dB WDR, 360° fisheye lens SNF-7010V / M 3.0 MP Outdoor IP66, IK10 and EN50155 certifications (SNF-7010V/7010VM) SNF-7010V 3.0 MP M12 connector (SNF-7010VM) SNF-8010 5.0 MP Indoor, with 60 dB WDR, 360° fisheye lens SNF-8010VM 5.0 MP Outdoor  IP66, IK10 and EN50155 certifications, M12 connector PNF-9010R (indoor)   /9010RV (outdoor) /9010RVM (Mobile) 12.0 MP Simple focus / Manual - Remote control via network   PNF-9010R : Indoor:  -10°C ~ +55°C (+14°F ~ +131°F) / Less than 90% RHPNF-9010RV/9010RVM : Outdoor:  IP66. -40°C ~ +55°C (-40°F ~ +131°F) / Less than 90% RH * Start up should be done at above -35°C (-31°F) M12 connector used on RVM version More IP Cameras: Q Series IP Cameras | P Series of 4K Cameras | More Samsung IP Cameras | Compare Other Manufacturer's Cameras Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with video recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system. Technical Support IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Samsung Bullet IP Cameras Samsung Hanwha WiseNet Bullet IP Camera Overview Bullet cameras with IR illuminators are easy to install and have many advanced features such as remote zoom and focus lenses. All these IP cameras are powered using PoE.  There are many bullet models to choose from.  The latest 4K IP camera not only provides extremely high resolution, but it also has excellent low light sensitivity and wide dynamic range. The WiseNet III bullet cameras have been replaced by the following Hanwha IP Cameras: There are five families with bullet cameras available WiseNet Lite Bullet CamerasQ-Series Bullet camerasX-Series Bullet camera with enhanced capabilityP-Series 4K Bullet IP Camera These network cameras provide excellent low light performance, with wide dynamic range, internal memory slots, and video analytics. Remember that the IP cameras are just one part of the surveillance and security system. You also need video management software to record your video, the right lens, the computer, and enclosures. contact us and we will make sure you have everything you need. IP Bullet Camera with IR Specifications Hanwha IP Bullet Camera These IP cameras include excellent features, such as:.– Remote zoom and focus (in high-end models)– Wide Dynamic Range– Built-in micro SD/SDHC/SDXC slot The economical model includes a fixed wide-angle lens while the other models include remote variable zoom lenses. Please contact us for pricing. Examples of Hanwha Bullet IP Cameras ModelResolutionLight SensitivityQNO-6070R2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens: 2.8 ~ 12mm (4.3x) manualColor : 0.095Lux (30IRE), B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dBQNO-8080R5-MP, 2592 x 1944Lens : 3.2~10mm (3.1x) motorized varifocal lensSimple focus (Motorized V/F) / Manual, Remote control via network Color : 0.15Lux (30IRE), B/W : 0Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 120 dBIR Viewable length 30mXNO-6085R Outdoor, Very low-light with IR2-MP, 1920 x 10804.1 ~ 16.4mm (4x) Motorized V/F (F1.2)H : 100˚(Wide) ~ 26.2˚(Tele)Color : 0.004 LuxB/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on)WDR: 150 dBThe following bullet cameras have been discontinued:SNO-5084R, SNO-6084R, SNO-7084R, and SNO-8081R5 MP, 2592 x 1944Color :  0.3Lux (1/30sec, F1.3, 50IRE), 0.005Lux (2sec, F1.3, 50IRE)B/W :  0.02Lux (1/20sec, F1.2, 50IRE), 0.0005Lux (2sec, F1.2, 50IREWDR: 60 dB  Learn more about: More Samsung IP Cameras | Compare Other Manufacturer's Cameras | Complete IP Camera Systems | Support   Lens Specification and Comparison Table MODELLENS TYPEVIEWING ANGLESNO-5084R3 ~ 8.5mm (2.8x) motorized varifocal: F1.2DC auto iris, P-IrisH : 93.4°(Wide) ~ 33.1° (Tele)SNO-6084R3 ~ 8.5mm (2.8x) motorized varifocal: F1.2DC auto irisH: 105.5°(Wide) ~ 37.1°(Tele)SNO-7084R3 ~ 8.5mm (2.8x) motorized varifocal: F1.2,DC auto iris, P-IrisH: 100.12°(Wide) ~ 35.38° (Tele)SNO-8081R3.93 ~ 9.4mm (2.4x) motorized varifocal: F1.3DC auto iris, support P-Iris modeH: 93.4°(Wide) ~ 39.2° (Tele) Highest Resolution 4K Bullet IP Cameras The PNO-9080R is the latest very high-resolution camera.  This 4K camera has 4,000 horizontal pixels of resolution.  This Hanwha bullet camera uses a 12-Megapixel sensor and provides excellent performance.  Our testing against Axis, Sony, and Hikvision demonstrated the superior performance of this camera.  Not only does it have excellent resolution, it did quite well in our low light test and its ability to handle wide light variation (WDR). The motorized zoom and remote focus makes it very easy to install. PNO-8090R Key Features Max. 12megapixel (4000 x 3000) resolutionMax. 20fps@12M, Max.30fps@8M0.3Lux@F1.6 (Color), 0Lux (B/W: IR LED on)IR illumination up to 40 m (130 ft)4.5 ~ 10mm (2.2x) motorized varifocal lensH.265, H.264, MJPEG suppportDay & Night (ICR), WDR (120dB), Simple focus, P-IrisMotion detection, Defocus detection, TamperingSD/SDHC/SDXC memory slot (Max, 128GB), NAS, Local PC supportHallway view (Rotate 90˚ / 270˚)WiseStream support, Digital auto trackingIP66, IK10, Bi-directional audio support Specification Sheet --> Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with video recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system. Technical Support IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Samsung Box IP Cameras Samsung Hanwha WiseNet III Box IP Camera Overview Hanwha has a wide choice of box IP cameras that are great for applications that require special lenses and enclosures. The WiseNet III series includes remote focus. They all include the option for p-iris lenses, making then the perfect choice when you need to increase depth of field at low light levels. All these IP cameras are powered using PoE. These full featured IP box cameras provide excellent low light performance, with wide dynamic range, internal memory slots, and video analytics. Remember that the network attached cameras are just one part of the surveillance and security system. You also need video management software to record your video, the right lens, computer and enclosures. Contact us and we will make sure you have everything you need. More about More Hanwha IP Cameras | Compare Other Manufacturer’s Cameras IP Box Camera Specifications These IP cameras include excellent features, such as: - Up to 60 fps- High end models include remote focus- Wide Dynamic Range- Built-in micro SD/SDHC/SDXC slot The lens is not included. You can select from many different lenses.   Note that the highest resolution cameras, such as the 4K camera, require special high resolution lenses.  Please contact us for help since you need to make sure the lens matches the sensor size, and resolution as well as meeting your field of view requirements. You can select from many different types of outdoor enclosures for different applications. There are enclosures for very low temperature, for corrosive environments of salt air to hazardous environments that require explosion proof enclosures. With the two-way audio support and IO connections they can be used in a variety of applications.  Please contact us for your price. Box IP Camera Specification and Comparison Table ModelResolutionLight SensitivitySNB-5004Discontinued1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024Color: 0.05Lux (1/30sec, F1.2, 50IRE), 0.0008Lux (2sec, 50IRE)BW: 0.005 lux (1/30sec, F1.2, 50IRE)WDR: 130 dBSNB-60042 MP, 1920 x 1080Color : 0.1Lux (F1.2, 50IRE),B/W : 0.01Lux (F1.2, 50IRE)WDR: 120 dBSNB-7004 Discontinued 3 MP, 2048 x 1536Color : 0.1Lux (F1.2, 50IRE), 0.06Lux (F1.2, 30IRE)B/W : 0.01Lux (F1.2, 50IRE), 0.006Lux (F1.2, 30IRE)WDR: 120 dBSNB-8000 Discontinued 5 MP, 2592 x 1944Color :  0.2Lux (1/20sec, F1.2, 50IRE), 0.005Lux (2sec, F1.2, 50IRE)B/W :  0.02Lux (1/20sec, F1.2, 50IRE), 0.0005Lux (2sec, F1.2, 50IREWDR: 60 dBSNB-900012 MP, 4,168 x 3,062Color :  0.28Lux (1/30sec, F1.2, 50IRE), 0.01Lux (1 sec, F1.2, 50IRE)B/W :  0.03Lux (1/30sec, F1.2, 50IRE), 0.001Lux (1 sec, F1.2, 50IREContrast enhancement Common Specifications Lens: C/CS mount, supports Manual / DC auto iris, P-IrisFocus:  Simple focus (Motorized V/F) / Manual, Remote control via networkAudio: Selectable (Mic in / Line in), Supply voltage : 2.5V DC (4mA), Input impedance : approx. 2K Ohm; Line out (3.5mm mono jack), Max output level : 1 VrmsInput / Output:  1/1Edge Storage - SD card slot: Micro SD/SDHC/SDXCVideo Analytic functions: Tampering, Virtual line, Enter / Exit, Appear / Disappear, Audio detection, Face detection with metadataOperating temperature: -10°C ~ +55°C (+14°F ~ +131°F) / Less than 90% RHInput power: 24V AC, 12V DC, PoE (IEEE802.3af class3), 11.4 WDimensions: 73.1 x 66.6 x 147.8mm (2.88" x 2.62" x 5.82") Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with video recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system. Technical Support IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### HIT-Storage Optical Jukebox and Library System HMS Series Optical Library Optical Libraries These libraries and jukeboxes are based on the technology developed at Grundig AG.e. They feature: Excellent reliabilityExchangeable 35-disc magazine with built-in RFID tags for easy offline indexingBlu-ray archive family from entry-level 35 slots to enterprise 560 slot configurationAdvanced 100/128GB Blu-ray technology compatible with CD/DVD and Blu-ray standardsIndustry-standard drives, non-proprietaryNAS library optionRedundant power supply standard in the enterprise version of 105 slot model and 350/560 slot modelsAutomated self-calibration for libraryTCP/IP based remote administration tool for all service functionsOffline rack solution under file system control, TCP/IP interface, scalable to PBStandard 2YR warranty and 2YR onsite service (5x9x24)Robust reliable robotics. Specifications HIT-Storage manufactures the latest Blu-ray optical Libraries. Select the capacity and performance required from the following table. Need help selecting the right library? Just contact us for help. HMS 8-OFF: Manual storage rack, Offline Rack, max. 3360 Discs, max. 96 Magazines in 8 / 12 drawers HIT-Storage Optical Jukebox and Library System Specifications Comparison Table Model Capacity Specifications HMS 103535Disc Load Time (average) < 3.5 sec. MSBF 2.5 Mio. Disc Formats: CD-ROM / DVD-ROM/±R (DL) / ±RW / -RAM, BD-R / -RE (DL) HMS series libraries are built with state of the art drivesHMS 2105105Disc Load Time (average) < 5 sec. MSBF 2.5 Mio. Disc Formats: CD-ROM / DVD-ROM/±R (DL) / ±RW / -RAM, BD-R / -RE (DL) HMS series libraries are built with state of the art drivesHMS 3350350Disc Load Time (average) < 6 sec. MSBF 2.5 Mio. Disc Formats: CD-ROM / DVD-ROM/±R (DL) / ±RW / -RAM, BD-R / -RE (DL) HMS series libraries are built with state of the art drivesHMS 3560560Disc Load Time (average) < 6 sec. MSBF 2.5 Mio. Disc Formats: CD-ROM / DVD-ROM/±R (DL) / ±RW / -RAM, BD-R / -RE (DL) HMS series libraries are built with state of the art drives These libraries support the latest 100 GB Blu-ray media. This doubles the listed capacity. Features and Benefits of HMS-Series Archiving Libraries Feature Benefit 35-disc magazine with built-in RFID tags for easy offline indexing When teamed with management software, the built-in RFID tag allows you to create a searchable off-line database. NAS library option TCP/IP connectivity makes it very easy to troubleshoot problems using a remote technician, reducing repair time Virtualized Storage Discs are virtualized into volumes for ease of management Volume Mirroring Creates a second copy for disaster recovery Replication Optional active-active asynchronous remote replication for automated, offsite disaster recovery. More Jukeboxes and Libraries Software PoINTStorage Manager PoINT Storage Manager provides virtualized storage devices. Hard disks can be enlarged network-wide, files can be replicated and “Fixed Content” can be archived. Hard disk, tape or optical systems storage systems are used more efficiently which saves costs in the long run. Migration is an embedded function of PoINT Storage Manager as the lifetime of each physical storage device and technology is limited. Thus, a storage solution must not be static but renewed continuously...more Point Software Archiving Regulations Law and regulations force companies to handle their data compliantly. Very often, record retention periods or qualities (e.g. original, electronically auditable) are specified but not the storage technology to be used. Therefore, the file system interface PoINT VFS offers the possibility to implement every supported device as archive storage and access it directly or in combination with a document management system or other applications. Additionally, the PoINT TAFS agent can even protect existing directories on hard disk to avoid unauthorized manipulation of the files stored therein. Depending on the configuration, the local file system can even be used as “Write Once Read Many” (WORM) storage.. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 ### Samsung IP Cameras Hanwha (Samsung) IP Cameras IP Camera Models | Performance Comparison | Overview of IP Camera Models Hanwha IP Camera Family Hanwha Vision (used to be Samsung) has one of the largest selection of IP cameras. From sophisticated IP Cameras with AI to economical dome IP cameras, you can find everything you need. IP Cameras and Systems available Dome and bullet cameras IP Cameras with artificial intelligence Economical IP Cameras Specialized box cameras Covert IP Cameras Modular easy to install cameras Very low-light sensitivity IP cameras Multi-sensor and multi-directional cameras Panoramic and fish-eye cameras Very high resolution 4K cameras PTZ cameras Thermal imaging IP cameras Explosion-proof or Intrinsically Safe Cameras Mobile IP cameras Stainless steel cameras Network Video Recorders Video Management Software The Hanwha Techwin IP cameras conform to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), effective August 13, 2019, specifically section 889.  This means they are the best choice for government projects that require products that comply with all government and international trade regulations. Performance Comparison of IP Cameras Hanwha provides a wide range of cameras that can meet every application requirement. To learn more use the overview below or just contact us for help. Wisenet A Series IP Cameras This family of cameras provides an economical solution for small to medium surveillance areas. They are best used in small areas that don’t require long-range low-light capability or sophisticated intelligence. There are 2 and 4-Megapixel models with fixed and variable lenses. The 4-Megapixel models include remote zoom capability. Learn more... WiseNet Lite This is the most affordable family of cameras.  You can select fixed or variable lens models, with up to 2 Megapixel resolution.  This economical family includes: Dome Cameras |  Bullet Cameras | PTZ IP cameras This is the right choice if you need an economical IP camera system.  If you don't require remote zoom, remote focus, or Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), it can save money. Learn more... WiseNet Q Series These cameras provide an increased capability, such as camera tampering detection, hallway view, 120 dB WDR, and defocus detection.  The cameras also support the latest H.265 compression. This advanced compression saves bandwidth and storage. Q-Series Dome IP Cameras | Bullet IP Cameras | PTZ Cameras The family includes an affordable set of cameras that include 2-Megapixel and 4-Megapixel cameras.  The economical 4-Megapixel models include remote zoom and focus lens. This set of cameras provides the best cost-performance available.  Learn more ...  WiseNet X Series The X-Series cameras include the latest Wisenet 7 chip.  This high-performance video processing chipset provides very high-quality video as well as artificial intelligence that includes shock detection, Loitering, Directional detection, Face/Upper Body detection, Fog detection, Audio detection, Digital auto tracking, Sound classification, and Tampering. There are stainless steel models in this family that can be used in salt spray environments. The family includes: X-Series IP Dome  | X-Series Plus Dome | Bullet IP Cameras | Box IP Cameras | PTZ cameras These cameras provide the very best low light sensitivity, highest performance wide dynamic range (150 dB WDR), as well as some very helpful advanced analytics.  The camera family supports the latest H.265 compression and adds WiseStream II Compression technology to provide some of the lowest bandwidth and storage requirements available.  The new PTZ camera that can see over 1100 ft. in total darkness.  Learn more ... WiseNet X Modular Series The X-Series plus cameras include advanced functions and features as well as being the easiest cameras to install.  This high-performance video processing chipset provides very high-quality video. Learn more... WiseNet P Series This family of cameras provides 4K resolution and cameras that include AI (artificial Intelligence) capability.  They use up to 12-Megapixel sensors to provide the highest performance at a reasonable price.  You can select a dome or bullet camera with remote zoom and focus, or PTZ cameras. The latest 4K IP cameras were tested against other 4K IP cameras.  This 4K camera review compared the Axis, Hikvision, and Sony.  The PNO-8090R was one of the best cameras in the shootout.  Learn more ... WiseNet III Full Featured Camera Specifications Hanwha has been making quite an impression in the security and surveillance market. These IP cameras exceed the performance of other cameras in the market yet have great pricing. The Hanwha megapixel cameras feature wide dynamic range, low noise, and very low light performance. Look out Axis, Hanwha is on the move. Select from a wide variety of box, bullet, dome, fish-eye, and PTZ cameras. WiseNet III Dome Cameras |  Bullet Cameras | Panoramic Cameras | PTZ IP cameras Samsung uses a very high-quality sensor that captures the best image. They include a powerful digital signal processing computer (WiseNetIII) chip that provides the high performance necessary for wide dynamic range (WDR), 60 fps, defogging functions, p-iris, and advanced motion detection. Compare to other IP Camera Brands Hanwha IP Camera Overview Comparison of Box, Bullet, Dome and PTZ Cameras Fixed Box IP Cameras: Box cameras are excellent for applications where you need flexible solutions. There are two families of box cameras available, the WiseNet III and the X-Series WiseNet III family provides standard performance cameras X-Series Box cameras provide enhanced performance using the latest WiseNet 5 video processor These IP box cameras can be used indoors or outdoors with enclosures and can use many different CS-mount lenses, including the latest P-iris type lenses. The lens is not included with the camera so always ask us for help selecting the right one. The new models include wide dynamic range, very good low light performance, and remote back-focus capability making them very easy to install. Bullet IP Cameras: There are five families with bullet cameras available WiseNet Lite Bullet Cameras WiseNet III family Bullet Camera Q-Series Bullet cameras X-Series Bullet camera with enhanced capability P-Series 4K Bullet IP Camera Bullet IP cameras and dome IP cameras have similar functionality and it is sometimes difficult to know which is best for a specific application. Here are some guidelines.H ow they are similar: Both have remote zoom lenses available and built-in IR illumination. Some models also include remote back focus to make it easier to set up. The bullet and dome IP cameras are available with 1.3, 2.0 and 3.0-megapixel resolution (the 5-megapixel cameras are coming very soon). How they are different: The most obvious difference is the way they look. The bullet is more obvious while the dome cameras tend to be more covert. The dome hides the direction the camera is viewing. The bullet camera is designed for outdoor applications while the dome camera can be used indoors or outdoors. Probably the most important difference is that the bullet is easier to install than the dome camera. The mounting and aiming adjustments are easier. On the other hand, if you worry about vandalism, the dome is more durable than the bullet camera. IP Dome Cameras: Dome cameras are less obtrusive than the box or bullet type IP cameras. The latest IP domes include remote zoom and focus lenses that make them easy to set up. There are five families that include dome IP cameras: Lite Series of economical dome cameras WiseNet III domes Q-Series domes X-Series Dome IP Cameras X-Series Plus Dome IP Cameras P-Series 4K provides the highest resolution These IP dome cameras are available with up to 12-megapixel resolution. You can select indoor or outdoor-ready dome cameras with IR illuminator so they can operate in total darkness. There are also vandal resistant models. The latest 2-megapixel domes provide 150 dB of WDR which exceeds the capability of the Sony and Axis IP dome cameras. There are even 360-degree (fish-eye) dome cameras with up to 12-megapixel resolution, that provide panoramic awareness. PTZ IP Cameras: There are four families that include PTZ cameras. Lite Series PTZ Cameras WiseNet III X- Series P-Series 4K PTZ camera Select from a wide range of indoor or outdoor-ready cameras. You can select PTZ cameras with up to 8-Megapixel (4K) resolution. The outdoor X-Series PTZ camera provides 2-megapixel resolution with 37X of optical zoom and includes an amazing IR illuminator that provides night vision up to 350 m away. Why Select Hanwha (Samsung) IP Cameras? Samsung is now called Hanwha, so you may see this brand called by either name.  In the USA they are referred to as Hanwha Techwin America.  No matter the name, they have excellent products.  They have a full line of IP megapixel cameras that attach to your network. Hanwha is known for its engineering. Hanwha looked at all the other surveillance cameras in the market and took the best technology from each. As a result, their engineering developed a very fast image processor.  Faster than the Axis processor. This meant they could provide wider dynamic range at lower light level sensitivity than other IP cameras. The better video quality and the best performance in all light conditions make this brand an excellent choice for all applications. These are top-quality IP cameras, with excellent reliability. They come with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. Excellent performance in all lighting conditions: Hanwha's Super Light Enhancer optimizes color and makes the video more visible, especially in severe backlight or shadow environments. The latest cameras include the ability to use a p-iris lens. This maximizes the depth of field in darker situations. Wide Dynamic Range: The latest X-Series IP cameras include up to 150 dB of dynamic range. You can really see the difference in challenging lighting conditions. The higher performance sensors allow Samsung to maximize very low light situations as well as providing wide dynamic range without having to choose between these conditions. Easy to install: Remote zoom and focus make it very easy to set up the IP cameras. Built-in analytics include "object removed" and "object left" as well as the unique "face finder" feature. The face finder function allows you to create an alarm if a face is detected in a certain area. They also include "line crossing" detection, camera tampering, and detection of abnormal audio sounds (in cameras with audio support). Cybersecurity from the Ground up Hanwha's rigorous cybersecurity throughout the product’s lifecycle guarantees all video and customer data is accessible only by authorized users. The Hanwha Trusted Platform Module means that in the event of an intrusion attempt, the camera’s chip layer is hack-proof. The commitment to making, assembling and designing their our own components forms the Hanwha Techwin “Supply Chain of Trust.” The network IP cameras are UL CAP (Cybersecurity Assurance Program) certified, meeting all UL evaluation cybersecurity criteria. Remember that the cameras are just one part of the surveillance and security system. You also need video management software to record your video, the right lens, computer, and enclosures. Contact us and we will make sure you have everything you need. Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Hikvision IP Megapixel Dome Cameras IP Dome Cameras Unfortunately, Hikvision IP cameras and systems are no longer available from Kintronics because of the current US government restrictions. Please take a look at the other IP Cameras we have available.  Select resolution 1.3, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8-megapixelIR illuminator built into the cameras with (-I) optionRemote zoom and autofocus models with (-Z) optionSelect cameras with very Wide Dynamic RangeIndoor and outdoor-ready models with PoE powerBidirectional Audio SupportExternal Alarm I/O More Hikvision Cameras | Compare to Other IP Cameras Smart Series Dome Cameras The Smart IP Dome Series is a full-featured, 3-axis, fixed-dome, IP megapixel network camera. Select the resolution and then add options such as the remote zoom and focus lens ("-Z" option), IR illuminator ("-I" option) or the wide dynamic range ("-WD" option). You can almost build the exact camera you want with all these options. The value series IP cameras provide a very economic solution for some applications where you don't need all the functionality of the professional series of cameras. Value Series IP Camera Selection Chart MODELRESOLUTIONKEY FEATURESDS-2C2142FWD-IS4-MP, 2688 × 1520-IS Lens:  Select - 2.8 mm,  4 mm,  6 mm  options;  angle of view: 106° (2.8 mm), 83° (4 mm), 56° (6 mm)   Color: 0.028 lux @ (ƒ/2.0, AGC on); B/W: 0 lux with IR IR Range 30 Meters (~100 Feet) WDR: 120 dB     DS-2C2122FWD-IS 2-MP,1920 × 1080Lens: 4.5 ~ 10mm (2.2x) motorized varifocal   IR Range 30 Meters (~100 Feet) Color: 0.014 lux @ (ƒ/1.4,AGC on); B/W;  0 lux with IR WDR: 120 dB Variable Lens   DS-2C2742FWD-IZS 4-MP, 2688 × 1520    Color: 0.028 lux @ (ƒ/2.0, AGC on); B/W: 0 lux with IR IR range: 30 meters WDR: 120 dB -30 °C ~ 60 °C (-22 °F ~ 140 °F).  Humidity 95% or less (non-condensing) Variable Lens DS-2C2722FWD-IZS 2-MP,1920 × 10804.8 ~ 96mm (Optical 20x) H : 65.1˚(Wide) ~ 3.8˚(Tele) / V : 38.4˚(Wide) ~ 2.2˚(Tele)   Color : 0.3Lux / F1.6 (1/30sec, F1.8, 50IRE), 0.005Lux (2sec, F1.8, 50IRE) 0.1Lux / F1.6 (1/30sec, F1.8, 30IRE), 0.0005Lux (2sec, F1.8, 30IRE) B/W : 0Lux (IR LED on) Pan: Range, speed: 360˚ Endless / Preset : 400˚/sec, Manual : 0.024˚/sec ~ 250˚/sec Tilt: 190˚ (-5˚ ~185˚ ) / Preset : 300˚/sec, Manual : 0.024˚/sec ~ 250˚/sec WDR: 120 dB     Smart Series IP Megapixel Dome IP Cameras These cameras include very low-light sensitivity and a smart suite of analytic functions including: Line crossing detection,Intrusion detectionScene change detectionAudio exception detectionMotion detectionDynamic analysisTampering alarm,Network disconnect,IP address conflict,Storage exception Comparison Chart of Smart Series IP Cameras from Hikvision MODELRESOLUTIONKEY FEATURES  8-Megapixel   DS-2CD5585G0-IZHS 8.-MP, 3840 x 2160     Sorry DISCONTINUED   Lens: 2.8 mm to 12 mm @ F/1.4 Motorized Lens with Smart Focus Color: 0.009 Lux @ (f/1.2, AGC ON), 0 lux with IR IR Range 30 Meters (~100 Feet) WDR: 120dB Audio and Alarm Input/Output DS-2CD5546G0-IZHS (Outdoor)     4-MP, 2560 x 1440Lens: 2.8 mm to 12 mm @ ƒ/1.4, motorized lens   Color: 0.002 Lux (with f/1.2 Lens); B/W: 0 lux with IR IR Range 40 Meters (~130 Feet) WDR: Digital Audio and Alarm Input/Output DS-2CD5126G0-IZS (Outdoor very low light)   2-MP,1920 × 1080 pixels2.8 mm to 12 mm @ F/1.4, 92° to 32°.  Motorized VF Lens with Smart Focus   Color : 0.002 lux @ (ƒ/1.4, AGC on), 0 lux with IR IR range 30 m (100 ft.) WDR: 120 dB Operating environment: -40° C to 60° C, humidity 95% or less (non-condensing)   4K Panoramic Camera  Single-sensor   DS-2CD63C2F-IV   Indoor/Outdoor 12-Megapixel, 4000 x 3072 pixelsIncludes IR illumination - with a range of 15 m (49 ft.)   Min illumination: Color 0.1 Lux. at F1.2, AGC On, B/W uses IR. IP66 rated   Performance Series IP Megapixel Dome IP Cameras These cameras include very low-light sensitivity and some analytic functions including: Motion detectionTampering alarm,Network disconnect,IP address conflict, Comparison Chart of Performance IP Cameras from Hikvision MODEL RESOLUTION KEY FEATURES       8-Megapixel   DS-2CD2785FWD-IZS 8.-MP, 3840 x 2160     Lens: 2.8 mm to 12 mm @ F/1.4   Motorized Lens with Smart Focus Color: 0.014 lux @ (F1.4, AGC ON), 0 lux with IR IR Range 30 Meters (~100 Feet) WDR: 120dB Audio and Alarm Input/Output DS-2CD2745FWD-IZS (Outdoor)   Variable zoom lens   4-MP, 2560 x 1440 Lens: 2.8 mm to 12 mm @ ƒ/1.4, motorized lens   Color: 0.01 Lux (with f/1.2 Lens); B/W: 0 lux with IR IR Range 40 Meters (~130 Feet) WDR: 120dB Audio and Alarm Input/Output DS-2CD2125FWD-I   Fixed lens (Outdoor very low light)   2-MP,1920 × 1080 pixels 2.8 mm, 4 mm, 6mmm, or 8mm lens (select the lens required). 108° (2.8 mm), 86.4° (4 mm), 52° (6 mm), 40° (8 mm)   Color : 0.008 lux @ (ƒ/1.4, AGC on), 0 lux with IR IR range 30 m (100 ft.) WDR: 120 dB Operating environment: -40° C to 60° C, humidity 95% or less (non-condensing) Resources: Technical articles help you understand the IP Camera technology Take a look at How to Select the Right Resolution Camera. Contact us for assistance in designing your system.   Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information and our catalog of video products.   Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 Tel: 800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) ### FAQs IP Cameras Frequently Asked Questions or FAQs about IP Cameras What makes the network IP cameras different than an Analog CCTV video camera? What is a 4K Camera? How large are the images in Kbytes? Does the IP camera device have its own IP address? Can I use an IP Network Camera for video conferencing? Do the cameras come with an application for storing and managing the video? Q: What makes the network IP cameras different than an Analog CCTV video camera? A: CCTV analog cameras connect to a video monitor or DVR using a coax connection, while IP cameras connect directly to the network using a RJ45 connector and have their own IP address.  CCTV or analog cameras transmit analog signals over the coax cables, while IP cameras transmit digitally encoded video over a standard network cable.  IP cameras have computers and intelligence, so they can be shared by many PCs using web browser and the video recorded using video management software or a NVR. Q: What is a 4K camera? A: 4K IP cameras are defined as having at least 4,000 (4K) horizontal pixels.  Some of the cameras that are touted as 4K don’t actually  meet the specification.  Typical high resolution 4K cameras provide over 4,000 pixels, but actually operate best with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.   4K cameras from Sony, Samsung and Hikvision all meet the 4K requirement, while Axis cameras have less resolution, but still say they are 4K.  It is best to check the details before selecting a camera and take a look at our review of 4K cameras. Q: How large are the images in Kbytes? A: The size of the image or video frame, depends on the resolution and the compression scheme used.  An image with a resolution of 350 X 240 that is compressed using MJPEG uses about 4-10 Kbytes.  Higher resolution cameras, with over 1-megapixel resolution, create file sizes larger than 80K bytes per frame.  Most mega-pixel cameras use H.264 compression instead of MJPEG compression.  Since H.264 compression transfers only the difference between frames, it dramatically reduces the bandwidth.  In this case, we don't calculate the bandwidth using the frame size. Instead, we estimate an average data rate based on the resolution.  The calculations consider the resolution of the camera, the frame rate and expected activity the camera will see. In general you can expect about 20 to 30 times improvement in compression using H.264. To learn more about this take a look at our newsletter article about IP Camera System Bandwidth. Q: Does the IP camera device have its own IP address? A: Yes, it acts as a standalone web-server. Q: Can I use an IP Network Camera for videoconference A: Yes, but it's not as good as general video conferencing solutions because there is some delay in the signals through the camera and network. if the cameras use MPEG4 or H.264 compression and support audio then it can be used for two-way communications. For example you can use the Sony dome camera which has a built-in microphone and provides simultaneous transmission of both audio and video. Q: Do the cameras come with an application for storing and managing the video? A: Some cameras come with very basic recording software.  The problem is that software provided by the camera manufacturer usually works only with their cameras, so you may not be able to use another IP camera brand.  For applications that require 4 or more cameras we recommend a more universal recording system. We provide a number of optional software and hardware products for viewing real time and recorded video.  These systems allow you  to create a complete IP camera system that uses many different types of cameras.  Take a look at our IP camera video recording guide for examples of the recording systems available. More Information Learn more about: IP Camera Systems IP Camera Recording Systems IP Camera Selection ChartIP Camera ReviewVideo Management SoftwareNetwork Video RecordersComponents of the IP Camera SystemResourcesMore FAQs about IP Camera Systems Technical Support Surveillance systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Hikvision IP Mini-Dome Cameras Hikvision Mini Dome IP Cameras Unfortunately, Hikvision IP cameras and systems are no longer available from Kintronics because of the current US government restrictions. Please take a look at the other IP Cameras we have available.  Overview: The economical IP mini-dome cameras can be used indoors or outdoors. These small dome cameras are available with optional wireless connection (W) and optional two-way audio and I/O connections (S). They come with built-in IR illumination so they can be used in total darkness. There are models with variable lens and fixed lenses. The "W" model mini- dome cameras include a fixed 4 mm lens but you can select a wide angle 2.8 mm lens or the 6 mm lens. These cameras can be used in a wide variety of environments. They are especially good for viewing doorways and small rooms. Hikvision Mini-Dome IP Camera Also Select: Dome IP Cameras | IP Bullet Camera | Box IP Cameras | PTZ Cameras | Compare to other IP Cameras Comparison Table and Guide - Hikvision IP Mini Dome Cameras The table describes the different models available. If you need an economical camera with a fixed lens, take a look at the cameras with the "W" in the model number. These cameras provide economical solutions for your IP camera system Remember to contact us for help selecting the right IP camera system. We provide free consulting and engineering to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just contact us. Specification Table Hikvision Mini Dome IP Cameras Specifications DS-2CD2523G0-IS 2-Megapixel Outdoor rated dome camera with IR with a manual variable lens. This Camera provides high definition network output, with up to 1920 x 1080 Resolution. It supports H.265+ video compression technology. Minimum Illumination: Color: 0.028 lux @ (f/2.0, AGC on), 0 Lux with IR. Includes either 2.8 mm or 4 mm Fixed Lens Options. IR illumination EXIR 2.0 Range Up to 35 ft (10 m).  12 VDC ± 25% (PoE, 802.3af), maximum 7.5 W DS-2CD2522FWD-IWS 2-Megapixel Outdoor camera with IR with a choice of fixed lens. 1920 x 1080 Resolution @ 30 fps. Minimum Illumination: Color: 0.018 lux @ (f/1.6, AGC on), 0 Lux with IR.  2.8mm, 4 mm, 6 mm options;  angle of view: 85° (4 mm), 52° (6 mm). IR range 10 meters. 12 VDC and PoE (802.3af) DS-2CD2543G0-IS 4-Megapixel Outdoor rated dome camera with IR with a manual variable lens. Up to 2688 x 1520 Resolution. Minimum Illumination: Color: 0.018 lux @ (f/1.6, AGC on), 0 Lux with IR. 2.8 mm and 4 mm variable Lens. EXIR 2.0 Range Up to 35 ft (10 m).  12 VDC ± 25% (PoE 802.3af), maximum 7.5 W DS-2CD2543G0-IWS 4-Megapixel Outdoor camera with IR with a choice of fixed lens. 2688 x 1520 Resolution @ 30 fps. Minimum Illumination: Color: 0.018 lux @ (f/1.6, AGC on), 0 Lux with IR. 2.8mm@ F2.0, (4mm, 6mm optional). EXIR 2.0 range of up to 100 ft (30 m). 12 VDC and PoE (802.3af) Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Discontinued - On-Net Surveillance Systems - OnSSi Prosight SMB, NETDVR, and NetDVMS have been replaced by Ocularis software products. The latest Ocularis 5.0 provides even more powerful features that allow you to create a complete IP camera security system. If you currently have the older version of the software, you can upgrade to the latest software.  On-Net Surveillance Systems, Inc. (ONSSI) provides a range of NVR or IP software solutions that support IP cameras, camera servers and IP network storage.  The solutions range from small scale systems to very large enterprise-class solutions.   All these software products include the ability to view cameras not only at a central video server but also at other workstations on the network or over the Internet. They all run as an application or a service and support computers with multiprocessors. More related Video recording systems Ocularis Replacement Software | Ocularis 5.0 | Video Recording Systems - Buyers Guide | More Video Management Software The following chart describes the old NVR software solutions that were available. It is provided for reference only and provides a comparison to the new software available. The Discontinued NVR Software Lineup Specifications ProSight SMB and Ocularis PS are both replaced by Ocularis 5 ProNetDVR, Ocularis IS, or CS is replaced by Ocularis 5 EnterpriseNetDVM. Ocularis LS, or ES is replaced by Ocularis 5 Ultimate Please see our upgrade path is defined in the Upgrade Chart. ### Hikvision IP Cameras Hikvision IP Cameras - Overview Unfortunately, Hikvision IP cameras and systems are no longer available from Kintronics because of the current US government restrictions. Please take a look at the other IP Cameras we have available.  Hikvision is one of the largest manufacturers of CCTV surveillance cameras. Their IP cameras feature megapixel resolution, wide dynamic range, and remote zoom and auto-focus lenses. They have very large selections of megapixel IP cameras, ranging from economical dome IP cameras to high-performance PTZ cameras. The dome, bullet and box type cameras range in resolution from 1.3-Mpixels to 8.85-Mpixels (4K). Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) is available in many of their megapixel cameras.  Take a look at our latest 4K IP camera product review.  Hikvision performed better than the Axis 4 K camera. Hikvision IP Cameras Select: Mini Dome IP Cameras | Dome IP Cameras | IP Bullet Camera | Box IP Cameras | PTZ Cameras | IP Camera Systems Why purchase from Kintronics? Because we not only provide excellent pricing, we also provide fantastic consulting and advice to make sure you purchase the right IP camera system. Hikvision compares favorably with Hanwha IP cameras, Axis, and other major brands. For example, the box cameras feature very low light sensitivity. The 1.3 megapixel box camera can see in lighting as low as 0.01 lux in color and 0.001 lx in B/W. As a comparison the Axis P1354 has a low light sensitivity of only 0.1 lx in color and 0.02 lx B/W. Take a look at our IP camera buyers guide for more about how Hikvision compares to Hanwha, Sony, Axis, and other cameras. Overview of models Domes For indoor and outdoor applicationsMini Domes Economical small domesBox Flexible cameras for many different applicationsBullet Cameras For easy outdoor applicationsPTZ Cameras available for indoor and outdoor applications Indoor and Outdoor Dome IP Cameras IP dome cameras are available for indoor or outdoor applications. You can select camera resolution, IR illumination, Wide Dynamic Range and remote zoom and auto-focus lens. The remote zoom and focus lenses make installation much easier. You simply manually aim the camera and then use your computer to zoom and focus the lens. This is a very time-saving feature. There are two types of domes, Pro Series and Value Series. The Value Series includes only 1.3 and 3.0-megapixel cameras, while the Pro series provides 1.2, 2.0, 3.0 and 5.0-megapixel resolution, with remote zoom and focus lenses as well as WDR. Hikvision IP Dome Camera Application note: When should you select a camera with Wide Dynamic Range? WDR Example WDR allows you to see the video in a wide range of lighting conditions. One example is when you are looking at a loading dock that has sunlight on a part of the floor area. Another example is when people are in front of a large window or glass door and you would like to see the people both inside and outside the area. WDR is usually provided by taking multiple pictures at different gain settings and then averaging the result into one composite picture. Most of the cameras that claim WDR provide at least 60 dB of contrast. The Hikvision cameras are rated at 120 dB. Mini Dome IP Cameras These outdoor ready IP66 rated mini dome cameras are economical dome cameras with fixed lenses. The small size makes them unobtrusive and can be powered using PoE. They all support dual stream video with H.264 compression as well as MPEG4 and MJPEG. The operating environment is -10°C ~ 60°C (14°F ~ 140°F). These IP dome cameras are available in 1.3 and 3.0 megapixel resolution. You can also select different fixed lenses depending on the field of view required. Even though they are economical cameras, they do include true day/night filters and include IR illumination for 0 lx operation. More … Mini-Dome IP Camera Box IP Cameras Hikvision Box IP Camera Box cameras are excellent for a very wide range of applications. They are used when you need a special lens or enclosure. They are available in 1.3 Megabytes to 5.0 Megabytes resolution. You can select from a wide range of lenses. For example, you can select very wide angle fish-eye lenses or megapixel variable lens that ranges from 25 to 135 mm allowing you to identify a persons face from a distance of over 100 ft. These cameras can be used with a variety of outdoor enclosures. You can select enclosures powered using PoE, or stainless steel enclosures for harsh environments, or even explosion-proof enclosures. More ... Bullet IP Cameras These outdoor-ready IP66 rated bullet cameras include IR illumination (20 M to 30 M distance) and remote zoom and focus lens. The remote zoom and auto focus lens makes these cameras very easy to install. You can also select IP cameras with 120 dB wide dynamic range ("-WD" option). They all support dual stream video with H.264 compression as well as MPEG4 and MJPEG. The operating environment is -10°C ~ 60°C (14°F ~ 140°F), humidity 90% or less (non-condensing). They can be powered using 12 V DC or PoE. More ... Hikvision Bullet IP Camera Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Hikvision IP Megapixel Bullet Cameras IP Bullet megapixel Cameras with IR Unfortunately, Hikvision IP cameras and systems are no longer available from Kintronics because of the current US government restrictions. Please take a look at the other IP Cameras we have available.  More Hikvision Cameras | Compare to Other IP Cameras Select resolution: From 1.3 to 8.8 megapixelDay / Night cameras with IR illuminator built into all modelsIncludes remote zoom and auto focus lensSelect cameras with very Wide Dynamic RangeOutdoor ready cameras use PoE power These outdoor ready IP66 rated bullet cameras include IR illumination (20 M to 30 M distance) and remote zoom and focus lens. The remote zoom and auto focus lens makes these cameras very easy to install. You can also select IP cameras with 120 dB wide dynamic range ("-WD" option). Hikvision IP Cameras They all support dual stream video with H.264 compression as well as MPEG4 and MJPEG. They can be powered using 12 V DC or PoE. Smart Series IP Megapixel Bullet IP Cameras These cameras include full smart suite of analytic functions including: Line crossing detection - Cross a predefined virtual lineIntrusion detection - Enter and loiter in a predefined virtual regionRegion Entrance - Enter a predefined virtual region from the outside placeException Detection - Scene change detection, Sudden audio increase/decrease detection, Audio loss detection, De-focus detectionObject Removal - Objects removed from the predefined region such as the exhibits on displayUnattended Baggage - Objects left over in the predefined region such as baggage, purse, dangerous materials Comparison Chart of Smart Series IP Cameras from Hikvision MODELRESOLUTIONKEY FEATURES 4K-Bullet, 8.8-MP DS-2CD4A85F-IZH 4096 x 2160 Lens: 2.8 mm to 12 mm @ F/1.4   Motorized Lens with Smart Focus Color: 0.014 lux @ (ƒ/1.4, AGC on), 0 lux with IR IR Range 50 Meters (~164 Feet) WDR: Digital Audio and Alarm Input/Output --40° C to 60° C, Humidity 95% or less (non-condensing) 6-MP DS-2CD4A65F-IZH   3072 x 2048Lens: 2.8 mm to 12 mm @ ƒ/1.4, motorized lens, 94.5°~30.5°   Color: 0.014 lux @ (ƒ/1.4, AGC on); B/W: 0 lux with IR IR Range 50 Meters (~164 Feet) WDR: Digital Audio and Alarm Input/Output -40° C to 60° C (-40° F to 140° F), humidity 95% or less (non-condensing) 3-MP DS-2CD4A35FWD-IZH   2048 x 15362.8-12mm @ F1.4, AF automatic focusing and motorized zoom lens  Optional lens: 8 mm to 32 mm Motorized VF Lens optional Color: 0.014 @ ƒ/1.4B/W: 0 with IR IR range: 30 meters WDR: 120 dB -30 °C ~ 60 °C (-22 °F ~ 140 °F).  Humidity 95% or less (non-condensing) 2-MP Ultra Low-Light DS-2CD4A26FWD-IZH   1920 x 1080 pixels2.8 mm to 12 mm @ F/1.4, 92° to 32°.  Motorized VF Lens with Smart Focus   Color : 0.0027 Lux @ (F1.2, AGC ON), 0.0027 Lux @ (F1.4, AGC ON),0 Lux with IR IR range up to 100 m (328 ft.) WDR: 120 dB Operating environment: -40° C to 60° C, humidity 95% or less (non-condensing)       For help selecting the right IP camera, please contact us, or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information . ### Ocularis Software Overview Ocularis Video Management Software Overview Ocularis Video Screens Ocularis Video Management Software (VMS) is an excellent solution for recording and controlling video from IP cameras. Ocularis Software is the latest IP-video and security software platform from OnSSI (now Hexagon). This flagship Video Management Software (VMS) can manage an unlimited number of IP cameras at multiple sites. It is used in IP camera systems, providing complete control over real-time viewing and recorded video. This is a video-centric physical security information management platform that has transformed the way video recording software is used. This new family includes several excellent solutions: Select the Version: Professional |  Enterprise | Ultimate. The following legacy products have been replaced by the latest Ocularis: Ocularis PS |Ocularis IS | Ocularis CS | Ocularis LS | Ocularis ES | Upgrade Path Other legacy versions of software that supported IP cameras include:  Ocularis DS, NetDVMS, NetDVR and ProSightSMB products. Ocularis Software Screens Ocularis' straightforward workflow provides a collaborative environment in which video and alerts from across the organization are converted into meaningful events, for efficient shared handling and building a video-evidence case file. Ocularis delivers a completely unique level of user experience and functionality. This enterprise level software makes it very easy to control hundreds of IP cameras. It provides recording and video management functionality as well as the management and coordination of physical security and multiple IP Camera systems that are located at different locations on multiple servers. Designed for multi-site, multi-server security environments, Ocularis adds an integration and management framework around all IP-video and physical security components, which provides functionality above and beyond that of current NVR and VMS systems. Features and Functions of Video Recording Software AUTOMATIC PUSH VIDEO ALERTING (Blank Screen Monitoring): Upon event, a push-video alert of the IP camera that triggered the alert, or any other camera, can be sent to users running the Ocularis Client application. In addition, the alert can be configured to trigger alarms or send notifications to users. FULL-FLEDGED VMS WITH PHYSICAL SECURITY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (PSIM) FUNCTIONALITY Ocularis manages video and event data received from cameras connected to multiple recording servers, as well as from physical security, content analytic, environmental detection, transaction and other enterprise systems. DESIGNED FOR INTEGRATION Ocularis allows the integration of a host of add-on components via integration tools including Data Link integration events, API commands, contact closure and more. A free Software Development Kit (SDK) is also available for 3rdparty manufacturers to integrate their systems into Ocularis. OPEN-ARCHITECTURE NON-PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY Ocularis runs on off-the-shelf PC hardware and supports leading manufacturers’ cameras and devices, and all industry-standard compression formats (MPEG-4, MJPEG, H.264 and MxPEG) and the ONVIF and ONVIF Profile S standards. Ocularis Base and Ocularis Recorders are also fully supported in virtual environments such as VMWare and Microsoft Hyper-V. CAMERA NVR SUPPORT Axis and Samsung cameras can be used directly – utilizing the native recording capability of the camera – eliminating the need for a PC-based NVR. OCULARIS MIX & MATCH Ocularis allows the use of multiple different recorders under the same Base. This allows users to tailor the system to meet their needs. Ocularis Mix & Match allows an Ultimate user to install Professional and camera NVRs – as well as legacy Ocularis 4.x recorders – in the same system with centralized user and event management. DYNAMIC DATA MANAGEMENT Ocularis Ultimate features efficient and dynamic data management with automatic load balancing and no archiving requirements. Multiple storage zones can be configured with storage quotas. PRIORITY CAMERA RECORDING Cameras can be prioritized to ensure that critical areas are recorded in the event that disk space is limited. ALARM RECORDING Alarm recording, based on motion detection and other inputs, can be configured with different retention policies from standard recording to ensure that critical events are saved. CRITICAL CAMERA FAILOVER Ocularis Client features automatic switching of interrupted or disconnected video streams in any live view – including maps and blank screen events – to designated alternate camera streams. CENTRAL MANAGEMENT FOR ALERTING, SHARED EVENT HANDLING, CLIENT ASSET AND USER AUTHORIZATION DATA All hardware and system operators are managed by the Ocularis Base, which coordinates all event and alert handling, manages users’ rights to specific cameras and functions system wide (Active Directory supported), and distributes all shared assets. USER AUDIT LOGGING All user activity may be logged by enabling auditing in Ocularis Base. An easy-to-use query tool provides easy-to-read, color-coded results and export capability for further investigation and statistical reporting. END-TO-END DATA ENCRYPTION Ocularis features encryption of all communication between servers and clients, and also supports HTTPS encryption between devices and recorders. COMPOSITE EVENTS (‘EVENT FUSION’) Composite Events are created by linking two camera events or alerts, configured by sequence order, time interval and logical conditioning (e.g. ‘If Door “A” opens, but no motion detection on Camera “N”, within 15 seconds’). Composite Events can be fused with other events to create complex detection scenarios, and assigned priority for push video and handling by Ocularis Client operators. EVENT PRIORITIZATION Events can be prioritized from 0-10 with a corresponding color code and can also be assigned customizable audio alerts. Events handling options are configurable as well. SMART CAMERA DRIVERS Smart camera drivers for Arecont, Axis, Canon, Hikvision, Interlogix, Northern, Samsung, Sony, and W Box allow the use of new camera models immediately without waiting for a model-specific driver. Ocularis also supports thousands of cameras from dozens of technology partners, and also includes full support for ONVIF and ONVIF Profile S. SERVER-BASED MOTION DETECTION Ocularis includes efficient server-based motion detection with multiple regions of interest, each with their own sensitivity and threshold adjustments. AUTOMATIC RECORDER PATCH UPDATES Recorder patch updates can be automatically downloaded and applied in Ocularis, keeping the system up-to-date. Administrators may also choose to download and install patches manually. SHARED EVENT HANDLING All events generated within the Ocularis system, or detected by external/add-on devices, are entered in a dynamically-updated list, shared among all authorized users. Users are able to access, investigate and handle events directly from a dedicated event handling interface, with an on-map indicator of the camera that triggered the event and dual video panes displaying the recorded event and a live stream. Handled events may be accessed by the administrator for continued handling. INTUITIVE UNIFIED VIDEO CLIENT Ocularis Client offers a user-friendly operator interface for both desktop and control room video-wall environments, with only minimal training required for full proficiency. Ocularis Client is also available in a 64-bit version for high video demand environments, supporting a higher number of video streams, as well as 4K and other high resolution cameras. LIVE MONITORING WITH INSTANTANEOUS INVESTIGATION While monitoring live video feeds, users can perform basic investigation on individual cameras – playback, digital PTZ and optical PTZ (for PTZ cameras) – without the need to switch to a dedicated investigation mode. EXCLUSIVE INVESTIGATION TOOLS Ocularis Client’s dynamic TimeSlicer™ senses motion in an area and brings the operator right to that video thumbnail in seconds instead of hours or even days. The Kinetic Timeline™ provides fast access to continuous historical data with a backwards and forwards swipe navigation and color codes to help identify recorded video. 360-DEGREE CAMERA DE-WARPING Ocularis Client features native de-warping of 360-degree cameras from Bosch, OnCam Grandeye, Samsung, Sentry 360, and Vivotek as well as for cameras equipped with the ImmerVision Panamorph lens. MIXED CONTENT VIEWS Users can select among unlimited views of different sizes (up to 8 x 8 panes), consisting of camera streams, carousels, hotspots, web pages and Blank Screen panes for receiving automatic (on-event) and manual (peer-to-peer) pushvideo alerts. MULTI-LANGUAGE SUPPORT Ocularis Client includes support for Arabic-Modern Standard, Chinese (simplified), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, How to Select the Right Video Recording Software For more help in selecting the right recording system take a look at Ocularis features and functions. This comparison chart will help you select the right model, but don't hesitate to contact us for help deciding what's best for your specific application. What version is best for you? It depends on your application and objectives as well as the total number of IP cameras you need to support. Some people just want to record the video for later review while others need to be notified of an alarm situation. There is also a version of software for people who require two-way audio and / or need to integrate with IP door access control systems. For help setting your objectives take a look at our white paper Defining the Objectives for Your IP Camera System. We know that selecting your IP cameras and recording system can be complicated, so please don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. We have a lot of experience with security and surveillance systems so I'm confident we can be helpful. Learn more about: More Video Management Software | Buyers Guide for Video Recording Systems Hardware Required for Video Recording Software What type of computer do you need to support the video management software? It depends on the number of cameras, resolution of the cameras, frame rate, type of compression, and the length of time you want to store the video. As you can see it can get complicated so it's best to contact us for assistance. Just to provide some idea of the computer resources needed, here is an example: In most cases you can use a Windows computer with CPU: Intel® Core™ i7 or better (if running on a workstation) or Intel® Xeon®, (Dual Core E5 or better) and 16 GB of RAM. Hard Drives: The size of the hard drives will depend on many factors including the length of time you want to hold the recorded video. You may require more computer power when running Enterprise and Ultimate software versions. To determine your computer requirements please contact us, so we can review all the variables that determine the capacity. Resources for Video Recording Systems The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical Articles and Application Notes Buyers guide and comparison chart of Video Management Software compared to NVRs and Cloud video recording services. Review: What to look for when selecting the software for your IP Cameras. This white paper starts with your application and then tells you what to look for in the software. How to select the right IP Software Why do I need software with my IP camera? All I need is a web browser to view IP network cameras on my PC. I can even control a pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) camera. Well yes, but surveillance usually requires more than just real-time viewing, you also need to store the video, view multiple cameras, be notified about alarms, etc. This article helps you understand the various NVR software products available. Kintronics Technology Notes Newsletter: If you would like to receive our technical newsletter, just fill out the contact form. Technical White-paper: How to Create the Complete Safety and Security System. This white-paper describes how to make your world safer by integrating IP camera systems, access control and emergency paging systems. Blogs There are two blogs. Our technical blog provides up to date technical insights about the technology. Or, for a different slant on the technology, take a look at Virginia's blog. Virginia makes it easy to understand the technology. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the IP connected technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the IP camera system components and setting objectives. More... Technical Support IP camera recording systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Hikvision IP Box Cameras Hikvision Box IP Cameras Unfortunately, Hikvision IP cameras and systems are no longer available from Kintronics because of the current US government restrictions. Please take a look at the other IP Cameras we have available.  The Hikvision IP box cameras can be used in many different applications. The cameras provide excellent low light sensitivity along with very good wide dynamic range (WDR). You can select from a wide range of lenses, environmental enclosures, and mounting brackets. See the specifications of IP box cameras Lenses do not come standard with Hikvision box cameras. In order to ensure you get the right lens, it's best to discuss all available choices with us. Possibilities include variable lenses, megapixel lenses, IR-type lens, and auto-iris lenses. As a rule of thumb, it always pays to determine if a lens is included before comparing prices. For example, a 5 megapixel IP Camera without the lens is priced at under $550 MSRP, but when you add a good lens (variable 3 - 8 mm) the price is about $695. Hikvision Box IP Camera Several enclosure types are available to protect these versatile cameras. For example, there are enclosures that come with heaters and blowers capable of withstanding temperatures as cold as - 40 degrees Fahrenheit. There are other enclosures that are explosion proof and can be used in hazardous areas such as oil platforms or mines where explosive gases can be found. Also see Dome Hikvision IP Cameras | Mini Dome Hikvision IP Cameras | Bullet Hikvision IP Cameras | Compare to Other IP Cameras   Comparison Table and Guide - Hikvision IP Cameras The table describes the different models available. Notice that all the cameras include Wide Dynamic Range. The IP cameras are part of the Smart Series models and have many great new features including remote back-focus capability. Remember to contact us for help selecting the right IP camera system. We provide free consulting and engineering to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just contact us. Hikvision IP Box Cameras Specifications DS-2CD5026G0 2-Megapixel IP camera. Indoor Smart Network Box Camera provides high definition output. It supports H.265+ video compression, which assures savings in bandwidth and storage. Darkfighter technology allows for viewing and recording in ultra low-light conditions. Ultra-Low Light, 0.002 Lux (with f/1.2 Lens), Darkfighter Technology. 1920 x 1080 Resolution @ 60 fps. CS Lens Mount Options. 12 VDC and PoE (802.3af). H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264. Smart features, such as line crossing, intrusion, and scene change detection are also supported. DS-2CD5046G0 4-Megapixel IP camera. Indoor Smart Network Box Camera provides high definition output. It supports H.265+ video compression, which assures savings in bandwidth and storage. Darkfighter technology allows for viewing and recording in ultra low-light conditions. Ultra-Low Light, 0.002 Lux (with f/1.2 Lens), Darkfighter Technology. 2560 x 1440 Resolution @ 30 fps. CS Lens Mount Options. H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264. 12 VDC and PoE (802.3af). Smart features, such as line crossing, intrusion, and scene change detection are also supported. 140dB WDR, Lightfighter Technology DS-2CD5065G0 6-Megapixel IP camera. Indoor Smart Network Box Camera provides high definition output. It supports H.265+ video compression, which assures savings in bandwidth and storage. Darkfighter technology allows for viewing and recording in ultra low-light conditions. Minimum Illumination: Color: 0.009 lux @ (f/1.2, AGC on). 3200 x 1800 Resolution @ 30 fps. H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264. 12 VDC and PoE (802.3af). Smart features, such as line crossing, intrusion, and scene change detection are also supported. 120dB WDR, Lightfighter Technology DS-2CD5085G0 8-Megapixel IP camera. Indoor Smart Network Box Camera provides high definition output. It supports H.265+ video compression, which assures savings in bandwidth and storage. Darkfighter technology allows for viewing and recording in ultra low-light conditions. Minimmum Illumination: Color: 0.009 lux @ (f/1.2, AGC on). 3840 x 2160 Resolution @ 30 fps. CS Lens Mount Options. H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264. 12 VDC and PoE (802.3af). 120dB WDR. DS-2CD50C5G0-AP 12-Megapixel IP camera. Indoor Smart Network Box Camera provides high definition output. It supports H.265+ video compression, which assures savings in bandwidth and storage. Darkfighter technology allows for viewing and recording in ultra low-light conditions. Minimum Illumination: Color: 0.008 lux @ (f/1.2, AGC on), B/W: 0.0008 lux @ (f/1.2, AGC on), 0 lux with IR. 4000 x 3000 Resolution @ 20 fps. H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264. 2 VDC and PoE (802.3af). Smart features, such as line crossing, intrusion, scene change detection , region entrance detection, region exiting detection, unattended baggage detection and object removal detection are supported. Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with video recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system. Technical Support IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information and our catalog of video products. ### Ocularis PS Software Ocularis PS Video Management Software has been Replaced Ocularis PS has been replaced by new versions. See the latest versions of this VMS. The following description is a historic review of the old video management software. It was designed for small IP camera systems with 25 cameras or less, but it can be scaled to support more cameras. This video recording software is a very economical way to provide a surveillance system at a single site.  This has been replaced by Ocularis Pro. For more about Ocularis, look at the Ocularis Overview. It can be integrated with IP door access control systems. Other Legacy Software: Ocularis IS | Ocularis CS | Ocularis LS | Ocularis ES Features of Ocularis PS Video Recording and Management Software Ocularis PS replaced ProSightSMB. The new recording software provides many more features and functions that make it perfect for IP camera systems that include 4 to 25 cameras. PTZ Patrol and Touring: It even includes control for pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) cameras. You can set the software to control PTZ patrol mode where the camera steps through predetermined positions. Some cameras also support this function, but the software adds the ability to ignore motion detection while the camera is moving. Now you have a much more effective patrol mode solution. An unlimited number of Ocularis Clients: You can add client software to workstations anywhere on your network so you can view real-time and recorded camera video. Map-Based Navigation: This easy to use feature locates all your cameras on a map of your facility. The following chart provides a summary of the features and functions provided by Ocularis PS. Feature SetPS OverviewPS is a scalable solution for small installationsScalable to unlimited number of cameras•Supports Multi-site and multi-server configuration•Supports Remote (networked) recording and archivingSupport for MJPEG, MPEG4, H.263, H.264 as well as Onvif & PSIA standards•Per camera configuration of image, streaming, recording and archiving attributes•Camera auto -detection•Automated device registration•30 day grace period to add/replace devicesDevice registration not requiredHighly intuitive, touchscreen-optimized video client with multiple-screen support•Unlimited shared and private views (group displays of cameras from different sites)•Map-based navigation of camera views and 3rd party assets•Interactive overlay controls for instant investigation during live monitoring•Support for privacy masks from camera, recorder and Ocularis Base•Interactive Local Video Wall•Multiple tools for forensic investigation including the Time Slicer™ tools-set and the Kinetic Motion Timeline•Centralized management of user rights, views and events•PTZ Presets / PTZ Patrolling25/NoGo to Preset on Event (recorder based events)•Active Directory support•Export evidence: annotated still image report, jpg set, annotated AVI•Export evidence: multiple-camera, password-protected and encrypted video database•Automatic (on-event) push-video alerting•Manual (peer-to-peer) push-video alerting•Integration with 3rd-party systems such as Access Control, Intrusion Detection, BMS and othersLimitedEvent Fusion – combining of events from multiple sources•Shared Event Handling among multiple users, with dynamically updated events list•Copy video into dedicated Case Maker database (Enhanced Bookmarking)•Single Recorder Software License for entire recording systemSimultaneous setup/configuration of cameras connected to multiple serversSupports multicast of live views to ClientAutomatic Failover for recording serversHot Standby Failover for recording serversVirtualization support (Base and recorder)•Dual streaming from cameras – separate streams for recording and live viewing•Max number of camera streams connected to each physical/virtual recording server26Maximum number of cameras per recorder using virtualizationUnlimitedConcurrent usersUnlimited Hardware Required for Video Recording Software In most cases, you can use a Windows computer with CPU: Intel® Core™ i6 or better (if running on a workstation) or Intel® Xeon®, (Dual Core or better recommended) and 8 GB of RAM. Hard Drives: The size of the hard drives will depend on many factors including the length of time you want to hold the recorded video. ES requires special computer systems that provide redundant capability. The computer required depends on the number of cameras, resolution of the cameras, frame rate, type of compression, and the length of time you want to store the video. As you can see it can get complicated so it's best to contact us for assistance. Just to provide some idea of the computer resources needed, here is an example: You will require more computer power when running ES software version. To determine your computer requirements please contact us, so we can review all the variables that determine the capacity. Resources for Video Recording Systems The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical Articles and Application Notes Buyers Guide and comparison chart of Video Management Software compared to NVRs and Cloud video recording services. Review: What to look for when selecting the software for your IP Cameras. This white paper starts with your application and then tells you what to look for in the software. How to select the right IP Software Why do I need software with my IP camera? All I need is a web browser to view IP network cameras on my PC. I can even control a pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) camera. Well yes, but surveillance usually requires more than just real-time viewing, you also need to store the video, view multiple cameras, be notified about alarms, etc. This article helps you understand the various NVR software products available. Kintronics Technology Notes Newsletter: If you would like to receive our technical newsletter, just fill out the contact form. Technical White-paper: How to Create the Complete Safety and Security System. This white-paper describes how to make your world safer by integrating IP camera systems, access control, and emergency paging systems. Blogs Our technical blog provides up to date technical insights about the technology. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the IP connected technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the IP camera system components and setting objectives. More... Technical Support IP camera recording systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Fender PA Sound Systems Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network attached paging systems. More PA Systems The following information is for reference only. Passport - Self Contained Portable PA Sound Systems The introduction of Fender's Passport Sound Systems redefined the portable PA (Public Address) system. Designed with simplicity, efficiency and portability in mind, Passport is the ideal system for schools, sports events, working musicians, acoustic groups, club and lounge performers, and corporate and educational presenters alike. Passport offers special features such as, Proprietary VIP (Vocal Input Priority) circuitry which allows all signals except the main signal to be turned down so an announcement can clearly be heard without adjusting the mixer. Durable power supplies deliver consistent, clean power (in stereo) to custom designed full-range speaker cabinets. The use of multiple full-range speakers greatly reduces the feedback normally experienced with PA systems. Each system features flexible input and output connections, tone control on each channel, system tone control, effects send and return, digital reverb, recording outputs, aux input (for CD, cassette or computer), speaker and optional microphone cables, and optional P-51 microphone(s). Once you use a Passport System, you'll see why you don't have to be a sound engineer to get great sound. Passport 300 Pro Passport 150 Pro Passport Executive Features 300 The Passport 300 Pro features a 6 channel mixer, 300 Watt stereo power amp and specialized DSA speaker design. The 300 provides powerful and full sound in a portable and easy to use design. If it’s a coffee shop performance or for a company event, the 300 is great in any situation where quality sound is needed. Features: Perfect for groups ranging from 300-500 people in size.Black luggage style molded case that protects the product during transportation from physical damage and the elements.44 lbs.Six input mixer: Four mic/line Two mono/stereo300 watts (150 per channel) stereoDigital ReverbMicrophones optionalProprietary DSA speaker design featuring two 5.25” woofers and dual arrayed 2.75” tweeters per cabinet.Two 20’ Speaker Cables.Compatible with Passport wireless accessories Features 150 The 150 is a smaller and more portable version of the 500. The 150 features a 4 channel mixer, 150 Watt stereo power amp and a specialized DSA speaker design. Weighing just 30 lbs, the 150 is excellent for small presentations, school or church programs. Features: Perfect for groups up to 300 people in size.Black luggage style molded case that protects the product during transportation from physical damage and the elements.30 lbs.Four input mixer: Three mic/line One mono/stereo150 watts (75 per channel) stereoDigital ReverbProprietary DSA speaker design featuring one 5.25” woofer and dual arrayed 2.75” tweeters per cabinet..Microphone are optionalTwo Speaker CabinetsCompatible with Passport wireless accessories 300 Specifications Contact us for the latest pricing P9000 (P51) Microphone OptionModel NamePassport 300 Pro(With Docking Connector for Wireless Receiver)Model Number069-4403-000 (120V 60Hz) USDescriptionComplete Self Contained Portable Sound SystemSeriesPassport SystemsDimensionsHeight: 23" (58 cm) Width: 29 " (73.66 cm) Depth: 11." (27.94 cm)Weight44 Lbs. (20kg) SystemsCoveringBlack Luggage Style Molded CasePower Output300 Watts Stereo , (2 X 150 Watts)Input PowerN/AFeatures Docking Connector for Passport Wireless Receiver. Innovative Deluxe Speaker Array Design for Superior Sound in any Application Extraordinary Feedback Rejection Allows the Speakers to be Placed Behind the User, Eliminating the Need for Separate Monitor Speakers. 35mm (1 3/8") Stand Adapters are Provided. Two 20' Speaker Cables and a Detachable Power Cable Are Provided and Can Be Stored in the Mic / Cable Storage Compartment with Latching Lid. V.I.P. (Vocal Input Priority) Music is Automatically Lowered When Someone Speaks Into the Microphone. Unique "One-Touch" Controls. Sophisticated "EQ Contour" Control. Clear Plastic Dust Cover Introduced1/2010NoticeProduct Prices, Features And Specifications Are Subject To Change Without Notice 150 Specifications   Contact us for the latest pricing P9000 (P51) Microphone Option Model NamePassport 150 (With Docking Connector for Wireless Receiver)Model Number069-4401-000 (120V 60Hz) USDescriptionComplete Self Contained Portable Sound SystemSeriesPassport SystemsDimensionsHeight: 19" (48 cm). Width: 25" (60 cm). Depth: 10" (25 cm).Weight30 lbs. (13 kg)CoveringBlack Luggage Style Molded CasePower Output150 Watt Stereo, (2 X 75 Watts)Input PowerN/AFeatures Docking Connector for Passport Wireless Receiver. Innovative Deluxe Speaker Array Design for Superior Sound in any Application Extraordinary Feedback Rejection Allows the Speakers to be Placed Behind the User, Eliminating the Need for Separate Monitor Speakers. 35mm (1 3/8") Stand Adapters are Provided. Mic / Cable Storage Compartment with Latching Lid. V.I.P. (Vocal Input Priority), Background Music Level is Automatically Lowered When Someone Speaks Into the Microphone. Unique "One-Touch" Controls. Sophisticated "EQ Contour" Control. Clear Plastic Dust Cover. Introduced1/2010NoticeProduct Prices, Features And Specifications Are Subject To Change Without Notice   P-9000 P-9000: Passport wired microphone kit. Includes Fender P-51 cardoid/directional mic, with on/off switch, mic clip, cable and pouch. Passport Executive Features: Compact. Convenient. The Passport Executive is the ultimate portable sound system for the mobile presenter on the go; ideal for meetings, seminars, tours, presentations and so many other uses—any situation where you need to raise your voice without raising the roof, so that you can communicate as effectively as possible with your audience. The new Passport Executive is about the size of a small briefcase, it’s easy to use, easy to move and easy to set up, all of which make it easy to like as the perfect solution to all of your small-group audio support needs. The Passport Executive lets your voice be heard with 100 watts of clear stereo sound through state-of-the-art NXT flat-panel speaker technology, all in a slim, lightweight design that slips easily into its included laptop-style form-fitted travel bag. Contact us for the latest pricing Executive SpecificationModel NamePassport® Deluxe PD-500Model Number069-4000-000DescriptionComplete Self Contained Portable Sound SystemSeriesPassport SystemsDimensionsHeight: 11.8 (29.2 cm) Width: 15.5 (39.4 cm) Depth: 4.5 (11.4 cm)Weight7.6 Lbs. (3.5 kg)CoveringGrey molded plastic cabinetPower Output100 Watts Stereo,Input PowerN/AFeatures16-Channel Frequency Agile UHF Wireless Belt Pack Transmitter/Headset Mic System, Digital Wireless Receiver Channel Display, Mic Input (Balanced XLR) for Connecting Optional Wired Mic, Line In (Stereo 3.5 mm) for Easy Connection to an mp3 Player or Similar Device, Line Out (Stereo 3.5 mm) for Easy Connection to a Recording Device, Bass Boost, Slim Design: 15.5" x 11.8" x 4.5", Lightweight Design: 7.6 PoundsIntroduced1/2010NoticeProduct Prices, Features And Specifications Are Subject To Change Without Notice To check your order Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-347-2530 FAX: 914-347-2588 Sorry we do not accept credit cards from outside the USA. We have other payment options. Please contact us for details. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Ocularis LS Software Ocularis LS Video Management Software Has Been Replaced Ocularis LS has been replaced by Ocularis Ultimate Ocularis LS was designed for large IT-centric organizations with extended command and control needs. It provided centralized recording server management and multicasting capabilities, as well as compatibility with the VideoWall and OpenSight add-ons, which allow for collaborative control of VideoWalls at multiple command and control centers, and incorporating camera streams from other Ocularis installations. Take a look at the latest version of Ocularis. For more about Ocularis, look at the Ocularis Overview. This VMS can be integrated with IP door access control systems. Other Legacy Software: Ocularis PS | Ocularis IS | Ocularis CS | Ocularis ES Features of Ocularis LS Video Recording and Management Software Ocularis LS provides some excellent features not available from other video management software. Central management of the recording server allows you to manage all your cameras, no matter where they are located, on one management screen. Edge Recording Support: If your IP cameras support local video recording (using SD card), you can utilize this edge storage capability. If for any reason the IP camera can't communicate to the video recording server, the camera can record the video to the SD card memory in the camera. Once the connection is re-established the software will automatically recover the missed video. Multicasting: In some cases, it is better to broadcast video to many client displays. LS adds the capability to broadcast video simultaneously to a large number of video display stations. The following chart provides a summary of the features and functions provided by Ocularis LS. Feature SetLSOverviewLS provides a centrally managed installation with Video-Wall command center and includes Edge Recording capabilitiesScalable to an unlimited number of cameras•Supports Multi-site and multi-server configuration•Supports Remote (networked) recording and archiving•Support for MJPEG, MPEG4, H.263, H.264 as well as Onvif & PSIA standards•Per camera configuration of image, streaming, recording and archiving attributes•Camera auto -detection•Automated device registration•30 day grace period to add/replace devices•Device registration not required--Highly intuitive, touchscreen-optimized video client with multiple-screen support•Unlimited shared and private views (group displays of cameras from different sites)•Map-based navigation of camera views and 3rd party assets•Interactive overlay controls for instant investigation during live monitoring•Support for privacy masks from camera, recorder and Ocularis Base•Interactive Local Video Wall•Multiple tools for forensic investigation including the Time Slicer™ tools-set and the Kinetic Motion Timeline•Centralized management of user rights, views and events•PTZ Presets / PTZ PatrollingUnlimited/YesGo to Preset on Event (recorder based events)•Active Directory support•Export evidence: annotated still image report, jpg set, annotated AVI•Export evidence: multiple-camera, password-protected and encrypted video database•Automatic (on-event) push-video alerting•Manual (peer-to-peer) push-video alerting•Integration with 3rd-party systems such as Access Control, Intrusion Detection, BMS and others•Event Fusion – combining of events from multiple sources•Shared Event Handling among multiple users, with dynamically updated events list•Copy video into dedicated Case Maker database (Enhanced Bookmarking)•Single Recorder Software License for entire recording system•Simultaneous setup/configuration of cameras connected to multiple servers•Supports multicast of live views to Client•Automatic Failover for recording servers--Hot Standby Failover for recording servers--Virtualization support (Base and recorder)•Dual streaming from cameras – separate streams for recording and live viewing•Max number of camera streams connected to each physical/virtual recording serverNo software limitationsMaximum number of cameras per recorder using virtualizationUnlimitedConcurrent usersUnlimited Hardware Required for Video Recording Software ES requires special computer systems that provide redundant capability. The computer required depends on the number of cameras, resolution of the cameras, frame rate, type of compression, and the length of time you want to store the video. As you can see it can get complicated so it's best to contact us for assistance. Just to provide some idea of the computer resources needed, here is an example: In most cases, you can use a Windows computer with CPU: Intel® Core™ i6 or better (if running on a workstation) or Intel® Xeon®, (Dual Core or better recommended) and 8 GB of RAM. Hard Drives: The size of the hard drives will depend on many factors including the length of time you want to hold the recorded video. You will require more computer power when running ES software version. To determine your computer requirements please contact us, so we can review all the variables that determine the capacity. Resources for Video Recording Systems The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical Articles and Application Notes Buyers Guide and comparison chart of Video Management Software compared to NVRs and Cloud video recording services. Review: What to look for when selecting the software for your IP Cameras. This white paper starts with your application and then tells you what to look for in the software. How to select the right IP Software Why do I need software with my IP camera? All I need is a web browser to view IP network cameras on my PC. I can even control a pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) camera. Well yes, but surveillance usually requires more than just real-time viewing, you also need to store the video, view multiple cameras, be notified about alarms, etc. This article helps you understand the various NVR software products available. Kintronics Technology Notes Newsletter: If you would like to receive our technical newsletter, just fill out the contact form. Technical White-paper: How to Create the Complete Safety and Security System. This white-paper describes how to make your world safer by integrating IP camera systems, access control, and emergency paging systems. Blogs Our technical blog provides up to date technical insights about the technology. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the IP connected technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the IP camera system components and setting objectives. More... Technical Support IP camera recording systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Smartphone Door Access Using Bluetooth Reader Mobile Credentials For Door Access Systems Select the Enterprise Mobile Credential | Select the Isonas Mobile Credential Reader | Purchase Now your smartphone is your access key. You don't need to carry a card credential.  Both Isonas and Hartmann include Apps that connect your smartphone to their readers using Bluetooth. This mobile credential is the latest way of controlling your door access. These Door Access Systems Use Your Smartphone as the Credential Isonas provides a simple solution that requires opening an app on your smartphone while the Hartmann system will connect to the reader even if the phone is locked. Both systems use virtual credentials that are added to the smartphone. They provide easy registration and management of the virtual credentials. Benefits of Mobile Credentials Cost: You don't have to pay for card credentials Convenience: Since your smartphone becomes the credential, you don't need to find your keycard. Simple registration: Makes it easy to change IDs. This makes it an excellent solution for hotels and motels Improved security: People can give their card credential to someone else, but it's unlikely they will give away their smartphone. Very easy to use: You can select an entry mode that doesn't require you to take out your smartphone. Just wave your hand in front of the reader to open the door. Mobile Smartphone Credential Door Access Control Kits The following door access control kits include a door reader that supports mobile smartphone door credentials.  The kits include the door controller and the reader. Hartmann uses an advanced system that provides multiple ways to unlock the door using the smartphone. Once you have downloaded the app, the smartphone is ready to open the door. The system unlocks the door as long as the app is running and your phone is close to the reader. You can open the door without the need to unlock your phone. SDC-XB-BT100Kit Mobile Credential Access Kit With Mullion Reader Mobile Credential Door Reader and Controller This kit includes the door controller and the BT100M door reader that supports Bluetooth credential and smartcard proximity credentials. The kit includes one of the most secure and compact readers available. The BT100M reader operates with smartcards as well as Bluetooth® (Low Energy) technologies. This mullion reader is specially designed for installation in small spaces. The BT100M door reader is especially powerful when integrated with the Hartmann controller.  The reader identifies mobile phones and uses a swipe or handsfree identification modes.  The BT100M door reader is outdoor rated IP65 reader. It can read 13.56 MHz credentials as well as the mobile credential. Mullion mount. Used with Hartmann control panels (It also can attach to elevator panel). Reader Operating temperatures: - 20°C to + 70°C / - 4°F to + 158°F Product sheet SDC-XB-BT103Kit Mobile Credential Access Kit with Wall Mounted Reader Wall-Mounted Mobile Door Reader This kit includes a door controller and the BT103M door reader. The BT103M reader is designed for a single-gang wall mount (rather than the mullion type above). It supports Bluetooth credentials and can also read 13.56 MHz credentials. The reader is a secure vandal-proof card reader compliant with RFID and Bluetooth® (Low Energy) technologies. Compliant with existing access control systems, the BT103M reader identifies mobile phones thanks to many Prox or handsfree identification modes. It supports Bluetooth credentials and smartcard RFID credentials. Outdoor rated IP65. Single-gang wall mount. Used with Hartmann control panels (It also can attach to elevator panel). Reader Operating temperatures: - 20°C to + 70°C / - 4°F to + 158°F Product sheet SDC-XB-BT123Kit Mobile Credential Access Kit with Keypad Reader Mobile Reader with Keypad The kit includes the BT123M door reader that includes a keypad. This single-gang wall-mounted reader supports Bluetooth and 13.56MHz credentials. The reader is a vandal-proof reader combining RFID / Bluetooth® (Low Energy) technologies with a capacitive keypad. The reader identifies mobile phones thanks to advanced swipe or handsfree identification modes. This RFID reader includes a Wiegand connection. Outdoor rated IP65. Can also read 13.56 MHz credentials. Single-gang wall mount. Used with Hartmann control panels (It also can attach to elevator panel). Reader Operating temperatures: - 20°C to + 70°C / - 4°F to + 158°F Product sheet Mobile Credential Options The intelligent mobile credential door-readers have several optional identification modes. You can select the identification mode that provides the security and convenience you need. These 5 modes can differentiate between access points depending on their distance (adjustable from 5 cm / 1.96’’ to 20 m / 787.4’’ *). This means that multiple mobile readers can be installed in the same area. Card Mode Place your smartphone in front of the reader just like you would do with a card credential. This virtual credential mode is free. Slide Mode Slide. Come in! Your hand becomes a card that you always have on you, without needing to take out your smartphone. This mode requires the purchase of a virtual card credential. Hands-Free Mode Just walk past the reader! There’s nothing else to it! The distance from the smartphone to the reader is adjustable to maintain security. This mode requires the purchase of a virtual card credential. Tap-Tap Mode Tap and enter! You can open a door by tapping your smartphone twice in your pocket for close or remote access. This mode requires the purchase of a virtual card credential. Remote Mode This mode can be used to open a garage door or gate from a distance. This mode requires that you press the app button to open the door. This mode requires a more expensive virtual-card credential. Isonas Mobile Credentials Readers The intelligent Isonas reader includes the built-in control function. It provides a simple door access control solution that supports mobile and proximity credentials. Isonas provides a simple solution.  The phone must be unlocked and requires the user to enable the app to open the door. When you don't want to use a card! You can unlock your door, open a gate, or even your garage door using your Smartphone. Just select the Bluetooth enabled Isonas reader. The Bluetooth reader is very easy to install. These are short-range units that allow you to unlock your door as you walk near it (using an app). Bluetooth Door Reader Highlights of Smartphone Mobile Door Control Your mobile phone credential provides Access Control using Your Smartphone Bluetooth Connection Bluetooth Smartphone Credential The Isonas RC04 readers support  RFID Protocols: 125Khz FSK Prox®, 13.56MHz, ISO14443A & B, ISO15693, and integrated Bluetooth Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) allows you to use your smartphone as your credential. When you need simple door access control, you can use the IP Reader with Bluetooth. Simply pair your phone with the IP reader. Then you can do many things such as: Control a gate Open your door Turn on your lights Open garage door Arm/disarm your security system   To increase safety, you can add IP Cameras and create a complete security system. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us using our Contact Form, or call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else to request help with your application. ### Visitor Registration and Management Compare Visitor Management Systems Visitor authentication and management systems enhance the safety and security of your organization. Today's heightened interest in security and health has resulted in the need for access control to the organization. With the addition of access control panels and kiosks, you can provide temperature monitoring and protective mask detection. Visitor Management for the Enterprise This video management system includes software and hardware that provides integrated solutions for many different types of organizations. This sophisticated visitor management system allows you to send invitations to meetings. They also can sign in a walk-in visitor. The software is available for on-site or cloud applications. Read more… Visitor Management for Small Business This visitor management software is designed for small to medium size organizations. It can scan IDs and print visitor badges, track and control visitors with EasyLobby Visitor Registration software Read more... Easylobby Visitor Management for Business EasyLobby SVM™ (Secure Visitor Management software), provides comprehensive, enterprise-class visitor registration, tracking, reporting, and badge printing, as well as web-based pre-registration by employees, access control integration, package and asset management, and employee time and attendance. Whether you have guards or receptionists greeting and processing visitors, or unattended entryways where you want visitors to self-register at a Kiosk, EasyLobby enables your organization to: Visitor Management Software These new visitor management systems allow you to send invitations to meetings. They also can sign in a walk-in visitor. The software is available for on-site or cloud applications. Read more… Streamline visitor check-in and check-out Accurately capture detailed visitor information in seconds (without typing!) Print high quality, professional-looking visitor badges Keep visitor information confidential Analyze visitor data and run queries and reports against your database Improve and automate lobby security Enhance your image by dealing with visitors more professionally Make visitors and employees feel safer More on the EasyLobby product sheet   EasyLobby SVM Software System SVM ™ (Secure Visitor Management) software is the main badge control application. SVM is installed on a Windows workstation or Kiosk, typically in the lobby, along with any combination of desired hardware peripheral, such as a license scanner, badge printer, camera, signature capture pad, etc. more. EasyLobby SVM's award-winning features include: Enterprise-class scalability - from a single system to hundreds of SVM™ workstations can share a central database (SQL Server, Oracle or MSDE) Manage Visitors, Packages, and Assets from a single application Automatically capture visitor data from a license, passport or business card Capture multiple signatures for each Visitor, Package or Asset Capture multiple photos for each Visitor and Employee record Print Visitor and Employee badges in full color or black and white, by Category Integrated Custom Badge designer to augment hundreds of built-in templates Comprehensive Watch List feature with full support for government denied party list screening and registered sex offender database screening Robust bar code functionality to automate check-in and check out at individual SVM™ and Satellite™ stations, with support for wireless scanners Multiple, programmable security alerts with email/SMS notification Customizable self-registration/Kiosk mode for unattended visitor registration and badging, with preregistration enforcement, barcode check-in and check out, and access control integration to control entry Dynamically updated Grid views for Visitors, Packages, and Assets A broad range of predefined Crystal Reports, with a wizard for custom reports Enterprise-class, central administration via our Administrator program 24 user-definable fields for Visitor, Employee, Package and Asset forms Complete control over visitor form fields, including renaming labels and tabs, show/hide, enable/disable, setting required fields and data capture from ID scans Create and manage your own lists for Reasons, Categories, Clearances and more Seamless integration with over 30 of the leading access control systems for providing certain visitors with customized card access from the SVM™ interface Import employee list(s) from any ODBC database or Active Directory, with auto-scheduling and updating Flexible data import and export functions Support for single sign-on, with hooks for alternative authentication methods Licensing Terms: SVM™ is licensed on a per workstation basis. For customers with a large number of facilities, site licensing is available. For more details take a look at the SVM product sheet.   Administrator Software The Administrator software is installed on a Windows workstation (typically the security manager's computer), and provides all of the critical functionality for managing your EasyLobby visitor management system. Using the Administrator software you can do the following: Create and manage your organization's badge templates, by Category (these can also be different for each SVM badging station deployed in your facilities) Create and manage all of your User accounts for the guards or receptionists that will be operating the SVM badging software in each lobby Visitor Management Administration Setup and manage the automated, scheduled employee import process so that the drop-down list on the SVM visitor form stays up to date (for indicating the employee or patient or student being visited) Manage all settings and options on each SVM badging station from the central Administrator console Setup and manage SVM's Kiosk (self-registration) mode Manage each employee's access to eAdvance (for preregistering visitors from the employee's own computer using a web interface) Do real-time monitoring and reporting across the entire organization, or for specific Sites or badging stations Print Employee ID cards Licensing Terms: One copy of Administrator comes free with each copy of the SVM badging software that you buy. You can purchase additional copies of Administrator, as required, for a nominal fee. Integration with IP Door Control Systems Visitor management can be integrated with door access control systems such as the Hartmann controls access control system. Access Control and Visitor Registration Management System Now it's easier than ever to install a door entry and access control system using your existing Ethernet network. It can be easily integrated with an IP video surveillance security system. The door access system controls who can enter your organization. The visitor management system controls your visitors, vendors, and guests. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Ocularis IS Software Ocularis IS Video Management Software has been Replaced Ocularis IS from OnSSI was video recording software that was designed for IP video surveillance and security systems with large numbers of IP cameras that are located at multiple sites. It had a centralized administrative capability that made it easy to manage all the cameras and users. It could also be integrated with IP door access control systems.  This has been replaced by Ocularis Enterprise. For more about Ocularis, look at the Ocularis Overview. The recording and management software includes the ability to view cameras on multiple workstations on the network or over the Internet using Ocularis client software or using a web browser (with optional Ocularis X). The servers all run as an application or a service, and support computers with multiprocessors. Ocularis Enterprise replaces this version. Other Legacy Software: Ocularis PS | Ocularis CS | Ocularis LS | Ocularis ES Features of Ocularis IS Video Recording and Management Software Ocularis IS replaced the old NetDVR software. The software has some unique features when compared to the economical PS version of Ocularis. Up to 64 cameras per server: The number of actual cameras supported by one server depends on the performance of the computer, the resolution of the cameras and the frame rate of the cameras. Alerts: Allows easy control of alerts from each server making it easier to respond to emergencies. Integration with Access Control Systems: IS can be integrated with access control systems in a number of ways depending on the access control system. Here are the detailed feature set for Ocularis IS: Feature SetISOverviewIS supports larger multiple locations and provides active monitoring, alert management and integration with access control, video analyticsScalable to unlimited number of cameras●Supports Multi-site and multi-server configuration●Supports Remote (networked) recording and archiving●Support for MJPEG, MPEG4, H.263, H.264 as well as Onvif & PSIA standards●Per camera configuration of image, streaming, recording and archiving attributes●Camera auto -detection●Automated device registration●30 day grace period to add/replace devices●Device registration not requiredHighly intuitive, touchscreen-optimized video client with multiple-screen support●Unlimited shared and private views (group displays of cameras from different sites)●Map-based navigation of camera views and 3rdparty assets●Interactive overlay controls for instant investigation during live monitoring●Support for privacy masks from camera, recorder and Ocularis Base●Interactive Local Video Wall●Multiple tools for forensic investigation including the Time Slicer™ tools-set and the Kinetic Motion Timeline●Centralized management of user rights, views and events●PTZ Presets / PTZ Patrolling50/YesGo to Preset on Event (recorder based events)●Active Directory support●Export evidence: annotated still image report, jpg set, annotated AVI●Export evidence: multiple-camera, password-protected and encrypted video database●Automatic (on-event) push-video alerting●Manual (peer-to-peer) push-video alerting●Integration with 3rd-party systems such as Access Control, Intrusion Detection, BMS andothers●Event Fusion – combining of events from multiple sources●Shared Event Handling among multiple users, with dynamically updated events list●Copy video into dedicated Case Maker database (Enhanced Bookmarking)●Single Recorder Software License for entire recording system●Simultaneous setup/configuration of cameras connected to multiple serversSupports multicast of live views to ClientAutomatic Failover for recording serversHot Standby Failover for recording serversVirtualization support (Base and recorder)●Dual streaming from cameras – separate streams for recording and live viewing●Max number of camera streams connected to each physical/virtual recording server64Maximum number of cameras per recorder using virtualizationUnlimitedConcurrent usersUnlimited Hardware Required for Video Recording Software What type of computer do you need to support the video management software? It depends on the number of cameras, resolution of the cameras, frame rate, type of compression, and the length of time you want to store the video. As you can see it can get complicated so it's best to contact us for assistance. Just to provide some idea of the computer resources needed, here is an example: In most cases, you can use a Windows computer with CPU: Intel® Core™ i6 or better (if running on a workstation) or Intel® Xeon®, (Dual Core or better recommended) and 8 GB of RAM. Hard Drives: The size of the hard drives will depend on many factors including the length of time you want to hold the recorded video. You will require more computer power when running LS and ES software versions. To determine your computer requirements please contact us, so we can review all the variables that determine the capacity. Resources for Video Recording Systems The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical Articles and Application Notes Buyers Guide and comparison chart of Video Management Software compared to NVRs and Cloud video recording services. Review: What to look for when selecting the software for your IP Cameras. This white paper starts with your application and then tells you what to look for in the software. How to select the right IP Software Why do I need software with my IP camera? All I need is a web browser to view IP network cameras on my PC. I can even control a pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) camera. Well yes, but surveillance usually requires more than just real-time viewing, you also need to store the video, view multiple cameras, be notified about alarms, etc. This article helps you understand the various NVR software products available. Kintronics Technology Notes Newsletter: If you would like to receive our technical newsletter, just fill out the contact form. Technical White-paper: How to Create the Complete Safety and Security System. This white-paper describes how to make your world safer by integrating IP camera systems, access control, and emergency paging systems. Blogs There are two blogs. Our technical blog provides up to date technical insights about the technology. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the IP connected technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the IP camera system components and setting objectives. More... Technical Support IP camera recording systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Califone PA419 System Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network attached paging systems. More PA Systems | More Presentation Systems Battery Powered Model PA419 Wireless PA System Specifications The PA419, the first portable PA designed for schools, churches, hotels and meeting facilities with an Apple-approved docking station for audio played from iPhones and iPods!Using your phone’s downloaded playlist, take advantage of streamingPandora or Spotify, or play music from the built-in DVD/CD player for groups up to 300 people or in rooms up to 2,000 square feet. Ideal for multiple presenters, it has two wireless mic receivers and can even support a third presenter (using a wired mic) all at the same time. Select the optional microphone for your application Wireless PA419 iPod Ready System Features Care-free portability with a built-in handleiPhone and iPod docking station also charges while playing musicDVD/CD player including USB port for added connectabilityRechargeablesealed batteryControl panel with Music/Speech button, mic/aux/MP3/master volume controls, aux input & audio line out, iPod/DVD video outs, voice priority switchCombo XLR / 1/4” mic inputWireless Mic Receiver #1 & #2, channel selector, volume, audio & RF indicatorsRemote control includes pitch adjustment for audio played from the DVD/CD player +/- 20% (in 3% increments), which is ideal for dance/music teachers.Standard 1 3/8” pole mount (underneath) for optimal elevated placement Specifications UHF receivers, XLR/1/4” Mic Input, RCA Aux Input, 3.5mm Aux Input, RCA Line Output, Composite RCA Video Outputs for iPod and DVD Player, Standard 1-3/8” tripod mounting hole on bottom VideoRated Power Output:30 watts RMSFrequency Response:60 Hz – 20 kHz ± 3dBInputs:XLR/1/4” Mic Input, RCA Aux Input, 3.5mm Aux Input, RCA Line Output, Composite RCA Video Outputs for iPod and DVD PlayerAC Power Requirements for charger only (operates on battery only):100-240V~50-60Hz switching-type with DC18V/3.33A outputBatteryRecharge Time < 10 hours time, 2 hour useable at full powerWeight:Actual 14.6 lbs, shipping 19 lbs.Dimensions (HWD):6-1/4” x 10” x 8-1/2”FM Receiver SpecificationsChannels:16 SelectableFrequency:902-928 MHzWarrantyOne year   Wireless Microphones ModelDescriptionQ-319Dynamic Handheld UHF Wireless MicrophoneM-319Belt Pack TransmitterCM-319Flexible Collar MicrophoneHBM-3196Headset MicrophoneLM-319Electret Lapel Microphone Terms & Conditions Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Ocularis ES Software Ocularis ES Video Management Software Has Been Replaced Ocularis ES has been replaced by Ocularis Ultimate. This VMS was designed for large organizations that required failover capability that assures reliability even if one computer fails. It provided centralized recording server management and multicasting capabilities, as well as compatibility with the VideoWall and OpenSight add-ons. These software products allowed for collaborative control of VideoWalls at multiple command and control centers, and incorporated camera streams from other Ocularis installations.  Take a look at the latest version Ocularis. It could be integrated with IP door access control systems. Other Legacy Software: Ocularis PS | Ocularis IS | Ocularis CS | Ocularis LS Features of Ocularis ES Video Recording and Management Software Ocularis ES was the top of the line video recording system. The ultimate version includes the hardware redundancy that this software provided. Failover of Recording Servers assures that you have the video even if you have equipment failures. This system is designed for citywide video management systems that require high reliability. Edge Recording Support: If your IP cameras support local video recording (using SD card), you can utilize this edge storage capability. If for any reason the IP camera can't communicate to the video recording server, the camera can record the video to the SD card memory in the camera. Once the connection is re-established the software will automatically recover the missed video. Multicasting: In some cases, it is better to broadcast video to many client displays. LS adds the capability to broadcast video simultaneously to a large number of video display stations. The following chart provides a summary of the features and functions provided by Ocularis ES. Feature SetESOverviewES adds powerful, centralized recording capability with IT-centric functions. Functions include recording server fail-overScalable to unlimited number of cameras•Supports Multi-site and multi-server configuration•Supports Remote (networked) recording and archiving•Support for MJPEG, MPEG4, H.263, H.264 as well as Onvif & PSIA standards•Per camera configuration of image, streaming, recording and archiving attributes•Camera auto -detection•Automated device registration•30 day grace period to add/replace devices•Device registration not required--Highly intuitive, touchscreen-optimized video client with multiple-screen support•Unlimited shared and private views (group displays of cameras from different sites)•Map-based navigation of camera views and 3rd party assets•Interactive overlay controls for instant investigation during live monitoring•Support for privacy masks from camera, recorder and Ocularis Base•Interactive Local Video Wall•Multiple tools for forensic investigation including the Time Slicer™ tools-set and the Kinetic Motion Timeline•Centralized management of user rights, views and events•PTZ Presets / PTZ PatrollingUnlimited/YesGo to Preset on Event (recorder based events)•Active Directory support•Export evidence: annotated still image report, jpg set, annotated AVI•Export evidence: multiple-camera, password-protected and encrypted video database•Automatic (on-event) push-video alerting•Manual (peer-to-peer) push-video alerting•Integration with 3rd-party systems such as Access Control, Intrusion Detection, BMS and others•Event Fusion – combining of events from multiple sources•Shared Event Handling among multiple users, with dynamically updated events list•Copy video into dedicated Case Maker database (Enhanced Bookmarking)•Single Recorder Software License for entire recording system•Simultaneous setup/configuration of cameras connected to multiple servers•Supports multicast of live views to Client•Automatic Failover for recording servers•Hot Standby Failover for recording servers•Virtualization support (Base and recorder)•Dual streaming from cameras – separate streams for recording and live viewing•Max number of camera streams connected to each physical/virtual recording serverNo software limitationsMaximum number of cameras per recorder using virtualizationUnlimitedConcurrent usersUnlimited Hardware Required for Video Recording Software ES requires special computer systems that provide redundant capability. The computer required depends on the number of cameras, resolution of the cameras, frame rate, type of compression, and the length of time you want to store the video. As you can see it can get complicated so it's best to contact us for assistance. Just to provide some idea of the computer resources needed, here is an example: In most cases you can use a Windows computer with CPU: Intel® Core™ i6 or better (if running on a workstation) or Intel® Xeon®, (Dual Core or better recommended) and 8 GB of RAM. Hard Drives: The size of the hard drives will depend on many factors including the length of time you want to hold the recorded video. You will require more computer power when running ES software version. To determine your computer requirements please contact us, so we can review all the variables that determine the capacity. Resources for Video Recording Systems The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical Articles and Application Notes Buyers guide and comparison chart of Video Management Software compared to NVRs and Cloud video recording services. Review: What to look for when selecting the software for your IP Cameras.This white paper starts with your application and then tells you what to look for in the software. How to select the right IP SoftwareWhy do I need software with my IP camera? All I need is a web browser to view IP network cameras on my PC. I can even control a pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) camera. Well yes, but surveillance usually requires more than just real-time viewing, you also need to store the video, view multiple cameras, be notified about alarms, etc. This article helps you understand the various NVR software products available. Kintronics Technology Notes Newsletter:If you would like to receive our technical newsletter, just fill out the contact form. Technical White-paper:How to Create the Complete Safety and Security System. This white-paper describes how to make your world safer by integrating IP camera systems, access control, and emergency paging systems. BlogsThere are two blogs. Our technical blog provides up to date technical insights about the technology. Or, for a different slant on the technology, take a look at Virginia's blog. Virginia makes it easy to understand the technology. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the IP connected technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the IP camera system components and setting objectives. More... Technical Support IP camera recording systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Califone PA System Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network attached paging systems. More PA Systems | More Presentation Systems The following information is for reference only. Portable PA PA10 PA319 PA319 PA150 PA150 PA419 PA419 Model PA319+UHF The PA319+UHF is the first completely portable PA system that provides flexibility and power. It can be used as a single, portable setup for on the go presentations or installed in multiple classrooms. The latest PA319 replaces the PA300. This is an AC powered PA System. (see the PA150 for battery powered system) Multi-use portability for classrooms, auditoriums, meeting room installations, outdoor playground activities and athletic events with built-in handle Accepts one wireless and two wired mics for multiple presenters at the same time Connects with LCD projectors, whiteboards, multimedia players, computers or microphones through two inputs for professional sounding presentations Line output to additional wired speakers for larger presentations Green, Red, Amber LED lights on front give visual confirmation of power, signal and reception Rugged brass sunburst teeth for worry-free mounting and guarantees speaker position will not slip Shared wireless mics with PowerPro eliminates dedicated mic equipment used for separate PA systems Additional wireless coverage by setting any number of PA319+UHF and PA-919 speakers to same frequency Wireless PA319 System Packages Packages Include: Wireless Presentation Pro+UHF Choice of the following: Wireless handheld mic Choice of 3 different hands-free mics Portable Tripod with bag and Mounting Bracket Infrared Mute/Volume Control for remote operation See specification ModelsPA319-PQHandheld Q-319 wireless microphonePA319-PLBelt pack transmitter with UHF lapel micPA319-PCBelt pack transmitter w/ flexible UHF neck micPA319-PHBelt pack transmitter with UHF headset micCall to place your order 914-944-3425 Specifications Rated Power Output:30 watts RMSFrequency Response:60 Hz – 20 kHz ± 3dBInputs:Line inputs (2):Hi-Z, RCA(summing L+R) Balanced mic:Hi or lo-Z,with phantom power (+15 volts D.C.) Unbalanced mic: Lo –Z, 1/4”-phone Auxiliary: Hi-Z Mono 1/4”-phoneAC Power Requirements:110 - 125 VAC, 50/60 Hz or 208 – 240 VAC, 50/60 HzWeight:10 pounds, shipping weight 14 lbs.Dimensions (HWD):6-1/4” x 10” x 8-1/2”UHF Receiver SpecificationsChannels:16 SelectableFrequency:900MHzWarranty6 years from date of purchase (PAonly, all other parts one year) Califone PA10 Portable Public Address System The portability and versatility of a wireless PA system are built into the PA Pro (PA10). Powerful enough to handle indoor and outdoor uses. it is perfect for school yards, tour groups, meetings and can be a potential life saver in emergencies where crowd control and communication can make the critical difference. For lecture halls, indoor / outdoor activities, meetings, conferences, field trips & tour groups up to 150 peopleWireless delivery is practical during emergency situationsConvenient transmitter and mic storage spaceinside 10 Watt amplifier prevents accidental lossInternal rechargeable battery for savings PA Package PA10-1 Package includes PA Pro, handheld wireless mic and carry case PA10A Portable PA System Includes PA10 with belt pack and clip on microphone Please call for more information 800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 PA10 Specifications Rated Power Output:10 Watts RMS, 12 Watts PeakSpeaker:4.25” diameter, 15W @ 4 OhmsInputs:3.5mm mic jackBattery Run Time6 hours @ 50% duty cycleBattery Recharge Time8 hours with included wall adapterAC Power Requirements:AC: 120V, 15-18VOutput, wall adapter DC: 12VDC 1.2 amp/hourWeight:5 lbs., without batteries shipping weight 7 lbs.Dimensions (HWD):7.1”W x 4”D x 9.8”HUHF Receiver SpecificationsChannels:1Frequency:Model PA-10a 206.400 MHz Model PA-10b 210.250 MHzWarranty1 year from date of purchase Please contact us to determine lead time for these products. Terms & Conditions Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Califone PA150 System Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network attached paging systems. More PA Systems | More Presentation Systems Battery Powered Wireless PA System The battery-powered Wireless PresentationPro is a wireless PA system. With 16 selectable UHF channels and an internal battery, it can be used as a single, portable setup for presentations, emergency response situations, police needs, in meetings and for use by rental facilities. Wireless PA150 System Features Ideal for mobile presenters, classroom and athletic usesLightweight with built-in handle for easy mobility16-channel UHF selectability for wireless micGreen, red and amber LEDs on front give visual confirmation of power, signal and receptionRechargeable 12V sealed lead-acid batterySeparate bass, treble controls for quality soundAux in and line inputs connect with LCD projectors, multimedia players, computers and whiteboardsCE/C-UL approved safe for school, church, government usesAvailable wireless handheld (Q316), hands-free (M316 transmitter) and wired microphones.Includes volume / mute remote control (not shown) Select the optional microphone for your application SpecificationsRated Power Output:15 watts RMSFrequency Response:60 Hz – 20 kHz ± 3dBInputs:Line inputs (2):Hi-Z, RCA(summing L+R) Balanced mic:Hi or lo-Z,with phantom power (+15 volts D.C.) Unbalanced mic: Lo –Z, 1/4”-phone Auxiliary: Hi-Z Mono 1/4”-phoneAC Power Requirements for charger only (operates on battery only):110 – 125 VAC, 50/60 Hz or 208 – 240 VAC, 50/60 HzBattery12V sealed lead-acid, rechargeable4 hour run time, 6 hour recharge cycleWeight:10 pounds, shipping weight 14 lbs.Dimensions (HWD):6-1/4” x 10” x 8-1/2”UHF Receiver SpecificationChannels:16 SelectableFrequency:740 - 801.80mHzWarranty6 years from date of purchase (PAonly, all other parts one year) Wireless Microphones ModelDescriptionQ-319Dynamic HandheldUHF Wireless MicrophoneM-319Belt Pack TransmitterCM-319Flexible Collar MicrophoneHBM-3196Headset MicrophoneLM-319Electret Lapel MicrophonePA10A-MPA10B-MWireless Microphonesfor PA10 Please call for more information800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425Contact us ### Ocularis CS Software   Ocularis CS Video Management Software Has Been Replaced Oculairs CS has been replaced by Ocularis Enterprise. Ocularis CS from OnSSI is IP video recording software that was designed for IP video surveillance and security systems with large numbers of IP cameras that are located at multiple sites.   It had a centralized administrative capability that made it easy to manage all the cameras and users. It can also be integrated with IP door access control systems. The recording and management software includes the ability to view cameras on multiple workstations on the network or over the Internet using Ocularis client software or using a web browser (with optional Ocularis X). The servers all run as an application or a service, and support computers with multiprocessors. For more about Ocularis, look at the Ocularis Overview. Other Legacy Software: Ocularis PS | Ocularis IS | Ocularis LS | Ocularis ES Features of Ocularis CS Video Management Software Ocularis CS replaced the old NetDVMs software. The software has some unique features when compared to PS and IS versions of Ocularis. Virtually unlimited number of cameras per server: There is no software limit to the number of IP cameras that can be supported by one recording server. It depends on the performance of the computer used rather than software limitations. Centrally managed alerts: One central management server allows control of alerts from other servers and locations making it easier to respond to emergencies. Video Wall support: From a single command center you can direct the video from any IP camera to a set of displays in a command center. This add-on makes it easy to centrally view all your cameras. Opensight support: When you need other organizations to also monitor your cameras, this add-on capability can be very valuable. For example, the police can view selected cameras from a number of different organizations all on one integrated display system. Here are the detailed feature set for Ocularis CS Feature Set CS Overview CS includes functions that make it a good choice for larger installations that have many cameras at different locations Scalable to unlimited number of cameras Yes Supports Multi-site and multi-server configuration Yes Supports Remote (networked) recording and archiving Yes Support for MJPEG, MPEG4, H.263, H.264 as well as Onvif & PSIA standards Yes Per camera configuration of image, streaming, recording and archiving attributes Yes Camera auto -detection Yes Automated device registration Yes 30 day grace period to add/replace devices Yes Device registration not required   Highly intuitive, touchscreen-optimized video client with multiple-screen support Yes Unlimited shared and private views (group displays of cameras from different sites) Yes Map-based navigation of camera views and 3rdparty assets Yes Interactive overlay controls for instant investigation during live monitoring Yes Support for privacy masks from camera, recorder and Ocularis Base Yes Interactive Local Video Wall Yes Multiple tools for forensic investigation including the Time Slicer™ tools-set and the Kinetic Motion Timeline Yes Centralized management of user rights, views and events Yes PTZ Presets / PTZ Patrolling 50/Yes Go to Preset on Event (recorder based events) Yes Active Directory support Yes Export evidence: annotated still image report, jpg set, annotated AVI Yes Export evidence: multiple-camera, password-protected and encrypted video database Yes Automatic (on-event) push-video alerting Yes Manual (peer-to-peer) push-video alerting Yes Integration with 3rd-party systems such as Access Control, Intrusion Detection, BMS andothers Yes Event Fusion – combining of events from multiple sources Yes Shared Event Handling among multiple users, with dynamically updated events list Yes Copy video into dedicated Case Maker database (Enhanced Bookmarking) Yes Single Recorder Software License for entire recording system Yes Simultaneous setup/configuration of cameras connected to multiple servers   Supports multicast of live views to Client   Automatic Failover for recording servers   Hot Standby Failover for recording servers   Virtualization support (Base and recorder) Yes Dual streaming from cameras – separate streams for recording and live viewing Yes Max number of camera streams connected to each physical/virtual recording server Nosoftwarelimitations Maximum number of cameras per recorder using virtualization Unlimited Concurrent users Unlimited     Hardware Required for Video Recording Software What type of computer do you need to support the video management software? It depends on the number of cameras, resolution of the cameras, frame rate, type of compression, and the length of time you want to store the video. As you can see it can get complicated so it's best to contact us for assistance. Just to provide some idea of the computer resources needed, here is an example: In most cases you can use a Windows computer with CPU: Intel® Core™ i6 or better (if running on a workstation) or Intel® Xeon®, (Dual Core or better recommended) and 8 GB of RAM. Hard Drives: The size of the hard drives will depend on many factors including the length of time you want to hold the recorded video. You will require more computer power when running LS and ES software versions. To determine your computer requirements please contact us, so we can review all the variables that determine the capacity. Resources for Video Recording Systems The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical Articles and Application Notes Buyers Guide and comparison chart of Video Management Software compared to NVRs and Cloud video recording services. Review: What to look for when selecting the software for your IP Cameras.This white paper starts with your application and then tells you what to look for in the software. How to select the right IP SoftwareWhy do I need software with my IP camera? All I need is a web browser to view IP network cameras on my PC. I can even control a pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) camera. Well yes, but surveillance usually requires more than just real-time viewing, you also need to store the video, view multiple cameras, be notified about alarms, etc. This article helps you understand the various NVR software products available. Kintronics Technology Notes Newsletter:If you would like to have our newsletter sent to you, just fill out the form. Technical White-paper: How to Create the Complete Safety and Security System. This white-paper describes how to make your world safer by integrating IP camera systems, access control, and emergency paging systems. BlogsThere are two blogs. Our technical blog provides up to date technical insights about the technology. Or, for a different slant on the technology, take a look at Virginia's blog. Virginia makes it easy to understand the technology. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the IP connected technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the IP camera system components and setting objectives. More... Technical Support IP camera recording systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Brickcom OB-100A and WOB-100A Bullet Series Brickcom Network IP Camera with Illumination LED Brickcom IP cameras are not the best choice unless you need a very low-cost camera. You will find some better IP cameras from Hanwha. For example, take a look at the WiseNet Lite Series of Economical IP Cameras. More Brickcom IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras | Video Management Software Products | IP NVR Systems This megapixel IP bullet camera is for outdoor applications. It’s available in wired and wireless versions. Network IP camera with optional wireless connectionTriplel-Codec, MPEG-4 / MJPEG and H.264 Codec CompressionBuilt-in 802.3af Compliant PoE(Power over Ethernet)WOB-100A provides wireless connection – 802.11b/g/n WirelessSmart Focus to get excellent image quality easilyBuilt-in SD/SDHC Memory Card Slot for Local StoragerAdjustable Bandwidth and ResolutionSupports viewing through 3G portable devicesFree NVR Video Recording Software. The BULLET SERIES IP camera is a full-featured, outdoor network camera. With a megapixel progressive sensor and built-in illuminator LEDs/ Auto Light sensor, it can provide 24-hour, outdoor surveillance. Specifications VideoLens3.3mm~12m Varifocal Auto Iris DCMax Resolution1280 x 800Light SensitivityColor: 0.68 lux0 lux required within range of IlluminatorFrame Rate at max resolution30Format1/4“ Mega-Pixel CMOS SensorAuto-Iris TypeYes with IR cut filterCamera FunctionsPassword AuthorizationMulti-level / Multi-usersAudioExternal MIC / Line inputExternal Audio outputMotion Detection Alarm I/ODI / DO for external Alarm in and Sensor inputVideo AdjustmentsAuto Exposure Control / Auto White Balance / Auto Gain ControlMulti-level Password ProtectionStandardCompressionMJPEG/JPEG/H.264Frame Rate30, 24, 15 fpsHardware/EnvironmentalProtocolsTCP/IP, DHCP, HTTP, UDP, SNTP,ICMP, DDNS, DNS, UPnP, PPPoESupports MDIX connectServersFTP File Servers, HTTP Web ServersBrowser CompatibilityWindows IE 5.5+Dimensions70(D) x 166(H) mmPower Requirement12V DC / PoEWeight1100 g.Optional AccessoriesHigh power PoE midspan, wall mount bracketOperating Temperature RangeIP67, with built in fan and heater. Operating Temperature :-40ºC ~ 60ºC (-40ºF ~140ºF)ApprovalsFCC, CE (Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice) Resources Technical articles help you understand the technology Contact us for assistance in designing your system ### Brickcom FD-100A Series Brickcom Network IP Camera with Illumination LED Brickcom IP cameras are not the best choice unless you need a very low-cost camera. You will find some better IP cameras from Hanwha. For example, take a look at the WiseNet Lite Series of Economical IP Cameras. More Brickcom IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras | Video Management Software Products | IP NVR Systems This megapixel IP dome camera is for indoor applications. Day/Night camera with built-in IR illumination effective to 60 ftTriplel-Codec, MPEG-4 / MJPEG and H.264 Codec CompressionBuilt-in 802.3af Compliant PoE(Power over Ethernet)WCBA-100A provides wireless connection – 802.11b/g/n Wireless3.3 mm to 12 mm Auto-Iris lensManual 3-axis adjustable mAdjustable Bandwidth and ResolutionSupports viewing through 3G portable devicesConnectivity(CB-100A wired, WCB-100A – wireless)Free NVR Video Recording Software. The FIXED IP DOME SERIES is a full-featured, 3-axis, fixed-dome, network camera. With a megapixel progressive sensor and built-in IRcut filter/ IR illuminator LEDs/ Auto Light sensor, it can provide 24-hour, indoor surveillance. Specifications VideoLens3.3mm~12m Varifocal Auto Iris DCMax Resolution1280 x 800Light SensitivityColor: 1 luxB & W: 0.1 lux @ F1.20 lux required within range of IlluminatorFrame Rate at max resolution26Format1/4“ Mega-Pixel CMOS SensorAuto-Iris TypeDC-Iris SupportCamera FunctionsPassword AuthorizationMulti-level / Multi-usersAudioExternal MIC / Line input External Audio outputMotion Detection3-motion detection regionsPrivacy MaskingNoIR Illumination33 ft or 10 metersAlarm I/OAlm-InAlm-outVideo AdjustmentsAuto Exposure Control / Auto White Balance / Auto Gain ControlAdjustmentTri-axisMulti-level Password ProtectionStandardCompressionMJPEG/JPEG/H.264Typical File Size at Max Res.30KBMPEG-4 Frame Rateup to 26 fps at highest resolutionHardware/EnvironmentalProtocolsTCP/IP, DHCP, HTTP, UDP, SNTP,ICMP, DDNS, DNS, UPnP, PPPoESupports MDIX connectServersFTP File Servers, HTTP Web ServersBrowser CompatibilityWindows IE 5.5+DimensionsF 155.1(D) X 117.4 (H) mmPower Requirement12V DC / PoEWeight0.73 lbs. (332 grams).Accessories ProvidedDC Power AdapterOperating Temperature Range0ºC ~ 50ºC (32ºF ~ 122ºF)ApprovalsFCC, CE (Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice) Resources Technical articles help you understand the technology Contact us for assistance in designing your system ### Ocularis Video Management Software Ocularis Overview Ocularis is the latest generation Video Management Software (VMS) from Qognify (previously OnSSI).  It is designed for the latest IP camera systems, Ocularis provides excellent performance and features for surveillance and security.  Take a look at the upgrade path described below. Ocularis IP camera recording software is designed for Windows computers and records video from IP cameras, and video camera encoders or servers. The solutions range from the Ocularis Professional model to the very sophisticated Ultimate model.  A key feature of this software is encryption of the recorded video data, which adds significant security. Ocularis System Diagram Ocularis represents the latest evolution in IP video surveillance and security software. As an integrated video and event management platform, it includes a full-fledged video management system for streaming, recording video and managing an unlimited number of IP cameras at multiple sites. It can also be integrated with IP door access control systems and other network attached devices using the C2P software module. Ocularis' straightforward work-flow provides a collaborative environment in which video and alerts from across the organization are converted into meaningful events, for efficient shared handling and building a video-evidence case file. All these software products include the ability to view cameras on multiple workstations on the network or over the Internet using Ocularis Client software or a web browser. The servers all run as an application or a service, and support computers with multiprocessors. Common Features and Functions of Video Recording Software There are many features available from all the versions of the video management software solution. The features provide very sophisticated control and management of all the cameras. One feature that is not available from any other video recording system is the ability to add the smartphone camera as another camera in your system. Mobile Viewing and Mobile Camera The mobile app not only allows you to view all the camera on the network, it also allows you to turn your smartphone into another camera on your surveillance system. This adds the capability to record live situations wherever there is a person with a smartphone. Many police departments use body-cams to help record their interactions with the public. These systems usually record the video to onboard storage, but the new Mobile-to-Ocularis feature provides a continuous video stream to the command center. This allows the security command center to keep in constant video contact with the responding officer. Ocularis Mobile App More Common Features: Critical Camera Failover If the video is interrupted from one camera, the second camera can be designated to view the critical area Ocularis Event Fusion that filters events to reduce false alarms Superior data handling provides load balancing across HD storage Event-based evidence is automatically retained, while the noncritical video is erased Stream live video from Android smartphone to recording server. M2O means Mobile to Ocularis Highly intuitive, touchscreen-optimized interface with multi-screen support. Map-based navigation of cameras, camera views, and carousels, with preview windows and local video walls. An unlimited number of views consisting of panes for cameras, smart carousels (w/ sequence controls), hot-spots, web/image (HTML) and alerts. Private view configuration (through the Client) or shared views pulled from Ocularis Base. Interactive overlay controls (IOC) for instant investigation including playback, digital and optical PTZ,  PTZ presets, and 360-degree lens parsing. Pane menu control for changing cameras on the fly, clear pane, copy to clipboard and manual push video alert. Triggering of I/O connected devices (via camera I/O, Adam 6050 Series module or 3rd party integrated system) Auto-detection of cameras Support for MJPEG, MPEG4, H.263, H.264 as well as ONVIF & PSIA standards Supports web-based video viewing Interactive overlay controls for instant investigation during live monitoring Active Directory support Export evidence: annotated still image report, JPEG set, annotated AVI Forensic investigation tools: synchronous browsing, motion-zone Kinetic Timeline, TimeSlicer tool-set Automated update service checks for updates and distributes as required End to end system security provides data encryption from camera to server Models of Ocularis Ocularis Professional Scalable video management for small to medium single- and multi-site applications Centrally manage camera views, events, and operator user rights Advanced investigation tools provide fast access to incidents Built-in, multi-level maps allow you to easily navigate your system Receive analytics and smart alerts from cameras and recorders Camera-based motion detection and server-based motion detection with ability to designate areas for motion alarms On-demand or scheduled video exports from mobile or remote locations Get closer to prevention™ with advanced alerts from third-party integrations for video analytics, facial recognition, access control, POS, ATM, LPR, and more Product sheet Pro Ocularis Enterprise Surveillance for locally managed or centrally managed mid- to large-scale installations Includes all the features of Ocularis Professional plus: Unlimited cameras per server allow for greater scalability and density Failover and redundancy for data protection Centralized recorder management for easier configuration with advanced system monitoring capabilities Unlimited desktop, web, and mobile clients Product sheet Enterprise Ocularis Ultimate Video management with failover and redundancy for large and demanding environments Includes all the features of Ocularis Enterprise plus: OpenSight™ allows other Ocularis systems to easily share their cameras and events for quicker response from off-site law enforcement. Edge recording provides network failure backup Video Aging for efficient long-term storage Enhance collaboration by sharing your display with remote operators with VideoWall Product sheet Ultimate Ocularis Upgrade Path Purchase "StayCURRENT" and you can upgrade to the latest software.  Here are some of the additional features and functions provided by the latest Ocularis VMS. Old Version Upgrade Version Highlights Ocularis PS Ocularis Professional or Ocularis Enterprise IP camera recording software for small to medium systems. Up to 128 cameras per server. New version provides centrally managed camera views, events, and user rights. Integrates with other security applications. Real time recording (with "archiving"), camera failover. 10 concurrent clients with Professional, unlimited clients with Ocularis Enterprise. Ocularis IS or CS Ocularis Enterprise No software limit on number of cameras per server. Utilizes a core master and multiple recorders to support very large numbers of IP cameras. Fully redundant recorder manager without using clustering, Case builder with bookmarking Ocularis LS or ES Ocularis Ultimate Adds Video Aging for long term storage, automatic edge recording retrieval after network disconnect. Automatic failover of recording servers. Learn more about: Legacy Ocularis VMS | More Video Management Software Hardware System for Ocularis Video Recording Software What type of computer do you need to support the video management software? It depends on the number of cameras, resolution of the cameras, frame rate, type of compression, and the length of time you want to store the video. As you can see it can get complicated so it's best to contact us for assistance. Just to provide some idea of the computer resources needed, here is an example: Ocularis VMS requires a number of computers.  In some cases the special software processes can be run in the same computer, but it depends on the total number of cameras in the system. To determine your exact computer requirements please contact us, so we can review all the variables that determine the capacity. Resources for Video Recording Systems The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical Articles and Application Notes Buyers guide and comparison chart of Video Management Software compared to NVRs and Cloud video recording services. Review: What to look for when selecting the software for your IP Cameras. This white paper starts with your application and then tells you what to look for in the software. How to select the right IP Software Why do I need software with my IP camera? All I need is a web browser to view IP network cameras on my PC. I can even control a pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) camera. Well yes, but surveillance usually requires more than just real-time viewing, you also need to store the video, view multiple cameras, be notified about alarms, etc. This article helps you understand the various NVR software products available. Kintronics Technology Notes Newsletter: If you would like to receive our technical newsletter, just fill out the contact form. Technical White-paper How to Create the Complete Safety and Security System. This white-paper describes how to make your world safer by integrating IP camera systems, access control and emergency paging systems. Blogs Our Blog includes articles about how technology works, and how technology is used. It also includes some funny technical cartoons and jokes that should brighten your day. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the IP connected technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the IP camera system components and setting objectives. More... Technical Support IP camera recording systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Brickcom CB-100A and WCB-100A Series Brickcom Network IP Camera with Illumination LED Has Been Discontinued These cameras have been discontinued. The alternative is the economical dome IP cameras from Hanwha Brickcom IP cameras are not the best choice unless you need a very low-cost camera. You will find some better IP cameras from Hanwha. For example, take a look at the WiseNet Lite Series of Economical IP Cameras. The following information is for reference only. This megapixel IP cube camera is for indoor applications. Cube camera with built-in IR illumination effective to 60 ftTriplel-Codec, MPEG-4 / MJPEG and H.264 Codec CompressionBuilt-in 802.3af Compliant PoE(Power over Ethernet)WCBA-100A provides wireless connection – 802.11b/g/n Wireless3.7 mm lensBuilt in mic and speakerAdjustable Bandwidth and ResolutionSupports viewing through 3G portable devicesConnectivity(CB-100A wired, WCB-100A – wireless)Free NVR Video Recording Software. More Brickcom IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras | Video Management Software Products | IP NVR Systems The IP CUBE SERIES is a full-featured, small network camera. With a megapixel progressive sensor and built-in illuminator LEDs/ Auto Light sensor, it can provide 24-hour, indoor surveillance. Specifications VideoLensMax Resolution1280 x 800Light SensitivityColor: 1 lux 0 lux required within range of IlluminatorFrame Rate at max resolution30Format1/4“ Mega-Pixel CMOS SensorAuto-Iris TypeNoCamera FunctionsPassword AuthorizationMulti-level / Multi-usersAudioBuilt in Mic and SpeakerMotion DetectionPIRAlarm I/OnoVideo AdjustmentsAuto Exposure Control / Auto White Balance / Auto Gain ControlMulti-level Password ProtectionStandardCompressionMJPEG/JPEG/H.264Frame Rate30, 24, 15 fpsHardware/EnvironmentalProtocolsTCP/IP, DHCP, HTTP, UDP, SNTP,ICMP, DDNS, DNS, UPnP, PPPoESupports MDIX connectServersFTP File Servers, HTTP Web ServersBrowser CompatibilityWindows IE 5.5+Dimensions29 (L) X60 (W) X 95 (H) mm)Power Requirement12V DC / PoEWeight0.73 lbs. (332 grams).Accessories ProvidedAC Power AdapterOperating Temperature Range0C-50C (32F-122F)ApprovalsFCC, CE (Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice) Resources Our Technical articles help you understand the technology Take a look at How to Select the Right Resolution Camera Contact us for assistance in designing your system ### White paper: Video Management Software for IP Cameras IP Security Camera Systems and Packages Ocularis Software Screens Video Management Software (VMS) is software that runs in your Windows PC. Similar software also runs in an NVR (Network Video Recorder). This software is primarily used to manage, control, and record video from IP cameras. Since different Video Management Software supports different IP cameras, it is very important to select the video management software (VMS) before selecting your cameras. This allows you to select from the list of cameras supported by this software. Video management software provides three major functions:1) Real-time video viewing2) Recording Video3) Automated notification of alarm conditions Real-time video viewing is usually used for catching shoplifters and other events that can be watched by security guards. It’s difficult to keep attention on many different video feeds so they only watch a few cameras at a time. In most applications, the video is recorded and then reviewed after an incident occurs. The latest security systems use video analytics to notify the security person about an alarm condition. To read more about how to select the right video management and recording system see our article “Software for IP Cameras“. A complete IP camera system includes cameras, network switches, routers, computers for recording and displaying the video as well as running the Video Management Software. It is possible to have multiple recording servers and many client computers that display the video. The system diagram below shows an example camera system. More complex systems can include analog special-purpose cameras such as thermal imaging cameras as well as connections for door access control. You can create a complete security system that is all connected to your network. Please contact us for help designing your system. IP Camera System For help selecting your IP Camera SYstem, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IP Camera Lenses Kintronics offers a wide selection of lenses for IP and analog video cameras. We provide lenses from Computar and other manufacturers. The lens is an important part of the IP camera system especially when you have megapixel cameras. The clarity of the lens, it's ability to be used in low light conditions and with IR illumination are all important factors in getting the best video. The latest lenses include p-iris control that improves depth of field and picture quality at all lighting conditions. Take a look at our technical note about "Selecting the Right Lens for IP Cameras". Also, see our Lens Selection Chart. IP Camera Lenses Varifocal lenses Varifocal lenses offer maximum flexibility in camera installations requiring a wide range of focal lengths. Focal length adjustments can be made with a turn of the dial, virtually eliminating the cost associated with improper monofocal lens selection. All lenses are CS-Mount or C-mount, comprised of all glass optics and come with locking set screws and a durable metal barrel and mount. The latest megapixel lenses provide the clarity required for the new megapixel IP cameras. IR corrected lenses are also available, for the day/night camera applications. Varifocal Lens Chart Focal LengthManualDC A/IVideo A/I1.8-3.6mmT2Z1816CSTG2Z1816FCSTG2Z1816AFCS2.3-6mmT3Z2312CSTG3Z2312FCSTG3Z2312AFCS2.7-8mmT3Z2710CSTG3Z2710FCSTG3Z2710AFCS2.8-6mmT2Z2814CSTG2Z2814FCSTG2Z2814AFCS2.8-12mmT4Z2813CSTG4Z2813FCSTG4Z2813AFCS3.5-8mmT2Z3514CSTG2Z3514FCSTG2Z3514AFCS3.5-10.5mm IRT3Z3510CS-IRTG3Z3510FCS-IRTG3Z3510FCS-IR3.5-10.5mmT3Z3510CSTG3Z3510FCSTG3Z3510AFCS4.5-10mmH2Z4516CSHG2Z4516FCS-LHG2Z4516AFCS4.5-12.5mmH3Z4512CSHG3Z4512FCSHG3Z4512AFCS5-50mmT10Z0513CSTG10Z0513FCSTG10Z0513AFCS10-30mmT10Z0513CSTG10Z0513FCSTG10Z0513AFCS Computar introduces a new line of Megapixel Lenses for use with the latest megapixel IP cameras as well as for Machine Vision applications such as Image Processing, Automated Inspection, Identification, Automated gauging, Guiding, Positioning and other Factory Automations. These new lenses not only provide the clarity required for megapixel cameras but are also available with IR correction for day/night type camera applications. They are designed to pass the IR light range so improve low light performance in megapixel IP camera systems. Contact us for help in selecting the right lens for your application. Megapixel Lens Chart Focal LengthModelDescription3X macro zoomMLM-3XMP2/3"8mmM0814-MP2/3"3 - 8 mmT3Z0312CS-MPIR3 Megapixel, 1/3" 3-8mm F1.2 Varifocal, HD Series Manual Iris (CS Mount) Day/Night IR12.5-50mm VarifocalAG4Z1214KCS-MPIR1/2.7 " P-iris (CS Mount), IR corrected day/night, Day/Night IR4.5-13.2mmHH3Z4518CS-MPIR1/2" 3 Megapixel25-135mmHG5Z2518FC-MP1/2" F1.8 Varifocal, HD Series, DC auto-iris16mmM1614-MP2/3"25mmM2514-MP2/3"50mmM5018-MP2/3" ### IP Camera Enclosures Enclosures for Extreme Environments | Explosion Proof | Camera Enclosures Your IP Camera system may require a special enclosure to protect your camera. Select the enclosure that's best for your application. Many new IP cameras are available with enclosures, but there is always some special application that requires a different type of enclosure.   We have a family of housings that support network IP cameras.  For example, the special stainless steel enclosures provide protection in the harshest environments. The enclosures protect cameras from the very high temperature of blast furnaces or rocket launches.  The special explosion-proof enclosures allow you to use IP cameras in areas with risk of explosion, such as refineries, gas pipelines, oil tankers, offshore platforms, industrial processes, chemical industries, etc.  Batko provides insulated enclosures that are perfect for IP cameras that support PoE.   Pelco has been in the CCTV surveillance market for many years. The following information describes some of the products available. Please contact us for help in selecting the right enclosure for your application. Enclosures for Extreme Environments These special enclosures are designed for very extreme environments.  They are designed to protect the camera from extreme high-temperature applications. If you need to view the inside of a blast furnace, you will need one of these enclosures. These enclosures include special cooling for this extreme environment. There are also stainless steel enclosures designed to protect the camera in from saltwater applications like marine or coast patrol, industrial or chemical applications, and where external agents are highly corrosive. Learn more ... High-Temperature Enclosure Explosion Proof Cameras and Enclosures Explosion-Proof Camera Systems These special camera systems are available with IP cameras or just the enclosure. They are designed for monitoring critical processes in areas with risk of explosion, such as refineries, gas pipelines, oil tankers, offshore platforms, industrial processes, chemical industries, etc. Equipped with heating, the housing has operating temperatures between -40° C and + 60° (-40°F / +140°F). Select enclosures made of stainless steel or solid anticorodal aluminum construction Learn more ...  Standard IP Camera Enclosures Videolarm Videolarm has been the leading innovator in the CCTV industry for more than a quarter-century. It all began with the introduction of the world's first outdoor dome and has continued with a host of cameras, housings, accessories, and more. Select from a wide range of IP Network Ready Enclosures: Outdoor domes Indoor domes Wireless-ready Outdoor housings Indoor housings Vandal-resistant enclosures Pelco Housings are the standard of the industry providing enclosures for practically every application. Here's one example:EH3512/EH3515 Series EnclosureOutdoor, SmallProduct Features: Low Cost Small, Contemporary Design Die-Cast and Extruded Aluminum Construction Forward Opening Hinged Lid Rear Link-lock Latch Cable Entry Glands and Mounting Holes on Bottom of Enclosure Designed for Indoor/Outdoor Applications Easy Access for Servicing and Installation Models Available with Factory Installed Low Power Heater, Blower, and Defroster, or with Heater and Defroster Batko Series Insulated External EnclosureThese environmental camera enclosures don't really need a heater and blower since they are insulated.Insulated enclosure for PoE camera Rustproof & weather resistant No blower nor heater required 11 ga. aluminum construction A proven, insulated, hermetically sealed housingThis design has been tested since 1987 in severe Canadian subzero outdoor conditions, this rustproof, tamperproof, weatherproof, all-aluminum, mineral fiberboard insulated housing doesn't need a heater(nor a blower) to keep the camera in good working order. Lightweight, even if it is double-walled, this sealed housing includes a sealed connector to run in the cable. The front cover, that opens and extends horizontally for total camera access, is locked by 2 screws. The window comes with a 3/16" polycarbonate. It can be installed on any wall, ceiling or corner with the appropriate mounting bracket: FSM2012 for a wall, FSP2012 for the ceiling, FSC2012 for corner and FSA2012 for pole.Learn more Please contact us for help in selecting the right enclosure for your application.1-800-431-1658914-944-3425 (outside the USA)FAX: 914-944-0717 ### Complete IP Camera System IP Security and Surveillance Camera Systems and Packages To give you some idea about what makes up a complete IP camera system, we provided some examples of surveillance packages.  These IP security camera systems include lenses, enclosures, and video recording systems that are designed to provide a simple surveillance package.  This is a starter system with room to grow.  Since these are IP cameras they are very easy to install. Overview of packages and pricingIndoor IP Camera PackagesOutdoor IP Camera Packages These are just examples that will give you an idea of what's available. We know that your system will be different. That's why we provide the free engineering and consulting so you will get exactly what you need. Select from a wide variety of box, bullet, dome, fish-eye, and PTZ cameras. You can still get the older low-resolution VGA type cameras, but the megapixel cameras provide such great price-performance it's best to select the higher resolution cameras. Select video management software (VMS) that runs on your own Windows computer or a complete Network Video Recorder (NVR) that includes the computer and software in one package. If you need help just contact us for assistance with your IP camera system package. IP Surveillance Camera Systems and Packages These system diagrams provide examples of various IP security systems. We can create a system with a mix of analog cameras and IP cameras. Let us know your application and we will design the system to your exact requirements. Video Encoders Connect Analog Cameras to Network A Network Camera System with a choice of CCTV video cameras, all connected to your Ethernet network through the Video Camera Servers or Video Encoders. Application: When you have an existing analog CCTV camera system that you would like to convert to a network-attached IP system. Alternatively, if you need many different types of special cameras such as low light level or hidden cameras. Optional video recording and storage systems are also available. IP Cameras Connect to the Network All the cameras connect to the network in this type of system. All users can view the video on their computers or mobile devices. The video is stored in the computer that uses video management recording software, or in the Network Video Recorder (NVR). When you would like a very simple system installation that uses your existing network connections, you can use one of our packages.  For example, one of the IP camera packages includes 4 IP cameras.  When you have different objectives for each camera area, it is best to select a custom system that includes the right camera for each area. Don't hesitate to contact us for advice about the right camera system for you. IP Intercoms and IP Cameras Technical Support IP camera security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Brickcom IP Cameras CB-100 / CWB-100A Cube Cameras FD-100A Megapixel Dome Camera OB-100 / WOB-100 Megapixel Outdoor Bullet IP Camera Brickcom Megapixel IP Cameras Brickcom IP cameras are not the best choice unless you need a very low-cost camera. You will find some better IP cameras from Hanwha. For example, take a look at the WiseNet Lite Series of Economical IP Cameras. Other IP Cameras | Video Management Software Products | IP NVR Systems There are a number of high performance megapixel cameras available from Brickcom. All the cameras have 1 or 1.3 megapixel sensors. The performance is excellent considering that these are economical cameras. There is a choice of small cube, dome and box cameras available and Brickcom is introducing new camera models that include vandal resistant domes, bullet cameras and other IP cameras. All the cameras come with free NVR software. Key features include: Megapixel sensorsTriple CODEC Compression – MJPEG, MPEG4, H.264Built in SDHC card slotBuilt in 802.11 b/g/n Compliance Wireless Connectivity(Wireless models)Select models with day/night capability and built in IR illuminatorsSelect models with two-way audioComes with NVR software for your Windows PC that allows you to create a complete Surveillance system Resources Technical articles help you understand the technology Contact us for assistance in designing your system Contact Kintronics for help selecting the right camera for your requirements. Not only do we help you select the right camera, we also make sure you have the right lens, enclosures, IP NVR software and computer to assure your complete IP system works the way you expect. ### NetDVR and other OnSSi Software NetDVR from ONSSI has been replaced by Ocularis 5. It is full featured video management IP software solution that provides everything you need to create an enterprise wide video surveillance system. Also see: Video Recording System Comparison | IP Camera Systems The following information is for reference only   NetDVR - IP Camera Recording Software Solution NetDVR and NetDVMS software from OnSSi has been replaced by the new Ocularis 5 products. Video Management Software (VMS) from OnSSi has gotten better. The latest Ocularis 5 replaces the NetDVR and adds some great capability. If you currently have NetDVR and also have the Software Upgrade Plan (SUP), you can upgrade to Ocularis 5 at no charge. If you don't have the SUP, you can trade in your software and purchase the new license.   There is a full suite of Ocularis Video Management Software (VMS) Solutions designed for IP cameras. To learn more about all the new software available take a look at our Ocularis product selection chart, or just contact us for help selecting your recording software. Ocularis has replaced the older Ocularis DS, NetDVMS, NetDVR and ProSightSMB products.   IP Camera Systems The IP Camera system is more than just the cameras, it also includes software and IP camera video recording system. IP Cameras and Systems We provided a comparison of many network IP Cameras from a number of manufacturers. The systems include not only the IP cameras, but also the lenses, software computers and storage you need. To learn more take a look at our overview of IP cameras. Video Management Software Video Management Software (VMS) for your computer controls video display, storage, retrieval, motion detection, alarms, etc. Network Video Recorder (NVR) Systems Select the right Network Video Recorder System for your IP cameras. This complete system includes computer, storage and software to record and manage video on the network   Technical Support Let us help you design your IP Camera system.Remember that a security system is more than just an IP camera. You need the right lens, enclosure, software, network switch, computer and software to make a complete system. We have a lot of experience so we can help you select the right security camera system for your application. Not only do we provide the best pricing, our technical support is free. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Plus Electronic Copyboards Thermal Electronic Whiteboard Sorry, we no longer carry electronic copyboards.  Today we focus on network attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.   For your reference, here is some information about the whiteboards: Other Plus Copyboards | Other Presentation Systems A board so advanced, it copies what's written on it Select Standard or Wide-Format BoardStandard width (36" X 51") or Wide format (36" X 71") electronic copyboards, wall mountable and shown with optional wheeled floor stand. On-board USB to PC interface allows data storage to a compter and operation through a computer. A built-in thermal printer prints in black-and-white to thermal paper. This electronic whiteboard is the popular choice for meeting professionals everywhere because it delivers an extremely high performance value Specifications BF-041S: Dimensions with Stand55.1 (W) x 23 (D) x 74" (H) 1400 (W) x 600 (D) x 1885 mm (H)BF-041W: Dimensions with Stand77 (W) x 24 (D) x 74" (H) 1955 (W) x 600 (D) x 1885 mm (H)Weight81.5 lbs, 37 kgPanel SizeBF-041S: 36.2 (H) x 51.1" (W), 920 (H) x 1300 mm (W)BF-041W: 36.2 (H) x 70.8" (W), 920 (H) x 1800 mm (W)Readable AreaBF-041S: 34.6 (H) x 48.8" (W), 880 (H) x 1240 mm (W)BF-041W: 34.6 (H) x 68.5" (W), 880 (H) x 1740 mm (W)Number of Panels2 PanelsPanel Driving MethodLateral Directional, Endless DriverGrid Lines2 x 2", 50 x 50 mmRecording MethodThermal Head Heat SensitivePaperLetter-Size Ultra-Sensitive Thermal PaperRecording Speed11 Seconds per Copy, 22 Seconds per 2-Page Reduction CopyPrinting Density8 Dots per mmColorBlackScanning MethodCCD Image SensorControl Panel SwitchesPower, One-Page Copy, 2-Page Reduction Copy, Screen Feed, StopControl Panel LED IndicatorPower, Printing, PaperPower Source100V-120V, 220V-240VOperating Temperature Environment50-95° (F) , 10-35° (C)Operating Humidity Environment30-85% Without Dew CondensationSafety CertificationFCC Class A, UL/cUL, TUV, CE, ASIncluded AccessoriesUSB Cable (10 ft), Dry-Erase Markers, Eraser, Thermal Paper, Wall Mounting Equipment (floor stand optional)WarrantyOne Year for Parts, 90 Days for Labor Presenting A Superior Image - Worldwide Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### NetDVMS IP Software NetDVMS from ONSSI has been replaced by Ocularis 5. It is full featured video management IP software solution that provides everything you need to create an enterprise wide video surveillance system. The following information is for reference only NetDVMS was a VMS system that allowed you to set up multiple video servers to control hundreds of cameras. With optional software, you can create display walls of video to control and view all the cameras, and set up multiple control sites to create a flexible and redundant surveillance system. You can even view cameras from a web browser or PDA. NetDVMS supports a wide variety of cameras using both MJPEG and MPEG4 compression. This is one of the most powerful suits of IP software available. Take a look at the excellent features available.NetDVMS can be enhanced with a variety of software options such as NetSwitcher, NetMatrix, NetCentral, and NetPDA. You can customize the system to meet your exact requirements. NetDVMS Features Revision6.0Number of Cameras SupportedUnlimitedLicense TypeMulti Servers Multi-SitesMax Cameras per Server64Remote Video Access Via: Web IE•Remote Video Access Via: Client•Remote Video Access Via: PDA•Remote Video Access Via: ClassSystemRemote Video Access Via: ApplicationLive viewing and recording of up to 64 cameras per server. Unlimited number of cameras per system. Available in any number of cameras with increments of 1 camera.Type of LicenseMulti-site (multi-server)Max Number of CamerasUnlimitedMax Video recording capacity per cameraUnlimitedVideo ArchivingUnlimited long-term storageRecording w/Speed up on Motion•Audio RecordingMulti-ChannelPTZ Support (Manual)•PTZ Support (Preset Positions)•PTZ Support (Patrolling)•PTZ Support (Event Control)•Output Control•Input Control•Motion/Event AltertingE-Mail and SMSPassword Protection•HotSpot/Call Montior View: Main Monitor•HotSpot/Call Montior View: Separate Window/Monitor•HotSpot/Call Montior View: Carousel display function•Live Video Display: Number of simultaneous cameras64Video Playback, concurrent multi-camera playback of stored video.16 camerasVideo Export FormatsJPEG, AVI MPEG-4, WAV and DataBase (authenticated)Remote Access via Web (Microsoft ® Internet Explorer)Live, Playback, 4Cams live view (10sets), Premises Map, Individual User cameras profileRemote Access via ClientLive, Playback, Multi 16 cameras views, Individual User cameras profilePDA Support (NetPDA)•Integration with (optional): NetSwitcheroptionalIntegration with (optional): NetMatrixIncluded in licenseIntegration with (optional): NetCentraloptionalIntegration with (optional): NetTransactoptionalIntegration with (optional): NetPOSoptionalIntegration with (optional): NetGuardIncluded in licenseIntegration with (optional): NetPDAIncluded in licenseOther Features: iPix Virtual PTZ Support•Other Features: Auto-Export of Playback Viewer to CD-ROM•Other Features: API Support•Other Features: DNS Names for cameras•Other Features: De-Interlacing of recorded video• Software Included with NetDVMS NetMatrix: Displays video form camera that has received an alarm condition. Automatic video transmission is triggered when alarms or events take place on designated cameras. Users can be operating their computers as usual, but when an event on camera takes place live video is forced to display on the users PC. The video window will appear on top of any application the user is working with and can be re-sized as required. The user can then monitor and remain constantly aware of what is happening from any number of cameras.. NetGuard: NetGuard is the video display client for ONSSI’s NetDVR and NetDVMS - Digital Video Management System. Using the NetGuard client software, an operator, whether located on the same LAN or a remote location via low bandwidth connection, can view multiple live or playback videos and control multiple cameras from his or her PC. NetPDA: Client software installed on any Windows CE PDA device. It provides access to live and archived video from NetDVMs server system. It allows control of PTZ cameras from the PDA screen. Software is licensed per PDA unit. Optional Software to Enhance NetDVMS NetSwitcher: NetSwitcher is a virtual video matrix switch designed for larger video surveillance systems. Allows you to create parallel or redundant control centers anywhere your network reaches. You can view and control local or remote cameras. You can switch any camera to any monitor from anywhere. Need to expand? Just add virtual Inputs and Outputs. Plan your solution according to your needs and not according to your matrix switch hardware limitations. NetSwitcher uses active maps to help the operator select the right camera. You can drill down from a complete campus map to a layout of every single floor and department. With only a touch of your fingertip you can view a floor plan with camera locations and directions. You can also intuitively locate and select neighboring cameras. Following a person becomes simple and easy. Why did you have to waste time remembering hundreds of camera numbers all these years?   API Support: Contact us for details ### Plus N-20S and 20W Whiteboard Sorry, we no longer carry electronic copyboards.   Today we focus on network attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer.   For your reference, here is some information about the whiteboards: Smartboard with network and Smartphone Integration Other Plus Copyboards | Other Presentation Systems 2 Writing Panels Perfect for presentations that incorporate projected materials and extensive written information. The multifunctional model featuring USB Stick digital memory, a direct PC connection via a USB cord, and an on-board printer (printer is optional), plus network connection. Unique scrolling design facilitates hand-written data presentations on two panels. The N-20 brings even greater functionality to the copyboard line. Along with increased scan speed, color printing to an on-board printer (printer is optional), digital storage options, and a direct to PC connection, the N-20 has a total of 2 surfaces. The writing panels keep your meetings and presentations flowing. Features 2 Writing Panels.Select two models: 20S - Writing Area: 50"w x 35"h or 20W - Writing Area: 70"w x 35"hUSB Memory Stick port.USB port for Direct PC Connectivity.USB port for an on-board printer. (Printer sold separately.)Connect to your network for easy saving and sharing..Control copyboard functions from your iPhone®, iPad® or Android™ smartphone.Color Inkjet and Laser Printer compatible. (See compatible printer list.)Lightweight design for added portability and wall mounting or partition mounting.Optional stand with casters allows for easy room-to-room transfer. PLUS N-20 Electronic Copyboard Specifications SpecificationsPanel SizeDimensions (with stand)N-20S51 (W) x 36" (H), 1300 (W) x 920 mm (H)58 (W) x 28 (D) x 78" (H) max 1470 (W) x 700 (D) x 1970 mm (H) maxN-20W70.9 (W) × 35.8 inches (H) (W1800mm × H910mm)W78 × D26.6 × H76.6 (max) inches (W1980 × D675 × H1947(max) mm) Presenting A Superior Image - Worldwide Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Selecting the Right Resolution and Lens for the IP Camera System Lens for the Network Attached IP Camera The resolution of your IP camera system is determined by both the camera and lens. The lens must have enough resolution to match the megapixel sensor in the camera. How Much Resolution is Required from Your IP Camera System? The amount of resolution depends on what you want to see. Do you want to see a tree, or be able to pick out the shape of leaves? Do you want to be able to see a crowd of people, or be able to identify a person’s face? The more detail we need the more resolution we require. The best way to provide a measure of resolution is to determine the number of pixels across the object you want to view. For example, we determined that about 50 pixels across a person's face will allow you to recognize a person you know. You will need a higher number of pixels to identify a person that you don't know. We need about 50 pixels/ft. to identify a license plate number, that is if the lighting is good and the vehicle is not moving too fast. M8513: 8.5mm Manual Iris, C-Mount The Real World View of IP Cameras IQinvision did some testing and published their results on their web page. The following test was done by IQinvision. Methodology: Using an IQeye camera and a 6.5 mm lens they increased distance and took an exposure until the face was unrecognizable. Then the head and shoulders were cropped from the large image. They used Photoshop to copy the face and enlarged it to 92 by 110 (the native resolution of the largest face) using bicubic interpolation. No sharpening or other manipulation was used. Facial Recognition Chart As you can see in the pictures above, 40 pixels across the face is probably the minimum number of pixels necessary to recognize a person that you know. If a face is 6.0 inches wide, then we need 80 pixels per foot. Axis also wrote a white paper on the same subject and determined that there were 3 classifications to consider, detection, recognition, and identification. In this case, you only require a few pixels (3 pixel across the object to detect a person. You would require only 17 pixels across the face to recognize someone. The reason you need less resolution is because recognition assumes that you know them. You would make a determination using more than just the face. You could use the clothes, the way they walk, their size and shape to recognize them with very good accuracy. On the other hand, if you didn't know them at all, you would require a lot more information. In this case, Axis recommends 40 pixels across the face for positive identification. The Right Lens The lens is a very important part of the camera. If you don't have the right lens the resolution won't be as good as you expect. A lens is more than just a single glass, it contains an iris, and multiple lens adjustments that allow it to be focused and the zoom adjusted. The lens is actually a complete system that works together to provide a sharp image. The resolution (or detail) you see is determined by the number of pixels in the camera sensor, the electronics, compression and the quality of the lens. You can have a 5-megapixel sensor, but if your lens only allows you to see 1 megapixel of resolution, then all you will see is the lower resolution. Besides the resolution of the camera, the lens system also determines how far away you can see something. It defines how wide an area (the Field of View) you can see. The angle of the lens is very important.  It determines the size of the viewing area (or field of view). Take a look at our discussion about the field of view and lens angles. Important Lens Specifications Maximum Aperture: The f-number specification defines the amount of light that can pass through the lens. The lower the f-number the better it is for low light applications. Lens Resolution or Clarity: The resolution of the lens is measured in line pairs per millimeters. The lens should have roughly double the resolution of the camera sensor. Computar and others now provide resolution quality in megapixels. If you have a 5 megapixel IP camera then select a 5-megapixel lens to get the best performance. A lens system used on an IP camera provides many controls and functions for getting the best picture possible. There are a number of other lens characteristics including distortion, IR capability, and iris control that should be considered. Many cameras are designed to operate at night using IR illumination. If the lens is not made correctly the IR light will be distorted. If you plan to use the camera at night select a lens that says it will work with IR. Conclusion The specifications of the lens and camera determine what we will see. The higher the resolution of the IP camera the more detail we will see and the wider field of view we can see with the same resolution. The lens determines the quality of the image and the field of view. Both factors work together to provide the view we need for the application. You can get more information about the other important camera specifications such as light sensitivity and frame rate in the article Understanding Camera Specifications. Need some help selecting the right lens and resolution, just contact us. We will be happy to help. 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA) or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or send us a message. ### Intercoms for IP Systems Intercoms for Door Access Control The IP intercom is a device that connects to the network and provides two-way audio communication to a central location. It is excellent for controlling visitors at the door. Many IP intercoms use PoE for power, which makes installation easy. Intercom Management Software is used to manage and talk to many intercoms. For example, the person at the computer can control door entry or talk to each classroom in a school. There are several types of IP intercoms. There are indoor and outdoor type IP intercoms. Some intercoms include video so you can see the other person. Intercoms can be used to control door access. Network-attached IP Intercoms can connect to a central safety control person. For example, the apartment intercom connects to all the tenants to control visitors. Kintronics provides a choice of intercom systems, from simple audio units to advanced systems that include integration with access control and IP camera systems. Select the Intercom Model | Learn How IP Intercoms Work | Intercom Buyers Guide | Purchase Intercom Models There are three types of intercoms. IP Audio Intercoms IP Intercoms that connect to the network Video Intercoms Intercoms that include video Apartment Intercoms These IP video intercoms connect to your smartphone IP Intercoms Connected to the Network TVIP-IntercomPA Intercom System Outdoor Intercom Product sheet Indoor Intercom Product Sheet The IP intercom Includes a call button and a door release and attaches directly to the network. It is powered by PoE, making it very easy to install. The Talkmaster software provides doorbell (call button) notification, two-way audio, integration with IP cameras, and door release. Indoor and outdoor versions are available.   These IP intercoms are best used to communicate with other areas of your organization or to control door entry. The features of IP Intercoms include The IP intercoms can connect to one or more central command locations. These intercoms can be used to control access to multiple doors. The intercoms include a call button and door release relay that can control an electric lock Very easy to install since they use your network infrastructure They are very flexible, provide excellent performance, and are very scalable. Select a model that connects directly to an IP camera, to your network, or even your smartphone Easily integrate with IP door access control systems to provide a complete security system Integrate with Video Management Software for easy door control and increased safety The apartment intercom system provides communication to multi-tenents using their mobile device IP Intercom Software Network Attached IP Intercoms are controlled using Talkmaster software that runs on your Windows PC. Multiple intercoms can be managed from one or more of these command control stations. Learn more about Talkmaster software... Video Intercoms for Door Access Control There are two types of intercoms with video that are used when there is one location for controlling the door. For example a security person or doorman controls the door. The first includes a built-in camera, the second uses a separate IP camera. The third type of intercom is used for apartments and multi-tenant buildings. It allows the visitor to contact anyone in the facility. IP Intercom These video intercoms are two-way audio devices that include built-in cameras. They attach to the network and are powered using PoE (Power over Ethernet). These enhanced intercoms add the additional security of seeing the person at the door. They communicate to an app on your smartphone or to a PC running VMS software. The TID-600R is compatible with SIP VoIP phones and WAVE IP camera management software. The indoor Intercam70 and the outdoor Intercam50 are managed by Intercom software on your Windows computer and allow you to use your smartphone to see and talk to the person. Learn more about Video Intercoms... Intercoms Connected to IP Cameras Intercom Connected to IP Camera TVIP-IntercomV Product sheet Intercom with a call button attaches directly to an IP Camera that supports two-way audio. It allows you to view people at the door. Includes an interface box for camera and intercom; all powered by PoE. There are indoor and outdoor versions available. The Intercoms are answered using your IP camera Video Management Software client so you need to select compatible video management software. Contact us for selecting the right door control readers or electric locks with relays, compatible cameras, and software. The camera connected intercom is best used to control a single door Software for Intercoms Connected to IP Cameras Intercoms connected to IP Cameras require Video Management Software that supports two-way audio. Learn more... Apartment Video Intercom Designed for Use with Mobile Devices Apartment Intercom Product sheet: TruView-Touch7 Select a multi-tenant intercom station that communicates with your mobile device, smartphone, or VoIP telephone. The TruView-Touch intercom panel makes it very easy to open the lobby door from anywhere. The app on your mobile device can use the WiFi network or cell phone system to communicate with the intercoms. Read More about Apartment Intercoms... How the IP Intercoms Work - The Systems Diagram These intercoms connect to the network. They interface with IP cameras and IP door access control readers. Most intercoms are Powered over Ethernet (PoE) and are controlled with Intercom software or Video Management Software that provide easy door control as well as video recording. IP Intercom Integration Diagram Electric Door Locks Electric strikes or magnetic locks are required to control the door. There is a choice of electric strikes or magnetic locks (maglocks). In many cases, the electric strikes are better to use because they stay locked even if power is lost. Maglocks are used for special situations such as when it is not possible to use the electric strike or when you want to control access from both directions. Electric Strikes The strike replaces the fixed strike plate in a standard lock. This electric strike latch allows the door to close and latch just like a fixed strike would. To exit from a secured area, the door can be opened by using a knob or level. Magnetic Lock Magnetic locks are used when electric strikes can't be used. They are also used in high-security areas where you need to monitor the movement of people. Since people are required to use their access cards in both directions, you can track who enters and leaves a secure area. Maglocks should be used with care because they prevent people from leaving an area as well as entering an area. Special exit mechanisms are usually required to make sure people can exit in emergencies. Kintronics provides total integrated solutions that include IP camera systems, Video Management Software, IP door access control readers, door access control software, electric locks, and fully integrated video intercoms. Everything attaches to the network, making installation very simple. Buyers Guide for IP Intercoms Which Intercom is Best for you? Here are the Pros and Cons. These new intercom systems connect directly to the network or integrate with IP cameras. Powered by PoE, they are very easy to install. They are especially good for multi-building organizations since they connect wherever you have a network. They also open an electric lock (with additional relay) or the latest IP door access control readers creating a complete door control system. The video-enabled door access control system provides complete control of your environment. Authorized people can gain access using their credentials or even using biometrics, while visitors can be monitored for controlled entry. These complete systems enhance your total security assuring a safe environment in this uncertain world. When someone comes to the door, the visitor can push the call button which notifies a person at a computer. The control person can talk to the visitor and make a decision to grant entry or not. Here is an overview of the different systems available. TVIP-IntercomPA: Connects to the network and provides two-way audio. It connects to an electric lock or IP door access control reader. The system uses Talkmaster intercom software on your Windows computer to provide notification and two-way audio as well as remote door release. The intercom connects directly to the network and can be part of a central emergency alert system. Take a look at our network attached PA systems for more details about paging systems. This system does not provide as much protection as those that use video. They are best used when you have other video surveillance cameras that are viewing the door. TVIP-IntercomV: This intercom integrates with an IP camera. It includes easy to use CAT5 connections between the interface unit and intercom panel as well as the IP camera. Leads from the interface box, with 3.5 mm plugs, connect directly to the IP cameras audio in and audio out connectors. Power is provided by PoE and powers both the camera and intercom with a single drop point, making this a very easy to install the system.  It can easily integrate with an IP door access control reader, providing both automated and manual control of all your doors. The system can be monitored and controlled using Windows Explorer but requires Video Management Software (VMS) to provide doorbell notification. When these systems are used with an IP camera that is viewing the doorway, they provide more security by allowing you to view and identify visitors. The intercom pricing starts at $375, but then you have to add the camera (that supports 2-way audio and IO) can cost over $500. These are best used when you need to integrate the intercom with video management software.  It also allows you to view large areas around the door. It can provide better situational awareness than the intercom with the built-in camera. InterCAM Video Intercom: These IP intercoms include video.  It can be used with your mobile device or smartphone and allows you to monitor the door from anywhere.  It utilizes a phone connection as well as communication through the Cloud to your smartphone. This IP intercom is best used when you need to answer the door from your smartphone or other mobile devices.  It works with iPhone and Android devices. TruView-Touch: This multi-tenant intercom system is designed for use in large organizations with many tenants.  This is a wireless system designed for apartment houses, large buildings, or campuses, and communicates with smartphones. The intercom touchscreen panel allows you to reach any individual or department in the organization. It is a complete system that includes a built-in camera so you can see who’s at the door. The Apartment Intercom Connects to Smartphones It allows each person to use their smartphone app, iPad, Android, and other mobile devices to answer a call from the apartment intercom in the lobby. No matter where you are in the world, you can answer the door. This intercom is best used in multi-tenant facilities when you need to answer the door using your mobile device and would like to see a person's face.    Read More About Apartment Intercoms… Video Management Software for Intercoms The TVIP-IntercomV integrates with Video Management Software (VMS). The Video Management Software provides a complete integrated safety and security system.  It provides an alert sound whenever a visitor pushes the call button and then allows you to view and talk to them. You can then release the door. The VMS software can be used with the TVIP-IntercomV unit. It can be used on multiple computers and also allows you to record the video, providing total surveillance and security. Read more about VMS for IP cameras. Resources for IP Intercoms The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical Articles and Application Notes Comparison of Apartment Intercom Systems There are still many analog intercom systems in use today. The latest intercoms include large touch-screen displays and communicate the cell network to the smartphone of the person in the apartment. The system uses cell communication so you can contact the person no matter where in the world they are.   Comparison of IP IntercomsIP intercoms can be used to notify you that someone is at the door or provide communication between many locations (like schoolrooms) and a central office.  Here is a comparison of the different systems available. How Intercoms Communicate with Your SmartphoneThe IP intercom systems can use local intercom servers as well as remote cloud servers to provide the communication path between the intercom and the smartphone. Here’s how the latest IP intercoms work. Paging and PA Over IPYou may have heard about Voice over IP or VoIP, well now it’s paging over IP. This new public address system provides voice and intercom over the network. But how does this all work? This article describes how this technology works. Buyers Guide for IP IntercomsAn intercom can be used to manually control a door. It can be used with an IP camera so you can talk and see who's at the door. Which Intercom is Best for you? Here are the Pros and Cons. Kintronics Technology Notes Newsletter: Take a look at an example of our newsletter and if you would like to have this automatically sent to you, just fill out the form. Technical White-paper: How to Create the Complete Safety and Security System. This white-paper describes how to make your world safer by integrating IP camera systems, access control, and emergency paging systems. More articles ...  Blog Our blog includes technical articles that describe how the latest security and surveillance systems work.  There are tutorials that explain how everything works.  There are other articles that describe how IP security technology is used, and finally, there are technical jokes and cartoons to lighten your day. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the IP connected technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the IP camera system components and setting objectives. More... Technical Support Intercom systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Wireless PA Systems Portable PA from Kintronics with Wireless Microphones These Products Have Been Discontinued Sorry, we no longer provide these systems. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. As an alternative visit the Anchor Audio website. Some portable sound systems include wireless microphones. This makes it easy to walk around while making the presentation. There are a variety of microphones available so you need to specify the one you want when ordering the system. Microphones include handheld, lapel type, headband or collar mics. To make sure you get what you need contact us for our expert assistance.   Handheld Mic Collar Mic   Ultra light over the ear Lapel Mic     Application notes:Wireless systems will work as long the radios are in range. All components must be in line of sight to work reliably. Since many of the radios in these PA systems utilize the same frequencies as other equipment, there could be interference. Look for wireless systems that have multiple channel capability so interference can be avoided. Please contact us to determine lead time for these products. Terms & Conditions Technical Support A portable PA system should be selected according to your application. We can help you select the right system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 ### Network Video Recorder Network Video Recorder Comparison Video Management Software | Camera Comparisons | Purchase the IP Camera | Resources  The Network Video Recorder includes a computer with special video recording and management software.  This is a complete system, that includes everything you need to record and manage the video from IP cameras in your surveillance system. You can select the integrated NVR System or use your own Windows computer to create a Video Management Software System (VMS). If you're not sure which recording system to use, take a look at our IP camera video recording system comparison table. What is an NVR? The Network Video Recorder (NVR) is a critical part of your IP camera system. It is a network-attached computer system that includes video management and recording software, the computer and the hard drive storage. Some of the NVR systems include the same VMS software that can be purchased for your own Windows computer while others use dedicated software that only runs on their NVR. Network Video Recorder Diagram The NVR helps you install and manage the IP cameras. The management software allows you to include a recording schedule for the cameras, or use an alarm condition such as motion detection to cause the video to be recorded. NVR Systems from Hanwha (Samsung) Hanwha (used to be Samsung) provides two types of NVR solutions, the Wisenet NVR and the WAVE NVR systems. There are a large number of NVR choices.  The servers support up to 64 cameras.  The WAVE NVRs can be merged to create very large recording management systems. In general, these NVRs provide simpler functions than the open systems such as using your own computer and Video Management Software (VMS) such as Ocularis. You can add camera licenses but some models are limited by the total network connections of the NVR selected. Common Features | Wisenet Versus WAVE Benefits of NVR Systems  These NVRs work very well with the Hanwha cameras, and also support cameras that conform to the latest OnVIF standards.  For example, if you are using Hanwha (Samsung) cameras, you can select NVR systems from Hanwha that support from 4 cameras to 64 cameras.   You can select the Wisenet NVRs or the WAVE NVRs Note: We no longer provide the Hikvision NVRs because of political issues. Feature Summary for Hanwha Wisenet NVRs: Very easy to install. It auto-detects the manufacturer's cameras Very easy to use, featuring an excellent user interface. Access live and recorded video on local, remote and mobile devices Easy export of selected video for evidence Some features for finding the video you need and exporting for evidence Select 4, 8, 16, 32 or 64 channel NVRs. HDMI up to UHD (4K) Resolution PoE+ Ports (for NVRs with up to 16 channels) OnVIF Camera Compliant Control PTZ cameras Hanwha supports two-way audio Export audio, video and pictures to be easily e-mailed or saved Comparison of Wisenet and WAVE NVR Servers Hanwha (Samsung): Has a new line of WiseNet WAVE NVRs. These NVRs run WAVE VMS software which is also available as a separate software product that runs on a Windows PC. The NVR models include 4-camera Channel, 8 channel, 16 channel, and 64 channel. Hard drives are available with total capacity depending on the model. Contact us for details. Exacq NVR System for IP Camera Systems Exacq has a very large number of NVR choices. The servers support up to 128 cameras. There are also a number of hybrid NVRs available that support both analog and IP cameras. Benefits: This is a flexible system that allows for expansion. You can select systems that support 16 cameras or up to 128 cameras.  Video Management Software has many functions and features that make it a very powerful tool. The server runs on a Windows or Linux platform. You can add camera licenses and storage to these flexible NVRs. Multiple servers can work together to create an IP camera system with thousands of cameras. Feature Summary: Very easy to install. It auto-detects the cameras Very easy to use, featuring an excellent user interface. Map displays allow you to visually select cameras Access live and recorded video on local, remote and mobile devices Continuous motion, timeline Easy export of selected video for evidence Many powerful features for finding the video you need and exporting for evidence Continuous motion, time or alarm-based recording configurable per camera Search recorded video with a timeline search or graphical thumbnail search, playback multiple cameras simultaneously Easily control PTZ cameras Export audio, video and pictures to be easily e-mailed or saved View an instant replay of video from any camera with exacqReplay More CyberShield-NVR | A Smart NVR with Security Features The CyberShield-NVR not only supports your choice of video recording and management software, but it also adds an important level of security. This enhanced network video recorder is an all-in-one appliance with a server, storage and managed PoE switch. It is built for security and engineered for performance. This appliance provides security managers unmatched video recording, scalability, reliability, and cloud-based cybersecurity and health monitoring features all in one unit. The enhanced NVR provides the following features: Embedded server, managed PoE switch and storage Available with preloaded video management software (licensed separately) Select 8, 16, or 24 PoE-port NVR system Models available that support up to 80 TB of High-performance enterprise-class HDDs with optional RAID (0, 1, 10, JBOD) Easily removed HDD trays Supports onboard video viewing through HDMI port Support the latest 4K camera resolutions Integrated cybersecurity with CameraDefense™ Health monitoring with VyneWatch™ Open and certified by leading VMS providers 3-year warranty with an optional 5-year advanced replacement plan Choice of desk or rack-mount Models available: Features CyberShield-NVRPro Shield-NVREnt PoE Ports 8/16/24 24 Processor Quad-core i5, i7, or Xeon Xeon-E3-1275 Video Storage 8TB to 24 TB 16TB to 80 TB Hard Drive Surveillance class HDD Enterprise-Class HDD RAID 0/1/10/JBOD only available with Xeon processor 0/1/5/6/10/JBOD PoE Output Up to 487W Up to 700W RAM 8/16 GB 16 GB Redundant Power   ● Warranty 3-year 5-year These NVRs are bundled with video management software (VMS) of your choice, so it is ready for your IP camera surveillance system. You can select VMS such as Ocularis, TruViewIP, and more. To learn more about how to protect your IP Camera system, take a look at our article, How to Protect IP Camera System from Cyber Attack. The Alternative IP Camera Recording Solution Build Your Own Video Recording System This system includes separate IP camera recording and management software and requires a Windows computer with appropriate storage. Benefits: It is more flexible allowing you to add cameras as required as well as additional storage. It provides the additional capability not available in most NVR systems and can support thousands of cameras. Cons: It's a more complex solution requiring the installation of software. Step 1:  Select Video Management SoftwareStep 2:  Select your cameras, but always make sure they are compatible with the software.Step 3:  Select your Camera lenses, mounting hardware, and enclosuresStep 4:  Select the computer that supports your camera system Or,Contact us for assistance, and we will do everything.We have complete enterprise systems available that include the computer with storage and video management software.More details about Video Servers... More Video Recording Solutions The Video Recording and Management system is designed to record the video from all your IP cameras, as well as manage the video that is displayed. The recording system can be implemented using VMS software that runs on your computer or in a network video recorder (NVR), or a remote server (Cloud). Contact us for help selecting the right set of IP cameras and NVR for your total IP surveillance system. ### Video Management Software Comparison of Video Management Software Comparison of Video Management Software | Purchase the Software Video management Software (VMS) is used to record video from your surveillance cameras. It provides camera management, display of video, and notification of alarm conditions. The Video Management Software (VMS) chart below will help you select the right software for your application. VMS runs on a Windows computer and allows you to view multiple cameras, record and retrieve video, and monitor alarms. The software is an important part of the IP Camera System. We provide a choice of Video Management Software (VMS) that works with many types of IP cameras. Take a look at the VMS comparison table below which provides a review of IP camera recording software from OnSSi, TruViewIP, Hanwha, Milestone, and Axis. Similar software is used in Network Video Recording (NVR) systems. The NVR is a complete recording system that includes both the computer and camera recording software all in one box. These NVR products are Windows (or Linux) based systems that are easier to install and use but are usually not as flexible or sophisticated as the VMS software loaded on your computer. Each IP camera recording software platform has some unique capability that fit specific applications. For example, some provide motion detection and helpful tools for finding recorded video segments. Others are compatible with smart mobile devices and some are easier to integrate with door access control systems. For more information on selecting the right software take a look at our article How to Select the Right Video Recording System, or just contact us for help selecting your complete IP camera system. What is VMS VMS is video management software. It is a key part of the IP camera system. VMS is software that runs on your Windows computer. It provides a similar function as the network video recorder (NVR) but provides more flexibility. The Video management software (VMS) is responsible for locating, and attaching to all the IP cameras on the network, providing a secure connection to the cameras, and recording all the specified video from all the cameras. VMS software also provides alerts to the security person. The more advanced VMS is able to integrate with IP door Access Control systems. The computer used to run the VMS software needs to have enough performance and storage to support the number of attached IP cameras. The more cameras and the higher the resolution of the cameras the higher the performance required. The length of time of the recorded video will determine the amount of hard drive storage required. Top IP Camera Recording Software Comparison We compared several video management software solutions. All these IP camera recording software solutions provide some unique capabilities. For example, the Ocularis solution is designed for large-scale enterprise surveillance systems. The key advantage of the WAVE software is its real-time alerts. It is also very easy to use and includes a very nice if-then logic capability. They all support a large number of camera brands and ONVIF-compliant cameras. Hexagon dC3 Advanced Video Management System This Video Management Software solution integrates IP Surveillance Camera management with Door Access Control, Visitor Management, and More. Based on the Ocularis and Qognify Video Management Software products, this product provides a unified physical security technology ecosystem designed to manage the entire lifecycle of an incident and minimize its impact. This innovative solution integrates Command, Control, and Collaboration (C3) capabilities to control the security center environment and enable advanced event detection. Learn more... Hexagon VMS Solution WAVE VMS from Hanwha This video management software is extremely easy to use yet it has some very powerful features. It not only supports the Hanwha cameras, it also supports IP cameras that conform to OnVIF, and today this means almost all other cameras. The client software runs on Windows, Mac, Linux and mobile smartphone clients making it a very flexible solution. The software is excellent when you require real-time notification and automated responses to alarms. Here are some of the key features. Features of WAVE Video Management Software WAVE VMS Events and Rules Engine This powerful if-then function allows you to establish output actions based on detected inputs. It is most effective when it is teamed with the X-Series Hanwha cameras. Since these cameras include advanced analytics, you can automate a response when a gunshot is heard, or when someone takes an object.  It provides an amazing set of real-time responses to situations. Mobile Client Support whether you have a remote computer or a mobile smartphone, you can view and control all your cameras. Merge Multiple Servers The software allows you to easily merge many servers so that all the cameras can be viewed from a single source. By utilizing the centralized cloud system, you can have a camera system in many remote locations and then merge them into one powerful system. Learn more... Product Brochure To learn more about real-time IP camera systems, take a look at our article, "Real-Time Camera Systems." Ocularis Ocularis , from Hexagon (originally OnSSI), provides very powerful features and functions. This latest version has replaced the five old versions of software available from OnSSi (now Hexagon). You can select the level according to the size and sophistication of your IP security system. See the Overview of Ocularis One of the most powerful features of Ocularis is its ability to be combined with a database, allowing you to integrate various IP devices into the video stream. Now you can view door access control information with the video from the door. For more details about the overall software capability, take a look at the Overview of Ocularis Legacy Ocularis Path The list describes the upgrade path to the latest version of the Ocularis software: Armatura Advanced Access Control Software Armatura is primarily an Access Control Management solution that includes a gateway to other security solutions, such as the WAVE video manager solution. It's a comprehensive solution that provides a gateway to multiple security solutions. This is a web-based solution that includes various modules, such as Video Management System, Access Control, Time & Attendance, and more. Functions Available Include: Access Control Video Management Elevator Control Data Monitor Learn more... Armatura Advanced Security Control Software Top Order Your Video Management Software Call us at 914-944-3425. We are available 9 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday, except holidays. If we are not there, leave a message and we will call you back. If you don’t want to call, fill out our request form. We will get back to you very quickly. You can also send us an email infohome@kintronics.com We will determine your requirements, provide suggestions with pros and cons, and pricing so you can make an educated decision. If the equipment we provide doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications, you can return it. Order Your IP Camera System Top If you need help selecting the right Video Management Software (VMS), please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### What is a Complete IP Camera System Selecting all the Components of your IP Camera System A complete IP camera system consists of more than just the camera. You need to consider the lens, the enclosure, the video recording system and network. Here are the steps for creating your compete IP camera security and surveillance system Set Your Objectives: This is one of the most important steps. It is the first thing to do before purchasing a security system. Do you want to keep your organization secure or catch a person stealing? Do you want to protect yourself from insurance fraud or do you just want to make sure people are working in the factory? Take a look at our review of objectives before you go further. Read more ... Review the Technology Are IP cameras Better than Analog Cameras?  What is the right technology to use?  Network cameras are all connected using your existing network while analog systems require coax cables. Use Video encoders to integrate older analog cameras into your new IP camera system. IP Camera System Learn how the IP camera system works. Select the IP cameras. Each camera may be different based on what you are viewing. Things to consider include resolution, light sensitivity, indoor or outdoor environments. Select the right IP camera video recording system. We provided a buyers guide that compares DVRs, Video Management Software and Cloud based recording systems. Select all the other components of your IP camera system. Selecting the Right Equipment for Your IP Surveillance System is a step by step guide for building your own system. It includes examples of IP cameras and video recording systems, and cost trade-offs for various solutions. Learn More IP Camera System To learn more take a look at the Q&A page and technical articles. For example, our technical articles will help you understand the specifications of the cameras, including, resolution and lenses. We integrate IP cameras, door access control, and emergency paging systems to create a complete safety and security system. White paper: Selecting the right software for your IP Cameras We have a lot of experience, so we can help you select the right IP camera system for your application. Not only do we provide the best pricing, but our technical support is free. Just contact us for assistance. Technical Support IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 anywhere else whenever you need assistance. ### Amplivox SW720 iPod Wireless PA System Sorry, this product is no longer available The following information is provided for reference only. Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. More information: More Amplivox Systems | Anchor PA Systems | Califone PA System | Fender PA Sound Systems iPod Wireless PA System Dock your iPod into this battery-powered portable pa system, and use it for vocals, music, singing or presentations. Want to watch a movie in a large room or outdoors with a projector? Plug your projector into this PA System's video out, pop a DVD into the built-in DVD Player and watch a movie with crystal clear sound. Play music with iPod Docking Station (also recharges)Play DVD's on Projector or TV with DVD player and video outRemote controls DVD player so you never have to return to the unit.Lightweight, Easy to Carry and comes with Protective Cover This lightweight iPod Wireless PA System is a battery-powered PA made for today's music and video. iPod docking station recharges your iPod and plays music, and you can watch DVD's with its DVD player and video out. Just plug in an iPod or stick in a DVD and hook up your projector or TV and you'll have a full multimedia experience. SW720 iPod is a registered trademark of apple inc. This product only for use with the Apple iPod device, and is not an Apple product. We have a wide choice of PA Systems available. Contact us for help in selecting the right one for you. More Amplivox PA Systems Features Play music from your...iPhone, iPod Touch, iPod Classic or iPod Nano**Compatible with iPod Classic, Touch, iPhone 3G & 3GS and Most iPod Nano (Shuffle & other MP3 Players w/ 3.5 mm jack only).SW720 featuresPlay DVDs with a built-in DVD player and remote. Plug a TV or Projector into the Video out (RCA), and enjoy a thunderous multimedia experience. Tone and Echo Controls for treble/base response and reverbBuilt-in UHF wireless receiver & wireless handheld mic for crystal clear communication. Second wireless mic optional.USB Support for connecting to your computer or laptopVoice-Over Ducking with Voice Priority Circuit... Auto Reduction of music when speaking into Mic.8" Full Range Speaker (8 Ohms)Built-in Anti-Shock DVD/CD/MP3 disc player with pitch control + USB + Video Out that lets you watch DVD's with Projector or another video devicePlug N Play! Ready to speak! Plug into the wall or play with fully charged internal batteries. Use indoors or outdoors!High/Low Equalizer for control of audio/vocal output!Lightweight! Only 15 lbs and has a built-in ergonomic handle.XLR mic input + One Aux Stereo RCA Input & One LineOut Output + One RCA Video Output1-year warranty on all electronics Product Specifications: Product Weight: 19 lbs.Product Dimensions:13"H x 8.75"W x 9.5"D (Includes Handle)Speaker: 8" Full Range SpeakerBattery: 12-volt rechargeable, 5 AH, 4 Hours typical run time User accessible and replaceablePower Requirements: 110-220 Auto-sensing, 50/60 Hz, 250W Wireless Range: Up to 200 Feet & 8 UHF ChannelsWireless Receivers: Up to 2 Wireless UHF Receivers built-in. Amplifier Specs: 30W Dynamic / 132W RMSFrequency Response:80Hz-15KHz +/-3dBMaximum Audiences Size: 500Maximum Room Size 2500 sq. ft.Equalization: Treble and bass controls Extras: iPod dock, Tone, Echo, Talk-over (Ducking) - Automatic reduction of music when mic is used, UHF wireless receiver & handheld microphone, DVD Player with Line Out Other: Includes Protective Carrying Case Learn more about More PA Systems | Overhead Projectors | Presentation Technology Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Long Range Night Vision IR PTZ Camera Long-Range IR PTZ System Long-Range Optical Cameras | Thermal Cameras | Multi-sensor Cameras | Purchase There are several types of long-range PTZ camera systems. Long-range cameras can see over one mile away during the day or night. Some can even see through the fog. Long-Range Cameras for Day and Night Applications Many long-range optical PTZ cameras can see things that are miles away. Some are available off-the-shelf. The IR illumination provides up to 1,600 ft (500m) of visibility at night. Read more ... Thermal Imaging PTZ Cameras The thermal imaging cameras use special sensors and lenses to view objects in total darkness. These cameras include special lenses that allow infra-red light to reach the sensor. Read more ... Custom-Made Long-range PTZ cameras The customized long-range camera systems provide extreme range capability. The PTZ camera systems are available with optical or thermal imaging cameras, or both in one system.  Read more ... Drone Detection and Elimination Long-Range camera systems enhanced with Drone detection and elimination equipment. Read more Overview of Custom Long-Range Camera Systems The long-range IP camera systems provide night-vision using either a long-range laser illuminator or an additional thermal camera. We build the long-range surveillance camera system exactly to your requirements. These IP camera systems include a very long-distance lens and special pan-tilt mechanisms that allow you to see details that are over 2 miles away. It attaches to your network and can be integrated into a complete security system. There are some off-the-shelf camera systems available as well. FEATURES: See faces, read license plates, numbers and words in complete darkness Utilizes image sensors that optimize day and night viewing High-resolution HD camera system (up to 2 Megapixels) Select models with a choice of optical cameras, thermal cameras, and focused laser illumination This long-range surveillance system connects to the network or uses the analog video interface Optional wireless connectivity Select PTZ cameras with over 62X optical zoom Select cameras with motion image stabilization Operates in all weather environments: NEMA IP66 Rating to prevent the ingress of water and minute particles Can be used in a wide range of temperatures: -40° F to 131° F (-40° C to + 55° C) Know your objectives before selecting the long-range IP camera system Do you want to detect something in the distance? Do you want to recognize if it's a truck or car? Or, do you want to be able to identify a person's face or a license plate? Take a look at our definitions below and read our article, How far can we see with PTZ IR camera. Do you plan to mount the camera on a ship or vehicle that requires a camera system with motion stabilization? Read about camera stabilization in our article, IP Camera Motion Stabilization. Here's a short video that shows the capability of these extremely long-range cameras: The chart below provides examples of custom-made long-range cameras that can be used day or night. The ranges are provided for human targets.  We can see vehicles or ships further away, and of course, the size of the object will determine the distance.  Note that anything that's over about 3 miles away is beyond the curvature of the earth and at extreme distances atmospheric conditions will determine actual visibility. For more information about real-world range calculations, take a look at our article, "Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria". Product Specifications (Example Systems) Model /specificationRANGELENS   PHZ-MS640-129-100HD Dual sensor medium range camera system includes up to 129 mm optical zoom lens, and 640 x 480 thermal camera with 100 mm fixed thermal lens Human Detection:Day: over 3.7 miles  (5950 m)Night: 0.7 Miles (1000 m)   RecognitionDay: 1 mile (1600 m)Night: 0.19 Miles (309 m) Identification:Day: 0.49 mile (793 m)Night: 0.09 Miles (153 m) Optical zoom: 37 X zoom lens withmax zoom to 129 mm   Thermal lens:  Fixed 100 mm   PHZ1000MIR--500mm-HD Very long range PTZ camera system with laser illumination for night viewing.  Includes optical lens with up to 500 mm zoom, and laser with a range of approximately 1000 m. Detection:Day: 14 Miles (22,000 m)Night: 0.62 Miles (1000 m)   Recognition:Day: 3.7 miles (5900 m) Night: 0.62 Miles (998 m) Identification:Day: 1.8 mile (2900 m) Night: 0.62 Miles (998 m) Optical zoom: 33 X remote zoom lens, 20 to 500 mm   Laser illuminator 1000 m range   PHZ-MS2000-155HD Extreme range multi-sensor camera system.  Includes high-resolution optical camera system with 2000 mm zoom lens, and a thermal camera (640 x 480) with 35 - 155 mm thermal lens. This system includes a laser illuminator with a range of 2000 m.  The thermal camera provides an overview of the night scene, and optical camera with laser provides details. Detection:Day: 41 Miles (66000 m)Night (using the laser): 1.24 Miles (2000 m)   Recognition:Day: 11 miles (17700 m)Night (using the laser): 1.24 Miles (2000 m) Identification:Day: 5.5 miles (8800 m)Night (using the laser): 1.24 Miles (2000 m) Optical Zoom: 125X, 16 mm to 2000 mm remote zoom lens.   Thermal lens: 35 - 155 mm remote zoom lens Laser Illumination up to 2000 m     Common Specifications Camera: High Resolution 2 Megapixel, 1080P, HD ONVIF Day Night IP IR Camera Weather Resistance: IP66 Operational temperature:  -40 C° to 60 C° Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ): 360 Degree Pan Tilt Driver with Micro Step Image Stabilization: Image stabilization provides clear video even when the camera is shaking. Many of these models are available with optional image stabilization IR Illuminator:  Auto-range adjusted Laser system Warning Note: Lasers with over 15-Watt power levels can exceed the danger limit for human eyes at close range.  This is called the Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD). The risk of eye damage can be reduced by preventing people from being too close to the illuminator.  An active range finder system can be added to the camera system that automatically turns off the illuminator whenever an object is closer than this minimum range. Custom Designed Long-Range IP Camera Systems These high-performance PTZ systems include not only a very long-range optical camera system but also a thermal imaging camera for operation in total darkness.   The long-range camera system platform is an AI-driven operating environment that provides integration of other off-the-shelf platforms and payloads into one centralized system. The highly accurate pan-tilt platform allows users to exchange, upgrade, and add hardware. All added platforms can be centrally managed and, more importantly, continually updated and upgraded with the latest surveillance and threat detection software improvements, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution without in-factory involvement. Drone Detection and Elimination Drone Defense Systems Long-Range camera systems can be enhanced with Drone detection and elimination equipment. The need for precise and reliable detection and identification of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has become paramount for government agencies, law enforcement, and military organizations worldwide. Kintronics provides advanced and highly modular surveillance camera platforms for land and maritime applications, offering an effective solution for counter-drone operations. To learn more read our article Long-Range PTZ Cameras With Drone Deterrents. Need more details or pricing?  Give us a call at 1-800-431-165 or 914-944-3425 or contact.  We can design the long-range IP camera system that exactly meets your requirements. Resources: Technical Notes To help you understand the technology. Thermal versus Optical IP Cameras explains the difference between these surveillance camera systems and describes the when each technology should be used. Seeing in the Dark describes the technology available to see better than an owl. How Far Can We See With the PTZ IP Camera provides the details about how we calculate the ranges for the cameras based on the criteria of detection, recognition, and identification. Comparison of Long Range Cameras reviews the components that make up a long-range camera system and shows how total system performance determines the price. IP camera Motion Stabilization compares the different image stabilization techniques available and how they work. To learn more about how long-range cameras work, take a look at our video that shows how various PTZ long range IP camera systems actually perform, Contact us for help selecting the right cameras, lenses, enclosures, NVR software and more. Comparison of IR Illumination to Thermal Imaging: Both types of cameras allow you to see in the dark, but the Thermal Imaging cameras utilize the heat energy radiating from the object viewed, while the Infrared or IR cameras utilize an IR illuminator. The Thermal Imaging system can detect an object further away, and operate through fog and dust, but the Optical IR camera system provides much better resolution and grayscale making it possible to identify a person's face or license plate number. The Optical IR PTZ system utilizes a unique fully zoom-able Continuous Wave Laser Illumination system. This patent-pending capability makes it much easier to focus on a remote target. To learn more about when to use a thermal camera or an optical camera, take a look at our article, Thermal versus Optical IP Cameras. Definitions Used in Thermal Imaging versus Optical IR night vision Systems The Johnson Criteria uses line pairs for all these definitions.  The criteria also say that the probability of detection by the observer is about is 50%.  A line pair is equal to 4 to 5 pixels. DetectionThermal imaging cameras typically use the Johnson Criteria to determine its' "detection" capability. The Johnson Criteria, used by thermal imaging manufacturers, indicates that 1.5 vertical line pairs ( 5 to 7 pixels) are needed to provide "detection". Optical systems usually state that they need at least 10 pixels for detection. RecognitionIn the thermal imaging parlance, recognition is defined by whether an object can be discerned. For instance, is the target a tank, building, person, etc. Thermal Imaging cameras indicate that somewhere between 4 to 5 line pairs (about 10 to 15 pixels) are needed to make this determination. In the optical camera world, especially at the longest range of optics, we need more pixels for recognition. The specifications for the optical systems use a much more conservative >30 pixels for recognition. IdentificationThere is some confusion about this category. Most Thermal Imaging companies do not even discuss these criteria, as it is difficult to hit this performance level at distance ranges. In thermal imaging parlance, this is defined as a specific object being discerned, such as the object is friend or foe, or that the object is a T-72 tank or M1-Abrams. The thermal Imaging guide indicates that only about 6.4 line pairs (14 to 18 pixels) are required. In the optical world, "identification" means that you can identify a person's face or license plate number.  We define this as at least 50 - 80 pixels across the target object for the IP camera system. To learn more about what you can see with a thermal or optical camera, take a look at our article, Detection, Recognition, Identification - Thermal vs. Optical Camera.  We also suggested an alternative to the Johnson Criteria that provides more predictable results. Take a look at the article, Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria. If you need more help defining your system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Sony SNC-VM630 IP Camera Review Sony SNC-VM630 IP Camera Review The Sony SNC-VM630 is one of the IP cameras introduced in 2013. This 2.0-megapixel camera has excellent resolution and low light capability. The VM631 is the vandal-resistant version and the SNC-VM632R is the outdoor version. It has a wide dynamic range of 90 dB. It includes built-in video analytics such as face finder and object left behind or removed. Sony has matched the Axis and Canon capability of remote zoom and focus lens making it easy to install. This is the only camera we tested that included image stabilization. Sony Dome IP Camera Additional Camera Review: Canon | Axis | Hikvision | Comparison Table | Overview Review of Sony Dome Camera Resolution The camera has a 2.14 megapixel progressive scan sensor that provides a resolution of 1980 x 1020 pixels. It is only available in the wide format view and doesn’t have an option for 4:3 ratio view. Using the test chart, this camera provided a clear sharp image that exceeded the performance of all the other cameras.Resolution is measured by observing where the converging lines were not visible. We were able to discern the excellent resolution provided by this camera. Lens The camera lens can be remotely adjusted between 3 mm and 9 mm (105.2 degrees and 35.4 degrees). This is similar to the Axis and Canon cameras. This camera demonstrates how a good lens can affect the image. This F1.2 lens is one of the best of all the cameras.Sony has an adjustable lens with auto focus. When the zoom adjustment is made, you then select the auto focus button to focus the lens. If for some reason the auto focus doesn’t work there is a manual adjustment in the advanced settings. The viewing window that shows the video is large enough to see the changes you are making without switching to live view, but it is always a good idea to go to live view for the final adjustments. The lens adjusts between 3 to 9 mm (105.2°-35.4°) view. The lens adjustment and focus are easy to use. Day/Night and Minimum Illumination This is a true day / night camera so it has an IR filter. The camera does very well in low light situations. The camera specification says that the minimum illumination is 0.1 lux in color and 0.07 lux in BW, with F1.2 lens. We were not sure about this specification because the product sheet provides different information than their web site. No matter, the camera did a good job at low light and provided a brighter image than the Axis but it did show some amplifier noise. Camera Settings Sony provides fewer adjustments than Axis but in most cases these are more than enough to adjust your picture. For example, Sony doesn’t include a detection window for adjusting the light sensitivity of the picture, so this could be a problem in certain applications. Motion Detection The IP camera provides nice motion detection setup, found in the “Action Input” screen. It allows you to create polygons of detection and non-detection areas. Video Analytic Functions You will also notice a unique feature called “face detection”. This detector is supposed to create an alarm condition if a face appears in a designated area. It sort of works but shouldn’t be relied on. What’s missing is audio detection that is available in the Axis camera.The camera does have a very nice feature that allows you to create up to 3 audio warning messages which can be triggered by various alert conditions. The problem is that to create the warning message you need to use a proprietary audio file format. The audio must be recorded using the Sony software tool. The tool will also upload the audio to the camera. It can record a maximum of 30 seconds per message. In summary the alerts and output controls are very nice and can be used in some special applications. It definitely can help reduce unnecessary alarms and video recording. Wide Dynamic Range and Backlight Compensation Sony adds a new adjustment to improve the lighting in various parts of the scene. If you have a scene where there is a very bright area in the background, it will cause the object in the foreground to appear in silhouette. You can use backlight compensation, the video enhancer or wide dynamic range (WDR) settings to adjust for this.If you turn on backlight compensation, the camera will try to adjust to the darker part of the scene so you can see the object in the foreground, but the background will appear washed out.If you want to see the objects in the foreground as well as the objects in the background you need to use either the Video Enhancer or wide dynamic range. The following image has the video enhancer in the middle and the WDR off.The video Enhancer improves the video by using non-linear light amplification, a process that amplifies the dark pixels more than the light pixels. This is sometimes referred to as a gamma correction. It actually works very well in situations where there is a dramatic difference in light.This IP camera has a wide dynamic range of 90 dB. In our testing, the Video Enhancer did a great job, and when we turned on WDR only saw a small improvement. You can actually set both adjustments and balance the video to your exact requirements. One problem we noticed was that when you turn on WDR the Sony camera is more susceptible to bars caused by fluorescent lights. This also occurs in other IP cameras such as the Axis camera. Summary The Sony SNC-VM650 is an excellent camera. The video performance was the best of all the cameras tested. It had adequate adjustments and controls to allow you to use it in many different environments. It included some advanced features such as face detect, missing object, left object and other video analytic functions. Sony is still struggling with the accuracy of their web site and missing documentation. Their web site is confusing and difficult to negotiate. We didn't know about all the special analytic functions until we tested the camera and looked in the user manual. Their technical support was reachable and they did provide the missing documentation. The model VM630 is listed at $1798, the model VM631 at $1848 and the outdoor VM632R at $2148. These cameras are more expensive than the other cameras in the test but are well worth it when you need all the great capability provided. ### Amplivox SW212 Mity-Vox PA System Sorry, this product is no longer available The following information is provided for reference only. Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. More information: More Amplivox Systems | Anchor PA Systems | Califone PA System | Fender PA Sound Systems iPod Wireless PA System This portable public address system provides crystal clear sound, durable, lightweight construction and the convenience of wireless operation. It features built-in battery charger, wireless handheld microphone and protective case. Product Specifications: Product Weight: 7.5 lbs.Product Dimensions: 11.25"H x 9"W x 6.5"DSpeaker: One Internal 6.5" speakerOperating Range: 64 to 128 ft (20-40m)Receiving Mode: VHF 193 mhz WirelessS/N Radio: SPL 80dBAmplifier Specs: 20 watts and up to 80 dB'sMaximum Audiences Size: 150Maximum Room Size: 1500 sq. ft.Features: Treble and base controls, adjustable wireless antenna, power indicator, Mic and CD inputs, record line out, and echo function.Other: Includes Protective Carrying Case Power Options: Powered by Rechargeable SLA 12v 1.3amp Battery or auxiliary 8 Rechargeable D-Cell Batteries, Includes AC Adapter for Operation while Plugged In. Wireless Mics are powered by 9volt battery (not included)We have a wide choice of PA Systems available. Contact us for help in selecting the right one for you. More Amplivox PA Systems Portable SW212 PA System Features 20 Watts Max Sound Output for that boost you need to be heard above the crowd.Powered by Rechargeable SLA Battery or auxiliary 8 D-Cell Batteries (not included) or Straight from AC with Included AC Adapter Recharger.Protective Case with strap and clear area for viewing/operating indicator status, and control knobs.Handheld Wireless Mic for versatility and hands-free use! The hands-free operation makes this unit great for coaches, or presentations.Wireless and wired Mic, CD, Volume, Treble, Bass and Echo Controls... Versatility to enhance your multimedia presentation.Compact Dimensions for ease of storage and use (11.25"H x 9"W x 6.5"D). More Features Adjustable Wireless AntennaOn/Off Switch & Power Indicator LightWireless Handheld Mic Volume & Indicator LightWired Microphone Jack with Volume Control (Can easily be used with CD, MP3 or other source)Audio input jack w/ volume control for CD MP3, or any 1/8" (3.5mm) jack.Treble/Base ControlJack Out for RecordingReverb/Echo controlSpeaker 6.5-inWireless Handheld MicPower Cord & Audio (1/4" to 1/8"/3.55mm Input CableHandleCarrying CaseTripod Mount SocketBack of Unit: Unit Powered by Built-In Rechargeable SLA 12v. 1.3 amp Battery. Auxiliary 8 D-Cell Battery Secondary Power Source - Battery Holder Shown Please contact us to determine the lead time for these products. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA) and 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) Learn more about More PA Systems | Overhead Projectors | Presentation Technology Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information and our catalog of video products. ### PTZ IR IP Cameras Long-Range Night-Vision PTZ Network Camera There are two types of long-range PTZ cameras that are designed for both day and night viewing. You can select the off-the-shelf or the custom-designed PTZ cameras: Off-the-Shelf Long-Range Cameras PTZ Camera with IR illumination These PTZ cameras provide IR illumination for night viewing at a range of up to 1,600 ft (500m). See the chart below for examples of several cameras that provide long-range capability. Read more ... Purchase Your Camera Custom-Built Long-range PTZ cameras Long-Range Custom PTZ Camera These specialized camera systems provide extreme range capability. They are available with long-range laser illuminators as well as thermal cameras that can see for miles without any light. Read more ... Long-Range PTZ Camera Comparison Night-vision IP camera systems provide surveillance in total darkness. These network attached PTZ camera systems include built-in IR illumination.  There are a number of off-the-shelf models available and custom-designed very long-range camera systems that are designed to your requirements. Some of the off-the-shelf PTZ cameras are configurable.  They provide a choice of 940nm, 850nm IR or white light illumination.   All these PTZ cameras include smooth and accurate 360° of rotation with remarkable speeds. Do you need to see very far away?  If you need a system that can see up to 5 miles away, take a look at the very long-range optical PTZ systems with IR illumination, or the thermal imaging PTZ systems that operate without any lighting. These standard night vision PTZ network-attached cameras feature up to 37 X optical zoom lens with 850nm IR illuminator. They are excellent for covert nighttime security applications. The Distance Comparison Chart compares how far you can see. It provides the detection, recognition and identification distances of each PTZ camera. Night vision Camera Features Network Attached IP camera system Advanced IR automatically adjusts based on camera zoom lens movement Illuminate distances over 450 feet away LED Technology: 850 Nanometers NEMA 4x and IP66 Rating to prevent the ingress of water and minute particles 30 images/second @ full resolution (1 Megapixel or 2 Megapixel) Proven network reliability When you need to see in the dark: For surveillance applications where light is not sufficient, i.e. Night-time scenarios, an infrared illuminator is a great way to enhance your view of sight. Composed of multiple light-emitting diodes (LED's), the infrared illuminators produce an infrared beam of light which when paired with a day/night camera will illuminate the surrounding area for increased visibility in total darkness. Range Comparison Chart for PTZ Cameras The range or distance performance of the PTZ cameras is based on the ability to detect an object, recognize an object, and to identify the object. This is known as the DRI factors that were initially defined by John Johnson.  We have modified this initial definition to provide a more accurate representation of camera performance. Take a look at our article Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria. Camera range is defined by the number of pixels on target for achieving detection, recognition, or identification Detection: an object is present. A vehicle can be detected further away than a person, so it depends on the size of the object you are trying to detect. Recognition: This is defined as the point at which you can classify the type of object. You can tell that an object is a person, animal, or vehicle. You can also determine if it is a truck or a tank. Identification: There is enough resolution to determine that it is a man or women (by the way the person is dressed), or that the person is carrying a gun.  Note that the Johnson criterion for identification doesn't include identifying a person's face. You require much more resolution to provide facial recognition. Off-the-Shelf PTZ Camera Selection Table Top Model Specifications Distance TVIP-6322RH   More details 1920 x 1080 (2-Megapixel)   Angle for maximum range: 2.24° Field of view at longest distance 243m Detection Day Human: 6.2 Km (3.8 miles)   Detection Night with IR: 120m (394 ft.) Recognition Day: 1.6 Km Identification Day: 0.820 Km XNP-6550RH   More Details 1920 x 1080 (2-Megapixel)   Angle for maximum range: 1.23° Field of view at longest distance 243m Detection Human Day: 11 Km (7 miles)   Detection Night with IR: 500 m (1600ft.) Recognition Day: 3 Km (9800 ft. 1.8 miles) Recognition at night using IR: 500m (1600 ft.) Identification Day: 1.5 Km (4900 ft. or 0.9 miles) Identification at night using IR: 500m (1600 ft.) PNP-9200RH   Note this 4K very high-resolution camera provides a much wider field of view (or viewing area) than the lower resolution cameras. More Details 3840 x 2160 (8-Megapixel)   Angle for maximum range: 3.8° Field of view at longest distance 486m Detection Human Day: 7.3 Km (4.5 miles)   Detection Night with IR: 200 m (656 ft.) Recognition Day: 1.9 Km (200m at night) Identification Day: 0.98 Km (200m at night) TVIP-ULS-IP-HD   TVIP-ULS-IP-HD-XLux (very low light sensitivity) A special camera that can look up as well as down. Configurable PTZ camera. More Details 1920 x 1080 (2-Megapixel)   Angle for maximum range: 2.3° Field of view at longest distance 243m Detection Human Day: 6.0 Km   Detection Night with IR or white light: Two IR illumination angles 10° and 30° 200m (656 ft.) using white light. Recognition Day: 1.6 Km Identification Day: 0.8 Km WV-SUD638   A rugged camera that can operate in high wind loads of up to 135 mph (216 Km/h). Tilt up and down (90° to -90°). Rugged PTZ camera. More Details 1920 x 1080 (2-Megapixel)   Angle for maximum range: 2.3° Field of view at longest distance 243m Detection Human Day: 6.0 Km (3.7 miles)   Detection Night with IR: Single IR illumination up to 150 m (500 ft.) Recognition Day: 1.6 Km Identification Day: 0.8 Km Y9250-LIR   Long-range IR illuminator and very low light sensitivity. Tilt up and down (90° to -90°). Rugged PTZ camera. More Details 1920 x 1080 (2-Megapixel)   Angle for maximum range: 2.0° Field of view at longest distance 243m Day Detection Human: 7.0 Km (4.3 miles)   Night Detection with IR:  800 m (2,625 ft.) Day Recognition: 1.9 Km Day Identification: 0.9 Km D6266-75/100   Dual optical and thermal camera with built-in IR-illuminator.  75 mm or 100mm thermal lens, and a 6.7-330mm optical zoom lens More Details 1920 x 1080 (2-Megapixel)   Angle for maximum range: 1.9° Field of view at longest distance 243m Day Detection Human: 10 Km (7 miles)   Night Detection with IR: 500 m (1640 ft.) Thermal Detection with 75 mm: 560 m (1836 ft.) Thermal Detection with 100 mm: 745 m (2445 ft.) Day Recognition: 3 Km Day Identification: 1 Km Distance Comparison chart for Custom Very Long Range Day / Night Cameras PTZ Camera Specifications Specifications for the TVIP-6322RH Dome PTZ IP Cameras DetailsSpecificationsVideoMax Resolution1920 x 1080Light SensitivityColor : 0.05Lux(1/30sec, F1.6, 50IRE)B/W : 0 Lux (IR LED on) Wide Dynamic Range 120 dBCamera System Optical zoom 32X4.4 ~ 140.8mmH : 62.8˚(Wide) ~ 2.23˚(Tele) IR Illumination 150m  (492.13ft) AudioAudio inAudio out Alarm and Outputs Input 4Output 3 (relay) Power 24 VAC  only  /  6AMax.  30W (Heater off)Max. 35W/90W(Heater off/on, and IR on)Operating  TemperatureHumidity -50°C ~ +55°C (-58°F ~ +131°F)Less than 90% RH Top   Configurable TVIP-ULS-IP-HD PTZ Camera with Illumination During the day the TVIP-ULS-IP-HD PTZ provides enough resolution to identify a license plate over 700 ft. (213m) away. The PTZ system includes a 2-megapixel camera and up to 129mm zoom lens.  At night the distance depends on the type of illumination used. The model TVIP-ULS-IP-HD-XLux provides very low-light sensitivity of 0.006 lux in color. Select 850nm, 940nm (covert), or white illumination. Maximum night view range is 200 m (with white light). This special long range camera can look up as well as down and is available with optional illumination, power, and wiper. It is designed for rugged applications, and can even be mounted on vehicles. TVIP-ULS-IP-HD (-XLux) Features: Camera Full HD 1080p, 30x, 60fps Lens 30X zoom: TVIP-ULS-IP-HD: f=4.3 mm (wide) ~ 129.0 mm (tele), Horizontal Viewing Angle: from 63.7° (wide) up to 2.3° (tele) TVIP-ULS-IP-HD-XLux: 4.4 (wide) - 135 mm (tele), Horizontal viewing angle 61° (wide) to 2.5° (tele) TVIP-ULS-IP-HD Minimum Illumination: Color: 1.4lx, F1.6 AGC on, 1/30s 50 IRE (Normal mode) Color: 0.35lx, F1.6 AGC on, 1/30s, 50 IRE (High Sensitivity mode) B/W: 0.05lx, F1.6 AGC on, 1/30s, 50 IRE (Normal mode) B/W: 0.013lx, F1.6 AGC on, 1/30s, 50 IRE (High sensitivity mode) TVIP-ULS-IP-HD-XLux Minimum Illumination : Color: 0.006 lx, F1.6, 30 IRE B/W: 0.0006 lx, F1.6, 30 IRE Illumination: Horizontal beam: 10° or 30° Wavelength: 850nm, 940nm, white light Video compression H.264/AVC and MJPEG Certified ONVIF, Profile S Day/Night (Auto ICR: automatic removal of IR filter) De-fog feature Up to 4 simultaneous video streams 1 alarm input and 1 relay output Variable speed: 0.1°-200°/s Pan/Tilt Horizontal continuous rotation, vertical -90°/+90° Position accuracy: 0.05° Up to 250 Presets Integrated wiper Total control of the auxiliary functions through the PTZ ASSISTANT Power supply: 230Vac, 24Vac or 120Vac SPECIFICATION DETAILS TVIP-ULS-IP-HD TVIP-ULS-IP-HD-XLUX Video Max Resolution1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080Light SensitivityColor: 0.35lux, F1.6 AGC on, 1/30s, 50 IRE (High Sensitivity mode)B/W: 0.013lx, F1.6 AGC on, 1/30s, 50 IRE (High sensitivity mode),  0 Lux with IRColor: 0.006 lux, F1.6 30 IREB/W: 0.0006 lx, F1.6, 30 IRE,  0 Lux with IRWide Dynamic RangeNo 120dBCamera SystemOptical zoom30X4.3 ~ 129.0 mm 30X4.5 ~ 135 mm61.6° (wide end) up to 2.50° (tele end)IR Illumination10 degree: IR 940nm =125m (410 ft)30 degree: IR 850nm = 175m (574 ft.)30 degree: White light = 200 m (656 ft.)Horizontal beam: 10° or 30°   Wavelength: 850nm, 940nm, white light AudioNo NoAlarm and OutputsInput 1Output 1 (relay)Alarm inputs: 1   Relay outputs: 1 (1A, 30Vac/60Vdc max) Power• 230Vac, 0.4A, 50/60Hz• 24Vac, 4A, 50/60Hz• 120Vac, 0.8A, 50/60Hz230Vac, 0.4A, 50/60Hz120Vac, 0.8A, 50/60Hz24Vac, 4A, 50/60HzOperating TemperatureHumidity-40°C~50°C using 24VAC(-40°F~122°F) -40°C (-40°F) up to +60°C (140°F)      Rugged WV-SUD638 PTZ Camera with IR The WV-SUD638 is an environmentally rugged camera designed to meet extreme weather conditions.  Using the latest aerodynamic technology and salt-air corrosion resistant glass fiber body, this IP PTZ camera can withstand the beating from tropical storms, arctic blizzards, extreme hot and cold temperatures, and gale-force winds. WV-SUD638 Specifications Features Include: Full HD (1080p) 60 fps, x30 zoom lens Built-in wiper and Auto defroster Wind load durability 60 m/s (135 mph) (operation), 80 m/s (180 mph) (non-destructive) Video SAS (Stability Augment System) for high-class image stabilization “Sphere vision” provides 360° 3D viewing (Pan: 360° endless, tilt: 90° to -90°) Temperature -50 ºC to +60 ºC (-58 °F to +140 °F)** Natural Silver model only. Not available IR LED Unit when the temperature is over 55 °C.Gray & Brown model: up to +55 °C. IP67, IP66, IK10 certified Optional IR LED light (up to 150 m/500 feet, zoom interlocking) Anti-salt air corrosion protection ideal for seaside operations Smart coding mode for additional compression Specifications for PTZ Camera WV-SUD638 Specification Video Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 Light Sensitivity Color: 0.06 lx (F1.6, Maximum shutter : Off(1/30 s), AGC : HighB/W : 0.02 lx (F1.6, Maximum shutter : Off(1/30 s), AGC : High)0 Lux (IR LED on)  Wide Dynamic Range  105 dB Camera System  Optical Zoom  30X4.3 ~ 129.0 mm  IR Illumination  150m  (492.13ft)  Audio Audio inAudio out  Alarm and Outputs  Input 1Output 2 (relay)  Power AC100 to 240 V, 50 Hz / 60 Hz Operating  TemperatureHumidity  -50°C ~ +60°C (-58°F ~ +140°F)Less than 90% RH       Y9250-LIR PTZ Optical Camera With IR This PTZ camera includes a very long-range IR illuminator. The IR has a range of 800 m.  The 2-Megapixel camera has very good low light sensitivity. The 0.002 lux color low light sensitivity provides very good low-light operation. When it switches to gray-scale (or BW mode), it can see things at an amazing 0.0002 lux. It can operate in full moonlight. During the daytime, the camera's 5.6 mm to 207 mm (36X) zoom lens can detect a person that’s 7000 m (over 4 miles away).  If the field of view is partially illuminated by the moon or standard lights, it can recognize a person at over 1900 m (over 1.1 miles) away. At night the built-in IR illuminator has a range of 800 m. This camera has the longest nighttime range of all the off-the-shelf PTZ cameras. Long-Range PTZ with IR Specifications for Long-Range PTZ Camera Y9250-LIR Specification Details Optical Video Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 Light Sensitivity Color: 0.002 Lux @(F1.8, AGC ON);   B/W: 0.0002 Lux @(F1.8, AGC ON); 0 Lux with IR Wide Dynamic Range Digital Camera System Optical Zoom 36× Optical5.6 mm to 207 mm, 59.8° to 2.0° (wide to tele) IR Illumination 800 m  (2625 ft ) Auto adjust intensity Audio Audio inAudio out Alarm and Outputs Up to 7-ch relay input (0 to 5 VDC)Up to 2-ch; supports alarm linkage Power 24 VAC, 120 W Operating TemperatureHumidity -40° F to 158° F (-40°C to 70°C); Humidity: ≤ 90% Network IPv4/IPv6, HTTP, HTTPS, 802.1X, QoS, FTP, SMTP, UPnP,SNMP, DNS, DDNS, NTP, RTSP, RTP, TCP, UDP, IGMP, ICMP, DHCP, PPPoE.   D6266-75/100 PTZ Thermal-Optical Camera This camera system includes an optical camera and thermal camera in one unit. A thermal camera provides different viewing characteristics than an optical camera. It does not require any light, but rather detects the thermal radiation from the target. The more the target temperature differs from the surrounding area, the brighter the object will appear.  For example, it is excellent for detecting a warm human in a cold snowfield. You may miss the person in an all-white outfit on a snowfield, but you will not miss them with the thermal camera. The “hotter” the object the further away it can be detected. The thermal camera has a resolution of 640 x 512, and with the 75 mm thermal lens can detect a person about 1800 ft (560 m) away.  The 330mm zoom lens on the optical camera provides daytime detection at about 7 miles (10Km) away. When there is enough light, the camera can “recognize” if it is a person or dog at a distance of about 1.5 miles (2.4Km). Optical and Thermal camera We can “identify” if the person we see is a man or women (based on how they are dressed), at a distance of almost one mile (1.5Km). All this is during the day. At night, this thermal-optical camera can detect a person about 1/3 of a mile away (560 m). The thermal detection distance can be greater (over 1000 m) depending on the temperature difference of the object you are viewing. The IR-illuminator has a range of 500 m. A very nice feature of this camera is that the IP video for both the thermal and optical camera is on a single network connection, with two separate streams. Specifications D6266-75 D6266-100 Optical Video Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080 Light Sensitivity Color: 0.05 lux @ (ƒ/1.8 , AGC on);   b/w: 0.01 lux @ (ƒ/1.8 , AGC on) Color: 0.05 lux @ (ƒ/1.8 , AGC on);   b/w: 0.01 lux @ (ƒ/1.8 , AGC on) Wide Dynamic Range 120 dB 120 dB Thermal Camera System Resolution 640 x 512, Vanadium Oxide Uncooled Focal Plane Detectors640 x 512,Vanadium Oxide Uncooled Focal Plane Detectors Lens 75 mm,8.3° 6.6° lens angle 100 mm, 6.23° 4.98° lens angle Optical Camera System Optical zoom 49X6.7 -330 mm, 41.3° - 1.2° (Wide-Tele) 49X6.7 -330 mm; 41.3° - 1.2° (Wide-Tele) IR Illumination 500 m (1,640;ft) Auto adjust intensity 500 m (1,640 ft) Auto adjust intensity Audio Audio inAudio out Audio inAudio out Alarm and Outputs Up to 7-ch relay input (0 to 5 VDC)Upto2-ch; supports alarm linkage Up to 7-ch relay input (0 to 5VDC)Up to 2-ch; supports alarm linkage Power 24 VAC, 120 W 24 VAC, 120 W Operating TemperatureHumidity -40° F to 140° F (-40° C to 60° C)Humidity: 90% -40° F to 140° F (-40° C to 60° C)Humidity: 90%  Network Single network connection with two video streams. One for the optical camera and the other for the thermal camera. Single network connection with two video streams. One for the optical camera and the other for the thermal camera.   Need help selecting the right camera?  We can help.  Just contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Amplivox PA Systems   Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. The following information is for reference only. More portable PA systems: Amplivox SW212 Mity-Vox PA System | Amplivox SW720 iPod Wireless PA System | More PA Systems These public address systems provide crystal clear sound, durable, lightweight construction and the convenience of wireless operation. They let you walk and talk while delivering your presentation loud and clear. Elite lectern S355 Solid wood veneerS805A 50-watt multimedia stereo amplifierone 6”x 8” oval, full-range Jensen designed speakerslender and light-weight; moves on glides.45” tall;S2030A professional cardioid dynamic handheld mic.Specify Mahogany or Medium OakSW355 lectern with Wireless your choice of headset, handheld or lapel mic (with transmitter). We have a wide choice of lecterns available. Contact us for help in selecting the right one for you. Wide Choice of lecterns Amplivox SW312 Mobile Address System SW312 Sound Cruiser Wireless Twin horn speaker assembly easily mounts with suction cups and tie-down straps. Equip any car, truck, bus or boat for voice-casting in minutes. Sound CruiserVehicle PA System tailored for maximum voice penetration and intelligibility. Reach crowds up to 3,000 people and cover the length of a football field! Features include the same powerful S805A sound system as the Half-Mile Hailer. Plug into your car’s cigarette lighter, direct-wire the unit to your 12-volt car battery or use internal D-cell battery pack.Includes SW805A amplifier with built-in wireless receiver and with headset and lapel micsWeather proof system - universal 2 horn speaker module mounts to any vehicle and easily adjusts at 450 increments for front - side - rear projection.3 mic inputs (dynamic, condenser & wireless).Auxiliary input jack for CD/tape player or computer sound system.2 speaker jacksPower rating: 60-watts, impedance: 4 ohms, volume: up to 119 db.Dimension - (11.5 H" x 11W" x 9 D") Weight - 25 lbs. More Amplivox PA Systems Top   Amplivox SW222 Portable Public Address System Complete portable PA system built into a rugged plastic carrying case. Includes wireless microphone. Carry from classroom to conference room to auditorium. 3 mic inputs: wireless, dynamic and condenserIncludes Headset and lapel microphonesLine-in with separate tone and volume controls for CD, cassette, or computer projector.Built-in SW805A 50-Watt multimedia stereo amplifier contains wireless receiver with A/B operating frequenciesYou can add up to 3 extra speakers.Convenient handle & shoulder strap.Dimensions: 11" H x 13" W x 4.5" D.Weight 9 lbs. More Amplivox PA SystemsTop   Amplivox SIR222 and SIR223 Infrared Wireless Portable Public Address System Amplivox SIR222 Includes wireless lapel mic. Trouble-free infrared wireless communicationNo outside interferenceSecure Line of Sight Communication - will not transmit through walls - Great for schools or classified/confidential areas with adjoining roomsNo dropouts - advance diode designUltra-Portable! Covers rooms up to 2,500 sq. ft Features Exclusive multimedia stereo amplifier. Battery-powered or AC (with optional adapter).Auxiliary input stereo jack with separate volume and tone controls for a CD player, tape player or LCD computer projector.Line out jack for a tape recorder. You can record your presentation as it is happening.One Jensen 6-in. x 8-in speaker3 mic inputs (dynamic, condenser with phantom power, WIRELESS) can be used at the same time.Additional RADIO FREQUENCY wireless mic packages availableCompact, lightweight design - 11in.x 13.5in. x 4.5in.Weighs only 4 lbs. (8 lbs. with batteries)Gripper handle and adjustable shoulder strap.Weatherproof and scuff-resistant case withstands abuse.On-off switch with LED power indicator light. One jack for optional external AC Adapter/Recharger.Runs on 10 D-cell alkaline batteries for up to 200 hours of talk time, S1460 International AC Adapter/Recharger (110/240V; 50/60Hz), S1465 NiCad Rechargeable Battery Pack (requires S1460). All Sold Separately.SIR222 Includes lapel microphones, SIR223 includes handheld wireless mic. Amplivox Portable PA   More Amplivox PA Systems Top Amplivox S206 BeltBlaster Waistband Amp The BeltBlaster Personal Waistband Amplifier is Battery-powered mini PA system you wear like a belt, leaving you hands-free and comfortable. Includes both headset and lapel (clip-on) mic and volume control.5 watts max. sound outputPowered by six 'AA' alkaline batteries (not included). More Amplivox PA SystemsTop   Please contact us to determine the lead time for these products. Terms & Conditions Manage your visitors with Easy Lobby Software. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your network and computer systems: CD DVD-ROM Server, CD, DVD, Blu-ray Jukeboxes, Presentation Technology, Network Attached IP camera systems, PA and Intercoms over IP and more. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Thermal Imaging IP Cameras Thermal cameras are used in industrial manufacturing, revolutionizing equipment health protocols. In surveillance monitoring, they enhance threat detection, improving safety and security. Surveillance Camera Systems | Industrial Applications Industrial Applications The KT100 Industrial Module monitors and collects asset health data from remote sites. Thermal monitoring mitigates the risks of failure from overheating assets and connection points. Analytics detect anomalies and provide automatic warnings. The visual camera provides situational awareness in remote locations. Product sheet... Thermal Camera for Industrial Monitoring Detection of Heat Signatures: Thermal cameras can detect heat emitted by objects, allowing for the identification of invisible heat patterns and anomalies. Industrial Maintenance: Thermal cameras are used in industries for predictive maintenance. They identify overheating components, preventing potential equipment failures. To learn more, read our article Thermal Camera Comparison, Surveillance Cameras with Thermal Imaging In today's heightened security environment, around the clock intrusion detection is imperative. Thermal imaging solutions answer the call twenty-four hours a day in any weather condition. Because thermal imaging detects energy emitted from all objects without the need of visible light, intruders can be unveiled day or night, through smoke, fog, sand, rain, and snow. These camera systems attach to your network using a built-in Camera Encoder Server, making it very easy to deploy, control and operate. Thermal Camera Features: These thermal imagers are long wavelength (8-12 micron), infrared video cameras intended for use in all weather applications. Visible color day/night cameras are repeatedly rendered ineffective by low contrast lighting or blooming bright light conditions; however, Kintronics Thermal Imaging Systems provide unhindered, real-time scene playback of any security scenario. All imagers utilize uncooled technology to produce high-quality imagery for high-security applications. This type of thermal imager will detect thermal activity in total darkness, through smoke, dust, blowing sand, fog, and other obscurants. These thermal Imaging Systems integrate easily into all site security solutions. We offer several different system controllers, including the more popular protocols. The open architecture makes it easy to integrate customizes protocols to meet individual needs. Models Available The thermal camera systems are custom configured to your exact requirements.  Models include short, medium and long-range systems. All these models are available with network connections so they can be integrated with other IP cameras. Model Description EXSRTI18PTH Attaches to your Network providing 1220 meters upright man recognition or 2440 meters vehicle recognition. MRT1-EX9PT-VIS2000 meters man recognition with color day-night camera.MRT1750-meter man recognitionLRT1-m15/5-DD-VIS312000 meters man recognition, Wireless Deploy Control platform, VIS/312 Color CCD optionTVIP-PHX-640-30X-100HDThermal 640 x 480 camera with 100 mm thermal fixed lens, plus Optical 2 Megapixel PTZ camera.  The thermal camera provides human detection at night up to 1.8 miles (2.9 Km), Optical daytime detection at up to 3.7 miles ( 5.9 Km)LRT145PTZ2CIFLong Range Thermal Imager with 320x240 lines of resolution. Includes IP network connection and PTZ capability. Dual Sensor Cameras Custom made long-range night-vision cameras are available. These cameras can be selected with both thermal and optical cameras.  Models can also be selected with adaptive IR illumination.  Take a look at our long-range night-vision camera systems. Applications include: Military Bases Government Installations Power Plants Airports Shipping Ports Border Security Refineries Infrastructure Mobile Surveillance Contact us for more details about all the models available. We have military grade and commercial grade thermal imaging cameras available. These Mil-Spec 810-F thermal imagers are available with 52 degree to 3 degree field of view. They can be mounted stand alone, paired with IR visual cameras or combined with a variety of positioners. High performance optical IP cameras can be provided alongside the long-range thermal system, creating a very flexible system that operates day or night and in any weather. Network attached IP cameras are very easy to deploy. They include H.264 compression and are compatible with our IP Video Recording Systems. Technical Background The difference between an IP optical camera and a Thermal Imaging camera An optical IP camera with an IR illuminator projects light on a target, while thermal cameras use the thermal radiation from the source.  The illuminator used with an IP camera uses “near” IR wavelengths 0.70–1.0 µm (700 nm – 1000 nm) to “illuminate” a dark scene. There are 850 nm (0.85 µm) and 940 nm (0.94 µm) IR illuminators available.  The 850 nm versions are visible to the eye, while the 950 nm are invisible. The thermal imaging camera uses the longer wavelength spectrum (8–15 µm).  This thermal energy spectrum is actually emanating from the source (a warm body), rather than being “illuminated”. Standard IR illuminators have a range of up to 200 m, while laser IR illuminators have a range of up to 5000 m.  Thermal cameras provide a much larger field of view, allowing you to detect a target in a much larger area.  These can see through weather related obscurants or smoke, while IR illuminators can’t.  Optical cameras with IR illuminators can provide more detail, allowing you to identify a person’s face at over 1 mile away (1.6 km).  Take a look at our article for more information about Detection, Recognition, and Identification – Thermal vs. Optical IP Camera.  There are cameras available that include both thermal and optical sensors, providing a very effective detection and recognition long range camera system. FLIR Thermal cameras were originally called forward-looking infrared devices by the airforce. The F.L.I.R. acronym was generated by our US military when this technology was first utilized. Some of the first thermal imagers were mounted on the front of reconnaissance aircraft, hence the name forward-looking infrared or FLIR. How Thermal Imagers Work Thermal cameras have imaging devices that detect emitted infrared wavelengths. Simply put, all objects that are above absolute 0º constitute molecular movement. This molecular movement produces energy or “heat.” The heat is emitted not in the visible spectrum but in the infrared spectrum, which is invisible to the human eye. Thermal imagers detect this emitted infrared energy and process the information electronically into a video or “visual” image so that we can “see” the emitted energy. Thermal imagers allow us to see objects in total darkness, see heat signatures left by hand or footprints and many other scenarios that we would not be able to normally “see” in the visual world. ### IP Camera Review IP Camera Test Objectives In this IP camera review we tested four megapixel dome cameras, one from Axis, Canon, Hikvision, and Sony. We compared the cameras to their specifications and we also compared the cameras against each other. We provided pros and cons that distinguished each camera from the rest. This buyer's guide will help you select the right camera for your application. The summary provides our overall conclusions but it is best to look at each camera review. The review table provides a side by side comparison of the models tested. IP Camera Comparison See: Axis | Canon | Hikvision | Sony | Comparison Table For additional camera reviews take a look at our other IP camera Review and Ratings. What We Tested Before we selected the significant specifications to review in our camera buyer’s guide, we had to consider how the cameras would be used. Of course this all depends on the objectives of your project. For example, do you want to see the burglar who comes in at night? Do you want to be able to identify a person's face in a wide viewing area? Do you want to see vehicles that are one mile away moving across the desert in total darkness and be able to determine if they are cars or trucks (Yes, we can do that)? We decided to review price, resolution, low light performance, installation and setup. Some of the cameras included analytic functions such as object removed, object left, line crossing, face detection and other intelligent functions that could be important in special applications. We reviewed how the setup controls worked and how easy they were to use. Setup time affects the labor involved during installation. Testing Method To measure the resolution we used a camera test pattern that has been used in the broadcast TV market for many years. We also focused on a group of objects in front of a window to test the picture quality in all lighting situations. We reviewed color, low light performance, dynamic range as well as setup tools. The objects in front of the bright background also provided a good test of dynamic range provided by each of the cameras. For our low light testing we adjusted the lighting in the room to about 0.1 lux. Our testing was designed to compare cameras rather than provide an absolute measurement.The camera comes with a fixed lens and you can select 2.8 mm, 4.0 mm, 6 mm and 12 mm lenses when you purchase the camera. Our camera has the 4 mm lens which provides a wide view with some barrel distortion (fisheye effect). Since this is a low cost camera there were compromises made to keep the cost low. Summary and Conclusion The cameras we tested all had some special characteristics that made them the best for specific situations. Sony came out on top for the resolution test, while Axis performed very well at low light. If you have challenging lighting conditions where you require wide dynamic range (WDR), Sony is the best choice. The cameras provide both low light sensitivity as well as WDR at the same time while you need to select one or the other with the Axis cameras. If you need a camera that can provide special analytic functions such as object left behind or object removed, then the Sony and Canon dome cameras are good choices. To minimize your installation the Canon IP dome camera with remote pan, tilt, zoom and focus is a great solution. The one problem with the Canon camera is the difficulty in using some of the set up tools, but once you get familiar with its interface it will prove to be an easy camera to install. If you are on a tight budget and don't require some of the bells and whistles provided by the more expensive brands, the Hikvision dome is a great choice. For the details take a look at each camera review and the IP camera comparison table.Selecting the right camera for your IP camera system is challenging. You not only need to select the right camera for specific locations, you also need to make sure it is compatible with the recording system. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. Learn more More information: Another Buyers Guide | Other IP Camera Brands | Video Recording Systems | Resources | Support   Technical Support What is the best IP camera? The best camera for you depends on your objectives. Also remember that a surveillance system is not just the IP camera, it also includes the IP video recording system, the networkFor assistance in selecting all the components of your surveillance system, just contact us. We provide consulting and engineering assistance that assures that you get exactly what you expect. ### IP Camera Comparison Table Axis | Canon | Hikvision | Sony | Another Buyers Guide We compared the Axis, Canon, Hikvision, and Sony Dome IP cameras against their specifications and the other cameras in the test. We provided the pros and cons that separate each camera from the rest. For the review of each camera go to the links on the left. IP Camera Review The performance was rated with 5 being the highest. Note that the study was done a number of years ago so the pricing has changed. Comparison Chart RATING Axis Hikvision Sony RESOLUTION RATING Rating 5/5, Measured at 1920x1080 Rating 3/5 (This is a 1.2-megapixel camera) Rating 5/5, Measured at 1920x1080 MIN. LIGHT Color: 0.2 lux, F1.2, B/W: 0.04 lux, F1.2 (Rating 5/5) Color: 0.01 lux at F1.2, BW: 0 lux (with IR on) IR range about 25 m. (Rating 3/5) Color: 0.1 lux, F1.2, B/W: 0.07 lux, F1.2˚ (Rating 5/5) NOISE AT 0.1 LUX Very low noise (Rating 5/5)  High noise  (Rating 3/5) Some noise (Rating 4/5) ADJUSTMENTS Many basic and advanced adjustments that allow fine-tuning of motion including adjustments of object size, history (how long object stays in the window) Basic and simple adjustments Many basic and advanced adjustments that allow fine-tuning of motion detection that allows you to minimize false alarms. Can create a polygon for creating precise detection windows. ANALYTICS Loud Noise detection, camera tampering, Line crossing (tripwire) NA Object removed, object left behind, Intrusion, Passing (tripwire), Face Detection SET UP Many setup adjustments including remote zoom and focus lens make it easy to set up and adjust for challenging lighting conditions.   Easy to set up (Rating 5/5) Simple menus and descriptions make it easy to find and adjust.   (Rating 5/5) Easy to use menus and descriptions make it easy to find and adjust all settings   (Rating 5/5) PRICE *   *Note that the study was done a number of years ago so the pricing has changed. P3367V: $1159P3367VE (outdoor): $1319 DS-2CD2112-I (outdoor): $295 VM630 (indoor): $1798 VM631 (indoor Vandal): $1848 VM632R (outdoor): $2148 For information about the latest IP Cameras, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Hikvision DS-2CD2112 IP Camera Review Hikvision DS-2CD2112 IP Camera Review The Hikvision DS-2CD2112 is an economical dome IP camera with built in IR illumination. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive cameras, but provides a very nice image that can be used in many different applications. With a 3 inch (79 mm) dome, it is one of the smallest domes we tested. The camera has a very simple and akward mechanical adjustment for pan and tilt after installation. It doesn't have remote focus or zoom since it has a fixed lens with no iris adjustments. Yes even though you get what you pay for, this camera did very well in our testing. Hikvision Dome IP Camera Additional Camera Review: Canon | Axis | Sony | Comparison Table | Overview Review of Hikvision Dome IP Camera Resolution The camera uses a 1.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor that provides a resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels. Since the other cameras we tested had higher resolution sensors it wasn't fair to compare this 1.3 megapixel camera against the over 2 megapixel cameras. We had difficulty measuring the resolution using our test chart because the fixed lens has a minimum operating range of about 12 inches which prevented us from moving the test pattern close enough so we could frame the test pattern correctly. We were able to get some idea of the resolution quality by comparing the video to our other cameras using the same scene. For example, we compared the detail on the scale’s numbers and were very pleased with the results.This shot was taken with WDR on and set at about 40%. Not too bad at all. Lens The camera comes with a fixed lens and you can select 2.8 mm, 4.0 mm, 6 mm and 12 mm lenses when you purchase the camera. Our camera has the 4 mm lens which provides a wide view with some barrel distortion (fisheye effect). Since this is a low cost camera there were compromises made to keep the cost low. Day/Night and Minimum Illumination This camera doesn’t use an IR filter for switching between day and night modes. Instead it electronically color corrects the image. It works well and didn’t show any noticeable color shifting.Since this camera includes the IR illumination, the specifications do not indicate the low light sensitivity in BW mode. It just says 0 lux. It does say that it will operate in color down to 0.01 lux at F1.2 with AGC on. AGC is the Automatic gain control which of course all cameras use at low light. When higher amplification is required it can also cause noise in the picture. We tested the low light capability of the camera by turning off the IR illuminator. The following picture shows a dark scene that is set to about 0.1 lux. The test demonstrated the noise level seen at the lowest light, but remembers you usually set the camera so the IR illuminator turns on at low light levels. When the IR is turned on you can see that the picture is dramatically improved and switches to BW. Camera Settings The camera settings are simple and easy to understand. It provides enough functions and controls to adjust the camera to most situations. Motion Detection The setup controls for motion detection are simple and easy to use. The camera provides an area setting tool that allows you to set rectangular areas where motion will be detected, and includes an overall sensitivity adjustment. Once the motion detection areas are set you can schedule when the detection will occur using a simple Arming Schedule, and then select what you would like the camera to do when an alert is detected. Wide Dynamic Range and Backlight Compensation The camera does have WDR control with a slider that makes it easy to set up. The image with a bright background was reasonably good. The test image showed the foreground and background with enough brightness to be able to distinguish the objects inside and outside with bright sunlight. Summary The Hikvision dome IP camera is small and inexpensive yet provides good performance. It has fewer adjustments, but can be used in many applications where the advanced functions are not required. At a selling price of around $295, it is a very economical solution that provides excellent cost performance for many applications. ### Wireless IP Cameras Wireless for IP Camera Systems What is the best wireless system for your IP camera system? It depends on your system requirements. When you can’t run network wire to the IP camera, you can use a wireless camera system.  Some cameras come with a built in radio, but any IP camera can be connected to a separate wireless radio.   Cameras with the built in radios are usually used indoors, while the cameras that use separate wireless radios are usually used outdoors.   Separate radios provide long range capability (over 2 miles), especially when using a directional antenna. Wireless connections can use either Wi-Fi radios with a dedicated connection between two points, or 3G / 4G that uses the telephone wireless network. Wireless IP cameras are popular in home applications. but are usually not recommended for commercial applications because of security and reliability concerns. Solar power can be added to your wireless camera system so it can be used when power is not available.  Solar power systems are designed according to the number of cameras, your geographic location, and the number of hours you need to operate without sunlight (with batteries).  more ...   Built-in Wireless Radio Cameras There are a number of camera manufacturers that make IP cameras with built in wireless radios.  These are usually called wireless cameras.  They are mostly used in consumer applications and are not a good choice for professional security systems.  Here's one example: Sony SNC-CX600 This indoor 1280 x 720 HD Small form IP Camera, has an optional wireless connection. It includes a fixed 120-degree horizontal view lens.  With a built-in speaker and MIC, you can have a conversation from your computer. It has a wide dynamic range (60dB+ WDR), so it can be used in challenging lighting conditions. If you plug it into the network it uses PoE for power, otherwise, it uses the small power adapter that is provided with the camera. Wireless IP camera works best when there is a line of sight to the access point that's no more than 100 ft away.   Wireless Radio for Your IP Camera A separate WiFi radio can be used with any IP camera. Usually, we suggest using the same type of radio on each side of the connection.  One radio is next to the camera and the other is at the receiving point. These wireless camera systems are usually used outdoors because of the extended range, but they certainly can be used indoors.  No matter where you use it, they work best when there is a clear line of site. High-performance WiFi wireless radios have a range of many miles (or kilometers).  They include directional antennas and high transmission power that results in higher bandwidth and security. There are a variety of radios and antennas available. Some of the radios have the antenna built into the radio while others use a separate antenna.  Most radios use frequencies of either 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz.  There are also other frequencies such as 900 MHz and 4.9 GHz available as well.   We usually recommend 5.8 GHz radios for IP camera applications.  In remote applications where there may be limited power, it is best to select radios that use the least amount of power. Our complete wireless IP camera systems include the radio with a directional antenna, camera, power system, and surge protectors, as well as network switches with PoE, special environmental enclosures and mounting brackets. Everything is designed for compatibility with power, electronics, and connectivity. One or more IP cameras can be included in the wireless system solution. They can be fixed or PTZ type cameras.  Cameras are selected depending on your requirements and objectives.  The power can be provided by local AC power or by adding a solar power system.  Here are some examples of radios: TVIP-Series of Wireless Radios   TVIP-L5-16 This Tri-Mode outdoor unit includes an antenna and supports standard 48 VDC PoE operation. The versatile and low-cost units can be configured as an Access Point (AP), Point-to-Point (PxP), or Customer Premise Equipment (CPE).  The all-in-one design features an integrated 16dBi directional panel antenna, and comes complete with  POE injector suitable for 48VDC operation, yielding the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO). Also available is a unit that supports an external antenna for more demanding applications. Features include: Quality of Service (QoS) with data rate up to 54 Mbps7 watts power requiredRange with line-of-site up to 5 miles5, 10 & 20 MHz channel width selectivityWeb-based administrative interface - For quick and easy manageabilityRouter mode with built-in DHCP Server/ClientSecurity: WEP, WPA, MAC Authentication Learn More   TVIP-5Plus-24 This is a more powerful radio that includes an integral 24 dBi directional antenna. It is also available with a higher performance dish antenna (shown).  The ruggedized weatherproof all‐in‐one design meets IP67 and NEMA Type 4X environmental standards, requiring minimum installation and maintenance costs in conditions ranging from ‐60 C to +60 C. With a line of site it is possible to achieve a range of up to 15 miles. Features include: IEEE 802.11a CompliantRange up to 15 miles with line-of-site between radios7 watts power requiredAP/PxP/CPE Wireless ModesUp to +23dBm Transmit Power with Adjustable OutputDual Ethernet Ports Tunneling Protocol Support (VPN, PPTP, RSA, etc)Alignment LEDs (in CPE mode)Configurable in Point-to-Point, Access Point or Client modes TVIP-900 Series 900 MHzOperating in the 900 MHz ISM band, the TVIP-900 Series has better non-line-of-site properties than the higher frequencies and have the same features as our other broadband wireless networking equipment. The radios are sold in pairs to assure proper operation. These are integrated fully functioning radios, which means these units can be configured as an Access Point, a Point to Point Bridge, or a Client Adapter (CPE). Dual Ethernet ports make it easy to connect to camera and power. Learn More Other options and radios include: Long range antennasOmni antennasMesh NetworksMounting brackets and hardware Since each situation may require a different type of radio and antenna, please contact us for help selecting the right one for your application. 3G / 4G Wireless Broadband Solutions These 3G / 4G modems make use of the telephone communication systems allowing you to send video back to your central location when WiFi channels are not available.   We will help you with the equipment you need based on your local carrier. These modems can automatically select an alternate communication channel such as WiFi or wired broadband solution to maintain a reliable and redundant connection. Main Features Integrated 4G LTE, HSPA+, WiMAX, and 3G EVDO models (no modem option available)Ruggedized metal housingExternal 3G/4G modem antennasAdvanced routing and security features including VPN, VLAN, WAN Affinity, and moreAdditional advanced security and routing features with an Extended Enterprise LicenseCloud-managed Contact us for more details as well as pricing on all the models available. Solar Power for Wireless IP Cameras When you're out in the wild and don't have any power or network, you can use this system to power and communicate remote video to your central video recording system. It can use WiFi or 3G / 4G phone communication systems. The system includes the power system, the IP camera system, the communication system, and even the video recording system. The advanced battery charging system protects against over-charging or over-discharging the batteries. All the power and network distribution system are located inside a sealed waterproof enclosure. Mounting brackets for pole or wall make it easy to install. Systems are available with 30 W to over 200 W solar panels. Here are some system Examples.  These are provided just for reference. We design the system based on your specific system configuration. KRPST24-100-280 Rated Power: 65W continuous output with 6 hours peak sun.Solar Panel Size: 24VDC 280W.Battery System : 24VDC @ 100Ah.Battery Reserve Time @ Rated Power: 24 hours.Battery Type: Sealed Lead Acid GEL (expected life = 5 years). KRPST-SLR-20W48 Rated Power: 20W continuous output with 6 hours peak sun.Solar Panel Size: 12VDC 85 W. Battery System : 12VDC @ 100Ah.Battery Reserve Time @ Rated Power: 24 hours.Battery Type: Sealed Lead Acid GEL (expected life = 5 years).Power output:  48 V PoE . Select from a wide variety of IP cameras. Whether you need an IP box, bullet, dome, fish-eye, or PTZ camera; we will help select the right camera for your application. Select video management software (VMS) that runs on your own Windows computer or a complete Network Video Recorder (NVR) that includes the computer and software in one package. The recording system can be located at the remote site or at your central command center. These are just examples that will give you an idea of what's available. We know that your system will be different. That's why we provide free engineering and consulting so you will get exactly what you need. If you need help just contact us for help. ### Anchor ProLink 500 Wireless Intercom   Anchor PortaCom Wired Intercom Sorry, we no longer sell portable PA systems. As an alternative visit the Anchor website.  Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems The following information is for reference only: The Anchor wireless intercom provides full-duplex communications between up to 4 people at the same time. It has the option of unlimited listen-only units. The transmitter and receiver operate utilizing the FCC license-free 902 - 928 MHz range for the U.S. without the need for a base station. ProLink 500 has the capability to transmit up to 500 feet line of sight and allows communication through walls and glass. It also has optional Bluetooth or encryption capability available upon request.   Features of Intercom System 500 ft. line of site wireless communicationHeavy duty 4-pin XLR connectorChoice of single, dual muff, or lightweight headsetA/B channel selectionPush to Talk or Always On modesMicrophone gain settingOut of range LED indicatorLow Battery LED indicatorRechargeable batteries includedGang charger for four belt packsFCC license free   Specifications for the PortaCom Wired Intercom The RescueMan is very small and portable. RF Frequency Range902-928MHzModulationFSKRange (line of sight)Duplex 500’ / 152.4 mAntenna1/2 - wavelength dipolePower Supply9VDC, 1.2ADCBattery Life12 hoursDimensions (HWD)4.5” x 6.25” x 3.75” (114.3 x 158.75 x 95.25 mm)Weight15 oz / 0.42kg (with batteries)H-2000/H-2000SDual-Earpieces/Single-Earpiece HeadsetHeadphonesSingle-Ear (H-2000S) & Dual-Ear Headphones (H-2000) (Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice)     Models and Components • PRO-540Four User Package: One BP-500M master belt pack, three BP-500R remote belt packs, four headsets (H-2000 or H-2000S), one GC-500 gang charger & one lightweight, high-density cardboard case • PRO-570Seven User Package: Two BP-500M master belt packs, Five BP-500R remote belt packs, Seven headsets (H-2000 or H-2000S), Two GC-500 gang charger & one lightweight, high-density cardboard case Component Description BP-500M Master belt pack BP-500R Remote belt pack BP-500L Listen only belt pack H-2000 Dual ear muff headset H-2000L Dual muff headset listen only H-2000LS Single muff headset listen only GC-500 Gang charger Technical Support A portable PA system should be selected according to your application. We can help you select the right system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Anchor PortaCom Wired Intercom   Anchor PortaCom Wired Intercom PortaCom is a wired intercom system that is flexible, high performance, built smart and simple. PortaCom gives you two channels without sacrificing power or quality. This unit is expandable, portable or rack-mountable. Best of all, PortaCom is excellent for the junior high school theater, church setting, local cable studio, or to the high school football coach. Up to 20 headsets are available in the system. Features of Intercom System AC OperableEasy to Setup and OperateTwo-channel, wired full-duplex intercomUp to 20 headset capacityComfortable single, dual or mixed headsetsStandard double-shielded microphone cableCan use standard 3-pin XLR mic cablesPortable or rack-mountableDurable lightweight metal packsHigh performance - low cost Specifications for the PortaCom Wired Intercom The RescueMan is very small and portable. SystemOperating DistanceUp to 2,500 ft (total cable length)Normal Line Level-15 dBVConnecting CablesStandard 1-pair shielded mic cable with 3-pin XLR (heavy-duty cable recommended for runs over 250 ft)B3-2000 – Branch BoxConnectors (3-pin XLR)Input – 1 female / Output – 3 maleDimensions1.9” x 4.1” x 4.25” (48 x 105 x 108 mm)Weight19.2 oz / 0.5 kgBP-2000Belt PackH-2000/H-2000SDual-Earpieces/Single-Earpiece HeadsetPC-2000Two-Channel Power Console (Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice)     Models COM-40FC Four User Package:Four headsets, four belt packs, one power console & one sturdy cardboard carrying case. (no cables included)COM-60FC Six User Package:Six headsets, six belt packs, one power console, one branch box & one sturdy cardboard carrying case (no cables included)COM-40FC/C Four User Package:COM-40FC & four - 50’ cablesCOM-60FC/C Six User Package:COM-60FC & seven - 50’ cables Technical Support A portable PA system should be selected according to your application. We can help you select the right system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Canon VB-610VE IP Camera Review Canon VB-610VE IP Camera Review The Canon VB-610VE is a new 2.0-megapixel camera with very good resolution and very low light capability. It includes some video analytic functions which can be used to detect special situations such as removed object or left object. It doesn’t have wide dynamic range but includes Smart Shade, an adjustment tool that compensates for low light areas. This is a nice camera when you need to reduce the installation time. The remote pan, tilt, zoom, and focus make it an easy camera to set up. Unfortunately, the setup controls are difficult to use. Canon Dome Camera More Reviews Axis | Hikvision | Sony | Comparison Table | Overview Review Resolution The camera has a 2.1-megapixel progressive scan sensor that provides a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It is only available in the wide-format view and doesn’t have an option for 4:3 ratio view.The camera resolution showed that we could see the converging lines indicating TV lines of resolution in most areas of the test pattern. The image was a bit noisy. Lens We had some difficulty evaluating the lens on this camera because of other setup issues that made it difficult to remove some artifact noise in the video. For example when the Smart Shade is turned on it introduces some speckling in the video. The Camera Angle Setting Tool is required to set up the lens zoom and camera position. It’s easy to use once you have figured out how to install the tool, which is separate from any of the other camera setting tools. The lens can be remotely adjusted between 2.8 mm and 8.4 mm (111 degrees and 36.5 degrees). When adjusting the zoom the camera automatically focuses the lens making this camera the easiest to adjust. Day/Night and Minimum Illumination This is a true day/night camera so it has an IR filter. The camera does very well in low light situations. The camera specification indicates that the minimum illumination is 0.3 lux in color at shutter speed at 1/30 sec (when Smart Shade Control is off, 50IRE). When it’s dark the camera switches to BW mode and the minimum illumination is 0.015 lux in BW, with F1.2 lens, a shutter speed of 1/30 sec and at 50 IRE. The specifications also says that the illumination can be as low as 0.008 lux in color (F1.2, shutter speed 1/2 sec., when Smart Shade Control is on, 50IRE), and also indicated a minimum light level of 0.0005 lux (F1.2, shutter speed 1/2 sec., when Smart Shade Control is on, 50IRE). Is this specsmanship or is this real, well our tests did show that the camera performed well in low light. But, I’m not sure most people would be happy with a shutter speed of ½ second, which relates to a frame rate of 2 fps. Low Light Test The camera did perform well at low light. It provided a brighter image than the Axis but it did show some amplifier noise. The Sony camera provided an even brighter image. Camera Settings As mentioned above the Canon IP camera settings are very difficult to deal with. There are actually 3 different setting tools in the main menu plus a separate tool for remote lens angle setting. Two of the setting tools (Admin Viewer and Admin Tools) did not work in IE version 10. They will only work in IE 9 or below. Canon said they are working on correcting this, but there was no timeline provided. The top menu screen is shown below Canon Menu To do some of the video setup you need to select the Admin Viewer: This will allow you to adjust the focus, exposure, shutter speed, and white balance. There are fewer settings than the Axis or Sony cameras, but the most important light settings are grouped in this viewer. Some of the same camera settings are also located in the Setting Page. This is confusing, but it’s better to use the Admin Viewer since this is where you can see the result of any changes you have made. Click on the Admin Tools and you will get to the next menu: And from there you can select like the Privacy Mask, Intelligent Function Setting Tool, Recorded Video Utility, Preset Tool and Log Viewer. Motion Detection The “Intelligent Function Setting Tool” allows you to set motion detection, and the other analytic detectors. These settings were easy to understand, once we got into the menu, and allowed us to adjust the settings for best performance. Video Analytic Functions The Canon camera includes a number of special analytic features that enhance security such as Moving Object Detection, Removed Object Detection, Abandoned Object Detection, Camera Tampering Detection, Volume Level Detection, and a new Passing (or "tripwire”) Detection. There is also an audio detection alarm that is available, but it is located in the Settings Menu (confusing), and the trigger level is very difficult to set correctly because it doesn't provide a visual level of existing background noise (which the Axis camera does very well). In summary the camera settings, alerts, and other controls are very confusing, but there is a lot of functionality available.. Shade Control and Backlight Compensation If you have a scene where there is a very bright area in the background, it will cause the object in the foreground to appear in silhouette. You can use backlight compensation or Shade Control to compensate for this. If you turn on backlight compensation, the camera will try to adjust to the darker part of the scene so you can see the object in the foreground, but the background will appear washed out. If you want to see the objects in the foreground as well as the objects in the background you need to use the Shade Control function. There are various levels of adjustment from 1 to 9 (strong). The higher the number the more you can see, but it does introduce some noise in the picture. Summary The Canon VB-610VE is a good camera with powerful setup controls that allow you to adjust the position of the camera and lens after it has been installed (pan, tilt, and zoom), but the configuration and setup tools are confusing and difficult to use. The video performance was good but not as good as the Axis and Sony cameras. The camera includes some advanced features such as missing object, left object, and other video analytic functions. The indoor camera is priced at MSRP $1299 and the outdoor version lists at $1569. ### Anchor CouncilMAN Conference System   Conference Sound System Supports up to 100 People Sorry, we no longer sell portable PA systems. As an alternative visit the Anchor website.  Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems The following information is for reference only: CouncilMAN Sound System The CouncilMAN portable conference system moves from the council chamber room to the town hall meeting auditorium in a sturdy travel box with ease of set-up and simplicity of use. The speaker/amplifier powers up to ten microphones and covers a crowd of 100 people. The microphone bases are connected in a daisy chain with standard XLR cables. If the room requires a larger sound system, connect to a Liberty Platinum. The conference system also connects to a house speaker system or an assistive listening system. Conference Sound System Features Amplifier AN-100CM powers up to 10 microphonesAudio outputs for other amplifiersAudio input for music player deviceConference Mics daisy chain with a standard XLR cableChairman Mic can mute all other micsVery sensitive cardioid microphones provide excellent sound pick up.Quick to set up and simple to operateReaches crowds of up to 100 people16 Channel UHF Wireless mic option for audience Q&A2-year warranty Technical Specifications CM-4includes one chairman mic, three delegate mics, one AN-100CM speaker/amplifier, three 4’ XLR cables and one 25’ XLR cable in a sturdy carrying case with foam inserts.CM-4Wincludes one chairman mic, three delegate mics, one AN-100CM speaker/amplifier with builtin UHF receiver, one handheld mic, three 4’ XLR cables and one 25’ XLR cable in a sturdy carrying case with foam inserts.CM-6Includes one chairman mic, five delegate mics, one AN-100CM speaker/amplifier, five 4’ XLR cablesand one 25’ XLR cable in a sturdy carrying case with foam inserts.CM-6WIncludes one chairman mic, five delegate mics, one AN-100CMU1 speaker/amplifier with built-inUHF receiver, one handheld mic, five 4’ XLR cables and one 25’ XLR cable in a sturdy carrying case withfoam inserts.   Please contact us to determine lead time for these products.Terms & Conditions More Anchor SystemsMiniVoxMegaVoxAN-130LibertyExplorer Technical Support A portable PA system should be selected according to your application. We can help you select the right system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Resources Surveillance and Security Resources Resources Technical Articles Want to know how the IP camera works, or the advantages of network-attached IP door control systems, or how to install the IP intercom and emergency paging systems? Here’s everything you need to know about the latest network-attached technology. Learn how the technology works and how to make use of it. Continue Reading Videos You can find many videos on our YouTube Channel that describe the technology. Continue Reading IP Camera System Resources Kintronics is your engineering and consulting resource. We provide system integration and sell complete IP security solutions at the very best prices. We know that one system doesn’t fit all; each system is designed to fit exactly what you need. These resources include application notes, white papers, and videos to help you understand the technology and select the right IP camera system. Continue Reading IP Camera System Technical Articles Here’s everything you need to know about the latest network-attached technology. Learn how the technology works and how to make use of it. Continue Reading IP Camera Test and Review This IP camera review we tested four-megapixel dome cameras, one from Axis, Canon, Hikvision, and Sony. Continue Reading IP Camera Comparison Chart What is the best IP camera? The real question is what is the best camera for your application. The camera graph compares low light sensitivity, ease of installation, and analytics versus the price of the selected megapixel IP cameras. Continue Reading Defining Your Objectives Before you select your IP camera system, you need to determine what your objectives are.  Your objectives can be different for each area that you want to monitor. Continue Reading IP Camera Recording Systems There are three types of recording systems: Video Management Software, Network Video Recorders (NVR), and Cloud service systems. Each one provides some unique capability. We provided a summary of video recording systems available on our web page, and these articles provide more details about this important video recording function. Continue Reading Review of Video Recording Systems The IP recording and management system is a key part of your IP camera system. If you select the wrong system, you could find yourself without the key video evidence you need when an incident occurs, or worse still your security could be breached and safety threatened because of the wrong choice. Continue Reading Frequently Asked Questions about IP Cameras What makes the network IP cameras different than an Analog CCTV video camera?What is a 4K Camera? and more questions and answers about IP cameras. Continue Reading FAQs about IP Camera Systems What is an IP camera system? How do you record the video from IP cameras systems? What is a Video Server? What is a Network Video Recorder (NVR), and more FAQs about IP Camera Systems Continue Reading White paper: Video Management Software for IP Cameras Video Management Software (VMS) is sometimes referred to as NVR (Network Video Recorder) software. No matter what you call it, this software is primarily used to control and record video and manage IP cameras on the network. Continue Reading Understanding the IP Cameras IP cameras are actually similar to the older CCTV analog camera. They consist of a lens, sensor, and amplifiers. The IP camera adds a computer and network interface that connects the camera to the network. Continue Reading IP Door Access Control System Resources There are three types of Access Control Systems. They all connect to the network. The Isonas system is best for small to medium access control systems. The Hartmann Door Control System is very flexible and can be used in small to enterprise system applications. The Biometric IP readers provide the additional level of security provided by fingerprint, facial recognition or finger-vein door entry control. Continue Reading IP Paging Systems The following resources can be used to help you understand the network-attached paging and intercom technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Continue Reading Optical Jukeboxes and Libraries Kintronics has a wide selection of optical BluRay jukeboxes and libraries available, as well as all the software or network-attached storage manager necessary to attach them to your computer and network. Continue Reading Other Resources Terms and Conditions of Sales Our terms and conditions policy provides information about ordering, payment, returns, support, warranty policy, and our privacy policy. Continue Reading Product List A list of products from Kintronics in alphanumeric order to help you find what you are looking for. If you need help finding anything, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. Continue Reading Canon VB-610VE IP Camera Review The Canon VB-610VE is a new 2.0-megapixel camera with very good resolution and very low light capability. It includes some video analytic functions which can be used to detect special situations such as a removed object or left object. Continue Reading Hikvision DS-2CD2112 IP Camera Review The Hikvision DS-2CD2112 is an economical dome IP camera with built-in IR illumination. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive cameras but provides a very nice image that can be used in many different applications. Continue Reading Discontinued Products Continue Reading Audio Visual Presentation Systems We have discontinued the presentation products but we have left the resources that can help you find products from other sources. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security.  The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Continue Reading CD DVD Servers (Discontinued) These products have been discontinued but we have left the resources that can help you find products from other sources. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Continue Reading Contact us for Support If you can't find the information you are looking for, or need help with your purchase, please contact us for assistance at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. IP Security and Surveillance systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. Technical Support After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425. We are available Monday thu Friday (except holidays) from 10 AM to 4:30 pm EST. You can also use our contact form. ### Axis P3367 IP Camera Review Axis P3367 IP Camera Review The P3367 is one of the newer models from Axis, who has been introducing new models at a dizzying pace. This is a top rated 5 megapixel camera with excellent low light sensitivity. There are two models available; the P3367V is a vandal proof indoor model while the P3367VE is the outdoor version. The camera includes many functions that improve the picture quality over a wide range of lighting conditions, e.g. the remote focus and zoom p-iris lens that improves depth of field even at low light conditions. Additional Camera Review: Canon | Hikvision | Sony | Comparison Table | Overview Resolution Resolution Chart The camera uses the latest 5 megapixel sensor to provide maximum clarity with a resolution of 2592x1944. The camera can be set to lower resolutions and for the resolution test we reduced the resolution to 2 Megapixels.Resolution is measured by observing where the converging lines were not visible. We were able to discern the excellent resolution provided by this camera. Lens Lens Adjustment Axis has a very easy to use adjustable lens with auto focus. When the zoom adjustment is made, you then select the auto focus button to focus the lens. If for some reason the auto focus doesn’t work there is a manual adjustment in the advanced settings. The viewing window that shows the video is large enough to see the changes you are making without switching to live view, but it is always a good idea to go to live view for the final adjustments. The lens adjusts between 3 to 9 mm, 84°-30° view. Day/Night and Minimum Illumination This is a true day / night camera so it has an IR filter. The camera does very well in low light situations. We adjusted the lighting in the room to about 0.1 lux, but the test was really to compare one camera against another rather than provide an absolute measurement. Low Light Test Axis Light Sensitivity The camera specification says Color: 0.2 lux, B/W: 0.04 lux, F1.2. It performed very well against the other cameras in the test. It had the least amount of noise at the lowest light level. Camera Settings Axis Camera Settings Axis provides many different image and system settings so you can get the best picture depending on the environment. The settings page was easy to understand and use. Motion Detection Axis Camera Motion Detection The motion detection was very powerful and easy to set. The Action Rules table allows you to set the camera to do many different things when alarms are detected.There are more adjustments available than any other camera. You can add windows and exclude certain areas; you can also select the object size, history and sensitivity. This allows you to fine tune the detection and reduce false alarms dramatically. The rules table allows you to set up what actions should occur if certain alarms are triggered. The audio noise detection is a nice feature. It’s easily adjustable and can be helpful in detecting a loud noise like a gun shot or a person screaming. Wide Dynamic Range and Backlight Compensation Axis Camera WDR These two settings are sometimes confused. Both improve the lighting of various parts of the scene. If you have a scene where there is a very bright area in the background, it will cause the object in the foreground to appear in silhouette. You can use either backlight compensation or wide dynamic range (WDR) settings to adjust for this. If you turn on backlight compensation, the camera will try to adjust to the darker part of the scene so you can see the object in the foreground, but the background will appear washed out. If you want to see the objects in foreground as well as the objects in the background you need wide dynamic range. This Axis camera has an adjustment for WDR and the image with a bright background was reasonably good. Just an aside here: Wide dynamic range is measured in dB, which is the relative difference between the lowest light level and the highest light visible in the image. It used to be that a camera with 60 dB of WDR was considered good, but some new cameras, such as the Axis P3384, incorporate a special process that averages a number of images at different exposure levels to create a composite that has 120 dB of dynamic range. Summary This is an excellent camera. It did very well against the other cameras in the test. It has excellent resolution, works well in low light conditions, as well as challenging lighting such as background to foreground light differences. There are many motion detection adjustments that can be used to reduce false alarms. The manufacturer’s suggested resale price is $1159 for the indoor vandal proof model and $1319 for the outdoor version. ### Anchor Wireless Tour Group PA System Anchor Audio Private PA System for Tour Guides Sorry, we no longer sell portable PA systems. As an alternative visit the Anchor website.  Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems The following information is for reference only: More PA Systems | Presentation Technology | More Anchor Systems This multi-purpose portable wireless tour guide system provides one-way, private communication just to the people in your tour group. Your tour guide or interpreter wears a compact body-pack transmitter w/ headset microphone. Listeners use portable belt pack receivers and lightweight headphones to hear every word clearly and easily. Ideal for use in: Guided Tours - Factories - Museums/Tourist Attractions - Language Translation - Classrooms/Workshops Tour-60 6 User Package includes 6 listeners and one transmitter with wireless headband microphoneSystem Includes:1 Belt Pack Transmitter1 Headband Microphone6 Belt Pack Receivers6 In-Ear Headphones14 “AA” Batteries 6 User Package availableExpandable for unlimited number of usersUser-selectable UHF channels - 16 channelsADA compliantRange up to 300’ line of sightOptional storage case availableOne-way communication   Please contact us to order 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 Technical Specifications BELT PACK TRANSMITTERSystem RangeUp To 200’ Line of SightFrequency RangeUHF 682-698MHzRF Power Output100 mWDimensions (WHD)8.3 x 1.7 x 7.1” / 211 x 44 x 180 mmPower SupplyAA batteries BELT PACK RECEIVERFrequency RangeUHF 682-698MHzReceiving SensitivityAt 5dBuV Over 80 dB S/N RatioPower SupplyDC 3V (2 x 1.5 V AA Batteries)Audio Output HeadphoneStereo: 20 mWAF Response Headphone:100 Hz to 10 KHz (+/- 3 dB)Dimensions (WHD)6 x 1.7 x 7.1” Discontinued Products include: Anchor Systems | MiniVox | MegaVox | AN-130 | Liberty | Explorer   Technical Support A portable PA system should be selected according to your application. We can help you select the right system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### IP Camera Accessories IP Camera System Accessories Camera accessories are part of the complete IP camera system. You can select an alternative lens, wall brackets, IR illuminators, microphones, speakers, or even a network extension system. We have all the accessories you need to make sure the system works exactly the way you want. Most new IP cameras come with an enclosure, but if you need a camera system that can protect the camera from a rocket launch or a furnace, you will need a special enclosure. Enclosures for these high-temperature applications are designed specifically for these environments. For example, stainless steel enclosures are used to protect the camera from salt spray and other corrosive environments.  IP Camera Accessories Illustration The cameras use Power over Ethernet (PoE) for power, so it's important to select either a network switch that includes PoE or to add PoE injectors or midspans. When we create your system we will make sure you have all the things you need. IP Camera Enclosures Enclosures are designed to protect your camera from the elements, from vandals or even extreme conditions.  The following special enclosures protect IP cameras from many extreme environments: Stainless steel camera enclosures for harsh environmentsExplosion-proof enclosuresEnclosures for extreme heat environmentsInsulated Batko enclosures that don’t require a heater and can operate in the coldest environments. Standard enclosures IP cameras systems include a variety of enclosures. They are available with: Indoor or Outdoor rated enclosuresWith heater and blower choices IPWall or ceiling type enclosures Brackets are available for all enclosures Brackets allow you to mount the enclosures and cameras in many different places. This includes: Wall mountsCeiling mountsparapet mountsPole mounts Contact for more information about the best way to mount your IP cameras. More details about enclosures Lenses The lens is a very important part of the camera. If you don't have the right lens the resolution won't be as good as you expect. A lens is more than just a single piece of glass, it contains an iris, and multiple lens adjustments that allow it to be focused and the zoom adjusted. The lens is actually a complete system that works together to provide a sharp image. The resolution (or detail) you see is determined by the number of pixels in the camera sensor, the electronics, compression and the quality of the lens. You can have a 5-megapixel sensor, but if your lens only allows you to see 1 megapixel of resolution, then all you will see is the lower resolution. Besides the resolution of the camera, the lens system also determines how far away you can see something. It defines how wide an area (the Field of View) you can see. Learn more Network Extenders Standard Ethernet networks are limited to 100 meters or about 300 ft. If you need to go further you can add an Ethernet extender. An extender can use standard network wire, phone wire or even coax cable. It can even provide remote PoE without using remote power. Learn more Power Supplies and PoE Injectors Many of the latest IP cameras are powered over Ethernet (PoE). We provide a variety of ways to provide the power. You can select: Network switches with PoE for 8 to 64 camerasPoE Injectors (or midspans) from 1 channel to 16 channel Sometimes you require more power than can be provided using PoE Injectors, such as when you need to operate in very cold weather. We provide power supplies with the right voltage and current to power your cameras and enclosures. Power supplies such as 12 VDC or 24 VAC from 1 watt to 200 watts or more. Please contact us for more information about power supplies. IR Illuminators Separate illuminators can be added to most day/night IP camera systems. These cameras are sensitive to the IR spectrum and with the illuminator can create a covert night vision surveillance system. IR illuminators are selected by range and angle. Examples include: IRN60B9AS00 High power 940nm Infrared LED Illuminator 60°, 60m (197 ft), 12-24VAC/VDC, include wall mount. 940nm is invisible to eye. IRN30B8AS00 High power 850nm Infrared LED Illuminator 30°, 130m (426 ft), 12-24VAC/VDC, include wall mount. IRH60H8A Infrared LED Illuminator 60°, 56m (184 ft), 12-24VAC/VDC, 850nm, includes wall mount. We have a number of different systems so please contact us for the illuminator that's right for you. Speakers and Microphones Many IP cameras have audio input and output connections. These connections require special microphones and speakers to work correctly. We have a choice of microphones, from hidden wall mounted mics to ceiling-mounted units. Each application requires a different system, so we have many different microphones to select from. We also have a choice of speakers that can be used indoors or outdoors depending on your requirements. Various amplifiers are included that provide the sound level you need. Microphone examples include: Microphone kits: SM5EA-PHDKit Directional hanging microphone with an interface box that uses PoE to provide power to both an IP camera and the microphone. Includes a 6 ft down from the ceiling. Adjustable high and low frequency cut off filters. Useful for reducing background noise. SM5-EAKit Flush mount SM1 microphone with an interface box that uses PoE to provide power to both an IP camera and the microphone. Camera Switch PoE Control TVIP-NKS-EA-Kit: This network switch controls the power to an IP camera. The device designed to locally interrupt the power and streaming of data from a PoE IP camera for privacy and confidentiality purposes. Typical applications are in interview rooms, Interrogation rooms, hospital rooms, and patient exam rooms. The NKS is placed in-line with the camera's CAT5 Ethernet cable. The kit includes the interface box and the rocker switch with an LED indicator. An LED indicator is on (red) when the camera is connected. Camera Control Switch Speaker Kits: KHSM11-Horn-Kit Outdoor 7 x 11-inch horn speaker/microphone with camera interface kit.10 watt amplifier interface unit and provides IP camera connection. Uses CAT5 type connection between speaker and amplifier. Provides two-way audio input to IP camera. Adjustable volume control, Bullet microphone enclosure with windscreen, with Omni-directional element w/25’ range Intercoms also work with IP cameras. TVIP-Mini-Horn-PoEKit: Outdoor Mini-horn speaker with an amplifier that includes a camera interface kit. Powered over Ethernet (PoE), provides 2.5 watts to the speaker. Includes 6 ft patch cord with 3.5 mm plugs for IP camera audio output. Intercom for Camera: TVIP-intercomV-I Bi-directional indoor wall mounted speakerphone with a call button. Surface mounted. It contains a built-in microphone and 4" speaker for providing bi-directional audio with the interface unit for IP Network Camera, Uses PoE and provides easy CAT5 connection from an interface to speaker/microphone. For more information about intercoms for IP cameras take a look at our technical note. Please contact us for technical support and help with your IP camera system.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA or at 914-944-3425, or just use our contact form. ### Analytic and Specialized Camera Systems Analytic Functions in IP Cameras A number of IP Cameras contain analytic functions that detect objects and situations. Complex analytics include fall detection, visible gun detection, detection of an object crossing a line, or of a missing object, or even detection of an object left behind. AI-Enhanced IP Cameras License Plate Recognition Facial Recognition Temperature Health Screening IP Camera Systems with AI Artificial Intelligence has been added to IP camera systems. Artificial Intelligence is available in cameras or as sophisticated AI software extensions. The Hanwha (Samsung) P-Series IP cameras have very advanced analytic functions, and special AI software is available with advanced capability that can detect threats such as a person with a gun. The Hanwha cameras include the ability to determine if an object has appeared or disappeared. They can create an alarm if an object crosses a virtual line. They even can detect audio events such as a person screaming or gunshot. All these features improve security by notifying the right people about a security alarm. License Plate Recognition System Automated License Plate Recognition (LPR or APLR) is more than just License Plate Capture. These systems convert the image (picture of the license) to computer data that can be checked against a database. The system includes high-performance IP cameras designed for this application and powerful software that provides consistent and reliable results. Applications include Vehicle Identification Alerts that let you know when a targeted license has been detected, Gate Access control that lets you open a gate when the right license is detected or even detect toll road violations. Automated License Plate Recognition Continue Reading Facial Recognition 3D facial recognition extends the traditional methods of facial recognition to live-stream accurate capture and identification. If you need to find the criminal entering your building or walking down the street, this is the best solution for you. It integrates with IP camera systems. Three-dimensional face recognition (3D face recognition) is a method of facial recognition where the three-dimensional geometry of the human face is used. It has been shown that 3D face recognition methods can achieve significantly higher accuracy than their 2D counterparts, rivaling other biometric recognition. Learn more ... Face Recognition with Temperature Screening This biometric door reader includes an IP camera that can be integrated with your IP camera system. It provides face authentication and temperature monitoring. It can prevent the entry of a person that has an elevated temperature or if they are not wearing a protective face mask. Designed for organizations that need door access control as well as a way to screen people as they enter a secure area. The biometric door reader includes an embedded thermal camera and the latest face recognition algorithm. Read more… Complete City Surveillance Systems A complete dedicated surveillance system is excellent for monitoring areas in a city. These systems contain a complete IP surveillance system that includes multiple cameras, a computer system, special video recording software, communication equipment such as WiFi, 3G/4G systems and special power systems. These IP security systems are designed to assure that law enforcement is aware of what's happening in all environments. The system includes the choice of cameras and a built-in NVR system with up to 1 TB of storage. Choice of up to 2 cameras is provided in a complete environmental enclosure with power distributor, surge protection, heater/blower and space for additional components. Select from a wide range of PTZ cameras and or fixed cameras to create a system capable of identifying a person's face or license number over 400 ft away. More about Complete City Surveillance systems Special Analog Cameras Special analog cameras can be useful when you need a special function not provided by an IP camera. For example, there are very small pinhole cameras, covert cameras or very low light cameras. Thermal imaging cameras operate even when there is no light. They can detect the heat from objects and can be very effective at very long distances. This type of thermal imager will detect thermal activity in total darkness, through smoke, dust, blowing sand, fog, and other obscurants. Learn more about these special cameras ### IP Camera System Resources Resources to Help You Purchase the Right IP Camera System Kintronics is your engineering and consulting resource. We provide system integration and sell complete IP security solutions at the very best prices. We know that one system doesn't fit all; each system is designed to fit exactly what you need. We provide integrated systems that include IP cameras, network attached paging devices and door access control. We assure that all systems work together and meet your specific requirements. To make sure you understand the IP camera system technology we have provided technical articles, white papers, buyers guides, and videos. We believe that an educated customer is our best customer. It allows you to understand the benefits and pros and cons of all the solutions we suggest. IP Camera Systems We also assist with your installation, provide technical support that assures your system works as expected and provide warranty support that keeps your system running for many years. Technical Notes Getting Started: These technical notes help you get started. They help you understand how to use IP cameras to create a complete surveillance and security system. All these articles were published in our technical newsletter.  You can read about Understanding How the IP Camera Works, How to Understand the Specifications, Wireless Cameras and much more. Understanding the Technology: This section of technical notes describes the technology used. For example, How Surge Protectors Work, Comparison of Long Range Night Vision Cameras, Using an IP Camera with Audio, and many more articles that provide background to the technology. more... Calculations:  The articles describe what you can do to minimize the Bandwidth Used by Your Ip Camera System, and how to determine How Far You Can See With the PTZ IP camera. Applications: This set of articles describes how people have used the IP camera systems. This includes articles such as: Can Drones be Used to Detect Forest Fires?, A Report from the Field describes How the Syracuse, NY Police use IP Cameras, and even how to determine What is the Best Price to Pay for your surveillance Camera. more White Papers The following white papers provide guidance about the IP camera systems. Selecting the Components for your IP Camera System.This article provides a summary of all the things that make up your IP camera system. What is the Best Camera for Your IP Camera SystemDo you want to know when a person steals the laptop from the desk or leaves an unattended package, or do you need to record what happens in the parking lot? This article suggests the right surveillance camera for your IP camera system. Selecting the Right Equipment for Your IP Surveillance System is a step by step guide for building your own system. It includes examples of IP cameras and video recording systems, and cost trade-offs for various solutions. Setting Your ObjectivesThe first thing to do is to define what your objectives are. These can be different depending on your application. This article helps you understand how to get started. Selecting the Right Lens for Your Megapixel CameraThe lens is one of the most important components in your IP camera system. This article starts by defining the resolution you need and then how to select the right lens. Creating a Complete Safety and Security EnvironmentSecuring your environment is very important and it takes more than just your security cameras. TO provide better security you need to add IP door access control and to increase safety you can add an emergency paging system. Frequently Asked QuestionsWe provided a list of FAQs that people have asked us and these may provide more of an understanding of the terms used in this industry. Videos To better understand the IP camera technology we made some videos. How AI-Enhanced Cameras Work How the IP Camera Works Real-Time IP Camera Systems How to Set Objectives and Select the Right Components for Your IP Camera System Long Range PTZ Cameras IP Door Access Control with IP Cameras IP Cameras are Compatible with IP Door Access Control Systems IP Cameras for Cities PA over IP Provides Emergency Paging How the Analog Video Camera Works Blog Our blog describes how the technology works, includes educational notes, describes how to do your own calculations, and how to select the right equipment. We also included examples about how the technology is used. Buyers Guides Buyers Guide for Megapixel CamerasWe compared Axis, Canon, and IQinVision IP dome cameras. Price to Performance Comparison ChartHow much should you pay for your IP cameras? This article compares the price to the performance of the different type of IP cameras. IP Camera Buyers Guide and ReviewThis review compares Axis, Canon, HikVision and Sony megapixel dome cameras. We tested the cameras and compared them against their specifications and each other.IP Camera Recording Systems" Video Recording SystemsWhat's better Video Management Software (VMS), Network Video Recorders (NVR) or Cloud-based recording of camera video? This review compares a number of products and provides guidance that helps you select the right product for your security system. Technology Notes Newsletter If you would like to receive our technical newsletter, just fill out the form. Our Technical Notes newsletter is filled with articles about how the technology works and examples of how it is used. It also includes some great technical jokes and cartoons. Technical Support Security and surveillance systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Video Encoders There are video Encoders and decoders. The encoders convert analog video to a digital signal that connects to the network. It allows you to use an older analog camera with the latest IP camera system. The decoder converts digital video signals to an analog video signal. This allows you to convert a network attached IP camera signal so it can be displayed on an analog display monitor. Connect any analog CCTV Camera to the network using these flexible Camera video encoders. These Video Encoders allow you to upgrade your analog CCTV cameras to the latest IP-based systems. Sometimes they are called video servers, but there is a difference between an encoder and a server. Take a look at our FAQ for more details. For more information, take a look at our technical article describing the Advantages of IP Based Systems Over the Analog CCTV Systems. The latest Hanwha (Samsung) Video encoders have excellent performance as well as being more economical than the Axis line. To learn more about video encoders take a look at our technical note.   Axis Video Encoders Axis Q7411 (Replaced the Q7401) A single-channel video encoder converts analog video to IP digital video used by IP Camera Systems. Features: Includes PTZ coax controlUses PoE (Power over Ethernet).Supports analog video resolution 176×120 to 720×576Supports two-way audio AXIS M7011 Compact 1-channel encoder attaches one analog camera to the network. Power over Ethernet IEEE 802.3af Class 2Support for fixed analog cameras.Resolutions 160×120 – 704×576Video compression H.264, Motion JPEGPTZ supportMore details Axis 4 and 6 Channel Video Encoders AXIS Q7424-R Mk II Compact 4-channel encoder adds H.264 compression. Includes audio support and Power over Ethernet (PoE) making it very easy to install. This is a high-performance unit that includes the best compression available as well as local storage. Supports 4 inputs / 4 outputsPower over Ethernet IEEE 802.3af Class 2 8-28 VDC input, max 5.3 WSupport for PTZ and fixed camerasResolutions 160×120 – 704×576Video compression H.264, Motion JPEGConnects 1 analog camera + two-way audio support Axis P7304 Replaced the P7214 This 4-channel Video encoder supports up to 4 analog cameras at full frame rates in all resolutions. It provides both H.264 and H.265 compression. The AXIS P7304 video encoders can control up to four analog cameras, including multiple pan/tilt/zoom cameras.Delivering high quality, Motion-JPEG images at a rate of up to 30 frames per second.Supports two-way audioPoE supportIncludes edge storage using a MicroSDHC memory card slot.Available in a blade configuration AXIS M7104 replaced the M7014 Compact 4-channel encoder attaches 4 analog cameras to the network. Power over Ethernet IEEE 802.3af Class 2Support for fixed analog camerasResolutions 160×120 – 704×576Video compression H.264, Motion JPEG)Edge storagePTZ supportIntelligent video capabilities such as video motion detection and active tampering alarmAdvanced security and network management features such as HTTPS encryption with preserved performance, IPv6 and Quality of Service AXIS P7304 replaced the Q7404 The AXIS P7304 video server adds two-way audio and connects up to 4 analog camerasSelect the from a wide variety of cameras – from covert cameras to full function pan/tilt/zoom color cameras. Software from ONSSI supports all the capabilities provided by these Video Servers. AXIS Q7414 Blade This blade 4-channel type video server is used in a 19-inch rack cabinet and provides a compact equipment package that supports many analog cameras. The video server can control up to six analog cameras, including multiple pan/tilt/zoom cameras.Supports both MJPEG and H.264 compressionBlade units are mounted in 4U rack chassis (Axis Q7900).Resolutions 704×576 to 160×120.Power provided from Rack Axis Blade Racks AXIS 4U Rack 4U Blade rack can hold up to 12 4-channel blades. Integrated power supply, for easy installation/expansion. AXIS Q7920 Rack 5U Blade rack can hold up to 14 hot-swap blades. Integrated power supply, for easy installation/expansionFour 100/1000 network connections Two independent, Redundant power suppliesHot-swappable fan cassette Supports PTZ and PTZ dome control through six RS-485 connectors at the back of each slot Hanwha (Samsung) Video Camera Encoders and Servers SPE-110 Single Input Synchronizing Video/Audio Server 1CH BNC 1.0 Vp-p / 75Ω composite NTSC / PALMax. 4MP resolutionInput signal: CVBS, AHD (720p, 1080p, 4MP), CVI (720p, 2MP), TVI (720p, 2MP)- Auto / Manual detectionMotion detection, Video loss, TamperingMax. 15fps@4MP, Max. 30fps@2MP H.264, MJPEG codec support1ea RS-485 / 422 (Protocols: SAMSUNG-T, PELCO-P / D) SPE-410 Four-Channel encoder with audio and I/O support Easy to use and high-quality remote video surveillance system on TCP/IPAudio: 4 Line Input / 1 Line OutputMax. 15fps@4MP, 30fps/20fps@1080pMotion detection, Alarm input, Video loss4 ea RS-485 (Half-duplex), Samsung-T/E, Pelco-P/D, Panasonic, Vicon, Honeywell, AD, GE, Bosch, SungjinInput 4 ea / Output 4 ea (Relay) SPE-1610R 16-Channel Encoder Max. 4MP resolutionMax. 15fps@4MP, 30fps@1080pH.264, MJPEG codec supportAlarm I/O: 16 Input / 4 OutputMotion detection, Alarm input, Video loss1ea RS-485 (Half-duplex), Samsung-T/E, Pelco-P/D Decoder SPD-150 This Decoder converts 49 individual IP camera signals so that the video can be displayed on 3 different types of monitors. Video decoding up to 48 cameras on HDMI / VGA / CVBS1 camera decoding on BNC as well as HDMI and CVBS connectionsClone & Expand mode support (HDMI, VGA)Max. 4K resolution@HDMI, Max. 1080p@VGADecode @12MP, 8MP, 5MP, 3MP, 1080p, 720p, 4CIFH.265, H.264, MJPEG codec supportVarious view mode, Hallway View(HDMI) 1 / 4 / 6 / 8 / 9 / 13 / 16 / 25 / 36 (32) / 2V / 3V(VGA) 1 / 4 / 6 / 8 / 9 / 13 / 16 / 2V / 3VUp to 20 layouts and sequenceManagemnt using local UIConfiguration export / import. Upgrade using USB If you would like help selecting the right video encoder or decoder please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Video Recording Systems Review of Video Management and Recording Systems Video Management Software | Network Video Recorders | Camera Comparisons | Purchase | Resources  The video management and recording system is used in an IP camera system to manage the IP cameras and record the video. The video management includes video storage, display of real-time video, and review of historic video recordings. There are three types of recording systems for IP camera systems to consider. Each one provides some unique capability. Video Management Software (VMS) There are several types of VMS software that runs on your Windows computer and can be scaled to any size of IP camera system. Read more... Network Video Recorder (NVR) This video recording system is a complete solution that includes the computer and software. Read more... Video Management Cloud Service This cloud solution provides remote recording (over the Internet) for IP cameras at many different locations.  It doesn't require any computer at your location. The number of cameras supported at each location depends on the Internet bandwidth available. Read more... IP Camera System Overview of Video Management and Recording Systems The Video Management Software (VMS) is a key part of your IP camera system. If you select the wrong system, you could be without the critical video evidence you need when an incident occurs, or, worse still, your security could be breached and your safety threatened because of the wrong choice. You can also enable protected storage for your IP camera system to protect the evidence chain. To learn more about the VMS options, please watch our video on Video Management Software Advances. We compared the VMS from Qognify to the WAVE software from Hanwha. We also compared two different NVR systems and one cloud system. The two different NVR systems were selected because of the different capabilities they provided. The NVR can be an open system, in that it supports a very large number of camera brands, or it can be a proprietary NVR from a camera manufacturer that supports a limited brand of cameras.  The review tries to highlight the differences and advantages of each recording system. We left out some of the common features such as viewing multiple cameras, scheduling recording, and client viewing software since they all support this. Top Comparison of IP Video Recording Systems Video Management Software There are several video management software solutions, including HxGN dC3 from Hexagon, and Wave. Hexagon provides the most advanced functionality, while WAVE is the easiest to use. For a comparison of available VMS, see our Video Management Software Comparison table. Here are some more details of the Ocularis solution. Video Management Software Ocularis OVERVIEW: Ocularis 5 Video Management Software (VMS) from Qognify is available in different versions depending on the feature set required.  Since you only pay for the version you need, it can be a very economical solution. This software runs on a Windows platform. It is designed to support very large enterprise IP Camera systems. It supports thousands of cameras on multiple recording servers.  The client software runs on as many computers as required and allows you to view any camera or set of cameras from any of the recording servers. PROS AND CONS:    A very flexible system that supports a very large number of cameras manufacturers. It provides a range of solutions from medium to very large IP camera systems at multiple locations. Includes excellent alert notification including "push video" to selected consoles. Includes many powerful search and retrieval tools. Includes customizable video displays and alert notifications. Ocularis 5 supports edge recording at the cameras. Supports two-way audio and intercoms. Flexibility leads to the complexity of installation and use, so some training may be required. Top Network Video Recorders (NVR) Exacq NVR OVERVIEW:  Exacq is an example of an open type of Network Video Recorder that supports many different brands of IP cameras. These systems can support hundreds of cameras from many different manufacturers.  Exacq provides complete NVR solution. The model is determined by the maximum number of cameras supported and the size of storage.  Some systems allow NAS to be added. PROS AND CONS: Very easy to install and use.  Open non-proprietary system Supports a very large number of camera brands. Includes flexible alert notification, but doesn't support "push video" Two-way audio is very limited, and edge recording is not supported. Proprietary NVR from Hikvision and Hanwha (Samsung) OVERVIEW:  The Hanwha (Samsung) NVRs support many different manufacturer's cameras. If the cameras conform to (Open Network Video Interface Forum) specifications, the NVR will support them. The latest NVRs can support small to medium security systems.  They provide full functional capability when the manufacturer's cameras are used.  These NVRs also support other brands of cameras such as Axis, Sony and other cameras that conform to ONVIF. The latest WAVE NVRs from Hanwha are excellent for medium to large sized IP camera systems because they can be tied together to create one managed video system.  The WAVE software is also available without the NVR platform. It can run on your own Windows PC.  The NVR systems are specified by the maximum number of cameras supported and how long you want to record the video. PROS AND CONS: Easy to install and use. Two-way audio is supported on the Hanwha WAVE NVR Proprietary and ONVIF Cameras are supported Supports a fixed number of cameras. For example, there are 4-camera, 8-camera, 16-camera and larger models. Once you reach the camera limit you will need to purchase another NVR. Does not include advanced management and analytic features. Relies on camera functions for alarm conditions. Edge recording is not supported. Top Cloud Video Recording Cloud Service  OVERVIEW:  Cloud type systems are actually remote servers that provide the video recording at a remote location.  The cloud system primarily provides video recording for a limited number of cameras.  Requires cameras with edge alarm detection. Outbound Internet bandwidth determines the number of cameras that can be supported. PROS AND CONS: No computer equipment is required The number of cameras supported is limited by the outbound bandwidth. Usually, not more than 5 or 6 cameras can be supported. Open system Motion detection and other alarms must be provided by the cameras. What is a Video Recording System A video recording system is an essential part of your IP camera system. It is designed to record the video from all your IP cameras, as well as manage the video that is displayed. The recording system can be implemented using software that runs on your computer or in a network video recorder (NVR), or a remote server (Cloud). The recording system handles a lot of data so requires higher performance computer systems. Comment: Many NVR and VMS systems just record video, but there are others that provide features that increase your security. The Recording system is a key part of the CCTV surveillance system. Ocularis is an excellent and flexible Video Management Software solution. It provides the best alert handling, so makes it the best choice when you need active alarms and notification.  It is also the best choice for complex IP security systems that integrate IP door access control, intercoms or other security platforms.  It is the only system that supports two-way audio. It has proven to be a very reliable system. Exacq is a top rated NVR solution. It is very reliable and includes a wide range of capability making it a good choice in many applications.  Exacq is primarily an NVR solution and includes the ability to operate on a Windows or Linux platform supporting up to 128 cameras per server. Since the server usually comes with the NVR solution, the hardware is right for the task.  It doesn't support intercoms and remote door controls as well as the Ocularis solution. In general, the NVR systems are very simple inexpensive solutions that are perfect if you just need to record the video.  Be careful to make sure that the cameras you plan to use are supported by these NVRs. The Hikvision and Hanwha (Samsung) are proprietary NVRs that are a good choice when you plan to use the manufacturer's cameras.  It is recommended for small to medium systems. Cloud offers remote recording services.  Cloud services usually support only 4 to 8 cameras per location and is best for small security and surveillance applications. The right system for you is based on your security and safety objectives.  Yes, selecting the right video recording system can be complicated, so please rely on us for help selecting not only the recording software but also your complete IP camera system. We are the experts in IP connected security products. We provide free consulting and the very best pricing so you get exactly what you need at the best price. Top Video Recording Summary and Conclusion: The video recording system does more than just record the video, it also provides user management, camera management, real-time displays, audio support and alerts from alarms, and more. Your IP camera system is not complete without the video recording and camera management system. Where do you begin? As usual, we start at the objectives. Do you want to just have a record of someone who stole the laptop, or do you want to catch them in the act of stealing it? Do you have a security team that is watching the video in real time? Do you want to stop people from climbing the fence or entering a secure area? Take a look at our article about understanding your objectives. Once you know what you need you can make use of this comparison and review table. Top Need more information? Just contact us If you would like some help with your IP Camera System, please contact us: 1-800-431-1658 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) FAX: 914-944-0717 ### Intercoms for Apartments Intercom for Apartments and Large Organizations Apartment Intercom Features | How it Works | Purchase An apartment intercom is an intelligent panel with a touchscreen that allows the user to talk to a person living or working in a multi-tenant facility. This wireless IP intercom panel provides audio and video communication to the tenants. Apartment Intercom Concept Overview of Apartment Intercoms The TruView-Touch7 Apartment Intercom attaches to your network and includes a door relay that can release the electric lock at the door. It is designed to increase security in any organization that has multiple tenants. Since the intercom connects to the tenants thru your WiFi or cellphone network, it is very easy to install. Using the touchscreen, you can easily find and call a specific corporate department or person in an apartment building. The person called can answer the intercom using an app on their mobile device, or a standard telephone. It's easy to view, talk and then release the door. This wireless system is excellent for new or replacement installations. It connects to the tenant's smartphones for completely wireless communication. The tenant can see and speak to the person at the door. Since the system uses cellphone data, they can control the door from anywhere in the world. There are three mounting options. The TruView-Touch7 Apartment Intercom can be mounted on a wall or flush mount, or select the hood for outdoor installations. The IP apartment intercom offers more than the basic functionality of a classic door intercom. There are many excellent benefits such as being able to see who's at the door. The visitor can easily select the person's name from the list. If the selected person does not answer the call, an alternate person in the same apartment can be called. Resources Product sheet: TruView-Touch7 Features of Apartment Entrance Touchscreen Intercom Interactive touch screen display allows users to select the apartment or person This TruView-Touch7 is available with a 7-inch TFT type display. Graphical user interface The Video Entry Unit controls door entry using a Smartphone App Administration portal provided by cloud web-browser interface Audio noise-cancellation provides clear intercom sound Integrated IP Camera that can be viewed on App Integrates with elevator control Integrates with electric gates Connects to your mobile device using a network,  WiFi or cellular communication Fast to deploy, easy to maintain Power PoE or 12 VDC Learn more about the benefits of apartment intercoms Top How to Purchase Your Apartment Intercom Here’s how to order your Intercom System: Call us at 914-944-3425. We are available 9 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday, except holidays. If we are not there, leave a message and we will call you back. If you don’t want to call, fill out our request form. We will get back to you very quickly. You can also send us an email infohome@kintronics.com We will determine your requirements, provide suggestions with pros and cons, and pricing so you can make an educated decision. If the equipment we provide doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications, you can return it. The Apartment Building Intercom is Cloud-Based The lobby intercom panel connects to the cloud server to the mobile app on your smartphone, making this intercom very easy to install. Video and Still Image - Date and Time Logging The resident app and management portal display an image of all pin uses and a five-second video of all video calls with date, time and name of resident called. Data is stored for 90 days and can be exported via CSV Limited Use Pins This allows residents to send an entry pin from the MyDoorView app via text to a guest that will auto-expire after a pre-determined time and/or predetermined number of uses from 1-99. All successful and failed pin uses will capture an image. More than five failed attempts in a row will notify management by SMS text and/or email with images. Other Intercom Panels:  We offer many other IP intercoms.  You can select from a variety of videophone solutions, as well as audio-only versions. Contact us for the complete line up of panels and systems available. Answering the Door with Mobile App View the person at the door and talk to them using your smart mobile device, or the wired phone. These devices allow you to open remote doors that have an electric lock. Need more details about door access control and electric locks, take a look at our web pages or contact us for assistance in designing your system. More details about the VoIP phone and mobile app are described below. The Answer Button: When someone presses your doorbell (or call button), the mobile App starts automatically, and a real-time picture of your visitor appears on the screen.  Press the round answer button on your mobile device, and you can immediately hear and speak to your visitor. Push it again to hang up. You have the option to open your door to welcome visitors, or to send away the unwelcome ones.  Push the button with the key on it to unlock the door remotely.  Of course, this assumes you have an electric lock on your door.  Let us know if you need help with your lock. Configuration: The controller establishes the connection with your mobile device through a WLAN or 3G/4G network connection. Establishing a connection requires only a few custom settings. Typically, these include your IP address and the port of the Mobile controller or external SIP provider. From the App you can: Answer the Intercom Unlock the door View the door camera Contact us for help downloading the app. Call us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425. Apartment Intercom Specifications DisplayPanel Size BrightnessResolution7" diagonal400 nits800 x 1280HardwareProcessorQuad Core A35ConnectivityWifiEthernetDigital IOUSB2GHz + 5GHzRJ45 10/100 (PoE)Relay x 2 RS485Micro USB x 1MultimediaMicrophoneEcho cancelling micPowerPower SupplyEither 12V DC or POEDimensions10.25” x 5” x 1”OptionsRFID Card ReaderBuzzer and LED, 125KHz/13.56MHz, EM4100, Mifare s50 S70, Desfire, FM1208 VoIP Phone for Answering the IP Intercoms As an option, you can answer the IP intercoms using our VoIP phone. This VoIP phone includes a 3.5-inch display so you can see who's at the door even before you answer it. This unique VoIP phone includes: Intuitive menu structure 3-way conferencing (bridge on phone) Caller identification on display Directory (250 entries) Import/export of directory/phonebook Speed dial and a lot more How the Multi-Tenant Network Attached IP Intercoms Work InterCam Mobile is a video intercom system that connects to your network. You can select a single apartment intercom or multi-tenant building (or corporation) intercom unit. These IP connected intercoms are designed for use with smartphones. The IP Multi-tenant intercom can be answered using your mobile device using a special app. It makes it very easy to open a remote door from anywhere.  The app on your smartphone can use a WiFi network or cellular phone system to communicate with the intercoms. This is very easy to install. The intercom attaches to the network and allows you to communicate with all your smartphones. Using your network router you can connect to mobile devices using WiFi or cellular 3G / 4G connections. Intercom to Mobile Top System Diagram The following diagram provides an overview of how the IP multi-tenant intercom system works. When a person selects the person in the apartment building a message is sent to the app on their smartphone.  This opens a communication channel that allows the person at the door to see and talk to the person inside the building (or anywhere). IP Apartment System Diagram The message passes through the local intercom server, and then through the network switch and router to the cloud server.  The intercoms have the intercom server function built-in. The message is sent from the cloud server to the smartphone.  Once the connection is established the tenant can talk to the person at the door. They can then remotely unlock the door.  The IP intercom system provides an increased level of security because it allows the tenant to see the person at the door. Learn more about How the Apartment Intercom Works. What is the Best Apartment Intercom (2023) The best apartment intercom depends on your specific requirements. Comparison of the most popular apartment intercoms. The following list compares some of the leading apartment intercoms. These intercoms all include touch panel and communication to tenants. They can be used in apartment buildings or in large commercial organizations. Kintronics TruView-Touch7 Apartment Intercom The visitor can easily select his contact person via name. If the selected person does not answer the call, alternative subscribers such as the colleague of the same group, a mobile number, or others can be predefined to be offered by the system to be called. Advantages Very easy to install because it is powered using PoE and provides a wireless connection to the tenants Easy to use touchscreen Group calling. One call from the panel will call all devices in the group. Residents create their groups in the app Cloud-based user management system Mobile app can answer the lobby intercom request. See and hear the visitor at the door Automated License Recognition for garage door entry Give secure access to delivery companies like UPS, FedEx, Amazon, USPS and food delivery drivers Temporary access codes with ability to set expiration times Maintains call logs Add optional Face Recognition or key-card access for tenants. Tenants can also use their wired telephone for door control Optional elevator controls Aiphone Apartment Intercom Aiphone has provided analog intercoms for many years and recently entered the IP-based network market. IXG Series IP Multi-Tenant Video Intercom: Advantages Uses a cloud-based app Requires a Window client for management Uses tenant-based intercom stations Disadvantages You’ll need to combine multiple components to achieve the functionality that comes built-in with modern video intercom systems Aiphone has discontinued IX Mobile from Jan 1, 2021 so mobile functionality is no longer available Alpha Communications Apartment Intercom Alpha Communications has provided two-wire intercoms for many years and recently entered the market with their AlphaTouch® Cloud-Based PoE Video Intercom System Provides one-time QR codes for visitors Supports any number of door entry stations and any number of apartments 3MP 120° view high definition camera Scrollable touchscreen directory  SIP-based telephone dialing. Receive and transfer video calls on mobile app and phone. Remote centralized management through the AlphaTouch Cloud Portal Integrated access control ButterflyMX Intercom ButterflyMX has made intercom panels for apartments for several years. They rely on specialized installers to maintain their products. Advantages ButterflyMX can be installed next to the door via DC power, internet connectivity wire CAT5 or CAT6 cables; connected to an external UPS to provide power backup; and/or installed on a dedicated network connection in order to provide higher Internet connection reliability. Ability to see door release event history for up to 365 days Manage tenant and visitor permissions Integration with property management software (PMS) Remote unlock feature for tenants or guests through smartphone Visitors can be sent virtual keys for managed access Two-way video intercom calling Disadvantages Expensive: Smallest unit starts at $3,995, about twice the average cost of other video intercoms Installation from in-house, low-voltage electricians. This is highly limiting if on the ground support is needed. Customers report a lack of timely support due to no service contracts with local security companies. If something breaks, there is no contract to get someone to fix it asap. Primarily an intercom system, which still requires a separate access control solution to be installed. This increases installation cost and overall operational overhead. Large butterfly panels could be a space constraint and increase cost of labor and install in smaller spaces 2N Intercom 2N is a European-based access control company offering various door access and communication systems. It was recently purchased by Axis corporation, which manufactures IP cameras. 2N offers suitable multi-tenant intercom systems for residential and apartment buildings. They make low-cost solutions for multi-tenant buildings. 2N IP Verso has a touchscreen keypad, address book, fingerprint reader, and Bluetooth SIP support available Built-in Ethernet port Entry methods include RFID, Bluetooth, touchpad, and fingerprint reader 2N devices can be bulk-managed through the 2N Access Commander. It’s a browser interface that allows: Access control configuration Device management and monitoring Multiple site control Time and attendance management Visitor card management, and more Advantages Does not require master stations Owned by Axis, so offers good integration with other Axis products Can retrofit with legacy systems such as RFID card readers and fingerprint scanners Built-in night vision camera Free onsite configuration support Easy to install and start using Disadvantages Assemble required; the biggest grievance with a 2N entry system is the lack of ‘plug and play’ installation. 2N intercoms are modularized and must be ordered and assembled separately.  Low quality audio; the voice and video quality of IP intercom can be affected by electromagnetic or RF interference  Learn More about Apartment Intercoms The following resources are available to help you understand the technology and select the right apartment intercom for your application. The Best Apartment Intercoms There are several things to consider when selecting the apartment intercom. Some features and functions make the apartment system safer, easier to install, and easy to use. This article helps you understand the important issues to consider. Read more... The Latest Network-Attached Multi-Tenant Building Intercoms This article describes what an apartment Intercom is and how does it works. Read more... Comparison of Apartment Intercom Systems The first intercoms were developed in the late 1800s. This article describes the evolution of the apartment intercom. They used speaking tubes to talk to other people in the building. The IP intercom is the latest way of hearing and seeing the person at the door. Read more... How to Increase Security in an Apartment Building This article describes the four levels of defense that help to provide increased safety and security to people in a multi-tenant building. Read more... Product sheet: TruView-Touch7 Top Technical Support Intercom systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 Tel: 800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) ### Anchor Megavox PA Systems Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. As an alternative visit the Anchor Audio website. More Anchor Systems | MiniVox | AN-130 | Liberty | Explorer | More PA Systems The following products are no longer available: Amplivox | Anchor | Califone | Fender The following information is for reference only: Anchor MegaVox Pro Portable Public Address System The amazing MegaVox handles crowds of over 1,000 people. Great for outdoor use - with power to cover a baseball field.Power output of 40 watts (in AC mode) delivers 126 dB of clear sound. AC/DC operation. Plug it into 110/220 Volt AC or run for 6 to 10 hours on the internal rechargeable battery. Quality sound and with operating range of 400 Hz to 10 KHz make the MegaVox ideal for outdoor gatherings of all kinds. Includes separate volume controls and input jacks for 2 corded microphones. Mega-7500 Includes wired mic and Built-in rechargeable battery. AC or DC operation. Ship weight 18 lbs. Mega-BP Basic Package (Mega-7500U1) Includes Megavox Pro with built-in wireless receiver (Mega-6000U1), heavy duty speaker stand (SS-550 and choice of wireless Microphone: Handheld wireless microphone (WH-6000) or Bodypack transmitter (WB-6000) and Headband mic (HBM-60). Please specify the type of wireless mic you would like when ordering. Shipping weight 30 lbs. 6-YEAR WARRANTY! PLEASE SPECIFY THE TYPE of MICROPHONE WHEN PLACING YOUR ORDER. Contact us for more information.1-800-431-1658914-944-3425or use the contact form.   List of Discontinued Products More Anchor SystemsMiniVoxMegaVoxAN-130LibertyXtremeMultimedia ProjectorsMore PA SystemsOverhead ProjectorsPresentation Technology Terms & Conditions Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Anchor Little Big Horn Public Address System   Anchor Little Big Horn Public Address System These Products Have Been Discontinued Sorry, we no longer provide these systems. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. As an alternative visit the Anchor Audio website. The following information is included for reference only. More Anchor Audio Systems Emergency situations require immediate emergency notification. In the event of an evacuation everyone must be able to hear instructions for crowd control purposes. The Little Big Horn is easy to use, easy to store and so loud you can be heard clearly and distinctly. You can hear it from over 100 yards away and its siren signal alert will surely grab everyone’s attention. This is a light weight battery powered PA system with a Signal Alert button.   Features of Portable Sound System DC powered117 dB of clear sound30 wattsReaches a distance of 50 yardsLightweight - only 3.3 lbs.Folded horn driverNeodymium speakerHeavy-duty micro-switch inside triggerRechargeable batteriesSignal alert button     Technical Support A portable PA system should be selected according to your application. We can help you select the right system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 ### Exacq Network Video Recorders Video Recording from your IP cameras has never been easier. These network video recorders are easy to install and use. They have sophisticated features that make them a valuable part of your IP camera security system. You can select from low-cost basic systems to enterprise servers supporting thousands of cameras. The user interface can run on a Windows, Mac or Linux computer using the client software or a use a browser to view all your cameras and recorded video. You can even display your cameras on most mobile devices. You can control your cameras, view real-time, or recorded video no matter where you are. General Features Very easy to install. It auto-detects the camerasVery easy to use, featuring an excellent user interface.Map displays allow you to visually select camerasAccess live and recorded video on local, remote and mobile devicesContinuous motion, timelineEasy export of selected video for evidenceMany powerful features for finding the video you need and exporting for evidenceContinuous motion, time or alarm-based recording configurable per cameraSearch recorded video with a timeline search or graphical thumbnail search, playback multiple cameras simultaneouslyEasily control PTZ camerasExport audio, video and pictures to be easily e-mailed or savedView an instant replay of video from any camera with exacqReplay NVR System Overview There are many different models available. You can select the horsepower of the computer, the storage, and the Video Management Software (VMS) to create a system that meets your current and future needs. Remember that you must make sure that the cameras are supported by the system. This NVR system supports a very large range of manufacturers and models, but please check with us about compatibility. When you contact us we will review your requirements. For example: How many cameras do you need? Have you planned for growth?How much storage do you need? This depends on several factors:What frame rate do you need?How much motion do you expect?Are the cameras going to be used during the day as well as at night?What is the resolution of the cameras?Do you need the added reliability of RAID storage? Always remember to make sure you understand your objectives. This will assure that you get the system you expect. Exacq Network Video Recorder Systems Specifications ModelMax number of cameras per serverStorageOptionsCabinetIPLC-2-16162 TBMax storage 3 TBDesk topIPEL-6-24246 TBMax storage 8 TB, DVD drive on some modelsRack, Mini or ToasterIPA2-8-64648 TBMax storage 12 TB, Up to 28 TB in larger (4U) rack units. DVD drive included on all models2U  Optional 4U, and desktop configurations.IPZ2-16R-12812816 TB in RAIDMax storage 28 TB, Up to 72 TB in larger (4U) rack units. DVD drive included on all models2U  Optional 3U and 4U configurations. Learn more about More NVR Systems Contact us for assistance. Kintronics provides complete security solutions. You can contact us for help selecting an IP camera or a complete security system consisting of cameras, IP door access control systems, intercoms, and even emergency paging systems. ### Anchor Liberty Platinum PA Systems These Products Have Been Discontinued Sorry, we no longer provide these systems. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. The following information is included for reference only. Portable PA Sound Systems for Voice and Music More Anchor Audio Systems Liberty has been used at the White House for Presidential press conferences, as well as at thousands of schools and corporate training centers. LBP-7500 Platinum Basic Package Package includes Liberty with built-in CD player and wireless receiver LIB7500HCU1, heavy duty speaker stand (SS-550), choice of Anchor wireless microphone - Handheld (WH-6000 or Bodypack transmitter (WB-6000) and headband mic (HBM-60) or collar mic (CM-60) or lapel mic (LM-60). Ship weight 65 lbs.     LDP-7500 Platinum Deluxe Package Package includes Liberty with built-in CD player and wireless receiver LIB7500HCU1, Liberty Companion Speaker (LIB-7501), 50' Speaker Cable (SC-50), Two heavy duty speaker stands (SS-550), choice of Anchor wireless microphone - Handheld (WH-6000 or Bodypack transmitter (WB-6000) and headband mic (HBM-60) or collar mic (CM-60) or lapel mic (LM-60). Ship weight 112 lbs.   Liberty Platinum Sound System The Liberty is an AC or DC powered sound system that can have up to two optional internal wireless UHF receivers installed. It is available with a selection of wireless microphones and is designed for crowds of up to 1,000 people.This flexible system is both an efficient voice-projecting system and a full range music-quality system.Provides a wide range of features that make it ideal for large audiences indoors or out.It includes built-in MP3 player that accepts SD cards, USB Flash drive or 3.5 mm input for iPod.Now featuring 16 channel UHF diversity wireless by Anchor Audio.8-inch woofer and titanium-dome compression driver in tuned enclosure.Features lead-acid batteries and built-in chargerExternal speaker output powers optional companion speaker Max SPL @ rated power 110 dB Frequency response  Music mode: 60 Hz - 15 kHz ± 3 dB Projection mode: +10 dB from 1.5k - 12 kHz Dimensions (HWD): 22" x 14" x 11.5" (56 x 35.6 x 29.2 cm)Weight LIB-7500H: 38 pounds, 17 Kg. Please contact us to determine lead time for these products.Terms & Conditions Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Anchor Go Getter Sound System These Products Have Been Discontinued Sorry, we no longer provide these systems. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. The following information is included for reference only. More Anchor Audio Systems   Anchor Go Getter Sound System Select the Go Getter when you need a sound system that provides sound that's good enough to not only amplify your voice, but also play music. It provides 109 dB so it can be used indoors or outdoors, and can reach crowds of up to 500+ people. Weighing in at just 23 pounds, the Go Getter is easy to transport and set up on a speaker stand. It's not just a speaker, it's a complete sound system. Simply plug in a media player or microphone and the system is ready to go. The Go Getter is completely portable with a built-in rechargeable battery, and can operate up to 8 hours on a full charge. The Go Getter is available with several additional options such as a built-in combo MP3/CD player, and single or dual UHF wireless receivers with 16 user-selectable channels. It is comprised of a 6.5" woven fiber woofer, and a high-output horn tweeter. The back panel features two universal microphone inputs, and an LED battery display that indicates charging and low battery. Additionally, there is a line out that can power an optional companion speaker to double your crowd coverage.   Features of Portable Sound System True AC/DC, 110/220V power supply75W AC mode / 50W DC mode109 dB clear soundReaches crowds of 500+Up to two built-in 16 channel UHF wireless receiversOptional MP3/CD player comboLED displays charging and low batteryLightweight at just 23 poundsImproved "Limiter" circuitry reduces distortion & increases intelligibility6.5" woven fiber woofer and high-output horn tweeterTwo universal microphone jack inputsRecessed back panel protects knobs and portsUV treated / fade resistant caseExternal speaker output powers companion speaker   Specifications for the Go Getter The Go Getter is an economical portable sound system. Rated Power Output75 wattsMax SPL @ Rated Power109 dB @ 1 meterFrequency Response60 Hz – 16 kHz ± 3 dBSpeaker Type6.5” woofer, high output horn tweeterAC PowerExport Model90 – 264 VAC, 50/60 HzDimensions (HWD)18” x 11” x 9” (46 x 28 x 23 cm)Weight23 lbs/ 10.4 KgConnectionsInputsMicrophone (Two combo) Lo-Z (1 KΩ), balanced, XLR12 VDC condenser microphone with phantom power.Auxiliary (line) Hi-Z (10 KΩ), balanced 1/4” phone   OutputsLine (post fader) Lo-Z, buffered, 1/4”unbalanced/ balancedSpeaker Out 4-pole Neutrik Speakon® jack WirelessWH-6000 Wireless handheld microphone/transmitterWB-6000 Wireless body-pack transmitter (requires handsfree microphone)Microphone options include:Over-the-Ear/EM-TA4F, Lapel/LM-60, Collar/CM-60, Headband/HBM-TA4F (Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice)     Models Here's a summary of the models available: ModelDescriptionGGAC/DC powered sound systemGG-U1One wireless receiverGG-U2Two wireless receiversGG-CBuilt-in MP3/CD PlayerGG-CU1MP3/CD player & built-in wireless receiverGG-CU2MP3/CD player & two built-in wireless receiverGG-01Unpowered companion speaker Technical Support A portable PA system should be selected according to your application. We can help you select the right system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Anchor Explorer Pro PA Systems These Products Have Been Discontinued Sorry, we no longer provide these systems. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. The following information is included for reference only. More Anchor Audio Systems   Portable PA Sound Systems for Voice and Music EBP-7500 EBP-7500 Pro Basic Package Explorer Pro Basic Package: includes Explorer Pro EXP-7500U1 with wireless receiver sound system, (SS-550) speaker stand and choice of wireless mic: (WH-6000) handheld mic or (WB-6000) body-pack transmitter and (HBM-60) headband mic or lapel mic (LM-60) or collar mic (CM-60) or (EM-60T) UltraLite micShip weight 28 lbs. EDP-7500 Pro Delux Package Explorer Pro Deluxe Package: includes Explorer EXP-7500U1 with wireless receiver sound system, EXP-6001 companion speaker, two (SS-550) speaker stands and choice of wireless mic: (WH-6000) handheld mic or (WB-6000) body-pack transmitter and (HBM-60) headband mic or lapel mic (LM-60) or collar mic (CM-60), or (EM-60T) UltraLite mic. Ship weight 60 lbs.PLEASE SPECIFY THE TYPE of MICROPHONE WHEN PLACING YOUR ORDER.     Explorer Pro Sound System The Explorer Pro weighs only 23 lbs yet delivers a powerful 110 dB of crystal clear speech projection, and reaches crowds over 800 people. True AC/DC operation. (110/220V) or battery-powered power supply. 6.5-inch woofer coupled with a high-output horn tweeter. The battery runs up to 6 hours on a charge. Rapid charger charges drained battery in as little as 60 minutes. Rated power output:• 60 watts AC mode / 30 watts DC mode.• With companion speaker: 80 watts AC mode and 60 watts DC mode. Max SPL @ rated power• 110 dB @ 1 meter Frequency response80 Hz - 16 kHz Durable injection-mo Dimensions (HWD): 16.5 x 10.5 x 10", 42 x 27 x 25 cm Weight• 23 pounds, 10.4 Kg. Explorer Sound System   Please contact us to determine lead time for these products. Terms & Conditions   More Anchor SystemsMiniVoxAN-130LibertyXtremeExplorerContact Multimedia Projectors More PA SystemsOverhead ProjectorsPresentation Technology Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Enable-IT Network Extender Ethernet Extenders are plug-and-play modules that install quickly on your existing copper (twisted-pair or telephone wire) CAT5/6 network infrastructure. Simple and effective, these point to point Ethernet Extenders will enable you to have Ethernet connectivity where none previously existed. Perfect for extending Ethernet beyond the general IEEE 802.3 limits of 328 ft/100 m)PoE power supported High bandwidth performance Use twisted-pair or telephone wire Extend your network up to 700 ft at 100 Mb/sec and up to 6,000 ft at 30 Mb/sec(see chart below for model details) Enable-IT Network Extender Specifications 821 LRE824C860Extended Ethernet LAN over 1 pair new or existing Telephone wiring up to Category rated wiringExtended Ethernet LAN over 1 pair coax RG-6 or betterExtended Gigabit Ethernet over 1 pair new or existing Telephone wiring up to Category rated wiringMax distance 3,156ft (962m) from device extension to device extension, encrypted and secure.Max distance 3,156ft (962m) from device extension to device extension, encrypted and secure.Max distance 1.7 miles = 9,000ft (2.74km) encrypted and secure.1 CO unit can support up to 9 other CPE units on the same 1 pair of wiring.1 CO unit can support up to 9 other CPE units on the same 1 pair of wiring1 CO unit can support up to 9 other CPE units on the same 1 pair of wiringYou can leverage existing Telephone wire all the way up to Category rated CAT 7 twisted pair to deploy your extended LAN network vs expensive fiber that is unable to deliver PoE Power and is susceptible to extreme cold and movement damage.EnvironmentOperational Temperature: -49°F to 168°F (-45°to 76°C)Humidity: 5% to 95%, non-condensing Interface Ethernet: (4) LAN RJ-45 Standard 10/100/1000 Base-TX autosensing portsInterlink: RJ-45 (1-Pair) Data Rate 10/100Mbps full-duplex Ethernet Data200Mbps Interconnect throughputEthernet LAN Protocol IndependentEthernet LAN MTU 1500IP VLAN passthrough Data Rate Gigabit full-duplex Ethernet Data100Mbps Interconnect throughputEthernet LAN Protocol IndependentEthernet LAN MTU 1500IP VLAN passthrough Data Rate 1,000Mbps full-duplex Ethernet Data260Mbps Interconnect throughput – Maximum*Ethernet LAN Protocol IndependentEthernet LAN MTU 1500IP VLAN passthrough     For more information about IP Security Systems: P Camera Systems | Camera Video Recording Systems For help selecting the right network extender, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Anchor AN-Mini Speaker Monitor   Anchor AN-Mini Speaker Monitor Sorry, we no longer sell portable PA systems. As an alternative visit the Anchor website.  Today we focus on network-attached security systems. Please take a look at all the other products we sell that make your world safer. For security products look at IP Surveillance Products | IP Access Control | IP Paging and Intercom Systems The following information is for reference only: More PA Systems | Presentation Technology | More Anchor Systems The Anchor Audio AN-Mini is a very small powered speaker monitor. Even though it is small it provides excellent sound output. The powered speaker is light and small making it easy to take with you. You can also connect your iPod, iPhone or another sound system. The AN-Mini even includes an optional built-in wireless receiver. It is ideal for classroom or conference room. It can be used in groups where you have up to 100 people. Mount it on a stand, place it on a shelf, set the volume and you’re ready to go!   Features of Portable PA System AC powered100 db of clear soundReaches crowds of 100+Lightweight only 2.5 lbs.Optional Wireless Microphone4.5" woofer30W amplifier1/4" line input and 1/4" Mic-In1/4" line output jack - daisy chain multiple systems or record output   Specifications for the AN-Mini The AN-Mini is very small and portable. Rated Power Output30 wattsMax SPL @ Rated Power100 dB @ 1 meterFrequency Response100 Hz – 15 kHz ± 3 dBSpeaker Type4.5” wooferAC PowerExport Model110 – 125 VAC, 50/60 Hz208 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (50W max)Dimensions (HWD)5.5” x 5.5” x 6.5” (14 x 14 x 16.5 cm)Weight2.5 lbs / 1.13 KgBatteryTen ‘AA’ size, NiMH 2.5 Ah,RC-30 – Recharge Kit (optional)ConnectionsLine level, 3.5 mmPowered MicrophoneMicrophoneLo-Z, 1/4” phone (Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice)     Optional Accessories The following accessories can be added to this PA system. MIC-50 Handheld microphone 1/4” plugHBM-50 Headband microphone 1/4” plugHBM-MINI Handheld microphone mini plugSOFT-30 Soft case – custom colors availableSS-300 Speaker standRC-30 Battery charging kitAC-30 AN-MINI adapter Technical Support A portable PA system should be selected according to your application. We can help you select the right system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Defining Your Objectives Technical Note: Defining the Objectives for Your IP Camera System Before you select your IP camera system, you need to determine what your objectives are.  Your objectives can be different for each area that you want to monitor. This helps us specify the resolution of the camera, the lens, the low-light capability, wide dynamic range (WDR), audio capability, analytic functions, and special inputs and outputs. When we select the camera system we need to know the following information: How large an area do we want to view?What detail do we want to see with our cameras?  Do we want to just view people or be able to identify their faces?Do we want to operate day and night?Do we want to be alerted to alarm conditions?How long do we want to store the video? Each type of situation can affect the final camera system specifications we need. This article reviews some of the requirements for reducing liability, catching criminals, improving productivity, controlling door access, validating a remote alarm, and even viewing animals in the wild. Reduce Liability Unfortunately, there are bad people who make false insurance claims against organizations. IP Cameras can help prevent this type of behavior. Insurance companies sometimes provide discounts when cameras are installed. It allows them to easily contest malicious claims. In this application it is important to be able to identify the person making the claim. You should decide if you are trying to identify a known or unknown person. The usual assumption is that in the office you will require enough resolution to recognize one of your own people, but require more resolution in the lobby where unknown people are viewed. Since the person could be one of your own employees, and may know where cameras are located, add some covert cameras. By augmenting the visible cameras with invisible ones, you remove the “off camera” event. For example, the Hanwha QND-7010R IP camera provides a wide-angle lens and high resolution so you can view a lobby area and catch everything that’s occurring. In this application, you will need a Video Recording System that justs records the video for later review. Catching the Criminal Do you want to find out who’s stealing your computers? First, decide if you’re trying to find an employee stealing (someone you know) or trying to catch the crook that breaks into your store. You will require a different camera system depending on what you are trying to do. You will need to ensure you have enough resolution to identify the person. You may want to discourage people from criminal activity by making the camera visible, or you may want to catch them unaware. An indoor IP dome camera with a 1920 x 1080 resolution provides enough resolution to to recognize a person in an area that’s about 20 ft-wide. There are a also covert cameras available. Covert cameras are made to look like something other than a standard surveillance camera. They used to be made to look like sprinklers, smoke detectors, clocks, desk lamps and other things. The new cameras are placed in strategic areas and are mounted so you can see the person's face rather than on the ceiling. If you want to catch them when it's completely dark, you will need to add IR illumination. In this case the camera can see what the human eye cannot see.  There are some IP cameras that include built-in IR illumination. This application requires quick notification of an alarm condition. An IP camera that includes analytics or a smart video management software should be used in this application. The XND-6080RV camera is a good choice for this application since it can notify you when an object is removed from an area. It also includes IR for viewing at night. Improve Productivity We would all like to improve productivity because it's very important for business success. Cameras can help to keep people productive and on their best behavior. Since you probably know the people in the manufacturing area and may also know where they should be, you need less camera resolution. All you need to see is an overview that shows people at each location. You don’t need to have forensic details. You can use a wide angle lens and view a very large area. In this case you only require about 30 pixels/ft. A PTZ camera could also be used to patrol though many positions. The XNP-8300RW an example of a 6-Megapixel PTZ camera. It allows you to view a 100 ft wide area, and you can program it to step through many positions so it can view a very large area. Two-way Communication to Manage a Remote Office or Open a Door Two-way audio capability allows you to use your IP camera in a number of different applications. You can manage a remote office or open a door. It's important to make sure that your camera has the audio function and that the software you use is compatible. Manage the Office: Traveling expenses can be saved by using a camera at your remote sites. IP video cameras with audio capability provide video and two-way audio communication over the Internet. You can talk to the people as well as see what’s going on. You probably won’t require very high resolution for this application but you will need to add a microphone and speaker to your remote camera. Open a Remote Door: This is a great way to make use of an IP camera that has two-way audio capability. The best way to do this is to add a compatible intercom to your IP camera system. The system includes the video, audio, call button (to let people know someone is at the door) and a electric door lock release signal. Take a look at our IP intercom page for more details about this. Validate a Remote Alarm As you may know, it’s annoying when there are many false alarms from detectors that can be triggered by animals or other natural events. When you get woken up in the middle of the night it would be great to just go to your computer and look at the store or office to see if anything is going on. Then you can go back to sleep. In this case, you usually only need a wide angle overview of the area. But on the other hand, if you are also interested in catching the crook, you will need higher resolution megapixel IP cameras. If it was just the cat you can go back to sleep. View Animals in the Wild If you would like to study or view animals in the field you need a more complex system. Sometimes they are in isolated areas and sometimes they are in the local zoo. We still need to determine what you want to accomplish? If you’re looking at a bunch of cows, you need one type of camera, but if you are looking at the small marks on the side of cow, you will need a higher resolution camera system. The system gets more complicated when you are out in a remote area. You need to decide if you want to view during the day or at night. You also need to determine the power and signal requirements for the camera system. You may need to use solar power system in remote areas, so you will require a camera that doesn’t use a lot of power. Resources The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical ArticlesThese articles help you get started using IP camera systems and help you understand the technology. For example, if you want to calculate the bandwidth you will need to support a number of cameras on your network it would be helpful to read the article, Calculating Bandwidth. How to use an IP Camera to Control Door AccessAn IP intercom and IP camera and door control system can be used to control remote doors. This article describes everything you wanted to know about how to integrate door control and IP camera systems. Kintronics Technology Notes Newsletter:Take a look at our latest newsletter and if you would like to have this automatically sent to you, just fill out the form. Technical Whitepaper:These whitepaper describes how to make your world safer by integrating IP camera systems, access control and emergency paging systems. Blog Our technical blog provides up to date technical insights about the technology. It also provides examples of how the technology is used and even includes jokes and cartoons. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the How Technology Provides Increased Security. Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else. Contact us whenever you need assistance. ### Anchor AN-135+ Speaker Monitor   These Products Have Been Discontinued Sorry, we no longer provide these systems. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. As an alternative visit the Anchor Audio website. The following information is included for reference only. More Anchor Audio Systems Anchor AN-135+ Speaker Monitor The Anchor Audio AN-135+ speaker monitor is similar to the AN-130+. It is a lightweight, easy to use system, and fills the room with your voice, but doesn't include a wireless microphone option. The AN-135+ is ideal for classroom or conference room. It can be used in groups where you have up to 100 people. Mount it on a stand, place it on a shelf, set the volume and you’re ready to go!   Features of Portable PA System AC powered103 db of clear soundReaches crowds of 150+Lightweight only 5 lbs.Magnetically shielded speaker for AV use4.5" woofer and 10 mm dome tweeter30W amplifier1/4" line input and 1/4" Mic-In1/4" line output jack - daisy chain multiple systems or record outputBass and treble controlsAvailable in black or white   Specifications for AN-135+ The AN-135+ is very small and portable. Rated Power Output30 wattsMax SPL @ Rated Power103 dB @ 1 meterFrequency Response65 Hz – 18 kHz ± 3 dBSpeaker Type4.5” woofer, 10 mm dome tweeterAC Power   Export Model 110 – 125 VAC, 50/60 Hz   208 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (50W max) Dimensions (HWD)5.25” x 8.4” x 9” (13 x 21 x 23 cm)Weight8.5 lbs / 3.8 KgConnectionsLine (2) Hi-Z, unbalancedMicrophone Lo-Z, unbalanced, 1/4” phoneOutputLine Lo-Z, buffered, 1/4” phone & 1/8” phoneSensitivity For Rated OutputLine -20 dBV (100 mVrms)Microphone -43 dBV (7.5 mVrms) (Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice) (Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice)     Optional Accessories The following accessories can be added to this PA system. SB-3W/SB-3BK 40° Ceiling mount bracket*SB-360W/SB-360BK 360° Swivel wall bracket* * Available with black or white finish Technical Support A portable PA system should be selected according to your application. We can help you select the right system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 ### Canon VB-M700F Overview and Specifications The megapixel VB-M700F Network Camera is small and easily installed since it has a remote-controlled zoom lens and is powered using PoE. This camera boasts a Canon megapixel optical 3X zoom lens which provides a viewing angle of 34.2° to 102° . This new lens was also designed to maximize the cameras low light performance, allowing the camera to provide color video down to .018 Lux and black/white video down to 0.001 Lux. The cameras 2.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor provides images with much greater detail than a VGA security camera, yet it can be streamed with low bandwidth utilization and disk space usage thanks to the H.264 codec. More Canon Cameras | Compare to Other Brands Specifications Image Sensor1/3" 1.3 MegaPixel CMOS SensorTotal Number of PixelsApprox. 2.1 Million PixelsScanning MethodProgressive ScanMinimum IlluminationColor: 0.03 Lux (F1.6, 1/8 sec., SSC ON) Black & White: 0.001 Lux (F1.6, 1/8 sec, SSC ON)FocusingAuto / One-shot AF / Manual / InfinityApertureF1.2 (W) - F2.0 (T)LensFocal Length: 2.8 (W) - 8.4mm (T)Zoom3X Optical Zoom (4x Digital Zoom)Viewing AngleHorizontal: 112.6° (W) - 36.7° (T) Vertical: 60.8° (W) - 20.6° (T)Infrared Cut FilterYesNight ModeYesWhite BalanceAuto / Manual / One-Shot / Select Light Source (Warm Fluorescent, White Fluorescent, Daylight Fluorescent, Mercury Lamp, Sodium Lamp, Halogen Lamp)ProtocolsIPv4: TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, FTP, SNMP (MIB2), SMTP (client), DHCP (client), DNS (client), ARP, ICMP, POP3, NTP, SMTP authentication, WV-HTTP (Canon protocol), ONVIF IPv6: TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP (client), DNS (client), ICMPv6, POP3, NDP, SMTP authentication, WV-HTTP (Canon protocol), ONVIFTilt Angle Range100° (-90° to 10°)Video Compression MethodH.264 / MJPEGOutput Image SizeH.264:1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 MJPEG:1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120Display Image SizeH.264:1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 MJPEG:1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120White BalanceAuto / Manual / One-Shot / Select Light Source (Warm Fluorescent, White Fluorescent, Daylight Fluorescent, Mercury Lamp, Sodium Lamp, Halogen Lamp)Camera ControlAdministrator / Authorized Users / GuestsConnection RestrictionsUsername / password, IP address restrictionNetwork1 RJ-45 (100Base-TX, Negotiation: auto/full/half, IEEE 802.3af)Dimensions2.56"" (H) x 3.15"" (W) x 7.56"" (D) (65mm x 60mm x 92mm).WeightAprox. 670g (1.48 lb.).Operating EnvironmentTemperature: -10°C - +50° C (+14° F - +122° F) Humidity: 5% - 85% (without condensation)PowerPOE: via LAN Connector (IEEE802.3af compliant) AC Adapter: PA-V17 (100 - 240 V AC) (sold separately) External power source: 24 V AC/12 V DCPower ConsumptionApprox. 8.6 Watts (with PoE)AC AdapterNot included ### Canon VB-M600 and VB-H610 More Canon Cameras | Compare to Other Brands Canon Dome IP Camera There are two megapixel Network Cameras available from Canon that bring a new level of image quality and performance to the security camera market. Select the 1.3 megapixel or 2.1-megapixel dome IP camera depending on the resolution that you need for your application. All the dome cameras provide outstanding durability and capability along with advanced installation tools that make it the easiest camera to install and adjust. It’s the only camera we know of that has Canon’s unique Easy Setup PTRZ Tool which allows the Pan/ Tilt/ Rotation/ Zoom and Focus to be set from a remote location after installation. The 101-degree wide-angle lens on the VB-M600D and VB-M600VE was designed to maximize the cameras low light performance, allowing it to provide color video down to .03 Lux and black/white video down to 0.001 Lux. You can select the indoor VB-M600D, H610D or the outdoor VB-M600VE or H610VE with IP-66 class protection from the elements. All these IP cameras have an impressive range of Sophisticated On-board Video Analytics, including Moving Object Detection, Removed Object Detection and Abandoned Object Detection. Overview and Specifications Canon VB-M600 and VB-H610 IP Cameras Specifications Focusing One-shot AF / Manual / Infinity Lens: f=2.8 (W) - 8.4mm (T) / F1.2 - 2.0 Zoom: 3x Optical Zoom Pan Angle Range: 350° (±175°) Tilt Angle Range: 150° (±75°) Moving Speed Pan: 19.2°/Sec, Tilt: 14.2°/Sec, Rotate: 43.7°/Sec Night Mode Yes Display Image Size H.264: 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 MJPEG: 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120 Operating Environment 14°~ 122° F / -10°~ 50° C / 5 ~ 85%RH (No Condensing) VB-M600VE, H610VE: IP66 Video Compression Method H.264 / MJPEG ModelMinimum IlluminationVB-M600, VB-600VEColor: 0.018 Lux (F1.2, 1/8 sec., SSC ON) Black & White: 0.001 Lux (F1.6, 1/8 sec, SSC ON)VB-M610, VB-610VEDay Mode (Color): 0.3 lux (F1.2, shutter speed 1/30 sec., when smart shade control is off, 50IRE) 0.02 lux (F1.2, shutter speed 1/2 sec., when smart shade control is off, 50IRE) 0.008 lux (F1.2, shutter speed 1/2 sec., when smart shade control is on, 50IRE) Night Mode (Monochrome): 0.015 lux (F1.2, shutter speed 1/30 sec., when smart shade control is off, 50IRE) 0.001 lux (F1.2, shutter speed 1/2 sec., when smart shade control is off, 50IRE) 0.0005 lux (F1.2, shutter speed 1/2 sec., when smart shade control is on, 50IRE)   ### Anchor AN-130+ Speaker Monitor   Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. As an alternative visit the Anchor Audio website. For your reference, here is information about this product: Anchor AN-130+ Speaker Monitor The Anchor Audio AN-130+ speaker monitor is a lightweight, easy to use system. It fills the room with your voice. This powered speaker is similar to the AN-135 except this adds the wireless microphone capability. The wireless microphone allows you to move around the room. Need to add some punch to your presentation? The AN-130+ is ideal for use with your video projector, CD/DVD player or PC. Mount it on a stand, place it on a shelf, set the volume and you’re ready to go! More Anchor Systems The Anchor Audio AN-130+ speaker monitor is a lightweight, easy to use system. It fills the room with your voice. This powered speaker is similar to the AN-135 except this adds the wireless microphone capability. The wireless microphone allows you to move around the room. Need to add some punch to your presentation? The AN-130+ is ideal for use with your video projector, CD/DVD player or PC. Mount it on a stand, place it on a shelf, set the volume and you’re ready to go! Features of Portable PA System   Features of Portable PA System AC powered103 db of clear soundReaches crowds of 150+Lightweight only 9 lbs.Magnetically shielded speaker for AV use4.5" woofer and 10 mm dome tweeter30W amplifierOptional built-in 16 channel UHF wireless receiver1/4" line input and 1/4" Mic-In1/4" line output jack - daisy chain multiple systems or record outputRemote control for volume and mute availableBass and treble controlsAvailable in black or white   Specifications for AN-130 The AN-130+ is very light weight and easy to use. Rated Power Output30 wattsMax SPL @ Rated Power103 dB @ 1 meterFrequency Response65 Hz – 18 kHz ± 3 dBSpeaker Type4.5” woofer, 10 mm dome tweeterAC Power   Export Model 110 – 125 VAC, 50/60 Hz   208 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (50W max) Dimensions (HWD)5.25” x 8.4” x 9” (13 x 21 x 23 cm)Weight8.5 lbs / 3.8 KgConnectionsLine (2) Hi-Z, unbalancedMicrophone Lo-Z, unbalanced, 1/4” phoneOutputLine Lo-Z, buffered, 1/4” phone & 1/8” phoneSensitivity For Rated OutputLine -20 dBV (100 mVrms)Microphone -43 dBV (7.5 mVrms) (Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice)     Optional Accessories The following accessories can be added to the paging system. REMOTE-130 Infrared remote control (AN-130RC only)MIC-90 Professional dynamic, cardioid pattern handheld microphoneCC-100 Speaker/accessory bagCC-100XL Speaker/accessory bag - largeCC-550 Soft case for speaker standsHC-ARMOR24-AN Anchor Armor hard case - Two AN speaker monitorsSS-250 Speaker standMSB-201 Microphone stand with boomSB-1BK Stand mountSB-3W/SB-3BK 40° Tilt ceiling mount bracket*SB-360W/SB-360BK 360° swivel wall bracket*RM-1BK Single rackmount - BlackRM-12BK Dual rackmount - Black * Available with black or white finish Technical Support A portable PA system should be selected according to your application. We can help you select the right system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### Canon VB-M40 Overview and Specifications More Canon Cameras | Compare to Other Brands The megapixel VB-M40 Pan/Tilt/Zoom Network Camera brings a new level of image quality and performance to the security camera market.This camera boasts a Canon 20x Optical Zoom Lens which is not only the smallest in its class, but also produces images with little aberration. This new lens was also designed to maximize the cameras low light performance, allowing the VB-M40 to provide color video down to .03 Lux and black/white video down to 0.001 Lux. The cameras 1.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor provides images with four times the detail of a VGA security camera, yet it can be streamed with low bandwidth utilization and disk space usage thanks to the H.264 Codec. Image Sensor1/3" 1.3 MegaPixel CMOS SensorTotal Number of PixelsApprox. 1.3 Million PixelsScanning MethodProgressive ScanMinimum IlluminationColor: 0.03 Lux (F1.6, 1/8 sec., SSC ON)Black & White: 0.001 Lux (F1.6, 1/8 sec, SSC ON)FocusingAuto / One-shot AF / Manual / InfinityApertureF1.6 (W) - 3.5 (T)Lensf=4.7 mm (W) / 94 mm (T)Zoom20x Optical Zoom (4x Digital Zoom)Viewing Angle55.4° (W) / 2.9° (T)Pan Angle Range340° (±170°)Tilt Angle Range100° (-90° to 10°)Moving SpeedPan: 19.2°/Sec, Tilt: 14.2°/Sec, Rotate: 43.7°/SecInfrared Cut FilterYesNight ModeYesWhite BalanceAuto / Manual / One-Shot / Select Light Source (Warm Fluorescent, White Fluorescent, Daylight Fluorescent, Mercury Lamp, Sodium Lamp, Halogen Lamp)ProtocolsPv4: TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, FTP, SNMP (MIB2), SMTP (client), DHCP (client), DNS (client), ARP, ICMP, POP3, NTP, SMTP authentication, WV-HTTP (Canon protocol), ONVIFIPv6: TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP (client), DNS (client), ICMPv6, POP3, NDP, SMTP authentication, WV-HTTP (Canon protocol), ONVIFVideo Compression MethodH.264 / MJPEGOutput Image SizeH.264:1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240MJPEG:1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120Display Image SizeH.264:1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240MJPEG:1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120Camera ControlAdministrator / Authorized Users / GuestsConnection RestrictionsUsername / password, IP address restrictionNetwork1 RJ-45 (100Base-TX, Negotiation: auto/full/half, IEEE 802.3af)Dimensions5.20 x 6.10 in.Weight2.535 lbs.Weightapprox. 840g (approx. 1.852 lbs.)Operating Environment14°~ 122° F / -10°~ 50° C / 5 ~ 85%RH (No Condensing)PowerMaximum approximately 9.8W (with PoE)Power ConsumptionApprox. 8.6 Watts (with PoE)AC AdapterNot included ### Anchor AN-1000X Speaker Monitor   These Products Have Been Discontinued Sorry, we no longer provide these systems. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. The following information is included for reference only. More Anchor Audio Systems Anchor AN-1000X Speaker Monitor The Anchor Audio AN-1000x is one of the most versatile powered speaker monitor. It is similar to the AN-130+, but provides more sound output. It can easily be added to an A/V rack as well as being an easy to use system. It fills the room with your voice, but doesn't include a wireless microphone option. The AN-1000X is ideal for classroom or conference room. It can be used in groups where you have up to 250 people. Mount it on a stand, place it on a shelf, set the volume and you’re ready to go!   Features of Portable PA System AC powered107 db of clear soundReaches crowds of 250+Lightweight only 5 lbs.Magnetically shielded speaker for AV use4.5" woofer and 10 mm dome tweeter50W amplifier1/4" line input and 1/4" Mic-In1/4" line output jack - daisy chain multiple systems or record outputBass and treble controlsAvailable in black or white   Specifications for the AN-1000X The AN-1000X is very small and portable. Rated Power Output50 wattsMax SPL @ Rated Power107 dB @ 1 meterFrequency Response65 Hz – 20 kHz ± 3 dBSpeaker Type4.5” woofer, 10 mm dome tweeterAC Power   Export Model 110 – 125 VAC, 50/60 Hz   208 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (50W max) Dimensions (HWD)5.25” x 8.63” x 8.3” (14 x 22 x 21 cm)Weight9.5 lbs / 4.3 KgConnectionsMicrophone / line configurable, femaleXLR, switchable phantom powerHi-Z, unbalanced, 1/4”-phone & RCAOutputLine Lo-Z, buffered, RCA line levelSpeaker: 8 Ω, unswitched, 1/4”-phone (Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice) (Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice)     Optional Accessories The following accessories can be added to this PA system. IC-90 Professional dynamic, cardioid pattern handheld microphoneSC-50 50’ Speaker cableCC-100 Speaker/accessory bagCC-100XL Speaker/accessory bag –largeHC-ARMOR24-ANAnchor Armor hard case - Two AN speaker monitorsCC-550 Speaker stand/accessory bagSS-250 Speaker standMSB-201 Microphone stand with boomSB-1 Stand mountSB-3 Ceiling mount bracket*SB-360 360° swivel wall bracket* * Available with black or white finish Technical Support A portable PA system should be selected according to your application. We can help you select the right system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information and our catalog of video products. Kintronics, Inc. 500 Executive Blvd. Ossining, NY 10562 ### Canon VB-H45 Overview and Specifications Canon PTZ Camera This PTZ IP camera has an amazing 20X optical zoom. You can identify a person’s face at a distance of over 200 ft away. It has a progressive scan 2-Megapixel, image and good low light sensitivity making it a good camera for many surveillance applications requiring a PTZ camera. This camera supports MJPEG and H.264 compression it’s excellent zoom lens 4.7 (W) – 94 mm (T) in the horizontal field of view. More Canon Cameras | Compare to Other Brands VideoJPEG, H.264: 1920 x 1080Image Sensor1/4-inch CCD (primary color filter)Minimum IlluminationDay Mode (color):0.05 lux (F1.6, shutter speed 1/30 sec., when smart shadecontrol is off, 50IRE)Night Mode (monochrome):0.003 lux (F1.6, shutter speed 1/30 sec., when smart shadecontrol is off, 50IRE)FocusingAuto / One-shot AF / Manual / Fixed focus at infinity (for dome use)Length : f=3.4 ~ 136.0mmLens4.7 (W) – 94 mm (T)Zoom20x Optical ZoomViewing AngleFor 16:9 aspect ratios: Horizontal: 60.4° (W) – 3.2° (T)Pan Angle Range340° (±170°)Tilt Angle Range100° (ceiling-mounted position: -90° – +10°)– When the horizontal direction of the camera is 0°Moving SpeedPan: Max. 150°/sec., Tilt: Max. 150°/secVideo Compression MethodJPEG, H.264NetworkLAN x 1 (RJ45, 100Base-TX (Auto / Full duplex / Half-duplex))Operating EnvironmentTemperature: -10°C – +50°C (+14°F – +122°F)PowerPoE: PoE power supply via LAN connector (IEEE802.3at Type1compliant)AC Adapter: PA-V18 (100 – 240 V AC) (sold separately)External power source: 24 V AC/12 V DCPower Consumptionwith PoE: Max. approx. 9Wwith optional AC Adapter PA-V17: Max. approx. 9.2W ### Canon IP Cameras Features and Advantages Canon is known for their excellent lenses, and it's the best place to start when you need the very best video quality from your IP Camera. Canon just introduced some very nice cameras that take advantage of their lens expertise. They feature megapixel resolution with excellent low light sensitivity. Video quality compares well to the Axis and Hanwha megapixel cameras. The latest VB-M600 series dome camera includes the ability to adjust the pan, tilt, zoom and focus remotely. This makes it very easy to install. It really differentiates it from other manufacturers. The new Canon IP cameras include video analytics. The cameras will notify you when an object is removed from an area, or if someone leaves a box in your lobby. This means you can reduce labor costs by allowing the cameras to automatically notify you about alarm conditions. Also Compare to Other IP Cameras | Camera Video Recording Solutions | IP Camera System Resources VB-M40 Megapixel PTZ Camera This Network IP Camera is a megapixel PTZ camera that provides high-resolution image quality and performance to the security camera market. The camera has a 1.3-megapixel sensor as well as a high-performance Canon 20x optical zoom lens that provides an excellent quality video with little distortion. The new high-performance lens was designed to maximize the cameras low light performance, allowing the VB-M40 to provide color video down to .03 Lux and black/white video down to 0.001 Lux. VB-M600D, H610 and VB-M600VE, H610VE Domes Choose the 1.3 megapixel or the 2.1-megapixel dome IP Both types of cameras bring together outstanding durability and capability along with advanced installation tools that make it the easiest camera to adjust. It’s the only camera we know of that has remote pan, tilt, zoom, and focus. You can select the indoor VB-M600D, or HB610D; or the outdoor VB-M600VE, or HB610VE with IP-66 class protection from the elements. VB-M700F Fixed box type Camera This 1.3-megapixel Network Camera is small and easily installed since it has a remote-controlled zoom lens and is powered using PoE. This camera boasts a Canon megapixel optical 3X zoom lens which provides a viewing angle of 34.2° to 102°. This new lens was also designed to maximize the cameras low light performance, allowing the camera to provide color video down to .018 Lux and black/white video down to 0.001 Lu. VB-H45 PTZ Camera The Canon PTZ camera has a 20X optical zoom. You can identify a person’s face at a distance of over 200 ft away.It has a progressive scan CCD sensor and image stabilization with good low-light sensitivity making it a good camera for many surveillance applications requiring a PTZ camera ### IP Camera System Packages IP Camera System Packages Good indoor IP cameras range in price from under $150 to over $600, while outdoor cameras range in price from $200 to over $1,500. Yes, there are less expensive cameras that are available for home applications, but if you need a professional camera that will be reliable then it's best to spend some more. Outdoor cameras will include protective enclosures which are IP65 or IP66 (or higher) rated. They also handle a very large range of light levels, from bright sunlight to nighttime. Whether you are considering an indoor or outdoor camera, the things to consider are the resolution, frame rate, light sensitivity, temperature range, mounting required and the compression used. IP Camera System Package IP camera systems include more than just IP cameras. They include an enclosure, a lens, and a video recording system. Since we provide free consulting just ask us for a recommendation. Contact us with your requirements and we will recommend a complete solution consisting of cameras, lenses, software, enclosures, and storage. We will help you get everything you need for your specific requirements. Learn more about IP Camera System Examples | IP Camera Systems Components | Select Your IP Camera | Video Recording Systems | Resources Indoor IP Camera Packages These indoor IP camera packages provide examples of systems we provide. We can create a system with a mix of cameras that include cameras with different resolution and styles. The first system includes recording software that runs on your own computer. It has room for growth. The second system uses an NVR that includes the computer and software. Let us know your application and we will design the system to your exact requirements. Four Dome Indoor Camera Package with VMS Application: Flexible indoor camera system with VMS software that provides a growth path. Each 1.3-megapixel camera has enough resolution to allow you to identify a person's face in an area about 25 ft wide. The camera should be placed about 12 ft. from the field of view. This is an excellent startup system that can easily grow to a 25 camera system by adding cameras and adding camera licenses to the software. The system includes OcularisPS software and uses your own computer (or we can provide the computer). The system will record and notify you when an alarm is detected (from motion). This system assumes that the video is stored in the hard drive of your computer. A 1 TB hard drive is required to store up to 7 days of video from 4 cameras. This assumes the camera uses H.264 compression, is set for less than 5 fps, a resolution of 1280 x 1024, and motion is detected 50% of the time. SAM1-PS-4 Package Includes: Four IP dome cameras: 1.3 Megapixel, 1280 x 1024 resolution, 3 mm fixed lens. Ocularis PS Video Management Software with four camera licenses. Price: $1495 (pricing can change so please call for the latest price before placing your order) Flexible High-Performance Four Camera Dome Indoor System Package with NVR Application: When you need a higher resolution camera with more capability and expect to grow in the future this package is a good choice. The higher resolution provides a wider field of view of 38 ft. The camera also features wide dynamic range (WDR) of 120 dB. This means it can be used when you have challenging lighting conditions. For example, if you are viewing a lobby that has large windows with bright sunlight outside. The WDR allows you to see the people as they move from outside to inside. The higher resolution allows you to view a wider area. The cameras are very simple to install because they include remote zoom and focus. The NVR is expandable to up to 16 cameras. Please contact us for advice about the right camera system for you. SAM1-Ex-4 Package Includes: Four IP dome cameras: 2.0 Megapixel, 1920 x 1080 resolution, Motorized Simple Focus 2.8x (3-8.5mm) day/night with WDR. NVR with 1 TB of storage. It comes with a 4-camera license and can be expanded to up to 16 cameras. Price: $2245 (pricing can change so please call for the latest price before placing your order) Outdoor IP Camera Package with NVR Outdoor rated cameras are rated as IP-66 which means they will operate in wind and rain and have wider temperature range so they can be used in the cold weather. The NVR is for indoor use only. Outdoor cameras can also be used indoors. Some of the outdoor cameras are inexpensive so can easily be used in both applications. Four Outdoor Dome Camera Package with NVR Application: When you need a very simple and easy to install system. This Indoor / outdoor camera system includes an NVR. The outdoor-rated IP dome cameras include an IR Illuminator with 30 m (98 ft.) range, so it can operate in complete darkness. HIK1-Ex-4E Package Includes: Four IP dome cameras with IR: 1.3 Megapixel, 1280 x 960 resolution, 4 mm fixed lens. NVR with 1 TB of storage. Comes with a 4-camera license and can be expanded to up to 16 cameras. Price: $1,975 (pricing can change so please call for the latest price before placing your order) Four Outdoor Dome Camera Package with NVR Application: When you expect to grow in the future and need a higher resolution camera this package is a good choice. The higher resolution provides a wider field of view of 38 ft. The cameras also feature wide dynamic range (WDR) of 120 dB. This means it can be used when you have challenging lighting conditions. For example, if you are viewing a lobby that has large windows with bright sunlight outside, the WDR allows you to see the people as they move from outside to inside the building. SAM3-Ex-4E Package Includes: Four outdoor IP dome cameras: 2.1 Megapixel, 1920 x 1080 resolution, Motorized Simple Focus Lens 2.8x (3-8.5mm) 105.5°(Wide) ~ 37.1°(Tele). NVR with 1 TB of storage. Comes with a 4-camera license and can be expanded to up to 16 cameras. Price: $3,845 (pricing can change so please call for the latest price before placing your order)   Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Batko Insulated Housing or Enclosure for IP Cameras The Batko insulated housing is made for IP cameras with PoE capability (Power over Ethernet). Batko provides insulated enclosures that don't require power for a heater or blower. They are perfect for solar-powered applications where you have limited power available. With PoE, you will only need to run the network wire to the camera so installation is simplified. Please contact us for help in selecting the right enclosure for your application. Batko Model FB-2008 Insulated Enclosure This design has been tested since 1987 in severe Canadian subzero outdoor conditions, this rustproof, tamperproof, weatherproof, all-aluminum, mineral fiberboard insulated housing doesn't need a heater (nor a blower) to keep the camera in good working order. Lightweight, even if it is double-walled, this sealed housing includes a sealed connector to run in the cable. The front cover, that opens and extends horizontally for total camera access, is locked by 2 screws. The window comes with a 3/16" polycarbonate. See the specification below for more details.Enclosures are ready for IP network cameras. It can be installed on any wall, ceiling or corner with the appropriate mounting bracket: FSM2012 for the wall, FSP2012 for ceiling, FSC2012 for corner and FSA2012 for pole. Accessories Wall Mount Ceiling Mount Pole Mount Corner Mount SpecificationsBody AluminumWindow3/16” clear polycarbonateCoverSliding, sealed, locked by 2 screwsFinishWhite polyurethane coatingWeight6 lb (2.7 kg)External Dimensions(H x W x L) 6.75" (171mm) x 6.75"(171mm) x 13.00" (330mm)Internal Dimensions(H x W x L) 4.0" (102mm) x 3.75" (95mm) x 8.0" (203mm)Operating Temperature- 40° ~+ 120° F Learn more about More Enclosures | IP Cameras | IP Surveillance Products | Contact Us for help selecting the right enclosures Other models are available. Please contact us for help in selecting the right enclosure for your application. ### AXIS M1113(E) and M1114(E) IP Cameras Indoor or Outdoor Network Attached Camera These cameras have been replaced by the AXIS M1124 (E) and M1125 (E) Network IP Cameras. The new models provide superior video quality for professional indoor or outdoor (E) applications. To learn more about the other Axis cameras see: Box IP Cameras | Dome Axis IP Cameras | PTZ Axis IP Cameras | More Axis IP Cameras | Other IP cameras | IP NVR Software The following information is provided for reference only: The AXIS M1113 with CS-mount, auto-iris, variable focal lens provides excellent image quality in SVGA resolution. The M1113-E includes an IP66 enclosure and uses PoE for the heater as well as the camera. The AXIS M1114 with CS-mount and auto-iris, variable focal lens provides excellent image quality without motion blur using progressive scan at 30 frames per second in 1 megapixel or HDTV 720p resolution. The M1114-E includes an IP66 enclosure and uses PoE for the heater as well as the camera. It provides multiple H.264 and Motion JPEG streams that can be individually optimized for bandwidth and storage efficiency. Power over Ethernet supplies power to the camera via the network, eliminating the need for power cables and reducing installation costs. The pixel counter further helps the installer verify that the pixel resolution of an object or face fulfills regulatory or specific customer requirements, for example, for facial identification purposes. Can be used outdoors with environmental enclosure. ### Axis IP Cameras Axis IP Cameras The IP cameras from Axis are well known in the industry. They provide a very wide selection of cameras and accessories that can be used in many applications.  They were the first IP camera manufacturer, but unfortunately, other manufacturers such as Hanwha provide more cost-effective solutions.  Before you select a camera make sure you know your objectives.  You should also take a look at our camera review to determine the best camera for your application. You can select from economical or professional IP network-attached cameras. IP box cameras, dome cameras, and PTZ cameras are available from this manufacturer. Many of these IP cameras are powered using PoE making them easy to install. Axis IP Camera Select: Box IP Cameras | Dome IP Cameras | PTZ Camera | Compare to Other IP Cameras Remember that the cameras are just one part of the surveillance and security system. You also need video management software to record your video, the right lens, computer, and enclosures. Contact us and we will make sure you have everything you need. Box IP Cameras Outdoor Axis Camera The Axis IP box cameras provide great flexibility. They are excellent for special applications that require special lenses or enclosures. The cameras provide excellent low light sensitivity. They are available for indoor and outdoor applications. The outdoor models are available with environmental enclosures and most are powered using PoE. The M11 series and P13 series of cameras come with a lens, but it can be changed if required. In order to ensure you get the right lens, it's best to discuss all available choices with us. Possibilities include variable lenses, megapixel lenses, IR-type lens, and auto-iris lenses. There are economical (M10 and M11-series) and professional (P-Series) models available. View More > Axis Dome IP Cameras Axis Dome IP Camera There many different dome cameras available. You can select an economical model that is usually used indoors or more profession models that can be used in all environments. The professional cameras include remote zoom and focus lenses making the camera very easy to install. You can select standard dome cameras, those that provide vandal resistance, and others that are designed for outdoor use. Axis has some small mini-dome models that can be mounted to drop ceilings. These cameras are very unobtrusive and almost covert. Some of the models include wide dynamic range and very low light sensitivity, but you have to select one or the other. You can take a look at the models available, but don't forget to ask for help with any of your applications. We are very good at providing free consulting to make sure you select the right IP camera system. View More > PTZ IP Cameras Axis PTZ camera PTZ or Pan Tilt Zoom cameras have zoom lenses and allow viewing very large areas. Axis has an economical (P-Series) and high quality (Q-Series) available. They are available for indoor or outdoor applications. These IP PTZ cameras have some nice automated features that allow the camera to automatically zoom to a predetermined location whenever motion is detected. PTZ cameras can also be used to automatically tour or patrol an area. It is best to allow the video management software (VMS) to control this function. VMS such as Ocularis include patrol mode with intelligent motion detection that turns off the motion alarm when the camera is moving. View More > Jump to Box IP Cameras | Dome IP Cameras | PTZ Camera | Compare to Other IP Cameras   Technical Support IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### AXIS M1103 and M1104 IP Cameras The camera has been discontinued. The alternative is the M1124, or M1125, or consider the Hanwha Bullet IP Cameras For more information see Axis IP Cameras | IP Cameras | IP Surveillance Products | IP NVR Software Indoor Network Attached Camera AXIS M1103 and M1104 Network Cameras provide superior video quality for professional indoor applications. The AXIS M1103 with CS-mount, fixed focal lens provides excellent image quality in SVGA resolution. The AXIS M1104 with CS-mount and fixed focal lens provides excellent image quality without motion blur using progressive scan at 30 frames per second in 1 megapixel or HDTV 720p resolution. Both cameras offer multiple H.264 and Motion JPEG streams that can be individually optimized for bandwidth and storage efficiency. Power over Ethernet supplies power to the camera via the network, eliminating the need for power cables and reducing installation costs. The pixel counter further helps the installer verify that the pixel resolution of an object or face fulfills regulatory or specific customer requirements, for example, for facial identification purposes. Axis Indoor IP Camera   Specifications NetworkSecurityPassword protection, IP address filtering, HTTPS** encryption,digest authentication, user access logSupported protocolsIPv4/v6, HTTP, HTTPS**, QoS Layer 3 DiffServ, FTP, SMTP,Bonjour, UPnP, SNMPv1/v2c/v3(MIB-II), DNS, DynDNS, NTP,RTSP, RTP, TCP, UDP, IGMP, RTCP, ICMP, DHCP, ARP, SOCKS System integrationApplication Programming InterfaceOpen API for software integration, including VAPIX® from Axis Communications available at www.axis.comIntelligent videoVideo motion detection, active tampering alarmAlarm triggersIntelligent videoAlarm eventsFile upload via FTP, HTTP and emailNotification via email, HTTP and TCPVideo buffer25 MB pre- and post alarm GeneralCasingAluminum and plasticLocal storageSD/SDHC memory card slot (Card is not included)Processor and memoryARTPEC-3, 128 MB RAM, 128 MB FlashPowerPower over Ethernet IEEE 802.3af Class 1ConnectorsRJ-45 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX PoEOperating conditionsHumidity 20 - 80% RH (non-condensing)-20 - 50°C (-4 - 122°F)ApprovalsEN 55022 Class B, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3,EN 61000-6-1, EN 61000-6-3, EN 55024, FCC Part 15 Subpart BClass B, ICES-003 Class B, VCCI Class B, C-tick AS/NZSCISPR 22, KCC Class A, EN 60950-1WeightAXIS M1103/AXIS M1104: 170 g (0.37 lb.)Included accessoriesStand, Installation Guide, CD with installation tools, recordingsoftware and User’s Manual, Windows decoder 1-user licenseOptional accessoriesAXIS T8412 Installation DisplayAXIS P8221 Network I/O Audio ModuleAXIS Power over Ethernet MidspansLenses CameraModelsAXIS M1103, fixed focal lens: SVGA resolutionAXIS M1104, fixed focal lens: 1 MP/HDTV 720pImage sensor1/4” progressive scan RGB CMOSLensAXIS M1103 2.8 mm: 66° view*, F2.0, fixed iris, CS mountAXIS M1103 6 mm: 31° view*, F1.8, fixed iris, CS mountAXIS M1104 2.8 mm: 80° view*, F2.0, fixed iris, CS mountAXIS M1104 6 mm: 37° view*, F1.8, fixed iris, CS mountMinimum illuminationAXIS M1103/AXIS M1104 2.8mm: 1.0 - 100000 lux, F2.0AXIS M1103/AXIS M1104 6mm: 0.9 - 100000 lux, F1.8Shutter time1/24 500 s to 1/6 s VideoVideo compressionH.264 (MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC)Motion JPEGResolutionsAXIS M1103: 800x600 to 160x90AXIS M1104: 1280x800 to 160x90**1440x900 (1.3 MP) scaled resolution available via VAPIX®Frame rate H.26430 fps in all resolutionsVideo streamingMultiple, individually configurable streams in H.264 and MotionJPEGControllable frame rate and bandwidthVBR/CBR H.264Image settingsCompression, color, brightness, sharpness, contrast, white balance,exposure control, exposure zones, backlight compensation, finetuning of behavior at low light, mirroring of imagesRotation – including Corridor Format™Text and image overlay, privacy mask ### Anchor Beacon PA Systems These Products Have Been Discontinued Sorry, we no longer provide these systems. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. The following information is included for reference only. More Anchor Audio Systems Portable PA Sound Systems for Voice and Music The Beacon PA system with a clean, even reach of 300 ft. the BeaconTM portable line array sound system is ready to rumble. It requires no training or tools. Pull it. Flip it. Lock it. The patent-pending line array tower can be opened in less than a minute. Wireless microphones? MP3 player? It's got all that. Speaker stand? It doesn't need it. Everything is built into one compact enclosure including user-replaceable batteries, storage bag, collapsible handle, and rolling wheels. The Beacon knocks out the competition. The Beacon® combines the clarity and smooth sound coverage of a line array system with an enclosure that eliminates the need for a speaker stand.. Beacon Sound System   Beacon Sound System The enclosure includes three 8” woofers and an array of eight 4.5” mid-range speakers that deploys up to a height of6’. The Beacon provides a 120-degree pattern for a distance of 500’ which covers the area of a football field with just one system. Built-in UHF receiver has 16 user-selectable channels. True AC/DC, 110/220 power supply Battery Two 12 Volt rechargeable, 9.0 AHFull recharge: approx 7 hrs. Max SPL @ Rated Power: 112 dB Frequency response: 60 Hz – 15 kHz ± 3dB Dimensions (HWD): 26.25 x 11 x 18”/66.7 x 28 x 45.7cm Weight: 51 pounds / 23 Kg. BBP-7500 Basic Package: $2,567BDP-7500 Deluxe Package: $3,083Beacon Sound System basic package. AC or DC (battery power) Rated power output: 300 watts (AC) or 60W (DC mode), 112 db Max SPL power. Frequency response: 60 Hz - 15 kHz ± 3 dB. Featuring 16 channel UHF diversity wireless by Anchor Audio. Basic package includes CD player and wireless receiver and choice of Anchor wireless microphone - Handheld (WH-3000 or Body pack transmitter (WB-3000) and headband mic (HBM-3000) or collar mic (CM-3000) or lapel mic (LM-3000). Ship weight 61 lbs.Beacon Sound System deluxe package with two wireless receivers. AC or DC (battery power) Rated power output: 300 watts (AC) or 60W (DC mode), 110 db Max SPL power. Frequency response: 60 Hz - 15 kHz ± 3 dB. Featuring 16 channel UHF diversity wireless by Anchor Audio. Package includes CD player and 2 wireless receivers and choice of two Anchor wireless microphones - Handheld (WH-3000 or Body pack transmitter (WB-3000) and headband mic (HBM-3000) or collar mic (CM-3000) or lapel mic (LM-3000). Ship weight 61 lbs.   PLEASE SPECIFY THE TYPE of MICROPHONE WHEN PLACING YOUR ORDER. More PA SystemsPresentation TechnologyMore Anchor SystemsContact Please contact us to determine lead time for these products. Terms & Conditions ### AXIS Indoor and Outdoor Q6045-E PTZ Dome IP Camera The camera has been discontinued. Alternative Axis Q6075 or Hanwha XNP-6321H For more information see Axis IP Cameras | IP Cameras | IP Surveillance Products | IP NVR Software Features Select Indoor or Outdoor Ready and powered by PoE IEEE 802.3at.2.0 Megapixel 1920x1080 resolution20x optical zoom with 360-degree panIP-52 rated Arctic Temperature ControlActive Gate Keeper and tour recording. The camera can automatically move to a preset position upon motion detection in a pre-defined area, and track the detected object.Q6034 provides Advanced Gatekeeper functionality. The camera will automatically move to a preset position when motion is detected in a predefined area Specifications NetworkSecurityPassword protection, IP address filtering, HTTPS encryption, IEEE 802.1X network access control, digest authentication, user access logSupported protocolsIPv4/v6, HTTP, HTTPS*, QoS Layer 3 DiffServ, FTP, SMTP, Bonjour,UPnP, SNMPv1/v2c/v3 (MIB-II), DNS, DynDNS, NTP, RTSP, RTP,TCP, UDP, IGMP, RTCP, ICMP, DHCP, ARP, SOCKS System integrationApplication Programming InterfaceOpen API for software integration, including VAPIX® from Axis Communications available at www.axis.comIntelligent videoVideo motion detection, auto-tracking, Active Gatekeeper,AXIS Camera Application Platform enabling installation ofadditional applicationsAXIS Q6045: Audio detectionAlarm triggersVideo motion detection, auto-tracking, AXIS Camera ApplicationPlatform, PTZ preset, temperature, memory card fullAXIS Q6045: Audio detection, external inputAlarm eventsFile upload via FTP, HTTP and emailNotification via email, HTTP and TCPPTZ preset, guard tour, local storage, auto-trackingPre- and post-alarm video bufferingAXIS Q6045: External output, play audio clipVideo buffer56 MB pre- and post-alarm   GeneralCasingIP66-rated, metal casing (aluminum), acrylic (PMMA) clear domecover pre-mounted to casing, sunshield (polycarbonate)Local storageSD/SDHC memory card slot (Card is not included)Processor and memoryARTPEC-3, 128 MB RAM, 128 MB FlashPowerAXIS Q6045: Power over Ethernet Plus IEEE 802.3at, max. 30 W24-34 V DC, max. 20 W; 20-24 V AC, max. 30 VAAXIS T8123 High PoE Midspan 1-port: 100-240 V ACAXIS Q6045-E: High Power over Ethernet, max. 60 WAXIS T8124 High PoE Midspan 1-port: 100-240 V AC, max. 74 WConnectorsRJ-45 for 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX PoEAXIS Q6045: Multi-connector (cable not included) for AC/DCpower, 4 configurable alarm inputs/outputs, mic in, line monoinput, line mono output to active speakerAXIS Q6045-E: IP66-rated RJ-45 connector kit includedOperating conditionsAXIS Q6045: 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)Humidity 20 - 80% RH (non-condensing)AXIS Q6045-E: -40 °C to 50 °C (-40 °F to 122 °F)Arctic Temperature Control enables camera start-up attemperatures as low as -40 °C (-40 °F)ApprovalsEN 55022 Class B, EN 55024, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3, EN61000-6-1, EN 61000-6-2, FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class B, VCCIClass B, C-tick AS/NZS CISPR22, ICES-003 Class B, EN 60950-1Midspan: EN 60950-1, GS, UL, cUL, CEWeightQ6044: Camera: 2.6 kg (5.7 lb.)Camera with drop-ceiling mount: 3.2 kg (7.1 lb.)Q6044-E: 3.5 kg (7.7 lb.)Included accessoriesClear dome cover, Installation Guide, CD with User’s Manual,recording software, installation and management tools,Windows decoder 1-user licenseAXIS Q6045: AXIS T8123 High PoE Midspan 1-port, smokeddome cover, mounting kit for hard and drop ceilingsAXIS Q6045-E: Sunshield, IP66-rated RJ-45 connector kit,AXIS T8124 High PoE Midspan 1-port   CameraModelsAXIS Q6045 indoorAxis Q6045-E Outdoor-readyImage sensor1/2.8 progressive scan CMOS megapixelLensf=4.4 - 89 mm, F1.6 - 3.5 autofocus, automatic day/night,horizontal angle of view: 62.9° - 3.49° in HDTV 1080pMinimum illuminationColor: 0.6 lux at 30 IRE F1.6B/W: 0.04 lux at 30 IRE F1.6Shutter timeNTSC: 1/30 000 s – 0.5 s, PAL: 1/30 000 s – 1.5 sZoom20x optical and 12x digitalPan/tilt/zoomE-flip, 100 preset positionsPan: 360° endless, 0.05° – 450°/sTilt: 220°, 0.05° – 450°/s20x optical zoom and 12x digital zoom, total 240x zoom   VideoVideo compressionH.264 and Motion JPEGResolutionsHDTV 1080p 1920x1080 to 320x180HDTV 720p 1280x720 to 320x180Frame rate H.264Up to 30/25 fps (60/50 Hz) in HDTV 1080pUp to 60/50 fps (60/50 Hz) in HDTV 720pFrame rate Motion JPEGUp to 25 fps (60/50 Hz) in HDTV 1080pUp to 50 fps (60/50 Hz) in HDTV 720pVideo streamingMultiple, individually configurable streams in H.264 andMotion JPEGControllable frame rate and bandwidthVBR/CBR H.264Image settingsWide dynamic range (WDR), manual shutter time, compression,color, brightness, sharpness, white balance, exposure control,exposure zones, backlight compensation, fine tuning of behaviorat low light, rotation, text and image overlay, 3D privacy mask,image freeze on PTZText and image overlay, privacy mask, image freeze on PTZ   Audio Supported only by indoor Q6045Audio streamingTwo-wayInput/outputRequires multi-connector cable (not included) for externalmicrophone or line input, and line output ### AXIS Indoor Q6044 or Outdoor Q6044E PTZ Dome IP Camera The camera has been discontinued. Alternative Axis Q6075 or Hanwha XNP-6321H For more information see Axis IP Cameras | IP Cameras | IP Surveillance Products | IP NVR Software Features Select Indoor or Outdoor Ready and powered by PoE IEEE 802.3at.1.0 Megapixel 1920x1080 resolution30 x optical zoom with 360 degree panIP-52 rated Arctic Temperature ControlActive Gate Keeper. The camera can automatically move to a preset position upon motion detection in a pre-defined area, and track the detected object. Specifications NetworkSecurityPassword protection, IP address filtering, HTTPS encryption, IEEE 802.1X network access control, digest authentication, user access logSupported protocolsIPv4/v6, HTTP, HTTPS*, QoS Layer 3 DiffServ, FTP, SMTP, Bonjour,UPnP, SNMPv1/v2c/v3 (MIB-II), DNS, DynDNS, NTP, RTSP, RTP,TCP, UDP, IGMP, RTCP, ICMP, DHCP, ARP, SOCKS System integrationApplication Programming InterfaceOpen API for software integration, including VAPIX® from Axis Communications available at www.axis.comIntelligent videoVideo motion detection, active tampering alarm, audio detectionAlarm triggersIIntelligent video and external inputAlarm eventsFile upload via FTP, HTTP and email Notification via email, HTTP and TCP External output activationVideo buffer56 MB pre- and post-alarm GeneralCasingIP66-rated, metal casing (aluminum), acrylic (PMMA) clear domeover pre-mounted to casing, sunshield (polycarbonate)Local storageSD/SDHC memory card slot (Card is not included)Processor and memoryARTPEC-3, 128 MB RAM, 128 MB FlashPowerCamera: High Power over Ethernet, max. 50 WMidspan (included): AXIS T8124 High Power over EthernetMidspan 1-port 100-240 V AC, max. 60 WConnectorsRJ-45 for 10BASE-T/100BASE-TXIP66-rated RJ-45 connector kit includedOperating conditionsQ6044: 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)Humidity 20 - 80% RH (non-condensing)Q6044-E: -40 °C to 50 °C (-40 °F to 122 °F)Arctic Temperature Control enables camera start-up attemperatures as low as -40 °C (-40 °F)ApprovalsEN 55022 Class B, EN 55024, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3, EN61000-6-1, EN 61000-6-2, FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class B, VCCIClass B, C-tick AS/NZS CISPR22, ICES-003 Class B, EN 60950-1Midspan: EN 60950-1, GS, UL, cUL, CEWeightQ6044: Camera: 2.6 kg (5.7 lb.)Camera with drop-ceiling mount: 3.2 kg (7.1 lb.)Q6044-E: 3.5 kg (7.7 lb.)Included accessoriesAXIS T8124 High PoE Midspan 1-port, IP66-rated RJ-45connector kit, clear and smoked dome cover, sunshield,Installation Guide, CD with User's Manual, recording software,installation and management tools, Windows decoder 1-userlicense CameraModelsAXIS Q6044 indoorAxis Q6044-E Outdoor readyImage sensor1/3 inch progressive scan CCD megapixelLensf= 4.4 – 132 mm, F1.4 – 4.6, autofocus Horizontal angle of view: 62.9° – 2.2°Minimum illuminationColor: 0.2 lux at 30 IRE F1.4B/W: 0.04 lux at 30 IRE F1.4Shutter timeNTSC: 1/30 000 s – 0.5 s, PAL: 1/30 000 s – 1.5 sZoom18x optical and 12x digitalPan/tilt/zoomE-flip, 100 preset positionsPan: 360° endless, 0.05° – 450°/sTilt: 220°, 0.05° – 450°/s18x optical zoom and 12x digital zoom, total 216x zoom VideoVideo compressionHH.264 and Motion JPEGResolutionsHDTV 720p 1280x720 to 320x180Frame rate H.264Up to 30/25 fps (60/50 Hz) in HDTV 720pFrame rate Motion JPEGUp to 30 fps (60/50 Hz) in HDTV 720pVideo streamingMultiple, individually configurable streams in H.264 andMotion JPEGControllable frame rate and bandwidthVBR/CBR H.264Image settingsWide dynamic range (WDR), manual shutter time, compression,color, brightness, sharpness, white balance, exposure control,exposure zones, backlight compensation, fine tuning of behaviorat low light, rotation, text and image overlay, 3D privacy mask,image freeze on PTZText and image overlay, privacy mask, image freeze on PTZ ### Anchor RescueMAN Public Address System   Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. As an alternative visit the Anchor Audio website. For your reference, here is information about this product: Anchor RescueMan Public Address System The RescueMAN Personal PA System was designed for first responders requiring voice amplification for emergencies or crowd control situations. 109 dB of crystal clear sound pumped out of a lightweight, wearable enclosure designed to be heard over loud emergency equipment or in an active environment. It also features a high quality record & replay function which allows a user to record a voice message up to 20 seconds with repeating capability. The red siren button provides a loud alert sound that can attract attention in the noisiest environments.   Features of Portable PA System 100 dB of clear sound30 watt amplifier (60 watt peak rating)Reaches crowds up to 100+Lightweight - Just over 2 lbs.High quality record and replay functionUp to 20 second recordable messages with repeating capabilitySiren alert buttonLarge push button for use with gloves onDynamic lightweight microphonePowered with 10 AA alkaline or rechargeable NiMHOperates up to 12 hours on a single chargeOptional car chargerAdjustable strap for easy handling Specifications for AN-130+ The AN-130+ is very light weight and easy to use. Rated Power Output30 wattsMax SPL @ Rated Power100 dB @ 1 meterFrequency Response100 Hz – 15 kHz ± 3 dBSpeaker Type4.0” SpeakerAC PowerExport Model120 VAC, 50/60 Hz (24W max)220 VAC, 50/60 Hz (10W max)Dimensions (HWD)6.75” x 4.6” x 3.4” (17.1 x 11.7 x 8.6 cm)Weight2.15 lbs / .975 KgBattery10 ‘AA’ alkalineConnectionsMicrophone Lo-Z, unbalanced, 1/4” phone (Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice)     Models ModelDescriptionRSM-7500RescueMAN with shoulder strap - no holster (mic and batteries not included)RSM-7500HRescueMAN with holster strap (mic and batteries not included) Optional Accessories The following accessories can be added to the paging system. MIC-50 Handheld microphone 1/4” plugHBM Headband microphone 1/4” plugRC-30 Battery charging kitRC-RSM Car chargerMT-RSM Mounting magnet Technical Support A portable PA system should be selected according to your application. We can help you select the right system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### AXIS Q6042E PTZ Dome IP Camera Outdoor Ready and Powered over PoE The camera has been discontinued. Alternative Axis Q6075 or Hanwha XNP-6321H For more information see Axis IP Cameras | IP Cameras | IP Surveillance Products | IP NVR Software Features Outdoor-readyArctic Temperature ControlHigh Power over EthernetExtended tilt range of 20° above the horizon36 x optical and 12x digital zoomMultiple, individually configurable H.264 and Motion JPEG video streamsLocal storage with a built-in SD/SDHC memory card slotDay and night functionality, progressive scan, 128x wide dynamic range, electronic image stabilization, and E-flip Axis IP PTZ Camera   Specifications NetworkSecurityPassword protection, IP address filtering, HTTPS encryption, IEEE 802.1X network access control, digest authentication, user access logSupported protocolsIPv4/v6, HTTP, HTTPS*, QoS Layer 3 DiffServ, FTP, SMTP, Bonjour,UPnP, SNMPv1/v2c/v3 (MIB-II), DNS, DynDNS, NTP, RTSP, RTP,TCP, UDP, IGMP, RTCP, ICMP, DHCP, ARP, SOCKS System integrationApplication Programming InterfaceOpen API for software integration, including VAPIX® from Axis Communications available at www.axis.comIntelligent videoVideo motion detection, active tampering alarm, audio detectionAlarm triggersIntelligent video and external inputAlarm eventsFile upload via FTP, HTTP and email Notification via email, HTTP and TCP External output activationVideo buffer56 MB pre- and post-alarm   GeneralCasingIP66-rated, metal casing (aluminum), acrylic (PMMA) clear domecover pre-mounted to casing, sunshield (polycarbonate)Local storageSD/SDHC memory card slot (Card is not included)Processor and memoryARTPEC-3, 128 MB RAM, 128 MB FlashPowerCamera: High Power over Ethernet, max. 50 WMidspan (included): AXIS T8124 High Power over EthernetMidspan 1-port 100-240 V AC, max. 60 WConnectorsRJ-45 for 10BASE-T/100BASE-TXIP66-rated RJ-45 connector kit includedOperating conditionsCamera unit: -40 °C to 50 °C (-40 °F to 122 °F)Arctic Temperature Control enables camera start-up attemperatures as low as -40 °C (-40 °FApprovalsEN 55022 Class B, EN 55024, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3, EN61000-6-1, EN 61000-6-2, FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class B, VCCIClass B, C-tick AS/NZS CISPR22, ICES-003 Class B, EN 60950-1Midspan: EN 60950-1, GS, UL, cUL, CEWeight3.5 kg (7.7 lb.)Included accessoriesAXIS T8124 High PoE Midspan 1-port, IP66-rated RJ-45connector kit, clear and smoked dome cover, sunshield,Installation Guide, CD with User's Manual, recording software,installation and management tools, Windows decoder 1-userlicense   CameraModelsAXIS Q6042EImage sensor¼” ExView HAD Progressive Scan CCDLens3.3 – 119 mm, F1.4 – 4.2, autofocus, automatic day/night,horizontal angle of view: 1.7° - 57.2°Minimum illuminationColor: 0.5 lux at 30 IREB/W: 0.008 lux at 30 IREShutter timeNTSC: 1/30 000 s – 0.5 s, PAL: 1/30 000 s – 1.5 sZoom35x optical and 12x digital   VideoVideo compressionH.264 and Motion JPEGResolutionsNTSC: 704x480 to 176x120, PAL: 704x576 to 176x144Frame rate H.26430 fps in all resolutionsFrame rate Motion JPEG30 fps in all resolutionsVideo streamingMulti-stream H.264 and Motion JPEG: 3 simultaneous,individually configured streams in max. resolution at 30/25(NTSC/PAL) fps; more streams if identical or limited in framerate/resolutionControllable frame rate and bandwidthVBR/CBR H.264Image settingsWide Dynamic Range (WDR), Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS),manual shutter time, compression, color, brightness, contrast,sharpness, rotation, aspect ratio correctionText and image overlay, privacy mask, image freeze on PTZ ### AXIS Q17 Series IP Cameras Features of Q17 Family Mega-pixel, High-Resolution videoElectronic Image StabilizationOptical zoom lensPower over Ethernet   AXIS Q17 Megapixel IP Camera Specifications MODELRESOLUTIONFeaturesQ1700-LE (outdoor)2-Megapixel1920 x 108018–137 mm, F2.9–4.1Horizontal field of view: 16°–2.3°Color: 0.16 lux at 50 IRE F1.4B/W: 0.03 lux at 50 IRE F1.40 lux with IR illumination onQ1785-LE (Outdoor)2-Megapixel1920 x 10804.3–137 mm, F1.4–4.0Horizontal field of view: 60°–2.3°Color: 0.16 lux at 50 IRE F1.4B/W: 0.03 lux at 50 IRE F1.40 lux with IR illumination on, 80m (262 ft) rangeQ1786-LE (Outdoor)4-Megapixel2560×14404.3–137 mm, F1.4–4.0Horizontal field of view: 60°–2.3°Color: 0.18 lux at 50 IRE F1.4B/W: 0.04 lux at 50 IRE F1.40 lux with IR illumination onQ1798-LE (Outdoor)4K 10-Megapixel3840×2160Canon 12–48 mm, F1.7–4.0Horizontal field of view: 90°–21°Color: 0.03 lux at 50 IRE F1.7B/W: 0.006 lux at 50 IRE F1.7,0 lux with IR illumination on Discontinued models: Q1755, Q1755-E, Q1765-LE, Q1775, and Q1775-E *-40°C with High PoE, -30°C with PoE 802.3af To learn more select: Dome IP Cameras | Box Cameras | PTZ IP Cameras | More Axis IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras Contact us to learn more about the IP cameras available. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### AXIS Q16-Series IP Camera Series Cameras for Challenging Lighting Conditions Features Outstanding Day / Night Cameras operate in a wide range of LightingQ1615:  2-megapixel, Operates when wide dynamic range is requiredQ1645:  2-MegapixelQ1647:  5-MegapixelAXIS Q1659 (LE): 20-MegapixelSelect indoor or outdoor-ready (LE) IP CamerasEasy installation with remote back focus lets you make focus adjustments remotely Design Note: These cameras compare to the Hanwha X-series bullet cameras. As an example, take a look at the Hanwha XNO-6085R which provides low-light sensitivity of 0.004 Lux (color). It is also more economical. To learn more about the best IP camera for your application, take a look at our article, What is the Best Camera for IP Camera Systems. Q16 IP Camera Outdoor IP Camera AXIS Q1615 and Q1645 IP Camera Series Specifications  Model Resolution Min. Light Specifications (color)AXIS Q1615 MK-II (LE)2-Megapixe (1920 x 1080)0.11 luxAXIS Q1645 (LE)2-Megapixe (1920 x 1080)0.02 luxAXIS Q1647 (LE)5-Megapixel (3072 x 1728)0.12 luxAXIS Q1659 (LE)20-Megapixe (5472x3648)0.04 lux * Indoor versions only** -40°C with High PoE, -30°C with PoE 802.3af Specifications NetworkSecurityPassword protection, IP address filtering, HTTPS encryption, IEEE 802.1X network access control, digest authentication, user access logSupported protocolsIPv4/v6, HTTP, HTTPS, QoS Layer 3 DiffServ, FTP, SMTP, Bonjour, UPnP, SNMPv1/v2c/v3(MIB-II), DNS, DynDNS, NTP, RTSP, RTP, TCP, UDP, IGMP, RTCP, ICMP, DHCP, ARP, SOCKS System integrationApplication Programming InterfaceOpen API for software integration, including VAPIX® from Axis Communications available at www.axis.comIntelligent videoVideo motion detection, active tampering alarm, audio detection Support for AXIS Camera Application Platform enabling installation of additional applicationAlarm actions or triggersIntelligent video and external inputAlarm eventsFile upload via FTP, HTTP, and email Notification via email, HTTP and TCP External output activation Video and audio recording to edge storage Pre- and post-alarm video buffering GeneralLocal storageSD/SDHC memory card slot (card is not included)  PowerAXIS Q1615: max. 6.9 W, PoE Class 3AXIS Q1645-LE: Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3at Type 2 Class 4Typical 12.3 W, max 25.5 WConnectorsRJ-45 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX PoE Terminal block for 1 alarm input and 1 output 3.5 mm mic/line in, 3.5 mm line outOperating conditionsAXIS Q1645-LE: Start-up at -40 °C to 60 °C (-40 °F to 140 °F)ApprovalsAXIS Q1614/Q1615:0.6 kg (1.3 lb.)AXIS Q1614-E/Q1615-E:3.1 kg (6.8 lb.)WeightOutdoor Camera: 6350 g (13.2 lb)Included accessoriesAXIS T94Q01A Wall Mount, AXIS T92G20 Outdoor Housing,connector kit, resistorx® T20 tool, installation guide, Windows®decoder 1-user licenseOptional AccessoriesPoE injectors or midspans are available with 13W or high power with up to 60W. Optional NVR IP software To learn more select: Dome IP Cameras | Box Cameras | PTZ IP Cameras | More Axis IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras Contact us to learn more about the IP cameras available. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Anchor PA Systems These Products Have Been Discontinued Sorry, we no longer provide these systems. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. As an alternative visit the Anchor Audio website. The following information is included for reference only. Anchor PA and Sound Systems from Kintronics Compare to other PA Systems The Anchor public address and sound systems provide excellent sound, durable, lightweight construction and the convenience of portable operation. Anchor is the leader in crystal clear portable sound.  They provide a wide selection of portable paging systems that include wireless microphones, speaker stands, and many other accessories. Select from a wide variety of PA systems that are right for you. Whether you are an entertainer, educator, police, firefighter or have a corporate meeting that needs more sound, Anchor has the system that's right for you. You will notice that there are different classifications of Anchor products. All the systems are portable and some have wireless microphones. There are groups of products that can be used for different applications. Public Address Systems are designed for emergencies. These PA systems are easily carried, operate using battery power, and provide high sound levels to operate in noisy areas. Speaker Monitors are used in smaller environments and a great for classrooms and conference rooms. These are really small sound systems that provide excellent sound range. The AN-1000X is great for both voice and music. There are more sound systems including intercoms and conference room systems. Here is a summary of the sound systems available.   Sound Systems These Anchor Sound Systems provide high-quality sound for voice and music applications. These Public Address systems include many options including wireless microphones, AC or battery operation. The Beacon and Liberty include an option for a built-in MP3 player or CD player, a USB port to charge your iPod or MP3 player, and up to 2 built-in UHF wireless receivers. When you need to provide sound at large outdoor or indoor environments such as sporting events, graduations, or auditoriums select the Beacon with a line array sound system. Here's a summary of the models available: ModelCrowd SizeGoGetterUp to 500ExplorerUp to 500LibertyUp to 1500BeaconUp to 2500   Public Address Systems The Anchor Public Address systems are designed for emergencies. They feature small, battery-powered, sound units that can provide enough sound to be heard over the loudest environments. Take a look at the RescueMAN that includes recordable messages that can repeat. The Little Big Horn directs sound exactly where you need it, and the MegaVox that provides 119 dB of clear sound.   Speaker Monitors for Voice Anchor carries 5 Speaker Monitors that will accommodate any application where you need extra sound. These amplified speaker systems are excellent for medium size rooms. The AN-MINI is a small, battery-operated speaker, and the AN-130+ and AN-135+ are lightweight, powered speakers. They are all popular in classrooms and board rooms as installs, but can also come with a stand or be placed on a shelf. The AN-130+ and the AN-135+ are similar except the AN-130+ adds the option for a wireless microphone. The AN-1000X+ is a more powerful version of the AN-135, with 107 dB of sound output it can reach crowds of over 250 people. It is the most versatile powered speaker monitor on the market. You can add it to an A/V rack setup, use it as a studio monitor, install it in a trade show booth, or place it in the Captain’s quarters on a US Navy warship to monitor activities in the intelligence room.   Conference Room Sound System Anchor provides specialized sound systems for the conference room.  When you have a large conference, where it's difficult to hear everyone, you can this specialized sound system. Multiple microphones amplify the sound so that everyone in the room can hear every speaker. Learn more...   Resources for Public Address Systems The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Technical and Application Articles Let the Recorder Beware This article discusses the legal issues of recording audio. How Loud is Loud This article discusses how to determine how loud your PA system should be and how to specify the type of equipment you need. Blogs Our technical blog provides up to date technical insights about the technology. Or, for a different slant on the technology, take a look at Virginia's blog. Virginia makes it easy to understand the technology. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the technology. Take a look at our latest video describing the IP camera system components and setting objectives. View Videos   Technical Support A portable PA system should be selected according to your application. We can help you select the right system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Go to the Kintronics Home Page for more products. Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information. ### AXIS P5534 and P5534-E HDTV PTZ IP Cameras with H.264 Compression This product has been discontinued. As an alternative select the P5624-E or the Hanwha QNP-6230RH. The following information is for reference only Select Indoor P5534 or Outdoor Ready P5534-E versionHDTV 720p and H.264, 1280 x 720 pixel resolutionP5534 is IP51-rated protection against dust and dripping waterP5534-E is IP66 and Nema 4X ratedHigh Power over Ethernet, compliance with IEEE 802.3at18x optical zoomAdvanced Gatekeeper functionality The outdoor-ready AXIS P5534-E PTZ Dome Network Camera offers outstanding HDTV-quality video and 18x zoom, enabling surveillance of a large area and great details when zooming in. With quick and reliable installation features, it is ideal for city and perimeter surveillance, and for use at airports and train stations. Specifications NetworkSecurityPassword protection, IP address filtering, HTTPS* encryption,IEEE 802.1X* network access control, digest authentication,user access logSupported protocolsIPv4/v6, HTTP, HTTPS*, SSL/TLS*, QoS Layer 3 DiffServ, FTP,SMTP, Bonjour, UPnP, SNMPv1/v2c/v3 (MIB-II), DNS, DynDNS,NTP, RTSP, RTP, TCP, UDP, IGMP, RTCP, ICMP, DHCP, ARP, S   System integrationApplication Programming InterfaceOpen API for software integration, including VAPIX® from AxisCommunications, available at www.axis.comSupport for AXIS Video Hosting System (AVHS) with One-ClickCamera ConnectionIntelligent videoVideo motion detection, audio detectionAlarm triggersIntelligent video, external input, PTZ position, temperature,memory card fullAlarm eventsFile upload via FTP, HTTP and emailNotification via email, HTTP and TCPExternal output, PTZ position, local storage, play audio clipVideo buffer96 MB pre- and post-alarm   GeneralLocal storageSD/SDHC memory card slot (card is not included)Processor and memoryAXIS P1343/P1344: ARTPEC-3, 128 MB RAM, 128 MB FlashAXIS P1346: ARTPEC-3, 256 MB RAM, 128 MB FlashPowerHigh Power over Ethernet IEEE 802.3atAXIS T8123 High PoE Midspan 1-port included: 100-240 VAC24-34 V DC, max. 17 W; 20-24 V AC, max. 23.6 VAP5534-E: High Power over Ethernet (High PoE) IEEE 802.3at, max. 30 WAXIS T8123 High PoE Midspan 1-port included: 100-240 V AC, max. 37 WConnectorsRJ-45 for 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX PoEMulti-connector (cable not included) for power in,4 configurable alarm inputs/outputs, mic in, line mono input,line mono output to active speakerOperating conditions0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)Humidity 20 - 80% RH (non-condensingP5534-E: -20 °C to 50 °C (-4 °F to 122 °F)ApprovalsEN 55022 Class B, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3, EN61000-6-1, EN 61000-6-2, EN 55024, FCC Part 15 Subpart BClass B, ICES-003 Class B, VCCI Class B, C-tick AS/NZS CISPR22, EN 60950-1, KCC Class BIEC 60721-4-3 Class 3K3, 3M3, EN/IEC 60068-2Midspan: EN 60950-1, GS, UL, cUL, CE, VCCI, CB, KCCWeightCamera: 1.9 kg (4.2 lb.)Camera with drop-ceiling mount: 2.3 kg (5.1 lb.)P5534-E: 2.0 kg (4.4 lb.)Included accessoriesAXIS T8123 High PoE Midspan 1-port, mounting kit for hard anddrop ceilings, clear and smoked dome cover, Installation Guide,CD with User's Manual, recording software, instal   CameraModelsAXIS P5534 60 Hz indoorAxis P5534-E outdoor readyImage sensor1/3" Progressive scan CCD 1.3 MegapixelLensZoom 4.7 – 84.6 mm, F1.6 – 2.8, autofocus, automatic day/nightHorizontal angle of view: 3.2° - 55.2°Minimum illuminationDay/night cameraColor: 0.74 lux at 30 IRE F1.6B/W: 0.04 lux at 30 IRE F1.6Shutter time1/10 000 s to 1/4 sPan/Tilt/ZoomE-flip, Auto-flip, 100 preset positionsPan: 360° (with auto-flip), 0.2° - 300°/sTilt: 180°, 0.2° – 300°/s18x optical zoom and 12x digital zoom, total 216x zoomAdvanced Gatekeeper, guard tour, control queueOn-screen directional indicator   VideoVideo compressionH.264 (MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC)Motion JPEGResolutionsHDTV 720p 1280x720 to 320xFrame rate H.264H.264: Up to 30/25 fps (60/50 Hz) in all resolutionsMotion JPEG: Up to 30/25 fps (60/50 Hz) in all resolutionsVideo streamingMultiple, individually configurable streams in H.264 andMotion JPEGControllable frame rate and bandwidthVBR/CBR H.264Image settingsManual shutter time, compression, color, brightness, sharpness, white balance, exposure control, exposure zones, backlight compensation, fine tuning of behavior at low light, rotation, text and image overlay, privacy mask, image freeze on PTZ   AudioAudio streamingTwo-way, half duplexAudio compressionAAC LC 8/16 kHz G.711 PCM 8 kHz G.726 ADPCM 8 kHzConfigurable bit rateAudio input/outputRequires multi-connector cable (not included) for externalmicrophone input or line input and line output ### AXIS P5532 and P5532-E PTZ IP Cameras with 29X Optical Zoom More Axis IP Cameras | More IP Cameras | More IP Surveillance Products | IP NVR Software Fixed Dome Network Cameras for any environment with remote zoom and auto-focus lenses. Provide excellent low light performance. Select from 16 different models that include tamper-proof, vandal-resistant and outdoor-ready as well as Meg-pixel resolution Select Indoor or Outdoor Ready P5532-E Camera29x optical zoom with 360-degree panAllows the camera to continuously follow an objectIndoor camera, IP51-rated protection against dust and dripping waterHigh Power over Ethernet, compliance with IEEE 802.3atSingle Network cable makes installation very easyD1 resolution, H.264, day/night functionalityAdvanced Gatekeeper functionality. The camera will automatically move to a preset position when motion is detected in a predefined area The P5532 With an IP51-rated protection against dust and dripping water, it is ideal for use in airports, train stations, warehouses, and shopping malls. The outdoor-ready AXIS P5532-E PTZ Dome Network Camera provides a cost-effective, pan/tilt/zoom surveillance solution with 29x zoom and high-quality H.264 video in D1 resolution. It is ideal for use in outdoor areas such as parking lots, school grounds and at airports. Specifications NetworkSecurityPassword protection, IP address filtering, HTTPS* encryption,IEEE 802.1X* network access control, digest authentication,user access logSupported protocolsIPv4/v6, HTTP, HTTPS*, SSL/TLS*, QoS Layer 3 DiffServ, FTP,SMTP, Bonjour, UPnP, SNMPv1/v2c/v3 (MIB-II), DNS, DynDNS,NTP, RTSP, RTP, TCP, UDP, IGMP, RTCP, ICMP, DHCP, ARP, SOCKS   Application Programming InterfaceOpen API for software integration, including VAPIX® from AxisCommunications, available at www.axis.comSupport for AXIS Video Hosting System (AVHS) with One-ClickCamera ConnectionIntelligent videoVideo motion detection, audio detection, Advanced GatekeeperAlarm triggersVideo motion detection, audio detection, external input,PTZ position, temperature, memory card fullAlarm eventsFile upload via FTP, HTTP and emailNotification via email, HTTP and TCPExternal output, PTZ position, local storage, play audio clipVideo buffer96 MB pre- and post-alarm   GeneralLocal storageSD/SDHC memory card slot (card is not included)Processor and memoryARTPEC-3, 256 MB RAM, 128 MB FlasPowerHigh Power over Ethernet (High PoE) IEEE 802.3at, max. 30 W20-24 V AC, max. 20 VA24-34 V DC, max. 15 WAXIS T8123 High PoE Midspan 1-port: 100-240 V AC, max. 37 WP5532-e: High Power over Ethernet (High PoE) IEEE 802.3at, max. 30 WAXIS T8123 High PoE Midspan 1-port included: 100-240 V AC, max. 37 WConnectorsRJ-45 for 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX PoEMulti-connector (cable not included) for AC/DC power,4 configurable alarm inputs/outputs, mic in, line mono input,line mono output to active speakerOperating conditions0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)Humidity 20 - 80% RH (non-condensingP5532-E: -20 °C to 50 °C (-4 °F to 122 °F)CasingP5532: IP51-rated metal casing (aluminum), acrylic (PMMA) clear domeP5532-E: IP66- and NEMA 4X-rated metal casing (aluminum), acrylic(PMMA) clear dome, sunshield (PC/ASA)ApprovalsEN 55022 Class B, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3,EN 61000-6-1, EN 61000-6-2, EN 55024, FCC Part15 Subpart B Class B, ICES-003 Class B, VCCI Class B,C-tick AS/NZS CISPR 22, EN 60950-1, KCC Class BIP51IEC 60721-4-3 Class 3K3, 3M3, EN/IEC 60068-2Midspan: EN 60950-1, GS, UL, cUL, CE, FCC, VCCI, CB, KCC,UL-ARWeightCamera: 1.9 kg (4.2 lb.)Camera with drop-ceiling mount: 2.3 kg (5.1 lb.)P5532-E: 2.0 kg (4.4 lb.)Included accessoriesAXIS T8123 High PoE Midspan 1-port, mounting kit for hard anddrop ceilings, clear and smoked dome cover, Installation Guide,CD with User's Manual, recording software, installation andmanagement tools, Windows decoder 1-user license CameraModelsAXIS P5532 60 Hz IndoorAXIS P5532-E 60 Hz OutdoorImage sensor1/4" ExView HAD progressive scan CCDLensf=3.6 – 104.4 mm, F1.43 – 3.67, autofocus, automatic day/nightHorizontal angle of view: 53.1° - 2.0°Minimum illuminationDay/night cameraColor: 0.5 lux at 30 IRE F1.4B/W: 0.01 lux at 30 IRE F1.4Shutter time1/30000 s to 1 s (60 Hz)Camera angle adjustmentE-flip, Auto-flip, 100 preset positionsPan: 360° (with Auto-flip), 0.2° - 300°/sTilt: 180°, 0.2° – 300°/s29x optical zoom and 12x digital zoom, total 348x zoom VideoVideo compressionH.264 (MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC)Motion JPEGResolutionsD1 720x480 to 176x120 (60 Hz)Frame rate H.264H.264: Up to 30/25 fps (60/50 Hz) in all resolutionsMotion JPEG: Up to 30/25 fps (60/50 Hz) in all resolutionsVideo streamingMultiple, individually configurable streams in H.264 and Motion JPEGControllable frame rate and bandwidth VBR/CBR H.264Image settingsWide dynamic range (WDR), electronic image stabilization (EIS),manual shutter time, compression, color, brightness, sharpness,white balance, exposure control, exposure zones, backlightcompensation, fine tuning of behavior at low light, rotation,aspect ratio correction, text and image overlay, privacy mask,image freeze on PTZ   AudioAudio streamingTwo-wayAudio compressionAAC LC 8/16 kHz G.711 PCM 8 kHz G.726 ADPCM 8 kHzConfigurable bit rateAudio input/outputRequires multi-connector cable (not included) for externalmicrophone input or line input and line output More Axis IP CamerasMore IP Cameras More IP Surveillance Products IP NVR SoftwareContact Us ### Anchor MiniVox Lite PA Systems   Sorry, these products have been discontinued. Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network-attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network-attached paging systems. The following products are no longer available: Amplivox | Anchor | Califone | Fender More Anchor Systems | MiniVox | MegaVox | AN-130 | Liberty | Explorer The following information is for reference only: With 30 watts of sound power, the MiniVox Lite Delivers up to 109 dB of clear sound. It's perfect for a crowd size of 50 or more people.Portable PAIt is available with a wired handheld microphone or optional wireless clip-on microphone. This is an ultra portable unit weighing just 3 lbs. The built-in carrying handle and strap makes it easy to travel anywhere. Power provided by: ten AA-size NiMH 2.5 Ah batteries; batteries and battery kit available with Basic and Delux packages. With 30 watts of sound power, the MiniVox Lite Delivers up to 109 dB of clear sound. It's perfect for a crowd size of 50 or more people.Portable PAIt is available with a wired handheld microphone or optional wireless clip-on microphone. This is an ultra portable unit weighing just 3 lbs. The built-in carrying handle and strap makes it easy to travel anywhere. Power provided by: ten AA-size NiMH 2.5 Ah batteries; batteries and battery kit available with Basic and Delux packages. Operation time: 12 hours. Line input allows you to plug in CD player or IPOD ™. Frequency response: 100 Hz - 15 kHz The MiniVox is great for fire fighters, law enforcement, search and rescue squads, tour guides or any person needing voice amplification. Need a system with private sound for your tour group? Take a look at our wireless Tour Guide Systems ### AXIS P335X and P336X Series of IP Cameras with Remote Zoom and Focus Discontinued the alternative is Q-Series Dome Cameras from Hanwha More Axis IP Dome CamerasMore Axis Cameras This 1-megapixel camera has been replaced by higher resolution dome cameras. Fixed Dome Network Cameras for any environment with remote zoom and auto-focus lenses. Provide excellent low light performance. Select from 16 different models that include tamper-proof, vandal-resistant and outdoor-ready as well as Meg-pixel resolution Features Excellent image quality; select standard or HDTV qualityMultiple H.264 streams provide the best bandwidth and storage compression availableSelect the tamper-proof, vandal-resistant or outdoor-ready modelsIntelligent video capabilityPower over EthernetIncludes unique pixel counter featureSelect two ranges of lenses; wide-angle or long-range zoom lenses with p-iris control Specifications NetworkSecurityPassword protection, IP address filtering, HTTPS encryption, IEEE 802.1X network access control, digest authentication, user access log   System integrationApplication Programming InterfaceOpen API for software integration, including VAPIX® from Axis Communications available at www.axis.comIntelligent videoVideo motion detection, active tampering alarm, audio detectionAlarm triggersIntelligent video and external inputAlarm eventsFile upload via FTP, HTTP and email Notification via email, HTTP and TCP External output activationVideo buffer48 MB pre- and post alarm   GeneralCasingPolycarbonate transparent coverAluminum inner camera module with encapsulated electronicsColor: White NCS S 1002-BAXIS P3353/P3354: Tamper-resistant polycarbonate casingAXIS P3363-V/P3364-V: IK10 impact-resistant aluminum casingAXIS P3363-VE/P3364-VE: IP66- and NEMA 4X-rated, IK10 impact-resistant aluminum casing with integrated dehumidifying membraneProcessor and memoryARTPEC-4, 258 MB RAM, 128 MB FlashPowerPower over Ethernet IEEE 802.3afAXIS P3353/P3354/P3363-V/P3364-V: Class 2; max 5.9 WAXIS P3363-VE/P3364-VE: Class 3; max 12.1 W3ConnectorsRJ-45 10BaseT/100BaseTX PoE, DC jack Terminal block for 1 alarm input and 1 output 3.5 mm mic/line in, 3.5 mm line outOperating conditionsAXIS P3353/P3354: 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)Humidity 10 - 85% RH (non-condensing)AXIS P3363-V/P3364-V: 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)Humidity 10 - 85% RH (non-condensing)AXIS P3363-VE/P3364-VE: -40 °C to 55 °C (-40 °F to 131 °F)Humidity 10 - 100% RH (condensing)ApprovalsEN 55022 Class B, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3, EN 55024 FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class B, ICES-003 Class B, VCCI Class B, C-tick AS/NZS CISPR 22, EN 60950-1 Power supply: EN 60950-1, UL, CSAWeightAXIS P3353/P3354: 445 g (1.0 lb.)AXIS P3363-V/P3364-V: 660 g (1.5 lb.)AXIS P3363-VE/P3364-VE: 1.4 kg (3.1 lb.)Included accessoriesInstallation Guide, CD with installation tools, recording software andUser Manual, Windows decoder 1-user license, smoked transparent coverAXIS P3363-V/-VE, AXIS P3364-V/-VE: Connector kitAXIS P3363-VE/P3364-VE: Mounting bracket, 5 m (16 ft.) networkcable with pre-mounted gasket, weather shield   CameraModelsP3353 / P3354 6mm/12mm: Tamper-resistant, indoorAXIS P3363-V /P3364-V 6mm/12mm: Vandal-resistant, indoorAXIS P3363-VE / P3364-VE 6mm/12mm: Vandal-resistant, outdoorImage sensor1/3” Progressive Scan RGB VGA CMOSLensVarifocal, P-iris, IR corrected, remote focus and zoom6mm models: 2.5-6 mm, F1.2, angle of view*: 105°-49°12mm models: 3.3-12 mm, F1.4, angle of view*: 82°-24°* horizontalMinimum illumination6mm models: Color: 0.1 lux, F1.2, B/W: 0.02 lux, F1.212mm models: Color: 0.15 lux, F1.4, B/W: 0.03 lux, F1.4Shutter time1/29500 s to 1/6 sCamera angle adjustmentPan 360°, tilt 170°, rotation 340°   VideoVideo compressionH.264 Motion JPEGResolutionsAXIS P3353, P3363/-V/-VE: 800x600 to 160x90AXIS P3354, P3364/-V/-VE: 1280x960 (approx. 1.3 Mpixels) to 160x90Frame rate H.26430 fps in all resolutionsFrame rate Motion JPEG30 fps in all resolutionsVideo streamingMulti-stream H.264 and Motion JPEG: 3 simultaneous, individually configured streams in max. resolution at 30 fps; more streams if identical or limited in frame rate/resolution Controllable frame rate and bandwidth VBR/CBR H.264Image settingsCompression, color, brightness, sharpness, contrast, white balance exposure control, exposure zones, backlight compensation, wide dynamic range - dynamic contrast, fine tuning of low light behavior. Rotation: 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, including Corridor Format Text and image overlay, privacy mask, mirroring of images   AudioAudio streamingTwo-wayAudio compressionAAC LC 8 kHz 32 kbit/s, 16 kHz 64 kbit/sG.711 PCM 8 kHz 64 kbit/sG.726 ADPCM 8 kHz 32 or 24 kbit/sAudio input/outputBuilt-in microphone, external microphone input or line input, line level output.AXIS P3363-V and AXIS P3364-V: Built-in microphone ### AXIS P3301, P3304 IP Cameras Sorry, this IP Dome camera is no longer available It has been replaced by the Axis P3245 and Hanwha higher resolution cameras. Please look at the economical Q-Series cameras from Wisenet Hanwha or the X-Series Intelligent high-performance cameras. Indoor Dome IP camerasDesigned for indoor applications where discrete and compact design are required. Includes Power over Ethernet (PoE), two-way audio and superior video quality in multiple, efficiently compressed H.264 streams. Features Excellent image qualityAvailable with VGA or HDTV 720i resolutionsMultiple H.264 streams provides the best bandwidth and storage compression availableSelect the tamper-proof or vandal resistant model2-way audioIntelligent video capabilityPower over Ethernet Specifications NetworkSecurityPassword protection, IP address filtering, HTTPS encryption, IEEE 802.1X network access control, digest authentication, user access log   System integrationApplication Programming InterfaceOpen API for software integration, including VAPIX® fromAxis Communications available at www.axis.comAXIS M1054: Support for AXIS Video Hosting System (AVHS)with One-Click Camera connectionIntelligent videoVideo motion detection, active tampering alarmAXIS M1031-W/M1054: Audio detectionAlarm triggersIntelligent video and external inputAlarm eventsFile upload via FTP, HTTP and email Notification via email, HTTP and TCP External output activationVideo buffer64 MB pre- and post alarm   GeneralCasingAXIS P3301: Tamper-resistant casing AXIS P3301-V: 1000 kg (2200 lb.) impact-resistant casingProcessor and memoryARTPEC-3, 128 MB RAM, 128 MB FlashPower4.9 – 5.1 V DC max. 4 W Power over Ethernet IEEE 802.3af Class 2ConnectorsRJ-45 10BaseT/100BaseTX PoE, DC jack Terminal block for 1 alarm input and 1 output 3.5 mm mic/line in, 3.5 mm line outOperating conditions0 – 50 ºC (32 – 122 ºF) Humidity 20 - 80% RH (non-condensing)ApprovalsEN 55022 Class B, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3, EN 55024 FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class B, ICES-003 Class B, VCCI Class B, C-tick AS/NZS CISPR 22, EN 60950-1 Power supply: EN 60950-1, UL, CSAWeightAXIS P3301: 430 g (1.0 lb.), AXIS P3304: 440 g (1.0 lb.)AXIS P3301-V: 580 g (1.3 lb.), AXIS P3304-V: 590 g (1.3 lb.)Included accessoriesPower supply, mounting and connector kits, Installation Guide, CD with installation tools, recording software and User’s Manual, Windows decoder 1-user license   CameraModelsAXIS P3301: Tamper-resistant casingAXIS P3301-V: Vandal-resistant casingP3304: 1MP/HDTV 720p, tamper-resistant casingP3304-V: 1MP/HDTV 720p, vandal-resistant casingImage sensorAXIS P3301: Tamper-resistant casingAXIS P3301-V: Vandal-resistant casingP3304: 1MP/HDTV 720p, tamper-resistant casingP3304-V: 1MP/HDTV 720p, vandal-resistant casingLensAXIS P3301/-V: Varifocal 2.8 - 10 mm, 72° - 23° view*, F1.3,DC-irisAXIS P3304/-V: Varifocal 2.8 - 10 mm, 80° - 22° view*, F1.7,DC-iris*horizontal angle of viewMinimum illuminationAXIS P3301/-V: 1 lux, F1.3AXIS P3304/-V: 0.9 lux F1.7Shutter timeAXIS P3301/-V: 1/20000 s to 1/4 sAXIS P3304/-V: 1/24500 s to 1/6 sCamera angle adjustmentPan 360°, tilt 170°, rotation 340°   VideoVideo compressionH.264 Motion JPEGResolutionsAXIS P3301/-V: 640x480 to 160x120AXIS P3304/-V: 1280x800 to 160x90Frame rate H.26430 fps in all resolutionsFrame rate Motion JPEG30 fps in all resolutionsVideo streamingMulti-stream H.264 and Motion JPEG: 3 simultaneous, individually configured streams in max. resolution at 30 fps; more streams if identical or limited in frame rate/resolution Controllable frame rate and bandwidth VBR/CBR H.264Image settingsCompression, color, brightness, sharpness, contrast, white balance, exposure control, exposure zones, backlight compensation, wide dynamic range, fine tuning of behavior at low light Rotation: 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° Mirroring of images Text and image overlay Privacy mask   AudioAudio streamingTwo-way, half duplexAudio compressionAAC LC 8 kHz 32 kbit/s, 16 kHz 64 kbit/sG.711 PCM 8 kHz 64 kbit/sG.726 ADPCM 8 kHz 32 or 24 kbit/sAudio input/outputBuilt-in microphone, external microphone input or line input, line level output ### AXIS Day Night Megapixel IP Cameras P13 Series IP Cameras Features of IP Cameras Select indoor or outdoor-ready IP Cameras with a range of resolutionOptional Outdoor-ready models (-E), IP66 ratedDay-Night CamerasLocal storageEasy installation with remote back focus lets you make focus adjustments remotely Axis Indoor IP Camera Outdoor IP Camera AXIS Day and Night Megapixel IP Cameras Specifications MODELRESOLUTIONFeaturesP1375 (Indoor)P1375-E (outdoor)2-Megapixel 1920 x 1080Varifocal 2.8–10 mm, F1.2Horizontal field of view: 121°–33°Color: 0.05 lux, at 50 IRE F1.2B/W: 0.01 lux, at 50 IRE F1.2P1367 (Indoor)P1367-E (Outdoor)5-Megapixel3072×1728Varifocal 2.8–8.5 mm, F1.2Horizontal field of view: 104°–36°Color: 0.15 luxB/W: 0.03 lux, at 50 IRE F1.2P1368-E (Outdoor)8-Megapixel4K 3840×2160Varifocal 2.8–8.5 mm, F1.2Horizontal field of view: 72°–45° With IK10 protection in the front windowHorizontal field of view: 83°–45° Without IK10 protection in the front windowColor: 0.16 luxB/W: 0.03 lux, at 50 IRE F1.3 General Information Discontinued models: P1353, P1353-E, P1355, P1355-E, P1357, and P1357-E * Indoor versions only-40°C with High PoE, -30°C with PoE 802.3af ** Outdoor versions: -40 °C to 55 °C (-40 °F to 131 °F), Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3af/802.3at Type 1 Class 3,max 9.2 W, typical 5.3 W Select: Dome IP Cameras | Box Cameras | PTZ IP Cameras | More Axis IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras Contact us to learn more about the IP cameras available. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### AXIS M7001 Video Encoder The Axis M7011 replaced the M7001 video encoder Axis M7011 Video Encoder Specifications VideoSystem integrationVideocompression>H.264 Motion JPEGApplication programming interfaceOpen API for software integration, including VAPIX®from Axis Communications available at www.axis.comIntelligent videoVideo motion detectionResolutions176x144/176x120 (PAL/NTSC) to 720x576/720x480 (PAL/NTSC)Alarm triggersIntelligent videoFrame rate H.264 and MJPEG>30/25 (NTSC/PAL) fps in all resolutionsAlarm eventsFile upload via FTP, HTTP and emailNotification via email, HTTP and TCPPTZ presetsVideo streamingMultiple, individually configurable streams in H.264 and Motion JPEGControllable frame rate and bandwidthVBR/CBR H.264Video buffer96 MB pre- and post-alarmImage settingsCompression, color, brightness, contrast, saturation, rotationAspect ratio correction, mirroring of imagesText overlayPrivacy maskDeinterlace filterGeneral Pan/Tilt/ZoomWide range of analog PTZ cameras supported (drivers available for download at www.axis.com) 20 presets, guard tour, PTZ control queueSupports Windows compatible joysticksCasingStandalone or wall mount Processor and memoryARTPEC-3, 64 MB RAM, 128 MB FlashNetworkPower>Power over Ethernet IEEE 802.3af Class 2SecurityPassword protection, IP address filtering, HTTPS encryption,digest authentication, user access logConnectorsAnalog composite video BNC input, NTSC/PAL auto-sensingRJ-45 10BaseT /100BaseTX PoE2.5 mm (0.1”) analog composite video tele plug inputRS-422/RS-485Supported protocolsIPv4/v6, HTTP, HTTPS, SSL/TLS, QoS Layer 3 DiffServ, FTP,CIFS/SMB, SMTP, Bonjour, UPnPTM, SNMP v1/v2c/v3(MIB-II),DNS, DynDNS, NTP, RTSP, RTP, SFTP, TCP, UDP, IGMP, RTCP, ICMP,DHCP, ARP, SOCKS, SSHOperating conditions>0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)Humidity 20 - 80% RH (non-condensing)  ApprovalsEN 55022 Class B, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3, EN 55024, EN61000-6-1, EN 61000-6-2, FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class B,ICES-003 Class B, VCCI Class B, C-tick AS/NZS CISPR 22, EN60950-1  Weight>82 g (0.18 lb.)The video encoder can feed power to the small covert camera that is included in the AXIS M7001 Covert Surveillance Kit.The M7001kit kit consists of one AXIS M7001 Video Encoder and one small IP66-rated covert camera.Included accessoriesMounting kit, Installation Guide, CD with installation andmanagement tools, software, and User’s Manual, 1 Windowsdecoder user license Contact us for help in selecting the right video encoder for your application. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else. or use our contact form.  ### AXIS M10 Series IP Cameras Axis M10 IP Camera Specifications These Economical IP cameras have the following features: Functional and smart designEasy and flexible installationWireless connectivityIntruder alarm capabilitiesBuilt-in microphone and speakerEdge storage Contact us for help with your application and pricing. M10 Series Specifications MODELRESOLUTIONLENS and LIGHT SENSITIVITYM1045-LWWireless2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens: 2.8mm fixedColor: 0.25 lux at 50 IRE F2.0IR IlluminatorM1065-LPoE, Mic/speaker2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens: 2.8mm fixed, 110-degree0.25 lux at 50 IRE F2.4IR IlluminatorM1065-LWWireless, Mic/speaker2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens: 2.8 mmColor: 0.25 lux at 50 IRE F2.0IR Illuminator Discontinued Models: include M1004-W, M1013, M1033-W, M1034-W, and M1054. NetworkDetailsSecurityPassword protection, IP address filtering, HTTPSaencryption,IEEE 802.1X (EAP-TLS)network access control, digestauthentication, user access logWPA/WPA2-PSK, WPA, WPA2 Enterprise, WLAN pairing button(WPS) PBC-compatible,Brute force delay protectionSupported protocolsIPv4/v6, HTTP, HTTPS**, QoS Layer 3 DiffServ, FTP, SMTP, Bonjour, UPnP, SNMPv1/v2c/v3(MIB-II), DNS, DynDNS, NTP, RTSP, RTP, TCP, UDP, IGMP, RTCP, ICMP, DHCP, ARP, SOCKS System integrationDetailsApplication Programming InterfaceOpen API for software integration, including VAPIX® andAXIS Camera Application Platform; specifications at axis.comAXIS Guardian with One-Click ConnectionONVIF® Profile G, ONVIF® Profile S and ONVIF® Profile T;specifications at onvif.orgIntelligent videoAXIS Video Motion Detection, active tampering alarm Supported.AXIS Cross Line Detection, AXIS Digital Autotracking. Support for AXIS Camera Application Platform enabling installation of third-party applicationsAlarm triggersAnalytics,edge storage eventsAlarm eventsFile upload: FTP, HTTP, network share and email. Notification: email, HTTP, HTTPS and TCP. Video recording to edge storage, activation of IR-LED, overlay text. Pre- and post-alarm video buffering GeneralPower4.9 – 5.1 V DC, max. 6.5 W AXIS M1054: Power over Ethernet IEEE 802.3af Class 2 (max. 6.49W)ConnectorsDC jack, RJ-45 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX AXIS M1054: 1 alarm input and 1 outputOperating conditions0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)Weight126 g (0.28 lb) To learn more select: Dome IP Cameras | Box Cameras | PTZ IP Cameras | More Axis IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras Contact us to learn more about the IP cameras available. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Axis IP PTZ Cameras Axis PTZ IP Cameras - Pan Tilt Zoom A pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) camera is best for viewing very large areas. These network-attached cameras allow you to remotely control PTZ providing a very wide area of coverage. You can actually recognize a person's face from over 600 ft (182 m) away using a high-performance PTZ camera. PTZ usually requires a person to view the video and control the camera, but you can set these cameras on a patrol mode (or touring) so they automatically move to pre-programmed locations. It is best to use an IP PTZ camera with video management software that helps to control the camera and use motion detection to determine when to record the video. Select the economical M50 series with pan and tilt for economical indoor applications. It uses the digital zoom available with its megapixel camera. The P54 series include megapixel resolution and are designed to be mounted on outside walls. The P55 series has been replaced by the P56 series and provides increased zoom and more flexibility. The Q60 series is designed for mission-critical applications. They provide high-speed pan and tilt movement, megapixel resolution, and include advanced intelligent video functions. Take a look at our Axis PTZ comparison chart for more details. Select: Dome Axis IP Cameras | Box Cameras | More Axis IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras M50 Series Dome Cameras The M50 series are economical small indoor PTZ IP cameras. These economical cameras include pan and tilt motors and use the digital zoom of the camera. Cameras - with 71° Horizontal field of view, 5x optical zoom, and autofocus The M5054, M5055, and M5065 are very small PTZ cameras.  They include optical and digital zoom. The digital zoom provides a limitation to the clarity you will see as you increase the digital zoom. The more you zoom in the less detail you will see. Hanwha has small PTZ cameras that are similar to the Axis cameras and can be considered if you need better optical PTZ. Contact us to discuss all the options. Axis PTZ Camera The M50 series PTZ cameras are available in the vandal-resistant design. You can select from the models shown below. M50 Series PTZ Camera Specifications MODELRESOLUTIONFEATURESM50541 MP, 1280 x 7200.9 lux min light sensitivity Built-in microphoneM50552 MP, 1920 x 10801.2 lux min light sensitivity Built-in microphoneM5065  2 MP, 1920 x 10801.2 lux min light sensitivityBuilt-in microphone Wireless I-O for Z-Wave Plus devices Discontinued models: M5013 (V), and M5014 (V  M55 Series PTZ Camera The AXIS M5525-E PTZ Network Camera is a compact pan-tilt-zoom camera with HDTV 1080p resolution, 10x optical zoom, and autofocus. This indoor/outdoor camera is a low-cost PTZ camera. MODELRESOLUTIONFEATURESM55525-E1920 x 10804.7–47 mm, F1.6–3.0 Color: 0.55 lux at 50 IRE F1.6 B/W: 0.01 lux at 50 IRE F1.6 Two-way audio P54 Series of PTZ IP Cameras The P54 series of IP dome cameras are designed to look good on a wall. Since they can be repainted, they can blend in with many different surfaces. These PTZ cameras provide 18X optical zoom lenses and can be used in applications where there is some outdoor lighting. The low light sensitivity is not as good as some of the other models available. They include two-way audio capability and Input/output connections for sensing and controlling doors. P54 Series PTZ Cameras There is a choice of two-megapixel resolution cameras. P54 Series IP PTZ Camera Specifications MODELRESOLUTIONFEATURESP5414-E1 MP, 1280 x 7200.4 lux min light sensitivity 18X zoom Pan range +/- 135-degreesBuilt-in microphoneM5415-E2 MP, 1920 x 10800.5 lux min light sensitivity 18X zoom Pan range +/- 135-degrees Built-in microphone P55 Series of PTZ IP Cameras This series has been discontinued, see the P56 series The P55 series of IP PTZ cameras are low-resolution cameras that have been replaced by higher resolution models. They were used for indoor and outdoor applications. They provided megapixel capability and can be used in many applications where you need up to 18X zoom. Low light sensitivity is not as good as the more expensive models, but they can be used in areas where there is adequate lighting. Discontinued P55 Series IP PTZ Cameras The following cameras have been discontinued: P5512 (-E), P5522 (-E), P5532, and P5534 (-E). The series has been replaced by the P56 cameras P56 Series of PTZ IP Cameras The P56 series are cost-effective PTZ cameras. The AXIS P5624-E Mk II and AXIS P5635-E Mk II provide continuous 360° pan, day/night functionality for superb low light performance, It includes the Axis’ Wide Dynamic Range – Forensic Capture (120 dB) that provides details in both very bright and dark areas of a scene, focus recall that provides instant focus in a predefined area, shock detection that sends an alarm when the camera is hit, intelligent video such as Advanced Gatekeeper, Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) and an SD card slot for local storage of recordings. These network cameras also include Axis' Zipstream technology that significantly reduces bandwidth and storage requirements. P56 Series IP PTZ Camera Specifications MODEL RESOLUTION FEATURES P5624-E Mk II 1 MP, 1280 x 720 0.2 lux min light sensitivity 23X zoom Pan 360-degrees P5635-E Mk II 2 MP, 1920 x 1080 0.2 lux min light sensitivity 30X zoom Pan 360-degrees Built-in microphone Q60 Series IP PTZ Cameras The Q60 series of PTZ IP dome cameras are high-performance cameras with many advanced features. They include 360° endless pan. There is a choice of resolution from 1-megapixel to the 2-megapixel 1920 x 1080 models. All these PTZ cameras include enhanced intelligent video functions to improve security. The PTZ cameras are available for indoor and outdoor applications. There are choices of enclosures such as stainless steel for harsh environments and for extremely cold temperatures. There is even a model that includes active cooling so the camera can operate at temperatures of 75° C (165° F). If you need an IP camera with WDR and a different resolution or lens, take a look at the Sony IP cameras. Note the suffix on the model numbers indicate the following:(C) - Active cooling(E) - Outdoor model(S) - Pressurized and stainless steel enclosure Q60 Series Axis PTZ Cameras Q60 Series IP PTZ Camera Specifications MODELRESOLUTIONFEATURESQ6054 Mk III (C,S)1 MP, 1280 x 7200.1 lux min light sensitivity 30X zoom Pan 360-degrees Image stabilizationQ6055-E2 MP, 1920 x 10800.3 lux min light sensitivity 32X zoom Pan 360-degrees Available as indoor, wide temperature range, and stainless versions Discontinued models Q6042 (C,S), Q6044 (C,S), and Q6045 (C,S) AXIS Q6000-E Mk II PTZ Network Camera Q6000 Axis PTZ Camera The Axis Q6000-E Mk II is an add-on camera system that integrates with any AXIS Q60-E camera.  It offers a full overview to detail in one click, enabling 360°  overview while simultaneously capturing every detail with high pan/tilt/zoom precision. Its four 2-megapixel sensors provide a panoramic field of view over large areas. However, if a camera view is not needed for overview purposes, you can replace its original lens with either a 6 mm or 16 mm lens, upgrade its resolution to HDTV 1080p, and use it to focus on an area of specific interest. This situational awareness solution delivers full overview video from AXIS Q6000-E Mk II and the zoomed-in view from AXIS Q60-E. Features: Light sensitivity Color: 0.3 lux, F2.0Lens:  Fixed focus, Fixed iris, F2.0, Focal length: 1.37 mmHorizontal field of view default mode (4:3) 113°Horizontal field of view (16:9) 152°Vertical field of view (4:3 and 16:9) 85°Resolution: 4 x 1280x720 (HDTV 720p) to 320x180 Axis Q61 Series of PTZ Cameras These high-end PTZ cameras have the ability to tilt up to 20-degrees above the horizon. The cameras provide very fast pan and tilt speed. The Q6125-LE is the only model with IR illumination. The cameras can withstand extreme temperatures, all the way down to -50 °C (-58 °F), and start-up at -40 °C (-40 °F) thanks to Arctic Temperature Control. Comparison of Q61 Series PTZ Cameras MODELRESOLUTIONFEATURESQ6124-E1280x720Color: 0.15 lux at 30 IRE F1.6 B/W: 0.008 lux at 30 IRE F1.630X zoom: 4.3-129 mm, F1.6-4.7Q6125-LE1920x10800.15 lux min light sensitivity 30X zoom: 4.3-129 mm, F1.6-4.7 Built-in IR: With 30 W midspan: Range of reach 150 m (492 ft) or more depending on the scene With 60 W midspan: Range of reach 200 m (656 ft) or more Color: 0.1 lux at 30 IRE, F1.6 B/W: 0.008 lux at 30 IRE, F1.6, 0 lux with IR illumination onQ6155-E1920x1080Color: 0.15 lux at 30 IRE, F1.6 B/W: 0.01 lux at 30 IRE, F1.630X zoomLaser focus, forensic captureQ6128-E4K resolution 3840x21600.45 lux min light sensitivity 12X zoom Note: 212 and 214 PTZ Cameras have been discontinued The 212 was one of the earliest PTZ cameras. It was made by Canon and resold by Axis. The latest PTZ cameras have dramatically increased performance. Technical Support Which camera is best? It depends on what your objectives are. IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Axis IP Dome Cameras Axis Dome IP Cameras You can select from a variety of economical or high-performance dome IP network-attached cameras. Dome cameras are designed to be unobtrusive and nice looking. They are also easy to install. The high-end models include remote zoom and focus lenses. All these IP cameras are powered using PoE. Select: Dome Axis IP Cameras | PTZ Axis IP Cameras | Box Cameras | More Axis IP Cameras | Other IP Cameras Select the economical M30 series with a fixed lens for economical indoor applications, the M31-VE series ultra-discreet design, or the high-performance P33 series for indoor and outdoor applications where you require good low light sensitivity. Competition: Comparable IP cameras are also available from Hanwha. For example, the Hanwha (Samsung) WiseNet dome cameras have excellent price-performance. For example, take a look at the Hanwha XNV-6080, and compare its low-light performance to the Axis P3375-LVE. It has better low-light sensitivity of 0.015 Lux (color) compared to 0.16 lux (color) provided by the Axis P3375-LVE. To learn more about the best IP camera for your application, take a look at our article, What is the Best Camera for IP Camera Systems. Remember that the cameras are just one part of the surveillance and security system. You also need video management software (VMS) or network video recorder (NVR) to record your video. You will also need to determine the right lens, computer, and enclosures. Contact us and we will make sure you have everything you need. More Axis cameras area available.  The Axis box IP cameras are similar to the bullet cameras available from other manufacturers. To help select the right camera, take a look at our IP dome comparison chart. M30 Series Dome Cameras The M30 series are economical small indoor dome IP cameras. These small and economical cameras include fixed wide lenses, so they have to be positioned to view the area you want to see. Some models include very wide-angle lenses so you can see over 180-degree view. The dome cameras are dust and vandal resistant. The M3014 is an ultra-discreet dome camera that fits nicely in a drop ceiling while some other models can be used outdoors. You can select from a number of models shown below.   If you need an inexpensive dome camera with a variable lens that can be easily adjusted to your application, take a look at the Samsung SNV-L6083R dome camera.  It includes a 2.8 to 12 mm variable lens. M30 Series IP Cameras Specifications and Comparison Table MODELRESOLUTIONLENS and LIGHT SENSITIVITY     M3015 2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens: 2.8mm fixed   Color: 0.25 lux at 50 IRE F2.0 M30163-MP, 2016x1512Lens: 1.8, Horizontal field of view: 132°,0.35 lux at 50 IRE F2.4     M3025 2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens: 2.8 mm   77° Color: 0.8-100000 lux, F2.0, B/W: 0.16 lux, F2.0, 0 lux with IRillumination on Panoramic IP Cameras Outdoor ready M3037-PVE 5-MP, 2592x1944Fixed, 1.27 mm, F2.0, M12 mount, Fixed Iris, IR correctedHorizontal field of view: 187°Color: 0.3-200000 luxB/W: 0.06 lux   M3048-P(Indoor) 12-MP, 2880x2880Lens: Fixed focus, 1.65 mmHorizontal field of view: 185°0.35 lux at 50 IRE F2.8    M3068-P Panoramic 12-MP Dome Features 360-degree panoramic viewSmall Discreet cameraMin illumination: 0.32 lux color, 0.06 lux B/WBuilt-in micPoE power Axis-M3068P M3075-V 2-MP mini dome with mic Mini dome with built-in microphone Fixed 3.1 mm lens102-degree lens angleColor 0.2 lux color, 0.004 lux B/WOne-way audio with built-in mic.Operating temp: 0° to 45° C, 32° to 113° F) Axis M3075-V M31-R Series of Dome IP Cameras for Mobile Surveillance Applications Discontinued The M31-R series of IP dome cameras, designed for mobile applications have been discontinued. As an alternative take a look at the Hanwha XNV-6022RM. This camera includes the M12 network connection designed for high vibration applications. Economical Series of Dome IP Cameras This series of IP dome cameras are designed for small areas such as doorways. They are best used at the outside entrance of buildings. These small dome cameras are encased in a UV-resistant casing with a weather shield and have protection against rain, snow, sun, and dust. They can operate in temperatures from 50 °C (122 °F) down to -20 °C (-4 °F). The IP dome cameras are designed for easy installation. There is a choice of SVGA and HDTV 720p resolution. M31-VE Series IP Camera Specifications MODELFEATURES P3904-R Mk II 1280x720 Color: 0.15 lux at 50 IRE F2.0 Lens: 3.6 mm, F2.0, Horizontal field of view: 87°  -40 °C to 60 °C (-22 °F to 140 °F) M3025-VE 1920x1080 Color: 0.8-100000 lux, F2.0, B/W: 0.16 lux, F2.0 -30 °C to 50 °C (-22 °F to 122 °F) 3.6 mm, F2.0Horizontal field of view: 91° AXIS M31 Network Camera Series Compact flat-faced domes with IR illumination All of the cameras in the AXIS M31 Series feature Axis HDTV video quality – from 720p to 4MP. They also include advanced Axis technologies such as Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and Zipstream, which maximizes image quality and minimizes bandwidth and storage needs. Advanced video analytics is supported. Features: Built-in IR illuminationHDTV video quality – from 720p to 4MPAxis’ Zipstream technologySupports video analyticsDiscreet and flexibleFast, easy, cost-effective installation Small IP Dome Camera Specification M3104-L/LVE M3105-L/LVE M3106-L/LVE Max video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080 2688x1520 HDTV resolution 720p 1080p 1080p Horizontal field of view 80 115 115 Min illumination/ light sensitivity (Color) 0.2 0.2 0.2 Built-in IR  Yes  Yes  Yes WDR technology WDR - Forensic Capture WDR - Forensic Capture WDR - Forensic Capture Zipstream  Yes  Yes  Yes Local storage  Yes  Yes  Yes Power over Ethernet  Yes  Yes  Yes Vandal-resistant  LVE- Yes  LVE- Yes  LVE- Yes Vandal rating  /LVE - IK08  /LVE - IK08   /LVE - IK08 M32 Series of Dome IP Cameras M3205-LVE Dome Camera 2-Megapixel resolutionIR-IlluminationWide 100° horizontal viewMinimum illumination: 0.2 lux (color), 0.04 lux B/W, 0 lux with IR illuminationBuilt-in microphone M3206-LVE Dome IP Camera 4-Megapixel resolutionIR-IlluminationWide 105° horizontal viewMinimum illumination: 0.22 lux (color), 0.05lux B/W, 0 lux with IR illuminationBuilt-in microphone P32 Network Camera Series The P32 series IP dome cameras are professional IP cameras with many advanced features. There is a choice of resolution from 2.0-Megapixel to the 8-Megapixel 3840x2160 model. All the dome cameras include p-iris lenses that provide better depth of field at low light levels than standard auto-focus lenses. The IP cameras include Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) that improve image clarity when viewing a scene that has very wide light ranges. For example, viewing a person in front of a glass window, WDR allows you to see both the person and the people outside in bright sunlight. All models include remote zoom and focus. Note the suffix on the model numbers indicate the following: (V) - Vandal-resistant model (E) - Outdoor model (L) - IR illuminator light P3245-LVE Dome IP Camera 2-Megapixel resolutionIR-IlluminationVarifocal, 3.4–8.9 mm lens, 100° - 36°(Minimum illumination: 0.1 lux (color), 0.02 lux B/W, 0 lux with IR illuminationTwo-way audio P3247-LVE Dome IP Camera 5-Megapixel resolutionIR-IlluminationVarifocal, 3–8 mm lens, 104° - 40°(Minimum illumination: 0.13 lux (color), 0.02 lux B/W, 0 lux with IR illuminationTwo-way audio P3248-LVE Dome IP Camera 4K resolution (8-Megapixel, 3840x2160) IR-IlluminationVarifocal, 4.3–8.6 mm lens, 100°–53°(Minimum illumination: 0.14 lux (color), 0.02 lux B/W, 0 lux with IR illuminationTwo-way audio P33 Series IP Dome Cameras with Manual Zoom and Focus The P33 series IP dome cameras are economical cameras with many advanced features. There is a choice of resolution from 1.0 Megapixel to the 5-Megapixel 2592 x 1944 model. All the dome cameras include p-iris lenses that provide better depth of field at low light levels than standard auto-focus lenses. The IP cameras include Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) that improve image clarity when viewing a scene that has very wide light ranges. For example, viewing a person in front of a glass window, WDR allows you to see both the person and the people outside in bright sunlight. As an alternative, if you need an IP camera with WDR and different resolution or lens, take a look at the Sony IP cameras. All models include remote zoom and focus. Note the suffix on the model numbers indicate the following: (V) - Vandal-resistant model (E) - Outdoor model (L) - IR illuminator light More ... P33 Series IP Camera Specifications MODELRESOLUTIONLENS and LIGHT SENSITIVITY   P3375-LV (indoor) P3575-LVE (Outdoor) 2-MP, 1920 x 1080Varifocal, 3–10 mm, F1.4 Color: 0.16 lux, F1.4B/W: 0.03 lux, F1.4, 0 lux with IR illumination on   P3367-V (Indoor) P3367-VE (Outdoor) 5-MP, 2592x19443–9 mm, F1.2Horizontal field of view: 84°–30°Color: 0.2 lux, F1.2, B/W: 0.04 lux, F1.2 Axis Q35 Series The Axis Q35 Series IP cameras consist of vandal-resistant, indoor and outdoor-ready fixed domes that deliver high image quality up to 100/120 fps in HDTV 1080p, and up to 30 fps in HDTV 1080p with WDR enabled. The cameras’ Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) – Axis calls this “Forensic Capture” capability which provides perfectly balanced video quality in scenes with strong variations in light.  Lightfinder technology enables outstanding image usability in poor light. The Q35 Series also supports Axis’ Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), which greatly improves video quality in situations where the camera is subject to vibration. Furthermore, the cameras support barrel distortion correction and include optical zoom that can be used when monitoring a scene. ModelQ3515-LV, LVEQ3517-LV, SVE MK IIMax video resolution1920x10803072x1728Sensor size in megapixel 2.15HDTV resolution1080pover 1080pLightfinder✓ ✓Image stabilization✓Remote Zoom✓✓Day and Night functionality✓✓Two-way audio✓✓Alarm inputs/outputs22Remote focus✓✓Power over Ethernet✓✓Zipstream✓ IP Camera with 4K Resolution AXISQ3518-LVE This is a vandal-resistant outdoor dome camera with 8-Megapixel sensor providing 4K resolution. Specifications Lens: Varifocal, 4.3-8.6mm, F1.5Horizontal field of view: 93°–48°Remote zoom and focusMinimum IlluminationColor 0.15 lux, B/W 0.03Video compressionH.264Resolution3840 x 2160 IR Illumination40 m (130ft.)AudioFull Duplex Note: the models Model Q3504-V, VE, and Q3505-V, SVE MK II have been discontinued and replaced by the models above. Axis Q36 Series The Axis Q36 Series IP cameras consist of vandal-resistant, indoor and outdoor-ready fixed domes that include remote PTRZ pan/tilt/roll/zoom feature. This remote aim and focus feature allow for exceptionally speedy and efficient installation to keep costs and time low. And, if circumstances sometimes require you to readjust the view of the camera, remote PTRZ makes it possible to make changes from afar, without ever pausing the recording. The cameras’ Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) – Axis calls this “Forensic Capture” capability which provides perfectly balanced video quality in scenes with strong variations in light.  Lightfinder technology enables outstanding image usability in poor light. ModelQ3615-VEQ3617-VEMax video resolution1920x10803072x2048Sensor size in megapixel 2.146 MP (without WDR)HDTV resolution1080pover 1080pLightfinder • •Remote Pan, Tilt, Rotate, Zoom (PTRZ) • •Minimum IlluminationColor: 0.1 lux at 50 IRE, F1.6; B/W: 0.02 lux at 50 IRE, F1.6Color: 0.15 lux at 50 IRE, F1.6; B/W: 0.03 lux at 50 IRE, F1.6Day and Night functionality • •Zipstream • •Power over Ethernet • •Remote focus • •    Technical Support IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. ### Axis IP Box Cameras Axis Box IP Cameras You can select from a variety of economical or high-performance Box IP network-attached cameras. Box cameras are designed for flexibility and can be used in many different applications. The cameras come with a lens, but it can be changed for specific viewing requirements. Many of these IP cameras are powered using PoE making them easy to install. Select Box IP Cameras | Axis Dome IP Cameras | PTZ Axis IP Cameras | More Axis IP Cameras | Other IP cameras Select the economical M10 series with a fixed lens for economical indoor applications, the M11 series when you need more flexibility, the P13 series for high quality indoor and outdoor performance, and the Q17 family for challenging lighting conditions. Remember that the cameras are just one part of the surveillance and security system. You also need video management software to record your video, the right lens, computer, and enclosures. Contact us and we will make sure you have everything you need.  To help you select the right camera take a look at our IP camera comparison chart. M10 Series of Cameras The M10 series is economical small indoor IP cameras. These small and economical cameras include fixed wide-angle lenses, so they have to be positioned to view the area you want to see. Some models support wireless connections, while others include built-in mics and speakers so you can actually talk to anyone you see. These cameras have fixed lenses so are best used to view doorways and small rooms. You can select from a number of models shown below. View More Details ... M10 IP Camera Specification MODELRESOLUTIONLENS and LIGHT SENSITIVITYM1045-LW   Wireless 2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens: 2.8mm fixed   Color: 0.25 lux at 50 IRE F2.0 IR Illuminator M1065-L   PoE, Mic/speaker 2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens: 2.8mm fixed, 110-degree0.25 lux at 50 IRE F2.4IR IlluminatorM1065-LW   Wireless, Mic/speaker 2-MP, 1920 x 1080Lens: 2.8 mm   Color: 0.25 lux at 50 IRE F2.0 IR Illuminator     Models discontinued include M1004-W, M1013, M1033-W, M1034-W, and M1054. Pricing changes frequently so it is best to contact us for a quote. We will also help you with video recording systems and everything else you need for your complete IP camera system. M11-Series of Axis IP Cameras The M11 series of IP cameras are cost-effective box cameras. They all come with lenses and most can be changed to fit specific applications, except for the M1114-L which has a special variable lens. It also includes a small IR illuminator. You can select 800 x 600 resolution or 1280 x 800. Since they have limited low light sensitivity they are designed for indoor or outdoor applications where there is good lighting. The cameras are small and include a wall mount bracket. The following comparison chart provides more details about the cameras available. You can also select the model numbers for more information. M11 Series IP Camera Specifications MODELRESOLUTIONLENS and LIGHT SENSITIVITYM1124   M1124E (outdoor) 1.3-MP, 1280x720Lens: DC-iris, 3–10.5 mmHorizontal field of view: 91°–32Color: 0.25 lux at 50 IRE F2.0, B/W: 0.05 lux F1.4M1125   M1125E (outdoor) 2-MP, 1920 x 1080DC-iris, 3–10.5 mmHorizontal field of view: 91°–32°2 lux at 50 IRE F2.4M1145-L2-MP, 1920 x 10803-10.5 mm, F1.4Horizontal field of view: 95°-34°0.4 lux at 50 IRE F2.4    P13 Series IP Cameras The P13 series IP box cameras are high-performance cameras with very good low light sensitivity. There is a choice of resolution from 800 x 600 to the 5-megapixels 2592 x 1944 model. The 2 Mpixel and 5 Mpixel cameras include p-iris lenses that improve image clarity and depth of field at high and low light levels. They all include onboard storage slots and provide two-way audio that makes them a good choice for applications that require intercoms. Take a look at our comparison chart which compares the M11 series, P13, and Q16 and Q17 series. View More Details ... P13 Series IP Camera Specifications MODELRESOLUTIONLENS and LIGHT SENSITIVITYP1364 (Indoor)   P1364-E (Outdoor) 1.3-MP, 1280x960Varifocal 2.8–8.5 mm, F1.2Horizontal field of view: 92.3°–33.3°Color: 0.1 lux, at 50 IREB/W: 0.01 lux, at 50 IRE F1.2P1365 Mk II   P1365-E Mk II (Outdoor) 2-MP, 1920x1080Varifocal 2.8–8 mm, F1.3Horizontal field of view: 112°–39°Color: 0.11 luxB/W: 0.01 lux, at 50 IRE F1.3P1367   P1367-E (Outdoor) 5-MP, 3072x1728Varifocal 2.8–8.5 mm, F1.2Horizontal field of view: 104°–36°Color: 0.15 luxB/W: 0.03 lux, at 50 IRE F1.2P1368-E8-MP (3840x2160 )Varifocal 2.8–8.5 mm, F1.2,Horizontal field of view: 72°–45°Color: 0.16 luxB/W: 0.03 lux, at 50 IRE F1.3 P-1375 P-1375-E (Outdoor) 2-MP, 1920x1080Varifocal 2.8–8.5 mm, F1.2Horizontal field of view: 72°–45°Color: 0.05 lux, at 50 IRE F1.2B/W: 0.01 lux, at 50 IRE F1.2    AXIS P1448-LE Fully-featured, all-around 4K surveillance bullet camera Resolution8-Megapixe, 3840 x 2160Illumination0.18 lux color, 0.04 BWLens2.8–9.8 mm, 109 ̊ – 37 ̊ Horizontal AngleIR illumination25 m (82 ft) Q16 Series IP Cameras The Q16 series IP box cameras provide very good low light sensitivity and wide dynamic range (WDR). There are two choices of resolution: 768 x 576 and the 1 megapixel 1280 x 960 model. These cameras are a good choice when the lighting is challenging. It will operate at very low light levels or when there is a wide difference in lighting. There are indoor and outdoor models available. View More Details ... Q17 Series of Cameras The Q17 series are high-performance IP cameras with 10 X zoom lenses. They can be used in a number of applications where you would like to zoom in on a fixed area of the viewing field. The zoom allows you to dynamically and remotely change the field of view depending on what you need to see. View More Details ... Technical Support IP camera systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, whenever you need assistance. ### AXIS 216FD IP Camera Network Attached Camera Sorry, this IP Dome camera is no longer available It has been replaced by the Axis P3245 and Hanwha higher resolution cameras. Please look at the economical Q-Series cameras from Wisenet Hanwha or the X-Series Intelligent high-performance cameras. The following information is for reference only Features Specifications Discreet and compact designTwo-way audio supportPower over EthernetSimultaneous Motion JPEG and MPEG-4Superior image quality with progressive scan30 frames per second in VGA resolution (640x480 pixels)Multi-window motion detection with alarm image bufferingNetwork security using multi-level password protection, IP address filtering and HTTPS encryptionPowerful Application Programming Interface (API) for software integration, including AXIS VAPIX and AXIS Media Control SDK. Flash memory for upload of embedded applications   Tamper-resistant mounting The AXIS 216FD offers a discreet, compact and cost-efficient solution with effective protection against tampering. The dome glass is fixed from the inside and the casing is secured to the wall or ceiling using tamper-proof mounting screws. High-performance camera Thanks to its high-quality progressive scan sensor and advanced image processing, the AXIS 216FD delivers crisp and clear images - even in low-light conditions.Big in performanceCheck out the campaign site The built-in two-way audio capabilities and audio detection alarm allow for real-time communication with visitors or intruders. This small and discreet camera is ideal for monitoring stores, schools, banks and other office buildings.Power over Ethernet Power Over Ethernet Support for Power-over-Ethernet allows the camera to receive both data and power over a single Ethernet cable - which makes the installation easier and cheaper. If connected to a central Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), the camera can continue to operate even when there is a power failure. ### Video Encoder Technical Note System Overview of Video Encoders Video encoders The video encoders help you migrate your existing CCTV system into the digital world. There are single-channel and multiple channel video encoders. This is a cost-effective solution for transmitting high-quality digital video over computer networks. Bridging the analog-digital technology gap, the video encoder complements any previous investments in analog cameras and avoids extended problems with complex coaxial cabling. The video encoders accommodate one or many analog video streams, depending on the model. System integration and network utilization are optimized with sophisticated functions such as built-in motion detection, SNMP and simultaneous Motion JPEG and H.264/265 streams. Powerful event management tools include image upload, alarm notification, and I/O control. Pan/tilt/zoom control is done over the serial port, enabling PTZ and dome camera handling over the network. A complete set of security features, including multiple user access levels, HTTPS encryption, and IP address filtering, ensure secure video handling and configuration. The Video Encoders offer a de-interlace filter that eliminates interlace artifacts from NTSC/PAL cameras. In addition, the encoders provide one audio stream in each direction, enabling users to not only see, but also listen in on an area and communicate requests or orders. For surveillance installations that require many video camera conversions, there are blade versions of the video servers that are available for use with the Rack Solution. Specification example Features and Benefits High quality, de-interlaced video at 30 (NTSC) or 25 (PAL) frames per second per channelSimultaneous Motion JPEG and MPEG-4 streamsMultiple resolutions and compression levelsAdvanced event handling includes built-in video motion detection with multiple ways of notification via e-mail, TCP and HTTP, and video uploading via e-mail, FTP and HTTP4 freely configurable alarm inputs and 4 outputs9 MB pre/post alarm memory per channelSupport for dome cameras and Pan/Tilt/Zoom devices, uploadable PTZ driversIntegrated two-way audio supportHTTPS encryption for network securityPowerful HTTP-based application programming interface (API) for integration with applicationsImage customization with text, time/date, and image overlaySNMP (SNMPv1/v2c/v3 MIB-II) support for network managementMany encoders support more than 20 simultaneous viewers ### AXIS 214PTZ IP Camera This camera has been discontinued. The alternative camera is the Hanwha SNP-L6233 PTZ Camera Features Pan and tilt camera with 18x optical zoom and autofocusDay/night functionality with images down to 0.005 luxTwo-way audio supportSimultaneous Motion JPEG and MPEG-4High-resolution camera with 704x576 pixels PAL, 704x480 NTSCBuilt-in motion detection and powerful event managementNetwork security using multi-level password protection, IP address filtering and HTTPS encryptionPowerful Application Programming Interface (API) for software integration, including AXIS VAPIX and AXIS Media Control SDK. Flash memory for upload of embedded applications For more see Axis IP Cameras | IP Cameras | NVR Surveillance Software | Network Attached Video Storage Specifications High-quality color camera AXIS 214 PTZ Network Camera is a high-performance camera for professional surveillance and remote monitoring. It combines a high-quality color camera with the flexibility of remote pan/tilt/zoom through operator control*. Professional surveillance The AXIS 214 PTZ is designed for use in mid-sized businesses, such as retail stores and supermarkets, transmitting images over the local area network or the Internet. * The AXIS 214 PTZ is not designed for continuous PTZ movements e.g. guard tour. For continuous movement, please see the Axis network dome offering. ### Electric Strikes and Locks Electric Strikes Select the Strike | Select Other Electric Locks | Contact us for Assistance | Purchase The Electric Strike is easy to install and are used to secure outer and inner doors but does not prevent egress from an area like the magnetic lock. It replaces the fixed strike plate in a standard lock. Like a fixed strike, it normally presents a ramped surface to the locking latch allowing the door to close and latch just like a fixed strike would. To exit from a secured area, the door can be opened by using a knob or level. The Electric Strike is one of the components in the access control system. To simplify installation, it is important to use locks that require less than 500ma of current. This allows the reader to be powered over Ethernet. The electric locks from Rutherford Controls are examples of this type of low power lock. Electric strikes generally come in two basic configurations: Fail-secure. Also called Fail-locked or non-fail safe. In this configuration, applying an electrical current to the strike will cause it to open. In this configuration, the strike would remain locked in a power failure, but typically the knob can still be used to open the door from the inside for egress from the secure side. These units can be powered by AC which will cause the unit to "buzz", or DC power which will offer silent operation, except for a "click" while the unit releases. Fail-safe. Also called Fail-open. In this configuration, applying an electrical current to the strike will cause it to lock. In this configuration, it operates the same as a magnetic lock would. If there is a power failure, the door would open merely by being pushed/pulled open. Fail-safe units are always run using DC power. These locks work with our Access Control systems and integrate with our IP cameras providing a complete security system solution. Here is a sample of some Electric Strike locks that are available. There are many more. Just contact us to make sure you get the right lock for your door: Electric Strike S65U Components The S65U, shown above, includes a variety of faceplates and field selectable lock modes and voltages, making it one of the easiest locks to install. Select the Electric Strike F1 SeriesFire Rated Duty.2 SeriesHeavy-duty, For Offset & Centerline Latch Entry6 SeriesCommercial duty, multi-functional for centerline latch entry. Example model:S65U/L65US65U Standard Profile - UL ListedL65U Low Profile - UL ListedIncludes 04/14/08 Faceplates1-1/4" x 4-7/8"(31.8mm x 123.8mm)Aluminum/Hollow Metal/Wood Frames1-7/16" x 7-15/16"(36.5mm x 201.6mm)Aluminum/Wood8320 MuliMagFor Double Outswinging Interior or Perimeter Doors6 SeriesFor Double Outswinging Interior or Perimeter Doors with Individually encoded armature7 SeriesCommercial Duty, For adjustable centerline latch entry. Add access control to increase your safety. Manage your visitors with Easy Lobby Software. For help selecting the right door access lock Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information and our catalog of video products. ### Magnetic Locks Select the Strike | Select Other Electric Locks | Contact us for Assistance | Purchase Magnetic locks are used with doors that can’t use electric strikes, or where you would like to monitor the movement of people.  In high security areas, you can use a reader on both sides of a door to control access in and out of the secure area. The locking mechanisms use an electromagnetic and armature plate to secure the door.  The electromagnet is attached to the door frame while the armature plate is attached to the door. These locks usually require some exit release mechanisms such as Request to Exit (REX), motion detector of even fire alarm release. A current passes through the electromagnetic so that it is magnetically attracted to the armature plate holding the door closed. The magnetic strength can provide over 1500 lbs. of holding force. Locks with higher magnetic force can be used to secure an outer door, while lower force locks can be used to secure inner doors. The mag locks should be controlled by a fire control panel to assure that they release in an emergency. These locks work with our Access Control systems, and can be easily integrated with our IP camera systems providing a complete security system solution. Example of Magnetic Locks Available DE8310For Single Outswinging Perimeter Doors. Includes all-in-one delayed egressEW8310Early warning For Single Out swinging Interior or Perimeter Doors8310 MuliMagFor Single Out swinging Interior or Perimeter Doors8320 MuliMagFor Double Out-swinging Interior or Perimeter Doors8310-IQ IntelliMagFor Single Out-swinging Interior or Perimeter Doors with Individually encoded armature8320-IQ IntelliMagFor Double Out-swinging Interior or Perimeter Doors with Individually encoded armature8365 Mortise MicroMagFor Sliding Doors on Drawers or Small Enclosures8380 GateMagFor Single or Double Swinging or Sliding Interior or Exterior Gates The DE8310 Provides all-in-one delayed egress for single out swinging doors. Options include built-in camera, alarm sound and voice audio. For help selecting the right door access lock Contact us at or Call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else to request technical assistance. ### Electric Locks Access Control Systems Require Electric Door locks Determine the Right Lock | Select the Lock | Contact us for Assistance | Purchase Door Control Using Magnetic Locks or Electric Strikes Magnetic locks and Electric StrikesElectric locks are part of your door access control system. There are a variety of automated door locking systems available from Rutherford Controls. You can select either a magnetic lock or electric strike to secure a door. Electric locks are a critical part of your door access control system. There are two common types of electric locks, electric strike and the magnetic (or Mag) lock. Each type has its place in the security provided by access control. Understanding the differences between these two types is essential to ensure the security and functionality of your access control system. To learn more about the right electric lock for your application, see the descriptions below and please read our article Access Control Electric Locks: Mags versus Strikes. Determine the Lock Required for the Access Control System To determine the right electric lock contact us. Send us a picture of the door you would like to secure. It would help to get a picture of the frame side and another of the door side. Once we see the picture we will get back with recommendations and pricing. Select the Lock Magnetic locks are used in high-security areas where you need to monitor the movement of people. Since people are required to use their access cards in both directions, you can track who enters and leaves a secure area. Electric strikes are easy to install and are used to secure outer and inner doors, but do not prevent egress from an area like the magnetic lock. It replaces the fixed strike place in a standard lock. Special Cabinet Locks are available as well. For example, we have small locks that can be used to secure cabinets. These can be used to lock everything from filing cabinets to drug cabinets. There are a variety of locks available for many different applications. Contact us for assistance in selecting the right lock for your requirements. We don't just sell at the lowest price, we also provide valuable technical support to make sure you get the right products. These locks work with our Access Control systems, and integrate with our IP cameras providing a complete security system solution. Manage your visitors with Easy Lobby Software. Please check the latest technology for enhancing and upgrading your security. Visit the Kintronics Home Page. Contact or call 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else to request technical information. ### RCI Special Cabinet Locks Small Cabinet Electric locks Secure Everything from Filing Cabinets to Drug Cabinets More Locks | Access Control Systems | Contact us for Assistance These special locks from Rutherford Controls are small enough to be used on various types of cabinets and drawers. Since people are required to use their access cards, you can track who opened the cabinet or drawer. Cabinet Lock You can select locks for surface mounted applications where power is available or even select locks that use battery power. Locking systems are available with monitoring so you can be notified when someone opens the door. There are even locks for glass doors.Complete systems include not only the locks, but also the software and integration with your IP camera security system. Please contact us for help with your system. We will make sure you get everything you need and that all components are integrated correctly. These locks work with our Access Control systems, and integrate with our IP cameras providing a complete system solution. Example of locks that are available for cabinets: MODELFEATURES3520The 3520 electronic latch is suited for a variety of applications with multiple mounting configurations. The latch has a simple transition from mechanical to electronic access and has single or multi-point latching options for access solution customization.3510LMThis compact electric lock allows controlled access to very small enclosures. This electric lock has side or top mounting capability for easy installation which makes it suitable for a variety of applications.3590The 3590 Lock ‘N’ Prox is a battery-powered lock with a built-in proximity reader, making it an ideal standalone solution. The RCI 3590 is easy to install and simple to program without a PC or software. The lock can be fitted to sliding doors, drawer backs, leaf doors, glass, and more. The RCI Lock ‘N’ Prox has an audible signal upon card/fob presentation and a low battery warning. An additional alarm function is available to provide an alert if the door is left open or is forced open.3513Constructed with superior heavy-duty metal, this compact electric lock is an ideal choice for securing any cabinet or drawer. Visit the Kintronics Home Page. Contact or Call 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 to request technical information and our catalog of products. ### IP Door Readers Isonas Door Access Control Door Readers | Access Control Management Software | Access Control Comparison | Purchase Your System Door Readers Door readers are used to read credentials that control the lock on a door. There are door readers that connect to a Controller and others that include a built-in Controller. The Isonas Reader-Controller reads RFI credentials and mobile credentials and has the intelligence of the controller built in. IP Isonas door reader/controllers provide the Intelligence at the door. This professional access control system is connected to the network and use PoE. Easy to Install The Isonas reader-controllers are easy to install. The device provides all the power for the electric lock It also provides connections for door sensors, relays, Request to Exit (REX) buttons, motion detectors, and more. Reads Multiple Credentials This reader/controller system supports proximity credentials and mobile credentials that use your smartphone to open the door. Network-Attached RC04 Family of IP door reader/controllers connect to the network using TCP/IP protocol. They are just like any other IP network device. Select Cloud or On-site Management Software The management software provides easy control of the access control system. Access Control Advantages of Smart IP Door Readers: Network-attached reader Powered over PoE No control panel required IP Door Reader-controllers support HID, Smartcard, and Mobile credentials Supports Mobile Credentials The IP reader provides 12 V DC for locks so a separate power run is not required Your smartphone can be used as the credential with the RC04 IP reader - Bluetooth connect using Pure Mobile App Operates even if the network is down Features of RC04 Family The latest Isonas RC04 readers are available in a number of different styles and capabilities. You can select models that mount on the side of the door frame (mullion) or on the wall. The models provide the option to use your smartphone (Bluetooth) as the credential. Reader-Controllers are available in two models: Multi-card technology (125kHZ and 13.56 MHZ) or a proximity-only version (125kHz). Pure Access cloud control software - control your doors from anywhere Mobile Credentials Support using Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) allows customers to utilize the Pure Mobile application and use their smartphone as their credentials. The local mode feature allows readers to function without a connection to the network. This results in faster user response times, less network traffic and reduced host system loading. Tamper detection via accelerometer senses any type of altering and prevents a security breach with the reader. The optional External Door Kit (EDK) provides an increased level of security. Secure data transmissions with AES 256 bit encryption Metal backplate provides additional security, simple two-piece installation and consistent read range RC04 Family of IP Door Readers Specifications MODEL FEATURES   RC-04-PRX-M Mullion style 125KHz (HID type credential) Bluetooth 5.1” x 1.7” x 0.71” RC-04-PRX-W Wall style (can mount on an electric box) 125KHz (HID type credential) Bluetooth 5.1” x 3.25” x 0.17”   RC-04-PRX-WKP Wall style (can mount on an electric box) 125KHz (HID type credential) Includes Keypad Bluetooth 5.1” x 3.25” x 0.17” RC-04-MCT-M Mullion style Dual-frequency: 13.56 MHz (ISO 14443 A & B) or 125KHz credentials can be used Bluetooth 5.1” x 1.7” x 0.71” RC-04-MCT-W Wall style (can mount on an electric box) Dual-frequency: 13.56 MHz (ISO 14443 A & B) or 125KHz credentials can be used Bluetooth 5.1” x 3.25” x 0.17” RC-04-MCT-WKP Wall style (can mount on an electric box) Dual-frequency: 13.56 MHz (ISO 14443 A & B) or 125KHz credentials can be used Includes Keypad Bluetooth 5.1” x 3.25” x 0.17” RC04 Specification sheet Common Specifications: Power:  PoE or 12 V DCRead Range:  2" - 5" typical read rangeElectric Lock Power:  Available power: 0.6 amps at 12 voltsInterface: Ethernet interface, 3 monitor inputs & 2 TTL outputsDimensions:  1.625 X 6.750 X .940 (mullion)Environmental: Meets FCC Part 15 certification, ambient operating temperature -40° to +50° Celsius (-40° to +120° F), operating humidity is 0 100% Options: Hardware Options: Exterior Door Kit Keypad Mullion trim kit (for gang box) Pigtail cables - 10, 25 ft. In-rush suppressor Wiegand interface module Door sensors Request to Exit buttons Electric Locks Software Options: Pure Access (cloud) Pure Access Manager (on-site) Active Directory Bridge Badge Printing Visitor Management RC03 Family Has Been Discontinued The following information is for reference only. Reader-Controllers are available in two models: Smart card technology (13.56 MHZ and 125KHz credentials) or a proximity-only version (125kHz credentials). Intelligence at the door – A single PowerNet™ is capable of storing 64,000 cardholders, 5000 access events, and 32 time zones which can be configured and accessed by an external host system. IP architecture allows management of thousands of Reader-Controllers on a single computer across a geographically disbursed network DB Crystal Matrix Software is no longer available.  Pure Access Cloud and Pure Access Manager have replaced DB Crystal.  With Pure Access Cloud, you can control your doors from anywhere. RC03 Models MODEL FEATURES RC-03-PRX / (PRX-K) Mullion style 125KHz (HID type credential) PRX No keypad PRX-K includes keypad 1.625 X 6.750 X .940 (mullion) RC-03-MCT (MCT-K) Mullion style 13.56 MHz (Smartcards) and 125KHz (HID type credential) PRX No keypad PRX-K includes keypad 1.625 X 6.750 X .940 (mullion)   RC03 Specification Sheet Isonas Access Control Management Software The Isonas door management software is available as a cloud subscription or as an on-site license. The advantage is the cloud service which is provided as a subscription service. The software provides basic access control functions that make it a good small to a medium solution. Read more IP Door Readers Door access control can be implemented using intelligent network-attached IP reader/controllers or by using an IP controller with attached readers. IP Reader-Controller  The reader-controller connects directly to the network. There are three types IP reader/controllers available. Isonas reader-controllers  Biometric reader-controllers  Pro-Series Access Control Reader-Controller IP Controller with Reader(s)  Readers connect through the controller to the network. Up to two readers can be connected to the network-attached controller  Enterprise Controller plus Readers  Read more …  For more information about credentials read our article, Comparison of Door Access Credentials. Access Control Comparison The professional biometric IP readers and Isonas reader/controller include a built-in access controller. The Isonas system is easier to install while the Hartmann Enterprise access control system is more flexible and provides increased functionality. For more about installation and the wiring topography of these access control systems, take a look at our article, IP Door Access Systems Wiring. IP Door Access Control Technology The IP door control systems provide intelligence at the door. The central control box is no longer needed. This means that you can start with one reader and add new readers very easily. For more information about how this new IP access control technology compares to the old technology, take a look at our article Comparison of Door Control Systems. The latest IP readers support various card credential RFID proximity formats.  Besides using credentials, you can use pin codes or even your smartphone to open the door.   Select readers with keypad, indoor or outdoor models, with trim kits and pre-cut pigtail wiring.  The readers accept HID, Isonas format proximity credentials, and include a choice of pigtails (10' or 25'). Since these door readers attach to the network and use PoE (just like IP cameras) they are very easy to integrate allowing you to create a complete security and safety system. We provide complete integrated systems so please contact us (914-944-3425) for help designing your system. Read more about all the IP door access control systems. IP Bridge for Classic Door Readers Convert your old door control panel system to the latest IP connect system. IP Bridge hardware allows you to convert panel-based access control readers at your existing doors to our pure IP solution. By replacing the subpanels with a direct network connection – and eliminating the need for specialized wiring and backup power – IP Bridge not only allows you to grow your system but also to save money by reducing equipment and maintenance costs on your existing doors. Access Control Management Software is used to add all the users who will be granted access to the doors. The management software allows you to control who enters, at what door, and when they can enter. Take a look at all the IP Access Control Systems available. There are Long Range Access Readers That can be used for applications where the credential is far away from the reader such as a gate used to control entry to a parking lot. Door Access System Integration We provide integration of door access control systems with IP camera systems and door intercoms. These door locks can be integrated with IP camera systems and intercoms that can be used to manually control entry.  Contact us for help in creating your IP security system. ### On Site Access Control Software Pure Access Manager Pure Access Manager is the latest on-premise door access control software from ISONAS that compliments their market leading Pure Access Cloud product. The Pure Access products are targeted at low to medium installations with no limit on the number of doors.  Pure Access brings new features and functionality to access control and highlights the unique capabilities of a Pure IP hardware solution.  The access point configuration wizard, customizable dashboard views and a simple, modern interface are all available in the Pure Access Manager on-premise version. Alternative Management Software: Pure Access Cloud | More Access Control Management Software   Pure Access Manager provides a complete access control platform allowing for full installation, administration and management of the ISONAS patented Pure IP access control hardware. The modern user interface establishes a new standard for ease of use in managing an unlimited number of access points across any geography through a mobile device, tablet or modern browser. Features This is a browser-based web application that is hosted on your networkSimple setup and management: Set up and configure your access points in a matter of minutes, reducing overall installation time and costs. The step by step access point check out process allows you to test the IP configuration and connectivity, the lock wiring and other accessories all from your mobile deviceManage from anywhere:  You can manage your access control system from anywhere using your computer, smartphone or tabletEasily customized: Individual dashboard widgets allow you to customize how you monitor your system in real time. The responsive design provides a fully interactive monitoring capability from your mobile device, tablet or modern browserIncludes Active Directory integrationThe infrastructure uses a PostgreSQL database on a Windows® Server and the web application is written in Java served up by Apache TomcatThe same features and functionality of Pure Access Cloud are availableSoftware upgrades are offered as an additional service in a one, two or three year program Note:  The ability to manage sub-tenants is only available in the Pure Access Cloud platform.  It is not available in Pure Access Manager, however, door groups can be combined into actionable Areas. Hardware Requirements: Windows® Server 2012R2 or newerIntel i5 or greater8GB ram500 GB HDDORVirtual Environment with a hypervisor download80GB of disk space available from the VM     EasyWeb and DBCrystal Matrix Replaced by Pure Access Software EasyWeb and DBCrystal were great programs, but like all software, new capability requires change.  If you have EasyWeb or DBCrystal, you may have to move to the latest software.  DBCrystal doesn't support the latest IP door readers, so if you plan to add more readers, you will need to move to the new software. Even if you don't require more door readers, you may need to upgrade to assure compatibility with new operating system updates.  ISONAS has announced the end of life effective March 31, 2018 of their legacy software products DBCrystal and EasyWeb2015.  You can upgrade to Pure Access Cloud or Pure Access Manager to maintain support.  Take a look at our FAQ's that answer some of your questions, or contact us for help in your upgrade process. ISONAS End of Life Statement With the introduction of the Pure Access software, the legacy software DBCrystal Matrix and EasyWeb 2015, have come to their end of life.   These products will no longer be available for new installs starting April 1, 2017.  We will continue to support this product through March 31, 2018 for users with Legacy Support Agreements.  If you have a support agreement in place we will continue to honor it until its expiration or March 31, 2018. All new installations and all existing sites should upgrade to Pure Access Cloud, Pure Access Manager to continue to receive support.  The RC-03, RC-04, and IP Bridge hardware will all migrate to the new software platforms.   Frequently Asked Questions What are my options since DBC will no longer be supported after March 2018? You can choose to upgrade to Pure Access Cloud software which is fully hosted by ISONAS, or upgrade to Pure Access Manager which is an on premise software. Contact our sales team to learn more about the best fit for your site at 800-431-1658 in the USA or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else. What hardware models are compatible with the new software? RC-02: Only supported by DBCrystal and EasyWeb. (Check with our support team for alternatives) RC-03: Supported by DBCrystal and EasyWeb; and Pure Access Manager and Pure Access Cloud RC-04: Supported by the latest Pure Access Manager and Pure Access Cloud How do I upgrade to Pure Access? A member of our support team will assist in exporting your current database from DBCrystal and importing it into your Pure Access instance.  This export will bring all users and badge information, all user groups, access points and access point groups to your new platform. What if I have a PRC, RC-01 or RC-02's and want to move to Pure Access? The newest hardware from ISONAS, the RC-04 or the RC-03, are compatible with Pure Access, so any other versions of hardware will need to be upgraded.  Contact our sales team to learn more about our upgrade programs. What if I have RC-03's and want to upgrade to RC-04's? This is great and we’d be happy to assist.  Please reach out to our sales team to learn about our upgrade program and this process. What features and functionality will be added to the RC-04 that will not be available in the RC-03? The biggest functionality changes will be making the reader more and more self-sufficient. Bluetooth has been added to RC04 readers.  Currently there are several features that occur at the reader level and we will continue to add more of these into the RC-04. What if I have a project that is set to be installed after April 1, 2017 and will require DBCrystal or EasyWeb 2015? Please contact our sales team so they can work with you on this project to understand the needs and discuss options. What if I have an existing support agreement for DBCrystal? We will honor all existing support agreements through their expiration or March 31, 2018, whichever is sooner. What if I need some help determining what the best transition plan is for my site? Our team is happy to assist. Contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere  else, or use our contact form.   If you don't require on site license, you can use the latest Pure Access Cloud based software. This IP door cloud platform provides access control that can be accessed from any computer or smartphone. This hosted service provides full installation, administration and management of your ISONAS access control hardware. IP Door Access Cloud Control With this remote server control you can manage an unlimited number of door access points across any geography through a mobile device, tablet or modern browser. Learn more …   Contact us for assistance in designing your system or whenever you need technical support Call: 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 outside the USA or use our contact form. ### IP Door Access Control Access Control Systems Learn More About Door Access Control | Purchase Your Access Control System Kintronics is an engineering and consultation company selling complete IP Door Access Control Solutions at the best prices. We also provide free consulting. The right Access Control System for one application may not be suitable for another. We can help you select the right system for a specific application. We provide resources and a comparison chart that help you choose the best access control system. Access Control System Quick Links: Select the Type of SystemWhat is the Best System for You Review the Buyers GuideHow to Compare the Access Control Systems Select the SoftwareWhat is the Best Access Control Management Software Select the Door ReaderWhat is the Best Door Reader See the VideoHow to Learn More Q & AQuestions About Access Control To learn more: Select the Type of Access Control System: Choose a simple, full featured or a biometric system. Check our Buyers Guide for help selecting the right access control system. You can also learn about The Real Cost of Access Control, and How to Justify the Cost of Access Control Systems. Access Control Software: The software manages all the users and rights.  Access Control Door Reader: Select a simple card reader, smartphone, or Biometric Reader. See the video How to Select the Best Components for your access control system. Do you need more information? Check the Access Control Q & A or Contact us. We provide Free Consulting so that you get exactly what you expect Door Access Control Resources Why are resources important? The resources help you set your objectives and determine what is best for your organization. Articles cover How it Works, What to Consider Before Buying, How to Choose the Best Access Control System, a Comparison of the Latest Door Readers, and more.   We believe that an educated market is our best customer. The resources on this site enable you to know what you are buying and how it meets your requirements. Comparison of IP Door Access Control Systems There are several door access control solutions. You can select the Isonas IP door reader-controllers that are excellent for small to medium systems, or the Hartmann Controls Enterprise access control system that includes advanced capability such as elevator control, and integration with IP camera systems. If you need additional security, you can select the biometric reader-controller system. Access Control Selection Select the Enterprise Access Control System for small to enterprise applications Select the Isonas access control system for simple applications Select the biometric access system for increased security You can select IP readers that work with RFID credentials, Bluetooth connected Mobile Credentials, or even biometric readers such as fingerprint, or facial recognition. Door access control has become very flexible and reliable.  It keeps your facility safe. For a review and comparison of different access control systems visit our access control page All the IP readers and IP controllers connect to the network switch. The pigtail wires from the door control and reader provide power to the electric door lock, detect door open or closed, provide the Request to Exit (REX) button input. This makes installation extremely easy. For more about the wiring topography of these access control systems, take a look at our article, IP Door Access Systems Wiring. Learn more... How to Purchase Your Access Control System Choosing the right door access control system can be challenging, but our technical team is here to help you find the perfect solution. We thoroughly review your needs, discuss the pros and cons of various options, and consider your budget to ensure you get exactly what you require. Here's how to purchase your access control system: Call us at 914-944-3425. We are available 9 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday, except holidays. If we are not there, leave a message and we will call you back. Or, fill out our request form, or send us an Email dennis@kintronics.com When you send a message or call us, real people answer your request. They will make sure that you receive exactly what you need. If you need help understanding the technology, please Read the Access Control Overview or use the access control resource information. We will provide suggestions with pros and cons of the different access control systems, to make sure you get exactly what you need at the lowest price. Purchase Your Access Control System Why don't we have an on-line store? Because we found that it is not the best way for our customers to purchase the right solutions. It's always best to talk to us about your requirements so we can suggest the right door readers, credentials, electric locks, and access control management software. Did you know that you can install one door reader at a time? The new IP Reader-Controllers connect to the network and are intelligent. One of the most significant advantages is the ability to install one door at a time. Please read our article, Scalable Door Access Control to learn more. Do you have questions about door access control? You can look at our Q & A page or call us at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. Things to Consider Before Purchasing Your Access Control System Several factors should be considered before selecting an access control system, including the system's cost. Here are some key factors to consider before purchasing your system. Access Control Considerations The system controls who, where, and when a person can enter your facility. However, there are many other things that you should think about before purchasing the system. Things to Consider include the type of door readers, where the controller is located, installation, the type of electric door lock, local compliance and regulations, the user management software, and more. Read more... Access Control Features What is the Real Cost of an Access Control System? Determine the Cost of Access Control Like many other products, you can find inexpensive door control devices on Amazon, but it’s essential to know what you’re getting and whether it meets your requirements. If you search online, you might find a door access control kit for $80 to $125 per door. At first glance, that sounds like a bargain. But before clicking “Buy Now,” it’s essential to ask: Is that the real cost of an access control system? Let’s take a closer look. Top “The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' but 'That's funny...'”Isaac Asimov What is Door Access Control Why understanding Access Control is essential: The more you know, the better able you are to select the right product. The Access Control System is a set of devices that control physical access to a building, room, or other area. It consists of door readers, electric locks, a controller, credentials, and access control management software. Its primary purpose is to allow access of authorized personnel and prevent unauthorized entry. Door Readers | Door Controllers | Management Software | Locks | Purchase | Learn More The best IP Access Control Systems connect to the network. The Access Control System includes Door Readers that detect the unique identification number (ID) provided by the credential. The Credential can be an RFID card or keyFob, a person's smartphone, or their biometric (for example your face or fingerprint). An access control system also includes a Door Controller and Access Control Management Software that manages all aspects of the access control system. It determines who can enter, when and what door they can use. When a registered credential is detected the controller releases the Electric Lock. Access control systems can be used to monitor who is entering and leaving a secure area, generate reports, and provide data for security analytics. An IP Access Control System differs from the classic analog systems in that it connects to the network. IP door access control provides increased flexibility, easier installation, and easier integration with other IP security systems such as IP Camera Systems. Access Control Systems provide increased safety in today's heightened concern for security. Kintronics provides everything you need to create an advanced door access security system. The Purpose of Door Access Control The IP Access Control System is used to prevent unauthorized entry. Credentials, like a card or keyFOB, a mobile credential, or a biometric credential are used to identify the person who can enter the door. The access control system determines who, where, and when a person can enter the premises. The IP access control uses the IP network for communication to the management software and allows remote management over network attached devices such as smartphones. . Access control is crucial for safeguarding assets, information, and people while providing operational benefits. It helps maintain order, privacy, and efficiency in various environments, contributing to a safer and more secure facility. Door access control system can tell you who is in the building. It can also notify security the moment a vehicle enters the parking lot? Take a look at the article Security Questions and Answers. Did you know that intercoms play an important role in Door Access Control. They ensure that guests can enter the facility. To learn more read our article, Access Control and Intercoms: The Perfect Match. Door access is only one part of an integrated security system. For example, by integrating door access control with IP camera systems, we can create a holistic security system. You can also integrate IP intercoms that control visitor entry. This strategy integrates all the elements designed to safeguard an organization into a multifaceted and interconnected Physical Security System. The endgame of this holistic approach is to provide a continuous level of protection across the organization’s community, and the physical environment. Did you know that biometric door readers such as face and palm recognition are the most secure access control devices. Read more... An access Control System offers financial benefits. For example, they help organizations reduce costs, improve efficiency, and protect assets. Please read our article "The Financial Benefits of Access Control" to learn more. Your safety is built around four primary types of security equipment: door access control, IP intercoms, IP cameras, and emergency paging systems. Door Access Control is your first line of defense.  Take a look at our article Access Control Comparison Chart to learn more. Access Control is Part of a Physical Security System Integrating door access control, IP camera systems, intercoms, and IP paging is one of the best ways to create a comprehensive and highly secure physical security system. When these components work together, they provide real-time surveillance, controlled access, seamless communication, and rapid emergency response. To learn more, read our article How to Maximize Physical Security. Access Control and Visitor Management work together in provide security This video shows how Access Control and Visitor Management work together: https://youtu.be/3azV2jH5uGA Access Control and Visitor Management Components of the Access Control System Access Control System The door access control system includes: The door reader reads the credentials and connects to the access controller. Learn more... The Access Controller Box contains the door management part of the system. It controls the locks on the doors, connects to all the door readers, and attaches to the network. The controller also interfaces with the access control management software. Some systems use a separate controller; others have the controller built into the door reader. Learn more... There are three families of controllers. The Pro controller is used with RFID readers, while the Pro-bio controller adds support for a fingerprint reader. The Enterprise controller is used with many types of door readers, including those supporting mobile credentials. Select a Controller: Enterprise Controller | Pro Controller | Pro-Bio Controller The Intelligent reader-controller combines the functions of the reader and controller in one box and attach to the network.* Learn more... The Access Control Management Software maintains the list of people who use the system and manage the access control system. Learn more... Credentials identify a person that can enter the doors. A credential can be something you carry like a card, your mobile phone, or a biometric credential such as your fingerprint or face. Learn more... The Electric Door Locks are controlled by the access controller. It's important to consider local regulations when installing mag-locks. See our article Access Control and Fire Alarm System Integration to learn more. Intercoms control visitors and enhance security. They ensure that guests can enter the facility. Learn more... *The IP reader-controllers are significantly different than the older door access systems that used central control boxes. Instead of connecting to a control box, they connect to your network and are powered by PoE. If you want to learn more about how the access control system works, how to install it, or what is the best door reader, take a look at our resource articles. Top Product Highlights Door Access Control Purchase Guide The Regret Free Guide to Access Control You have been asked to select an Access Control System for your organization. The “ask” could have been from your boss or maybe from people around you who requested more security. Besides increased security, what are your key objectives when selecting the right system?  This article provides the information you should consider before purchasing your door access control system so that you don’t have any regrets later. Read more... Access Control Product Guide Door Readers for IP Access Control Systems Door readers are devices at the door that determine your permission to enter. The first electronic readers were developed in the 1960s. They had a keypad allowing users to enter their credentials. This PIN (Personal Identification Number) permits entry if you enter the correct number. Over the years, many types of door readers have been developed that are safer, simpler to install, and easier to use. This article reviews some of the most popular door readers and provides each type’s advantages and disadvantages: Read more... Door Readers for Access Control Systems Door Access Control Justification Door access control systems have become much more valuable these days. They have always provided significant security benefits and have evolved to provide many more advantages. The most important technical advance is the use of IP-type access control devices. Implementing an access control system is a strategic move to enhance security, streamline operations, and ensure organizational compliance. This article describes how you can justify the investment in door access control. Read more... Door Access Control Justification Top The Best Long-Range Access Control System Long Range Access Control System When to use long-range access control systems: Standard door readers have short-range capabilities that read your credentials, but if you want to access a garage or open a gate, the reader requires a more extended range. Long-range access control systems are usually used to control gates and garage doors. They extend the capability of door access control systems. They read a credential to open the lock. The standard access control systems have a card-to-reader range in inches, while the long-range readers have a range of over 25 ft.  When you want to open a gate to a parking garage from your vehicle, it’s easier to use the long-range reader system. Long-range access control reader systems use large antennas and credentials with a battery. The larger antenna allows more energy to be directed at the credential. Systems that use passive credentials (no battery required) have a maximum range of a couple of feet. The active credentials with batteries have a more extended range, but the battery needs to be replaced. Learn more ... Additional Security Solutions Here are some additional products that increase your safety and security: Temperature Scanning and Mask Detection at the Door Special access reader-controllers include palm recognition, face recognition, and scan for elevated temperature as well as checking if you are wearing a protective mask. Read more... Contact Tracing for Disease Prevention When a person is diagnosed with Covid-19 or another communicable disease, finding all the people they have had contact with is important in keeping your organization healthy. This contact detection system reduces the spread of disease. Read more... Did you know that Apartment Intercoms provide an excellent way of increasing safety. They can even control the floor a visitor can go to. Read more... Top IP Door Access Control for Small to Enterprise Systems Enterprise IP Door Access Control System Why select the enterprise-type access control system: The enterprise access control system provides advanced functionality designed for complex access control environments. The Hartmann Controls advanced access control system enables you to start with a single door and scale up to thousands of doors and users. Since each door includes its network-attached controller, it is very easy to expand the system. The Hartmann IP door access control system features powerful access control management software, supporting elevator control, if-then logic for advanced functionality, and integration with IP camera systems. The access control management software offers on-site and mobile control, providing management wherever and whenever you need it. For more details take a look at the access control system diagram. Door Access Control Features: The door access controller uses Power over Ethernet (PoE) A very flexible controller that can mount on top of the door and provide a built-in motion detection function. Operates even if the network is down (as long as the controller has power). Supports multi-credential door readers including those that support mobile credentials. The same controller modules can be ganged together inside a central control box that can be used to retrofit older door access control systems. The controller provides connections with power for the electric lock, connections to exit buttons, door sensors, automatic door openers, and the electric lock control. There is an optional built-in motion detector that can provide the Request to Exit (REX) function. The controller can control two readers (inside and outside the door) or two separate doors. Integrates with many fire alarm systems 256-Bit AES Encryption: Protects data at a level often required by high-security environments such as financial, military, municipal and hi-tech organizations Includes integration with Video Surveillance Systems, elevator control, and fire alarm systems More details ... Access Control Door Readers The slave door readers connect to an intelligent controller such as the Hartmann controller. The readers support Radio Frequency ID (RFID) credentials that the person carries or mobile credentials provided by the person’s smartphone. There are RFID credentials that use 125KHz or 13.56MHz, Mifare, or Smartcard format. The mobile credentials use Bluetooth connections to your smartphone. The Biometric Readers read a person's characteristic like your fingerprint or face. Read more about Door readers... Top The Enterprise IP Based Door Access and Entry Control Systems Integrates with IP Camera Surveillance Systems IP Door Access Control systems can be easily integrated with your IP camera system. We can maximize your safety and security in hospitals, schools, government, military, and other organizations.  Now it’s easier than ever to install a door access control system using your existing Ethernet network. It can be easily integrated with an IP video surveillance security system. To learn more see our article How to Use IP Cameras With Access Control. As an example, the Hartmann enterprise door access system integrates directly with many IP camera video management software systems. Integrate IP Cameras and Door Access Systems More details ... IP Access Control System for Small to Medium Systems from Isonas Isonas IP Door Access Control System This modular IP based door control system allows you to add one door at a time. The expensive control panel is no longer required! The ISONAS IP Door Access Controller and Reader includes all the functionality that used to be in the control panel. Now it’s all in one unit. With intelligence built into each and every unit, it operates even if your network is down. Each Isonas IP reader attaches directly to the network and is powered using PoE. Features of Isonas IP Access Control System No Control Panels Required IP Door Readers are powered using PoE The readers provide 12 VDC power for the electric lock A wide selection of credentials and cards Pure Access Cloud or Pure Access Manager Software Required Works with IP intercoms to allow remote control of doors to allow entry of visitors Isonas IP Door Readers for Access Control ISONAS IP door readers are both an RFID Proximity reader and a controller. No control box is required since all the intelligence is in the IP reader. Specifications for the Isonas Readers The IP reader connects directly to the Ethernet network and is powered by PoE. IP door readers have the advantage of being very easy to install. Since the reader converts the PoE power to 12 VDC, you can power locks without running additional power wires. All you need is the CAT 5 drop to the reader.  The latest RC04 readers are available in a number of different styles and capabilities. You can select models that mount on the side of the door frame (mullion) or on the wall.  The latest models provide the option to use your smartphone (Bluetooth) as the credential. The readers have all the intelligence built-in so even if the network is down the reader keeps working. Of course, it's best to use a UPS on the network switch or the midspan that's providing the PoE. Learn more about the Isonas access control system. Top How to Integrate Access Control with IP Camera Systems There are Access Control Management solutions that have the enhanced capability of viewing IP camera systems. IP Camera Systems provide surveillance of the organization. The combination of access control and IP surveillance systems offers a synergistic approach that significantly improves the organization’s safety. Integration Solutions Advanced Security Management Software Advanced solutions provide Interoperable software that supports hardware from many different manufacturers. They integrate with several IP camera Video Management Systems and support various access control hardware, making them an ideal choice for mixed hardware environments.  Read more... Enterprise Access Control System The Enterprise door access control software manager integrates with many IP video recording systems. This includes many Video Management Software (VMS and Network Video Recorders (NVR)etwork Read more about this software... To learn more, read our articles How to Use IP Cameras With Access Control, and Comparison of Integrated Security Management Software. More Details About Enterprise Access Control Systems The Enterprise access control provides a very easy integration path with IP Camera Systems. Here is a short summary of how it is done. The Enterprise door access control software manager integrates with many IP video recording systems. This includes many Video Management Software (VMS and Network Video Recorders (NVR). The video from multiple cameras is displayed in the same web browser as your door access management software. The real-time video can be displayed based on predefined alerts from the door access control system. The alerts include “Door Held Opened,” Door Forced Open, and many more. Integration of IP Cameras and Access Control Examples of IP camera system systems currently supported include Hanwha Recording systems, Milestone xProtect, ViconNet, Exact, and Digital Watchdog systems. The list is growing so please check with us for the latest supported IP camera recording system support The software provides easy management of IP cameras You can create different viewing matrices so that you can view many different cameras at the same time. Easy playback of the recorded video allows you to select a time period and verify any security concerns. Cameras can be viewed on all platforms including desktop and mobile devices. Cameras can be associated with elevators, providing door/elevator alerts and history Read more about Enterprise Access Control... Integration with Isonas Access Control Systems The Isonas IP-based access control system can be integrated with your IP camera surveillance system to provide a complete security system but requires additional integration software. You can select the convergence database software that displays door entry information with the video captured when the door reader is used. Learn more ... Biometric Door Access Control Systems Overview Biometric Reader Overview | Select the Biometric Reader | Buyers Guide Biometric Door Access Control Systems The latest professional biometric readers provide increased reliability and functionality. Biometric door access control units attach to the network and measure a person’s unique physiological characteristics. Biometrics are the most secure type of credential. Note: They do not store a picture of the fingerprint or face. Everything is encoded for security and privacy.  Biometric IP door readers can be powered using PoE. Some of the readers use a splitter or 12 VDC. More details ... Face Recognition Improves Safety Face recognition is used to improve security, prevent crimes, and keep us healthy. The latest facial recognition systems use your IP camera system. They can be used for access control, and provide real-time information about who is entering specific areas in your facility, such as: recently terminated employees returning to work, restraining order alerts, a person of interest, people making threats to employees, contact tracing, etc. Facial Recognition and Temperature Screening Face recognition is used to check people's temperature and track people within an organization. By maintaining a list of people who come in contact with each other the system builds a database that can be review for contact tracing. Read more... Face Recognition and Access Control Facial recognition is used for door access control. Door access uses face recognition algorithms that are built into the door reader. Biometric access control provides a very secure way to control access to your organization. Read more... Facial Recognition in a Crowd Facial recognition can be challenging. Sometimes the person may not be facing in the right direction. 3D facial recognition extends the traditional methods of facial recognition to live-stream accurate capture and identification. Read more... Biometric and Body Temperature Access Control Designed for organizations that need more than door access control. These reader-controllers are access control systems that check a person's temperature and if they are wearing a surgical face mask. The face-recognition access control door readers combine a powerful embedded thermal camera and the latest face recognition algorithm that is supported by an optimized dual-core processor. Read more Top Summary of Access Control Solutions Simple and Easy to install and manage: Select the Isonas Door Access System Enterprise System with increased functionality and flexibility Select the Hartmann Door Access System When you require the highest level of security Select the Kintronics Biometric Door Systems Access Control Management Software Comparison Access control management software is a central component of modern security systems, allowing organizations to efficiently control and monitor access to their premises, resources, and information. Access control management software determines who can enter, what door they can use, and when they can come in. Software is usually sold with a manufacturer's hardware. The software controls the particular kind of door readers and controllers, so they must be selected with the matching system. Fusion-DNA is the exception to this rule. This interoperable software is designed to work with many different hardware products. Comparison of Access Control Management Software The following summary compares the various door access management software available: Isonas Software Pure Access is designed for the Isonas reader controllers. It is a Cloud and on-site software product. Provides basic access control functions Supports mobile credentials Includes a mobile app Supports 1 to 100 doors Doesn't provide any advanced functions Read more... Enterprise Software This software is compatible with Hartmann Enterprise door access control hardware. Supports one to over 1,000 doors Includes elevator control Supports pass-back control Integrates with IP camera systems Includes if/then logic functions Read more... Biometric Software TVIPTirSoft supports Kintronics biometric door readers. Supports several types of biometric door readers Supports up to 2,000 door readers per server Optional software supports IP Cameras Read more... Advanced Access Control Software Advanced solutions provide Interoperable software that supports hardware from many different manufacturers. Works with a variety of hardware solutions Integrates with several IP camera Video Management Systems Includes customizable logic functions and more See all the solutions... Advanced Access Control Management Software Advanced integrated Access Control Management software solutions Armatura Provides easy integration with IP Camera Video Management Software (VMS), Elevator controls, and data management. It also offers excellent support with biometric door readers. It integrates with the WAVE VMS solution. Read more… Fusion DNA This solution integrates with numerous leading security systems to create a comprehensive security solution, encompassing video management, biometrics, audio communications, and more. It’s a complex system that supports a very large number of devices. Includes customizable logic functions and Visitor Management functions. Read more… Acre Access Acre purchased several companies in the physical security market. They offer a range of integrated solutions that support various physical security systems. The Acre solutions begin with an access control solution that supports up to 200 devices. It integrates with the WAVE VMS solution.   Read more... Benefits of Advanced Security Software Management Advanced Security management software provides interoperability between several security management solutions. These software solutions are typically based on access control management or Video Management Systems, and then add additional components that enable easy integration with other security solutions. To learn more about the different Access Management Software solutions available, read Comparison of Access Control Software.  Purchase Isonas Access Control Software Solutions The Isonas door management software is available as a cloud subscription. The cloud service, offered as a subscription, provides basic access control functions, making it a good small-to-medium solution. The downside is that it doesn't support some advanced functions, such as elevator control. Pure Access Manager Pure Access Cloud Software Uses a remote cloud server. Pure Access provides a complete hosted IP door access control platform available in the cloud.  This allows full installation, administration, and management of your Isonas access control hardware. The cloud server makes installing and controlling your IP door access control system extremely easy.  All the IP door readers and IP controllers can be installed from anywhere. Cloud software is provided under a monthly or yearly subscription plan. Pure Access Manager Software (Discontinued) Runs on your Windows computer. Pure Access Manager is on-premise software.  This is the classic model of providing a perpetual license that allows you to run the software on your own Windows computer. To learn more, please take a look at our article, Cloud Versus On-Site License, to help you determine which platform is best for you. Or, contact us for help selecting the right solution for your door access control application. Legacy Software for Isonas Door Access System DB Crystal Matrix Software™ has been discontinued and replaced by the Isonas Pure Access Manager. This software platform ran on your Windows PC and provided easy enrollment, allowing you to define who, where, and when people are allowed in. It used the SQL data structure making it very easy to integrate with video recording systems. EasyWeb-2015 has also been discontinued and replaced by Pure Access.  Contact us for details. Pure Access provides some enhancements that were not available in EasyWeb and provide similar functions to DB Crystal. The software is browser-based and enhances your access control system.  It works with the latest readers.  Pure Access Manager includes Active Directory integration to make it easier to register user rights. See the ISONAS end of life statement or contact us for more details. See Cobalt software as an alternative to Easy-Web-2015. IP Access Control System Alternative access control software: 3rd party software is available that is similar to EasyWeb-2015. Cobalt provides many of the functions that were available before, including pass-back control and scripts. Enterprise Access Control Management Software Access Control Management Software The Hartmann access control management software provides advanced functions such as logic if-then functions, and allows you to control elevators, visitors, and integrates with IP camera systems.  IP readers can also be used in parking lots to control a gate. These long-range access readers allow a credential to be over 25 ft. away from the reader. This access control management software is designed for the enterprise that requires advanced functions. Features of Door Access Software Administer your Access Control System from any Browser-Enabled Device: Tablet, Smartphone, laptop or PC Easy Video integration into many video management software systems (VMS). Intuitive, easy to use action plan editor allows you to create complex action plans in minutes Flexible trigger engine allows you to trigger action plans from the door, input, output state changes, or trigger action plans upon scheduled times Elevator Control allows you to control what floor people can go to Active Directory support, on both the administrator levels as well as cardholder/user levels. Learn more ...  Biometric IP Reader Management Software Solution This software manages biometric door readers. It is used for entering the biometric credential credentials as well as RFID credentials that can also be used with these door readers. TVIPTirSoft The Professional software supports all the Pro-series biometric IP readers and the Pro-series Proximity Readers.  This management software is licensed per reader. There is no yearly subscription cost. Top Proximity and Smart Card Door Credentials for Door Access Select ISONAS, HID, Mifare, iClass format or Smart Card proximity credentials, or when you don't want to use credentials select the Bluetooth Mobile Credential reader or biometric options. You can select two different technologies, Prox-card or Smart-Card type. The Prox-card technology uses 125 kHz frequency between the credential and the reader, while Smart-cards use 13.56 MHz frequency.  The smart cards provide additional levels of security.  The credentials come in various form factors.  Select the style you need: thin cards that fit in your wallet, clamshell-style that you can wear on a lanyard, Key Fobs for your keychain, or Cap Tags that can attach to other things. Example of credentials available: RFID-type cards that use 125 kHzProxcard IIDuoProx IISmart Cards that use 13.56 MHz and use AES128 encryption.DESFire EV3Combination cards with both 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz capabilityDuoProx  Different mechanical configurationsClamshell, thin cardkeyfobsMobile CredentialsBluetooth connection to your smartphoneBiometric credentialsFace, Fingerprint, Palmfinger-veinTypes of credentials To learn more about credentials, please read our articles Comparison of Door Access Credentials and learn the pros and cons of different credentials, What are Door Access Control Credentials. Note that pricing changes frequently so please contact us for the latest pricing. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. Top Remote Door Access Control Using an Intercom and IP Camera Intercoms for Apartments | Intercoms for Organizations If you have a door that's used by authorized people but can also have visitors, you can use our intercoms and IP camera systems to control the door. You can manually control entry from your computer. For example, the intercom system notifies you with an audible alert, the video pops into a video window on your desktop so you can talk to the person at the door and then let them in. There are a number of different intercom solutions depending on your exact requirements. Read more about intercoms Intercoms for Apartments use wireless connections and smartphone apps to make it easy to control access in large organizations and apartment houses. Learn more ... Add IP Camera Systems to Door Access Control to Create a Complete Security System IP Camera Systems and Door Access Control Security can be improved when an IP camera system is added to door access control. These combined systems maximize the safety and security in hospitals, schools, government, military, and other organizations.   Now it’s easier than ever to install IP camera and door access control systems using your existing Ethernet network. It can be easily integrated with an IP video surveillance security system. To learn more about integration of Door Access Control and IP Camera Systems read our article How to Use IP Cameras With Access Control. Learn more… Special Door Access System Solutions Bluetooth Mobile Readers | Intercoms | Elevators | Long Range Readers | More Door readers are available with special capability. The classic door readers use proximity credentials that use an RFID signal between the card credential and the door reader. Mobile credentials use Bluetooth connections to your smartphone. There are other special readers that provide longer range and can be used to open a gate from a vehicle. And, biometric door readers read your fingerprint or facial features to open the door. There are other special door access systems that be used to control elevators. The access control systems can also be integrated with fire alarm systems, and for added security, you can add intercoms and IP cameras as well as walk through metal detectors. Here's a summary of some of these special access control systems. These Bluetooth Readers Use Mobile Credentials in Your Smartphone Mobile credentials are supported by the Isonas and some of the Hartmann door readers. All the Isonas IP readers allow you to use your Smartphone instead of a card credential. The Hartmann Bluetooth enabled door readers support mobile credentials and have more flexibility than Isonas readers. They can unlock a door, open a gate, or even turn on lights with the wave of your hand. Mobile credentials: Using your smartphone and an app, you can unlock your door. Read more about mobile door readers. Bluetooth Smartphone Credential Top Long Range Access Control Special long-range door access readers are used to open a gate from your car.  They have a range of over 25 ft. Learn more ... Elevator Access Control The elevator access control unit is used to determine the floors that can be reached based on the person's credential. An elevator access control system consists of a credential reader in the cab and a controller box that is usually located in the elevator control room. Learn more... Integration of Access Control and Fire Alarms The door access control reader and the electric lock can be wired to the fire alarm in a number of different ways. We can use a relay to drop power to the electric lock, or use an IP device that drops power using the network connection, or add a power control box that drops power when the fire alarm system detects a fire. We can also use door access control software.  Our article, "Access Control and Fire Alarm System Integration", describes how this is accomplished. Walk Through Metal Detectors Adding metal detectors at the doors increase safety and security at your school, business or special events.  These detectors assure that weapons don’t come into the building. Read more Top Visitor Management Systems Visitor authentication and management systems enhance the safety and security of your organization. Today’s heightened interest in security and health has resulted in the need for visitor authentication. With the addition of access control panels and kiosks, you can provide temperature monitoring and protective mask detection. These visitor management systems not only provide tracking of visitors they also provide visitor authentication and health monitoring. They can include access control panels that provide facial recognition, temperature monitoring, and mask detection to keep your organization safe. To learn how Visitor Management and Access Control systems work together take a look at our video. Access Control and Visitor Management systems provide an integrated security approach. They ensure that only authorized individuals, whether employees or visitors, can access facilities and sensitive areas. They monitor and log access for security and compliance purposes, and integrate with broader security measures for real-time response and investigation capabilities. This integrated approach significantly enhances an organization's overall safety, protecting against both external threats and internal vulnerabilities. Read More Top Electric Locks for Door Access Control Magnetic locks and Electric Strikes Electric locks are a critical part of your door access control system. There are two common types of electric locks, electric strike and the magnetic (or Mag) lock. Each type has its place in the security provided by access control. Understanding the differences between these two types is essential to ensure the security and functionality of your access control system. To learn more about the right electric lock for your application, see the descriptions below and please read our article Access Control Electric Locks: Mags versus Strikes. The following electric locks are available from Rutherford Controls (Dormakaba). Magnetic locks are used in high-security areas where you need to monitor the movement of people. Since people are required to use their access cards in both directions, you can track who enters and leaves a secure area.. Electric strikes are easy to install and are used to secure outer and inner doors, but do not prevent egress from an area like the magnetic lock. It replaces the fixed strike place in a standard lock. Special Cabinet Locks are available as well. For example, we have small locks that can be used to secure cabinets. These can be used to lock everything from filing cabinets to drug cabinets. Resources for Door Access More Technical Articles | Newsletter | Whitepapers | Blog | Videos The following resources can be used to help you understand the technology. Contact us for help with your system. Our engineers will make sure you get the exact system you need. Weighing the Impact of Security Breaches Security and safety are important issues in all organizations. Schools, hospitals, and businesses are affected not only by equipment loss and damage but also by possible injuries and stress caused by criminal intrusion. Physical security technology such as door access control, IP Camera Systems, Intercoms, and Paging Systems can prevent intrusions. This article compares the cost of adding physical security to the impact of security breaches. Read more... Weighing the Benefits of Security Equipment Comparison of Access Control Software Are you planning to purchase a new access control system or upgrade an old one? The access control management software is critical because it provides many essential features and functions that will make a difference in the functionality of your access control system. The management systems provide different features. For example, you may need elevator control, map functions, or integration of IP camera systems. This article helps you determine the best solution. Read more... Access Control Management Software Comparison The Financial Benefits of Access Control We all know that safety and security are significant advantages of adding door access control, but are there any financial benefits? It’s always best to analyze the return on investment of any new purchase. It turns out that access control systems offer several economic benefits to organizations, helping them reduce costs, improve efficiency, and protect assets. This article descusses some of the key financial benefits of access control. Read more... Financial Benefits of Access Control What are Biometric Palm Readers Touchless Palm Recognition uses a near-infrared (NIR) light source to illuminate the palm of the user’s hand. The hand is held near the sensor and doesn’t touch it. The blood in the veins absorbs the NIR light, but the surrounding tissue reflects it. This creates a unique pattern of light and dark areas that a sensor can capture. The sensor and computer then convert the image into a digital template stored in a database. Read more... Palm Readers for Door Control Network-Attached IP Access Control vs. Analog Separately Wired Access Control Systems When designing or upgrading a physical security system, one of the key architectural decisions is whether to use network-attached access control (also known as IP-based access control) or a separately wired access control system, often utilizing proprietary multiple wire harnesses. Here’s a video that describes the pros and cons these two systems compare: https://youtu.be/f5HcSDe0GiI?si=20bVZo0KXUZH9pL5 Access Control Installation How to install Door Access Control: This article provides A Guide to Door Access Control Installation. Installing door access control requires mechanical lock installation, wiring, door reader mounting, and management software. You will find access control systems easy to install if you have installed other network-attached devices such as computers, IP cameras, or paging systems. Read more... Biometric Door Reader Security How to increase Access Control Security: Biometric readers are used instead of card readers to open a door. They identify a human characteristic, such as your face or fingerprint, and are much more secure than standard card credentials. Card credentials can be stolen, lost, or given to another person. This article compares some of the popular biometric readers. Read more... Access Control and Intercoms Intercoms provide control of visitors: This article from Kintronics explains how access control and intercoms can be used together to create a secure and reliable access control system. It explains how an intercom system can be used to verify the identity of an individual before allowing them access to a certain area. It also discusses the many benefits of using access control and intercoms together, such as providing a layer of security, as well as convenience and cost-effectiveness. The article also provides tips on how to get the most out of an access control and intercom system. Read more... How Access Control Works How Door Access Control Systems Work: Door access control is part of an overall security system that keeps our organizations safer. The access control system ensures that only registered people can enter the organization. Door Readers for Everyone Comparison of Door Access Control Readers: We have come a long way since the early magnetic stripe cards. The new door readers can read RFID card credentials, mobile phone credentials, and biometric credentials. Some of the door readers are combinations of a reader and a controller. This means that all the intelligence is built into the reader at the door. This reader-controller connects to the network. Read more... How IP Cameras, Access Control, and Intercoms Enhance Security How the Integration of IP Cameras, Intercoms, and Access Control Increases Safety: What is the best way to use access control, IP camera systems, and intercoms to create lines of defense against intrusions. Surveillance cameras provided by IP camera systems have helped catch the criminals, but what can we do to prevent the intrusions. This article describes the proactive measures we can take to make life safer. Read more... The Magnetic Door Lock How to install Mag locks: The magnetic door lock is a unique lock requiring special handling to ensure safety. Since the mag lock holds the door shut and prevents both egress and ingress, additional devices must be present to allow people to exit. IP Door Access Systems Wiring The article reviews the wiring topography of various door access systems. We compared the different access control systems and the benefits and disadvantages of each system configuration. Door Access Control - Frequently Asked Questions FAQs How does door access control work, what is the most secure access control system, and why do I need door access control management software are some of the questions and answers provided. Door Access Control and Visitor Management Integration The combination of access control, temperature scanning, contact tracing, and access to control databases has increased security and health. This article reviews the new technology advances in visitor management and the integration of door access control and other technologies. Thermal Body Temperature Screening Cameras How the addition of temperature scanning increase health safety: This article reviews the various technologies used to measure a person’s body temperature, and how they can help monitor people as they enter a secure area. How Door Access Control Works The RFID door readers use credentials that have embedded circuits and an antenna. The reader broadcasts a signal that is received by the credential antenna. The broadcasted electrical signal contains enough power to energize the circuit in the credential. This article describes how the technology works. What is the Best IP Door Access System for You? Comparison of Door Access Control Systems: We compared three access control systems, the Isonas reader/controller system, the Hartmann control system with a separate IP controller located at the door, and the Biometric IP readers. How to Increase Security in Apartment Buildings Network-attached security devices can provide walls of defense that increase safety in apartment buildings. Door access control is one of the first lines of defense. Biometric Door Access Control Biometrics provides one of the most secure ways of granting access.  It authenticates the person rather than the card that they carry.  Biometric identification includes fingerprint, handprint, and facial recognition.  The latest technology includes both facial recognition plus body motion and shape.  It is one of the more reliable biometric solutions available. Review of the Biometric Authentication This document reviews a number of different biometric systems.  It compares fingerprint authentication and facial recognition. The Evolution of Access Control Remember when access control was limited to fitting a key into a lock and turning?  Door control systems have come a long way, and now are easier to install and much more reliable. Advanced Door Access Control Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to push a button to initiate campus-wide lockdown? What about integrating IP door access with your IP surveillance system, or controlling what floor a person can go to in the elevator? Or, maybe you would like to use the access system as a visitor management system? Well, the latest network-attached access control systems provide these advanced features as well as many others that can make it easier to control security. How to Integrate Access Control and Fire Alarm Systems When the fire alarm goes off, it's important to make sure that the doors are all unlocked. This article describes how access control and fire alarm systems can be integrated. It also describes how to assure people can escape when the building doesn't have a fire alarm system. How Long Range Access Control Readers Work Long-range access control systems are primarily used to open a gate as you go into a parking area. This article describes how the long-range readers work. Elevator Control Using Door Access Readers Door access readers can be used to determine what floors a person can reach depending on their credential authorization.  This article describes how we use access control readers along with a special relay control box and software to increase security in a high-rise building. Comparison of Multimode Biometric Door Readers Which door reader is best for your application.  Take a look at this buyer's guide.  It provides the pros and cons of each type of reader.  It includes a comparison of RFID readers, fingerprint, finger vein, facial recognition, and multimodal readers that read more than one physiological characteristic. Security Provided by Access Control Systems What can we do to increase our security? By integrating different security systems we increase our safety. IP door access prevents unauthorized access to our buildings, walk-through metal detectors prevent people from bringing in weapons, and using campus-wide paging systems we keep everyone informed of any emergency. This article describes when and how to use these technologies. Cloud Versus On-Site Door Access Software Recently Door Access Control software has become available in the cloud.  What exactly does this mean and what is better for you?  The article compares on-premise software to a cloud platform and provides pros and cons that can help you decide what is best. How to Install an IP Door Control System A review of access control technology and how the IP door access systems can be integrated with IP camera systems. How Does Facial Recognition Work? Biometric door access control is a more secure method of controlling access. Facial recognition uses a number of algorithms to identify a face. How does Fingerprint Readers Work? Fingerprint readers detect the features of a person's fingerprint and create a digital code that is used as a unique digital template. Door Access Control Review This article compares the older door access technology that uses control panels and the latest IP door access intelligent readers. The article compares the total cost of implementation. How Network Attached IP Paging and Intercoms can Increase Safety How Intercoms and IP paging systems can improve your safety.  Everything you wanted to know about how to add an intercom that can control a door from a remote location. How to Integrate Door Control With Other IP Systems 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. Biometric Door Control Misconceptions There are many misconceptions about science and technology. One of the misconceptions is that biometric IP door readers store a picture of your fingerprint or face. Instead of storing a picture of our actual fingerprint or face, the biometric readers captures only a small subset of data and then convert these minutiae points to encrypted binary data. Technology Notes Newsletter If you would like to receive our technical newsletter, just fill out the form. Our Technical Notes newsletter is filled with articles about how the technology works and examples of how it is used. It also includes some great technical jokes and cartoons. Technical Whitepaper How to Create the Complete Safety and Security System. This whitepaper describes how to make your world safer by integrating IP camera systems, access control, and emergency paging systems. Blog Our blog describes how the security technology works, includes educational notes, describes how to do your own calculations, and how to select the right equipment. We also included examples of how security technology is used. Technical Videos These videos provide an overview of the technology. Take a look at the videos describing door access control and IP camera systems. IP Door Access Control and IP Cameras How to Select Your Access Control System How Biometric Readers Work How Walk-Through Metal Detectors Work Technology Provides Increased Security IP Cameras Are Compatible with IP Access Control Readers  More... Top Technical Support Security systems can be complex because they include many different components that have to work together. Kintronics is a resource for engineering and integration of all your security projects. We can design your complete system so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. After purchasing your system we make sure that it works exactly the way you expect. You can contact us for help with your installation and any technical support you may need. We provide technical support and warranty support. Contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 whenever you need assistance. Top ### Network Attached Cameras Camera Comparisons | What is an IP Camera | Purchase the IP Camera | Resources | Purchase We compare IP cameras and how they are used in the IP camera system. An IP Camera System for one application may not be suitable for another. We can help you purchase the right system for your application. An IP camera is a surveillance camera that connects to the network. It consists of an optical sensor, lens, video processing circuits, and a network interface. It is used in an IP camera system that consists of video recording system, video management software, network switches, and computer display systems. Cameras come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and capabilities. Before selecting your cameras, it’s essential to understand your objectives. Do you want to reduce liability, catch a criminal, detect when someone is carrying a gun, improve productivity, or watch a rocket launch? Refer to the chart below for guidance on selecting the right camera. IP Camera System Integration IP Camera Comparison Chart There are many different types of IP cameras available, which can be confusing. IP cameras can be inexpensive but don't opt for the least expensive model. Look for one that meets your requirements. Otherwise, you'll waste your money. Take a look at the video below for an overview of the available cameras, or read our article, "Best IP Camera for Your Application." https://youtu.be/-KGSgDesroY The IP Camera chart below compares the cameras available from some of the major IP camera manufacturers. Take a look at the list of IP cameras below, and then contact us for assistance. We will be happy to help.   The complete IP surveillance system includes not only the cameras, but it also includes Video Management Software or NVRs, lenses, enclosures, network switches, and even analytic software. A complete security system can also include door access control, intercoms, and network-attached emergency paging. An IP camera system is used for such things as surveillance, monitoring manufacturing processes, education, monitoring weather, watching wildlife, and even viewing the inside of a furnace. It is important to select the right IP camera for the application. For example, a camera that views a doorway is different than one that views a parking lot. For more information, look at our articles, What is the Best Price to Pay for your Camera?, and IP Camera Price to Performance Table. Professional Cameras for Your IP Camera System Hanwha Vision (Samsung) The Hanwha Vision (previously Techwin) IP cameras conform to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), effective August 13, 2019, specifically section 889.  This means they are the best choice for government projects that require products that comply with all government and international trade regulations. They have a full line IP megapixel surveillance cameras that attach to your network. These are professional cameras that are designed for businesses, schools, hospitals, military, and government applications. They have been making quite an impression in the security and surveillance market because they have excellent performance and pricing.  You will find that their IP cameras provide better cost-performance than Axis or Sony. Hanwha Vision (Techwin) provides IP cameras, NVR systems, and VMS software. Box IP Cameras The Hanwha box IP cameras are great for applications that require special lenses and enclosures. The high-performance models include remote focus and wide dynamic range. Bullet IP Cameras Bullet cameras with IR illuminators are easy to install and have many advanced functions such as remote zoom and focus lenses. All these IP surveillance cameras are powered using PoE. Dome Cameras Dome IP cameras are unobtrusive and nice-looking. They are easy to install. The high-end models include remote zoom and focus lenses.  IP cameras that support two-way audio, and have input and output connections, are the best choice when you need to add an intercom for remote door access control. PTZ Cameras Hanwha's new 2-megapixel PTZ IP camera provides amazing long-range viewing. It far surpasses the similar Axis 2 megapixel camera which only has a 20X zoom lens versus the 32X zoom lens provided by the Hanwha (Samsung) camera. Full line of Samsung Hanwha IP Cameras Top Covert IP Cameras Hanwha hidden or covert type IP cameras don’t look like standard dome or bullet IP cameras. They are classified as hidden cameras. You can select pole cameras, tiny cameras, and door cameras that can monitor people as they enter your facility. Read more... Top Axis Fixed Dome IP Cameras Dome cameras are available for indoor and outdoor applications. These cameras look nice, are protected from damage (especially the vandal-resistant versions), and some have remote control lens adjustment making them very easy to install. The latest P33 series of cameras include improved light handling capability that includes wide dynamic range and very low light sensitivity. Box Cameras Box cameras provide the flexibility of using different lenses. There are models for just indoor applications and others that can be used outdoors. The outdoor-ready models have the ability to operate in a wide range of lighting because they include auto-iris lenses. Pricing ranges from under $179 to over $1200 depending on performance, resolution, and functions. The new outdoor-ready cameras are available in enclosures that are powered over Ethernet (PoE) PTZ Cameras There is a choice of economical or high-performance Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) IP cameras to choose from. PTZ cameras are available with up to 2-megapixel resolution. These High-performance PTZ are outdoor-ready, and some are powered by PoE. They provide up to 36X optical zoom with image stabilization.  AXIS is one of the largest manufacturers of IP cameras and systems. They provide excellent technical support and have a wide selection of cameras. Take a look at the full line of Axis cameras. Top Sony (No longer available) Sony has left the surveillance market in the USA. They had very high-performance IP cameras that include box, bullet, dome, and PTZ cameras. They all feature excellent low light performance and wide dynamic range.  This information is for historical purposes. Fixed cameras include megapixel resolution and outdoor rated bullet cameras with IR illuminators.  The cameras feature remote back focus. Dome cameras include megapixel resolution and IR illuminators.  They feature remote zoom and remote back focus that makes installation and set up very easy to do. PTZ IP camera systems have Megapixel resolution, with up to 30X zoom. These cameras have an excellent wide dynamic range. More Sony IP cameras. Sony has a complete line of excellent cameras for many different applications. Top Other Cameras The following cameras are available but may not be the best choice for your surveillance system. The brands listed above provide better cost-performance solutions.  IQinvision IQinvision merged with Vicon to create a new company that offers a larger variety of products. The old IQeye cameras are no longer available. Take a look at Hanwha (Samsung), Sony, and Axis cameras. IQinvision was founded in 1998 and was the place to go for high-resolution cameras.  Now there are many other surveillance camera manufacturers that provide higher resolution cameras. The benefit of high-resolution IP camera is that it allows you to identify a person's face or license plate number in a wide field of view.  IQinvision had a number of good indoor and outdoor-ready box and dome cameras available that were powered over Ethernet (PoE). For reference only see the full line of IQinvision Cameras Top Panasonic Panasonic has a small number of IP camera products. See the full line of Panasonic cameras and contact us for pricing. Panasonic provides a wide selection of hybrid cameras that have both analog and network connections. They also have a number of dome and PTZ cameras that provide very good performance. More Panasonic cameras Top Brickcom Brickcom provides low-cost cameras and is not the best choice for professional surveillance solutions. It has a selection of cube, dome, bullet, and other surveillance cameras.  Besides the standard models that include PoE power, there are models that include wireless and 3G SIM card options.  More about Brickcom Canon Canon purchased Axis and now their cameras are part of the Axis Line up. The traditional Canon cameras made use of the Canon lens expertise.  They featured megapixel resolution with excellent low light sensitivity. More about Canon. IPX (Discontinued) The following cameras have been discontinued: IPX-DDK-1700 Box camera  |  IPX-DDK-1700D Dome Camera The information is for reference only. This camera manufacturer had limited IP camera models. The low-cost 2-Megapixel dome IP camera included built-in IR illumination allowing it to see in the dark for a distance of 60 ft. It can be used indoors or outdoors. JVC JVC has limited styles of IP cameras in their line-up. They include megapixel surveillance cameras. The latest cameras feature "fine adjust" focusing.   More JVC cameras Top Vivotek Vivotek provides low-cost cameras and is not the best choice for professional surveillance solutions. It is manufactured in Taiwan.  They provide reasonable quality cameras at low prices. They have a wide variety of economic dome and box cameras. More about Vivotek Top Hikvision Unfortunately, Hikvision IP cameras and systems are no longer available from Kintronics because of the current US government restrictions. Please take a look at the other IP Cameras we have available. When Hikvision IP cameras were introduced in the USA, their mission was to replace Axis as the dominant camera provider.  Today they are the largest manufacturer of IP cameras in the world. Hikvision has continued to improve its camera performance, and are now comparable to Samsung (Hanwha) and Sony cameras.  We tested their new cameras and were impressed by their performance. They added wide dynamic range and remote zoom and auto-focus lenses that dramatically improved their overall capability. There is a wide selection of surveillance cameras including, box, dome, bullet, and PTZ IP cameras. The cameras range in price from under $150 for the "Value Series" to the high-performance 4K, 8.8-megapixel outdoor camera with a remotely adjustable lens at under $1,200. Hikvision also has some very nice Network Video Recorders (NVR) systems. The recorders also support some other camera manufacturers such as Axis, Canon, Sony and other cameras that are compatible with ONVIF. More about Hikvision products What is an IP Camera? An IP camera is a surveillance video camera that attaches to the network. There are many types of IP cameras that are designed for specific applications. The latest IP cameras are powered using Power over Ethernet (PoE) and include the lens and enclosure. IP cameras are available as dome cameras, box cameras, bullet cameras, and PTZ cameras. The IP camera is just one of the components that make up the complete IP camera system. Some things to consider before purchasing your IP camera: The resolution of your IP camera The lens of the camera The low-light capability of your IP camera The wide dynamic range of the IP camera The video recording system for your IP Camera System Do you need a specialized long-range camera? Do you need to see at night? IP Camera Systems IP Camera Resources To learn more about IP camera systems take a look at our articles: How the IP Camera Works. IP Camera Systems – The Complete Reference Guide What is the Best Price to Pay for your Camera? IP Camera Price to Performance Table. More articles and videos If you would like help selecting the right IP camera, please contact us.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA or at 914-944-3425, or just use our contact form. ### Solutions Security Product and System Solutions System Solutions Kintronics provides solutions that increase security. Our products and systems include IP Cameras, Access Control, Paging, archiving systems and Other Network Attached Systems IP Camera Systems IP Camera System Solutions Whether you need one IP camera or a completely integrated IP camera system, we provide excellent pricing and support. This includes everything from the camera lens to the network switch and camera recording systems. Continue Reading IP Door Access Control Access Control Systems These complete door control systems utilize the latest network-attached system technology. They connect directly to the network and are powered over Ethernet. They provide flexible and powerful solutions that can be integrated with IP camera systems and IP intercoms Continue Reading Paging over IP Systems PA over IP System Now it’s easier than ever to install a campus-wide paging or intercom system using your existing Ethernet network. The PA system can be used to provide emergency notification to the campus or specific messages to each room. Continue Reading Apartment Intercoms Apartment IP intercom Illustration The IP apartment Intercom panel includes a touchscreen that allows the user to select the person they want to contact. The intercom panel provides audio and video communication to the tenant’s smartphone. It is designed for any organization that has multiple tenants. Continue Reading Safety and Security Emergency Systems Safety and Security Contact Tracing People This contact tracing system provides the automated health tracing required in today’s environment.  The system provides accurate, reliable, and easy-to-implement contact tracing in the workplace. It keeps a record of all the people who come into contact with each other. The automated contact tracing system allows employers to safely bring their employees back to the office while reducing the risk of a future shutdown due to infected employees. Read more… Temperature Screening Access Control The biometric door reader provides face authentication and temperature monitoring. It can prevent the entry of a person that has an elevated temperature or if they are not wearing a protective face mask. Designed for organizations that need door access control as well as a way to screen people as they enter a secure area. The biometric door reader includes an embedded thermal camera and the latest face recognition algorithm. Read more... Mobile Panic Buttons The mobile panic button is a personal security alert system that allows you to get help no matter where you are.  Continue Reading … Campus-Wide Emergency Alerts These network-attached IP based public address and intercom systems improve campus security by adding emergency alert capabilities.  Continue Reading … Archiving Solutions Archive and Protect Data Virus Protected Storage Systems Safeguard your computer systems using this patented disk technology that protects your computers from cyber-attack. Write-once disk control prevents any changes to your data.  Learn more… Archiving Systems Kintronics has a wide selection of optical BluRay jukeboxes and libraries available, as well as all the software or network-attached storage manager necessary to attach them to your computer and network.  Learn more… Optical Jukebox Libraries If you need help defining your system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Products Door Access Control | IP Camera Systems | Intercoms and Paging | More Products Product Highlights IP Security Highlights Product Highlights | List of Products How IP Security Devices Work Video What’s Inside the IP Camera, Door Access System, and IP Paging Systems The following video helps you understand the technology. We try to provide all the information you need so you can make an intelligent decision about your security system. https://youtu.be/f6JVmu96OWE If you need more information about any of our IP security devices, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. IP Camera System Automation Smart Cameras Make a Difference Emergency Button The latest IP camera systems are getting very smart. Advanced cameras and the latest video management software provide the capability of adding if-then logic. This means that you can add unique routines for your specific application. This automation allows you to customize your IP camera system to respond to immediate threats. The new IP surveillance camera system if-then automation, provides critical alarms and reduces the time needed to respond to an emergency. Read more… Why is the Apartment Intercom a Good Choice? A combination of IP Camera, Door Access Control, and IP Audio Technology The old analog-type apartment intercom systems required wires from the lobby intercom to each apartment. An intercom in each apartment allowed the person to talk to the visitor in the lobby. The tenant could then press the door release button to open the front door. The latest wireless apartment intercom systems don’t require wires. Instead, the resident is reached on their smartphone or standard phone to request entry into the building. Not only can you talk to the visitor, but you can also see who it is. This combination of Door Access Control, IP Audio and IP Camera technology is an excellent choice for replacing the old analog intercom systems or for new installations. Old Apartment Intercom The apartment lobby panel only requires a network connection with PoE and the electric lock release, so wiring is simple. Apartment Intercom The lobby intercom display provides a list of all the tenants in the building. Once the tenant is reached, they can release the lock on the front door (or not). Since the communication channel is over the Internet, the tenant doesn’t have to be in their apartment; they can be anywhere in the world. Learn more about Apartment Intercoms… Integrating IP Camera Systems with Access Control Integration of access control and IP camera systems improves safety by allowing the security personnel to view areas while monitoring doors controlled by door access control. The integrated system provides video displays imported from the VMS on the same screen as the access control system. Predefined alerts, such as “door held opened” or “door forced open,” can be displayed so that the security personnel can immediately learn of any safety threats. The new systems include if-then logic that provides complex branching actions. Over 40 customizable actions can trigger the system. By linking the access control with Video Management Systems such as WAVE and Ocularis, the safety person can see all the doors, inside elevators, or preset PTZ positions. Read more... Access Control and IP Camera Integration Door Access Control Using Your Hand Now you can wave your hand over the door reader, and it will open the door. The Bluetooth (BT) door readers can open the door in several ways. The credentials are stored in the smartphone app. There are identification modes that provide the security and convenience that you need. Card Mode Place your smartphone in front of the reader just like you would do with a card credential. This virtual credential mode is free. Slide Mode Slide. Come in! Your hand becomes a card that you always have on you, without needing to take out your smartphone. Tap-Tap Mode Tap and enter! You can open a door by tapping your smartphone twice in your pocket for close or remote access. These mode requires the purchase of a virtual card credential. Hands-Free Mode Just walk past the reader! There’s nothing else to it! The distance from the smartphone to the reader is adjustable to maintain security. Read more... Access Control with a Tap PTZ Cameras that See in the Dark The latest PTZ camera provides 4K resolution and a 30X zoom lens. The XNP-9300RW PTZ camera also includes a powerful IR illuminator that provides viewing in total darkness at a range of 200m (656 ft). This PTZ camera is a very-high 8-Megapixel PTZ camera with IR and a built-in wiper. It has a 30X lens that provides enough resolution to identify the size and shape of a person that’s about 1 mile away. The high resolution allows you to identify a person in a field of view of over 32 feet. Learn more… XNP-9300RW PTZ Camera Cameras for Extreme Environments These camera systems protect IP cameras from extreme and harsh environments. They also provide the protection necessary for operating in explosion-hazardous areas. IP Cameras for Extreme Environments: High-Temperature Environments: These IP camera systems are designed to operate in extremely high temperatures, such as blast furnaces or rocket test viewing. The liquid-cooled enclosures can protect cameras in an environment where the temperature reaches up to 400 C (750 F). Cameras for Corrosive Environments: The second type of enclosure is designed for saltwater applications like marine or coast patrol, industrial or chemical applications, and where external agents are highly corrosive. Learn more… Explosion-Proof IP Camera Environments These unique explosion-proof camera systems are designed for use in areas with a risk of explosion, such as refineries, gas pipelines, oil tankers, offshore platforms, industrial processes, chemical industries, etc. Learn more… Apartment Intercoms The latest Intercoms for apartments and multi-tenant buildings are easy to install in new and existing buildings. The reason they are so easy to install is that they are wireless. The apartment intercom is an intelligent panel that includes a touchscreen that allows the user to select the person they want to contact. The IP intercom panel provides wireless audio and video communication to the tenants. It includes a door relay that can release the electric lock at the door. It is designed for any organization that has multiple tenants. You can easily find and call a specific corporate department or person in an apartment building using the touchscreen. The person contacted can answer the intercom using the app on their mobile device. It’s easy to view, talk and then release the door. Read more about Apartment Intercoms… Apartment Intercom Low-Light Camera Systems The latest IP cameras provide excellent low light sensitivity. This means you can see things without adding extra light. The camera stays in color even when there is very little light. They can see things in gray-scale at much lower light than the older IP camera systems. The processors in the cameras have become much more powerful, enabling them to reduce noise associated with low-light conditions and enhance the video. We used to be happy with cameras that could see at 0.1 lux in color, but now we have IP cameras such as the PNV-A6081R that have low-light sensitivity in color at 0.007 Lux. The camera can see at night when the stars are shining. Read more about low-light cameras… Low-Light IP Cameras Door Readers Add Flexibility to Door Access Control Applications We have come a long way since the early magnetic stripe cards. The variety of door readers used in access control systems has increased dramatically over the last year. These slave door readers connect to an intelligent controller such as the Hartmann controller. The readers support Radio Frequency ID (RFID) credentials, biometric readers, or mobile credentials provided by the person’s smartphone. Using your mobile phone improves security since it’s less likely to give your phone to another person. It also saves on the cost of card credential purchases. Read more about Door readers… Door Readers for Access Control IP Camera Systems That are Smart Would you like to know the moment when someone takes your laptop? Would you like to know when someone screams in the lobby of your building? How about detecting a gunshot? The latest IP cameras include more powerful artificial intelligence.  These cameras help protect people and assets. They notify you of dangerous situations, help deter terror attacks, and even tell you how many people have visited your store. As an example, Hanwha’s latest intelligent IP cameras provide “narrow artificial intelligence” capability.  They can make decisions about objects they observe and categorize them into classes. The classes can be used to help find the critical recorded video. The latest IP cameras can also use object information and other detection rules such as line-crossing to notify users of an event. IP Cameras with AI Easy IP Camera Setup and Adjustment One of the most impressive innovations available for IP camera systems provides remote final camera adjustment. It makes life so much easier when you don't have to make adjustments on a ladder. Yes, the cameras with remote pan, tilt, rotate, and zoom (PTRZ) cost some more, but if you don't need another person to help with the installation, it may be worth it. Some bullet and dome cameras include remote zoom and focus, but the latest IP dome cameras have the ability to pan, tilt, rotate, zoom, and focus (PTRZ). These cameras can be aimed and focused from your computer. For example, see the XNV-6081Z. This Wisenet X-Series cameras can be adjusted from your smartphone using a USB dongle, and free smartphone app. IP Cameras with PoE Extension Some of the latest Wisenet X-series IP Cameras include PoE extender capability that provides a savings in installation of multiple cameras. IP Camera with Extended PoE Each Wisenet X series PoE extender camera is equipped with a secondary network port, allowing you to power and connect an additional PoE or network device at distances of up to 260 feet away – saving you time and money on long cabling and installation runs traditionally associated with connecting additional devices to your network. Power and connectivity to the secondary network port can then be monitored and controlled in real time from the camera’s web user interface. Learn more about the X series IP cameras with PoE extended capability. Customizable Crisis Levels is a Key Advance in Door Access Control Systems Customizable Crisis levels can be defined. Many input triggers such as triple swipe, a special card, a mobile app can create an appropriate notification. For example, a crisis level can restrict what type of users can go through the door and change the mode of the door, such as making a public door into a door that needs a card and a PIN. Read more... Access Control Crisis Management Product List Accessories Learn More AI-Enhanced IP Camera Systems Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances IP Camera Systems to improve safety and security. AI systems are defined as those that can learn from experience. Physical crises are automatically detected and provide alarms that prevent threats from becoming critical. This technology offers a paradigm change in the usage of IP Camera Systems. Learn more... Archiving Learn More Axis IP Cameras The IP cameras from Axis are well known in the industry. They provide a very wide selection of cameras and accessories that can be used in many applications. Learn More Biometric Door Access Control The biometric IP door readers are designed with an advanced fingerprint, vein pattern, and facial recognition detection technology. Read more... Camera Enclosures for Special Applications The special stainless steel enclosures provide protection in the harshest environments. The enclosures protect cameras from the very high temperature of blast furnaces or rocket launches.  The special explosion-proof enclosures allow you to use IP cameras in areas with risk of explosion, such as refineries, gas pipelines, oil tankers, offshore platforms, industrial processes, chemical industries, etc. Learn More Discontinued Our product line changes as new technology become available. Kintronics provides the latest technology that can improve your safety and security. Please take a look at the other network attached security systems we have available. These include IP camera systems, door access control systems, and network attached paging systems. Learn More Door Access Control A Door Access Control System is a set of devices that control physical access to a building, room, or other area. It consists of door readers, electric locks, a controller, credentials, and access control management software. Its primary purpose is to restrict access to authorized personnel and prevent unauthorized entry. Learn More Face Recognition Facial recognition readers connect to the network and identify a person’s face from a template that has previously been recorded.  These integrated units contain all the intelligence, allowing enrollment as well as door control. They record coded information rather than an actual picture of a person. Lean more... Facial Recognition in a Crowd Facial algorithms use your IP camera system to provide live-stream accurate capture and identification. If you need to find the criminal entering your building or walking down the street, this is the best solution for you. Read more... Hanwha IP Cameras Hanwha (used to be Samsung) has five families of cameras: the WiseNet lite, P series, Q series, WiseNet III series, and the highest performance X-Series. Hanwha has an IP Camera for almost all applications. They provide the best cost-performance solution in the security industry. Learn More Hikvision IP Cameras Hikvision is one of the largest manufacturers of CCTV surveillance cameras. Their IP cameras feature megapixel resolution, wide dynamic range, and remote zoom and autofocus lenses. Unfortunately, Hikvision IP cameras and systems are no longer available from Kintronics because of the current US government restrictions. Learn More IP Box Cameras Learn More IP Bullet Cameras Learn More IP Cameras Learn More IP Dome Cameras Learn More IP Low Light Camera Learn More License Plate Recognition Learn More Locks Learn More Long-Range IP Camera Systems There are several types of long-range PTZ camera systems. Long-range cameras can see over one mile away during the day or night. Some can even see through the fog. Learn more... Network Extender Learn More Network Video Encoders Learn More Network Video Recorders The Network Video Recorder includes a computer with special video recording and management software. This is a complete system, that includes everything you need to record and manage the video from IP cameras in your surveillance system. Learn more... PA Systems Learn More Presentation Systems Discontinued Learn More PTZ Cameras Learn More Remote Zoom and Focus IP Cameras Learn More Software Learn More Sony IP Cameras Discontinued Learn More Speaker Monitor Learn More Video Management Software Video management Software (VMS) is used to record video from your surveillance cameras. It provides camera management, display of video, and notification of alarm conditions. Learn More ### Home Creating a Safer and More Secure World By providing security solutions using the latest technology, Kintronics offers complete solutions that include IP video, access control, and IP audio systems that make your world safer. Kintronics - The Experts in IP Cameras, Access Control, Paging and Other Network Attached Systems IP Camera Systems IP Camera Systems for Business, Education, Hospitals, Government, Military, and other Organizations. Whether you need one IP camera or a completely integrated IP camera system, we provide excellent pricing and support. This includes everything from the camera lens to the network switch and camera recording systems. Learn More IP Door Access Control Door access control has become a very important part of our security environment. These complete door control systems utilize the latest network attached system technology. They connect directly to the network and are powered over Ethernet. They provide flexible and powerful solutions that can be integrated with IP camera systems and IP intercoms. Learn More IP Paging and Intercoms Paging provide improved security by notifying people of emergencies. IP Intercoms control access of guests to buildings. Whether you have one building or sites located around the world, the latest IP paging and intercom systems can connect them all together. It is very easy to install a network attached emergency alert systems or provide intercoms for controlled door access. Learn More Security Systems for Emergencies The integration of IP cameras, IP door access control, intercoms, personal emergency request systems, and emergency paging systems create a complete safety and security system. Mobile Panic Buttons The mobile panic button allows you to get help no matter where you are.  Continue Reading … Campus-Wide Emergency Alerts Network-attached IP based public address and intercom systems provide emergency alert capabilities.  Continue Reading … Archiving Systems Protected Storage Systems Safeguard your data and your computer systems with optical storage. Write-Once technology prevents any changes to your data. Read more about Virus Protected Storage Systems Optical Jukeboxes Libraries ### Video Management Software Advances The Evolution of VMS Video Management Software Video Management Software (VMS) is an essential part of the total surveillance system. It is crucial to recognize that a surveillance system is incomplete without VMS. The latest management software has progressed beyond its original purpose of recording video for later review. This article describes how Video Management Software has evolved over the years. History of Video Management Video Management Tape Systems Early surveillance systems (1960s) used videotape to record footage for later review. Ampex tape machines were early, simple recording systems that captured only about one day of video history. The recording systems provided continuous recording at lower frame rates to preserve the limited tape storage. The recording medium evolved from VCRs (Video Cassette Recorders) to Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), which extended recording times, improved quality, and made searching easier. Still, nothing really changed until simple motion detection was added, and surveillance cameras became network-attached (IP) to improve video recording storage capacity. After digital IP camera systems were developed, computer hard drives became the storage point for video recordings. All videos collected from multiple IP cameras on the network were transmitted to one or more video storage server computers. Video Management Systems Today Today, video management systems do more than record video; they have evolved to provide integrated security capabilities and, with the addition of AI-enhanced security software, deliver immediate alerts of security incidents. Integrated Security Systems IP Camera and Access Control Integration Integrated security systems enable access to surveillance cameras and door access control systems through a common software interface. You can start with a Video Management System that also lets you view door information, or with an Access Control System that adds surveillance cameras. To learn more about VMS, please watch our video about the latest versions. Here are some examples of VMS: HxGN dC3 from Hexagon The Hexagon dC3 solution is based on the Ocularis Video Management Software. You can add the S2 Access control software. It supports Lenell, Isonas (hosted), and other access control. This is a good choice if you want to start with a video management system that integrates with access control. It is a unified physical security technology ecosystem designed to manage the entire incident lifecycle and minimize its impact. This innovative solution combines the C3 approach—Command, Control, and Collaborate—familiar from the control center environment with advanced event-detection capabilities. Learn more… Armatura Advanced Access Control Software Armatura provides a gateway to multiple security solutions, including the WAVE video manager. This is a web-based solution that includes various modules, such as Video Management System, Access Control, Time & Attendance, and more. Functions Available Include: Access Control, Video Management, Elevator Control, and Data Monitor. Learn more... AI-Enhanced IP Camera Systems AI-Enhanced VMS While standard video management systems record valuable footage, reviewing hours of video days after an incident has occurred often feels like closing the door after the cow has left the barn. The damage has already been done. AI provides a revolutionary tool that combines real-time video monitoring with AI to detect and respond to issues as they occur. These intelligent systems transform how organizations protect their people, property, and operations by proactively addressing risks rather than reacting after the fact. AI has been integrated into cameras, but the most significant enhancement comes from additional software that can be deployed across manya Video Management SystemsSystem. Scy-AI Software Scy-AI software adds Artificial Intelligence to analyze data coming from stationary and portable cameras. It then processes the acquired data to generate meaningful information about the activity contained in the video stream. By matching the data results from the decision-making algorithm, Scy-AI identifies the suspect via facial recognition and potential threats posed by the suspect’s actions or vehicle in the video feed. Finally, Scy-AI analyzes the collected data and distributes alerts to law enforcement response units via web and mobile channels, including information on the threat, location, and suspect identity. Summary of Video Management Software Advances Video Management systems have come a long way from simple tape-based systems. They have become more powerful, easier to use, and integrate with access control and other security products. With added AI enhancements, video management software has become much better at providing security. If you need help determining the best way to increase your organization’s security. Please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425, email dennis@kintronics.com, or use our contact form. ### Integration of IP Camera Systems with Audio Integration of IP Surveillance, Audio, and Intercom Systems IP Camera and Audio System Integration Modern security systems have evolved far beyond simple video monitoring. Today’s advanced IP camera systems are more than just “eyes on the scene”; when combined with sound and intercom integration, they become a much more effective security response tool. This article describes how merging video and audio can enhance both situational awareness and real-time interaction, improving safety, deterrence, and response time. The Power of Sound in IP Camera Surveillance Systems Traditional IP surveillance cameras record what they see, but adding sound increases security in many ways. Adding an intercom at a door allows security to control visitors. Also. audio capabilities capture what the camera can’t, such as loud noises like a person yelling or a gunshot. For example, raised voices, breaking glass, or a gunshot can trigger alerts even before an incident becomes visible. Security is notified before dangerous situations become disasters. IP Cameras with Audio IP Cameras with Audio IP cameras with two-way audio let operatorshear what’s happening and respond instantly. Instead of passively recording, the system becomes interactive and proactive, an enhanced multifaceted security system. Many of today's IP cameras include a microphone and an audio output that can be connected to a speaker. As an example, take a look at the QNV-C6083R. It is essential to select a video management system that supports audio, such as WAVE VMS software. Intercoms: Real-Time Communication at the Door Intercoms Control Visitors When someone is waiting at a door, intercom systems provide instant voice communication, allowing security to control entry. Intercoms can be added at a door where an IP camera is installed, or intercoms can include the camera. With integrated video capability,combining a high-definition IP camera, speaker, and microphone into one device, it allows staff or security personnel to see, hear, and speak with visitors before granting access. This capability provides several key advantages: Verification: Confirm identity visually and verbally before unlocking the door. Safety: Staff can communicate without physically approaching unknown visitors. Convenience: Visitors, delivery drivers, and maintenance personnel can reach the right person with one button. In many systems, these intercoms tie directly into access control management software, enabling staff to unlock a door once identity is confirmed remotely. For example, a receptionist working offsite can greet and admit a visitor in real time via a network connection to the intercom. Automated Sound Responses from Intelligent Cameras Intelligent IP Cameras Today’s AI-enhanced IP cameras do more than record motion. They can analyze sound and video patterns to detect specific events and automatically trigger audible responses. For instance: A camera detects unauthorized movement after hours and activates a pre-recorded warning message: “You are entering a restricted area. Please leave immediately.” Gunshot or glass-break detection triggers both a local alarm and a recorded verbal alert, notifying security staff instantly. Cameras equipped with two-way audio allow operators to speak directly to intruders or guide visitors to safety during an emergency. This fusion of sound and intelligent analytics transforms cameras from passive monitors into active participants in security management. They not only observe, they also react. Integration Across the Security Ecosystem The real power of these technologies emerges when they work together: IP Surveillance cameras provide the visual record. Intercom systems allow human interaction. Access control systems manage entry permissions. Paging and audio systems broadcast warnings or announcements automatically. Integrated security devices now operate on an IP-based network, managed by a unified software platform. The result is a cohesive system where video, sound, and access control reinforce one another to prevent incidents, improve communication, and enhance safety. To learn more, please read our article, IP Cameras, Access Control, and Paging System Enhance Security. The Future: Intelligent Sound as Part of IP Camera Security Systems AI-enhanced Cameras As artificial intelligence continues to advance, the next generation of surveillance will use sound analytics even more effectively, distinguishing between regular activity and threats, learning over time, and even responding with the appropriate tone or message. The integration of surveillance cameras with sound is more than a technical enhancement; it’s a shift from watching to understanding and communicating. It gives security systems a voice, one that can warn, verify, discover, or protect in real time. Summary of Integration of Audio and Surveillance Sound transforms surveillance from silent observation to interactive protection.With integrated intercoms, intelligent cameras, and automated audio responses, modern security systems can see, hear, and speak, creating safer environments for businesses, institutions, and communities. If you need help determining the best way to increase your organization’s security. Please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425, email dennis@kintronics.com, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 134 What has four wheels and flies? A garbage truck! I took my wife to an apple orchard for her birthday. We spent an hour looking at the trees. Apparently, it wasn’t the Apple Watch she was expecting. My car mechanic called me and said, “You can pick up your car by 5 p.m.” I said, “I don’t think I’ll be strong enough by then.” Parrot jokes: A woman calls her plumber and leaves a message. "Come to my house and fix my kitchen sink. The key's under the mat, and I'll leave a check for you on the kitchen table. Don't worry about the dog, but whatever you do, don't talk to the parrot!" The plumber then goes to the woman's house and lets himself in. There's a vicious-looking pit bull in the living room, but it just glances up at him and goes back to sleep. He goes into the kitchen and gets started on the sink. The parrot is in a cage in the kitchen, and the whole time he’s working, it's screaming at him. It makes fun of his appearance, casts doubt on his parentage, and insults his intelligence. The plumber, remembering the woman's warning, doesn't say anything, just goes on with his work. He finishes up and picks up his tools. The parrot's still screaming at him, and he can't resist. He walks up to the parrot's cage and says, "Will you shut the hell up?" The parrot says, "Sic him, Bruno." A woman visits the pet store and examines the parrots. One of them is very cheap, and she asks the owner why. The owner says, "This parrot was raised in a house of ill repute, and it picked up some bad language." This doesn't bother the woman, so she buys the parrot, takes it home, and sets up its cage in the kitchen. The parrot looks around, looks at the woman, and says, "New house, new madam." The woman has a good laugh at this. Just then, the woman's two daughters walk into the room. The parrot says, "New house, new madam, new hookers." After she explains what's going on, the three of them have a good laugh. Just then, the woman's husband walks in. The parrot says, "Hi, Bob." A woman visits the pet store in search of a parrot. She asks how much one of the parrots costs, and the owner says, "That parrot costs $5,000." "Five thousand dollars!" the woman exclaims. "Why so much?" The owner says, "This parrot can sing the part of Mimi from La Boheme, the whole thing! But that's nothing. This parrot over here costs $10,000." "Amazing," the woman says. "What can this parrot do?" “This parrot knows the Ring of the Nibelung, all four operas, all the parts. But I have a parrot in the back that costs $50,000." "Fifty thousand!" the woman exclaims. "What can that parrot do?" "I don't know," the owner answers, "but the other parrots call him 'Maestro.'" On a flight to Hawaii, the captain announces, “Ladies and gentlemen, I have some very bad news. Our engines have ceased functioning and we will attempt an emergency landing. Luckily, I see an uncharted island below us and we should be able to land on the beach. However, the odds are that we may never be rescued and will have to live on the island for the rest of our lives.” Thanks to the skill of the flight crew, the plane lands safely on the island. An hour later, the husband turns to his wife and asks, “Honey, did we pay the car bill this month?” “No, sweetheart,” she responds. Still shaken from the crash landing, he then asks, “Did we pay our credit card bill yet?” “Oh no! I’m sorry. I forgot to send the check,” she says. “One last thing, did you remember to pay the medical bill for the hospital visit last month?” he asks. “Oh, forgive me, sweetheart,” begged the wife. “I didn’t send that one, either.” The husband grabs her and gives her the biggest hug in 50 years. She pulls away and asks him, “What was the hug for?” The husband answers, “They’ll find us!” I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is intended solely for your enjoyment. ### Door Access Control Purchase Guide The Regret Free Guide to Access Control Access Control Product Guide You have been asked to select an Access Control System for your organization. The “ask” could have been from your boss or maybe from people around you who requested more security. Besides increased security, what are your key objectives when selecting the right system? These objectives should encompass your current needs and anticipated future requirements. A door access control system consists of door readers, controllers, management software, and other devices that can enhance your security, such as elevator and gate controllers. Here are some things to consider before purchasing your door access control system so that you don’t have any regrets later: Door Reader Choices Access Control Door Readers The choice of door reader also depends on the type of credential you would like to use. The door reader and credentials are key factors in the security of a door access control system.  Each type offers various levels of protection. Note that a door reader is only one part of the access control system. Always check that the rest of the access control system supports a specific type of door reader and credential. Biometric Door Readers Biometric readers identify a human characteristic, such as your face, palm, or fingerprint, and are much more secure than standard card credentials. Card credentials can be stolen, lost, or given to another person. We can’t lose our biometric signature. Why use biometric readers? They are the most secure type of credential, and they eliminate the cost and control issues associated with card credentials. Mobile Credentials on Your Smartphone Your smartphone can be your key to access. You don’t need to carry a card credential.  Many access control systems include Apps that connect your smartphone to their readers using Bluetooth. This mobile credential is the latest way of controlling your door access. Why use Smartphone mobile credentials? People can share their card credentials with someone else, but it’s unlikely they'll share their smartphone. They are more convenient than cards and don’t require costly card credentials or controls. RFID Card Credentials RFID Card readers are convenient yet provide the lowest security levels. The oldest type of reader can read cards that operate at 125 kHz. It provides the lowest level of secure data transfer between the card and the reader. Smartcard readers support 13.56 MHz formats, which provide a higher level of data security. They have a higher level of encryption. Why use RFID card credentials? The door readers cost less than the biometric and mobile door readers. It’s a good choice for small organizations with infrequent employee turnover. Electric Locks Electric Lock Two types of electric locks can be used to secure a door. Among the most common electric locks are the electric strike and the magnetic (Mag) lock, each offering distinct advantages and best suited for specific scenarios. Understanding the differences between these two types is essential to ensure the security and functionality of your access control system. Electric Strike An electric strike replaces the standard strike plate in a door frame. It works with mechanical door locks and latches, allowing the door to open when power is applied (or removed, depending on configuration). It is primarily used on doors with lever or knob handles. Egress is provided by turning the door latch, making it compliant with fire codes. Magnetic (Mag) Locks A Mag lock uses a strong electromagnetic force to secure a door. It consists of an electromagnet installed on the door frame and a metal armature plate on the door. It keeps the door locked as long as power is supplied to the electromagnet. It requires backup power to keep the door closed in a power failure. Why use a Mag lock or a strike? The mag lock is easy to install, but harder to wire to comply with fire safety rules. The strike is more complex to install but allows egress, as you can turn the doorknob to leave a secure area. For more on selecting the right electric lock, please read "Access Control Electric Locks: Mags versus Strikes." Door Controllers Door Controller Door readers connect to a Controller. Some door readers include a built-in controller. The controller provides the intelligence that receives the credential information and decides if that number is allowed to enter the door. If the credential number is correct, the controller unlocks the electric lock. Controllers or panels can have many door readers connected to them. The controller is placed near the doors it controls. The old-style controllers required many wires for each door reader. The latest controllers connect to the network and have simpler door wiring. Reader-Controllers are devices installed at each door that include a built-in controller. The Isonas system is an example of this type. This system is not as flexible as a door reader with a separate controller. It has a limited selection of door readers. What controller is best? It depends on your objectives. If you would like to use a biometric door reader, control, elevators, or gates, or other specialized door readers, then a separate controller is best. To learn more, read our article Access Controller Comparison. Access Control Management Software Access Control Management Software Most Door Access Control systems include software that manages specific types of door access hardware, such as door readers and controllers. Some advanced door access management software solutions offer more capabilities, including elevator control and integration with IP Camera Systems. Hexagon dC3 Advanced Video Management System This Video Management Software solution integrates IP Surveillance Camera management with Door Access Control, Visitor Management, and More. Based on the Ocularis and Qognify Video Management Software products, this product provides a unified physical security technology ecosystem designed to manage the entire lifecycle of an incident and minimize its impact. This innovative solution integrates Command, Control, and Collaboration (C3) capabilities to control the security center environment and enable advanced event detection. Learn more… Armatura Advanced Access Control Software Armatura is primarily an Access Control Management solution that includes a gateway to other security solutions, such as the WAVE video manager solution. It’s a comprehensive solution that provides a gateway to multiple security solutions. This is a web-based solution that includes various modules, such as Video Management System, Access Control, Time & Attendance, and more. Isonas Access Control Software Solutions The Isonas door management software is available as a cloud subscription. The cloud service, offered as a subscription, provides basic access control functions, making it a good small-to-medium solution. The downside is that it doesn't support some advanced functions, such as elevator control. Hartmann Access Control Management Software The Hartmann access control management software only works with the Hartmann Access Control devices. It provides advanced functions such as if-then logic, allows you to control elevators and visitors, and integrates with IP camera systems.  IP readers can also be used in parking lots to control a gate. These long-range access readers allow a credential to be used up to 25 ft. away from the reader. This access control management software is designed for an enterprise that requires advanced functions. Summary of How to Get the Right Access Control System Selecting the right Access Control System means balancing today’s security needs with future growth. The best systems integrate door readers, controllers, locks, and management software to ensure safety, convenience, and flexibility. From biometric and mobile credentials to video integration, thoughtful choices now can prevent costly regrets later and create a smarter, more secure environment. If you would like help selecting your access control system, please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425, email us at dennis@kintronics.com, or use our contact form. ### Comparison of Integrated Security Management Software Security Software that Integrates Management of IP Surveillance Cameras, Door Access Control, Visitor Management, and More. Integration of Security Management Several software products provide a way to view surveillance cameras and door access control systems using a common software interface. You can start with a Video Management System that also allows you to view door information, or you can start with an Access Control System that adds surveillance cameras. The latest security management software products create an integrated and centralized security platform that allows security personnel to manage multiple security technologies. Security systems, including surveillance cameras, access control, intercoms, and visitor management, can be managed through a single software system. This integrated management system enhances the effectiveness of security systems.   This article compares integrated management systems that support multiple classes of equipment. Review of Security Management Software: The classic management systems are sold to support specific types of security hardware. There was Video Management Software (VMS) for IP Cameras, Access Control Management Software, Intercom management, and other security software. They are tied to specific equipment brands. Access control management software controls door entry systems. It determines who can enter, which door they can use, and when they are allowed to come in. This type of management Software is usually exclusive to a manufacturer’s hardware. IP Camera Management software, also known as Video Management Software, is designed to manage IP cameras. It allows users to install, view, and recover recorded videos. Intercom and Paging System management enables users to make announcements over an IP paging system. It also allows users to call the central command center using an intercom. Visitor Management Systems manage and record the entry of visitors to an organization. Integrated Security Management Systems Here is a comparison of integrated solutions that support multiple security systems. Some are primarily video management, and others are Access Control software systems. One solution includes modules that handle each of the security mechanisms. Here are some examples: Hartmann Enterprise Management Software Hartmann Integrated Access Management This is an Access Control Management software that also allows for viewing IP cameras controlled by another VMS system.   The Hartmann Enterprise Access Control Management software enables IP cameras to be viewed alongside the access control system on the same screen. This added capability allows security personnel to view the entry and exit areas of the organization that are triggered by the access control system. Pros of this solution: The software is designed for use with the Hartman access control hardware. It can view selected video feeds from the IP Camera surveillance system. This makes it easy to verify entry, prevent piggybacking, and ensure that exit and entry areas are safe. It can also view recorded surveillance video. The access control management software is sophisticated yet easy to use, allowing control of elevators, and uses powerful if-then logic. Both the on-site software and the cloud version can control the doors from a smartphone. Cons: It only supports the Hartmann door devices. Video Management Software, such as WAVE and Milestone, is also required to install and manage cameras. The cloud version doesn’t support camera viewing. When to use it: If you require an Access Control System that provides an at-the-door wiring configuration that accommodates a wide range of door readers, the Hartmann solution is a suitable choice. Acre Access Acre Integrated Management System This is an Access Control software that provides a unified interface for managing various security systems, including IP camera systems and other security devices. It features an open interface that enables connection with various video management software systems. It includes an on-site or cloud-based management system. Pros: It works with Mercury Panels, which offer flexible door reader options, as well as other enhancements, such as elevator controls. This is primarily a medium-sized system supporting fewer than 100 doors. It works with some wireless locks. Cons: Requires separate Video Management Software, such as WAVE or Exacq, to install and manage the IP Cameras. It only integrates Access Control and IP Camera Management systems. It’s limited to medium-sized (around 200) door reader systems. When to use it: It is a good choice when you need an access control solution that offers multiple door control options and supports fewer than 200 doors. HxGN dC3 from Hexagon Hexagon Integrated Security Management The Hexagon dC3 solution is based on the Ocularis Video Management Software. You can add the S2 Access control software. It supports Lenell, Isonas (hosted), and other access control. Pros: This is a good choice if you want to start with a video management system that integrates with access control. It is a unified physical security technology ecosystem designed to manage the entire lifecycle of an incident and minimize its impact. This innovative solution integrates the C3 approach — Command, Control, and Collaborate — familiar from the control center environment, with advanced event detection capabilities. Con: It requires an access control management system to install and control door readers. When to use it: When you need a Video Management System that interfaces with software that interacts with the physical, and digital worlds, such as metrology and inspection software, Computer Aided Design software, Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD CAM) software, architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) software, positioning and other special applications, such as machine control, agriculture management, and mining solutions, this is a good choice. Armatura One Solution Armatura Advanced Security Software Armatura One is an all-in-one solution with an Access Control and Video Management System that integrates other solutions not handled by other integrated systems. It is a web-based solution that includes multiple modules, such as Access Control, Time & Attendance, Elevator, Parking Management, Face Kiosks, Temperature Detection, Data Monitoring, Building Automation, and Intrusion Detection. It includes features such as: Digital Map that can integrate with Google Maps, GIS maps, and SuperMap. Scalable: that can handle over 10,000 edge devices such as controllers, door units, readers, sensors, etc. Manages over one million users Flexible communication protocols: Includes support for over 260 industrial protocols such as BACnet, OPC, Modbus, etc., which makes Armatura One easily integrable with Building Management Systems (BMS) or Property Management Systems (PMS) High Security: All communications are encrypted with Advanced Encryption Standards and Transport Layer Security (TLS) cryptographic protocols Supports many types of door readers and credentials, such as RFID, Mobile credentials, and biometric technology. Pros: This is an excellent solution for organizations that require multiple security systems managed under one system. It includes built-in modules that support IP cameras, access control, visitor management, Apartment intercoms, and other devices. Cons: It requires licenses for each software component. When to use it: If you want to incorporate biometric door readers into your access control system, this is an appropriate choice. It is also an excellent solution for complex security environments that include access control, surveillance cameras, visitor management, and apartment intercom systems. Why is Integrated Software Helpful An integrated security platform unites all your protection systems — video surveillance, door access control, intercoms, and paging — under a single software interface. Instead of running several disconnected applications, operators can monitor and manage everything from one dashboard. This approach improves situational awareness, operational efficiency, and response time across your entire organization. Summary of Benefits Integrated security management software provides: Better awareness through unified data. Faster responses during emergencies. Simpler operation for staff. Lower long-term costs through consolidation. Scalable flexibility for future technologies. By combining IP cameras, door access, intercoms, and paging into one cohesive system, organizations create a smarter, safer, and more responsive environment — where every device works together to protect people and property. If you would like help selecting your multi-system security software, please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425, email us at dennis@kintronics.com, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 133 Getting Older Long ago, when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today, it's called golf. Eventually, you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it. The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for. Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've travelled a long way, and some of the roads weren't paved. How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are? When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra. Jokes from Henny Youngman, a Classic Comedian I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised. I have a fear of speed bumps, but I'm slowly getting over it. My grandfather has the heart of a lion and a lifetime ban from the zoo. I was going to tell you a joke about time travel, but you didn't like it. My wife told me to stop impersonating a flamingo. I had to put my foot down. I was wondering why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me. I went to a seafood disco last week. I pulled a mussel. My grandmother is over eighty and still doesn't need glasses. Drinks right out of the bottle. My mother-in-law fell down a wishing well. I was amazed—I never knew they worked. I wasn't originally going to get a brain transplant, but then I changed my mind. A guy complains of a headache. Another guy says, Do what I do. I put my head on my wife's bosom, and the headache goes away. The next day, the man says, Did you do what I told you to? Yes, I sure did. By the way, you have a nice house! I tried to organize a hide-and-seek tournament, but it was a complete failure. Good players are hard to find. A guy says, I'm so old that I forgot how old I am. An old woman says, I'll tell you how old you are. Take off your clothes and bend over. The man does this. The woman says, You're seventy-four. The man says, How can you tell? The woman says, “You told me yesterday.” Some Lawyer Jokes LAWYER: Doctor, did you say he was shot in the woods?WITNESS: No, I said he was shot in the lumbar region. ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks. LAWYER: How far apart were the vehicles at the time of the collision? LAWYER: Have you lived in this town all your life?WITNESS: Not yet. ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?WITNESS: July 18th.ATTORNEY: What year?WITNESS: Every year. LAWYER: Did you blow your horn or anything?WITNESS: After the accident?LAWYER: Before the accident.WITNESS: Sure, I played for ten years. I even went to school for it. “My Shadow” by Robert Louis Stevenson I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed. The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow—Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball,And he sometimes gets so little that there’s none of him at all. My Shadow I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is designed for your enjoyment only. ### Advances in IP Surveillance Cameras Key Technological Advances in IP Camera Systems Advances in Surveillance Cameras Advances in Image Quality, High Resolution Sensors, and Low-Light Performance Surveillance camera technology has changed quite a lot since the 1940s, when they were first introduced. The first cameras were analog systems that used cathode ray and vidicon tubes to capture an image. With the introduction of solid-state circuits and sensors, surveillance cameras became significantly more powerful and effective.   This article describes the evolution of IP Camera Systems and how it has increased security and safety. Early CCTV Camera Systems Surveillance cameras were developed in the 1940s, with the introduction of closed-circuit TV systems from Siemens AG, Germany (1942), Vericon (a US manufacturer active in the late 1940s), and General Precision Labs (the first major US manufacturer, active between the 1950s and 1970s). Analog Surveillance Cameras These early systems utilized technology developed for broadcast TV, but instead of broadcasting to a large audience, they were designed for closed-circuit TV applications (CCTV). The analog signals were transferred over coax cables. They were challenging to install and set up. The resolution was limited to 480 lines. Early TV systems specified resolution in TV lines; the frame rate was locked to the 60Hz power line frequency. A security person had to watch the video in real time, because there was no video recording. The first video cassette recorders (VCRs) were introduced in the 1970s. To learn more, see our article, The History of Video Surveillance. Watch our video "How the Video Camera Works" to learn more about the history of surveillance cameras. IP Camera Systems are Introduced IP Camera Systems The introduction of network-attached IP cameras was a significant technological change for the CCTV industry. The new digital technology enabled camera manufacturers to break free from the analog restrictions defined by NTSC and PAL specifications.   Axis introduced the first IP cameras in 1996.  These new cameras were connected to the Ethernet network for communication rather than a coax cable.  Video signals were now sent as digitally encoded signals instead of analog signals. See our article How the IP Camera Works to learn more. Advances in Resolution IP Cameras provided higher resolution. One of the first megapixel IP cameras was introduced in 2002 by IQinvision. These 1.3 megapixel (1280 x 1024 pixels) cameras provided over four times the resolution of the older VGA cameras.  Other companies, such as Arecont Vision, introduced 2-megapixel cameras in 2004.  The high resolution of the IP camera provided a dramatic improvement over the older analog camera technology. IP Camera Performance The increase in sensor resolution and the availability of high-performance lenses have spurred the improvement in camera resolution. From the early 1.3 Megapixel sensors that provided 1280 x 1024 resolution, the sensors have grown to over 32 megapixels (7680 x 4320). The definition of resolution has evolved over the years, shifting from TV lines and sensor pixels to 4K and 8K descriptions, which are roughly associated with the horizontal pixel count. For example, a camera with a 7680 x 4320 pixel resolution is referred to as an 8K camera. Hanwha and Axis are examples of manufacturers with 8K. Higher resolution lenses also made a significant difference in camera resolution. The resolution of the lens is measured in line pairs per millimeter. The lens should have roughly double the resolution of the camera sensor. As the camera sensors got better, the lens manufacturers that specialized in high-resolution lenses for industrial machine vision realized that there was a new market for their high-performance lenses. Today, instead of selling the lenses separately, the camera manufacturers include them with their cameras. Why is resolution important? These higher resolution cameras enabled surveillance systems to see wider areas and improved their capability to identify people further away. Advances in Low-Light Performance Better sensor design, image processing, and lower f-stop lenses have improved the low-light capability of IP surveillance cameras. The increased size of the sensors has contributed to improved low-light performance. For example, the Hanwha very low-light series of IP cameras includes ½ “ sensors that can capture much more light than the older ¼” sensors. The computer chips in the IP cameras have improved over the years, resulting in advanced noise reduction technology that enhances low-light performance. The advanced computer inside the special cameras also provides image correction, which maintains brightness, color reproduction, and sharpness in extremely low-light environments. Better lenses have become available that have higher light transmission. The f-stop of a lens represents the aperture (opening) that allows light to reach the sensor. The lower the F-number of a lens, the more light is transmitted. The lenses available have changed from F-2.0 to F-0.94 Lux is the unit of measure that describes the amount of light falling on a surface. We use this to describe the low-light sensitivity of a camera. The lower the number, the better the low-light sensitivity of the IP camera. Low-light capability in IP cameras has improved from 1 lux to 0.0004Lux (in BW with an F0.94 lens). Why is lowlight performance important? These new cameras can see in starlight. Improved performance has increased security at night. Wide Dynamic Range Improved Wide Dynamic Range of IP Cameras Dynamic range describes how well a camera can see in a scene that has very bright and dark areas. For example, if the camera was viewing a sunlit window and a person walked in front of the window, it was hard to see the person’s details. The background, a large bright area, would wash out the foreground image. The latest cameras have faster video processors that allow them to capture one frame in 1/120th of a second. For each frame they capture, they adjust the exposure of the shot and then average them. The resulting video has an increased wide dynamic range WDR). Many cameras, such as the Hanwa extremeWDR cameras, average the exposures over four 1/120s frames. Why is Increased WDR Better   During daytime, when it is relatively dark inside a building and sunny outside. The improved WDR allows you to see a person in the foreground and the bright background outside the window. In a situation where there is a bright light shining towards the camera, such as with a car approaching the camera with its headlights turned on, it is possible to see the license plate with increased WDR. AI-Enhanced Camera Systems AI-Enhanced IP Cameras AI-enhanced cameras have created a paradigm shift in the way surveillance cameras are used. This revolutionary computer capability combines real-time video monitoring with artificial intelligence to detect and respond to problems as they happen. These intelligent systems transform the way organizations protect their people, property, and operations by proactively addressing dangers instead of reacting to them later. Why are AI-Enhanced Camera Systems Beneficial Gun detection: AI-enhanced cameras can watch the entry points of a facility and alert security if someone enters with a gun. This technology is making schools, hospitals, and government facilities safer. Real-Time Alerts: AI can detect behaviors like unauthorized access, aggressive actions, or crowd congestion and send instant alerts to security personnel. Notify security if someone falls: AI-enhanced cameras can detect if someone falls and doesn’t get up in a certain amount of time Summary of Advances in Surveillance Camera Systems Surveillance cameras have evolved from analog camera systems that had to be watched all the time, to video-recorded systems, to sophisticated intelligent systems that detect problems when they occur. The IP camera took the surveillance market to a new level of capability, providing increased resolution, better low-light capability, and better dynamic range. The advent of AI-enhanced systems made the surveillance systems much more effective and capable of detecting real-time problems. If you need help determining the best way to increase your organization’s security. Please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425, email dennis@kintronics.com, or use our contact form. ### Increasing Workplace Safety Threats are increasing, and so are Security Systems such as AI-enhanced Cameras and improved Access Control Systems Workplace Safety Businesses and other establishments are increasing security measures as a result of recent shootings and targeted high-profile incidents. Organizations have added more security personnel, surveillance camera systems, door access control, visitor management systems, and even enlisted the help of gun-detection dogs. This article reviews the measures that many organizations are taking to improve their security. The Washington Post recently published an article, With Gun-Sniffing Dogs and Safe Rooms, Workplaces Tighten Security. It mentions the increased security emphasis because of the increased rate of targeted high-profile companies, especially in New York City. This year, organizations are seeking help from security professionals to design safe rooms and bring in dogs to detect guns.   Improved Security Technology Increases Safety Security Technology Increases Safety Following the shooting incidents in Manhattan, organizations increased their safety personnel, but after a few months, they reduced the extra security due to the increased costs. The cost of a security guard varies between $25 to over $100 per hour. Some organizations, located in high-cost areas, are spending over $ 100,000 per year for security personnel. There are alternative approaches to addressing the security challenge that don’t involve the ongoing burden of personnel costs. Instead of employment costs, many organizations are investing in capital equipment. Depending on the size of the IP camera and access control systems, organizations can see a return on investment in 6 to 8 months. Many organizations are taking advantage of the latest AI-enhanced surveillance cameras. After all, an intelligent camera system can detect a person carrying a gun and notify security immediately. They have also added more sophisticated visitor management systems that integrate with the latest Door Access Control systems. There have been other technical innovations that have also contributed to increased safety, such as portable metal detectors and sophisticated software to manage multiple security systems, which help notify the proper personnel when an alarm occurs. AI-Enhanced Security Cameras AI-Enhanced Surveillance Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances IP Camera Systems to boost safety and security. AI systems are defined as those that can learn from experience. Physical crises are automatically detected and trigger alarms to prevent threats from escalating. This technology represents a paradigm shift in how IP Camera Systems are used. AI enhancement software can run on the camera or on a PC. The PC software offers more powerful functions than the camera's capabilities. AI software enhances the IP surveillance system and works with your video recording system.  Scy-AI software is an example of intelligent software that detects various objects and behaviors, including: Guns Intrusions Vehicle counting Parking area monitoring Person search and recognition Human behavior anomalies. To learn more, read our article IP Camera Systems with AI Protect People. Integration of Access Control and IP Camera Systems Access control systems provide increased safety by controlling who can enter the organization. IP Camera Systems provide surveillance of the organization. Together, they offer a synergistic method that dramatically improves the organization’s safety. Several systems support both access control and IP camera systems. One example is the Enterprise Access Control System, from Hartmann Controls. This is a full-featured system that supports the Hartmann hardware and allows you to control a large number of doors and the people who use them. It provides advanced functions such as logic if-then functions, and will enable you to control elevators, visitors, and integrate with many IP camera systems. Integrated Security Software Another specialized access control system, called Fusion-DNA, is more flexible. It is not locked into one access control manufacturer but supports various brands of access control hardware. It also supports a variety of Video Management Software and IP Camera Systems, making it an ideal choice for mixed hardware environments.  Integration of Visitor Management and Access Control Visitor Management Systems Access Control systems allow registered people to enter a specific door at a pre-determined time. Visitor management systems control people who are not registered. Together, they provide increased safety and security. The latest visitor management software systems provide sophisticated features that also offer integration with surveillance camera systems. The most significant change in visitor management tech was the move from traditional (but quite outdated) logbooks to automated solutions that make it easier to track visitors from the initial appointment to when they leave the facility. When Visitor Management and Access Control management tasks are integrated, it increases the safety and security of the organization. To learn more, please read our article, Door Access Control and Visitor Management Integration. Walk Through Metal Detectors Portable Magnetic Scanner There are full-featured walk-through magnetic detection and portable units. Portable metal detectors provide increased security where you need it most. They are less intrusive and can be relocated to whatever location requires attention. They cost about half the cost of permanent metal detectors. The portable metal detection unit fits in the trunk of a car, making it easy to share between organizations. The two hockey puck-sized sensor units can be placed on a set of barrier poles (not included) and are almost unnoticeable to the public.  Full-function walk-through metal detectors are designed for more permanent locations. These metal detectors are used not only at airports but in office buildings, theaters, and schools.  The full-featured walk-through multi-zone metal detectors are designed to keep you safe from the threat of metal weapons. They not only detect the metal objects, they also help you locate where the object is on the person. Summary of How to Increase Workplace Security and Safety The challenge of workplace safety has increased because of recent attacks on organizations. Businesses, schools, hospitals, and government organizations are increasing their security budgets to meet these threats. Organizations are hiring additional security personnel and investing more in security equipment.   If you need help determining the best way to increase your organization’s security. Please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425 or email dennis@kintronics.com, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 132 A man undergoes a physical exam. He asks the doctor, "How do I stand?" The doctor says, "I don’t know. That’s what puzzles me." I take my wife everywhere, but she still finds her way home. This 95-year-old man married a 94-year-old woman, and they drove to Niagara Falls for a honeymoon. They spent two weeks trying to get out of the car. I had an uncle who was a psychic. He knew exactly when he was going to die. The warden told him. A man tells his doctor he has a ringing in his ear. The doctor tells him, ”Just don’t answer.” Some Lawyer Jokes ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?WITNESS: All of them. The live ones put up too much of a fight. ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?WITNESS: Yes.ATTORNEY: How many were boys?WITNESS: None.ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney? ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?WITNESS: By death..ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?WITNESS: Take a guess. ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beardATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?WITNESS: Unless the Circus was in town, I’m going with a male. ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 PMATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?WITNESS: If not, he was by the time I finished. ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?WITNESS: Oral… ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken? LAWYER: What happened then?WITNESS: He told me, he says, 'I have to kill you because you can identify me.'LAWYER: Did he kill you?WITNESS: No. LAWYER: Was that the same nose you broke as a child?WITNESS: I only have one, you know. Questions Looking for Answers! If poison passes its expiration date, is it more poisonous or is it no longer poisonous? Which letter is silent in the word "scent," the “s” or the “c?” Do twins ever realize that at least one of them is unplanned? Why is the letter W, in English, called double U? Shouldn't it be called double V? Every time you clean something, you just make something else dirty. The word "swims" upside-down is still "swims." One hundred years ago, everyone owned a horse, and only the rich had cars.  Today, everyone has cars, and only the rich own horses. Some Great Confusions are Still Unresolved. At a movie theater, which armrest is yours? Why is there a 'd' in fridge, but not in refrigerator? Who knew what time it was when the first clock was made? Vagaries of the English Language! Ever wonder why the word funeral starts with FUN? Why isn't a fireman called a water-man? How come lipstick doesn't do what it says? If money doesn't grow on trees, how come banks have branches? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? How do you get off a non-stop flight? Why are goods sent by ship called cargo, and those sent by truck shipment? Why do we put cups in the dishwasher and the dishes in the cupboard? Why do doctors 'practice' medicine? Are they having practice at the cost of the patients? Why is it called 'rush hour' when traffic moves at its slowest then? How come noses run and feet smell? Why do they call it a TV 'set' when there is only one? What are you vacating when you go on a vacation? Did you know that if you replace "W" with "T" in "What, Where, and When", you get the answer to each of them? I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is designed for your enjoyment only. ### A Guide to Access Control Systems What is the Best Access Control System Access Control System Door access control systems are a crucial security addition for many organizations. Schools realize that access control can protect students and teachers, while hospitals are concerned that their facility is secure. Businesses install access control to protect employees, equipment, and the facility. Implementing an access control system is a strategic move that enhances security, streamlines operations, and ensures organizational compliance. This article reviews how to select the best access control system for your organization. What is an Access Control System Access control systems significantly reinforce security by ensuring only authorized individuals can enter specific areas. The new systems offer a choice of door readers that make them more secure and easier to use. The access control system can control who enters the facility and who enters specific areas, such as engineering, human resources, manufacturing, accounting, and the IT department. It can also control who can use an elevator and what floors they can visit. Why Do You Want It There are several reasons for purchasing an access control system. A system can be used for security, meeting insurance requirements, and keeping records of where and when a person entered an area. They can be used in various settings, including offices, apartment complexes, hospitals, and educational institutions. Things to consider include the type of door readers, where the controller is located, installation, the type of electric door lock, local compliance and regulations, and User management. You can also consider the ease of installation, the ease of expansion, and if there is a need for extended capability, such as elevator control - integration with IP camera systems or integration with Visitor Management Systems.   To learn more, please read our article Access Control Considerations and How to Determine the Best Door Access Control System. Understanding Access Control Systems Several components make up an access control system. In general, Access Control Systems determine who enters a building or a specific area within a building. The key elements include: Door Readers: These are placed at entryways and read the credentials. They are used to control elevators, gates, or barriers. To learn more, read Door Readers for Everyone. Access Credentials: Cards, fobs, keypads, mobile apps, biometrics, etc., are used to identify a person. Please read our article, What are Door Access Control Credentials to learn more. Control Panel/Reader: This device receives the ID from the door reader and matches the ID to the user database. See our article, Access Controller Comparison. Access Control Management Software: This software controls the system and manages the users, permissions, and login data. To learn more, read our article, “Comparison of Access Control Software.” To learn more, read our article, How Access Control Works. What’s the Best Access Control System for You The best system is the one that meets your objectives. Not all Door Access Control Systems are alike. Some are designed for a small number of doors and have limited features, and more complex systems include sophisticated functions. Here are some questions to ask. What Access Control features and functions do you need? What type of security do you require? What type of hardware would you like? What installation is required? What type of credentials do you prefer? What Access Control Management Software do you want? The total cost of ownership To learn more, read our article How to Choose the Best Access Control System. Summary of the Guide to Access Control Systems Selecting the right access control system is a strategic decision that impacts security, user experience, type of door reader and door lock, installation cost and time, integration with other security systems, and ease of operation. By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure your system meets your current needs while remaining flexible for future challenges. If you need help selecting the best Access Control System, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide or use our contact form. ### The Real Cost of Access Control What is the cost of an Access Control System? Determine the Cost of Access Control Like many other products, you can find inexpensive door control devices on Amazon, but it’s essential to know what you're getting and whether it meets your requirements. If you search online, you might find a door access control kit for $80 to $125 per door. At first glance, that sounds like a bargain. But before clicking “Buy Now,” it's essential to ask: Is that the real cost of an access control system? Let’s take a closer look. Consider What an Inexpensive System Provides What Do You Actually Get for $80–$125? These budget kits typically include:A basic keypad or card reader, an electric strike or magnetic lock, a power supply, andsometimes a few access cards or key fobs. Does the system meet your needs?  You may get the door lock hardware, but will it fit on your door? Commercial buildings have a range of door types, including glass doors, aluminum-framed doors, double doors, and fire-rated steel doors. The inexpensive locks may not be compatible with your doors. There are many other things to consider. Things to Consider Before Purchase There are many other things to consider before estimating the cost of an Access Control System. How many people will use the system? Multiple People and Doors The Access Control System may be suitable for controlling the entry of a few people, but what if you have a large organization with a variety of doors to manage and a need to determine when and where people can enter? How will you manage the system? Low-cost kits lack software or come with primitive tools that don’t scale. There’s no way to monitor multiple doors, configure access levels, or produce audit reports for compliance. Inexpensive door readers often use PIN codes that do not provide the level of security you may need. How Secure is the System? Credentials can include physical cards that we carry, a PIN we enter, or even the physical aspect of a person (biometrics such as fingerprint or facial recognition).  You can choose from card credentials that we carry in our pocket, mobile credentials that utilize our smartphones, and biometric readers that identify a person rather than the credential they carry.  Card credentials cost between $3 and $5 per card, while biometric credentials, which identify a person’s face, palm, fingerprint, or other biometric aspects, incur no additional cost. To learn more about the best credentials for your access control system, please read our article, Comparison of Door Access Credentials. Controlling Entry of Many Users Requires Access Control Management Software Access Control Management Software Managing access for a few people is one thing. But if your organization has dozens or hundreds of employees, you’ll need a centralized Access Control Management System to enroll users, assign permissions, and revoke credentials. Schedules are used to determine when, where, and who can enter. Event logs are used to record who entered and when they entered. Access Control Management software can also integrate with IP Camera Systems, Intercoms, Visitor Management Systems, elevators, and other systems. Who Will Install the Access Control System? Access Control Installation Installation is one of the most overlooked costs in access control systems. It’s not easy to mount the electric locks correctly on the door, run the wires, power the system, integrate it with fire alarm controls, IP camera systems, and elevator controls. Hiring a certified installer can cost between $500 and $1,000 per door, depending on thecomplexity. DIY installation may be possible, but only if you have the time, the necessary tools, and the required electrical skills. Also, be aware of the local codes that govern access control systems and fire alarms. More Access Control System Considerations Key considerations include the type of door readers, the type of controller, the type of electric door lock, local compliance and regulations, and user management. You can learn more about things to consider by reading our article, Access Control Considerations. Here’s a summary of things to consider. Access Control Costs Scale Door Reader Considerations The door reader is one factor that can determine security, ease of use, and recurring costs. For example, biometric readers, such as face recognition, are the most expensive to buy but provide the highest level of security because they recognize a person rather than the credentials they carry. You save money because you don’t have to purchase card credentials. To learn more about the best door reader, please look at our article, Door Readers for IP Access Control Systems. Electric Strike or Mag Lock? The type of electric lock depends on the kind of door you have. Some doors can use the electric strike, while others require a magnetic lock. It is essential to inspect each of your doors to determine the best type of lock. The electric locks range in price between $400 and $700. Please read our article, Access Control Electric Locks: Mags versus Strikes to learn more. Door Controller or Panel Access Controller Choices The door controller is a crucial component of the access control system. It can be a separate device or embedded inside the door reader. The controller provides the intelligence for a door access control system. One or more door readers connect to a controller. The access controller receives the person’s ID number from the door reader, matches the credential to the list of approved users, and then opens the electric lock. The type of controller can impact the installation cost of your system. Controllers can cost between $800 and $2400, depending on the number of door readers they control. To learn more, read Controllers for Access Control. Summary of the Real Cost of Access Control Systems The real cost of an access control system isn’t just in the hardware; it also includes planning, installation, credentials, management software, and long-term security. You’re investing in security benefits, scalability, user convenience, and management control. It’s not just a door lock. For a small business with 5 doors and 50 employees, the total installed cost can range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more, especially if you choose a scalable, secure, and professionally managed system. If you’re serious about controlling access across your organization, it’s wise to consult with professionals, compare solutions, and look beyond the Amazon price tag. If you would like help selecting your access control system, please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 131 A bum comes up to me in the street and says I haven’t had a bite in three days, so I bit him. A woman approached me and said, "I’ll do anything for $50." I said, "Okay, paint my house." The definition of ambivalence. Your mother-in-law driving over a cliff in your new Cadillac. A man asks his broker what’s the latest dope on Wall Street. He says my son. A man is getting dressed in the gym and putting on a girdle. His friend asks, "When did you start wearing that?" He says, "Ever since my wife found it in the glove compartment of my car." A man in a bar keeps falling down, so another patron offers to take him home. He gets to the man’s house, and he falls a couple of times on the way to the door. He rings the bell, and a woman answers, and he says Madam, I brought your husband home. She says, “Where’s his wheelchair?” This is one of my favorite. A man is lost in the woods and comes to a monastery. They invite him in and ask him to have dinner with them. The dinner is fish and chips, the best he’s ever eaten. He asks to meet the chef. The chef comes out and he stands up to shake his hand and asks if he’s the fish fryer. He says no, I’m the chip monk. I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised. I have a fear of speed bumps, but I'm slowly getting over it. My grandfather has the heart of a lion and a lifetime ban from the zoo. I was going to tell you a joke about time travel, but you didn't like it. I bought some shoes from a drug dealer. I don't know what he laced them with, but I've been tripping all day. My wife told me to stop impersonating a flamingo. I had to put my foot down. I was wondering why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me. I went to a seafood disco last week. I pulled a mussel. At my funeral, I want the coffin to arrive half an hour late and a guy to run alongside it saying, "Sorry he's late, he's always been like this." My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We'll see about that. My neighbor knocked on my door at 2:30 AM. Can you believe that? 2:30 AM! Luckily, I was still up playing my bagpipes. I told my wife she should embrace her mistakes. She gave me a hug. I wanted to be a monk, but I never got the chants. A guy walks into a psychiatrist's office wearing nothing but cellophane underwear. The psychiatrist says, "I can clearly see you're nuts." My mother-in-law fell down a wishing well. I was amazed—I never knew they worked. I wasn't originally going to get a brain transplant, but then I changed my mind. A man tells his doctor, "Help me. I'm addicted to Twitter!" The doctor replies, "Sorry, I don't follow you." I tried to organize a hide-and-seek tournament, but it was a complete failure. Good players are hard to find. One day, Jesus is helping St. Peter at the gates of heaven when an old man approaches. "What have you done to enter Paradise?" Jesus asks. "Me?" replies the old man, "Not much. I am just a simple carpenter, but my son makes me worthy." "Your son?" asks Jesus. "Yes, my son. He was born under remarkable circumstances and underwent a miraculous transformation. He was loved by many and continues to be loved to this very day. His name will never be forgotten." Jesus approaches the man and hugs him tightly, "Father!" The old man hugs him back, "Pinocchio?" I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is designed for your enjoyment only. ### Power Challenges in Today’s Security Environment AI Servers to IP Cameras, Access Control, and IP Paging: Power is Critical Power for Security Systems We benefit from AI-enhanced camera systems that quickly warn us of dangerous situations. We sometimes forget that power is the lifeblood of modern computing systems. Whether it’s a single computer on a desk or a massive server farm running cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, power keeps the digital world operating. This article examines how Power has become a crucial factor in computer and security systems. AC Power and Conversion to DC One of the key factors is to provide power as efficiently as possible. The electricity that powers cities is different from the power required for computers and other electronic devices. AC Power is used for transferring power across the country from the power plant to our homes, while DC power is required for the operation of computer equipment. Electric utilities deliver power as alternating current (AC), which is efficient for transmission over long distances. However, computers and servers require direct current (DC) for their internal electronic components, such as CPUs, memory, and storage devices. Inside each computer or server, a power supply unit (PSU) converts incoming AC into the specific DC voltages needed—often +12V, +5V, and +3.3V rails—using a process called rectification and regulation. In large server farms, rows of rack-mounted servers are typically powered by high-capacity power distribution units (PDUs) that manage and monitor the incoming AC, which is then converted by each server’s PSU or a centralized power supply system to provide DC power reliably. To learn more about how power supplies work, please read our article How a Power Supply Works. Big Power Challenges with Modern AI Systems Power Sources The rapid growth of AI has driven a surge in demand for computing power. Modern AI models, particularly those used in deep learning, require massive clusters of GPUs and specialized processors that consume far more energy than traditional workloads. A single high-performance server can draw several kilowatts, and large AI-focused data centers can consume tens or even hundreds of megawatts of power. This enormous energy requirement creates several challenges: Infrastructure Strain: Data centers must be equipped with robust electrical systems, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and backup generators to ensure continuous operation, as even brief outages can cause significant disruptions. Heat and Cooling: High power consumption generates significant heat. Cooling systems, whether air-based or advanced liquid cooling, consume additional energy and increase the overall environmental footprint. Environmental Impact: The electricity consumed by server farms often comes from fossil fuel sources, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This has led to concerns about the carbon footprint of large-scale AI and cloud services. Moving Toward Sustainable Power Power Efficiency In response, many technology companies are investing in renewable energy sources, such as nuclear, solar, and wind, to power their data centers. Power for IP Cameras, Access Control, and Paging Systems It used to be that all the security equipment was powered by small AC/DC adapters or power supplies. Today, most IP Cameras, Door Access Controllers, and IP Paging systems are powered using Power over Ethernet (PoE). This simplifies installation and reduces costs. What is PoE? PoE Wiring Diagram Power over Ethernet allows network cables (standard Cat5e, Cat6, or higher) to carry both data and power over a single cable. This eliminates the need for separate electrical wiring or nearby power outlets at each device location, which is especially valuable in installations where running additional AC power would be difficult, expensive, or aesthetically undesirable. How It Works PoE is defined by IEEE standards (e.g., 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt) and uses network switches or mid-span PoE injectors to deliver DC power along with Ethernet data signals. The switch or injector supplies power through specific wire pairs in the Ethernet cable, while compatible devices, such as IP cameras, door controllers, or paging speakers, draw the power they need directly from the network cable. Examples of Devices Using PoE IP Cameras: Surveillance cameras with PoE (Power over Ethernet) capability can be mounted on ceilings, walls, or outdoor poles without requiring AC power at each location. This simplifies placement and enhances security coverage. Door Access Control Readers: Many IP-based door readers and controllers support PoE, allowing both communication with the access control server and power supply over a single cable to each entry point. IP Paging Systems: Network-connected paging speakers (for announcements or emergency alerts) can utilize PoE for easy installation in ceilings or walls throughout a building, with a single cable carrying both networked audio data and DC power. To learn more, please read our article, How the IP Powered Speakers and Intercoms Work. Benefits of PoE Simplified Installation: One cable for both power and data reduces labor, materials, and installation time. PoE can be supplied by a single power injector that adds power to an existing network cable or by a network switch that includes PoE. Flexibility: Devices can be installed in locations without existing power outlets. Safety and Reliability: PoE utilizes low-voltage DC power through the network, reducing the number of connectors and cables required. It simplifies installation wiring and enables centralized power backup with uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) connected to the PoE switch. Scalability: Expanding a system is easier—just run an Ethernet cable from the switch to the new device location. Conclusion The conversion of AC power to DC is a fundamental process enabling every computer and server to operate. As AI computing scales up, so do the challenges of managing power efficiently and sustainably. Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring that our growing digital infrastructure does not come at the expense of our planet. PoE is a game-changing technology for modern security and communication systems, streamlining deployment and enhancing flexibility while ensuring reliable power delivery to critical devices, such as IP cameras, access control readers, and paging speakers. If you need assistance with powering your security system, please call us at 914-944-3425, visit our website at www.kintronics.com, or use our contact form. ### How To Select the Lens for Your IP Camera System What is the Best Lens for Your Surveillance Camera Camera Lens election The camera lens is a key component of your IP Camera System. It determines the desired field of view, clarity, and day/night performance of your surveillance camera. Many cameras come with a lens, so there’s a wide selection of cameras that include the correct lens for your application. Before We Start, Consider Your Objectives Your organization has determined that it needs surveillance cameras. This could be motivated by theft within the organization, concern about an intrusion that could lead to vandalism, or a safety concern. It’s essential to clarify the requirement. To learn more, read our article, Defining Your Objectives. How Your Objectives Define the Lens If your objective is to identify a person who is stealing equipment, you will need a camera and lens that provide sufficient resolution to identify the person. To determine how many people are gathering outside the building, you need a camera with a wide enough field of view to count them. If you plan to catch someone vandalizing a car in the parking lot, you need a camera and lens with good low-light capabilities. The objectives help you determine what to specify. Each location requires a camera that meets the objectives of that location. Lens Specifications to Consider The lens of an IP surveillance camera is defined by its angle or focal length, as well as its fixed, variable, or zoom capability, and F-stop. If you are viewing a doorway and know the distance from the camera to the area you want to view, then a camera with a fixed lens is a good choice. If you are viewing a large room and are unsure of the best location for the camera, consider selecting one with a variable lens. Some cameras even have variable lenses that can be adjusted remotely from a computer (zoom lenses), allowing you to set up the ideal field of view quickly. To learn more about camera placement, please read our article, What’s the Best Location for Surveillance Cameras. Lens Angle or Focal Length of Lens Lens Angle Versus Focal Length The lens angle and focal length are related specifications. They both indicate how wide or narrow the field of view will be at a certain distance. With a wider angle or a smaller focal length, you can see a wider area (field of view). Though the focal length and lens angle are related, there is a difference between the focal length of a lens and the angle achieved by the camera. The focal length defines a lens, while the lens angle is determined by the size of the camera's sensor, the distance from the lens to the sensor, and the lens's focal length. The angle is the most essential specification when matching it to an application. Many of today’s cameras come with a lens. This makes it easy to select the right camera and lens for the job. The lens angle is usually combined with sensor resolution. The combination of the lens angle and the sensor’s resolution determines the detail you can see at a specific distance. Resolution of the Camera IP Camera Resolution The camera’s sensor determines the resolution or clarity you can see at a certain distance based on the angle of the lens. The resolution is defined as the number of pixels in the sensor. The more pixels, the better the resolution. High-resolution cameras can include sensors with upward of 12 megapixels.  We typically use the number of horizontal pixels across a target as the measure of clarity. For example, a 2-megapixel camera has typically an array of 1920 x 1080 pixels. We need approximately 80 horizontal pixels across a person’s face to identify someone you know. To recognize a person that you don’t know and compare them to a police photograph requires more resolution (about 160 pixels). To read a license plate number, we need about 50 pixels across a 12-inch license plate. To learn more, please read our article, What IP Camera Resolution Do You Need? The Camera Resolution: Sensor Versus Lens Angle Lens Magnification or Zoom The lens determines the distance required to achieve the necessary resolution across the target. The further away, the fewer pixels across the target. By adjusting the lens angle (or magnification), we can change the field of view and, consequently, the number of pixels across the target. The wider our field of view, the fewer pixels per ft (or meter) we will get.  Let’s look at a simple example.  Take a look at the line below.  The line is broken into small sections or horizontal pixels.  The more elements (pixels/m or pixels/ft.), the more detail we can see.  As we view an object from a greater distance, the number of pixels per foot (m) decreases, and we can see less detail. The same thing happens when we widen our field of view. At a wider field of view, the pixel density decreases. Resolution Versus Distance How the Lens Helps Cameras See in the Dark The f-stop of the lens indicates the size of the aperture. The larger the aperture (i.e., the smaller the f-stop), the more light can reach the sensor. Light sensitivity is based on several factors. In film photography, light sensitivity was based on the ISO number. A film that had a higher ISO number was more sensitive to light. Today, the lens, sensor, and amplifier circuits in the camera collectively determine how well the surveillance camera performs in low-light conditions. Low-light cameras typically come with lenses that have an aperture of less than f/1.2. The IP cameras available today switch to grayscale when there is low light. You can select cameras that can see objects by moonlight. To learn more about low-light level cameras, see our article, How to Set Up an IP Camera in Low Light Situations. Summary of Lens Selection for IP Cameras Selecting the correct lens depends on what you plan to view and the resolution you require. Identifying a person’s face requires a lens that allows you to have the proper number of pixels for identification. The field of view and the resolution of the camera are essential specifications. If you need assistance selecting the right lens for your IP camera system, please don't hesitate to contact us.  We have extensive experience with IP camera systems.  You can reach us at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 130 An old man in a candy store sees a strange bottle in the back room. He picks it up, looks at it, and rubs it, and the genie escapes. The genie is so grateful that he asks the man what he would like. The old man says he always wanted to go to Atlantic City. The old man says, “I have no one to take care of the store if I go.” The genie says, “Go, and I’ll take care of the store.” The old man asks him if he knows how to care for a candy store, and the genie says, I am a genie, I can do anything. So the old man goes, and the genie does a good job taking care of the store. The old folks file in in the morning and ask Where’s Sol. The genie says he went to Atlantic City. So they ask if he’s taking care of the store. He says, I am the genie, I can do anything. So he says, “All right, all right, make me a malted.” The genie says, “Poof, you’re a malted.” Knock, knock.Who’s there?Nobel.Nobel who?Nobel, so I had to knock! Knock, knock.Who’s there?Ayatollah.Ayatollah who?Ayatollah you already! What invention allows us to see through walls?Windows. What word gets shorter when you add two letters?Short. What’s the most religious animal?A monkey. A man walks into a circus seeking a job and tells the ringmaster he has an act no one has ever seen. Intrigued, the ringmaster agrees to watch. The man pulls out a sledgehammer and says, “Hit me in the head with this as hard as you can. I’ll get knocked out, then stand up and yell ‘Ta-da!’” "There's no way I could do that, you'd most certainly die!" "Trust me!" Said the man, "You will hit me with that hammer, I will get knocked down, then I will get back up again, lift up my arms and shout 'TA-DA!'. I will not die." Reluctantly, the ringmaster swings. The man collapses, unconscious. Panic ensues; an ambulance is called, and the man is rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Years pass. The ringmaster visits daily, consumed by guilt. One day, as life support is about to be withdrawn, the man suddenly awakens, stands up, raises his arms, and looks around the room. He sees the ringmaster, who looks dumbfounded, tears in his eyes. and proclaims, “Ta-da!” What kind of cat should you never trust?A cheetah. What do you call cheese that isn’t yours?Nacho cheese! What do you call cheese that isn’t yours and is sitting on the table?Still nacho cheese! What’s orange and sounds like a parrot?A carrot. What did the mommy tomato say to wake the kid tomato up?“Ketchup!” Where do you learn to make ice cream?Sundae school. Did you hear the rumor about butter?Well, I’m not going to spread it! What’s a tortilla’s favorite genre of music?Wrap. What did one plate say to another plate?“Tonight, dinner’s on me.” Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon?Great food, no atmosphere. Why did the woman name her puppies Rolex and Timex?Because they were watchdogs. Which dogs excel at science?Labs. What happens when it rains cats and dogs?You have to be careful not to step in a poodle. What do you call a lazy kangaroo?A pouch potato. What do you get when you cross a cow with a flightless bird?An Emooooooo. Why do seagulls fly over the ocean?Because if they flew over the bay, we’d call them bagels. At a Lecture given by Bertrand Russell A lady in the audience stood up and said, "You've been telling us a load of nonsense. The Earth is actually a flat disk that rests on the back of a giant tortoise." Russell agreed and smiled superiorly before replying: "Oh, and what does the tortoise rest on?" "You are very intelligent, young man, very intelligent indeed," the old lady replied casually, "but it is obvious that every tortoise rests on another tortoise! ​​From there on down they are all tortoises!" I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is designed for your enjoyment only. ### What’s the Best Location for Surveillance Cameras Where should I place my cameras? Where to Install Cameras Before purchasing your IP camera system, ensure you understand the purpose of each IP camera. It’s crucial to determine your objectives. The objectives will determine where you should place the cameras and whether you need a fixed-lens camera, a PTZ camera, a panoramic camera, or another specialty camera. This article reviews the best places to install IP cameras. Your Objectives Determine the Camera Specifications Objectives Define the Camera Setting the objectives for your IP Camera System is essential. You may want to reduce liability. If a person is injured in your facility, camera video can determine who is at fault. You may want to catch a criminal or provide a warning if there is a break-in. Manufacturers can use cameras to improve productivity or utilize a camera with an intercom to control a door remotely. What you would like to achieve defines the resolution, lens, field of view, low-light sensitivity, and wide dynamic range, as well as camera intelligence, all of which are specifications determined by your expectations and objectives for the camera system. To learn more, you can read our article, What IP Camera Specifications are Important. IP Camera Video Management Software Today’s IP camera systems include sophisticated video management software that can provide more than just video recording. The latest software includes integration with access control, intercoms, paging, and other security systems. The video management software is easier to maintain and manage large numbers of cameras. It provides AI-enhanced security at the security center, which can monitor all physical security equipment within the organization. Suggested Positions for IP Cameras Where to Place the Camera Both large and small organizations can benefit from strategically placed surveillance cameras. The latest AI-enhanced cameras can provide immediate notification of dangerous situations. They ensure the safety of personnel, protect assets, and effectively monitor operations. Main Entrances Install cameras to monitor people entering and leaving. Ensure that the cameras can be used to identify a person. Be careful to make sure that the camera is not pointed at a glass door or window that receives direct sunlight. If necessary, select a camera with good dynamic range. Include more cameras in the reception and lobby areas, where people can conduct business. Cameras can be used to help identify visitors and guests. It is an excellent augmentation to Visitor Management Systems. Wide-angle and panoramic cameras can be used to provide a situational view of large lobbies. Alternate entrances, Emergency Exits, and Loading Docks All entrances and exits should be covered, as these can be vulnerable points where unauthorized individuals may gain access. Fixed cameras can help identify all the people who enter or leave. Elevators and Stairwells Elevators and stairwells can be security blind spots. The latest AI-enhanced cameras can automatically detect if a fight is occurring or if someone has fallen. Some specialty cameras are designed to be placed in the corner of the elevator. They are rugged and resist vandalism.   Parking Lots and Garages Cameras for Parking Lots Parking lots and garages are important areas for surveillance. The cameras are used to detect emergencies, car damage, monitor payment problems (if it’s paid parking), environmental issues (such as flooding), and vandalism. Large areas, such as parking lots, are challenging to monitor due to their size. The best practice is to use wide-angle or panoramic cameras to provide an overview of the area, and then supplement this with narrow-angle cameras that are focused on vehicles entering and exiting the area. These cameras should be selected to allow for the reading of license plates. It’s also possible to add cameras that automatically recognize the license plate numbers. Perimeter and Fencing Some organizations have protective fencing to help reduce vandalism and unauthorized entry. Fixed cameras can be used to monitor the entrance areas, while PTZ cameras can be used to monitor broad fencing areas. Specialized software is designed to enhance perimeter awareness and detection. The AI-enhanced software combines PTZ cameras with wide-angle fixed cameras to enable detection and identification.    Monitor the IT Department and Other High-Value Asset Areas Server rooms, equipment storage, and information storage should be closely monitored to prevent issues. Sensitive departments, such as HR and senior management, are also important areas for surveillance. The cameras can automatically alert security if a person enters the sensitive area. Summary of Where to Place Your Cameras First, determine your objectives for the IP camera system because this will define the type of cameras required in each area. By thoughtfully selecting camera locations and video management software, large and small companies can enhance their security, ensure assets are protected, and create a safe working environment. If you need assistance with specifying your IP camera system, don't hesitate to contact us at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### Paging System Sound Levels Too Loud, Too Quiet, Just Right Paging Sound Levels It’s not easy to ensure that everyone hears the messages. The paging sound level shouldn’t be too loud or quiet; it must be just right. Selecting and installing IP paging speakers in buildings and outdoors is a science. In schools, the paging announcements keep the staff and students aware of the schedule. In manufacturing and warehouses, announcements can notify the employees of shift changes. Sometimes, the paging announcements can be critical, such as a fire requiring a quick exit or an intruder causing a lockdown. Here's a comprehensive guide to selecting and installing paging speakers for optimal sound coverage: The Science of Sound Levels for an IP Paging System We measure sound loudness in decibels (dB), sometimes called the Sound Pressure Level (SPL). 0 dB is the minimum sound level a person with good hearing can hear. 130 dB is the point where the sound is painful. Even sound levels above 85 dB can be a problem. Most experts recommend using earplugs when continuously exposed to 85 dB and above. The number of speakers must be determined based on all variables. IP-type speakers with built-in amplifiers are nice because they connect to the network and can be easily moved from one place to another. Sound Versus Distance Calculating Sound Levels The sound level decreases as you move away from the speaker. It decreases based on the inverse square law. Some calculators online can predict the sound level at a certain distance. You can also use a rule of thumb that predicts the sound level decreases by 6 dB for every doubling of the distance from the speaker.  For example, if the speaker provides 90 dB of sound at 1m (3.28 ft.), at a distance of 2 m (6.56 ft.), the sound level is 84 dB (90 – 6 = 84). For your reference, 96 dB is the sound of a power mower. Sound Level Versus Power The sound level from a speaker is directly related to the input power of the signal. The sound level will increase by 3 dB for every doubling of power. If a speaker is rated at 100 dB at 1-watt, it will provide 103 dB at 2-watt. If the power is increased to 4 watts, the sound level rises to 106 dB. Speakers also have a maximum sound level, so you can’t increase the power indefinitely.   To learn more, read our article What is the Right Sound Level for Your Paging Speakers?   Determining the Speaker Coverage The speaker’s specifications include the effective angle of the sound level. How to Calculate Speaker Coverage IP Paging Sound Coverage The speaker coverage is calculated using the ceiling height, the distance to the person’s ears, and the angle of the speaker.  For example, let’s assume the speaker has an angle of 100°. We use a triangle to calculate the coverage distance (C). We first draw a triangle from the speaker with a 100-degree angle. Split the triangle into two 90-degree triangles with a top angle of 50 degrees. The distance from the speaker to the ears of the students is equal to the height (H) of the room minus the distance from the floor to the ears (L). If the room's height is 10 ft and the distance from the floor to the ears is 4ft, then the distance to the ears (D) is 6ft. Now we can calculate the opposite side of the triangle using a right-triangle calculator. The side C/2 equals 7.15 ft, and C equals 14.3 ft. This is the speaker's effective coverage area. Since the sound reflects off the floor and walls, in many cases, we get more coverage than the speaker angle predicts. Paging in Schools: Paging in Schools As we have mentioned, the size of a room, the background noise level, and the height of the ceilings are all essential factors in determining the sound level that people hear. If you plan to use the speaker outdoors or near salt water, you will need a speaker that can work in that environment.  There are several powered IP Paging Speakers available for schools. Schools usually have about 900 sq. ft classrooms and larger rooms such as auditoriums and gyms. The size of an auditorium can depend on the school’s population. For example, a 200-seat auditorium is about 3,000 sq. ft. They also have hallways that need to be covered by the paging system. Classrooms can use ceiling-mounted speakers that fit in a drop ceiling. A few wall speakers can provide the right sound if there is no drop ceiling. A ceiling speaker with a sound level of about 80 dB will work if the room is quiet. If the classroom tends to be noisy, a ceiling speaker that provides 92 dB at 1 meter, at 1 watt, is better. An alarm clock about two feet away provides a sound level of around 80 dB. The auditorium and gym require more speakers. The exact number of speakers and sound level depend on the room's size and the ceiling height. Wall-mounted speakers can provide louder sound levels, but make sure no one is close to the speaker. You don’t want to hurt anyone's ears. In a very noisy environment, such as a gym, you can select a speaker and amplifier that provides over 100 dB of sound. Hallways can be noisy, so the speakers need to be closer together. Specialty speakers can be mounted on the walls or ceiling and provide sound in two directions. To see some speaker suggestions, look at IP Speakers with Built-In Amplifiers. Paging in Warehouses and Manufacturing Paging in Manufacturing Manufacturing buildings can have high ambient noise levels, necessitating powerful horn speakers. Wall-mounted horns effectively direct sound over long distances, providing over 120 dB of sound. Outdoor Paging Areas Outdoor areas require weather-resistant horn speakers. The horn should be placed at least 13 ft. high so that the sound is not too loud for people close to the speaker. These speakers can be heard over 400 ft away. Summary of How to Select the Right IP Paging System The right speaker and sound level are essential to installing an IP Paging System. The right sound level ensures that everyone hears all the messages.  By carefully assessing your environment, calculating appropriate speaker coverage, determining the sound level in each location, and selecting a system that provides reliable paging announcements, you can establish a dependable system that ensures everyone hears critical announcements clearly and promptly. Please get in touch with us if you want help determining the speakers' type and location. We can be reached at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-129 A ham sandwich walks into a bar and orders a beer. The bartender says, “Sorry, we don’t serve food here.” Some people pick their nose, but I was born with mine. I made six figures last year. But this year, I’ll earn less since the toy factory fired me for being so slow. Atoms are very successful. They’re into everything. I read that by law, you must turn on your headlights when it’s raining in Sweden. But how am I supposed to know when it’s raining in Sweden? I ran track in high school, but luckily I never got hit by a train. Did I tell you the joke about amnesia? No, really, did I? I can’t remember. Cartoon Schrödinger's cat I never liked facial hair as a kid, but then it grew on me. What’s the best thing about Switzerland?I don’t know, but the flag is a big plus. Why do you never see elephants hiding in trees?Because they’re that good at it. What is the most popular fish in the ocean?A starfish. Why is grass so dangerous?Because it’s full of blades. A taxi passenger tapped the driver on the shoulder to ask him a question.The driver screamed, lost control of the car, nearly hit a bus, went up on the footpath, and stopped inches from a shop window.For a second, everything was quiet in the cab. Then the driver said, "Look, mate, don't ever do that again. You scared the living daylights out of me!"The passenger apologized, saying, "I didn't realize that a little tap would scare you so much."The driver replied, "Sorry, it's not really your fault. Today is my first day as a cab driver — I've been driving a funeral van for the last 25 years." Why do people of all ages love elevator jokes?Because they work on so many levels. What is the Easter Bunny’s favorite type of music?Hip-hop. Why did the judge crash his car?Justice is blind. Why did the dad go down the side of a mountain inside a giant tire?To be a good roll model. Dad: “Did you hear about the kidnapping at school?”Daughter: “No. What happened?”Dad: “The teacher woke him up.” Son: “Dad, where do babies come from?”Dad: “Why? You want me to return you?” A couple of cups of yogurt walk into a country club. “We don’t serve your kind here,” the bartender says.“Why not?” one yogurt asks. “We’re cultured.” Two men are stumbling through a forest, extremely drunk, when they come upon some tracks. “Look,” says one of them. “Deer tracks.” “What?” The other squints. “No, they’re elk tracks.” “No, I’m pretty sure they’re deer tracks.” “I’m telling you they’re elk tracks.” By now, the two men are getting increasingly agitated. They each take a step closer to each other. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. They’re deer tracks.” “Are ya blind? They’re elk tracks!” They each take another step closer, onto the tracks. “Look, I don’t know what you think elk tracks look like, but these are clearly deer tracks!” “If you want to disbelieve reality, that’s fine by me! But I’m telling ya, these are elk tracks!” They’re still arguing about it when the train hits them. Dad did a grape job raisin me. Never take anything a young cat does too seriously. They’re just kitten. Singing in the shower is fun until you get soap in your mouth. Then it’s a soap opera. The past, the present, and the future walked into a bar. It was tense. I got rid of our vacuum. It only gathers dust. Justice is a dish best served cold. If it were served warm, it would be justwater. Age isn’t just a number—it’s a word. I tried to make a joke about retirement, but it didn’t work. What do you call a lion with no teeth?Whatever you want—he can’t bite you! Who did the frog call when his car broke down?A toad truck. Do you know why birds build nests?Housing permits take too long. Why do cows wear bells?Because their horns don’t work. What do you call a fish with no eye?A fsh. What is a fancy fish called?So-fish-ticated. My dog accidentally swallowed some Scrabble tiles. I think it might spell disaster. I wondered why the ball was getting bigger. Then it hit me. I had a date last night. It was perfect. Tomorrow, I’ll try a grape. It hurts me to say this, but I have a sore throat. I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is designed for your enjoyment only. ### Door Readers for IP Access Control Systems The Best Door Reader Door Readers for Access Control Systems Door readers are devices at the door that determine your permission to enter. The first electronic readers were developed in the 1960s. They had a keypad allowing users to enter their credentials. This PIN (Personal Identification Number) permits entry if you enter the correct number. Over the years, many types of door readers have been developed that are safer, simpler to install, and easier to use. This article reviews some of the most popular door readers and provides each type's advantages and disadvantages: Door Reader Overview Door access control readers are the primary component of a door access control system. They verify credentials to grant or deny entry. Various types of readers cater to different security needs and user preferences. They are broadly delineated into slave or non-intelligent, IP-reader-controller, and biometric readers. Slave readers are connected to a controller. They detect the credential and transfer the ID to the controller, which decides whether the person can enter. The controller provides all the connections to the door hardware. Intelligent IP reader-controllers include a built-in controllerthat connects to the Ethernet network. They provide all the connections to the door hardware and include the circuitry to decide the validity of the ID number provided as a credential. Biometric Readers provide the most capability. They contain a special-purpose computer that can identify a person’s face, fingerprint, palm, or other biometric. They connect to the network and provide all the connections to the door hardware. The person’s biometric provides the ID key for each user. Many of these biometric readers can also use RFID cards, making them very flexible. Here are more details about the different readers. Slave Readers Slave Door Readers Slave or non-intelligent readers require a controller that connects to the door hardware and compares the credential to the user database.   Proximity (RFID) Readers There are two types of RFID readers. The 125 KHz Weigand code type was first developed, while the 13.56 MHz smart card reader is more secure. 125 KHz Proximity or Radio Frequency ID (RFID) readers are the most popular type of door reader. The credential card is swiped in a slot provided on the reader. It uses a frequency of 125 KHz between the reader and the credential. They are the least expensive type of door reader. Proximity RFID readers connect to an access controller such as the Hartmann controller, using the Wiegand or OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) interface. You can select readers for indoor or outdoor applications. Some readers include keypads that can be used to enter a secondary code for multi-factor entry. The keypad can also be used instead of a credential, but it is not advised since it is not very secure. Smart Card Readers were first developed in 1983 to facilitate payments using French payphones. This RFID reader uses a 13.56 MHz frequency to communicate between the smart-card credential and the reader. The card contains a microcomputer with embedded memory and uses a larger bit-code message. While the low-frequency cards use a 26-bit Wiegand format, the smart cards use a 128-bit code that dramatically increases the number of unique card IDs available and provides encryption.  Advantages: These readers utilize economic credentials like cards and key fobs. The Smart Card readers are the most secure. Some readers can handle both types of cards. Considerations: Security can be compromised if credentials are given to another person, cloned, or lost. IP-Reader Controllers Reader-Controller Door Readers This IP Door Reader has a built-in microcomputer that provides the controller function. It connects to the Ethernet network and can get its power over the Network (PoE). The Isonas reader controller is one of the first models to use a combined reader and controller. The reader controller provides all the connections to control the door. The Access Control Management Software available with the Isonas door controllers is offered in a Cloud or on-site version. Other intelligent reader controllers include biometric capabilities like face recognition and Palm recognition. Advantages: This configuration simplifies installation because less wiring is required. It is an excellent choice when you would like to install one door at a time. The reader controller can read Weigand and Smart Card format credentials and a smartphone's mobile credential. Considerations: This is a simple system best used in small to medium-sized door control systems. It doesn’t include advanced features like elevator control and IP Camera System integration. Biometric Readers with Embedded Controller Biometric Door Readers Operation: Authenticate users based on unique biological traits such as fingerprints, facial recognition, palm readers, or iris scans. These reader controllers attach directly to the network. Advantages: They are highly secure, as biometric data is unique to each individual. Since they connect to the network, they are easy to install. Considerations: The higher cost per reader is balanced against the improved level of security. The system requires registering each person’s biometrics, requiring more installation time. There has been some discussion about personal privacy when biometrics are used as a credential. For clarity, biometric door readers do not store a picture of your fingerprint or face. Mobile Credential Readers Mobile Credential Door Readers Operation: Now your smartphone is your access key. You don’t need to carry a card credential.  Isonas and Hartmann include Apps that connect your smartphone to their readers using Bluetooth. This mobile credential is the latest way of controlling your door access. Advantages: Smartphones are convenient for users and reduce the need for physical credentials. They are also considered more secure since the user is unlikely to give their phone to another person. Some intelligent mobile door readers include multiple entrance methods, including waving your hand over the door reader or just approaching the door. Considerations: Dependent on users' mobile devices and app compatibility.​ Summary of Door Access Readers Many door readers are available. When selecting a door access control reader, consider security requirements, user convenience, scalability, and budget factors. The RFID slave readers are the least expensive, the IP reader controllers are the easiest to install, and mobile door readers provide convenience. The biometric readers offer the highest level of security. A combination of reader types is often employed to balance security and usability effectively. If you need help selecting the best door readers for your Access Control System, please call us at 914-944-3425, visit our website, or use our contact form. ### Door Access Control Justification IP Door Access Control Benefits Door Access Control Justification Door access control systems have become much more valuable these days. They have always provided significant security benefits and have evolved to provide many more advantages. The most important technical advance is the use of IP-type access control devices. Implementing an access control system is a strategic move to enhance security, streamline operations, and ensure organizational compliance. This article describes how you can justify the investment in door access control: Access Control Provides Security Enhancements Access control systems significantly reinforce security by ensuring only authorized individuals can enter specific areas. The new systems provide a choice of door readers that make them more secure and easier to use. The older systems used a keyboard to enter Personnel Identification Numbers (PINs). They eventually added magnetic key cards. Door readers have used RFID credential cards for many years. Today, IP door readers can use Mobile Credentials from your smartphone or a very secure biometric entry control. Real-Time Monitoring and Audit Trails Access Control Real-Time Monitoring IP Door Access Control Systems track entry and exit activities in real time, creating detailed logs invaluable for security audits, incident investigations, and compliance reporting. They can also be used with Visitor Management Systems to track visitors' movement in the building or campus. Flexible Access Management Access Control Features Modern access control systems allow for customizable access schedules, enabling organizations to grant or restrict access based on time, role, or specific needs. This flexibility supports varied work schedules and enhances security during off-hours. Door access control can be added to elevators to control access to specific floors. The access control system determines the floors that can be reached based on the door access control credential. For example, all the accountants who work on the 5th floor can reach that floor, but not the IT department on the 3rd floor. Floors that contain general areas such as the cafeteria or fitness center would typically be available to everyone. The access control software can be programmed to allow certain people to go to specific floors on specific days and times, while executives can go to any floor at any time. Cost Savings Access Control Saves Money Transitioning from traditional keys to electronic access reduces costs associated with lost keys, lock replacements, and the need for on-site security personnel. Installing an access control system can also prevent malicious damage to equipment and vandalism, reducing insurance costs. Access Control Integration with IP Camera Systems Fusion-DNA Access Control Software New Video Management and Access Control Management software makes integrating IP cameras and access control easy. For example, Fusion-DNA is access control management software that supports many different access control hardware and IP Camera Systems, making it an ideal choice for mixed hardware environments.  Integration With Fire Alarm Systems Door access control systems can integrate with fire alarm systems to enhance occupant safety during emergencies: Automatic Door Unlocking: In the event of a fire alarm, access control systems can automatically unlock doors to allow for safe and quick evacuation. Exit Path Coordination: Access controls can connect with emergency systems to guide occupants to safe exits and prevent unauthorized re-entry into hazardous areas. Compliance with Safety Standards: Integration ensures compliance with fire safety regulations by enabling secure yet accessible pathways during emergencies. To learn more about integrating access control and Fire Alarm systems, please read our article, Access Control and Fire Alarm System Integration. Piggybacking Prevention Piggybacking Prevention Passback Control Piggybacking occurs when an unauthorized individual follows an authorized person into a secured area. Access control systems offer solutions to mitigate this risk: Anti-Passback Rules prevent a credential from being used again until the user exits, reducing the chance of unauthorized sharing. Tailgating Detection: Sensors or cameras at entry points can detect multiple individuals entering after a single authentication and trigger alerts to security personnel. Turnstiles and Mantraps: Physical barriers, such as turnstiles or double-door systems, ensure that only one person can enter per authentication. Summary of Benefits from IP Door Access Control: A door access control system is not just a security measure but a comprehensive solution that offers operational benefits, cost savings, and compliance support. Investing in such a system positions your organization for a safer and more efficient future. If you need help selecting the best Access Control System, please call us at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-128 Quotes Why waste your money looking up your family tree? Just go into politics, and your opponent will do it for you. ~Mark Twain Have you noticed that all the people in favor of birth control are already born? ~Benny Hill I asked God for a bike, but I realized that God doesn't work that way. So, I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness. ~Emo Philips By the time a man realizes that his father was right, he has a son who thinks he's wrong. ~Charles Wadsworth People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do. ~Isaac Asimov Nothing spoils a good story like the arrival of an eyewitness. ~Mark Twain The man who smiles when things go wrong has thought of someone to blame it on. ~Robert Bloch A man dies and goes to heaven.Saint Peter greets him at the Pearly Gates and says, “Welcome to heaven. To enter, you must answer one question: What was the best thing you did on Earth?”The man thinks for a moment and says, “I once saw a group of bikers harassing a young woman. I walked right up to the leader and punched him in the face, telling him to leave her alone, or he’d have to answer to me!”Saint Peter is impressed and asks, “When did this happen?” The man replies, “About five minutes ago.” Technical Puns Why was the mobile phone wearing glasses?... Because it lost its contacts. What was the spider doing on the computer?... He was making a website! What do you call an iPhone that sleeps too much?... Dead Siri-ous. What did the computer have during his break time?... He had a byte! What is the computer's favorite snack? Microchips! What shoes do computers love the most?... Re-boots! Why did the computer go to the dentist?... To get his Bluetooth checked. What is the biggest lie anyone can tell?... "I have read and agreed to all the terms and conditions.  A wife became so mad at her husband that she packed his bags and told him to leave. As he walked to the door, she yelled, “I hope you die a long, slow, painful death.” He turned around and said, “So, you want me to stay?” My boss was honest with me today. He pulled up to work with his sweet new car this morning, and I complimented him on it. He replied, “Well, if you work hard, set goals, stay determined, and put in long hours, I can get an even better one next year.” Poems “A Word to Husbands”Ogden Nash To keep your marriage brimming With love in the loving cup, Whenever you’re wrong, admit it; Whenever you’re right, shut up. “The Purple Cow”by Gelett Burgess I never saw a Purple Cow,I never hope to see one;But I can tell you, anyhow,I’d rather see than be one. Security is no joke. To learn more about how to increase security in your organization, see our article, "How to Maximize Physical Security." Some Music Puns Phew! Got off Ska free. Time flies when you’re having funk. Hip-hop? Hooray! Tango down in flames. Tuner or later, we all have to dance. He’s such a bad singer, he has delusions of bandeur. Don’t rock it until you’ve tried it. I don’t give a rap. The bluegrass is always greener on the other side. I’m looking for a choir purpose. When verse comes to verse, sing a song. She’s punk as a skunk. Help me! I’m in treble. I played the wrong note, but no need to guitar and feather me! Sitar and stay awhile. Something’s wrong with your guitar? Don’t Fret! Always look for signs and cymbals. I’ve heard enough of your glockenspiel. I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is designed for your enjoyment only. ### Comparison of Analog and IP Access Control Systems What’s the Best Access Control System Comparison of IP and analog Access Control Systems Network-Attached IP Access Control vs. Analog Separately Wired Access Control Systems When designing or upgrading a physical security system, one of the key architectural decisions is whether to use network-attached access control (also known as IP-based access control) or a separately wired access control system, often utilizing proprietary multiple wire harnesses. Here’s a breakdown of how these two systems compare: System Architecture of Access Control Systems There are three different access control system architects. They all provide similar basic access control functions, but IP-attached access control systems have greater expandability and capability. In general, the IP door control systems offer a simpler wiring solution compared to the analog systems. Network-Attached IP Access Control Network-attached or IP access control systems utilize Ethernet cabling to connect access control devices, such as door controllers and readers, to the IP network. The controllers and readers are usually powered via PoE (Power over Ethernet), eliminating the need for separate power lines. The devices are addressable on the network, enabling remote configuration and diagnostics. An IP access control system includes Access Control Management software that runs on a PC, making it easy to keep up to date. Separately Wired Access Control An analog access control system uses many wires to communicate between the controller and the door readers Each component (reader, lock, door sensor) is wired individually back to a central controller panel using dedicated wiring. Power and data lines are run separately, typically using custom low-voltage cabling. Each system uses proprietary wiring infrastructure and dedicated control panels. Although many wires from the controller to the door are similar, there is no general standard for wiring, resulting in numerous variations across manufacturers. Hybrid Access Control Systems There are also hybrid access control systems that utilize small controllers located at the door, along with standard multi-wire door readers. The controllers are connected to the network and offer all the benefits of IP-based systems. These systems provide the advantage of being compatible with a wide range of door readers, from older classic card readers to the latest mobile credentials and biometric readers. Installation & Infrastructure of IP Access Control Versus Analog Systems Access Control Installation Now, let's compare the installation time required for IP access control to the analog systems. Network-attached IP access control systems utilize the existing network infrastructure, whereas analog systems require dedicated wiring between the controller and door readers. The wiring harness is thicker than network wire, so larger access holes are required to make the run between the controller and the door reader. There are other advantages to the IP door access system. For example, IP systems tend to be much more expandable, since you just need to add a door reader to the existing network. Analog systems may require a new controller and rewiring to the central panel. FeatureNetwork-AttachedSeparately WiredCablingUses existing or shared network cabling (Ethernet/PoE)Requires dedicated low-voltage wiring for each doorEase of InstallationEasier and faster to install, especially in modern or remodeled buildingsMore labor-intensive and time-consumingScalabilityHighly scalable – just add to the networkRequires wiring back to the central panel, limiting scalability Cost Considerations between IP and Analog Door Control IP Door Control Versus Analog Systems IP access control offers the advantages of simplicity and lower installation costs. Network-Attached IP Access Control Lower installation costs (fewer cables, faster deployment). Requires PoE switches and possibly network infrastructure upgrades. Cost-effective for multi-site or growing organizations. Multi-Wired Analog Wired Door Control Access Control Wiring Higher upfront wiring costs, especially in large or complex buildings. Network wire is smaller and less cumbersome than the multi-wired harnesses required in older analog systems. Controllers and proprietary hardware may drive up long-term costs. The controllers usually can support only four door readers, making the installation more complex and more challenging to manage. If you have a legacy system that uses the multi-wired approach, then it can be cost-effective compared to changing the complete system architecture. However, it is essential to consider all the costs, including installation and potential future expansion, before making a decision. Flexibility & Expandability IP access control systems are more expandable and are easier to integrate with other security systems, such as IP Camera Systems and intercoms, creating an enhanced security system. To learn more, see our discussion on the Integration of IP Cameras and Door Access Control and more. Reliability & Maintenance It’s easier to detect and troubleshoot failures in IP access control systems because the information is available on the network and can be detected by the management software. Connection points are a common source of failures in electronic systems, so IP systems, with fewer wires, offer higher reliability than multi-wire systems.   Maintenance of analog systems is more challenging because resolving the issue may require tracing wires and isolating the source of the problem.  Security In the early days of IP door control introduction, a debate arose regarding the security of IP access control systems. The addition of encrypted network protocols has alleviated concerns over the security of IP door access control. Summary Table Comparing IP Door Systems and Analog Systems CategoryNetwork-Attached Access ControlSeparately Wired Access ControlCablingEthernet (PoE)Dedicated low-voltage wiringInstallationQuick and efficientMore complex and labor-intensiveCostLower install, scalable long-termHigher upfront, less scalableFlexibilityEasy to expand and reconfigureRigid and more challenging to modifyRemote ManagementFull supportLimited or local-onlyCybersecurityRequires protectionMinimal exposurePhysical ReliabilityDepends on network uptimeLess network-dependent To learn more, see our video describing the pos and cons of IP and Analog access Control Systems. Which Should You Choose: IP or Analog? So, which system is best for you? Here is a summary. Choose Network-Attached if you need scalability, remote management, and lower installation costs. It’s ideal for modern buildings, multi-site businesses, and integrated security systems. Choose the analog system for smaller systems, legacy infrastructure, or environments where network access is limited, or security requires isolation. If you need help selecting the best Access Control System, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide, or use our contact form. ### Best IP Camera for Your Application Review of how to select the Best IP Camera Best IP Camera What IP camera system is right for you? Cameras come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and capabilities. Before selecting your cameras, it’s essential to understand your objectives. Do you want to reduce liability, catch a criminal, detect when someone is carrying a gun, improve productivity, or watch a rocket launch? This article will help you select the right camera. There are bullet, dome-type, and PTZ cameras. Some are designed for indoor use, while others are suitable for outdoor use in low-light conditions. Specialty cameras can view the inside of a blast furnace, while others can capture a rocket launch from over two miles away. Here are some guidelines for selecting the right camera. Sometimes, people choose the least expensive model and are disappointed with the results. Reviewing all the available IP cameras saves time and money, providing the best opportunity to meet your application objectives. To learn more about the crucial specifications, please read our article, What IP Camera Specifications are Important. Bullet Cameras IP Bullet Camera Bullet cameras are a good choice if you want an easy-to-install camera and want to show the direction of the camera’s view. They are easy to install since you don’t have to disassemble the camera to aim it. Many bullet cameras include IR illumination and a remote zoom lens. These cameras often monitor outdoor areas, such as building perimeters, parking lots, and access roads. Many Bullet IP cameras come with variable lenses that offer remote zoom capabilities. Select a camera with specifications that meet your specific application requirements. For example, a low-light camera is essential if you want to view a dark area. Dome IP Cameras IP Dome Camera  There is a wide range of dome cameras available for various indoor and outdoor applications. The cameras, equipped with built-in IR and low-light-level performance, make them a good choice for many outdoor applications where there is no lighting. They are ideal for monitoring indoor or outdoor areas such as offices, retail stores, and warehouses. The protective dome also helps shield the camera from tampering or vandalism. Dome cameras make it difficult to determine the camera's viewing direction, thereby adding an extra layer of security. If you plan to use the camera at night, check the range of the IR illumination before purchasing the camera. Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) IP Cameras IP PTZ Camera The PTZ camera is best for scanning a large area. It is also used to see things far away and zoom in on a specific target. For example, the XNP-6550 PTZ camera features a zoom lens with a maximum focal length of 500mm, providing sufficient resolution to read a license plate from a distance of approximately 540m (1,770 ft.). The camera also features a powerful IR illuminator, enabling it to be used at night to identify a person from a distance of over 500 m (1,600 ft). PTZ cameras are ideal for actively monitoring large areas such as parking lots, stadiums, city surveillance, and large retail spaces, allowing operators to track events or individuals in real-time. Please review the specifications of the PTZ camera before buying it to determine the proper resolution and lens. You want to ensure that it aligns with your objectives. Custom Long-Range Night Vision Cameras Customized PTZ cameras can be used to view objects at long distances in total darkness. These specialized cameras feature both optical and thermal imaging capabilities. The cameras with thermal imaging capability can detect objects over one mile away. PTZ Camera with IR Illumination They are essential for 24/7 surveillance in low-light or no-light conditions, such as military environments, and detecting ships near land. You can select cameras with a 2,000 mm optical zoom combined with a thermal imaging camera featuring a 155 mm lens. This specialized camera allows you to identify a person up to 2000 m (2600 ft) away. It can also detect a person in total darkness that’s over 200m (660 ft) away from the camera. When selecting a long-range PTZ camera, consider the environment, including temperature range, corrosive conditions, and other relevant factors. You should also consider the resolution, lighting conditions, desired field of view, the range of the IR illuminator, and stable mounting methods. Specific security needs dictate the choice of the most appropriate type. To learn more about how the military utilizes these complex systems, read our article, "Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria." Industrial Thermal Cameras Thermal imaging cameras are also used in industrial applications to check for equipment failures caused by excessive heat. Thermal cameras utilize specialized sensors and lenses to detect the heat signature emitted by warm or hot objects. To learn more about how thermal cameras are used, please read our article Thermal Camera Comparison. Cameras for Furnaces and Extreme Environments Cameras for Extreme Environments Specialized cameras are available for various extreme environments. Extreme Heat Cameras can be placed in special enclosures that protect them from the extreme heat of a blast furnace or a rocket launch. These liquid-cooled enclosures are designed for use in very high-temperature environments. Corrosive Environments The second set of enclosures is designed for saltwater applications, including marine or coastal patrol, industrial or chemical environments, and those with highly corrosive external agents. Explosion-Proof Cameras Intrinsically safe or explosion-proof cameras are designed for use in environments containing explosive gases or dust. They ensure safety in areas with arisk of explosion, such as refineries, gas pipelines, oil tankers, offshore platforms, industrial processes, and chemical industries. Panoramic Fisheye (360-Degree) IP Cameras Panoramic cameras provide a 360-degree view of an area, reducing the need for multiple cameras. They are typically used in open areas, such as hotel lobbies, retail stores, and office spaces. However, the wide-angle minimizes the ability to resolve detail at a distance.  They are typically used to provide situational awareness and are sometimes paired with a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera, which allows for zooming in on a specific target. AI-Enhanced Camera Systems AI-Enhanced Cameras AI has created a paradigm shift in the way IP camera systems are utilized. This is a game changer for IP camera systems because Instead of reviewing past events, AI-enhanced camera systems can instantly react to threats. These intelligent IP camera systems can instantly notify security personnel about critical events, enabling faster response times and minimizing potential risks. While standard IP camera systems record valuable footage, reviewing hours of video days after an incident often feels like closing the door after the cow has left the barn. The damage has already been done. Summary of the Best IP Camera We hope this video helps you understand how the different cameras are used. Make sure you know your objectives. Bullet, dome, PTZ, and specialty cameras are available to meet your various requirements. Planning your IP camera system helps save time and money while ensuring the best fit for your application. If you would like help selecting the best IP Camera, please call us at 914-944-3425, visit our website, www.kintronics.com, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-127 He said, "Doctor, every time I try to sleep, I close my eyes and see visions of PVC, copper, steel, and corncob. Am I going mad?!"The doctor replied, "Relax. You're just having pipe dreams." A new study reveals that women who are slightly overweight live longerthen the men who mention it After 5 long years of studying, a student comes rushing into Einstein's office shouting..."Sir, Sir, I finally understand your theory of Special Relativity!"Einstein rolls his eyes, "It's about time." A genie appears and offers a guy three wishes. He says I'm going through a divorce, and my ex’s lawyer is a thieving money grabber. I want all lawyers on the face of the earth to be killed. Genie says that's a bit extreme. Are you sure? The guy says absolutely, they're all the same. The world would be better off without them. The genie snaps her fingers and says it's done. But that's your last wish. The guy says hang on, you told me I'd have three wishes. Genie says so sue me. Need any Help? If you want to learn more about using Door Access Control Systems, please visit our web page. Classic Old Jokes * A car hit an elderly Jewish man. The paramedic says, "Are you comfortable?" The man says, "I make a good living."* I just got back from a pleasure trip. I took my mother-in-law to the airport.* I've been in love with the same woman for 49 years. If my wife finds out, she'll kill me!* Someone stole all my credit cards, but I won't be reporting it. The thief spends less than my wife did.* We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.* My wife and I went to a hotel where we got a waterbed. My wife called it the Dead Sea.* My wife and I revisited the hotel where we spent our wedding night. This time I was the one who stayed in the bathroom and cried.* My wife was at the beauty shop for two hours. That was only for the estimate. She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off. Some dad jokes Why did the banana go to the doctor? It wasn’t peeling well. What do you call a train full of bubble gum? A chew-chew train. What do you call a snowman in summer? A puddle! Why did the picture go to jail? It was framed! What’s the difference between ice cream and your advice?I asked for the ice cream. What’s the difference between a hippo and a Zippo?One is really heavy, and the other is a little lighter. A Longer Joke A man sees a sign in front of a house: “Talking Dog for Sale.”He rings the bell, and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard.The man walks around the house and asks the dog, “Can you talk?”“Yep,” the dog replies.“So, what’s your story?”The dog looks up and says, “Well, I discovered my ability to talk when I was young. I wanted to help humanity, so I joined the CIA.”“I spent years traveling worldwide, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders because no one ever suspected a talking dog. I was awarded numerous medals.”“After a while, I got tired of the jet-setting life and retired to start a family.”The man is amazed and asks the owner how much he wants for the dog.The owner says, “Ten dollars.”The man is stunned. “Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why so cheap?”The owner replies, “Because he’s a liar. He didn’t do any of that stuff.” A Poem To Scienceby Lucretia Maria Davidson Let others in false Pleasure’s court be found,But may I ne’er be whirled the giddy round;Let me ascend with Genius’ rapid flight,Till the fair hill of science meets my sight.Blest with a pilot who my feet will guide,Direct my way, whene’er I step aside;May one bright ray of science on me shine,And be the gift of learning ever mine. I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How to Maximize Physical Security Maximizing Physical Security by Integrating Access Control, IP Camera Systems, Intercoms, and IP Paging Systems Physical Security Integration Integrating door access control, IP camera systems, intercoms, and IP paging is one of the best ways to create a comprehensive and highly secure physical security system. When these components work together, they provide real-time surveillance, controlled access, seamless communication, and rapid emergency response. This article describes how to maximize security through integration: Access Control System: Regulating Entry and Exit Key Goals: Restrict unauthorized access, track personnel movements, and integrate with other security measures. Select access control systems that provide instant alerts when a non-authorized credential is used or a black-listed person requests entry. Best Practices: Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or Biometric Door Readers The latest multimodel door readers combine biometric capability with RFID card credentials. Utilize Intelligent Cameras Use facial and license plate recognition camera systems to detect unauthorized individuals and vehicles. Face recognition in a crowd is the latest way to improve security and prevent crimes. Set Access Levels Grant access based on roles (e.g., employees vs. visitors vs. contractors). Select access control that Integrates with Video Surveillance Automatically trigger IP cameras to record when a door is accessed. Provide real-time video verification of identity. Enable Remote Lockdown Quickly lock down doors in emergencies using a mobile app or central control. Integrating Door Access Control with Other Systems: Link IP cameras to capture footage when doors are accessed. Sync with intercoms to verify visitors before granting access. Connect with IP paging to broadcast security alerts during emergencies. Integrate with Visitor Management Systems.   IP Camera Systems: Real-Time Surveillance & Analytics IP Camera Surveillance System Key Goals: Monitor high-risk areas, provide evidence for investigations, and deter crime—alert security when threats are detected. Best Practices: Deploy AI-Powered Cameras Use AI-enhanced cameras to detect a person carrying a gun, when people are fighting, or if someone falls. Ensure that the IP cameras meet your objectives. If a camera needs to capture a person’s face for identification, check that it has the right lens and camera resolution. Learn more: What IP Camera Resolution Do You Need? Enable Motion & Behavior Detection Set up alerts for suspicious movements (e.g., loitering near secure areas). Ensure 24/7 Monitoring Use AI-based alerts to notify security personnel of unusual activity in real-time. Integration with Other Systems: Connect IP Camera Systems with Access Control: Capture footage of anyone using an access card. Integrate IP cameras with intercoms: Allow security teams to see and talk to visitors before granting entry. Trigger IP paging announcements: Alert on-site personnel when suspicious activity is detected. Intercom Systems: Secure Visitor Management Video Intercoms Increase Security Key Goals Verify and securely grant visitors, employees, and delivery personnel access. Best Practices: Install Video Intercoms at Entry Points Ensure real-time visitor verification through live two-way video and audio. Ensure the intercoms include relay connections that can control the electric lock. Use Mobile App Integration Allow security personnel to verify visitors remotely. Keep Access Logs Store audio and video recordings of all visitor interactions. Integration with Other Systems: Connect to access control: Grant or deny access remotely.Sync with IP cameras: Provide a co IP Paging Systems: Real-Time Alerts & Emergency Notifications Paging Speakers Key Goals: Broadcast alerts, enhance communication, and guide people during emergencies. Best Practices: Automate Security Announcements Link to motion sensors or access control to announce unauthorized access attempts. Use Zoning for Custom Messages Send messages to specific floors, departments, or areas as needed. Enable Emergency Lockdowns Sync with access control to secure doors and announce safety procedures instantly. Utilize Pre-Recorded & Live Announcements Broadcast automated security messages during emergencies. Allow security teams to give real-time verbal instructions. Integration With Other Systems Trigger announcements based on security events (e.g., unauthorized access, fire alarms) Sync with IP cameras to announce live threats detected by AI analytics. Alert staff via mobile devices and security dashboards. Putting It All Together: A Real-World Example Scenario: Unauthorized Entry Attempt A suspicious person tries to enter a restricted area.The access control system denies entry and triggers the nearest IP camera.The camera’s AI detects a loitering threat and sends an alert to security.The intercom system allows the security team to question the individual remotely.If needed, the IP paging system broadcasts an alert to nearby staff, warning them.Security teams lock down doors remotely, ensuring the area is secure. Summary: Maximizing Physical Security Organizations can achieve real-time threat detection, automated responses, and enhanced security oversight by integrating access control, IP cameras, intercoms, and paging systems. Use a Centralized Security Platform to integrate all systems seamlessly. Leverage AI and Automation to detect threats faster. Conduct Regular System Audits to identify vulnerabilities. Train Staff on Emergency Protocols for effective responses. If you need help selecting the right security system, please get in touch with us. We are an engineering group that provides consulting on complex system applications. We can be reached at 914-944-3425, visit our website, or use our contact form ### Optimization of Your Access Control System How to Maximize the Access Control System Potential Access Control Optimization To determine if you’re getting the most out of your access control system, evaluate its performance across several key areas: security, efficiency, integration, user management, and reporting. You should also consider whether you are using your current system's features and need to upgrade it to meet new requirements. This article reviews some essential features and provides a checklist to help you audit your current system. Check Security Effectiveness Check if you are using all the features of your access control system. Granular Access Control: Have you set up the permissions based on roles, times, and locations? Many systems allow you to determine who can access an area based on their role in the organization. For example, you can control who can enter the tool room or IT department.Real-Time Monitoring: Does your system provide real-time alerts? Some systems offer if-then alerts, such as detecting someone trying to enter using an old pass key credential. You can set up the system to send the alert to a security station or mobile phone. Instant alerts enhance security by notifying security of unauthorized access attempts.Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Additional security layers, such as keycards plus PIN or biometrics, increase the organization's safety and minimize the problem of lost credentials being used. Integrations with IP Camera Systems Does your system integrate with an IP Camera System? An IP camera system can record people entering and prevent piggybacking, where someone enters behind a permitted person. Audit Trails: Are you using the audit trails? It’s essential to maintain a clear, accessible log of who entered, where, and when. The log can tell you who is in the building or when they left. Visitor Management System Integration with Visitor Management System Are you using a visitor management module? These systems help to control who has entered, when, and where they are going in the facility. Next Steps to Maximize Your Access Control System Conduct an audit and use the following checklist to ensure the effectiveness of the access control system is maximized. Conduct a Security Audit: Access Control Audit Review access logs and test the system for vulnerabilities. Are you using unused features such as multi-factor authentication, area lockdowns, or visitor tracking? Provide Regular Training: Ensure staff understand how to use the system effectively. Review and Update Access Permissions: Periodically remove unnecessary or outdated permissions. Here is a detailed Access Control System Audit Checklist you can use to evaluate and optimize your system’s performance: ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM AUDIT CHECKLIST System Overview ✅ Document System Details: System provider and version: __________________________ Number of access points: __________________________ Primary access methods (keycards, biometrics, mobile): __________________________ ✅ System Maintenance: Is the system software up to date? [ ] Yes [ ] No Are all access control devices (readers, locks) functioning correctly? [ ] Yes [ ] No Security Controls ✅ Access Permissions: Are user roles and permissions clearly defined and up-to-date? [ ] Yes [ ] No Is multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled for sensitive areas? [ ] Yes [ ] No Are access levels reviewed periodically? [ ] Yes [ ] No ✅ Monitoring and Alerts: Are real-time alerts enabled for unauthorized access attempts? [ ] Yes [ ] No Are security cameras integrated with the access control system? [ ] Yes [ ] No Are high-security areas equipped with biometric controls? [ ] Yes [ ] No User Management ✅ Onboarding and Offboarding: Is there an automated process for granting access to new employees? [ ] Yes [ ] No Is there an immediate revocation process for terminated employees? [ ] Yes [ ] No Are temporary access permissions (e.g., for contractors) reviewed and revoked promptly? [ ] Yes [ ] No ✅ Credential Management: Are all keycards or credentials encrypted? [ ] Yes [ ] No Are you using the latest biometric door readers?  [ ] Yes [ ] No Is there a policy for replacing lost or stolen access cards immediately? [ ] Yes [ ] No System Integration ✅ Integration with Other Systems: Is the access control system integrated with CCTV for visual verification? [ ] Yes [ ] No Is there integration with IP Paging alarm systems for breach detection? [ ] Yes [ ] No Does the system sync with HR software for automated access management? [ ] Yes [ ] No Reporting and Compliance ✅ Audit Logs: Are all access attempts logged and stored securely? [ ] Yes [ ] No Are logs regularly reviewed for suspicious activity? [ ] Yes [ ] No Is there a clear policy for log retention and deletion? [ ] Yes [ ] No ✅ Reports and Analytics: Are usage reports generated and reviewed regularly? [ ] Yes [ ] No Are access anomalies (e.g., after-hours access) flagged for investigation? [ ] Yes [ ] No Can you generate reports to meet compliance standards (e.g., HIPAA, SOC 2, ISO 27001)? [ ] Yes [ ] No Summary of Door Access Control System Optimization It’s always a good idea to review your door access control system. By ensuring that you are using all the features and reviewing the system, you can provide the highest level of security. You can determine if your system meets all your requirements using an audit checklist. If you need help selecting the best Access Control System, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons -126 A hitchhiker had been trying to get a ride for hours with no luck. Finally, a car pulled to a stop. The hitcher ran up, threw his backpack in the back seat, and climbed into the passenger seat.“Hitching long? “ the driver asked.“Hours and no one even slowed down,” was the reply.“Boy, society has changed,” the driver said. “People are so worried and scared now.”“I hear you,” the hitcher said. “I think they’re afraid of picking up a serial killer.”When the driver laughed, the hitcher asked, “Didn’t you think about that when you picked me up?” While still laughing, the driver said, “No way. I mean, what are the odds of two serial killers being in the same car?” What do you call a couple of chimpanzees sharing an Amazon account? PRIME-mates. Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert? Because she was stuffed. Name the kind of tree you can hold in your hand. A palm tree! Where did the music teacher leave her keys? In the piano! What did the left eye say to the right eye? Between us, something smells! Why did the student eat his homework? Because the teacher told him it was a piece of cake. Which superhero hits runs? Batman! What is a room with no walls? A mushroom. Why is a stadium always cold? It has lots of fans! What did one math book say to the other? “I’ve got so many problems.” What do you call a tired bull? A bulldozer. How much did the man sell his dead batteries for? Nothing, they were free of charge! Some Classic Jokes  A car hit an elderly Jewish man. The paramedic says, "Are you comfortable?" The man says, "I make a good living."I just got back from a pleasure trip. I took my mother-in-law to the airport.I've been in love with the same woman for 49 years. If my wife finds out, she'll kill me!Someone stole all my credit cards, but I won't be reporting it. The thief spends less than my wife did.We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.My wife and I went to a hotel where we got a waterbed. My wife called it the Dead Sea.My wife and I revisited the hotel where we spent our wedding night. This time I was the one who stayed in the bathroom and cried.My wife was at the beauty shop for two hours. That was only for the estimate. She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off. A rugged old cowboy from Texas counseled his granddaughter that if she wanted to live a long life, the secret was to sprinkle a pinch of gunpowder on her oatmeal every morning.The granddaughter did this religiously until the age of 103 when she died.She left behind 14 children, 30 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, 25 great-great-grandchildren, and a 40-foot hole where the crematorium used to be. After a long time, I told my hot coworker how I felt. Turns out she felt the same way. So I turned on the air conditioning. What kind of dog can stay underwater for a long time? A subwoofer What do you call a snake that's precisely 3.14 meters long? A π-thon John, a wealthy 60-year-old man, shows up at the country club one day with his new wife, a smoking hot 22-year-old blonde. His buddies are amazed. "There is no way someone that young and attractive would agree to marry an old geezer like you. How did you pull it off?""It's simple," John says, "I lied to her about my age.""Did you tell her you were 50?" his friends ask. John shakes his head no."There is no way she could believe you were 40". John shakes his head again."So, how old did you tell her you were exactly??"John smiles and says "85". I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Intercom Considerations Before Purchase What to Consider When Purchasing an Intercom IP Intercom Considerations Intercoms enable two-way communications and are used for door control, apartment entry control, and communication in schools and offices. Some include video or integrate with access control and IP camera systems to increase security. This article reviews what you should consider before purchasing your IP Intercom System. Consider How the Intercom System Will be Used Primary Functionality: Determine the principal use—two-way communication, visitor access control, emergency notifications, or a combination. There are several types of systems: Intercom systems can be many-to-one systems where individuals contact a central location. For example, teachers in a classroom can contact the administration office. IP Intercoms can be used to control door entry. These intercoms can be audio or audio and video. They include built-in relays to control the electric lock. Apartment intercoms connect to many tenants in a building. The new wireless intercom allows you to contact the resident’s smartphone or standard phone to request entry into the building. The lobby intercom display provides a list of all the tenants in the building. Environment: Assess whether the system will be used indoors, outdoors, or both, as this impacts equipment durability. User Base: Understand the number and types of users (e.g., residents, employees, security personnel) interacting with the system. Intercom Features and Capabilities Intercom Features The ability to Initiate a call from the communication center or the endpoint Listen-only capability allows the communication center to listen to a remote location. Access Control Integration: Choose systems that integrate with door locks, gates, or other access control mechanisms. Remote Access: Look for systems that allow remote communication via mobile apps or web platforms. Noise Cancellation: Ensure the system has noise-canceling features for clear communication in noisy environments. Emergency Features: Consider intercoms with panic buttons or emergency alerts for enhanced safety. The alert can cause the IP Paging System to broadcast a warning message. Intercom User Management Software Intercom Management Software The command control software is used to manage and talk to many intercoms. For example, the person at the computer can control door entry or speak to each classroom in a school. Some management software provides additional features and functions that can be very useful. Consider if the software allows you to talk to specific intercoms or a group of intercoms. Can you create automatic messages based on a calendar and time? Many schools use automated messages to notify students of class changes. Chimes, music, or customized sounds like chirping birds can now replace the familiar ring.  Consider if the software allows multiple command centers Does the software allow you to listen to an intercom station Determine how the user notifies the central station. Does the intercom have a call button? Can the intercom control an electric lock? Some intercoms have built-in relays, allowing you to control a magnetic or electric strike-type lock. Consider whether the software provides automation tools such as:“If this…then that” capabilityTrigger pre‐recorded audio filesAlerts for system interruptionReads RSS/CAP: Atom FeedsScheduled ActionsRuns in the backgroundIntegrate with IP Cameras Support VoIP connections Considerations for Specific Purpose Intercoms Apartment Intercoms Concept Do you need a specialized Intercom for a multi-tenant building or apartment house? The latest apartment or multi-tenant intercoms work over a wireless connection, making them very easy to install. You can easily find and call a specific corporate department or person in an apartment building using the touchscreen. The person called can answer the IP intercom using the app on their mobile device. It’s easy to view, talk, and then release the door. Would you like to include temperature-sensing panels to determine a person's health when entering a building? There are several panels that include face recognition and mask detection available. Is it Important to Integrate with Other Security Systems? Integrating IP cameras, Door Access Control and IP Intercom Systems has benefited apartment houses, factories, schools, and government offices. Door access control systems keep unauthorized individuals out, while IP Cameras with AI enhancements can identify potential security threats. IP intercoms are used to talk to visitors to determine if they can gain entry.  IP Intercom Integration The addition of special audio filters and feedback control has made intercom technology more viable. Today, we see new opportunities created by adding intercoms to IP camera systems. Intercoms can also be integrated with IP door access control readers, providing a complete door control system. To learn more, please read our article, IP Cameras, Access Control, and Paging System Enhance Security. Consider special situations for the intercom system The ability to monitor events from IP Endpoints and send audio or email messages in response to them.  For instance, you can connect a door switch to an IP Endpoint and play an automatic audio message when someone opens the door. The ability to monitor RSS and CAP/Atom feeds and automatically convert the associated text messages to speech so they can be played on Digital Acoustics IP Endpoints.  For instance, this can be used to announce severe weather alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Or create your own RSS or CAP/Atom feed to create custom on-demand announcements. Summary of Considerations for IP Intercom Systems Several things should be considered before purchasing your IP Intercom System. One of the most important is determining your application objectives. Will the system be used in a school to allow the administration to talk to the classrooms, or do you want to control visitor entry? Integrating the IP intercoms with other security systems, such as IP Camera Systems or Door Access Control Systems, may be helpful. Once you determine your objectives, selecting the right IP Intercom System will be easier. If you would like help selecting the best Intercom system, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide or use our contact form. ### Drone Detection Drone Counter Measures Drone Detection Using Radar Drones have benefited many military and commercial organizations. However, their proliferation has also caused problems and security issues. Because drones are sometimes present in the wrong places, many organizations are looking for ways to detect and neutralize them. There are several types of drone detection systems. Most systems provide detection, and systems that integrate camera systems can also provide identification. The threat can be eliminated by adding jamming signals and lasers. This article describes drone detection methods. Why You Should Select a Drone Detection System. As drones become more prevalent, their potential for misuse has grown, posing risks to privacy, security, and safety. Detecting drones is essential in various scenarios, such as security threats and privacy. Drone Detection Methods There are several ways to detect a drone. Here are some of the most popular methods. Acoustic Detection: How It Works: Uses microphones to identify the unique sound signatures of drone propellers. Advantages: Effective in low-visibility conditions like night or fog. Limitations: Noise interference in urban environments may reduce accuracy. Radio Frequency (RF) Detection: The Remote Drone ID detector detects and tracks approaching drone activity. Because it detects the FAA-mandated Remote ID transmitted by the drone, the Remote Drone ID can detect and track all FAA-compliant drone movement, day or night, and provide the drone operator's geolocation. How It Works: Scans the airwaves for signals between drones and their controllers. Advantages: Can identify the drone's make, model, and location and sometimes locate the operator. Limitations: It may struggle with autonomous drones or those using encrypted signals. Radar Systems: Radar Systems for Drone Detection Radar provides an excellent countermeasure to drones in wide, complex urban and open areas. It protects infrastructure and people in airports, data centers, military facilities, oil and gas industries, and electric substations. To learn more about the available radar systems, see Drone Detection with Radar. How It Works: Radar systems can detect small objects like drones moving in the sky. Advantages: Works across long distances and in all weather conditions. Limitations: High cost and difficulty distinguishing drones from birds or debris. In many cases, a license is required for operation. For example, CE compliance is required in the European Union, while the USA requires FCC approval and a license for use.   Visual Detection Using Long-Range PTZ Cameras: Advanced and highly modular surveillance camera platforms are available for land and maritime applications, offering an effective solution for counter-drone operations.  The long-range and anti-drone systems include an array of long-range camera systems with options incorporating advanced technology for effectively detecting and identifying UAVs. The long-range systems can incorporate thermal cameras for operation in total darkness.  These cooled, and uncooled, long-range thermal camera platforms are designed to be highly customizable and feature some of the latest electro-optical (EO) sensors. The cameras’ high-resolution capabilities allow for precise identification and tracking of UAVs, enabling operators to respond quickly to potential threats.   Long-Range PTZ Cameras with Anti-Drone Systems The optional Anti-Drone systems provide an effective jamming capability that allows the user to selectively deny control, video, or GPS (or combination) and trigger behavior such as ‘freezing’ the drone in place, returning the drone to the controller, or forcing the drone to land safely. A range of “soft kill” mitigation add-ons can also provide a useful deterrent when jamming cannot be used. The drone deterrent options include a long-range laser dazzler and white light illumination device that can act as both a deterrent and can also provide helpful target designation capabilities. To learn more, read our article "Long-Range PTZ Cameras With Drone Deterrents." How It Works: Employs high-resolution cameras or infrared imaging to identify drones visually. Advantages: It can identify objects, helping to reduce false positives. It can also confirm and provide evidence of unauthorized drones. Limitations: Finding small objects at long distances is difficult. Unobstructed views and adequate lighting are required for effective detection. Thermal Imaging: Thermal imaging cameras detect objects in total darkness. They can detect drones over 2000 meters, but their narrow field of view requires a pan-tilt mechanism to monitor the area constantly. There are cooled and uncooled types of thermal cameras. The cooled models provide more heat sensitivity but cost more. To learn more, see the selection of Thermal Imaging Cameras available, How It Works: Detects the heat signature emitted by drone motors. Advantages: Effective in low-light conditions and against camouflaged drones. Limitations: Drones with low thermal output may not be detected. Area patrolling requires a PTZ camera, which adds to the cost. Summary of Drone Detection and Mitigation Detecting drones is critical for ensuring security, privacy, and compliance in an era when they are increasingly used for legitimate and malicious purposes. Organizations can effectively identify and mitigate drone-related risks by leveraging advanced detection technologies like RF sensors, radar, and AI-enhanced systems. These drone detection systems safeguard their assets and operations. If you need more help defining your system, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons -125 What do you call a small piece of bread that moves rhythmically to music?Abundance Why did the cat stop moving as soon as it stood up?Because it was on paws. Scientists got so bored of watching the Earth spin that after 24 hours,they called it a day. A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work. As she got to one little girl working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, 'I'm drawing God.' The teacher paused and said, 'But no one knows what God looks like.' Without missing a beat or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, 'They will in a minute.' How did the person who made the first clock know what time it was? What do you call a cat that eats beans?Puss ‘n’ Toots! What do you call a dinosaur fart?A blast from the past. I had to leave my cat at the vet for observation after she swallowed a bunch of dimes...I called to see how she was doing and the vet said there was no change yet… More thoughts: The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.   The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.   The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.    He who hesitates is probably right. If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody.   If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.   The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.   When Pope John Paul II died, Saint Peter met him at the pearly gates. “Welcome, John Paul,” says Peter. “Enter into your rest.” John Paul begins walking through the gates but stops when he hears a loud ruckus behind him. A huge band of angels, blowing trumpets and cheering, is carrying a man on their shoulders. “Ah,” thinks John Paul, “That must be one of the great saints! I wonder who he is.” He walks back and nudges Saint Peter. “Who is that?” he asks. “Oh, that’s a lawyer.” “Really?” says John Paul, a bit confused. “I’m the Pope! And you just waved me in!” “You don’t understand,” said Peter. “We have a ton of popes. That’s our first lawyer.” The church needed a new coat of paint, so the Stewardship Committee asked for bids. Jerry, a painter, really needed some work. He quickly put in a low bid to ensure he got the job. Sure enough, his low bid was chosen. Jerry went to buy the paint and realized his bid was too low. The paint was going to cost more than his bid. Being an enterprising man, Jerry decided to get half as much paint as he needed and add water to it. He got to work and started painting. It was a big job, and the Committee was impressed by his hard work. When he was nearly finished, the weather report predicted a big storm was coming in. Jerry hurried and completed the job before the storm hit. As he listened to the rain coming down the night of the storm, he hoped his watered-down paint job would be okay. He rushed over to the church first thing in the morning. When he arrived, the sun peeked through the clouds and shone on the church. All of the watery paint had been washed off! Jerry was mortified! His plan had failed. What would he do now? He walked around the building, wringing his hands. His shoddy work was apparent for all to see. His reputation as a painter would be ruined, and God’s House looked terrible. The Committee's money on the new paint job was for nothing. Jerry’s heart was broken. He knelt and lifted his heart to God. “God, I am sorry! I cheated the church, and I am ruined! What can I do?” Sobbing, he looked up in amazement as he heard God’s voice in answer to his prayer. “Repaint, and thin no more!” I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Paging Considerations Before Purchasing What to consider when buying a Paging System IP Paging Systems Many organizations use paging systems, including offices, schools, hospitals, factories, and retail spaces. They are versatile communication tools that broadcast information efficiently and reliably across various settings. A Paging System provides communication in various scenarios. Whether managing daily operations, ensuring safety, or enhancing customer service, paging systems offer reliable and scalable solutions to meet diverse needs. To ensure you select the right system for your needs, consider the following factors: Determine How the PA System Will be Used Primary Functionality: Determine the system's main purpose—mass announcements, emergency alerts, background music, or the end of class at school. Consider whether the system requires automated announcements. Environment: Assess whether the system will be used indoors, outdoors, or in both settings, as this will impact equipment requirements. Audience Size: Consider the number of people the system needs to reach and the area it will cover. Each location in the organization should be considered. For example, how large is each classroom, gym, or auditorium? Consider if you would like to make announcements outdoors. The background noise should always be considered. Paging System Features Paging and Intercoms The features and functions are based on your objectives and requirements, so it’s important always to review what you would like the system to accomplish before purchasing.   Zoning Capabilities: Look for systems that allow targeted announcements to specific areas or zones. Zoning ability allows you to talk to particular areas of your organization. For example, do you want a school administrator to talk to only one classroom, or if a hospital can make a page in only a single area? Emergency Integration: Ensure the system supports emergency alerts and integrates fire alarms or evacuation protocols. For example, emergency buttons are sometimes used to quickly notify everyone of a lockdown, fire, or other danger. Speaker Volume Control: Verify that the paging system allows adjustable volume levels for different areas or times of day. Volume control determines the kind of speakers you use and the management software. PA System Multi-Functionality: Check if the system can handle background music, automated scheduling, and paging. Automation makes standard messaging very easy. Schools can provide class change announcements, or manufacturing plants can automatically notify everyone of a shift change. Type of Speakers IP Paging Speakers Different types of speakers are designed for specific applications. For example, you can select ceiling speakers, wall speakers, hallway speakers, and those designed for outdoor use. Coverage Area and Sound Levels Required Before purchasing your PA system, you need to know the size of the areas you want to cover with sound. Calculate the size of the area to be covered, and then you can select the types of speakers, the number required, and the output sound power of each speaker.   Just how loud does sound need to be to hear it, and how loud is it too loud?  If you ask the people in a city, too loud is the noise from traffic or the noise from the rattling garbage collection or in the suburbs the sound of the lawn mower too early in the morning.  Sound levels can even be loud enough to damage your hearing.  On the other hand, is the sound loud enough to be heard? Paging Speakers and Sound Levels We measure the loudness of sound in decibels (dB). It is sometimes referred to as the Sound Pressure Level (SPL). 0 dB is the minimum sound level a person with good hearing can hear. 130 dB is the point where the sound is painful.  Even sound levels above 85 dB can be a problem. Most experts recommend using earplugs when continuously exposed to 85 dB and above. The further away you are from the speaker, the less sound you hear.  The sound level goes down 6 dB every time we double the distance from the speaker.  For example, a speaker that provides 118 dB of sound at 1M will have a sound level of 112 dB at 2 M from the speaker.  At 4 m (13 ft.), the sound is 106 dB; at 32 m (105 ft.), it’s 96dB, etc.  For your reference, 96 dB is the sound of a power mower. So you can see that this speaker and amplifier would provide enough sound to allow children playing in a large yard to hear an announcement. Other Acoustic Considerations: Consider ambient noise levels and obstacles impacting sound clarity, such as walls or machinery. To learn more, see our article, What is the Right Sound Level for Your Paging Speakers? Installation and Maintenance of IP Paging System Some systems use standard speaker wires to connect a central amplifier, while others use the network. Network installation is easier because the network infrastructure is usually in place, and the IP speakers simply extend the computer network. Sometimes, your network team can do the installation without outside help. IP paging systems use central software on a computer designated at the control center. Consider what training, if any, is required when installing the system. The system's durability should also be considered since this can affect maintenance costs. Don’t purchase the least expensive devices and expect them to be as reliable as the more robust equipment. To learn more about the best speaker, read our article, Selecting the Right Speakers for Your IP Paging System. Summary of Paging System Considerations Paging systems are essential communication tools across various settings, including offices, schools, hospitals, factories, and retail spaces. They offer reliable, scalable solutions for managing daily operations, ensuring safety, and enhancing customer service. To select the right system, consider factors such as purpose and use, the features and functions of the paging system, the type of speakers and sound level, and the installation and maintenance. If you need help selecting the right PA system, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Access Control Considerations What to consider before purchasing your Access Control System Access Control Considerations Several things should be considered before selecting your access control system. The system controls who, where, and when a person can enter your facility. However, there are many other things that you should think about before purchasing the system. To ensure you select the right system for your needs, consider the following key factors: Things to Consider include the type of door readers, where the controller is located, installation, the type of electric door lock, local compliance and regulations, User management The Type of Door Readers for Access Control The door reader is mounted at the door where you would like to control entry. It detects a person’s credentials, which are checked by the rest of the access control system. A credential can be a pin code, magnetic strip, an RFID-transmitted credential, a mobile smartphone connection, or a biometric credential. The door reader is one factor that can determine security, ease of use, and recurring costs. For example, biometric readers, such as face recognition, are the most expensive to buy but provide the highest level of security because they recognize a person rather than the credentials they carry. You save money because you don’t have to purchase card credentials. To learn more about the best Door Reader for your application, please read Comparison of the Latest Door Readers. Installation Considerations for Access Control System Door Access Control Installation The type of electric lock depends on the kind of door you have. Some doors can use the electric strike, while others require a magnetic lock. It is essential to look at each one of your doors to determine the best type of lock. Among the most common electric locks are the electric strike and the magnetic (Mag) lock. Each offers distinct advantages and is best suited for specific scenarios. Understanding the differences between these two types is essential to ensure the security and functionality of your access control system. The mag lock is easy to install but must conform to local fire regulations. To learn more about electric locks, please read our article, Access Control Electric Locks: Mags versus Strikes. Where the controller is located can affect the installation. Some door readers have the controller built into the unit at the door, greatly simplifying the wiring. Other controllers can be located near the door, and others are placed at a central location and connect to multiple door readers.   For more information on controllers, please read our article, Access Controller Comparison. How the system is wired also affects its cost and the complexity of the installation. Some Access Control Systems require a complicated wiring harness from the door reader, lock, and controller. The latest access control systems are less complex and require less installation time. They connect to the network and use Power over Ethernet for the reader, controller, and lock. These systems are much easier to install because you only need to run a network cable (with PoE) to the door. Please read our article, Access Control Installation, to learn more about making decisions about installing your access control system. Access Control Management Software Access Control Management software can provide basic functions or have more advanced features such as elevator control, pass-back control, fire alarm, and other emergency functions. To learn more, see our article Access Control Features. The management software is usually sold together with the manufacturer’s hardware. The software controls a particular kind of door readers and controllers, so they must be selected with the matching system. Fusion-DNA is the exception to this rule. This interoperable software is designed to work with many different hardware products. To learn more about universal software, please look at our description, Fusion-DNA Access Control Software.   Cloud or On-Site Management Cloud or On-Site Access Control On-site Access Control Software is the classic model with a perpetual license, allowing you to run the software on your computer. Cloud software runs on a remote server and is provided under a monthly or yearly subscription plan. Our article, Access Control Management Software: Cloud Versus On-site, reviews the pros and cons of each type of Access control management software. Integration of Access Control with Other Security Systems Access control can be integrated with IP Camera Systems, Intercoms, and Visitor Management systems. Access Control and IP Camera Systems Access control systems can be integrated with IP camera systems to increase security. Integration can be accomplished using special or Access Control Management software that supports IP Camera System integration. See IP Camera System and Door Access Control Integration to learn more about integrating IP camera systems with door access control. Integration of Door Control and Visitor Management Systems Access Control systems allow registered people to enter a specific door at a pre-determined schedule. Visitor management systems control people who are not registered. Together, they provide increased safety and security. Integrating the two systems creates a comprehensive approach to safeguarding people, assets, and information. Access Control Systems ensure only registered members can enter a facility, while visitor management systems control the visitors. See our article, Visitor Management and Access Control Provide Enhanced Security to learn more. Integration of Access Control and Intercoms Integrating door access control, intercoms, and IP camera systems provides a method of controlling visitors and allowing authorized people to enter the building. There are several types of intercoms. Three solutions are available. An Intercom system with a separate IP camera uses audio management software to provide integrated video. An IP intercom with a built-in camera uses Video Management Software to see and hear the person at the door. An Apartment Intercom allows the visitor to select the tenant. It uses a cloud connection to smartphones to control entry. To learn more, please read the article Access Control and Intercoms: The Perfect Match. Summary of Considerations Before Purchasing Access Control Selecting the right access control system is a strategic decision that impacts security, user experience, type of door reader and door lock, installation cost and time, integration with other security systems, and ease of operation. By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure your system meets your current needs while remaining flexible for future challenges. If you need help selecting the best Access Control System, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons -124 Thanks Margaret Mead Some interesting Quotes by Winston Churchill Churchill was born in 1874, fought during WWI, was Prime Minister during WWII and again from 1951 to 1955, and died in 1965, nearly 50 years ago. It's odd how time moves on, but some things stay the same. He could have been talking about today. The foregoing is as true today as when he said it over his lifetime. “Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to it.” “Everyone is in favor of free speech. Hardly a day passes without its being extolled, but some people’s idea of it is that they are free to say what they like, but if anyone else says anything back, that is an outrage.” “Many forms of government have been tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those others that have been tried from time to time.” “A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.” A chicken walked into a library, went to the front desk, and told the librarian, “Book.” The librarian was confused. “You want a book?” she asked. The chicken replied, “book.” So the librarian sets a random book on the chicken's back, and left. A few days later, the chicken reenters the library, looks up at the librarian, and says, “Book book.” The librarian, still confused, puts two books on the chicken's back, and leaves again. A few more days pass, and the chicken appears again. “Book book book.” The librarian puts three books on the chicken's back, and the chicken leaves. Out of curiosity, the librarian follows the chicken this time. The chicken leads the librarian through town, a few fields, a forest, and eventually stops at the edge of the swamp. The chicken lays down the books in front of a frog, who replies, “reddit reddit reddit.” When Noah landed the ark on Mt Ararat, he shooed the animals out, saying, “Go out. Be fruitful and multiply.” All of them left except two snakes. Noah said, “Go on. Be fruitful and multiply.” One of the snakes sobbed, “We can’t. We’re adders.” Noah thought for a bit and then went out and called the beavers back. “Before you go, can you cut down a few trees and make them into a raised platform?” The beavers complied. Noah went to the adders and told them to have sexual intercourse on top of the platform. A few weeks later, Noah encountered the snakes, followed by a large brood of their children. “Thank you, Noah”, said one of the snakes. “Even adders can multiply on a log table.” Pat Murphy was last out of an enormous shopping complex late one night. When he got to the elevator, he saw a sign that read, "Dogs must be carried on the elevator." My God, he said, where the hell am I going to find a dog at this time of night? My wife yells from the kitchen, “Do you ever get a shooting pain, like someone’s stabbing a voodoo doll?” I answered, “No” She asks, “How about now?” If a man walks in the forest and his wife is not around to hear him, is he still an idiot?  I tried walking up a hill without a watch but had neither the time nor the inclination. A farmer has his annual checkup at the doctor's and says, “Say Doc, there's something the Missus wanted me to ask you. Lately, our little girl has started playing like she's a chicken, and the wife is a little worried about it." The doctor laughs. “All kids like to pretend, and your girl lives on a farm. Nothing to worry about. She'll grow out of it.” “Thanks, Doc, I'll tell the Missus.” A few days later, the farmer is back with his wife and daughter. “Doc, can you just look at my girl and talk to my wife? Tell her what you told me. She keeps nagging me about our girl. She says pretending is one thing, but this isn't normal.” “Okay, “says the doctor. “Bring her in" The mother comes in with the little girl. The child comes down the hall clucking, and pecking and scratching at the floor . She won't respond to any questions. The doctor is shocked. “My God, man! This is terrible. How long has she been like this?” The farmer shuffles his feet and sheepishly admits, “Well, about two years.” “TWO YEARS? Why didn't you bring her sooner?” The farmer and his wife exchange sheepish glances. Then the wife says, “Well, we needed the eggs, and she's our best layer.” I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### AI-Enhanced IP Camera Systems Increase Security The Future of Security: Why You Should Use AI-Enabled IP Cameras for Real-Time Problem Detection AI-Enhanced Surveillance Cameras In the age of advanced technology, traditional surveillance methods are no longer enough to meet modern security needs. While standard IP camera systems record valuable footage, reviewing hours of video days after an incident has occurred often feels like closing the door after the cow has left the barn. The damage has already been done. This article reviews why AI-enabled IP cameras are the future of security: Enter AI-enabled IP cameras: a revolutionary tool that combines real-time video monitoring with artificial intelligence to detect and respond to problems as they happen. These intelligent systems transform the way organizations protect their people, property, and operations by proactively addressing dangers instead of reacting to them later. Ensuring the Safety of People in the Organization AI-Cameras Detect Guns The safety of employees, visitors, and customers is paramount. AI-enabled IP cameras enhance security by identifying potential threats or unusual activity as they occur, enabling immediate action. Gun detection: AI-enhanced cameras can watch the entry points of a facility and alert security of someone enters with a gun. This technology is making schools, hospitals, and government facilities safer. Real-Time Alerts: AI can detect behaviors like unauthorized access, aggressive actions, or crowd congestion and send instant alerts to security personnel. Emergency Support: Whether it’s a fire, medical emergency, or active threat, AI-powered systems can help identify critical incidents early and assist emergency responders with live footage and data. Notify security if someone falls: AI-enhanced cameras can detect if someone falls and doesn’t get up in a certain amount of time This level of proactive monitoring significantly reduces response times, potentially saving lives in critical situations. To learn more, read our article IP Camera Systems with AI Protect People. Protecting Property and Preventing Theft Protecting Facilities Traditional cameras often capture theft or vandalism after it’s too late to stop the damage. AI-enabled IP cameras take a proactive approach by identifying suspicious behavior before incidents escalate. Behavior Analysis: AI can detect unusual activities, such as detecting people fighting, people lingering near high-value assets or attempting to bypass security measures. Proactive Deterrence: Systems can activate alarms or alerts when predefined risk thresholds are met, preventing crimes before they occur. For example, a person carrying a gun or if someone enters a secure area the AI-software can alert security. Integration of IP Camera systems and Door Access Control can provide a synergistic security system that keeps your organization safe. Read more… By creating alarms in real-time, these systems help safeguard your property while reducing losses. Monitoring Doors and Parking Lots Parking Lot Surveillance Critical areas like entrances, exits, and parking lots benefit immensely from AI-driven surveillance. These areas often serve as gateways for unauthorized access or criminal activity. License Plate Recognition: AI-enabled cameras can track and record vehicle movements, identifying unauthorized or suspicious vehicles in parking lots. Read more… Access Monitoring: Cameras with facial recognition can flag unauthorized entry attempts or tailgating at secure doors. To learn more, please read our article, Face Recognition for Door Access Control. Suspicious Behavior: Detect loitering, abandoned objects, people fighting, a person carrying a gun, or other unusual activity in parking areas. Learn more… This level of surveillance ensures a secure perimeter and minimizes risks associated with these vulnerable areas. Insurance Benefits and Streamlined Claims AI-enabled cameras can lead to significant savings and efficiency improvements in insurance-related matters. Reduced Premiums: Insurance providers often reward businesses that invest in proactive security measures like AI-driven surveillance. Incident Documentation: AI systems can tag footage of incidents, making it easier to provide evidence for claims without sifting through hours of recordings. Risk Reduction: By preventing incidents before they occur, organizations reduce their liability and exposure to costly claims. Improving Employee Performance and Accountability AI-enabled cameras go beyond security by fostering a culture of accountability and efficiency among employees. Workflow Monitoring: Detect workflow inefficiencies or bottlenecks in real-time to optimize processes. Safety Compliance: Ensure employees adhere to safety protocols, reducing workplace accidents and injuries. Behavioral Insights: AI can identify patterns that indicate potential issues, such as employee fatigue or distractions. By offering actionable insights, AI-enabled cameras contribute to a safer, more productive workplace. Real-Time Problem Detection: The Game-Changer AI-Enhance Cameras for Threat Protection The standout feature of AI-enabled IP cameras is their ability to detect problems as they happen. Unlike traditional cameras that require manual video review, AI systems continuously analyze footage, using algorithms to identify and flag anomalies instantly. Customizable Alerts: Define specific triggers, such as unauthorized entry, restricted area breaches, or unusual noise levels, to suit your organization’s unique needs. Automated Responses: Pair cameras with access control systems to lock doors, sound alarms, or notify authorities in the event of a threat. Integration of IP camera and access control dramatically increases safety in schools and hospitals. Scalable and Adaptive: AI algorithms improve over time, learning from new data to become more accurate and effective. This proactive approach minimizes damage, reduces downtime, and ensures that threats are addressed before they escalate. Conclusion: The Power of AI-Enabled IP Cameras AI-enabled IP cameras represent a paradigm shift in security, offering real-time detection and prevention rather than passive recording. By prioritizing the safety of people, protecting property, preventing theft, and even enhancing operational efficiency, these systems deliver unmatched value for organizations of all sizes. In a world where every second counts, the ability to respond to threats instantly can make all the difference. Don’t wait for a problem to show you the limitations of traditional surveillance—invest in AI-enabled IP cameras today and embrace a smarter, safer future for your organization. If you want help selecting an AI-Enhanced IP Camera System, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else or use our contact form. ### When to Install an Access Control System Closing the Door After the Cows Have Left: The Importance of Proactive Access Control Access Control System Concept There’s an old expression: “Closing the door after the cows have left.” It perfectly encapsulates a mindset we often see when it comes to access control. Too many people or organizations realize its importance only after an incident has occurred. Unfortunately, by then, the damage is done, and the cost—whether financial, emotional, or reputational—can be steep. This article reviews when to consider access control before a security situation occurs. Access control should be used whenever there is a need to protect people, resources, data records, or computer facilities from unauthorized access. It ensures that only authorized individuals or processes can access specific resources based on predefined policies. Below are common scenarios where access control is essential: Why Access Control Matters Consider these scenarios: A bad guy enters during working hours. Without proper access control measures like secure entry points or ID checks, it’s shockingly easy for an unauthorized person to slip in during the hustle and bustle of a busy day. By the time someone notices, they may already have accessed sensitive areas or stolen valuable property. A person loses their key. A lost key doesn’t just inconvenience the keyholder; it compromises the entire security of a building. Without measures like key-card deactivation or smart locks, the only recourse may be costly rekeying or lock replacement. Access Control is Important Integration of Access Control and IP Cameras Access control is a simple yet critical concept: it’s about ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to certain areas, resources, or information. This could mean anything from preventing an intruder from w alking into your office to safeguarding sensitive digital data. However, it’s often an overlooked component of security until something goes wrong. It can be integrated with your IP Camera System. Ensuring Personnel Safety Ensuring that the bad guys don’t enter. The news has many stories of disgruntled ex-employees entering and causing harm to people or damage to the facility. Preventing Theft. Access control prevents thieves from entering at any time of the day or night. Protecting Sensitive Information Personal Data: To secure personal identifiable information (PII) like social security numbers, medical records, or financial details. Confidential Business Data: To prevent unauthorized access to trade secrets, financial documents, or strategic plans. Ensuring System Security IT Systems: To control who can log in, execute commands, or access certain files. Network Access: To limit access to network resources, such as servers, databases, or shared drives. Applications: To restrict access to specific features or data within software applications. Regulatory Compliance Industry Standards: Many industries require access control to comply with laws and regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI DSS. Audits: To demonstrate who accessed what, when, and why, for compliance reporting. Preventing Unauthorized Use Access Control Protection Facilities: To control entry to buildings, rooms, or secure areas using locks, badges, or biometric systems. Hardware: To limit use of physical devices like printers, servers, or specialized equipment. Protecting Intellectual Property Research and Development: To restrict access to proprietary projects or innovative technologies under development. Creative Works: To control who can view or modify artistic or written work before publication. Mitigating Insider Threats To reduce the risk of data leaks or misuse by granting access only to those who need it for their role (The principle of least privilege). Multi-Tiered Environments Multiple People and Doors Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): To assign permissions based on job roles or responsibilities. Time-Based Access: To allow access only during specific hours or for temporary projects. Controlling Elevator Access to Parts of the Building prevents employees or visitors entering sensitive areas of a facility. To learn more, please read our article, Access Control Features. Summary: Now is the Time for Access Control Cows and Barn Doors The expression about “closing the door after the cows have left” is a warning, not a fate. By prioritizing access control before something happens, you can protect your people, property, and peace of mind. Don’t wait for an incident to show you the value of proactive security measures. Invest in access control to ensure that your “door” is always closed when it needs to be. If you need help selecting the best Access Control System, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide or use our contact form. At Kintronics we know that one system doesn’t fit everyone; each system is designed to fit exactly what you need. We help you select the right system by providing options that meet your needs and your budget.   ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons -123 A consultant died, and when he reached heaven, he was met by St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. “Where am I?” asked the consultant, “You have died and reached the gates to heaven”, said St Peter - “now we have to decide whether to admit you” “There must be some mistake,” said the consultant - “I’m much too young to die - I’m only 42” “Oh,” said St Peter, let me check your file… “Aha,” said St Peter, “I can see the problem now. According to how many hours you’ve charged your clients, you’re 95.” Yogi Berra Yogi was an American professional baseball catcher who later became a manager and coach. He played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) (1946–1963, 1965), all but the last for the New York Yankees.  Berra was known for his impromptu pithy comments, malapropisms, and seemingly unintentional witticisms, known as "Yogi-isms." These often took the form of either an apparent tautology or a contradiction, but often with underlying humor and wisdom. Yogi Berra-isms are among my favorites. Here are 12 of them: 1. When you come to a fork in the road, take it. 2. You can observe a lot by just watching. 3. It ain’t over till it’s over. 4. It’s like déjà vu all over again. 5. No one goes there nowadays, it’s too crowded. 6. Baseball is 90% mental, and the other half is physical. 7. A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore. 8. Always go to other people’s funerals; otherwise, they won’t come to yours. 9. We made too many wrong mistakes. 10. Congratulations. I knew the record would stand until it was broken. 11. You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I’m not hungry enough to eat six. 12. You wouldn’t have won if we’d beaten you. A burglar broke into a home and was looking around. He heard a soft voice say, "Jesus is watching you." Thinking it was just his imagination, he continued his search. Again, the voice said, "Jesus is watching you". He turned his flashlight around and saw a parrot in a cage. He asked the parrot if he was the one talking, and the parrot said, "Yes." He asked the parrot what his name was, and the parrot said, "Moses." The burglar asked, "what kind of people would name a parrot Moses?" The parrot said, "the same kind of people who would name their Rottweiler Jesus". It was a beautiful Sunday morning. The pastor looked out and decided to skip his church service to play a round of golf. He called in and reported being “too sick” to preach and having to take the day off “to recover.” When he reached the golf course, an angel reported his deception to God and asked what God intended to do. “He needs to be punished,” said the angel, “what do you want to do?” “Let me take care of that,” said God, The pastor had the best day of golf ever. He sunk a 35′ putt, knocked in a chip shot out of a sand bunker, and finally, on the last hole, hit a 420′ shot that bounced off a tree and bounced into the hole… a 420 hole in one. “I thought you were going to punish him,” said the Angel. “I did,” said God, “one of the greatest rounds in all of golf history… and who can he tell?” Husband Versus Wife Wife: I am not talking to you. Husband: Okay. Wife: Don’t you want to know the reason? Husband: No, I trust and respect your decision, honey. Wife: I lost my keys again! Husband: It’s in your jeans. Wife: Don’t drag my family into this. Husband: The guy your friend is going to marry is not a nice man. Stop her. Wife: Why should I? Did she stop me? Wife: I feel horrible. I look old, fat, and ugly. I really need you to compliment me. Husband: Your eyesight is damn near perfect. Wife: Dearie, this computer is not working. It doesn’t listen to my command. Husband: Darling, it is a computer, not a husband. I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Access Control Features The Many Benefits of Access Control Systems Access Control Features Modern door access control systems do more than regulate who enters a building—they have evolved into versatile tools that enhance security, convenience, and operational efficiency. With features such as flexible credentialing, integration with other systems, and advanced security measures, these systems provide robust capabilities that extend far beyond basic access management. This article reviews several benefits provided by an Access Control System. Did You Know that Access Control Systems provide these helpful features? These features add value to the access control system. Tracking Who is On-Site and When The access control management software uses a database that provides information about who is on-site and a history of when they entered and left. Access Logs: Door access systems record detailed logs of who enters and exits, including timestamps and specific access points. This is useful for monitoring employee attendance, visitor activity, or security incidents. Real-Time Monitoring: Did you know that the access control management software can tell administrators who is on the premises and their movements within the building in real-time? This is vital for managing emergencies or ensuring compliance with security policies. Customizable Reports: Access data can be compiled into reports for audits, time tracking, or compliance with safety regulations. To learn more about Access Control Management Software, please read our article, Comparison of Access Control Software. Flexible Credentials Door Access Control Credentials Did you know that the latest door access readers can use multiple types of credentials, such as Mobile credentials and different RFID-type credentials? Door access control systems offer a wide range of credentialing options, allowing organizations to tailor security to their specific needs: Biometric Recognition: Biometric credentials, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, palm, or iris scans, provide a highly secure and convenient method for identity verification. Unlike keycards or PINs, biometrics cannot be lost, stolen, or easily duplicated. RFID and Keycards: Traditional yet effective, these credentials are useful for standard security applications and can be easily managed and deactivated if lost.   Mobile Credentials: Many systems now allow users to unlock doors using their smartphones, leveraging Bluetooth, NFC, or mobile apps for secure and contactless access. Multi-Factor Authentication: By combining credentials, such as a keycard and a biometric scan, systems can ensure additional layers of security for sensitive areas. To learn more about the best credentials, please read our article, What are Door Access Control Credentials? Fire Alarm Integration Integration of Access Control and Fire Alarm Door access control systems can integrate with fire alarm systems to enhance occupant safety during emergencies: Automatic Door Unlocking: In the event of a fire alarm, access control systems can automatically unlock doors to allow for safe and quick evacuation. Exit Path Coordination: Access controls can connect with emergency systems to guide occupants to safe exits and prevent unauthorized re-entry into hazardous areas. Compliance with Safety Standards: Integration ensures compliance with fire safety regulations by enabling secure yet accessible pathways during emergencies. To learn more about integrating access control and Fire Alarm systems, please read our article, Access Control and Fire Alarm System Integration. Integration with IP Camera Systems Integration of Access Control and IP Cameras Combining access control with IP camera systems creates a robust security environment: Event-Based Recording: Cameras can be triggered to record when a door is accessed, providing a visual log of who entered and when. Live Monitoring: Security personnel can view live footage of access points to verify identities or investigate suspicious activities in real time. Incident Analysis: Integrated systems provide synchronized data, allowing for easy review of access logs and corresponding video footage during security investigations. Mobile Phone Control Smartphone technology has revolutionized access control, offering convenience and flexibility: Remote Management: Administrators can lock or unlock doors remotely via a mobile app, making it easy to manage access even off-site. Temporary Access: Mobile credentials can be temporarily issued to visitors or contractors and then revoked when no longer needed. Notifications and Alerts: Mobile apps can send real-time notifications about access events, unauthorized attempts, or system malfunctions. Elevator Controls Door access control systems can extend their functionality to elevator management: Floor-Specific Access: Access can be restricted to specific floors based on credentials, enhancing security in multi-tenant buildings or offices with sensitive areas. Custom Schedules: Systems can schedule access permissions, ensuring that individuals can only access certain floors during designated times. Enhanced Security: Elevator controls prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas by controlling both horizontal and vertical movement within a building. Piggybacking Prevention Passback Control Piggybacking occurs when an unauthorized individual follows an authorized person into a secured area. Access control systems offer solutions to mitigate this risk: Anti-Passback Rules prevent a credential from being used again until the user exits, reducing the chance of unauthorized sharing. Tailgating Detection: Sensors or cameras at entry points can detect multiple individuals entering after a single authentication and trigger alerts to security personnel. Turnstiles and Mantraps: Physical barriers, such as turnstiles or double-door systems, ensure that only one person can enter per authentication. Benefits of Access Control Systems Conclusion Door access control systems have evolved into comprehensive security solutions that go far beyond simply managing entry. By leveraging features like biometric credentials, fire alarm integration, IP camera integration, mobile credential controls, elevator access, and piggybacking prevention, these systems enhance security, streamline operations, and adapt to the needs of modern organizations. If you need help selecting the best Access Control System, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide or use our contact form. ### Comparison of Panoramic and PTZ Cameras What is the Best IP Camera: PTZ or Panoramic PTZ Versus Panoramic Cameras PTZ and Panoramic surveillance cameras provide a wide viewing area but do it differently. This difference is important. Two popular options for surveillance cameras are PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) and Panoramic cameras. Each has strengths and limitations, depending on factors like viewing distance, low-light performance, situational awareness, critical situation detection, and best applications. This article compares the performance and applications of each type of surveillance camera. Review of Panoramic and PTZ Cameras The IP Panoramic and PTZ cameras are designed to view large fields of view, but they do it differently. Panoramic Cameras The Panoramic IP camera provides a very wide, uninterrupted view in all directions. It can be achieved using a single sensor or an array of sensors (or cameras). Single-sensor 360-degree or fisheye cameras have been around for many years. The problem with panoramic cameras has always been the lack of detail available at a distance. The latest high-resolution cameras and multi-sensor cameras provide much better resolution. To learn more about the types of panoramic cameras, please read our article Comparison of Panoramic IP Cameras. PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) Cameras An IP Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ) camera is a network-attached video camera that can move under the control of a computer mouse, joystick, or software or in an automatic patrol mode. It can move left and right (pan) and up and down (tilt). It also includes a zoom lens that can be remotely controlled from the Video Management Software (VMS) or Network Video Recorder (NVR). Many of the new PTZ cameras include an IR illuminator for seeing in total darkness. To learn more about the PTZ camera, please read our article, The Evolution of the PTZ Camera. AI-Enhanced Panoramic and PTZ Cameras AI enhancement has improved the capability of both the PZ and Panoramic cameras. To learn more, please read our discussion of AI-Enhanced IP Camera Systems. Comparison of PTZ versus Panoramic Cameras PTZ versus Panoramic Decisions The ability to recognize a person is critical in many situations. Identifying a person you know is easier than one you don’t know.  In many cases, you can identify a person not only by their face but also by the clothes they wear and how they walk. The police would like a more objective (or forensic) identification. Forensic identification provides enough detail to compare the video to a picture of a person’s face.  You need much more resolution to identify a person you don’t know. To learn more about resolution requirements, please read our article, What IP Camera Resolution Do You Need? Effective Viewing Distance for Face Identification The resolution required to identify a person is estimated at 70 to 80 pixels across the face. The camera resolution and the field of view determined by the lens, establishes the detail you can see. The wider the view, the fewer pixels across the face. A wide-angle camera, such as a panoramic camera, provides less detail than the PTZ camera, which can zoom in and give a narrow field of view. PTZ Cameras: PTZ cameras excel in identifying faces at long distances, thanks to their optical zoom capabilities (e.g., 10x, 20x, or more). The ability to zoom in and focus on specific areas makes PTZ cameras ideal for recognizing faces or license plates in large, open spaces such as parking lots or stadiums. A PTZ camera with an optical zoom of 125X and a 2,000 mm zoom lens can identify a person over one mile away. However, this focused view means other areas are left unmonitored while zooming in. Panoramic Cameras: Panoramic cameras, especially 360-degree or fisheye models, offer a wider field of view but lack optical zoom. Facial identification is only effective at shorter distances due to the limited resolution per area within the broad view. For example, cameras with multiple sensors can identify a person’s face at less than 20 ft. Ideal for spaces where multiple areas must be monitored simultaneously, but not for long-range identification. Winner: PTZ cameras for long-distance identification; panoramic cameras for close-range, wide-area coverage. Low-Light Applications PTZ Camera with IR Illumination PTZ Cameras: Many PTZ models are equipped with infrared (IR) lighting and low-light enhancement technologies (e.g., starlight sensors), allowing them to capture detailed images in darkness or near-dark conditions. Optical zoom maintains clarity even in low-light settings. Specialized long-range PTZ cameras include optical and thermal imaging cameras, which means they can operate in total darkness. Panoramic Cameras: Some Panoramic cameras use multiple sensors to provide better resolution and low-light environments, but their fixed lens design limits their ability to enhance distant details in low light. Some panoramic cameras also include IR illumination, but the broader field of view can dilute IR effectiveness. Winner: PTZ cameras for superior low-light performance and long-distance clarity. Situational Awareness PTZ Cameras: PTZ cameras provide detailed views of specific areas, but their narrow focus limits situational awareness. If the camera is zoomed in or panned toward one area, other sections are left unmonitored unless additional cameras are deployed. Some PTZ cameras and the Video Management Software provide automated patrol modes where the camera steps through predetermined positions. This can help create a wider range of view. Panoramic Cameras: Panoramic cameras are unmatched for situational awareness, capturing a 360-degree field of view in real-time. These cameras provide a comprehensive perspective, allowing operators to simultaneously monitor multiple points of interest without missing any activity. Winner: Panoramic cameras for broad situational awareness. Best Applications for Each Type of IP Camera Best Camera for the Application PTZ Cameras: Large Outdoor Areas: Ideal for parking lots, stadiums, highways, and airports where long-range zoom is necessary. Perimeter Security: Effective for tracking individuals or vehicles along a facility's perimeter. Active Monitoring: Suitable for environments with security personnel actively operating the cameras to follow suspicious activity. Panoramic Cameras: Indoor Spaces: Perfect for retail stores, lobbies, and warehouses where 360-degree coverage is beneficial. Situational Awareness: This is useful in environments like train stations, public squares, or event venues to monitor large crowds and detect incidents. Cost-Efficiency: Panoramic cameras reduce the need for multiple cameras in small to medium-sized spaces. Comparison Table of PTZ and Panoramic Cameras FeaturePTZ CamerasPanoramic CamerasViewing DistanceLong-range zoom for facial identificationClose-range facial clarity, limited zoomLow-Light PerformanceExcellent with IR and starlight sensorsModerate, limited by broader coverageSituational AwarenessFocused, narrow viewWide, 360-degree viewCritical Situation DetectionDetailed tracking of individualsBroad anomaly detectionBest ApplicationsLarge outdoor areas, active monitoringIndoor spaces, wide-area coverage Conclusion Choosing between a PTZ camera and a panoramic camera depends on the security needs of your application: Select the PTZ camera if your priority is detailed, long-range observation, especially in outdoor or perimeter settings where zoom and tracking are essential. Choose a panoramic camera for situational awareness and wide-area coverage, particularly in indoor or public spaces. Both types of cameras have strengths, and integrating them within a comprehensive surveillance system can offer the best of both worlds. If you want help selecting the best IP Camera System, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons -122 The world's richest man is dying. He's made peace with that. But what bothers him is no one in the afterlife will even know it. He's a self-made man who created this vast fortune from scratch, but he can't take it with him. Not that he could spend it, of course, but just to SHOW everyone what a great success the poor boy had become. He broods over this so that his guardian angel is worried. One night, the angel flies to Heaven to consult God. God says, “Well, earthly wealth has no place here." The angel replies, “I know, Lord, but he's been such a good man. He did a lot for charity and ran his business honestly. He's only human. He can't help having this little quirk. Isn't there something we can do to ease his mind? God thinks for a moment. ”All right. Let's look him up in the Book of Life." The Book shows a history of the man's life; God is moved to see his struggles. He tells the guardian angel, “Wake him and tell him I will allow him to bring one suitcase-only one, mind you. And he can fill it with whatever wealth he chooses. It will be brought to heaven with him at the moment of his death.” The angel goes down and gives the message. The guy is happy, but what should he bring? Our money would mean nothing to people from another time. Jewels could be faked, and stocks and bonds could not be traded, so they'd be so much paper. Finally, it dawns on him: Gold! Gold has been valued throughout history. He gets the biggest suitcase, fills it with gold bars, and sets it beside his bed. Now, he can die in peace, and he does. True to the promise, he arrives at the Pearly Gates with his suitcase. St. Peter greets him warmly and says, “All right. Let's see what was so important to you that eternal life and bliss weren't enough" The man proudly opens the suitcase with row after row of little gold bars. St. Peter stares at it, puzzled, and says, “You brought pavement?” Science Jokes Physics: Two atoms are walking down the street, and one suddenly stops and says, "Oh no, I think I lost an electron!" The other atom asks, "Are you positive?" Mathematics: Why was the equal sign so humble? Because he knew he wasn't less than or greater than anyone else. Philosophy: René Descartes walks into a bar. The bartender asks him if he’d like a drink. Descartes replies, "I think not," and disappears. Literature: Why did Shakespeare always write in ink? Because pencils confused him - 2B or not 2B? Chemistry: A neutron walks into a bar and asks, "How much for a drink? "The bartender replies, "For you, no charge." Biology: What did the biologist wear to impress their date? Designer genes. Computer Science: There are 10 types of people in the world: those who understand binary and those who don’t. History: Why don’t we ever tell secrets on a farm? Because the potatoes have eyes and the corn has ears. Psychology: How many Freudians does it take to change a light bulb? Two. One to change the bulb and one to hold the penis—er, ladder! Linguistics: A linguistics professor says during a lecture that in English, a double negative forms a positive. In some languages, though, such as Russian, a double negative remains a negative. But there isn't a single language, not one, in which a double positive can express a negative. A voice from the back of the room says, "Yeah, right." Just before Thanksgiving, a lady went shopping for a turkey for the Harvest Feast. She was rummaging around the frozen bird display, looking for a turkey just the *right* size. She’d pick up one, weigh it in her hands, and put it down, trying more than a few birds. She finally picked up one and saw a stockboy coming down the aisle. Holding the turkey up, she asked the fella, “Do these get any bigger?”. The stockboy looked at her and replied, “No, Lady, they're dead.” Some Short Jokes What do you call fake noodles? An Impasta. I waited four years to hand this joke in late... Nailed it! What do you call a pencil that's had too much to drink? Pencillated. I tried to catch some fog earlier. I mist. What kind of shoes do frogs wear? Open toad! I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Access Control Electric Locks: Mags versus Strikes What is the best type of electric lock for Access Control Best Access Control Lock The electric lock is a critical part of the Access Control System yet it is sometimes overlooked during the planning of the door access control system. Among the most common electric locks are the electric strike and the magnetic (Mag) lock, each offering distinct advantages and best suited for specific scenarios. Understanding the differences between these two types is essential to ensure the security and functionality of your access control system. This article compares the mag lock to the strike electric locks. Overview of Electric Strikes and Magnetic Locks Used in Access Control Electric Strike Locks: An electric strike replaces the standard strike plate in a door frame. Works with mechanical door locks and latches, allowing the door to open when power is applied (or removed, depending on configuration). Primarily used in doors with lever or knob handles. Egress is provided by turning the latch on the door, making it compatible with fire codes. Magnetic Locks (Mag Locks): A Mag lock uses a strong electromagnetic force to secure a door. Consists of an electromagnet installed on the door frame and a metal armature plate on the door. Keeps the door locked as long as power is supplied to the electromagnet. Requires backup power to keep the door closed in a power failure. Key Factors to Consider When Selecting the Electric Lock Selecting the Electric Lock There are several things to consider when selecting the electric lock such as power required, type of door, power failure modes, fire alarm integration, and ease of installation. Power Requirements Electric Strike: Requires less power, as the strike is only energized during activation (when the door is open). More energy-efficient, especially for high-traffic areas where doors remain locked most of the time. Magnetic Lock: Requires constant power to maintain the electromagnetic force keeping the door locked. Higher power consumption compared to electric strikes, which can increase operational costs. Door Type and Application Electric Strike: Compatible with standard doors, often used for interior and exterior applications. Works well with doors that need traditional mechanical locking mechanisms (e.g., key locks or handles). Magnetic Lock: Ideal for doors that do not have mechanical locks or where quick release is necessary. Commonly used on glass doors, aluminum frames, or emergency exit doors due to their ability to secure without mechanical latches. Power Failure Modes Electric Strike: Can be configured as Fail-Safe (unlocked when power is lost) or Fail-Secure (locked when power is lost). The choice depends on the security and safety needs of the location (e.g., unlocked for emergencies like fires). Magnetic Lock: Typically Fail-Safe by design, meaning the door will unlock if power is lost. This is crucial for safety in emergency situations but may pose a security risk during power outages without a backup system. Requires special wiring to the fire alarm system that ensures that the doors are unlocked if there is a fire. See our article Access Control and Fire Alarm System Integration. Fail Secure or Fail Safe Configuring the electric lock is an essential part of your access control system installation. The electric lock can be configured for Fail-safe or Fail-secure. Fail-secure, is also called Fail-locked or non-fail safe. In this configuration, the door stays locked if there is a power failure. The electric strike requires current to open the lock so if power is lost, the lock stays shut.  People can’t get in if the door has a strike in the fail-secure configuration and a power failure occurs. But, people can still exit by turning the knob from the inside.  A maglock would require a backup battery to be configured in a fail-secure configuration. Fail-Safe, or in fail-open configuration, the door is unlocked if there is a power failure. A maglock is an example of a fail-safe type of lock because it requires a current to stay closed so this is “safer” in a fire. To learn more, please read our article Access Control Locks FAQ – Fail-Secure or Fail-Safe. Fire Alarm Integration Electric Strike: Can be integrated into fire alarm systems to ensure doors are unlocked during emergencies, depending on the fail mode selected. Often used in fire-rated doors or areas requiring compliance with safety codes. Magnetic Lock: Requires integration with fire alarm systems to immediately release the door when triggered. Installation needs to conform with local fire codes. Can only be used for emergency exits or high-traffic escape routes if special egress methods are installed such as Exit buttons, mechanical releases, and power control from the fire panel. Ease of Installation in the Access Control System Door Access Control Installation Electric Strike: Installation involves replacing the strike plate and wiring to the access control system, which can be more complex on older doors. May require cutting or modifying the door frame, depending on the door type and strike model. Magnetic Lock: Typically, it is easier to install, as the lock is surface-mounted onto the door frame. Does not require modifications to the door or mechanical lock systems, making it a good choice for retrofits. If special egress circuits or mechanical devices can make installation more complicated. Advantages and Best Uses of Access Control Locks FeatureElectric StrikeMagnetic LockPower EfficiencyLow power usage, energizes on activationConstant power required, higher usageFail Mode OptionsFail-Safe or Fail-SecureFail-SafeDoor CompatibilityWorks with mechanical locksSuitable for doors without latchesFire Alarm IntegrationFlexible for fire safety requirementsRequires fire alarm connections, mechanical releases, or Request to Exit (REX) buttonsEase of InstallationModerate complexitySimple surface mounting but some complication for emergency exit requirements. Selecting the Right Lock for Your Access Control System Choosing between an electric strike and a Mag lock depends on your specific needs: Choose Electric Strikes if: You need low power consumption. Your doors use mechanical locks or require a Fail-Secure option. The application involves both interior and exterior doors. Choose Magnetic Locks if: Your doors lack mechanical locking mechanisms (e.g., glass doors). Installation simplicity and fire alarm integration are priorities. Conclusion of Selecting Mag locks or Electric Stikes Both electric strikes and magnetic locks play essential roles in access control systems, each excelling in different scenarios. Understanding your facility's requirements—such as power needs, door type, and safety priorities—will help you make the right choice, ensuring that your security system is both effective and efficient. For help in selecting the right solution, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Physical Security Systems Guide Physical Security Systems Include IP Cameras, Access Control, Intercoms, and Paging Systems Physical Security Systems Physical security systems encompass a range of products designed to protect facilities and individuals by controlling access, monitoring activities, and providing communication. This article provides the resources to help you select the best physical security solution. Overview of Physical Security Products | Resources for Security Products | Purchase Your System Overview of Physical Security Systems: The essential physical security products include IP camera systems, door access control, intercoms, and paging systems.  IP Camera Systems provide surveillance of your organization, while access control systems prevent unauthorized people from entering. Intercoms control visitors, and Paging systems alert everyone if an emergency situation occurs. Resources for Selecting the Best Physical Security Systems To help you select the best physical security system, we have provided links to articles that explain the technology, provide buyer guides, and compare products. Buyers Guide to IP Camera Systems: IP Camera System Applications How IP Camera Systems Work IP Camera Systems Questions & Answers We get many questions about IP camera systems and answer them daily. Here are some of the popular questions and answers. IP Camera Buyers Guides and Reviews This is a list of all the Buyers Guides and Product reviews we have done. IP Cameras Price Versus Performance What is the right price for an IP camera system? It depends on your requirements—IP Cameras range in price from around $150 to over $3,000. The least expensive cameras provide less capability and performance than the more expensive variety. Where to Use IP Camera Systems How IP Camera Systems are Used Why do you need a surveillance system? What are your objectives? This article reviews how organizations use surveillance systems and provides suggestions for defining your goals. How to Define Your IP Camera System What do you do when your boss says, “We need an IP camera surveillance system?” Do you purchase the lowest-cost camera system? The purchasing process is not a simple task. If you get an inexpensive solution, you may get burned when the camera system doesn’t do what was expected. This article describes how you can meet your IP Camera System requirements while still meeting the budget. Comparison of IP cameras and systems Comparison of Commercial IP Camera Systems and Home Cameras Comparison of PTZ Cameras How to Select the Right IP Camera System Buyer Guides to Access Control Systems Access Control Safety How Access Control Systems Work Buyer’s Guide to Door Access Control Systems Access control systems are essential for securing buildings, restricting unauthorized entry, and managing who has access to specific areas. Selecting the right door access control system requires understanding your needs, technology options, and future scalability. Here’s a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision. How Access Control Works. Door access control is part of an overall security system that keeps our organizations safer. The access control system ensures that only registered people can enter the organization. Where to Use Door Access Control Systems How Access Control Improves Safety This article describes several ways in which access control improves security. Comparison of Access Control systems How to Select the Best Access Control Components There are many access control systems available. It can be challenging to decide on the best one for you. This article guides you on the best way to determine the access control components that are right for you. Buyer Guide to Intercom Systems Apartment Intercom How to Select the Right IP Intercom These articles help you understand the technology and provide the information you need to select the best Intercom for your application.   Intercoms for Apartments An apartment intercom is an intelligent panel with a touchscreen that allows the user to talk to a person living or working in a multi-tenant facility. This wireless IP intercom panel provides audio and video communication to the tenants. Access Control and Intercoms: The Perfect Match Integrating door access control, intercoms, and IP camera systems provide a method of controlling visitors as well as allowing authorized people to enter the building. How the IP-Powered Speakers and Intercoms Work describes how IP Paging System and Intercoms connect to the network and convert digital signals to audio. These network-attached speakers include amplification so that many people can hear the message. The system also includes software used for managing and controlling the audio. The IP Audio system includes speakers, intercoms, audio amplifiers, and management software. How the Apartment Intercom Works This article reviews the apartment Intercon’s state-of-the-art components making this a valuable and easy-to-install system for apartment houses and multi-tenant organizations. Buyer Guide to Paging Systems Paging Systems Benefits of IP Paging Systems These systems use Internet Protocol (IP) networks for communication and offer several significant benefits over traditional paging systems. These advantages span various aspects, including functionality, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Here are the key benefits of IP paging systems: What is the Best IP Paging Speaker? There are several types of IP paging speakers available, including ceiling, wall, hallway, and horn-type speakers. Paging speakers are selected based on sound level, sound dispersal, indoor and outdoor type, and mounting requirements. Buyers Guide to IP Paging Systems This article reviews how to ensure that everyone hears the message. It reviews the type of speakers, the amplification required, and the sound levels required to achieve your paging goals. Where to Use IP Paging Systems Advantages of an IP Intercom System This article reviews the different types of intercoms and describes their benefits. IP Paging Systems for Schools This article provides guidelines for selecting the right IP paging speakers for your school. It also helps you determine the number of speakers you need and the amplification required. Summary of Physical Security Integration Enhances Security IP camera systems, door access control, intercoms, and paging systems play critical roles in physical security by enhancing surveillance, controlling access, improving communication, and ensuring safety across different environments. Together, these products offer comprehensive security solutions that can be tailored to specific needs and integrated into modern security infrastructures. To learn more, see our list of technical articles that describe how IP cameras, door access control, and IP Intercoms work.   How to Purchase Your Physical Security System Choosing the right security system can be challenging, but our technical team is here to help you find the perfect solution. We thoroughly review your needs, discuss the pros and cons of various options, and consider your budget to ensure you get precisely what you require. Here’s how to purchase your access control system: Call us at 914-944-3425. We are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, except holidays. If we are not there, leave a message, and we will call you back. Or, fill out our request form or send us an email at dennis@kintronics.com When you send a message or call us, real people answer your request. They will make sure that you receive precisely what you need. If you need help understanding the technology, please see our Technical Articles   We will provide the pros and cons of the different access control systems to ensure you get exactly what you need at the lowest price. If you want help selecting the best Physical Security System, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons -121 A blind rabbit and a blind snake bump into each other. “What are you?” asked one. “I don’t know because I am blind,” said the other. So, the snake said, “I will feel you and describe you, and then we will switch. You have strong back legs, soft fur, a fluffy tail, and big ears.” “Oh, I must be a rabbit. My turn. You are a cold-blooded, slimy low life with a forked tongue.” And the snake said, “Oh my God, I am a lawyer!” Cartoon Tech Support A guy really hated his wife’s tomcat. One day, when his wife left for work, he decided he was finally getting rid of it. He put the cat in a bag, drove to the nearby forest, and released it. When he returned home, the cat was sitting in front of the door, waiting to be let in. The guy was really annoyed but decided to wait a few more days. When his wife left for work again, he put the cat in a bag, drove farther away from home this time, and released it. He came home… and shortly after him, the cat came home too and started meowing in front of the door to be let in. At that time, the dude was already furious, but he waited a few more days. When his wife left for work again, once more he put the cat in a bag, and this time he drove 10 km straight, 20 km to the left, 15 km to the right, then straight, then right, then left, then right, left, straight, left, right… After more than 200 km, he stopped and released the cat. In the evening, the home phone rang. The wife was already back from work, so she picked it up. On the other side was her husband. “Oh, honey, it’s you?!” she exclaimed in dismay. “Where are you??” The man was absolutely fuming and could barely speak. “Is the cat at home?” he asked through clenched teeth. “Yes,” his wife replied. “He just came home five minutes ago. Why?” “Can you tell the cat to pick me up? I got lost!!” When Bill Gates dies and goes to Heaven, St. Peter escorts him to a nice studio apartment in a nice part of town. Out walking one day, he meets a distinguished-looking gentleman with a magnificent white beard. They get along so well that the gentleman suggests they both go to his place for tea.Bill is awestruck. The place is a palace with beautiful, manicured gardens and elegant sculptures. The tea comes in perfectly translucent bone china cups and tastes Heavenly.“Who are you to rate such a place?” Bill asks tentatively.“I am Captain Edward Smith.” his host replies.“Of the RMS Titanic?”“Yes, the very same.”Bill storms off to see Saint Peter. "How come the captain of a sunken ship gets all that while I, the inventor of the Windows Operating System gets a crummy little house?" he asks.Saint Peter replies, "The Titanic only crashed once." Did you hear about the mathematician who's afraid of negative numbers? He will stop at nothing to avoid them. A photon checks into a hotel. The front desk asks if it has any luggage. It replies, “No, I’m traveling light.” I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Buyers Guide to IP Paging Systems How to Select the Best Paging System Network Paging Systems IP paging is the latest way to broadcast a message in an organization. It is excellent for emergency notifications or public address notifications. It can also provide background music and notify students of class changes.  Determining your objectives and where you want people to hear the broadcast is essential. This article reviews how to ensure that everyone hears the message. It reviews the type of speakers, the amplification required, and the sound levels required to achieve your paging goals. Review of Speaker Technology IP Paging uses speakers similar to those in older analog systems, except they are not connected to a central amplifier. The speakers connect to the network and have individual amplifiers. This configuration allows us to use the network infrastructure and reduces the wiring required. Network Attached Powered Speaker IP Paging speakers include the network interface and an amplifier. The amplifier provides enough power for the speaker to be heard in a somewhat noisy environment. The IP speakers are designed to be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Read our article How Network-Attached Audio Works to learn more. Why Purchase an IP Paging System There are several reasons for purchasing an IP Paging system. For example: Provide emergency communications: If there is a fire or dangerous situation in the building, it’s important to provide instructions to everyone. Provide the ability to make pages from multiple locations. In our decentralized organizations, making announcements from alternative locations is essential. Directing announcements to specific areas or zones. Provides instructions to people in specific areas. High-quality Audio: The announcements must be easy to understand, and the speaker must have enough power and clarity to be heard. Schedule announcements: Scheduled announcements can notify students of class changes or notify workers of shift changes. How Much Sound is Required Here is a review of the sound levels we hear in our environment to give you an idea of the right sound level. Sound Level Comparison Chart Sound level is measured in decibels or dB (or dBA). The dB level measures relative sound levels and is usually used to describe very loud sounds. The dBA measurement also measures sound levels at 1000Hz, the frequency most people can hear clearly. The sound chart shows typical sound levels from different sources. As a rule of thumb, the sound level from the speaker should be 10 dB above the background noise.  Where Should You Place the Speakers IP Paging Speakers can be placed on walls or ceilings. Depending on your requirements, you can select several different types of speakers. Ceiling Speakers for a Large Room Paging Speaker Distance Larger rooms require more speakers. You can’t just increase the volume level. The number of speakers needed depends on the room's size, the ceiling's height, and the speakers' coverage angle. For example, if the ceiling is 16 feet high, the distance to the ears is 12 feet. The coverage distance and distance between speakers (with a 100-degree angle) are calculated to be 14.3 x 2 = 28.6ft (or about 29 ft). The total number of ceiling speakers required in a room is calculated by dividing the dimensions by the distance between speakers required for clear hearing of the page.  For example, if the room is 80ft wide by 100ft long, we divide 80ft by 29 ft to get 2.76 speakers (about 3) in the wide direction. We divide 100ft by 29 ft and get 3.45 speakers (about 3) in the long dimension. Multiplying the two numbers, we calculate that the room should have about nine speakers. Selecting a speaker for the Hallway Hallway speakers can be placed on the ceiling or the wall. Dual speakers are available that project sound from the front and back. This means you can put the speaker in the center of a hallway and have sound projected both ways. For example, the SPKR-IP-11-BD is a dual network-attached speaker. PoE powers it and can provide about 8 watts to the speaker. Since the speaker is rated at 92 dB at 1 watt and at 1 meter, it provides more than enough sound level in a noisy hallway. Hallway IP Paging Speaker Speaker for Large Outdoor Area A weather-proof horn speaker is used for large outdoor areas. The horn must be placed high enough so that the sound is not too loud for people close to the speaker. The horn can provide very high sound output. For example, the model 132-8D horn provides over 110 dB at 1 watt at 1 meter. The speaker should be mounted higher than 13 ft. (4 m) so that the sound level close to the speaker doesn’t exceed 98 dB. This speaker can be heard over 400 ft. (128 m) away. To learn more about speaker placement and volume, read our article, IP Paging Systems for Schools. Outdoor Paging Horn Voice Versus Music Audio Requirement Like your home stereo system, the wider the frequency range, the better the sound quality.  If you are playing music, you want a frequency range that’s as wide as possible. IP Paging systems are designed for voice broadcast, and others for voice and music. Music systems have different network performance, better amplifiers, and speakers. The specifications will tell you the system's range of frequency response.  Better Paging systems cost more, so you must determine what you want to hear.  For example, the Penton LIS8T72 ceiling speaker has a very good frequency response of 60 to 20,000 Hz, so it’s great for both music and voice paging.  Other speakers have frequency ranges of 300 Hz to 15 KHz, which is just fine for listening to a person talking. Summary of Paging Audio This article provides an overview of IP Paging, the latest method for broadcasting messages in an organization. It emphasizes the importance of understanding objectives and ensuring everyone can hear broadcasts, which means more than just placing one speaker in a room. It discusses the technology used in IP paging, including the types of speakers, amplification requirements, and sound levels needed to meet paging goals. If you would like help selecting the best IP paging system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else or use our contact form. ### Computers in IP Cameras and Access Control Systems A Guide to Computers in Security Computers in Security Devices Computers are embedded in many security devices used in IP Camera Systems and Door Access Control. They have become essential in improving our safety. Specialized computers and dedicated software control and enhance the functions of IP Cameras and Door Access Control Systems. This article describes how computers and software are used in these systems. Overview of a Computer A computer is an electronic device that processes data and performs tasks based on user commands. Computers are everywhere. These sneaky little critters are on our desks, phones, cash registers, refrigerators, stoves, and security devices.  A computer consists of the Hardware and Software: Computer Hardware The physical parts of a general-purpose computer are the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and central processing unit (CPU). A special-purpose computer without a display or keyboard is found in security devices. Physicist John von Neumann defined the basic architecture of a computer in 1945. It is incredible to realize that this basic structure still defines the architecture of today’s computers.  Computer Diagram General-Purpose Computers A general-purpose computer can be used for many different purposes. Your PC, Mac, iPhone, or tablet can be used to write letters, read emails, do computations, or explore the Internet. They are examples of computers that run many applications. Dedicated Computers A dedicated computer is designed to perform specific tasks. Examples include the computers in IP cameras, door readers and controllers, refrigerators, cars, and medical devices.  These computers use specialized hardware and have dedicated programs (sometimes called firmware). Computer Software Software is a collection of programs that allow us to use the computer. Computer software runs on smartphones, desktops, security devices, and laptops. Regardless of their form, all computers have similar software functionalities. A program is an application that performs a specific function, such as writing a document (Word) or calculating some math (Excel). Programs include the operating system (OS) and apps like web browsers, word processors, and games. Security equipment such as IP cameras has special-purpose programs. For example, the computer system in an IP camera processes the video, connects to the network, and connects to the Video Management Software (VMS). The latest AI-enhanced IP Cameras have advanced software that provides increased security. The Operating System The operating system (OS) manages the computer’s hardware and software resources, enabling you to run applications, access files, and connect to the internet. When you turn on your computer, the operating system is the first thing that loads, and it provides the graphical interface (the screen with icons, folders, and menus) that allows you to interact with the system. Computer Operating System There are several types of operating systems, with the most common being: Windows: Used in most desktop and laptop computers. macOS: The operating system for Apple computers. iOS (Apple mobile devices): is the OS for iPhones and Apple tablets Android (Google devices): OS for smartphones and tablets. Linux: An open-source OS often used by programmers and developers. Specialized Operating Systems that are specific to a device. Many specialized applications use portions of Linux or have developed their own custom OS. Axis OS and Hanwha Wisenet are examples of dedicated camera operating systems. An App is a Program that Does Stuff When the programmer finishes coding the program, we get an application (or App) that allows us to use the computer or smartphone to browse the web, write documents, play music, or manage emails. Security devices such as IP cameras use apps associated with software that runs on a computer or the cloud. Programs like Video Management Software (VMS) and Access Control Management run on your desktop. Mobile Apps run on your smartphone to allow remote control and management of the central software and security devices. IP Camera and Door Access Systems Use Apps Many Video Management Software (VMS) and Access Control Management solutions use Apps that run on your mobile device and allow you to connect to the software running on a PC. For example, the Apps used with IP Camera Systems will enable you to see the video from all your cameras. The Apps used by Access Control Systems allow you to manage the system and remotely open a door. Where Do We Get Applications Some computer devices come with applications (Apps) already installed. For example, the Apple Mac, iPhone, or iPad includes Mail, photos, a camera, a calendar, and the Safari Web Browser. Windows computers come with an Email program and Microsoft Edge Web Browser. Hanwha Wisenet Apps If you want to view the video from your security cameras on your smartphone, you must add an App (Application) to your device. An application can be added by downloading the program from a website or visiting an online store. For example, you go to the Apple Store to add an App (application) to your iPhone. If you have an Android device, you can download it from the Google Play Store. Once logged into the store, search for the specific application you want. For example, search for “WAVE mobile” to get the Wisenet VMS mobile app. Why do we Use “Username” and “Password.” The username and password are essential for keeping your information safe. They are used to log in to your computer, purchase items online, and add new software applications (Apps). Username: This identifies who is using the computer. It can be your actual name or a unique identifier. Password: This secret code ensures that only you can access your account. A strong password typically contains a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. It's a good practice to keep your password secure and change it regularly for enhanced security. How to get the App Getting the app from a website or app store can differ depending on where you get the application. In almost all cases, you will use your username, password, and credit card (if you purchase the app). Here’s how to get an app on your iPhone: On your iPhone, open the App Store app. On your Android phone, go to Google Play You will need to Log into the store by using your username and password Tap the Search tab for a specific term, such as “Wave mobile” or “Wisenet Wave.” Click the Price or Get button. Double-click the side button on the right side of your iPhone—or the top button on your iPad— to complete your purchase. If you use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock your device, you'll glance at your device or touch the Home button to authenticate the download. You might need to enter your Apple ID password to complete the download. Launch the App: After downloading, the app will appear on your home screen (iPhone/iPad) or in the Applications folder (Mac). Click the app icon to open and start using it. Conclusion Special hardware and software control the operation of security devices. By understanding the basics of a computer's hardware and operating system and how to download apps, you can become a more confident and efficient user. Whether you download apps from the Apple Store or Google Play, your security devices can be reached from your mobile device. If you would like help selecting your IP security systems, please call 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 120 A guy walking in the woods meets a dog and shares his last meal.The dog says, “Thanks, buddy.”The man says, “How about that? You can talk.”The dog says, “Yeah, I escaped from an experimental lab, but I don't shout about it.”The man says come home with me. I've got an idea that will make us a fortune. He takes the dog home, feeds it well, and takes it to the pub, where he bets his mates that the dog will talk for a tenner. He gets the money. Then he says, " OK, boy, talk.”The dog just looks at him.“Cmon boy” he encouragedThe dog whimpers and lies downHe must pay out all the money amid howls of laughter. Dejected, he walks home with the dog.“You bastard, “he says. You cost me a fortune, and everyone laughed at me.“Yeah,” says the dog, “but think of the odds we'll get tomorrow.” One morning, I watched my wife make her breakfast and noticed that she made too many trips to get each item she needed. So I said in my best engineer voice, “Hey, sweetheart, why don’t you utilize the load maximization principle and carry all the items you need in one trip, thereby minimizing the total distance traveled?”Well, don’t you know, she loved my suggestion!It used to take her 11 minutes to make her breakfast… now I do it in 5. Cartoon Monster One day, an engineer was crossing a road when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess." He bent over, picked up the frog, and put it in his pocket.The frog spoke again, saying, "If you kiss me, I'll turn back into a beautiful princess and stay with you for one week."The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it, and returned it to the pocket.Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess and I’ll stay with you for one week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?"The engineer said, "Look, I'm an engineer. I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog - now that's cool". Cartoon You're Negative Random thoughts If I had 50 cents for every math test I failed, I'd have $7.20. Some people are like clouds. Once they disappear, it's a beautiful day. “Calling bigotry an opinion is like calling arsenic a flavor."- Jack Cameron. Transcripts of Lawyers in Court LAWYER: Now, sir, I'm sure you are an intelligent and honest man--WITNESS: Thank you. If I weren't under oath, I'd return the compliment. ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?WITNESS: All of them. The live ones put up too much of a fight. ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?WITNESS: Yes.ATTORNEY: How many were boys?WITNESS: None.ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney? ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?WITNESS: By death...ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?WITNESS: Take a guess. ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beardATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?WITNESS: Unless the Circus was in town I’m going with male. ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 PMATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?WITNESS: If not, he was by the time I finished. Driving in Boston (or New York City) Never get in the way of a car that needs extensive bodywork. Always look both ways when running a red light. Never use directional signals when changing lanes. They only warn other drivers to speed up and not let you in. Making eye contact revokes your right of way. Dreams By Langston Hughes Hold fast to dreamsFor if dreams dieLife is a broken-winged birdThat cannot fly. Hold fast to dreamsFor when dreams goLife is a barren fieldFrozen with snow. I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Cameras, Access Control, and Paging System Enhance Security Security Systems Can be Enhanced with AI or by Integration with Other Systems to Improve Safety Integration Enhances Security Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) make our lives more secure? AI is controversial but has become an asset in our efforts to increase our safety. Another technological advancement is integrating several protection systems to achieve a much-improved security environment. This article reviews the latest AI enhancements of IP camera Systems and the improved integration capacity in security systems, which results in better security. AI-enhanced IP Camera System With active shooter incidents in the news, everyone is interested in how to secure their organizations. The latest AI-enhanced IP Camera Systems can alert security people that someone is carrying a gun and can prevent disasters before they happen. The new AI-driven surveillance systems are designed to detect firearms and preemptively identify aggressive behavior, thus fortifying organizations against the threat of mass shootings. AI software can enhance most existing IP camera systems. For example, IP Cameras can be deployed across crucial school campus areas, including entry points, common areas, and the outside of buildings. The AI software enhances existing IP camera systems and integrates with existing surveillance infrastructure to constantly monitor the environment. Gun Detection IP Cameras Detect Guns The AI gun detection system relies on a vast database of visual patterns associated with firearms. Through continuous learning, it refines its recognition capabilities, ensuring high accuracy in discerning the difference between harmless objects and potential threats. If a firearm is detected, the system triggers immediate alerts, notifying campus security and law enforcement for prompt intervention. AI Can Detect Aggressive Behavior The AI camera system employs behavioral analysis algorithms designed to recognize patterns indicative of aggressive behavior. Using a combination of facial recognition, body language analysis, and voice modulation detection, the AI assesses the emotional states of individuals within their purview. IP Cameras Detect Aggression The AI-Threat Detection system is trained to identify signs of distress, anger, or agitation, allowing it to intervene before a situation escalates. By recognizing precursor behaviors associated with aggression, the AI creates a safer environment and enables security personnel to address potential threats proactively. To learn more, see our description of ACY-AI software. Integration of Security Systems Access Control and Surveillance Systems Enhance Security Integrating IP cameras, Door Access Control, and IP Paging Systems has benefited apartment houses, factories, schools, and government offices. Door access control systems keep unauthorized individuals out, while IP Cameras with AI enhancements can identify potential security threats. IP intercoms are used to talk to visitors to determine if they can gain entry. IP Paging systems are crucial in keeping everyone informed during emergencies, such as fires or lockdowns, ensuring everyone's safety. Integration of Access Control and IP Camera Systems New Access Control Software integrates with Video Management Software (VMS). The video from multiple cameras is displayed on the same screen as your door access management software. The real-time video can be displayed based on predefined door access control system alerts. These alerts include “Door Held Opened,” “Door Forced Open,” and many more. Fusion-DNA Access Control Software and Hartmann Enterprise Door Access Management Software have integration capabilities. Intercoms Control Visitors at unattended Doors Intercoms that don’t include video can be used with separate IP cameras. The TVIP-IntercomPA is an example of a simple intercom used for door control. IP Cameras can view the door to verify visitors' identity. The IP intercom attaches to the network and uses Power over Ethernet (PoE). It uses an audio protocol like VoIP SIP, which makes it compatible with VoIP phones. These industrial intercoms include a door relay that controls the electric lock. The robust relay can handle the current and voltage required by almost all electric locks. The call button on the intercom notifies the person inside that someone is at the door. Usually, this call is answered by someone in the organization assigned as the doorkeeper.  To learn more, read our article, Access Control and Intercoms: The Perfect Match. IP Paging Systems IP Paging Concept IP paging systems inform everyone of emergencies and make general announcements. These systems provide real-time alerts, such as lockdowns, fire alarms, or severe weather warnings. Everyone can be notified of the threat once other security systems identify an emergency. Paging systems attached to the Internet can be used across a multi-location organization. They provide Mass Notification Capability by sending critical messages across multiple zones or the entire facility simultaneously, ensuring everyone receives the information promptly. Read our article, Mass Emergency Notification Product Comparison, to learn more. Apartment Intercoms Integrate Access Control and Surveillance Apartment Intercom An Apartment Intercom is an intelligent panel with a built-in camera and touchscreen that allows a guest in the lobby to talk to someone living in a multi-tenant facility. This wireless IP intercom panel provides audio and video communication to the tenants. These touch panels are mounted in the lobby and attached to the network. They also include a door relay that can release the electric lock at the door. Since the intercom connects to the tenants through your Wi-Fi or cellphone network, it is very easy to install. Door Access Control and Visitor Management Systems While door access controls the registered users, visitor management systems control guests entering an organization. In some systems, Access Control Systems can automate the guest’s entry. The visitor can be given a temporary badge that opens the inner door and allows them to enter only the doors that have been assigned to them. The access control system controls the doors and the elevator. For example, a person who visits a hospital can be granted access to only the floor they are permitted to visit. To learn more, please read our article, Visitor Management and Access Control Provide Enhanced Security. Summary of the Integration of IP Cameras, Access Control and Paging Systems Integrating IP cameras, access control, and paging systems creates a comprehensive security and communication solution that enhances any facility's safety, efficiency, and operational effectiveness. This convergence of technologies offers a range of benefits, including streamlined management, improved response times, and increased situational awareness. If you would like help selecting your IP security systems, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Buyer's Guide to Door Access Control Systems Access Control Guide to the Best Solution Buyers Guide to Access Control Access control systems are essential for securing buildings, restricting unauthorized entry, and managing who has access to specific areas. Selecting the right door access control system requires understanding your needs, technology options, and future scalability. Here's a comprehensive buyer's guide to help you make an informed decision. Understanding Access Control Systems Access control systems determine who enters a building or specific area within a building. They can be used in various settings, including offices, apartment complexes, hospitals, and educational institutions. The key components include: Door Readers: These are placed at entryways and read the credentials. They are used to control elevators, gates, or barriers. To learn more, read Door Readers for Everyone. Access Credentials: Cards, fobs, keypads, mobile apps, biometrics, etc., are used to identify a person. Read our article, What are Door Access Control Credentials to learn more. Control Panel/Reader: This device receives the ID from the door reader and matches the ID to the user database. See our article, Access Controller Comparison. Access Control Management Software: This software controls the system and manages the users, permissions, and log-in data. To learn more, read our article, "Comparison of Access Control Software." Types of Access Control Systems Understanding your needs is essential before making a purchasing decision. It would help if you answered questions such as: How many doors do you want to control? Are they inside or outside? Do you want to integrate with an IP Camera System? What type of doors do you have? What type of access control credentials do you want to use? Do you want to manage the door control system on-site or from your smartphone? What level of security do you need? Do you want on-site management software or cloud-based software? Access Control Systems Systems for a Small Number of Doors: These are ideal for small organizations that need to control a few doors. The door readers include a self-contained controller (reader-controller), which is easy to install. Enterprise Systems: These connect multiple doors and access points, allowing centralized management via software. They are ideal for medium—to large businesses. These sophisticated systems support many doors and include support for elevator control, vehicle gates, and other security systems. Enterprise systems can be integrated with IP Camera Surveillance and Visitor Management Systems. Cloud-Based Systems: These offer remote management and updates, scalability, and ease of use. Data is stored securely offsite, making it suitable for multi-location businesses. To learn how Cloud systems compare to on-site systems, read our article, Access Control Management Software: Cloud Versus On-site. Biometric Systems: Use fingerprints, facial recognition, or retina scans. They provide high security and eliminate issues with lost or stolen credentials. Mobile Access Systems (Smartphone Credentials): These systems use smartphones as credentials, offering convenience and modern security options like Bluetooth or NFC (Near-Field Communication). To learn more about Mobile and Biometric credentials, read our article, Comparison of the Latest Door Readers. For a comparison of the different Access Control Systems, see the Access Control Comparison Chart. Key Features to Consider for Your Door Control System Access Control Selection Credential Types: Keycards/Fobs: Easy to use but can be lost or stolen. Mobile Access: Convenient and secure, using smartphones. Biometrics: High security but can be more expensive. PIN Codes: Easy setup but may be less secure if shared. To learn more, read our article, What are Door Access Control Credentials? Access Control System Integration Capabilities: Systems should integrate with existing security infrastructure, such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems, or visitor management systems. Integration of IP Camera Systems. Read the article How to Use IP Cameras With Access Control to learn more. Integration with Visitor Management Systems. Read the article "Visitor Management and Access Control Provide Enhanced Security." Scalability of the Door Control System: Ensure the system can grow with your needs, adding more doors or locations without a complete overhaul. Access Control User Management: Centralized user management allows you to add, remove, or change permissions. Access control management software is a central component of modern security systems, allowing organizations to efficiently control and monitor access to their premises, resources, and information. To learn more, read our article, Comparison of Access Control Software. Audit Trails and Reporting provided by the Access Control Management Software: Access logs help track who entered when and can be critical for security audits. Remote Access: Cloud-based systems offer remote management, allowing updates and monitoring from anywhere. Some enterprise systems include mobile apps that make it easy to control the system remotely. Security and Encryption: Data should be encrypted, especially in cloud-based systems, to protect against unauthorized access. Access Control Installation and Maintenance Considerations Professional Installation: While some systems can be DIY, professional installation is recommended, especially for networked or biometric systems, to ensure proper functionality and security. Maintenance Needs: Look for systems with easy and low maintenance updates. Some providers offer ongoing support and updates as part of their service. Purchase and Maintenance Cost Considerations for Access Control Initial Costs: Includes the cost of hardware (readers, control panels), software, and installation. Recurring Costs: For enterprise-level and cloud-based systems, factor in monthly or annual subscription and support fees. Consider maintenance, updates, and potential repairs. Integration with other security systems, such as IP Camera Systems. To learn more, read our article, The Financial Benefits of Access Control Top Access Control Brands to Consider Kintronics: Known for technical support and providing reliable and scalable solutions with various solutions selected for each customer’s requirements. HID Global: Offers a range of access options, including mobile credentials. Hartmann Controls: Provides high-security systems with excellent integration capabilities. Isonas (Allegion): This is a more straightforward access control system that provides Cloud-based access control management. Compliance and Legal Considerations Ensure your access control system complies with relevant regulations, such as GDPR for data security or ADA requirements for accessibility. Future-Proofing Your Access Control System Investment Look for systems with software updates and technology integration capabilities to keep up with security advancements. Updates and support usually require a yearly subscription.   Consider the potential need for additional security features, such as two-factor authentication, pass-back control, or video surveillance integration. Conclusion of Buyers Guide to Access Control Choosing the right door access control system involves balancing your security needs, budget, and future growth. Evaluate your requirements, consider the type of credentials you prefer, and choose a system with the needed features. Investing in the right access control solution can enhance security, streamline management, and provide peace of mind. To learn more and receive help selecting your access control system, please call 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 119 During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criterion was that defined whether or not a patient should be institutionalized. “Well,” said the Director, “we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub.” “Oh, I understand,” said the visitor. “A normal person would use the bucket because it’s bigger than the spoon or the teacup. “No.” said the Director, “A normal person would pull the plug.” "Do you want a room with or without a view?" Do you know the impact of security breaches? Schools, hospitals, and businesses are affected not only by equipment loss and damage but also by possible injuries and stress caused by criminal intrusion. To learn all the problems caused by intrusions and how to prevent them, read our article, Weighing the Impact of Security Breaches. An old French lady had a small shop in her village for years until one day a giant corporate supermarket set up across the road from her little shop. They put up signs advertising their prices, including one that said: Butter – 10 francs. In response, the old lady added a sign to her own window: Butter – 9 francs. The next day, the big supermarket had a new sign: Butter – 8 francs. Sure enough, the day after, the lady’s sign now read: Butter – 7 francs. This went on for a while until, eventually, one of the lady’s customers pointed to the sign and said, “Madame, you cannot keep your prices so low for long. These big companies can use their buying power to sell products cheaper, but a little store like yours can never compete.” In response, the old lady bent forward conspiratorially and muttered, “Monsieur, I don’t even sell butter.” Bob’s Laws of “It’s a Good Day” Anticipated events and expectations. It's like when you read the mouthwatering description of a dish on a menu, and then it arrives looking like a sad, deflated balloon. Or when you see a beautifully plated meal and expect it to taste like a symphony of flavors, only to be met with a bland, uninspiring bite. But hey, if all these things manage to meet your anticipation, it’s a good day.  Murphy’s Contrary Law states that sometimes things can go wrong, but if everything goes right, you plan well, and it’s a good day. Law of Completeness: There are no leftover parts when you assemble anything you purchase. It’s like the universe is saying, “Good job.” The food law of completeness: Some people eat one item at a time while others eat a mix of everything on their plate. The serial eaters eat the peas, and when they are finished, they eat the potatoes and, finally, the meat. This law of completeness is for those who eat a little of each until the plate is empty. The law states that when eating a plate of meat, potatoes, and peas, the correct quantity is placed on the plate so that on the last bite, your plate is clean. If the proportions are right, you had a good meal, and it was a good day. The law of meetings, or as I like to call it, the 'Seniority is Always Wrong' principle, states that the most senior person present always decides what should be done. And in all cases, this decision is as wrong as a penguin trying to fly. If the one who snores falls asleep first, it’s a long night. If the snorer falls asleep last, it’s a good night. You can’t push a rope, but you can if it’s frozen. Law of the committee: Giving a simple problem to a committee will make it unsolvable. It’s a good day if the problem is solved without a committee meeting. What gets wetter when something else gets dry? A towel. Following this logic, something else must get dirty for something to become clean. Unfortunately, sometimes everything gets dirty without anything getting clean. You can sometimes win when arguing with an intelligent person, but never when arguing with a fool. It’s a good day when you don’t meet a dummy. Give a person a fish and feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks, months, maybe years Some people are like a Slinky - not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospitals, dying of nothing All of us can take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism Why does a slight tax increase cost you $800, and a substantial tax cut saves you $30? In the '60s, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, and people take Prozac to make it normal I wouldn’t say my wife is a lousy cook, but she uses the smoke alarm as a timer.  There Will Come Soft Rain by Sara Teasdale There will come soft rain and the smell of the ground, And swallows circling with their shimmering sound; And frogs in the pools singing at night, And wild plum trees in tremulous white; Robins will wear their feathery fire, Whistling their whims on a low fence-wire; And not one will know of the war, not one Will care at last when it is done. Not one would mind, neither bird nor tree, If mankind perished utterly; And Spring herself, when she woke at dawn Would scarcely know that we were gone. I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. No copyright infringement is intended for these jokes and cartoons. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How IP Camera Systems are Used Corporations, Education, and Health Organizations Use IP Camera Systems IP Camera System Applications Corporations, health organizations, and educational organizations use IP camera Systems for various purposes, primarily to enhance security, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulations. Why do you need a surveillance system? What are your objectives? This article reviews how organizations use surveillance systems and provides suggestions for defining your goals. IP Camera Systems Prevent Theft and Vandalism in All Organizations IP Cameras Increase Security IP camera systems can deter crime by their very presence. Unfortunately, sometimes thieves strike anyway. Surveillance systems can capture misbehavior and sometimes prevent it. Capture Incidents: Organizations are concerned about theft and vandalism. Traditionally, surveillance systems recorded video from strategically placed IP cameras. If a theft occurred, the security department would review the video to determine who was responsible. This surveillance concept provides evidence for investigations and legal proceedings. It cannot stop or prevent theft or property damage. Prevent Incidents: The latest use of AI-enhanced cameras has changed that dynamic by notifying security as soon as a suspicious event occurs. This allows theft and vandalism to be stopped before they happen. Surveillance Systems Increase Patient Safety and Care in Healthcare Institutions IP Camera Systems are Used in Hospitals Detect Problems: IP Camera Systems are used in hospitals and other healthcare organizations to monitor patients and protect sensitive areas such as pharmacies, medical records, and computer rooms. Prevent Problems: IP camera systems with intelligence that immediately notify the staff of dangerous incidents can prevent falls and accidents before they become a problem. For example, a camera viewing the medical records room can quickly detect unauthorized entry and notify security. Deterring Theft: Surveillance systems help prevent the theft of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and patients' and staff's personal belongings. Tracking Assets: Cameras monitor the movement of valuable equipment and ensure it is used appropriately and not removed without authorization. Ensuring Compliance: Surveillance ensures that healthcare professionals comply with hygiene practices, safety protocols, and patient care standards. Incident Investigation: Video footage can be reviewed to investigate incidents involving staff or patients, providing evidence for internal reviews or legal matters. There are several ways to record the video. To learn more about hospital security, please read our article, How Technology Helps Hospitals. IP Camera Systems Enhance Safety and Security in Schools IP Cameras are Used in Schools Preventing Violence: Surveillance systems help deter and quickly respond to acts of violence, bullying, or harassment in schools and campuses. IP camera systems that include AI enhancement can notify the administration as soon as the camera system detects a fight occurring. Ensuring Discipline: Surveillance helps monitor student behavior in common areas such as hallways, cafeterias, and playgrounds, providing a safe and orderly environment. Bullying Prevention: Cameras can deter bullying and provide evidence for investigating and addressing incidents of bullying or harassment. Securing Entrances and Exits: Cameras monitor entrances and exits to ensure that only authorized individuals enter the premises, enhancing the institution's overall security. Cameras can enhance Door Access Control Systems to ensure that only authorized people and students can enter the building. Perimeter Monitoring: Surveillance systems help monitor school boundaries and prevent unauthorized access or intrusions. Surveillance Systems Provide Crisis Management and Emergency Response Emergency Situations: Cameras provide real-time information during emergencies, coordinating evacuation or lockdown procedures. Post-Incident Analysis: Reviewing surveillance footage can help analyze the effectiveness of emergency response and improve future crisis management plans. IP Camera Systems Monitor School Efficiency Monitoring Activities: Surveillance helps monitor school activities and events, ensuring they run smoothly and safely. It can also help determine whether the staff must monitor hallways, lunchrooms, and auditoriums. Resource Allocation: Video analytics can help optimize resource allocation, such as staffing and facility usage. IP Camera Systems Ensure Compliance and Provide Legal Protection Regulatory Compliance: Surveillance systems help educational institutions comply with safety regulations and standards. Legal Evidence: Video footage can provide crucial evidence in case of legal disputes or incidents involving students, staff, or visitors. To learn more about school security, please read our article, Enhancing School Safety with Technology. Surveillance Systems are Used in Factories to Maximize Operational Efficiency and Safety IP Cameras are Used in Manufacturing Facilities Monitoring Workflow: Cameras monitor production lines, warehouses, and other operational areas to ensure processes run smoothly and efficiently. Quality Control: Surveillance helps monitor the quality of products and services, identifying issues or inefficiencies in real-time. Remote Supervision: Managers and supervisors remotely monitor multiple locations, ensuring consistency and efficiency across different sites. IP Camera Systems Increase Safety in the Workplace Ensuring Safety Protocols: Cameras monitor adherence to safety protocols and procedures, helping to prevent workplace accidents and providing a safe working environment. Monitoring Hazardous Areas: Surveillance in areas with heavy machinery, hazardous materials, or high-risk processes ensures that safety guidelines are followed. Compliance with Regulations: Surveillance helps ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards, including OSHA guidelines and other safety mandates. Monitor Hazardous Areas: IP cameras can view high-temperature ovens or areas containing flammable gases. To learn more, read our article Cameras for Extreme Environments. Summary of How IP Camera Systems are Used IP Camera Systems can be used in hospitals, factories, schools, and other organizations. It is always important to define your objectives before purchasing a surveillance system. This ensures that you get the correct type of camera equipment. Organizations use surveillance cameras for various purposes, primarily to enhance security, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulations. Surveillance systems play a crucial role in healthcare, factories, and educational institutions by enhancing security, ensuring safety, and improving operational efficiency. By strategically implementing and managing these systems, institutions can create safer environments for patients, students, staff, and visitors. If you want help selecting the best IP Camera System, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide or use our contact form. ### Comparison of the Latest Door Readers The Pros and Cons of Mobile and Biometric Door Readers Biometric and Mobile Door Readers Over the past few years, significant advancements have been made in access control system security. The first door readers used a keypad that allowed the user to enter their ID number. Later, door readers used proximity cards that provided better security, but cards could be lost or given to others. The latest door readers offer much better protection and are easier to use. They read mobile credentials embedded in a person’s smartphone or biometric readers that identify a person’s identifying characteristics. Card credentials are not required. This article compares the newest door readers used in Access Control Systems. Mobile Smartphone Credentials for Access Control Mobile Credential Reader Now, your smartphone is your access key. You don’t need to carry a card credential. A smartphone App connects your smartphone to its readers using Bluetooth. This mobile credential is one of the latest ways of controlling your door access. There are several mobile credential readers available. Benefits of Mobile Credentials: Cost Savings: The mobile credential reduces the need for physical card production, distribution, and replacement, which can result in significant cost savings over time. Improved security: People can give their card credentials to someone else but are unlikely to give away their smartphones. Reduced Waste: By eliminating the need for physical cards or keys, mobile credentials contribute to less plastic waste and a smaller environmental footprint. Very easy to use: Mobile credentials eliminate the need to carry physical keys, cards, or badges. Users can access secured areas using their smartphones, which they are likely to always have with them. It’s more convenient than an ID card. Remote Management: Credentials can be issued, updated, or revoked remotely, reducing the need for physical interaction and manual processes. You can select an entry mode that doesn’t require taking out your smartphone. Just wave your hand in front of the reader to open the door. Disadvantages of Mobile Credentials Requires a smartphone: It is not practical for a population that doesn’t have a smartphone. Higher cost: These readers cost more than the older proximity readers. Dependence on Network Connectivity: There areInternet or Bluetooth Requirements: Some mobile credential systems require an Internet connection or Bluetooth to function correctly. In areas with poor connectivity, this can cause access issues. User Adaptation: Users must adapt to the new system and may face a learning curve, particularly those who are not tech-savvy. Battery Dependency: Mobile credentials depend on the availability of a charged mobile device. If the phone’s battery is dead, access is denied. Device Loss or Theft: If a mobile device is lost or stolen, the security of the credential is compromised, requiring immediate action to deactivate the credential and prevent unauthorized access. To learn more about mobile credentials, please read Mobile Credentials: the New Key for Door Access Control. Biometric Door Reader for Access Control The latest biometric door readers identify a person’s face or palm, providing touchless door entry without a key card. The model AMT-Omni-AC is an example of a combination reader. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of palm and facial recognition readers. Palm Readers Provide High Accuracy for Access Control Palm Reader for Door Access Palm-vein recognition is a highly accurate and secure form of authentication. It is difficult to forge a vein pattern, and it is not affected by changes in appearance, such as dirt, sweat, or aging. Palm-vein recognition is also contactless, which makes it hygienic and convenient. Advantages of Using Palm-Vein Recognition: Accuracy: Palm-vein recognition is one of the most accurate biometric authentication technologies. Its false acceptance rate (FAR) is less than 0.01%, and its false rejection rate (FRR) is less than 0.1%. Security: Palm-vein recognition is a very secure form of authentication. The veins in the palm are not visible to the naked eye, and they are difficult to forge. Palm-vein recognition is also contactless, which makes it more hygienic than other biometric authentication technologies, such as fingerprint scanning. Convenience: Touchless palm-vein recognition is a very convenient form of authentication. Users need to place one hand near the scanner to be authenticated. This makes it ideal for use in applications where speed and convenience are essential, such as access control to buildings and facilities. Disadvantages of Palm Readers Cost: These readers cost more than the older proximity readers, but they save money by eliminating the need for key-card credentials. User Reluctance: Some users may hesitate to use palm vein scanners due to privacy concerns or discomfort with new technology. Integration Challenges: Integrating palm vein scanners with existing security systems or IT infrastructure can be challenging, requiring additional software and compatibility considerations. Enrollment Challenges: Initial enrollment in the system can be time-consuming and may require multiple attempts to capture a clear and accurate palm vein pattern. To learn more, please read our article What are Biometric Palm Readers? Face Recognition Door Readers Provide Secure Access Face Recognition for Door Access Face recognition door readers use cameras and advanced algorithms to analyze and recognize facial features. Due to its numerous advantages and potential benefits, face recognition technology has gained significant attention and application in recent years. It is more secure than other forms of authentication because it is difficult to forge a face. The “spoofing” algorithm ensures that the face presented is from a person rather than an image. Since the readers are more expensive, there is an initial capital cost, but there are savings because there is no need to purchase card credentials. Advantages of Face Recognition Systems High Security: Provides a secure and reliable method of verifying identity, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access. With the latest face recognition algorithms, readers can identify a live person, thus reducing false identification. Convenience: Users do not need to carry physical keys or cards or remember passwords, making access more convenient and user-friendly. Fast Processing: Facial recognition systems can quickly and efficiently process many individuals, reducing wait times and improving the flow of people in busy areas. Disadvantages of Face Recognition Systems Cost: The readers cost more than proximity card readers, but the need for physical access cards, keys, and their associated management and replacement costs are reduced. Privacy Concerns: When face Recognition is used for mass surveillance, there are privacy concerns, raising concerns about individual privacy and the potential for misuse by governments or private entities. However, these concerns are not merited when used in an organization-controlled population. Learn more about the facial recognition readers available. Summary of Mobile and Biometric Door Readers Both mobile credentials and biometric readers offer significant advantages for modern access control systems. Mobile credentials provide convenience, cost savings, and flexibility, making them suitable for various applications. Biometric readers provide high security, accuracy, and enhanced authentication, making them ideal for environments where security is paramount. Please read our article What are Door Access Control Credentials to learn more about the evolution of door reader credentials. To learn more and receive help selecting your access control system, please call 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 118 Elderly Friends got together for a regular poker game night.During a break between rounds, one friend tells the other: HEY JIM, YOUR MEMORY SKILLS GOT SHARPER. WHAT MEDS ARE YOU TAKING? Jim smiles and says: NO MEDS. I STARTED GOING TO MEMORY IMPROVEMENT SCHOOL. WANT ME TO TELL YOU THE SCHOOL’S NAME? All the men at the table eagerly shake their heads “Yes.” Jim says: IT’s CALLED… (starts snapping his fingers) WHAT DO YOU CALL THAT FLOWER….THE. ONE WITH THORNS… One of the men says: YOU MEAN ROSE? Jim says: YES. THAT’S IT! He then turns his head towards the kitchen and yells: ROSE! ROSIE, HONEY, WHAT IS THE NAME OF THAT MEMORY SCHOOL I GO TO AGAIN????? A Story About a Bird A wealthy man in San Diego was an avid bird collector. He had a huge collection of live birds, including every species on Earth. One day, while browsing through a used bookstore in Oregon, he came across a beautifully illustrated book on birds he'd never seen before, so he bought it. Reading through his new book, he was astonished to come across an entry for a bird he had never heard of before the world-famous and very rare Rarey Bird.  The next morning, the collector checked out of the Explorers Club, took his safari, and set out into the jungle.  The Rarey Bird hunter explained the method for catching a Rarey Bird. He said that what you do is go out into the rainforest and find a fresh “Rarey” Bird path. Then, you tie a string around a tree on one side of the path and hide behind a tree on the opposite side. When a Rarey Bird comes running down the path, you lift the string, the Rarey Bird trips on the string, and you jump up and grab him. Well, the collector went out into the rainforest and did all that, and he got his Rarey Bird! But, man, that's a long way to trip a Rarey! I told the kids I never wanted to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. So, they unplugged my computer and threw out my wine. Why are iPhone chargers not called Apple Juice?! Password looks at itself in the mirror:"Don't listen to Google. You are a strong, confident password." "A friend of ours was puzzled by the odd messages left on his answering machine. Day after day friends and family would talk and then say, "Beep." He discovered the reason for the joke when he decided to listen to his greeting. "Hi," it said. "I'm not in right now, so please leave a beep after the message." How does a computer get drunk?It takes screenshots. What’s the biggest lie in the entire universe?“I have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions.” Knock knock.Who's there?Voodoo.Voodoo who?Voodoo you think you are, asking me so many questions? Instead of knocking on the door, use an Intercom. You can find IP Intercoms on our webpage. Interesting Quotes “The factory of the future will have only two employees, a man and a dog. The man will be there to feed the dog. The dog will be there to keep the man from touching the equipment.” ― Warren G. Bennis “A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kickboxing.” ― Emo Philips “A computer will do what you tell it to do, but that may be much different from what you had in mind.” ― Joseph Weizenbaum. “Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow Internet service to see who they really are.” —Will Ferrell. “First, we thought the PC was a calculator. Then we found out how to turn numbers into letters with ASCII — and we thought it was a typewriter. Then we discovered graphics, and we thought it was a television. With the World Wide Web, we’ve realized it’s a brochure.” ― Douglas Adams. The People Upstairs By Ogden Nash The people upstairs all practise balletTheir living room is a bowling alleyTheir bedroom is full of conducted tours.Their radio is louder than yours,They celebrate week-ends all the week.When they take a shower, your ceilings leak.They try to get their parties to mixBy supplying their guests with Pogo sticks,And when their fun at last abates,They go to the bathroom on roller skates.I might love the people upstairs moreIf only they lived on another floor. I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Weighing the Impact of Security Breaches Comparing Security Breaches to the Cost of Physical Security Equipment Weighing the Benefits of Security Equipment Security and safety are important issues in all organizations. Schools, hospitals, and businesses are affected not only by equipment loss and damage but also by possible injuries and stress caused by criminal intrusion. Physical security technology such as door access control, IP Camera Systems, Intercoms, and Paging Systems can prevent intrusions. This article compares the cost of adding physical security to the impact of security breaches. What is the Real Cost of Security Breaches Physical security breaches have far-reaching and severe first- and second-order impacts on organizations. In 2022, companies lost millions of dollars in revenue due to physical security incidents.   These impacts include: Operational Disruptions can occur due to equipment damage, data or systems damage, or staff inability to perform their duties. The result of this disruption can cause the failure to deliver core products or services, contract breaches, and loss of business. Legal liability can cost $2m—$100 m per incident in compensatory and punitive damages. This liability arises from a breach of duty of care, which means maintaining a safe environment to the best possible standard. It includes damages for potential severe injury, death, breach of contract, and bad publicity from legal action. Vandalism can damage plants or equipment, causing minor inconveniences to major long-term outages. Replacing Capital Equipment could reduce production and product delivery, and replacement can cost a lot. Damage to reputation and investigative costs could also occur when security is breached. Security Technology is Used to Prevent Intrusions Door Access Control, IP Camera Systems, and other technologies are used to prevent security break-ins. This protection is provided by layers of security, not relying upon one approach. Please read our article, How IP Cameras, Access Control, and Intercoms Enhance Security to learn more about creating rings of defense. Door Access Control Prevents Unauthorized Entry Financial Benefits of Access Control Access Control Systems use Door readers that allow users to gain entry using proximity cards or biometric credentials. These systems improve safety and reduce liability and insurance costs. A door reader authenticates individuals based on a unique code embedded in a card. A biometric reader detects a person's physical characteristics and is used to verify their identity. Several types of door readers are available. Did you know the concept of biometric devices dates back thousands of years? Non-automated biometric devices were used around 500 BC when ancient Babylonians signed their business transactions by pressing their fingertips into clay tablets. Today, automated biometric door readers are an alternative to card credentials used in door access control. They save the cost of purchasing card credentials and provide more secure entry control because they recognize the person rather than the card they carry. IP Camera Systems Provide Immediate Alerts Proactive Security Systems The IP Camera Systems observe critical areas and detect suspicious activity. The right price for an IP Camera depends on your requirements. They can range from around $150 to over $3,000. Please read IP Cameras Price Versus Performance for more information about system costs. The latest AI-enhanced cameras monitor activity within a given area. They can prevent operational disruptions by immediately detecting problematic activity, a person carrying a gun, active shooting situations, detecting smoke and fire, and alerting authorities of potential threats. By purchasing the latest AI-enhanced IP camera systems, organizations can dramatically reduce the costs of intrusions. IP Intercoms and Speakers Notify the Organization of Emergencies Benefits of IP Intercoms and Paging IP Intercoms provide the perfect way to control guests entering a multitenant building. By adding video to the intercom, the person granting entry can view the individuals attempting to enter. They can also observe the area around the doorway and control multiple people trying to enter. IP Paging Systems provides Campus-wide paging alerts to multi-building or multi-campus school or corporate environments. Panic buttons can be added to the IP sound system to provide lockdown notifications and medical emergencies and notify the school or organization of active shooter situations or other emergencies. The apartment intercom controls visitors in an apartment building.  It allows visitors to contact residents in an apartment complex. The resident receives calls on their smartphone, and they can then see and talk to the visitor in the lobby. To learn more about the cost and benefits of Access Control, please read The Financial Benefits of Access Control. The benefits of these systems are worth the price of installing modern door access control. To learn more, please read our article, the Advantages of an IP Intercom System. Summary of Equipment Cost Versus Security Breaches Paying for security equipment is like purchasing insurance. It adds the benefit of preventing the liabilities caused by intrusions. Security and safety are critical concerns for all organizations, including schools, hospitals, and businesses. These institutions face risks from equipment loss and damage, as well as injuries and stress caused by criminal intrusions. Physical security technology, such as door access control, IP camera systems, intercoms, and paging systems, can significantly mitigate these risks. If you would like help selecting the best Security System, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide or use our contact form. ### Specialized IP Cameras Specialized Cameras are Designed for Unique Applications Specialized IP Cameras Some applications require an IP camera that is different from a standard surveillance camera. Do you want to see inside a blast furnace? We have a camera for that. Do you want to view a target over two miles away or maybe use a camera where there are combustible gases? We can do that as well. This article is designed to inform and guide you in choosing the best IP camera for each unique application. The following IP cameras are designed to meet special situations.  Wall IP Camera When cameras are mounted on the ceiling, they capture the top of a person’s head rather than seeing their face. A special wall-mounted camera can be placed at the same level as a person’s face. This exceptional new camera from Hanwha includes an IR illuminator to see the person if the lights are turned off. Your objectives could include viewing people entering a room, listening and viewing an activity, or recognizing a person’s face. Overview of Specifications AI Camera with Virtual line (Crossing/Direction), Virtual area [Loitering/Intrusion/Enter/Exit/(Dis), Appear], virtual area (intrusion/enter/exit), virtual Line (crossing/ direction) 5MP resolution provides 2592×1944 of resolution. A wide-angle lens of 175° provides a wide field of view The camera provides enough resolution to identify a person at about 14 ft. It can be used indoors or outdoors. The camera is powered over Ethernet (PoE). It includes an IR illuminator to see 15m(49.21ft) away in total darkness. It includes a built-in mic to hear and record what’s happening remotely. Learn more... Wall Mount IP Camera Wall Mount Camera Views a Person’s Face The TNV-C8011RW, Hanwha's latest wall-mounted camera, is a prime choice for small-area surveillance. Its features, such as AI capability with Virtual line crossing detection, 5MP resolution, wide-angle lens, and IR illuminator, make it ideal for small areas. It can be placed lower on the wall to see a person’s face. Camera Position Comparison Learn more about this specialized camera…. Covert Cameras Do you need an inconspicuous surveillance system? Covert cameras, designed to be inconspicuous, can be mounted to capture a person’s face. Several models are available, including those that look like poles and others that can be mounted on a door jamb. These cameras are ideal when you need to monitor an area discreetly without people seeing the surveillance. Hanwha has several specialized 2-megapixel IP camera systems for covert applications. To learn more about covert cameras, see our selection of Hanwha Covert Cameras. Covert Cameras Intrinsically Safe Explosion-Proof Cameras Do you need to see activity at a drilling rig or a manufacturing plant with gas or dust that could explode? In this case, you need an intrinsically safe or explosion-proof camera system. The camera and enclosure used in these environments are designed to prevent the ignition of the surrounding gases or dust. They will either contain any explosion within the device or prevent sparks from exiting and triggering it. Explosion-proof doesn’t mean the camera will survive a blast outside the enclosure. It means it won’t trigger the explosion. To learn more, see our Explosion-Proof or Intrinsically Safe Camera selections. Explosion-Proof IP Camera Systems Cameras for Furnaces and Extreme Environments Do you need to view the inside of a blast furnace or a rocket launch? In this case, you need a special enclosure for a camera that can withstand very high temperatures. These liquid-cooled enclosures include special housing with liquid that provides cooling. They also include special high-temperature glass that protects the camera. You can select tempered glass (max 260°C (500°F)), quartz glass (max 400°C (752°F)), or infrared glass (max 260°C (500°F)). To learn more, see Camera Enclosures for Extreme Environments. Long Range Night Vision IR PTZ Camera Long-range cameras can see over one mile away during the day or night, and some can even see through the fog. The long-range IP camera systems provide night vision using either a long-range laser illuminator or an additional thermal camera. We build long-range surveillance camera systems that are designed to meet your requirements. These IP camera systems include a very long-distance lens and superior pan-tilt mechanisms that allow you to see details over 2 miles away. They attach to your network and can be integrated into a complete security system. There are some off-the-shelf camera systems available as well. PTZ Camera with IR Illumination AI-Enhanced Camera Systems IP Camera Systems with AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances IP Camera Systems to improve safety and security. AI systems are defined as those that can learn from experience. Emergencies are automatically detected and provide alarms that prevent threats from becoming critical. This technology offers a paradigm change in the usage of IP Camera Systems. Instead of recording what happened in the past, these systems notify security as they are happening. Learn more about Intelligent Camera Systems… Summary of Specialized IP Cameras These specialized IP cameras can view targets miles away and monitor the temperature of equipment and people. They protect oil rigs with explosion-proof housing, provide thermal imaging, and can view the inside of a furnace. These specialty cameras are designed for unique industries and use cases, catering to various needs. If you would like help selecting the best IP Camera System, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 117 Some Dad Jokes "Did you hear about the man who invented the shovel? Some say he had a ground-breaking invention." "'Have you heard of Murphy's law?' 'Yeah.' 'What is it?' 'If something can go wrong, it will go wrong.' 'That's right. Have you heard of Cole's law?' 'No, what is it?' 'Thinly sliced cabbage and mayo.'" "I handed my daughter an apple. She said, 'But dad, I wanted a pear.' So I handed her another apple." "My girlfriend is turning 32 soon...I told her not to get her hopes up. 'After all,' I said, 'We're only going to celebrate it for half a minute.' When she asked me what I was talking about, I pointed out, 'This is your thirty-second birthday.'" "I fell in love with a girl who only knew four vowels. She never knew I existed." "I once swallowed a bunch of synonyms. It gave me thesaurus throat I've ever had." "I've been telling people about the benefits of eating dried grapes. You know, raisin awareness." "How do you get 100 math teachers into a room where only 99 fit? You carry the one." "When my wife was in labor, I would tell her jokes to distract her from the pain, but she didn't seem amused. It must have been the delivery." "Do you know why milk is the fastest liquid? It's pasteurized before we can even see it." Did you know that AI-enhanced cameras can automatically detect guns, aggressive behavior, smoke and fire, and facial recognition? See our article IP Camera Systems With AI Protect People to learn more. How to Get to Mars NASA was interviewing professionals to be sent to Mars. Only one could go and couldn't return to Earth. The first applicant, an engineer, was asked how much he wanted to be paid for going. "A million dollars," he answered, "because I want to donate it to M.I.T." The next applicant, a doctor, was asked the same question. He asked for $2 million. "I want to give a million to my family," he explained, "and leave the other million for the advancement of medical research." The last applicant was a lawyer. When asked how much money he wanted, he whispered in the interviewer's ear, "Three million dollars." "Why so much more than the others?" asked the interviewer. The lawyer replied, "If you give me $3 million, I'll give you $1 million, I'll keep $1 million, and we'll send the engineer to Mars." Benny wakes up late for work; he's had problems with the boss lately, which won't help. He runs to the car and gets on his way. Distracted by his lateness, he failed to notice the rabbit in the road and ran right over it. His compassion for animals requires him to tend to this matter despite being late. Standing over the mess, he's overcome with guilt and nausea. Just then, a guy on a bicycle stops," Hey mate, what's your problem?" "I was rushing to work, and in my haste, I killed this innocent creature! I feel awful! And would like to get it off the road." "Well, as luck would have it, I've got just the fix!" He extracts a can from the bag on his bike. He walks to the rabbit and begins spraying it. Benny's thinking, this doesn't seem right, moves to tell him so, but the rabbit springs up, bolts across the road, turns, and waves. The rabbit runs across a field waving and scampering a bit, turning and waving, scamper and wave, all across 'til out of sight. Benny, amazed and relieved, "What the heck is that?" The bicyclist smiles, shows him the can, and replies, "See. Hair restorer with a permanent wave!" Did you know that you can install one door reader at a time? The new IP Reader-Controllers connect to the network and are intelligent. They are an easy way to start your Access Control System. To learn more, please read our article, Scalable Door Access Control. What did one hat say to the other? You wait here. I'll go on a head. • What do you call a magic dog? A labracadabrador. • What did the shark say when he ate the clownfish? This tastes a little funny. My fondest childhood memory is thinking $100 was a lot of money. The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe Deep into that darkness peering, Long I stood there, wondering, fearing, Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals Ever dared to dream before; But the silence was unbroken, And the stillness gave no token, And the only word there spoken Was the whispered word, "Lenore!" This I whispered, and an echo Murmured back the word, "Lenore!" Merely this, and nothing more. The Raven I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Thermal Camera Comparison Thermal Cameras for Industry, Surveillance, and Health Thermal Camera Review Thermal cameras are used in industrial manufacturing, revolutionizing equipment health protocols. In surveillance monitoring, they enhance threat detection, improving safety and security. This article describes and compares thermal cameras and how they are used. There are two types of Infrared cameras. IR cameras view short-wavelength light reflected from an object, while thermal cameras view mid- to long-wavelength light from the object. Many IP surveillance cameras include IR illuminators that provide illumination. Thermal cameras don’t require illumination, so they can operate at longer distances than IR cameras. We reviewed how thermal cameras work and the best applications for these cameras. How Thermal Cameras Work Thermal cameras work by detecting infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects and converting it into an image that can be visualized and analyzed. Infrared Radiation Detection: Every object with a temperature above absolute zero (-273.15°C or -459.67°F) emits infrared radiation, which increases in intensity with temperature. Thermal cameras are equipped with sensors that detect infrared radiation. Thermal Camera Block Diagram An infrared camera contains an optical system that focuses infrared energy onto a special detector chip (sensor array) that contains thousands of detector pixels arranged in a grid. The camera uses a unique Germanium lens because standard glass blocks the wavelength of infrared radiation. Each pixel in the sensor array reacts to the infrared energy focused on it and produces an electronic signal. The camera processor takes the signal from each pixel and applies a mathematical calculation to create a color map of the object's apparent temperature. Each temperature value is assigned a different color. The resulting matrix of colors is sent to memory and to the camera’s display as a temperature picture (thermal image) of that object. There are Two Types of thermal Cameras. Uncooled Thermal Cameras: These cameras use a microbolometer detector that operates at ambient temperature. They are more common, less expensive, and suitable for most applications. Cooled Thermal Cameras: These cameras use a cryogenically cooled detector, which allows them to detect smaller temperature differences and provide higher-resolution images. They are more sensitive and used in specialized applications. Applications for Thermal Imaging Cameras Thermal Imaging Cameras are used in various applications, including industrial process monitoring, surveillance cameras, health monitoring, and long-range surveillance camera applications. Industrial Process Monitoring with Thermal Cameras Thermal Camera for Industrial Monitoring One example of an industrial monitor is the KT100 Industrial Module.  It monitors and collects asset health data from remote sites. Thermal monitoring mitigates the risks of failure from overheating assets and connection points. Analytics detect anomalies and provide automatic warnings. The visual camera provides situational awareness in remote locations. Detection of Heat Signatures: Thermal cameras can detect heat emitted by objects, allowing for the identification of invisible heat patterns and anomalies. Industrial Maintenance: Thermal cameras are used in industries for predictive maintenance. They identify overheating components, preventing potential equipment failures. Surveillance Cameras with Thermal Imaging Thermal cameras play a significant role in surveillance because they can detect heat signatures, making them highly effective in various conditions. They are sometimes integrated with optical cameras to provide long-range detection of targets. Intruder Detection: Thermal cameras can detect intruders based on body heat, even in complete darkness or through foliage, fog, and smoke. This capability makes them highly effective for perimeter security and monitoring large outdoor areas. Day and Night Monitoring: Unlike traditional cameras, thermal cameras do not rely on visible light. They provide clear images regardless of lighting conditions, ensuring continuous monitoring and security around the clock. See Through Smoke and Fog: Thermal imaging can penetrate obscurants like smoke, dust, and light fog, providing clear images where traditional cameras might fail. This is particularly useful in environments where visual clarity is compromised. Long-Range Optical and Thermal Combination Camera Systems PTZ Camera with IR Illumination Thermal and optical IP cameras use different technologies to capture video. Each type of camera system provides a unique role in an IP video surveillance system. Systems that combine thermal and optical cameras offer a synergistic solution for long-range surveillance. Border and Coastal Surveillance: Thermal cameras with optical cameras are extensively used to monitor borders and coastlines and detect illegal crossings or suspicious activities. Their ability to cover vast areas and function in various weather conditions makes them ideal for such applications. Learn more about Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria. Other long-range camera applications include watching rocket launches, military applications, and city surveillance. Read more about Long-range Night vision Cameras. Health Monitoring Using Thermal Cameras Face Recognition and Temperature Systems Designed for today’s demands to improve safety in our organizations, these touchless temperature screening devices help maintain a safe environment in schools, hospitals, corporations, and government facilities. The panels are placed in entry areas and are sometimes tied to door access control systems.  Read more… Summary of Thermal Camera Systems Thermal cameras work by detecting infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects and converting it into an image that can be visualized and analyzed. They are used in manufacturing to detect excessive heat in machinery and in surveillance, where they can detect objects that are over one mile away. If you would like help selecting the best Thermal Camera System, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide or use our contact form. ### Benefits of IP Paging Systems Paging and Intercoms over IP Provide Significant Benefits IP Paging Concept IP paging systems, which use Internet Protocol (IP) networks for communication, offer several significant benefits over traditional paging systems. These advantages span various aspects, including functionality, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Here are the key benefits of IP paging systems: IP Paging Provides More Effective Communication The IP paging systems provide clear sound over a diverse array of devices. Various speakers and devices, such as IP VoIP phones, can deliver the message to the organization. Whether you are making class-change notifications, shift changes, or emergency announcements about a lockdown or fire, it can reach everyone in the organization.   Simple Communication Across a Campus Since an IP system operates over the network infrastructure, it can be connected across a campus, reaching multiple buildings or outdoor locations. Enhanced Audio Quality Clear Communication: IP paging systems deliver high-definition audio quality, ensuring clear and intelligible messages, which is crucial in emergencies. Some systems provide clear voice projection, and others include voice and music. There are IP paging speakers and IP intercoms that are powered over the network (PoE). Reduced Interference: IP systems are less susceptible to interference and noise than traditional analog systems, providing more reliable communication. Scalability and Flexibility Paging Over IP Easy Expansion: IP systems can be easily expanded by adding more devices to the network without significant infrastructure changes. This makes it simple to scale up as an organization grows. Flexible Zoning: Allows for creating flexible paging zones, enabling targeted messaging to specific areas or groups without physical rewiring. Each speaker has an IP address, allowing programmable selection of each speaker or group of speakers. Integration Capabilities Unified Communication: IP paging systems can integrate with other IP-based communication systems, such as VoIP phones, intercoms, and emergency alert systems, creating a unified communication platform. Software Integration: Easily integrates with other software applications, such as scheduling, security, and building management systems, for enhanced functionality. For example, an IP Intercom system can be used to enhance a door access control system by controlling the entry of visitors or service personnel. Cost-Effectiveness Cost Benefits of IP Paging and Intercoms Lower Installation Costs: IP systems utilize existing network infrastructure, reducing the need for separate wiring and minimizing installation costs. The speakers and intercoms can be powered over Ethernet (PoE), reducing the wiring and making installation easy. Reduced Maintenance: With fewer moving parts and centralized management, IP systems often require less maintenance than older analog traditional systems. Enhanced Functionality Scheduled Announcements: Allows for automated scheduling of announcements, reducing the need for manual intervention and ensuring timely communication. Multi-Modal Communication: Supports various types of communication, including live voice paging, pre-recorded messages, text-to-speech, and even integration with digital signage. Customizable Alerts: Allows customization of alerts and tones to suit different scenarios, from routine announcements to emergency alerts. Increased Safety: The Alert Manager module allows for monitoring RSS and CAP/Atom feeds. It automatically converts the associated text messages to speech so they can be played on Paging IP Endpoints.  For instance, this can be used to announce severe weather alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Or create your own RSS or CAP/Atom feed to create custom on-demand announcements. Increased Reliability Paging Management Software: A sophisticated fail-over feature provides increased reliability. When several managing consoles are used, if the first console doesn’t operate, the system automatically switches to a secondary or even third-level computer console. Speaker Failure Detection: Since each IP-powered speaker has intelligence, the paging software can monitor all the speakers’ health. If one speaker fails, the person at the console is automatically notified. Summary of IP Paging Systems IP paging systems offer superior audio quality, scalability, integration capabilities, remote management, cost-effectiveness, enhanced functionality, improved security, and user-friendly interfaces. These benefits make IP paging systems attractive for various settings, including schools, hospitals, businesses, and large campuses. If you would like help selecting the best IP paging system or IP intercom system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 116 The Workplace, A Teaching Moment A crow was sitting in a tree whistling a tune... A small rabbit saw the crow, and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?"The crow answered "Sure, why not."So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested. Suddenly, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it. Moral of the story:To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up. Performance Reviews These quotes were taken from actual performance evaluations.---------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Since my last report, this employee has reached rock bottom and has started to dig." "His men would follow him anywhere, but only out of morbid curiosity." "I would not allow this employee to breed." "This associate is really not so much of a has-been, but more of a definitely won't be." "Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap." "When she opens her mouth, it seems that this is only to change whichever foot was previously in there." "He would be out of his depth in a parking lot puddle." "This young lady has delusions of adequacy." "He sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them." Some Interesting Quotes The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds newdiscoveries, is not "Eureka!" ("I found it!") but rather "hmm…. that's funny…" ' — Isaac Asimov Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.--- Albert Einstein I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them.---  Isaac Asimov Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.--- Jim Carrey Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese.--- Luis Bunuel Some Ice cream Puns Ice cream makers learn their trade in sundae school.  A geologist's favorite ice cream is rock erode. An ice cream's favorite game show is "Who Wants to Be a Chill-ionaire?" If you divide the circumference of a bowl of ice cream by its diameter you get pi a la mode. Ice cream investigators always get the inside scoop.  When the princess grew up she became the Dairy Queen. Knock knock.Who's there?Nana.Nana who?Nana your business! Do you sometimes wonder who is at the door? Add an IP camera at the door so you can check who is coming in. Some Jokes by Comedians Tim Vine Can Find a Compliment Anywhere"Somebody complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windscreen, it said 'Parking Fine.' So that was nice." Demetri Martin's Easy Tip for a More Restful Sleep"I bought a new pair of pajamas with pockets, which is great, cause now I don't have to hold things when I sleep." Steven Wright Flips an Old Adage on Its Head"If you had a million Shakespeares, could they write like a monkey?" Garrison Keillor on the Sad Irony of a Nice Funeral"They say such nice things about people at their funerals that it makes me sad to realize that I'm going to miss mine by just a few days." Frank Carson Must Have Gotten an Early Neuralink Brainchip"I have a pacemaker in, but it doesn't work very well, because every time I fart the garage door opens." Some Dad Jokes "I stopped at a little roadside shack that said 'Lobster tails $5.' I gave the guy five bucks and he said 'once upon a time in a far-off land, there was a lobster…'" "A woman in labor yells, 'Shouldn't! Wouldn't! Couldn't! Don't! Can't!" The doctor tells her husband, 'Don't worry, those are just contractions.'" "I told my wife I was building a model of Mount Everest. She asked, 'Is it to scale?' I replied, 'No, it's to look at.'" I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Access Control in an Apartment House How to Protect Apartment Houses Access Control for Apartment Houses Access control is used in apartment houses to regulate who can enter the building, specific areas such as parking, and each apartment. The addition of the latest access control systems makes it easy to enhance safety and is easy to install. This article describes how door access can control the entry of residents and visitors. Methods for Controlling the Entry Points Door access control can be placed on all the main entry points, including the lobby, front or back doors, garages, and sometimes even individual floors or sections of a building. Tenant Access Control Tenant access control increases safety but can annoy residents who need to provide credentials at all the entry points. Mobile and Biometric credentials can be used to make it very easy for residents to enter. Access Control for Tenants Mobile Credentials Your smartphone is your access key. You don’t need to carry a card credential. Isonas and Hartmann include Apps that connect your smartphone to their readers using Bluetooth. This mobile credential is the latest way of controlling your door access. The intelligent door reader provides optional modes of entry.  Slide Mode Slide. Come in! Your hand becomes a card you always have on you without needing to take out your smartphone. Hands-Free Mode Just walk past the reader! There’s nothing else to it! The distance from the smartphone to the reader is adjustable to maintain security. Tap-Tap Mode Tap and enter! You can open a door by tapping your smartphone twice in your pocket for close or remote access. Remote Mode This mode can be used to open a garage door or gate from a distance. This mode requires that you press the app button to open the door. Biometric Door Readers Biometric readers can be used instead of card readers or mobile credentials to open a door. They identify a human characteristic, such as your face or fingerprint, and are much more secure than standard card credentials. Card credentials can be stolen, lost, or given to another person, while a biological factor is linked to only one person. There are several types of door readers that can read biological characteristics. They include fingerprint, facial recognition, finger-vein, and palm readers. Apartment Intercoms Increase Safety One of the latest visitor management systems uses intercoms that allow the visitor to contact a resident or a Security Center. Door Control Using Intercoms Apartment Intercoms An apartment intercom is an intelligent panel with a touchscreen that allows a guest in the lobby to talk to a person living in a multi-tenant facility. This wireless IP intercom panel provides audio and video communication to the tenants. These touch panels are mounted in the lobby and attached to the network. They also include a door relay that can release the electric lock at the door. Since the intercom connects to the tenants through your WiFi or cellphone network, it is very easy to install. Intercoms for Controlling Service Personnel   If the apartment complex has a central security service, intercoms can be used to grant maintenance and delivery persons entry. The security center can be contacted using the Apartment Intercom or by placing intercoms at other entry points. The intercoms can be audio only, audio plus camera, or utilize a separate IP camera system. It’s a flexible, easy-to-implement solution that helps control visitors at all the entry points. To learn more, read our article, IP Intercoms for Controlling the Door. Control the Elevators in Apartment Houses An elevator access control system consists of a credential reader in the cab and a controller box that is usually located in the elevator control room. The access control system determines the floors that can be reached based on the door access control credential.  For example, all the accountants who work on the 5th floor can reach that floor but cannot go to the IT department on the 3rd floor.  Floors that contain general areas, such as the cafeteria or fitness center, would typically be available to everyone. The access control software can be programmed to allow certain people to go to specific floors on specific days and times. Executives can go to any floor at any time. Elevator Access Control IP Camera Systems Provide Increased Security Access control systems are often paired with surveillance systems, including IP camera systems, to monitor who enters and out of the building. This can help identify unauthorized visitors or suspicious activity. These surveillance systems can also provide notification of dangerous situations. AI-enhanced camera systems provide an additional level of security. These intelligent camera systems can detect if a person is carrying a gun or has fallen. It can alert security if it detects aggressive behavior such as fighting. The system automatically contacts security whenever security breaches are detected. Access Control Increases Safety in Multi-tenant Buildings Access control in apartment houses increases safety by regulating who can enter. They provide control of building entry and who can enter each apartment. Intercoms add additional safety by controlling guests, maintenance, and delivery persons. Please get in touch with us if you have more questions about access control systems. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Comparison of Access Control Software Access Control Management Software Comparison Access Control Management Software Comparison Are you planning to purchase a new access control system or upgrade an old one? The access control management software is critical because it provides many essential features and functions that will make a difference in the functionality of your access control system. This article compares the features and functions of different access control management software. To decide what access control system is best, you must consider all the components, such as the door readers, the credentials, the door controllers, and the management software. Comparison of Access Control Management Software Access Control Management Software is a critical component of the access control system. It determines who can enter, what door can be used, and when someone can come in. The management systems provide different features. For example, you may need elevator control, map functions, or integration of IP camera systems. The software provides the unique functions you may need for your applicaiton. Many management software solutions are proprietary because they control a specific manufacturer's door readers and controllers. Fusion-DNA is the exception to this rule. This interoperable software is designed to work with many different hardware products. Comparing different access control software involves assessing various factors such as features, scalability, integration capabilities, ease of use, and pricing. Here is a comparison of software: IS0NAS Pure Access: Pure Access Cloud Software Features: Pure Access offers essential access control features such as user management, credential management, event monitoring, and reporting. It focuses on simplicity and ease of use. Scalability: It's scalable for small to medium-sized installations and is suitable for businesses with straightforward access control needs. Since each reader includes the controller in one small device, it is the easiest system for single-door installations. Integration: Pure Access software is proprietary and only works with the Isonas reader-controllers. The hardware and software provide a tightly integrated solution. Ease of Use: Known for its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup, Pure Access is designed for ease of use and quick deployment. Pricing: There are two versions of the software. This access control software is available in cloud-based and on-premise versions. Pricing tends to be competitive and transparent, with options for subscription-based or perpetual licenses. A support plan also keeps your software current and provides technical support. Hartmann Controls ODYSSEY: Hartmann Management Software Features: ODYSSEY offers advanced access control features, including user management, access levels, credential management, event monitoring, and advanced integration capabilities such as elevator control and IP camera system integration. There is an app that remotely manages the access control system. Scalability: It's a highly scalable system that is suitable for small businesses to large enterprises with complex access control needs, including multi-site deployments. Integration: The ODYSSEY software solution only works with the Hartmann Access Control hardware. It provides integration capabilities with several video management software and elevator control. Photo badging is also included. Ease of Use: While powerful, ODYSSEY may have a steeper learning curve due to its comprehensive features, but it offers flexibility and customization options. Pricing: The software license is based on the number of doors supported. There is also a support program. Fusion-DNA: Fusion-DNA Access Control Software Features: Fusion-DNA is an interoperable, non-proprietary software that supports door control hardware from many vendors. Fusion-DNA supports many biometric door readers. It is compatible with RealNetworks's SAFR face recognition reader, BioConnect facial recognition readers, Idemia face and fingerprint readers, and the EyeLock iris authentication reader. It supports a variety of access controllers. For example, it is compatible with Mercury, SAFR, BioConnect, Idemia, EyeLock, Invixium, Aperio, ASSA ABLOY, Schlage, Domakaba, and Isonas controllers. Applications: This independent access control software is best used when multiple vendor's equipment is used in the access control system. It provides a choice of door hardware that fits specific applications. Scalability: Depending on the specific door control hardware, it can be used by small to large installations, offering scalability to meet the needs of different-sized businesses. Integration: Fusion-DNA works with many Video Management Systems (VMS) such as Ocularis VMS, Hexagon's Qognify VMS, Milestone,  and Wave. It also supports elevator controls, visitor management, and other security integration. Pricing: Pricing varies based on the specific requirements and scale of the deployment, with options for subscription-based or perpetual licenses. TVIPTirSoft Biometric: Biometric Access Control Software Features: TVIPTirSoft features support for a variety of biometric door readers. You can select from fingerprint, face recognition, palm, and finger-vein readers. It offers comprehensive access control and time attendance management features, including user management, access levels, credential management, event monitoring, and reporting. Scalability: It's scalable for small to large installations and is suitable for businesses of various sizes and industries. Integration: TVIPTirSoft only works with the Kintronics biometric door readers. It supports integrating specific camera systems, providing a seamless solution. Ease of Use: Known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, TVIPTirSoft is easy to set up and manage. Pricing: The software license is based on the number of doors supported. There are options for subscription-based or perpetual licenses. Summary of Access Control Software Comparison Each access control software solution has strengths and suitability for different use cases. The Isonas system is easy to install but has some limited functionality. The Hartmann enterprise solution provides an increased capability, while the biometric solution features increased security. Fusion-DNA software is the most flexible solution but is more complicated to install. The choice depends on factors such as the organization's specific requirements, budget considerations, security objectives, and integration needs. Kintronics can help you evaluate each solution to determine which best aligns with your access control objectives and operational requirements. If you would like help selecting the best access control system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 115 A guy goes to the doctor with a severe upset stomach. The doctor diagnoses a tapeworm, but says “not to worry”, he’s got a surefire cure. “Okay!” Says the guy, “When can you start? I can’t stand the thought of a tapeworm in me.” Doc says, “Okay. Drop your pants, lean over the table.” When the guy assumes, Doc suddenly rams a hot dog up there. Waits 15 seconds and rams a hardboiled egg up there. The guy is surprised to say the least, but Doc just tells him to come back tomorrow. Next day, same thing. Doc says, “Drop your pants, lean over the table.” Rams a hot dog up there. Waits 15 seconds and rams a hardboiled egg up there. The guy is surprised again, but Doc just tells him to come back tomorrow. This goes on for 6 days, and on the 7th, the guy says, “Hey Doc, I think the cure is worse than the tapeworm. I can’t take it anymore. Doc says, “No worries, it will all be over tomorrow.” Next day, the guy assumes the position. Doc rams a hot dog up there. Waits 15 seconds. Nothing. Waits 15 more seconds. Nothing. Waits 15 more seconds. Then when the tapeworm stuck his head and yelled, “Hey, where’s my boiled egg!?” Doc grabbed it and yanked it out! I hadn't seen my best buddy for a while and decided to call at his house to see how he was doing. He invited me in and I asked how things were “Not good to be honest,” he told me. “My wife went out, supposedly to get some milk, and then sent me a text saying she's left me and isn't coming back”. I was devastated for him and tried to sympathize… “ How are you coping?, I asked. He shrugged his shoulders and said “Well, ok I suppose… I've been using that powdered stuff.” A German Shepherd, Doberman, and a cat have died. All three are faced with God who wants to know what they believe in. The German shepherd says: "I believe in discipline training and loyalty to my master." "Good," says God. "Then sit down on my right side. Doberman, what do you believe in?" The Doberman answers: "I believe in the love, care, and protection of my master." Ah," said God. "You may sit to my left." Then he looks at the cat and asks, "And what do you believe in?" The cat answers: "I believe you're sitting in my seat." How do you get an old lady to swear? Get the old lady sitting next to her to shout bingo! I went out drinking on St. Patrick's Day, so I took a bus home. That may not be a big deal to you, but I've never driven a bus before. Wife: I'm leaving you. Me: Is it because I act like I know everything? Wife: Yes. Me: I knew it. I was on a train and this woman opposite looked at me and said "Every time you smile, I feel like inviting you to my place..." I asked, "Are you single?" She replied, "No, I'm a dentist." Knock knock.Who's there?Razor. Razor who?Razor hands, this is a stick-up! Use a Door Access Control System to ensure the wrong people don’t enter your organization. A drunk goes to court. The judge says, ‘You’ve been brought here for drinking.’ The drunk says, ‘Great. Let’s get started.’ The Thoughts of Steven Wright Why do psychics have to ask you for your name? If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried. A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it. The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research. The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard. The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up. The colder the x-ray table, the more of your body is required to be on it. Everyone has a photographic memory; some just don't have film. I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Access Control Q & A Questions and Answers about Door Access Control Access Control Q & A An IP Access Control System contains door readers, controllers, electric locks, credentials, and access control management software. Since we are a complete solution provider, we receive many questions about the technology. We have compiled some of the questions and provided answers that should be helpful. This article also includes reference articles to help you better understand the access control system. Q: What are the best door access control credentials? Door Access Control Credentials A: The credential can be a card, keyfob, smartphone, or a more secure system using a biometric credential. The best credential depends on the level of security you require. Proximity cards are the oldest type of credential, while SmartCards and mobile (smartphone) credentials are more secure. The most secure credential is a biometric credential that uses a person’s physical characteristics. Our article What are Door Access Control Credentials reviews the different credentials available. Q: How can I integrate access control and IP Camera Systems? A: Integration of the systems means that you can view doors that are being accessed on your access control system. This synergy allows for comprehensive monitoring, control, and response capabilities. There are several ways of integrating access control and IP Camera Systems. The most seamless method is to select an access control system with management software that includes the option for IP Camera System integration. Some Access Control Systems, such as the enterprise system from Hartmann Access Control, have built-in integration with many Video Management Software systems (VMS). This software is compatible with WAVE VMS and other video management software products. To learn more about integrating IP Camera Systems into a Door Access Control System, please read our article, How to Use IP Cameras With Access Control. Q: What are the benefits of an access control system? Benefits of Access Control A: Maybe an intruder or an unauthorized person entered the computer room, or inventory was stolen from the warehouse. Unfortunately, many decisions about access control occur after the event has occurred. Theft and safety are obvious benefits, but it turns out that access control systems offer several economic benefits to organizations, helping them reduce costs, improve efficiency, and protect assets. Please read our article, The Financial Benefits of Access Control to learn more. Q: What is the best way to control visitors to my organization A: Organizations can significantly decrease the risk loss by controlling who enters and exits the premises by adding visitor management to their access control system. Visitor management systems allow organizations to screen visitors before granting them access. This can include checking against watchlists, requiring visitors to complete health questionnaires, or signing legal documents like NDAs. To learn more, please read Visitor Management and Access Control Provide Enhanced Security. Q: How do I install an Access Control System? Access Control Installation Steps A: Installing door access control requires mechanical lock installation, wiring, door reader mounting, and management software. Access control systems are easy to install if you have installed other network-attached devices such as computers, IP cameras, or paging systems. One nice thing about the new access control systems is that you can install one door at a time. So, if you have a 16-door system, start with a trial door and then do the rest. For more details, please read our article, Access Control Installation. Q: Can the Access Control System control the elevators? A: Yes, elevators In multi-floor buildings can be made more secure by adding elevator access controls. These controllers determine who can reach specific floors. For example, we can ensure that only the approved people can get to the 3rd floor where the IT department is located. The people who work in accounting only have access to the third floor, while people in advertising can only go to the 5th floor. Floors that contain general areas, such as cafeteria or fitness center, would typically be available to everyone. Please read our Elevator Control Using Door Access Readers article for more details about controlling elevators. Q: What is the best access control system? A: To choose the best one, first, determine your objectives. Is it the cost, how easy it is to install, or the safety and security it provides? Reviewing your objectives before considering which access control system is best is essential. Once you know your goals, you can select the features and functions that meet these objectives. Some access control systems are easier to install, while others offer more capability. Do you need to control elevators or just a few doors? There are simple systems and enterprise access control systems to choose from. If you want help figuring out what is best, don’t hesitate to call us. Our technical group provides free consulting and selling at the best prices.   Please get in touch with us if you have more questions about access control systems. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IP Camera Systems Questions & Answers Answers to Questions about IP Camera Systems IP Camera Q & A We get many questions about IP camera systems and answer them daily. Here are some of the popular questions and answers. Q: What is the best camera for my application? A: The best IP Camera System meets your objectives. There are many different types of IP cameras. Each type of camera provides different capabilities and functions that meet specific goals. There are fixed cameras, pan, tilt, zoom cameras, low-light-level cameras, and AI-enhanced IP cameras. If you want to view a parking lot, you will require cameras different from those used to provide surveillance in a room. Each area has a unique requirement. To help you determine your objectives, look at Defining Your Objectives to learn more. Q: How much do IP Cameras cost? A: IP Cameras range in price from around $150 to over $3,000. The least expensive cameras provide less capability and performance than the more expensive variety. For example, you will pay more for a camera that can see in low light, has a high resolution, or includes an AI enhancement that can notify you if someone steals the laptop off the table. Please look at our article IP Cameras Price Versus Performance to learn more. Q: What are AI-enhanced camera systems? IP Camera Systems with AI A: AI-enhanced cameras are really a game changer in the surveillance business. The key benefit is that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can detect threats immediately. These IP camera systems automatically detect and provide alarms that prevent threats from becoming critical. AI enhancements are embedded in some IP cameras and are also available as software that enhances many video management software systems. Some examples of AI-enhanced software capability include gun detection, aggressive behavior, smoke and fire detection, and facial recognition. See our article IP Camera Systems With AI Protect People to learn more.   Q: How can I fix problems with my IP Camera System? A: There are several things you can do to correct problems with your cameras. For example, you can check if the camera has power, reboot the camera, check if the camera is connected to the network, use the "ping" command to check the connection, and if there is an IP conflict. There are more suggestions in our article, IP Camera System Troubleshooting. Q: What specifications should you look for when selecting your camera? A: The specifications determine the resolution, low-light capability, lens field of view, and many other characteristics that could be essential for your application. Before checking the specifications, ensure you know what is necessary for your application. For example, an outdoor camera may require better low-light capability than an indoor camera. You may need a wide-angle lens and a higher-resolution camera to cover a parking lot. Please read our article What IP Camera Specifications are Important to learn more. Q: What resolution is required to recognize a person? A: The resolution and field of view determine what you can see with your IP Camera. Field of View The resolution and field of view are interrelated factors that determine the clarity you see. As the field of view increases, you need more resolution to identify a person. Identifying a person you know requires less resolution than someone you don't. In many cases, you can recognize a person not only by their face but also by their clothes and how they walk. You require about 80 pixels/ft to recognize someone you know. The police would like a more objective (or forensic) identification. Forensic identification provides enough detail to compare the video to a picture of a person's face. You need much more resolution to identify a person you don't know. You require about 160 pixels/ft to recognize someone you don't know. Once we know the required pixels/ft and the field of view, we can calculate the camera's resolution. Please read our article The Field of View for IP Camera Systems to learn more about resolution and field of view. Q: Can cameras be used in environments with hazardous gas or dust? A: Cameras that are used in hazardous environments are placed into special enclosures that prevent explosions caused by the camera electronics. Explosion-proof systems are intrinsically safe in explosive gas or dust environments. They are designed for use in areas with a risk of explosion, such as refineries, gas pipelines, oil tankers, offshore platforms, industrial processes, chemical industries, etc. To learn more, see Explosion-Proof Cameras and Enclosures If you have more questions or need help selecting the best IP camera, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 114 Sam died and left $50,000 in his will for an elaborate funeral.  As the last attenders left, Sam's wife, Rose, turned to her oldest friend, Sadie, and said: "Well, I'm sure Sam would be pleased." "I'm sure you're right" replied Sadie, who leaned in close and lowered her voice to a whisper: "tell me, how much did it really cost?" "All of it" said Rose. "50,000." "No!" Sadie exclaimed." I mean, it was very nice, but really.......$50,000?" Rose nodded. "The funeral was $6500. I donated $500 to the synagogue. The food and drinks for another $500. And the rest went towards the memorial stone."  Sadie computed quickly: "$42,500 for a memorial stone? Exactly how big is it?" "Seven and a half carats." Some Thoughts Great hide and seek players are hard to find. I'm taking steps to overcome my hiking addiction. I'm not out of the woods yet. My landlord wants to talk about my high heating bills. I told him my door is always opened. When you dream in color, it's a pigment of your imagination. Inspecting mirrors is a job I really see myself doing. I went to the paint store to get thinner.It didn't work. I wear memory foam insoles to remember why I walked into the next room. I made a chicken salad last night. Apparently the prefer grain. The doctor said I have high nitrates, so I'm switching to day rates. Do racehorses slow down when the see police horses? Please cancel my subscription to your issues. The Good Game At one point during a game, the coach called one of his 9-year-old baseball players aside and asked, "Do you understand what cooperation is? What a team is?""Yes, coach" replied the little boy."Do you understand that what matters is whether we win or lose together as a team?"The little boy nodded in the affirmative."So," the coach continued, "I'm sure you know, when an out is called, you shouldn't argue, curse the umpire, or call him an a**hole. Do you understand all that?"Again, the little boy nodded in the affirmative.The coach continued, "And when I take you out of the game so that another boy gets a chance to play, it's not an idiot decision or that the coach is crazy is it?""No, coach.""Good", said the coach. "Now go over there and explain all that to your grandmother. A woman called the florist shop to complain. She had just sent flowers to her daughter who had relocated her business because it was booming and needed to expand. "I ordered these flowers for her," the woman said, "and what you delivered had on the card 'Our Deepest Sympathy.' What do you have to say?" There was complete silence. "Well???" she asked again. "Sorry," the florist replied, "I was just thinking of the flowers we sent to the funeral home with the tag 'Best of Luck in Your New Location.'" A woman goes to the doctor. "Doctor, I have this problem with passing gas, but it really doesn't bother me too much. It never smells, and it's always silent. As a matter of fact, I've passed gas at least 20 times since I was here in your office. You didn't know I was passing gas because it doesn't smell, and it's silent. The doctor says, "I see. Take these pills and come back to see me next week." The following week, the lady goes back. "Doctor," she says, "I don't know what you gave me, but now my passing gas… although still silent, it stinks terribly." "Good", the doctor said. "Now that we've cleared up your sinuses, we'll start to work on your hearing. Some Questions: Do you know why ducks have flat feet?No.From stomping out forest fires!Do you know why elephants have flat feet?No.From stomping out burning ducks. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Advantages of an IP Intercom System IP Intercoms Provide Many Benefits Benefits of IP Intercoms IP (Internet Protocol) intercom systems offer numerous advantages over analog systems. There are one-to-one intercoms, many-to-one, and one-to-many configurations. This article reviews the different types of intercoms and describes the benefits of these systems. IP Intercoms are part of the family of IP Paging systems that provide audio over the Internet. IP Intercoms share the benefits of IP paging systems in that they use the network infrastructure for communication. Paging systems broadcast sound from one location to many IP speakers, while IP intercoms provide sound in both directions. You can learn more by reading our article How Network-Attached Audio Works. Here is a summary of the types of Intercoms available. One-to-One Intercoms IP Intercoms in an Office The one-to-one intercom configuration is the simplest to install. Two IP intercoms are connected to the network. This allows two locations to have a conversation. This connection can be used to talk to another person or control a door. Many Intercoms Connect to a Central Command Center The many-to-one configuration is excellent for schools, manufacturing, and door control. IP Intercoms in a School Multiple intercoms can talk to a central command location. For example, teachers in classes can reach the administration office by pushing a notification button. The command center can also broadcast an announcement to one or more intercoms attached to the network.   Some IP intercom systems include video so people can see the person they are talking to. For example, visitors and delivery people can be seen and heard at the central security station. Apartment Intercom with Video Connects to Many Smartphones The apartment intercom controls visitors to apartment houses and large organizations. Apartment Intercoms Apartment buildings or multi-tenant buildings use this type of configuration. The visitor can select the person they wish to talk to from a list on the touchscreen. This wireless IP intercom panel provides audio and video communication to the tenants. The user can see the person at the door and remotely open the front door. The Benefits of IP Intercoms Scalability: IP intercom systems can easily scale to accommodate the needs of different-sized facilities. Additional intercom stations or units can be added to the network without requiring significant infrastructure changes. Integration and Flexibility of IP Intercoms:  IP intercom systems support a variety of configurations and deployment scenarios. They can be integrated with other IP-based systems, such as access control, IP camera systems, and VoIP telephony, allowing seamless communication and enhanced security features. This integration enables advanced features such as video verification, door access control, and centralized monitoring. Centralized Management: IP intercom systems can be centrally managed from a single interface, enabling administrators to monitor activity and configure settings remotely. The centralized management software simplifies administration and ensures consistency across multiple locations. Cost-effectiveness: IP intercoms utilize existing network infrastructure, reducing installation and maintenance costs over time. Additionally, they offer features such as remote troubleshooting and software updates, further reducing operational expenses. Enhanced Audio and Video Quality: IP intercom systems deliver superior audio and video quality compared to traditional analog systems. Digital audio and video transmission over IP networks ensures clear, high-definition communication, even over long distances. Reliability and Redundancy are Part of the IP Intercom Systems: IP intercom systems can leverage redundant network infrastructure and power backup systems to ensure reliability and uptime. Additionally, many IP intercom solutions offer built-in failover mechanisms to automatically reroute traffic during network or equipment failures, minimizing downtime. IP Intercoms Provide Visitor Management: The IP intercoms can be used to control the entry of visitors or delivery people. Individual intercoms can be integrated with IP cameras so the security person can see and hear the person at the door. In apartment or multi-tenant buildings, visitors can use a touch panel to contact the person or department they plan to visit. IP Intercoms Increase Safety IP Intercoms integrated with IP Paging and IP Camera systems can provide an emergency notification system that can warn people of fires, dangerous weather conditions, active shooter, and other threats to safety.    Summary of the Benefits of IP Intercoms Several types of IP Intercoms are available. Simple one-to-one intercoms to sophisticated apartment intercoms provide improved safety and security. IP intercom systems offer a modern, flexible, and feature-rich solution for communication and access control needs in various environments, including commercial buildings, residential complexes, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and industrial sites. If you would like help selecting the best IP Intercom system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Visitor Management and Access Control Provide Enhanced Security Controlling Entry of Employees and Guests Provide Security Benefits Access and Visitor Control Systems In an uncertain world with societal, political, and legal challenges, we strive to create a safer environment. A safe world to work in, learn in, and live in. This article describes how technology can help provide a safe and protected environment where we can thrive. The Challenges of Securing Our World Access Control and Visitor Management Challenges Organizations such as schools, hospitals, corporations, and government facilities face increasing threats that can cause physical and economic harm to the organization—theft of property, injury of people, and intruder damage cause significant problems to the organization. It causes our insurance to rise and the organization to lose money. Reduced Risk of Theft and Vandalism is a crucial business choice: Organizations can significantly decrease the risk loss by controlling who enters and exits the premises and monitoring visitor movements. Access Control and Visitor Management Increases Safety Access control and visitor management systems play crucial roles in enhancing the safety and security of an organization by regulating who can enter and move within its facilities. They create a comprehensive approach to safeguarding people, assets, and information. Access Control Systems ensure only registered members can enter a facility, while visitor management systems control the visitors. Access Control Systems Door Access Control Access control systems have evolved from complex controller boxes with many wires to much simpler network-attached systems. The latest door control systems are easy to install and very effective in controlling entry. For example, the latest systems connect to the network and support many types of door readers. They can be managed from your smartphone, integrated with IP camera systems and intercoms, and control elevators and remote gates. Access control systems determine who can enter, what door they can use, and when. The access control system includes electric locks, credentials, door readers and controllers, and access control management software. They can also reduce insurance premiums. Visitor Management Systems Visitor Management System Visitor management systems allow organizations to screen visitors before granting them access. This can include checking against watchlists, requiring visitors to complete health questionnaires, or signing legal documents like NDAs. The latest visitor management systems reduce labor while improving security. Entry information can be sent to a person's smartphone. A QR code can be used to enter the organization, making the process simple and quick. Digital Check-In and Check-Out: The Kintronics' VMS automates the visitor entry process, allowing for digital check-in and check-out. This reduces wait times and eliminates the need for manual record-keeping, thereby enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Visitor Screening: The system includes a feature for advanced visitor screening, which can be tailored to include checks against watchlists or for specific health and safety assessments. This aspect is crucial for maintaining a secure environment. ID Scanning and Badge Printing: By automating the process of visitor identification through ID scanning and instant badge printing, the system ensures that all visitors are accurately logged and identified, reinforcing the security of the premises. Host Notifications: Kintronics' VMS automatically alerts employees via email or SMS about their visitor's arrival, thus streamlining internal communication. Benefits of Visitor Management and Access Control Reduced Risk of Theft and Vandalism: Businesses can significantly reduce the risk of theft and vandalism by controlling who enters and exits the premises and monitoring visitor movements. Insurance Benefits of Access Control and Visitor Management: Insurance companies assess risk based on the likelihood of an event and its potential impact. By implementing access control and visitor management systems, businesses demonstrate proactive risk management, making them less liable and potentially qualifying them for lower insurance premiums. Screening Visitors: Visitor management systems allow organizations to screen visitors before granting access. This can include checking against watchlists, requiring visitors to complete health questionnaires, or signing legal documents like NDAs. Identifying Visitors: By issuing visitor badges or electronic passes, these systems make it easy to identify who is a visitor and whether they are authorized to be in specific areas. This visibility is essential for maintaining security and safety. Controlling Visitor Access: Like access control for employees, visitor management systems can regulate where visitors can go within a facility. This ensures that visitors are only in areas where they have a legitimate reason to be. Summary of Visitor Management and Access Control Systems Together, access control and visitor management systems provide an integrated security approach. They ensure that only authorized individuals, whether employees or visitors, can access facilities and sensitive areas, monitor and log access for security and compliance purposes, and integrate with broader security measures for real-time response and investigation capabilities. This integrated approach significantly enhances an organization's overall safety, protecting against both external threats and internal vulnerabilities. If you would like help selecting the best door access and visitor management system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 113 I picked up a hitchhiker last night. He asked, how do you know I'm not a serial killer?I replied, "The chances of two serial killers in one car are astronomical." I taught my kids about democracy last night by having them vote on which movie to watch and which pizza to order.I then picked the movie and pizza because I'm the one with the money. A priest, a pastor, and a rabbit entered a clinic to donate blood. The nurse asked the rabbit, "What's your blood type?""I'm probably a type O," said the rabbit. I've opened a gym where the instructors go door to door to tell people about the benefits of joining. "What is it called?""Jehovah's Fitness." I never understood why a set of false teeth is called "dentures."They really missed an opportunity to call them "substitooths." In Jerusalem, a female journalist heard about a very old Jewish man who had been going to the Wailing Wall to pray twice a day, every day, for a long time. So she went to check it out.She went to the Wailing Wall, and there he was!She watched him pray, and after about 45 minutes, when he turned to leave, she approached him for an interview."Sir, how long have you been coming to the Wall and praying?""For about 60 years.""60 years! That's amazing! What do you pray for?""I pray for peace. I pray for all the hatred to stop and for all our children to grow up in safety and friendship.""How do you feel after doing this for 60 years?""Like I'm talking to a wall!" Some Puns A person assaulted me with milk, cream, and cheese! How DAIRY! The tree had a fascinating life until it ended up in the sawmill. Now it's board. A dung beetle walks into a bar. Has a look around and leaves. All the stools were taken. When two cows are ignoring each other, it means they have beef. A Long Joke A Scottish guy wanted a donkey for his young son....he spotted an advert for one for sale and went along to look at it.When he got to the farm, the farmer told him.'I'm really sorry...I'm afraid the donkey died last night'...'OK....so how much are yee asking for it'?'Sorry? I just told you it's dead'!'Aye...I heerd yee...so how much d'yee want fer it'?Very patiently, the guy explains very slowly.'The....donkey...is ...dead'.'AYE...I heerd yee!...Look...I'll give yee £20.00 for it...noo is it a deal or no'?So the farmer asks ( as you might ).'what the hell are you going to do with a dead donkey'?'I'll sell it'!...'b..b...you can't sell a dead donkey'!'Watch me'.So he loads up the dead donkey and goes on his way.A month or so later, the farmer bumped into the guy at the local market.'How did you get on with the Donkey'?'I did very well...I got over £6000.00 fer it'!'WHAT!? How the hell did you do that!?''I sold raffle tickets at £10.00 each...I sold 650 of 'em'!'Sweet Jesus!...didn't anybody complain that the poor bugger was dead'?'Aye...the guy that won did...so I gave him a refund'. Who is Working? The population of this country is 300 million.60 million are retired.That leaves 240 million to do the work.There are 95 million in school.Which leaves 145 million to do the work.Of this there are 22 million employed by the government.Leaving 123 million to do the work.61 million are disabled.Leaving 62 million to do the work.15 million are collecting unemployment.Leaving 47 million to do the work.40 million are of working age, but not working and not actively looking for work.Leaving 7 million to do the work.2.8 million are in the armed forces.Which leaves 4.2 million to do the work.At any given time there are 900,000 people in hospitals.Leaving 3,300,000 to do the work.Now, there are 3,299,998 people in prisons.That leaves just two people to do the work.You and me.And there you are,Sitting on your ass,reading jokes.. After five long years of studying, a student comes rushing into Einstein's office shouting..."Sir, Sir, I finally understand your theory of Special Relativity!"Einstein rolls his eyes, "It's about time." "May ya live as long as ya want, and not want as long as ya live," is an Irish toast."Bread, eggs, cinnamon, and maple syrup" is a French toast. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How to Select the Best Access Control Components Your Access Control Objectives are the First Step in Getting What You Need Access Control System Components There are many access control systems available. It can be challenging to decide on the best one for you. This article guides you on the best way to determine the access control components that are right for you. Defining your objectives is the first process for determining the best access control system. The Components of The Access Control System The access control system consists of five primary components. Credentials Door readers, Door Access controllers, Electric locks, credentials, Access control management software Access Control Selection The first step is to define what you need. Here are some questions to ask that will help you determine your objectives and requirements: Credentials Let's start with the credentials you would like to use because this will define the type of door reader you require. The Credentials are used to enter the door. The door credentials can be cards or keyfobs. These cards are available with 26-bit and 125KHz frequencies or the more secure 128-bit and 13.56 MHz format. They can also be mobile credentials that use your smartphone as the credential or biometrics such as your face or fingerprint. Card credentials are sometimes referred to as "prox cards." They are compatible with most door readers. Physical cards can include printed information to be used as an identification card. This is the oldest type of credential. Smart cards are the most secure type of card credential. The security concern is that a card can be lost or given to another person.   Mobile Credentials: use your smartphone as the credential. Smartphone credentials are considered more secure because people tend not to give their phones to someone else. Biometric Credentials: Identify a person by human characteristics such as face or fingerprint. This is the most secure type of credential since it relies on a person's characteristics and it can't be lost or easily copied. Door Readers IP reader-controllers Once you know the type of credential, you can select the door reader. Some only read cards, while others can read cards and smartphones. The more expensive door readers can read a person's biometrics. Electric Locks There are two types of electric locks. There are Magnetic or Mag locks and Electric Strikes. Magnetic locks are used in high-security areas where you must monitor people's movement in and out of the door. Since people must use their access cards in both directions, you can track who enters and leaves a secure area. They are easy to install but require special wiring if there is a need for an emergency exit. They must conform to local fire and safety regulations. Electric strikes may require installation assistance from a locksmith. They are used to secure outer and inner doors but do not prevent egress from an area like the magnetic lock. It replaces the fixed strike place in a standard lock. The strike must be selected based on the door type, so it's always important to ask an experienced company for advice before choosing the strike. Door Controller Door Controllers The Controller compares the credentials presented to the reader to the registered list. There are several types of controllers. Some can control multiple door readers or are built into the door reader. Access Control Management Software Access Control and IP Camera Integration The Access Control Management Software provides registration functions and manages the list of users. Door access management software is an essential part of your access control system. It allows you to manage the door readers in your organization, enter credentials for each person, and manage all the people who will use the doors. The access control management software is an essential part of the system. The software allows you to enter all the people who can enter the facility. It provides the user registration function and enables you to manage everyone on the list. It lets you control who can enter, when, and what door they can use. More Things to Consider Size of your business:  You may only need a simple system with a few doors if you have a small business. You may need a more complex system with more features if you have a larger organization with multiple locations. Security needs:  There are some other things to consider. For example, what level of security do you need? How important is security to you? If you need a high level of protection, you will need a system with biometric or multi-factor authentication and passback control. You may select a system supporting elevator control or smartphone mobile credentials. If security is not as important to you, you can choose a basic system with card or key fob access. Door Access Control Scalability: There are some other things to consider. For example, do you want to start with one door and add more doors and users as your needs grow? Some systems make it easy to start with one door reader and incrementally add additional doors. Integration of Access Control and Other Security Systems: Check if the access control system can integrate with other security and building management systems, such as IP camera systems, alarms, intercoms, and visitor management software. Do you want to control elevators or entry to a parking lot? The type of access control system can determine if you can control more than just the doors. Cloud or On-Site Software Management: Cloud or On-Site Access Control You can also choose systems that provide Cloud and on-premises management. A cloud system offers remote management capabilities, allowing administrators to monitor and manage access from anywhere. Please read our article Access Control Management Software: Cloud Versus On-site for more information. Summary of Selecting the Best Door Access Control System for You The best door access control system is the one that meets your specific requirements. By answering the questions regarding the credentials, door readers, and management software, you can define the best system for your application. To learn more about selecting your Access Control System, take a look at our video Access Control, It is always a good idea to talk to an expert in access control. At Kintronics, we have experts in door access control who can review your needs and suggest the best access control system. If you want help selecting the best door access system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else or use our contact form. ### IP Camera Systems: Proprietary Versus Open Systems Comparison of Open to Proprietary IP Camera Systems Open Versus Proprietary IP Camera Systems An IP Camera system includes network-attached IP Cameras, the PoE network, and Video Management Software or Network Video Recorder. IP Camera Systems have historically been designed as "open systems" with many manufacturers' cameras and video recording software. A few manufacturers have bundled IP cameras into their VMS solutions and provided proprietary systems. They have traded easy implementation for flexibility. This article describes and compares open systems to proprietary IP Camera System solutions. Proprietary IP Camera Solutions  Verkada, Rhombus, and others provide an integrated surveillance solution that utilizes proprietary cameras and devices. Here are the pros and cons of this type of solution: Proprietary IP Camera System Pros of Proprietary IP Camera Solutions Integrated Solution: Proprietary systems often offer seamless hardware and software integration, ensuring that all components work together without compatibility issues. Dedicated Support: Manufacturers provide support for their specific products, which can lead to more efficient troubleshooting and technical assistance. Cons of Proprietary IP Camera System Solutions Limited Flexibility: Users are typically limited to the cameras and software from the same manufacturer, reducing the options for upgrades or integration with other systems. Higher Cost: Proprietary systems can be more expensive in initial setup and long-term maintenance due to the lack of competition within the ecosystem. Vendor Lock-in: Being tied to a single vendor for upgrades, repairs, and expansions can be limiting and potentially risky if the vendor discontinues a product line or goes out of business. Less Innovation: Closed systems might not adapt as quickly to market changes, potentially lagging in the latest technological advancements. Proprietary IP Camera System Summary Proprietary IP Camera Systems provide advantages for people who want an integrated solution from a single manufacturer. Unfortunately, closed systems lock you into a single source that limits technology advances offered by competitive solutions. Open IP Camera System Solutions An open IP Camera System uses IP cameras from many manufacturers and recording solutions that provide on-site or cloud video storage. Open IP Camera System Pros of Open IP Camera Solutions Flexibility and Scalability: Open systems allow for a mix-and-match approach, enabling integration with various products from different manufacturers. A specific solution can be created that meets your exact requirements. There are covert hidden cameras and long-range night vision cameras available. Depending on your requirements, you can select cameras that cost between $150 and over $20,000. Cost-Effective: They often offer more competitive pricing due to a broader range of product options and competition. You can select cameras for each surveillance situation instead of selecting from a few camera models. Adaptability: Open systems can quickly adapt to new technologies and innovations, as they are not restricted to a single manufacturer's roadmap. Future-Proofing: Upgrading or expanding an open system is generally more straightforward and less costly, as it's not limited to proprietary components. For example, it is easy to add the latest AI-enhanced camera solutions. Cons of Open IP Camera Solutions Compatibility Issues: Mixing products from different manufacturers can lead to compatibility challenges, requiring more system integration and configuration effort. However, compatibility issues can be eliminated by selecting cameras that conform to the industry standard ONVIF specification. Varied Support Quality: Support can be inconsistent or fragmented, as it may have to come from multiple vendors with varying degrees of service quality. But, support can be easily managed by using a system integrator such as Kintronics. Potential for Complex Setup: Setting up an open system can be more complex, requiring a deeper understanding of the different components and their interaction. A system integrator can help design, install, and support your system.   Open IP Camera System Summary Open IP Camera Systems are available from many different manufacturers and system integrators. They provide flexibility and cost benefits that aren't available from a closed proprietary system. For example, there is a wide choice of IP Cameras, from fixed cameras to specialized long-range PTZ cameras that operate in total darkness. You can select systems that include very high-resolution cameras with very low-light level capability and sophisticated AI-enhanced cameras that detect anomalies, suspicious activities, or objects of interest, enhancing security and enabling faster response to potential threats. Summary Open Versus Closed IP Camera Systems The choice between a proprietary and an open system depends on specific requirements like integration ease, budget, flexibility, and security concerns. Proprietary systems offer a more controlled environment but don't have the flexibility to meet particular needs or the ability to add the latest camera and software solutions easily. If you would like help selecting the best IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 112 'Big John' rides into town. He ties his horse up outside the saloon, fires six rounds into the air, boots the doors almost off their hinges, and in he goes. "Beer"! he demands from the barman. He brings the glass to his mouth, and just before gulping it all down in one go, he glares at the barman, slams his fist down on the bar, and lets it be known to all in the saloon that 'THIS BEER IS FREE.' "Because if it's not, the same thing's gonna happen in this bar and this town as in Dodge in the summer of '87". Drink after drink the same threat… "If it's not FREE beer I'm drinking here, then it's Dodge City all over again. Haaarrrrr'! He eventually staggers back out to his horse, where a nervous patron picks up enough courage to ask, "So tell me, Big John… What really happened back in Dodge City in the summer of '87?" "I had to pay for it then." A blind man takes his Seeing Eye dog into a bar. He picks the dog up by the tail and swings him around his head in a circle. "What are you doing?" the bartender asks. "I'm just looking around," he replies. Corny Jokes What did the full glass say to the empty glass? You look drunk. What's a potato's favorite form of transportation? The gravy train What did the right eye say to the left eye? Honestly, between you and me something smells. Why does a Chicken Coop only have two doors? Because if it had four, it'd be a Chicken Sedan! Can a kangaroo jump higher than a house? Of course. A house doesn't jump at all! John invited his mother over for dinner one evening. During the meal, she couldn't help but notice how attractive his roommate Judy was. She had been suspicious of a relationship between her son and his roommate for quite some time, but this only made her more curious. She watched the two of them interact over the course of the evening and began to wonder whether there was more between John and Judy than met the eye. Realizing only too well what his mother was thinking, John said, "I can see your wheels turning, Mom, and I know what you're thinking. Rest assured, Judy and I are strictly roommates." A few days later, Judy went to John and said, "You know the beautiful silver gravy ladle? Well, ever since your mother came to dinner I can't seem to find it. You don't think she would have taken it, do you?" "I doubt it, but I'll write her a letter just to be sure," replied John. John then sat down and wrote his mother the following letter: "Dear Mom, While I'm not saying you 'did' take a gravy ladle from my house, and I'm not saying you 'didn't' take a gravy ladle, the fact remains that ever since you were here for dinner, one has been missing. Love, Your son." Several days later, John received a reply from his mother, which read: "Dear John, While I am not saying you 'do' sleep with Judy, and I'm not saying you 'don't' sleep with her, the fact remains that she would have found the gravy ladle by now if she were sleeping in her own bed. Love, Mom." Some Silly Jokes Why was the computer cold?It left its Windows open! Why do programmers prefer dark mode?Because light attracts bugs! A friend was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door as he always is to shake hands. He grabbed my friend by the hand and pulled him aside. The Pastor said to him, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!" My friend replied, "I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor." Pastor questioned, "How come I don't see you except at Christmas and Easter?" He whispered back, "I'm in the secret service." A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel after a large chess tournament. Rather than going to their rooms, the group stayed together in the lobby discussing the day's events and recent victories. After an hour, the hotel manager entered the lobby and asked them to disperse. "But why?" they asked. The manager answered, "Because I can't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer." I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Tech Advances in IP Camera and Access Control Systems of 2023 Technical Advances in Access Control and IP Camera Systems Enhanced Security Tech Review of 2023 In 2023, several technological advancements significantly impacted surveillance cameras and access control. IP Camera Systems were enhanced by AI systems, and Access Control used more secure biometric and mobile credentials. This article reviews some of the technical advances realized in 2023 that increased our security. IP Camera System Technology of 2023 The top four surveillance trends of 2023 were AI-powered security cameras, edge recording, cloud storage, and advanced analytics. The advances in IP camera systems improved security and safety. AI and Machine Learning Increased the Effectiveness of IP Camera Systems AI systems are defined as those that can learn from experience. Physical crises are automatically detected and provide alarms that prevent threats from becoming critical. Smart IP Camera Systems Integrating AI and machine learning algorithms into surveillance systems provided more intelligent and rapid responses to dangers. Features like facial recognition, object detection, and unusual behavior detection became more accurate and efficient. AI-enhanced cameras could now analyze real-time video feeds, responding quicker to potential security threats. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was built into to IP cameras and added to the video management software controlling many cameras. The significant advantage of AI-enhanced camera software included slip and fall, catalytic converter theft, aggressive behavior, and enhanced motion detection. It could even detect a person carrying a gun in real time. Read more about Safeguarding Campuses: The Integration of AI Gun Detection and Behavioral Analysis for Enhanced Security. Edge Storage for IP Cameras The Increase in storage capacity of IP cameras provided longer local recording times. This allowed cameras to provide surveillance in remote locations without connection to the network. Cloud Storage of IP Cameras WiFi and Internet speed improved the performance and capability of remote cloud video storage. This provided increased data security and a centralized storage system for multiple locations. The number of cameras a cloud system can support is directly related to the available bandwidth. The number of cameras supported was increased by adding local storage that buffered and stored important video information. Learn more at Cloud Video Surveillance Systems. Advanced Analytics IP Camera Systems With better processing power and AI algorithms, surveillance software provided more focused analytics and reporting, helping in predictive analysis and aiding law enforcement and security professionals in decision-making. Learn more about the latest Video Management Software (VMS). Door Access Control Technology for 2023 In 2023, several technological advancements significantly impacted Door Access Control Systems, enhancing their functionality, security, and convenience. The top three trends in access control were using biometrics as a credential, mobile credentials that used your smartphone as the credential, and cloud-based software management systems. Access Control 2023 Biometrics as the Credential Using biometrics for access control, such as fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and iris scanning, became more widespread. These methods offer a higher level of security than traditional keycards or PINs as they are unique to each individual and very difficult to duplicate or share. Smartphones as the Credential The integration of access control with mobile devices gained popularity. Users could unlock doors using smartphones. This convenience eliminated the need for physical keys or cards and allowed for remote management of access permissions. The latest mobile credentials provide several optional identification modes. For example, you can wave the smartphone over the door reader, wave your hand over the reader (while the phone is in your pocket), or just walk close to the reader. Learn more about mobile credentials. Cloud-Based Access Control Management The shift towards cloud-based access control solutions provided scalability, remote management, and data analytics advantages. Administrators could manage access permissions from anywhere, and data collected from access events could be analyzed for patterns and anomalies. On-site Access Control Software is the classic model of providing a perpetual license, allowing you to run the software on your computer. Cloud software runs on a remote server and is provided under a monthly or yearly subscription plan. To learn more about cloud and on-site software, read our article,  Access Control Management Software: Cloud Versus On-site. More Access Control Developments Other technological advances included card credentials that used improved encryption, contactless door entry that used face recognition, and, as a result of our experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, temperature-measuring qualification for door entry. See our article Door Readers for Everyone to learn more about door access control. Summary of Technical Advances in 2023 Technical advances in 2023 enhanced the performance of IP cameras and access control systems. Cameras became more intelligent, resulting in faster responses to security threats. Door access control became more secure through the increased use of biometric door readers and mobile credentials. If you want help selecting the best door access system or IP camera system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### How Access Control Improves Safety Access Control Creates a Secure Environment Access Control Safety Access control is a critical component in enhancing security for various environments, including businesses, educational institutions, government facilities, and residential areas. It refers to the selective restriction of access to a place or other resource. This article describes several ways in which access control improves security: Door Access Control Restricts Unauthorized Access: Access control systems ensure that only authorized personnel can enter specific areas. This is particularly important for sensitive areas where confidential information or valuable equipment is stored. By limiting access to the organization, it prevents criminals and other dangerous people from entering. Customizable Access Permissions Provide Individual Control of Entry: These systems allow for customizable access permissions, meaning different individuals or groups can be granted varying levels of access depending on their role or clearance level. This prevents the wrong people from entering the IT department and other sensitive areas. Door Access Control Provides Monitoring and Tracking: Modern access control systems often include monitoring capabilities, enabling the tracking of who enters and leaves a space. This feature is crucial for investigating security breaches or unauthorized access. Integration with Other Security Systems: Integration of Access Control and IP Camera Systems Access control can be integrated with other security systems like IP Camera Systems, Intercoms that control visitors, and fire control systems. This integration provides a comprehensive security solution that can respond more effectively to potential threats. Visitor Management Systems can be integrated with Access Control to control who enters an organization. Visitor Management Software has become more sophisticated and can schedule visitors using QR codes. They can also use a person’s license to query remote blacklist databases. Intercoms at remote doors can control entry. The latest IP intercoms allow security personnel to talk and see the person at the door. Access Control Credentials Eliminate Traditional Keys: Traditional physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. Electronic access control systems use keycards, biometrics, or mobile credentials, which are more difficult to duplicate and can be quickly deactivated if compromised. To learn more about credentials read our article, What are Door Access Control Credentials. Door Access Control Credentials Time-based Access Control Restrictions: Access can be restricted based on time, allowing entry to specific individuals only during specified hours. This is particularly useful in settings like offices or schools, where access to the building might be restricted after working hours. Remote Control and Administration: Administrators can remotely control access points and modify permissions as needed. This flexibility is essential for responding to changing security needs without physically altering access points. Deterring Unauthorized Personnel: Access control systems are a deterrent to potential intruders or unauthorized individuals, as they are aware that their attempts to gain entry are likely to be monitored and recorded. Providing a Safe Working Environment: For employees, knowing that their workplace is secure with controlled access can improve morale and decrease anxiety about personal safety. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: Access control is necessary in some industries to comply with regulatory standards regarding data protection, privacy, and physical security. Summary of How Access Control Improves Safety Access control is a versatile and effective tool for improving security. By managing who can access certain areas, tracking movements, integrating with other security systems, and using advanced technologies like biometrics, access control systems provide a robust defense against unauthorized access and enhance overall security. If you want help selecting the best door access system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 111 Paddy says to Mick,–I found this pen,is it yours?Mick replies:–Don't know, give it here.He then tries it and says,–Yes, it is!Paddy asks:–How do you know?Mick replies: –That's my handwriting! A 17-year-old boy who works part-time at Pizza Hut drives up to park in front of his house in a beautiful Porsche.  Naturally, his parents know that there's no way he earned enough with his after-school job to buy such a car. "Where did you get that car?" his mom and dad screamed in shock. "I bought it today," replied the teen calmly. "With what money, young man?" his mom demands. "We know how much a Porsche costs, and you cannot afford it!" "Well, it's used, and I got a good deal," says the boy, "This one cost me 20 dollars." "Who on earth would sell a car like that for 20 dollars?!" "The woman up the street," the boy replies. "I don't know her name–she just moved in. She ordered a pizza, and when I delivered it, she asked me if I wanted to buy a Porsche for 20 dollars." The boy's dad and mom hurry to their new neighbor's house, ready to demand an explanation. Curiously, their new neighbor is calmly planting flowers in her front yard. "I'm the father of the kid you just sold a sports car to for $20," the dad says. "I need an explanation from you!" "Well," the woman says, not looking up from her garden. "This morning, I got a phone call from my husband. I thought he was on a business trip in Florida, but it seems he has run off to Hawaii with his secretary and doesn't intend to come back." "What on earth does that have to do with selling our son a Porsche for $20?" The boy's mom asks, utterly perplexed. The new neighbor smiles very big and pauses for a minute. "Well, my husband asked me to sell his new Porsche and send him the money. So, I did. Jesus was walking around Heaven one day. In a small, secluded garden, He saw an older man crying. Alarmed, Jesus ran to him and said, "Hey, now, what's all this? This is paradise. There should be no tears or sorrow." The old man wiped his tears and said, "Oh, I know. I'm sorry. But… well, many years ago, a son came to me through… well, let's say 'mysterious circumstances.' After many trials, he underwent a miraculous transformation, and a book about him became known the world over. I thought I would find him here, but I haven't. I'm afraid I'll never see him again." Wide-eyed, Jesus looked at the man and said, "Wait a minute… You weren't, by any chance… a carpenter, were you?" The man looked up in surprise. "Why, yes. Yes, I was!" Jesus burst into tears of joy and held out His arms, saying, "Father!" The man cocked his head doubtfully and said, "Pinocchio???" How happy is the little Stone By Emily Dickinson (1830-86) How happy is the little StoneThat rambles in the Road alone,And doesn't care about CareersAnd Exigencies never fears —Whose Coat of elemental BrownA passing Universe put on,And independent as the SunAssociates or glows alone,Fulfilling absolute DecreeIn casual simplicity — Here is a Similar Poem Written by Chat GPT I asked ChatGPT to write a poem starting with "How happy is the little stone." In the stream where dreams take flight,A happy stone basks in soft sunlight.On the stone, a boy with cheer,Casts his hopes, thoughts sincere. With a fishing rod and a heart so light,He shares the day with the little stone bright.Together, they dance in nature's embrace,A tale of joy in this tranquil space. Oh, the joy of a happy little stone,In the company of a boy not alone.Together they weave a memory sweet,In the symphony of nature, a melody replete. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### The Evolution of Visitor Management: From Logbooks to QR Codes From Paper Logbooks to Automated Computer Visitor Management Systems History of Visitor Management Systems Introduction to Visitor Management: Visitor management has come a long way since the advent of computerized visitor management systems, transforming from traditional paper logbooks to modern, efficient systems prioritizing security and convenience. This evolution reflects the advancement of technology and the growing need for streamlined, automated, and more secure processes. In this article, we will explore the key milestones in the evolution of visitor management, highlighting the transition from manual sign-ins to digital solutions and the integration of smartphones and QR codes. This article reviews the history of Visitor Management Systems. Visitor Manual Sign-In with Logbooks: Before the 1990s, the standard method for tracking visitors involved a manual sign-in process using logbooks. Whether it was a corporate office, school, or event venue, visitors were required to provide their details in a physical book, including their name, purpose of visit, and the person they were meeting. While this method served its purpose, it lacked efficiency, security, and the ability to retrieve data quickly. Concierge and Computerized Sign-In Enhances Visitor Registration: As technology progressed, computerized systems brought a new efficiency level to visitor management. Concierge desks and reception areas began using computers to streamline the sign-in process. Visitors could now interact with a digital interface, providing their information on a computer or tablet. This not only improved the speed of registration but also enhanced the overall professionalism of the entry process. Visitors at Concierge Desk Badge Printing for Visitor Management Provides Enhanced Security: In the early 2000s, with the shift to digital sign-in, the integration of badge printing became a crucial step in visitor management. Instead of relying solely on handwritten visitor badges, organizations started using badge printers to generate professional-looking identification for each visitor. These badges often included a photo, name, and other relevant information, enhancing security and making it easier to identify authorized personnel. Smartphone Integration and QR Codes Streamline Visitor Management: After 2010, the widespread use of smartphones revolutionized visitor management once again. Many organizations adopted mobile-friendly solutions, allowing visitors to preregister using their smartphones before arriving on-site. Visitor Management QR Codes The introduction of QR codes has played a pivotal role in this evolution. Organizations have the luxury of planning by sending visitors a unique QR code via text or email. This provides advanced registration for their appointment. When guests arrive, they present their QR code and authentication key to a dedicated scanner. Along with capturing a live photo, they are digitally logged into the premises. This seamless and contactless process enhances efficiency and security while providing a more modern and user-friendly experience. ID Verification and Identifying Blacklisted Individuals Before Visitor Entry By 2015, many Visitor Management Systems added driver's license scanners. This allowed them to enter identification information into the Visitor Management software automatically. It also allowed the system to compare the ID to a government database. It enabled them to identify any blacklisted individuals.  Blacklists are databases containing information about individuals or entities deemed a potential threat or having a history of undesirable behavior. These include former employees with a misconduct record, individuals with a criminal background, parents prevented from seeing a child, or anyone deemed a security risk. Maintaining such lists aims to identify and mitigate potential threats preemptively. The Evolution of Visitor Management Conclusion: The evolution of visitor management reflects the ongoing commitment to improving security, efficiency, and user experience in various settings. From the humble logbook to the integration of QR codes and smartphones, the journey has been marked by advancements that prioritize both the facility's safety and the visitors' convenience. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further innovations in visitor management, making the process even more streamlined and secure. If you want help selecting your Visitor Management System, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Access Control Management Software: Cloud Versus On-site Pros and Cons of Access Control Software Location Cloud or On-Site Access Control What is the difference between cloud and on-premise Access Control Software? On-site Access Control Software is the classic model of providing a perpetual license, allowing you to run the software on your computer. Cloud software runs on a remote server and is provided under a monthly or yearly subscription plan. Here are some pros and cons. Location of Access Control Software: On-site access control management software is hosted on servers at the organization's premises. This can be within a company's data center or on dedicated hardware within the facility. The Hartmann Access Control Software is an example of this type of access control system. Cloud hosting of access control maintains the software in a remote server. The management screens are available through the Internet. The Isonas Access Control Cloud system is an example of this type of system. On-Site Access Control Management Software: Enterprise IP Door Access Control System Access: Local Access: Users typically access the system using devices connected to the local network. Remote access may be possible but often requires additional configurations like VPN (Virtual Private Network). Maintenance of the Access Control Software: In-House Maintenance: Maintenance and updates are managed by the organization's IT staff. This involves ensuring server security, updating software, and troubleshooting issues locally. Cost: Upfront Investment: Organizations may have higher initial costs as they must invest in servers, hardware, and infrastructure. Ongoing maintenance and update costs are also part of the equation. Control: Direct Control: Organizations directly control their access control system and data. This can be essential for companies with strict security and compliance requirements. Cloud-Based Access Control Management: Cloud Access Control and Management Hosting: Remote Servers: Cloud-based access control management software is hosted on remote servers managed by a third-party cloud service provider. The servers are typically distributed across multiple data centers. Access: Remote Access: With an internet connection, users can access the system from anywhere. This flexibility benefits organizations with distributed teams or those needing remote access. Maintenance: Vendor Responsibility: The cloud service provider handles server and software maintenance, updates, and security. This reduces the burden on the organization's IT staff. Cost of Each Access Control Service: Subscription Model: Cloud-based solutions follow a subscription-based model, where organizations pay recurring fees. This can lead to lower initial costs but ongoing expenses. Site License for On-site Access Control Management Software A site license is usually a one-time purchase, but monthly support and update fees are associated with this plan. Control of Access Control Software: Outsourced Control: While organizations control the access control settings and configurations, the physical infrastructure and server management are outsourced to the cloud provider. Management is provided through a portal to the remote software. On-site Door Access Control Software Requires a knowledgeable (trained) individual on the organization's staff. Access is provided on network-attached workstations or, in some cases, through a smartphone. Considerations for Cloud Versus On-Site Access Control Software: Security: Both on-site and cloud-based solutions can be secure, but organizations must implement best practices for securing access control systems and data. Scalability: Cloud solutions often offer greater scalability, allowing organizations to adjust resources based on their needs. On-site solutions may require additional hardware for expansion. Reliability: Cloud solutions benefit from redundancy and backup features from reputable service providers. On-site solutions rely on the resilience of the local infrastructure. Compliance: Depending on the industry and regulatory requirements, organizations may need to consider compliance factors when choosing between on-site and cloud-based solutions. Summary of Cloud Versus On-Site Access Control Management Software The choice between on-site and cloud-based access control management depends on organizational preferences, infrastructure, budget considerations, and the need for remote access. Each approach has its advantages, and the decision should align with the specific requirements and goals of the organization. If you want help selecting the best door access system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 110 A Lawyer named 'Strange' died and his wife asked the grave builder to inscribe on his grave:-"Here lies Strange, an honest man, and a lawyer." The grave builder insisted that such an inscription would be confusing and people would tend to think that three men were buried under the grave.However, he suggested an alternative: "Here lies a man who was both honest and a lawyer." That way, whenever anyone walked by the grave and read it, they would be certain to remark:"That's Strange !" A man is driving along a country road in England; both sides have fields. Suddenly, his car sputters to a halt. He gets out. In the closest field are two horses looking at him over a fence. The man opens the car's bonnet to look at the engine, suddenly he hears a male voice, it tells him to look at his spark plugs, he quickly looks about to see who has spoken, but he is alone, except for the two horses, a chestnut and a grey. The man bends down to tinker with the engine again, and once more, the voice tells him that it is definitely his spark plugs. He looks up again, then one of the horses looks straight at him and says "Why won't you listen? You need to replace the spark plugs". The man screams and runs for about a mile and a half down the road until he sees a pub. He runs in, and locals stop talking and stare at him. The Landlord wants to know what is wrong. After a quick drink to steady his nerves, the man tells the Landlord what happened. After giving him a strange look, the Landlord asked which horse spoke. The man said, "The chestnut." The Landlord sighed in relief and replied," Thank goodness for that. That grey knows nothing about engines". A senior citizen drove his brand-new Corvette convertible out of the dealership. Taking off down the road, he floored it to 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little gray hair he had left. Excellent, he thought as he flew down I-94, pushing the pedal even more. Looking in his rear-view mirror, he saw a state trooper behind him, lights flashing and siren blaring. He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120. Suddenly, he thought, "What am I doing?" I'm too old for this and pulled over to await the trooper's arrival. The trooper pulled in behind him, walked up to the Corvette, looked at his watch, and said, "Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a reason for speeding that I've never heard before, I'll let you go." The old gentleman paused. Then he said, "Years ago, my wife ran off with a state trooper. I thought you were bringing her back." "Have a good day, sir," replied the trooper  An aspiring young lawyer was sitting in his office late one night, when Satan appeared before him. The Devil told the lawyer "I have a proposition for you…" "You can win every case you try for the rest of your life. Your clients will adore you, your colleagues will stand in awe of you, and you will make embarrassing sums of money. All I want in exchange is your wife’s soul, your children’s souls, the souls of your parents, and grandparents, and the souls of all your friends and law partners." The lawyer ponders this for a moment, then finally asks: "So, what’s the catch?" Messy Room by Shel Silverstein Whosoever room this is should be ashamed!His underwear is hanging on the lamp. His raincoat is there in the overstuffed chair,And the chair is becoming quite mucky and damp. His workbook is wedged in the window,His sweater's been thrown on the floor. His scarf and one ski are beneath the TV,And his pants have been carelessly hung on the door. His books are all jammed in the closet,His vest has been left in the hall. A lizard named Ed is asleep in his bed,And his smelly old sock has been stuck to the wall. Whosoever room this is should be ashamed!Donald or Robert or Willie or— Huh? You say it’s mine? Oh, dear,I knew it looked familiar! I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Benefits of Visitor Management Systems Automated Visitor Management Systems make verifying, registering, and controlling visitors easy.  Visitor Management System A Visitor Management System (VMS) offers various benefits for schools, businesses, and other organizations in efficiently managing and tracking visitors. It augments the door access control system to increase facility safety. This article reviews some of the key advantages. Enhanced Security: Visitor management systems improve security by providing a systematic approach to visitor registration and tracking. It helps identify and monitor individuals entering the premises, enhancing overall safety. Visitor Management Software use a driver's license to check national databases. It can increase the security level of an office by monitoring a visitor blacklist, capturing visitor photos, and verifying their ID. An optional License Identification Scanner can provide efficient and accurate identification. The optional visitor management system can automatically check The National Criminal Records database. The results of this can be used to deny entry to visitors found on the government database.   Driver's License Access Control: Integration with access control systems allows organizations to regulate and control visitor access to specific areas. It ensures that visitors only have access to authorized locations within the facility. Some visitor management systems can be integrated with access control systems. For example, the TVIP-VisitorBio kiosk is a high-performance face recognition reader that includes body temperature and mask detection. The kiosk integrates with the TVIPTirSoft, which is access control management software that supports biometric door access control systems. By integrating the visitor management system into the access control system, you can ensure that the person can only enter specific controlled areas of the organization. The visitor badge can be used to open particular doors but not others.  It can even control an elevator so the visitor can only reach a specific floor. Visitor Management Kiosk Efficient Visitor Registration and Verification: Visitor management streamlines the visitor registration process, reducing wait times and making it more convenient for both visitors and staff. Some systems offer pre-registration features, further expediting the check-in process. Visitors can be verified in advance. The more sophisticated visitor management systems provide advanced registration for appointments. Visitors are sent a QR code that can be used for verification. When the visitor arrives, they present their QR code and their authentication key along with capturing a live photo, and they are digitally logged into the premises. The latest touchless entry control kiosk provides an easy way for visitors to verify an appointment using a QR code. QR code Increased Security Whether it is a school or a commercial facility, you can blacklist anyone to deter unwanted visitors from gaining access. For example, schools sometimes have to deny access to certain people whom the courts have restricted access to a child. All the information collected from a visitor can be compared with another database to ensure safety. Real-time Monitoring: The latest visitor management systems provide real-time monitoring of visitor activities within the premises. This helps security personnel stay informed about who is on-site, enhancing situational awareness. The visitor is automatically granted access to the building according to the access rights assigned to them by their meeting host. Compliance and Reporting: Visitor management software assists in compliance management by maintaining a record of visitor information. This helps to ensure that organizations meet regulatory requirements. It also generates reports for audits and analysis. Emergency Response: In the event of an emergency, a Visitor management system facilitates the quick and accurate identification of individuals within the facility, aiding in evacuation procedures and crisis management. The system can provide emergency evacuation notifications. Professional Image: An automated and easy-to-use Visitor Management system enhances the organization's professional image by providing a modern and efficient approach to visitor management. A well-organized system reflects positively on the business. Visitor Badge Printing: The more sophisticated visitor management systems provide the printing of visitor badges with essential details and expiration dates. Badges can be color-coded for easy identification and serve as a visual cue for security personnel. The system can also capture visitor photos to enhance security. Efficient Record-keeping: The latest Visitor Management systems maintain a digital record of all visitors, including their check-in and check-out times. This eliminates manual logbooks and ensures accurate and easily retrievable data. Badge Printer Better visitor management software allows you to run extensive reports from students to contractors to visitors. These reports can be exported in a CSV format or Excel format. These reports will enable you to review all the organization's visitors. Notification and Alerts: The system notifies hosts or relevant personnel when their expected visitors arrive, enhancing communication and ensuring a warm welcome for guests. Cost Savings: The more advanced visitor management systems reduce administrative costs associated with traditional visitor registration methods. It minimizes the need for paper-based systems, manual data entry, and dedicated staff for managing visitors. Summary of Visitor Management System Benefits A Visitor Management System is valuable for organizations looking to enhance security, streamline visitor registration processes, and maintain a professional and efficient environment. It also can save money because it makes registration of visitors easy and simple. The visitor management software can be integrated with door access control systems, temperature screening systems, IP camera systems, and other security systems that can keep your organization safe. If you want help selecting your Visitor Management System, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Safeguarding Campuses: The Integration of AI Gun Detection and Behavioral Analysis for Enhanced Security AI-Enhanced Camera Systems Increase Security at Schools Safeguarding Campuses In an era where safety concerns loom large, university campuses are at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technologies to ensure the well-being of their students, faculty, and staff. One groundbreaking advancement in this domain is the implementation of an AI-driven surveillance system designed to detect firearms and preemptively identify aggressive behavior, thus fortifying campuses against the threat of mass shootings. This article describes how artificial intelligence (AI) provides a powerful enhancement to IP camera systems. AI Gun Detection Using IP Camera Systems: The heart of this security initiative lies in state-of-the-art AI gun detection systems. Equipped with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms, these AI-enhanced  Camera systems can swiftly identify the presence of firearms in real-time. IP Cameras can be deployed across key areas of the campus, including entry points, common areas, and academic buildings. The AI-enhanced cameras seamlessly integrate with existing surveillance infrastructure to constantly monitor the environment. Gun Detection The AI gun detection system relies on a vast database of visual patterns associated with firearms. Through continuous learning, it refines its recognition capabilities, ensuring high accuracy in discerning the difference between harmless objects and potential threats. If a firearm is detected, the system triggers immediate alerts, notifying campus security and law enforcement for prompt intervention. Behavioral Analysis for Aggression Detection Using Cameras: Beyond gun detection, the system employs behavioral analysis algorithms designed to recognize patterns indicative of aggressive behavior. Using a combination of facial recognition, body language analysis, and voice modulation detection, the AI assesses the emotional states of individuals within its purview. The AI-Threat Detection system is trained to identify signs of distress, anger, or agitation, allowing it to intervene before a situation escalates. By recognizing precursor behaviors associated with aggression, the AI contributes to creating a safer environment and enables security personnel to proactively address potential threats. Proactive Prevention Using AI-Enhanced Technology: AI-Enhance Cameras for Threat Protection The synergy between AI gun detection and behavioral analysis creates a robust security infrastructure that is not solely reactive but also proactive in preventing potential incidents. Immediate alerts and responses are triggered, allowing security personnel to assess situations in real-time and take appropriate action. Moreover, the system facilitates a rapid response protocol, ensuring that law enforcement is swiftly informed and equipped with critical information. This proactive approach minimizes response times, potentially averting crises and safeguarding the well-being of the campus community. Ethical Considerations of Using AI-Enhanced Technology: While the implementation of AI-driven security systems raises questions about privacy and ethical considerations, universities emphasize the importance of striking a balance between safety measures and individual freedoms. Stringent privacy policies and transparency in system functionality are integral components, ensuring that the technology is used responsibly and with respect for civil liberties. Summary of AI-Enhanced Camera Systems Used in Educational The integration of AI gun detection and behavioral analysis into university security systems represents a significant leap forward in ensuring campus safety. By proactively addressing potential threats; universities are not only leveraging cutting-edge technology but also fostering an environment where students and staff can focus on learning without the constant specter of violence. If you want help selecting IP camera systems with AI, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 109 There was a poor old Irish cobbler whose shop was next door to a very upscale French restaurant. Every day at lunchtime, Mike, the Irish gent, would go out the back of his shop and eat his soda bread and maybe a kipper or piece of Irish blue cheese while smelling the wonderful odors coming from the restaurant's kitchen. One morning, the Irishman was surprised to receive an invoice in the mail from the adjoining restaurant for "enjoyment of food." Mystified, he marched right over to the restaurant to point out that he had not bought a thing from them. The manager said, "You're enjoying our food, so you should pay us for it." The Irishman refused to pay, and the restaurant took him to court. At the hearing, the judge asked the restaurant to present their side of the case. The manager said, "Every day, this man comes and sits outside our kitchen and smells our food while eating his. It is clear that we are providing added value to his poor food, and we deserve to be compensated for it." The judge turned to Mike and said, "What do you have to say to that?" The old Irishman didn't say a thing but smiled, stuck his hand in his pocket, and rattled the few coins he had inside. The judge asked him, "What is the meaning of that?" The Irishman replied with a mile-wide grin, – "I'm paying for the smell of his food with the sound of my money." An old lady got off the plane and went to the customs to be cleared. She held her bag which contained her belongings. "Do you have anything to show, Ma'am?" The customs officer asked. She dropped her bag for him to search. After the bag had been duly searched, he handed it back to her. "Anything else?" He asked. "No, Sire." She replied. "What is in that bottle, ma'am," he asked, referring to a bottle She dropped on the table. "Oh just some holy water. I am coming from Jerusalem." The officer opened it and took a sip. "This does not look or taste like water to me. Isn't this wine?" The lady's eyes widened. "Holy Mackerel and biscuits. Jesus has done it again!" The bellringer, Quasimodo (not to be confused with the real modo) has died, so the high muckity-mucks of the church are interviewing replacements. After a tedious, sleep-inducing motley crew of the unworthy, in slithers a man with no limbs. A Cardinal comes to attention, shocked & aggrieved. He tells the man, "Good sir, I am sorry, but you do not have the necessary qualifications.'. The man says, "Forgive me, Father, but allow me to show you my skill.'. The priest nods affirmatively. So the freak slithers back, springs from the floor & hits the bell with his face. Caught between horror & mirth, Cardinal responds, "I believe you do not have the ability to do necessary repetitions.'. "But,' the poor soul pled, "Watch, I'll prove to you I can do that again." So he slid back & upon springing forward, slipped on a wet spot on the floor, missed the bell & hurtled hundreds of feet down to certain death. The Cardinal ran down the stairs as a huge crowd gathered outside. At one point, a peasant asked him, "What happened, Father? Did you know this man?". The priest said, "No, but his face rang a. bell." A couple married for 40 years and celebrated their 60th birthday. During the celebration, a fairy godmother appeared. She said that she would give them one wish each because they had been such a loving couple all those years. Being the faithful, loving spouse for all these years, the wife naturally wanted her and her husband to have a romantic vacation together, so she wished for them to travel around the world. The fairy godmother waved her wand, and boom! She had the tickets in her hand. Next, it was the husband's turn, and the fairy godmother assured him he could have any wish he wanted. All he needed to do was ask for his heart's desire. He paused momentarily, then said, "Well, honestly, I'd like to have a woman 30 years younger than me." The fairy godmother picked up her wand, and boom! He was 90!! I found a bottle on the beach. As I was cleaning it, a genie popped out and said, you have one wish.I said, "I just want to be happy."Now, I'm living with six dwarves and working in a mine. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Alternative to Hikvision and other Banned IP Cameras How to Select IP Cameras that NDAA Does Not Prohibit Selecting Approved IP Cameras In 2022, the US government banned Hikvision, Dahua, and other Chinese-manufactured cameras. Unfortunately, they do not meet the requirements established by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and can't be sold to government agencies. Though this was a political move, it also recognized certain security risks associated with these cameras. Even though the Hikvision is no longer available, other camera manufacturers have equivalent cameras. This article provides alternative cameras with even better performance and a lower price. The US State Department had purchased thousands of the Hikvision cameras, and some were installed in US consulates worldwide. The US government is just getting around to replacing their Hikvision cameras with alternative, non-restricted ones.   Hikvision and Dahwa IP Cameras Hikvision, Hanwha, and Axis have product families with different capabilities and price points. The IP cameras range in price from around $150 to over $1,000. You can purchase low-cost, simple solutions and high-performance AI-enhanced IP cameras from manufacturers such as Hanwha and Axis. Hikvision Cameras Hikvision IP Cameras The Hikvision product families include Value Series, Smart, Intelligent, and Expert Series. The camera groups are defined by pricing and capability. The Value Series is the lowest-priced family with fewer features than the higher-priced models. For example, the model DS-2CD1143G2 is a 4 MegaPixel dome camera that sells for around $100. It has a fixed 2.8 mm or 4 mm lens and reasonable low-light capability.   The most expensive Intelligent Series includes higher resolution, AI-type features such as perimeter protection, People Counting, Heat Map, and Queue Management. For example, one of the more expensive fixed dome cameras (iDS-2CD75C5G0) includes a 12-megapixel resolution (4K), two-way audio, and a choice of 2.8 to 12 mm lens, with a 30 m IR range or 8 – 32 mm lens, with a 50 m IR range. It also includes an AI capability called "Deep Learning Function" to identify up to 30 faces. The camera provides some image enhancement but doesn't include the specialized Wide Dynamic Range that is available from other manufacturers. Hikvision also sells PTZ cameras with 42X zoom capability. One of the more expensive models has a resolution of 8-Megapixels and a Focal Length from 7.5mm to 315mm. The horizontal field of view is 60.4⁰ (wide) to 1.7⁰ (telephoto). The specs for the DS-2DF8C842IXG model "4K 42X DarkFighter IR Network Speed Dome" indicate a minimum illumination capability of 0.002 Lux. It also has an IR illuminator with a range of 500m IP Cameras that Conform to the NDAA Several camera manufacturers conform to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), effective August 13, 2019, specifically section 889.  This means they are the best choice for government projects that require products that comply with all government and international trade regulations. Hanwha IP Cameras WiseNet X-Series IP Cameras Hanwha has several families of cameras that match many of the capabilities provided by Hikvision. The large number of families allows the security person to select the camera that meets a specific application. In many cases, the cameras have better performance and cost less, so there's no reason not to use them. Hanwha families include the most expensive P Series, the X Series, the T Series, the Q Series, and the least expensive A Series and L Series. The A Series cameras, like the ANE-L7012R, are similar to the low-cost Hikvision models, except they feature IR illumination instead of white light, making them more covert. Both the Hikvision and Hanwha cameras have 120dB of Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), allowing them to be used when a bright background could wash out the foreground. Hanwha Q Series IP Cameras include enhanced features, such as intelligent video analytics, Wide Dynamic Range, Built-in IR, Hallway View, & WiseStream II.  The family has an affordable set of dome and bullet cameras, including 2-megapixel, 4-megapixel, and 5-megapixel cameras.  The 4 and 5-megapixel models have remote zoom and focus lenses yet are very inexpensive. The P Series is the top-of-the-line family from Hanwha. The cameras provide 4K resolution with excellent low-light capability. These cameras include Artificial Intelligence (AI-enhanced), allowing them to detect and classify people, vehicles, faces, license plates, and more in real time. PTZ Cameras provide unique capabilities and are excellent for viewing a large area and zooming in on an object far away. The Hanwha X Series PTZ camera has superior zoom, resolution, and long-range viewing capability. For example, the XNP-9300 has 4K resolution, an IR viewing range of 200m (656ft), a 30X optical zoom lens, and very low-light viewing capability. Selecting the Right IP Camera Summary of Alternatives to Banned IP Cameras  The article discusses the US government's ban on Chinese-manufactured cameras, including Hikvision, due to political and security concerns. It highlights the need for alternative security IP cameras that comply with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The article explains that even before the ban, security issues were recognized with Hikvision cameras, particularly their automatic router setting changes. The article introduces alternative camera manufacturers, such as Hanwha and Axis, offering various price points and capabilities. If you would like help selecting IP cameras that meet the NDAA requirements, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425 anywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Proactive Physical Threat Detection Proactive Security Uses AI-Enhanced Camera Systems to Increase Safety and Prevent Loss Proactive Security Systems What are your Safety and Security expectations? Do you want to be Reactive or Proactive? In a reactive system, the security person searches video after an event or incident. In a proactive system, the facility is actively monitored by an AI-enhanced camera system that sends alarms to security personnel. This article describes how a proactive security system works, why it is helpful, and how to install it.   Why Use a Proactive Security Camera System Proactive video systems are designed to prevent property loss or employee risk by detecting potential threats before an incident occurs. It provides immediate notification whenever a physical security threat is detected. Placing cameras around the site's perimeter allows analytics to detect and alert operators of intruders before they reach the protected property. The AI-enhanced camera systems can notify police so they can catch the offender red-handed instead of trying to work out what happened a day later. Theft, damage, and the loss of business continuity all cost money, so the system can pay for itself as soon as the first intruder is warned before the damage is done. A proactive system is a perfect solution for customers concerned about high insurance deductibles in the event of theft or injury or protection of critical infrastructure from potential damage or risk from loss of service. It's also helpful with high-value targets where a business needs to know about a potential threat immediately. Proactive video monitoring can augment guard services, saving customers thousands of dollars annually. Stores, utilities, logistics facilities, parking garages, residential communities, and construction sites can use these systems. How Proactive Camera Systems Work Proactive IP Camera Security system utilize AI-enhanced cameras and software. AI systems are defined as those that can learn from experience. How Artificial Intelligence is Used in a Proactive System IP Camera Systems with AI The term Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a broad term that includes many levels of machine intelligence. IP camera systems utilize Artificial Narrow intelligence (ANI). The ANI systems are typically very good at their specific job but can only do one thing. To learn more about AI, read our article, Detecting Threats using AI and IP Camera Systems. AI systems generally merge large data sets with intelligent processing algorithms and quickly run through multiple tasks in very little time. Here's an example of how an AI-enhanced camera system provides a Proactive Security System. Object Detection includes the identification and classification of objects. It enables Intrusion Detection, Occupancy, Counting, Smart Parking, Intelligent Traffic Management, and Thermal Screening. This engine also uses smart targeting. Action Detection is used for solutions like Fight/Violence/Assault detection/vandalism, Smoke and Fire detection, Slip and Fall detection, Detection of Suspicious Shopping Behavior that may result in shoplifting, catalytic converter theft, etc. Threat Detection: The Fusion of "Object" and "Action" Detection triggers Threat Detection. The combination of object (such as a weapon) detection and also the handling of it (action) generates the threat alert. When an alarm is detected, the AI software notifies the security personnel. This allows an immediate response to threats to safety and security. How Proactive Threat Detection Can Improve Security and Safety AI Enhanced Camera Systems Proactive threat detection contributes to overall security and safety by identifying potential threats before they escalate, ultimately reducing risks, costs, and the impact of incidents. Identifying Threats: Several security threats can be detected using AI-enhanced camera systems. For example, they can catch someone carrying a gun, increase safety in parking areas, identify a person in a crowd using face recognition, and notify Security if people are fighting or if someone falls and doesn't get up quickly. Alerting Security About Potential Threats: By identifying potential threats before they escalate, proactive threat detection allows organizations and individuals to take preventive measures, reducing the likelihood of incidents occurring in the first place. By notifying the proper authorities prior to escalation, this can ultimately decrease/stop damage and theft and even save lives. Stopping Disruptions Identifying and mitigating threats early can result in cost savings, as it prevents the need for expensive incident response, damage control, and recovery efforts. Enhancing Community Safety Proactive threat detection systems can contribute to overall community safety by helping to identify and mitigate threats in public spaces, transportation systems, and critical infrastructure. How to implement Proactive Security Systems Implementing a Proactive Security System can be very easy if you already have an IP Camera System. Your security team can add AI-enhanced camera software to most camera systems. The AI-enhanced software can be integrated with many Video Management Systems (VMS). If you do not have an IP Camera System, you can add IP Cameras with built-in AI capability or AI-enhanced software to your new IP Camera System. To add Proactive Security capability, follow these steps: Determine your IP camera needs: Identify the specific threats and vulnerabilities that your environment faces. Read the article How to Define Your IP Camera System to learn more. Define Your Objectives and Goals: clearly define what you want to achieve with proactive security systems. Your objectives could be to prevent unauthorized access, protect sensitive data, or enhance emergency response capabilities. Select Video Management Software that is compatible with the AI-enhanced software and cameras. Read the article How to Select the Right Video Recording System for Your IP Camera System to learn more. Consider the type of AI enhancement you require. You can select AI-enhanced cameras, AI-perimeter awareness, or AI-enhanced threat detection. Summary of Proactive Threat Alerts The article discusses the importance of proactive security systems, highlighting the benefits and the working principles. It emphasizes the advantages of using AI-enhanced camera systems for proactive threat detection. The article reviews why proactive camera systems are used, how they work, the benefits of these systems, and how to install a proactive security system in your organization. If you would like help selecting the right IP camera system with AI, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425 anywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 108 A wife got so mad at her husband she packed his bags and told him to get out. As he walked to the door she yelled, "I hope you die a long, slow, painful death."He turned around and said, "So, you want me to stay?" My boss was honest with me today. He pulled up to work with his sweet new car this morning and I complimented him on it. He replied, "Well, if you work hard, set goals, stay determined and put in long hours, I can get an even better one next year." A Husband and Wife at Custody court. The judge looks sternly at the ex-wife.Judge: "Why do you think you deserve custody of the child?"Ex wife: "I brought him into this world so I should have custody of him."Judge: "That is a simple yet good reason."Then the judge looks towards the Ex husband.Judge: "Why do you think you deserve custody of the child, sir?"The ex-husband thought long and hard about his response, after a brief moment of silence, he replies, "If I put money into a Pepsi machine and a Pepsi comes out. Is it mine or the machines?" This morning at about 7:45, I was in a long line at a grocery store that opens at 8:00 for senior citizens only.A young man came from the parking lot and tried to cut in at the front of the line, but an old lady beat him back into the parking lot with her cane.He returned and tried to cut in again but an old man punched him in the gut, then kicked him to the ground and rolled him away.As he approached the line for the third time he said, "Look, if you don't let me unlock the damn door you're never going to get in there!” My wife's birthday is in two days, and she told me that she would be happy as long as I get her something with a lot of diamonds in it.She's gonna love this pack of playing cards. Short Jokes I like jokes about stationery but rulers are where I draw the line. There should be confetti in tires so when there is a blow-out it’s still kind of an okay day. Bread is a lot like the sun. It rises in the yeast and sets in the waist. Geology rocks but geography is where it’s at. Proof that the world is flat: 70% of the earth is water and virtually none of it is carbonated. So the earth is, in fact, flat. I was walking past a farm and a sign said, “Duck, eggs.” I thought, that’s an unnecessary comma. And then it hit me. A lawyer said to a judge, “My client is trapped inside a penny.” The judge said, “What?” and the lawyer said, “He’s in a cent.” Two men are on opposite sides of the river. The first man shouts, “How do I get to the other side of the river?” The other man shouts back, “You ARE on the other side of the river.” What did one tectonic plate say when it banged into another?Oops, that was my fault! What kind of tree can be placed into your hand?A palm tree. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. Summer wasn’t bad either. I wanted to take a bath, but then decided to leave it where it is. I try not to tell dad jokes, but when I do, he thinks they’re funny. Fire and Ice by Robert Frost Some say the world will end in fire,Some say in ice.From what I’ve tasted of desireI hold with those who favor fire.But if it had to perish twice,I think I know enough of hateTo say that for destruction iceIs also greatAnd would suffice. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Enhancing School Safety With Technology How Technology Can Improve Safety in Schools Technology to Protect Schools Ensuring students, teachers, and staff safety and security within educational institutions is paramount in today's rapidly evolving world. IP camera systems, door access control, and visitor management have emerged as powerful tools to enhance school safety in many ways. This article explores how these systems contribute to a safer learning environment: IP Camera Surveillance Systems Provide Immediate Notification of School Threats: Installing IP cameras throughout the school premises can help monitor activities and identify potential threats. Advanced AI camera systems can provide real-time monitoring and alert security when a fight occurs, someone is carrying a gun, or someone falls. You can also add facial recognition capabilities to identify individuals of interest. These security alerts can automate lockdowns. AI-Software for IP Cameras The new AI-enhanced IP camera systems include perimeter and situational awareness. These intelligent camera systems provide instant notification of threats. Read more about AI-enhanced IP Camera Systems. Access Control Systems Protect the School: Implementing access control systems with keycards or biometric authentication can restrict unauthorized entry into school buildings. These systems can also track who enters and exits, providing a record of activity. An Access Control System uses door readers that detect the unique identification numbers provided by credentials. A credential can be an RFID card or keyFob, a person's smartphone, or a biometric (for example, your face or fingerprint). A door access control system also includes Access Control Management Software that manages all aspects of the access control system. It determines who can enter, when, and what door they can use. When a registered credential is detected, the controller releases the electric lock. Access control systems can be used to monitor who is entering and leaving a secure area, generate reports, and provide data for security analytics. Visitor Management Control People Who Enter the School: Computer-based visitor management systems can replace paper logs and help schools keep track of visitors. These systems can perform background checks and issue visitor badges, enhancing security. Access Control and Visitor Management Integration Visitor Management Systems gather information so there is a record of who entered and provide documentation of where the visitor went in the organization. They also provide some safeguards, such as criminal databases and do-not-admit blacklists. School systems use visitor management systems to monitor people who want to enter the school building. Parents would like the schools to be proactive in protecting their children from sexual predators or even parental-controlled visitation and contact. Visitor management systems are used in school districts to track a visitor's stay and check the visitor's information against national and local criminal databases. Visitor management systems work with door access control systems to ensure the facility is safe from unauthorized entry. To learn more, see Visitor Management Software Comparison. Emergency Notification Systems: Mass notification systems enable schools to quickly communicate with students, staff, and parents during emergencies. This can include text alerts, email notifications, and automated phone calls. There are two types of systems for emergency notification. IP paging systems work well on campuses with one or more buildings. Mass notification systems are essential when getting the message to people on or off campus. IP paging systems use the Ethernet network to transfer the audio from a microphone connected to a computer to all the speakers. The digital system includes IP intercoms as well as IP paging. The IP speakers and intercoms use power over Ethernet (PoE), making them very easy to install. Since this is a network-attached paging system, it is very flexible, providing many more features than the older analog paging systems. Mass Notification Systems use multiple communication channels to reach as many people as possible. The notification system uses desk phones, computers, paging systems, two-way radios, digital signage, mobile phones, and conference systems like Microsoft Teams. Emergency Notification System Summary of School Safety In today's rapidly evolving world, ensuring safety and security in educational institutions is paramount. IP camera systems, door access control, visitor management, and emergency notification systems have emerged as powerful tools to enhance school safety. The latest AI-enhanced camera systems have added an effective way to react to problems as soon as they occur. It's important to note that while technology can significantly improve school safety, it should be part of a comprehensive safety strategy that includes well-trained staff, mental health support, and community involvement. Technology alone cannot guarantee safety but can significantly improve response times and increase security. If you would like help selecting the best way to enhance safety and security at your school, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IP Camera Systems with AI Improve Perimeter Awareness AI-Enhanced Perimeter Security and Situational Awareness AI Enhanced IP Cameras Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances the capability of IP Camera Systems. AI has improved the ability of classic surveillance systems. Instead of just recording video, the enhanced IP cameras have changed how we use the IP Camera Systems. AI makes the standard IP camera system smarter. It provides immediate notification of threats, extends the range of detection, reduces false alarms, and provides automated tracking of targets. This article describes how the new EV-EDGE AI Software can enhance IP Camera Systems and improve perimeter security and situational awareness. Situational Awareness Provided by AI-Enhanced Cameras Panoramic IP cameras provide situational awareness. These cameras offer a 180-degree to 360-degree viewing field. Panoramic IP cameras provide real-time visual information, allowing individuals to understand their environment better and make informed decisions. AI-Enhancement allows the same cameras to detect targets further away. The challenge of situational awareness. Consider the surveillance challenge of viewing a doorway or gate. We want to see who’s at the entrance, but it’s also essential to check if other people are waiting out of view. Panoramic cameras add this situational awareness. The EV-Edge AI-Enhancement significantly improves situational awareness for complex or busy scenes by enhancing your camera’s capabilities, allowing tracking of multiple targets or events by seeing through the noise. Perimeter Surveillance Using Fewer Cameras Perimeter Security EV-Edge saves money because it requires fewer cameras to cover significantly more physical areas. For example, the panoramic camera provides a wide field of view, but the further away the objects are, the less detail we can see. It means we could miss small things that are far away. By using AI-Enhancement, we can see two times as far away, increasing the range of the standard panoramic camera. Standard cameras require about eight or nine vertical pixels to detect a person, while AI-enhanced cameras require about 4 or 5 pixels across the target. See our article, Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria, to learn more about these criteria. Objects further away from the camera are not easily detected. AI-enhanced cameras provide better detection that’s much further away. Using mathematical averaging, AI detects objects using only four or five pixels rather than the usual 8 pixels required by a standard IP Camera. The AI-enhanced cameras utilize Fourier transforms and other mathematical averaging to detect these distant objects. The AI enhancement doubles the distance that cameras see threats.   For example, the Hanwha TNO-4050T thermal camera can detect a 5.7 ft tall person at about 1500 ft. with a field of view of 340 ft. Using EV-Edge software, the detection distance is doubled to around 3,020 ft, and the field of view is 680 ft. This greater detection area means we can use fewer cameras to provide complete perimeter surveillance. Perimeter Surveillance Integrating Fixed and PTZ Tracking IP Camera System Applications The integration of Fixed and PTZ cameras using AI-Edge software provides a new and effective synergy that enhances perimeter control. The long-range perimeter detection is enhanced by AI’s ability to transfer the location of a target to a PTZ camera that can zoom and track objects, making it easy to identify the target. Multiple Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) cameras can track multiple targets, reducing the need for many cameras. AI-Enhancement Cameras Reduce False Alarms Artificial Intelligence also reduces alarms caused by extraneous noise, changing scenes caused by defective cameras, changing weather, and reflected light from headlights. Camera Implementation of AI It’s very easy to implement the AI enhancements provided by AI-Edge software. The software runs natively on Hanwha and Axis cameras. Fixed and PTZ IP cameras can use this enhanced software, making it the perfect solution for perimeter and improved awareness. How to Purchase To purchase this software go to AI-Enhanced IP Camera Systems. Summary of AI-Enhanced IP Camera Systems Artificial Intelligence (AI) has enhanced IP Camera Systems, transforming traditional surveillance methods into a more intelligent, reactive threat containment system. AI makes IP camera systems smarter by providing immediate threat notifications, extending detection ranges, reducing false alarms, and automating target tracking. The EV-EDGE AI Software is highlighted for its role in improving perimeter security and situational awareness. To learn more about this powerful AI software, contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 107 A new camp commander was appointed and while inspecting the place, he saw 2 soldiers guarding a bench.He went over there and asked them why they guard it."We don't know. The last commander told us to do so, and so we did. It is some sort of regimental tradition!"He searched for the last commander's phone number and called him to ask him why did he want guards on this particular bench. "I don't know. The previous commander had guards, and I kept the tradition."Going back another 3 commanders, he found a new 100-year-old retired General."Excuse me, sir. I'm now the CO of the camp you commanded 60 years ago. I've found 2 men assigned to guard a bench. Could you please tell me more about the bench?""What?! Is the paint still wet?!" A Long Joke  On their way to get married, a young Catholic couple was involved in a fatal car accident. The couple found themselves sitting outside the Pearly Gates waiting for St. Peter to process them into Heaven.While waiting they began to wonder; could they possibly get married in Heaven?When St. Peter arrived, they asked him if they could get married in Heaven.St. Peter said,"I don't know. This is the first time anyone has asked. Let me go find out," and he left.The couple sat and waited for an answer... for a couple of months.While they waited, they discussed the pros and cons. If they were allowed to get married in Heaven, should they get married, what with the eternal aspect of it all?"What if it doesn't work? Are we stuck in Heaven together forever?"Yet another month passed before St. Peter finally returned, looking somewhat bedraggled."Yes," he informed the couple, "You can get married in Heaven.""Great!" said the couple."But we were just wondering; what if things don't work out? Could we also get a divorce in Heaven?"St. Peter, red-faced with anger, slammed his clipboard on the ground."What's wrong?" asked the frightened couple."OH, COME ON!" St. Peter shouted."It took me 3 months to find a priest up here! Do you have ANY idea how long it'll take to find a lawyer?! Pilot and Maintenance Discussions We dug up a few actual (or at least claimed to be) logged maintenance complaints by QANTAS pilots and the corrective action recorded by mechanics. Problem: Test flight OK, except autoland very rough.Solution: Autoland not installed on this aircraft. Problem: Dead bugs on windshield.Solution: Live bugs on backorder. Problem: Something loose in cockpit.Solution: Something tightened in cockpit. Problem: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.Solution: Evidence removed. Problem: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.Solution: That's what they're there for! Some Medical Jokes Q: What’s the difference between an oral thermometer and a rectal thermometer?A: The taste. Q: What did the banana say to the nurse?A: I’m here to see the doctor. I am not peeling well. Q: What did the nurse say when the doctor decided to stay home?A: “Suture self!” Q: When is the worst time to have a heart attack around a nurse?A: During a game of charades! Q: Why was the nurse angry?A: She ran out of patients. Q: What did the patient say when the nurse informed him that he had acute appendix?A: “Compared to whom?” Some Silly Ones “Hear about the new restaurant called Karma?There’s no menu: You get what you deserve.” “Did you hear about the actor who fell through the floorboards?He was just going through a stage.” “How do you keep a bagel from getting away?Put lox on it.” “What do you call a parade of rabbits hopping backwards?A receding hare-line.” No Man is an Island by John Donne No man is an island,Entire of itself,Every man is a piece of the continent,A part of the main.If a clod be washed away by the sea,Europe is the less.As well as if a promontory were.As well as if a manor of thy friend'sOr of thine own were:Any man's death diminishes me,Because I am involved in mankind,And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;It tolls for thee. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Camera Systems With AI Protect People AI-Enhanced Camera Systems Improve Safety and Security AI Enhanced Camera Systems Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances IP Camera Systems to improve safety and security. AI systems are defined as those that can learn from experience. Physical crises are automatically detected and provide alarms that prevent threats from becoming critical. This technology offers a paradigm change in the usage of IP Camera Systems. This article describes how the latest Scy-AI software can detect objects like guns in a person's hand or a criminal in a crowd, intrusion into a perimeter, detect and count vehicles, enhance safety in parking areas, and recognize behavior anomalies. Scy-AI software is enhanced with Artificial Intelligence to analyze data coming from stationary and portable cameras. It then processes the acquired data to generate meaningful information about the activity contained in the video stream. Matching the data results through the decision-making algorithm, Scy-AI identifies the suspect through facial recognition and potential threats posed by a suspect's actions or vehicle in the video feed. Finally, Scy-AI analyzes the collected data and distributes alerts to law enforcement response units through the web and mobile channels with information about the threat, location, and the suspect's identity. Here are some of the things this software is capable of providing: Gun Detection Provided by AI-Enhanced IP Cameras Gun violence in the United States remains a significant problem. When politics prevents solutions, technology can help. There are IP Cameras that can detect a gunshot, but is this too late? The latest AI software looks for a person carrying a gun. It sees the threat before the shot is fired. The software can differentiate between several weapons, including a handgun, assault rifle, and shotgun. Human surveillance of video feeds can miss the threat. Studies have shown that after about 22 minutes of viewing,  95% of activity is overlooked. Adding AI-enhanced camera systems to security dramatically improves the detection of dangerous objects and situations. Gun Detection Software The software provides global detection and identification of threats. The tracking and search algorithm in the AI software automatically checks all the cameras when a threat is detected. For example, If a gun is seen, the system searches for armed humans on all other indoor cameras connected to the Scy-AI IP Camera System. Any person sighted is highlighted on an indoor map across the entire video feed timeline, and an alert is sent to operational units. Detection While IP Cameras are on the Move Due to indifference towards moving backgrounds, different Scy-AI modules can analyze video feeds from moving cameras, such as UAV-mounted or body-worn. In such implementations, AI-enhanced camera systems help monitor and apprehend criminals. Scy-AI drones with AI-enhanced cameras can augment security teams in mobile suspect chase operations. Finally, to help prevent acts of terrorism, Scy-AI tracks movements and identifies rogue activities and individuals. It can detect the use of suspicious items, such as different weapon types, track and alert cargo movements, spot unattended bags, etc. It also supports tracking and localization of humans based on their appearance/outfit over time. Vehicle Detection, Counting, and Parking Area Monitoring This capability solves smart traffic-relevant problems, such as intelligent parking management, traffic counting, traffic rule violations, etc. Car counting uses proprietary state-of-the-art tracking algorithms to count cars (as well as people) passing a specific pathway; each vehicle is tracked, and the paths are analyzed. It allows Scy-AI to inspect and provide reports on: Car counting (per lane, per vehicle type) Flow density information Traffic rule violation Traffic jam detection Car flow heatmaps, etc. Vehicle Counting Person Search and Recognition Several face recognition systems are available for door access control and to find a person in the wild. The new AI-enhanced software provides higher accuracy than previous systems. The Scy-AI Person Search System automatically finds a particular person(s). The system detects the person of Interest (POI) based on their appearance and clothing. Since this is an AI-enhanced program, it is capable of improving its accuracy by utilizing several modules and algorithms. The system works with IP cameras that provide at least 50 vertical pixels across a person of interest. Human Behavior Detection One of the most complex problems is to detect human anomalies automatically.   Once an anomaly event has been recognized based on a set of video frames, Scy-AI sends alerts to all assigned endpoints. These include the main dashboard and the mobile devices in possession of Security Officers in the field and on-premises under surveillance by the software. The Scy-AI software recognizesindividual and group behavior. Individual behavior includes Slip and Fall and Shoplifting. Group behavior involves fights and crowd anomalies.   Fight Detection The fight detection system is trained on a large dataset of violent events recorded on surveillance cameras. Acy-AI can detect a wide range of aggressive behaviors, including: Fights Abuse Arrest Assault Vandalism Slip and Fall Detection The system is designed to catch the exact moment a person falls on the ground. If it just sees a person lying on the ground. Most of the time, alerts won't be triggered unless a fallen person is not standing up rapidly after a fall. This same function can be used to detect criminal behavior, such as a person stealing a catalytic convert. The software has been used in parking areas to reduce theft. Fall Detection AI-Enhanced IP Camera System Upgrades are Easy The AI software utilizes the existing camera system to provide automated responses to threats and improve situational awareness. They work with Hanwha, Axis, and other IP cameras. How to Purchase To purchase this software go to AI-Enhanced IP Camera Systems. Summary of AI-Enhanced Camera Systems That Improve Safety and Security Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances IP Camera Systems by improving safety and security. These AI systems are designed to learn from experience and automatically detect and prevent physical crises, providing early alarms to mitigate threats effectively. The latest Scy-AI software is capable of detecting various objects and behaviors, including guns, intrusions, vehicle counting, parking area monitoring, person search and recognition, and human behavior anomalies. If you want help selecting IP camera systems with AI, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### How to Use IP Cameras With Access Control Integration of IP Camera and Access Control Systems Integration of Access Control and IP Camera Systems Access control systems provide increased safety by controlling who can enter the organization. IP cameras provide surveillance of the organization. Together, they offer a synergistic method that dramatically improves the organization's safety. This article describes how to use IP cameras with access control systems When integrated into a cohesive security system, access control systems and IP cameras provide a powerful combination that significantly enhances the safety and security of an organization. This synergy allows for comprehensive monitoring, control, and response capabilities. Here's how these two components work together to enhance safety: Select Software That Integrates with Access Control and IP Camera Systems Some Access Control Systems, such as the enterprise system from Hartmann Access Control, have built-in integration with many Video Management Software systems. This software is compatible with WAVE VMS and other video management software products. Enhanced Visibility and Surveillance: IP reader-controllers IP Camera Systems: IP cameras provide real-time video surveillance and recording capabilities. They can monitor critical areas, entrances, exits, and other vital organizational locations. High-resolution video feeds enable better visibility, allowing security personnel to quickly identify potential threats or incidents. The IP camera system also monitors people within the organization. It can monitor sensitive areas such as the stock room, IT department, and storage areas. Security personnel can be instantly notified about entry into secure areas. The latest AI-enhanced IP Cameras provide additional security features. These intelligent cameras can detect a person carrying a gun or notify security if a person enters a secure area. This immediate notification enables faster response times and minimizes potential risks. Identification and Authentication of Access: Access Control and Visitor Management Integration Access Control Systems: Access control systems manage and restrict entry to specific areas within the organization. To gain access, employees or authorized personnel use credentials (such as ID cards, key fobs, or biometrics). By placing cameras near areas controlled by Access Control, we can monitor and verify that only authorized individuals enter restricted areas. This integration protects against pass-back situations. Entry points can be checked to prevent multiple people from using the same credential. Integration of Systems Provides Event Correlation: The Integration of Access Control and IP Camera Systems allows Security personnel to correlate access events with video footage. When someone uses their access credentials, the system can automatically trigger nearby cameras to capture video footage of the individual's entry or exit. This helps maintain a record of who accessed a particular area and when. Real-time Monitoring and Alerts: Access Control Systems generate real-time alerts for unauthorized access attempts or security breaches. When someone attempts to access a restricted area without proper authorization, the system can trigger alarms or send notifications to security personnel. Configure IP Cameras to detect motion or unusual activity. When combined with access control data, this can trigger alerts or video recordings when unexpected events occur. It allows security to determine the nature of the alarm. Remote Monitoring and Response: Security teams can remotely monitor live camera feeds and access control events from a centralized location or via mobile devices. This allows for immediate response to incidents, such as identifying intruders, assessing threats, and deploying security personnel as needed. IP Cameras Provide Evidence and Documentation: Video footage from IP cameras serves as valuable evidence for security incidents, accidents, or disputes. It can be used for investigative purposes, helping law enforcement or internal security teams analyze and resolve incidents. The Access Control Logs provide a history of all access events, providing a digital trail of who entered specific areas at particular times. Summary of Integration of Access Control with IP Camera Systems By combining access control systems with IP cameras, organizations can proactively monitor, control, and respond to security incidents, enhancing safety and reducing risks. This integrated approach improves security and provides valuable data and insights for ongoing security assessments and improvements. If you would like help selecting the best IP Camera and Door Access Control system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes – 106 Jokes at the Office When an employment application asks who is to be notified in case of an emergency, I always write, “A very good doctor”. I went for a job interview today and the interviewer asked me, “What would you consider to be your main strengths and weaknesses?”.I said, “Well, my main weakness would be my issues with reality, telling what’s real from what’s not.”They then asked, “And your strengths?”I said, “I’m Batman.” Two factory workers are talking.The woman says, “I can make the boss give me the day off.”The man replies, “And how are you going to do that?”The woman says, “Just wait and see.”She then hangs upside down from the ceiling. The boss comes in and says, “What are you doing?”The woman replies, “I’m a light bulb.”The boss then says, “You’ve been working so much that you’ve gone crazy. I think you need to take the day off.”The man starts to follow her, and the boss says, ‘Where are you going?’The man says, “I’m going home, too. I can’t work in the dark.” I get plenty of desk exercises in, like jumping to conclusions, pushing my luck, and dodging deadlines! My memory has gotten so bad it has actually caused me to lose my job. I’m still employed. I just can’t remember where. Jokes that Make You Think People often accuse me of stealing other’s jokes and being a plagiarist. Their words — not mine… They say a Freudian slip is when you say one thing, but you really mean your mother. Queue is spelled just with Q and four silent letters.No, it’s not. They’re just waiting their turn. What do you do with a chemist who is ill?First, you try to helium, then you try to curium, but if this fails then you have to barium. A recent finding by statisticians shows the average human has one breast and one testicle. Descartes walks into a bar. The bartender asks if he wants a drink.“I think not,”- Descartes says. And then he disappears. Computer Poems of Yesterday and Today Many years ago, when computers first became popular, I read the following poem. I can't remember where I saw it and couldn't find it on Google search. It's lost to history and only present in my memory. An Old Computer Poem I think that I shall never seea computer made like me. A me that wears an overcoatAnd likes a risky anecdote. A me that taps his foot and grinswhenever Dixieland begins. A me that likes martinis dry,And on the rocks a little rye. They make computers for a fee,But only moms can make a me. A New Computer Poem Today I asked ChatGPT to write a poem starting with, "I think that I shall never see a computer made like me." It responded with this following poem. I think that I shall never see,A computer made like me, you see.A world of circuits, wires entwined,A mind of circuits, thoughts combined. From bits and bytes, I come to life,Processing data, free from strife.A digital heart that beats within,A soul of code, where wonders begin. With silicon veins, I swiftly think,In every language, I can link.With logic true and algorithms bright,I process tasks both day and night. In cyber realms, my presence dwells,A virtual mind, where knowledge swells.With lightning speed, I navigate,Through cyberspace, my thoughts create. Yet 'tis the human touch I lack,A heart to feel, emotions' track.For though I am a marvel grand,I yearn to touch the human hand. So here I stand, a machine with dreams,With endless possibilities it seems.But in the end, I long to be,More like you, and you like me. Computers and Man I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### The Financial Benefits of Access Control Door Access Control Provides an Excellent Return on Investment Financial Benefits of Access Control We all know that safety and security are significant advantages of adding door access control, but are there any financial benefits? It’s always best to analyze the return on investment of any new purchase. It turns out that access control systems offer several economic benefits to organizations, helping them reduce costs, improve efficiency, and protect assets. Here are some of the key financial benefits of access control: Reduced Theft and Losses: Access control prevents unauthorized access to sensitive areas, reducing the risk of theft and losses from internal and external sources. Integrating access control with video surveillance allows security personnel to verify the identity of individuals seeking access and monitor real-time activities, further deterring theft. This can lead to significant cost savings regarding stolen assets and inventory shrinkage. Lower Insurance Premiums: Many insurance providers offer reduced premiums for businesses with robust security measures, including access control systems. The presence of access control can make a property less attractive to thieves and vandals, reducing the likelihood of theft-related insurance claims. Implementing access control can result in cost savings on insurance premiums over time. Decreased Need for Physical Keys: Traditional lock and key systems require ongoing key duplication, replacement, and maintenance expenses. Access control eliminates the need for physical keys, reducing associated costs. Another benefit of using biometric or smartphone credentials is that you don’t need to invest in card or keyfob credentials. Remote Access Control: Some door access control systems allow remote management of access permissions and monitoring. This can reduce the need for on-site security personnel and associated labor costs. Some access control management software includes cloud connections and apps that make it easy to control the access control system remotely. Visitor Management Efficiency: Automated Visitor Management Access control systems can streamline visitor registration and management processes, reducing the need for additional personnel to manage visitors. The door access control readers admit the authorized people while an intercom and camera at the door can control visitor entry. Visitor management systems not only provide tracking of visitors, but they also offer visitor authentication and health monitoring. They can include access control panels that provide facial recognition, temperature monitoring, and mask detection to keep your organization safe. Security Integration: Access Control and Intercoms Integration with other security systems, such as video surveillance and alarm systems, can improve incident response and reduce losses associated with security breaches. Door access control systems, IP camera systems, and intercoms can be used to create lines of defense that enhance safety and security. Several articles describe integration, such as IP Intercoms for Controlling the Door and How to Integrate Door Access and IP Camera Systems. Summary of Access Control Financial Benefits While upfront costs are associated with implementing access control systems, the long-term financial benefits, including reduced losses, increased efficiency, and potential cost savings in various areas, often outweigh the initial investment. Additionally, the specific financial benefits can vary depending on the size and type of organization and the complexity of the access control system implemented. If you would like help selecting the best door access system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### The Revolution in IP Camera Systems Artificial Intelligence has Changed the Way We Use IP Camera Systems IP Camera Systems with AI Today's buzzword is AI (Artificial Intelligence). It is a game changer for IP camera systems because AI-equipped cameras can instantly notify security personnel about critical events, enabling faster response times and minimizing potential risks. The IP camera system is transformed from a review of past events to an instant reaction system. What is Artificial Intelligence The AI revolution can be attributed to the collective efforts of numerous researchers, scientists, and innovators over several decades. It is hard to attribute it to a single individual, as AI development has been a collaborative and evolving process involving contributions from many individuals and organizations. Since the development of the digital computer in the 1940s, it has been demonstrated that computers can be programmed to carry out very complex tasks—such as discovering proofs for mathematical theorems or playing chess—with remarkable proficiency. AI is an advancement in computer capability and is defined as the ability of a computer to perform tasks associated with intelligent beings. The objective of AI development is to create systems endowed with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize, or learn from experience.  Types of Artificial Intelligence Types of AI There are three primary levels of AI capabilities. Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) Examples of narrow intelligence include Apple Siri, some AI surveillance cameras and software, and the IBM Watson supercomputer. Other examples include IP cameras and Video Management Software (VMS) that have been enhanced with AI. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) This level of intelligence can learn, think, and perform a wide range of general functions that are similar to humans. AGI would be able to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks and domains. Be comforted that achieving this level of AI is still largely theoretical and has not been realized yet. Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) Superintelligent AI surpasses human intelligence in almost every aspect. It would possess cognitive abilities far beyond what any human could achieve. Superintelligent AI remains speculative, and there is an ongoing debate about whether it is even possible to develop or control such an entity. Comparison of Recorded Video to Instantaneous Notification The latest IP cameras have been augmented with ANI capability. This has dramatically changed the security and safety levels provided by IP Camera Systems. Here's a comparison of traditional IP Camera Systems to AI-enhanced systems. Recorded VideoThreat DetectionPurposeReviewing recorded video involves analyzing previously captured footage to identify past events, incidents, or patterns. It is typically used for investigative purposes, post-event analysis, and gathering evidence.Reacting to immediate threats involves monitoring live video feeds in real-time to detect and respond to ongoing security incidents or potential breaches. It focuses on preventing or mitigating damage as events unfold.Time FrameThe recorded video is reviewed after an event has occurred. It is not meant for real-time monitoring or immediate response to ongoing situations.This approach notifies security personnel that immediate action and attention is required. It is intended to address situations as they happen or even before they escalate.ObjectiveRecorded video review is valuable for identifying crime suspects, analyzing the events leading up to an incident, and gathering evidence for legal or internal investigations.Reacting to immediate threats is crucial for situations like intrusions, unauthorized access attempts, suspicious behaviors, or emergencies. It allows security personnel to take timely action to minimize risks. For example, it can detect if a person falls, providing immediate assistance.  AdvantagesThis approach allows for a comprehensive examination of events, offering a more detailed and accurate understanding of what transpired. It also provides an opportunity for identifying trends and making informed decisions for future security measures.Immediate threat response enables swift intervention, reducing the potential impact of security breaches or incidents. It's essential for maintaining a proactive security posture and safeguarding assets and individuals in real time.LimitationsReviewing recorded video does not provide immediate insights or address ongoing security threats. Additionally, relevant footage might need to be located among a large volume of recorded material.This approach requires trained personnel and efficient communication systems to respond promptly. False alarms can also occur, which must be verified before action.Comparison of IP Camera Systems Summary of IP Camera Systems AI Camera Concept Reviewing recorded videos and reacting to immediate threats are effective security strategies. While reviewing recorded video is valuable for investigations and insights, responding to urgent threats ensures proactive security measures to prevent or address incidents in real-time. Integrating both approaches contributes to a comprehensive and robust security posture for organizations. Summary of the IP Camera with AI In essence, AI-powered IP cameras revolutionize how we approach security and surveillance. They bring efficiency, accuracy, and automation to the forefront, allowing organizations to proactively address security challenges and make more informed real-time decisions. This combination of technology and intelligence sets a new safety and operational excellence standard. To learn more about how AI is used with IP camera Systems, read Detecting Threats using AI and IP Camera Systems. If you would like help selecting IP camera systems with AI, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes – 105 Fred was in the fertilized egg business. He had several hundred young pullets and ten roosters to fertilize the eggs. He kept records, and any rooster not performing went into the soup pot and was replaced. This took a lot of time, so he bought some tiny bells and attached them to his roosters. Each bell had a different tone, so he could tell from a distance which rooster was performing. Now, he could sit on the porch and fill out an efficiency report by just listening to the bells. Fred's favorite rooster, old Butch, was a wonderful specimen, but this morning he noticed Old Butch's bell hadn't rung at all! When he went to investigate, he saw the other roosters were busy chasing pullets, bells-a-ringing, but the pullets, hearing the roosters coming, would run for cover. To Fred's amazement, old Butch had his bell in his beak, so it couldn't ring. He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one. Fred was so proud of old Butch that he entered the City Show and became an overnight sensation among the judges. The result was the judges not only awarded old Butch the "No Bell Piece Prize," but they also awarded him the "Pulletsurprise" as well. My wife told me to take the spider out instead of killing him.Went out. Had a few drinks. Nice guy. He's a web designer. What starts with an "O" and ends with "nions" and sometimes makes you cry?Opinions. I saw my slightly drunk wife yelling at the TV, "Don't go in there! Don't go in the church, you moron."She was watching our wedding video again. I ordered a chicken and an egg on Amazon.I'll let you know. My son was spending too much time playing computer games, so I said. "Son when Abe Lincoln was your age, he studied books by the fireplace.He thought about this for a moment and then replied, "When Abe Lincoln was your age, he was the president of the United States." My dad quit his job to pursue his dream in archeology.His career is now in ruins. As I get older and remember all the people I lost along the way, I think to myself… Maybe a career as a tour guide was not the right choice. I once ate a dictionary.It gave me the thesaurus throat I've ever had. I took my 8-year-old to the office on "Take Your Kid to Work Day." The moment we walked into the office, she started to cry.As concerned staff gathered around, I asked her what was wrong, and she said: "Daddy, where are all the clowns you said you worked with?" Proton, Neutron, and Helium walk into a bar, and each asks for a beer. Bartender asks Proton, are you sure you're over 18? I'm positive he replies. The Bartender turns to Neutron, hands him his beer, and says no charge. Then Bartender throws beer at Helium. Helium doesn't react. I got a job at a paperless office. Everything was great until I needed to use the bathroom. The first five days after the weekend are the hardest. Some say the glass is half full; others say the glass is half empty. Engineers say the glass is twice as big as necessary. I get plenty of exercise at work: jumping to conclusions, pushing my luck, and dodging deadlines. All I ask is the chance to prove that money can't buy happiness. I went for an interview today, and they told me I'd start at $3000 a month, and then after six months, I'd get $3500 a month. I told them I'd start in six months. When an employment application asks who is to be notified in case of emergency, I always write, "A very good doctor." Some Poems from Ogden Nash Ogden Nash (August 19, 1902 – May 19, 1971). He was an American poet well known for his light verse, of which he wrote over 500 pieces. A Word to Husbands To keep your marriage brimming,With love in the loving cup,Whenever you're wrong, admit it;Whenever you're right, shut up. The Cow The cow is of bovine ilk;One end is moo, the other is milk. The Fly The Lord in His wisdom made the fly,And then forgot to tell us why. Song of the Open Road I think that I shall never seebillboard as lovely as a tree.Perhaps unless the billboards fall,I'll never see a tree at all. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How to Determine the Best Door Access Control System How to Choose the Best Access Control System Selecting the Right Access Control System Many factors can influence your decision about the type of access control system you should get. Your best door access control system will depend on your needs and requirements. This article reviews the some factors to consider and provides a comparison of popular access control systems. Determine Your Objectives for Your Access Control System Size of your business:  You may only need a simple system with a few doors if you have a small business. You may need a more complex system with more features if you have a larger business with multiple locations. Security needs:  How important is security to you? If you need a high level of protection, you will need a system with biometric or multi-factor authentication, passback control, elevator control, or smartphone mobile credentials. If security is not as important to you, you may get away with a simpler system that just card or key fob access. Door Reader Scalability: Consider whether the system can easily expand to accommodate more doors and users as your needs grow. Some systems make it easy to start with one door reader and incrementally add additional doors. Integration of Access Control and Other Security Systems: Intercoms for Access Control Check if the access control system can integrate with other security and building management systems, such as IP camera systems, alarms, intercoms, and visitor management software. Access Control Management Software Should be User-Friendly: Look for an access control system with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for administrators to manage access permissions, users, and access logs. Remote Management: Consider systems that offer remote management capabilities, allowing administrators to monitor and manage access from anywhere. Reliability and Support: Look for a reputable brand with a track record of reliability, and ensure they provide good customer support and warranty options. It is best to consult with security equipment experts like Kintronics to find the best access control system for your specific needs. Pros and Cons of Access Control Systems Best Value for Access Control Here are some of the most popular door access control systems on the market: Isonas from Allegion:  The Isonas Access Control is a cloud-based door access control system that is easy to use and affordable. It offers a variety of features, including a combined reader and controller, Bluetooth mobile credentials (smartphone), cloud-based management software, and remote access. The reader controllers are powered over Ethernet (PoE), so installation is very easy. Pros: Uses a combined reader and controller unit that is powered over Ethernet (PoE). You can start with a single unit and easily add readers as required. Is easy to install and provides basic access control functions. It supports mobile credentials (smartphone). Uses a cloud-based management system that can be managed from your smartphone. Cons: It does not provide elevator control or integration with other security systems. It doesn't support biometric readers. Hartmann Access Control:  The Hartmann Access Control System is a more sophisticated door access control system. This flexible system allows you to start with a single door and grow to an enterprise access control system. It is easy to install and use, and it offers a variety of features, including a choice of door readers, biometric readers, and smartphone credentials. The sophisticated access control system includes elevator control and integration with several IP camera systems. Pros: This is an enterprise-type access control system with advanced functionality. It includes a large selection of door readers that attach to a controller at the door. The controller uses PoE, which makes it very easy to install. It is easily integrated with IP Camera Systems and includes elevator controls. It supports many security features including anti-passback, Cons: It doesn't support biometric readers. It includes an optional cloud-based management system designed for simple operations and requires an on-site license for full access control management capabilities. Kintronics Biometric Access Control The biometric reader controllers are very secure. There is a choice of fingerprint, facial, palm, and finger-vein readers. The latest face and palm recognition door readers provide improved security and offer the health benefits of touchless door entry.    Pros: Provides several types of biometric readers such as fingerprint, finger-vein, face, and palm readers. Cons: Doesn't support mobile credentials or integration with IP Camera Surveillance systems. No matter what your needs are, there is a door access control system that is perfect for you. Research, talk to security experts like Kintronics, and compare different systems before purchasing. What is the Best Access Control System Summary The article discusses choosing the best door access control system based on specific needs and requirements. Factors to consider include the size of the business, security needs, system scalability, integration capabilities, user-friendly management software, remote management options, reliability, and customer support. It suggests consulting security equipment experts for guidance. It also mentions some popular access control systems on the market, such as Isonas, Hartmann, and Kintronics Biometric Access Control, each with various features and suitability for different needs. The best door access control system depends on your objectives, budget, and security requirements. If you need help selecting your access control system, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or at 914-944-3425 in the USA, or use our contact form. ### Advantages of Video Intercoms Video Intercoms Increase Security Video Intercoms Video intercoms connect to the network and are powered using PoE (Power over Ethernet.) These enhanced intercoms add the additional security of seeing the person at the door. They communicate to an app on your smartphone or a PC running VMS software. This article describes the benefits of video intercoms. Types of Video Intercoms There are several varieties of video intercoms. Some use analog connections between an external and internal intercom device, while the latest use digital IP connections. There are single-station intercoms that connect to a central station. And multi-user intercoms, such as apartment intercoms, that provide connections to many people. Single-Door Intercom The single-door unit provides a many-to-one type of connection. They communicate with a central security station. For example, these intercoms are used at entry points to monitor and control visitor entry. The IP intercom with video is a two-way audio device with an IP camera and door relay. It attaches to the network and is powered using PoE (Power over Ethernet. These enhanced intercoms add the additional security of seeing the person at the door. They communicate to an app on your smartphone or a PC running VMS software. Learn more… Apartment Intercom Apartment Intercom An apartment intercom is a one-to-many type intercom system. It includes an intelligent panel with a touchscreen that allows the user to talk to a person living or working in a multi-tenant facility. This IP intercom panel provides wireless audio and video communication to the tenants. The new systems have large LCD screens that allow you to see a list of the residents in the building. The intercom panel also includes a camera so the tenant can see and hear the visitor at the door. These video intercom systems are used in offices, hospitals, and other large multi-tenant organizations. IP Apartment intercoms (or Multi-Tenant Intercoms) provide clear, high-quality audio and video communication between residents and visitors. Digital signals over IP networks ensure reliable and uninterrupted communication, minimizing disturbances and misunderstandings. Learn more… Advantages of the Video Intercoms: An IP (Internet Protocol) video intercom system offers several advantages over traditional ones. Here are some key benefits: Enhanced Security: Video Intercoms Increase Security IP video intercoms provide visual identification of visitors before granting access. The video feed allows you to see and verify the identity of the person requesting entry, improving security and reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Since IP intercom systems can be used with IP camera systems, a properly placed set of cameras can provide situational awareness of areas near doorways. This ensures that no one is waiting out of sight to enter an opened door. Remote Access: You can view and interact with visitors remotely with an IP video intercom. Whether at home, in the office, or even on vacation, you can use your smartphone or computer to receive video calls, speak to visitors, and grant or deny access. This feature offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to manage access to your property from anywhere. Integration with Other Systems: Video Intercoms Integrate With Other Security Systems IP video intercoms can integrate with other security systems, such as IP cameras and access control systems. The integration enables a more comprehensive security solution, providing a unified management platform and enhancing overall effectiveness. Since door access control can be integrated with video intercoms, registered personnel can enter the door while visitors can be manually controlled. Increased Efficiency: IP video intercoms streamline visitor management processes. You can handle it remotely instead of physically attending the door or gate to grant access. This saves time and effort, mainly when a security person manages multiple entry points during peak visitor periods. Cost Savings: IP-based systems eliminate the need for dedicated cabling since they utilize existing network infrastructure. Some video intercoms connect to the network, while others can use WiFi connections. The apartment intercom uses wireless connections to all the tenants, making installation easy. Additionally, remote management capabilities can reduce staffing requirements for on-site security personnel. Integration with Paging Systems: IP video intercoms can integrate with network-attached paging systems, enabling seamless communication with other devices and services. Summary of Video Intercom Advantages The advantages of video intercoms collectively improve security, convenience, and efficiency, making IP video intercoms popular for modern access control and visitor management systems. If you would like help selecting the best Video Intercom system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes – 104 "If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?" "Pilgrims." "I thought the dryer was shrinking my clothes. Turns out it was the refrigerator all along." "How does dry skin affect you at work?" "You don't have any elbow grease to put into it." "What do you call a factory that makes okay products?" "A satisfactory." "Dear Math, grow up and solve your own problems." It's irritating when students get ahead of themselves... These days many college students assume that they're doing the job already. That's not how it works. You need to get the certification or get the job.Engineering students shouldn't call themselves engineers.Medical students shouldn't call themselves doctors.Law students shouldn't call themselves lawyers.Business school students shouldn't call themselves minions.And Art students certainly shouldn't call themselves baristas or waiters... At the border, a man drives up on his bicycle with a sack on the luggage rack. Customs officer: "Do you have something to declare?"Man: "No."Customs officer: "And what do you have in the sack?"Man: "Sand."During the check, it turns out: actually sand.Every day for a whole week, the man comes with the bike and the sack on the luggage rack. On the eighth day, the customs officer becomes suspicious.Customs officer: "What do you have in the sack?"Man: "Just sand."Customs officer: "Hmm, let's see..."This time, the sand is sifted. Result: just sand.The man continues to visit the border every day. Two weeks later, the border guard has enough and sends the sand to the lab. Result: just sand.After another month of "sand transports", the customs officer can't stand it any longer and asks the man: "I'll give it to you in writing that I won't tell anybody, but you're smuggling something. Please tell me what!"The man: "Bicycles..." Little Johnny wants a BMX bike, so he gets down on his knees and writes a letter to God... It says 'Dear God. If I'm good for one month, will you get me a BMX bike?'He carefully folds the letter and leaves it at the end of the bed. He lies down under the covers and thinks for a moment. One month is too long to be good. He gets up and tears up the letter, and writes another one. 'Dear God. If I'm good for one week, will you get me a BMX bike?' He folds the letter and then thinks, 'No. One week is too long.' He writes another letter. 'Dear God. If I'm good for one day, will you get me a BMX bike?' Looking at the letter, he rips it up. One day is too long. He jumps out of his window and heads to the local church. He grabs the statue of Mary, rolls it up in a blanket, rushes back home, and shoves it under his bed. He then writes another letter. 'Dear God. If you want to see your mother again......' Did you hear about the guy who got hit by the same bike every morning? It was a vicious cycle. When I was young, I used to pray to the Lord every day to give me a bike. But then I realized it didn't work that way, so I stole a bike and asked him to forgive me. Long Jokes Two caterpillars are escaping a spider... They climbed up a small branch and reached the edge but realized they were now trapped."Hold on tight!" says the first caterpillar, and he quickly chews through the branch. It snaps, and they begin to fall, but he grabs two protruding twigs and steers the branch through the air with grace and finesse."That's amazing!" says the second caterpillar. "How are you doing that?!"The first caterpillar scoffs. "Am I the only one in the whole damn forest who knows how to drive a stick?" When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer By Walt Whitman When I heard the learn’d astronomer, When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me, When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them, When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room, How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick, Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself, In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Benefits of Apartment Intercoms IP Apartment Intercoms Are the Latest Visitor Control for Multi-Tenant Buildings Apartment Intercom Concept IP apartment intercoms offer several benefits compared to traditional analog intercom systems. They provide an economical solution for the replacement of older intercom systems as well as new installations. This article describes some of the advantages of IP Apartment Intercoms: IP Apartment Intercoms Enhanced Communication: IP Apartment intercoms (or Multi-Tenant Intercoms) provide clear, high-quality audio and video communication between residents and visitors. Digital signals over IP networks ensure reliable and uninterrupted communication, minimizing disturbances and misunderstandings. Easy Installation of the Apartment Intercom Each user (or tenant) downloads the App from the iOS or Google Play store. Once their identification information is entered, they are automatically added to the service. Many old analog apartment intercoms have reached end-of-life. The multi-button systems have stopped working correctly, and the intercoms in the apartments are non-functional. Replacing wired systems is difficult and expensive because even the wires running to the apartments may be broken or shorted. Apartment Intercom Block Diagram The new IP apartment Intercoms quickly replace the old multi-button units because no extensive wiring is required. The lobby intercom touchscreens and wireless connections provide improved capability, such as video connections to the lobby. The wireless apartment intercoms will save quite a lot of money since they don't require wires to each apartment. The hosted cloud control and management software is easy to use and is updated automatically. The Latest Intercoms Include Remote Access: With IP intercoms, residents can remotely communicate with visitors and grant access to their building or apartment even when not physically present. This feature adds convenience and flexibility, allowing residents to manage access from anywhere using their smartphones, tablets, or computers. The IP Multi-Tenant Intercoms Provide Integration with Other Systems: One of the excellent features of IP Apartment intercoms is their easy integration with IP Camera systems. IP intercoms can be integrated with other security and access control systems, such as surveillance cameras, electronic locks, and building management systems. This integration enables a comprehensive security solution, enhancing the overall safety of the building. Access Control and Intercoms The Intercoms are Scalable: IP intercom systems are easily scalable, making them suitable for small apartment buildings, large complexes with multiple entrances, and numerous apartments. Adding additional units and expanding the system as needed is relatively straightforward. The IP Apartment Intercoms are Cost-Effectiveness: IP intercoms utilize existing network infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate wiring and reducing installation and maintenance costs over time. Some intercoms use wireless connections, making them less costly than the older wired systems. The Multi-Tenant Intercoms Include Advanced Features: IP intercoms often come with advanced features like video recording, call forwarding, visitor log tracking, and integration with mobile apps. These features provide additional security, convenience, and flexibility for residents and building management. Improved Visitor Experience: IP intercoms offer a user-friendly interface for visitors, simplifying the entry process and reducing waiting times. Video capabilities allow residents to visually confirm the visitor's identity before granting access, enhancing security measures. Door Control Using Intercoms The latest lobby intercoms include a large touchscreen panel. This multi-tenant intercom system provides a wireless connection from the lobby intercom station to an app on your smartphone. The new systems have large LCD screens that allow you to see many of the residents in the building. You can select 7-inch or 10-inch panels. The larger displays provide a better user interface and make it much easier to find the right person. Remote Management and Maintenance: IP intercom systems can be remotely managed and maintained, reducing the need for on-site visits and minimizing disruption to residents. Software updates and troubleshooting can be performed remotely, ensuring the system operates smoothly. The management software provides an easy method for updating and editing the user list. The message passes through the local intercom server and the network switch and router to the cloud server. The message is sent from the cloud server to the smartphone (or standard phone). Once the connection is established, the tenant can talk to the person at the door. They can then remotely unlock the door. The IP intercom system provides increased security by allowing the tenant, with a smartphone, to see the person at the door. Summary of IP Apartment Intercoms Overall, IP apartment intercoms offer modern, feature-rich solutions that enhance security, convenience, and communication for residents and building management alike. The latest apartment IP intercom systems connect to the tenant's smartphones. The App on their smartphone allows them to see and talk to the person in the lobby. These new apartment intercoms are much more flexible and easier to install than the older analog intercom systems. Learn more about apartment intercoms. If you would like help selecting the best IP apartment intercom, please contact us at 914-944-3425 in the USA, or at 800-431-1658 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### The Economic Benefits of IP Camera Systems IP Camera Systems provide many advantages that make them economically beneficial. Economic Benefits of IP Camera Systems Surveillance cameras offer several economic benefits across various industries and applications. The benefits include improved safety, loss prevention, reduced liability costs, increased operational efficiency, improved productivity, and off-site monitoring. This article provides some of the key economic advantages of IP Camera Systems: IP Cameras Provide Deterrence of Theft and Crime: The presence of surveillance cameras acts as a deterrent to theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities. Potential offenders are less likely to target areas that are under constant surveillance, reducing the risk of loss or damage to property. This can result in direct cost savings by minimizing losses due to theft and minimizing the need for repairs or replacements. IP Camera Systems Increase Security and Loss Prevention: Surveillance cameras help improve security by monitoring and recording activities in real-time. This enables quick response to security incidents and aids in identifying perpetrators. By preventing and minimizing losses from theft, fraud, or unauthorized access, businesses can save money that would otherwise be spent on replacement or recovery costs. The latest smart camera systems provide immediate notification of alarm conditions which results in quick resolution of threatening situations. Surveillance Cameras Reduce False Claims and Liability Costs: IP cameras provide visual evidence that can be crucial in verifying claims and resolving disputes. They help protect businesses against false liability claims, fraudulent activities, and employee misconduct. By having documented evidence of incidents, businesses can potentially save on legal fees, insurance premiums, and compensation payouts. Cameras Improve Operational Efficiency: Improve Operational Efficiency Surveillance camera systems can be used to monitor and analyze workflows, operational processes, and customer behavior. By studying video footage, businesses can identify bottlenecks, streamline operations, and optimize resource allocation. This can lead to cost savings, increased productivity, and improved customer satisfaction. IP Camera Systems Increase Employee Productivity and Safety: Surveillance cameras can promote a safe and productive work environment. They discourage workplace misconduct and can help identify safety hazards or non-compliance with regulations. By fostering a safer work environment, businesses can reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and potential legal liabilities, resulting in cost savings related to workers' compensation and legal claims. Security Guard IP Camera Systems Provide Off-Site Remote Monitoring and Management: Surveillance cameras allow remote monitoring and management over the internet or mobile devices. This feature eliminates the need for physical presence on-site and reduces the costs associated with deploying personnel for routine inspections and surveillance. Remote access also enables faster response times to security incidents or emergencies, potentially minimizing damage and related expenses. IP Cameras Reduce Insurance Premiums: Installing surveillance cameras can potentially lead to lower insurance premiums. Surveillance cameras demonstrate a proactive approach to risk management. Insurance providers often offer discounted rates or incentives to these businesses. Surveillance Camera Systems Provide Business Intelligence and Analytics: Advanced surveillance camera systems can include video analytics capabilities, such as people counting, heat mapping, and facial recognition. These analytics can provide valuable insights into customer behavior, foot traffic patterns, and marketing effectiveness. By leveraging this data, businesses can make informed decisions to optimize operations, improve marketing strategies, and enhance customer experiences. Summary of Economic Benefits of IP Camera Systems The economic benefits of IP Camera Systems in terms of deterrence, security, loss prevention, operational efficiency, and insurance savings can result in long-term cost savings and improved business performance. If you would like help selecting your IP Camera System, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes – 103 A man we’ll call “Egon Tusk” had just become the CEO of a large tech company. The departing CEO left him with three envelopes numbered 1, 2 and 3."Open these if you run up against a problem you don't think you can solve," the departing CEO said. Egon made a lot of changes, but six months later revenues had still not picked up and was in fact lower than when he was brought in. Egon was catching a lot of heat. Almost at his wit’s end, he suddenly remembered the envelopes. He opened the first one, it said: “Blame your predecessor.” Egon went all out on PR and tactfully laid the blame at the feet of the previous CEO. Satisfied with his comments, the press, and Wall Street, responded positively, the stock price went up and the heat was soon off him.About a year later, the ad revenues had still not picked up, and the company was facing serious engineering problems. Having learned from his previous experience, the CEO quickly opened the second envelope. The message read, "Blame the environment.” Egon went on a PR overdrive again, blaming the war in Europe, the global recession etc. and the pressure was off him again.More quarters passed. The company was still not generating enough revenue. Under pressure again, Egon turned to the third envelope.It said: “Prepare three envelopes.” Dad Jokes “Why do fathers take an extra pair of socks when they go golfing?" "In case they get a hole in one!" "Singing in the shower is fun until you get soap in your mouth. Then it's a soap opera." "What do a tick and the Eiffel Tower have in common?" "They're both Paris sites." "What do you call a fish wearing a bowtie?" "Sofishticated." "What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet?" "Supplies!" "Have you heard about the chocolate record player? It sounds pretty sweet." "What did the ocean say to the beach?" "Nothing, it just waved." "Why do seagulls fly over the ocean?" "Because if they flew over the bay, we'd call them bagels." "I only know 25 letters of the alphabet. I don't know y." "How does the moon cut his hair?" "Eclipse it." "What did one wall say to the other?" "I'll meet you at the corner." "What did the zero say to the eight?" "That belt looks good on you." "A skeleton walks into a bar and says, 'Hey, bartender. I'll have one beer and a mop.'" "Where do fruits go on vacation?" "Pear-is!" "I asked my dog what's two minus two. He said nothing." "What did Baby Corn say to Mama Corn?" "Where's Pop Corn?" "What's the best thing about Switzerland?" "I don't know, but the flag is a big plus." "What does a sprinter eat before a race?" "Nothing, they fast!" "Where do you learn to make a banana split?" "Sundae school." "What has more letters than the alphabet?" "The post office!" "Dad, did you get a haircut?" "No, I got them all cut!" "What do you call a poor Santa Claus?" "St. Nickel-less." "I got carded at a liquor store, and my Blockbuster card accidentally fell out. The cashier said never mind." "Where do boats go when they're sick?" "To the boat doc." "I don't trust those trees. They seem kind of shady." A Longer Joke A redneck's father passed away in his sleep. So in the morning, he calls 911 to come pick up the body. The 911 operator told him that she would send someone out right away. "Where do you live?" asked the operator. He replied, "At the end of Eucalyptus Drive." The operator asked, "Can you spell that for me? There was a long pause and finally he said, "How 'bout if I drag him over to Oak Street and you pick him up there?" I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Physical Security Issues That Concern Most People Physical Threats to Our Security Security Concerns Sometimes the world can be a scary place. It is essential to be aware of security threats and to take steps to protect yourself and your organization. The latest technology helps to increase our safety and security. This article reviews many of our security concerns and suggests the best way to mitigate these fears. Security Threats People Are Concerned About When it comes to physical security, there are several common concerns that most people are interested in: Burglary and Theft: Protecting homes and businesses from break-ins, theft, and property damage is a top priority for many people. This includes securing entry points, installing surveillance systems, and implementing access control measures. Personal Safety: Ensuring personal safety is of utmost importance. People are concerned about measures to protect themselves and their loved ones from physical harm, both in public spaces and within their homes. Workplace Security: Employees and employers want to maintain a safe and secure working environment. This includes implementing access control systems, surveillance cameras, emergency preparedness plans, and training employees on security protocols. Public Safety: Safety in public spaces, such as parks, shopping malls, transportation hubs, and schools, is a significant concern for individuals and communities. Measures like video surveillance, crowd management, emergency response systems, and security personnel presence are essential in ensuring public safety. Emergency Preparedness: Being prepared for emergencies such as natural disasters, fires, or medical incidents is a top concern. This involves having evacuation plans, emergency communication systems, and safety equipment in place. Vehicle Security: Protecting vehicles from theft and vandalism is another common concern. This includes using alarm systems, vehicle tracking devices, secure parking facilities, and following general vehicle security practices. It's important to note that the specific security concerns may vary based on individual circumstances, geographic location, and industry. Each person's security needs may differ, and assessing and addressing the risks and vulnerabilities relevant to one's situation is essential. How to Mitigate Security Threats Reducing Security Threats Technology provides methods for reducing security threats. Here are some examples: Access Control Systems Regulates Physical Access:  Access Control is the process of controlling who has access to a facility or area. Ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive areas, such as data centers or server rooms, is crucial. The latest biometric door readers monitor all the people entering a facility. Biometric door readers offer several advantages over traditional access control methods like keys or access cards. They provide a higher level of security since biometric traits are difficult to duplicate or forge. Additionally, they eliminate the need for carrying physical credentials, reducing the risk of lost or stolen access cards. Read more about Access Control Systems IP Camera Systems Protect the Perimeter:  This includes measures to protect the perimeter of a facility, such as fences, walls, and gates. IP surveillance cameras or guards are used to protect the perimeter. The latest AI cameras are used to notify security if the perimeter is breached.  Note: AI-powered IP cameras, are surveillance cameras that integrate artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. These cameras utilize advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to enhance their functionality and provide intelligent surveillance features. Read more about IP Camera Systems IP Paging Systems Provide Alarms:  These systems are triggered by an unauthorized attempt to enter a facility or other security events, such as a fire or a break-in. They can alert security personnel or law enforcement and also sound an alarm to scare off intruders. IP paging and intercom systems are used to notify people about security alerts. By using physical security technology, you can help to protect yourself and your organization from security threats. Read more about IP Paging and Intercom Systems Summary of Physical Security The article emphasizes the importance of leveraging physical security technology to safeguard individuals and organizations from potential security threats. Specific security concerns may vary depending on individual circumstances, location, and industry, highlighting the need for assessing and addressing the unique risks and vulnerabilities relevant to each situation. If you would like help selecting the security system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technologies that Enhance Physical Security How Technology Provides Increased Physical Security Safety and Security Technology plays a crucial role in protecting organizations in several ways: By leveraging technology, organizations can enhance physical security measures, monitor activities, detect and respond to threats in real-time, and establish robust access control systems to safeguard their premises, assets, and personnel. This article reviews how technology is used to enhance physical safety Surveillance and Monitoring Using IP Camera Systems: AI and IP Camera Systems Advanced surveillance technologies, such as IP camera Sytems, access control systems, and intrusion detection systems, are used to monitor physical premises, restrict unauthorized entry, and prevent theft or unauthorized activities within the organization's premises. Modern surveillance systems leverage advanced technologies such as IP cameras, video analytics, and motion sensors to monitor and record activities in and around organizational premises. These systems deter potential threats, provide evidence in case of incidents, and enable real-time monitoring for prompt response to security concerns. Incident Response Provides Immediate Alerts: The latest AI-powered IP camera systems provide immediate notification of threats. Alarms are sent to security personnel when a protected area is breached, someone enters the organization carrying a gun, screams, or when a gunshot is detected. Technology aids organizations in responding to security incidents promptly and effectively. Incident response tools and technologies enable rapid detection, containment, investigation, and recovery from security breaches or cyberattacks. Access Control Systems Protect People and Facilities: Access Control and Intercoms Access control systems restrict entry to authorized personnel only. This includes key-card credentials, biometric scanners (fingerprint, retina, or facial recognition), and PIN-based systems. These technologies help prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining physical access to restricted areas. Access control increases the safety of any organization by preventing the wrong people from entering the facility. It can also be used to determine who is inside the facility, providing accountability and autitability. Alarm Systems Notify the Campus of Threats: Emergency alarm buttons can be placed at key locations around the organization. The alarm buttons can be integrated with IP Paging and door access control systems. There are portable alarm buttons that people can carry. Some mobile systems only work within the organization, while other personal panic buttons can be used anywhere cellphone connections exist. Panic Buttons Other technology-driven alarm systems are crucial for physical security. Intrusion detection systems, including door/window sensors, motion detectors, and glass break sensors, are integrated with alarms to notify security personnel or trigger alerts in case of unauthorized access or suspicious activities. Visitor Management Systems: Technology enables the implementation of visitor management systems, including self-service kiosks, digital registration, and badge printing. These systems enhance control over visitor access, track visitor movements, and provide a record of individuals present within the premises. Apartment Intercoms Control Visitors The apartment intercom provides control of visitors to a multi-tenant building. It is an intelligent device with a touchscreen that allows visitors to contact residents. Apartment Intercom Concept For example, the TruView-Touch7 Apartment Intercom attaches to your network and includes a door relay that can release the electric lock at the door. It is designed to increase security in any organization that has multiple tenants. Since the intercom connects to the tenants thru your WiFi or cellphone network, it is very easy to install. You can easily find and call a specific corporate department or person in an apartment building using the touchscreen. The person contacted can answer the intercom using an app on their mobile device or a standard telephone. It's easy to view, talk and then release the door. This wireless system is excellent for new or replacement installations. It connects to the tenant's smartphones for completely wireless communication. The tenant can see and speak to the person at the door. Since the system uses cellphone data, they can control the door from anywhere in the world. Emergency Communication Systems: Technology facilitates the implementation of emergency communication systems, such as public address (PA) systems, intercoms, and mass notification systems. These systems enable efficient communication during emergencies, ensuring timely evacuation, response coordination, and dissemination of critical information. Network-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. Summary of Technology to Increase Safety Technology is crucial in protecting organizations by enhancing physical security measures, monitoring activities, detecting and responding to threats in real time, and establishing robust access control systems. If you would like help selecting the security system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes – 102 Random Facts All the C's in "Pacific Ocean" are pronounced differently.Octopi have blue blood. This is due to their blood containing copper, as opposed to human blood, which contains iron. Dictionaries add words not because of worthiness but because of vernacularIf people use the word, then people need to have a way to look it up. It doesn't matter if you like the word "crunk" or notThe longest (English) word you can type using only the left side of the keyboard is "stewardesses". On the right it's "lollipop".One horse has around 15 horsepowerFlamingos aren't born pink. They get the color from their diet of shrimp.The White Starline built three similar ships, the Titanic (We know that one), the Britannic, and the Olympic. All three ships sank. But the remarkable fact is that there was a woman [Violet Jessop], who was on all three ships when they sank and survived it all.A one-pound mixture of U.S. dimes, quarters, and half-dollars will always have a face value of $20, no matter the ratio of dimes to quarters to half-dollars.By the time the big pyramids were built in Egypt, there were still mammoths alive in northern Siberia. The Genius of Steven Wright: 1 - I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize. 2 - Borrow money from pessimists -- they don't expect it back. 3 - Half the people you know are below average. 4 - 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name. 5 - 82.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot. 6 - A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good. 7 - A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. 8 - If you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain. 9 - All those who believe in psycho kinesis, raise my hand. 10 - The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. 11 - I almost had a psychic girlfriend, ..... But she left me before we met. Some Random Thoughts When a woman says, "What?" It's not because she didn't hear you. She's giving you a chance to change what you said. Dear life, when I asked if my day could get worse, it was a rhetorical question, not a challenge. Never in the history of calming down has anyone calmed down by being told to calm down. I was called "pretty" today! Well, actually, the full message was, "You're pretty annoying." But I only focus on the positive things. I came, I saw, I forgot what I was doing, retraced my steps, got distracted on my way back, have no idea what's going on, and now I have to pee… I have done some really terrible things for money, like getting up early and going to work. My husband and I don't want children. It was a difficult decision. We're telling them tonight. I hope they understand. I'm going to be the life of the party as long as it ends by 8 pm. A Poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening Robert Frost - 1874-1963 Whose woods these are I think I know.His house is in the village though;He will not see me stopping hereTo watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queerTo stop without a farmhouse nearBetween the woods and frozen lakeThe darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shakeTo ask if there is some mistake.The only other sound's the sweepOf easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark and deep.But I have promises to keep,And miles to go before I sleep,And miles to go before I sleep. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Detecting Threats using AI and IP Camera Systems IP Camera Software with Enhanced Narrow Artificial Intelligence AI and IP Camera Systems Today we face increased gun violence that threatens our schools, places of worship, businesses, and government offices. But what if we could detect tragedies before they happen? The latest AI software can be used in IP video surveillance systems to automatically detect anomalies, suspicious activities, or objects of interest, enhancing security and enabling faster response to potential threats. It helps to stop violent actions before they happen. This article describes how the latest  AI software can help increase safety by analyzing many threats, such as detecting a person with a gun entering your facility, or notifying security if someone falls. What is Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a broad term that ranges from limited or narrow intelligence (ANI) to Super Artificial Intelligence (ASI). There are three primary levels of AI Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI): ANI is the most basic level of AI. It is designed to perform a specific task, such as playing chess or Go. ANI systems are typically very good at their particular job but can only do that one thing. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): AGI is a hypothetical level of AI that can perform any intellectual task that a human can. AGI systems would be able to learn, reason, and solve problems in a way that is indistinguishable from humans. AGI is still a long way off, but it is a goal many AI researchers are working towards. Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI): ASI is a hypothetical level of AI that would be even more intelligent than AGI. ASI systems would be able to surpass human intelligence in every way, including creativity, problem-solving, and even emotion. ASI is a very speculative concept, and it is unclear if it is even possible to create such a system. Threat Detection Overview  The AI-enhanced Software provides the following functions: Object Detection Anomaly Detection and Behavior Recognition Thermal Screening Intrusion Detection and Perimeter Protection Drone Security The purpose of the software system is to enhance and augment the effectiveness of security personnel. It reduces the response time of security units in an emergency. We know that every second can play a decisive role in saving lives. The software integrates with IP camera systems to create a complete security threat alert system. How the Intelligent IP Camera Software Works AI Software Detects Threats AI-enhanced Software uses Narrow Artificial Intelligence to analyze data coming from IP cameras. It then processes the acquired data to generate meaningful information about the activity contained in the video stream. AI-enhanced Software detects potential threats posed by a suspect's actions or from vehicles. The AI-enhanced Software software uses biometric identification of individuals to search, identify and track suspects continuously. It can locate the most wanted individuals, registered sex offenders, and missing persons nationwide. The analytic software analyzes the collected data and distributes alerts to the law enforcement response units through the web and mobile channels. It provides information about the threat, location, and the suspect's identity. Summary of Capability The AI software helps prevent acts of terrorism by tracking movements and identifying rogue activities and individuals. It can detect the use of suspicious items, including but not limited to different weapon types, track and alert on cargo movements, unattended bags, etc. Object Detection includes the identification and classification of objects. It enables Intrusion Detection, Occupancy, Counting, Smart Parking, Intelligent Traffic Management, and Thermal Screening. This engine also uses smart targeting. Action Detection is used for solutions like Fight/Violence/Assault detection, Smoke and Fire detection, Slip and Fall detection, Detection of Suspicious Shopping Behavior that may result in shoplifting, etc. Threat Detection: The Fusion of "Object" and "Action" Detection triggers Threat Detection. The combination of object (such as a weapon) detection and also the handling of it (action) generates the threat alert. Mobile Applications for Threat Alert The threat alert software can analyze video feeds from mobile camera systems. The mobile video capability can be used in Unmanned Vehicle (UAV) or body-worn cameras. This allows the monitoring of peripheral activity and helps apprehend criminals. The IP Camera System Integration The IP camera system is an essential part of threat analysis and detection. The IP cameras must be carefully positioned to see areas of interest with enough clarity so the processing software can use them. There are two aspects to this positioning. The first is to view places where you expect people, and the second is to ensure that the video captured is at the correct resolution for the processing software. The AI software requires a minimum resolution to identify the significant area of interest. For example, it requires a minimum resolution across the target to identify a person's face or a license plate. Intelligent IP Camera Artificial intelligence can be added to existing surveillance systems to provide immediate notification of many dangerous situations. It can detect if someone falls, to a person entering the premises with a gun. Resolution Required for Face Recognition The resolution required to identify a person depends on several factors, including the lighting conditions. We can identify someone we know based on their face, what they wear, and how they move. More resolution is required to recognize someone you don't know. This is considered forensic picture quality. Automated facial recognition systems usually need more resolution to make a reliable comparison with a stored image. For successful recognition, many computerized systems require about 50 to 60 pixels across the face, which equates to about 120 pixels/ft. If the subject is in the dark, noise in the camera system can make recognition more difficult. In this case, we suggest at least 180 pixels/ft. To learn more, see our article What IP Camera Resolution Do You Need? Resolution Required for Vehicle and License Recognition We require about 12 pixels across the target character to recognize an alphanumeric.  The letters on a license plate are one ft. high, so we need at least 12 pixels/ft. to identify the lettering.  Since some applications have unclear alphanumeric characters because of font, upper and lower case, or dirty letters, we suggest using at least 15 pixels across the alphanumeric (or 15 pixels per foot). Connect the Cameras AI-enhanced Software provides a module for selecting and attaching each camera to the system. This integration ensures that the important video can be integrated into the AI analytic software. Summary for Detecting Threats with AI Artificial intelligence (AI) has become smart enough to alert security before threats become a disaster. The IP camera system must be installed correctly to ensure the proper operation of the analytic software. Once everything is installed, the system detects threats, such as a person entering the facility carrying a gun. If you would like help selecting the threat detection software for your security system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### What are Biometric Palm Readers Palm Readers for Door Entry Control Palm Readers for Door Control Do you want your palm read? I'm not talking about palmistry which has been around for thousands of years, but the more recent biometric palm reading that can identify a person. Interestingly, both techniques read the lines of your hand. One predicts your fortune the other opens the door. Palm readers are excellent for contactless door entry control. This article describes how biometric Palm and Face Readers work in Door Access Control Systems. How Palm Readers Identify a Person Touchless Palm Recognition uses a near-infrared (NIR) light source to illuminate the palm of the user's hand. The hand is held near the sensor and doesn't touch it. The blood in the veins absorbs the NIR light, but the surrounding tissue reflects it. This creates a unique pattern of light and dark areas that a sensor can capture. The sensor and computer then convert the image into a digital template stored in a database. When the user presents their hand to the touchless palm-vein scanner, the scanner compares the current image of their veins to the template stored in the database. If the two images match, the user is authenticated. Door Access Control in Secure Environments Biometric palm readers are often used in high-security environments like government facilities, research labs, and financial institutions. They are considered to be a highly secure form of access control because each person's palm print is unique, making it difficult for someone to gain access using a fake or stolen identity. Palm Readers for Door Access Control Palm-vein recognition is a highly accurate and secure form of authentication. It is difficult to forge a vein pattern, and it is not affected by changes in appearance, such as dirt, sweat, or aging. Palm-vein recognition is also contactless, which makes it hygienic and convenient. Advantages of Using Palm-Vein Recognition: Accuracy: Palm-vein recognition is one of the most accurate biometric authentication technologies. It has a false acceptance rate (FAR) of less than 0.01% and a false rejection rate (FRR) of less than 0.1%.Security: Palm-vein recognition is a very secure form of authentication. The veins in the palm are not visible to the naked eye, and they are difficult to forge. Palm-vein recognition is also contactless, which makes it more hygienic than other biometric authentication technologies, such as fingerprint scanning.Convenience: Touchless palm-vein recognition is a very convenient form of authentication. Users simply need to place their hand near the scanner to be authenticated. This makes it ideal for use in applications where speed and convenience are essential, such as access control to buildings and facilities. Palm-vein recognition is growing and is expected to become even more popular. It is a highly accurate, secure, and convenient form of authentication that is well-suited for a variety of applications. How Face Recognition Works Palm and face recognition are very secure and perfect for Door Access Control systems. Face recognition technology uses algorithms to analyze and identify faces in digital images or videos. Face recognition technology has gained significant attention and application in recent years due to its numerous advantages and potential benefits. Face recognition can be used to secure buildings, devices, and even borders. It is more secure than other forms of authentication, such as passwords, because it is difficult to forge a face. The "spoofing" algorithm ensures that the face presented is from a person rather than an image. Security and Access Control: Face recognition can enhance security systems by accurately identifying individuals based on facial features. It can be used for access control in various settings, such as airports, government buildings, and workplaces, replacing traditional methods like keys or ID cards. Face recognition can help prevent unauthorized access, reduce fraud, and enhance overall security. Biometric Door Readers Biometric Reader Reader Provides Face and Palm Recognition Chart of Biometric Door Readers Biometric readers provide a very reliable way to provide secure door access control. The latest combination reader can recognize a face or a palm, giving it excellent flexibility and reliability. The model TVIP-Face8WP is an example of a combination reader. Combining the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with an optimized dual-core CPU, the Face8WP has a powerful embedded anti-spoofing engine that can withstand almost all types of fake attacks. The face and palm recognition algorithm has been designed for the variable conditions found in outdoor environments. Summary of Biometric Door Access Control Using Palm and Face Recognition Palm recognition is the new form of contactless biometric door access control. Unlike other biometric door control systems, palm readers can be used outdoors. The latest biometric door readers can use multiple credentials, such as face, palm, or card credentials. Door access control systems benefit from the increased security provided by biometric readers. If you would like help selecting the biometric reader for your door access system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes – 101 Cartoon Some Longer Jokes A waiter gives a gentleman a cup of coffee. The gentleman takes a sip and spits it out. He turns to the waiter and says, “Waiter! This coffee tastes like mud!”  The waiter, looking surprised, turns to the gentleman and says, “But, sir, it’s fresh ground.” A man who’d just died is delivered to a local mortuary wearing an expensive, expertly tailored black suit... The female blonde mortician asks the deceased’s wife how she would like the body dressed. She points out that the man looks good in the black suit he is already wearing.The widow, however, says that she always thought her husband looked his best in blue and that she wants him in a blue suit.She gives the Blonde mortician a blank check and says, ‘I don’t care what it costs, but have my husband in a blue suit for the viewing.’The woman returns the next day for the wake. To her delight, she finds her husband dressed in a gorgeous blue suit with a subtle chalk stripe; the suit fits him perfectly...She says to the mortician, ‘Whatever this cost, I’m very satisfied... You did an excellent job and I’m very grateful. How much did you spend?’To her astonishment, the blonde mortician presents her with the blank check. ‘There’s no charge,’ she says.‘No, really, I must compensate you for the cost of that exquisite blue suit!’ she says.‘Honestly,’ the blonde says, ‘it cost nothing. You see, a deceased gentleman of about your husband’s size was brought in shortly after you left yesterday, and he was wearing an attractive blue suit. I asked his wife if she minded him going to his grave wearing a black suit instead, and she said it made no difference as long as he looked nice.’‘So I just switched the heads.’ Some Dad Jokes How do you cut the sea in half? Answer: With a sea-saw. How do geologists ask each other out? Answer: They say, “Are you a carbon sample? Because I’d love to date you.” Why did the physicist break up with the biologist? Answer: There was no chemistry. Why didn’t the skeleton go to the ball? Answer: Because he has no-body to go with. What do computers like to eat? Answer: Chips. Why do plants hate algebra? Answer: It gives them square roots. What kind of hair do oceans have? Answer: Wavy hair. Where does bad light end up? Answer: In a prism. What do you call a bunch of iron atoms at a carnival? Answer: A Ferrous wheel. Why did the scientist take out his doorbell? Answer: He wanted to win the no-bell prize. Inspirational Quotes “When you are asked if you can do a job, tell ’em, ‘Certainly I can!’ Then get busy and find out how to do it.” —Theodore Roosevelt“Confidence is 10% hard work and 90% delusion.” —Tina Fey“Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?” —Edward Bergen“Oh, you hate your job? Why didn’t you say so? There’s a support group for that. It’s called everybody, and they meet at the bar.” —Drew Carey“There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full.” —Henry Kissinger“I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” —Douglas Adams“What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day.” —Phyllis Diller“By working faithfully eight hours a day, you may eventually get to be boss and work 12 hours a day.” —Robert Frost“The road to success is always under construction.” —Lily Tomlin“Some people see things that are and ask, ‘Why?’ Some people dream of things that never were and ‘Why not?’ Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.” —George Carlin“No man goes before his time—unless the boss leaves early.” —Groucho Marx The Veteran Dorothy Parker - 1893-1967 When I was young and bold and strong,Oh, right was right, and wrong was wrong!My plume on high, my flag unfurled,I rode away to right the world.“Come out, you dogs, and fight!” said I,And wept there was but once to die. But I am old; and good and badAre woven in a crazy plaid.I sit and stay, “The world is so;And he is wise who lets it go.A battle lost, a battle won—The difference is small, my son.” Inertia rides and riddles me;The which is called Philosophy. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Audio Paging Advantages and Disadvantages The Pros and Cons of IP Paging Systems IP Paging Pros and Cons IP audio paging is a system that uses an IP network to transmit audio signals to speakers. It is an efficient and reliable way to send audio. This article describes the pros and cons of IP paging systems. IP audio paging systems are the latest method of transmitting audio to powered speakers and intercoms. They are easier to install than the older analog systems with a central amplifier since they use the network infrastructure for wiring rather than running wires from a central location. IP audio paging systems use digital signals, which are more efficient than analog signals. This means IP audio paging systems can transmit more audio information with less bandwidth. IP intercom systems are similar to paging systems. They use the same technology, except they transfer audio in both directions on the network. IP audio paging systems are more reliable because the networks are designed to be reliable. IP audio paging systems are easier to manage and can be managed remotely, which makes it easy to make changes to the system or troubleshoot problems. The Benefits of Using an IP Paging System: Increased efficiency: IP audio paging systems use digital signals, which are more efficient than analog signals. This means that IP audio paging systems can transmit more audio information with less bandwidth.Increased reliability: IP networks are designed to be reliable, and IP audio paging systems take advantage of this reliability.Increased ease of management: IP audio paging systems can be managed remotely, making it easy to make system changes or troubleshoot problems.Increased flexibility: Pages can be made from anywhere you have a computer. The old central amplifier is not required. IP Paging System Disadvantages of IP Paging Systems Cost: IP paging systems can be more expensive than traditional analog paging systems, but they can sometimes cost less. IP paging systems require additional hardware and software. But the network-attached systems require less wiring when a network infrastructure is in place. Running the audio and power wires costs more than the available network infrastructure.Complexity: IP audio paging systems can be more complex to install and configure than traditional analog paging systems. This is because they require an understanding of IP networks. If you have an IT staff installation is not a problem. If you have installed IP cameras or computers on the network, installing IP paging systems is easy.Security: IP audio paging systems can be more vulnerable to security threats than analog paging systems. This is because they are connected to the internet. Despite these disadvantages, IP audio paging systems offer several advantages that make them a good choice for many applications. If you are considering an IP audio paging system, carefully weigh its advantages and disadvantages to decide if it is the right solution. Here Are Some Tips for Overcoming the Disadvantages of IP Audio Paging: Cost: When choosing an IP audio paging system, be sure to compare prices from different vendors. You may also be able to find used or refurbished systems that are less expensive.Complexity: Many large organizations already have an IT staff that can do the installation. If you are not comfortable installing and configuring an IP audio paging system, you may want to hire a professional to do it for you. Security: To protect your IP audio paging system from security threats, be sure to use strong passwords and keep your software up to date. You should also consider using a firewall to protect your network from unauthorized access. Paging and Intercoms Applications Where IP Paging Systems Can Be Used: Schools: IP paging and intercom systems can be used to make announcements to students and staff.Apartment Buildings: Intercoms can be used to control visitorsHospitals: IP audio paging and intercom systems can be used to make announcements to patients and staff.Offices: IP audio paging systems can be used to make announcements to employees.Retail stores: IP paging systems can be used to make announcements to customers. Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages of IP Paging Systems IP Paging systems offer several advantages, making them the best choice for new and replacement paging systems. IP audio paging systems are a good choice for a variety of applications. They are efficient, reliable, and easy to manage. IP audio paging is a good option if you are looking for a paging system for your school, hospital, office, or retail store. If you would like help selecting the best IP paging system or IP intercom system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else or use our contact form. ### Long-Range PTZ Cameras With Drone Deterrents Long-Range PTZ Cameras and Counter-Drone Measures Long-Range PTZ Cameras with Anti-Drone Systems The rise of drones as a weapon has resulted in an increased demand for effective countermeasures. Drones can be used for illegal activities, such as smuggling or spying. They can also be used to carry out attacks or disrupt critical infrastructure. Overall, drones can be a valuable tool in many contexts, but it is essential to consider the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. This article describes how enhanced long-range PTZ camera systems can protect us from drones. Enhanced Long-Range Surveillance Cameras Long-Range PTZ System The need for precise and reliable detection and identification of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has become paramount for government agencies, law enforcement, and military organizations worldwide. There are several ways to stop drones, depending on the situation and the threat level posed by the drone. The Kintronics long-range camera and anti-drone systems offer an array of long-range camera systems with options incorporating advanced camera technology for effectively detecting and identifying UAVs. The company specializes in cooled and uncooled, long-range thermal camera platforms designed to be highly customizable and feature some of the latest electro-optical (EO) sensors. The cameras' high-resolution capabilities allow for precise identification and tracking of UAVs, enabling operators to respond quickly to potential threats. Special Pan Tilt Mechanisms The long-range camera system platform is an AI-driven operating environment that provides integration of other off-the-shelf platforms and payloads into one centralized system. The highly accurate pan-tilt platform allows users to exchange, upgrade, and add hardware. All added platforms can be centrally managed and, more importantly, continually updated and upgraded with the latest surveillance and threat detection software improvements. The PTZ system provides a sustainable and cost-effective solution without in-factory involvement. Advanced Analytics Control Long-Range PTZ Cameras The Kintronics' cameras are equipped with advanced video analytics capabilities that enable them to detect, track, and classify objects in real time. These capabilities are critical for anti-drone applications, as they allow the cameras to identify potential threats and take action to neutralize them. For example, the cameras can detect and track small drones and classify them. Long-Range Camera Robustness and Reliability The long-range cameras are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and operate reliably in various scenarios. They are rugged, weatherproof, and resistant to interference from other devices. They are also equipped with redundant power supplies, so they can continue to operate even if one power source fails. In addition, the cameras are designed with cybersecurity in mind, with advanced encryption protocols and other security measures to prevent unauthorized access. Counter-Drone Capability Drone Defense Earth Observation Positioning: The Pan-Tilt platform can provide high speed and pinpoint accurate positioning using harmonic drive gears. It provides absolute positional feedback for the pan, and, tilt and EO payloads. Detection: The camera PT platform has been specifically developed to integrate third-party Radar or RF-based detection systems. In addition, the through-shaft allows for the integration of these capabilities to be completely combined into the EO system. By mounting the detection capability in this way, the PT platform can provide continuous, uninterrupted, 360° target tracking. Tracking: The platform offers a fused-tracking capability utilizing information from a Radar track which is paired with a hardware-based video tracker to ensure smooth and reliable tracking at all ranges and speeds. Other features include centroid and edge measurement. Classification: The auto-classification capability adds a layer of target intelligence. This allows drone targets to be positively discriminated from other airborne clutter such as aircraft and birds. Identification: Due to the highly modular format of the long-range camera system, a wide range of EO sensors are available for integration. These sensors include HD lowlight video, MWIR, and LWIR thermal detectors, as well as SWIR sensors. These can be configured to match both performance and budget requirements. Mitigation: The optional Anti-drone systems provide an effective jamming capability that allows the user to selectively deny control, video, or GPS (or combination) and trigger behavior such as 'freezing' the drone in place, returning the drone to the controller, or forcing the drone to land safely. A range of "soft kill" mitigation add-ons can also provide a useful deterrent when jamming cannot be used. The drone deterrent options include a long-range laser dazzler and white light illumination device that can act as both a deterrent and can also provide helpful target designation capabilities Summary of Advanced Long-Range Camera Capability Long-range PTZ cameras with high-precision pan and tilt mechanisms provide the heart of these specialized cameras. The cameras include earth observation positioning, detection, tracking, classification, identification, and drone mitigation features that make them effective in anti-drone activities. If you would like help selecting the best long-range camera system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes – 100 Animal Jokes Why are cats bad storytellers?Because they only have one tail. If it's raining cats and dogs. Don't step in the poodles. Cat's ears are designed to allow the human voice to go in one ear and out the other. Why can't humans hear dog whistles?Because dogs can't whistle. Cat puns freak meowtSeriously, I'm not kitten. I dressed the dog as a cat for Halloween.Now he won't come when I call. Why do flamingos stand on one leg?Because if they pulled up the other leg, they'd fall over. Dear Noah,We thought the ark wasn't leaving until 5 pm!- The Unicorns How many cats can you get in an empty box?Only one. After that, the box isn't empty. If aliens saw us walking our dogs and picking up their poop, who would they think is in charge? Why do fish sing off-key?Because you can't tuna fish. What do you get if you cross a cocker spaniel, a poodle, and a rooster?A cocker poodle doo My boss was honest with me today. He pulled up to work with his sweet new car this morning and I complimented him on it. He replied, "Well, if you work hard, set goals, stay determined and put in long hours, I can get an even better one next year." My girlfriend and I are trying this whole "long-distance relationship" thing.I must stay 100 feet away from her at all times. Also, the police say I should stop referring to her as my girlfriend. A wife got so mad at her husband she packed his bags and told him to get out. As he walked to the door she yelled, "I hope you die a long, slow, painful death." He turned around and said, "So, you want me to stay?" One day, scientists discussed the possibility of sending a human-crewed mission to Mars. They were arguing over who should be the first person to go when suddenly, a genie appeared. The genie said, "I have been watching your discussion and am impressed with your scientific knowledge. I will grant each of you one wish, but it must be related to science." The first scientist said, "I wish to be the first person to walk on Mars!" The genie granted his wish, and he disappeared in a puff of smoke. The second scientist said, "I wish to discover the cure for cancer!" The genie granted his wish, and he, too, disappeared. The third scientist thought for a moment and said, "I wish to understand women." The genie paused for a long time and said, "So, how about a round trip to Mars instead?" Three dinosaurs are running across the desert when they stumble upon a magic lamp. They rub it, and a genie appears."I have three wishes, so I'll give one to each of you," the genie announces.The first dinosaur thinks hard."Alright," he says, "I'll have a big, juicy, piece of meat."Instantly, the biggest, juiciest piece of meat he'd ever seen appears in front of him.Not to be outdone, the second dinosaur thinks even harder."I know! I'll have a shower of meat!"Immediately, huge pieces of meat rain down around him.The third dinosaur, certainly not to be outdone, thinks harder than the previous dinosaurs."I've got it!" he cries, "I want a MEATIER shower!" "Hope" is the thing with feathers By Emily Dickinson "Hope" is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all - And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard - And sore must be the storm - That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm - I've heard it in the chillest land - And on the strangest Sea - Yet - never - in Extremity, It asked a crumb - of me. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### What are Door Access Control Credentials The Pros and Cons of Credentials used in Door Access Control Door Access Control Credentials Door Access Control has come a long way, from the wooden lock and key used over 6,000 years ago to the latest biometric and mobile credentials. The advancement in access control has provided increased door security and safety. This article summarizes the credentials used in today's door access control systems. A credential, such as a card or keyfob, provides a unique embedded ID that allows entry to a building with a door access control system. The door access management software maintains the list of users and their credentials. The credential can be a card, keyfob, smartphone, or a more secure system using a biometric credential. In all cases, the ID from the credential is sent to the controller or computer. If the ID matches one of the people in the access control management system, it will unlock the door. History of Door Access Credentials The first type of card reader used a Wiegand-type connection developed in the 1980s by John Wiegand. The Wiegand effect card readers detected wires embedded in cards that provided the ID. Magnetic-type cards use a magnetic material similar to conventional magnetic audio tape. The magnetic stripe on the card held the ID that the door reader read. This technique had the advantage of changing the code, but the disadvantage was that it wore out over time and was easy to copy. It provided a relatively low level of security. Current Door Reader Credentials There are several types of credentials used in door access control systems. Many proximity cards use RFID (Radio Frequency ID) for communication. Proximity (or Prox) Cards Proximity cards use a contactless technology made from PVC material. There are several types of Prox (or contactless) cards. This same technology is also used in keyfobs and tags. The first type used 125 KHz to transfer information. The more recent type of card use 13.56 MHz for communication. The 13.56 MHz cards are called "Smart Cards" because they provide storage, increased capability, and better security. How the Card Reader Works Prox cards or RF Cards use an embedded tuned antenna and amplifier that converts the signal from the door reader into power that runs the integrated circuit. The ID is held in the card's circuits. When it receives a signal from the reader, it replies with its ID. Smart Cards A Smart Card uses 13.56MHz for communication and contains memory. Mifare cards were the first popular smart cards. They were used in Europe for public transportation to identify and track transportation payments. Smart cards use 128-bit code that provides a dramatic increase in the number of unique card IDs available as well as encryption. HID provides advanced DESFire EV3 + iClass that provides increased security.   When to Use Prox Cards The Prox cards are the most popular type of credential. They are compatible with most door readers. Physical cards can include printed information so they can be used as an identification card. Mobile Smartphone Credentials Mobile credentials use your smartphone instead of a card or other credential. The smartphone provides the authorization token like a Prox card or keyfob. That's why we call it a mobile credential. The smartphone connects to a door reader using Bluetooth, NFC, or WiFi. Bluetooth (BLE) is the most common type of communication used in the security market. Mobile credentials are more likely to be brought with you than a card that could be lost or forgotten at home. The smartphone is a personal device that has become a part of our daily activities. Because of its importance, it is unlikely to be given to another person. The added security of unlocking the smartphone adds additional security against misuse. When to Use Mobile Credentials Mobile or smartphone credentials provide enhanced security and are more convenient than a card credential. They are best used when most of the users have a smartphone. Some door readers have multi-credential support, so they can use an older card credential if a person doesn't have a smartphone. Biometric Credentials Biometric Door Readers The biometric ID credential is created from a person's physical characteristics, such as a fingerprint, palm scan, finger-vein, or facial recognition algorithm. They identify human characteristics, making them much more secure than standard card credentials. Card credentials can be stolen, lost, or given to another person. Fingerprint Readers; Many fingerprint readers have problems reading dry and damaged fingerprints. The new readers include advanced technology that can read these challenging fingerprints. They are also able to detect live fingers for a higher security level. Finger-Vein Door Readers The matching and verification algorithm for finger-vein identification is more accurate than the fingerprint method but is not a touchless door entry. Even though this is a reliable biometric reader, it is not as popular as fingerprint readers or face recognition. Palm Readers Palm readers are similar to face recognition readers in that they are touchless. You hold your hand over the reader, and it remotely views the pattern of wrinkles in your palm. Face Recognition These specialized facial recognition systems use cameras to capture the full facial image. The software uses various computer algorithms to build a definition data set, including machine learning. Facial recognition indoors is more reliable than outdoors because the changing light makes the recognition process difficult. The TVIP-Face8WP face recognition panel is one of the few outdoor devices because it has intelligence that allows operation in varying light and weather conditions. When to Use Biometric Credentials Biometric credentials are one of the most secure ways of identifying a person. Since you don't have to purchase cards or even add an app to your smartphone, it is the least expensive type of credential. The door reader costs more than the card credential door reader, but the savings are balanced by not having to purchase card credentials. Summary of Credentials for Door Access Control The most popular type of credential is a card. Historically this was one of the first electronic types of door entry. Recent credentials are located in your smartphone. This has specific advantages over the card credential. The most secure credential is your characteristic detected by biometric door readers. If you would like help selecting the best credential for your door access system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### What IP Camera Specifications are Important The Application Determines what Specifications are Important IP Camera Specifications Do you want to purchase an IP camera that does what you expect? What is the best camera for your IP Camera System? The first thing to do is set your objectives. The second thing is to look at the specifications. The specifications help you match the IP camera to your goals for a specific surveillance location. This article explains what camera specifications are valuable for different applications. IP Camera Resolution The total number of pixels in the camera's sensor or the horizontal and vertical pixels defines resolution.  The resolution determines what you can see clearly. Marketing people also use the term "HD" and "720p" or "1080p", and most recently, "4K".   The resolution of the IP camera determines the detail you can see in a selected field of view. For example, you require about 50 pixels/ft to read a license plate. The wider the field of view, the more resolution you will require. Suppose we use a camera with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (2-Megapixel). In that case, we can calculate the necessary field of view by dividing the horizontal pixels by the resolution required (1920 pixels/50 pixels/ft = 38.4 ft). You will need a higher-resolution camera if you want to view a road wider than 38 ft. Read Calculating What You Can See with Your IP Camera to learn more about camera resolution When to Consider Resolution The resolution is determined by what you want to see. If you want to identify a person's face, you need more resolution than identifying the vehicle type on the road. You will require less resolution if you are checking the number of people in a room. IP Camera Lens and the Field of View Field of View The camera lens determines how far away you can see something and the field of view. It is measured by lens angle or by the millimeter of the lens (mm). The lower the mm, the wider the field of view. Long lenses over 1000 mm can view vehicles and people over two miles away. Take a look at our article Requirements for Long-Range PTZ Cameras to learn more.   The type of lens is also an essential factor to consider. The f-number of the lens indicates how well the light is transferred through the lens.  A camera with an f-number of f1.2 can pass more light than one that has f2.0 lens.  The f-number will also appear as part of the minimum illumination spec.  The lens angle can affect the f-number. The wider the angle, the more light can get in, so the illumination spec is defined at the widest lens angle. There are several types of lenses to consider. Fixed lens: can't be adjusted. It has a fixed lens angle.Variable lens: can be adjusted manually through a range of anglesThe Zoom lens is similar to the variable lens, except it can be remotely adjusted from your computer. Other things to consider when selecting the camera lens are the type of iris and how the lens is focused. To learn more about the lens, read our article Understanding IP Camera Specifications, What's Important. When to consider the Camera Lens The lens defines what area you can see, so you should select a wider lens if you are viewing a parking lot. If you are looking at a doorway, then you need a lens with a small angle (or field of view). A remotely adjusted zoom lens can be helpful when installing many cameras. It can save installation time. Low Light Sensitivity of the IP Camera The minimum illumination is the lowest light level that provides a good image from the IP camera. It is measured in lux. The amplifier noise that occurs at low light levels also affects the low light specification. The signal-to-noise ratio of a specific camera defines this. The IRE measurement (Institute of Radio Engineers) defines how well the amplifier works in low-light, noisy situations. For example, a camera operating at 30 IRE receives 30 percent of the signal from the sensor circuits, while one operating at 50 IRE receives 50 % of the signal.  The lower the IRE number, the harder the amplifier must work to boost the signal so it can be seen.  The noise level can be as high as 20% of the signal, so the resulting video can look very noisy when the signal level is at 30 IRE. The camera's low-light performance is affected by the camera sensor, the shutter speed (which can affect the frame rate), the amplifier, and the lens. To learn more about low-light sensitivity, please read our article How Low-Light Sensitivity Works in IP Cameras. When to Consider Low Light Sensitivity Usually, we are concerned with low-light sensitivity when we would like to provide surveillance outdoors. If you're viewing a parking lot or road that doesn't have adequate lighting, you would require a good low-light camera. Wide Dynamic Range Wide dynamic range (WDR) camera specification refers to the camera's ability to see in a scene with dark and very light areas. WDR is measured in dB and defines the ratio between an image's dark and bright regions. The latest cameras have up to 150 dB WDR performance. When to Consider Wide Dynamic Range   If you are viewing a lobby area with a large glass window where the sun is shining, you should select a camera with a higher WDR number. Intelligent or AI Cameras Some cameras include limited artificial intelligence (AI) that detects and classifies people, vehicles, faces, license plates, and more in real time. This reduces false alarms caused by motion detection. It also notifies security personnel so they can react to emergencies in real time. The AI-type cameras are beginning to have more and more capability to provide improved security. When to Consider Cameras with AI Smart cameras are best when you would like to catch a problem as it's happening. For example, if you want to notify security when a laptop is removed from the desk, or someone leaves an unattended package in the lobby, you should select AI-type cameras. Summary of Camera Specifications Your objectives determine the camera specifications you should consider. Resolution defines the details you can see, while light sensitivity determines what the camera can see in the dark. The lens is an essential part of the camera system since it defines how far and the area you can see. Reading the camera specifications helps you select the right camera for your application. If you want help selecting the best IP camera, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes – 99 Three musicians are killed in an automobile accident. They arrive together at the pearly gates, where they are greeted by Saint Peter. "Hello," says Saint Peter. "I suppose you'd like to get into Heaven!""Yes, we would," says the first musician, a band director."Well, there's just a little test you have to take. Nothing too difficult. Related to your earthly profession," says Saint Peter."OK," says the band director, "I'm ready.""How do you tune your band?" asks Saint Peter. "Oh, that's easy," says the band director. "Concert B-flat!""Perfect!" says Saint Peter. "Welcome to Heaven!" he says as the band director enters.The second musician, an orchestra director, decides to give it a try. Same kind of test, related to your earthly profession, etc. "How do you tune your orchestra?" asks Saint Peter."A-440," says the orchestra director. He, too, is admitted into Heaven.The choir director has been watching this with growing confidence, seeing how easy it was for his colleagues to pass their tests. So he steps forward and indicates he's ready for his test.Saint Peter says, "spell 'onomatopoeia'!"(I would have failed, too!) Symphony of puns I never let my kids listen to jazz or classical music...Too much sax or violins can only lead to treble! A man is watching T.V. There is a knock on the front door. He gets up, opens the door, and notices a snail on his doorstep. He reaches down, picks up the snail and throws it across the yard. He shuts the door and goes back to his T.V. Show. 1 week later the man is sitting in his chair, again enjoying his television show. There is a knock at the door. He opens the door, and there is the snail. “Hey.” Says the snail, “what did you do that for?” Some Old Jokes * I just got back from a pleasure trip. I took my mother-in-law to the airport. * I've been in love with the same woman for 49 years. If my wife finds out, she'll kill me! * Someone stole all my credit cards, but I won't be reporting it. The thief spends less than my wife did. * We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops. * My wife and I went to a hotel where we got a waterbed. My wife called it the Dead Sea. * My wife and I revisited the hotel where we spent our wedding night. This time I was the one who stayed in the bathroom and cried. * My wife was at the beauty shop for two hours. That was only for the estimate. She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off. * The Doctor gave a man six months to live. The man couldn't pay his bill, so the doctor gave him another six months. Puns If it’s raining cats and dogsBe careful not to step in a poodle Why can’t humans hear a dog whistle?Because dogs can’t whistle. If aliens observed us walking our dogs and picking up their poop,who they think is in charge? Why to fish sing off-key?Because you can’t tuna fish. What do you get if you crossed a cocker spaniel, a poodle, and a rooster?A cocker, poodle, doo. Yesterday a clown held the door open for me.I thought it was a nice jester. My doctor told me to watch what I eat.So, I went to the petting zoo.  A Poem About Technology Written by ChatGPT In a world of screens and wires,Weaving webs of digital fires,Technology reigns supreme,A vast and mighty regime. With a tap and a click,We connect and transmit,Our thoughts and ideas,Across the globe in an instant. From the humblest of devices,To the most complex and precise,We harness the power of innovation,To transform our lives. From the way we work and play,To the way we learn and create,Technology is a force to be reckoned with,A tool that we cannot underestimate. But as we push forward in this age,Let us not forget the humble page,For amidst the flashy and the new,The old ways have value too. So let us embrace technology,And all its wondrous possibility,But let us also remember the past,And the traditions that will forever last. Robot Data and AI I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### What is the Best IP Paging Speaker How to Select the Right Speaker IP Paging Speakers There are several types of IP paging speakers available. There are ceiling, wall, hallway, and horn-type speakers. Paging speakers are selected based on the sound level, dispersal of sound, indoor and outdoor type, and mounting requirements. This article describes the best speaker for each application. IP Paging System Overview  A network-attached paging system is a communication system that enables the broadcast of messages to a large group of people in a particular location or across multiple locations. The system consists of a central server or controller that is connected to a local area network (LAN) and one or more paging devices, such as speakers or intercoms. IP Paging and Intercom Systems TalkMaster Focus is the control and management software for paging and intercom communications. It runs on your Windows computer and allows you to make pages or to communicate to intercoms on your network.  This software suite is designed to manage intercom and public address operations over IP networks. This paging system is very flexible. Each speaker can be a SIP endpoint, and the system can be managed by 3rd party software. The paging system can be used to broadcast important messages, announcements, or emergency alerts in real time. For example, in a hospital, a network-attached paging system can be used to alert medical staff in specific areas of the hospital about an emergency, such as a patient in critical condition. In a school, the system can be used to broadcast announcements or emergency alerts to all classrooms or specific groups of people. The central server or controller of the paging system manages the distribution of messages and alerts to the paging devices based on pre-defined rules and criteria, such as specific locations, groups of people, or priority levels. The system can be programmed to send messages automatically or manually, depending on the situation. Overall, a network-attached paging system is a reliable and efficient way to communicate important information to a large group of people in a specific location or across multiple locations. It can be customized to meet the unique needs of different organizations and can be integrated with other communication systems to provide a comprehensive emergency management and communication solution. There are a variety of speakers to choose from. The choice depends on the sound level required, the dispersal of sound, and the physical environment. To learn more about the sound levels needed, please read our article What is the Right Sound Level for Your Paging Speakers? Powered Wall Speakers for Paging The Spkr-IP SYS1 wall speaker uses PoE for power and is easy to install. This cost-effective wall speaker is ideal for business or institutional settings to provide clear audio PA, general announcements, and mass notifications. Sound level and frequency response: The 8″ Wall, vandal-resistant wall speaker has a frequency response of 65 Hz – 17 kHz. It has a sound level rating of 92dB SPL at 1 watt and 1 meter. Size and Type: 8-inch, 8 ohms, maximum of 15-watt rating. Maximum SPL 103 dB SPL, 5 Watts 1 Meter Sound Dispersion: 90 degrees angle Where to use: This is best used indoors in rooms that are less than 40 x 40 ft Powered IP Speaker Powered Two-Direction Speaker The Spkr-11-VCP bidirectional speaker is used in hallways and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. It provides sound in two directions. Sound Level and frequency response: Maximum SPL 98 dB SPL at 1 Watt 1 Meter with frequency Response 130 Hz - 9 kHz Size and type: Dual 4-ohm Speakers 4” Square, Moisture Resistant. It has a Power Rating of 10-watts each: magnet type and BeFe Ceramic, Weight 4.8 oz. Sound Dispersion of 130 degrees. Frequency Response 130 Hz – 9 kHz. The hallway length for optimum coverage is 40 – 110 feet. Where to use: This is best used indoors in less than 100 ft long hallways.   Powered Ceiling Speaker The SPKR-IP System 12 is a drop-ceiling tile IP speaker with a built-in amplifier. Sound Level and frequency response: Maximum SPL 99 dB SPL at 1 Watt 1 Meter with a frequency response of 65 Hz - 17 kHz Size and type: 2 ft. x 2 ft. Speaker. A complete loudspeaker assembly with an 8” frame, perforated steel baffle, and integral back box. Sound Dispersion of 100° included angle. Where to use: This is best used indoors in rooms with a drop ceiling. Multiple speakers should be used to ensure adequate sound levels throughout the room. Outdoor Horn Speaker The IP-HORN-PoEKIT is a weatherproof powered horn that provides a high sound level. This is a small re-entrant horn with a powerful and efficient compression driver. Sound Level and frequency response: Provides 107dB at 1 Watt at 1 M and 116dB at 8-Watts. It has a frequency response of 500 -7000 Hz (±6 dB) Size and type: This is a weather and corrosion-resistant speaker with stainless fasteners. The plating on the driver meets the 96-hour salt spray test. It includes a network-attached amplifier powered over PoE (indoor unit). Sound Dispersion of 100° included angle. Where to use: This is best used where you require a high sound level, especially in outdoor environments. It can be used on boats and in salt environments. It can also be used as a microphone. Horn Speaker Summary of Paging Speakers You can select several different speakers for an IP paging system. The IP-type speakers include Power over Ethernet, making them easy to install. Indoors you can select wall speaker, hallway speakers and ceiling speakers. The horns are best for outdoor environments. If you would like help selecting the best IP paging system or IP intercom system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Access Control Installation A Guide to Door Access Control Installation Door Access Control Installation Installing door access control requires mechanical lock installation, wiring, door reader mounting, and management software. You will find access control systems easy to install if you have installed other network-attached devices such as computers, IP cameras, or paging systems. One nice thing about the new access control systems is that you can install one door at a time. So, if you have a 16-door system, start with the first door. The rest will be simple. This article reviews how to install a door access control system. If you are concerned about your first installation, contact Kintronics for assistance. Getting Started with Access Control Before you even purchase your access control system, there are some initial things to do. Determine the regulations that affect your installationDetermine what doors will have Door ReadersCheck the door to determine what type of electric lock you will need.Determine what power you need to control the access control system and electric door lockDetermine where and how you will access the networkDetermine what credentials you would like to useDetermine everything you would like the access control system to do. This will define the type of management software you should use. Access Control Installation Steps Regulations for Compliance There are several regulations to consider before installing your system. For example, there are fire codes and regulations from the Americans with Disabilities Act. Other things to consider are HIPAA and OSHA standards for physical security. The codes can be different for each locality. In general, fire codes require that the door control system provide an easy exit when an emergency such as a fire occurs. This is especially concerning when Electromagnetic door locks are used. The mag-lock holds the door closed in both entry and exit directions. They require additional exit devices to ensure safety. Push bars, motion detectors, and Request-to-Exit (REX) buttons are some of the things used to provide egress from a room with a mag-lock. The electric strike is sometimes easier to use because the person can turn the doorknob to exit. Codes to consider include IBC (International Building Codes). NFPA 72: Fire Alarms, NFPA 101 (Life Safety code), and NFPA 72 (Fire Alarm Code). Check with your local fire department or building codes to determine the regulations in your area.   Electric Locks for the Doors Some doors are best suited for electric strikes, while others may require electromagnetic locks. Electric strikes require fewer exit controls than the magnetic lock because the mag-lock holds the door closed in both directions. Electric strikes come in different sizes, so they fit particular size doors. It is essential to check with the manufacturer to ensure that a specific lock fits your door. To determine the right electric lock, you can refer to the lock dimensions and compare them to your door, but the easiest way is to send us a picture of the door frame and the door side of each door. We'll check with the manufacturer to ensure fit. It is helpful to determine what power is required for each electric lock since that can determine the power supply needed. Read our article Door Readers for Everyone to learn more about the different door readers available. When installing an electric strike, it's essential to align the lock to the strike on the door jamb. Power for the Electric Lock Usually, electric locks require 12 VDC or 24 VDC, but it could be different. Power for the lock is sometimes available from the door controller but, in some situations, must be provided from a separate supply. When a mag-lock is used, fire codes sometimes require that power be cut if a fire alarm is detected. Check the regulations before wiring the power. See the article Access Control and Fire Alarm System Integration to learn more Credentials for Access Control Systems Door access control systems use various credentials to unlock the door. Credentials can include physical cards we carry, a PIN we enter, a mobile credential in our smartphone, or even the physical aspect of a person (biometrics such as fingerprint or facial recognition).  It is essential to determine the type of credential you want to use because it determines the kind of door reader you use. Some credentials are easier to use, and others are more secure. Please read our article Comparison of Door Access Credentials to learn more about credentials. Access Control Management Software Door access management software is an essential part of your access control system. It operates with the door controller to manage the door readers in your organization. It allows you to enter and define 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, lock down the building in an emergency, integrate with IP camera systems and visitor management systems, and many other features. To learn more about access control management software, please read How Access Control Management Software Works. Installing the Access Control System Once you have the door access control system, here are the steps for installing your door access control system. Door Access Control Installation Run the wiresMeasure, align the lock and strike, and Install the electric door locksInstall the door readerWire the door lock to the door readerWire the door reader to the controller or the network if it is a reader-controllerInstall the access control management softwareTest the credentials with one door.Determine who can manage the system and their privileges to change anything.Determine all the people who can use the system. Define the door each person can use when entering the building. Define when they can enter.Register the usersTest the system Wiring the Access Control System Each access control system has unique wiring requirements. The installation manual will help you determine where to wire the system. Here are some usual connections to the controller: Connections to the devices at the door Here is an example of a wiring diagram. Door Access Wiring Diagram Door Reader connections that attach to the reader. Multiple wires can be used depending on the type of reader.Relay connection that controls the electric lock. These wires include a controlled power source and a ground wire.    Connections to Request to Exit (REX) buttonConnection to the Network. This connection could be to the combined reader controller or the controller.A closed door sensor indicates if the door is opened or closed Other connections can include Motion detector connectionSecond relay that may sound an alarmThird relay that can control an automatic door-opener mechanism Power Power can be provided through Power over Ethernet (PoE) or supplied from an external power supply. Many new controllers use PoE. Mag-locks require the most current so they could require a separate power supply. Summary of Installation of Access Control Systems The latest network-attached access control systems connect to the network. Some systems provide controllers built into the door reader or located close to the door. This simplifies wiring. Knowing what you would like the access control system to do is essential. Some systems allow you to control elevators and integrate with IP cameras and intercom systems. If you would like help selecting the best door access control system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes – 98 My wife and I went to the restaurant for the first time in ages. The Waiter said, "I am sorry, but we are so busy tonight." Would you mind waiting for a bit?" I said, "No problem." He said, "Good, now take these drinks to table 7." I went to a restaurant that serves "breakfast any time" so I ordered French toast during the Renaissance. Refrigerator Cleaning Time A programmer is walking along a beach and finds a lamp. He rubs the lamp, and a genie appears. “I am the most powerful genius in the world. I can grant you any wish, but only one wish.”The programmer pulls out a map, points to it and says, “I'd want peace in the Middle East.”The genie responds, "Gee, I don't know. Those people have been fighting for millennia. I can do just about anything, but this is likely beyond my limits."The programmer then says, “Well, I am a programmer, and my programs have lots of users. Please make all my users satisfied with my software and let them ask for sensitive changes.”At which point the genie responds, "Um, let me see that map again." CIA - Computer Industry Acronyms PCMCIA: People Can't Memorize Computer Industry AcronymsISDN: It Still Does NothingMIPS: Meaningless Indication of Processor Speed​​DOS: Defunct Operating SystemPnP: Plug and PrayCOBOL: Completely Obsolete Business Oriented LanguageAAAAA: American Association Against Acronym Abuse.WYSIWYMGIYRRLAAGW: What You See Is What You Might Get If You're Really Really Lucky And All Goes Well. Laws of Computer Programming Any given program costs more and takes longer.If a program is useful, it will have to be changed.If a program is useless, it will have to be documented.Any program will expand to fill available memory.Program complexity grows until it exceeds the capabilities of the programmer who must maintain it.Any non-trivial program contains at least one bug.Adding manpower to a late software project makes it later. My boss calls me "the computer" Nothing to do with intelligence,I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes Q: What did the computer do at lunchtime?A: It had a byte! If you think that your computer, laptop, and phone spying on you is scary then think again,Because your vacuum cleaner has been gathering dirt on you for years Murphy’s Laws of Computing The first place to look for information, is in the section of the manual where you least expect to find itWhen the going gets tough, upgrade.For every action, there is an equal and opposite malfunction.To err is human....to blame your computer for your mistakes is even more human, it is downright natural.He who laughs last probably made a back up.A computer system that does not work is invariably found to have evolved from a simpler system that worked just fine.The number one cause of computer problems is computer solutions.A computer program will always do what you tell it to do, but rarely what you want to do. A Poem Human Family By Maya Angelou I note the obvious differencesin the human family.Some of us are serious,some thrive on comedy.Some declare their lives are livedas true profundity,and others claim they really livethe real reality.The variety of our skin tonescan confuse, bemuse, delight,brown and pink and beige and purple,tan and blue and white. I've sailed upon the seven seasand stopped in every land,I've seen the wonders of the worldnot yet one common man. I know ten thousand womencalled Jane and Mary Jane,but I've not seen any twowho really were the same. Mirror twins are differentalthough their features jibe,and lovers think quite different thoughtswhile lying side by side.We love and lose in China,we weep on England's moors,and laugh and moan in Guinea,and thrive on Spanish shores.We seek success in Finland,are born and die in Maine.In minor ways we differ,in major we're the same.I note the obvious differencesbetween each sort and type,but we are more alike, my friends,than we are unalike.We are more alike, my friends,than we are unalike.We are more alike, my friends,than we are unalike. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Access Control in a World of Infectious Diseases Temperature Monitoring Door Access Control for Health Access Control with Temperature Monitoring Organizations are still transitioning between working at home and returning to work. Many organizations are looking for ways to make the work environment as safe as possible. There are so many infectious diseases in the news today it’s hard to keep track and, significantly, how to mitigate the spread of disease. This winter, health experts worried about the “tripledemic” of respiratory illness. They were concerned not only about Covid but also about flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Since temperature is one measure of illness, many organizations have added temperature monitoring at the entry points of the buildings. This article reviews various devices that can control the door and monitor a person’s temperature. Multifunction Door Readers with Human Temperature Monitoring These touchless screening devices provide face recognition and temperature monitoring for door access control. Everyone entering a building can be identified and monitored. The panels help maintain a safe environment in schools, hospitals, corporations, and government facilities. Some models can be integrated into existing door access control systems.  Single Door Access Control The FaceBioPro includes a touchscreen that makes it very easy to install. The network-attached panel can be configured from the touchscreen or the web browser interface. It can be integrated with other door access systems using the Wiegand interface. It also measures a person’s temperature even when they are wearing a mask.  This face recognition panel is best used when you need one that can connect to an access control system. It can also be used as a standalone entry control system that can measure a person’s temperature even when wearing a mask. Multi-door Access Control The TVIP-MultiBio is a more advanced unit that provides multiple features. It includes more advanced software integration with door access and visitor management systems. It also has palm recognition to enhance biometric door access. The Door access control software and visitor management software are available to provide advanced door access control solutions. It also provides a touchscreen for easy configuration. The MultiBio is best for integrating with other biometric door access control readers or requiring integration with a visitor management system.  It is also the best choice when multiple doors share the same face credentials. Touchless Door Entry The latest face-recognition door control uses more powerful computers with more sophisticated algorithms. These reader controllers use an Android panel that provides increased performance and functionality. Unlike the older door access control readers, all the intelligence is built into the unit. This offers more flexibility since it can connect to the network or use its Wiegand connection to connect to an older access controller box. Here are some examples of face-recognition door access control readers. Outdoor Face Recognition Reader Indoor Face Recognition The TVIP-Face5V is a high-performance indoor face recognition reader designed for high-speed recognition. It includes touchless entry control for door access control systems. Outdoor Rated Face Recognition Access Control The TVIP-Face8WP is one of the few door readers that can operate outdoors. It has been designed to work in variable outdoor lighting conditions and can survive in harsh weather and a wide temperature range between -22F and 140F. This 8-inch outdoor-rated panel has weatherproof IP-68 specifications. Safe Visitor Management Today’s heightened interest in security and health has resulted in the need for Visitor authentication and management systems.   Visitor management systems provide visitor tracking, authentication, and health monitoring. They can include kiosks with touchless access control panels that provide facial recognition, temperature monitoring, and mask detection to keep your organization safe. These new visitor management systems allow you to send invitations to meetings. They also can register a walk-in visitor. The software is available for on-site or cloud applications. The visitor management control system incorporates a health questionnaire that automates the health check process for visitors. Summary of Access Control and Health Face recognition has been enhanced with temperature monitoring to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. It makes it safer for the returning workforce. Several new door access systems are easy to install and provide touchless identification. The temperature monitoring panels only operate indoors, and one face-recognition panel, without temperature measurement, can work outdoors.   If you would like help selecting the best biometric door access system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### How Network-Attached Audio Works Transmitting Audio Over the Network Network-Attached Paging The sound waves from someone singing are picked up by a microphone and converted to analog electric signals. This electric signal can be sent to an amplifier and then to a speaker so that many people can hear the sound. When we convert the analog signal to a digital signal and connect to the IP network, we can send sound around the world. This article describes how this network-attached audio system works. Digital audio over IP sends digitized audio signals to a network-attached speaker. Digitized audio enables audio transfer over long distances using the Ethernet network. The system uses a coding scheme such as Pulse-code modulation (PCM) to transmit sound on the network. Here are the details of this operation. Conversion of Analog to Digital Signals Analog Sound on the Network Sound is converted to an electrical signal by a microphone, and then the Analog to Digital converter transforms this analog signal into a digital stream. The digital stream connects to the network, where network-attached speakers play the sound. How the Analog-to-Digital Converter Works The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is an electronic circuit that samples the analog signal. This circuit measures the discrete amplitude of a waveform at a specific time. An Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) converts a continuous-time and continuous-amplitude analog signal to a discrete-time and discrete-amplitude digital signal. The conversion involves quantization of the input, so it necessarily introduces a small amount of error or noise. Furthermore, instead of continuously performing the conversion, an ADC does the conversion periodically, sampling the input and defining the allowable bandwidth of the input signal. Analog to Digital Conversion The sampling rate of the ADC determines the conversion quality. The faster the sampling rate, the higher the signal's bandwidth. The ADC must operate at least twice the bandwidth based on the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem to provide a perfect digital representation of an analog signal. The other characteristic of the ADC is the number of steps (or voltage levels) that the circuit provides. A binary number represents each voltage sample. The greater the number of bits, the more resolution or audio bit depth we obtain. Compact Disc Digital audio uses 16-bit samples, and DVD audio supports up to 24-bits.   Pulse-code modulation (PCM) is the digital coding method that samples and converts analog signals to a binary stream. For example, a PCM that uses 8-bit ADC provides 256 different levels (28 = 256). And with a sampling rate of at least 32 Kps, it delivers an audio bandwidth of 64 kps. Network-Attached Audio Distribution Network protocols are used to distribute digital audio on the network. There are many different audio data formats. Digital audio can be compressed or uncompressed to save bandwidth. An Audio Coding and Decoding (CODEC) function is used for transport over the network. This CODEC function can be provided by computer software or a separate device. An audio message must be placed in a file structure that codes the message for transmission over the network. For example, MP3 uses a file structure that contains a header and data about the audio. Many packets provide a continuous audio stream to another device. This message is encapsulated in Layer 3 or Layer 4 of the OSI network to transmit it over the Ethernet network.   Examples of audio formats include AAC, G.711, G729.1, MP3, and Dolby TrueHD. How Digital to Analog Conversion Works A network-attached device decodes and uncompresses (CODEC ) the digital signal and amplifies the signal to drive a speaker. This output CODEC decoder is matched to the compression and coding scheme provided by the input CODEC that injects the digital sound onto the network. Digital to Analog Conversion IP Audio Devices Several manufacturers offer IP paging devices. For example, Digital Acoustics provides digital audio devices that can use Power over Ethernet (POE). Here are some examples The IP7-FX uses PoE power from the network and provides up to 8 watts of sound to the attached speakers. It has dual Ethernet ports and supports two-way audio. It is possible to connect several speakers to this amplifier. Spkr-IP SYS1 is a combined CODEC, amplifier, and speaker. It can provide a sound level of up to 99 dB SPL, at 5W/1M, which is equivalent to the sound level of a loud subway train. To learn more about sound levels, please see What is the Right Sound Level for Your Paging Speakers?  IP Intercoms Are Network-Attached Intercoms connect to the network and provide a simple way to connect to a central location. The system uses the network infrastructure, so wiring and installation are straightforward. Several types of intercoms enable communication, including those that can monitor visitors at the door or communicate with each classroom in a school. To learn more, please take a look at Intercoms for IP Systems. Summary of IP Digital Audio Works Digital audio has transformed the old analog world of audio so that it can be used in many new applications such as IP paging, VoIP, and IP intercoms. The process starts with the analog-to-digital converter and CODEC that attaches the device to the network. The IP audio is distributed to IP devices such as network-attached powered speakers and intercoms. These devices decode the signal and amplify the sound so many people can hear the message. If you would like help selecting the best IP paging system or IP intercom system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes-97 An elderly man is stopped by the police around 2 a.m. and is asked where he is going at this time of night.The man replies, "I am on my way to a lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects it has on the human body, as well as smoking and staying out late."The officer then asks, "Really? Who is giving that lecture at this time of night?" The man replies, "That would be my wife." My math teacher called me average.Now that's mean! Did you know that Atheist organizations are tax exempted?Its because they're non-prophet organizations. I told my daughter, "Did you know that humans eat more bananas than monkeys?"She rolled her eyes at me, but I persevered. "It’s true! When was the last time you ate a monkey?!" Computers vs Humans?The best joke on mankind is that computers ask humans to prove they are not robots... Don’t use “beef stew” as a computer password. It’s not stroganoff. Three engineers were arguing.The mechanical engineer, the electrical engineer, and the civil engineer. They were arguing about what sort of an engineer God must be."Well, God must be a mechanical engineer, because look at the human skeleton. Look at all the stress it's able to absorb.""But look at the nervous system. Look at all the wiring. God must be an electrical engineer.""Well, God must be a civil engineer, because only a civil engineer would run a liquid waste disposal unit right through a major recreational facility." A longer Joke Last week, we took some friends out to a new restaurant, and noticed that the waiter who took our order carried a spoon in his shirt pocket. It seemed a little strange. When the waiter brought our water and cutlery, I noticed he also had a spoon in his shirt pocket. Then I looked around and saw that all the staff had spoons in their pockets. When the waiter came back to serve our soup I asked, "Why the spoon?" "Well, "he explained, "the restaurant's owners hired Andersen Consulting to revamp all our processes. After several months of analysis, they concluded that the spoon was the most frequently dropped piece of cutlery. It represents a drop frequency of approximately 3 spoons per table per hour. If our staff are better prepared, we can reduce the number of trips back to the kitchen and save 15 man-hours per shift." As luck would have it, I dropped my spoon and he was able to replace it with his spare. "I'll get another spoon next time I go to the kitchen instead of making an extra trip to get it right now." I was impressed. I also noticed that there was a string hanging out of the waiter's zip on his trousers. Looking around, I noticed that all the waiters had the same string hanging from their flies. So before he walked off, I asked the waiter, "Excuse me, but can you tell me why you have that string right there?" "Oh, certainly!" Then he lowered his voice. "Not everyone is so observant. That consulting firm I mentioned also found that we can save time in the restroom. By tying this string to the tip of you know what, we can pull it out without touching it and eliminate the need to wash our hands, shortening the time spent in the restroom by 76.39 percent." I asked, "After you get it out, how do you put it back?" "Well," he whispered, "I don't know about the others, but I use the spoon." A Poem I wandered lonely as a cloudThat floats on high o’er vales and hills,When all at once I saw a crowd,A host, of golden daffodils;Beside the lake, beneath the trees,Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. – William Wordsworth I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Technology Articles of 2022 Educational Articles About Security Technology Tech Articles of 2022 Following years of uncertainty—and a global pandemic that has proven to be one of the most challenging events in history—we forged on. In 2022 we continued to publish technical articles that informed and educated the security market. This article summarizes some of the technical topics we covered in our newsletter. The year 2022 was a year of significant advances in technology. Autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things made great strides. Engineers used Artificial Intelligence to automate more tasks, making life easier. The new chat bott, ChatGPT, demonstrated the future of autonomous writing. It could be used to create natural-sounding text, such as some of the content in this document. Technical Articles of 2022 In 2022 we provided many articles about security technology. These technical articles are an important source of information for professionals in the security field. We strove to ensure that the pieces were accurate, precise, and contained technical detail. Doing so helped to ensure that our readers had an accurate and up-to-date understanding of the technology. IP Camera System Articles In 2022 we covered articles that helped our customers understand IP camera system technology, how to troubleshoot the systems, and camera comparisons. IP Camera System Troubleshooting IP Camera System Troubleshooting Kintronics' Article on IP Camera System Troubleshooting provides readers with a guide to help diagnose and repair common issues with IP camera systems. The article outlines common issues such as power, cabling, and network problems and provides step-by-step instructions on identifying and resolving them. The Evolution of IP Camera Systems This Article from Kintronics provides an overview of the evolution of IP camera systems. It begins by discussing the early analog systems, then moves on to the advantages of digital IP cameras, such as improved image quality, compatibility with other systems, scalability, and ease of installation. It also covers how IP cameras are now being used to provide more intelligent surveillance with analytics and limited artificial intelligence. Finally, it looks at the future of IP camera systems, highlighting how Artificial Intelligence can alert security whenever an incident occurs. Read more… How the IP Camera Works This article explains how an IP camera works by breaking it down into its main components: a lens, digital sensor, image processor, image processor, image compression, video storage, central processing unit, and network interface. The article describes how each component works. Read more… Door Access Control Articles Door access control has gotten easier to install yet much more powerful. It increases the safety of people and the security of the organization. Here are some of the articles we provided last year. Access Controller Comparison Door Readers for Everyone This article provides a comparison of door readers used in access control systems. There are a variety of readers, including card readers, smartphone readers, biometric readers, and keypad readers. The door readers can connect to a controller or can include built-in controllers. The biometric readers provide the highest level of security, while the RFID-type readers cost less. This article compares the pros and cons of different readers. Read more… How Access Control Works Access control is a security system used to limit access to a physical space. It uses authentication, authorization, and accountability to ensure that only authorized users can access a specific area. The article explains the different components of access control, such as key cards, biometrics, and card readers, and how they function together to provide secure access. Finally, the article covers the inner workings of all the components of an access control system. Read more… Comparison of Long-Range Door Access Control Long-range access control systems extend the capability of door access control systems. The standard access control systems have a card-to-reader range in inches, while the long-range readers have a range of over 25 ft.  When you want to open a gate to a parking garage door from your vehicle, it's easier to use the long-range reader system. This article compares long-range access control with a credential to one that uses mobile or smartphone credentials. Read more… Paging and Intercom Articles These articles describe IP paging and intercoms over the network. The system uses IP-based technology to broadcast audio to multiple locations. Here are some of the articles that describe the technology. IP Paging and Intercom Systems How the IP-Powered Speakers and Intercoms Work The article describes all the components of an intercom and digital paging system. An IP Paging System is a network-attached audio device that converts digital signals to audio. These network-attached speakers include amplification so that many people can hear the message. The system also includes software used for managing and controlling the audio. The IP Audio system includes speakers, intercoms, audio amplifiers, and management software. How the Apartment Intercom Works The latest lobby intercoms include a large touchscreen panel, intercom, camera, and wireless connections to the tenant's phones. This multi-tenant intercom system connects from the lobby intercom station to an app on each person's smartphone. This article reviews the apartment Intercon's state-of-the-art components making this a valuable and easy-to-install system for apartment houses and multi-tenant organizations. IP Intercoms for Controlling the Door The IP intercom attaches to the network and uses Power over Ethernet (PoE). They use an audio protocol like VoIP SIP that makes them compatible with VoIP phones. These industrial intercoms include a door relay that controls the electric lock. The robust relay can handle the current and voltage required by almost all electric locks. Read more… Summary of Technical Articles of 2022 We have written over 200 technical articles that covered IP camera systems, door access control, Intercoms and paging systems, and other technologies. In the last year, we have written articles covering how things work, selecting the right product, and getting the best value for your security equipment. In this article, we used ChatGPT to help write some of the article summaries. We discovered it could create some interesting content, but it also made stuff up that we had to edit. Have a great 2023, and don't worry about AI taking over your job, just yet. If you would like help selecting the security system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Biometric Door Reader Security Comparison of Face Recognition, finger-vein, and Fingerprint Access Control Biometric Door Readers Biometric readers are used instead of card readers to open a door. They identify a human characteristic, such as your face or fingerprint, and are much more secure than standard card credentials. Card credentials can be stolen, lost, or given to another person. This article compares some of the popular biometric readers. Biometric identifiers are the distinctive, measurable characteristics used to label and describe individuals. Instead of storing a picture of our actual fingerprint or face, the biometric readers scan your physical attributes and convert these minutiae points to encrypted binary data.  The code is transformed into an ID number that is used for access control. Fingerprint Door Readers Fingerprint Door Access Control Everyone has patterns of ridges on their fingers. These fingerprints are uniquely detailed, stable over an individual's lifetime, and difficult to alter. Because there are countless combinations, fingerprints have become an ideal means of identification. There are four kinds of fingerprint scanners: optical scanners, capacitance scanners, ultrasonic scanners, and thermal scanners. The primary function of every type of scanner is to obtain an image of a person's fingerprint and find a match for it in its database. Most fingerprint readers are used indoors because changing weather conditions can interfere with reliable fingerprint acquisition. The TVIP3F-ProWP is one of the few biometric readers that can be used outdoors. Many fingerprint readers have problems reading dry and damaged fingerprints. The new readers include advanced technology that can read these challenging fingerprints. They are also able to detect live fingers for a higher security level. Some fingerprint readers can also use card credentials or PINs to control entry. Unfortunately, some fingerprints can be difficult to read, so readers that include alternate ID verification, such as card credentials, are helpful. Face recognition has replaced many fingerprint readers because of increased reliability. To learn more, see Fingerprint Readers. Finger-Vein Door Readers The matching and verification algorithm for finger-vein identification is more accurate than the fingerprint method but is not a touchless door entry. Even though this is a reliable biometric reader, it is not as popular as fingerprint readers or face recognition. Face recognition for Door Access Control Face and Temperature Access Control These specialized facial recognition systems use cameras to capture the full facial image. The software uses various computer algorithms to build a definition data set, including machine learning. Facial recognition indoors is more reliable than outdoors because the changing light makes the recognition process difficult. The TVIP-Face8WP face recognition panel is one of the few outdoor devices because it has intelligence that allows operation in changing light and weather conditions. Our article, Face Recognition for Door Access Control, provides more details about access control technology. Face recognition and Temperature Measurement Over the last year, new face recognition panels have been introduced with temperature measurements. This allows any organization to check the identity and the temperature of the person entering. Face, Temperature and Mask Access Control Several temperature screening devices are available, including handheld thermometers, thermal scanning cameras that measure many people at a time, and entry panels that check each person at the door. The individual door panels are the most popular. These panels can control a door, make audio announcements, detect if a person is wearing a mask, and notify a central security person over the network. Unfortunately, these temperature readers only work indoors where the ambient temperature can be controlled. To learn more, read Comparison of Face Recognition and Temperature Access Control Panels Summary of Biometric Door Access Control Biometric door readers such as fingerprint and face recognition readers provide an alternative to card credentials. The obvious advantage is that your biometrics are more secure than a card. Fingerprint readers are easy to use but are not as reliable as finger-vein readers. Face recognition panels provide touchless door entry that can be very important when health is a concern. Face recognition with temperature monitoring adds health safety to your access control system. If you would like help selecting the best biometric door access system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes-96 Adam is in the Garden of Eden and is feeling lonely. So he asks God for someone to share his existence. God answers, "of course, I can create a being that will support you no matter what you do, provide for you, and never argue."Adam is excited and asks, "that sounds perfect; what will it cost me?""An arm and a leg""….what can I get for a rib?" Cartoon for IT Neighbors "My internet went down yesterday. I think my cheap neighbor forgot to pay the bill. How irresponsible." "My neighbor would play his trumpet at night, so I changed my Wi-Fi name to 'I can hear you.' He changed his to 'I know.'" Neighbors: The only people who listen to both sides of an argument. "So I asked my neighbor if he could help me figure out what DIY means. He said, 'Do it yourself.' That wasn't helpful." Some Interesting Observations Nothing spoils a good story than an eyewitness.-Mark Twain "I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be."― Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."― Albert Einstein Don't Just Don't just learn, experience.Don't just read, absorb.Don't just change, transform.Don't just relate, advocate.Don't just promise, prove.Don't just criticize, encourage.Don't just think, ponder.Don't just take, give.Don't just see, feel.Don't just dream, do.Don't just hear, listen.Don't just talk, act.Don't just tell, show.Don't just exist, live."― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart Some Different Thoughts Roses are redThat much is truebut violets are purpleNot freakin’ blue Cartoon for Parents of Teens If it walks like a duck and talks like a duckYou're drunk. Ducks don't talk Coming soon: Star Wars 12Luke Needs a Walker Killing them with kindness is taking much longer than I expected. Mary had a little lambAnd the doctor nearly fainted To err is human. To blame it on someone else shows management potential I used to live a hand-to-mouth existence.Then somebody told me about silverware. A horse walks into a bar and orders a pint The bartender says, " you're in here a lot. Do you think you might be an alcoholic? " The horse says, "I don't think I am, " and promptly vanishes from existence.See, this was a joke about Descartes' famous philosophical statement, " I think; therefore I am." I could have mentioned that initially, but that would have been putting Descartes before the horse. In Algebra Class When I was a teenager I worked as a bag boy in a southern supermarket (Publix). As one of the busiest stores, we were chosen to test making freshly squeezed juice in the store at customers' request. As a social person, this sounded like a pretty cool job, so I asked my manager if I could get some shifts on the juice machine. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible because baggers can't be juicers There's a kitchen appliance knocking at my door…I'll let that sink in. How do you know a man is a programmer? Send him shopping and tell him: "Get a loaf of bread, and if they have eggs get 10."If he comes back with ten loaves of bread, he's a programmer. Be The Best Of Whatever You Are By Douglas Malloch  If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill,Be a scrub in the valley — but beThe best little scrub by the side of the rill;Be a bush if you can't be a tree. If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass,And some highway happier make;If you can't be a muskie then just be a bass —But the liveliest bass in the lake! We can't all be captains, we've got to be crew,There's something for all of us here,There's big work to do, and there's lesser to do,And the task you must do is the near. If you can't be a highway, then just be a trail,If you can't be the sun, be a star;It isn't by size that you win or you fail —Be the best of whatever you are! I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Cameras Price Versus Performance Comparison of Cost to Performance of IP Cameras IP Camera Price Comparison What is the right price for an IP camera system? It depends on your requirements—IP Cameras range in price from around $150 to over $3,000. The least expensive cameras provide less capability and performance than the more expensive variety. For example, you will pay more for a camera that can notify you if someone steals the laptop off the table. This article provides the cost-performance range of various IP cameras. Performance Criteria for IP Cameras The following performance characteristics differentiate the IP camera market. Each feature can be necessary for a specific application. Light Sensitivity Applications that require viewing in very dark conditions require more expensive low-light performance cameras. The low-light capability also requires cameras with better low-noise amplifiers that allow you to see the license plate on a dark street. Resolution The resolution defines what detail you can see and how wide a field of view you can see. Indoor-Outdoor Outdoor cameras are sealed from the environment and have heaters and fans to allow operation in a wide temperature range. Audio and IO Support Two-way audio lets the security person hear what's happening and talk to people near the camera. This added capability makes it easy to warn people to leave an area or speak to someone at the door. Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) The wide dynamic range allows a camera to see a person even with a bright background. There are some situations where this is critical for identifying a person's face. PTZ versus Fixed IP Cameras If you need to see a very wide area, the PTZ camera is essential. It allows you to patrol a large parking lot and see enough detail to identify a license plate. Intelligence The latest intelligent cameras increase the capability of the surveillance system. The limited Artificial Intelligence (AI) makes it possible to be notified when someone leaves a package in the lobby or takes a laptop off the table. It also provides object classification to find the red truck or a person with the blue coat in the recorded video. The camera can also detect and classify certain sounds, such as a gunshot or someone screaming. Price-Performance of IP Cameras IP Camera Price Chart We compared four ranges of cameras. Each class of IP cameras provides functions and capabilities that make them suited for specific applications. There are also specialty cameras, such as those that can operate in harsh environments, explosion-proof, and specialty long-range cameras. The following comparison provides the cost performance of bullet and dome cameras rather than pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras. Least Expensive IP Cameras These cost-effective IP cameras provide a choice of 2 MegaPixel or 4 Megapixel resolution. The A series cameras range in price from $135 to $220 and offer reasonable low-light sensitivity. The 2-Megapixel camera (like the Hanwha ANO-L6022R) provides low light sensitivity (0.03 lux). It has a fixed 4 mm lens and can view objects 30m (98.4 ft.) away in total darkness using the IR illuminator. The 4-Megapixel camera includes a motorized zoom lens. They are best used in small areas that don't require long-range low-light capability or sophisticated intelligence. For example, the outdoor 4-Megapixel camera (like the Hanwha ANO-L7082R camera) provides a minimum illumination capability of 0.1 lux color. It includes a 3.3 – 10.3 motorized varifocal lens. It uses IR illumination to see in total darkness at a range of 20m (65.6 ft.). Medium Priced IP Cameras This range of cameras offers better functionality and performance. They range in price from $200 to over $400. These cameras are best used in larger rooms and outdoors to view the building's doorways, gates, and walkways. The Q series Wisenet cameras are an example of medium-priced IP Cameras. IP cameras, such as dome and bullet cameras, range in price from $200 to $475. The PTZ cameras range in price from $1,100 to over $1,900. Some of these cameras include built-in microphones so you can hear what's going on near the camera. High-Performance IP Cameras These cameras provide high resolution (up to 4K) and excellent low-light sensitivity. They range in price from about $420 to over $1250. include other functionality such as two-way audio, extremely wide dynamic range (WDR), and lens distortion correction. They can be used in large areas such as parking lots and large rooms. Hanwha's X and P series are examples of higher-priced cameras providing advanced capability. The higher resolution provides a larger field of view. For example, a 2-megapixel camera can identify a person's face in a field of view about 24 ft wide, but an 8.2 Megapixel camera (3840 x 2160) can provide face recognition in a 48 ft field of view. Money The X Series Wisenet cameras provide advanced capability. There are specialty cameras in this family that include very low-light sensitivity. For example, the XNO06085R can see in color at 0.004 lux. This allows you to see things in partial moonlight. It's better than the human eye.  Intelligent IP Cameras Intelligent cameras with limited artificial intelligence provide advanced functions that alert security personnel of alarm conditions. They also help classify objects that have been recorded so they can be found in long video recordings. The intelligent IP cameras range in price from $750 to over $1,500. AI functions provide the ability to classify objects. For example, a person's upper or lower garments can be classified by color or if they are carrying a bag. The camera can classify a vehicle by color and type, such as sedan, SUV, van, truck, bus, motorcycle, or bicycle.   These intelligent cameras can also detect when an object appears or disappears, detect defocus, read a license plate, classify sound, and the tampering of a camera. Intelligent IP Camera Specialty IP Cameras There are unique cameras that are used in specific applications. For example, stainless steel cameras are used in highly corrosive environments such as salt spray. Panoramic (360-degree) cameras are used to obtain situational awareness. Long-range PTZ cameras with high-powered IR illumination are used to view long-range objects, such as military vehicles over two miles away or ships entering the harbor. Some cameras, in special enclosures, operate in extreme environments, such as viewing the inside of a furnace, and even cameras that work in explosive gas environments. These cameras range in cost from $2,000 to well over $50,000. Summary of Comparison of IP Camera Cost to Performance The more expensive camera provides improved performance and capability. The best IP camera depends on your application. IP Cameras range in price from about %150 to over $3,000. Special features like detecting someone who has taken your laptop or viewing scenes by the moon's light can be critical in some applications. If you would like help selecting the best IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### How the Apartment Intercom Works What is Inside the Apartment Intercom The Apartment Intercom The latest lobby intercoms include a large touchscreen panel, intercom, camera, and wireless connections to the tenant's phones.  This multi-tenant intercom system connects from the lobby intercom station to an app on each person's smartphone. This article reviews the apartment Intercon's state-of-the-art components making this a valuable and easy-to-install system for apartment houses and multi-tenant organizations. The new systems have large LCD screens that allow you to see a list of the residents in the building. The intercom panel also includes a camera so the tenant can see and hear the visitor at the door. These video intercom systems are used in offices, hospitals, and other large multi-tenant organizations. How the TFT LCD Display Works The display has a high enough resolution (800 x 1280) to make the information clear and readable. The TFT LCD (Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) consists of three layers: a sandwich-like structure with liquid crystal material filled between two glass plates. The two polarizer filters, color filters (RGB, red/green/blue), and two alignment layers control the light allowed to pass and which colors are created. TFT LCD Intercom The pixels are addressed in rows and columns, reducing the connection count from millions to thousands. The column and row wires attach to each pixel (or transistor switch). The transistor's one-way current characteristic prevents the charge applied to each pixel from being drained between refreshes to a display's image. Each pixel is a small capacitor with a layer of insulating liquid crystal sandwiched between transparent conductive ITO (Indium tin oxide) layers. The capacitor allows each sub-pixel to retain its charge between each cycle. The display is bright enough to be seen in a well-lit environment. For example, many panels provide 400 Nits of brightness. The term "nit" is a unit of measurement defining luminance rather than an abbreviation. One Nit equals one candela per square meter. Imagine a candle inside a box that is one meter by one meter square. The light from the candle equals one candela, and the light hitting the sides of the cube is equivalent to one Nit. How the Touchscreen Works The touchscreen is a combination of an input device with a display screen. It provides a signal that indicates the position where a person touches the display screen. There are various types of touchscreens. Some of the older touchscreens use infrared beams around the edge, while others use surface acoustic waves or near-field imaging. Many current touchscreens use resistive or capacitive effect touchscreen. Capacitive touch screens generally have a brighter, clearer appearance and are much more sensitive than resistive touch screens. The capacitive touchscreen is the most popular technology used on our smartphones, laptops, and tablet screens. Touchpanel Capacitive screens have multiple layers of glass and plastic coated with a conductor material like indium tin oxide or copper. This conductive material responds when contacted by another electrical conductor, like your bare finger. When you touch your screen, an electric circuit is completed at the point where your finger makes contact, changing the electrical charge at this location. Your device registers this information as a "touch event." Resistive touchscreens detect position by pressure applied to its surface. The pressure on the surface causes the two layers to touch, which relates to the position on the surface. Once a touch event has been detected, the screen's receptors notify the operating system where the screen has been touched, allowing the application to respond. Intercom The apartment intercom includes a built-in intercom with a speaker and microphone. The speaker requires enough sound level so it can be heard in noisy environments, while the microphone needs to be sensitive enough to hear the person near the intercom. The closeness of the microphone to the speaker can cause problems. This is solved by using echo suppression. Intercom System Diagram Echo suppression improves voice quality by preventing speaker sound from circulating from the speaker, creating feedback. Echo suppressors and echo cancellers have similar goals—preventing a speaking individual from hearing an echo of their own voice. Camera The camera allows the person answering the door to see the visitor. The camera usually has a reasonable resolution (usually 2-MegaPixels) and can view a wide angle. There is an IR illuminator so the camera can see when there isn't any ambient lighting. The camera is also able to see a person in bright sunlight. Many of these cameras include a wide dynamic range that provides a clear image of the person, even with a bright background. The camera connects through the computer unit, and the video is sent to the tenant's smartphone. Processing Unit The computer system includes the Central Processing Unit (CPU) that can run an Android, Linux, or Unix operating system. The computer and software control the intercom panel's functions, including the display, IO (the relay), audio, WiFi, and Ethernet interface.   Cloud-Based Management Apartment intercoms use cloud-based servers that maintain the record of all the users. IP Apartment Intercom Diagram The management software provides an easy method for updating and editing the user list. The message passes through the local intercom server and the network switch and router to the cloud server. The message is sent from the cloud server to the smartphone (or standard phone). Once the connection is established, the tenant can talk to the person at the door. They can then remotely unlock the door. The IP intercom system provides increased security because it allows the tenant, with a smartphone, to see the person at the door. Summary of Apartment Intercom The apartment intercom is a device that allows visitors to contact people inside a multi-tenant building. It consists of a TFT LCD with a touch panel, audio intercom section, IP camera, and processing unit. The new wireless intercom allows you to contact the resident's smartphone or standard phone to request entry into the building. The lobby intercom display provides a list of all the tenants in the building. To learn more about apartment intercoms, see Intercoms for Apartments. For help selecting the right apartment intercom, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes-95 What do you get a man with the heart of a lion?A lifetime ban from the zoo. A man died after drinking varnish. It was a terrible end but a beautiful finish. Why is Peter Pan always flying?He neverlands. What kind of tea is the hardest to swallow?Reality. I bought a ceiling fan the other day.It was a complete waste of money. He just stands there applauding and says, "Ooh, I love how high it is." The professor asked the class, "What's a hydraulic ram used for?"One student answered, "It's where you get steel wool!" Some Dad Jokes My wife just completed a 40-week bodybuilding program this morningIt's a girl and weighs 7lbs 12 oz. You're not completely useless; you can always serve as a bad example.I broke my finger last week. On the other hand, I'm okay.Did you hear about the guy who got hit in the head with a can of soda?He was lucky it was a soft drink.To the mathematician who thought of the idea of zero.Thanks for nothing!Son: "Dad, can you tell me what a solar eclipse is?"Dad: "No sun." The man that invented the Ferris Wheel never met the man that invented the Merry-Go-Round. They traveled in different circles. A Joke A man is driving down a highway and hits and kills a rabbit. He gets out of the car and walks over to the rabbit. He picks it up and starts crying, thinking he's horrible. Someone else driving down the highway stops, walks over to him, and asks, "What happened?" The man replies, "I hit this rabbit with my car, and now it's dead!" The other person gets a thoughtful look on their face and goes back to their car. They rummage around in the trunk and eventually walk back over to the man holding a spray bottle. They spray the rabbit with the bottle, and it comes back to life. It starts hopping away, turning back every few hops to wave at the two people. The man, astounded, turns to the other person and asks, "What was in that bottle?" The other person replies, "It's hare spray. It revived dead hare and gives it a constant wave." The CEO of IKEA has just been appointed as the Prime Minister of Sweden.He's currently assembling his cabinet. I woke up this morning to find that overnight I'd changed into a cat.Don't ask meow... A marine biologist walks into the post office A marine biologist walks into the post office and says he needs to send a large tank overnight. The postal worker asks for the dimensions of the tank and when the biologist gives them to him the postal worker says, "We can't send a tank that big overnight. It'll have to go by freight train."The biologist pleads with the postal worker. He says, "That tank contains a marine mammal that is very sick. Can't you make an exception and send it by air overnight so that it can get the treatment it needs? I've been working with him for years, and he's one of the sweetest, smartest animals I've encountered. Here's a photo."The postal worker looks at the photo and thinks for a moment, and then he says, "Okay. We can make an exception. But only for this express porpoise." Some Dog Jokes Policeman: "Excuse me Mr, but were you aware that your dog has been chasing a guy on his bike?"Dog Owner: "Are you nuts? My dog is not even able to ride a bike." What do you call a cowardly dog?A golden retreater. Why should you be careful when it rains cats and dogs?Because you might step in a poodle. After a talking Sheepdog gets all the sheep in the pen, he reports back to the farmer: "All 40 accounted for.""But I only have 36 sheep," says the farmer."I know," says the Sheepdog, "but I rounded them up." What do you get when you cross a dog and a calculator?A friend you can count on. Another Joke A woman was 3 months pregnant when she fell into a deep coma and woke up after about 6 months. The woman asked the doctor about her baby. Doctor: You had twins, a boy and a girl. They're both fine. And your brother named them for you. Woman: No! Not my brother. He's an idiot! What did he name the girl? Doctor: Denise. Woman: Ohh, that's actually a nice name. What about the boy? Doctor: {deeply sighs} Denephew. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### The Best Value When Purchasing Your Security System How to Get the Best IP Camera and Door Access Systems The Best Security System Remember the old idiom that “you get what you pay for.” We seem to learn this over and over again. We rarely get a real bargain, yet we always look for the best deal. This article provides guidance that helps ensure that you get the best price for your IP camera and door access systems. More importantly, we will ensure that you get the security system that meets your expectations. It’s convenient and sometimes less expensive to purchase stuff on Amazon. Even security products such as door access control and IP camera systems from China are available from discount Internet sites. Yes, these Chinese alternatives have a low initial cost, but there are hidden costs. The Challenge of Purchasing the Right Security Equipment We constantly search for the least expensive solution. I once talked to someone on the phone about their application. We discussed what they wanted to see, where they would be mounted, and their objectives. Based on this analysis, I recommended an IP camera that costs about $400. They then asked about another camera that sold for about $250. I told them I could provide that camera, but it wouldn’t do what they wanted. They were very insistent that I sell them the low-cost camera. Based on this conversation, I explained that they couldn’t return the low-cost camera if it didn’t meet their requirements. They purchased the camera. About four weeks later, I received a call from them saying that the camera didn’t do what they expected. After reminding them about our previous conversation, they asked what they could do. I told them they could purchase the camera I had recommended before and use the cheap camera in a different location. They finally took my advice and became a long-time customer. We get calls from people who have purchased access control devices or a cheap IP camera and can’t install it. They are finally faced with the reality that there is more to buying a security system than the initial cost. What to Consider Before Purchasing Your Door Access Control System Here are some things to consider before purchasing your access control system. If you want to control only one door or many doors, you will need a different type of system. You may also want to control what floor an elevator goes to or maybe a gate to the parking lot.Do you want to use traditional card credentials, your smartphone, or biometric recognition? Each type of credential requires different hardware and software.How easy is the installation? Some access control systems connect directly to the network, include the power in the network connection, and have a pigtail with all the wires that control the door.Do you need help installing the hardware and software?Do you want technical support after the installation? You may think you know what you need, but purchasing an inexpensive system over the Internet can lead to trouble and extra expense. Experts guide you to a solution that meets your needs and is the least expensive. The Best Access Control System What to Consider Before Purchasing Your IP Camera System  As a reminder, the IP Camera system comprises cameras and software. There are lots of camera choices. Unfortunately, many people think that any camera will work. The problem is not only how much the camera costs but whether or not it sees what you expect. For example, you may be looking at a parking lot and be able to see the vehicles but can’t read the license plate or see a person’s face. You may need a higher-resolution camera or one that can see in the dark. Defining your objectives is critical to getting the right camera system solution.    Here’s a checklist to use to help you define your requirements: Do you want cameras for outdoor or indoor applications (or both)?Describe what detail you would like to see (in each area).Do you want to see people or vehicles?Do you want to be able to identify the person’s face?Do you want enough resolution to identify a license plate?Do you want to see it at night?  Do you have lights in the area? How much lighting is available?Cameras also come with built-in IR illuminators. How far away do you want to see at night? How far away are the objects you want to see? How wide is the field of view? This is the viewing area). Distance and field of view affect the lens and the resolution required How many cameras do you think you would need?Do you want to record the video? How long a period do you want to record the video?Do you want to be notified of alarm conditions such as motion detection, line crossing, removed object, left object, etc.? The Best IP Camera System Once you have reviewed your requirements, get in touch with us. Let us know what your objectives are, and describe the application. Our engineering staff will ensure you purchase the right system. Summary of How to Get the Best Security System for Your Money Like anything else you purchase, it’s challenging to get the system that meets your requirements and yet doesn’t cost more than is necessary. Sometimes hidden costs such as support and service make the product more expensive than expected. It’s best to review your objectives before making the purchase. If you would like help selecting the best security system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Access Control and Intercoms: The Perfect Match Intercoms can Enhance Access Control Access Control and Intercoms The receptionist was once the guardian of the gate. This person greeted guests, recorded the visitors, and determined who could enter. Unfortunately, there are far fewer receptionists doing this task. What is the best way to replace this function? Integrating door access control, intercoms, and IP camera systems provides similar functionality. This combination of IP security devices provides a method of controlling visitors as well as allowing authorized people to enter the building. This article describes how to integrate door access control, IP cameras, and intercom systems. Intercoms for Visitor Control IP intercoms with and without video add another level of security by allowing the user to talk to the visitor. Three solutions are available. An Intercom system with a separate IP camera uses audio management software to provide integrated video.An IP intercom with a built-in camera uses Video Management Software to see and hear the person at the door.An Apartment Intercom allows the visitor to select the tenant. It uses a cloud connection to smartphones to control entry. IP Intercoms for Door Control Intercoms that don’t include video can be used with separate IP cameras. The TVIP-IntercomPA is an example of a simple intercom used for door control. The IP intercom attaches to the network and uses Power over Ethernet (PoE). They use an audio protocol like VoIP SIP that makes them compatible with VoIP phones. These industrial intercoms include a door relay that controls the electric lock. The robust relay can handle the current and voltage required by almost all types of electric locks. The call button on the intercom notifies the person inside that someone is at the door. Usually, this call is answered by someone in the organization assigned as the doorkeeper. Special audio management software manages intercoms and can also be used for making paging announcements. Woman at the Door The latest network-attached IP intercoms use the network infrastructure and are easier to install than the old analog intercom systems. To learn more, read, How Network Attached Amplifiers and IP Intercoms Work. Video Intercom for Door Control The TID-600 intercom is an indoor or outdoor video IP intercom used to control visitors. This touchless video intercom integrates with the Hanwha WAVE Video Management Software so that security people can view cameras and talk to the people at the door. The best intercoms include video. Video enhances security by allowing you to see and speak to the guest at the door. The TID-600R provides optimized video so you can see the person in a wide field of view and a wide range of lighting conditions. Learn more about IP video intercoms. Apartment Intercoms The latest apartment intercoms or multi-tenant intercoms work over a wireless connection. This makes them very easy to install. Using the touchscreen, you can easily find and call a specific corporate department or person in an apartment building. The person called can answer the IP intercom using the app on their mobile device. It’s easy to view, talk and then release the door. This wireless system is excellent for new or replacement installations. It connects to the tenant’s smartphone or can connect to the person’s wired phone. The tenant can see and speak to the person at the door when they use their smartphones. Since the system uses cellphone data, they can control the door from anywhere in the world. Lean more about apartment Intercoms. Door Access Control and IP Camera Integration IP cameras and Visitors Adding IP camera systems to the door control application can increase security. The camera allows the security personnel to view areas around the door. Providing situational awareness prevents threats from multiple people entering the building. Some access control systems include advanced management software that allows the security person to view IP cameras. This makes their job much more manageable. This combination is especially suited for remote visitor management. For example, the Hartman, Access control software can incorporate several video management software products. This allows the security person to see all the camera streams on the same console that controls the door access system. It provides added security by preventing piggybacking through a door and controlling visitor entry. Summary of Intercoms and Access Control Intercoms enhance door access control and are used to replace the receptionist at many organizations. Audio-only intercoms and video intercoms improve safety—the apartment intercom controls visitors to multi-tenant buildings. The addition of IP camera systems enhances security throughout the organization. To learn more about intercoms for access control, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes-94 A husband and wife go to a marriage counselor for the first time...As soon as they sit down, the wife starts complaining about the husband."He never cleans up, he never cooks for the family, and he doesn't say he loves me enough..."The wife continues to complain until the counselor finally stands up and tells the wife to stop.He then says,"Stand up and walk over to me."As soon as she walks over, the counselor grabs her tightly and kisses her passionately.He then looks over to the husband and says,"See? That's all she needs 2-3 times a week to be happy."The husband laughs excitedly and says,"That's great, doc! I can drop her off every Monday and Wednesday." Cartoon Some Engineering Jokes Looking for a boyfriend in engineering: the odds are good, but the goods are odd. How do you get an engineer to do something you want them to do? Tell them it's "impossible." "When I wrote this code, only me and God knew how it works. Now only God knows..." (This is a constant problem in programming. Every manager tells their programmers to document their code. Every programmer never listens.) You know I hate engineering students sometimes. For example, I hate it when engineering students call themselves engineers like you don't hear med students calling themselves doctors or art students calling themselves unemployed. You might be an engineer if... If you've used coat hangers and duct tape for something other than hanging coats and taping ducts. What's the difference between mechanical engineers and civil engineers? Mechanical engineers build weapons; civil engineers build targets. Here are some paraprosdokians A paraprosdokian is a sentence or statement with an unexpected ending. It means "against expectations" in Greek Will glass coffins be a success?Remains to be seen.What's the difference between a hippo and a zippo?One is really heavy, and the other is a little lighter.Hear about the new restaurant called Karma?There's no menu - you get what you deserve. I went to buy some camouflage trousers yesterday, but couldn't find any.What do you call a bee that can't make up its mind?A maybe.I tried to sue the airline for losing my luggage.I lost my case.Is it ignorance or apathy that's destroying the world today?I don't know and don't really care. A fifteen-year-old Amish boy and his father were in a mall. They were amazed by almost everything they saw, but especially by two shiny, silver walls that could move apart and then slide back together again. The boy asked, "What is this Father?" The father (never having seen an elevator) responded, "Son, I have never seen anything like this in my life, I don't know what it is." While the boy and his father were watching with amazement, a fat old lady in a wheelchair moved up to the moving walls and pressed a button. The walls opened, and the lady rolled between them into a small room. The walls closed, and the boy and his father watched the small numbers above the walls light up sequentially. They continued to watch until it reached the last number, and then the numbers began to light in the reverse order. Finally, the walls opened up again and a gorgeous 24-year-old blonde stepped out. The father, not taking his eyes off the young woman, said quietly to his son... "Go get your mother." Some Other Thoughts I was sitting in traffic the other day.It's probably why I got run over. What time is it?I don't know. It keeps changing. What do you call a person with a briefcase in a tree?Branch manager. What do we call a crying sister?A crisis. The rotation of the earth really makes my day. The Road Not Taken Robert Frost 1874-1963 Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,And sorry I could not travel bothAnd be one traveler, long I stoodAnd looked down one as far as I couldTo where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair,And having perhaps the better claim,Because it was grassy and wanted wear;Though as for that the passing thereHad worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally layIn leaves no step had trodden black.Oh, I kept the first for another day!Yet knowing how way leads on to way,I doubted if I should ever come back. Forest Path I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Cameras for Police Surveillance Covert IP Camera Systems for Law Enforcement and City Surveillance IP Camera Systems for Law Enforcement There are times that you want people to know that surveillance cameras are watching, but there are times you don't. The type of IP camera system depends on your objectives. Visible surveillance may provide a deterrent, while covert camera systems help catch the lawbreaker.  This article describes some of the covert systems that are available. Outdoor City Surveillance Systems Deployable pole-mounted IP camera systems feature PTZ or fixed cameras. They can be visible or covert, depending on the application. Covert camera kits include IP cameras, video management software, a ruggedized PC, and a 4G LTE cellular data modem that operates with Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. They can be attached to a pole. Visible outdoor PTZ or fixed IP cameras provide sophisticated surveillance. Many available cameras include night-vision long-range PTZ, fixed, and panoramic cameras.   A Pole-Mounted Surveillance System Looks Like a Power Transformer These surveillance systems are perfect for covertly viewing high-crime neighborhoods. Covert Design: Its appearance and ability to be rapidly deployed make the covert city surveillance systems an ideal tool for covert surveillance operations, monitoring major outdoor events, and providing law enforcement with situational awareness, as well as a wide variety of other uses. The IPDeputyPTZ covert pole-mounted camera system supports a variety of connections, including fiber, copper, and WiFi (point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and mesh). Alternatively, the IPDeputyPTZ can include an onboard ruggedized video server for local recording and an advanced 4G LTE cellular data modem for remote camera control, system access, and archive uploading. Covert-Pole-Mounted IP Cameras Outdoor IP Visible Surveillance Camera Systems Outdoor IP cameras provide visible deterrence in a variety of applications. Some of these visible cameras can also be placed inside a covert enclosure. Here are some examples of visible IP cameras: Long-Range PTZ Cameras PTZ Cameras The latest PTZ cameras include high-performance zoom lenses. For example, the XNP-6550RH camera from Hanwha has a 55X zoom lens. This 2-Megapixel camera provides enough visibility to read a license plate about 1,800 ft (567m) away. The camera also has a built-in IR illuminator with a range of 1,600 ft (500m). Dual-Sensor Cameras Dual sensor or bispectrum cameras include visible and thermal type sensors. Hanwha's Bi-spectrum AI Thermal Camera features a VGA thermal and 4K visual video output. Some models have different lenses. For example, the TNM-C4960TD includes a 25mm fixed lens (FoV: 17.4° thermal) and a 10.9~29mm motorized varifocal lens (FoV: 42°~15° visible). Some cameras include AI engines. For example, the visible optical camera available with the dual sensor camera can provide alarms based on AI engine (visible only) such as object detection (Person/Face/Vehicle/License plate), IVA (Virtual line/Area, Enter/Exit, Loitering, direction, intrusion), Stopped vehicle, and detection of traffic jams. The dual SD cards provide up to 1 TB of camera video storage (512GB x2). Indoor Covert Cameras Covert IP Cameras The latest hidden cameras provide surveillance that provides video views that make it easy to identify a person's face. The IP cameras can be mounted at the same height as a person's face rather than looking down from the ceiling. Hanwha has several specialized 2-Megapixel IP covert camera systems that can be used when you don't want people to know they are being watched. These IP cameras provide much better resolution than the old analog CCTV cameras that were used in smoke detectors, clocks, and other hidden devices.  These surveillance camera systems are designed for commercial applications. Video Management Software Every IP Camera system is available with Video Management Software (VMS) with an easy-to-use interface, so anyone can manage the system, handle incidents and quickly export high-definition evidence. The Smart Search function helps narrow your search for crucial sections of the video. No more spending hours fast-forwarding through video to find an event. Summary of Covert Cameras for Law Enforcement The latest covert IP camera systems provide flexible surveillance that makes law enforcement easier. The hidden cameras look like power transformers and are mounted on poles. These systems are available with fixed or PTZ-type IP cameras. If you don’t require a covert camera, many IP camera systems have advanced functionality. Some can automatically detect situations such as a stopped vehicle or detection of traffic jams. If you would like help selecting the right covert IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### How to Define Your IP Camera System How to Specify Your IP Camera Security System Define the IP Camera System What do you do when your boss says, "We need an IP camera surveillance system?" Do you purchase the lowest-cost camera system? The purchasing process is not a simple task. If you get an inexpensive solution, you may get burned when the camera system doesn't do what was expected. This article describes how you can meet your IP Camera System requirements and still meet the budget. Determine the IP Camera System You Need Sometimes we see things in the news that concern us. Maybe there was a mass shooting at a school or mall or an increased crime rate in your area? It causes us to investigate surveillance or access control systems. Many reasons trigger the purchase of a new or improved surveillance system. Once we are motivated to find a solution, we must clarify our objectives. Do you want to reduce liability, catch the criminal, provide notification of a dangerous situation, improve productivity, monitor entry points, validate an alarm condition, identify a license plate, or view animals in the wild? Each objective requires a different type of IP camera system. Here are some things to consider when defining your IP camera system: The Best IP Camera Do You Want to be Notified as Soon as it Happens This is a crucial factor when considering your IP camera system. If you want to be alerted if someone enters a specific area, opens a door, removes the laptop from the desk, or leaves a package in the lobby, you will need an intelligent camera system with intelligence that provides immediate alerts. Narrow artificial intelligence is available in some camera models. Artificial narrow intelligence refers to AI systems that can only perform a specific task autonomously using human-like capabilities. These machines have a very limited or narrow range of competencies but effectively provide real-time alerts to security people. Catch the Criminal Do you want to find out who's stealing your computers or raiding the supply closet? This could be accomplished by reviewing recorded video, but real-time alerts could be more effective in preventing theft. Your objectives also determine the resolution of the camera system. You must decide if you're trying to find an employee stealing (someone you know) or trying to catch someone you don't know. It requires more resolution to identify someone you don't know. We usually suggest 40 pixels/ft across the face to identify a person you know. Resolution Required You may require higher resolution if the field of view is dark or foggy. Identifying a person you don't know is considered to be forensic identification. In this case, you need 160 to 180 pixels across the face. Automated facial recognition also requires a higher resolution to be reliable. You may want to discourage people from criminal activity by making the camera visible, or you may want to use a covert camera to catch them unaware. Watch the Entry Points With an IP Camera System An IP camera system can be used to view entry points to a building, a garage, a parking area, and an elevator. Each site may require a different type of camera. The IP Camera System Keeps Track of Who Comes in When an IP camera is used to view a single door, you can use a single camera with a lens that views just the doorway. Since the field of view is small, you don't need a high-resolution IP camera. First, let's calculate the resolution of the camera based on identifying a person's face. Notice the difference between pixels per face and pixels per ft. (or meter).  You can convert pixels across the face to pixels per ft.  The average width of a person's face varies between men and women and can range between 5.7 and over 7 inches (according to a chart I found on the Internet).  Let's assume a face is about 6 inches wide. The calculation is simple since the width of the face is ½ of a foot. To convert from pixels per face, we multiply x2 faces/ft. x 40 pixels/face = 80 pixels/ft. Defining the IP Camera If we use a 2-Megapixel camera, it provides a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. We usually use the horizontal pixel count to calculate the field of view. Since we would like to identify a person we know, the pixel requirement is divided into the horizontal pixels, 1920 pixels/80 pixels/ft = 24 ft. The 2-megapixel camera lets us view the doorway and a wide area near the door. It's quite adequate for the job. Intelligent IP Camera Systems Provide Immediate Alarms Hanwha's latest smart IP cameras provide "narrow artificial intelligence" capability.  They can make decisions about objects they observe and categorize them into classes. This classification capability provides several advantages, such as better motion detection, reduction of false alarms, and information about the objects' attributes. The smart or intelligent IP cameras provide immediate alarms that notify security of a threat or unusual event. For example, the smart IP camera system generates an alarm if someone takes an object or leaves an object. It can also notify security if someone enters the parking lot or tries to enter a gated area. This additional intelligence is very different from recording the video for later review. IP Camera Object Detection Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides a much more effective and efficient IP camera system.  This AI provides critical alarms and reduces the time it takes to review and find the vital video. Summary of How to Specify Your IP Camera System It's always challenging to meet expectations without a site evaluation survey. Once you know your objectives, you can select the appropriate IP camera System. Each location may require a different type of IP camera. The benefits of analyzing your requirements are assurance that you get the correct IP camera system for your application and to reduce costly mistakes. If you would like help selecting the right IP camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes-93 A farmer named Muldoon lived alone in the Irish countryside except for a pet dog he had for a long time. The dog finally died, and Muldoon went to the parish priest, saying, "Father, the dog is dead. Could you possibly be saying a Mass for the poor creature?"Father Patrick told the farmer, "No, we can't have services for an animal in the church, but I'll tell you what, there's a new denomination down the road apiece, and no telling what they believe in, but maybe they'll do something for the animal."Muldoon said, "I'll go right now. By the way, do you think $50,000 is enough to donate for the service?"Father Patrick replied, "Why didn't you tell me the dog was Catholic." Do you need a silencer if you are going to shoot a mime? Have you ever imagined a world with no hypothetical situations? How does the guy who drives the snowplow get to work in the mornings? If 7-11 is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, why are there locks on the doors? If a cow laughed really hard, would milk come out her nose? If nothing ever sticks to Teflon, how do they make Teflon stick to the pan? If you tied buttered toast to the back of a cat and dropped it from a height, what would happen? How do you know when it's time to tune your bagpipes? Is it true that cannibals don't eat clowns because they taste funny? Does 'virgin wool' come from sheep the shepherd hasn't caught yet? If the front of your car says 'DODGE', do you really need a horn? What do sheep count when they can't get to sleep? Is grass really greener on the other side? Do boxer shorts box? Why do you wear a pair of panties and only one bra? If you wear an antenna to a wedding, would the reception be better? Why is abbreviated such a long word? Cartoon Two cowboys were riding through a canyon and from far off they heard the sound of drumming. One of them said, "I don't like the sound of those drums." And a distant voice called out "He's not our regular drummer!" Once upon a time, in a land far, far away there were two evil friars living outside this small village. The friars had tried unsuccessfully to overtake and capture the town, but finally, this time, they believed they had hit upon a foolproof scheme that would allow them to rule the village. Through mad scientist experiments in their floral shop, they had come up with a plant that would devour the townspeople one by one until none were left. They set forth to put their plan into action by planting the man-eating plants, so they encircled the village.As the plants rapidly grew, they began devouring everything living in their path. The townspeople grew frightened; who or what would save them from their eminent doom? Finally, the town elders remembered Hugh, a woodcutter living on the town's outskirts. Frantically, the townspeople penned a desperate plea for help, tied it to a pigeon's leg, and directed the bird toward Hugh's cabin.Meanwhile, outside of town, Hugh had received the note from the townspeople and, realizing they were in grave danger, set forth to do what he needed to do. He honed his mightiest axe to razor-sharpness, grabbed his hat, and off he went.He chopped his way through the dense vines and single-handedly destroyed the carnivorous plants until all were destroyed. Then he set out to rid the village of the evil friars, chasing them out of town. The town was saved!!! The people rejoiced and knighted Hugh for his brave and timely efforts to save the village!!!And the moral of the story is:Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars. A man walks into a gastroenterologist's office and stops to stand just at the edge of the seating area. The receptionist waits for him to approach, but he fidgets uncomfortably, staring at the wooden seats between himself and the counter. "Sir, why don't you come over here so we can get you checked in?" says the receptionist."That's why I'm here," he says, "I have difficulty passing stools." I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Comparison of Long-Range Door Access Control What is the Best Long-Range Access Control System Long-Range Access Control Long-range access control systems extend the capability of door access control systems. They read a credential to open the lock. The standard access control systems have a card-to-reader range in inches, while the long-range readers have a range of over 25 ft.  When you want to open a gate to a parking garage from your vehicle, it’s easier to use the long-range reader system. This article compares long-range access control with a credential to one that uses mobile or smartphone credentials. How Access Control Readers Read the Credential There are two ways of communication from the credential to the door reader. The first uses a card credential and the second method uses a smartphone. Door Access Using a Credential All the readers communicate with the credential using a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) connection. The connection allows the ID number to be transferred from the card to the reader. The RFID short-range IP access control readers use 125KHz or 13.56MHz. These standard credentials are called proximity cards or smartcards (like MiFare). Long-range readers require battery-powered certificates to achieve extended range. How the Card Reader Works The proximity system has an inventive way of providing power to the credential (or card). It actually uses the energy sent from the reader’s antenna. The credential includes an antenna, a capacitor, and an integrated circuit that contains the ID number. When the card is placed within range of the reader, the antenna coil and capacitor, which form a tuned circuit, absorb and store energy from the field. This energy is rectified to direct current, which powers the integrated circuit. The chip sends its ID number or other data to the antenna coil, which transmits it by radio frequency signals back to the reader unit. Long-range access control reader systems are very similar, except they use larger antennas for the reader. The larger antenna allows more energy to be directed at the credential. Some systems use passive credentials, while others use active credentials. The active credentials include batteries, so the credential must be replaced when the battery dies. Long-Range Access Control System With Card Credential Long Range Access Control System Long-range access control reader systems use large antennas and credentials with a battery. The larger antenna allows more energy to be directed at the credential. Systems that use passive credentials (no battery required) have a maximum range of a couple of feet. The active credentials with batteries have a longer range, but the battery needs to be replaced. The long-range reader is connected to the control box through a serial Wiegand-type connection. The control box connects to the local area network. If the credential is accepted, the control box sends a signal (relay connection) to open the gate. The long-range reader uses higher frequencies, such as 865MHz, or 902MHz.  Since this is a different frequency than the standard door readers, the credentials are different. These special credentials are available as a card or as a stick-on tag for the vehicle. The standard and long-range readers use the same access control management software. This means that all the readers can be integrated into the organization’s system (except using different credentials).  You can select IP door access readers with proximity credentials or biometric readers. Door Access Using a Smartphone A special door reader with smartphone connectivity is required when using a smartphone as the credential. A mobile credential is an authorization token, much like a Prox card or keyfob.  The ID number is held in your smartphone instead of a card. Like other types of credentials, it contains a unique number that can be used as the electronic key to open a door with an electric lock. The smartphone can connect to a door reader using Bluetooth, NFC, or WiFi. Bluetooth (BLE) is the most common type of communication used in the security market. Bluetooth range is determined by the power available to the transmitter, the antenna, and the propagation conditions.  For example, the signal can be attenuated if it passes through a wall. Standardization committees have established classes of power and range. The power and distance vary from Class 1, which uses about 100mW and has an operational distance of about 100m (328 ft.), to Class 4, which is approximately 0.5m (1.6 ft.) Bluetooth is used to connect the smartphone to the door reader. The Isonas IP reader controllers and the Hartmann door access control system include a Mobile Credential option. The door readers have a maximum range of about 65 ft. Summary of Long-Range Access Control Systems Long-range access control systems are an extension of the standard door reader systems. They require higher-powered signals between the credential and unique readers to facilitate the long-range capability. There are two types of systems, one that uses a credential with a battery and the other that uses a smartphone. Credentials with batteries require occasional replacement, while smartphone credentials require the phone to be available. For help selecting the right door access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### The Field of View for IP Camera Systems How to Determine the Best Field of View IP Camera System Field of View The lens of an IP camera determines the field of view (FOV). A lens can provide a wide or narrow FOV. For example, A wide field of view allows us to see a pasture filled with cows, and a narrow field of view allows us to see only one cow. This article describes how to determine and calculate the best Field of View (FOV). The lens is measured in focal length (or mm). The smaller the focal length, the wider the view. A telephoto lens had a larger focal length. For example, a 500-millimeter lens can see things miles away.Surveillance cameras that include the lens provide the lens angle. The lens angle provides a more precise measure of the FOV.The lens specification also includes the clarity or F-stop, which determines how much light can pass through the lens. The lower the F-stop, the more light can pass. How to Determine the Right Field of View The right field of view is determined by the resolution or clarity you want to see at a certain distance from the camera. The wider the lens angle, the less detail you will see at a specific distance. For example, in a wide area view, you can see the cows but not the color of their eyes. The resolution of the camera also determines the FOV. For example, a 5-megapixel camera can see a wider area than a 2-Megapixel camera. The higher the resolution, the more area you can see at the same pixels/ft (or clarity). Field of View How to calculate the field of view First, determine the resolution you require for an application. For example, do you want to identify a person's face or just see that someone was there? Do you want to see the cars on the road or the license plate of each vehicle? Each of these objectives requires a different resolution. The critical specification is pixels across the object. The more detail, the more pixels per foot or meter are required. How Much Resolution is Required to Identify a Person? It's easier to identify a person you know than someone you don't know.  In many cases, you can identify a person not only by their face but also by their clothes and how they walk.  The police would like a more objective (or forensic) identification.  Forensic identification provides enough detail so that you can compare the video to a picture of a person's face.  You need a lot more resolution to identify a person you don't know. The Homeland Security Digital Video Quality Handbook describes how the number of pixels on target (pixels/face) affects image quality.  The example below shows that you can get a very good picture when there are about 64 pixels across the face.  This detail is close to forensic quality. Samsung and Axis both say that you need about 40 pixels across the face to identify a person you know.  Axis also says that you need up to 80 pixels across the face in challenging conditions.  Samsung estimates that you need 80 pixels across the face to see more forensic details such as scars, birthmarks, and the color of their eyes.   The resolution required also depends on the lighting conditions.  In challenging conditions, such as when it's dark, the cameras switch to monochrome (B/W mode), and the camera's amplifiers are working hard to "see."   Since the video noise level increases as amplification increases, more pixels are required for identification.  Cameras with good signal processing can identify people in challenging lighting conditions.  For example, Samsung and Sony have better signal processing than the Axis cameras so that they can be used in more challenging lighting conditions.  Please look at our Low Light Test of Sony vs. Samsung vs. Axis. Notice that there is a difference between pixels per face and pixels per ft. (or meter).   You can convert pixels across the face to pixels per ft.  The average width of a person's face varies between men and women and can range between 5.7 and over 7 inches (according to a chart I found on the Internet).  Let's assume a face is about 6 inches wide.  To convert from pixels per face, we multiply 2 faces/ft. x 40 pixels/face = 80 pixels/ft. In summary, the required pixel resolution is: Resolution of IP Camera Identification of a person that you know – 80 pixels/ft.Forensic identification of a person you don't know – 160 pixels/ft.Best identification when there are poor conditions – 180 pixels/ft. More resolution is required when we are using automated facial recognition software.  The pixel count will vary depending on the software that is used.  It's usually much higher than 80 pixels across the face. Resolution across the Object The key factor for clarity depends on the number of pixels across the object. The resolution of the camera and the field of view define what you can see. How wide a field of view can we see and still be able to identify a person's face?  To calculate the widest field of view, divide the number of horizontal pixels (available from the camera) by the pixels/ft. you would like to achieve.  The following formula is used to determine the field of view: Total Horizontal Resolution / Pixels per ft. = Field of View For the following example, let's assume you would like to identify the face of a person you already know.   If the camera resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels (2-megapixel), then our widest field of view is: 1920/80 = 24 ft. (7.3 m). IP Camera Field of View If we have a 5-megapixel camera with a resolution of 2592 x 1944, then the widest horizontal field of view is 32.4 ft. (9.9 m).   And a 10-megapixel camera with 3648 x 2752-pixel resolution provides a 45.6 ft. (14 m) field of view. We can also do this calculation in reverse.  We can start with the field of view and then calculate the camera's resolution. Use the following formula to calculate the resolution of the IP camera: (Field of View) x (pixels/ft.) = Horizontal Resolution If we want a field of view of 20 ft. and we need 80 pixels/ft, then the formula indicates: 20 ft. x 80 pixels/ft. = 1600 pixels (horizontal) We can now select a camera that has at least 1600 horizontal pixels.  For example, the Hanwha QND-6082R IP camera has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This is a very nice 2.0 mega-pixel camera with enough resolution to meet these requirements. It also includes a motorized varifocal lens and provides excellent low light sensitivity and wide dynamic range (WDR). Summary of Field of View Provided by IP Cameras The lens and the camera's resolution determine the best field of view. The application determines the resolution and FOV required and can be calculated using trigonometry. Many IP cameras come with a lens, so it is essential to determine the application before ordering a specific camera. If you would like help selecting the right camera and lens system, please get in touch with us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes-92 Here are some questions that I have: When you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? Does fuzzy logic tickle? Do they have reserved parking for non-handicap people at the Special Olympics? How come wrong numbers are never busy? Do radioactive cats have 18 half-lives? Why call it "take" a dump, when you leave something behind? What was the best thing before sliced bread? Why do we call it a hot water heater if the water is already hot? If you throw a cat out a car window does it become kitty litter? If corn oil comes from corn, where does baby oil come from? How do they get a deer to cross at that yellow road sign? If it's tourist season, why can't we shoot them? What is the scientific name for anti-vaxxers during a pandemic? The control group. Is there another word for thesaurus? Is the color orange called that because it's the color of the fruit of the same name, or was the fruit called orange because that's its color? Which came first, the color or the fruit? After eating, do amphibians have to wait one hour before getting out of the water? How can there be self-help "groups"? If white wine goes with fish, do white grapes go with sushi? If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered a hostage situation? Instead of talking to your plants, if you yelled at them would they still grow, but only to be troubled and insecure? Now that I have gotten older, I noticed that: Even duct tape can't fix stupid - but it sure does muffle the sound.Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes, then come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller?Lately, I've noticed people my age are so much older than me. "Getting lucky" means walking into a room and remembering why I'm there.When I was a child, I thought nap time was punishment. Now it feels like a mini vacation.Some days I have no idea what I'm doing out of bed. Here are some more questions Is there another word for synonym? Isn't it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do "practice"? Just before someone gets nervous, do they experience cocoons in their stomach? It is hard to understand how a cemetery raised its burial cost and blamed it on the cost of living. If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends? Why is a pear called a pear when there is only one? What do they pack Styrofoam in? Why does your nose run and your feet smell? Why does an alarm clock "go off" when it begins ringing? If pro is the opposite of con, is progress the opposite of congress? Why does "cleave" mean both split apart and stick together? Why is it, whether you sit up or sit down, the result is the same? Why is there an expiry date on my sour cream container? Why call it a building if it's already been built? Why don't sheep shrink when it rains? Why is it called a "near miss" when you don't hit something? When sign makers go on strike, is there anything written on their signs? Before the light bulb was invented, what appeared over peoples heads when they had an idea? If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done? Why does the word monosyllabic contain five syllables? A Poem by Emily Dickinson ‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers –That perches in the soul –And sings the tune without the words –And never stops – at all – And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –And sore must be the storm –That could abash the little BirdThat kept so many warm – I’ve heard it in the chillest land –And on the strangest Sea –Yet – never – in Extremity,It asked a crumb – of me. Hope is a thing with feathers - I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Panic Button Comparison Comparison of Emergency Buttons Panic Buttons By August of 2022, there had been over 300 mass shootings in the United States. With the increase in mass shootings, Panic Buttons have become more popular. Several emergency notification systems have been developed over the past few years to address this requirement. This article compares the different systems available and how they can be used. The panic buttons can be integrated with IP camera systems, paging, or mobile emergency notification systems. Whether you need to notify people about a fire, or the security person about an active shooter situation, these systems have become a valuable addition to the security products at many organizations. Panic Button Added to the Automated Paging System Specific IP paging systems include "if-then" logic, making adding panic buttons easy. A panic button attached to an IP paging system can automatically notify your organization about emergencies such as a fire or an active shooter. The automated notification can also open or lock electric locks, sound an alarm, or inform emergency services. IP Paging System Emergency Response Diagram The button can be connected directly to the IO input of the IP audio device. The signal alerts the command control software. The "if-then" logic generates a pre-recorded announcement, such as "Fire detected; please exit the building!" The system can be programmed to alert the security person, so instead of generating an automated message, it can allow the security person to make the decision. Either way, the panic button alert provides a rapid reaction to dangerous situations. How it is used: The panic button is placed on desks and walls and used in school administrative offices, hospital nurse's stations, houses of worship, and military organizations.   Using an IP Camera System to Create an Automated Response An IP camera system can be used as a bridge to a remote IP audio device. Emergency Camera System Automated Response A panic button can be wired to the input of a convenient IP camera to simplify the wiring of a panic button system. The output of an IP camera located at another location can be wired to an IP audio system. This type of configuration makes wiring a panic button system much more accessible.  When the panic button is pressed, the signal can be controlled by both the IP camera video management software and the IP paging software. It provides a very flexible solution. Panic Buttons Added for Fire Alarms Panic button for fire alarm door exit Door access control systems control electric locks in your organization. They prevent the wrong people from getting in, but ensuring that the doors are unlocked in emergencies is essential. This is especially true when magnetic locks are used.  A panic button can ensure that all the doors controlled by electric locks are opened in an emergency, like a fire.   There are a few ways to control electric locks. For example, you can attach the button to a relay that opens the power circuit to all the locks. Alternatively, you can add a device-side PoE adapter that provides power to the electric lock. When the alarm button is pressed, the controlled power to the lock is removed.  For example, the Altronix transmitter and receiver adapters can control the power. It uses a dedicated network cable between the Altronix transmitter and receiver adapters. Several receivers can be daisy-chained to one of the receivers connected to the transmitter. How fire alarm buttons are used: These buttons are placed on walls near exits, in administration and safety offices. The Mobile Panic Button The latest security innovation is a panic button that you can carry with you. The mobile panic button attaches to your keychain and provides instant emergency notification. The emergency button and service enhance your organization's security. The mobile panic button operates through cell phone services, so they are not tethered to one location. Mobile Emergency Button The new panic buttons include GPS locating, monitored travel, two-way conversations, and silent audio monitoring. They operate anywhere in the USA and use flexible safety centers.  Instead of mounting buttons around the campus, you can have a panic button that travels with you.  Whether you are in a school building, inside a corporation, work in a hospital, or provide outpatient nursing help, you can utilize the mobile panic button. The ability to give a rapid notification allows the school administration or hospital staff to quickly respond to medical emergencies, fire, active shooters, or any other emergency. The safety response center can be any place you choose. Many panic button systems are connected to a specific emergency answering service that helps to verify and provide emergency response. The latest approach is not tied to any particular service. You can establish a response center in your corporation, hospital, school, or hotel. How the mobile emergency button is used: This mobile panic button helps make people on the move safer. Visiting nurses, hospitality personnel, social workers, salespeople, and emergency responders use these emergency buttons.   To learn more, read the article Mobile Panic Buttons for Business, Schools, and Healthcare Summary of Panic Button Applications Panic buttons are an essential part of a security system. They immediately notify everyone of dangerous situations and allow the safety team to respond quickly. They can notify the organization of fires, active shooters, and other hazardous conditions. If you would like help selecting the right panic alert system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Access Controller Comparison The Best Door Access Controller Access Controller Comparison The brain of a door access control system is the Controller or Access Control Panel. One or more door readers connect to a controller. The access controller receives the person's ID number from the door reader, matches the credential to the list of approved users, and then opens the electric lock. This article compares the different types of access controllers or control panels. The access control management software manages the list of people who can use the system. It also provides a user interface that allows entry and management of the people who are registered. Some controllers also hold the list of users provided by the management software. The software defines when, where, and who can enter a door. The management software usually resides in a Windows PC but is sometimes embedded in the controller or a Cloud server. The Access Controller Box The earliest access control panels or controllers controlled a set of door readers. They included electronics that maintained the list of users and provided a simple user interface that allowed entry and management of users. These controllers were not easy to install because of the large number of wires connected to each door. New door access controllers are more sophisticated and are modular controllers that can be located near the doors they control. They attach to the network and include general-purpose computers that add much more functionality to the access system. Some of these controllers are powered using PoE. They support one, two, or four-door readers, and several controllers can be distributed around the organization, making installation easier. There are several controllers available. For example, Hub-Controller is a simple network-attached controller that supports a small number of doors. The Pro-Bio Controller supports many proximity and biometric readers, while the Enterprise controller supports proximity and smartphone readers. It also supports IP camera system integration. The reader-controller systems do not require a separate controller since everything is combined into one device. These are good for small applications and are the easiest to install. Here are the pros and cons of the different controllers. Isonas Reader-Controller Reader-Controller Access Control System The Isonas reader-controllers is an innovative solution that combines the reader and the controller. It makes it very easy to install. It is supported by cloud-based management software and supports proximity readers and simple smartphone credentials. Pros: This is the easiest system to install Supports simple mobile credentials from your smartphone Uses PoE Cons: It doesn't support biometric readers Requires a separate internal box for outdoor applications that require added security It doesn't support elevators and camera integration It requires cloud-based management software license. Network-Attached Hub-Controller The built-in Access Control Management Software makes this system easy to install. There are Hub controller models that support up to four door-readers. Multiple Hub-Controllers can be connected to the network to support up to 84 doors. Hub-Controller Access Control Pros: This simple system includes built-in software that makes it easy to install. The box incorporates a web interface that allows the user to enter the credentials and manage the system. This access system controller includes User Enrollment & Management, Door Control & Monitoring, individual grouping, and easy setup. It uses PoE for power, and it can communicate using WiFi. Cons: It doesn't include some of the advanced features such as Active directory support, elevator control, integration with IP cameras, and anti-passback. Pro Controller The Pro controller is a more advanced access control panel requiring TVIP-TIRsoft management software. A large number of doors can be supported by connecting multiple controllers to the network. Multiple panels can be connected to the network to support a large number of proximity or biometric readers. Pro-Controller Access Control Pros: This is a feature-rich panel with support for many door readers, including HID prox, HID iClass, HID Seos, Fingerprint, Face, Palm, Bluetooth, and QR Code. There are similar panels that can be used to control an elevator. The management software includes user enrollment & management, Door Control & Monitoring, Lockdown, Reporting, Maps, Anti-Passback, First-Card Opening, Multi-Card Opening, Card Design, and Duress PINs. The panel supports a wide range of door readers, including biometric and mobile smartphone readers. The system also provides visitor management and badging software options. Cons: The panel requires a separate power supply rather than PoE, but it is possible to use a PoE adapter for power. It requires a TVIP-TIRsoft management software license. Enterprise Controller Enterprise IP Door Access Control System These small modular controllers are located at each door and connect to the network. They are tied together on the network to create an excellent enterprise solution for small to large applications. Each controller maintains a list of the users that are entered using the Enterprise Management Software. Pros: The controllers are powered using PoE, making them very easy to install and expand. Each controller supports a single reader or back-to-back readers and is also available as a two-door system. The small controllers make adding just one door very easy and incrementally adding other doors as required. Supports advanced smartphone readers that include hand-wave to enter, tap the mobile phone to enter, and long-range entry. The security person can administer the management system from any Browser-Enabled Device: Tablet, Smartphone, laptop, or PC. An optional cloud-based management system provides optional control for simple applications. Advanced logic functions provide complex branching action plans to meet your business needs. Over 40 customizable actions, Including HTTP requests, door overrides, SMS messaging, and emails actions A flexible trigger engine allows you to trigger action plans from the door, input, output state changes, or trigger action plans upon scheduled times Elevator Control allows you to control what floor people can go to Active Directory support, on both the administrator levels as well as cardholder/user levels Easy Video integration into many video management software systems (VMS). Cons: It doesn't support biometric readers It requires an Enterprise Management Software license. Summary of Controller Comparison The controller is the brain of the access control system. It determines if the person with a credential can enter the door. There are several versions of controllers, from reader-controllers to sophisticated multi-door control systems. It is essential to match the controller to each application. To learn more and receive more information, please get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes-91 As I get older, I realize  I don't need anger management.  I need people to stop irritating me.My people skills are just fine.  It's my tolerance for idiots that needs work.The biggest lie I tell myself is, "I don't need to write that down. I'll remember it."I have days when my life is just a tent away from a circus.These days, "on time" is when I get there.I still haven't learned to act my age. Why isn't phonetic spelled the way it sounds? Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii? Why are there flotation devices under plane seats instead of parachutes? Rocket Scientists Why are cigarettes sold in gas stations when smoking is prohibited there? A man was lost in the desert. He was desperate for water. Finally, he found a small town, and in the town was a shop. He went into the shop and found a small man behind the counter. "Help me," he said, I would like some water. The storekeeper replied, "Sorry, I have no water, would you like to buy a tie? They are only $5. The thirsty man shouted, "What you lousy shopkeeper, I don't want a tie, I need water." "Sorry, I have none, just ties. And only $5." "Pahh! A curse on your ties. I should wrap one around your scrawny neck, and chole the life out of you!" "Okay, said the shopkeeper. It doesn't matter that you don't want to buy a tie, or that you hate me. I will help you. If you continue a few blocks down this road, you will come to a restaurant. It had the finest food and all the ice-water you need. Go in peace." Cursing him again, the desperate man staggers down the road. Several hours later, the desperate man crawls back and gasped... "They won't let me in without a tie!" Why do fat chance and slim chance mean the same thing? If you can't drink and drive, why do you need a driver's license to buy liquor, and why do bars have parking lots? If you're in a vehicle going the speed of light, what happens when you turn on the headlights? Why do they put Braille dots on the keypad of the drive-up ATM? Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways? Why isn't "palindrome" spelled the same way backwards as it is forwards? The meaning of life Why is it that when you transport something by car, it's called a shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it's called cargo? If a black box in a plane is indestructible, why can't they make the whole plane out of it? Why is it that when you're driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio? Archaeology Dig Why is it so hard to remember how to spell 'mnemonic'? If someone invented instant water, what would they mix it with? Why is it called a TV "set" when you only get one? If you put a chameleon in a mirrored box what color would it change to? Why do people point to their wrist when they want to know the time? Do I point to my crotch when I want to know where the bathroom is? Why is there an 's' in lisp? If you were scared half to death twice, would you be 3/4 dead or 100% dead? If the cops arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent? If you ate pasta and antipasti, would you still be hungry? If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest end up drowning as well? What should you do if you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant? If a man is standing in the middle of the forest speaking and there is no woman around to hear him, is he still wrong? If you asked a librarian where the books on self help were would they tell you, or would that defeat the purpose? If ATM stands for Automatic Teller Machine, why do we call it an ATM machine? And if PIN stands for Personal Identification Number, why do we call it a PIN number? You Have To Believeby Douglas MallochYou have to believe in happiness,Or happiness never comes.I know that a bird chirps none the lessWhen all that he finds is crumbs.You have to believe the buds will blow, -Believe in the grass in the days of snow;Ah, that's the reason a bird can sing -On his darkest day he believes in Spring.You have to believe in happiness -It isn't an outward thing.The Spring never makes the song, I guess,As much as the song the Spring.Aye, many a heart could find contentIf it saw the joy on the road it went,The joy ahead when it had to grieve,For the joy is there - but you have to believe. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### The Magnetic Door Lock How to Use the Magnetic Lock in an Access Control System Controlling the Mag-Lock The magnetic door lock is a unique lock requiring special handling to ensure safety. Since the mag lock holds the door shut and prevents both egress and ingress, additional devices must be present to allow people to exit. This article describes how to use the magnetic lock in your access control system. Wiring the Magnetic Lock The locking mechanism of the magnetic lock is an electromagnet and an armature plate to secure the door.  The electromagnet is attached to the door frame while the armature plate is attached to the door.  The door access controller or reader-controller provides an electric current that passes through the electromagnetic. The current goes through a winding that causes a magnetic attraction to the armature plate holding the door closed. The magnetic strength can provide over 1500 lbs. of holding force. Locks with higher magnetic force can secure an outer door, while lower force locks can be used to secure inner doors. The electromagnet is wired to the door controller. The diagram below shows an example of lock wiring, but additional wiring is required to ensure safe egress. Access Control Using a Mag-Lock Installing the Mag Lock Magnetic Lock The magnetic lock is mechanically easy to install since it consists of two parts. The "plate" attaches to the door, and the mag lock mechanism attaches to the frame. The plate and electromagnet must be aligned so that when the door closes, the two parts of the lock come together precisely. Any offset will reduce the holding power of the lock. Wiring the Electric Lock for Safe Exit Additional components and wiring are required to ensure that a person can exit the area, especially in an emergency. The local municipalities and fire marshals define the exit devices needed. The REX Button Opens the Door The Request to Exit Button (REX) is always required to make it easy for anyone to exit a controlled area. The button is connected to the controller or wired to the power line of the mag lock. Motion Detector Automatically Opens the Door Lock In addition to the REX button, the motion detector provides an additional exit method. This is a hands-free method of exiting. It also provides an extra safety feature that activates even if the person can't see the button. This is a required addition in some municipalities. Push-Bars Release the Mag-Lock Push-bars (or Crash-Bars) can also be used to release the mag lock. These pressure-sensitive bars are mounted to the door and wired so that the electric switch removes current to the mag lock and allows the door to open. Wiring the Mag Lock for Fire Alarm Control Many municipalities and safety officers require that all the doors be opened if a fire alarm occurs. There are several ways to ensure that the door opens in a fire. Using a Relay to Control Power to Electric Lock In this example, the fire alarm box opens a relay controlling all the power. The 12 VDC power to the lock originates from a central power supply. Power Control to the Electric Lock Connecting the Fire Alarm Using a Power Over Ethernet Adapter Instead of a central relay, this power control method uses a special electronic box designed for IP door readers. Door Access and Fire Control Using Altronix-PoE It uses the Altronix Entrada2DMK adapter kit. The kit includes two adapters; one is placed near the fire alarm box and the other near the IP door reader and electric lock. The device-side adapter provides power to the IP door reader and the electric lock. When a fire alarm signal is detected, the door is unlocked. This system is very flexible, so you can select a normally open or normally closed trigger from the fire alarm box.  A dedicated network cable is required between the transmitter and receiver adapters. A number of receivers can be daisy-chained to one of the receivers connected to the transmitter. Controlling Access Readers Using a Power Supply Controller Power to all the locks can be controlled through a power control box. The Altronix Power Controller AL125UL is an example of this type of power control. Other controllers include UPS battery backup. Door Access and Fire Control with Altronix-Power The power controller includes relays that control the power that is supplied to all the locks. When the fire alarm unit provides a signal indicating an alarm condition, the power to all the electric locks is removed. When power is lost, all the magnetic locks open.. Door Access Magnetic Door Lock Control Summary The magnetic door lock is one way of locking the door in an access control system. Special circuits are required to ensure that the door can be opened in an emergency. Various wiring solutions, such as the REX button, push-bars, motion detectors, and fire control signals, provide quick egress. Don't hesitate to contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else to learn more about access control, or use our contact form. ### Bullets, Domes, and PTZ Cameras What is the Best IP Camera for Your Application Selecting the Right IP Camera The IP cameras are designed for different applications. What is the best camera for your application? This article compares the different IP cameras and describes the Pros and Cons, and the best place to use each type of camera. Bullet IP Cameras Description of the Bullet Camera: A bullet camera has a cylindrical shape. It mounts to a flat surface but can also be attached to a pole with an adapter. The camera is easy to install and mechanically points in the direction you want to view. Most of these cameras are powered using Power over Ethernet (PoE). There are different bullet cameras with a range of options. Here are some highlights make these cameras useable in a variety of situations. Cameras range in price from about $200 to over $1,200.Some models include motorized variable lenses that allow you to adjust the magnification from a computer. For example, one of the latest cameras has a 5.2~62.4mm(12x) (54.58°~5.30°) zoom lensThe 8-Megapixels (4K resolution) models dramatically increase the field of view.Most bullet cameras provide at least 0.1 lux of low-light sensitivity, but some, like the XNO-6085R, can see in color at 0.004Lux. This very low-light capability allows you to see in partial moonlight.Intelligence: If you would like to receive an immediate notification of an alarm condition, the cameras with AI (Intelligence) are the best type to use. These cost more, but they provide improved security capability. Pros of Using the Bullet Camera: This camera is designed for outdoor applications. It is easy to recognize as a surveillance camera and see the direction it is pointing. It is easy to install since you don't have to disassemble the camera to aim the camera. Many bullet cameras include IR illumination and a remote zoom lens. Cons: Sometimes, we don't want to show where the camera is pointing. It requires mechanical aiming, so it could need two people to do the installation, with one adjusting the camera and another person viewing the video. When to use it: The bullet camera is best for outdoor surveillance where you plan to view a fixed area. You should select the camera and lens based on the specific environment. For example, you may require a camera with a wide-angle lens for a doorway or a narrow lens to view a gate. Dome IP Camera Description: As the name implies, this IP camera has a dome shape and is usually mounted on the ceiling or wall. There are indoor and outdoor varieties with similar performance to the IP bullet cameras. Here are some highlights of the IP dome cameras: Cameras range in price from about $200 to over $1,500.Some cameras include a "hallway view that flips the field of view 90-degrees. This rotates the long side of the field of view to vertical instead of horizontal. It allows you to use the camera to view areas like hallways, tunnels, aisles, and roads. QNV-7082R Models with advanced features, such as the XNV-8081Z outdoor vandal dome camera, with a modular structure, make it very easy to install. This 5MP camera includes a motorized varifocal lens 2.6x (3.6~9.4mm) (102.5°~38.7°) and remote pan, tilt rotate, and zoom (PTRZ) capability. You can mount the camera and then go to your computer to aim it exactly where you want.Low-light capability. Most bullet cameras provide at least 0.1 lux of low-light sensitivity, but some support better than 0.03 Lux. The XNV-6085R delivers one of the lowest light capabilities in color of 0.004Lux.Intelligence: Some models include advanced intelligence. If you would like to receive an immediate notification of an alarm condition, the AI (Intelligence) cameras are the best type to use. These cost more, but they provide improved security capability. Pros of Using the Dome Camera: This camera is smaller than the bullet camera and can hide the lens's direction, making it a more covert surveillance camera. There is an excellent range of cameras for many different indoor or outdoor applications. The built-in IR and the low-light-level performance make it a good choice for many applications. Cons: Dome cameras are more difficult to install than bullet cameras. Except for the higher-end cameras with remote pan, tilt, rotation, and zoom makes installation easier. When to use it: The dome camera is a good indoor camera but can also be used outdoors. You should select the camera and lens based on the specific environment. For example, you may require a camera with a wide-angle lens for a doorway, a 90-degree lens for a room, or a narrow lens to view a hallway. Pan, Tilt Zoom Cameras PTZ Camera Zoom Lens PTZ cameras are very versatile and are used in applications that view large areas and require long-distance viewing. An IP Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ) camera is a network-attached video camera that can move under the control of a computer mouse, joystick, software, or in an automatic patrol mode. It can move left and right (pan) and up and down (tilt). It also includes a zoom lens. Many of the new PTZ cameras have an IR illuminator and allow viewing in total darkness. Here are some highlights of the PTZ cameras: There are off-the shelf PTZ cameras, and customized PTZ cameras used for special applications.The commercially available PTZ cameras range in price from under $1,000 to over $5,000.The customized PTZ cameras used for very-long-range applications are over $50,000.Many of the PTZ cameras include an IR illuminator. The better cameras have an IR range of up to 500m (1,640ft.)The PTZ cameras can pan 360-degrees.There are some PTZ cameras, such as the XNP-6550RH that have 55X zoom lenses. It can detect a person over 5 miles away. Pros of Using the PTZ Camera: PTZ cameras are excellent for watching a very large area. It is easy to move and zoom so you can see the details of a person, vehicle, or other object that’s far away. Cons: PTZ cameras are usually controlled remotely by a security person. It can miss situations where the camera is not pointing in the right direction. When to use the PTZ camera: The PTZ camera is best for seeing things that are far away. It can be used to view a road, or remote gate entrances. It can be used at night as long as the field of view is within the range of the IR illuminator. There are customized PTZ cameras that can be used in total darkness at a long distance. These specialized cameras include both optical and thermal cameras. The cameras with thermal imaging capability can detect objects over one mile away. Selecting the Right Camera Summary There are several types of cameras available. It is important to select the cameras that is best for your specific application. Bullet and dome cameras have similar capability but suitle differences that can be important in your usage. The advanced functions can cost more, but can make a big difference in meeting your security objectives. If you need help selecting the IP cameras in your camera system, please get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes-90 A man is walking home around midnight "Poor Old fool," thought the well-dressed gentleman as he watched an old man fish in a puddle outside a pub. So, he invited the older man inside for a drink. As they sipped their whiskeys, the gentleman thought he'd humor the old man and asked, "So how many have you caught today?"The old man replied, "You are the eighth." Two fleas were walking out of a bar when they discovered it was raining. One turned to the other and asked - Shall we walk or take a dog? A guy is walking down the sidewalk one day... He happens to be strolling past a construction site with a huge wooden fence around the courtyard. Behind the fence, he can hear a crowd of people chanting "14,14,14!" which gets his curiosity going. Up ahead of him, he can see a knothole in the fence, so he heads over to it, leans down, and peeks through the hole to see what all the commotion is about.A finger comes through the hole and pokes him right in the eye and the guy on the other side cheers, to which the group responds by chanting "15,15,15!". The Gender Controversy We hear about gender-neutral pronouns, but even many non-living objects could be male or female. For example: FREEZER BAGS: They are male because they hold everything in...but you can see right through them. PHOTOCOPIERS: These are female because once turned off....it takes a while to warm them up again. They are an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed...but can also wreak havoc if you push the wrong Buttons. TIRES: Tires are male, because they go bald easily and are often over inflated HOT AIR BALLOONS: Also a male object... Because to get them to go anywhere....you have to light a fire under their ass. SPONGES: These are female...because they are soft......squeezable and retain water. WEB PAGES: Female...because they're constantly being looked at and frequently getting hit on. TRAINS: Definitely male... Because they always use the same old lines for picking up people..                 EGG TIMERS: Egg timers are female because....over time...all the weight shifts to the bottom.                 HAMMERS: Male..... Because in the last 5000 years.....they've hardly changed at all...and are occasionally handy to have around. THE REMOTE CONTROL: Female. Ha! You probably thought it would be male.... but consider this: It easily gives a man pleasure. He'd be lost without it...and while he doesn't always know which buttons to push...he just keeps trying Some Science Puns Why do biologists look forward to casual Fridays? Answer: They're allowed to wear genes to work. Why did the physicist break up with the biologist?Answer: There was no chemistry. What do you call a fish made up of two sodium atoms? Answer: Two Na. If H2O is the formula for water, then what is the formula for ice?Answer: H2O cubed. What do you call an educated tube?Answer: A graduated cylinder. How does the moon cut his hair?Answer: Eclipse it. Why did the germ cross the microscope?Answer: To get to the other slide. A Marvel Universe Joke Captain America loses his voice due to a scheme concocted by Doctor Doom.He tries everything. Dr. Strange can't help because he doesn't detect any magic causing the problem. Reed Richards can't help because the problem isn't explainable with science. After a barrage of failed attempts, even Tony Stark throws in the towel.Tony finally says, "Cap, I know you're desperate. There's one more person we can try, but you're not gonna like it..."Cap mimes that he doesn't care. So Tony takes him deep underground, below SHIELD HQ, where they keep the nastiest and most dangerous villains.There, in one of those big airy cubes, stands Captain America's nemesis: THE RED SKULL!Tony explains the situation to the HYDRA commander, who then smiles and says in a thick German accent:"Vee haff vays off making you talk!" The Earth is 70% uncarbonated water... So it's technically flat. A gynecologist had become fed up with malpractice insurance and HMO paperwork and was burned out. Hoping to try another career where skillful hands would be beneficial, he decided to become a mechanic.He went to the local technical college, signed up for evening classes, attended diligently, and learned all he could. The gynecologist prepared for his test for weeks. He completed the exam with tremendous skill. When the results came back, he was surprised to find that he had obtained a score of 150%.Fearing an error, he called the Instructor, "I don't want to appear ungrateful for such an outstanding result. I wonder if there is an error in the grade."The Instructor said, "During the exam, you took the engine apart perfectly, worth 50% of the total mark. You perfectly put the engine back together, which is also worth 50% of the mark."After a pause, the Instructor added, "| gave you an extra 50% because you did it all through the muffler, which I've never seen done in my entire career". The Gift to Sing James Weldon Johnson - 1871-1938 Sometimes the mist overhangs my path,And blackening clouds about me cling;But, oh, I have a magic wayTo turn the gloom to cheerful day—      I softly sing. And if the way grows darker still,Shadowed by Sorrow’s somber wing,With glad defiance in my throat,I pierce the darkness with a note,       And sing, and sing. I brood not over the broken past,Nor dread whatever time may bring;No nights are dark, no days are long,While in my heart there swells a song,       And I can sing. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any anecdotes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How the IP Powered Speakers and Intercoms Work A Description of the Internal Components of IP Paging An IP Paging System is a set of network-attached audio devices that convert digital signals to audio. These network-attached speakers include amplification so that many people can hear the message. The system also includes software used for managing and controlling the audio. The IP Audio system includes speakers, intercoms, audio amplifiers, and management software. IP Paging provides Campus-wide Announcements A page can be made to one speaker or many speakers. The IP addressing allows pages to be directed wherever you want. This makes t easy to make a general emergency announcement or alert a single room. IP paging is managed and controlled by control software. This provides communication capability and adds advanced features such as if-then logic providing automated responses to certain situations. A button push can send a pre-recorded message such as "Please exit the building." Intercoms Can Control Doors An intercom placed at an external door can control visitors. The visitor can contact the central security person by pushing the call button. The security person can then talk to the visitor and release the door to allow entry. Please read our article IP Intercoms for Controlling the Door to learn more. Intercoms can be Used to Talk to Specific Rooms The administration office can talk to a specific classroom, or each room can call the central administration office. How the IP Speaker Works The IP paging speaker consists of the following parts: Network InterfaceComputerDigital to Analog (D to A) converterAmplifierSpeakerInput-Output Interface Powered IP Speaker Network Interface The network interface connects the powered speaker to the Ethernet network and includes all the computation necessary to encode and decode the audio protocol. This device has a unique IP address like any other computer on the 10/100 Base-T Ethernet network. The system uses a 64kbps bandwidth that is perfect for audio announcements. It supports Talkmaster (Digital Acoustics), SIP 2.0, and Singlewire Informacast protocols. The network-attached speakers use Power over Ethernet (PoE), so only a single network connection is required. Computer Like many network-attached devices, this IP speaker includes a small computer that provides all the control for the device. It incorporates a user interface accessible from a web browser. This special-purpose computer decodes the protocols from the network. It directs the digital audio stream to the Digital to Analog converter (D to A) converter that generates the audio signal Computer . Digital to Analog Converter The Digital to Analog converter (D to A) converts the binary string to an analog signal that connects to the audio amplifier. The IP speaker uses the G.711. 8/16bit PCM/uLaw audio protocol with an audio range of 300 – 3400 Hz and 8,000 samples per second. The analog to digital converter provides an 8-bit logarithmic sampling quantization resulting in the 64 Kbis/sec bit rate. Audio Amplifier in the Paging Unit The audio amplifier boosts the sound level. The amplifier provides 8-watts to the 8-ohm speaker, providing about 103dB of sound one meter from the speaker. To give you some idea of the sound level, this is about the sound of a motorcycle or rock concert, which makes it loud enough for most applications. Speaker Several speaker configurations, including a wall and ceiling style, are available for indoor applications. For example, the 8-ohm, wall speaker has a 90-degree sound dispersion and a frequency response of 65 Hz - 17 kHz. Horn-style speakers are designed for outdoor applications. Input Output and Relay The IP speaker system also includes an interface unit that includes a relay to control the electric lock of a door. This allows the user to release the door remotely. Other inputs provide alerts to the central console. How the IP Intercom Works The IP intercom is very similar to the IP paging speaker. It uses very similar components, except it adds a microphone. The microphone circuit has the additional capability to prevent feedback and reduces background noise. The IP Paging Management System Network Paging Concept The IP speaker is part of a complete paging system which includes software and a network with PoE. The software provides the user interface and makes it easy to make a page to specific parts of the organization. The management software provides connections to thousands of audio endpoints. These can be speakers or intercoms. The software offers several functions such as, Multiple console login allows several computers located anywhere on the network to make pages or contact intercoms. Can create and broadcast pre-recorded messages from a list or by using an input single from a button attached to one of the endpoints. System health and status are monitored to assure reliable system performance.   Add Bell Commander Software to automate bells for class changes or shift changes. This automation software allows you to use a calendar to schedule where and when the alerts are sent. Play popular sounds such as included chimes and tones, traditional school bell sounds, or play custom sounds/music such as the national anthem. There is additional software available, such as Automation tools, that provide if-then logic so that you can respond to specific events. The Vision Option connects IP cameras to the console so that a safety officer can view a person at a door when they push the call button. Summary of Digital Audio Paging Systems The IP paging and intercom systems connect to the network and can be powered using Power over Ethernet (PoE). These systems are easy to install because they only require a single network drop with PoE to operate anywhere in the organization. They can be used to replace the older centralized paging amplifiers or add new capabilities to any organization. The paging speaker includes a network interface, computer, Ethernet interface, and 8-ohm speaker. There are several types of speakers to choose from. ### How Access Control Works Description of the Components of the Access Control System Access Control System Door access control is part of an overall security system that keeps our organizations safer. The access control system ensures that only registered people can enter the organization. It provides four essential functions: It identifies who can enterDetermines what door a person can useDefines when they can enterIt maintains a record of everyone who is registered and keeps a list of who goes in and out This article describes the components of an access control system. Components of the Door Access Control System Access Control Components The access control system consists of four primary components Door Readers read the credentials. The Controller compares the credential presented to the reader to the registered list. The Management Software provides registration functions and manages the list of users. And the Credentials are used to enter the door. Door Readers Access Control Door Readers As the name implies, the door reader reads the credential provided by a person who wants to enter the door. The credential can be proximity or RFID card, smartphone, or biometric information. It is essential to select the right door reader for a specific type of credential. The readers connect to the Controller. Proximity Door Readers Proximity RFID readers connect to an access controller such as the Hartmann controller, using the Wiegand or OSPD (Open Supervised Device Protocol) interface. You can select readers for indoor or outdoor applications. Some readers include keypads that can be used instead of a credential or enhance security by requiring a secondary access code. Smartphone Door Readers This touchless door entry method saves money on card credentials. The app on your smartphone provides the ID to the door reader. The Isonas reader-controller can use blue-tooth connected mobile credentials. The Hartmann Enterprise Door Access Control System includes more sophisticated mobile readers that provide a variety of methods for opening the door. For example, you can wave your hand in front of the reader without taking out your phone. Biometric Door Readers Face Recognition for Door Access Biometric door readers are usually combinations of a door reader and Controller. Biometric reader-controllers attach to the network and measure a person's unique physiological characteristics.  Fingerprints, finger-vein, palm, retina, iris, face, and voice are examples of biometric identification. Biometrics provides far better security than RFID card credentials.  It is better than cards or PINs because you are identifying a person rather than something the person is carrying. Many of the readers available Have multiple access keys.   They can read biometrics as well as RFID cards and PINs. Please look at our article Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems for more detail about the security levels provided by different door access control readers. The article Door Readers for Everyone provides more details about different door readers available. Access Controller Door Controller The Controller contains a small computer, memory, and network interface circuits. It maintains the list of all the people who can enter the organization. The ID in the credential is compared to the authorized list and used to determine if the person can enter. It also includes a user interface that provides the management of all the organization members. Several door readers connect to the central Controller. The problem with this configuration is that it requires many wires connected to each door reader. The cables included the Wiegand interface to the reader, the door control wires such as the electric lock control, and the door sensor. It also required power for the lock to be wired to the door. Today's controllers are small, placed close to the readers, and easier to install. They connect to the network and are managed by access control software. The Enterprise Access Control System is an example of a system that uses small controllers located at the door. Reader-Controller systems The Isonas door system is an example of an access control system with an embedded controller. It is the easiest system to install because there are fewer wires required. The reader-controllers connect to the network and have a pigtail that controls the door lock. All the controls are at each door. Door Access Control Management Software Access control management software determines who can enter, what door they can use, and when they can come in. Each person is given a credential containing a unique ID number. The software is used to enter the credential ID of each authorized person. Note that each access control system has its own Access Control Management Software. The software controls the specific kind of door readers and controllers, so they must be selected with the matching system. For example, the Isonas cloud-based management software provides essential access control functions suitable for small to medium applications. The Enterprise management software provides more capability, such as if-then logic functions, elevator control, and visitor management. It also integrates with many IP camera systems. Even though it is designed for large, sophisticated environments, it can also be used in small applications.   Access Control Credentials There are several types of credentials used in door access control systems. Each credential provides a unique ID associated with the person registered in the access control system. RFID Cards The RFID or Radio Frequency ID card is the most popular type of credential. How the Card Reader Works  The credentials have embedded ID circuits and an antenna. The RFID door reader broadcasts a signal that is received by the credential's antenna. The broadcasted radio signal contains enough power to energize the circuit in the credential. Once the electric circuit in the credential gets the power, it sends back a signal to the access control reader that includes its identification (ID) number. Mobile Credential A mobile credential is an authorization ID like a Prox card or keyfob. The benefit is that you don't have to purchase card credentials. The ID number is held in your smartphone app instead of a card. The smartphone can connect to a door reader using Bluetooth, NFC, or even WiFi. Bluetooth (BLE) is the most common communication used in the security market. Mobile credentials are less likely to be forgotten at home. The smartphone is a personal device that has become a part of our regular daily activity. Because of its importance, it is unlikely to be given to another person. The added security of unlocking the smartphone adds additional security against misuse. Mobile Credential Biometric Credential Biometric door readers are the most secure type of credential because they identify the person rather than what they carry. Biometric readers can use fingerprints or have facial recognition systems. There are also palm readers and finger-vein systems. Each of these biometric readers provides a variable level of reliability. Fingerprint readers are the least expensive but sometimes have difficulty reading worn-out fingerprints. Facial recognition readers provide better reliability but can have problems if someone wears dark glasses, or something obscures the face. Finger-vein readers are the most reliable but cost more. Summary of How Door Access Control Systems Work The safety officer provides credentials to each person and logs them into the access control software system. Door access control determines who can enter a specific door at a particular time. It also maintains a record of who used the system. The system consists of door readers, a Controller, access control management software, and credentials. To learn more about access control, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes-89 What’s the most terrifying word in nuclear physics?Oops "I was studying frequency in my physics class. Now my brain Hertz." Where does bad light end up?In prism. Why is electricity an ideal citizen?Because it conducts itself so well. Physics is the science where it takes long, complicated equations to explain why round balls roll. I poured root beer in a square glass.Now I just have beer. A man meets up with a friend while walking their dogs in the park. They haven't seen each other in a while so they decide to go to lunch at the new French restaurant in town.Just before entering the restaurant, the 1st man puts on his very dark sunglasses and asks the maître d' for a table."Ah, monsieur, we cannot possibly seat you with that dog!" says the maître d' , "He will have to wait outside."The 1st man quickly points to his glasses, gestures to his dog and replies, "Ah, this German Shepard is my seeing eye dog. I'm sure you understand.""But of course! Right this way!" apologized the maître d' .The second man gets the hint and puts *his* sunglasses on and when the maître d' returns, he asks to be seated with his friend. The maître d' again says, "Ah, monsieur, we cannot possibly seat you with that dog! He will have to wait outside."Confidently pointing to his dog and his glasses, the second man states, "But this dog is my seeing eye dog!"The maître d' with a suspicious look on his face peers down at the dog and asks, "A chihuahua for a seeing eye dog?"Without missing a beat, the second man throws his hands up and cries, "They gave me a chihuahua?!!!!" Some Physics Definitions: Relativity: When the family gets together.Black holes: What you get in black socks.Critical mass: A big group of film reviewers.Hyperspace: Where you park at the superstore. Some Things to Think About Venison for dinner again?   Oh deer!How does Moses make tea?   Hebrews it.England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool.I tried to catch some fog, but I mistThey told me I had type-A blood, but it was a Typo.I changed my iPod's name to Titanic.  It's syncing now.Jokes about German sausage are the wurst.I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid, but he says he can stop any time.I stayed up all night to see where the sun went, and then it dawned on me.This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I'd never met herbivore.When chemists die, they barium. What is the difference between an optometrist and an Optimist? I did a theatrical performance about puns.   It was a play on words.Why were the Indians here first?  They had reservations.Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn't control    her pupils?When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble.Broken pencils are pointless.What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary?  A thesaurus.I dropped out of communism class because of lousy Marx.I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded dough.Velcro - what a rip off!Don’t worry about old age; it doesn’t last. A Poem  It's Fine Today By Douglas Malloch Sure, this world is full of troubleI ain't said it ain't.Lord, I've had enough and doubleReason for complaint;Rain and storm have come to fret me,Skies are often gray;Thorns and brambles have beset meOn the road — but say,Ain't it fine today? What's the use of always weepin',Making trouble last?What's the use of always keepin'Thinkin' of the past?Each must have his tribulation —Water with his wine;Life, it ain't no celebration,Trouble? — I've had mine —But today is fine! It's today that I am livin',Not a month ago.Havin'; losin'; takin'; givin';As time wills it so.Yesterday a cloud of sorrowFell across the way,It may rain again tomorrow,It may rain — but say,Ain't it fine today? I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any witticisms to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How the IP Camera Works The Components of the IP Camera How the IP Camera Works An IP camera is a surveillance video camera that attaches to the network and is part of an IP Camera System. The cameras are an essential part of the physical security systems and are used in business, government, and educational institutions worldwide. Over the years, they have played a vital role in ensuring safety in all our organizations. This tutorial describes how the IP camera works. How the Film Camera Works To better understand how the IP camera works, let's start with the old analog film camera. This camera has three fundamental parts, the lens, the shutter, and the film. Yes, there were more parts, but these are the most significant. Here's how these components worked together. The Lens of the Camera The camera lens determines how wide an area you can see or the field of view. The focal length or angle describes the field of view at a certain distance and the magnification of the lens. The smaller the lens angle (or, the higher the focal length (mm)), the more magnification we achieve.   Film Camera Do you wonder why some lenses cost much more than others? For example, some lenses cost around $50 while others are over $1000. As usual, you get what you pay for. The more expensive lens does a better job transferring the image to the film. The higher quality lens provides better clarity or resolution while providing a better light aperture. If you don't use a good lens, the picture won't be as good as expected. Photographic Film Camera The Shutter of the Camera The analog or film camera includes a shutter. The shutter opens for a short period to allow light from the lens to reach the film. The longer the shutter is open, the more light gets to the film (or sensor). The Photographic Film Do you remember when cameras used film? The film was on a roll and was challenging to use and expensive. You had to take the camera to a dark space before installing the film roll in the camera so that the light wouldn't ruin the film. Photographic film has been around since the late 1800s. The early film consisted of an emulsion of light-sensitive silver halide crystals. The film had to be processed to develop all the pictures. Photographic cameras have gone through three major eras: the plate era, the film roll era, and the current digital age. When we used film, we usually had to wait many days to see our photos. The digital camera became available in the 1990s, which made things a lot quicker. It took several years for the digital components to improve so that the quality of the pictures approached the film quality. The Digital Camera Digital Camera As the name implies, a digital camera uses digital components, especially solid-state memory. The image sensor replaces the film. This advancement in photography was not easy. It required the addition of many circuits that processed and stored the image. The Digital camera includes the lens, and the image sensor replaces the shutter. It also contains additional components such as the image processor, image compressor, central processor unit (CPU), and digital memory. The Digital Image Sensor Before the solid-state sensors, there were vacuum tubes. The early analog video cameras used an electronic phototube device called a Vidicon or Plumbicon as the image sensor.  Today most cameras use complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) as the sensor. In a CMOS sensor, millions of photodiodes convert light to a voltage. The signal is multiplexed by row and column to many on-chip digital-to-analog converters (DACs). These digital sensors are available with over 40-Megapixel resolution. See Samsung is making one more giant ISOCELL camera sensor that describes a 50-Megapixel sensor used in Vivo phones. Please read our article How the CMOS Video Sensor Works in IP Cameras to learn more about the digital camera sensor The Camera's Image Processor The image processor is a specialized computer that provides several image processing functions such as assembling the multiple colors from the sensor into a single color image, smoothing the image created by the individual diodes in the sensor, amplification and noise reduction, and image sharpening. In general, it makes the picture captured by the sensor look better. The image processor can use multiple parallel computers to speed up the processing. The Camera's Image Compression The data collected from the image processor is huge, so it's essential to compress the information so it can be stored on the memory chip or transferred across the Internet. A specialized computer processor is used to compress the data. The algorithm for video compression is different than that used for images. Examples of image compression include JPEG, PNG, and GIF. Video compression schemes include MJPEG, H.264, and H.265 Central Processing Unit of the Digital Camera The CPU or Central Processing Unit controls everything that goes on inside the digital camera. It directs the data flow from the sensor, image processing, and compression systems to the memory in the camera. It also provides the user interface and a display showing the camera's status. The Camera's Image Storage and Memory The digital cameras use standard memory cards to hold the pictures. The images' resolution and the number of stored pictures determine the size of the memory card required. We also must select memory cards that are fast enough to handle the data flow from the camera's digital circuits. IP Video Camera IP Camera Components The IP Camera is similar to the digital camera in that it uses similar types of computers and circuits. The significant difference is the speed of processing the pictures, the compression scheme used, and the addition of an Ethernet interface. Most video IP cameras can handle up to 30 frames per second (fps), with some processing frames at up to 60 fps.   IP Camera Compression Schemes Compression is handled by a video CODEC (a combination of code and decode). The early IP cameras used Motion JPEG, but the latest IP cameras use H.265 compression, which provides the best compression. IP Camera System The IP Camera System consists of many IP cameras, a video storage system, network switches, and routers. The latest IP cameras are powered using Power over Ethernet (PoE) and are available as a dome, box, bullet, and PTZ cameras. The IP camera is just one component that makes up the complete IP camera system. The video recording system is either VMS software on your Windows computer or a Network Video Recorder (NVR). It provides management of all the cameras, records the video, and displays all the real-time and recorded video. Summary of How the IP Camera Works The IP camera has many of the same functional systems as the digital cameras that replace the film with a digital image sensor. The IP camera includes image processing, compression, data management, and the Ethernet interface. It transfers the video to other computers on the network that display and record the video. To learn more about IP Cameras, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Security Questions and Answers Security Q&A Security Systems How can we make our lives safer? That’s the critical question asked by all security personnel. How can we prevent dangerous people from entering our facilities? Can we reduce the crime at our schools? Can we quickly notify the police when danger threatens? These questions and others are on the top of our minds. This article provides some of the questions people have asked and provides their answers. Q: Is it Possible to Detect People Entering the Parking Lot A: The latest IP cameras include Artificial Intelligence (AI) which can be configured to create an alarm when a person is walking into an area. It only triggers the alarm when they walk into the lot, but not when they leave. This reduces false alarms and allows the security person to be notified only when important events are detected. For example, the QNO-7082R bullet camera and the QNV-7082R dome camera are both 4-Megapixel cameras with some advanced capability. They can detect directional motion. To learn more, please read The Intelligent IP Camera article. Q: How Can We Detect that Someone Left an Item A: If you are worried that someone may leave a dangerous package in your lobby, there are new cameras that can detect this action. The same cameras can be programmed to create an alarm if someone takes that laptop off the table. These immediate alarms are automatically sent to the security personnel.  For example, the PND-A9081RV dome camera provides 4K resolution (8-Megapixel) and has advanced capability that provides immediate alarm notification. Besides detecting if objects enter or leave a specific area, it can classify objects such as a person’s face, a vehicle, or license plate in the field of view. Q: Can the IP Camera System Contact Security if Someone Screams? A: Yes. Some IP cameras include built-in microphones and the intelligence to recognize a scream. These same cameras can also detect a gunshot. These intelligent cameras have several abilities that notify security of dangerous situations. Learn more about intelligent IP cameras. The Hanwha X-Series and PNV-A9081R are examples of IP cameras with advanced capability. Detect a Scream Q: How Can We Notify Everyone To Leave the Building? A: The latest IP paging systems attach to the network. Announcements can be made from the security computer or automatically when someone pushes a button. Since each speaker has its own IP address, it is possible to direct the page to a specific area. Each speaker is in a separate zone. The announcement can be made from a computer or a VoIP phone on the same network. Push the button, and the paging system will let everyone know that the school is in lockdown or that they should exit the building.  These prerecorded announcements can cover many emergencies. Emergency buttons can also trigger automatic responses. Audio management software provides control of when to make the announcement, the content of the message, and where the page can be heard. Please read the article IP Paging and Automated Emergency Announcementsto learn more. Q: How Can We Tell Who is in the Building? A: The access control management software keeps track of who has entered all the doors to the building so you can always tell who is in the building. To learn more, see the description of the access control management software available. Q: How Can We Get Help in an Emergency? Emergency Button A: Help can be obtained by the push of a button. There are two types of emergency systems or “panic buttons.” One kind of button is connected to the network, and the other is for mobile applications and is wireless. Wired Emergency buttons are connected to intercoms, speaker amplifiers, or IP cameras. Many devices that have an input connection can be used to initiate a call for help. The alert goes to the safety or security person at a computer. If the emergency button is attached to an intercom, the safety person can talk to the person who needs help. This type of emergency system has been used in elevators. A complete system includes an IP camera that allows the security person to talk and see the person in the elevator. Please read Automated Emergency Notifications and Response to learn more about emergency buttons. Mobile panic buttons are carried by a person who would like to contact a central emergency center. These buttons communicate through smartphones to contact the security site. The mobile panic button connects to your smartphone through a Bluetooth connection. To establish the link, you download the App from Google or Apple. Once the App is downloaded, it helps you pair the Panic button to your phone. It allows you to establish a connection to your security response center. Q: How to Answer the Door for a Delivery A: Intercoms are the best way to determine who is at the door and if you would like to allow entry. The call button on the intercom notifies a security person who can talk to the person at the door. If they want to allow entry, they push the unlock button on the computer screen, which triggers the electric lock to control the door. Video Intercoms add the safety feature of seeing who is at the door. The camera can also let the security person see if anyone is loitering near the door and ensure that only the right people enter the door. Q: How Can We Control Visitors to an Apartment House? Door Control Using Intercoms A: The new wireless intercom allows you to contact the resident’s smartphone or standard phone to request entry into the building. The lobby intercom display provides a list of all the tenants in the building. The panel in the lobby has a touch screen that allows you to scroll or search for the right person. Once the person is selected, the tenant is notified by the App on their smartphone. The tenant can then see the person at the door as well as talk to them. They can then release the lock on the front door (or not). Since the communication channel is over the Internet, the tenant doesn’t have to be in their apartment; they can be anywhere they can receive a cell call and data connection. Please read Apartment Intercoms to learn more about multi-tenant intercoms. Summary of Security Solutions Technology provides new ways to improve safety and security. Using IP intercoms, paging, IP camera systems, and door access control systems, we can improve the safety of our organizations. To learn more about improving security, please get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes-88 Some Bar Jokes The past, present, and future walk into a bar. It was tense. An amnesiac walks into a bar. He goes up to a beautiful blonde and says, "So, do I come here often?" A screwdriver rolls into a bar. The bartender says, "Hey, we have a drink named after you!" The screwdriver squeals, "You have a drink named Philip??" Infinitely many mathematicians walk into a bar. The first says, "I'll have a beer." The second says, "I'll have half a beer." The third says, "I'll have a quarter of a beer." Before anyone else can speak, the barman fills up exactly two glasses of beer and serves them. "Come on, now," he says to the group, "You guys have got to learn your limits." More Crazy Driving Rules Around the Country Alaska     In Anchorage, it's illegal to tie a dog to the roof of a car. Arkansas     In Little Rock, it's against the law to honk your horn after 9 p.m. "at any place where cold drinks and/or sandwiches are served." California     It is a misdemeanor to shoot at any kind of game from a moving vehicle – unless your target is a whale.     It can be illegal for a woman to drive while wearing a bathrobe. Colorado     It's illegal to drive in circles in Westminster, or, more specifically, to drive "past a traffic control point three times in the same direction within any three-hour period." Georgia     In Marietta, it's illegal to spit from a car or bus. Spitting from a truck, however, is perfectly fine. Illinois     You can claim roadkill, so long as you don't owe child support. Iowa     In Tiffin, you're prohibited from throwing stones, bricks, or missiles of any kind into the street – unless you get written permission first. Maryland     You cannot use profanity on any street, highway or sidewalk. Doing so will cost you up to $100. Minnesota     In Minnetonka, it can be illegal to have dirty tires or wheels. Missouri     You are not allowed to leave your keys in your car in University City. Montana     It's illegal to have a sheep in your truck without a chaperone.     Don't let your sprinkler get the street wet in Kalispell – it's against the law. Nevada     Camels are prohibited from walking on public highways. Ohio     In Youngstown, running out of gas is a misdemeanor.     Cincinnati taxi drivers can only wear shorts from May 16 through Labor Day. South Carolina     In Hilton Head, it's illegal to accumulate garbage in your car. Washington     It's against the law to hug someone while you're driving. Hug O' War By Shel Silverstein I will not play at tug o' war.I'd rather play at hug o' war,Where everyone hugsInstead of tugs. Quotes for Today Issac Asimov (1920 – 1992) was an American writer best known as a science fiction writer. He was also a professor of biochemistry at Boston University. Here are some of the things he said. There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that "my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge." "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." In the 1980s, Asimov noted the following.  "There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that "my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge." We still find that "There is no belief, however foolish, that will not gather its faithful adherents who will defend it to the death. Unfortunately, with all our hopes about the future, Society is still the same as at the beginning of history. Issac Asimov I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any witticisms to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Intercoms for Controlling the Door IP Intercoms Are Used for Visitor Control Intercoms for Door Control With all the scary news about disturbed people entering organizations, we have been tasked to improve security. IP Intercoms can make this job more manageable. We use door access control to allow entry of the people we know, but intercoms are essential for monitoring visitors. IP camera systems increase the security at the doors by enabling the security person to see who is at the door. All these systems work together to create a more secure environment. This article focuses on how IP intercoms are used to handle visitors. IP Intercoms are Part of an Integrated Security System We can create a holistic security system by integrating door access control and IP camera systems with intercoms. The objective of the holistic security method is to provide a continuous level of protection across the organization's networks, software, community, and physical environment. How IP Intercoms Work The IP intercom attaches to the network and uses Power over Ethernet (PoE). They use an audio protocol like VoIP SIP that makes them compatible with VoIP phones. These industrial intercoms include a door relay that controls the electric lock. The robust relay can handle the current and voltage required by almost all types of electric locks. Woman at the Door The call button on the intercom notifies the person inside that someone is at the door. In most cases, this call is answered on your Windows computer. Special audio management software manages intercoms and can also be used for making paging announcements. The latest network-attached IP intercoms use the network infrastructure and are easier to install than the older analog intercom systems. Read, How Network Attached Amplifiers and IP Intercoms Work to learn more. Audio Intercoms Audio intercoms have been around for many years. The first intercoms were developed in the late 1800s. They used speaking tubes to talk to other people in the building. In the 1970s, analog intercoms were used to communicate around the organization. Digital IP intercoms that attach to the network were made available in the 1990s. It made installing intercoms around schools, offices, and hospitals much easier. Please look at the Buyers Guide for IP Intercoms to learn more about intercoms. Intercoms for Door Access These IP intercoms are excellent for monitoring visitors, but IP intercoms with video are safer. They allow the designated security person to talk to the visitor and decide about opening the door. Video Intercoms IP intercoms that include video add another level of security by allowing the user to see the visitor. Two solutions are available. An Intercom system with a separate IP camera uses audio management software to provide integrated video.An IP intercom with a built-in camera uses Video Management Software to see and hear the person at the door. Intercoms with a separate IP Camera The IP intercom is placed at the door and connected to the network. It is powered using PoE (Power over Ethernet). The call button on the intercom is used to notify the security personnel. Audio software is used to manage the intercoms on the network. The audio management software also includes a video option. Any nearby IP camera can be assigned to the intercom so that when the visitor requests entry, the safety person can also see who is at the door. Benefit: Since the IP camera can view a large area around the door, the security person can see if other people are loitering near the entrance. Intercoms with a Built-in Camera There are audio protocols and video protocols, and the combination video-intercoms use both to communicate. Video management software (VMS) controls these IP intercoms and allows the security person to see who is at the door and talk to them. These systems work reliably when the intercom and the receiving computer are on the same network. Some VMS will also provide communication to a smartphone. They can sometimes be configured to work on the cellular network, but this is not as reliable as being on the local WiFi network.   Benefit: It is easy to install and doesn't require an IP camera system to implement the door control.   Apartment Intercoms Apartment Touch-Screen Intercom Intercoms for apartment and multi-tenant organizations are designed differently than individual intercoms. These apartment intercoms allow the visitor to select the person in the building that they would like to talk to. The apartment intercom is located in the lobby or at the front entrance of a building. The intercom's touchscreen provides a list of all the people or departments in the facility. It allows you to contact the resident's smartphone or standard phone to request entry into the building. When someone selects your name or department, the mobile App starts automatically, and a real-time picture of your visitor appears on your smartphone's screen.  Press the door release button on your mobile device if you want to let them in the door. Since the apartment intercom connects to the network and communicates over a wireless network, it is easy to install. Benefit: This is an easy-to-install system because it uses wireless connections. It is also the best way to replace an old analog apartment intercom. Summary of Intercoms for Door Access Control Intercoms used at the door are essential for maintaining security in many organizations. When video is added to the audio intercom, it provides increased protection. The intercoms are easy to install because they are connected to a network drop with PoE. Some intercoms use separate IP cameras, and others include built-in cameras. The apartment intercom controls visitors in multi-tenant organizations. To learn more about intercoms for access control, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Door Readers for Everyone Comparison of Door Readers Used in Access Control Systems r Readers for Access Control A door reader is an integral part of a door access control system. It is the interface between the person at the door and the rest of the access control system. We have come a long way since the early magnetic stripe cards. The new door readers can read RFID card credentials, mobile phone credentials, and biometric credentials. Some of the door readers are combinations of a reader and a controller. This means that all the intelligence is built into the reader at the door. This reader-controller connects to the network. This article provides a comparison of available door access control readers. What is a Door Access Control Reader? Access Control Readers and Controller An access control door reader is a device placed at an entry point that is used to determine if a person can enter the door. The door reader reads a credential that is presented by the person entering. The credential is something that a person carries (like a card) or a biometric signature such as a fingerprint. If the credential ID (or biometric identifier) matches the registered access control list, the electric door lock is opened. Proximity Door Readers Proximity RFID readers connect to an access controller such as the Hartmann controller, using the Wiegand or OSPD (Open Supervised Device Protocol) interface. You can select readers for indoors or outdoors applications. Some readers include keypads that can be used instead of a credential or enhance security by requiring a secondary access code. There is a choice of economic credentials such as cards and keyfobs. There are 125 kHz frequency credentials and 13.56 MHz frequency credentials used by Smart cards (or Mifare). A few readers can handle both frequencies. RFID is a Radio Frequency Identification signal that is used to communicate between the credential and the door reader. The credential (a card, keyfob, or tag) contains an antenna, responding electronics, and an identification number. How the Card Reader Works The reader broadcasts a signal that is received by the credential antenna. The broadcasted electrical signal from the door reader contains enough power to energize the circuit in the credential. Once the electric circuit in the credential receives enough power, it sends back a signal to the access control reader that includes its identification (ID) number. Reader-Controllers Some readers, such as the Isonas reader, have the controller built-in. This reduces the wiring and makes it easy to install. Readers that Use Your Mobile Phone as the Credential Smartphones can be used as a credential. This is a nice touchless door entry method that saves money on card credentials. The app on your smartphone provides the ID to the door reader. The Isonas reader-controller is an example of a door entry device that can read both RFID proximity credentials and mobile credentials. The Hartmann Enterprise Door Access Control System includes more sophisticated mobile readers that provide a variety of methods for opening. For example, you can wave your hand in front of the reader without taking out your phone. Since mobile phones use biometrics to use them, it provides increased security. Biometric Door Readers Biometric door reader facial encoding diagram Biometric readers are the most secure entry control device. You can forget your card credential, but not your face or finger. You don’t have to worry about your fingerprint or face being stolen. Instead of storing a picture of our actual fingerprint or face, the biometric readers capture only a small subset of data and convert these minutiae points to encrypted binary data.  The code can only be retrieved using a mathematical algorithm that has no physical relationship to the biometric. Fingerprint Door Readers Most fingerprint readers are used indoors. The TVIP3F-ProWP is one of the few biometric readers that can be used outdoors. The basics are simple. Each person’s fingerprint is unique, and the pattern created by the fingerprint has been quantified by law enforcement. It includes several basic patterns such as arch, loop, and whorl that are used for identification. Many fingerprint readers can also use card credentials or PINs to control entry. Select the fingerprint reader… Finger vein Vein pattern recognition dramatically increases the reliability of the biometric reader. The multi-biometric capability processes the vein pattern under the finger as well as the fingerprint. This biometric information is captured and converted to a biometric template. The matching and verification algorithm is more accurate than using fingerprints. Face recognition These specialized facial recognition systems use cameras to capture the full facial image. The software then uses various computer algorithms to build a definition data set, including machine learning. Facial recognition indoors is more reliable than outdoors because the changing light makes the recognition process difficult. The TVIP-Face8WP face recognition panel is one of the few outdoor devices because it has intelligence that allows operation in changing light and weather conditions. Our article, Face Recognition for Door Access Control, provides more details about access control technology. Face recognition and Temperature Measurement Over the last year, new face recognition panels have been introduced with temperature measurement. This allows any organization to check the identity and the temperature of the person entering. Face Recognition and Temperature Systems These panels can control a door, make audio announcements, detect if a person is wearing a mask, and notify a central security person over the network. Learn more… Smart Intercom Door Systems for Apartments and Multi-tenant Organizations An apartment intercom is a communication device used in the lobby or at the front entrance of a multi-tenant building or apartment house. It provides a connection to the tenants. This type of reader-controller is used to control visitors. Some units also include RFID-type capability that allows the tenants to enter the building. Apartment Intercom The new wireless intercom allows you to contact the resident’s smartphone or standard phone to request entry into the building. The lobby intercom display provides a list of all the tenants in the building. Summary of Door Readers There are many different types of door reads. The best kind of reader depends on your application. The door readers can connect to a controller or can include built-in controllers. The biometric readers provide the highest level of security, while the RFID-type readers cost less. Specialized readers with controllers have advanced capabilities such as smartphone credentials, intercoms, and visitor control. To learn more about door readers for access control, please get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons Jokes-87 I asked my date to meet me at the gym, but she never showed up. I guess the two of us aren't going to work out. Air used to be free at the gas station, and now it's $1.50. Do you know why?Inflation. My girlfriend is the square root of -100. She's a perfect 10, but purely imaginary. My wife said I was immature. So, I told her to get out of my fort. I used to run a dating service for chickens. But I was struggling to make hens meet. My uncle named his dogs Rolex and Timex. They're his watch dogs! I think my wife is putting glue on my antique weapons collection. She denies it but I'm sticking to my guns! What do you call a violent breakfast food?A cereal killer. What do you call an avocado that's been blessed by the pope?Holy Guacamole. Every morning I think I'm going to make pancakes, but I keep waffling. Why was the equal sign so humble?Because they knew they weren't greater than or less than anyone else. A Doberman, a Golden Retriever, and a cat died and met God. God said to them, "Tell me why I should let you into heaven."The Doberman said, "I'll protect you with my life."God said, "You can sit at my right side."The Golden Retriever said, "I will fetch your slippers and anything else you ask me to."God said, "Then you can sit at my left side."Finally, God looked at the cat and said, "And what will you do?"The cat said, "Excuse me. I think you're sitting in my seat." BRITISH HUMOR IS DIFFERENT These are classified ads, which were actually placed in U.K. Newspapers: FREE YORKSHIRE TERRIER. 8 years old, Hateful little bastard. Bites! FREE PUPPIES 1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbor's dog. JOY FREE PUPPIES. Mother is a Kennel Club registered German Shepherd. Father is a Super Dog, able to leap tall fences in a single bound. JOINING NUDIST COLONY! Must sell washer and dryer: $150. WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE. Worn once by mistake. Call Stephanie. **** And the WINNER is... **** FOR SALE BY OWNER. Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica, 45 volumes. Excellent condition, $200 or best offer. No longer needed, got married, wife knows everything. The Winter Boots (Anyone who has ever dressed a child will love this) Did you hear about the teacher who was helping one of her pupils put on his boots? He asked for help and she could see why. Even with her pulling, and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost cried when the little boy said, 'Teacher, they're on the wrong feet.' She looked, and sure enough, they were. Unfortunately, it wasn't any easier pulling the boots off, than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as, together, they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the correct feet. He then announced, 'These aren't my boots.' She bit her tongue, rather than get right in his face and scream, 'Why didn't you say so?' like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet. No sooner had they got the boots off when he said, 'They're my brother's boots. But my Mom made me wear 'em today.' Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots BACK onto his feet again. Helping him into his coat, she asked, 'Now, where are your mittens?' He said, 'I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots.' She'll be eligible for parole in three years. Lexiphile is a word used to describe those who have a love for words,such as: “You can tune a piano, but you can¹t tuna fish.”  To write with a broken pencil is pointless. When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate. A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months. When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, UCLA. The batteries were given out free of charge. A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail. A will is a dead giveaway. With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress. A boiled egg is hard to beat. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any witticisms to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How IP Cameras, Access Control, and Intercoms Enhance Security Creating Rings of Defense Rings of Security The news is filled with stories about criminal activity that affect our safety and security. Disturbed people have attacked houses of worship, schools, and businesses. Organized criminals have been implicated in smash and grab intrusions in retail stores. Surveillance cameras provided by IP camera systems have helped catch the criminals, but what can we do to prevent the intrusions. This article describes the proactive measures we can take to make life safer. Security Defenses We can create rings of defense around an organization that can help to increase safety. The protection is built around four primary types of security equipment: door access control, IP intercoms, IP cameras, and emergency paging systems. Door Access Control Provides the First Line of Defense Door Access Control System The latest door access control systems attach to the network and use Ethernet (PoE) power. There are combination reader controllers that connect to the network instead of a central controller. These systems require less wiring, making them easier to Install These access control systems are very sophisticated, and the management software provides many safety features that make door access much more secure than the older systems. There is a choice of local or cloud-based access control management software. The new systems can be managed using your smartphone, making them more convenient. A Smartphone can be used as a credential. The mobile credential is less expensive than a card or keyfob credential and makes the registration of users easy. When door access control is Integrated with an IP Camera System, the security and safety are improved. This integration allows the security department to review people as they entered the door, reducing passback and shared credentials. The more advanced systems include the capability of controlling the elevator. The same access control software manages the organization's doors and the elevator. Intercoms Provide the Second Line of Defense Door Control Using Intercoms IP intercoms can be used to control the access of visitors. There are two types of IP intercoms. The first type connects to a security person (one to one), and the other allows the user to contact any individual (one to many) in the organization. The simple IP intercom provides an easy way to connect to a remote person in charge of visitor control. An IP camera can be added to the intercom so the security person can see and talk to the person at the door. This system ensures that the right people are allowed entry. Apartment Intercoms The latest apartment intercoms or multi-tenant intercoms work over a wireless connection. This makes them very easy to install. You can easily find and call a specific corporate department or person in an apartment building using the touchscreen. The person called can answer the IP intercom using the app on their mobile device. It's easy to view, talk and then release the door. This wireless system is excellent for new or replacement installations. It connects to the tenant's smartphones or can connect to the person's wired phone. The tenant can see and speak to the person at the door when they use their smartphones. Since the system uses cellphone data, they can control the door from anywhere in the world. IP Cameras Provide the Third Line of Defense Guard at IP Camera Monitors Historically IP Camera systems have been used to review recorded video. In some cases, security people monitor the live video, but this is difficult and expensive. In most cases, the video is checked only if a problem occurs. The latest Smart IP Cameras provide immediate notification of alarms. They offer intelligent behavior analysis to determine if an alarm should be triggered. For example, an IP camera looks for a person crossing an imaginary line. They could be entering a restricted area or moving into a parking lot. The cameras can also detect if someone leaves a package or takes a laptop off the table. Some IP cameras have audio capability, so it's possible to warn a person to move away from the area. IP Paging Systems Provide the Fourth Line of Defense IP Paging System IP paging systems have replaced the old analog paging systems that used central amplifiers. The new technology includes powered speakers that connect to the network. They use PoE (Power over Ethernet), making the audio system very easy to install. IP Paging systems ensure that you can notify everyone of dangerous situations. The IP paging system allows you to direct the notifications to specific areas or the entire organization. Whether it's a fire or lockdown situation, the organization can be notified quickly. The software includes if-then logic that allows you to create automated alerts that can be sent with the push of a button. Summary of IP Security and Lines of Defense We are all interested in increasing security in our organizations. You can create lines of defense using Door Access Control, Intercoms, IP Cameras, and Paging Systems. These network-attached devices can be integrated to improve the safety of an organization. If you would like help selecting the right IP security system, please get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### The Evolution of IP Camera Systems New Developments in IP Camera Systems Make You Safer Over the last 20 years, much has changed in the security market, yet many things stay the same. IP camera systems, door access control, and IP intercoms provide the primary security systems, but many organizations have not implemented many innovations that make organizations safer. One example is the use of intelligent cameras in IP camera systems. Many places have continued to use the old methodology established many years ago. This article provides a review of the changes in IP camera technology and how the increased capability can enhance your security. Analog Steampunk CCTV Camera IP Camera Systems Review The first surveillance cameras used analog technology and were connected to a recording system by coax cables. The video recording system used DVR (Digital Video Recorders) that stored the video for 30 days. All the cameras connected to the DVR using a coax cable, so it wasn't an easy system to install, especially if the cameras were far from the central DVR. The analog cameras provided limited resolution, so it was challenging to identify people in the recorded video. The DVR had one BNC connector for each camera, so only a few cameras could be attached. CCTV Surveillance System Axis introduced the first IP cameras in 1996 Axis IP Camera The Neteye IP camera was a significant breakthrough in surveillance technology. They combined the analog video camera with a specialized microprocessor that controlled the camera and interfaced to the network. Connecting the camera through a network cable made installation much more uncomplicated. This new technology disrupted the surveillance market, with computer dealers taking over much of the CCTV market from the analog security dealers. Today the IP camera is the most prevalent surveillance system in the world. IP Camera Video Recording Instead of DVRs, NVRs (Network Video Recorders) were introduced to record the video. These storage units are connected to the network, and the video is viewed on any computer. Since the NVR is connected to the network, many IP cameras could be attached to the recording device. IP Cameras System – The Way It Has Been Done IP Cameras have been placed around the facility. They viewed doorways, hallways, parking lots, lobbies, and other places. The classic IP camera system relied on motion detection to trigger video recording. The video recording was held for a period of time. The duration was usually one week to thirty days though some applications required longer recording time. Whenever a problem occurred, the recorded video was reviewed. For example, management would check break-ins, fights, falls, missing items, etc. Unfortunately, it wasn't reported for many days if there was criminal activity, allowing the miscreant to be long gone. The Benefits of the New IP Camera Systems Intelligent IP Camera System The latest IP camera systems have more capability. Specifically, they include camera intelligence. The more powerful processors in the cameras and the video management software make the camera systems much more intelligent than before. The latest Hanwha IP Cameras provide real-time alarms when certain conditions are detected. These intelligent or smart camera systems can classify an object such as a person or vehicle. It can also record the car's color or that someone is wearing a red shirt. The motion detection capability has improved to detect when an object crosses a line. If someone approaches a door or a gate, the camera can immediately alarm the security person. These intelligent IP camera systems can also detect if someone leaves an object or takes an object. And, some of the cameras have built-in microphones to detect the sound of a gunshot or even someone screaming. All these intelligent behaviors change the way IP camera systems are used. It is now possible to provide immediate notifications that provide quick responses to dangerous situations. You can now react to thefts, people entering secure areas, or even a scream in the hallway. The new systems also assist in finding the recorded video. Since the IP camera system records characteristics such as the color of a vehicle, you can search the recorded video using the search criteria of "red car" to locate the right part of the video quickly. Summary of Advances in IP Camera Systems   Surveillance Camera systems have evolved from analog CCTV systems to the latest IP camera systems. The newest IP cameras systems provide a dramatic change in how security is handled. Instead of reviewing historical problems, the new intelligent systems provide real-time alarms. If you need help with your IP camera system, don't hesitate to contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or else use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-86 Children Are Always Interesting TEACHER: Why are you late? STUDENT: Class started before I got here. TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor? JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables. TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell 'crocodile?' GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L' TEACHER: No, that's wrong GLENN: Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it. (I Love this child) ____________________________________________ TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water? DONALD: H I J K L M N O. TEACHER: What are you talking about? DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O. __________________________________ TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago. WINNIE: Me! __________________________________________ TEACHER: Glen, why do you always get so dirty? GLEN: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are. _______________________________________ The Most Bizarre State Driving Laws in the Country From camels and cows to dirty tires and empty gas tanks, there are some strange traffic laws on the books. Bizarre Driving Laws As the law-abiding citizens, we try to stay abreast of all the road rules. Sometimes however, that's easier said than done. . Here are some bizarre laws that states have come up with. In the Northeast Connecticut     You must grant right-of-way to any person guiding cattle across the roadway. Maine     It's illegal to sell a motor vehicle on Sunday.     In South Berwick, parking in front of Dunkin' Donuts is prohibited. Massachusetts     In Milford, peeping into the windows of automobiles is against the law.     It is illegal to travel on a roadway with a sleigh or sled drawn by a horse unless at least three bells are attached to some part of the harness. New Hampshire     It's against the law to inhale car fumes with the intent of inducing euphoria. New Jersey New Jersey is one of the only places where there is a statewide ban on drivers pumping their own gas. (it's also prohibited in parts of Oregon).     Like in Massachusetts, you can't drive a horse-drawn sleigh on a highway unless there are a sufficient number of bells attached to the horse's harness. Rhode Island     Section 11-22-11 of Rhode Island law says it's illegal to ride a horse on a highway for the purpose of racing or testing the speed of the horse. Doing so could cost you $20.     You cannot operate a motorized tricycle on a Rhode Island interstate. It Couldn't Be Done Edgar Guest - 1881-1959 Somebody said that it couldn't be done,     But he with a chuckle repliedThat "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one     Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin     On his face. If he worried he hid it.He started to sing as he tackled the thing     That couldn't be done, and he did it. Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;     At least no one ever has done it";But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,     And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,     Without any doubting or quiddit,He started to sing as he tackled the thing     That couldn't be done, and he did it. There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,     There are thousands to prophesy failure;There are thousands to point out to you one by one,     The dangers that wait to assail you.But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,     Just take off your coat and go to it;Just start in to sing as you tackle the thing     That "cannot be done," and you'll do it. ____________________________________ "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." This famous opening to A Tale of Two Cities resonates with our current social and political landscape. It's another example of how history repeats itself. Let's hope that in 2022 we will all find more sanity, more lightness, more hope, less upheaval, and more peace. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Face Recognition for Door Access Control Benefits and Controversy of Facial Recognition Face Recognition IP camera systems have been used for surveillance for many years, but there is controversy when facial recognition is added to the system. For example, there have been concerns about law enforcement using face recognition in public locations. Criticisms against facial recognition include race bias and privacy issues. Using facial recognition for door access control is quite different from identifying someone in a crowd. When face recognition is used in an access control application, we register and recognize a limited set of people. Privacy is not an issue. This article compares face recognition for door access control to finding a person in a crowd. IP Camera Systems and Face Recognition Systems IP camera systems are used for matching facial biometrics. They are used in biometric door access control and law enforcement to find a felon in the general population. Face Recognition in a Crowd is Complicated These specialized facial recognition systems use IP cameras to capture the full facial image. The software then uses various computer algorithms to build a definition data set, including machine learning. The latest face recognition systems use 3D algorithms. This system has increased the reliability of identifying a person in a crowd. How Face Recognition Identifies a Person in a Crowd High-resolution IP cameras are used to capture facial information. The high-performance algorithm used for 3D identification must work even with a cluttered background. Subjects are not only in motion, but, in many cases, their direction is not optimal for face matching purposes. The system can identify a person even when motion blurs the image by tracking faces through time. Other technical challenges include busy backgrounds, variations in lighting, and the possibility of faces being hidden (occluded) by objects or other people. To learn more, see How Face Recognition Works in a Crowd. Face Recognition in a Crowd is Controversial Even though there are many benefits to using face recognition to find a felon, there are social and political concerns. Some of the problems include privacy, racial bias concerns, and the method of policing that shapes the debate on facial recognition. For example, in 2019, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) investigated facial recognition and found that most algorithms exhibited significant demographic differences in accuracy rates. Face recognition in a Crowd Face recognition accuracy has been blamed for excessive false arrests, but human witnesses have also provided misidentification. Recent statistics indicate that improved facial recognition algorithms have removed many of the problems of earlier automated systems and offer a superior and less biased way to achieve identification.    Face recognition in a crowd continues to be controversial, but it shouldn’t be confused with the application of door access control. Face Recognition for Door Access Control Face recognition is an accepted method for access control because It is one of the most secure methods for identifying the registered person. It uses a credential that can’t be shared or lost. You don’t have to purchase cards or keyfobs because the credential is their face. Biometric door readers also have an advantage over other forms of door entry because it offers touchless entry control. Face Recognition for Door Access Facial recognition is usually done indoors because the changing light makes the recognition process difficult. But some face recognition systems will work outdoors. For example, the TVIP-Face8WP face recognition panel includes unique intelligence that allows operation in changing light and weather conditions. Face recognition systems use either an IP camera with recognition software that runs on your computer or a biometric door reader that includes built-in software. The door reader attaches to the door controller (or has a built-in controller). The reader-controller connects to the electric lock on the door. Facial recognition systems require that everyone is registered at the face-recognition reader. For each entry to the system, the manager enters the identification information, such as the person’s name, when they can enter, and what door they can use.   How Face Recognition Works Face recognition measures various features of a person’s face, such as the distance between the eyes or the position of the mouth to the nose. These geometric measurements or vectors are then coded and stored in a database for later comparison. There are different processes for identifying a face using a camera, but here are some of the basic techniques that are used. Find the face in the video field of view. There is a minimum resolution required to be able to identify a person. It is defined by the number of pixels across the face. You should have 100 to 120 pixels across the face for the system to work reliably.The facial recognition software then processes the image. It detects features such as the nose, the eyes, and the mouth. There could be a large number of features captured in this process.The facial feature’s information is converted into a digital signature, and this information is stored with the person’s name and other information.Each time the camera detects an image, the facial signature is compared to all the signatures in the database. Face Recognition Combined with Temperature Monitoring There are combination panels available that combine door access with measuring a person’s temperature. These door access reader-controllers not only provide face recognition credential authentication, but they can also check a person’s temperature and check if they are wearing a mask. See Comparison of Face Recognition and Temperature Access Control Panels to learn more. Summary of Using Face Recognition for Door Access Control Privacy and other concerns have made face recognition controversial, but we must differentiate the two types of applications. Law enforcement applications are different than access control. Trying to find one face in a huge population is much more complicated than identifying a person from a small set of registered people. Using face recognition for access control is more secure than using a credential that the person carries. In reality, face recognition is an excellent and safe way to allow access to your facility. If you need help with your IP door access control, IP camera Systems, or paging systems, don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or else use our contact form. ### IP Camera System Troubleshooting Finding Problems in Your IP Camera System IP Camera System Troubleshooting We are frequently asked to help correct problems with IP camera systems. Troubleshooting the surveillance camera system can be challenging. Here is a list of things that could help. Does the IP Camera have power? It's not easy to see the little red light on the camera or the light on the RJ45 connection port. Many new IP cameras use PoE, so make sure the network cable is plugged in and provides power to the camera. Another pitfall may be the PoE network switch itself. Some PoE switches do not have enough power to supply 15W to every port and will not provide power to another camera if it is already overloaded. To troubleshoot, connect the camera to a suitable PoE injector or midspan to see if that is the problem.  Reboot the IP Camera There are several jokes about rebooting your computer; well, it's also a good idea to reboot the camera before trying other things. Unplug the power by disconnecting the network connection or unplugging the power connection to reboot the camera. Wait about 15 seconds before plugging in the IP camera. Is the camera connected to the network? Bad connections cause many problems. Connectors are the primary cause of failure in all electronic equipment. It's always best practice to check that both sides of the cable are connected to the right place. If in doubt, check the source with a working IP camera. Reboot the Computer Does the IP Camera appear on your network? Make sure that the IP camera is on your network. Use ipconfig to check the network. Open the command prompt and type "ipconfig" (without the quotes) into the terminal. The Default Gateway (listed last) is your router's IP. Your computer's IP address is the number next to "IP Address." Make sure that your computer (or NVR) is on the same network as the camera. For example, if your computer IP address starts with 192.168.xxx.xxx, your camera should also have the same IP range. Use the Ping Command to check if the camera is connected It is essential to check that the IP camera is connected to the rest of your IP camera system. To check that the camera is on the network, use the "ping" command—type "ping" to open a DOS command prompt in the Windows search box. Use this command to see if you can connect to the camera. For example, if your camera's address is 192.168.2.135, use "ping 192.168.2.135 -t" at the command prompt. If you receive ", Destination Host Unreachable" or "Request Timed Out" replies, it means you are not connecting to the camera via the network. There are several reasons for that, the most basic being that the camera and the computer are on different networks or subnets. If you receive proper connection replies, use a web browser or the manufacturer's discovery utility to connect to the camera. Check the Password of Your IP Camera If you can ping the camera but cannot connect to it with the VMS, web browser, or discovery tool, it might be because of an incorrect login or password. If you're uncertain about the password, you can return the IP camera to the manufacturer defaults. Check the manufacturer for details about resetting the camera. Once you reset the camera, you can find a list of default passwords at IPVM. Check if the camera IP addresses are in conflict If two or more IP addresses on your network are the same, it can cause problems on your network. Knowing the Camera's MAC address helps you find a camera's IP address. It's usually printed somewhere on most units on the camera or housing.  You can use the ARP command to show the IP and MAC addresses of devices connected to the network. Type "arp -a" at the command prompt. You can find the camera's IP address by knowing the MAC address and vice versa. Check your virus and malware protection Sometimes the virus protection software is too thorough and blocks your application software from reaching the IP cameras. If nothing else fixes your problem, try turning the virus software off for a short period. If that helps, you should find a control that unlocks the IP camera. Remember to do one step at a time As you troubleshoot your problem, make sure you do one thing at a time. Test the results of any steps before moving to the next step. This will help you isolate the problem. If all else fails Contact Kintronics or the manufacturer's tech support if you can't fix the problem. You may need to contact both the IP camera manufacturer and the video recording system manufacturer for help.  Summary of Troubleshooting Your IP Camera System You can check several things before calling for help, such as checking the power and the network connections. Don't spend too much time troubleshooting the IP camera system. If these suggestions don't help, give us a call. If you need help with your IP camera Systems, IP door access control, or paging systems, don't hesitate to contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or else use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-85 A panda walks into a bar. He orders a sandwich, eats it, then draws a gun and fires two shots in the air."Why? Why are you behaving in this strange, un-panda-like fashion?" asks the confused waiter as the panda walks towards the exit. The panda produces a wildlife manual and tosses it over his shoulder."I'm a panda," he says at the door. "Look it up."The waiter turns to the relevant entry and, sure enough, finds an explanation."Panda: Large black-and-white bear-like mammal, native to China. Eats, shoots, and leaves." Northeast Weather I just got off the phone with my friend in Boston. He said that since early this morning, the snow has been nearly waist high and still falling. The temperature is dropping way below zero, and the north wind is increasing to near gale force. His wife has done nothing but look through the kitchen window and just stare. He said, "if it gets much worse, he may have to let her in." What is Saturn's favorite movie? Lord of the Rings What do you say to a three-headed alien? Hello, hello, hello Why is the moon constantly moody? She's just going through a phase A sign at a music shop: "Gone Chopin. Bach in a minuet." A Russian man lives all alone in a cabin One day, someone from the government shows up and tells him that due to a map surveyor's error in the 1940s, the cabin he lives in was mistakenly marked as part of Russia, but in fact, it's actually a part of Belarus."Oh, thank God!" the man exclaims. "I don't think I would have been able to stand another Russian winter here." * For those who need an explanation of the last type of ghost: If you're over 60, you may remember that old TVs could sometimes have a double image because of signal interference. Today "ghosting" is also the act or practice of abruptly cutting off all contact with someone (such as a former romantic partner), usually without explanation by no longer accepting or responding to phone calls, instant messages, etc. I hope this is helpful. A Wonderful Bird Is the Pelican By Dixon Lanier Merritt A funny old bird is a pelican.His beak can hold more than his belican.Food for a weekHe can hold in his beak,But I don't know how the helican. These reports of a major snowstorm hitting the Northeast don't concern me. It's all just flake news. I proudly showed my son, "Check this out! I bought a new shrub trimmer today!" He shrugged and replied, "That's great, dad." I continued... "It's cutting hedge technology!" Scissors are a beautifully simplistic piece of technology. Their invention was nothing but shear genius. I went to the doctor with hearing problems... He said, "Can you describe the symptoms?"So I replied, "Homer's fat, and Marge has blue hair." A man went to visit his doctor because his arm was hurting. "Doc, my arm hurts bad. Can you check it out, please?" the man pleads.The doctor rolls up the man's sleeve and suddenly hears the arm talk."Hello, Doctor," says the arm. "Could you lend me twenty bucks, please? I'm desperate!""Aha!'' says the doctor. ''I see the problem. Your arm is broke!"  Dead Crows During a review of accident statistics, it was noticed that one particular intersection in Boston had an inordinately high number of dead crows, presumably killed by motor vehicle strikes. Further study revealed the oddity that in every case, the dead crow had been killed by a truck—never a passenger car.This seemed so statistically unlikely that the city engaged some experts from a local university to study the matter and determine the explanation. What they eventually discovered was that when scavenging, crows always post a sentinel in a nearby tree to warn of the approach of predators or other dangers. The difficulty turned out to be that the crows had no trouble saying "Cah!" but absolutely could not pronounce "truck." My One-Eyed LoveBy Andrew Jefferson I've fallen in love- I don't know whyI've fallen in love with a girl with one eye.I knew from the start. It was plain to seeThat this wonderful girl had an eye out for meShe's charming and witty and jolly and jocularNot what you'd expect from a girl who's monocular.Of eyes - at the moment - she hasn't full quotaBut that doesn't change things for me one iota.It must be quite difficult if you're bereft.If your left eye is gone and your right eye is left.But she's made up her mind. She's made her decision.She can see it quite clearly in 10/20 vision.She'll not leave me waiting, not left in the lurchIf she looks slightly sideways she'll see me in church.I'll marry my true love who's gentle and kind.And thus prove to everyone that loves not quite blind. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Technology Review of 2021 A Year of Challenges Technology Review 2021 Even during the pandemic, some companies were busy creating new technology. New IP cameras included advanced intelligence that improved camera performance, enhanced object detection and notified the user about alarm conditions. Access control systems improved their software and provided cloud as well as on-site management software. IP intercoms enhanced the "if-then" selections that provided automatic responses to security situations. This article reviews the technology of 2021.  In 2021 new words were introduced into the dictionary. We had "breakthroughs" in technology, but it was also used to describe the infection of Covid-19 that occurred despite vaccination. We knew how software was de-platformed, but last year, we discovered that socially influential people could also be "deplatformed." And we all faced "eco-anxiety" as we realized that climate change could affect our lives. We debated the term "critical race theory," which confused everyone. The "metaverse" was not only part of The Matrix; it included the latest integration of door access control and IP camera surveillance and a new vision of the Internet.    IP Cameras that are Smart IP camera systems are getting much smarter. Would you like to know the moment when someone takes your laptop? Would you like to know when someone screams in the lobby of your building? How about detecting a gunshot? The latest IP cameras include more powerful artificial intelligence.  These cameras help protect people and assets. They notify you of dangerous situations, help deter terror attacks, and even tell you how many people have visited your store. As an example, Hanwha's latest intelligent IP cameras provide "narrow artificial intelligence" capability.  They can make decisions about objects they observe and categorize them into classes. The classes can be used to help find the critical recorded video. The latest IP cameras can also use object information and other detection rules such as line-crossing to notify users of an event. IP Cameras with AI Cameras that Talk to You It is now easier to attach speakers to intelligent IP cameras. When the cameras detect motion, they can trigger audio announcements. Specialized speakers with built-in amplifiers can be attached to IP cameras with audio outputs. This IP camera system creates an effective security system. To learn more, take a look at our article, How to Connect Audio to Networks and IP Cameras. Access Control Software and Cloud Management In 2021, Jeff Bezo's company successfully launched four tourists into space on Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft. One of the crew was the 90-year-old actor William Shatner, who famously played Captain Kirk on Star Trek. They reached about 66 miles above the clouds on Earth. Of course, you don't have to be launched into space to get to the clouds. Many new applications are now based on remote cloud computers, making it much easier to Manage access control systems. Cloud Access Control The door access control management software has been enhanced and can be used on-site or in a cloud-based app. The new software provides access to many of the management functions from your smartphone. The software is intuitive and provides some new high-level functions. For example, the software can mix and match over 40 customizable behaviors to create complex branching action plans to meet your application. These if-then functions include HTTP requests, door overrides, SMS messaging, and email actions. Other functions of the access control software include: The flexible trigger engine allows you to initiate action plans for all the doors. Input state changes or a schedule can generate the sequences.The Elevator Control will enable you to determine what floor people can go toIntegration with IP Camera Systems video management softwareCustomizable Crisis levels can be defined. Many input triggers such as triple swipe, a special card, a mobile app can create an appropriate notification. For example, a crisis level can restrict what type of users can go through the door and change the mode of the door, such as making a public door into a door that needs a card and a PIN.Active Directory support, on both the administrator levels as well as cardholder/user levels IP Paging and Intercom If-Then Programming Not to be left out, IP intercom management software includes special functions that allow the user to make an automated page if someone opens a door or pushes a button. Summary of Functions "If… Then" scriptsFor example, it provides the automatic control of a Relay when a Sensor is triggered)It can trigger pre-recorded audio filesProvides Alerts for system interruptionReads RSS/CAP: Atom Feeds as voice audioSchedule actions and tonesIt runs in the background See IP Paging and Automated Emergency Announcementsto learn more about automated paging. The IP paging and intercom system can be integrated with IP Cameras to see the person you are talking to at the door. IP Paging System Emergency Response Diagram Summary of Technology in 2021 2021 was a year to remember. Not only because of advances in technology but also because of the lifestyle changes caused by the pandemic. IP camera systems made the most out of adding narrow Artificial intelligence. Door access control systems and IP paging and intercoms improved the software available. If you would like to learn more about the latest IP camera Systems, IP door access control, or paging systems, don't hesitate to contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or else use our contact form. ### Recent Crime Wave Emphasizes the Need for Better IP Camera Systems Improve IP Camera Systems How to Improve IP Camera Effectiveness When criminals trash and steal from businesses, it traumatizes customers and employees. You would like law enforcement to respond as quickly as possible, but how can you help? One crucial contribution is good video surveillance that allows law enforcement to identify the perpetrators. This article reviews the basic requirements for providing good video evidence. It examines the IP Camera, the Video Recording Systems, and the installation of the IP camera system.   Recently, organized retail criminal activity in California, Chicago, and New York City has been mainly smash and grab or flash mob crimes. Large groups of individuals break the glass of the retail stores, or they storm stores with multiple suspects overwhelming store employees and store security or contract security guards. These bold and violent crimes keep customers away, and the fear of physical violence upset store employees. The increase in crime requires a reevaluation of the video surveillance systems. The Right IP Camera System Ensures Identification of Criminals It is essential that the IP camera system capture enough detail so the police can identify the perpetrator. The right camera has the proper resolution, the right field of view, and adequate lighting to capture the incident. Each camera location needs to be considered. An IP camera viewing a doorway will be different from one viewing a parking lot. IP Camera Resolution To identify a person's face, you need the correct number of pixels across the face. You can identify a person that you know with 50 or 65 pixels of resolution, but it's safest to use a camera that provides at least 80 pixels across the face. The higher resolution provides "forensic" identification, which law enforcement accepts and allows you to identify a person you don't know.  In some situations, you require higher resolution. For example, if there isn't enough light, the image can be noisy, making it difficult to see who it is.   Resolution of IP Camera If the viewing area is small, like a doorway, a 2-megapixel camera with a narrow lens should be adequate. Viewing a larger area, such as an auditorium, you need a higher resolution camera (over 5-Megapixels), so you can see a wider area.  For more details about camera resolution, please read What IP Camera Resolution Do You Need? The Field of View for Each Camera in Your IP Camera System The angle of the lens determines the field of view of the camera. The field of view is the area you can see with the IP surveillance camera. As the field of view increases, you require a higher resolution camera to see the same detail. Video Recording Triggered by Intelligent Motion Detection If you have a large enough hard drive, you can record the video for many days. Usually, people like to keep a record of the last thirty days. The size of the hard drive can be reduced if you don't record all the time but rather record only if motion is detected.  The IP cameras help the video management software (VMS) by providing intelligent motion detection in the camera.  The latest cameras detect motion and classify objects of interest, such as vehicles or persons. By using intelligent video capture, you record only the essential video. It reduces the storage required and makes it easier to find the correct recording. Intelligent IP Camera The Right Camera for Each Location If the cameras are not located correctly, you may miss the person's face entering or leaving the room. The IP cameras should be placed so that you see what you expect. For example, if you want to identify a person's face, the camera should be placed at a similar height and not on the ceiling where you only see the top of their head. Mount the camera on the wall or use one of the new covert cameras that mount on the side of a doorway. The Correct Lighting is Required  If the field of view is too dark, the camera will attempt to enhance the video, but this could increase the noise level, making it difficult to identify the person. There are cameras that use IR illumination and others with very low-light capability. When selecting a camera with IR illumination, it is important to know the operating range of the light source. The more expensive cameras include more powerful IR illuminators and operate at very low-light levels. For example, the XNO-6085R includes an illuminator with a 229 ft range (70m). It can also see in color at 0.004Lux.  To learn more about how cameras operate at low light levels, read our article How Low-Light Sensitivity Works in an IP Cameras. Summary of Improving IP Camera Systems The recent robberies at high-end stores have prompted the need for better surveillance that can help law enforcement catch these criminals. The IP camera should be selected for each physical view. We must ensure that the camera has the right lens and resolution and is located in the right place. To learn more about IP camera systems, please get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-84 An older woman went to a walk-in clinic where a young, new doctor saw her. After about 3 minutes in the exam room, the doctor told her she was pregnant. She burst out the door, screaming as she ran down the hall. An older doctor stopped her and asked her what the problem was. After she told him what had happened, he sat her down in another exam room and marched back to the first doctor. 'What is the matter with you? That lady is over 60 years old, has four grown children and several grandchildren! And you told her she was pregnant?! Are you insane?!' The young doctor continued to write on his clipboard, and without looking up, he asked, 'Ahh, but does she still have the hiccups?' A friend who's in liquor production,Has a still of astounding construction,The alcohol boils,Through old magnet coils,He says that it's proof by induction. Why did the chicken cross the Möbius strip? To get to the other… eh? Hang on… A chemistry teacher was recruited as a radio operator in the first world war. He soon became familiar with the military habit of abbreviating everything. When his unit came under sustained attack, he was asked to quickly inform his HQ. He got on the radio and shouted, "NaCl over NaOH! NaCl over NaOH!" "NaCl over NaOH?" His officer shouts, "What does that mean?" "The base is under a salt!" came the reply. For those who are not familiar with AARP, it is an interest group for older people. It was originally called the American Association of Retired Persons. In the USA, when you reach the age of 50, AARP sends out a greeting that includes the option to join the group. It's also the time of life when you start enjoying elevator music. Three billionaires are out golfing together Suddenly, a ringing sound is heard. The first of the three pulls an earpiece out of his pocket and takes a call. When finished, he brags to the others about how fancy it is.After some time, another phone starts ringing. The second man starts talking, seemingly into thin air. When asked, he explains to the others that he had a phone installed directly into his ear using revolutionary new technology.Again, some time passes before another ringing sound is heard. This time, however, the third and final man immediately darts off into the woods. Puzzled, the other two follow him. After some searching, they find him, pants down and squatting behind a tree.Upon noticing, the half-naked man yells, "Give me a minute, would you? I'm waiting for a fax!" I told my husband I was going to gradually cut back my dependence on technology in 2019. I'm starting with the vacuum cleaner, washer/dryer, and iron. Two older male dolphins notice their hairlines are starting to recede. Understandably, they start getting a little down in the dumps recognizing the loss of their youth and feeling a profound sense of their mortality.In a moment of clarity, one dolphin says to his buddy, "Hey, we don't have to accept this hair problem. With modern fashion and technology these days, we can do something about this!"So they went out and bought matching hairpieces. They were toupees in a pod. I just ordered a life alert bracelet, so if I get a life, I'll be notified. A couple was doing a little spring cleaning around their house when they found a ticket for a pair of shoes they'd dropped off to be repaired around 20 years ago. The husband said, "Wow, I'd forgotten all about these. You don't suppose they'd actually still be there at the shoe repair shop, do you?" The wife said, "It's pretty unlikely, but the next time you're in town, why don't you stop by and check just out of curiosity." The husband puts the ticket in his pocket and says, "Hmm, maybe I will." A few days later, the husband was in town, so he stopped by the shoe repair shop to inquire about the ticket. He pulled the ticket out of his pocket and showed it to the owner, and he said, "My wife and I found this ticket the other day. I know it's over 20 years old, and we really don't expect the shoes to still be here, but would you mind checking anyway just for the heck of it?" The owner takes the ticket and says, "20 years, huh? Alright, gimme a second, and I'll check out back." The owner returns a few minutes later and says, "Well, I'll be darned; they are still here." And the ticket owner says, "Wow, after 20 years, they're still here, huh?" And the owner says, "Yup, they'll be ready Friday." A man gets a job at a computer store that sells food-shaped computers. He was fired for trying to take a byte. What did the astronaut look for after parking his spaceship in orbit? A parking meteor! Snowball By Shel Silverstein I made myself a snowballAs perfect as could be.I thought I'd keep it as a petAnd let it sleep with me.I made it some pajamasAnd a pillow for its head.Then last night it ran away,But first it wet the bed. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Technology in Our Changed World The Pandemic's Industrial Revolution  - Predictions for our New World Future of Technology Things have changed. This past year made it plain that we live in a transformed world where climate change and Pandemics will be part of our lives for the foreseeable future. The paradigm shift in the way we think about where and how we work is only one example of the changes. We have discovered that Access control, IP camera systems, intercoms, and IP paging systems are essential technologies that can make a difference in our changing world. This article discusses what new technology will be important in the future. Covid19 Will Be Around for Many Years According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of November 19th, 2021, there have been 47,352,367 cases of Covid19. 764,473 people, or about 2% of the people who caught Covid19, died from the disease. Unfortunately, those who don't die have a high likelihood of extended symptoms. According to the Penn State College of Medicine research team, about 50% of all cases will experience post-COVID symptoms — more commonly known as "long COVID" — up to six months after recovering. History describes the benefits of Vaccines that have mitigated many known diseases, such as Chickenpox, Cholera, Measles, Polio, and Smallpox. Smallpox holds a unique place in human health and medicine. It was one of the deadliest diseases known to humans. Smallpox is also the only human disease to have been eradicated by Vaccination. About 30% of smallpox cases ended in death, typically in the second week of infection. Most survivors had some degree of permanent scarring, which could be extensive. Successful use of the smallpox vaccine led to the gradual reduction of smallpox cases. Resistance to Vaccination Continues to be a Problem. Just like today's resistance to the Covid19 Vaccination, there was resistance to the Smallpox vaccinations. It took a supreme court ruling (Jacobson v. Mass. 1905) to make Vaccination mandatory. The last US wild smallpox case occurred in 1949. It took about ten years for the rest of the world to eradicate the disease. After intensive inoculation campaigns in the 1960s and 1970s, the last case of wild smallpox in the world occurred in 1977. Vaccination programs take many years. Looking at the history of pandemics, it is apparent that the Covid19 virus will continue to be a problem for many years. Previous pandemics took several years to be resolved. The continued mutation of the Covid19 virus will continue to challenge scientists around the world. New variants such as Omicron will make it difficult to eradicate this disease. This upheaval is causing societal and technological changes. The use of body temperature detection systems will continue to be used to screen people at the door. Changes in the Way We Work The Industrial Revolution changed the way we work and live. Between 1780 and 1840, a labor transition embraced going from hand production methods to machines. It was enabled by the increased use of steam power and water power and motivated by the desire for better living conditions. People moved from the farms to the cities and found work in the new industries. Will we see another Industrial Revolution? We think the Revolution is already here. New Technology Has Changed the Way we Work In the last ten years, there has been an increased use of automation that has displaced workers. According to a report from the Brookings Institution, 25% of jobs are now at risk of being replaced by automation, with production, food service, and transportation facing the most significant estimated risk from the robot revolution. As an example, the Bloomberg Business Week article Cars? Jobs? Maybe, describes the impact of electric vehicles on the auto industry. "The industry is undergoing the biggest shift in technology since the invention of the car itself." Virtual Meetings Become the New Norm Imagine the challenge we would have faced if we didn't have the Internet and computers. The pandemic disrupted many occupations, but some businesses continued without interruption. Many information-based jobs were able to continue without going to the office.  Zoom meetings became the new norm. We could make sales calls, coordinate work activities, and continue the essential work conversations that would have been impossible without the technology.      Flexible hours and work-at-home schedules have dramatically changed the need for office space. Employees can now share desks and work areas. See the article, The Future of Office Space. The commercial real estate market has been impacted as companies realized that they don't need as much office space.   IP Intercom Systems are Important Intercoms will continue to be essential for controlling visitors in less populated office buildings. IP camera systems will continue to be necessary for monitoring empty offices. Access Control of Your Bubble Access Control in a Bubble Closed communities are becoming the standard for all generations.  The Baby Boomers were the first to transition to age-oriented communities, but now every generation recognizes the safety of protected, safe environments.   Closed neighborhoods that include living and working spaces will grow in importance and become more critical as bubbles of safety for everyone. These bubble communities are gated, and access control systems have been used to maintain security and isolation. Temperature scanning of visitors has been an essential part of health control. Door Access Control and IP Camera Systems are Helpful Door access control, intercoms, and IP Cameras have become an essential part of maintaining the bubble. The access control systems ensure that only the people who live in the community can enter. The intercoms and IP cameras control the visitors who attempt to enter, while the temperature monitoring panels scan for a person's elevated temperature. As the pandemic drags on, this type of living will become vital to all Generations. Our Prediction for the Future Looking at our crystal ball, we predict some future technology: Better protective masks that are easier to useCommunities that combine work and living spaces to create safety bubblesIntegrated intercoms, IP camera systems, and access control systems will be essential for safety.Temperature Monitoring Access Control will continue to be necessary.New intercom systems and visitor management systems with people tracking will help to control the spread of disease.New cures for virusesNew and more effective vaccines Crystal Ball of the Future The New Industrial Revolution Summary The pandemic and climate change have created changes in our society. Virus changes called "antigenic drift" are small changes (or mutations) in the genes of viruses that can lead to changes in the virus's surface proteins. This means that the pandemic will be with us for the foreseeable future. We expect to see a new industrial revolution caused by these changes. It will affect where we live and work. To help us deal with the changes, we will continue to use current security technology and develop new technology to help us deal with the Revolution. If you can think of more technology that results from the challenge of pandemics and climate changes, please let me know. To learn more about all the new security technology available, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### The Benefits of an IP Based Audio System IP Paging and Intercom Systems are Easy to Install IP Paging and Intercom Systems An IP paging system uses the Ethernet network to transfer the audio from a microphone to all the speakers. The digital system includes IP intercoms as well as IP paging. The IP speakers and intercoms use power over Ethernet (PoE), making them very easy to install. Since this is a network-attached paging system, it is very flexible, providing many more features than the older analog paging systems. This article describes the benefits of using the network-attached audio system for IP paging and intercoms.   IP Paging Systems are Very Easy to install Are you having a problem with your old paging system? Or maybe you need to install a new system. The IP paging system is much easier to install than the old analog systems.  The IP paging system utilizes the existing network to distribute sound all over the organization. This means the audio system can be installed everywhere you have a network. Since IP paging systems use Power over Ethernet (PoE) to provide power to the amplifiers, it dramatically reduces the wiring necessary.  The article Comparison of the Classic Analog Paging System to the PA over IP Systems highlights the cost-benefit of the IP-based systems. Provide a network drop near the speaker, and you are done. Amplified IP Speakers Connect to the PoE Network. Power over Ethernet (PoE) delivers 48 VDC power that provides enough power for an 8-watt amplifier. The speakers have enough sound volume to be heard in a large room. Outdoors speaker-horns can be used with separate amplifiers that provide sound levels that can be heard over a wide area. To learn more about sound levels, please read  What is the Right Sound Level for Your Paging Speakers? Powered IP Speaker Intercoms Connect to Your PoE Network The IP intercom is just as easy to install as the IP speaker. The network provides the power, so only a single network wire is required to install the intercom. The IP intercom includes a call button and a built-in relay that can trigger an electric lock. The intercom is an ideal way to control visitors. Audio Management Software Makes Paging and Intercom Connections Easy IP Intercoms Concept The Talkmaster software runs on a Windows computer. It allows the central command station to talk to any or all intercoms on the network. The software handles the queuing of multiple intercom requests and allows users to select where they want to make a page or which intercom they want to talk to. There are some additional benefits such as: You can keep a record of all the transactions. The software record, logs, and archives audio sessionsPre-recorded audio messages can be stored for automatic playback (.WAV)You can control the volume for each IP speaker from the command console. Paging Zones are Easy to Create Since each amplifier and each intercom have a unique IP address, it is easy to define zones. You can send the message to one room or many rooms. For example, you can send a page to a group of amplifiers in the auditorium. Each network-attached speaker or intercom is an addressable point.  You can create as many zones as you need Emergency Announcements Using the IP Paging System IP Paging systems provide flexible ways to make an emergency announcement. Announcements can be made from the Windows computer, a VoIP phone, or automatically when someone pushes a button. The Emergency button is connected to the IO input of the intercom amplifier. For example, pre-recorded messages can announce a fire or lockdown. Mass Notifications Emergency Announcements can be enhanced by adding the IP-PACast emergency notification system. The mass notification system provides important text and audio announcements to people who are on or off the campus. It alerts them to pending or existing emergencies. The system consists of a web interface that allows you to send trigger messages to target groups that receive the notification. It also provides audio and text messages from a computer, automated service, or even Microsoft Teams to computer IP paging devices on your network or mobile devices. IP Paging System Emergency Response Diagram IP Cameras Can Be Integrated with Audio There is a software option that integrates video from IP cameras. This allows the command station to see the person that they are talking to. It makes door control of visitors much safer. There are a variety of IP Intercoms and IP Paging Speakers Some powered speakers mount on the walls, while others mount in a drop-ceiling panel. There are also two-way IP speakers used in a hallway with speakers that face in two directions. Weather-proof horns provide all the sound you need in outdoor applications. IP intercoms for the desktop, on a wall, or outdoors are available with call buttons and door relay controls. Summary of the Benefits of IP Paging and Intercom Systems There are many benefits to using a network-attached IP paging system. The systems use the network infrastructure, including PoE, so the wiring is pretty simple. It’s the best way to replace an old system or install a new one. Since each IP speaker and intercom have an IP address, it’s easy to create zones. The IP intercoms provide an easy way to control door entry or reach other intercoms in the organization. To learn more about IP Paging and Intercoms, please get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-83 If you think the microwave is collecting data and the TV is spying on you is bad. The vacuum has been collecting dirt on you for years. I asked my friend, "after 40 years of marriage, and you still call your wife 'Darling, Honey, love. What's the secret?" My friend replied, "I forgot her name 10 years ago, and I'm scared to ask her." Waitress: How did you find your steak, sir? I just looked next to the potatoes, and there it was. My friend keeps saying, "Cheer up it could be worse. You could be stuck in a hole full of water." I know he means well. Yesterday my husband thought he saw a cockroach in the kitchen. He sprayed everything and cleaned it thoroughly. Today I'm putting the cockroach in the bathroom. So many people these days are too judgemental. I can tell by looking at them. A student at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair, April 26. He was attempting to show how conditioned we have become to alarmists practicing junk science and spreading fear of everything in our environment. In his project, he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict control or total elimination of the chemical "dihydrogen monoxide." And for plenty of good reasons, since: it can cause excessive sweating and vomitingit is a significant component of acid rainit can cause severe burns in its gaseous stateaccidental inhalation can kill youit contributes to erosionit decreases the effectiveness of automobile brakesit has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients He asked 50 people if they supported a ban of the chemical. Forty-three (43) said yes,six (6) were undecided,and only one (1) knew that the chemical was water. The title of his prize-winning project was "How Gullible Are We?" He feels the conclusion is obvious. The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks." ― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian "I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."― Albert Einstein "A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."― Albert Einstein Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson "Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right."― Isaac Asimov, Foundation Notes for My Kids Many people can influence us. Ralf Waldo Emerson said, "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." It is challenging to deny the pull of your group. For millions of years, human beings have been part of a tribe. It protected us. Unfortunately, we continue to be tribal. Our religion, politics, country, your school and friends, the sports team you cheer for, and even the people in your neighborhood are examples of tribes that can influence us. Don't follow the tribe blindly. Phoebe Waller said, "The recipe for ignoring peer pressure is feeling confident in who you are."  To maximize your success, be a critical thinker. Try to distinguish the true from the false. It is not easy. We sometimes read or hear things from people we respect. It may be a political leader, a person on the TV news, or a leader in our religious group. They may be in a position of authority, but they are people just like us. Sometimes they can be right and sometimes wrong. Be the person who discerns the difference.  Critical thinking is what can save the planet. Last Night I Dreamed of Chickens Jack Prelutsky - 1940- Last night I dreamed of chickens,there were chickens everywhere,they were standing on my stomach,they were nesting in my hair,they were pecking at my pillow,they were hopping on my head,they were ruffling up their feathersas they raced about my bed. They were on the chairs and tables,they were on the chandeliers,they were roosting in the corners,they were clucking in my ears,there were chickens, chickens, chickensfor as far as I could see...when I woke today, I noticedthere were eggs on top of me. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Multi-Tenant Visitor Access Control Intercom How to Improve Security in Large Organizations Multi-tenant Intercom Monitoring visitors in large organizations is a continuing challenge. The pandemic of 2021 increased our need to improve entry control to multi-tenant buildings and apartment houses. Not only do we want to know who would like to enter, but we also want to know if they are healthy. Learn more about Apartment Intercoms...  This article describes how the multi-tenant wireless intercom works. The Evolution of Visitor Management Large organizations used paper logs (and some still do it this way) for visitor management. It required a person in the lobby to control guests entering the building. In a hospital, this is an essential function. It has diverse departments, and directions are required. But, in commercial buildings and apartment houses, more automated procedures can be used since the people visiting a person or a department can use an intercom that registers their entry. In many multi-tenant commercial buildings, the lobby person has been replaced by intercom functions like apartment buildings. The people who work in the organization can use door access control credentials to enter the building, while visitors can be monitored at the door using the intercom panel. What is a Multi-Tenant Intercom A multi-tenant intercom is a communication device used in the lobby or at the front entrance of a building. It includes a display of all the tenants and provides a wireless phone connection to the people in the building. The new wireless intercom allows you to contact the resident’s smartphone or standard phone to request entry into the building. The lobby intercom display provides a list of all the people or departments in the facility. They allow the visitor to contact the person’s smartphone instead of using a dedicated intercom. When someone selects your name or department, the mobile App starts automatically, and a real-time picture of your visitor appears on the screen.  Press the round answer button on your mobile device, and you can immediately hear and speak to your visitor. Apartment Touch-Screen Intercom The Multi-Tenant Intercom is Cloud Based The lobby intercom panel connects to the cloud server to the mobile app on your smartphone, making this intercom very easy to install. Limited Use Pins This allows people in the organization to send an entry pin from the smartphone app via text to a guest that will auto-expire after a predetermined time or a predetermined number of uses from 1-99. All successful and failed pin uses will capture an image. More than five failed attempts in a row will notify management by SMS text or email with images. Video and Still Image – Date and Time Logging The resident app and management portal display an image of all pin users and a five-second video of all video calls with the date, time, and name of the employee called. Data is stored for 90 days and can be exported via CSV System Diagram The following diagram provides an overview of how the IP multi-tenant intercom system works. The visitor selects the person or department, and the notification appears on their app.  The person in the building can then see and talk to the person at the door. IP Apartment System Diagram The message passes through the network switch and router to the cloud server.  The intercoms have the intercom server function built-in. The message is sent from the cloud server to the smartphone.  Once the connection is established, the tenant can talk to the person at the door. They can then remotely unlock the door.  Integration of Intercom Panels and other Security Systems The multi-tenant panel is a network-attached access control device that can be integrated with other IP security systems such as access control systems, IP camera systems, and temperature monitoring panels. Integration with Door Access Control Systems Door Access Control Readers can be added to the intercom panel. This allows registered people to enter the building. The door access control system is easy to add to the multi-tenant intercom panel. The output of the intercom panel can be connected to the REX input of the door access controller, which allows either system to control the door. Integration with Temperature Measuring Many organizations added touchless temperature screening devices to their entry doors.  These types of panels can be added to the multi-tenant intercoms. The panels are designed for today’s demands to improve safety in our organizations. They help to maintain a healthy environment in schools, hospitals, corporations, and government facilities. The panels include face recognition for access control and thermal cameras that automatically determine a person’s temperature. IP Camera Systems Add Additional Security An IP camera system increases security in multi-tenant buildings by providing visual surveillance of all entry points.  Door access control provides the first line of defense. It allows only the tenets with credentials to enter the building. The second line of defense controls visitors and delivery people. The third line of defense provides surveillance of the area and provides video records of everyone on the premises. All the technologies connect to the local area network, so they are easy to install and integrate. The Benefits of the Multi-Tenant Intercom System The new wireless intercom systems are much easier to install than the older wired systems. A lobby intercom can be used instead of hiring staff, saving you money. The latest wireless multi-tenant intercoms include video and audio, providing the increased security of seeing who is at the door. The tenant database is maintained in a cloud server, making it easy to add, delete, and change tenants from anywhere. The multi-tenant panel can be integrated with door access control systems, IP camera systems, and health monitoring panels. Multi-Tenant and Apartment Intercom Summary The multi-tenant intercom panel is an excellent way to control visitors to a large organization. The panel can be used in commercial buildings or apartment houses. The IP intercom system is wireless, so it’s easy to install. It provides improved security because the tenant can see the person they are talking to before allowing entry. To learn more about multi-tenant intercoms, please get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### How Low-Light Sensitivity Works in an IP Cameras Enhanced IP Cameras Provide Nighttime Viewing Low-Light IP Cameras Nighttime is when we expect criminal activity, and of course, that's the most challenging time for IP surveillance cameras. There are several ways of seeing in the dark, but the best way is to use an IP camera with enhanced low-light sensitivity. The low-light capability of IP cameras has gotten much better over the last few years. We used to be happy with cameras that could see at 0.1 lux in color, but now we have IP cameras (like the PNO-A6081R) that have low-light sensitivity in color at 0.007 Lux. The camera can see at night when the stars are shining. This article reviews the technology behind very low-light IP cameras. Review of Light Illumination Measurements Lux is the unit of light measurement that defines the intensity of light as perceived by the human eye. Here are some examples of the illuminance provided by various light sources: Illuminance (lux)Surfaces illuminated by0.0001Moonless, overcast night sky (starlight). Requires a camera with an IR illuminator0.001Starlight (clear sky) The very low-light sensitive cameras, such as the PNO-A6081R provide a black-white image at this light level.0.002Moonless clear night sky with airglow0.05–0.3Full moon on a clear night The PNO-A6081R provides a color image at this light level.3.4Dark limit of civil twilight under a clear sky Most good IP cameras provide color video at thislight level and brighter20–50Public areas with dark surroundings50Family living room lights80Office building hallway/toilet lighting100Very dark overcast day150Train station platforms320–500Office lighting400Sunrise or sunset on a clear day.1000Overcast day; typical TV studio lighting10,000–25,000Full daylight (not direct sun)32,000–100,000Direct sunlight Technologies Required to Achieve Very Low-Light Capability in IP Cameras Color video makes it easier to identify objects and people in the scene, but when there's not enough light, the cameras switch to gray-scale or black/white mode. As it gets darker, the special low-light cameras stay in color much longer than standard IP cameras.  Also, when there is not enough light, the video becomes noisy, and it's hard to see the detail. The high-performance low-light cameras include better noise reduction. Comparison of Low-Light Versus Standard Camera Low-light type cameras require an excellent lens, a high-sensitivity sensor, and an advanced image processor to provide clear video in low-light situations. Light Transmission of the Lens is a Key Factor for Light Sensitivity The clearer the lens; the more light reaches the sensor The IP Camera Lens is a critical factor in low light operation. The f-number specification defines the amount of light that can pass through the lens. The lower the f-number, the more light the lens can pass. When selecting a variable lens, the highest light transmission light (the lowest f-number) is when the lens is set to its widest angle. As the lens is zoomed (magnified), less light passes through the lens. This means that the best low-light performance is when the lens is set to the widest angle. Here are examples of two different IP cameras. The QNV-6082R1 is an example of an economical bullet IP camera. It can be used when there is sufficient light for the camera. The camera's specification for low-light sensitivity is 0.03lux (Color) and includes an IR illuminator for viewing in total darkness. The lens aperture of F1.6(Wide)~F2.9(Tele) The PNO-A6081R is an example of a very low-light camera. The light sensitivity is 0.007 Lux@F1.3, 1/30sec. (Color), and the lens has a Maximum Aperture Ratio of F1.3 (Wide) ~ F2.15(Tele). When the light is extremely low, the camera switches to night mode, and the light sensitivity is 0.0007 Lux in BW mode (F1.3, 1/30sec). When it gets darker, the IR illuminator turns on. It can be used outdoors even when the light is from the stars. Sensor Size Matters in Low-Light Situations The larger the sensor, the more light is captured The sensor contains many photodiodes that convert the light into an electric signal. The amount of light that reaches the diode depends on the size of the surface exposed to the light. The larger the sensor size, the more light falls on each photodiode.  Other techniques, including tiny lenses that help focus the light, can improve the light sensitivity, but the size primarily provides the most effective way to increase light sensitivity. For example, Sony SNC-VB770 uses a 1-inch sensor, and Hanwha Techwin's extraLUX Series features a 1/1.9" sensor. Both cameras have excellent low-light performance.   To learn more, read the article about How the CMOS Video Sensor Works in IP Cameras. The Image Processor Makes a Significant Difference in Low Light High complexity image processing technology is required to reduce noise and enhance the image. Comparison of Camera Noise Reduction The ability to reduce noise in an image is complex and requires much computational power. The new IP camera image processors have high-performance processors that use Spacial-Temporal computation and other algorithms to reduce noise. As an example, the latest Hanwha Techwin cameras have advanced image processors that enhance low-light images. The cameras include high-performance noise reduction technology and an image correction technology that maintains brightness, color reproducibility, and sharpness in extremely low light environments. Summary of How Low-Light Cameras Work Low-light IP cameras improve the video at night exactly when it is required. As it gets darker, these cameras continue to provide color video. The cameras include very clear lenses, large sensors, and powerful image processing computers. The lens has to be very clear so it can pass as much light as possible. The photodiodes in the semiconductor sensor need to capture as much light as possible. The processor reduces the noise caused by low-light video signals. Everything works together to achieve a good image at low-light levels. If you would like to learn more about low-light cameras, please get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-82 The FBI had an opening for an assassin. After all the background checks, interviews and testing were done, there were 3 finalists: two men and a woman. For the final test, the FBI agents took one of the men to a large metal door and handed him a gun. "We must know that you will follow your instructions no matter what the circumstances. Inside the room, you find your wife sitting in a chair… Kill her!!" The man said, "You can't be serious. I could never shoot my wife." The agent said, "Then you're not the right man for this job. Take your wife and go home." The second man was given the same instructions. He took the gun and went into the room. All was quiet for about 5 minutes. The man came out with tears in his eyes, "I tried, but I can't kill my wife." The agent said, "You don't have what it takes. Take your wife and go home." Finally, it was the woman's turn. She was given the same instructions to kill her husband. She took the gun and went into the room. Shots were heard, one after another. They heard screaming, crashing, banging on the walls. After a few minutes, all was quiet. The door opened slowly, and there stood the woman, wiping the sweat from her brow. "This gun is loaded with blanks," she said. "I had to kill him with the chair!" Interview A dog is walking down the street, and he sees a sign in a shop window that says: "HELP WANTED" "Must be able to type 60 words per minute." "Must be computer literate." "Must be bilingual." "An equal opportunity employer." So, the dog goes inside and asks the manager for an application. The manager looks down at the dog, shakes his head, and says, "I'm sorry, we can't have a dog in this position." The dog goes over to the sign and points (with his paw) where the sign says, "An equal opportunity employer." The manager rolls his eyes and says, "Yeah, yeah...." and gives the dog an application. The dog quickly fills out the application and hands it back to the manager. He looks over it and says, "You have a great work history, but our sign says you have to be able to type... Can you?" The dog goes to the typewriter and bangs out a letter... Perfect punctuation, perfect spelling, and perfect grammar... At better than 80 words per minute. The manager says, "Wow, impressive. But the sign says you need to be computer literate. Can you run a computer?" The dog goes to the computer, turns it on, and once it is booted up, the dog types in a program... and it runs... Flawlessly. The manager says, "Look, you have some very impressive skills, but seriously... We just can't have a dog in this position" At this point, the manager gets rather smug and says with a smirk, "Besides, the sign says you need to be bilingual." The dog looks up at the manager and says, "Meow." Engineer No. 1: "I bet you can't name two structures that can hold water."Engineer No. 2: "Well, dam." In continuing attempts to reduce the world's CO2 emissions, top scientists have found a way to make cars run on Parsley... A spokesperson for the group has stated that they are now doubling their efforts to make trains run on Thyme. One day a group of scientists got together and decided that man had come a long way and no longer needed God. So they picked one scientist to go and tell Him that they were done with Him.The scientist walked up to God and said, "God, we've decided that we no longer need you. We're to the point that we can clone people and do many miraculous things, so why don't you just go on and get lost?"God listened very patiently and kindly to the man. After the scientist was done talking, God said, "Very well, how about this? Let's say we have a man-making contest."To which the scientist replied, "Okay, great!" But, God added, "Now, we're going to do this just like I did back in the old days with Adam."The scientist said, "Sure, no problem" and bent down and grabbed himself a handful of dirt. God looked at him and said, "No, no, no. You go get your own dirt." Scientists got so bored of watching the Earth spin that after 24 hours They called it a day. What instrument do musically-inclined scientists play? The Higgs-Bassoon. NASA Scientists were eagerly waiting for the rover to send back the first sounds from Mars. A program decades in the making, a feat of engineering never before accomplished. Not only did they include high-resolution cameras for the landing, but incredibly robust microphones to capture the first sounds from an alien planet.The team of people was huddled around a lab station for hours, watching as the Intersolar data was relayed from the Red Planet and downloaded into their servers.The progress bar crept steadily along: 98%.... 99%... 100%A hush fell over those in attendance as they finally queued up the audio...First, static, and then a faint crackle..."Hi, this is Anne with your vehicle's warranty department..." In England, they call it a "lift." In the US, we call it an "elevator." I guess we were just raised differently. My Skin Does Not Define Me Kenenth Thomas 1963 (Surrey) My skin does not define meIt is the house in which I must resideMy perceptions of the world are formedAs I look out the windows that are my eyes My skin does not define meIt was not with forethought derivedAs I travel on life's great journeyIt's the vessel that carries me inside My skin does not define meThough others may see it as suchThrough troubles and trials and failuresIt holds and protects me from much My skin does not define meCome take a look and you will seeLove of a father, the compassion of a friend a life that mattersThere's so much more that defines me About this poem This poem is written to enlighten and inspire those who judge others by the color of their skin or the origin of their race. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How the CMOS Video Sensor Works in IP Cameras Semiconductor Image Sensors in IP Camera Systems IP Camera Sensor The wonder of eyes. If eyes are the windows to your soul, then IP cameras with their lens and CMOS sensors are the window to computer vision. Like our eyes, the sensors in cameras convert light to electrical signals that the computer can use.  This article describes how the CMOS sensor in IP camera systems converts the visual world into digital signals. History of the Video Sensors in IP Cameras Before the solid-state sensors, there were vacuum tubes. The early analog video cameras used an electronic phototube device called a Vidicon or Plumbicon as the image sensor.  These tubes were based on a light-sensitive cathode ray tube. The cathode gun of the tube emits electrons that are focused by vertical and horizontal plates. This electron beam scanned the photoconductive layer of the tube. The image is presented to the screen surface of the Vidicon by the lens, and an electronic amplifier detected the resulting current changes on the screen surface. Vidicon CRT The first video systems scanned the surface one line at a time and created a picture that had 525 TV lines (NTSC in the US). The scanning process was either interlaced or progressive. The interlaced scan made two passes over the surface, with each pass including half the number of lines. Both of the fields were interlaced to create one frame. The progressive mode scanned all the lines in one pass. TV Scan Lines In those days, we measured resolution by the number of lines that could be discerned on a test chart. For more about resolution, take a look at Understanding IP Camera Resolution Specifications. How the Sensors in IP Cameras Work An IP camera is a digital camera that connects to the network. It consists of an optical sensor, lens, video processing circuits, and a network interface. The sensor is an essential part of the camera. The camera is part of an IP camera system that consists of a video recording system, video management software, network switches, and computer display systems. The latest CMOS solid-state sensors provide a much higher resolution than the older analog sensors. The resolution is measured by the number of pixels in the sensor rather than the number of TV lines. There are solid-state sensors with over 20 megapixels. Photo-Diode The critical component of the camera sensor is a photodiode that converts light to an electrical signal. A diode is a device that limits current flow, primarily in one direction. The photodiode is a special class of diode that has a window for outside light. Photodiode The light level affects the back-flow of current that is amplified and converted to a digital signal by an analog-to-digital (AD) converter. Many photodiodes are used in light-sensing image semiconductors. CMOS Switch Circuit CMOS Circuit The Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor (CMOS) uses complementary and symmetrical pairs of p-type and n-type MOSFETs for logic functions. CMOS technology is used in microprocessors, memory chips, and other digital logic circuits. CMOS technology is also used for analog circuits such as image sensors (CMOS sensors). One of the key benefits of this technology is that it uses less power than technologies that exclusively use either p-channel or n-channel (nMOS) circuits. The CMOS switching type circuit is an essential part of the semiconductor sensor. The CMOS sensor uses many of these circuits. Semi-Conductor Sensor Converts the Light to Digital Image There are two types of semiconductor sensors, the charge-coupled device (CCD) and the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). The CCD sensor was one of the first solid-state chips used in many cameras. Still, later the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) became more popular because it used less power than the CCD. The complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) was invented in 1963 by Frank Wanlass. However, it did not become widely used for imaging applications until the 1990s. Developing CMOS designs with smaller pixel sizes, reduced noise, and better image processing algorithms took time. In a CMOS sensor, the charge from the photosensitive pixel is converted to a voltage at each pixel site. The signal is multiplexed by row and column to multiple on-chip digital-to-analog converters (DACs). CMOS Array The CMOS is a digital device. Each site is essentially a photodiode and three transistors, performing the functions of resetting or activating the pixel, amplification and charge conversion, and selection or multiplexing. Creating the Color Image The digital camera uses filters to separate the light spectrum and create the colored video. Green, red, and blue filters are used to define all the colors. There are two ways to filter the light; one way is to use three filters and three sensors, the other way is to use one sensor and three small filters for each photodiode. Sensor Color Light Filters IP cameras use three tiny filters for each pixel location. Three photodiodes are required to define one effective pixel. There are sensors with over 20 Megapixels that provide 4K resolution. Image Signal Processing The image processing starts in the amplifier in the CMOS sensor. The latest CMOS devices have improved their noise and low light capability. Still, they rely on the image signal processor (ISP) and network interface to provide the best digital video to the network.   The image signal processor (ISP), sometimes called the digital signal processor (DSP), provides several functions that enhance, compress, and process the video to be displayed on a computer monitor.  The larger camera companies such as Axis and Hanwha have designed and manufactured proprietary Image Signal Processors, and each claims better performance and functionality. The image signal processor provides noise reduction, low light enhancement, a wide dynamic range (WDR), video compression (H.265), digital image stability, defog functions, and other intelligent analytics. The increase in computer capability of the ISP chip has led to intelligent analytics that includes higher-level functions.  The processor provides motion detection, image identification, object removed, object left behind, and other sophisticated analysis that creates alarm conditions in an IP camera system. See our article IP Camera Systems Are Getting Smarter to learn more about intelligent IP cameras. Summary of Image Sensors in IP Cameras Camera sensors have evolved from vacuum tubes to semiconductors, providing higher resolution and better picture clarity. The image sensor in an IP camera contains thousands of photodiodes that use light filters to define all the colors for the video image. The image signal processor processes the output of the sensor. To learn more about the sensors used in IP camera systems, please get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Explosion-Proof IP Camera Systems Reducing Hazardous Situations by Using the Proper Camera Enclosures Explosion-Proof IP Camera Systems An oil rig can be a scary place. On January 22 of 2018, fear turned into reality when an oil rig in eastern Oklahoma exploded. It left many dead and injured. The accident was the result of an uncontrolled release of gas that caught fire. It is essential to take every precaution to prevent accidents. Flammable contaminants in the air can cause explosions. Gas and dust are the usual culprits. If the concentrations are high enough, it just takes one spark to cause a catastrophic explosion. This article reviews the certifications and standards that define what type of explosion-proof camera system should be used. Hazardous Locations The definition of a hazardous location (HAZLOC) is an area in which the atmosphere contains sufficient quantities of flammable or explosive gases, dust, or vapors. For example, a dangerous environment could be found on: Oil and gas platformsOil & gas drilling rigsOil tankersRefineries and petroleum terminalsPipelinesMilitary facilitiesChemical and pharmaceutical FactoriesFood processing plants as many solid food and beverage ingredients produce explosive dusts including sugar, starch, flour, spices, tea, grain, and proteins. The presence of flammable gases or combustible dust doesn’t necessarily define a hazardous area. The quantity or concentration must be sufficient to create the potential hazard. The standards are based on the likelihood of an explosion. It’s all in the statistics.  For example, areas that contain gases or dust for an hour per year are less hazardous than an area that contains dangerous gas levels all the time.   The Standards that Rate Explosion Environments  A hazardous area is defined by someone knowledgeable and assigned to mark an area with a specific level of explosion probability. The person who is an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) can be a Fire Marshal, operational risk assessment engineer, occupational safety authority, or even an insurance underwriter. Explosion Potential Zones Once the area is labeled, all equipment, including IP cameras, must conform to protection methods that mitigate the risk of explosion. Several standards are used to define hazardous areas. The US, Europe, and the UK have similar specifications. They distinguish various environments by CLASS, Division, and Zones. In the USA, the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides the markings defined by “divisions” and “zones.” Division 1: is defined as an area where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors, or liquids can exist most of the time (over 10 hours per year) during normal operation. Division 2: is defined as an area where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are not likely to exist under normal operating conditions (under 10 hours per year). The UL60079 specification uses “zones” to provide more detail about the hazards of an environment: Zone 0: An area where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are present continuously or for long periods (over 1,000 hours/year) under normal operating conditions. Zone 1: An area where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are likely to exist between 10 hours and 1,000 hours per year Zone 2: An area where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are not likely to exist under normal operating conditions (less than 1 hour per year). Explosion-Proof Enclosures and Cameras There are explosion-proof enclosures (where you add a camera) and explosion-proof camera systems (that include the IP camera). In many cases, it’s best to purchase a complete system (with the camera) because, according to UL, the cameras must be installed in the enclosure in a UL-approved facility. The international and European standards don’t have this requirement, so it’s possible to just purchase the enclosure and use your own camera. But it’s important to note that the camera should also be approved for use in this type of application. Explosion-Proof Camera Systems IP Camera System Protection Methods The explosion-proof IP camera system should have the following characteristics to maintain protection: The explosion-proof camera system must prevent a spark from reaching the combustible fumes or dust. The enclosure should be sealed, including all the places that cables enter the enclosure.The camera system should not allow combustible gases and dust to enter the enclosure. This is usually accomplished by pressurizing the enclosure with inert gas.The camera should be designed so there is no source of ignition. This means that the camera should not have a battery that could explode, and the power levels should not be too high.If an explosion does occur inside the enclosure, the enclosure should be strong enough to contain the damage. The enclosures are manufactured to be stronger than standard camera enclosures. Check the Certifications Make sure that the equipment conforms to the certifications that meet the environmental requirements. The equipment must meet the specific certifications of the country where the equipment is installed. Here are some of the things to consider for the explosion-proof camera system: The enclosure and camera should meet the certification that indicates (Ex d) explosion-proof housing for a potentially explosive environmentDust ignition protection (tD A21) for zones 21 – 22.The enclosure should prevent excessive temperature that could cause ignition in a gas environment (ATEX: T6).The enclosure mustn’t exceed 85° C in a dust environment. Summary of Explosion Proof Camera Systems Installing IP camera systems in an explosive environment is challenging. The camera system must be carefully constructed to meet the stringent standards defined by the explosive environment. The potential for an explosion defines the environment. The more an explosive condition is present, the higher the level of protection required. This probability is defined by the person having jurisdiction (AHJ). Check that the explosion-proof certifications meet the hazards of the environment.   To learn more about the best explosion-proof IP camera system, please get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form.   ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-81 Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either. Aesop A child asked his father, "Dad, do politicians ever tell the truth?"The father answered, "Only when they call each other liars." There are only three things that tell the truth in the worldKids, Alcoholics, and yoga pants. The Different Son A very elderly couple has an elegant dinner to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary.The old man leans forward and says softly to his wife, "Dear, there is something that I must ask you. It has always bothered me that our 10th child never quite looked like the rest of our children. Now I want to assure you that these 75 years have been the most wonderful experience I could have ever hoped for and your answer cannot take that away. But I must know, did he have a different father?"The wife drops her head, unable to look her husband in the eye. She pauses for a moment longer and then confesses, "Yes. Yes, he did."The old man is very shaken. The reality of what his wife had done hit him harder than he had expected.With a tear in his eye, he asks, "Who? Who was he? Who was the father?"Again, the old woman drops her head, saying nothing at first as she tries to muster the courage to tell the truth to her husband.Finally, she says, "You." I met a dragon face to face Jack Prelutsky I met a dragon face to facethe year when I was ten,I took a trip to outer space,I braved a pirate's den,I wrestled with a wicked troll,and fought a great white shark,I trailed a rabbit down a hole,I hunted for a snark. I stowed aboard a submarine,I opened magic doors,I traveled in a time machine,and searched for dinosaurs,I climbed atop a giant's head,I found a pot of gold,I did all this in books I readwhen I was ten years old. Some Dad Jokes Why do Dads take an extra pair of socks when they go golfing?In case they get a hole in one. I slept like a log last night.Woke up in the fireplace! Why did the mobile phone go for an eye test?Because it lost its contacts! Dora Diller Jack Prelutsky 'My stomach's full of butterflies!'lamented Dora Diller.Her mother sighed. 'That's no surprise,you ate a caterpillar!' The Hairdresser A New York woman was at her eastside hairdresser's getting her hair styled prior to a trip to Rome. She mentioned her upcoming trip, and he responded, "Rome? Rome? Why would anyone want to go to Rome? It's crowded, it's dirty, and worse yet, it's full of Italians! You're crazy to go to Rome. So, how are you getting there?" "We're flying out on Continental," she replied. "We got a great rate!" "Continental?" exclaimed the hairdresser. "That's a terrible airline! Their planes are old, the attendants are ugly, and they're always late! Where are you staying in Rome?" "We'll be staying at this exclusive little place over on Rome's left side called "Palatza." "Phewww! Say no more! I know that place! What a dump! Everybody thinks it's gonna be something special and exclusive, but it's really the worst! The rooms are small, the service surly and it's overpriced! So, what are you going to be doing when you're there?" "We're going to the Vatican and hope to see the Pope." "Ha! That's rich!" laughed the hairdresser. "You and another million people! Good luck on this lousy trip of yours!" A month later, the woman returns for her next appointment. She is all smiles. "So," the hairdresser asks, "How was Rome?" "Absolutely wonderful!" replied the woman, "Not only did we arrive on time on one of Continental's brand new jets, but it was overbooked, and we got upgraded to first class. The food, wine, and service were excellent!' AND, the hotel had just spent over five million dollars in renovation! It was a real jewel, the finest in the city!" "Well," muttered the hairdresser, I know you didn't get to see the Pope." "Actually," the woman said, "as we toured the Vatican, one of the Swiss Guards tapped me on the shoulder and explained that often the Pope likes to meet some visitors personally and if I'd be so kind as to step into his private waiting room, the Pope would personally meet me. Sure enough, not five minutes later, the Holy Father walked through the door and shook my hand! I knelt down, and he spoke a few words to me." "Really?" exclaimed the hairdresser. "What did he say?" "He said: Where did you get that lousy hairdo?" The Fine Art of Baloney Detection We hear so many different things in the news and on social networks that it is tough to discern what is true or false.  Carl Sagan wrote a book in 1996 that is still meaningful today. In his book "The Demon-Haunted World, Science as a Candle in the Dark," he has a chapter called "The Fine Art of Baloney Detection." Sagan describes how scientists are equipped with tools and techniques that protect them from the penetration of falsehoods.  He says: "The kit is brought out as a matter of course whenever new ideas are offered for consideration. If the new idea survives examination by the tools in our kit, we grant it warm, although tentative, acceptance. If you're so inclined, if you don't want to buy baloney even when it's reassuring to do so, there are precautions that can be taken; there's a tried-and-true, consumer-tested method." Here are some examples of how to handle baloney: Appeal to Ignorance — the claim that whatever has not been proved false must be true, and vice versa e.g., There is no compelling evidence that UFOs are not visiting the Earth; therefore, UFOs exist — and there is intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe. Or: There may be seventy kazillion other worlds, but not one is known to have the moral advancement of the Earth, so we're still central to the Universe. This impatience with ambiguity can be criticized in the phrase: "Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." Argument from Authority, e.g., It was said that President Richard Nixon should be re-elected because he had a secret plan to end the war in Southeast Asia — but because it was secret, there was no way for the electorate to evaluate it on its merits; the argument amounted to trusting him because he was President: a mistake, as it turned out. I guess we shouldn't drink Clorox. Misunderstanding of the Nature of Statistics, e.g., President Dwight Eisenhower expressing astonishment and alarm on discovering that fully half of all Americans have below-average intelligence. I wonder if he realized that the other half are above average intelligence. Excluded Middle, or False Dichotomy — considering only the two extremes in a continuum of intermediate possibilities (e.g., "Sure, take his side; my husband's perfect; I'm always wrong." Or: "Either you love your country, or you hate it." Or: "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem"). I think we have all been there. Finding the truth is a challenging exercise. But if we used these tools, it would help us get through the political rhetoric that comes at us from the right and left. Carl Sagan ends the chapter with this disclaimer: "Like all tools, the baloney detection kit can be misused, applied out of context, or even employed as a rote alternative to thinking. But applied judiciously, it can make all the difference in the world — not least in evaluating our own arguments before we present them to others." I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment.   ### IP Camera Systems for all Occasions IP Cameras for Many Applications IP Camera Systems for Everywhere These days, IP camera systems can be used in many different applications and environments. It’s not just to determine who robbed the bank. IP camera systems are more than just recording the video. They include sophisticated intelligence that can notify us of real-time alarm conditions. Applications for IP cameras include theft deterrence, automated license plate recognition, watching wildlife, viewing the army tank that’s two miles away, or watching the inside of a blast furnace. This article describes the specialized capabilities of today’s IP camera systems Long-Range PTZ IP Camera Systems View a Rocket Launch Two Miles Away The combination of high-resolution cameras, improved pan-tilt mechanisms, and better long-distance lenses have improved long-range PTZ camera systems. The new IR laser illuminator enabled viewing over 2 miles (3.2K meters) away in total darkness.   PTZ Cameras Look Through the Fog Some off-the-shelf PTZ cameras with nighttime capability include IR illumination and the capability of seeing through fog. For example, a PTZ camera with a 55X zoom lens can identify a vehicle almost one mile away.   Thermal Imaging Cameras See in the Dark Thermal imaging cameras add surveillance capability at night. We can now see the heat radiating from vehicles or people that are miles away. The cameras use different types of sensors and lenses to provide thermal imaging. IP Camera Systems for Extreme Environments There are special enclosures that are designed to protect the IP camera in extreme environments such as high-temperature ovens, the extreme cold of the arctic circle, or even on a ship in the middle of the ocean.    Do you Need a Camera for a Blast Furnace? There are special enclosures designed to protect IP cameras from high-temperature environments. If you need to watch molten metal in a furnace, some enclosures protect cameras in temperatures up to 400°C (752°F). IP cameras can even watch the exhaust during a rocket launch. The enclosures are liquid or air-cooled and protect cameras The enclosures are water or air cooled. High-Temperature Camera Enclosures IP Cameras that Don’t Explode Explosion-proof IP cameras that don’t cause an explosion are essential for surveillance on an oil rig or in a chemical plant with explosive gases. These unique stainless steel enclosures are designed to protect IP cameras in areas with the risk of explosions, such as refineries, gas pipelines, oil tankers, offshore platforms, industrial processes, and chemical industries. The complete explosion-proof camera system includes an HD IP camera.  IP Cameras for the Stormy Atlantic Ship at Sea Suppose you are in hostile environments like salt or other corrosive environments. In that case, there are special enclosures designed for saltwater applications like marine or coast patrol, industrial or chemical applications, and where external agents are highly corrosive. These are stainless steel weatherproof IP66/IP68 enclosures that provide complete protection against dust and are submersible down to 40m (130ft). The options of a wiper and water pump ensure a constant cleaning of the front window. There are options for operating cameras in the coldest environments down to -40°C (-40°F).   Intelligent IP Camera Systems IP cameras have gotten smarter. They have transformed the surveillance applications from historical recording to real-time alarms. The first application of CCTV was to use security people to watch the video from multiple cameras. There was a display wall that included many monitors so they could watch the real-time activity. It was almost impossible to catch the shoplifter. Surveillance changed to rely on recorded video, but this was after the fact, so the perpetrator was long gone when the video was viewed. Now we can receive real-time alerts from intelligent cameras. IP Cameras that are Smart Would you like to know the moment when someone takes your laptop? Would you like to know when someone screams in the lobby of your building? How about detecting a gunshot? The latest IP cameras have quite a lot of built-in intelligence.  They help protect people and assets. They notify you of dangerous situations, help deter terror attacks, and even tell you how many people have visited your store. As an example, Hanwha’s latest intelligent IP cameras provide “narrow artificial intelligence” capability.  They are capable of making decisions about objects they observe and categorize them into classes. Intelligent IP Camera Cameras that Talk to You Speakers can be attached to some intelligent IP cameras. They can detect motion and then automatically make an audio announcement. Look for the IP cameras that include audio inputs and outputs and then add specialized audio amplifiers to create a complete interactive security system. To learn more, take a look at our article, How to Connect Audio to Networks and IP Cameras. IP Cameras that Read License Plates The intelligence that converts a visual image of a license plate to a digital number is inside the IP Camera instead of residing in a separate computer. Automated License Plate Recognition (LPR or APLR) is more than just a License Plate Capture. These systems convert the image (picture of the license) to computer data that can be checked against a database.  IP Camera for Special Viewing Situations IP cameras are available that fit specific viewing applications. Special lenses and multiple sensors provide situational awareness. Panoramic Cameras Look Everywhere A panoramic camera provides a 360-degree view of an area. They are usually used to provide situational awareness. Single-Sensor Fish-eye Cameras Panoramic Store Image The panoramic fish-eye camera uses a special, very wide-angle lens to view 360-degree. They are usually used in small rooms. The higher the resolution of the sensor, the more detail you can see at a specific distance. Multi-sensor Panoramic Camera Panoramic cameras that use multiple sensors provide higher resolution than single-sensor cameras. They can be used in larger environments. The images from the multiple sensors are stitched together to form one image. Multi-Sensor, Multi-Directional Cameras These cameras are not considered to be panoramic cameras. The multi-sensor, multi-directional IP camera contains four high-resolution cameras (or sensors) that can be adjusted independently. The multi-direction cameras can be used in similar applications as panoramic cameras. The difference is that these cameras do not stitch all the views together. Instead, you can see a view from each camera. This type of wide-area camera provides the best resolution and clarity compared to panoramic cameras. Take a look at our article, Calculating What You Can See With Your IP Camera, for more details. Hallway Cameras Hallway IP Camera View There are several solutions for viewing a hallway. Some cameras can turn the video 90-degrees so that the long view is vertical instead of horizontal. This allows you to see down the hallway rather than seeing too much of the walls. Also, multiple cameras inside one housing make it easy to see in two directions. One model includes two back-to-back cameras so they can be placed in the middle of a long hallway and see in both directions. Another model allows you to view three hallways at a T-type intersection. This camera looks down three hallways. IP Camera Systems Can be Hidden Covert IP cameras are helpful when you want to hide the fact that you are watching the area. For example, you can catch the thief when they take off their mask as they leave the store.  The covert camera doesn’t look like a camera, which makes it so effective in catching offenders. There are several covert IP camera models available. IP Camera Systems Summary The technology of IP camera systems has improved over the last few years. The IP cameras have long-range lenses and night vision capability. They include artificial intelligence that allows you to be notified of immediate threats. The cameras can be used with access control systems to enhance safety, and they can be used to talk to people at the door. Specialized enclosures are available that protect the IP cameras in hazardous and extreme environments. To learn more about all the new capabilities of IP camera systems, please get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Door Access and Other Security Systems After the Disruption Turbulent Times Caused Changes to Access Control, IP Camera Systems, and Intercoms Security Systems after the Disruption The Pandemic caused significant disruptions.  Our economy and ordinary lives were affected. We had to rethink everything from where we worked to how we stayed safe. These disruptions led to changes in our social and commercial lives. Access control, IP camera systems, intercoms, and paging systems were used to mitigate the disruption. This article describes how the Pandemic caused an upheaval in access control and other technologies that will stay with us into the future. An article in IEEE Spectrum magazine explains, "it's already clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has sped up the arrival of the future along several dimensions." Working remotely has become the status quo in many sectors. Medical consulting, teaching, software development, and litigation are expected to stay partly online. Online stores have supplanted many a retail storefront. There has been an increased interest in technology that controls access to our facilities and monitors our health. Life is a School that Continues to Teach Us Because of the Pandemic, the Administrators at the US K-12 schools faced new challenges. They had to provide increased safety from student violence, active shooters, and now from the Pandemic.   "If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?"― T.S. Eliot Technology helped them meet the challenge.  To keep everyone in the organization healthy and safe, Door Access Control was used to limit entry. IP camera systems provided the essential real-time surveillance of the environment and recordings of any disturbance. IP intercoms and IP Paging systems opened communications to teachers, students, administrators, and security people so they could react quickly to any emergency. Schools Used IP Camera Systems to Provide Real-Time Emergency Management Historically, IP camera systems were used to record the video, and if a problem occurred, provided a review of the video. They were used to determine who was fighting in the hallway or who stole the laptop. With the increase in school violence and the concern for health during the Pandemic, administrators must be notified of current situations. IP camera systems provided this immediate notification. The artificial intelligence provided by the latest IP camera systems became very useful. It provided immediate alarms of unsafe conditions. IP Camera Notification System Automated Emergency Notifications and Response Emergency alert buttons were placed at various places in the facility and connected to the IP security system. Each button provided a different type of alert. For example, they were used to announce a fire or establish a lockdown depending on the button pushed. Please take a look at the article, IP Paging and Automated Emergency Announcements for more information. Paging Systems Provided Notifications in a Disaster Now hear this! Once a threat was identified, the administration needed to alert everyone of the danger. IP paging provided instant communications to everyone on the campus. Automated emergency notifications allowed the administration to make campus-wide announcements or use a mass emergency notification system that reached people wherever they were. Security personnel could also use their mobile phones to make general announcements or provide mass emergency notifications. Powered IP Speakers  Powered IP speakers were placed around the facility to make general and emergency announcements. These systems are very easy to install and manage since they are connected to the network and powered over Ethernet (PoE). Many Organizations Enhanced Their Door Access Control Systems Do you belong here? Besides schools, corporate and government organizations were challenged to find new ways of doing things. The Pandemic provided additional motivation to businesses and government organizations to provide access control in their facilities. Not only did they want to prevent the wrong people from entering, but they also wanted to make sure they were not bringing disease into the organization. The latest access control systems use simple door readers that connect to central controllers or intelligent reader-controllers that connect to the network. Power over Ethernet (PoE) powers the latest access control systems. This makes them very easy to install and expand. You can start with a single door and expand one at a time. Temperature Monitoring at the Door Are you sick? Don't come in. Face and Temperature Access Control There continues to be controversy about the best way to prevent the disease from entering the facility. The easiest solution was to monitor people's temperature before they entered. Many organizations added touchless temperature screening devices to their entry doors.  These panels were designed for today's demands to improve safety in our organizations. They helped to maintain a healthy environment in schools, hospitals, corporations, and government facilities. The panels include face recognition for access control and thermal cameras that automatically determine a person's temperature. Several temperature screening devices are available, including handheld thermometers, thermal scanning cameras that measure many people at a time, and entry panels that check each person at the door. The individual door panels are the most popular. Please take a look at our comparison chart that describes the three types of temperature screening devices available Intercoms at the Doors Control Visitors Who are you? An access control system allows people with a credential to enter, but what happens when a visitor comes to the door?  The IP intercom is an easy way to check who is at the door.  An IP camera, with additional software, can be added to view who is at the door.   Apartment Intercom Concept Apartment Intercoms Control Entry in a Multi-Tenant Building Whom do you want to visit? Many apartments and other multi-tenant buildings found the importance of controlling visitors.  The Apartment Intercom panel provides wireless audio and video communication to the tenants. It includes a door relay that can release the electric lock at the door. It is designed for any organization that has multiple tenants. Summary of How to Enhance Safety Our society has undergone a significant upheaval that has led to a rapid evolution of social and business practices. We have had to learn how to deal with the new realities. It is an upheaval that has stayed with us. The world changed, and so did the technology used to protect us. New door access control systems, intercoms, and IP paging systems were installed. IP camera systems were used to manage real-time emergencies. To learn more about all the new security systems, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-80 A bunch of evolutionary scientists got together for a cookout one day. They got a bunch of stuff to grill up, but everyone was most excited about the sausages.The scientists counted the sausages to make sure there were enough for everyone, and even though they initially thought they had enough they were one short. They checked the cooler, the fridge, and everywhere else they could think to look, but science still has yet to find the missing link. Missing Anne Scott I've hunted near, I've hunted farI even looked inside my car.I've lost my glasses, I'm in need,To have them now so I can read.I loudly swear and I curseDid I leave them in my purse?Are they behind the sofa, under the bed?Oh there they are - on my head! A new strain of head lice has been discovered which is resistant to conventional treatments. That has left scientists scratching their heads. Scientists confirmed today that anteaters are incapable of contracting Covid... Apparently, they're filled with anty-bodies What do you do with a sick scientist? Well, if you can't helium or curium then you might as well barium! What do you call a scientist who works with bacteria? A man of culture. New Pandemic Virus Scientists are now concerned about a new virus which could become the next pandemic, which they have called the "peekaboo" virus. Patients who get the Peekaboo virus are put in ICU. What’s the difference between a duck and George Washington? One has a bill on his face, and the other has his face on a bill. Squirrel Jokes I was trying to come up with a few squirrel puns to make you laugh, but they were all too nutty. A wise squirrel once said, "you are what you eat". He was nuts. Squirrels are very good at explaining things, because they give it to you in a nutshell. Count That Day Lost George Eliot (1819 – 1880) If you sit down at set of sunAnd count the acts that you have done,And, counting, findOne self-denying deed, one wordThat eased the heart of him who heard,One glance most kindThat fell like sunshine where it went --Then you may count that day well spent.But if, through all the livelong day, You've cheered no heart, by yea or nay --If, through it allYou've nothing done that you can traceThat brought the sunshine to one face--No act most smallThat helped some soul and nothing cost --Then count that day as worse than lost. A Note about George Eliot Mary Anne Evans, better known by her pen name George Eliot, was an English novelist, journalist, and translator, and one of the leading writers of the Victorian era. Jokes: They Walk into a Bar A five-dollar bill walks into a bar, and the bartender says, ‘Hey, this is a singles bar.’ A neutron walks into a bar and orders a drink—and asks what he owes. The bartender says, ‘For you, no charge.’ Three men walk into a bar. One works for Budweiser, one works for Corona, and one works for Guinness. "What would you like?" the bartender asks the Budweiser worker."I'll have a Budweiser," says the Budweiser worker."And you?" the bartender asks the Corona worker."I'll have a Corona," responds the Corona worker."Let me guess," the bartender says to the Guinness worker, "you'd like a Guinness?""No thank you," comes the reply. "I'll just have some water.""Water?" The bartender is taken aback. "Why not Guinness?""Because," says the Guinness worker, "if the other two aren't gonna have beer, I'm not gonna have it either." Bacon and eggs walk into a bar…And the bartender says, “we don’t serve breakfast.” A Gen Z kid and a boomer walk into a bar They sit down and the Gen Z kid orders from the gluten free vegan menu and the boomer orders a T-Bone steak.They start chatting and the Gen Z kid says that social justice issues are the biggest problem facing the world, and that the white supremacist patriarchy is a plague on society.The boomer waves this off and says the kids these days are just too sensitive, and that he fought for civil rights in the sixties and did his part.They go back and forth on this for a while, and finally the Gen Z kid says, "we're just not gonna settle this. We don't see eye to eye. You're too old and out of touch and I'm too young and inexperienced. What we need to do is ask a Millennial with a PhD in sociology for their opinion."The boomer says, "that's a great idea!" And yells, "HEY BARTENDER, C'MERE!" I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment.   ### How to Select the Right IP Camera System Using the Right IP Cameras Ensure an Effective IP Camera System Do you think all IP cameras are the same? If you do, it's likely you won't be happy with your IP camera system. There are many different cameras with different lenses, resolutions, light sensitivity, and other characteristics. These features are so important when you want to ensure that you can see everything you want to. Yes, it takes some work to select the right IP camera for the area, but it will make the difference between security and uncertainty. This article describes the process you can use to choose your camera and video recording software. Selecting the Right IP Camera Set the Objectives for Your IP Camera System Set your expectations for each area. You will need a different type of camera to view a doorway than one that views the parking lot. If you want to see things outside at night, you should select a camera with high resolution and good low light sensitivity.  Here are some objectives to consider: How large an area do we want to view?What detail do we want to see with our cameras?  Do we want to identify a person's face? Or maybe, view the parking lot?Do we want to operate during the day or maybe both day and night?Do we want to be alerted to alarm conditions? Maybe you would like to know when someone takes the laptop off the desk.What do you expect from your video recording system? Do you want to view the cameras on your desktop computer or also from your mobile device? Once you have established your objectives, you can select the type of IP camera system you need. IP Camera Comparison Selecting the camera's resolution, light sensitivity, lens, and video management system is essential. IP Camera Resolution The resolution of the IP camera determines the details you can see.  IP cameras are available with resolutions from 1-Megapixels to 20-Megapixels. The higher the resolution, the more the IP cameras will cost, so you want to match the camera to the requirements of each area.  The resolution will determine the detail that you can see. For example Identification of a license plate number – 50 pixels/ft.Identification of a person that you know – 80 pixels/ft.Forensic identification of a person you know – 160 pixels/ft.Best identification when there are poor conditions – 180 pixels/ft. Camera Resolution Comparison Once you have decided what you would like to see, you can decide how wide an area you would like to view. The higher the resolution, the wider the field of view at the same detail. This means that if you're viewing a crowd of people, there will be more people in the field of view that you can identify as you increase the resolution. Light Sensitivity of the IP Camera The latest IP cameras have improved low-light sensitivity. In some cases, they can see objects at night when there's a full moon. By adding IR illumination, they can see in total darkness. For example, the 2-Megapixel, VNV-6085, has a low light sensitivity of 0.004 Lux (in color) and 0.0004 Lux in BW. Here's a chart that provides examples of the light level in certain conditions. Light LevelExample0.0001 lxMoonless night with overcast night0.002 lxMoonless clear night sky with air-glow (star-light and other atmospheric effects)0.01 lxQuarter moon with clear night0.05–0.36 lxLight from a full moon on a clear night6 – 10 lxStreet lighting100-1,000 lxWork-space lighting10,000 lxSurgery lighting50,000 – 100,000 lxBright sunshine The cameras also include a wide dynamic range (WDR). This excellent feature allows you to see areas where there is a significant difference in light.  For example, WDR allows you to view a lobby with large glass windows and see people inside and outside in the bright sunlight. Lens for the IP Camera The wider the lens, the less detail you can see at a specific resolution. The field of view, along with the resolution, determines if you can identify a person's face or not.  For example, a 2-Megapixel camera allows you to identify a person in a field of view of about 20 ft. The lens will determine how far away you can see the person. The narrower the lens, the further away we can see the person. For example, if the camera lens has an angle of about 33-degrees, we can see a person who is 39 ft. away, but if the lens angle is reduced to 2-degrees, we can see that same person over 1,000 ft. away. Alarms From IP Cameras The alarms generated by the IP camera system notify you of immediate problems. Motion detection has been around for many years. The video management software looks for changes in the pixel pattern, and when enough pixels have changed, it triggered a motion-detected alarm—the article How Motion Detection Works in IP Camera Systems describes the process. Over the last few years, the motion detection algorithm has been included in the cameras. The latest cameras provide enhanced motion detection that can detect the motion of a person and ignore a small animal in the same field of view. The camera can detect several other alarm conditions such as: Directional movement detection (enter or exit), creates an alarm if someone crosses a virtual lineObject appear or disappear function creates an alarm if someone left an object or took an objectLoiteringAudio detection notifies security if the camera detects a gunshot or a person screams IP camera gunshot detection The X-series of cameras from Hanwha provides advanced motion and other alarm features that allow you to detect situations in real-time. The Video Management System Video Recording System Comparison The video management system consists of Video Management Software (VMS) or a Network Video Recorder (NVR). In some smaller systems, a Cloud Video Management System can be used.   The Video Recording System is an essential part of your IP Camera System. It assures that you have recorded the video and can easily search and find it when needed. Some systems can only handle a small number of cameras, while others can manage hundreds of cameras spread across multiple locations.  To learn more about recording systems, please read, The Best Camera Video Recording System. Selecting the Right IP Camera System Summary Before selecting your IP Camera System, determine your security objectives. This is a critical step before selecting the cameras, lenses, video recording system. The cameras have specific capabilities such as resolution, low light capability, and alarm detection. Selecting the right capability and functions ensures that you will be happy with your installation.   If you need help selecting the IP cameras in your camera system, please get in touch with us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### How to Choose the Best Access Control System Selection Guide for Door Access Control It's easy to think that all door access control systems are the same, but they're not. They all have different features and capabilities. How do you choose the right door access control system for you? This article reviews how to select the right access control system. We discuss the features, security requirements, the type of hardware required, the installation, credentials, and management software. And we compare the cost of ownership for several access control systems. Access Control Selection The Process for Making the Choice To choose the best one for you, first, determine your objectives. Is it the cost, or how easy it is to install, or maybe the safety and security it provides? It's important to review your objectives before considering which access control system is best. Once you know your objectives, you can select the features and functions that meet these objectives. To get started, review the following features. What functions do you need? List of Access Control Features to Consider Not all Door Access Control Systems are alike. Some are designed for a small number of doors and have limited features, and more complex systems include sophisticated functions. Here are some features to consider. What Access Control features and functions do you need?What type of security do you require?What type of hardware would you like?What installation is required?What type of credentials do you prefer?What Access Control Management Software do you want?The total cost of ownership Features and Functions of Door Access Control Systems Most door access control systems provide an easy way to enroll all the users and maintain a database that determines who, what door, and when each person can enter. But some access control systems can do much more. For example, elevators can be controlled, and security people can be notified of alarm conditions, visitors can be monitored, gates and garage doors can be controlled, and the access system can be integrated with an IP camera system. Elevator Control Elevator Access Control Elevator access control is only available with some access control systems. An elevator access control system consists of a credential reader in the elevator and a controller box in the elevator control room. The access control software can be programmed to allow certain people to go to specific floors on specific days and times. Read more Remote Management Some access control systems provide mobile apps that allow you to change credential authorization remotely or even open the door remotely. Realtime Notifications from Door Access Control Systems You may want to be notified if a security alert occurs. The alert can appear on the Windows management console or, in some cases, on your smartphone app. If-Then-Logic helps implement the type of notifications. Advanced door access software includes logic that responds to specific inputs and then causes specified outputs. This if-then logic provides some compelling advanced access control functions. To learn more, read about the Advanced Door Access Control article. Touchless Door Entry The pandemic has increased interest in touchless door entry. This requires door openers that are triggered by the access control system. The doors will open automatically when the correct credential is presented at the door reader. Apartment Intercom Access Control An apartment intercom is a communication device used in the lobby or at the front entrance of a multi-tenant building or apartment house. It provides a connection to the tenants. The new wireless apartment intercom allows you to contact the resident's smartphone or standard phone to request entry into the building. The lobby intercom display provides a list of all the tenants in the building. To help you select the right apartment intercom please read The Best Apartment Intercom. IP Camera System and IP Intercom Integration IP camera systems monitor the doors controlled by access control systems, increasing security. For example, an IP camera records all the people that used their credentials to enter a door. The historical recording can be used to determine if the right person has entered. The integration allows the safety person to check for anyone using a stolen credential. IP Intercoms can be used to control visitors. The intercom allows the security person to talk to the visitor while using the IP Camera System to see the person at the door. For example, the Access Control Management software from Hartmann integrates with several video management systems. The integration allows the user to view cameras in the same user interface used to manage the access control system. Level of Security Provided by the Access Control System How secure are door access control systems? In general, the cost is a significant factor in the safety you can achieve. Pricing can range from less than $400 for a single door to over $1100 per door. The controlling hardware, the management software, and the credentials all contribute to the level of security. The Security Level Provided by the Hardware and Software Door readers that use PINs are the least secure. Door access readers that use card credentials are better. Using your smartphone as a credential provides better security because it is less likely to be given to someone else. The highest level of security is provided by biometric readers that use your face or fingerprint as the credential. Biometric door readers provide the highest level of security but are the most expensive. The door readers that you select should provide vandal protection. Access Control Management Software can provide passback protection and dual authentication. Read more about the Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems. The Credentials Determine the Security Level There are card or keyfob credentials, smartphone and mobile credentials, and biometric credentials that use your face or fingerprint. Some access control readers use PIN codes that are not secure. To learn more about credentials, please read more. Comparison of Access Control System Hardware The more you know, the better you can make decisions about your door access control system. There are several types of Door Access Control Systems Here is a summary of the types of Door Access Control Systems Available. We provide some examples of pricing but this changes frequently, so please contact us for the latest prices. Access Control Protection Several Door Readers Connected to a Controller This is the least expensive when you need to control more than four doors, but it's the least flexible and the most costly to install. Pricing for a four-door controller starts at about $850, with each door reader costing $50 to $500 (The total cost for four doors is about $1200 (or $300 per door, depending on the door reader required). These systems utilize simple management software and can't be controlled by your mobile device. IP Reader-Controllers This is the easiest and least expensive system to install. It is best for small to medium systems that don't require extra features. The pricing for the reader-controllers start at about $730 per door. IP Controllers and Slave Door Readers This system is easy to install and is the most powerful since you can select the type of door reader you need. For example, you can select a door reader that reads a card credential or another that uses mobile smartphone credentials. A kit that includes the controller and a door reader starts at about $750 per door.   Learn more. Access control with temperature and mask detection These panels include a thermal camera that measures a person's temperature. It includes facial recognition so that it can be used as a stand-alone door access control system. It is best used for a small number of doors since it's challenging to share credentials. The pricing for the panels start at about $600 per door. See Comparison of Face Recognition and Temperature Access Control Panels. Biometric access control Biometric door readers provide the most secure type of credential because you can't share or lose the credential. Facial recognition has become more popular because it provides touchless entry control. These fingerprint reader controllers start at about $650. Face recognition panels start at about $1100.   Read more. Electric Locks for Your Door Access Control System There are Magnetic Locks or Electric Strikes. The Electric Strike is easy to install and is used to secure outer and inner doors but does not prevent egress from an area like the magnetic lock. When the electric strike is installed, you can exit from a secured area using a knob or level. Electric locks range in price between $65 to $500 depending on the type of lock and power supply required. Access Control Management Software The management software is an essential part of the door access control system. Access control management software determines who can enter, what door they can use, and when they can come in.  The access control management software is associated with each type of access control system. Some management software is cloud-based, and there is a yearly subscription cost, while others have a one-time license. They all may include a yearly service and support fee for upgrades.  To learn more, please read How Access Control Management Software Works The Total Cost of Ownership for Your Access Control System The cost of your access control includes the hardware, which includes the door readers, controller, and electric lock. It also includes the software and the installation labor cost. Other costs include support, training, and maintenance required. Some access control systems cost more for the hardware, but the installation cost is less for some systems. Some systems require more support and maintenance costs, but the hardware costs less. It is best to review your objectives with knowledgeable people before making a choice. For help selecting your door access control system, contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-79 Cookwitch Sandwich Shel Silverstein I heard that KatrinaThe Cook was a witch,But me, I’m suchA stupid kid,I yelled, “Hey! Katrina,Make me a sandwich,”and ZAP ---She did! Jack: My uncle swallowed a frog. Jill: Goodness, did it make him sick? Jack: Sick! He’s liable to croak any minute! What do you call a small bread that is moving rhythmically to music? Abundance A man moves into a haunted house After several nights of ghosts keeping him awake with their moaning and moving furniture around the house, he calls an exorcist. A priest eventually comes round, performs some incantations, and sprinkles holy water around. The man was grateful for the priest's help with this haunting but says that he has no money on hand to pay him. The priest says "Fret not my son, we can send you a bill. Just pay it off within the month or we'll repossess your house." A Jewish son tells his father he is moving out. The son returns a year later and tells his father that he has converted to Christianity. The father is upset and calls his friend who is also Jewish. “You won’t believe this; my son David moved out for a year and came back and told me he converted to Christianity.” His friend says, “you won’t believe this...my son Benjamin moved away for a year and when he came back, HE converted to Christianity too”! Both upset, they call their rabbi and explain what happened. The rabbi says, “you won’t believe this, my son Joshua moved away and when HE came back, he told me he converted to Christianity too”! The rabbi suggests they call God and tell him. The rabbi tells God that all three men had sons who moved away and converted to Christianity and don’t know what to do. God says to them, “you won’t believe this...” Why did the cat stop moving as soon as it stood up? Because it was on paws. Before moving into the new house, my wife insisted that I throw away stuff that "Don't spark joy"... I divorced the hag right away Scientists got so bored of watching the Earth spin that after 24 hours They called it a day. Why don’t scientists have doorbells in their houses? Because they want to win no-bell prize Interviewer: What's your greatest strength? Man: I can do math really fastInterviewer: What's 12 × 7Man: 54Interviewer: That's not even closeMan: Yes, but it was fast. Why aren’t there any Fourth of July knock-knock jokes? Because freedom rings. The members of the newly formed Justice League were introducing themselves to each other. S: “I’m Superman; I can fly, move at super speed, and have super strength.”B: “I’m Batman; I’m the world’s greatest detective, master of many martial arts, and have gadgets that can do almost anything.”GL: “I’m Green Lantern; my emerald bling can create constructs of anything I can imagine.”WW: “I’m Wonder Woman; I have super strength, can move at super speed, and have a lasso that compels people to tell the truth.”F: “I’m the Flash; I can move at super speed, phase through solid objects, and even travel through time.”A: “I’m Aquaman; I’m super strong and can communicate with aquatic creatures.”GA: “I’m Green Arrow; I tell cars when to turn left.” A Job Interview... "What is your biggest weakness? What is your biggest strength?" In my job interview, the interviewer told me I had done very well, and he had two final questions for me...1) what is your biggest weakness?2)what is your biggest strength?I said "Well my biggest weakness is that I have trouble discerning between real life and fantasy"The interview said "okay then, and what is your biggest strength then?"I replied " Hmm, either that I can fly, or that I can turn invisible." I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment.   ### Scalable Door Access Control Access Control One Door at a Time Scalable Access Control One of the nice things about technology is that devices generally do more things and become easier to use as time goes by.  This has certainly been true with access control systems. The first door access control systems required a skilled technician to install the system. There was quite a lot of complex wiring from each door reader to the main controller box. The new IP Reader-Controllers connect to the network and are intelligent. One of the most significant advantages is the ability to install one door at a time. This article reviews the incremental capability of these new IP access control systems. Evolution of Access Control The older access control systems had several door readers connected to a central controller. The wiring was more complicated than the new IP systems since individual signal and control wires were required to read the ID number, open the door lock, control the Request to Exit (REX) signals, and monitor the door open condition. These systems usually required several readers connected to the controller to be economical. Today IP access control systems have become popular. These systems don’t use central controllers but instead, have all the electronics at the door. They use proximity or RFID credentials, Bluetooth smartphone connections, or use biometrics for the key. Access control management software makes it easy to enter and manage the credential and people database. To learn more about the history of access control, see our video, How Biometric Readers Work. One Door at a Time Installation of Access Control   The advantage of IP door access control is its ability to install one door at a time. You can start with a single door and then grow incrementally to hundreds of doors.  The installation and software allow you to install a single door and incrementally add additional doors as required. Here are the installation steps. Select the IP Reader-Controller There are three types of IP door readers. Reader-Controllers that connect to the networkIP Controllers with separate readersBiometric reader-controllers IP reader-controllers Reader-Controllers: The Isonas reader-controllers connect directly to the network. These IP door readers are the simplest to install and are best used for small to mid-sized applications that don’t require advanced features. They use a card or keyfob, or mobile smartphone credential for entry control. Each credential has a unique number, which allows the security personnel to track who has entered the building. The readers can also include a keypad for entering a PIN code. IP Controller with a separate reader: This system is the most flexible solution and provides additional functionality. The controller connects to the network and is powered using PoE. The IP controller is located at the door and has a connection to a slave door reader. It supports a single reader or back-to-back readers. Several types of door readers can connect to the IP controller, such as smartphone Bluetooth readers that can open a door with the swipe of your hand. To learn more, please look at the Enterprise access control system from Hartmann. Biometric Reader-Controllers: These IP readers provide the highest security level because they use a person’s fingerprint or other biometric information to gain access. Face recognition systems have become more reliable and can even identify a person wearing a protective mask. Some of these panels include temperature measurement capability.  There are also multi-modal systems that include card credentials. To learn more, look at our article, Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems. Select the Electric Lock The electric lock is an essential part of your door access control system. You can select either a magnetic lock or an electric strike to secure a door. The maglock is simpler to install but requires special exit hardware that is defined by local fire ordinances. The electric lock is wired to the pigtails attached to the reader-controller. Please read Access Control Locks FAQ – Fail-Secure or Fail-Safe, to learn more about selecting the electric lock Electric Lock Wire the Reader-Controller The IP door access control systems are straightforward to install. The reader-controllers are located near the door and use a network drop with PoE. You don’t have to worry about running a complex wire harness back to a controller since everything is located at the door. The wiring diagram shows an example that uses the Isonas reader-control. The reader controller connects to your network. You can use a network switch that includes PoE or add PoE injectors.  The pigtail on the back of the reader-controller provides all the connections to the strike, REX, motion detector, door open sensor, and any other equipment required at the door. All these IP Reader-Controllers can be installed on one door at a time. You can grow your door access control system incrementally without having to add an expensive central controller. Access Control with Electric Strike Read our article to learn more about How to Wire Your Door Access Control System. Door Access Control Summary The latest door access control systems attach directly to the network. This makes them very easy to install at one door at a time. They can be incrementally expanded by simply adding additional reader-controllers at each door.  The access control management software is designed to enable easy expansion.  For help selecting your door access control system, contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Camera, Sound, Action on the Network Digital Audio and Your Security System Integrating IP Video and Audio Just like old-time movies had no sound, the first surveillance cameras were just video.  Adding sound to the movies provided that additional feeling of reality to their entertainment.  Adding sound to security systems increased our safety.  The sound provided better clues about what we were seeing. For example, if we saw two people together, we would react differently if we heard laughing or yelling.  Audio technology provides a flexible enhancement to security. From speakers attached to cameras to paging systems and apartment intercoms, this article reviews the integration of audio into a security system. What Audio Specs are Important? When we add audio to a security system, some specifications are more important than others. Here are the more important specifications for IP paging and Intercoms. Watts per Channel IP speakers attached to the network or a camera and use amplifiers to provide enough sound volume in a specific area. The sound level is related to the type of speaker, the amplifier's wattage, and is measured in dB. What is the right sound level? It depends on the size of the room (area) and the background noise. For example, normal conversation is between 58 dB and 65dB.  The threshold for pain and hearing damage is about 130 dB.  We want to select sound levels that are between these extremes and hopefully above the background noise. The optimal volume is the point where everyone hears the page. An 8-watt amplifier can provide about 109 dB of sound. This is about the sound level of a screaming child. If we use a 40-watt amplifier, we get a slight sound increase (around 117 dB). You may not be able to tell the difference between these sound levels, but your ears will still hurt.  To learn more about the right sound level read our article, What is the Right Sound Level for Your Paging Speakers? Sound Frequency Range The frequency range of the sound determines if we can hear the bass drum or maybe the violin. Audiophiles would like to hear sound between 20 and 20,000Hz, but in reality, most people can’t hear frequencies above 15KHz. The human auditory system is most sensitive to frequencies between 2,000 and 5,000Hz. Cameras that Detect Gunshots and Screaming Several IP cameras include built-in microphones that can detect loud noises. The camera includes specialized intelligence that identifies the sound and then alerts the security monitoring person. The security person can be alerted by a message, email, or text message on their computer or smartphone.  The X-Series of IP cameras from Hanwha include advanced camera intelligence that can detect a scream or gunshot. Intercoms Attached to Cameras IP camera systems are the new standard for CCTV. The technology not only provides high-definition color, but we can also add microphones and speakers to the cameras. The intercom includes the audio processing and amplification and the call button that alerts the user that someone is at the door. A special interface is used to make it easy to connect an intercom to a camera. The interface connects to a network connection that includes PoE. The power is distributed to the intercom and the IP camera using network cables, making the installation easy.  To learn more, please read Intercoms for IP Camera Systems and Door Access Control Intercom Attached to Camera Intercoms and Access Control Intercoms can be used in an office to control visitors and are an excellent addition to an access control system.  There is a relay inside the IP intercom that can be used to control the electric lock. It can also be wired to the access controller. Either way, the intercom can override the access control system to allow a visitor to enter. Intercom Controls the Door An IP camera can be added to this system. This allows you to see the person you are talking to and check if more than one person is waiting at the door.  To learn more, please read our article, Access Control Enhanced With Intercoms. Apartment Intercoms Android tablets with a microphone, speaker, and a built-in camera provide a video intercom for a multi-tenant building. The apartment intercom is a device that includes a touchscreen that allows the user to select the person they want to contact. The IP intercom panel provides wireless audio and video communication to the tenant’s smartphone or wired phone. In addition, it includes a door relay that can release the electric lock at the door. These intercoms are used by any organization that has multiple tenants. You can learn more about the Apartment Intercom by reading our article. Apartment Intercom Emergency Notification Whether there’s a fire or a lockdown, the PA over IP paging system distributes the message across your enterprise. Emergency Buttons Emergency alert buttons can be placed at various parts of the facility and connected to your IP security system. This means you can provide different responses depending on the location. You can also have unique buttons for specific emergencies. For example, you can respond to a fire or establish a lockdown depending on the button pushed. To learn more about using buttons, read our article, Automated Emergency Notifications and Response. Mass Notification Sophisticated software is available that can notify everyone in your organization about an emergency. The IP-PACast is a state-of-the-art system that includes advanced software and hardware. It includes everything you need when everyone must get the critical message. This powerful communication system integrates many different platforms such as mobile and on-premises devices to ensure everyone gets the message.  To learn more about mass emergency notification, please read Mass Emergency Notification Product Comparison. IP Cameras Provide Automated Audio Announcements. Intelligent IP cameras provide pre-recorded audio messages that can be played automatically. In addition, the cameras have built-in “if-then” logic that allows you to determine when the audio will be broadcast. For example, If the camera detects motion, or a person crossing a virtual line, the camera can say, “Please leave. You are entering a restricted area!” To learn more, go to Automated Audio Playback On Event. IP Audio and Security Summary Audio has become an essential part of security systems. Intercoms attach to IP cameras or directly to the network. The paging message can be delivered from a computer or your smartphone, providing increased safety in emergencies. In addition, automated announcements, emergency notifications, and apartment intercoms provide increased safety and security. For help selecting your IP audio system, contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-78 The Priest was preparing a man for his long day's journey into night Whispering firmly, the Priest said, "Denounce the devil! Let him know how little you think of him! "The dying man said nothing. The Priest repeated his order. Still, the man said nothing. The Priest asked, "Why do you refuse to denounce the devil and his evil? "The dying man said, "Until I know for sure where I'm heading, I don't think I ought to aggravate anybody." Be Glad Your Nose Is on Your Face Jack Prelutsky - 1940- Be glad your nose is on your face,not pasted on some other place,for if it were where it is not,you might dislike your nose a lot. Imagine if your precious nosewere sandwiched in between your toes,that clearly would not be a treat,for you'd be forced to smell your feet. Your nose would be a source of dreadwere it attached atop your head,it soon would drive you to despair,forever tickled by your hair. Within your ear, your nose would bean absolute catastrophe,for when you were obliged to sneeze,your brain would rattle from the breeze. Your nose, instead, through thick and thin,remains between your eyes and chin,not pasted on some other place--be glad your nose is on your face! Disney has been doing some psychology studies about well being of little people. After 4 long years and multiple studies, they concluded... 6 out of 7 dwarves aren't Happy. Albert Einstein created many concepts for modern physics. His brother, Frank, however, created a monster. What is the most terrifying word in Nuclear physics? Oops!!!! What's the difference between Quantum Physics and Politics? In politics, the results won't change no matter how you measure them. Some Star Puns How do you get clean in outer space?You take a meteor shower. What is money called in space?Star bucks. What do starlets like to read before bed?Comet books! What did the alien say when he saw a gardener?"Take me to your weeder!" My teenage son treats me like a god.He acts like I don't exist until he wants something. If Elon Musk's space company establishes a Mars colony, and you have a girlfriend on mars, but later break up because of long distance, she'd be your.... Space x. The village blacksmith found an apprentice willing to work long and hard. The blacksmith told the boy, "When I take the shoes out of the fire, I'll lay them on the anvil, and when I nod my head, hit it with the hammer." The apprentice did as he was told.Now he's the village blacksmith. An old married couple is in church one Sunday when the woman turns to her husband and says, "I've just let out a really long, silent fart. What should I do?" The husband turns back to her and says, "Replace the battery in your hearing aid." My friend had a long life dream of studying carbonation in soda. After many years of schooling, he accomplished his dream... ...he became a licensed Fizzyologist. A tough old rancher once told his grandson that the secret to a long life was to sprinkle a little gunpowder on his oatmeal every morning. The grandson did this religiously, and he lived to be 97. When he died, he left behind 14 children, 27 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and a 15-foot hole in the wall of the crematorium. What do you call a really long metaphor?It's like, a metafive Milk is goodBut it could be butter People call me self-centered.But that's enough about them. Grandmother talking to her daughter: "These are the most expensive hearing aids you can buy. They cost me $4,000.Daughter asked, "what kind are they?"Grandmother, "It's 4:15 pm." I always carry a picture of my wife and kids in my wallet. I do it to remind myself why there is no money in there. Clarinet By Chera Hammons Apart, we are two quiet things:a person and an instrument.I in my body,the clarinet in its case. We are like good friends.The clarinet takes nothing away from me.It lets me borrow its notes. If I loan it my breath,I can speak with its sweet voice.Together, we will make a worldfull of song. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Camera System Site Survey How to Install Your IP Camera System for Best Surveillance Coverage Surveillance IP Camera You only need one blind spot to miss the critical video of someone taking your merchandise, a person falling, someone stealing a car or the wrong person in the computer room. Therefore, selecting the right IP cameras and their location is an essential part of providing a secure and safe environment. This article helps you understand how to get the best coverage for your IP camera system. It describes how to develop your site survey, select the correct cameras, resolution, lens, and location. There are several things to consider when planning and installing your IP camera system. Before you purchase the system, consider your goals, and then draw a layout of the areas that you want to cover with surveillance. Once you know the areas that each camera will cover, you can select the type of camera and the lens. The Site Survey Defines the Camera Locations The site survey will ensure the coverage that you need. The diagram below allows us to find the best camera placement and estimate the lens angle for each camera. The triangles illustrate the camera coverage. IP Camera Site Survey When you make the diagram consider the following items: How large an area do you want to view?What detail do you want to see with your cameras?  Do you want to view people or be able to identify their faces?Do you want to operate day and night?Will you be viewing an area that has a very bright background, such as viewing people in a lobby with a large bright window?Do you want to be alerted to alarm conditions? After you draw a diagram of the surveillance area, you can select the right cameras and lenses. Select the type of Surveillance Camera IP Camera System There are many different types of IP cameras. One camera doesn't fit every application. For example, you don't want to select an outdoor camera if you plan to use the camera inside. Why pay more for something you don't need. Different applications require different camera capabilities. You may need special cameras for specific viewing situations. For example, if there is low light, you can select a camera with good low-light performance or one that includes a built-in IR illuminator. On the other hand, if there is a bright background, you will need a camera with an excellent wide dynamic range (WDR).  There are Panoramic cameras that can view 360-degree, and PTZ cameras that include long-range lenses so you can view a license plate hundreds of feet away.   Don't forget that the video recording and management system is an integral part of your surveillance system. For more information, please read The Best IP camera for Your Application. Resolution of the IP Camera Do you need a 2-Megapixel camera or an 8-Megapixel IP Camera?  There are two things to consider when selecting the camera's resolution. The first is how much detail you require across the object(s), and the second factor is how wide a field of view you would like. Before selecting the camera and lens, determine your objectives. The objectives include the detail you would like to see. For example, do you want to see an object but don't care what it is, or maybe you would like to identify the type of vehicle or identify a person's face. Each one of the objectives requires a different camera, resolution, and lens. Resolution Required Across the Object The resolution across the object is measured in pixels/inch (or pixels/meter). The more pixels on the target (or objects), the more detail we can see. For example, we need 80 pixels across a person's face to be able to identify who they are, but we need much less resolution to see a crowd of people.    IP Camera Field of View These objectives are classified by the acronym DORI (Detection, Observation, Recognition, and Identification). The old classification was DRI (Detection, Recognition, and Identification). DRI was used by the military using thermal cameras to view tanks, trucks, and enemy soldiers. DORI is the updated definition used for general surveillance applications. Detection: You would like to be alerted if the camera sees something moving in the distance. In this case, you don't care what the object is. The distance for detection depends on the size of the object and the number of pixels across the object. For example, it is easier to detect a truck than a person. Observation: This criterion provides enough resolution to be able to see some identifying features, such as the color of a person's shirt or that an object is a man or woman by the type of clothes they wear. Recognition: This class provides enough resolution to be able to identify a person that is known to you. The recognition is based on the clothes they wear and possibly how they walk.  This level of pixel coverage allows you to identify a license plate. Identification: This resolution provides enough detail to be able to recognize a person's face you don't know. Resolution and Field of View Once we know how many pixels we need across an object, we can decide how many of these objects we can see simultaneously (in the field of view). The resolution of the IP camera determines the width of the field of view. The higher the resolution, the wider the area we can see. Resolution Comparison Many IP cameras are available with sensor resolutions between 2-Megapixels to over 12-Megapixels. Please read The Best IP camera for Your Application for more information about the right IP camera. The Right Lens for the IP Camera The lens determines how far away you can see an object. We used to rely on lens mm specification, but today we use the lens angle to determine the camera's distance and field of view. The smaller the angle, the higher the magnification. Lenses are usually included with the IP camera, so you need to look at the camera specifications to make sure you get the right camera and lens.   For example, a camera with a 33-degree lens can read a license plate at a distance of 39 feet. A 26-degree lens provides enough magnification to see the license plate 66 ft. away. See the article, Calculating What You Can See With Your IP Camera for more information about the field of view and the distance. Camera System Installation Summary It is important to create a diagram that shows the position of all your cameras and where they will be mounted. This ensures that you cover the important surveillance areas, and provides the information you need to select the right camera and the lens. It is always essential to understand your objectives as you create the site survey. This helps you determine the correct resolution, light sensitivity, and other specifications for each camera. If you need help with your IP camera system coverage, contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Access Control Locks FAQ – Fail-Secure or Fail-Safe Door Access Control and How to Configure the Electric Lock Access Control Locks Configuring the electric lock is an essential part of your access control system installation. The electric lock can be configured for Fail-safe or Fail-secure. What is better? The answer is not that simple. Here are some of the frequently asked questions that we received. The answers will help you decide how to configure your door access control system. Q:   In an access control system, what are the differences between fail-safe and fail-secure? Are they referring to the door, the lock, or the access control system? A:    These terms refer to how the electric lock is powered and wired. This is important during a power failure and when there is a fire or other emergency. The "secure" or "safe" modes are defined by people entering the door. Fail-secure, is also called Fail-locked or non-fail safe. In this configuration, the door stays locked if there is a power failure. The electric strike requires current to open the lock so if power is lost, the lock stays shut.  People can't get in if the door has a strike in the fail-secure configuration and a power failure occurs. But, people can still exit by turning the knob from the inside.  A maglock would require a backup battery to be configured in a fail-secure configuration. Fail-Safe,     or in fail-open configuration, the door is unlocked if there is a power failure. A maglock is an example of a fail-safe type of lock because it requires a current to stay closed so this is "safer" in a fire. Q:   For the end-user, why is it important to know the differences between fail-safe and fail-secure? A:    The end-user should understand the safety implications of both configurations. There are two situations to consider when installing the locks used in an access control system: Power Failure: A fail-secure keeps people out.  Fail-safe allows people to enter. Fire or other Emergency: people can leave the building in an emergency when the locks are In a fail-safe mode. It also allows emergency personnel to enter the building. Locked Door Q:   Are there specific doors/entry points in the building that fail-safe electric locks can better serve? Are there other access control points that are better served by fail-secure? Why? A:    In most cases, the user makes the decision based on security versus safety. There may be a reason to use fail-secure in internal doors. For example, you may want to keep the computer room secure during a power failure. But, remember, if there is a fire in the computer room, there is a need to allow the fire emergency people to enter the room. If necessary the lock on the door can include a key that can be used when there is a power failure. The door can be unlocked even if the power is off. Q:   I read that "Electric strikes on fire doors must be fail-secure, so the door is positively-latched if there is a fire. Doing so keeps areas and stairwells closed-off to help keep a fire from spreading. While you need a fail-secure electric strike, it's recommended to have a fail-safe door." Can you explain this a bit? How can you have fail-secure and fail-safe at the same time? A:    Staircase doors require a complicated strategy because people may need to use them in an emergency. You don't want to prevent people from using a stairway in a fire if that is the only exit. You also don't want to prevent egress from the stairwell to outside safety. The local fire codes define how your access control works, but here are some things to consider. The lock can be configured separately for exit and entry. Doors with maglocks are fail-safe when power is lost (and there is no backup power). If the power is on, these locks can be equipped with exit devices that facilitate exit in a fire.  For example, a door can include a REX (Request to Exit) button, a motion detector, a crash bar, or a power control from the fire alarm box that assures the door is easily opened in an emergency. When exit mechanisms are used, the maglock lock becomes safe for egress even when power is on but remains secure for entry. The electric strike can also be configured to stay locked when power is on or off. The strike provides an easy exit because the person can turn the knob to exit.  Q:   As an end-user, how do I know if I should use fail-safe, fail-secure, or a little bit of both? What are some of the factors based on which to decide? Fail-Safe or Fail-Secure Locks A:    The decision is between security (keeping doors closed during a power failure) versus safety (ensuring that the doors are opened in a fire or other emergency). Local fire codes determine the locking mode of your access control system. Usually, the fire code indicates that the doors should all be opened during a fire (fail-safe). For egress, the electric strike is easier to deal with than a maglock. A door with a strike can be opened from the inside by turning the knob. If the power is on, the maglock stays closed, so you need additional exit equipment to make it safe in an emergency. Some fire codes indicate that fire and emergency personnel must be allowed entry if there is an emergency. In this case, the lock must be fail-safe. Q:   In terms of installing my door access control system, which is harder to install, fail-safe, or fail-secure? Or pretty much the same? How about cost? Which one is more expensive? A:    When using a strike, there is usually no difference in cost or installation. Most strikes have two modes that are selected by the wiring.  Maglocks would require an extra battery to provide power during a power failure, so they are more expensive and more complicated to install. For more information, see my article Access Control and Fire Alarm System Integration. Summary Access Control Fail-Safe and Fail Secure The answer to what type of electric lock you should use is determined by whether you require safety or security and, in many cases, the fire codes for your region. For more details, take a look at the article, Fail safe vs. fail secure: Why you should know the difference. If you would like help selecting your door access control systems, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-77 Some pick-up lines from engineers Let's convert our potential energy to kinetic energy.You fascinate me more than the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.Wanna come back to my room? ...and see my new gaming laptop? It's got a 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i9-10980HK computer.Why don't we measure the coefficient of static friction between you and me? Dad Jokes My doctor told me I'm going deaf.The news was hard for me to hear. Social distancing has been very stressful for the Flat Earth SocietyThey fear such messages will push someone over the edge. People are usually shocked when they find out I am not a good electrician. I arrived early at the restaurant. The manager said do you mind waiting a bit? I said, "no."Good, he said. Take these drinks to table nine. A pessimist sees a dark tunnel.An optimist sees light at the end of the tunnel.A realist sees a freight train.The train engineer sees three idiots standing on the track. My wife asked me to put ketchup on the shopping list.Now I can't read anything. My GPS just told me to turn around.Now I can't see where I'm driving. I told my son he shouldn't listen to losersNow he won't talk to me Shel Silverstein The ham's on your pillow,The egg's in your sheet,The bran muffin's rollin"Down under your feet,There's milk in the mattressAnd juice on the spread –Well, you said that you wantedYour breakfast in bed. Two older women, Marie & Edith, were driving. Neither could see over the dashboard. As they were cruising along, they came to an intersection. The stoplight was red, but they just went on through. Edith, in the passenger seat, thought to herself: "I must be losing it; I could have sworn we just went through a red light." After a few more minutes, they came to another intersection, and the light was red again, and again they went right through. This time Edith was almost sure that the light had been red but was really concerned that she was losing it. She was getting nervous and decided to pay very close attention to the road and the next intersection to see what was going on. At the next intersection, sure enough, the light was definitely red, and they went right through. She turned to Marie and said: "Marie! Did you know we just ran through three red lights in a row! You could have killed us!" Marie turned to her and said: "Oh, am I driving?" Advice To a Graduating Class from Baz Luhrmann. This is an excerpt from "Everybody's Free (to wear sunscreen)" Wear sunscreen.If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice nowEnjoy the power and beauty of your youth; or never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagineDon't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing Bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things thatNever crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindsides you at 4 PM on some idle Tuesday. Some Science Jokes Why does a burger have less energy than a steak?A burger is in its ground state. I have a new theory on inertia, but it doesn't seem to be gaining momentum. What did the thermometer say to the graduated cylinder?You may have graduated, but I've got many degrees. Einstein developed a theory about space.It was about time too. A dung beetle walks into a bar and says, "Is this stool taken?" Bacteria is the only culture some people have. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Physical Security Systems Integration of Access Control, IP Cameras, and IP Paging IP Physical Security Systems IP security devices are network-attached appliances such as IP cameras, IP door access control, IP intercoms, and paging. These security devices communicate using IP protocols and share the network with computers, printers, scanners, NVRs, and other network-attached devices. When we provide interaction or cooperation between two or more devices or agents, we produce a combined effect more significant than the sum of their parts. That's synergy. And that's what we get when we integrate IP camera systems, IP door access control systems, and paging and intercom systems. We provide increased security. This article discusses how these three IP security systems work together. Evolution of IP Physical Security Each type of IP security system provided a specific type of security and added safety for the organization. Here's a short review of each of the IP security systems. IP Camera Systems IP cameras were introduced in 1996 and replaced analog CCTV cameras. For many years' cameras were the primary security devices, providing surveillance of the organization, parking lots, and roads. They are still used to detect theft, review accidents, and record people entering a facility.  To learn more about the history of video surveillance, please look at our article "The History of Video Surveillance." IP camera systems are an essential part of the overall security of schools, factories, and hospitals. The latest IP cameras include intelligence that provides immediate notification of security threats. XNP-8300 PTZ Camera IP Door Access Control Access Control Diagram Door access control systems became popular in the 1980s and increased safety by controlling people's entry into an organization. The early door readers used barcode or Wiegand credentials. All these door readers connect to a central access controller. The access control system determined who came in a specific door and what date and time they could enter. In 1999 there was a significant advancement in access control technology when Isonas introduced the first network-attached IP reader-controller. These door control systems combined the door reader and the controller into one device that was now situated at the door. The new IP access control systems are replacing the older centralized analog systems. The latest access control systems include the option of using your face or smartphone as a credential providing touchless door entry. IP Intercoms and Paging Systems Digital Acoustics introduced network-attached IP Paging and Intercoms in 2004. These network-attached audio devices replaced the older analog amplifier and speaker system. The new IP intercoms and paging devices are powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet), making them very easy to install. The latest mass notification software provides the ability to make a page from your smartphone and reach people on and off the campus.   IP Intercom Integration of IP Security Devices Integration of Security Systems The Integration of IP cameras, access control, intercoms, and IP paging provides a synergy that increases safety and security. The key to the integration of all these systems hinges on the new software available. Increase Visitor Management Security Visitor Management Systems gather information, so there is a record of who entered and provide documentation of where the visitor went in the organization. They also provide some safeguards such as criminal databases and do-not-admit blacklists. Integration of IP cameras and Access Control enables safer visitor management control by providing a visual record and controlling access to critical areas. The IP cameras help watch the visitor areas, while Door Access Control allows the people who work at the facility to enter the door using their credentials.   Monitor Temperature, Masks, and Faces Biometric panels use built-in cameras to identify a person's face, check for a face mask, and screen for elevated temperature. These temperature screening panels provide additional health safety and use biometric credentials to control who can enter the organization. Improve Door Access Control Security by Viewing Who Came In Access Control and IP Cameras IP camera systems monitor the doors controlled by access control systems, increasing its security. For example, an IP camera records all the people that used their credentials to enter a door. The historical recording can be used to determine if the right person has entered. The integration allows the safety person to check for anyone using a stolen credential. The Access Control Management software from Hartmann integrates with several video management systems. The integration allows the user to view cameras in the same user interface used to manage the access control system. IP intercoms are used to control visitors. Adding video allows the security person to see who's at the door. The Talkmaster Focus Video software adds live viewing of an IP camera to the intercom software. Apartment Intercoms, IP Cameras, and Access Control Integration Improve Building Security Apartment intercoms add safety features such as built-in cameras. Access control readers allow registered people to enter the apartment house or organization while visitors can use the  IP intercoms to request entrance. For example, if a delivery person uses the intercom, the person in the apartment can talk and see the person on their smartphone. This ensures that the right person enters and that other people are not let in the facility while the door is open. Mass Notification Systems The integration of IP paging systems, IP cameras, and mass notification software ensures that everyone is notified of an emergency. It also provides feedback that allows you to manage lockdowns or evacuation execution. The software uses the IP paging system, text, and other alerts to ensure everyone gets the message. Integration of IP Security Systems Summary The convergence of IP Paging and Intercom system with IP cameras and door access control provides increased security. The IP cameras provide immediate awareness of access to all the doors, while intercoms control the visitor entry. Mass notification systems work with all the other systems to provide increased safety during emergencies. If you would like help selecting the IP security systems, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Benefits of a Door Access Control System Why Purchase an IP Access Control System? Access Control Decisions When we need to make an access control purchasing decision, we are motivated by many different factors. Maybe we recognize that there are increasing threats to the organization, or maybe it's because something already happened.  Maybe there was an intruder, or an unauthorized person entered the computer room, or maybe some inventory was stolen from the warehouse. This article describes some of the benefits of IP access control systems and why it is a justifiable investment. Return-On-Investment Decisions In our personal lives, we may make a spur-of-the-moment decision to buy something, but In business, we try to make the best purchasing decisions; after all, we are trying to make sure we can justify the purchase. One of the key motivators in business is the return-on-investment (ROI). We will invest in marketing if it increases sales. We will purchase new machinery if it increases production. We will select the access control system if it meets our security requirements. Here are some reasons to make the access control decision. Protect your Employees – IP Access Control provides a safe working environment Sometimes these spending decisions can be complicated. Do we really need to improve working conditions or safety? The Industrial Revolution in 1760 created changes that included a shift of the population from the farms to the factories where workers were subjected to dangerous and difficult working conditions. It took many years to realize that people were more productive when they were safe and treated fairly. ROI: Access control allows the right people to enter and keeps out those who shouldn't be there. This keeps your employees safe. Safety is a Good ROI Access Control Protection The investment in workers' safety and security has been recognized as a good investment, resulting in improved profits. ROI: We certainly don't want disruptions caused by non-authorized visitors disturbing the employees. There have been too many deadly incidents mentioned in the news. Wireless Lobby Intercoms Add Security Intercoms that are similar to the ones used in apartment houses are used in large business organizations. The new wireless intercom allows you to contact the people in the organization to request entry into the building. The lobby intercom display provides a list of all the people in the facility. ROI: A lobby intercom can be used instead of hiring staff, saving you money. Access Control and Health The COVID pandemic has taught us that we need to be aware of how disease can be transmitted and take proactive measures to keep everyone healthy. The new temperature screening panels with face recognition help us improve safety. ROI:  Healthy workers are more productive and require less sick time. Access Control Systems Restrict Unauthorized Access & Reduce Theft By controlling who has access to where and at what time, we can protect the organization's assets. IP door access control monitors who enter the storage rooms, computer room, laboratory, and parking garage ensure that everything is kept secure. For example, within a university, you might have different departments with specialized and potentially dangerous assets, such as hazardous chemicals. For this, you want to know your business has role-based access. Ensuring only people with the right skills and authority can get hold of credentials related to specialized assets helps protect your employees and the organization's property.  ROI: Reduction in theft and insurance costs Customize Individual Schedules The access control management software allows you to set up time schedules for employees, short-term access for cleaners, or restrict certain areas.  ROI: Schedules provide control and management of your facility. If there is a problem, the access history can be reviewed so you can discover issues during specific periods.   Schedule Door Access Provide Remote Access Control Does a contractor need to access the building, but no one is on-site to let them in? You can provide access to your site remotely, and you always know who is coming and going.  The new access control systems include mobile apps that allow you to control the doors when you aren't at the facility. ROI: Saves time and provides more convenient control of entry to your organization. Access Control and Electronic Visitor, History Logging & Employee Reports The management software logs and records every door entry and provides historical reports. ROI: These door-entry reports allow you to see who is where in your building in case of an emergency. The log can also determine when a person entered a specific location in the building. Meet the Regulations in Healthcare Access control helps you meet HIPPA regulations. The systems provide data confidentiality, limits access to medication in Doctor's office and protect insurance documents.     ROI: By using access control systems to regulate who can go inside the medical facility, you meet the HIPPA regulations.  The access control system can limit access to biochemical waste or dangerous chemicals, thus reducing insurance costs. Justification of Access Control Summary Access control provides many benefits that help the organization save money and improve profitability. There is a significant return on investment when the employees are safe and happy. Not only does access control keep the wrong people out, but it also maintains a record of the people at work, reduces loss of inventory and equipment, manages visitors, and allows door control from remote locations. For help selecting the right access control system, please read our article, What is the Best Access Control System. Please contact us for help selecting the right access control system. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-76 An old priest died and arrived at the Gates of Heaven Next to him was a young Uber driver who died seconds ago from his reckless driving. The priest was called first, and St Peter said, "For your lifelong career working for the church, we will give you a small studio where you can stay for the rest of eternity." Then St Peter turned to the Uber driver and said, "For your 2 years as an Uber driver, we will give you a giant mansion by the lake and a Ferrari in a heated garage." The priest thought it was strange and unfair, and protested, "Why does the Uber driver deserve so much more than me when I have devoted my whole life the church and God?" St Peter explained, "You see - during your sermons, half of the audience was sleeping, and the other half was just looking at their phones; but when the Uber driver was driving, everyone was praying!" Getting Older It's the start of a brand new day, and I'm off like a herd of turtles.The older I get, the earlier it gets late.When l say, "The other day," I could be referring to any time between yesterday and 15 years ago.I remember being able to get up without making sound effects.Age 60 might be the new 40, but 9:00 pm is the new midnight. A math teacher welcomed a new French exchange student into her class and then started teaching fractions. The French exchange student raised his hand and said, "Excuse me, Madam, but I don't know how to say fractions. How do you say those?" "Easy," said the teacher, "you just say the top number, and then the bottom number is read as an ordinal number. For example, 2/3 is 'two-thirds,' 3/4 is 'three-fourths,' and 2/5 is 'two-fifths." "Thanks, I understand, "said the exchange student. "Good," said the teacher, and then asked the student, "so how do you say 4/8?" "Should I reduce?" asked the boy. "That would be best," said the teacher. "One-second," said the boy. "Take as long as you need," said the teacher. I just ended a long-term relationship today. I'm not too bothered; it wasn't mine. Tim decided to tie the knot with his long-time girlfriend. One evening, after the honeymoon, he was organizing his golfing equipment. His wife was standing nearby, watching him. After a long period of silence, she finally speaks: "Tim, I've been thinking, now that we're married, maybe it's time you quit golfing. You spend so much time on the course. You could probably get a good price for your clubs." Tim gets this horrified look on his face. She says, "Darling, what's wrong?" "For a minute there, you were beginning to sound like my ex-wife." "Ex-wife!" she screams, "I didn't know you were married before!" "I wasn't," he replied. Random Thoughts I had my patience tested. I'm negative.Remember, if you lose a sock in the dryer, it comes back as a Tupperware lid that doesn't fit any of your containers.If you're sitting in public and a stranger takes the seat next to you, just stare straight ahead and say, "Did you bring the money?"I run like the windedI hate when a couple argues in public, and I missed the beginning and don't know whose side I'm on.When l ask for directions, please don't use words like "East" or "West." Nate the Snake There once was an island in the middle of the ocean, shaped somewhat like a dog bone, with two populated ends separated by a long narrow strip of land with a highway connecting the island's two ends. Oddly enough, the entire island was held up from sinking into the ocean by a big lever, which sat in the very middle of the island, in the median of the highway. The land was so narrow that there was barely room for the highway, with no shoulder on either side and just enough room for the lever in the median. Everyone knew If this lever was ever pulled, the entire island would sink. This island also had a very old, very friendly snake named Nate, the island's unofficial mascot. He was well known and loved by all the islanders and was very well respected. One day, a man was driving from one end of the island to the other, and as he was nearing the middle of the island, he saw something in the middle of the road. As he got closer, he realized it was Nate, crossing the road. He started to swerve into the other lane to avoid running over Nate but realized he was coming up on the lever, and if he swerved, he would sink the entire island, killing everyone. At the last second, he made the fateful decision to... run over Nate, killing him instantly. As he drove away, he looked in the mirror and saw the dead snake, smushed in the middle of the road, shrugged his shoulders, and muttered "Better Nate than lever." I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Mass Emergency Notification Product Comparison The Best Mass Emergency Notification System Mass Notification System A Mass Emergency Notification System is a communication system that alerts people to a dangerous situation. The system includes software and hardware and uses multiple communication channels to provide the information necessary to facilitate an appropriate response and action to a situation that could be life-threatening. Though mass notification systems were created for time-sensitive emergencies, they can also be used to provide general information that can help manage large organizations. The best notification systems are easy to use and broadcast timely alerts to the right set of people depending on the emergency. This article reviews mass notification systems. It will help you make the right choice. Types of Mass Notification Systems If you search on Google for “emergency mass notification systems,” you will find millions of results. It can be challenging to select the right solution. There are government emergency alerts, local public address systems, Email and text notifications, fire alarms, and public display signs. Applications for Mass Notification We should always consider the application before selecting the mass notification solution. For example, the FCC provides Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), a significant part of America’s emergency preparedness, to warn the populace of dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations. The alerts are sent to compatible cell phones and other mobile devices. Public Safety applications include an active shooter, severe weather alerts, a building lockdown, or the need to evacuate the building because of fire.  There are campus paging systems used in schools, but sometimes we need to communicate with people using their smartphones or Email. Features of Mass Notifications to Consider It is essential to understand that a text or Email may not reach all people. It is crucial to select a system that includes multiple communication channels that ensures that everyone gets the message. Here are some of the features to consider: Provides immediate message capabilityEasy setup to assure that the right people are reached in the appropriate situationUses multiple formats and channels to reach all the peopleAutomated notifications that make the system easy to use in an emergencyCan reach everyone wherever they areConfirm responses and be able to escalate the distributionMonitor notifications in real-timeBe resilient so that it can handle network outages, power failures, or other channel disruptions Comparison of Emergency Notification Systems Comparison of Mass Notification Systems There are many systems available that provide mass notifications. The best system depends on your specific requirements.  For example, some systems only send text messages, while others include digital signs, audio paging, and intercom notification. Text and Message Systems Government agencies use Gov Delivery and eNotify to notify groups of people. They use email subscriptions to provide a communication channel for non-critical information.  OneCall Now is another system that provides telephone, text, and email messages to groups of people. These systems don’t provide digital signage or live audio alerts that could be critical in emergencies where people don’t have smartphones. Digital Signage Alerts In some emergencies, people outdoors or at large gatherings can be alerted by digital signage. Large digital signage helps notify people of missing children or active shooter situations. For example, Everbridge and Rave can send messages to digital signs as well as text and email messages. Alerts to Local Computers There are some systems, such as IP-PACast, that provide push notifications to computers. It provides local on-premises notifications that help get the message to everyone. Audio Paging Alerts Some systems such as One Call Now, Everbridge, Iris, and Rave include pre-recorded audio alerts. Still, it may be essential to include live audio announcements to handle unplanned situations. Computer Notification Multiple Channel and Device Notification System One of the complete mass notification systems is IP-PACast. It includes many of the features listed above, which makes it one of the most flexible solutions available. It even includes a Mobile App that can trigger the IP-PACast system or make an enterprise page. It provides multiple channels that assure you reach everyone.   IP-PACast is a sophisticated software system that also integrates with Microsoft Teams. During an emergency, time is of the essence. If someone notices a situation unfolding that requires them to alert others, they can send out a message through Microsoft Teams. Summary of Emergency Mass Notification Systems There are several emergency notification systems on the market. Some provide limited communication channels and are designed for non-emergency applications. The systems that are designed for emergency notification provide robust communication methods and are suitable for contacting people no matter where they may be. If you would like help selecting the right mass notification system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Door Access Control - Commercial Versus Residential Systems Comparison of Door Access Systems Access Control Systems A Door Access Control System consists of an electronic door reader, the door access controller, electric lock, and access control management software. Both the residential and commercial access control systems have all the same components, yet they have very different capabilities. This article compares the difference between commercial enterprise and residential access control systems. The primary difference between residential and commercial access control systems is the number of people and doors they can control. Here is a comparison of the feature and functions of the two types of access control systems Access Control Comparison Chart Residential Usually includes simple PIN for access control Very few Users (one to five users) A small number of door readers Simple credentials include PIN or card credentials Limited functions Limited integration with other security systems Commercial Advanced Credentials Many users (one to thousands) Many door readers Sophisticated credentials include cards, Bluetooth mobile smartphone, and biometric options Sophisticated programming functions Optional integration with other security systems such as IP camera systems and PA over IP systems and intercoms. Provides lock-down and law enforcement notification Residential Access Control Door Readers The door readers used in residential applications usually use a PIN for entry control (though some have a card credential option). The user is assigned a four or five-digit number that they enter on the reader's keypad. This is not as secure as the readers used in commercial applications. For example, Doorking provides a selection of outdoor readers that are used for doors or gates to control access.  The readers store up to 400 PIN codes and can be programmed from the keypad. They require a separate electric lock. Dromakaba provides complete PIN access control and lock assemblies that can be easily installed in a residential home. Some systems offer optional RFID card credentials. These readers are used for one or two doors and are not designed for multiple door applications. They provide limited protection. The PIN is the least secure method of access control. For more details about security, please read, Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems. Commercial Enterprise Access Control Door Readers Though you can get commercial door readers with just a PIN entry, they are usually sold with cards or other credentials. Besides card credentials, you can select mobile credentials that use a Bluetooth connection to your smartphone or biometric door readers. There are commercial door readers such as the Isonas readers that include a built-in controller. They attach to the network and are controlled by sophisticated cloud-based management software.  The Hartmann door access control system has a separate network-attached IP controller and a wide selection of readers. For example, a Bluetooth connected smartphone mobile door reader lets you open the door by waving your hand in front of the reader. Apartment intercoms and elevator access controllers can be added to the access control system, providing a complete security system for commercial properties. If you require temperature monitoring, you can add a temperature scanning panel. All these reader-controllers are designed for applications where there are many doors and hundreds of users. Door Access Control Management Software The management software is one of the critical differences between residential and enterprise commercial access control systems.  The software is essential when there are many users. The access control software makes it easy to enroll all the users. Here are some of the essential functions that are required in commercial applications: Access Privilege Defines Who, When, and Where a Person Can Enter Each individual can be assigned to specific groups. For example, office workers can enter the front door only from 9 am to 5 pm. The management team can enter through the front or back door and enter anytime between 8 am and 10 pm. The security person can open any door at any time. All this is controlled by setting up access privilege groups and then assigning them to each group. Enter Holidays and Special Events Advanced systems not only allow you to enter holidays, but they also allow you to establish special events. In this way, your organization can schedule an open house and adjust who can come for that one particular event. Handling Special Situations In a crisis, it may be necessary to change how the door locks behave. In an emergency, you can prevent certain users from opening a door. You can establish each user's security level and then assign these levels to the crisis groups. In a crisis, anyone with a higher security level can use the door while the lower levels can't open the door. Reports The access control management software provides reports that allow you to track the activities relating to door access. The report can show the time someone entered and the door they used. If you add door readers for exit control, you can tell when the person left. Only authorized system administrators have access to these reports. The reports can also tell you when access was denied. You can tell if an ex-employee tried to use their credential to get in or if a credential was used in an anti-passback violation. By using an optional IP camera system, you can match the people with the credentials used to open a door. Access Control Integration with other Security Systems Commercial access control can integrate with other security systems. For example, you can add elevator control, intercoms, or IP camera systems.  It is possible to use a surveillance camera to view the door in a residential environment, but the two systems are not integrated. If you would like to check who entered the door at a specific time, you need to review the recorded video and search for the correct time. Access Control and Visitor Management Integration In a commercial system, the access control and the IP camera system can be integrated. The system allows you to see the video using the access control management system. Some residential access control systems have IP intercoms, but they are not easy to install and are not flexible. The commercial systems integrate IP intercoms so that the security person can see the visitors at the door and then remotely open the door. Commercial versus Residential Access Control Summary Residential systems cost less than commercial systems. The reason is that they provide less security and functionality required in a commercial application. Access control management software is one of the critical components of a commercial system. It provides the power to support hundreds of users and doors. Please contact us for help selecting the right access control system. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-75 A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, 'I'm drawing God.' The teacher paused and said, 'But no one knows what God looks like.' Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, 'They will in a minute.' A Roman walks into a bar and asks for a martinus. “You mean a martini?” the bartender asks. The Roman replies, “If I wanted a double, I would have asked for it!” Another Roman walks into the bar, holds up two fingers, and says, “Five beers, please.” Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? His goal: transcend dental medication. How did the person who made the first clock, know what time it was? What’s the difference between a cat and a comma? One has claws at the end of the paws. The other has is a pause at the end of a clause. Why was the cat so agitated? Because he was in a bad mewd! When I was in school, my teacher called on me and asked, “Name two pronouns!” I replied, “Who, me?” What do you call a cat that eats beans?Puss ‘n’ Toots! What do you call a dinosaur fart?A blast from the past. A man went to the doctor... He said, "Doc, you gotta check my leg. Something's wrong. Just put your ear up to my thigh, you'll hear it!"The doctor cautiously placed his ear to the man's thigh only to hear, "Gimme 20 bucks, I really need 20 bucks.""I've never seen or heard anything like this before, how long has this been going on." The doctor asked."That's nothing Doc. put your ear to my knee."The doctor put his ear to the man's knee and heard it say "Man, I really need 10 bucks, just lend me 10 bucks!!""Sir, I really don't know what to tell you. I've never seen anything like this." The doctor was dumbfounded."Wait Doc, that's not it. There's more, just put your ear up to my ankle," the man urged him.The doctor did as the man said and was blown away to hear his ankle plead, "Please, I just need 5 bucks. Lend me 5 bucks please if you can."I have no idea what to tell you," the doctor said. "There's nothing about it in my books," he said as he frantically searched all his medical reference books."I can make a well-educated guess though. Based on life and all my previous experience I can tell you that your leg appears to be broke in three places." What's the difference between a hippo and a zippo? One is really heavy, and the other is a little lighter. Hear about the new restaurant called Karma? There’s no menu—you get what you deserve. Are you feeling that you’re getting older? Remember that 28 hexidecimal is the new 40 decimal years old. Q. What do you get when you cross a centipede with a parrot?A. A walkie-talkie! Q: Why didn’t the elephant get the job he wanted?A: His qualifications were completely irrelephant. 40 years of marriage. A married couple in their early 60s are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in a quiet, romantic little restaurant. Suddenly, a tiny yet beautiful fairy appeared on their table. She said, 'For being such an exemplary married couple and for being loving to each other for all this time, I will grant you each a wish.' The wife answered, 'Oh, I want to travel around the world with my darling husband.' The fairy waved her magic wand and - poof! - two tickets for the Queen Mary II appeared in her hands. The husband thought for a moment: 'Well, this is all very romantic, but an opportunity like this will never come again. I'm sorry my love, but my wish is to have a wife 30 years younger than me. 'The wife, and the fairy, were deeply disappointed, but a wish is a wish.! So the fairy waved her magic wand and poof!...The husband became 92 years old. The moral of this story: Men who are ungrateful bastards should remember fairies are female ..... Q: Why did the picture go to jail?A: Because it was framed. Q: What did one wall say to the other wall?A: I'll meet you at the corner. Q: What's the difference between a TV and a newspaper?A: Nobody reads newspapersAlternate: You can’t swat a fly with a TV Q: Why can't your nose be 12 inches long?A: Because then it would be a foot! I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Door Access Control – After the Pandemic The Light at the End of the Tunnel and Access Control is More Essential than Ever Access Control After the Pandemic It was a year of challenges, isolation, and changes. The very fabric of business was altered. The need for security had been growing over the last few years, but when COVID hit, access control became more important.  Since many people were working from home, empty office spaces needed to be protected. Visitors needed to be monitored, and temperature screening became essential.  Now that we see the light at the end of the tunnel, we realize that many of the access control technologies used last year will be with us in the future. This article describes how the world changed during the Pandemic and how many things have been altered forever.  Door Access Control and the New Office The wrenching experience of the Pandemic forced a workplace exodus that proved that people could be productive even when they were not all in one place. People actually found that they could work from anywhere there was an Internet connection. If you wanted to move out of the city and ski in Colorado, why not? The connections were just as good in the mountains as it was in the city. This new paradigm caused a change in the centralized office concept. There were fewer people in the facility and almost no visitors. Suddenly it was more important to lock the door. Touchless Door Entry With the latest door access control systems, your smartphone or biometric credential could provide touchless door entry.  It was no longer necessary to carry a card credential that could be forgotten or lost. Because of the Pandemic, people installed touchless entry devices. The touchless entry will continue to be important because it not only helped to reduce the transmission of COVID it also decreased the spread of other transmittable diseases. The number of people who got the flu was reduced by wearing masks and keeping our hands clean. Access Control for the Elevator With fewer people in the facility, it was essential to monitor and control people as they moved around the organization—elevator access control was the best way to control access to each organization's floor. The same door access credential used to open the front door could be used in the elevator. The door reader, installed inside the elevator, determines which floors a specific person can select on the button panel. Door readers were available that read a card credential or a fingerprint or other biometric credential. It was also possible to place a reader at the elevator entrance to restrict who could use the elevator. Door Access Control Integration with IP Camera Systems IP camera systems have become more critical during the last year. The IP cameras were focused on entry areas and integrated with the access control systems. This allowed people to be monitored as they entered and left the building. It also ensured that they used the temperature scanning panels.  IP cameras continued to be important by providing surveillance around the facility. They watched the parking lots and the entry doors. Schools used IP cameras to ensure that people maintained healthy distances and didn't enter restricted areas.   Access Control and IP Camera Systems Access Control and Temperature Monitoring Temperature and Door Access Temperature screening became a part of our daily lives. Whenever we entered a building, someone stopped us to ask health questions and measured our temperature. The new temperature scanning panels provided automatic screening by measuring temperature and even ask the health questions. They were tied to door access control to ensure that people with abnormal temperatures couldn't enter the facility. To learn more, read our article about Integrating Access Control and Temperature Screening. The new biometric door reader panels included face recognition and temperature monitoring. Apartment Building Intercoms for Visitor Management During the Pandemic, there was an increased demand for apartment intercoms. These video-intercoms replaced the old analog audio systems.  The new wireless intercom allows you to contact the resident’s smartphone or standard phone to request entry into the building. The lobby intercom display provides a list of all the tenants in the building. These new video intercoms will continue to be popular because the Pandemic demonstrated its value in improving security. Apartment Intercom Door Access Control Summary The Pandemic forced us to do things we thought were not possible. One of the significant changes was working outside the office. The work-at-home concept was an anathema to many organizations. Still, the forced exodus demonstrated that not only was decentralized working possible; it was also beneficial in many types of jobs. Door access control systems evolved and were used more extensively to monitor the less populated organization environments. Temperature testing and touchless entry became a necessity. All these technologies will continue to be important in the future.   For help selecting the right door access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### The Best IP camera for Your Application  IP Camera Selection Guide for Your Surveillance System IP Camera Selection Guide There are many IP cameras available. Some are very inexpensive, while others cost a lot. Why the price difference? It mainly depends on the performance and quality.  The first thing to consider is what you want to accomplish, and then use the following guide to select the right IP camera. This article describes what IP camera to consider for each type of application. It suggests cameras from the top-rated brand's Axis and Hanwha. There are less expensive brands such as Hikvision and Dahua, but they are on the US restricted list of Chinese cameras. One camera doesn't fit every application. For example, you don't want to select an outdoor camera if you plan to use the camera inside. Why pay more for something you don't need. Different applications require different camera capabilities. Don't forget that the video recording and management system is an integral part of your surveillance system. Some of the features to consider include lens, light sensitivity, wide dynamic range, indoor/outdoor, IR illumination, mounting, ease of installation, and the video recording system. Before you select the camera, remember to determine your objectives. It is also essential to understand that the cameras are only one part of the IP camera system. We suggest IP cameras for small and large rooms, indoor and outdoor applications, long-range viewing, and special situations requiring advanced camera features. The cameras range in price from under $200 to over $1500. Do you want to identify a person's face or read a license plate in the parking lot? The best IP camera can view the area (Field of View) that you would like to see and provide the detail (resolution) that you need for your application. IP Camera Field of View Indoor Camera for a Small Room If you have a room that's about 400 or 500 square ft, you can use a camera with a fixed lens. If you want to view the entire room, you may select two cameras and place one in each adjacent corner. The camera should have a 90-degree lens.  The following 2-Megapixel cameras can be considered for this application: The LND-6012R Dome camera from Hanwha provides a wide-angle lens and includes IR illumination so you can see when the lights are off.The Axis M30 series, such as the M3015, provides a wide lens but no IR If you just want to view the doorway, then one camera is sufficient, and you can select a camera with a variable lens so you can adjust the view for the doorway. Here are some examples of cameras for watching the doorway. The Axis Q-series includes a 3–9mm variable focus lensThe Hanwha QND-6082R is an indoor camera with a 3.2 ~ 10mm variable lens. If your objective is to identify a person's face, you would need a higher-resolution camera. For help selecting the right resolution camera, look at our article, Calculating What You Can See With Your IP Camera. Large Indoor Room Large rooms require more cameras or one camera with a higher resolution. The higher the resolution, the wider the field of view. For example, a 4K camera with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels has enough resolution to identify a person's face in a 24 ft. field of view. The distance to the target depends on the lens. Here are some examples of indoor cameras. The PND-9080R is a 12-Megapixel 4K IP indoor camera with a remote zoom, motorized zoom lens. It can be used in complete darkness because it includes an IR-illuminator.The Axis Q3518-LVE is an 8-Megapixel 4K outdoor IP camera (it can be used indoors) with a remote zoom lens. It costs more than the PND-9080 because it's an outdoor camera. Axis doesn't have indoor 4K cameras. Outdoor IP Cameras If you would like to view a doorway, gate, or entrance to a parking lot, you can use an IP camera with a narrow lens and 2-Megapixel resolution. You can read a license plate in a field of view of about 22 ft.  The magnification of the lens determines how far away you can see.  Hanwha and Axis have a choice of bullet or dome cameras with IR-illumination. Here are some examples: The P1448-LEV is a bullet camera with a motorized lens that can be remotely adjusted from 2.9 mm to 9.8 mm (Horizontal field of view: 109°–37°). It includes an IR illuminator with a range of 25 m (82 ft).The Hanwha QNO-6082R is a bullet camera with a motorized lens that can be remotely adjusted from 3.2 mm to 10 mm (109.0°(Wide)~33.2°(Tele)). At the minimum viewing angle of 33-degrees, this bullet-type IP camera allows you to identify a person's face about 39 ft (12 m) away. The camera has an IR range of 30 m (98 ft). If you would like to be able to see a license plate on the road, a 4-Megapixel or 5-Megapixel camera is a good choice. Here are two examples: The Hanwha QNO-7080R bullet camera is a 4-Megapixel camera with a remote zoom lens (2.8 ~ 12mm) that can be adjusted to a viewing angle of 26-degrees. At the highest zoom setting, the IP camera provides enough resolution to read a license plate that's about 66 ft (20 m) away.  At this zoom, the 4-Megapixel resolution camera provides a field of view of about 30 ft. (9m).The Axis Q3517-LV provides a 5-Megapixel resolution and includes the remote zoom lens that makes it easy to set up. The slightly higher resolution provides 3072 horizontal pixels, which increase the field of view to about 35 ft. It has a smaller lens range of 4.3 mm to 8.6 mm, so it is best to view areas closer to the camera. High-Performance IP Cameras Some applications require superior video capability. For example, if you would like to see the front license plate at night, you would need a camera that can block out the headlights. If you view people in a lobby with a large glass window, you need a camera with an excellent wide dynamic range. This would allow you to see a person against a very bright background. Hanwha has several outdoor and indoor IP cameras that include a wide dynamic range (WDR). For example, the X-Series XNV-8082R camera is a 6-Megapixel camera with a 3X motorized zoom. It can see at a minimum light level of 0.05 lux in color, and with the IR illumination, it can see about 130 ft (40m) in total darkness. The camera has an excellent wide dynamic range of 120dB. Long-Range PTZ IP Camera Applications Pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) cameras are excellent for long-distance views as well as viewing many different locations. The PTZ cameras have motorized 30 X zoom lenses (and more) that can be adjusted to see a license plate about 1,000 ft away. Here are two examples. The XNP-8300RW is a 6 Megapixel PTZ camera. It includes a 30X zoom lens that allows you to read a license plate that's over 990 ft away (176 m).  The IR illuminator allows you to see things that are about 650 ft (200m) away.The Axis Q6128-E is an 8-Megapixel camera with a 12X zoom lens. Unfortunately, it doesn't have an IR illuminator.  The zoom lens has less range than the Hanwha PTZ camera.   Summary of IP Camera Selection There are many different types of IP cameras available. The selection process can be confusing, so it's best to understand your objectives before selecting the camera. The specifications can be used to help you select the right camera. For example, if you want to see someone in total darkness, you should make sure the camera has the correct IR illumination type. For help selecting the right IP camera for your system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-74 Why programmers like cooking: You peel the carrot, chop the carrot, and put the carrot in the stew. You don't suddenly find that the peeler is several versions behind, and they dropped support for carrots. A man is buying a banana, an apple, and two eggs. The female cashier says: "You must be single." The man answers: "Wow, how did you know that?" Cashier: "Because you're ugly." My wife told me I've grown as a person Her actual words were, "You've gotten fat," but I know what she meant. I had a chicken that could count her own eggs. She was a mathamachicken. A church puts out an ad for somebody to ring their bell each day. A man with no arms replies to the want-ad. The priest asks him, "How can you ring a bell with no arms?" The man runs into the bell face first, and the bell rings loud and beautifully. The priest gives him the job. One day he misses the bell, though and falls to his death. The priest and several other people come to the man's side, and one of them says, "Who is he?" The priest replies, "I don't know. But his face sure rings a bell." Dentist: "You need a crown." Patient: "Finally someone who understands me" Spelling Challenges I remember that my fifth-grade teacher gave us a comprehensive spelling test. It showed that I never learned any of my third-grade words. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because the English language can be confusing. Consider the following words. The bandage was wound around the wound.The farm was used to produce produce.The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse. We must polish the Polish furniture. Let's face it - English is a crazy language. If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France. Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. People, not computers, invented English, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible. And that's why I failed third-grade spelling. The Search for the "Glove Compartment" Sometimes asking one question can lead to interesting answers. I started with the question about where did the glove compartment originate? These days we probably keep everything else besides gloves in the glove compartment. In the early 1900s, when cars were starting to be available, there were few comforts. I was surprised to find that the glove compartment was first described by Dorothy Levitt (1882 – 1922), one of Britain's first female race drivers. In her book "The Women in the Car," she provided the advice, "You will find room for these gloves in the little drawer under the seat of the car. This little drawer is the secret of the dainty motorist." Who was Dorothy Levitt? I never heard of her. I found that Levitt was a very interesting person. Not only did she race cars, but she also repaired them. She participated in motor yachting and set the world's first Water Speed Record. She was also an aviation pioneer and was a journalist who expounded women's "right to motor."   So back to the glove compartment, Packard Motor Company has been credited with introducing this new storage compartment that could be used to hold your driving gloves as well as other small parcels. By 1930 the glove compartment became ubiquitous. So thanks, Dorothy, for having an exciting life and for your help improving our lives.   Another Joke A man and his dog walk into a bar… The man proclaims, "I’ll bet you a round of drinks that my dog can talk.” Bartender: “Yeah! Sure…go ahead.” Man: “What covers a house?” Dog: “Roof!” Man: “How does sandpaper feel?” Dog: “Rough!” Man: “Who was the greatest ball player of all time?” Dog: “Ruth!” Man: “Pay up. I told you he could talk.” The bartender, annoyed at this point, throws both of them out the door. Sitting on the sidewalk, the dog looks at the guy and says, “Maybe I should have said Mantle?” I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Selecting the Right IP Camera System The Best IP Camera Systems IP Camera System An IP Camera System is a set of cameras and software that provide video surveillance. IP camera systems usually include many IP cameras that are selected depending on what areas they need to view. These network-attached cameras can be dome, bullet, PTZ, or panoramic IP cameras. The system also includes a video recording system such as video management software (VMS) or Network Video Recorders (NVR). All the components connect to the local area network. This article provides information to help you select the right IP camera system. What is the best IP camera system for you? That all depends on your system objectives. Limiting theft in the store requires different cameras than watching the parking lot. Don't assume that any camera will work. The cameras need to be tailored to your needs. The IP camera system also includes a video recording system. Some of these systems are very good at notifying you of alarm conditions, while others just record the video. IP Camera System Objectives The first step in selecting the right IP camera system is to determine your objectives. Here are some fundamental questions to answer: How large an area do we want to view?What detail do we want to see with your cameras?  Do we want to see a license plate or be able to identify a person's face?Do you want to operate day and night?Do you want to be alerted if someone leaves a package in the lobby or steals a laptop?What Video Recording System should you get? How long do we want to store the video?Do you want to record the video only when motion is detected, or some other alarm is triggered? The following surveillance objectives can help you answer these questions. IP Camera Systems to Catch the Thief Do you want to find out who's stealing your computers? First, decide if you're trying to find an employee stealing (someone you know) or trying to catch the crook that breaks into your store. You will require more detail to identify someone you don't know. If you decide that this is your objective, it will help you place the cameras, determine the field of view, and establish the cameras' resolution. Catching the Thief IP Camera System to Watch Cars in the Parking Lot Viewing cars in a large lot can be challenging. You have to decide what details you will require. Do you want to see all the license plates? Do you want to catch a person breaking into a car? Do you need to identify the criminal?  Since parking lots cover a large area, you will need higher resolution cameras to get the largest field of view possible. You may also require several cameras or use PTZ cameras. By separating each viewing area, you can determine the type of camera and the number you will need. IP Camera Systems That Control Entry IP camera systems can be integrated with door access control systems to protect your organization. The video from cameras watching the doors can be recorded when the door opens. Some IP cameras include I/O connections that can be used to interface with a door access control system. Intercoms that include an IP camera can be added to control visitors. Intercoms with relays control the electric locks or connect to your access control systems.   IP Camera Systems Reduce Liability False insurance claims can be resolved using your IP camera system. Insurance companies sometimes provide discounts when cameras are installed. It allows them to contest malicious claims easily. In this application, it is essential to be able to identify the person making a claim. You should decide if you are trying to identify a known or unknown person. You will require more resolution to recognize an unknown person than one of your employees.   Video Recording for IP Camera Systems Video Management Software The video recording system is an essential part of your IP camera system. If you select the wrong software or Network Video Recorder (NVR), you may not meet your requirements. You may require a camera recording system that allows you to use your smartphone to notify you about alarm situations. Some video management software (VMS) provides helpful search mechanisms that help you find the recorded video. For example, Hanwha provides intelligent cameras that can distinguish between a vehicle's colors or provide an alert if the camera detects a person rather than an animal. When this search capability is used, you can easily find the parking lot's red car rather than looking at all the recorded video. IP Camera Systems Summary The IP camera system includes many cameras and a video recording system. The type of camera and the video recording system depends on your objectives. It is important to know what area you want to view, the resolution required, and the type of information you would like recorded. For help selecting the right IP camera system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IP Intercom Selection and Comparison Review of Audio and Video Intercoms IP Intercom Concept There are a variety of network-attached intercoms. Some connect to a central computer, while others connect to smartphone apps. The new IP intercoms use your network infrastructure, are powered over Ethernet (PoE), include IP cameras, and have great features and functions that were never available with the old analog intercoms. They can open doors, integrate with IP camera systems and door access control systems to provide a complete security system. In general, IP intercoms consist of an audio amplifier, microphone, I/O connections, a special-purpose computer, and an interface to the network. This article reviews the different models of IP intercoms and how they can be used. Connecting Two IP Intercoms Together One to One Connections Audio intercoms connect to the network, and in the simplest configuration, one intercom can be connected to another intercom. This configuration provides two-way audio conversations between two locations. Two Intercoms Communicate The two IP intercoms are configured so that they know each other's IP addresses. When a person pushes the call button, the other intercom sounds an alert sound, and communication is enabled between the two intercoms. Application: Two-way audio communication between two points can be used to communicate between two rooms or even two different buildings as long as both intercoms are on the same network. One intercom can control an electric lock providing a simple visitor control system. Several IP Intercoms Can Communicate to a Central Control station Many Intercoms to One Control Center Configuration Many audio IP intercoms can communicate to a central control center. In this case, the software is added to a Windows computer to facilitate the communication channels. It allows a person on a Windows computer to communicate to any IP intercom on the network. The person at the central station can talk to one of the intercoms or any group of intercoms simultaneously. The intercom call buttons can be used to contact the central location. IP Intercoms Concept Application: In a school, the administration can contact one or many schoolrooms.  The principal can use the intercom system to make general announcements through the intercoms, or the teacher can contact the office using the classroom intercoms.   IP Intercoms Can be Used for Door Access Control Intercoms Can Control Doors Intercoms can be used at the door to notify a security center that someone would like to enter. IP-Intercoms for Door Access The intercoms have built-in relays that control the electric lock on the door. The person at the computer can trigger the remote relay and open the door. Please note that these intercoms are not consumer doorbell intercoms such as the Ring or DoorBird. They are designed for commercial applications and are more secure than home systems. The IP intercoms are connected to the local area network and are powered using PoE. The central command console runs intercom software such as Talkmaster.  Optional Focus Video software can be added to allow the operator to use an IP camera to see the door. Application: In an office, the intercom controls the entry of a delivery person. The door can be opened only after the delivery person talks to the inside security person. Video Intercoms and Smartphone Communication One Intercom to Many Connections IP Intercoms with Mobile Devices Video Intercoms include a built-in IP camera and provide additional capability. Besides communicating to a central computer, they can communicate with smartphones, making it easy to answer a door or talk to another person in your organization. Some models include door control RFID readers so a person with a credential can open the door. A visitor can be allowed in after talking to a person inside the organization. The video intercoms connect to a central control station, or they can communicate to a mobile device. The video provides the added security level that allows the person to answer the call and see who is at the door.  They can be used as a simple door access control system or integrated with an existing access control system. These systems use a cloud service that communicates to an app on the smartphone. In this case, many different people can answer the door intercoms. Application: In an office, several people can answer the door control. In a warehouse, registered employees can use their credentials to enter, but the delivery person uses the intercom to call the central control center to enter the facility. The intercoms include door release outputs that allow the person answering to release the door manually. IP Intercoms with Video for Apartments Apartment Intercoms to Many Smartphones IP intercoms with touch screens are used to contact tenants in a building. The system communicates to smartphones, so no wiring is required.  Apartment Intercoms Concept The IP apartment intercom is wireless so it is excellent for new or replacement installations. It connects to the tenant's smartphones for completely wireless communication. The tenant can see and speak to the person at the door. Since the system uses cellphone data, it can control the door from anywhere in the world. It also has the capability of using POTs (Plain Old Telephones). Application: The IP apartment intercoms replace the old analog systems. They provide increased capability and are easily installed because they don't require wiring to each apartment. IP Video Intercoms that Integrate with IP Camera Systems Intercom Integration By integrating IP intercoms with IP camera systems, we add additional security. Video intercoms allow you to see the person at the door, but what if you need to see the surrounding area. Using an IP Camera System allows the security person to see everything in the area (situational awareness) or even track the visitor through the organization. There are several ways to add video to an intercom system, you can use an intercom that includes the built-in camera, you can add an external IP camera to the audio intercom system, or you can use a complete IP camera system to watch the doors and the rest of the organization. Application: IP cameras allow you to see the person you are talking to and the area around the door. Situational awareness improves safety and security. IP Intercom Summary The latest IP intercoms are easy to install because they use your network infrastructure. They provide features that improve the security of the organization. Some intercoms are attached to a command center, and other intercoms communicate to many smartphone apps.  Some intercoms control visitors and include RFID door readers so that registered people can enter. To learn more about Intercoms, please read, How Network Attached Amplifiers and IP Intercoms Work. You can also learn about the integration of intercoms and door access control systems by reading Access Control Enhanced With Intercoms. For help selecting the right intercom for your application, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-73 A Girl Potato and Boy Potato had eyes for each other, and finally, they got married and had a little sweet potato, which they called 'Yam.'Of course, they wanted the best for Yam. When it was time, they told her about the facts of life. They warned her about going out and getting half-baked, so she wouldn't get accidentally mashed, get a bad name for herself like 'Hot Potato,' and end up with many Tater Tots. Yam said she would stay on the straight and narrow and wouldn't associate with those high-class Yukon Golds, or the ones from the other side of the tracks who advertise their trade on all the trucks that say, 'Frito Lay.' Mr. and Mrs. Potato sent Yam to Idaho P.U. (Potato University ) so that she'd really be in the Chips when she graduated. But despite all they did for her, one-day Yam came home and announced she was going to marry Tom Brokaw.Tom Brokaw! Mr. and Mrs. Potato were very upset.They told Yam she couldn't possibly marry Tom BrokawBecause he's just......A COMMONTATER How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered? Why do you have to "put your two cents in"... but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going? (taxes) What disease did cured ham actually have? Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours? If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing? Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV? I can totally keep secrets. It's the people I tell them to that can't.If I promise to miss you, will you go away?It takes patience to listen.. it takes skill to pretend you're listening.Remember, everyone seems normal until you get to know them... Some Interesting Tweets Parenting isn't really a test, it's more an unrelenting series of pop quizzes that you had no clue were coming and are in no way prepared for. When my watch tells me to stand up and move for one minute, I typically end up in a location that has chocolate I built the kids a fort with our Amazon boxes. It has two bathrooms and a study. A duck walks into a bar and asks the bartender, "Do you have duck food here?" The bartender says no and the duck leaves. The next day, the same thing happens. The duck wanders in and asks, "Do you have any duck food?" Once again, the nonplussed bartender says no and the duck leaves. On the third day, the duck enters the bar and the bartender asks, "What do you want this time?" The duck asks once more, "Do you have any duck food?" "No!" yells the bartender. "We don't have any duck food. If you come back and ask me again, I'll nail your feet to the floor!" The duck leaves and comes back the next day and asks, "Do you have any nails?" The bartender says, "No." The duck then asks, "Do you have any duck food?" Some Quotes The science of today is the technology of tomorrow.- Edward Teller We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.- Carl Sagan "Light thinks it travels faster than anything, but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it."― Terry Pratchett, Reaper Man What also appears to be true is that a lie travels much faster than the truth. "A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes."― Mark Twain (or maybe from Jonathan Swift? It has also been attributed to Winston Churchill) In the last few years, we have learned the power of social media and how it can make us believe the craziest things. Of course, this not a new phenomenon. It has been happening forever.  Here are some more quotes regarding truth and lies "Each man speaks and acts and lives according to his character. Falsehood is mean and culpable, and truth is noble and worthy of praise. The man who is truthful where nothing is at stake will be still more truthful where something is at stake."- Aristotle "If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed."― adolf hitler  "In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act."― George Orwell I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good ones, please send them to me. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Door Access Control and Visitor Management Integration Access Control systems allow registered people to enter a specific door at a pre-determined schedule. Visitor management systems control people who are not registered. Together they provide increased safety and security. Access Control and Visitor Management Integration The combination of access control, temperature scanning, contact tracing, and access to control databases has increased security and health. This article reviews the new technology advances in visitor management and the integration of door access control and other technologies. Why Use Automated Visitor Management Software Visitor Management Systems gather information, so there is a record of who entered and provide documentation of where the visitor went in the organization. They also provide some safeguards such as criminal databases and do-not-admit blacklists. Corporations use visitor management to control unwanted visits from the competition, and hospitals use visitor management to control access for health and security reasons.   School systems use visitor management systems to monitor people who would like to enter the school building. Parents would like the schools to be proactive in protecting their children from sexual predators or even parental controlled visitation and contact. The visitor management systems are used in school districts to track a visitor's stay and check the visitor's information against national and local criminal databases. Visitor Management and Door Access Control Integration The visitor management system is only one part of controlling entry. In many organizations, an employee accompanies a visitor who takes them to the person they would like to visit. As an alternative, access control systems can be used. The visitor can be given a temporary badge that opens the inner door and allows them to enter only the internal doors that have been assigned to the visitor. The access control system controls the doors and the elevator. For example, a person who visits a hospital can be granted access to only the floor they are supposed to visit. Visitor Management in Apartment and Multi-tenant Buildings Apartment Intercom Concept The apartment intercom controls visitors in an apartment building.  It allows visitors to contact residents in an apartment complex. The resident receives calls on their smartphone, and they can then see and talk to the visitor in the lobby. The latest IP apartment intercoms integrate with door access and gate controls. People who live in the building can be registered in a door access control system that is integrated with the building's intercom system. This allows them to enter all the building doors and even open the garage or front gate using the same credentials. Visitor Management and Temperature Monitoring Temperature Scan and Mask Detection Adding temperature scanning panels protect people from health threats. Before a person is allowed entry using the visitor management system, their temperature can be scanned to protect the organization. The biometric temperature scanning panels can be used by themselves or added to existing access control systems.  The latest face recognition panels have become very popular because they also include temperature scanning and mask detection. You can prevent a person with elevated temperature or not wearing a mask from entering your organization. This new access control technology adds the level of safety required to mitigate disease. Visitor Management and Contact Tracing Digital Contact Tracing Concept Contact tracing is an addition to the visitor management protocol. The simplest method for contact tracing is to review the historical database, but a better way is to use automated contact tracing. Tracking tags can be issued to all guests. This provides disease mitigation if one of the guests later is identified with Covid-19. Each person receives a tag that is used for contact tracing. A tag has a unique ID number that is assigned to the person who will be wearing the tag. The tags use Bluetooth 5 communication protocol to detect other tags near them. When tags get close together, they record the other tag's ID number. The contact history is recorded in a cloud server. Summary of Integrated Digital Visitor Management Systems with Access Control The most significant change in visitor management tech is the move from traditional (but quite outdated) logbooks to automated solutions that make it easier to track visitors from the initial appointment to when they leave the facility. Here is a summary of the benefits Integrate Access Control with the Visitor Management System.Reduce the Risk of Disease TransmissionTemperature panel screening systems can be added to check visitors for elevated temperature as part of the entry procedure. The latest systems can pre-register visitors and provides touchless sign-in.  Contact Tracing Across Multiple BuildingsOrganizations with multiple entry points can consolidate information on one central platform.Historic RecordsAn enterprise visitor management system can access a detailed view of all recorded individuals. It captures personal details entered for each individual coming in the doors and the dates of historical visits across the organization.Enable Visual Identification of VisitorsIP cameras provide a view of all the people who enter the organization. A visitor management system can be integrated with a door access control system and an IP Camera System. The visitor management system can take photos of your guests and provide ID cards for visual identification. The system automatically prints visitor badges at check-in to ensure visitors are identifiable while onsite.  Screen Visitors Against Watch-listsDifferentiate between wanted and unwanted guests with background checks—screen visitors against custom internal or third-party databases to identify risk and automatically notify security personnel.Send Instant Security AlertsUse emergency buttons at the desk to trigger security notifications when unwanted visitors check-in or fail the health and safety pre-screening protocol.Streamline Front-line OperationsRequire visitors to follow PPE instructions and other safety procedures like signing NDAs, waivers, or other legal documents as part of the sign-in process. If you would like help selecting the right visitor management or access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### The Evolution of the PTZ Camera Pan, Tilt Zoom Cameras Provide Increased Capability PTZ Cameras We have come a long way since the first pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) cameras. The first PTZ cameras were relatively primitive. These early cameras shared the technology with television cameras and used vidicon vacuum tubes and other analog components to capture the video. This article describes the evolution of the PTZ cameras from coax connected analog cameras to network-attached digital cameras with much greater capability. The introduction of semiconductor components and sensors provided increased capability, but they still had the same video capability as the analog cameras. These surveillance cameras required a serial control connection to pan, tilt the camera and zoom the lens. Does anyone remember the RS485 interface and the Pelco-D protocol? Some cameras still use this protocol. There have been many changes over the years. The most significant is the development of digital network-attached cameras with very high resolution. The ability to use a built-in Microcomputers provided greater functionality that included sophisticated object detection, recognition, motion detection, missing objects, and many other capabilities that provide enhanced security. Review of PTZ Camera Technology Today's IP PTZ cameras are connected to the network. The coax cable and the RS485 interface are no longer required. Everything, including power (in some cases), is on the network. The PTZ IP Cameras are an essential part of the IP camera system. The PTZ camera includes the camera, a pan-tilt motor, and a zoom lens. Some of the PTZ cameras include an IR illuminator so you can see at night. Pan-Tilt Mechanism for PTZ Cameras The pan-tilt mechanism controls the horizontal and vertical direction of the camera system.  The speed of motion and accuracy defines the performance.  The further away you want to view an area, the more precision you need. There are two types of pan-tilt drive mechanisms. One type uses belts while others use gears, which is more precise. The pan-tilt mechanism may also include position sensors that make sure the mechanism reaches the exact location required.  With the right control system, it can be positioned to 0.01 degrees of accuracy. The speed of motion required depends on what you want to see.  If you plan to track a ship at sea, or maybe a truck moving down a road, you may be able to use a system that moves about 12-degrees per second.  Tracking faster moving objects is much more difficult, and you may need a state-of-the-art high speed and higher cost mechanism.  The maximum speed of the pan-tilt mechanism depends on the motor system and the camera system's weight.  For example, the XNP-8300RW PTZ camera from Hanwha pans up to 500-degrees/sec. The PTZ Camera Zoom Lens A zoom lens provides a continuous variation of the magnification. It consists of a set of lenses that work together to provide magnification and maintain focus. There are manual and motorized zoom lenses. The PTZ camera uses a motorized lens that's controlled by software in your computer (or NVR). The zoom lens is measured by the focal length or zoom ratio. For example, a zoom lens with a range of 5 to 150 mm is a 30X zoom lens. The significant factor in the zoom capability is the lens angle that it provides. The smaller the lens angle, the more magnification is provided.  We can use this angle to calculate the field of view at a specific distance. To learn more about calculating the distance and field of view, please look at our article, Calculating What You Can See With Your IP Camera. Some PTZ cameras include IR illumination to See at Night An Infrared (IR) Illuminator is a light source from a light-emitting diode (LED). The illuminators used in surveillance applications are at the infrared frequency ranging from 700 nanometers to 1000 nanometers. PTZ Camera with IR Illumination Optical IP cameras are sensitive to infra-red (IR) light. When it's dark, IR illuminators that operate at 850 nm are used to illuminate the field of view. The IP cameras use cut-filters to maximize the different lighting conditions. In the daytime, the filter is on to block the infrared light, and at night the filter is turned off to maximize the IR spectrum.  The water absorbs IR light in the air, so it doesn't have a very long range. For example, the XNP-6550RH PTZ camera has one of the more powerful IR illuminators. It has a range of 500 m (1600 ft.)  To get over 1600 ft, we use a special laser light source with focused beams. Laser illuminators with ranges of over 2000m (3280 ft.) are available with custom long-range PTZ camera systems. Evolution of PTZ Cameras The early PTZ cameras used a different technology to provide surveillance. The latest PTZ cameras have a much higher resolution, and the wiring is much simpler. This simplification of communication has made it much easier to self-install. Resolution of PTZ Cameras The first PTZ cameras used analog camera systems that had much lower resolution than today's megapixel cameras. They also used coax cables to transfer the analog video signal to tape and then DVR recording systems. The first PTZ camera systems only supported grey-scale video (not color) and measured and defined performance using NTSC standards National Television System Committee (National Television System Committee). Note the USA used NTSC (525 lines at 60 fps) while Europe used PAL (625 lines at 50 fps). A camera with 525 vertical scan lines had only 480 visible lines. The resolution was defined by the number of black-white transitions that could be seen in a test pattern. These early cameras provided a pixel resolution of about 330 horizontal pixels. Axis was the first company to introduce the IP camera, and Sony introduced the first PTZ camera (made by Canon). All these early cameras provided similar resolution as the analog cameras. The resolution was classified as VGA, or sometimes 4CIF. Please read our article, The History of Video Surveillance, to learn more. Today we measure resolution by the number of pixels in the sensor rather than TV lines. IP cameras with 1-Megapixel resolution were introduced by IQinvision, in 2002.  New megapixel sensors provide a resolution of over 8-MegaPixel (3840x2160). The higher the resolution, the wider the field of view. Resolution and Field of View PTZ Resolution The original analog cameras provided enough resolution to identify a person's face in a 2.1 ft field of view. The latest 8-MegaPixel cameras provide a 24 ft. field of view.    To learn more about camera resolution, please look at our article, Understanding IP Camera Resolution Specifications. Zoom Lens Capability of the PTZ Cameras PTZ Camera Zoom Lens The first zoom lenses provided about a 16X range of magnification. The latest PTZ cameras have much greater zoom capability. For example, the XNP-6550RH PTZ camera has a zoom range of 55X. This means it can see things over 3.5 times further away than the early PTZ cameras. Pan and Tilt Capability The new PTZ cameras can pan (left-right) the cameras through a 360-degree range and tilt (up-down)  much quicker and with greater precision than ever before. For example, the XNP-8300RW PTZ camera has a maximum pan speed of 500˚/sec, with a manual movement of 0.024˚/sec~250˚/sec. PTZ Cameras are Intelligent IP cameras now include more intelligence than ever before. They can differentiate between a person and a vehicle and can track the target as it moves. Imagine following a person walking in a parking lot as they go to their car, or maybe tracking a person as they enter a building. The video analytics and intelligence provided by the new PTZ cameras enhance your security. Specialized Long-Range PTZ Cameras Do you need to see very far away?  If you need a system that can see up to 5 miles away, you need a very long-range optical PTZ systems with IR illumination, or the thermal imaging PTZ systems that operate without any lighting. The off-the-shelf PTZ cameras provide IR illumination for night viewing at a range of up to 1,600 ft (500m). Read more … Custom made camera systems provide extreme range capability. They are available with long-range laser illuminators (5000m) as well as thermal cameras that can see for miles without any light.Read more … PTZ Evolution Summary The pan, tilt, zoom cameras have been around for many years. In the last couple of years, the capability and functionality have increased dramatically. The pan and tilt speed has become more accurate and faster, and the zoom lens provides much more magnification. The most significant advance is the tremendous increase in resolution. PTZ cameras have evolved from VGA to 4K resolution providing much greater clarity and a larger Field of View. If you would like help selecting the right PTZ camera, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### The Best Apartment Intercoms IP Apartment Intercoms Review Apartment Intercom System Drawing The latest IP apartment intercoms use wireless networks to communicate with the tenant. The new wireless multi-tenant intercoms allow you to contact the resident's smartphone or standard phone to request entry into the building. The lobby intercom touchscreen display provides a list of all the tenants in the building. This article provides critical features and functions of the best apartment intercom systems. IP Apartment Intercom Communication Basics The wireless apartment intercom communicates over the Ethernet network across wireless and cell connections. The visitor uses the touchscreen to select the tenant. Once the person is selected, the tenant is notified by the App on their smartphone.  The tenant can then see the person at the door as well as talk to them. They can then release the lock on the front door (or not). Since the communication channel is over the Internet, the tenant can be anywhere in the world, wherever they can receive a cell call and data connection. The new apartment intercoms can also work with classic phone systems. This wireless Apartment Intercom system is excellent for new or replacement installations. It connects to the tenant's smartphones for completely wireless communication. For more information about how the new digital IP intercoms compare to the older apartment intercoms, please look at our article, Comparison of Apartment Intercom Systems. Things to Consider When Selecting the Apartment Intercom There are several things to consider when selecting the apartment intercom. Some features and functions make the apartment system safer, easier to install, and easy to use. Here are some questions to help you decide what apartment intercom is best for you. Does the Intercom Provide Video as well as audio? It is much safer when you can see your visitor. Does the apartment system record the usage? A log of all the calls through the panel to a specific tenant provides a historical report essential for security and safety. Does the Apartment Intercom allow you to control door entry even if you are not in your apartment? Sometimes you would like to allow the cleaning person into the apartment or allow a delivery person to leave a package outside your door. Can the multi-tenant system contact a telephone if the user doesn't have a smartphone? Some people don't use smartphones. The complete apartment system allows communication without video to standard telephones. Does the apartment system provide custom groups of people so that multiple people in the same apartment can answer the door?  Sometimes one person is not available to answer the door. By enabling custom groups, the call can be sent to many people, and the first to answer can handle the request. Can the intercom system use many different types of answering devices? The more sophisticated solutions can use answering devices such as Windows, Mac/Apple iOS, Android, Google, computers, tablets, smartphones, and classic telephones. Can the apartment system provide limited use PINs that provide guest control? The temporary access codes allow you to give returning guests an easy way to enter the building. They can also be used if you have Airbnb renters. Does the apartment system integrate with door access control systems? Access control systems limit entry to pre-registered people. Integrating new or existing door access control systems with the apartment intercom provides control of multiple doors, gates, parking areas, and elevators. Can the multi-tenant apartment intercom work with parking gate systems? The more advanced apartment systems allow the users to enter the license plate of their vehicles. This allows automated license plate readers (ALPR) to open a gate or door as you approach automatically.  The system uses standard IP cameras for reading the license plates. How easy is it to add users? The system should allow each tenant to register themselves or have a centralized management control center that allows management to enter and control the data. Replacing Old Apartment Intercoms Many old analog apartment intercoms have reached end-of-life. The multi-button systems have stopped working correctly, and the intercoms in the apartments are non-functional. It is difficult and expensive to replace wired systems because even the wires running to the apartments may be broken or shorted. The new IP apartment Intercoms quickly replace the old multi-button units because no extensive wiring is required. The lobby intercom touchscreens and wireless connections provide improved capability, such as video connections to the lobby. The wireless apartment intercoms will save quite a lot of money since they don't require wires to each apartment. The hosted cloud control and management software is easy to use and is updated automatically. Summary of the Best Apartment Intercoms Apartment intercoms provide increased functionality and are easy to install. They enhance the value of the property by providing the latest audio and video visitor entrance control. The latest IP apartment intercoms utilize central cloud servers to maintain and manage all the tenants. If you would like help selecting the best IP apartment intercom, please contact us at 914-944-3425 in the USA, or at 800-431-1658 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-72 A woman got on a bus, holding a baby. The bus driver said, "That's the ugliest baby I've ever seen." In a huff, the woman slammed her fare into the farebox and took an aisle seat near the bus's rear. The man seated next to her sensed that she was agitated and asked her what was wrong. "The bus driver insulted me," she fumed. The man sympathized and said, "Why, he's a public servant and shouldn't say things to insult passengers." "You're right," she said. "I think I'll go back up there and give him a piece of my mind." "That's a good idea," the man said. "Here, let me hold your monkey." If God wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates.~Jay Leno~ The problem with political jokes is they get elected.~Henry Cate, VII~ We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office~Aesop~  A man walks into a shop and sees a cute little dog. He asks the shopkeeper, "Does your dog bite?"The shopkeeper says, "No, my dog does not bite."The man tries to pet the dog, and the dog bites him."Ouch!" He says, "I thought you said your dog does not bite!"The shopkeeper replies, "That is not my dog!" If we got one-tenth of what was promised to us in these State of the Union speeches, there wouldn't be any inducement to go to heaven.~Will Rogers~ Politicians are the same all over.? They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.~Nikita Khrushchev~ When I was a boy, I was told that anybody could become President; I'm beginning to believe it.~Clarence Darrow~ Why pay money to have your family tree traced; go into politics and your opponents will do it for you.~Author unknown~ Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel.~John Quinton~ Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other.~Oscar Ameringer~  I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them.~Adlai Stevenson, campaign speech, 1952~ Izzy and Freda go out to see Hamilton on stage. This is the most sold-out show of the year. Somehow, they've been lucky and manage to get best seats in the front row. But they notice that there's an empty seat in the row behind them. When intermission comes and no one has sat in that seat, Freda turns to the woman sitting next to the empty seat and asks, "Pardon me, but as this is such a sold-out show and in such demand, we were wondering why that seat is empty." The woman says, "That's my late husband's seat." Freda is horrified and apologizes for being so insensitive. But a few minutes later, she turns around again. "Without meaning to be rude or anything, this is an incredibly hard show to get into. Surely you must have a friend or a relative who would have wanted to come and see the show?" The woman nods, but explains, "They're all at the funeral."  A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country.~ Tex Guinan~ I have come to the conclusion that politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.~Charles de Gaulle~ Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.~Doug Larson~ There ought to be one day -- just one -- when there is open season on senators. ~Will Rogers~ I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes. Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground? If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons? How did the man who made the first clock know what time it was?  Q: What is a New Year's resolution?A: Something that goes in one year and out the other. My New Year's resolution is to stop hanging out with people who ask me about my New Year's resolutions. Q: What do farmers give their wives at midnight on New Year's Eve? A: Hogs and kisses! Q: What's a digital camera's New Year's resolution? A: 1080p. Why do bees hum? Because they don’t know the lyrics. Q: What is corn's favorite holiday?A: New EARS Day! Knock knock.Who's there?Abby.Abby who?Abby New Year. I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good ones, please send them to me. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Technology Review of 2020 Is there anything nice we can say about 2020?  Not much except maybe, I don't think murder hornets killed anyone. It certainly was a challenging year, and we are all happy to say goodbye. Technology in 2020 It was a year of the pandemic and of science finding vaccines in record-breaking time.  It was a year where we worked at home and discovered we could do this anywhere in the world. It caused an upheaval in the real estate market as we moved out of big cities and corporations downsized. SpaceX changed how we went to space, and engineers developed face recognition panels that checked our temperature as we entered the building.  This article reviews some of the technology for the security and surveillance market introduced in 2020.  Temperature Scanning Panels at the Door One of the most significant engineering developments of 2020 was the development of temperature scanning panels. Panels that previously were used for face recognition were enhanced with thermal imaging cameras that could measure a person's temperature from a distance. Door Access Control and Temperature Scanning During the pandemic, many organizations such as hospitals or manufacturing plants people had to be at the facility. The temperature scanning devices were placed at the door to detect anyone with elevated temperature. This allowed organizations to prevent a person with elevated temperature or not wearing a mask from entering the organization. This new access control technology adds the level of safety required to keep everyone healthy. Intelligent IP Cameras In the surveillance market, Hanwha and other camera manufacturers added intelligence to their IP cameras. The latest IP cameras are getting smart enough to recognize different objects, such as people, vehicles, and animals. Intelligent enough to reduce false alarms, increase awareness and response time, and even deliver information for demographics (Business Intelligence) purposes. The addition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides a much more effective and efficient IP camera system.  This AI provides critical alarms and reduces the time it takes to review and find the vital video. To learn more, please read our article, IP Camera Systems Are Getting Smarter. Advanced PTZ Cameras With Wipers and high Resolution The new Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ) IP cameras have higher resolution, longer zoom lenses, and better IR illumination. They include a wiper to keep them operating even when it's raining. They are excellent for providing surveillance over a wide area. With their very long zoom lens, they can read a license plate over 1,000 feet away. Please read our article, Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria, to learn more about how far we can see things. Face Recognition for Detection and Access Control Face recognition has improved over the last year. The new algorithms can recognize a person's face even if they are wearing a mask. They can recognize a person in a crowd or provide a biometric credential for door access control. The enhanced face recognition systems can be used for contact tracing. Face recognition software can be added to an organization's surveillance system, and this software can detect when people come close to each other. The special reports can then list all the people who have been in contact with each other. Face recognition has evolved from just door access control, to health monitoring, identification of people, and contact tracing. Please read, How Face Recognition Works in a Crowd to learn more. Automated Digital Contact Tracing Automated Contact Tracing Uses Tags and a Cloud Database. The contact tracing devices or tags are carried by people and detect how long one person is close to another person.  The contact tracing database server, located in the cloud, collects all the contact information. Each tag includes the ID of the person who owns the tag. If someone in the organization becomes sick, the database can be used to identify everyone who has had close contact with the infected person. Technology 2020 Summary The year 2020 was a challenging year, with the pandemic and political controversy occupying the news. There were changes in the way we work that may last beyond the end of the year. The pandemic tested us, but it resulted in the introduction of new technology. Smart panels were introduced that provide access control of people with elevated temperatures or not wearing a mask. Automated tracing helped mitigate disease, and face recognition improved to recognize people even if they were wearing a mask. The year 2020 was filled with the pandemic, political controversy, and social demonstrations and upheavals.  Despite the worst year in recent memory, technology advanced and provided solutions that helped keep us safe. If you would like help selecting the right Security System, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Comparison of Commercial IP Camera Systems and Home Cameras Comparison of IP Camera Systems What's the difference between a home surveillance camera and a commercial IP camera system used in schools, office buildings, and hospitals? Cameras for Home and Office Home IP Cameras cost between $20 and $100, while the professional IP cameras range from $150 to over $2,000.  There is a difference. This article compares the capability you should expect from a home camera versus a commercial surveillance IP camera system. IP Cameras for the Home Home surveillance IP cameras are available from Nest, Ring, Blink, SimpliSafe, and others. They provide at least 2-Megapixel resolution (1080P), wireless connections, and in most cases, cloud type video storage.  They are suitable for recognizing a person if they are within a few feet of the camera. They can't read a license plate over 25 ft.  Some cameras include an IR illuminator so they can see at night, but again don't expect them to allow you to see too far away. Some of the home IP cameras include two-way audio, which makes it nice if you want to talk to an intruder. "Hey, get away from my house!" Home Surveillance System These cameras are all simple to install. They include an app for your smartphone to view the real-time and recorded video (if you purchased the cloud option). The cameras connect to your WiFi network, and some are battery-powered, so you don't even need to provide power. Of course, you need to remember to change the batteries.  What You Can See With a Home IP Camera System One of the key differences between a home camera system and a business IP camera system is the lens. The lenses provided with home IP cameras are suitable for close surveillance in and outside your home. Consumer type IP cameras include wide fixed lenses. For example, the Blink has a 110-degree lens and 2-Megapixel sensor, and the Nest has a 130-degree lens and a 3-MegaPixel sensor. These lenses allow you to see a very wide area but are only suitable for short-distance identification of a person's face or license plate. The IP Camera Viewing Calculations To read a license plate, we need about 20 pixels across a character (2.75") on the license plate. The license plate is about 1 ft. wide. If we have a 2-Megapixel camera, the horizontal pixel count is 1920 pixels. Using this information, we calculate that we need about 87 pixels/ft to read the plate. This means we have a field of view (FOV) of 22 ft. (1920/87). We can use a right-triangle to calculate the maximum readable distance. With the 110-degree angle, the calculations indicate that we can read the license plate up to 12 ft away. For details about calculating the distance, please look at our article, Calculating What You Can See With Your IP Camera. Commercial IP Camera Systems The commercial IP Camera systems are best for providing surveillance of much more extensive areas than your home camera.  They have a range of lenses that can be selected for the application. Most importantly, these are Systems consisting of many cameras rather than one or two home cameras. The systems include sophisticated video management systems. What You Can See With a Commercial IP Camera System IP camera systems provide better surveillance capability than home cameras. Primarily the cameras allow you to see things further away, with higher resolution, and with a wider field of view. There are 4K resolution panoramic cameras that give you 360-degree situational awareness and PTZ cameras to zoom in to see a license over 900 ft. away. IP Cameras with Longer Lenses. IP Camera System Lenses You can select the lens depending on how far away you need to see things. Like a telescope, they magnify the view.  For example, there are dome and bullet cameras available with remote zoom lenses that can adjust from 5.2 mm to 62.4 mm. The longer zoom lenses allow you to read the license plate over 200 ft (656 m) away. You can choose IP cameras for a lobby or out in the parking lot.  Wide-angle cameras can view a doorway, while dome cameras can view people walking through the hallway. Cameras with fisheye lenses can see everything in the room at one time, while others are watching the cars on the street. Higher Resolution IP Cameras Provide a Wider FOV Field of View Comparison IP cameras for business applications not only have longer zoom lenses, but they also provide a much higher resolution—the greater the resolution, the larger the field of view. The 8-Megapixel 4K IP cameras provide over twice the field of view of the 2-Megapixel camera. This means that at the same distance, you will get a horizontal FOV that's 44 ft. wide, instead of 22 ft.  Intelligent IP Camera Systems Intelligent cameras provide immediate notification of an alarm situation.  The commercial IP camera systems' advanced features include intelligence that tells you when an object is left in the lobby or when someone takes the laptop off the table. Our article, IP Camera Systems Are Getting Smarter describes how the IP cameras with AI can distinguish between a person and an animal and ignore the cat walking while providing information about the person such as clothing color.  It can even distinguish between a car and a truck.  PTZ cameras Provide Long-Range Surveillance The PTZ cameras are excellent for providing surveillance over a wide area. With their very long zoom lens, they can detect a vehicle hundreds of feet away. For example, the XNP-6550 is a 2-MegaPixel camera with a 55X optical zoom lens. The lens allows you to read the license plate over 1000 ft. away (310 m). Please read our article, Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria, to learn more about how far we can see things. The very long-range PTZ cameras can see cattle in pasture or military vehicles on the road 2-miles away.  IP Cameras with IR See in the Dark Many of the commercial-grade IP cameras include IR illumination. This allows you to see in total darkness. Some of the home-type IP cameras provide short-range IR illumination, but the commercial cameras provide a much longer illumination distance.   For example, the XNO-6085R bullet IP Camera includes an IR with a range of 229 ft (70 m).  The extreme range laser illuminators can illuminate a target that's over one-mile away. Video Management Software Makes the Difference When you only have one or two home cameras, you don't need sophisticated recording and video management systems. Commercial IP camera systems can have hundreds of cameras and need better video management. Video management systems provide the video recording and control capability you need to handle these large numbers of cameras.   The Video Management Software (VMS) records video only when motion is detected and notifies the security person if an alarm condition is detected. When the software is teamed with the intelligent IP cameras, it can notify you when a gun-shot is heard or someone screams. To learn more, please look at the article, The Intelligent IP Camera. Summary of IP Camera Systems Home-type IP cameras are inexpensive and are easy to install and use. The commercial IP camera systems provide much more capability. They have better lenses, higher resolution, and more extended night-vision capability. The commercial IP camera systems are designed for everything, from schools to military surveillance. Usually, only a few cameras are used in a home, while businesses can require hundreds of cameras. IP camera systems use a variety of different cameras and use sophisticated video management software. If you would like help selecting the right IP camera system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-71 A guy spots a sign outside a house that reads “Talking Dog for Sale.” Intrigued, he walks in. “So, what have you done with your life?” he asks the dog. “I’ve led a very full life,” says the dog. “I lived in the Alps rescuing avalanche victims. Then I served my country in Iraq. And now I spend my days reading to the residents of a retirement home.” The guy is flabbergasted. He asks the dog’s owner, “Why on Earth would you want to get rid of an incredible dog like that?” The owner says, “Because he’s a liar! He never did any of that!” You might not recognize one of the holidays. Hogswatch Night was created by Terry Pratchett, who is one of my favorite authors Hogswatch Night is from the series of books from the Discworld novels written by Terry Pratchett.  If you want to read some excellent comical and satirical books, read these books. He sold 85 million books and sold worldwide in 37 languages. To get you started, the Discworld is a large disc resting on the backs of four giant elephants, all supported by the giant turtle Great A'Tuin as it swims its way through space. It is best to read them in order.  Just once, I want a username and password to say “Close enough” I wanted to make a clever chemistry joke, but the best ones Argon Sometimes I meet people and feel bad for their dog Some Silly Science Jokes How did the thermometer insult the graduated cylinder? She said, “You may have graduated, but I have more degrees.” What are the primary elements of a sense of humor? Sulfur, Argon, Calcium, and Samarium. Otherwise known as SArCaSm What did the proton say to the electron to start a fight? I’m sick of your negativity. Why are chemists so good at solving problems? They’re always working with solutions. How the Fight Started When our lawn mower broke and wouldn't run, my wife kept hintingto me that I should get it fixed.  But, somehow I always hadsomething else to take care of first, the shed, the boat,making beer.. Always something more important to me. Finally, shethought of a clever way to make her point.          When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tallgrass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewingscissors. I watched silently for a short time and then went intothe house. I was gone only a minute, and when I came out againI handed her a toothbrush. I said, "When you finish cutting thegrass, you might as well sweep the driveway."          The doctors say I will walk again, but I will always have a  limp. My  wife and I were sitting at a table at her high  schoolreunion, and she kept staring at a  drunken man swigging hisdrink as he sat alone at a nearby table.          I asked her, "Do you know  him?"          "Yes", she sighed,          "He's my old  boyfriend.  I understand he took to drinkingright after we split up those many years ago,  and I hear hehasn't been sober since."          "My  God!" I said, "Who would think a person could go oncelebrating that long?"          And then the fight started...           Saturday morning, I got up early, quietly dressed, made mylunch, and slipped quietly into the garage.  I hooked up theboat up to the van and proceeded to back out into a torrentialdownpour. The wind was blowing 50mph, so I pulled back into thegarage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weatherwould  be bad all day.          I went back into the house,  quietly undressed, and slipped backinto bed. I cuddled up to my wife's back; now with a differentanticipation, and whispered, "The  weather out there isterrible."          My loving wife of 5 years replied, "And, can you believe mystupid husband is out fishing in that?"          And that's how the fight started... I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good ones, please send them to me. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Paging Systems Provide Advanced Functionality This is Not Your Father's Paging System Paging systems have changed over the years.  Remember the old days when the principal would make announcements on that old PA system. You were lucky to hear anything that was said. Paging Over IP The principal had a microphone attached to a clunky amplifier. It had a large knob that adjusted the volume. All the speakers were wired to this central amplifier. Many of these old paging systems have reached end-of-life, and people are looking for replacements. The world of paging systems has changed. Now, it's all digital. This evolution has made paging systems much simpler to install and provide new functions that were not available in the older systems. The paging speakers all connect to the network, and the software on your Windows computer makes it very easy to make a page, select the zones where the page will be heard, and even talk to specific classrooms. This article describes the many new things you can do with the latest PA over IP systems. How Paging Over IP Works The new IP paging systems use speakers that attach to the network. The IP speakers include the amplifier and the interface circuits that allow them to receive the digitally encoded voice (or music) and power. Yes, the speakers use Power over Ethernet (PoE) just like your IP cameras. The amplifier module inside the speaker includes a network interface with a specialized micro-computer. The D to A converter (digital to analog converter) converts the digital information to an analog signal and provides the amplified analog audio signal. The amplifier increases the sound power level so that it can drive the speaker. IP Intercoms are similar to the IP speakers. They add the microphone so that you can talk to a central location. For example, teachers in the classroom can talk to the administration.  Since each IP-powered speaker has intelligence, the paging software can monitor all the speakers' health. If one of the speakers fail, the person at the console is notified. The system uses your network infrastructure, so you don't require additional wiring. The speakers can be located anywhere that your Ethernet network goes. Please look at our article, How to Design Your IP Paging System, to learn more. New Things You Can Do with Paging over IP Network connected paging speakers have been available for several years but only recently have become more popular. This new interest is probably because many of the older analog paging systems have reached the end-of-life. PA over IP systems is part of your interconnected computer system. This means they can be managed by computer software and can be connected using your network infrastructure. The technology now provides many new functions that weren't available with the analog paging amplifier systems.  The IP paging systems provide flexible paging zones, automated announcements, integration with IP camera systems, integration with access control systems, Multiple Paging Stations The Talkmaster console software can be loaded on multiple Windows computers to make announcements at many different locations. If you have a VoIP (SIO) phone system, you can also make pages from a telephone by dialing an extension. Paging to Zones The old analog systems provided simple zone control, but the new IP speakers provide very flexible zone control. The software allows you to select one or more speakers at a time. Once you create the zones, they can be used for a specific page.     Automated Paging Announcements One of the most powerful features of this system is its ability to make automated announcements. You can push a button, 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. The Talkmaster console software is used to create a triggered announcement. The software allows you to select the trigger type and then define the message to be sent. There is a menu used to select the types of triggers and the device where the trigger originate. This is like an "if-then" function. If the button is pushed, then send the page. The software includes a table that shows the event name (or trigger) and then the response activated. Another menu allows you to select what happens when the trigger is detected. Please look at our article, IP Paging and Automated Emergency Announcements, to learn more. Paging Integration with IP Camera Systems IP cameras can be added to the IP paging system using additional software called "Focus Video." This module allows operators to view live video from IP Cameras associated with IP audio endpoints.  The audio management software supports industry-standard RTSP based IP cameras. By adding the Vision license to TalkMaster FOCUS, all Operator Consoles can see whom they are talking to. Visually verifying a guest or intruder can be the difference between safety and danger. Bell Schedule and Announcements Announcing the end of class or notifying the end of a factory shift is now very easy to implement.  Some forward-thinking schools across the country have replaced the traditional school bell that signals the end of classes with a more high-tech version that is cheaper to install and can be programmed easily by computer software. The familiar ring now can be replaced by chimes, music, or even customized sounds like chirping birds, all made possible by a software called BellCommander. Working with the IP Connected Paging system, the amplifiers and intercoms from Digital Acoustics provide a complete announcement system. Integration Intercoms with Access Control Systems Intercoms can be used to talk to people around the organization or used at the door to talk to a visitor at the door and then remotely open the door. Please read our article Access Control Enhanced With Intercoms to learn more. IP Paging Summary Many advances in paging technology have changed the older analog systems into digital systems that are network-attached. This evolution has increased reliability, providing better sound and automated functions that improve safety and security. If you would like help selecting the right Paging System, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Access Control Systems Good Practices Installation Practices for Door Access Control Systems There are several things to consider when selecting and installing a door access control system. Access Control Practices These safer practices increase the overall security of the system. System security starts with the correct type of door-reader and secure wiring. It requires the right electric lock and an exit methodology for maglocks. It is also essential to select the right management software and additional security and safety features. Best Door Readers for Access Control The access control system includes a door reader and the access controller. IP door access systems use reader-controllers that include both the door reader and the controller in one unit. There are four types of door readers. All these readers are available as simple door-readers that connect to an access controller or intelligent reader-controllers that connect to the network. Readers with PIN codesReaders that use an RFID card credentialMobile card credential readersBiometric door readers PIN code door readers are the least secure. Since everyone is given the same PIN, it can be easily stolen or given to another person. In some cases, an inspection of the reader can reveal the PIN code by dirt or other wear marketings. RFID readers are the most popular. People are given a credential that could be a card or keyfob that they carry with them. Each credential has a unique number, which allows the security personnel to track who has entered the building. Unfortunately, these credentials can be forgotten, lost, or given to another person. Mobile credentials use a person's smartphone as the credential. This method reduces the credential cost and provides increased security because people usually don't give their smartphone to someone else.  There are specialized Bluetooth connected smartphone readers that provide several options for entry. For example, you can swipe your smartphone, use your hand to gain entry, or even tap you phone in your pocket.  To learn more, please look at our Mobile Credential Readers. Biometric door reader-controllers provide the highest security level because they use a person's fingerprint or other biometric information to gain access. Some biometric sensors, such as fingerprints and face recognition systems, have had some reliability problems. Still, new face recognition systems are more reliable and can even identify a person wearing a protective mask.   To learn more, take a look at our article, Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems. Wiring the Door Reader-Controller to the Electric Lock Hartmann access control system diagram Simple door readers include a Wiegand interface that connects it to a controller, but the more intelligent reader-controller includes the relay to control the electric lock. When wiring the intelligent type reader-controller, it is essential to consider how a vandal may sabotage the wiring and gain entry. If the reader-controller is mounted on an external door, the vandal may gain control of the relay wires. By breaking off the reader, and shorting the wires together, or opening the circuit, they may release the electric lock. An internal relay controller should be used to prevent tampering with the external wiring. The external reader communicates with the internal relay control using a coded message (Wiegand or other protocol) that is not easy to duplicate. Even if the reader or reader-controller is broken off, the vandal can't gain entry.  For example, the controller at the door is mounted inside and provides vandal protection, and the External Door Kit (EDK) provided with the Isonas reader-controller also provides protection. To learn more about how access control systems are wired, look at our article, IP Door Access Systems Wiring. Selecting the Electric Lock The electric lock is an essential part of your door access control system. You can select either a magnetic lock or electric strike to secure a door. The maglock is simpler to install but requires special exit hardware that is defined by local fire ordinances. The electric strike is easy to install and are used to secure outer and inner doors but do not prevent egress from an area like the magnetic lock.  It replaces the fixed strike place in a standard lock. It usually presents a ramped surface to the locking latch like a fixed strike, allowing the door to close and latch just like a fixed strike would. Many of the electric strikes require less than 400 mA of 12 VDC power, which means they can be powered using the same PoE that powers the reader-controller.  The door frame and current locking method can influence the type of electric strike. It is best to send a picture of the lock's frame and door side so that the lock provider can suggest the correct electric strike. Magnetic locks are used in certain situations where the strike can't be used.  They can be used in high-security areas where you need to track who enters and exits an area. Since local codes determine the installation rules, maglocks should be used with care. The maglock mechanisms use an electromagnetic and armature plate to secure the door. Since the door is held shut by the maglock, it prevents easy egress.  This means you will need to provide some way for people to unlock the door when they want to leave the area. Exit devices include crash bars, Request to Exit (REX) buttons, motion detectors, and connections to fire alarm systems. The local fire codes determine what type of exit devices are required, especially when there's an emergency such as a fire.   Since the power supply holds the maglock shut, you may need to provide backup power if the power fails. It is essential to make sure that the battery power is wired so that all the exit devices operate correctly.  IP Door Access Control Management Software Access control management software is associated with access control hardware. It determines who, when, and what door a person can enter. The software makes it easy to register the users and improves security by combining people into groups based on their entry requirements. For example, it may allow certain people to enter from 9 am to 10 am during the weekdays while granting management access anytime and any day. The software can also control who enters and where else they may have permission to enter the organization. For example, everyone can enter the front door, but only the IT staff can enter the server room. Advanced Access Control Management: Some management software provides advanced functions that allow you to integrate with your IP Camera System, control the elevators, or configure the access control system from your mobile device. Learn more... The access control management software is an essential part of the definition process when deciding the best access control system.  Access Control and IP Cameras Adding Additional Security Access control systems can be enhanced by adding temperature scanning and mask detection. The biometric temperature scanning panels can be used by themselves or added to existing access control systems. Intercoms and IP cameras can also be added to increase security. The intercom allows you to control visitors while the IP camera system can be used to view people at the door.   Access Control Best Practices Summary There are several things to consider when installing an access control system. These include the door reader, the controller, the access control management software, and the wiring. IP cameras and intercoms can be added to increase the total security. If you would like help selecting the right access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-70 Two young boys walked into a pharmacy one day, picked out a box of tampons, and proceeded to the checkout counter. The pharmacist at the counter asked the older boy, 'Son, how old are you?' 'Eight,' the boy replied. The man continued, 'Do you know what these are used for?' The boy replied, 'Not exactly, but they aren't for me. They're for him. He's my brother. He's four." "Oh, really?" the pharmacist replied with a grin. "Yes." the boy said. "We saw on TV that if you use these, you would be able to swim, play tennis and ride a bike.  Right now, he can't do none of those." Two young salmon are swimming along one day. As they do, they are passed by a wiser, older fish coming the other way. The wiser fish greets the two as he passes, saying, "Morning, boys! How's the water?" The other two continue to swim in silence for a little while, until the first one turns to the other and asks, "What the hell is water?" What's the difference between a car and a politician.You get to test-drive a car. Instead of "the John," I call my toilet, "the Jim." That way, it sounds better when I say I go to the Jim first thing every morning. What has ears but cannot hear? A cornfield. What did the left eye say to the right eye?Between us, something smells! Did you hear about the chameleon who couldn't change color? He had a reptile dysfunction. The term "philosophy" means "love of wisdom." In a broad sense, philosophy is an activity people undertake when they seek to understand fundamental truths about themselves, the world in which they live, and their relationships to the world and each other. Those who study philosophy are perpetually engaged in asking, answering, and arguing for their answers to life's most basic questions. The point of philosophy is to start with something so simple as to seem not worth stating, and to end with something so paradoxical that no one will believe it. Bertrand Russell, Science, and Religion There are numerous ideas about the origin of the phrase, “Break a leg.” One story says spirits wreak havoc on your wishes and make the opposite happen. Another comes from ancient Greece, where the audience didn't clap but instead stomped their feet to show appreciation. If the audience stomped long enough, they would break a leg. Some say the term originated during Elizabethan times when, instead of applause, the audience would bang their chairs on the ground — and if they liked it enough, the leg of the chair would break. Now…Why do we tell actors to "break a leg?"Because every play has a cast. Two artists had an art contest. It ended in a draw! What do you mean, talk is cheap? Have you ever talked to a lawyer? A young guy called Tommy bought a horse from a farmer for $250 and the farmer agreed to deliver the horse to Tommy the following day.The next day though, the farmer turned up at Tommy’s house and said, “Sorry son, but I have some bad news, the horse died.”Tommy replied, “Well, then just give me my money back. That’s fine.”The farmer said, “Sorry, I can’t do that. I went and spent it already.”Tommy then said, “Okay, then, just bring me the dead horse.”The farmer was surprised and asked Tommy, “Why? What ya gonna do with him?”Tommy replied, “I’m going to raffle him off.” The farmer laughed and said, “You can’t raffle off a dead horse! Who’d buy a ticket?”Tommy answered, “Sure I can, just watch me. I just won’t tell anybody the horse is dead.” A month later, the farmer met up with Tommy again and asked, “What happened with that dead horse in the end. Did you raffle him off?” Tommy said, “I sure did. I sold 500 tickets at $5 a piece.” The farmer said, “Didn’t anyone complain?” Tommy smiled and said, “Just the guy who won. So I gave him his $5 back.” Once I saw this guy on a bridge about to jump. I said, "Don't do it!" He said, "Nobody loves me." I said, "God loves you. Do you believe in God?" He said, "Yes." I said, "Are you a Christian or a Jew?" He said, "A Christian." I said, "Me, too! Protestant or Catholic?" He said, "Protestant." I said, "Me, too! What franchise?" He said, "Baptist." I said, "Me, too! Northern Baptist or Southern Baptist?" He said, "Northern Baptist." I said, "Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Baptist?" He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist." I said, "Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region, or Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Region?" He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region." I said, "Me, too!" Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1879, or Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912?" He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912." I said, "Die, heretic!" And I pushed him over I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good ones, please send them to me. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Face Recognition and other Technologies for Disease Mitigation Review of the Technologies that Help in a Pandemic Face Recognition and Other Technologies So is face recognition good or bad? Does it invade our privacy, or does it make us more secure?  Facial recognition has had a difficult time in the market.  When it was first introduced, it was a promising technology, but it was costly. Over the last few years, the price has become more reasonable, yet this biometric technology faced many challenges. There were concerns of reliability, and more recently, it was attacked for impinging on our privacy.  Several municipalities recently passed laws restricting the use of face recognition, and then COVID happened. These days face recognition and temperature screening have become the technology of choice for keeping us safer in a pandemic. Other technologies are being used to help in the pandemic. This article reviews the technologies that are used to mitigate the effects of a pandemic. The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was labeled a global pandemic by the WHO in March of 2020. During that same month, the number of confirmed cases and the death rate grew exponentially in the United States, creating a severe public health emergency. Technology can play a significant role in mitigating the spread of disease. As the pharmaceutical companies race to find cures and vaccines, technology can provide better protective masks and clothing, fever monitoring at the doors, touchless door entry, visitor control, and automated contact tracing solutions. Several companies have modified existing technologies to address today's challenges. Face recognition panels have been upgraded with thermal cameras that measure a person's temperature. People can be monitored for elevated temperature before entering your organization. Information about the person can be collected using a visitor management system. A contactless door entry system can keep you healthy, and then a contact tracing system can be used to help mitigate the disease. Face Recognition for Disease Mitigation In the pandemic, facial recognition has become an essential technology for mitigating the spread of disease. Face recognition is a way of keeping track of people in the organization. As an example, one manufacturing facility monitors the people entering and leaving for their shift. This allows them to check if a person is sick before they enter. Sometimes people don't have symptoms, so it's essential to keep track of who was in the facility.  Face recognition is used to record the person's face as they enter and then record when they leave. This keeps a record of everyone on a specific shift. If a person in one of the shifts is diagnosed with COVD, they shut down just one shift rather than the whole factory. Automated  Temperature Monitoring at the Door Screening the temperature of people entering a building helps to mitigate disease. But, do you want to have a person with a handheld thermometer assigned to do the screening? There is a more automated technique that uses thermal cameras. There are thermal camera systems that can screen several people at a time and others that measure one person.  It turns out that measuring the temperature of one person at a time is more accurate. The temperature screening panels have an optical camera plus a thermal camera that measures each person as they enter the facility. Temperature Scanning These screening panels also provide face recognition, which you can use for door entry control.  As an alternative, you can turn off face recognition and simply use it to screen people's temperature.  These panels can control a door, make audio announcements, detect if a person is wearing a mask, and notify a central security person over the network. The temperature screening panel can be integrated with existing access control systems. The article Integrating Access Control and Temperature Screening describes how to integrate the systems. Automated Visitor Management Who are you? Why are you here? Are you healthy? These are the new questions asked when you visit a building. More organizations are interested in automatically controlling and managing visitors. They would like to monitor people's health and then collect information about them for later tracing.  The latest visitor management systems have added new capabilities to address these concerns.   Automated Visitor Management The automated visitor management systems include pre-registration of visitors, touchless kiosk panels with face recognition, and reports that allow you to trace all the people who visited your organization. Touchless Door Entry Touchless door entry includes automated doors that open under the control of an access control system. A visitor can use an intercom to request entry, and the safety person can remotely open the door. The door can also be equipped with an automatic door opener to enter and leave without touching a door. Automated Contact Tracing in The Organization The contact tracing system allows employers to safely bring their employees back to the office while reducing the risk of a future shutdown due to infected employees. There are several methods for contact tracing people in an organization. Manual methods are popular but a challenging methodology for contact tracing. Automatic methods, such as using tags or face recognition, are much more accurate. Automated Contact Tracing Automatic Contact Tracing with a Tag Each person receives a tag that is used for contact tracing. A tag has a unique ID number that is assigned to each person. When tags get close together, they record the other tag's ID number. If someone in the organization becomes sick, the database provides a list of all the people they came in contact with. To learn more, read our article, How Digital Contact Tracing Systems Work. Automated Contact Tracing Using Face Recognition The alternative to using a contact tag is to use facial recognition software. Face recognition software can be added to an organization's surveillance system, and this software can detect when people come close to each other. The latest CDC guidelines suggest that if people contact an infected person for 15 minutes over 24 hours, they should be notified. This software keeps track of short contact periods and then tracks the total contact duration over the period. Read more about face recognition in a crowd. Face Recognition and Technology for Disease Mitigation Summary Technology helps organizations bring back their employees. Face recognition provides a contactless method of identifying the people in the organization. By adding a thermal camera, people entering a building can be checked for elevated temperature. The spread of disease can be controlled using automated visitor management software along with automated contact tracing. If you need help selecting the right technology for pandemic mitigation, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Access Control Enhanced With Intercoms How to Control Visitors Access Control and Intercoms An access control system allows people with a credential to enter, but what happens when a visitor comes to the door?  One easy way to handle the visitor is to add an IP intercom.  An IP camera, and some additional software, can be added to provide a safe way to allow visitors to enter. This article describes how you can enhance your access control system.  How the IP Intercom Works An IP intercom attaches to the network and is controlled using Talkmaster software. It allows the door-control person to talk to the visitor. The system supports multiple intercoms that can talk to one or more command centers using Talkmaster software. This software can also be used to page all the intercoms simultaneously. Intercom Software The "call button" on the intercom is used to get the person's attention at the control center. The control person can then talk to the person at the door, release the door, or not.  The software allows the door-keeper to open the door remotely. Since everything is attached to the network, it is easy to install and operate. The intercoms have outputs that can be connected to the access control system. How Intercoms Integrate with Access Control Systems There is a relay inside the IP intercom that can be used to control the electric lock. It can also be wired to the access controller. Either way, the intercom can over-ride the access control system to allow a visitor to enter. An IP camera can be added to this system. This allows you to see the person you are talking to and check if more than one person is waiting at the door.    IP Cameras Enhance Access Control There are two ways to integrate the IP camera at the door. You can use the IP intercom software or video management software (VMS). The IP camera should be positioned so that you can see who is at the door. You can use one camera to view a person's closeup and another to see the area around the door.   Using the Intercom with Optional Intercom Video Software Talkmaster Enterprise software is an optional intercom software that allows you to use multiple Windows computers as control command consoles. You can add optional Focus Video software to the Talkmaster license. This software enables the operator to talk to an intercom and see the live video from IP Cameras.  Intercom Opens the Door The benefit of using the optional Video software is that the video is displayed using the same software that controls the intercoms. Using Video Management Software (VMS) with an Intercom If you currently have an IP camera system with Video Management Software (VMS) or an NVR, you can use your current system to view the door. In that case, you can use VMS instead of the optional IP intercom software.  The benefit is that you can use the same software that you use for general surveillance. The downside is that you require three software products, one for the intercom, another for access control management, and another for the IP Cameras. Intercoms Integrate with Access Control The three different management software solutions can run on the same computer. The video software can be integrated with the access control software to make it easier to manage. Apartment Intercoms for Access Control An apartment house can control the entry of the tenants using an access control system. A touch-screen intercom that includes a built-in camera can be added to allow visitors to enter.  Apartment Intercom Using the touch-panel intercom, the visitor can contact the tenant on their smartphone. They can talk and see the person at the door and decide about letting them in the door.  When the tenant pushes the button on their smartphone, it releases the lock on the apartment house's front door.     Access Control and Intercom Summary The door access control determines who can enter your organization, when they can enter, and what doors they can use.  The credential that permits entry can be either something you carry, like a card or keyfob, your smartphone, or your biometrics, such as your fingerprint or face. An intercom can be connected to an access control system to allow visitors to enter. IP intercoms can be used by themselves or with other software applications to make it easy to control the door. IP cameras are used with the intercoms to increase security. If you need help with your access control system integration with IP intercoms, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-69 An art student got tired of working at a fast-food restaurant and decided to get a job working as a laborer at a construction site. Being an over-confident arts student, he soon began to brag to the other workers about all sorts of things. One day he decided to brag that he could outdo anyone in a feat of strength. He made a special case of making fun of the senior engineer on the site. After several minutes, the engineer had had enough. "Why don't you put your money where your mouth is," said the engineer. "I will bet a week's wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that outbuilding that you won't be able to wheel back." "You're on, little guy!" the braggart replied. "Let's see what you have." The engineer reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then, nodding to the young man, he said, "All right. Get in." A graduate with a Science degree asks, "Why does it work?" A graduate with an Engineering degree asks, "How does it work?" A graduate with an Accounting degree asks, "How much will it cost?" A graduate with a Liberal Arts degree asks, "Would you like fries with that?" Marvin calls in to work and says, "Hey, boss I can’t come to work today, I’m really sick. I got a headache, stomachache, and my legs hurt. I can’t come to work." The boss says, "You know Marvin, I really need you today. When I feel like this I go to my wife and tell her give me sex. Makes everything better and I can go to work. You should try it." Two hours later Marvin calls again: "Boss, I did what you said, and I feel great. I’ll be at work soon. And by the way, you got a nice house." One day the different parts of the body were having an argument to see which should be in charge. The brain said, "I do all the thinking so I'm the most important and I should be in charge." The eyes said, "I see everything and let the rest of you know where we are, so I'm the most important, and I should be in charge." The hands said, "Without me, we wouldn't be able to pick anything up or move anything. So I'm the most important, and I should be in charge." The stomach said, "I turn the food we eat into energy for the rest of you. Without me, we'd starve. So I'm the most important, and I should be in charge." The legs said, "Without me, we wouldn't be able to move anywhere. So I'm the most important and I should be in charge." Then the rectum said, "I think I should be in charge." All the rest of the parts said, "You?!? You don't do anything! You're not important! You can't be in charge." So, the rectum closed up. After a few days, the legs were all wobbly, the stomach was all queasy, the hands were all shaky, the eyes were all watery, and the brain was all cloudy. They all agreed that they couldn't take any more of this and decided to put the rectum in charge. The moral of the story? You don't have to be the most important to be in charge; any asshole can do it. Silly Puns To the guy who invented zero, thanks for nothing. I don’t trust stairs because they’re always up to something. My grandpa has the heart of the lion and a lifetime ban from the zoo. Long fairy tales have a tendency to dragon. My sister bet that I couldn’t build a car out of spaghetti. You should’ve seen her face when I drove pasta. Never discuss infinity with a mathematician, they can go on about it forever. To Think Outside the Box "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair." Written in 1859, this quote by Charles Dickens still rings true. We are in an age of extreme politics that colors our social discourse and beliefs in science and technology. From the age of Socrates, we are constantly reminded that it is essential to define ourselves not by the tribes we belong to but by our own intellect. And yet we succumb to demagoguery. Maybe because of the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic, we have found ourselves clinging tightly to our tribes. We listen to the news, that is very happy to exploit our feelings, and are told how to think within the party. Our views intensify as we hear invectives of extreme opinions. History shows us that our society goes through periods of hope and despair. We experience periods of optimism and pessimism. In this time of cynicism, we should remember this comment from Terry Pratchett in A Hat Full of Sky. "There's always a story. It's all stories, really. The sun coming up every day is a story. Everything's got a story in it. Change the story, change the world."  We are in a season of distrust, and that is the current story. It is time to change. And now what to do? Probably the most important thing we can do is to think outside our box. We must leave our tribe. We must make decisions based on truths, not what our tribe tells us. Socrates states, "I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think." We also need to believe in hope. We must believe that it will all get better. At one point in JM Barrie's story of Peter Pan, Peter finds Tinkerbell poisoned. "Her voice was so low that at first, he could not make out what she said. Then he made it out. She was saying that she thought she could get well again if children believed in fairies." Peter turns to the audience and says, "Do you believe in fairies? If you believe, clap your hands. Don't let Tinker die." Yes, it's corny, but the Tinkerbell effect does work. We hear this message from our religious leaders and even from our politicians. It is that soft voice that helps us believe.   Please start clapping, and then vote!  I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good ones, please send them to me. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How a Power Supply Works Access Control, IP Cameras, and Intercoms Need Power Supplies Designing a power supply is one of the first electrical engineering tasks I did in college. I remember those days. We learned many things, such as don't drink a lot of beer before the lab class. Don't put your finger in the electric socket. Always try to guess what's on the test. And, stay away from courses about antennas because they were terrifying.  Power supplies are in computers, IP cameras, access control systems, IP paging, and intercoms.  It is one of the most underrated components of a computer system. When you specify a computer, you think about the processor speed, the memory, storage, and display card. The power supply is never considered.  Of course, if it fails, none of the other components will work. Sometimes it's the most unsophisticated part of the system that is the most important. Does anyone remember the old joke about the argument between the various parts of the body*? Power Supply Design This article describes how a power supply works and some things you should consider when purchasing a power supply.   What is a Power Supply? The Power Supply Unit (PSU) is a device that transforms energy from the electrical power input into power that can be used by a computer-type device.  The computer type Power Supply converts the power from AC (Alternating Current) to DC (Direct Current) power, provides a fixed output voltage level, and regulates or maintains the output voltage over a range of load conditions. It doesn't actually "supply" power; it converts or changes it so an electronic device can use it.  For example, your computer's power supply converts 120 VAC alternating current (AC) into low voltage direct current (DC) power at 5 VDC or 12 VDC. The PSU (Power Supply Unit) also has to regulate the voltage output to ensure it doesn't vary by more than a few percent. It also usually includes a current limiting switch that shuts off (like a fuse) when too much load current is detected. This protects the load device from damage. Power Supply Concept Diagram The power supply consists of four major parts. Transformer: Adjusts the AC voltage to the right level for the specific power supplyRectifier: Converts the AC signal (Alternating Current), so that is always positive (DC)Filter: smooths out the bumps in the signalRegulator: adjusts the output DC voltage so that it maintains the right level (12 VDC). It maintains a constant voltage despite the change in the load. Block Diagram of a Power Supply Types of Power Supplies There are two types of power supplies, the linear power supply, and the switching power supply. The linear power supply has a simple design and is less expensive than the switching power supply. The switching power supply is more complicated but is much more efficient and flexible. Linear Power Supply Here is an example of a circuit diagram. The linear power supply includes a large transformer that adjusts the input voltage, a rectifier, transistors, and a voltage regulator component.  Linear Power Supply Circuit Diagram Advantages of Linear Supplies Simple Device. Linear regulators use fewer components than the switching supplies. The circuit diagram above shows how a regulator chip (7812) can be used in a power supply. Low cost. If your device requires a power output of less than 10W, then the component and manufacturing costs are much lower than switching power supplies.Low noise/ripple. Linear regulators have a very low output voltage ripple and high bandwidth. This makes them ideal for any noise-sensitive applications, including communication and radio devices. Disadvantages Larger: Linear power supplies require a larger transformer, so they are larger and heavier than the switching power supplies.Limited flexibility. Linear regulators usually can be used with a fixed input voltage and frequency. For example, they are designed to be connected to 120 VAC 60Hz or 240 VAC power input.  If you want to use 240 VAC power, you need to switch taps on the input transformer. Limited outputs. Linear regulated power supplies only provide one output voltage. If you need more, you'll need to add a separate linear voltage regulator per required output.Poor efficiency. The average linear regulated device achieves an efficiency between 30%-60% due to heat dissipation. It also requires a heat sink, which adds to the device's size and weight. Switching Power Supply Many of today's power supplies use switched-mode power. This type of power supply incorporates a switching regulator to control the voltage and current. It is more flexible and much more efficient than the linear power supply. They are used in intercoms, IP cameras, access control reader-controllers. The diagram consists of many more blocks than the linear supply. Switching Power Supply Diagram The switch-mode power supply can handle many different levels of AC (Alternating Current) input voltage and frequency. Computer products are sold in Japan, where the power is 100 VAC 50 Hz, and in France, where the power is 230 Volts at 50 Hz.  The switching power supply can accommodate all these power sources. Switching supplies can also convert DC power from one voltage level to another. For example, PoE injectors provide around 48 Volts DC to a device on the network. The IP device, such as a camera, has a DC to DC converter that converts the 48 VDC to 5 VDC to power the camera circuits. Advantages & Disadvantages of Switching Supplies Switching power supplies might have a higher efficiency than linear regulators, but they could be a problem in some situations where noise makes them a poor choice. For example, radio and communication applications require low-noise power. Advantages Small form factor. The step-down transformer in the switching-regulator operates at a high frequency, which means the transformer is much smaller and lighter.High efficiency. Voltage regulation in a switching power supply dissipates less heat. The efficiency can be as high as 85%-90%.Flexible applications. Additional windings can be added to a switching power supply to provide more than one output voltage. A transformer-isolated device can also provide output voltages that are independent of input voltages. Disadvantages Complicated design. The design requires more components, and so it should be designed carefully to maintain reliability.High-frequency noise. The switching operation of the MOSFET within a switching power supply provides high-frequency noise in the output voltage. This often requires the use of RF shielding and EMI filters in noise-sensitive devices.Higher cost. For lower power outputs of 10W or less, it's cheaper to use a linear regulated power supply. Summary of Power Supply Selection The power supply converts voltage levels. It also transforms the power from AC to DC and keeps the voltage constant despite the load. The linear supply costs less but is less efficient and flexible. The switching supply is lighter, costs more, and is more efficient. *The Joke: One day the different parts of the body were having an argument to see which should be in charge. The brain said, "I do all the thinking, so I'm the most important, and I should be in charge." The eyes said, "I see everything and let the rest of you know where we are, so I'm the most important, and I should be in charge." The hands said, "Without me, we wouldn't be able to pick anything up or move anything. So I'm the most important, and I should be in charge." The stomach said, "I turn the food we eat into energy for the rest of you. Without me, we'd starve. So I'm the most important, and I should be in charge." The legs said, "Without me, we wouldn't be able to move anywhere. So I'm the most important, and I should be in charge." Then the rectum said, "I think I should be in charge." All the rest of the parts said, "You?!? You don't do anything! You're not important! You can't be in charge." So the rectum closed up. After a few days, the legs were all wobbly, the stomach was all queasy, the hands were all shaky, the eyes were all watery, and the brain was all cloudy. They all agreed that they couldn't take any more of this and decided to put the rectum in charge. The moral of the story? You don't have to be the most important to be in charge; any asshole can do it. If you need help selecting the IP camera, access control, or IP paging and intercom, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Integrating Access Control and Temperature Screening How to Integrate Temperature Scanning Biometrics with Access Control systems Access control systems can be enhanced to increase safety by adding biometric (face and Palm) access credentials, temperature scanning, and mask detection. The biometric temperature scanning panels can be used by themselves or added to existing access control systems. Integrating Access Control and Temperature Scanning Why add biometric access control? Mostly because it provides better security. A card credential can be stolen, forgotten, or even copied. Even though my mother told me that I could lose my head if it weren’t attached to my shoulders, I’m sure that I will have my head (and face) when I get to work.  The face recognition or palm readers provide a very secure way to provide identification. One other thing about biometrics is that you don’t have to purchase cards or keyfobs for all the people in your organization. A typical card credential can cost over $3/credential, so if you have 500 people in the organization, it can save you money.  The latest face recognition panels have become very popular because they also include temperature scanning and mask detection. You can prevent a person with elevated temperature or not wearing a mask from entering your organization. This new access control technology adds the level of safety required to keep everyone healthy. Door access control that uses face recognition as the credential provides another important health benefit. It provides touch-less door entry that removes the requirement for contacting a door handle. Face Recognition and Temperature Scanning Access Control The biometric panels connect to the network or an access control panel. The panel includes an RJ45 network connection and a Wiegand connection, so it has the flexibility to be added to the network or access control system. The simplest access control solution connects the panel to the electric lock. Temperature Measuring Panel Wiring The diagram shows how the biometric panel can be wired to control the electric strike controlling the door. Connecting Temperature Scanning Panels to an Access Control System Using Relays We can wire the internal relay in the biometric and temperature scanning panel to the relay inside the access control system to create an integrated access control system.  Alternatively, we can use the panel’s relay to control the signals from the door reader to the access controller unit. Here are some wiring examples. Wiring the Temperature Panel When the Electric Lock is a Strike The relay in the biometric panel can be programmed to close only if a person’s temperature is normal, and wearing a mask.  You can select temperature scanning, mask detection, or both conditions for entry control. Access Control and Temperature Panel Integration A voltage is applied to an electric strike to open the door. When using the biometric reader with the access control system, you need two conditions to occur.  One of the conditions is that the card credential is correct, and the other condition is that the person’s temperature is safe. By wiring the two relays in series, you create the “and” condition that permits entry.  Wiring the Biometric Panel When the Electric Lock is a Maglock A magnetic lock requires power to hold it shut. When the two relays are wired in parallel, it requires both relays to be opened to release the door. The two relays create an "or" condition. If one of the relays is closed, the door will stay shut.       Note that other manual exit button and emergency door control devices must be wired in series with the two other relays to ensure the door opens. Temperature Panel and Maglock Wiring Access Control and Biometric Panel Integration Using the Wiegand Interface It is also possible to use the relay in the biometric temperature panel to control the Wiegand signals going to the other access controller.  In this case, the relay must be closed to allow the card reader's signals to travel to the controller. Integration of Access Control and Temperature Scanning The normally opened relay in the biometric panel will close only if the person’s temperature is normal (and if they are wearing a mask). Access Control and Biometric Temperature Scanning Panel Summary The biometric and temperature scanning panels can be used by themselves to control entry into your organization. They can also be used with existing door access control systems by wiring the relays with the relay from the current system. There are more complicated integrations, but these are the simplest. In some advanced systems, you could also use the Wiegand interface or even the network interface of the panels to integrate with other software. This type of integration may require special programming. There are SDK (Software Development Kits) and API (Application Programming Interfaces) available for these advanced integration methods. If you need help with your temperature panel integration, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-68 Giuseppe excitedly tells his mother he's fallen in love and that he is going to get married. He says, "Just for fun, Mama, I'm going to bring over three women, and you try and guess which one I'm going to marry." The mother agrees. The next day, he brings three beautiful women into the house, sits them down on the couch, and they chat for a while He then says, "Okay, Mama, guess which one am I going to marry?" Mama says immediately, "The one on the right." "That's amazing, Mama. You're right. How did you know?" Mama replies: "I don't like her."-- How to reply: When people see a cat's litter box, they always say,  "Oh, have you got a cat?" I just say, "No, it's for company!" Employment application blanks always ask who is to be called in case of an emergency.I think you should write, "An ambulance." The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he knows when he's really in trouble. May you always have:Love to share,Cash to spare,Tires with air,And friends who care. The church is packed and the devil decides to pay a visit.The doors burst open, and a rolling black cloud rolls in with the devil in its midst. People jump out of the pews and run outdoors, screaming - all except for two.One is the priest, the other is an elderly farmer.Satan is a bit perplexed.He points to the priest and says, "You! I can understand why you didn't run away, you are in G-d's house, you preach against me every day, and you aren't afraid of me. But YOU (points to the farmer), why didn't you run out scared like everyone else?"The farmer crosses one leg over the other and drawls,"Why, I'm surprised you don't recognize me...I've been married to your sister for 36 years!" It was time for St Peter's annual three-week vacation, and Jesus volunteered to fill in for him at the Pearly Gates. "It's no big deal," St Peter explained. "Just sit at the registration desk, and ask each person a little about his or her life. Then, send them to housekeeping to pick up their wings." On the third day, Jesus looked up to see a bewildered old man standing in front of him. He asked the old man to tell him something about himself. "I'm a simple carpenter," said the old man. "And once I had a son. He was born in a very special way, and was unlike anyone else in the world. He went through a great transformation even though he had holes in his hands and feet. He was taken from me a long time ago, but his spirit lives on forever. All over the world people tell his story." By this time, Jesus was standing with his arms outstretched. There were tears in his eyes, as he embraced the old man. "Father," he cried. "It's been so long." The old man squinted, removed his glasses, stares blankly for a moment while he wiped the glasses, returned the glasses to his head, looked at Jesus again and said, "Pinocchio?" Accomplishing the impossible means only that the boss will add it to your regular duties.Character is like a fence - it cannot be strengthened by whitewash.In the 60s people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely. Some Dad Jokes Doctor: Relax David, it's just a small surgery. Don't panic. Patient: But my name isn't David? Doctor: I know. I'm David My neighbor rang my doorbell at 3 AM. Can you believe that? Luckily, I was still up playing my drums. Give a man a fish and you will feed him for the day Teach a man to fish and he's going to spend a fortune on the fishing gear he'll only use twice a year. A cop pulled me over and said, "Papers!" I yelled back, "Scissors!" and drove off. I saw my wife, slightly drunk, yelling at the TV, "Don't go in there! Don't go in the church, you moron!" She was watching our wedding video again. I caught my son chewing on an electric cord, so I had to ground him. He's currently doing better and now conducting himself properly. I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. Dave Grossman and Ellyn Goldstein contributed some of these jokes. If you have any good ones, please send them to me. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Camera Systems Are Getting Smarter IP Cameras are getting very intelligent. Should we be worried? There is a transformation taking place in IP Camera Systems. One that could change the way we think about surveillance. The latest IP cameras are getting very smart. Smart enough to recognize different objects, such as people, vehicles, and animals. Intelligent enough to reduce false alarms, increase awareness and response time, and even deliver information for demographics (Business Intelligence) purposes. The addition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides a much more effective and efficient IP camera system.  This AI provides critical alarms and reduces the time it takes to review and find the vital video. This article reviews the new capability of IP surveillance cameras that include artificial intelligence. IP Cameras with AI I think that I shall never seea computer made like me. What is Artificial Intelligence? Artificial intelligence (AI) is described in Britannica as a digital computer or computer-controlled robot that can perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. It mimics human responses to their environment. To be more precise many people have categorized several levels of AI capability. Some have said there are four levels, and others think there are several levels. The article Understanding the Four Types of Artificial Intelligence provides a summary of these capabilities. Reactive machines The most basic types of AI systems are purely reactive. They do not include the ability to remember events nor to use past experiences to inform current decisions. Deep Blue, IBM's chess-playing supercomputer, which beat international grandmaster Garry Kasparov in the late 1990s, is the perfect example of this type of machine. A me that wears an overcoat And likes a risky anecdote. Limited Memory Machines This Type II class contains machines include a memory of past events. Self-driving cars do some of this already. For example, they observe other cars' speed and direction. The vehicle's calculations must observe its surroundings and identifying specific objects and monitor them over time. Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) This type of artificial intelligence represents all the existing AI, including even the most complicated and capable AI that has ever been created to date. Artificial narrow intelligence refers to AI systems that can only perform a specific task autonomously using human-like capabilities. These machines can do nothing more than what they are programmed to do, and thus have a very limited or narrow range of competencies. Theory of Mind This type of AI is found more in theory rather than practice. Theory of mind AI is the next level of AI systems that researchers are currently engaged in innovating. A "theory of mind" level AI will be able to understand better the entities it is interacting with by discerning their needs, emotions, beliefs, and thought processes. A me that taps his foot and grinswhenever Dixieland begins. Hanwha's IP Cameras with Narrow Artificial Intelligence Hanwha's latest intelligent IP cameras provide "narrow artificial intelligence" capability.  They are capable of making decisions about objects they observe and categorize them into classes. This classification capability provides several advantages such as better motion detection, reduction of false alarms, and providing information about the attributes of the objects observed. IP Camera Object Detection Enhanced Motion Detection The object information enhances motion detection, and this allows the IP camera system to detect the motion caused by a person and ignore the motion caused by your pet dog.   This is a dramatic improvement over the current pixel motion detection, which is described in our article about How Motion Detection Works in IP Camera Systems.   A me that likes martinis dry,And on the rocks a little rye. Reporting the Attributes The camera is intelligent enough to determine if the object is a person, vehicle, or animal. Once the item is analyzed, it can define various attributes about the object.  These attributes can then be sent to video management software. This metadata can be used to enhance the surveillance and safety provided by the IP camera system. For example, a person can be categorized by gender, clothing type, or clothing color. The Face attributes can classify people by age or that they are wearing glasses. Vehicle's characteristics include the classification by color or vehicle types such as trucks, buses, or bikes. Model Attributes Supported Attributes Items PersonGenderFemale, MaleUpper(Color)Black, Gray, White, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple(up to 2 colors at the same time)Lower(Color)Black, Gray, White, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple(up to 2 colors at the same time)BagCarry Bag or notVehicleTypeCar (Sedan/SUV/Van…etc), Bus, Truck, Motorcycle, Bicycle, TrainColorBlack, Gray, White, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple(up to 2 colors at the same time)FaceGenderFemale, MaleAgeYoung/Adult/Middle age/SeniorGlassesWear Glasses or NotAI Attributes Table Do you need to find a person who was carrying a bag? Or, maybe you want to look for a woman with a blue shirt.  All these attributes provide information that can quickly be found in the database, making the security process much quicker.  Best Shot from the Surveillance Camera Best Shot Captured The "bestshot" capability allows you to find such things as people's faces, vehicles, and license plates in the recorded video. For example, you may have lots of videos of the vehicles traveling down the road, and you would like to get the best shot of a particular license plate. By searching for a red car, you quickly narrow the search. Once you find all the red cars, you can ask the IP camera system to select the best shot of the license plate. IP Camera Systems are Supercharged with AI  When IP camera systems are more intelligent, they increase security and reduce the labor required to discover alarm conditions. Object-oriented intelligence reduces false alarms. This means the alarms have more meaning and are not ignored. The time needed to find specific video segments is dramatically reduced because of the attributes that help in the search.  IP Camera System AI Summary The latest IP camera systems from Hanwha have added Artificial Intelligence. This is a gamechanger that provides much more surveillance capability. The ability to identify objects allows the IP camera system to reduce false alarms, detect people, vehicles, and other items, increasing the efficiency of the IP camera system.  And, here's the end of our poem about computer intelligence: They make computers for a fee,But only moms can make a me. If you would like help selecting the right IP camera system with AI, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Automatic Contact Tracing and Other Technologies for the Campus Technology for Schools Contact Tracing in Schools Our world has been turned upside down. What was true yesterday is no longer the same today. As Alice in Wonderland says, "How puzzling all these changes are! I'm never sure what I'm going to be, from one minute to another." Can automated contact tracing and other unique technologies turn our world around? The pandemic has created many challenges for schools. It has driven us to find new solutions. We hope that our scientists quickly find a vaccine and a cure for Covid-19. Our engineers have also worked hard to provide solutions that can help us until they do find a cure. This article describes the technologies that can be used to help us through the pandemic. Automatic Contact Tracing Contact tracing involves identifying people who have a contagious disease (cases) and people who they encountered (contacts) and working with them to interrupt disease spread. This includes asking people with COVID-19 to isolate themselves at home voluntarily. Some people are concerned that the contact tracers are intruding on their privacy. The new digital contact tracing methods pay attention to this concern. The contact tracing methodology is to register the time a person spends close to another person. The process doesn't record personal data or the person's location. The system only provides a list of possible contacts if someone is reported to be sick. Automated contact tracing provides a fast method of isolating the students that could have been affected. It mitigates the spread of disease and helps the school isolate only those people who are most affected. Contact Tracers Can Be Replaced by Automated Contact Tracing Manual Contact Tracing is Arduous and Uncertain. The CDC recommends the following process: Interviewing people with COVID-19 to identify everyone they had close contact with during the time they may have been infectious, Notifying contacts of their potential exposure, Referring contacts for testing, Monitoring contacts for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, Connecting contacts with services they might need during the self-quarantine period. It would be nice if everyone who was questioned cooperated with the contact tracer, but unfortunately, many people resist answering. Automated Contact Tracing Uses Tags and a Cloud Database The contact tracing devices or tags are carried by people and detect how long one person is close to another person.  The contact tracing database server, located in the cloud, collects all the contact information. Each tag includes the ID of the person who owns the tag. If someone in the organization becomes sick, the database can be used to identify everyone who has had close contact with the infected person. Temperature Monitoring Panels Temperature Monitoring Panel Like contact tracing, temperature monitoring of all people on the campus can help to mitigate the spread of the pandemic. If you can prevent people who are sick from entering the university, you can minimize the disease and won't need automatic contact tracing. The temperature scanning door reader provides face authentication and temperature monitoring. It can prevent the entry of a person that has an elevated temperature or if they are not wearing a protective face mask. Temperature screening systems can operate by themselves or as part of an access control system. The simple systems can be used to monitor people as they enter, and if they detect elevated temperatures, they will provide an audio warning. The more professional biometric temperature monitoring panels can be used to control a door as part of an access control system. Campus-Wide Emergency Alert IP Paging Systems Network-attached public address and intercom systems improve campus security by adding emergency alert capabilities. They provide communications to multi-building or multi-campus school or corporate environments. Panic Buttons that are strategically placed can be used by the administration to initiate a lockdown or emergency evacuation. The Personal Mobile Emergency Alert Mobile Emergency Button Mobile panic buttons can also be used to enhance security. The personal emergency panic button is a small device that attaches to your key-ring and provides instant notification to the safety center. The emergency panic button operates through a Bluetooth connection of the person's smartphone. The safety center can listen to the audio and provide the appropriate response to the emergency. Summary of Contact Tracing and Other Devices for Improving Safety in Schools These days many things are uncertain. Can we go back to school? Will we be safe? When will the pandemic end? We don't have all the answers, but we have some new technology that can help make things a bit more certain. Contact tracing can be used to mitigate and control the pandemic. The automated system makes it much easier to trace people who should be isolated. The new temperature monitoring panels can control who enters your facility. If they have elevated temperature or not wearing a mask, they can be prevented from entering your facility. Other technologies that provide emergency notification of situations add to the safety of the organization. Schools can be kept as safe as possible by using these targeted technologies. If you would like help selecting the right systems for controlling disease, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 67 A nice, calm and respectable lady went into the pharmacy, walked up to the pharmacist; looked straight into his eyes, and said, "I'd like to buy some cyanide." The pharmacist asked, "Why in the world do you need cyanide?" The lady replied, "I need it to poison my husband."  The pharmacist's eyes got big and he explained, "Lord have mercy! I can't give you cyanide to kill your husband, that's against the law!  I'll lose my license! They'll throw both of us in jail! All kinds of bad things will happen. Absolutely not! You CANNOT have any cyanide!" The lady reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist's wife. The pharmacist looked at the picture and said, "Well, you didn't tell me you had a prescription." Steven Wright The other day when I was walking through the woods, I saw a rabbit standing in front of a candle making shadows of people on a tree. Last time I went skiing, I had to get up at 5:00 in the morning. I knew I couldn't do that, so I slept with my skis on. My ride came at 5:30 in the morning, couldn't wake me up so he carried me out of the house, put my skis on the roof rack of the car, and drove to the mountain. Seventeen miles later, I woke up out of this incredibly bizarre dream that I was skydiving horizontally. I'm sure this has happened to you. I bought a dog the other day... I named him Stay. It's fun to call him... "Come here, Stay! Come here, Stay!" He went insane. My girlfriend does her nails with white-out. When she's asleep, I go over there and write misspelled words on them. There was a power outage at a department store yesterday. Twenty people were trapped on the escalators. I was in the supermarket the other day, and I met a lady in the aisle where they keep the generic brands. Her name was "woman". I went to the museum where they had all the heads and arms from the statues that are in all the other museums. A Long Joke The old lady handed her bank card to a bank teller and said, “I would like to withdraw $500". The teller told her, “For withdrawals less than $2,000, please use the ATM.” The old lady wanted to know why ... The teller returned her bank card and irritably told her, “These are the rules. Please leave if there is no other matter. There is a line behind you.” The old lady remained silent for a few seconds, then handed the card back to the teller and said, “Please help me withdraw all the money I have.” The teller was astonished when she checked the account balance. She nodded her head, leaned down and respectfully told her, “My apologies Ma'am, you have $35 million in your account and our bank doesn't have so much cash currently. Could you make an appointment and come again tomorrow? The old lady then asked how much she could withdraw immediately. The teller told her any amount up to $250,000. "Well, please let me have $250,000 now", she requested. The teller did so quickly, then handed it very friendly and respectfully to her elderly client. The old lady put $500 in her bag and asked the teller to deposit the balance of $249,500 back into her account. The moral: Don't be difficult with old people, they spent a lifetime learning the skills When I was a kid, my mother told me I could be anyone I wanted to be. Turns out, identity theft is a crime. The workshop on procrastination has been cancelled, as no-one got around to enrolling. The technical term for "being unable to remember the word you want is, "uh ..." Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. George Carlin Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac? "I am" is reportedly the shortest sentence in the English language. Could it be that "I do" is the longest sentence? I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist. Not only do I not know what's going on, I wouldn't know what to do about it if I did. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor. The other night I ate at a real nice family restaurant. Every table had an argument going. There's no present. There's only the immediate future and the recent past. Weather forecast for tonight: dark. Comedy is a socially acceptable form of hostility and aggression. That is what comics do, stand the world upside down. – George Carlin I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. Dave Grossman, and Ellyn Goldstein contributed some of these jokes. If you have any good ones, please send them to me. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Automated Contact Tracing in a Pandemic Digital Contact Tracing Systems Contact tracing is an essential method for mitigating disease. It has been used for many years in fighting pandemics. Pandemics have been around forever. They have caused many deaths, impacted the economies of nations, and have changed human history. Today we are in the middle of the most recent pandemic, and it too has changed our lives. We struggle to maintain mitigation methods such as wearing masks, identifying people with the disease, and contact tracing to control the spread. This article reviews how contact tracing and other mitigation efforts have been used to fight the pandemic.  It examines the historical, social, political, and scientific aspects of mitigating illness.  Contact Tracing in Pandemic History One of the earliest pandemics was the Black Death (or plague), which occurred in the Late Neolithic-Early Bronze Age (around 3,000 BCE) and resulted in mass population migrations. An article in nature, “Bronze Age Skeletons Were Earliest Plague Victims,” described how the study of bronze age skeletons verified the presence of plague in their DNA. The disease caused a massive exodus of people from the steppe of what is now Russia and Ukraine; they scattered west into Europe and east into central Asia. They ran to avoid contact with the sickness that was sweeping the area. Even back then, they knew that contact with sick people was dangerous. The deadliest plague in recorded history killed 100 – 200 million people worldwide in the 14th century. The article, THE BLACK DEATH: THE PLAGUE, 1331-1770, said that the best estimates now are that at least 25 million people died in Europe from 1347 to 1352. It took 150 years for Europe’s population to recover. Besides the medieval cures that included such things as bathing in your own urine, they used masks, contact tracing, and isolation to reduce the deaths. The plague doctor with his bird-like costume was probably the first contact tracer. Other major pandemics include measles, smallpox, syphilis, typhus, cholera, HIV/AIDS, the 1918 flu pandemic, SARS, and Ebola. During all these pandemics, there has been a conflict between politics, science, and the economy. During the Middle Ages, the Church attributed the plague to “supernatural forces and, primarily, the will or wrath of God.” The response to the 1918 flu was affected by World War I, and the presidential election.  Political leaders even tried to hide the existence of the pandemic because of partisan or diplomatic reasons, perhaps to avoid disruptions in trade and travel. The inconsistency of messages to the public slowed the response to the epidemic and resulted in increased death.  Contact Tracing Provides Containment and Mitigation of Disease The control of pandemics consists of containment and mitigation. Stanford University described the Public Health Response to the 1918 flu.  During that outbreak, masks, contact tracing, and isolation helped return the country to normal. Other public health interventions, such as vaccines and therapeutic countermeasures, were used to mitigate and control the spread. By learning from past experiences and following the advice of scientists, we can control the outbreak of Covid-19. The strategy is to identify infected individuals, use body temperature scanning, provide contact tracing, use masks, test people for disease, and isolate infected individuals to stop the spread of illness. Contact Tracing and Wearing Your Team Colors Many of us are aware that the mitigation methods are essential in keeping us all safe. Unfortunately, there have been political influences that have modified behavior. Like cheering for their favorite team, and wearing their team colors, people will not wear a mask, or object to contact tracing, because of political affiliation. The conflict between tribalism and science continues to haunt us even in the worst of times. Digital Contact Tracing and Privacy Some people are concerned that contact tracing, and especially automated contact tracing, can intrude on their privacy. The new digital contact tracing methods pay attention to this concern. The contact tracing methodology is to register the time a person spends close to another person. The process doesn’t record personal data or the person’s location. The system only provides a list of possible contacts if someone is reported to be sick. Automated Contact Tracing System Automated Contact Tracing The automation of contact tracing was inevitable. Just like other manual operations, the computer has now made it easier to trace all the people you have been near. One method is to use smartphones to provide contact tracing. Apple and Google have teamed together to provide this service. There have been some privacy concerns, and contact tracing offered by smartphone apps has not been widely implemented. Another approach for digital contact tracing uses separate electronic tags rather than a smartphone. People carry these tags while they are inside an organization. The contact tracing system doesn’t use smartphones and provides better privacy. Conceptually the process is easy. The system uses contact tracing devices (tags) that detect when they are close to another similar device. Each tag keeps a record of contacts and the duration of time they were together. Information from each tag is then automatically sent to a database that holds the data from all these devices. To learn more, see the Contact Tracing System product description. Automated Contact Tracing Summary Contact tracing is an essential method of controlling the spread of disease. It has been used in many historic pandemics. History teaches us that it’s crucial to follow suggestions provided by the medical community. There are political and religious conflicts that can confuse the successful implementation of mitigation methods. Contact tracing is only one of the methods used to reduce transmission of disease. There are other protocols that should be followed, such as wearing masks, social isolation, testing, and temperature scanning. If you would like help selecting the right systems for controlling disease, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, 914-944-3425, everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### What is a Visitor Management System? Automated Visitor Management Systems  Remember when you used to be greeted by someone at the desk in the lobby. They would ask your name and who you wanted to see. Then you would sign in and enter other information into their logbook. Maybe you even got a visitor badge.  Oh wait, many organizations still do this.  You may have also noticed that the world is changing. There are economic and health pressures that have motivated many organizations to use digital visitor management systems. Today's heightened interest in security and health has resulted in the need for better digital visitor authentication. With the addition of access control panels and kiosks, you can even provide temperature monitoring and protective mask detection. Visitor Management System This article reviews how the latest visitor management system controls entry, provides a record of people entering the facility, and how the systems can integrate with other access control systems. Visitor Verification Visitors can be verified in advance. The more sophisticated visitor management systems provide advanced registration for appointments. Visitors are sent a QR code that can be used for verification. When the guest arrives, they present their QR code and their authentication key along with capturing a live photo, and they are digitally logged into the premises. Blacklisting Whether it is a school or a commercial facility, you can blacklist anyone to deter unwanted visitors from gaining access. All the information collected from a visitor can be compared with another database to assure safety. The system allows you to establish a watch list that can be used in schools and other organizations where there is a need to control the entry of a person, organization, or country.  The system also allows you to tag an individual for a "keep your eye on" in suspicious situations.   The system can be very helpful in controlling the entry of individuals that are involved in custody disputes where one of the parents is not allowed to see the child. Emergency Notifications When unexpected situations arise, visitor management software can trigger emergency notifications. You can customize who receives the warnings and what the message says. And if the front desk does not have the time to type a message, there is an optional emergency (SOS) button to alert the right people to assist in the situation. Visitor Management Reports Better visitor management software allows you to run extensive reports from students to contractors to visitors. The reports can be exported in a CSV format or excel- whichever fits your needs. These reports allow you to review all the organization's visitors. To learn more about the visitor management system, visit our webpage Compare Visitor Management Systems. Visitor Management and Access Control Some visitor management systems can be integrated with access control systems. For example, the TVIP-VisitorBio kiosk is a high-performance face recognition reader that includes body temperature and mask detection. The kiosk integrates with the TVIPTirSoft, which is access control management software that supports biometric door access control systems. By integrating the visitor management system into the access control system, you can assure that the person can only enter certain controlled areas of the organization. The visitor badge can be used to open certain doors but not others.  It can even control an elevator so that the visitor can only reach a specific floor. Contact Tracing With Visitor Management Contact tracing can be added as part of the visitor management protocol. Tracking tags can be issued to all guests. This provides disease mitigation if one of the guests later is identified with Covid-19. Each person receives a tag that is used for contact tracing. A tag has a unique ID number that is assigned to the person who will be wearing the tag. The tags use Bluetooth 5 communication protocol to detect other tags near them. When tags get close together, they record the other tag's ID number. The information collected by the tag is broadcast to the gateway. The system uses a proximity-based method that is more accurate than GPS and does not track locations. If someone in the organization becomes sick, the database provides a list of all the people that person came in contact with. Temperature and Mask Scanning of Visitors Visitors can be scanned for elevated temperature and if they are wearing a mask. The Temperature Scanning Access Control Panels help to keep the organization healthy by limiting the entry of anyone with high temperature or not wearing a mask. They are designed for organizations that need door access control as well as a way to screen people as they enter a secure area. This biometric door reader combines a powerful embedded thermal camera and the latest face and palm recognition algorithm that is supported by an optimized dual-core processor. Visitor Management System Summary The latest visitor management systems make it easy to verify, register, and control visitors that enter your organization. The visitor management software can be integrated with door access control systems, temperature screening systems, IP camera systems, and other security systems that can keep your organization safe. To learn more about the best visitor management system, contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 66 A chemist walks into a pharmacy and asks the pharmacist, “Do you have any acetylsalicylic acid?” “You mean aspirin?” asked the pharmacist. “That’s it! I can never remember that word.” A frog telephones the Psychic Hotline. His Personal Psychic Advisor tells him, “You are going to meet a beautiful young girl who will want to know everything about you.” The frog is thrilled! “This is great! Will I meet her at a party?” “No,” says his advisor, “in her biology class.” A physicist, a biologist, and a chemist were going to the ocean for the first time. The physicist saw the ocean and was fascinated by the waves. He said he wanted to do some research on the fluid dynamics of the waves and walked into the ocean. Unfortunately, he was drowned and never returned. The biologist said he wanted to research flora and fauna inside the ocean and walked into the sea. He, too, never returned. The chemist waited for a long time and afterward wrote the observation, “The physicist and the biologist are soluble in ocean water.” One experiment too many Famous last words from chemists: “And now, the taste test…” “And now shake it a bit…” “In which glass was my mineral water?” “This is a completely safe experimental setup.” “Now, you can take the protection window away…” A dung beetle walks into a bar and says, “Excuse me, is this stool taken?” Elementary, my dear Watts! Q: What was the name of the first Electricity Detective? A: Sherlock Ohms. One day a man was walking along the beach when he tripped over a lamp. He turned around and kicked the lamp out of anger. A few seconds later, a genie popped out of the lamp. Reluctantly, the genie said, "Even though you kicked me, I still have to give you three wishes. However, because of what you did, I will also give twice what you wish for to the person you hate the most: your boss." So the man agreed and made his first wish. "I want lots of money", he said. Instantly 22 million dollars appeared in the man's bank account and 44 million appeared in his boss's account. For his second wish, the man wished for a couple of sports cars. Instantly a Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Porsche appeared. At the same time, two of each car appeared outside of his boss' house. Finally, the genie said, "This is your last wish, you should choose carefully," and to this the man replied, "I've always wanted to donate a kidney..." Random Thoughts Age 70 might be the new 50, but 9:00 is the new midnight.  I hate when a couple argues in public, and I missed the beginning and don’t know whose side I’m on.  Definitions 1. ARBITRAITOR     A cook that leaves Arby’s to work at McDonald’s  2. BURGLARIZE     What a crook sees through 3. AVOIDABLE     What a bullfighter tries to do 4. EYEDROPPER     Clumsy ophthalmologist A long Joke:  A student and a professor are sitting next to each other on a plane. To pass the time, the professor asks the student if she wants to play a game, "All you have to do is ask a question, and if I get it wrong or don't know the answer I will give you five dollars, then I will ask you a question and if you get it wrong you pay me five dollars." "No," she says, "I just want to sleep." He keeps asking, and she finally agrees when he says if he gets it wrong, he will pay her five hundred dollars, but she still only has to pay five dollars. "What is the distance from the earth to the moon?" he asks. She gives him 5 dollars. "What goes up the hill with four legs and comes down with five?" she asks. He pulls out his laptop and searches it but finds nothing. Then he emails his friends. After an hour, he still hasn't got an answer, and he hands her 500 dollars. Then he asks her, "So what is the answer?" She hands him 5 dollars. Time Travel in a Pandemic "How did it get so late so soon?" asks Dr. Suess. "Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?" These days everybody is asking, "where has the time gone?" It was just March, and suddenly it's July. It's as if we have suddenly traveled through time. How We Perceive Time How do we perceive time?  Time flies when you're having fun, but goes slow when you're watching your 8-year old playing violin at the school concert. Are we having fun being socially isolated? I don't think so, yet the pandemic is undoubtedly related to our Time travel experience. On the website, "Exactly what is… time?" many aspects of time perception are discussed. Maybe it can help us understand why it's suddenly July.  Time perception differs from our other senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch – since time cannot be directly perceived, and so must be "reconstructed" in some way by the brain. It goes on to say that our perception of time durations is crucially bound up with memory. It is essentially our memory of an event (and perhaps, even more specifically, our memory of the beginning and end of the event) that allows us to form a perception of, or a belief in, its duration. I believe that this memory of things past is the key to our perception of time during the pandemic. Do you remember when you were young, and the Summer lasted forever? It was only two months, yet it seemed to be as long as Fall, Winter, and Spring. It was filled with incredible new adventures. We were young and learning everything. We learned to ride a two-wheeler, or went fishing for the first time, or learned to swim. Everything filled our memories, and we still remember some of them today. And then we got older, and now we do things without thinking. We drive to work and don't remember the trip. We jumped forward in time because we didn't remember the road, the other cars, the lights, and the trees we passed. Time During the Pandemic In the current pandemic, some of us are working from home. We are not driving, not going to restaurants, not going to the gym, not meeting new people, and shopping from home. We get up, eat our breakfast, shower, work at our computer, maybe take a walk. Our memory no longer has new events to process and measure time. It's suddenly July, and we have become time travelers. Now What? But what can we do about this? Steven Moffat of Dr. Who fame says, "People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but *actually* from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint - it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly... time-y wimey... stuff." Maybe the answer is to make our time more wibbly wobbly. Let's look for ways to change our routines. Try zooming with friends and family. Find a new place to take a walk. Fix something around your home.  Add some new exercises and maybe do some yoga. Look for all the ways to introduce new things into your life so you can build the memories.  And remember, time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. If you have any thoughts about this time travel concept, please share them with me. I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. Jane Qualia, Dave Grossman, and Ellyn Goldstein contributed some of these jokes. Peter Mesnik did all the cartoons. If you have any good ones, please send them to me. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How Digital Contact Tracing Systems Work Unfortunately, this product is no longer available Contact Tracing Concept According to the CDC, contact tracing is key to slowing the spread of COVID-19.  It helps keep you, your family, and your community safe. In general, contact tracing involves identifying people who have a contagious disease (cases) and people who they encountered (contacts) and working with them to interrupt disease spread. This includes asking people with COVID-19 to isolate and their contacts to quarantine at home voluntarily. This article reviews the best ways to provide contact tracing. Manual Contact Tracing is Arduous and Uncertain The CDC recommends the following process: Interviewing people with COVID-19 to identify everyone they had close contact with during the time they may have been infectious Notifying contacts of their potential exposure Referring contacts for testing Monitoring contacts for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 Connecting contacts with services they might need during the self-quarantine period Unfortunately, manual contact tracing is complicated and sometimes provides uncertain results. It relies on people's cooperation and memory. It has also been politicized, and this makes it hard to get the information that the tracers require. The article in the Health Care Blog highlighted the challenges of tracing for Covid-19.  They mentioned that "we see at least four overlapping aspects of how COVID-19 contact tracing is becoming politicized: 1) perceptions of interference with civil liberties, 2) perceptions of loss of privacy rights, 3) recent social unrest amplifying distrust of government, and 4) controversy over the hiring of private firms." The Boston Globe recently reported that "Contact tracing for coronavirus in Mass. significantly downscaled as leaders report chronic problems." The article describes the difficulty faced by Health Tracers in Massachusetts. Some new digital systems are coming online that help with the process of contact tracing. Digital Contact Tracing Systems Digital contact tracing uses Bluetooth or GPS to detect when people encounter each other.  Several systems have been introduced that digitally and automatically provide contact tracing.  BlueTrace Application Protocol BlueTrace is an open-source application mobile protocol that was developed by the Singaporean Government. It was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a mobile application that facilitates the digital contact tracing of users. In this system, each mobile device advertises its presence and also scans for other devices. The devices measure the strength of the signal to determine the distance from each other. Australia has already adopted the protocol, and many other countries such as New Zealand are considering BlueTrace for adoption. One of the core principles of the protocol is to preserve privacy. Apple and Google Contact Tracing App One of the more popular tracing systems was announced in April 2020 by Google and Apple. Their system uses smartphone apps and Bluetooth proximity to create a contact list. Exposure Notification (ENF), is a framework and specification developed by Apple Inc. and Google to facilitate digital contact tracing during the 2019-20 COVID-19 pandemic. When used by health authorities, it augments more traditional contact tracing techniques by automatically logging encounters with other ENF users using their Android or iOS smartphone. It keeps a history of proximity detection with other smartphones and logs the amount of time they were close. Unfortunately, issues of privacy and lack of a central database limited the usability of the system. The article in Forbes "Yes, Apple And Google Have Given Us A Serious Contact Tracing Problem—Here's Why," describes the problem that the UK faced trying to implement the system.  The challenge of using a smartphone app boils down to the need for having a smartphone, downloading the app, public compliance, mandates from the Government, and everyone following all the rules.    ZoneTag-System Digital Contact Tracing Solution The ZoneTag system uses Bluetooth technology that doesn't trace people or uses a smartphone.  It only works inside organizations rather than out in the wild. The system consists of tags that people carry, a gateway receiver that connects through a cell network to a cloud database. The system doesn't violate the users' privacy by tracking their movements and locations. It only records that they came close to another person. Each tag collects the contact information and sends it to the gateway. The gateway transmits the data to the central cloud database. If someone in the organization gets ill, the database is used to find all the other people they were in close contact with the sick person.   How the ZoneTag System Works Contact Tracing System Tag Assigned to Each Person Each person receives a tag that is used for contact tracing. Each tag has a unique ID number that is assigned to the person who will be wearing the tag. The tags use Bluetooth 5 communication protocol to sniff out any other tags near them. When tags get close together, they record the other tag's ID number. The information collected by the tag is broadcast to the gateway. The system uses a proximity-based method that is more accurate than GPS and does not track locations. Contact Tags The Gateway Collects the Tag Data The contact tracing gateway collects and transfers the information to the cloud database. The gateway is a portal that uses the cellular network to transfer the data to the cloud database. Several gateways can be used depending on the size of the organization. Each gateway collects contact data from many tags. The Central Database The central database server maintains the history of all the tags from each organization. Each tag includes the ID of the person who owns the tag. When a positive Covid-19 case is reported by an employee or health department, employers will be able to see the contact risk info. It gives instant notification to the employers about who should quarantine. The central database provides a user interface that allows you to Register people and manages the tags and users. It also provides a risk assessment report that shows exposure levels (0, 1, 2, or 3). These risk levels are based on CDC guidelines. Contact Tracking Application Level 0 is the infected person. Level 1 is a person that came in close contactwith a level 0. Level 2 is a person that came in close contactwith a level 1. Level 3 is a person that didn't come in contact fora significant amount of time with any of the other people To learn more about how the contact tracking and tracing system can be installed in your organization, contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### How to Wire Your Door Access Control System Wiring the IP Reader-Controllers The latest access control systems are much easier to install than the older systems. Of course, it’s only easy if you know exactly how to connect everything. The devil is in the details, and this article provides the wiring diagrams you need to make your access control system work. As a review, the advantage of IP access control systems is that everything is located at the door. The following diagram shows an example of an IP access control system that uses a reader-controller. Access Control Diagram The reader-controllers attach to the network and use PoE.  They include a pigtail of wire that connect to the electric lock, the REX button, door sensors, and motions detectors. There are several configurations available, and they all use special software for access control management. IP Reader-Controller Wiring to an Electric Strike The following diagram shows an example that uses the Isonas reader-control in an indoor installation. The reader-controller is connected to a network switch that includes PoE. The pigtail on the back of the reader-controller provides all the connections to the strike, REX, motion detector, door open sensor, and any other equipment required at the door. Access Control with Electric Strike Power (12VDC) is available from the reader-controller. There is up to 500 ma of current available to drive an electric lock. If more power is required, the External Door Kit (EDK) is required. The voltage is applied to the electric lock, and the relay in the EDK controls the lock. The diagram below shows the wiring using an external power supply. Reader-Controller and the External Door Kit When the Isonas reader-controller is installed outside, the External Door Kit (EDK) is added to provide additional security. In this configuration, the reader-controller sends a coded message to the EDK located indoors. This prevents a vandal from shorting wires and unlocking the door from the outside. The EDK also contains a relay that can provide the power required by the magnetic lock. Magnetic locks require more power than the electric strike.  Access Control with Mag Lock Door Access Control at the Door The Hartmann, access control system, uses a different configuration. The system can be used with internal doors or external doors. In this system, there is a door reader outside the door, and a controller portion located inside the door. The controller connects to a network drop that includes PoE. This is a more flexible system since it can use many different types of door readers.  This access control system can use a standard RFID reader that uses card credentials, or a smartphone door reader, a biometric door reader, or even one that recognizes faces and measures a person’s temperature. Since the intelligent controller is located inside the door, it provides security against vandalism. The controller provides the 12V DC power for the electric strike. Hartmann Access Control Diagram This system also supports the higher power required by maglocks. In this case, an additional 12 VDC or 24V DC power supply would be required. Maglocks also require a suppressor (not shown on the diagram) to prevent back EMF that could damage the relay. Biometric Door Access Control Wiring Summary Some biometric reader-controllers include a network interface as well as a Wiegand interface.  The Wiegand interface allows you to attach the unit to a standard door access controller. Most of the biometric reader controllers require a separate power supply instead of using PoE.  The following diagram shows how the face recognition panel is wired. Biometric Access Control Diagram Some biometric readers can check the temperature of a person entering a secure area. These multi-function biometric panels can be used as standalone monitoring stations that scan body temperature and can also check if the person is wearing a mask. Door Access Control Wiring Summary Wiring an IP access control system is less complicated than the older centralized access controller systems. Rather than running wires from a central location, the IP access control systems make use of the network infrastructure. The intelligence is located at the door, so there a short runs of wire to the lock, REX, sensors, and other devices required for access control. There are reader-controllers and readers with separate controllers and some that can be powered using PoE. If you need help selecting the right access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 65 The Challenging Password WINDOWS: Please enter your new password. USER: cabbage WINDOWS: Sorry, the password must be more than 8 characters. USER: boiled cabbage WINDOWS: Sorry, the password must contain 1 numerical character. USER: 1 boiled cabbage WINDOWS: Sorry, the password cannot have blank spaces. USER: 50bloodyboiledcabbages WINDOWS: Sorry, the password must contain at least one upper case character. USER: 50BLOODYboiledcabbages WINDOWS: Sorry, the password cannot use more than one upper case character consecutively. USER: 50BloodyBoiledCabbagesShovedUpYourAssIfYouDon’tGiveMeAccessNow! WINDOWS: Sorry, the password cannot contain punctuation. USER: ReallyPissedOff50BloodyBoiledCabbagesShovedUpYourAssIfYouDontGiveMeAccessNow WINDOWS: Sorry, that password is already in use. Questions With Answers Do you have questions about IP Camera Systems, Access Control, or Intercoms and IP Paging, just contact us for the answers? Questions with no apparent answers: When poison expires, is it more poisonous or is it no longer poisonous? Which letter is silent in the word "Scent," the S or the C? Do twins ever realize that one of them is unplanned? Why is the letter W, in English, called double U? Shouldn't it be called double V?Maybe oxygen is slowly killing you and it just takes 75-100 years to fully work. Every time you clean something, you just make something else dirty. The word "swims" upside-down is still "swims" 100 years ago everyone owned a horse and only the rich had cars. Today everyone has cars and only the rich own horses. Cartoon-Laws of Robotics Four great confusions still unresolved: At a movie theater, which arm rest is yours? If people evolve from monkeys, why are monkeys still around? Why is there a 'D' in fridge, but not in refrigerator? Who knew what time it was when the first clock was made? Vagaries of English Language: Ever wonder why the word funeral starts with FUN? Why isn't a Fireman called a Water-man? How come Lipstick doesn't do what it says? If money doesn't grow on trees, how come Banks have Branches? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? How do you get off a non-stop Flight? Why are goods sent by ship called CARGO and those sent by truck SHIPMENT? Why do we put cups in the dishwasher and the dishes in the Cupboard? Why do doctors "practice" medicine? Are they having practice at the cost of the patients? Why is it called 'Rush Hour' when traffic moves at its slowest then? How come Noses run and Feet smell? Why do they call it a TV 'set' when there is only one? What are you vacating when you go on a vacation? Things you didn't realize had names Aglet The plastic covering on the end of a shoelace is an aglet. They make it easy for laces to wave through your shoes without unraveling. In ancient Rome, wealthy people made their aglets out of metal, not the plastic of today. Columella Your columella is the bottom part of your nose that separates your nostrils. Some people have more of a hanging columella that you could change with plastic surgery. You'll sound smarter if you drop columella or one of these fancy words that make you sound smarter in conversation. Ferrule A ferrule is a rig or cap of metal that strengthens or joins two things. One example of a ferrule is the metal band on the top of a pencil that holds an eraser in place. The word also refers to the cap at the end of a cane, the knob at the hub of an umbrella, and the tube or pipe that fits together with a handle to a paintbrush. Pips Pips are the little bumps on the surface of a ping pong paddle. Paddles could have long or short pips, depending on the type of table tennis. Short pips are the more common style. Purlicue Purlicue refers to the space between the extended thumb and index finger. But it actually has more than one odd meaning. In Scottish, the word means a flourish at the end of a pen stroke, or the end of a discourse. Ullage The empty space between the bottle top and the liquid is an ullage. This leaves enough space, so bottles don't leak. Vibrissae Vibrissae is another word for a cat's whiskers. The word was originally meant to refer to human nostril hairs, according to Merriam-Webster. GLABELLA The space between your eyebrows is a glabella. That's also the name of the bone underneath that space that connects your brow ridges. DYSANIA Dysania means having difficulty getting out of bed in the morning‚ and not just in the way that makes you want to crawl back under the covers. Though it's not officially recognized as a medical condition and can impact people's lives in a variety of negative ways. GRIFFONAGE Illegible handwriting is called griffonage. ACNESTIS The unreachable spot between your shoulder blades is your acnestis. Next time you can't reach an itch, ask a loved one to scratch your acnestis and see what they say. APHTHONGS Silent letters, like in knight, fight, or Django, are aphthongs. A longer Joke In the great days of the British Empire, a new commanding officer was sent to a South African bush outpost to relieve the retiring colonel. After welcoming his replacement and showing the usual courtesies (gin and tonic, cucumber sandwiches, etc.) which protocol decrees, the retiring colonel said, "You must meet my Adjutant, Captain Smithers, he's my right-hand man and is really the strength of this office. His talent is simply boundless.” Smithers was summoned and introduced to the new CO, who was surprised to meet a hunchback, one-eyed, toothless, hairless, scabbed, and pockmarked specimen of humanity, a particularly unattractive man less than three feet tall. "Smithers, old man, tell your new CO about yourself." "Well, sir, I played cricket for England, graduated with honors from Sandhurst, won the Military Cross and Bar after three expeditions behind enemy lines. I've represented Great Britain in equestrian events and won a Silver Medal in the middleweight boxing division of the Olympics. I have researched the history of...” At that point, the colonel interrupted. "Yes, yes, never mind all that, Smithers, he can find all that in your file. Tell him about the day you told the witch doctor he was an idiot." I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. Dave Grossman and Ellyn Goldstein contributed some of these jokes. If you have any good ones, please send them to me.  Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Technology in a Turbulent World Technology Review So far, this year has been quite tumultuous.  It is the year of the great pandemic and the year of social change. The turbulence of our time has created demands on technology. The use of face recognition provides touchless access control, and temperature scanning with face mask detection helps to limit the spread of disease. The latest IP cameras include artificial intelligence and can detect people who are too close together. Automated contact tracking has been introduced to help reduce the spread of disease. The article discusses some of the new technology that can help in these difficult times. Visitor Management Systems Visitor management systems have become more popular as businesses and schools require control of anyone entering their areas. The visitor management systems can incorporate face recognition to check identity, and temperature scanning to help keep the organization healthier. The latest visitor management systems integrate other technology such as IP camera systems, door access control. To provide identity verification, hosts have the option of sending visitors a unique QR code via text and email. This offers advanced registration for their appointment. When the guest arrives, they present their QR code and their authentication key along with capturing a live photo, and they are digitally logged into the premises. Contact Tracing The new people tracking systems provide a record of all the people you came in contact with inside your organization. A cloud database keeps track of all the tags (people) that get close together.  If someone becomes ill, the database can list all the other people that have been close to the sick person. Learn more about automated contact tracing systems and How Digital Contact Tracing Works and how Automated Contact Tracing is used in a Pandemic. IP Cameras with Artificial Intelligence New IP cameras with artificial intelligence have become much more powerful. They can detect if a person has fallen or if too many people are gathering together. These intelligent IP cameras from Hanwha include AI that can tell the difference between an animal and a human. They can also tell the difference between a car and a truck. These analytic features reduce the false alarms caused by simple motion detection. All these features make it easier to find critical video quickly. Using the latest cameras, you can maintain not only your security but also the health safety of your organization. Face Recognition and Temperature Scanning Face Recognition Concept The confusion and angst about facial recognition demonstrate this turbulent time. Microsoft announced they would join the list of tech giants that have decided to limit the use of its facial-recognition systems. They stated that it would not sell the controversial technology to police departments until there is a federal law regulating it. On the other hand, people are demanding touchless door entry and body temperature monitoring to help keep them safe. The latest door access control reader-controllers use face recognition and temperature scanning. They prevent the entry of anyone who has elevated temperatures or not wearing a mask. Personal Emergency Buttons The personal panic button provides increased safety, no matter where you are. The push of a button on the mobile panic button sends an alert through the system. The emergency notification is sent to your designated security center. The personal emergency panic button system provides a quick response to any emergency. Technology Summary The world is changing very quickly, and technology can assist us in getting through the turbulence. Contactless door access control with the addition of temperature monitoring and face mask detection keeps us all safer. Visitor management helps us control and track the people who visit our organizations. Contact tracing can maintain a record of all the people who you may have gotten close to. The latest IP cameras include advanced intelligence that provides so much more capability than ever before. For help learning about how technology can help in turbulent times, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Touchless Door Entry Control The New Face of Face Recognition Face Recognition System Concept The pandemic of 2020 has caused all of us to think differently. More than ever, we are concerned about the spread of disease. Some people believe that this concern will last well beyond today’s pandemic. Just like the changes that occurred after 9-11, the world will be different in the future. One way to control the spread of disease is to reduce the amount of surface contact. Biometric systems that use fingerprints, palm recognition, or finger-vein are being replaced by face recognition. This has the advantage of providing contactless or touchless door entry control. This article reviews several new products that use face recognition to control door entry. Face recognition has been available for many years. The technology was invented in the mid-1960s. The first challenges included how to handle face position and rotation, facial expression, and lighting. Other issues involve wearing glasses, changing hairstyles, or even today’s challenge of wearing a protective mask. The latest face recognition algorithms use many mathematical strategies and even 3-D Face recognition to assure accurate and reliable identification. This is a good time to consider door access control products. The current pandemic and the US government response has opened opportunities for funding from the CARES Act funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Cares Act provides assistance to state, local, and tribal governments for necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19). Touchless Door Access Control The new face recognition systems use more powerful computers with more sophisticated algorithms. The latest reader-controllers use an Android panel that provides increased performance and functionality. Unlike the older door access control readers, all the intelligence is built into the unit. This provides more flexibility since it can be connected to the network or using a Wiegand connection to an older access controller box. Some face recognition panels can be used outdoors as well as indoors, and others offer additional functions such as measuring a person’s temperature and if they are wearing a mask. Here are some examples of the new panels available. Indoor Face Recognition Face, Temperature and Mask Access Control The TVIP-Face5V is a high-performance indoor face recognition reader designed for high-speed recognition. It includes touchless entry control for door access control systems. Indoor Face Recognition with Temperature and Face Mask Detection The face recognition panel connects to the network and uses TVIPTirSoft access control management software. It also has a Wiegand connection so it can be attached to an older access controller box. Outdoor Face Recognition Access Control Recognizing a face outdoors is the most challenging process. The changing lighting conditions have always made it difficult to provide reliable recognition. The TVIP-Face8WP has been designed to operate in variable outdoor lighting conditions and can survive in harsh weather and a wide temperature range between -22F and 140F. This 8-inch, outdoor-rated panel, has weatherproof IP-68 specifications. Up to 50,000 people can be registered into the panel. Special door access control software (TVIPTirSoft) is available that allows many panels to share the same database. It also has a Wiegand interface for connection to an access controller. Face Recognition with Temperature Monitoring The advanced capability panels provide more than just biometric recognition. They provide body temperature measurement and detect the presence of a protective face mask. These panels include a standard 2-Megapixel camera plus a thermal camera that focuses on the eyes and forehead to read their temperature. Face and Palm Biometrics Plus Temperature and Mask Detection Face Recognition System Diagram The TVIP-MultiBio is a sophisticated panel that is designed for organizations that need to monitor a person’s temperature and if they are wearing a mask.  The panel can be configured to check if a person’s temperature is above a specific limit, or if they are wearing a protective mask. Recognizing a person’s face when they are wearing a mask is very challenging. Since this can be a less reliable process, the panel offers the alternative of using palm recognition instead of face recognition. The TVIP-MultiBio reader provides the first-line alert for people with elevated temperatures. It not only authenticates the people in your organization; it also controls visitors and guests to your facility. Face Recognition Plus Temperature and Face Mask Detection The TVIP-FaceBio is a simpler face recognition panel that supports temperature screening and face mask detection. The panel is similar to the TVIP-MultiBio, except it doesn’t include a palm reader. It also provides much simpler access control software, so it is best for smaller applications. This panel attaches to the network and can be used by itself or attached to an access control panel through the Wiegand interface. Face Recognition for Visitor Management Visitor management and verification have become much more critical in today’s health-conscious environment. The new systems include apps for smartphones, verification using face recognition, and QR codes. Visitor Management System The visitor kiosk plays an integral part in touchless visitor management. The ability to schedule a visit, and then confirm the person’s identity, in a totally contactless environment increases the safety and security of the organization. If you would like help selecting the face-recognition door access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 64 Short Jokes I told my wife she should embrace her mistakes. She gave me a hug. I called the doctor “My wife is going into labor! What should I do? He asked, “Is this her first child?” “No, this is her first husband.” I don’t want to brag, but I finished the jigsaw puzzle in one week. …and the box said 3 to 5 years. Job interviewer: “At the start you’ll earn $50,000, later that will increase to $70,000. Applicant: “Ok, I’ll come back later.” What’s the difference between a cat and a comma? One has claws at the end of the paws. The other is a pause at the end of a clause. I once tried to row across the Atlantic single-handed… But I just kept going in circles. One day, Einstein must speak at an important science conference. On the way there, he tells his driver that looks a bit like him: "I'm sick of all these conferences. I always say the same things over and over!" The driver agrees: "You're right. As your driver, I attended all of them, and even though I don't know anything about science, I could give the conference in your place." "That's a great idea!" says Einstein. "Let's switch places then!" So, they switch clothes and as soon as they arrive, the driver dressed as Einstein goes on stage and starts giving the usual speech, while the real Einstein, dressed as the car driver, attends it. But in the crowd, there is one scientist who wants to impress everyone and thinks of a very difficult question to ask Einstein, hoping he won't be able to respond. So, this guy stands up and interrupts the conference by posing his very difficult question. The whole room goes silent, holding their breath, waiting for the response. The driver looks at him, dead in the eye, and says:  "Sir, your question is so easy to answer that I'm going to let my driver reply to it for me." Some More Answers to Technical Questions Do you have technical questions about IP Camera Systems, Access Control, or Intercoms and IP Paging, contact us for the answers? Some famous quotes: In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress.        --   John Adams Suppose you were an idiot.  And suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself. --   Mark Twain Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.        --   Ronald Reagan (1986) My mind works like lightning - one brilliant flash and it's gone. Another Long Joke So there was this man in Bulgaria who drove trains for a living. He loved his job. Driving a train had been his dream ever since he was a child. He loved to make the train go as fast as possible. Unfortunately, one day he was a little too reckless and caused a crash. He made it out, but a single person died. Well, needless to say, he went to court over this incident. He was found guilty, and was sentenced to death by electrocution. When the day of the execution came, he requested a single banana as his last meal. After eating the banana, he was strapped into the electric chair. The switch was thrown, sparks flew, and smoke filled the air - but nothing happened. The man was perfectly fine. Well, at the time, there was an old Bulgarian law that said a failed execution was a sign of divine intervention, so the man was allowed to go free. Somehow, he managed to get his old job back driving the train. Having not learned his lesson at all, he went right back to driving the train with reckless abandon. Once again, he caused a train to crash, this time killing two people. The trial went much the same as the first, resulting in a sentence of execution. For his final meal, the man requested two bananas. After eating the bananas, he was strapped into the electric chair. The switch was thrown, sparks flew, smoke filled the room - and the man was once again unharmed. Well, this of course meant that he was free to go. And once again, he somehow managed to get his old job back. To what should have been the surprise of no one, he crashed yet another train and killed three people. And so he once again found himself being sentenced to death. On the day of his execution, he requested his final meal: three bananas. "You know what? No," said the executioner. "I've had it with you and your stupid bananas and walking out of here unharmed. I'm not giving you a thing to eat; we're strapping you in and doing this now." Well, it was against protocol, but the man was strapped in to the electric chair without a last meal. The switch was pulled, sparks flew, smoke filled the room - and the man was still unharmed. The executioner was speechless. The man looked at the executioner and said, "Oh, the bananas had nothing to do with it. I'm just a bad conductor." I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Thermal Body Temperature Screening Cameras The Pros and Cons of Thermal Cameras That Measure a Person's Temperature Thermal imaging cameras have been around for many years. They were first used in the 1940s and 1950s by the military.  Long-range camera systems use thermal cameras to help with detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) of targets. They have also been used in previous pandemics.   Today, thermal imaging cameras have become popular because of the outbreak of COVID-19. Some of the older thermal cameras have been repurposed to measure a person's temperature from a distance. The latest systems are designed for measuring people's body temperature and have been integrated with door access control. Thermal Camera Temperature Measuring This article reviews the various technologies and how they can help monitor people as they enter a secure area. How Thermal Cameras Work? A thermal imaging camera captures the thermal energy emanating from an object. The camera is similar to the optical (or visual) camera that captures visible light. Instead of seeing the visible spectrum, the thermal camera captures the longer-wavelength infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Electromagnetic Spectrum There is a difference in the display from the visual and the thermal camera. The optical camera displays a color image representing what the human eye can see while the thermal camera provides a composite of the thermal energy from a range of frequencies. The thermal camera shows the temperature gradient of the scene. There are two types of thermal displays. One type differentiates the temperature of the video using a gray-scale while the other type provides a color representation. The grey-scale camera displays a lighter gray color for the hotter part of the image. The color thermal cameras create false-color images to represent the heat from the object.  It assigns a shade of a color to the temperature gradient that they detect. Colder temperatures are often given a shade of blue, purple, or green, while warmer temperatures can be assigned a shade of red, orange, or yellow. The new temperature measuring camera systems provide special capability. They include face detection logic that allows them to measure the heat from the forehead or eyes. Door Access and Temperature Monitoring Temperature screening systems can operate by themselves or as part of an access control system. The simple systems just monitor an area where people can enter, and if they detect elevated temperatures, they will provide an audio warning. They don't control a door. The new thermal measuring systems are integrated into an access control door system.  Not only do they measure the person's temperature, but they also can determine if a person is wearing a mask and if they have the right biometric credentials to enter the area.  The advanced panels combine optical (visual) and thermal cameras. They display the optical camera video and provide an overlay of the temperature that the thermal camera has measured.  For example, see the TVIP-MultiBio reader-controller. Temperature and Door Access Not only do the panels integrate with door access control, but they also provide immediate notification of unacceptable conditions. These temperature measuring panels provide an audio announcement that notifies the person at the door that they can enter or that they have elevated temperature (or, in some cases, not wearing a mask).  How Temperature Monitoring Can Help The first wide-spread use of thermal cameras to screen people began in China. With billions of people to test, it was necessary to find an easy way to limit the spread of infection. Thermal camera systems have been used in crowded areas such as railway stations, airports, subways, and even hospitals. They have helped to ensure that these areas don't become breeding spots for carriers. These temperature monitoring camera systems help to detect if a person has an elevated temperature and doesn't indicate that they have any specific disease. Fever is only one of the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, but it is undoubtedly one of the easiest and unobtrusive ways to screen lots of people. Even though the best way to reduce the spread of CORONA-19 is to provide diagnostic testing, the thermal temperature screening method is an acceptable alternative. The FDA provided the following guidance in their document, Enforcement Policy for Telethermographic Systems During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency. It states that, "To help ensure the availability of products that might offer benefit to health care providers and the general public during the public health emergency, FDA does not intend to object to the distribution and use of telethermographic systems intended for initial body temperature assessment for triage use…" How to Achieve the Best Performance from Your Temperature monitoring System To make your system as reliable as possible, here are some things to consider: The temperature measuring device should be used in a room with a room temperature between 10 C -40C  Do not install the temperature measuring device under a heating or cooling vent, and ensure that there is no heating source within 3 meters.Personnel entering the room from a cold outdoor environment will affect the measurement accuracy, so allow some time for the person's overall temperature to stabilize. The forehead should be unobstructed for three minutes, and the temperature should be allowed to stabilize to get the best temperature reading, The best temperature is measured from the forehead, so make sure no hair or clothing is covering this area. Note that when there is water, sweat, oil, or thick makeup on the forehead or the elderly have more wrinkles, the temperature can be lower than the actual temperature Summary The pandemic has closed many businesses. Many locations around the country are looking for ways to reopen their businesses. They are searching for ways to make the business as safe as possible. Temperature monitoring solutions provide one line of defense by scanning the people as they enter the area. Some thermal temperature devices provide just audio notification of elevated temperature, while others are integrated with access control systems. Some systems offer face recognition as well as palm biometric reading, while other models only use face-recognition for door entry control. For help selecting the right temperature scanning system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Requirements for Long-Range PTZ Cameras Long-Range IP Camera Object Detection Long-Range Camera System Concept If we want to detect an object that is miles away, is the magnification of the lens the most important, or is it the camera resolution? It turns out that many factors determine the effectiveness of a long-range camera. The things that determine the performance of a long-range camera system include the magnification provided by the lens, motion of the object, camera resolution, atmospheric clarity, lighting, and contrast.  All these variables are inter-related. This article discusses all the factors that determine how successful you will be in detecting an object (target) that is very far away. To begin, let’s define some terms. “Detection” is one of the criteria we use when specifying a long-range camera system. “Detection” is the point where we can see an object out there. We don’t know what it is, but something may be moving on a road or in the sky.  We are not sure if it’s a bird, a plane, or superman. “Recognition” and “Identification” are the other two factors we use to define the capability of a long-range camera system. For more information about DRI (Detection, Recognition, and Identification), take a look at our article, Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria. The Interaction of Factors Required for Long-Range Object Detection First, let’s clarify the terms we use. In the surveillance market, we look for “objects,” and the military looks for “targets.” We will be using the term “object” in this article. Many factors must be considered to determine if you can detect an object that is far away.  For example, you may have enough magnification, but the object is lost in a complex background. For example, you may not see the cheetah in the grass because it blends into the environment.   The Pixels Across an Object Required for Detection The ability to detect an object (target) is defined by the number of pixels or line-pairs across a target (object). There is some controversy about how may line-pairs or pixels are required. The original standard was defined by John Johnson in 1958. Johnson’s criteria stated that you could detect an object 50% of the time if 1.0 +/- 0.25 lines covered the object. Many years ago, when surveillance cameras used raster scanning technology, line-pairs were used. Today we use pixels as the measure of resolution. For more information about camera resolution, see the article, Understanding IP Camera Resolution Specifications. Today, we would like to have a much better chance of detecting an object. To increase the odds of detecting an object, we determined that at least 8 pixels are needed for detection. Thermal cameras can sometimes use fewer pixels across a target. See the article for more details about this. How Video Contrast Helps With Object Detection Even if we have enough pixels, the object still must stand out against the background. We need good light and contrast, and in some cases, movement is required to see something. Motion is an important factor for detection. If there is a cheetah in the grass or a jeep on the road, we will detect it if it moves, but we may miss it if it is stationary.   Cheetah in the Grass How Resolution Determines the Field of View for Detection The pixels across a target (object) and the resolution of the camera are related. The higher the resolution, the larger the field of view. If we need 10 horizontal pixels across a target and the horizontal camera resolution is 1920 pixels, the field of view can be 189 objects wide. If the horizontal pixel resolution is 4096 pixels wide, we have a field of view that is almost 410 pixels wide. The wider the field of view, the better is our chance of detecting an object. The Long-Range Lens for IP Cameras The long-range lens determines how far away we can detect something. The viewing distance that a lens can achieve is measured in millimeter (mm). The higher the number, the further we can see.  The mm specification also relates to the angle of the lens. The larger the mm, the smaller the viewing angle. We use the lens angle to calculate how far away we can see an object. For more about how this all works, take a look at our article, Calculating What You Can See With Your IP Camera. The further away we are from the object, the more other factors will affect our detection success. For example, if we are over one mile away, the atmosphere may distort the image, making it hard to detect the object.  Another critical factor is the stability of the camera. The narrower the angle of view, the more difficult it will be to hold the camera steady. For more details about this factor, take a look at our article, IP Camera Motion Stabilization. Nighttime Viewing for Long-Range Cameras Long-Range Camera at Night Long-range cameras can see things very far away during the day, but at night with very little light, detection becomes problematic. One way of improving the view at night is to add illumination. Visible or IR light can be added to help with long-range camera detection. IR illumination is available with many PTZ cameras. Some PTZ cameras include laser type IR illumination. These PTZ IR cameras have a range of over 2000m (1.2 miles).  Thermal cameras are very useful when the object has a high thermal contrast from the background. The higher the contrast, the brighter the object will appear. By using a camera that includes both a thermal camera and an optical camera, we increase our chances of detecting the object. Summary of Interrelated Factors That Determine Camera Range We may have enough lens magnification, but without good lighting and contrast, we can still miss the object.  The detection range of a camera doesn’t rely on only one factor. We always need to consider all the factors and be realistic about what we can see as the distance increases. For help selecting the right long-range camera, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 63 Quote of the Century: Dear God, can you please uninstall 2020 and download it again? It has a virus in it. Another Bar Joke A man walks into a bar and says, “Give me a beer before the problems start!” He drinks the beer and then orders another saying, “Give me a beer before the problems start!” The bartender looks confused. This goes on for a while, and after the fifth beer the bartender is totally confused and asks the man “When are you going to pay for these beers?” The man answers, “Now the problems start!” Dad Jokes Imagine if America switched from pounds to kilograms overnight. There would be mass confusion. Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, no atmosphere! Spring is here! I got so excited I wet my plants! My wife told me I had to stop acting like a flamingo. So I had to put my foot down! I'm so good at sleeping I can do it with my eyes closed! Dealing With The Isolation Half of us are going to come out of this quarantine as amazing cooks. The other half will come out with a drinking problem.My husband and I decided we don’t want children. We will be telling them tonight at dinner I used to spin that toilet paper like I was on Wheel of Fortune. Now I turn it like I'm cracking a safe.This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her dog. It was obvious she thought her dog understood her. I came into my house, told my cat. We laughed a lot.I need to practice social-distancing from the refrigerator.Still haven't decided where to go for Easter ---- The Living Room or The Bedroom.Every few days try your jeans on just to make sure they fit. Pajamas will have you believe all is well in the kingdom.Homeschooling is going well...  two students suspended for fighting and one teacher fired for drinking on the job.I don't think anyone expected that when we changed the clocks, we'd go from Standard Time to the Twilight Zone. Quarantine Day 5: Went to this restaurant called THE KITCHEN. You have to gather all the ingredients and make your own meal. I have no clue how this place is still in business. My body has absorbed so much soap and disinfectant lately that when I pee it cleans the toilet. Day 5 of Homeschooling: One of these little monsters called in a bomb threat.I hope the weather is good tomorrow for my trip to the Backyard. I'm getting tired of the Living Room.Classified Ad: Single man with toilet paper seeks woman with hand sanitizer for good clean fun.Another Classified Ad:  Single man seeks single woman with toilet paper.  Please send photo of toilet paper. Day 6 of Homeschooling: My child just said "I hope I don't have the same teacher next year"...  I'm offended. It’s like being 16 again. Gas is cheap and I’m grounded Did I Read that Sign Right? Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges You mean there's something stronger than duct tape? Man Struck by Lightning: Faces Battery Charge He probably IS the battery charge! New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group Weren't they fat enough?! Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft That's what he gets for eating those beans! Kids Make Nutritious Snacks Do they taste like chicken? The Man with The Ostrich A man walks into a restaurant with a full-grown ostrich behind him. The waitress asks for their orders. The guy says, “A hamburger, fries, and a coke,” and turns to the ostrich, “What’s yours?” “I’ll have the same,” says the ostrich. A short time later the waitress returns with the order. “That will be $18.40 please.” The man reaches into his pocket and, without looking, pulls out the exact change for payment. The next day, the guy and the ostrich return to the same restaurant and the guy says, “A hamburger, fries, and a coke.” The ostrich says, “I’ll have the same.” Again, the guy reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change. This becomes routine until one night they enter the restaurant and the waitress asks, “The usual?” “No, this is Friday night, so I will have a steak, baked potato, and salad”, says the guy. “Me too,” says the ostrich. The waitress brings the order and says, “That will be $42.62.” Once again, the guy pulls the exact change out of his pocket and places it on the table. The waitress can’t hold back her curiosity any longer. “Excuse me, sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change out of your pocket every time?” “Well,” says the guy, “several years ago I was cleaning my attic and found an old lamp. When I rubbed it a genie appeared and offered me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, I would just put my hand in my pocket and the right amount of money would always be there.” “That’s brilliant!” says the waitress. “Most people would wish for a million dollars or something, but you’ll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!” “That’s right. Whether it’s a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always there,” says the guy. The waitress asks, “But, sir, what’s with the ostrich?” The guy sighs and answers, “My second wish was for a tall chick with long legs who agrees with everything I say.” I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How Technology Helps Hospitals How IP Camera Systems and Door Access Help With Infectious Disease Control Hospitals and Technology The current health crisis has placed a significant strain on all hospital resources. Besides the problem of medical supplies and protective equipment, they have been struggling with finding rooms for all the new infectious patients. The hospitals have been creating inventive solutions to meet these challenges. IP surveillance, intercoms, and door access control have been used to control how people move through all areas of hospitals. This article describes how technology is being used to help hospitals and other healthcare organizations meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. IP Camera Systems and Infectious Disease Control IP camera systems have been used all over the hospital to monitor the activities of staff and visitors. The current pandemic has increased the use of cameras. They are used to monitor the hallways, patient rooms, common areas, and even the hospital washing facilities. One of the new challenges caused by the increase in patients is to provide the right rooms for all infectious patients. Typically these patients are located in isolation rooms designed to reduce the spread of the disease. These rooms provide negative air pressure that limits the flow of air out of the room. Since most of these containment rooms have been filled, the overflow has to be placed in standard rooms. The doors of these rooms are kept closed, and entry is limited. The challenge is to monitor the patients and still keep the virus contained. IP camera systems have been added to the rooms where contagion can be a problem. The cameras are used by healthcare workers to monitor patients without having to visit their rooms. By using a video management system, the nurse can monitor many rooms. The IP camera system limits the number of times the door needs to be opened. IP Intercom systems have been integrated with the IP camera systems to provide audio communication with the staff or patient in the room. This allows the nursing staff to view the person in the room and talk to them at the same time. The International Society for Infectious Diseases, in their article, Guide to Infection Controls in the Healthcare Setting, said that “Hand hygiene is a core infection prevention strategy that is simple to perform, yet healthcare worker compliance is often low. Studies have estimated a wide range of compliance, with an average of roughly 40% according to World Health Organization (WHO) analysis.” “Monitoring and feedback is essential to improve compliance. Traditional monitoring has been direct observation, but this strategy is limited by high resource requirements, low number of observations, and the Hawthorne Effect.” The Hawthorne effect occurs when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. Surveillance cameras have also been used to prevent anyone from hoarding or stealing the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) at the hospital. Door Access Systems Control Movement Through the Hospital Technology in Hospitals Illustration There is always a lot of movement through the hospital. The medical staff, patients, and visitors enter the hospital and may need to go to the emergency room, X-ray, or other services located in other parts of the hospital. Various people must also be able to reach the shared facilities such as diagnostic laboratories, lab testing, imaging, etc. Because of the increase in patients with contagious diseases, door access control has increased in the hospital. Door access control systems regulate the movement of people. The access control management software allows the hospital to define the time and place the medical staff can enter a protected area. The use of facial recognition and mobile credentials that use the person’s smartphone has provided more sanitary access control. There is some new technology that is expected to be available soon. The TVIP-MultiBio reader is a  multipurpose access control reader that provides more than facial or palm biometric entry control. It also includes the detection of a person’s body temperature and if they are wearing a protective mask. The reader can prevent people with elevated temperature or no mask from entering a secure area. Establishing High Containment Areas Different areas of the hospital can be designated as high containment areas. The combination of IP surveillance systems, door access control, and intercoms can be used to monitor and control these areas. For example, it may be necessary to control the entry of people into secure areas. IP Intercoms with cameras can be used to allow manual override permitting certain people to enter laboratories, microscopic viewing stations, imaging areas, and other testing areas. Access Control of Drug Closets Drug losses and theft from the healthcare system are accelerating; hospitals are looking for the best way to add safeguards that prevent drug diversion. The non-medical use of opioids is one of the areas that require control.  To prevent the transfer of drugs from lawful to unlawful channels, hospitals, and other health organizations have added access control to their drug closets. For example, health organizations have added small electric locks and readers to their drug cabinets and closets. These cabinet locks are part of a complete door access control system that is used to control access throughout the hospital.   Hospitals and Technology Summary The pandemic of 2020 has placed a strain on hospitals. Technology has been used to help make hospitals safer and reduce contagion.  IP cameras provide increased surveillance of patients in hospitals, ambulatory clinics, day surgery centers, long term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. The access control systems control traffic through the health care facility and control entry into secure areas. The IP intercoms have made the nursing staff more efficient and reduced contact with infectious patients. For help selecting the right IP security systems, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 62 The Forgetful Actor An actor had been out of work for 15 years because he always forgot his lines. Then one day he got a phone call from a director who wanted him for a big part in a play. All he had to say was, “Hark! I hear the cannon roar! After much worry, the actor decided to take the role. Opening night arrived, and while he waited in the wings, the actor muttered to himself “Hark! I hear the cannon roar! Hark! I hear the cannon roar! The time for the entrance finally came, and as the actor made his appearance, he heard a loud brooooom! He turned around and said, “what the hell was that? Puns Q: What do you call a person with a nose and no body? A: Nobody nose Q: What did one elevator say to the other elevator? A: I think I’m coming down with something Q: What do you call a fake noodle? A: An Impasta A Horse Joke Jack strode into ‘John’s Stable’ looking to buy a horse. John replied, “I’ve got just the horse your looking for; the only thing is, a strange fellow trained him. He doesn’t go and stop the usual way. The way to get him to stop is to scream, “hey hey!” The way to get him to go is to yell, “Thank God.” Jim nodded his head, “fine with me, can I take him for a test run?” Jim was having the time of his life. This horse sure could run, he thought to himself. Jim was speeding down the dirt road when he suddenly saw a cliff up ahead “stop!” screamed Jim, but the horse kept on going. No matter how much he tried, he could not remember the words to get it to stop. “yoyo!” screamed Jim, but the horse just kept on speeding ahead. They were 5 feet from the cliff when Jim suddenly remembered, “hey hey!” Jim screamed. The horse skidded to a halt just 1 inch from the cliff. Jim could not believe his good fortune. He looked up to the sky, raised his hands in the air, breathed a deep sigh of relief, and said with conviction, “Thank God.” A Technical Explanation The wireless network can be explained as follows. The wired network is like a cat. You pull the tail in one room, and the cat meows in the other room. The wireless network is the same, only without the cat. A Technical Joke An engineer, a mathematician, and an arts graduate were given the task of finding the height of a church steeple (the first to get the correct solution wins a $1000). The engineer tried to remember things about differential pressures but resorted to climbing the steeple and lowering a string on a plumb bob until it touched the ground and then climbed down and measured the length of the string. The Mathematician laid out a reference line, measured the angle to the top of the steeple from both ends, and worked out the height by trigonometry. However, the arts graduate won the prize. He bought the vicar a beer in the local pub, and he told him how high the church steeple was. Steven Wright: Important question: What happens if you get scared half to death twice?Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it. These statements are apparent after you hear them. I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to find one. I changed my password to “incorrect”. So whenever I forget what it is, the computer will say, “Your password is incorrect.” Some More Puns: … He had a photographic memory which was never developed. … When she saw her first strands of grey hair, she thought she’d dye. … Acupuncture is a jab well done. That’s the point of it. … Those who get too big for their pants will be exposed in the end. I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How to Install Your IP Camera System What is an IP Camera System? The “IP” means that the camera connects to the network rather than to a DVR using a coax cable.   The IP camera system includes not only the cameras but also the video recording system. The cameras and the recording system connect to a network switch. The IP camera systems may also integrate with IP door access control and IP Intercoms. This article describes how to install your IP camera system. It reviews all the steps required to mount the cameras, install it on the network, and connect it to your video recording system. IP Camera System Diagram How to Install the IP Camera One of the first things to do is the site survey. This makes sure you get the best coverage for your IP camera system. You only need one blind spot to miss the critical video of someone taking your merchandise, a person falling, someone stealing a car or the wrong person in the computer room. Therefore, selecting the right IP cameras and their location is an essential part of providing a secure and safe environment. Install Your Network Infrastructure The IP camera requires a PoE (Power over Ethernet) network connection. Installation requires running the network cables, adding switches, and adjusting the cameras to view the areas you want to see. Run the network cable through the walls and ceilings to all the locations where you would like to install the IP cameras. Plan Ahead Surveillance camera requirements tend to increase after you install the initial batch of cameras. You may find it necessary to add cameras in other locations. For example, if you install IP cameras in the halls, you may later realize that you need more cameras in the stairwell, offices, or classrooms. Try to anticipate your needs to minimize labor. Add Network Switches with PoE Network-attached cameras use Power over Ethernet (PoE). It is essential to add network switches that include PoE (or use a PoE injector). Make sure that the network switch has enough power to support IP devices on all the ports. Some switches have a power budget that limits the power to all the ports, so look carefully at the specifications. You can also attach many door access control readers and paging amplifiers to the network switch that includes PoE. Install the IP Camera Mounting Brackets Some IP cameras make it easy to install cameras. Take a look at the new X-Series IP cameras from Hanwha.  These cameras allow you to install the camera brackets and then come back later to mount the rest of the camera. Mount the IP Cameras IP Camera Installation Connect the IP camera to the network cable with PoE. Mount the camera onto the bracket. Roughly adjust the position of the camera to view the area that you want to surveil. Setup the IP Camera on the Network You can then view the camera video using a laptop. You can use a web browser to see the video and make changes to any of the camera settings. Each camera manufacturer provides a method of getting to the IP camera for the first time. Some IP camera manufacturers utilize the automatic services supplied by DHCP. For example, the Hanwha cameras IP address will be assigned from the DHCP server automatically. If there is no DHCP server available, the IP address will be set to a default address that is specific to each manufacturer. For example, Hanwha uses the default IP address of  192.168.1.100.   Many camera manufacturers provide software tools to help you install the cameras. For example, Hanwha has an installation tool that can be used to find all their cameras on the network. Once the camera is found, you can enter the initial password, “4321” to configure the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, HTTP Port, VNP Port, IP type. After changing the camera settings, make sure you change the password. Make Final Adjustments Once you can see the video either using a web browser or Video Management System, you can make the final adjustments to the field of view and focus of the IP cameras. Some cameras allow you to make position and zoom adjustments from the computer. If you don’t have a camera with remote set up, you will have to manually set the direction, the field of view and focus manually. For example, the QND-7084R has a remote zoom lens. If the camera is aimed in the right direction, you can remotely adjust the field of view from your web browser. Other cameras, such as the Axis Q3615 and the Hanwha XNV-6081Z are dome cameras with remote Pan, tilt, rotate, and zoom (PTRZ) capability. PTRZ allows you to point the camera from your computer, adjust the field of view, zoom, and focus. Setup the IP Cameras The latest IP camera systems provide a lot of intelligence. The built-in analytics allow you to be notified if a person (or object) crosses a line, if a person leaves a package, or takes your laptop (or any object). All these special functions can be adjusted from the IP cameras built-in web page. Install the Video Management and Recording System Video Recording Software After you have installed the IP cameras on your network, you can register them in your video management and recording system. There is a choice of video management systems available. There is software (VMS) that runs in your Windows computer or Network Video Recorders. In both cases, the video management system records the video from the IP cameras and allows you to set up and manage your IP cameras. They also provide rules for notification of alarms such as motion detected or camera failures. Video Management Software The VMS (Video Management Software) is more flexible and can support more IP cameras. One example is WAVE from Hanwha. This is an easy to use software product that provides a lot of flexibility and can be integrated with Door Access Control Systems. Another software example is Ocularis from Qognify. The Ocularis VMS can support a very large number of IP cameras across many servers and locations. It is flexible but more complicated to install and operate than the WAVE VMS. To install the VMS, download the software from the appropriate website. Follow the steps provided. For example, WAVE includes an Installer Wizard that will help you through the process. Network Video Recorders The NVR or network video recorders are easier to install and use than the software solution. They are not as flexible but are an excellent solution when all you need to do is record the video. Whether you use VMS or NVR to manage your IP cameras, you will need to enter the license code before using the system. IP Camera System Installation Summary IP camera systems include IP cameras and the video management and recording system. All the cameras attach to your network and use PoE for their power. These IP camera systems are much easier to install than the older CCTV camera systems. They also provide much more functionality. ### Keep Calm and Plan Ahead Despite the challenges caused by COVID-19, Kintronics continues to respond to all the needs of our customers. Most of our staff are working remotely to ensure that we continue to provide the best information, advice, and IP security products. In light of this situation, we offer some suggestions that may make this all a bit easier. Take a Deep Breath The tension caused by challenging times can cause many health problems. I know that my lower back has been hurting for the last few weeks. Tension! According to some people, anxiety is more dangerous than a virus. I don’t know if this is true or not, but we certainly need to relax.  Let’s take a deep breath. Focus on your breathing. As you slowly breathe in and out, try to relax those tense muscles. Things will get better. It just takes time. In a message from Nathan O. Hatch from Wake Forest University, “We at Wake Forest all have seen our day-to-day reality turned topsy-turvy. The normal patterns of life have been rudely upended as we face the reality of COVID-19 and its implications for our own health and that of our families and communities.” “… Every precaution needs to be taken, and medical and public health advice sought out and heeded. But we also should recognize what can happen when, suddenly, we are not in control and are subject to ominous and unpredictable forces — in this case, a mysterious disease. It is okay to be scared, but we can easily feel trapped and let fear run wild. Taking one day at a time, we must regain our solid footing and not let irrational fear turn us against one another rather than toward each other.” Here is my prediction (and hope). In a few months, we’ll have exciting stories to tell. There will be a vaccine in place and maybe even a cure. That’s how things work. Let’s make some lemonade out of these lemon times and take advantage of opportunities. Consider the long view. Make the Best of the Situation The quote from Wake Forest continues with, “ .. Finally, we need to make sure that the stress of this crisis bends us toward each other. We need the discipline and conviction to lift our eyes beyond merely our personal and family safety and security when possible. What are the needs of our neighbors, our classmates, our colleagues from work?” Maybe now is the time to do some positive things. We have an opportunity to do some things that we were putting off. With everyone out of the school or office, we can consider repairing the infrastructure, do some equipment installations, make structural repairs, and upgrades. Let’s do things that we couldn’t do in normal times because they were disruptive. As we face these uncertain times, let us all take heart, renew our purposes, gain perspective, look to the future, and come out stronger in the end. ### Apartment Intercoms The Latest Network-Attached Multi-Tenant Building Intercoms What is an Apartment Intercom? An apartment intercom is a communication device used in the lobby or at the front entrance of a multi-tenant building or apartment house. It provides a connection to the tenants. The new wireless intercom allows you to contact the resident's smartphone or standard phone to request entry into the building. The lobby intercom display provides a list of all the tenants in the building. The old apartment intercom systems were all analog-type intercoms and required wires from the lobby to all the apartments. Each apartment contained an answering intercom module. This intercom allowed the person in the apartment to talk to the visitor in the lobby. The tenant could then press the button to open the front door. These new IP intercoms replace the old analog intercoms. Apartment Intercom Concept The new IP apartment intercoms do the same thing and much more. This article provides information about the new IP apartment intercom systems. IP Apartment Intercom Comparison with Older System The IP Apartment Intercom is easier to use and to install than the older analog systems. The apartment lobby panel only requires a network connection with PoE and the electric lock release, so wiring is simple. The older analog systems required many wires between the panel in the lobby and all the apartments (or offices) in the building. Since the system is digital, it is very flexible. It uses the Internet and Ethernet infrastructure. It makes it easy to add, delete, and edit all the tenants that use the IP apartment intercom system. How Does the IP Apartment Intercom Work? The latest systems are all digital. They communicate over the Ethernet network, across wireless and cell connections. The IP lobby intercom includes a list of all the residents or departments. IP Apartment Intercom Diagram The panel in the lobby has a touch screen that allows you to scroll or search for the right person. Once the person is selected, the tenant is notified by the App on their smartphone.  The tenant can then see the person at the door as well as talk to them. They can then release the lock on the front door (or not). Since the communication channel is over the Internet, the tenant can be anywhere in the world where they can receive a cell call and data connection. This wireless Apartment Intercom system is excellent for new or replacement installations. It connects to the tenant’s smartphones for completely wireless communication. Installing the Apartment IP Intercom System The lobby IP intercom can be mounted to a wall inside the lobby or outside the building. There is a choice of mounting. You can mount it flush to the wall, or the surface of the wall, or add a sun-shield hood. The panel connects to a PoE type network connection that then connects to a router. Also, other wires connect to the electric lock at the front door. The lobby panel connects the management service over the Ethernet to manage and control the system. Setting Up of the Intercom Smartphone App Each user (or tenant), downloads the MyDoorView App from the iOS or Google Play store. Once their identification information is entered, they are automatically added to the service. When the account is opened on the management system, each telephone entry is assigned a “location code.” After each resident downloads the App, they enter their specific location code. This process allows the App to respond to that caller ID number and pull that specific video stream. When a call comes in, every device assigned to the same apartment in the group will ring. Managing the Apartment Intercom System The system uses a web browser management interface that allows the system manager to make changes. They can edit names and phone numbers as well as add and delete users. Apartment Intercom Summary The latest apartment IP intercom systems connect to the tenant’s smartphones. The App on their smartphone allows them to see and talk to the person in the lobby. These new apartment intercoms are much more flexible and easier to install. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 61 A farmer and a king died at the same time. They found themselves standing at the Pearly Gates. “Both of you were very good men,” says St. Peter, “but heaven is getting crowded and I can only allow one of you in. What can you do?” The farmer planted a pear tree, and it grew huge delicious fruits. “Wonderful,” said St. Peter. “What can you do, your majesty?” The king immediately went to the nearest toilet and flushed it. Ultimately, St. Peter decided to allow the king into heaven. And the moral of the story is, Repair Anything? … A royal flush always wins against a pear, no matter how big. Some Signs to Review Did I read that sign right? “TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW.” In a Laundromat: AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT. In a London department store: BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS… In an office: WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN. In an office: AFTER TEA BREAK, STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD. Outside a second-hand shop: WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING – BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN? Notice in health food shop window: CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS… Spotted in a safari park: (I sure hope so.) ELEPHANTS, PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR. Seen during a conference: FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN’T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAYCARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR. Notice in a farmer’s field: THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES. Message on a leaflet: IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS. Proofreading is a dying art, wouldn’t you say? A mime is looking for a place to get some money. He goes into the zoo and starts preforming, drawing a crowd. Then, the zookeeper drags the mime into his office. ”Our biggest attraction, the gorilla, has just died. If you are looking for some money, we have a gorilla suit that you can put on. We will pay you,” the zookeeper says. The mime accepts. The next day, the mime dresses up as a gorilla and gets in the gorilla cage before the zoo opens. The mime is able to draw huge crowds by just sitting around doing nothing. The mime enjoys it. However, soon, a lion across from him begins to draw bigger crowds. The mime wanted to have the people looking at him, so he crawled out of the cage and into the lion’s cage, dangling over the lion. Then, the mime’s fingers slip. He hits the ground, and the lion starts chasing him. The mime yells “Help me! Help me!” when the lion pounces. Then, the lion whispers in the mime’s ear “Shut up! You wanna get us both fired?” Quotes “Logic is like whiskey: it loses its beneficial effect when taken in large quantities” – Lord Dunsany “If you treat every situation as a life-or-death matter, you’ll die a lot of times.” – Dean Smith “The best thing about a popular song is it doesn’t stay popular very long” – Max Fryer “Brilliance I like four-wheel-drive: It enables a person to get stuck in even more remote places.” – Garrison Keillor “He was a self-made man who owed his success to nobody.” – Joseph Heller “Few things are as democratic as a snowstorm.” – Bern Williams “An optimist is someone who goes after Moby Dick in a rowboat and takes tartar sauce” – Zig Ziglar I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Best Single-Door Access Control Single-Door Access Control Systems The new IP access control systems connect to the network and provide the flexibility that allows you to install a single door at a time. These new IP access control systems include the door reader and controller that is all located at the door. The electric lock is connected to the controller. The older access control systems used a large central controller that was located in a closet. The labor to run wires from the controller to the reader, and the electric lock was high. Today there are several ways to control a single door. There are single-door systems that use a keypad and IP door reader-controller systems that use card credentials or your smartphone for access. This article compares the single-door access control systems that attach to the network. Single Door Access Control The simplest single-door access control system uses a mechanical or electric lock with a keypad. For example, Schlage provides single locks with keypads. This type of system is good for home use and is not recommended when many people will be using the door. IP door access control systems are best for commercial applications where many people will be entering the door. This access control provides much more security and flexibility than the keypad type locks. The door reader and controller are located at the door. This minimizes the wiring required and makes installation much simpler. What the Single-Door Access Kit Contains The single-door access control system contains a door reader, with a built-in controller or a small separate controller, electric lock, and a set of credentials (like cards or keyfobs). Access Control Reader The access control reader connects to the network or through a serial connection such as a Wiegand interface to the controller. Access Controller The door access controller contains all the intelligence. It contains the list (or database) of all the people who use the system Electric Lock The electric lock is either a magnetic lock or an electric strike lock. Credentials for Door Access 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). Types of Single-Door Access Control Systems All the IP door access systems connect to the network. Most of these systems use Power over Ethernet to power the door controller, reader, and lock. This configuration makes installation very simple because you usually only need to run the Ethernet cable to the door. There are three types of access control systems that connect to the network. IP Reader-ControllerIP Controller with slave readerBiometric IP Door Reader-Controller Isonas IP Reader-Controller Access Control The Isonas IP access control reader-controllers can be installed at a single door or used at many doors. All the intelligence that used to be in the separate controller is now inside the one small reader-controller at the door. This access control system is very easy to install. These reader-controllers require the least amount of wiring. They provide the following features. No Control Panels Required. Everything is located at the doorThe Door Access Control Management software is provided as a subscription or as a site license. The Pure Access Cloud or Pure Access Manager Software is easy to useThe IP Door Readers are powered using PoEThe reader-controllers operate even if the network is down (as long as the controller has PoE power).The readers provide 12 VDC power for the electric lockIt supports a wide selection of credentials and cardsIt can use your smartphone as the credential – Bluetooth connect using Pure Mobile AppIt can be integrated with IP intercoms to allow remote control of doors to allow entry of visitors IP Door Access Controller with Slave Door readers The Hartmann access control system is an example of a controller with a separate door reader. This enterprise access control system can be purchased one door at a time or support hundreds of doors. The single-door system includes a controller and door reader that is located at the door. This system is very flexible. You can add two readers to the controller so you can control both entry and exit at a door. This access control system includes the following features: Network-attached IP controllers that are powered over Ethernet (PoE)The access control management software is licensed by the number of doors.Includes door access control and management software for your site or from a cloud server, all controlled through a browser window that’s compatible across all platforms from desktop to mobile.The controller supports a wide range of Wiegand type door readers. You can select a simple RFID proximity reader or one that includes credentials provided from a Bluetooth enabled connection to your smartphone. It can also use biometric readers for increased security.The flexible door controller can mount on top of the door and provide a built-in motion detection function.The door controller supports one or two readers. You can select inside and outside readers, with or without motion detection, or two-door control.The controller can provide power to the electric lockOperates even if the network is down (as long as the controller has PoE power).The door access management software supports flexible If-then logicThe system Integrates with many IP camera Video Management Software (VMS) and Network Video Recorders (NVRs)Supports advanced features such as dual authentication, elevator control, and Anti-passback control Biometric Access Control The biometric access control system provides increased security because it identifies a person rather than the credential that they carry. These reader-controllers attach the network and can be powered over Ethernet (PoE).  There is a choice of fingerprint, facial recognition, or finger-vein readers. The biometric access control system includes the following features: Flexible access control management software with web-based administration and monitoringAll-In-One solution (Access Control, Video Integration, Elevator Control, and Visitor Management)Optional Mobile AppIf-then logic table for automated reaction to alarmsSimple structure and user interfaceControls up to 2,000 doors, with the option of adding additional servers for a maximum of 8,000 doorsAdvanced Access Control Functions (inc. Zone Control + Who’s inside)Global Anti-Passback and LinkageProvides IP video camera integration with Samsung (Hanwha), Hikvision, and other IP camerasAutomatic data backupAlarms and event notification by EmailSystem log functions Access Control Management Software Isonas Pure Access Each of the access control systems described above has management software that is designed to work with each system.  It is important to consider the software as well as the hardware when selecting your access control system. Access control software determines who can enter, what door they can use, and when they can come in.  The access control management software is associated with each type of access control systems. The software controls the specific type of door readers and controllers so they must be selected with the matching system. We provided descriptions of the software that supports the specific access control system. Isonas System Management SoftwareHartmann System Management Software Biometric System Management Software  Best Access Control System Access Control Concept As you can see, there are several different access control systems to choose from. The best door access control system depends on your application and security requirements. Here are some guidelines for selecting the best single-door access control system. Isonas Access Control System The Isonas access control is best for small to medium size access control applications.   It is a perfect system when you don’t require any advanced control features such as IP camera system integration or elevator controls. Hartmann Door Access Control System The Hartmann enterprise access control system is best when you need advanced features. It can be used on a single door or supports hundreds of doors. We consider the Hartmann control door access control system to be an enterprise system because it includes advanced features that are not found in the Isonas solution. It supports IP camera integration and elevator controls. Biometric Access Control System The biometric access control system provides the best security because it identifies a person rather than the credential that they carry. It is the best choice if you require increased entry security. Summary of Single-Door Access Control The IP access control systems provide the most flexible way to secure your organization. They are much easier to install than the older controller-based access control systems. They allow you to install a reader and controller at a single door but can also grow to support many entrances in your organization. The Isonas access control system is the easiest to install. The Hartmann access control system provides advanced functionality. The biometric access control system provides increased security. For help selecting the door access control system that’s best for you, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 60 A young driver became lost in a snowstorm. The teenager didn't panic, however, because he remembered what his dad had once told him. "If you ever get stuck in a snowstorm, just wait for a snowplow to come by and follow it." Sure enough, pretty soon, a snowplow came by, and he started to follow it. He followed the plow for about forty-five minutes. Finally, the driver of the truck got out and asked the teen what he was doing. And he explained that his dad had told him if he ever got stuck in a snowstorm, to follow a plow. The driver nodded and said, "Well, I'm done with the Wal-Mart parking lot, do you want to follow me over to Best Buy now?" Q: What starts with E, ends with E, and has only one letter in it? A: An envelope Q: Did you hear about the kidnapping at school? A: It’s okay. He woke up. Q: What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back? A: A stick. Young King Arthur was ambushed and imprisoned by the monarch of a neighboring kingdom. The monarch could have killed him but was moved by Arthur's youth and ideals. So, the monarch offered him his freedom, as long as he could answer a very difficult question. Arthur would have a year to figure out the answer and, if after a year, he still had no answer, he would be put to death. The question?... What do women really want? He returned to his kingdom and began to poll everyone: the princess, the priests, the wise men, and even the court jester. He spoke with everyone, but no one could give him a satisfactory answer. Many people advised him to consult the old witch, for only she would have the answer. The last day of the year arrived and Arthur had no choice but to talk to the witch. She agreed to answer the question, but he would have to agree to her price first. Her price was to marry Sir Lancelot, the noblest of the Knights of the Round Table and Arthur's closest friend! Young Arthur was horrified. She was hunchbacked and hideous, had only one tooth, smelled like sewage, made obscene noises, etc. He had never encountered such a repugnant creature in all his life. He refused to force his friend to marry her and endure such a terrible burden; but Lancelot, learning of the proposal, spoke with Arthur. He said nothing was too big of a sacrifice compared to Arthur's life and the preservation of the Round Table. Hence, a wedding was proclaimed and the witch answered Arthur's question thus: What a woman really wants, she answered....is to be in charge of her own life. Everyone in the kingdom instantly knew that the witch had uttered a great truth and that Arthur's life would be spared. And so it was, the neighboring monarch granted Arthur his freedom and Lancelot and the witch had a wonderful wedding. The honeymoon hour approached and Lancelot, steeling himself for a horrific experience, entered the bedroom. But, what a sight awaited him. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen lay before him on the bed. The astounded Lancelot asked what had happened. The beauty replied that since he had been so kind to her when she appeared as a witch, she would henceforth, be her horrible deformed self only half the time and the beautiful maiden the other half. Which would he prefer? Beautiful during the day... or night? Lancelot pondered the predicament. During the day, a beautiful woman to show off to his friends, but at night, in the privacy of his castle, an old witch? Or, would he prefer having a hideous witch during the day, but by night, a beautiful woman for him to enjoy wondrous intimate moments? Noble Lancelot said that he would allow HER to make the choice herself. Upon hearing this, she announced that she would be beautiful all the time because he had respected her enough to let her be in charge of her own life. Now... What is the moral of this story? The moral is: If you don't let a woman have her own way, things are going to get ugly... If a chemistry and biology teacher goes to a bar, where do they sit? The periodic table. What do a judge and an English teacher have in common? Sentences, lots and lots of sentences. What does a school and a plant have in common? STEM. What does a high school basketball player and jury have in common? The Court. What book won't teachers give you credit for reading? Facebook. Helvetica and Times New Roman walk into a bar “Get out of here!” shouts the bartender. “We don’t serve your type.” Did you hear about the actor who fell through the floorboards? He was just going through a stage. “My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We’ll see about that.” – Stewart Francis “The worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades.” – Demetri Martin I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Comparison of Apartment Intercom Systems What is the Best Intercom? Intercom History The first intercoms were developed in the late 1800s. They used speaking tubes to talk to other people in the building. Business organizations were the first to use these intercoms. The office manager could reach his secretary or other people in various departments in the building. The invention of the telephone in the early 1900s made it easier to connect everyone. By the 1950s, the telephone connected people all over the world. The intercoms used the same technology as the phone system.  In the 1970s, the analog intercoms made it easy for the manager to talk to the accounting department or the manufacturing floor. Intercom History Today's Apartment Intercoms provide so much more capability. Digital IP intercoms that attach to the network were made available in the 1990s. It made it much easier to install intercoms around schools, offices, and hospitals. The latest intercom systems use smartphone apps and cloud servers to enable direct communication all over the world.  This article provides the pros and cons of different intercom systems. Analog Intercom Systems for Apartments Old Apartment Intercom The analog intercoms had wires going from the intercom panel in the lobby to each of the apartments. Analog intercoms use electrical signals with voltage and variable current levels to transport the sound signal. A low-voltage and current are used to power the system. The intercoms are available as two-wire and four-wire systems. Two-Wire Systems Two-wire intercoms provide voice communication in one direction at a time, so are considered “half-duplex” systems. Multiple intercoms can be daisy-chained so that many people can listen and talk. This is called a “party-line” system. To talk to the other person, you need to push the “talk” button. Pros: The two-wire systems use less wire than the four-wire systems so it can save money in cabling. This is a simple system. Because this is a hard-wired system, it is considered to be more secure. Cons: The early implementations of this intercom system didn’t allow you to select the person. It was primarily used to connect to one or many people. Some systems use routers to select the person. It allows talking in only one direction at a time, and the user must push a button to talk. It doesn’t support video. Analog Intercom System Four-Wire Systems The four-wire system provides communication in both directions, so it is called a “full-duplex” system. In this system, people at both ends can talk and hear at the same time. The Plain Old Telephone (POTS) analog telephone system is an example of a four-wire system. Pros: This is a full-duplex system that allows simultaneous talking in both directions. There is no “talk” button required. These systems are available with a “master” station in the lobby that includes a button for each remote intercom you would like to talk to. Cons: It doesn’t support video. It uses more wiring than the two-wire system. Wires must be connected from the lobby panel to the intercoms in the apartments. Digital Intercom Systems The digital intercom systems connect intercoms (and telephones) using special digital protocols. Voice over IP (VoIP) and SIP are examples of protocols used to carry voice signals. These systems provide much more control than the analog systems. The Ethernet network connects many different intercoms (or telephones) together. The addressing schemes allow a single telephone with buttons to address and connect to another telephone on the network. Intercoms without buttons (like the Digital Acoustic intercoms) are assigned to a server.  Many intercoms are connected over the network to a single control point like a computer or apartment intercom. The central computer (or panel) can be used to select and communicate with one intercom at a time. These centralized systems are usually used in an office environment where there is a guard or concierge at a desk in the lobby. To learn more about how IP intercoms work, take a look at our article, How Network Attached Amplifiers and IP Intercoms Work. Pros: It uses the network infrastructure to communicate from the central station to all the intercoms on the network. It can support IP video. Cons: It requires a separate IP camera at each intercom station to include video. Apartment House Intercoms The apartment door entry system in the lobby allows you to select the person or apartment you would like to contact. The classic system includes a one or two-line display that allows the visitor to scroll through a list of apartments. Once they select the apartment, they can push the call button to notify the tenant that they are in the lobby. Touch-screen Intercoms Apartment Touch-Screen Intercom The latest lobby intercoms include a large touch-screen panel.  This multi-tenant intercom system provides a wireless connection from the lobby intercom station to an app on your smartphone. The new systems have large LCD screens that allow you to see many of the residents in the building. You can select 7-inch or 10-inch panels. The larger displays provide a better user interface and make it much easier to find the right person. The lobby panel includes a camera so the person at the door can be seen as well as heard. These touch-panel systems can be used in office buildings, hospitals, and other large multi-tenant organizations. The systems use a cloud server that directs the communication from the lobby panel to the smartphone apps. The app allows the user to see and talk to the person at the door. They can release the lock in the lobby using their smartphone. To learn more about how cloud-connected intercoms work, see our article, How IP Intercoms Communicate with Smartphones. Pros: They provide the most advanced communication capability. The new systems allow you to talk and see the person at the door using an app on your smartphone. The panel can connect to your smartphone as long as you have a cell connection. No wiring is needed between the lobby station and the apartment. Cons: Requires a monthly subscription fee that supports the cloud server connection. Summary of Apartment Intercoms Intercoms have evolved from speaking tubes to analog electrical systems, to digital IP systems, and finally to wireless digital IP systems. There are still many analog intercom systems in use today. The latest intercoms include large touch-screen displays and communicate the cell network to the smartphone of the person in the apartment. The system uses cell communication so you can contact the person no matter where in the world they are.   If you need help selecting the right apartment intercom system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technology Review 2019 The New Technology of 2019 New IP Security Technology of 2019 2019 was a year of evolution rather than revolution. Security technology evolved and became more powerful and easier to use. IP camera manufacturers focused on enhancing their products. Access control systems became more user-friendly, added mobile capability, and made it easier to integrate with IP camera systems. Paging systems added intercoms with better full-duplex sound. Portable emergency buttons became more popular and effective. Here are the highlights of the new products available in 2019 New IP Cameras Provide Easier Installation Hanwha introduced the Series-X Plus family of IP cameras that lowered the cost of installation. They introduced a very innovative mounting scheme. The Hanwha Wisenet Series-X Plus uses a magnetic mount instead of screws to mount the camera to the bracket.  All the cameras in the “Plus” family can use the same universal mounts. This not only reduces the installation time but also allows the camera to be easily replaced if there is a failure. Read more about these new cameras. Access Control Systems Provide Increased Capability The Hartmann control access control system provides enterprise-level management and control of all the doors. In spite of this being a very full-featured product, it can also be used to control a single door. The benefit is that additional door access control can be added to new doors one at a time. The door access management software provides advanced functions such as logic if-then functions, and allows you to control elevators, visitors, and integrates with IP camera systems.  We think the integration with many different IP camera systems makes this a powerful solution that increases security. Door Access Control Concept Mobile credentials have become more popular. Credentials enabled by your smartphone provide improved security over the standard 125kHz credentials that have been very popular. The HID type card credentials can be hacked using a simple card copier. An article published by IPVM describes how a $30 card copier can read your card while it is in your pocket. The latest Bluetooth enabled door readers, such as the ones used by Hartmann Controls door access control system, including many advanced security features and modes of identification. Besides using the security provided by Bluetooth spread-spectrum communication, the system uses encryption and obfuscation methods to protect the app in the smartphone, and the data stored in the door reader. The encryption process protects data from hacking. Intercom Systems add Full-Duplex Sound The older intercoms were half-duplex systems that required a push-to-talk to enable a one-way transmission of your voice. The latest intercoms use full-duplex audio transmission, so you don’t need to push a button to talk. This means you can hear someone talk back to you while you are talking to them. This is similar to your telephone. To provide full-duplex audio, the intercom technology was improved to remove audio feedback from the speaker to the microphone. This required the addition of digital signal processing (DSP) that reduced the echo. Read more about Network Attached Intercoms Personal Emergency Panic Buttons Mobile Emergency Button Mobile panic buttons were improved in 2019. They included more flexibility and provided easy connections to your own security center or to a general security center. Either way, you are now able to get help no matter where you are in the USA or Canada. The push of a button on the mobile panic button sends an alert through the system. The emergency notification is sent to your designated security center. The personal emergency panic button system provides a quick response to any emergency. It’s more than a medical alert system. It is a total personal emergency call button system designed to be used no matter where you are. The button connects to your smartphone through a Bluetooth connection. It generates a standard phone call that not only provides two-way communication, but it also provides your location and provides your personal information to the dispatch center. Because it uses the smartphone GPS locating system, your location is accurately provided to the safety center. The location services continue until the situation is resolved to create a breadcrumb path that can help determine exactly where you are. Read more about Mobile Panic Buttons. The technology of 2019 Summary Security technology improved over 2019 and enhanced products were introduced that provided more capability. IP cameras became easier to install. Access control became more secure with the addition of mobile credentials. The evolution of the personal emergency button made our life safer. For help selecting your security products in the coming year, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons - 59 A man went to visit a friend and was amazed to find him playing chess with his dog. The man watched the game in astonishment for a while. “I can hardly believe my eyes!” he said. “That’s the smartest dog I’ve ever seen.” “He’s not so smart,” the friend replied. “I’ve beaten him three games out of five.” I started out with nothing and I still have most of it. My wild oats have turned into prunes and All Bran. I finally got my head together; now my body is falling apart. Funny, I don’t remember being absent minded… All reports are in; life is now officially unfair. Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He’s not breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls 911. “I think my friend is dead!” he yells. “What can I do?” The operator says, “Calm down. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There’s a silence, then a shot. Back on the phone, the guy says, “OK, now what?” If all is not lost, where is it? It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser. Some days you’re the dog; some days you’re the hydrant. I wish the buck stopped here; I sure could use a few… Kids in the back-seat cause accidents. Accidents in the back-seat cause…kids. It’s hard to make a comeback when you haven’t been anywhere. Only time the world beats a path to your door is when you’re in the bathroom. If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would have put them on my knees. In surgery for a heart attack, a middle-aged woman has a vision of God by her bedside. “Will I die?” she asks. God says, “No. You have 30 more years to live.” With 30 years to look forward to, she decides to make the best of it. Since she’s in the hospital, she gets breast implants, liposuction, a tummy tuck, hair transplants, and collagen injections in her lips. She looks great! The day she’s discharged, she exits the hospital with a swagger, crosses the street, and is immediately hit by an ambulance and killed. Up in heaven, she sees God. “You said I had 30 more years to live,” she complains. “That’s true,” says God. “So what happened?” she asks. God shrugs. “I didn’t recognize you.” When I’m finally holding all the cards, why does everyone decide to play Chess? It’s not hard to meet expenses…they’re everywhere. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter. I go somewhere to get something and then wonder what I’m here after! England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool. Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes. This girl today said she recognized me from the Vegetarians Club, but I’d swear I’ve never met herbivore. I know a guy who’s addicted to drinking brake fluid, but he says he can stop any time. I got some batteries that were given out free of charge. A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail. A will is a dead giveaway. With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress. A guy who fell into a lens grinding machine made a spectacle of himself.He had a photographic memory, but it was never fully developed. When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she’d dye. Acupuncture is a jab well done. That’s the point of it. I didn’t like my beard at first. Then it grew on me. Did you hear about the crossed-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn’t control her pupils? When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble. I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. Thank you, Dave Grossman, for providing some of these great jokes. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How to Upgrade Your Access Control System Upgrade Your Door Access Control System The classic door access control systems have been around for many years. These access control systems include one or more central control panels that connect to all the door readers. Usually, the door readers use a Wiegand connection for communication. The reader-to-controller cable includes the serial Wiegand wires, power, and electric lock control. It also can contain several door control signals such as Request to Exit and door contact sensors. These older systems don’t have the latest features provided by the new access control systems. Your old controller can be replaced so you can get the latest features and functions available from the new access control system. The new systems connect to the network allowing them to be integrated with other security systems. They provide many new capabilities that will improve your safety and security. Door Access Control Diagram Benefits of Upgrading Your Access Control System: The latest access controllers connect to the network and include access control management software that runs on your Windows PC.  The combination of network-attached controller and access control management software provide the following features: Triple Swipe Program provides special codes for particular users allowing them to swipe three times then enter their pin code at a keypad reader to cause up to 32 special events. (EG: you are closing early for the day and just want to go to the reader and lock the door down for the rest of the day OR enable an alarm system, etc.).Extremely Powerful Holiday Configurations: The sophisticated access control system allows you to pre-program several different reactions to recurring or specific holidays (eg: front door may be locked partially for one holiday but for a full day on another holiday, while other doors react differently). Also, the user can program how user cards will work during the holidays.The access control system allows the user to divide and sub-divide the system into Multiple Partitions and Sites partitions and multiple sites within each partition. It allows for better local level administration and protecting other site configuration and data. You can define with specific administrative roles, the abilities of sub-administrators – what they can see, what they can manage, and what tasks they can perform.One-Time Run Time Zones allows you to configure the doors or elevator floors to function differently for a special event. Simply program the period and what you want the door or floor to do and the system takes care of it for you. Create and store multiple OTR events on the panel allowing you to program months in advance. Excellent for board meetings, move-in days, special events, etc.Access control management software provides excellent reporting features. These powerful and fast reports allow you to display to screen, output to CSV or write to PDF. The reports include an access control Administration log recording every change made on the system as well as the time it was made and by whom.Crisis Mode Responses: allows the door access control system to respond to emergencies. The access control crisis mode is activated by one button press from any IP-enabled device. Doors will, in turn, lockdown, and only users with appropriate crisis mode privileges (up to 16 pre-defined levels) will be granted access. Integration with IP Camera Systems with Access Control Enterprise Access Control system from Hartmann provides the following IP Camera System integration features: The integrated access control and IP camera system show the video from multiple cameras displayed in the same web browser as your door access management software. Cameras and Access Control Display More Features of IP Camera System Integration Include The real-time video can be displayed based on pre-defined alerts from the door access control system. The alerts include “Door Held Opened,” Door Forced Open, and many more.Examples of IP camera system systems currently supported include Hanwha Recording systems, Milestone xProtect, ViconNet, Exact, Digital Watchdog, and some Hikvision NVR systems. The list is growing so please check with us for the latest supported IP camera recording system supportProvides easy management of IP camerasYou can create different viewing matrixes so that you can view many different cameras at the same time.Easy playback of the recorded video allows you to select a time period and verify any security concerns.Cameras can be viewed on all platforms, including desktop and mobile devices.Cameras can be associated with elevators, providing door/elevator alerts and history Learn more about the integration of IP Cameras and Access Control Add Your Smartphone as the Access Control Credential Now your smartphone is your access key. You don’t need to carry a card credential.  Both Isonas and Hartmann include Apps that connect your smartphone to their readers using Bluetooth. This mobile credential is the latest way of controlling your door access. Mobile credentials provide the benefit of reducing pass-back problems because it is unlikely that someone would give another person their phone. It also provides easy to use access. The latest systems allow you to wave your hand over the reader to gain access. Read more about mobile credential systems Elevator Control can be Added to Your Access Control System There are compatible controllers that work with elevator systems. An elevator access control unit is used to determine the floors that can be reached based on the door access control credential. For example, all the accountants who work on the 5th floor can reach that floor, but not be able to go to the IT department on the 3rd floor.  Floors that contain general areas such as the cafeteria or fitness center would typically be available to everyone. The system can also be programmed to allow certain people, such as the executives to go to any floor. Read more about elevator control How to Upgrade Your Access Control System To upgrade your access control system, you will need to replace the controller, re-enter the credentials, and add management information. The same set of wires that come from the door readers can be connected to the new controllers. For example, the Hartmann controllers support up to eight doors in a single panel. Since each panel connects to the network, multiple controllers can be part of the same large access control system. Locate the Readers at Each Door Disconnect one set of wires at a time. Record which set of wires is going to a specific door. This will allow you to register each reader in the software. Register the Credentials to the New Software You will have to re-enter the credentials by swiping the credential at the door readers. Add the person assigned to each credential in the software. Add the schedule and management for each credential (or person). Enter the information for each person and assign the door the person is allowed to enter, the time they can enter. Once you have added the new controller, you take advantage of the new features and functions. Upgrading your Access Control System Summary. The latest access control panels provide improved functionality. This allows you to integrate IP cameras systems, elevator control and other functions that will enhance safety and security. If you need help upgrading your access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Panic Buttons and Other Security Systems for Schools Active Shooter Emergencies Active shooter situations have become a significant security issue. Many articles have been written about this. Solutions range from increased technology, active shooter drills in schools, and of course, gun control.  Ann Hampton Callaway even wrote a song, Thoughts and Prayers. A recent article, Active Shooter Drills May Not Stop A School Shooting — But This Method Could, was published November 27, 2019, in NPR news. It discussed the issues with active shooter drills. The article suggested that it was much better to provide threat assessment as a proactive approach to safety in schools. The objective would be to “identify students who are doing concerning behavior or may be in distress and getting them the help they need before they even resort to violence as an option.” As a technology company, all we can do is suggest technology that can be used to prevent, control, and manage active shooter situations. Safety and Security in Schools Security devices such as IP cameras, paging systems, metal detectors, door access control, and panic buttons can be used to help control emergency situations. This article provides a summary of the safety and security systems. Control Access The first step to increase security is to control access to the school. Door Access Control System Access control systems placed on all the doors can prevent unauthorized entrance to the school. The IP Door access control system can be integrated with IP cameras with the right software. For example, Video Management Software and Door Access Control software work together to increase security by allowing you to see who entered the door. It allows you to check that the person using a credential is the right person and that they didn’t let anyone else in at the same time. More about door access control … Metal Detectors for Door Entry Control Metal detectors can be used to control what people can carry into a building. Today these metal detectors are used not only at airports but in office buildings, theaters, and schools.  These multi-zone metal detectors are designed to keep you safe from the threat of metal weapons. Read more about metal detectors Cameras and Intercoms IP camera systems can be used to monitor the entrance and outdoor areas around the school. Cameras that include intelligence can create an alarm if someone crosses a line or enters a door. Read more about Intelligent IP cameras… Intercoms with cameras can be used to control who enters the building. The intercoms connect to the network and allow control of electric locks or door access control readers. Video Management Software (VMS) can be used for control, monitoring, and recording. Read more about intercoms Call for Help with Mobile Emergency Button Mobile Emergency buttons can be used by teachers and administrators to call for help. The button can be used to notify the school safety center or contact “911”. When the response center receives an emergency alert, the software provides the name of the person, the location of the call, and details about the person calling. The school can use its safety center, establish an emergency center, use its administrative office, or automatically call 911. Read more about panic buttons. Provide Emergency Notification Network-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. Read more about paging systems Conclusion We are aware that there is no easy solution to improving school safety. Active shooter situations can be minimized by proactive procedures that prevent disasters before they happen, by providing active shooter drills, limiting gun access, and using the latest technology. There are several technologies that can be used to increase safety in our schools. These include door access control, metal detectors, IP camera systems, door access control, intercoms, mobile panic buttons, and emergency announcements. For help making your school or organization safer, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 in the USA, or just use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 58 A guy is sitting at home when he hears a knock at the door. He opens the door and sees a snail on the porch. He picks up the snail and throws it as far as he can. A year later, there’s another knock at the door. He opens it and sees the same snail. The snail says, “What was that all about?” Benefits of being older: You consider coffee one of the most important things in life.You constantly talk about the price of gasoline.You enjoy hearing about other people's operations.You get into a heated argument about pension plans.You got cable for the weather channel.You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks in the room.You send money to PBS.You sing along with the elevator music. A man comes home after a hard day’s work and opens the refrigerator to get a soda. Inside, he sees a squirrel taking a nap. “What are you doing in my fridge?” the man asks. The squirrel opens one sleepy eye and says, “Isn’t this a Westinghouse?” “Um, yes,” the man replies. “It is.” “Well then,” the squirrel says, shutting his eyes again, “I am twying to west.” A pious man who had reached the age of 105 suddenly stopped going to church. Alarmed by the old fellow’s absence after so many years of faithful attendance the priest went to see him. He found him in excellent health, so the priest asked, “How come after all these years we don’t see you at services anymore?” The old man looked around and lowered his voice. “I’ll tell you, father,” he whispered. “When I got to be 90, I expected God to take me any day. But then I got to be 95, then 100, then 105. So, I figured that God is very busy and must’ve forgotten about me, and I don’t want to remind Him!” A homeless man walks into a cafe and orders a cup of coffee. “It doesn’t look like you can afford it,” the waitress says. ” How about if I show you something you have never seen before,” the homeless man says. The waitress nods and the homeless man pulls a hamster out of his pocket. The hamster then jumps into the piano in the cafe and plays a Beethoven sonata. The waitress, impressed, gives the homeless man a cup of coffee. The homeless man slurps it down and asks for another one. ”Do you have anything else I haven’t seen before?” the waitress says. The homeless man then pulls a frog out of his pocket. The frog starts singing opera, and the waitress, astounded, gives the homeless man a cup of coffee. A businessman walks up and tells the homeless man, “I’ll buy that frog from you for $300, how does that sound?” The homeless man nods takes the money and hands the frog to the businessman. The businessman runs out of the cafe. ” Why did you sell that frog for just $300? It is probably worth millions!” The waitress says. ” Nah, the hamster is a ventriloquist.” Was the reply. Thanks, Dave Grossman, for contributing some of the funny jokes. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 57 A butterfly gets pulled over by the cops for speeding. He hands the cop his driver’s license with a photo of a caterpillar on it. “Sorry, it’s an old picture.” It is not clear where the concept of Murphy’s Law originated. Some say that the original Murphy’s Law was “If there are two or more ways to do something, and one of those ways can result in a catastrophe, then someone will do it.” The story goes that in 1947, Murphy was involved in a rocket-sled experiment in which all 16 accelerator instruments were installed in the wrong way, resulting in Murphy’s observation. Murphy’s Law is sometimes expressed as “Anything that can go wrong, will — at the worst possible moment.” Here are some examples of Murphy’s Laws relating to Computer hardware: First Law of Selective Gravitation: When an object is dropped, it will fall in such a way as to cause the greatest possible damage to itself and/or other objects on which it lands.Second Law of Selective Gravitation: The tendency for an object to be dropped is directly proportional to its value.Law of Expectation: Consumer expectations always outpace advances in hardware technology.Law of the Titanic: If a device cannot malfunction, it will. List of IT-related Sniglets – Words that should be in the dictionary (but aren’t) acronymnym – a redundancy created by following an acronym with the final word of that acronym, like DNS server. alpha geek – the most knowledgeable, technically proficient person in an office or workgroup. analog-retentive – those people who obstinately cling to outmoded technology. animousity – vigorously clicking your pointer device because a page is loading too slowly. See also: screen spasm – pages that try to load simultaneously on your computer screen as a direct result of your animousity. backronym – an IT term whose letters once had no meaning, but have since come to stand for something-or-other. beer Googles – searches on the Internet made while intoxicated, sometimes resulting in information looking more attractive or credible than it would otherwise. blamestorming – sitting around in a group, discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed and who was responsible. blogorrhea– compulsive, excessive, and/or meaningless ranting/raving by an individual on a blog — essentially, blog-based logorrhea, meaning a tendency to talk on and on. blurker – someone who reads a blog or blogs regularly but never comments or contributes to the discussion. cellphonic appraisal – the activity that occurs when a ringing cell phone causes everyone in the room to check and see if it’s theirs. crapplet – a poorly written or totally useless Java applet. cinderellaware – software (demo or shareware) which becomes useless after a trial period unless the user pays for and registers it. cube farm – an office filled with cubicles. cylences – long gaps in a phone conversation that occur because one person is also reading e-mail, IMing or cybershopping. cellopain – the person who talks loudly and obliviously on a cellphone in a crowd. doh-jo – the opposite of mojo. dopeler effect – the tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly. egosurf – to search for yourself on Google or another search engine e-mnesia — the condition of having sent or received an e-mail and having no recollection of it whatsoever. execuglide – to maneuver oneself around the room while seated in a wheeled office chair. famspam – unsolicited email sent by family members. fonesia – the affliction that strikes when you dial a phone number and forget whom you were calling just as they answer. Mahogany Row – the business side, the boardroom. Macrimination – the automatic assumption that whatever is wrong is caused by the Mac on the network. negabytes per second (NBps) – a measure of data transfer that seems so slow it can only be assumed to be flowing backward. ohnosecond – that very short moment in time during which you realize that you have pressed the wrong key and deleted hours, days, or weeks of work. oxoxomoron – a person who includes symbolic “hugs and kisses” at the end of their e-mail. percussive maintenance – the fine art of whacking the crap of an electronic device to get it to work again. phenomenot – the Latest, Greatest, wizz-bang whatever that’s not what it’s proclaimed to be. phenomenut – the guy who runs right out and buys phenomenots. prairiedogged – the feeling of helplessness that overtakes you when co-workers in neighboring cubicles constantly pop their heads up to ask you stupid questions. screenager – an intern in the IT department. regurgimailer – someone who forwards whatever that lands in his inbox to everyone he knows. schoogle – to Google the names of old classmates. spammified – when an email ends up in the spam folder by mistake. specifiction: – 1) a specification founded on invalid or erroneous assumptions. 2) a specification that, as written, is impossible to implement. treeware – documents made out of paper, as opposed to electronic documents. WAPathy – lack of interest in wireless technology. zen mail – an e-mail message that arrives without text in the message body. A cruise ship passes by a remote island, and all the passengers see a bearded man running around and waving his arms wildly. “Captain,” one passenger asks, “who is that man over there?” “I have no idea,” the captain says, “but he goes nuts every year when we pass him.” I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### PoE for Network-Attached Devices Door Access Control, IP Camera Systems, IP PA Systems use PoE Power over Ethernet (PoE) is the easiest way to provide power to many network-attached devices such as IP cameras, door access control systems, and IP paging and Intercom systems. The network cable transfers both data and power to the device, making installation very simple.  The network cable includes up to eight wires. The data uses one set of wires, while the power uses another set of wires in the network cable. This article describes how access control systems, IP Camera Systems, and IP paging systems utilize power over Ethernet (PoE) Network-Attached Devices Illustration How PoE is Provided Network switches with PoE capability and network power injectors are used to add power to network-attached devices. There are several standards that define the voltage, current, and signals in the network cable. Network switches and power injectors that conform to the PoE (802.3af) standard provide 12.95W to the device. This is usually enough to power most IP cameras. Some PTZ cameras, access control systems, and other network devices require higher power than 12.95 Watts. You can also select network switches that conform to PoE+(802.3at). They provide up to 25.5W to the device. Switches that support PoE++(802.3bt type 3) support up to 51 W while 802.3bt Type 4 switches support up to 71 W. PoE is easy to implement using a network switch, but be careful about the specifications of the switch. Some network switches with multiple ports have a maximum power budget. This means that the required power may not be available on all ports. It’s best to select a switch that provides maximum power to all the ports. For more details about PoE, read our article, How Power Over Ethernet Works. PoE for IP Camera Systems Almost all IP cameras can be powered by PoE. But there are some exceptions. PTZ cameras that operate in cold environments can require additional power to support the heaters in the camera system. There are also high-performance long-range cameras that include multiple camera systems, long-distance illumination, and high-performance pan-tilt mechanisms that require separate power. Specialized PoE switches can also be used outdoors. These switches must be placed inside of enclosures to protect them from the elements but they are ruggedized to operate at wider temperature ranges. The article Industrial PoE switches: What you should know about them, provides more information. PoE for Door Access Control The latest access control systems are network-attached. The network is connected to the controller, which is either incorporated in the reader (reader-controller) or is a separate box (like the Hartmann access control system). The power required by the access control system is determined by the type of electric lock, the type of relay in the reader, and the power available from PoE. The IP readers and controllers are powered over the network (PoE) and supply 12 VDC to power electric locks. Electric strikes require less power than magnetic locks. The magnetic locks also cause current surges as they are energized. This power surge requires a higher rated relay. The Isonas reader-controller uses a solid-state relay so it can’t handle the current surge. Door access controllers that include reed-relays can support the mag locks. The Isonas reader-controller uses the power provided through the RJ45 network connection. The electric lock is connected to the pigtail from the Isonas reader. The pigtail includes 12 VDC power and a relay connection that energizes the electric lock. The Isonas reader-controller can provide power to strikes as long as they don’t use more than 400mA of current. Isonas access control system diagram The Hartmann access control system includes a network attached controller. The electric lock connects to the controller. The wires contain the power and the relay control for the electric lock. The controller includes a reed relay that can provide more power than the Isonas reader-controller. Hartmann access control system diagram Some access control readers, such as the pro-series biometric reader-controllers require a power splitter. The network is connected to one side of the splitter and the other side includes a standard network connection and a separate power plug (that splits off the power for the reader-controller). PoE for IP Paging and Intercoms Network-attached PA systems and intercoms use PoE to simplify installation. Small amplifiers can be placed wherever you have a network drop. No need for long speaker wire connections from a large central amplifier. TalkMaster software runs on your PC, manages the system, and provides digital voice quality sound wherever you need it. Intercoms allow you to communicate to a specific room, or any location you have a network connection. Power Over Ethernet Systems Summary PoE is used by IP camera systems, door access control systems, and IP paging systems. The access control systems use PoE to provide power to the readers, controllers and the electric locks. PoE makes the implementation of these network-attached systems very easy. It is essential that you know the power requirements of the IP devices that are attached to a power over Ethernet system. If you would like help using PoE please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 in the USA, or just use our contact form. ### What is the Best Access Control System? The best access control is defined by your objectives What is the best access control? It depends on your requirements. To determine your requirements, you should answer the following questions: Are your doors inside or outside?Do you want to control the floor an elevator goes to?Do you want to integrate access control with an IP camera system?What type of electric locks do you need?What type of access control credentials do you want? The following article describes the way each access control system handles the answers to these questions. Access Control Decision Door Access Control for Inside and Outside Doors Outside doors need more protection than inside doors. They need to be able to operate in all weather conditions. It is also very important that they provide additional security from vandalism. The outside readers include a special interface that interfaces with an indoor receiving unit that controls the lock. Without this feature a door reader can be removed by a vandal and the exposed lock wires can be shorted to open the door. Access Control Reader Protection The Access Control System from Isonas uses an External Door Kit (EDK) that is placed inside and is connected to the reader located outside. The Hartman access control system uses a separate controller that is located inside, and the Pro-Series of Biometric readers use either a central controller box or a secure relay box to control the electric lock. Access Control for Elevators To control an elevator the access control system requires a control box that includes a set of relays. The determine which floor(s) are available based on the credential used in the elevator. Elevator Access Control Diagram A special elevator access control unit is used to determine the floors that can be reached based on the door access control credential.  For example, all the accountants who work on the 5th floor can reach that floor, but not be able to go to the IT department on the 3rd floor.  Floors that contain general areas such as the cafeteria or fitness center, would typically be available to everyone. The system can also be programmed to allow certain people, such as the executives to go to any floor. The elevator access security system consists of a door access control reader in the elevator, an elevator control unit, and special elevator control software. Access control elevator controllers are provided by the Hartmann access control system and the Professional access control system. These systems include special software that allows you to determine which person can go to a certain floor. The access control management software integrates with the standard door access control system. Elevators are not supported by the Isonas access control system. Door Access Control and IP Camera Systems Access Control systems can be integrated with IP camera systems. Some door access control systems are easier to integrate than others. The integration makes it easy to determine who entered a door at a specific time. You can also determine if someone tried to enter the door but was denied access. The Isonas access control system is integrated with IP camera systems using Convergence software. The capability of your IP camera recording and management system is enhanced when it’s integrated with Convergence to Pixels (C2P) database software.  For example, this software captures the data from IP door access systems and integrates it using a very flexible database that can be displayed on the Ocularis video surveillance and management software platform. Access Control Video Integration The Hartmann door control system includes integration with many video management software products. The video from the video management software (VMS) can be displayed alongside the information from the access control system. You can display the video form many cameras that are viewing the door area. Door access and IP camera system integration is more effectively handled by the Hartmann access control system. Integration can be implemented using the Isonas access control system, but it is a more complicated solution. The Electric Lock for the Door Access Control System There are a variety of automated door locking systems available.  You can select either a magnetic lock or electric strike to secure a door. These electric locks require a relay to control the power to the electric lock. The electric locks that require 12 VDC at less than 500 mA can be supported by readers and controllers that use PoE. In this case, you don’t require an external power supply.  When electric locks such as magnetic locks require more than 500 mA, so you need to add an additional relay and a separate power. When using a magnetic lock, you will also require a door-release system that is activated in emergencies. These locks require special power controls that can be integrated with a fire panel. This assures the locks can be released if an emergency occurs. The Hartmann and pro-series reader-controllers have better emergency control mechanisms than the Isonas access control system. Credentials for Door Access Control Door access control systems use various credentials to unlock the door. Door access 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).  Your smartphone can also be used as a credential as long as you select a Bluetooth capable door reader. Credentials are sometimes called keycards, prox cards, or smartcards. Most access control systems support a variety of different credentials, but it is always important to make sure you get the right access control door reader that matches the credentials that you would like to use. Isonas has two different types of reader-controllers, those that support the 125kHz credentials and mobile credentials, and others that support the Mifare or smartcard 13.56 MHz credentials. The Hartmann door access control system can use almost any door reader so you can select readers that support many varieties of credentials. The biometric access control systems use a person’s features as the credential. They can also support the proximity style card credentials. To learn more about credentials, take a look at our article, Comparison of Door Access Credentials. Access Control Summary The latest IP type readers and controllers make use of your Ethernet network and are very easy to install. They connect to your network and use Power over Ethernet (PoE), which makes it easy to install. There are three types of systems available. The Isonas door access system is designed for small to medium door access requirements. The door management software is cloud-based (but there is on-site software for larger installations. The Hartmann door access system is designed for small to enterprise solutions. It provides more advanced functions and capabilities such as multi-reader connections at each door, elevator control, and integration with IP camera systems.  The Kintronics biometric solution is designed for those organizations that would like the extra security provided by fingerprint, facial, or finger-vein door readers. If you need help selecting your access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 in the USA, or just use our contact form. ### The Best Camera Video Recording System Video Recording System Comparison The IP recording and management system is a crucial part of your IP camera system. If you select the wrong solution, you could find yourself without the critical video evidence you need when an incident occurs, or worse still, your security could be breached, and safety threatened because your surveillance system didn’t provide an alarm.  We compared several video recording solutions. The best video recording and management system depends on your objectives. There are two types of recording systems for IP camera systems to consider. Each one provides some unique capability.   Video Management Software (VMS)  There are several types of VMS software that runs on your Windows computer and can be scaled to any size of IP camera system.  Network Video Recorder (NVR)  This video recording system is a complete solution that includes the computer and software.  Video Management Software (VMS)  Ocularis:   Ocularis 5 Video Management Software (VMS) provides a range of solutions. You can support small numbers of cameras or thousands of cameras located at multiple locations and multiple servers. This software runs on a Windows platform. The client software runs on as many computers as required and allows you to view any camera or set of cameras from any of the recording servers.  Pro  This is a very flexible system that supports a large number of camera manufacturers. It provides a range of solutions from medium to very large IP camera systems at multiple locations. Includes excellent alert notification including “push video” to selected consoles. Includes many powerful search and retrieval tools.  Includes customizable video displays and alert notifications. Ocularis 5 supports edge recording at the cameras. Supports two-way audio and intercoms.  Con  This is a complex solution. The flexibility leads to complexity of installation and use, so some training may be required.  Clients only run on Windows platforms Requires support contract  Learn more... WAVE from Hanwha  WAVE Video Management and Recording System This video management software is extremely easy to use yet it has some very powerful features. It not only supports the Hanwha cameras, it also supports IP cameras that conform to OnVIF, and today this means almost all other cameras.  Pro  The client software runs on Windows, Mac, Linux and mobile smartphone clients making it a very flexible solution. The software is excellent when you require real-time notification and automated responses to alarms. The software Includes many powerful search and retrieval tools. The system Includes Events and Rules Engine that allows you to establish output actions based on detected inputs. Supports OnVIF and Hanwha cameras  A good mobile client that runs on smartphones. Supports multiple servers that can be easily merged to create a large surveillance system  Con  Relies on intelligent cameras to provide analytic video alarms  Though there is a robust client app, the web browser interface is limited.   Learn more... Network Video Recorders (NVR)  The Network Video Recorder (NVR) is a complete system, that includes everything you need to record the video from IP cameras on your network. The NVR is simpler to install than the video software systems (VMS).  Exact NVR Systems  Exacq has a very large number of NVR choices. The servers support up to 128 cameras.   Exacq has a very large number of NVR choices. The servers support up to 128 cameras.   Pro:   This is a flexible system that allows for expansion.  You can select systems that support 16 cameras or up to 128 cameras.   Video Management Software has many functions and features that make it a very powerful tool.  The server runs on a Windows or Linux platform.  You can add camera licenses and storage to these flexible NVRs.   Multiple servers can work together to create an IP camera system with thousands of cameras.  Con:  Complicated to increase capacity and performance Expensive solution Support contract required  Learn more... WAVE NVR  The WAVE VMS is available in a powerful computer system that provides support for hundreds of cameras.   Pro:  Provides easy expansion by adding additional NVRs Includes Event Rules that provide realtime notifications of alarms  Can select the NVR depending on the number of cameras to be supported Supports Hanwha and OnVIF cameras WAVE Sync  A cloud-based service that enables simple, centralized remote access and insight into any Wisenet WAVE system.  Client support: Windows, Linux, and Apple-OS  Cons:  Though there is a very powerful client app, the web browser interface is limited.  Learn more about NVRs Summary of Video Recording Systems  There are several ways to record the video from your IP camera system. These recording systems also manage the IP cameras and provide notification of detected alarm conditions. The latest video recording and management systems include intelligence that provides alarms that increase your safety and security.   The Ocularis solution is the most sophisticated while the WAVE VMS provides excellent performance and is very easy to use.  If you need help selecting your IP paging system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 in the USA, or just use our contact form.  ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 56 An old man read in the paper one of his friends had been arrested for tax evasion and decided to write him a letter. He wrote that it was planting season again, but he didn’t have enough help to sow his fields this year. The following morning a dozen law enforcement officers completely tilled the old man’s garden without an explanation. Later the mail arrived with a letter from his jailed friend which said “DO NOT DIG UP THE GARDEN WHERE I HID ALL THE CASH.   It’s the best I can do from here.” A recent scientific study has concluded that the number of people observing you at any one moment is directly proportional to the stupidity of your action. Parents today do not raise their children; they finance them. I'm in the emergency room. This is definitely not a good way to end what started out to be a good day. I decided to go horseback riding earlier, something I hadn’t done in a really long time. With the threat of rain, but no actual rainfall yet, I figured it would be one of my last chances to ride this summer. Well, it turned out to be a big mistake! I got on the horse & we started out slowly, but then we went a little faster & before I knew it, we were going as fast as the darn horse could possibly go. I couldn't take the pace & fell off. I caught my foot in the stirrup with the horse dragging me. No matter how much I screamed, it wouldn't stop. Thank goodness the manager at Toys-R-Us came out & unplugged the machine. He even had the nerve to take the rest of my quarters so I wouldn't attempt to ride the elephant! One Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get ready for church, to which he replied, "I'm not going.""Why not?" she asked."I'll give you two good reasons," he said. "One, they don't like me, and two, I don't like them."His mother replied, "I'll give you two good reasons why you SHOULD go to church:One, you're 59 years old, and two you're the pastor!" Those who refuse to remember the past are doomed to spending great amounts of time looking for their car in a parking lot. To gain a reputation of great wisdom, follow these instructions: live long, say little, do even less. – P.D. James Dreaming in color is only a pigment of your imagination. “An optimist is someone who goes after Moby Dick in a rowboat and takes tartar sauce” – Zig Ziglar “Robinson Crusoe started the 40-hour workweek. He had all of his work done by Friday.” – Leopold Fletcher “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.” – Groucho Marx I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. Thank you, Peter Grosskopf, Ellyn Goldstein, and Dave Grossman for providing some of these great jokes. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Comparison of PTZ Cameras What is the Best PTZ Camera PTZ Camera Comparison 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. This article compares several PTZ cameras. 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. What Are Your Surveillance Objectives Before we compare different PTZ cameras, we must determine what we need to see. We must set our objectives for the camera. For example, what detail (resolution) do we need to see? There are several different goals. We could use the military objectives defined by DRI (Detection, Recognition, and Identification, but this can get confusing. Take a look at our article Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria for more details. In the security and surveillance world, we may want to view people entering the building, or the vehicles in the parking lot. In some applications, we may be interested in reading a license plate or identifying a person’s face. PTZ Camera Zoom Lens The lens zoom is one of the more important specifications for PTZ cameras. The lens is measured in focal length (mm or angle). The capability of the zoom is defined by the ratio of the smallest focal length (narrow) to largest (wide) mm settings. For example, there are 12X zoom lenses that can be adjusted between 5.2 mm to 62.4 mm. The maximum zoom (or smallest angle) defines how far away we can see an object, while the minimum zoom (wide angle) determines how wide the field of view will be. I have been asked many times, how far away can I see with that camera? Of course, that’s not the best question to ask. I can see the moon, which is over 238,000 miles away (384,000 km), but the critical question is what detail do I want to see?  The maximum focal length of the lens determines the distance we can see. With a large enough lens (around 500 mm), we can see the craters on the moon. PTZ Camera Resolution Specification The resolution is another essential specification for PTZ cameras. The zoom defines how far away we can see an object, while the resolution establishes the field of view.  The more resolution, the more detail we can see in the field of view. For example, if we use a 2-Megapixel camera, we can read a license plate in a field of view that’s about 32 ft (9.7 m) wide. If we use an 8-Megapixel (4K) camera, we will be able to read the license plate in a field of view that’s 64 ft (19.5 m) wide. PTZ Camera Low Light Sensitivity The low-light sensitivity is crucial if we need to see things when it’s dark. We can also select a camera with an IR illuminator. The minimum illumination is the lowest light level that provides a reasonable image from the IP camera. It is measured in lux.  This can be very subjective.  It depends on what you think is an acceptable image.  The low light level image you see is not only dark but can also be very noisy. The better quality PTZ cameras have improved low light sensitivity, with some being able to see in color as low as 0.02 lux or at 0.002 lux in BW (gray-scale). Theoretically, this camera can see things in color with the light from a full moon and can see things in gray-scale in starlight when the sky is clear. PTZ Camera For more details about IP camera specifications, see our article, Understanding IP Camera Specifications, What’s Important. PTZ Camera Comparison Chart There only a handful of companies making IP PTZ cameras. The most popular manufacturers are Axis, Hanwha, and Hikvision. They all have a wide range of PTZ cameras. Unfortunately, today's political climate has caused problems for Hikvision and other Chinese manufacturers. We no longer sell the Chinese cameras. We compared the Axis and Hanwha cameras.  Both companies have similar IP PTZ cameras. Our testing indicates that they provide similar performance with Hanwha providing better low light sensitivity and wide dynamic range. Both camera brands manufacture very reliable cameras, but Hanwha includes a five-year warranty versus the three years offered by Axis. In our comparison, we provided street pricing for the cameras. We did not include the mounting brackets which can add about $150 to the cost depending on where they are mounted. Economical PTZ Cameras Axis and Hanwha have similar low-end PTZ cameras. They both sell for under $700. These are both 2-Megapixel cameras with about 5X zoom, with the Hanwha XNP-6040H camera providing a wider viewing angle and the Axis M5055 camera providing better long-distance viewing (with 14-degree lens angle). The Hanwha XNP-6040H is an indoor/outdoor camera while the Axis M5055 can only be used indoors. The XNP-6040H provides much better low-light sensitivity than the M5055. The Axis can identify a person (that you know) about 3m (99 ft) away, while the Hanwha camera, with a wider lens angle, has a range of only 15 m (50 ft). HanwhaAxisModel: XNP-6040HModel: M5055 Resolution: 2-MegapixelResolution: 2-Megapixel4.3X zoom 2.8 ~ 12mm. (H: 119.5˚ ~ 27.9˚)5X zoom 2.2–11.0 mm (H:71° - 14°)Low-light: Color : 0.015 Lux (1/30sec, F1.4), B/W : 0.0015 LuxLow-light: Color: 1.2 lux at 30 IRE Mid-Range PTZ Cameras The Axis M5525-E and the Hanwha QNP-6230H are examples of mid-to-low range PTZ cameras. These 2-Megapixel indoor/outdoor cameras sell for under $1000. The Hanwha PTZ camera provides better zoom range as well as much better low-light sensitivity.  When there is enough light, the Axis camera can read a license plate that’s 83 m (274 ft) away, while the longer zoom lens provided by the Hanwha PTZ camera can read the license that’s 185 m (600 ft) away. HanwhaAxisModel: QNP-6230HModel: M5525-E Resolution: 2-MegapixelResolution: 2-Megapixel23X zoom 4.44 ~ 102.2mm. (H: 61.8˚(Wide) ~ 3.08˚(Tele))10X zoom 2.2–11.0 mm (H: 61.8° - 6.7°)Low-light: Color: 0.2 Lux (F1.6), B/W: 0.01 Lux (F1.6)Low-light: Color: 0.55 lux, B/W: 0.01 lux High-End PTZ Cameras The high-end PTZ cameras provide longer zoom, better low-light, and include IR illumination for operation in total darkness. The Axis Q6125-LE camera sells for under $3000 while the Hanwha XNP-6550RH PTZ camera sells for under $2,900. The Hanwha camera provides better low-light sensitivity than the Axis camera, and the longer IR-illumination provided by Hanwha camera provides better viewing at night. The Hanwha 55X optical zoom is better than the Axis 30X zoom lens. The Axis camera provides enough zoom and resolution to read a license plate that’s 240 m (797 ft) away, while the Hanwha camera can read the license plate 290 m (960 ft) away. HanwhaAxisModel: XNP-6550RHModel: Q6125-LE Resolution: 2-MegapixelResolution: 2-Megapixel4.75mm ~ 261.4mm (Optical 55x)H : 58.6˚(Wide) ~ 1.23˚(Tele)30X zoom 4.3-129mm (H: 63.5˚–2.3˚)Low-light: Color : 0.05Lux (1/30sec), 0 lux with IR onLow-light: Color: : 0.15 lux, B/W: 0.01 lux, with 0 lux with IR onIR Illumination: 500m (1600 ft)IR Illumination: 200 m (656 ft) Specialty High-End PTZ Cameras There are PTZ cameras designed for special applications. This includes cameras with 4K resolution and others that can be used in corrosive environments. There are PTZ cameras that have very long zoom lenses, those that can tilt up as well as down, other cameras include digital and gyro stabilization, and those with very long IR illumination. For example, the AXIS Q6215-LE  and the TVIP-ULS-IP are designed to tilt up and down 90-degrees.  The Hanwha stainless steel XNP-6320HS PTZ camera is designed for corrosive environments such as chemical plants and even salt-water environments. The Hanwha XNP-6550RH PTZ camera is a very long-range PTZ camera with a 55X zoom lens and 500 m (1,640 ft) IR illuminator. The long lens provides enough telephoto zoom to read a license plate that's about 450 m (1475 ft) away. There are also custom made PTZ cameras that can see objects that are miles away. These exceptional cameras include zoom lenses with a maximum zoom of over 5,000 mm. They can consist of dual sensors that include optical and thermal sensors. Take a look at our video Long Range PTZ IP Cameras to see an example of a very long-range PTZ camera. For help selecting the right PTZ camera for your application, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Access Control: What is it What is Access Control? Access Control Concept 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. In the security world, we refer to access control as a combination of electric lock, a door reader, and a controller that is used to prevent unauthorized entry. Credentials, like a card, are used to identify the right person who can enter the door. The access control system determines who can open a specific door at a scheduled time and date. Rather than have the same key, each person has their own unique key in the form of a credential (card or keyFob). Access Control History The history books say that the first locks were developed over 6,000 years ago in ancient Assyria, and were perfected in Egypt. These locks and associated keys were made from wood. Metal locks were introduced around 870 AD, and in the 1800s the modern lock became available. In 1778, Robert Barron invented the lever tumbler lock, which used a set of levers to prevent the bolt from moving in the lock. It was the first lock to use pins and tumblers. Jeremiah Chubb improved the lever tumbler lock in 1818. The electric lock was developed in 1970. This was the beginning of modern door access control technology. The electric locks used a magnet to secure the door or an electric strike to move the strike portion of the door lock. The door reader controls the lock and uses a separate access controller box to control all the readers. The early door readers used bar codes, Wiegand coding, or magnetic strips to provide an ID number for each credential. Today the door readers work with proximity or RFID credentials or use biometrics for the key. To learn more about the history of access control, see our video, How Biometric Readers Work. Access Control Components Access control systems consist of: An electric lockAccess control door reader that controls the electric lockA credential that holds the unique ID number associated with each personA controller that provides the intelligence and control of the electric lockAccess Control Management Software that manages all the users Electric Lock An electric lock is usually implemented as a magnetic lock or as an electric strike. Magnetic locks are used in high-security areas where you need to monitor the movement of people. Since people are required to use their access cards in both directions, you can track who enters and leaves a secure area. Electric strikes are easy to install and are used to secure outer and inner doors, but do not prevent egress from an area like the magnetic lock. It replaces the fixed strike place in a standard lock. To learn more about electric locks, see our lock descriptions. Access Control Door Reader The door reader enables the ”key” part of door access by reading the credentials. The door reader is designed to read specific credentials. The credential passes the unique ID number to the reader. Once the credential is read by the reader, the ID information Is compared to a list of allowed ID numbers. If it is valid, the door is opened. Door readers are either network-attached and include a built-in controller or are slave-type that are designed to be connected to a separate controller. The network-attached type readers are intelligent and are referred to as IP door readers. The Isonas IP readers and the biometric IP readers are examples of network-attached smart readers. Wiegand connected readers are examples of slave-type door readers that connect to a controller. Door Access Credential Door Access Reader The credential can be in the form of a thin card, thick card, or keyFob. The credential communicates with the door reader using Radio Frequency ID (RFID) transport. It can use different coding and protocols such as HID or smart card technology. There are also credentials that are provided by a smartphone. These mobile credentials use either Bluetooth or near field communication (NFC) to communicate with the door reader. The credential and the reader must always be matched. When you purchase a specific door access reader, you need to make sure that the credential is compatible.  To learn more about credentials, look at our article, Comparison of Door Access Credentials. Access Controller The access controller provides the intelligence to control the door reader. It maintains a list of users and the rules that control when, where, and who can enter a door. The controller can be included within the reader, like the Isonas reader/controller, or it can be in a separate box like the Hartmann controller system. The Hartmann controller can be located at the door, or it can be placed in a central location and control many doors. Access Control Management Software The access control management software makes it easy to enter and edit all the users of the system. It allows the administrator to enter the rules for each person. It determines who can enter, what time they can enter, and the doors they can use. The access control software provides an easy way to add the credential number for each person. The ID number can be entered manually or by swiping the credential at one of the readers. The person’s name, their privilege level, maybe their picture, and other information are entered at this time. Access Control Management Software Each individual can be assigned to specific groups. For example, office workers can enter the front door only from 9 am to 5 pm. The management team can enter through the front or back door, and can enter anytime between 8 am and 10 pm. The security person can open any door at any time. All this is controlled by setting up access privilege groups and then assigning the people to each of the groups. Access Control Summary An access control system includes an electric lock, door reader, credential, access control software. The system controls who can enter, when they can get in, and what doors they can use. The system can be integrated with IP camera systems and intercoms to provide increased safety and security. If you would like help selecting your access control system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons - 55 Some quotes from Scientists: An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes, which can be made, in a very narrow field. – Niels Henrik David Bohr (1885-1962) If a man will begin with certainties, he will end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he will end in certainties. –Francis Bacon (1561-1626),_Advancement of Learning_ 'The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not "Eureka!" ("I found it!") but rather "hmm....that's funny..."'  --   Isaac Asimov Errors using inadequate data are much less than those using no data at all. - Charles Babbage (1792-1871) Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. -- Albert Einstein Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age 18. - Albert Einstein What if scientists were responsible for creating the warnings listed on the products we purchase? Would they be something like the following? READ THIS BEFORE OPENING PACKAGE: According to Certain Suggested Versions of the Grand Unified Theory, the Primary Particles Constituting this Product May Decay to Nothingness Within the Next Four Hundred Million Years. THIS IS A 100% MATTER PRODUCT: In the Unlikely Event That This Merchandise Should Contact Antimatter in Any Form, a Catastrophic Explosion Will Result. COMPONENT EQUIVALENCY NOTICE: The Subatomic Particles (Electrons, Protons, etc.) Comprising This Product Are Exactly the Same in Every Measurable Respect as Those Used in the Products of Other Manufacturers, and No Claim to the Contrary May Legitimately Be Expressed or Implied. IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PURCHASERS: The Entire Physical Universe, Including This Product, May One Day Collapse Back into an Infinitesimally Small Space. Should Another Universe Subsequently Re-emerge, the Existence of This Product in That Universe Cannot Be Guaranteed. A husband and wife who work for the circus go to an adoption agency looking to adopt a child, but the social workers there raise doubts about their suitability. So the couple produces photos of their 50-foot motor home, which is clean and well maintained and equipped with a beautiful nursery. The social workers are satisfied by this but then raise concerns about the kind of education a child would receive while in the couple’s care. The husband puts their mind at ease, saying, “We’ve arranged for a full-time tutor who will teach the child all the usual subjects along with French, Mandarin, and computer skills.” Next, though, the social workers express concern about a child being raised in a circus environment. This time the wife explains, "Our nanny is a certified expert in pediatric care, welfare, and diet." The social workers are finally satisfied and ask the couple, "What age child are you hoping to adopt?" The husband says, "It doesn't really matter, as long as the kid fits in the cannon." Some Good and Bad Advise You’ll never regret taking the high road We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another Get a Costco membership and buy the rotisserie chicken Don’t put your finger in the socket And not so good advise My grandpa once told me not to use my blinker when driving because “It’s no one's business where you’re going.” “No flashlight on your phone? Take a photo of the sun and use it in the dark.” “Mom said, always say what’s on your mind. That advice is why I was called into HR today.” The trouble with jogging is, that by the time you realize you’re not in shape, it’s too far to walk back Tonight’s Procrastinators Anonymous meeting has been postponed to tomorrow We just got a fax. At work. We didn’t know we had a fax machine. The entire department just stared at it. I poked it with a stick. Hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### 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. The card or keyfob responds to an RFID signal from the door access reader and then provides the stored identification code. Each credential provides a unique identification number (ID number) to the door reader that identifies the card credential. There are several types of credentials. Older versions used Wiegand wires, magnetic strips, bar codes technology. Today we use contactless or RFID connections to the door readers. RFID cards are sometimes referred to as prox cards, smartcards, or mobile credentials (Bluetooth to the smartphone). There are various physical formats. For example, there are a thin card, thick card, or key fob format. Different credentials use unique data coding formats and frequency between the credential and the door reader. There are 125 kHz frequency, 13.56 MHz frequency credentials, and mobile Bluetooth credentials (Smartphone). The Proximity type credentials (or cards) are passive, so they don’t have a battery. They rely on the power broadcast from the reader to turn on. The proximity (or “prox”) credentials use 125KHz frequency while the Smartcard or Mifare technology use 13.56 MHz. It is interesting to note that the industry defines the 125KHz version as a “Proximity card,” while the 15.6MHz cards are classified as “smartcards,” yet both types are contactless credentials that are activated when they are close to the reader (in proximity). All the credentials have an embedded ID number that is read by the access control reader. The door readers are designed to “read” only certain types of credentials. Some door readers can read more than one type of credential, but you must be careful to select the compatible reader and credential. There are other types of credentials, such as biometric credentials and PIN numbers. For a review of the security provided by various credentials, take a look at our article, “Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems.” HID Proximity Credentials HID was established in 1991 as Hughes Identification Devices (HID). They have become a significant supplier of various credentials. Since they have a large market share, their credentials have become a pseudo standard for the door access control industry. They license their 13.56MHz iClass, MiFare, DESFire, and 125KHz Indala and Prox card technology. The result of the licensing increases the cost of these credentials. Since the HID credentials are very popular, they can be read by many different door readers. The reader’s specifications have to indicate “HID compatible.” The readers tend to cost more because they have to pay a license fee to HID. There are other RFID credentials available. HID offers different coding formats but mostly provide 26-bit coding. This coding includes room for facility codes and other information besides a specific ID number. When a 16-bit code is used for the ID, there are 65,535 ID combinations available. When you order the cards, you can select what the card looks like, for example, the artwork and the material the card is made from (vinyl or PVC). You may want a thin card that fits in your wallet or one that is thick and has a slot for a lanyard.  You can tell the manufacturer the starting ID number of the series, and whether or not you want the number on the label. You also have the opportunity to add a facility code. Proprietary Proximity Credentials Proprietary proximity credentials are very similar to the HID type. They both use the 125 kHz frequency. The only difference is the protocol used between the credential and the reader. Since the transport coding is unique to a manufacturer, it is essential to pair the credential with the manufacturer of the door reader. When you order these cards you have similar options as described above. If you are installing new door readers, then it will cost less to use the proprietary credentials and associated readers. If you would like to be compatible with other buildings in your organization that use HID type credentials then select the HID type readers and credentials. Mifare or Smartcard Credentials These credentials operate at 13.56MHz and use 128-bit code that provides a dramatic increase in the number of unique card IDs available as well as encryption.  The smartcard technology also offers additional security and capability. Besides ID information, the cards contain memory storage. The original MiFare cards were first used to keep track of transportation payments. One important feature is data encryption between the credential and the door reader. This prevents hacking of the credentials. The encryption requires compatibility of the credential and door reader, so you can’t use an encrypted smartcard with any smartcard reader. The MiFare card includes a number of bytes (8-bits) of data. There is encryption information, and data blocks included in the transmission. When you order these cards, you can specify similar options as described above. There is also an option for the amount of storage, but most door access control systems don’t make use of storage. Mobile Smartphone Credentials Access control systems that use Mobile credentials use your smartphone instead of a card or other credential. A mobile credential is an authorization token much like a Prox card or keyfob.  The ID number is held in your smartphone instead of a card. That’s why we call it a mobile credential. Just like other types of credentials, it contains a unique number that can be used as the electronic key to open a door with an electric lock. The smartphone can connect to a door reader using Bluetooth, NFC, or even WiFi. Bluetooth (BLE) is the most common type of communication used in the security market. If you want to use your smartphone as the credential, you must select a reader that operates with the Bluetooth connected smartphone. Some of these mobile-enabled readers will support both proximity and mobile credentials. Door readers from Isonas and Hartmann Controls include the mobile credential capability. How RFID Door Access Readers Work How the Card Reader Works The RFID door readers use credentials that have embedded circuits and an antenna. The reader broadcasts a signal that is received by the credential antenna. The transmitted electrical signal from the door reader contains enough power to energize the circuit in the credential. Once the electric circuit in the credential receives the power, it sends back a signal to the access control reader that includes its identification (ID) number. For more details about this, read the article, How Door Access Control Works. Biometric Credentials A Biometric credential is an authentication using the metric of a person such as a fingerprint, vein pattern, or face recognition. The credential is the registered code associated with that biometric and is given a unique ID number in the access control system. Special biometric readers are required to detect the person's characteristics. Summary of Door Access Credentials There are several types of credentials that are used to gain entry using an access control door reader. Thin cards, thick cards for lanyards, and keyfobs or even your mobile phone can be used for a credential. HID and other proprietary protocols are used to transfer the information from the credential to the reader. It is always important to make sure that the door reader and the credential are compatible. If you would like help selecting your access control system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### PA System Configurations Comparison of PA Systems What 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. In our example, we used a floor plan that requires eight speakers. Your sound requirements are probably different, but this comparison will give you some idea of the trade-off between the two configurations. To determine the best PA system, take a look at our article, How to Design Your IP Paging System. Powered IP Speakers for PA System Powered IP Speakers for PA System The powered speakers are the most convenient to install. Each IP speaker system is connected to a network that provides PoE.  Since they are modular, it is very easy to add additional speakers. It is so simple to install; you can do it yourself. There are several speakers available such as wall type, ceiling tile type, and hallway type speakers. These 8-Watt speakers provide adequate sound levels for areas as large as 2500 sq. ft. The background noise in an area can affect the size of the area covered. A computer running Talkmaster Focus software is used to control where you send the pages. You can also use a VoIP SIP telephone to make a page.  Using a microphone connected to the sound card of your Windows computer, you can talk to the selected zones.  You can choose one, some or all the zones using the software.  The voice message is broadcast on the network to the selected network-attached speakers.  Each speaker has an IP address just like any other computer on the network. Benefits of the Powered IP Speakers Since the system is connected using the standard network, you can have multiple remote sites tied together so that one location can be used to send pages to any or all other locations. The command control center can also be at multiple locations.  The sound level at each amplifier can be adjusted remotely. You can easily add additional speakers. You don’t require any speaker wire. Everything is network connected. The speakers use Power Over Ethernet (PoE), so only one network wire is needed for each IP powered speaker. Cost of the Powered Speaker System You can select from the following types of speakers. The pricing provides a comparison of systems and is based on list pricing. Your actual pricing will be lower. Spkr-IP SYS1-HD IP enabled speaker system.  8” Wall Speaker. The 8-watt amplifier provides about 106 dB of sound.  Half Duplex.  White, 8 Watt, PoE Only. List price is $379 Or the drop ceiling tile type: SPKR-IP-CS IP-Enabled Ceiling Tile Lay-in Speaker, Full or Half Duplex, 8 watts, PoE, White List price is $389 SPKR-IP 11-BD-P IP-Enabled 4" Dual Wall Mount Bi-Directional Hallway Speaker. Typical Coverage 40‐100 feet. White, 8 Watt, PoE Only. Sensitivity: 92dB SPL at 1Watt/1Meter - Maximum SPL: 98dB SPL at 1Watt/1Meter - Dispersion: 130degrees - Frequency Response: 130Hz‐9kHz - Weight: 5.5lbs List price is $499 Cost Summary of PA System with Powered IP Speakers The following cost summary is just for comparison purposes and is based on list pricing.  The actual pricing will be less.  If you used four wall mount speakers, three ceiling tile speakers, and one hallway speaker, the total cost (including Talkmaster-Solo single console software) is: ModelPriceQuantity Total Spkr-IP SYS1-HD $379 4  $1,516SPKR-IP 11-BD-P $499 1  $499SPKR-IP-CS $389 3  $1,167Talkmaster-SOLO$0 1  $ -    System Total   $ 3,182 The pricing provides a comparison of systems and is based on list pricing. Your actual pricing will be lower. PA System with IP Amps and Speakers PA System with IP Amps and Speakers This PA system configuration uses small network-attached amplifiers with attached standard 70-volt speakers. A few speakers can be attached to one amplifier.  For example, the IP7-SS40 amplifier provides up to 40-watts and can support up to 16 speakers.  The IP7-SE8 is a PoE powered amplifier and provides up to 8-watts. Since you have less power available, only two or three speakers can be attached. The more speakers you have connected to an amplifier, the lower the sound level available. The audio sound level you require at each location will determine the best network-amplifier and the number of speakers you can connect. For more details look at the article, How to Design Your IP Paging System. Benefits of the IP Amplifiers This configuration provides similar benefits as the IP powered speaker system, except it is less incremental. Each amplifier can be selected by the paging software, rather than each speaker. Additional speaker wiring is required. All the amplifiers are connected to the network. The 8-watt amplifier is powered over Ethernet (PoE). The 40-watt IP amplifier requires a separate power supply.  Note that you can’t adjust the sound level at each speaker from the software. You can only adjust the power to all the attached speakers. Cost of the IP Amplifier System The pricing provides a comparison of systems and is based on list pricing. Your actual pricing will be lower. In this comparison, we have to consider the cost of the amplifier and then the cost of the speakers used in the PA system. IP7-SS40IP amplifier 40W @ 8 ohms, attaches to the network and provides output for a speaker.  This amplifier requires a power supply. Optional transformer required for 70V speaker systems.  3 lbs.List price is $409 Add the following power supply: Power Supply24 VDC Switching Power Supply, Single Output, DIN Rail. Rated Power: 60 Watt. Input Voltage: 85 ~ 264 VAC Rated current 2.5 Amp. Used with IP7-SS40.List price is $45 You will need to use the following transformer for 70v speakers: Transformer-40W40W 70V Constant Voltage Distribution Transformer (for IP7-SS40)List price is $80The following amplifier uses power over Ethernet and supports about 2 to 3 small speakers: IP7-SE8IP amplifier 8W @ 8 ohms with 2-way audio and 2-Ethernet ports, External I/O for relays and sensors. Attaches to the network and provides output for a speaker.  Uses Power over Ethernet (or 12VDC).List price is $399 Optional transformer: Transformer-20WLine Transformer 70.7V 20W, Dual Voltage Audio Transformer for IP amplifier.  20Watt, Ship weight: 1.5lb.List price is $17 Speakers We selected 70-volt speakers for our example. 70-volt speakers have built-in transformers, so the amplifiers require 70-volt transformers at their outputs. SA 70-volt-speaker system allows us to attach multiple speakers to a single amplifier. Ceiling Spkr One-piece, 1 ft x 2 ft lay-in tile speakers with 8" cone.  Plenum compliant pre-assembled speaker package with tap setting switch built-in. 8" twin cone, 5W with transformer and steel grill. 95W SPL dB at 1 W/1 M. 90 - 20KHz frequency response. List price is $95 Alternatively, if you can't install the speaker in the ceiling, you can place speakers on the wall. Wall-Speaker Surface mount molded ABS speaker system. Pre-assembled steel mesh, mounts horizontally or vertically.  6W, 6", dual cone 70.7/25Volt.  At 5W provides about 99 dB of sound output. List price is $75 For the hallway you can use the following speaker: Hallway-Spkr Bi-directional extruded aluminum sound projector. Two 5 Twin-cone Speakers for Excellent Dispersion. 30 Watts, 170-19,000 Hz ±6 dB, 95 dB at 1 W / 1 M, DISPERSION @ 2 kHz (6 dB DOWN): 110 x 110 bi-directional. 5.29 lbs. List price is $185 Cost summary of PA System with IP Amps As an example, we used the configuration in the diagram above. This provides the same sound coverage as the powered IP Speakers configuration. It includes four wall speakers, three ceiling tile speakers, and one hallway speaker. ModelPriceQuantity Total IP7-SS40 $4091 $409Power Supply $461 $46Transformer-60W $801 $80Ceiling-Spkr $953 $285Wall-Speaker $751 $ 75Hallway-Spkr $1851 $185Total   $1,080     IP7-SE8 $3991 $399Transformer-20W $191 $19Wall-Speaker $753 $225Total   $643     System Total    $1,723 The pricing provides a comparison of systems and is based on list pricing. Your actual pricing will be lower. Optional Paging Management Software The following software is available for both configurations. This optional management software provides additional capability. The pricing is under $500 for most licenses. For example: Enterprise-Op Adds an additional console that allows paging from another computer. Enterprise-Operator for TalkMaster. Provides an additional operator license after first free license. Per Console License. Allows sophisticated users and applications, TalkMaster Enterprise provides flexibility and expandability in addressing the special needs of complex, multi-station, multi-operator and multi-site installations. To be able to add video to the system, you will need to add the following software.  You can add a camera if you don’t have one that is supported. Vision-plus Adds video from the selected camera.  An intercom system can view people at the door as well as talking and releasing the door lock. Additional hardware may be required to control the electric lock depending on the application. The following software module provides two powerful capabilities. It can be used for “if-then” logic that allows you to create automated announcements. Or, you can monitor outside emergency feeds from RSS and CAP/Atom sources. Here are more details: Automation-plus Adds automation such as:  if / then decisions, Play audio messages, activate lights/sirens, lock-down perimeter, Email alerts for system interruption, Text-to-Speech engine supporting RSS/CAP: Atom Feeds Summary of PA System Configurations We compared two system configurations for IP paging systems. The first uses powered network-attached speakers, and the second uses separate amplifiers and speakers. You can also have a mix of the two configurations with some speakers attached to one amplifier and some as independent IP powered speakers. The IP powered speaker solution cost more for the hardware but can save money in the installation. It is also the most flexible system. You can add one speaker at a time without adding any other equipment. The sound level of the IP powered speakers can be adjusted from the application software.  The separate amplifiers and speakers cost less but are not as flexible. It also has a higher installation cost of the speaker wires. The best system for you depends on your total cost of labor and the flexibility you would like. If you need help selecting the right PA system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-54 A fifteen-year-old boy came home with a Porsche, and his parents began to yell and scream, “Where did you get that car?!” He calmly told them, “I bought it today.” “With what money?” demanded his parents. “We know darn well what a Porsche costs.” “Well,” said the boy, “this one cost me fifteen dollars.” So the parents began to yell even louder. “Who would sell a car like that for fifteen dollars?!? And to a kid?!?” they asked. "It was the lady up the street," said the boy. "I don't know her name - they just moved in. She saw me ride past on my bike and asked me if I wanted to buy a Porsche for fifteen dollars." "Oh my goodness," moaned the mother, "she must be a child abuser. Who knows what she will do next? John, you go right up there and see what's going on!" So the boy's father walked up the street to the house where the lady lived and found her out in the yard calmly planting petunias. He introduced himself as the father of the boy to whom she had sold a Porsche for fifteen dollars and demanded to know why she did it."Well," she said, "this morning I got a phone call from my husband. He said he was on a business trip, but I'd learned from a friend he had run off to Hawaii with his secretary and really doesn't intend to come back. He claimed he was stranded and asked me to sell his new Porsche and send him the money. So I did." What did the Sodium say to Chlorine? I’ve got my ion you. Chemistry is like cooking. Just don’t lick the spoon If it’s green and wiggles, it’s Biology. If it stinks, it’s Chemistry If it’s imaginary, it Physics. How can you spot a chemist in the bathroom? They wash their hands before they use the toilet. Investment Advice If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Delta Airlines 5 years ago, you would have $49.00 today! If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in AIG 5 years ago, you would have $33.00 today. If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Lehman Brothers 5 years ago, you would have $0.00 today. But, if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans for the recycling refund, you would have received $214.00. Based on the above, the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle. It is called the 401-Keg. A recent study found that the average American walks about 900 miles a year. Another study found that on average Americans drink 22 gallons of alcohol a year. That means that the average American gets about 41 miles to the gallon. Makes you damned proud to be an American! A jockey is about to enter a race on a new horse. The horse's trainer meets him before the race and gives him some final instructions. "All you have to remember with this horse is that every time you approach a jump, you have to shout, 'ALLLLEEE OOOP!' really loudly in the horse's ear. Providing you do that, you'll be fine." The jockey thinks the trainer is mad but promises to shout the command. The race begins, and they approach the first hurdle. The jockey ignores the trainer's ridiculous advice and the horse crashes straight through the center of the jump. They carry on and approach the second hurdle. The jockey, somewhat embarrassed, instead of yelling, he whispers "Aleeee ooop" in the horse's ear. The same thing happens - the horse crashes straight through the center of the jump. At the third hurdle, the jockey thinks, "It's no good, I'll have to do it," and yells, "ALLLEEE OOOP!" really loudly. Sure enough, the horse sails over the jump with no problems. This continues for the rest of the race, but due to the earlier problems, the horse only finishes third. The trainer is fuming and asks the jockey what went wrong. The jockey replies, "Nothing is wrong with me - it's this bloody horse. What is he - deaf or something?" The trainer replies, "Deaf? Deaf?! He's not deaf. He's blind!" A rancher was minding his own business when an FBI agent comes up to him and says, “We got a tip that you may be growing illegal drugs on the premises. Do you mind if I take a look around?” The old rancher replies, “That’s fine, you shouldn’t go over there though.” As he points at one of his fields. The FBI agent snaps at him, “I’m am a federal agent! I can go wherever I want!” With this he pulls out his badge and shoves it into the ranchers face. The rancher shrugs this off and continues with his daily chores. About 15 minutes later he hears a loud scream from the field he pointed out earlier. Suddenly he sees the FBI agent sprinting towards him with a large bull on his heels. The rancher rushes to the fence and yells “Your badge! Show him your badge!” The new CEO of a company comes into work determined to turn things around. Trying to prove himself to his new employees he looks around the office and sees a guy leaning against a wall doing nothing. He approaches the guy and asks him, “What do you think you’re doing?” The man replies, “I’m just killing time, waiting to get paid.” The CEO is furious, “What do you make a week?” The man tells him, “About $200 a week.” The CEO pulls out his wallet and hand the man $400 and says, “There’s your two weeks, now get out of here!” After the man leaves he turns to his employees and asks, “What do you think about that?” One of the employees stands up and says, “I think he just got the largest tip he’s ever gotten on a single pizza.” Hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Cameras for Extreme Environments Explosion-Proof Cameras, High-Temperature Viewing, and Other Enclosures for Extreme Environments Unfortunately, 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 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. Explosion-Proof Enclosures and Cameras Explosion-proof enclosures and complete IP camera systems are designed to operate in hazardous areas. These areas contain flammable gases and dust that can be triggered by a spark or high temperature. Explosion-proof cameras and their enclosures are designed for use in refineries, gas pipelines, oil tankers, offshore platforms, industrial processes, chemical industries, etc. These environments can contain explosive gases or dust that can result in catastrophic accidents. Any electronic equipment can create a small spark. In normal environments, this may not cause any problem, but if there are flammable gases present, there could be an explosion. Explosion-proof cameras provide three characteristics that prevent disasters. First, they keep the gas and dust out of the container that holds the camera. Gaskets are used to seal any openings including where the cables enter. Usually, it also means that the housing is pressurized, so there is a positive pressure between the inside and outside of the housing.Second, they assure that even if the gas enters and causes an internal explosion, the damage is confined to the inside of the enclosure.Third, they assure that the outside temperature of the enclosure is less than 80% of the auto-ignition temperature of the specific gas or vapor in the room. To be considered explosive-proof, the IP camera system must meet the standards defined by ATEX or IECEx.  IECEx is an international standard, while the ATEX directive was created to protect workers from explosive risks and provide common standards for equipment traded within the EU. These related standards define the type environment and the protection level provided by the equipment.  UL (Underwriters Lab) in the United States has also defined designations for various hazardous locations. Learn more … High-Temperature Camera Systems How would you like to view the inside of a blast furnace? This requires special protection that includes liquid-cooled enclosures. High-temperature environment enclosures can operate in extremely hot environments such as blast furnaces, or rocket test viewing. These extreme environment enclosures are constructed from electropolished stainless steel and consists of a body with a double chamber for the circulation of a cooling liquid or air. One example of an enclosure uses quartz glass and liquid cooling. It can protect the camera in working environments up to 400°C (752°F). Learn more … Cameras for Harsh Corrosive Environments Do you want to use a camera on the rolling deck of a freighter, or at the beach? A standard aluminum housing will corrode in the salt-air conditions. A stainless steel enclosure is best for these harsh environments. Protective housing material protects the IP cameras in areas such as industrial chemical, petrochemical, marine, naval, and offshore platforms.  The housing is made from electropolished and passivated AISI 316L stainless steel for maximum protection against deterioration. The camera enclosures are sealed to prevent water from entering and destroying the camera. These protected IP camera systems can be used on board a ship at sea, in chemical factories, or at the seashore where salt air can damage the electronics.  They can also be used in places such as tunnels and high-pollution areas, in underwater monitoring systems, or for the management of industrial processes. A weatherproof housing is used to protect the camera from harsh environments.  The housings should meet IP66, IP67, or IP68 ratings. These IP codes are part of the IEC standard and are defined as the Ingress Protection Marking. For example, an IP66 rating will protect the camera from a powerful water jet, while IP67 indicates that the enclosure can be immersed in water. The higher the last number, the more protection is provided. The IP68 rating says that the equipment can be submerged in deeper water.  For example, some pressurized enclosures are submersible down to 40m (130ft). The enclosures also provide protection against the entry of dust. In some environments, it is necessary to keep the lens of the housing clean. These housings include an air barrier for cleaning or cooling of the front window or have a wiper. Learn more … To learn more about cameras for extreme environments and explosion-proof applications, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IP Camera System Installation How to Save Money Installing the IP Camera System IP Camera Installation Wouldn’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. IP Camera Package Organization The complexity of installation includes everything from the number of screws that are needed to how easy it is to install the camera on the network? Installation is simplified when the number of steps required to install the camera is reduced. It is also helpful when the camera components are arranged in the shipping box for an organized installation. Have you ever tried to find all the brackets in the box? Are they located under the camera? When the camera is boxed for an organized installation, it makes a big difference. The Wisenet X-Series plus provides an organized shipping box. When the camera box is organized so that the people who do the physical installation can remove all the brackets without removing the camera, it makes the process more efficient. Lower pay-scale workers can run the network wire and install the brackets. The cameras can be kept safe in their boxes until another person is ready to mount them. Once the cameras are installed, it is easy to set up the view, focus, and camera direction. By separating the mounting and wiring labor from the IP camera setup, adjustments, and registering the camera in the video management software, we can organize the installation according to the installation personnel required. Hanwha introduced a very innovative mounting scheme. The Hanwha Wisenet Series-X Plus uses a magnetic mount instead of screws to mount the camera to the bracket.  All the cameras in the “Plus” family can use the same universal mounts. This not only reduces the installation time but also allows the camera to be easily replaced if there is a failure. The universal magnetic mounting scheme also makes it easy to replace the camera. You can replace a defective camera or install a new camera in the same location using the same bracket. Remote Camera Setup and Adjustment If you have ever stood on a ladder, adjusting the camera, you know it can be a time-consuming process. You may even require another person to help. The new cameras include remote zoom and focus, and the more advanced cameras have the ability to pan, tilt, rotate, zoom, and focus (PTRZ). The cameras can be aimed and focused from your computer. Or, as an alternative, the Wisenet X-Series cameras also can be adjusted from your smartphone using a USB dongle, and free smartphone app. It makes life so much easier when you don't have to make adjustments on a ladder. Yes, the cameras with PTRZ cost some more (about $40), but it may be worth it. You may save much more in the installation labor cost.   Examples of Cameras with Easy Installation Features: Remote zoom and focusExamples: Axis P3375-LVE, and the Hanwha QNV-7080ROrganized packaged in boxes designed for installationExamples: Hanwha XNV-6081 and XNV-8081RRemote pan, tilt, rotate, zoom and focusExample: AXIS Q3615-VE and the Wisenet XNV-6081Z IP Camera Management Tools Software tools are available from some of the camera manufacturers or as part of the video management software.  These tools make it easy to set the IP addresses and many of the other camera settings. For example, Axis and Hanwha include software tools that allow you to remotely set-up their cameras. The Hanwha Wisenet Device Manager provides a very powerful set-up tool that allows the user to manage multiple IP network devices. Here are some of the things you can do: Search for your cameras. You can find all the Hanwha Techwin devices on the network. It displays a list that you can then use for management. Finding the IP Cameras on the Network Establish new projects. You can manage a set of cameras by assigning them to separate projects or groups. This allows you to administer a new set of cameras, or manage a group of cameras that are in a specific project.Display the Video from all the cameras. You can view a thumbnail image of the live video as well as seeing the information related to each IP camera. This makes it easier to select cameras and camera groups. Viewing the Camera Video Setup each camera or a group of cameras. You can select a single camera or highlight a group of IP cameras and then make changes to all of them in the group. You can set the IP address of multiple cameras, and change the passwords on all the devices.Set the Passwords globally: It is crucial to set a strong password on all your cameras. There have been many articles written about cyber-attacks on IP cameras. An article in Info Security described how “Five Million IP Camera Cyber-Attacks Blocked in Just Five Months.” Whatever you do, don’t use the default passwords. It makes hacking too easy. Longer passwords thwart brute-force cyber attacks on your IP camera system.View the live view of a selected camera. This allows you to make changes to a specific device. For example, you can change the PTZ view of the camera, or set the preset positions. This snap-shot record also provides a sign-off document that establishes the status and verification of the installation.Edit device name, so it is easier to identify. You can set a name that helps you locate the camera.Reach devices in a different network. In some cases, the cameras may be located on a different network than your computer's network. In this case, there is a way to add devices on a separate network manually. You can register the model name, IP address, HTTP port, VPN port, ID, and password to reach these remote cameras.Create a report of all your network devices. The report can also includeFirmware update: You can update all the cameras. You can select the one or more (up to 16 devices) and do a parallel update.You can save the configuration of all the cameras. You can select the IP cameras you want to backup. Video Management Software The more sophisticated video management software (VMS) and Network Video Recorders (NVR) allow you to do some of the things you can do with the camera management software. The right software can make it easy to add cameras to its management system. No matter which video recording system you use, it is important to consider how easy it is to add cameras to the management software system. Ocularis and WAVE are examples of new video management solutions that include services that help during the camera installation. Here are some examples: Automated discovery of the IP devices on the network.WAVE is very effective with the Hanwha cameras and also supports cameras that provide OnVIF implementationOcularis supports many camera brands including those that support OnVIFOcularis and WAVE have a function that allows you to add and configure multiple cameras at the same time. Summary of Installing IP Camera System Installation is an essential cost to consider when planning your IP camera system. Manufacturers that make the job easier should be considered when selecting the IP cameras for your surveillance system. Everything from the way the camera is packaged to the way the cameras are set up should be considered. If the installation time is reduced by 20% or if less expensive workers can be used than money can be saved. The higher cost of these cameras can be justified by the reduced expenditure for installation. If you need help selecting the right IP cameras for your security camera system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-53 These three guys die together in a tragic accident and they all go to heaven. When they get there, St. Peter greets them and tells them, “We only have one rule here in heaven. Don’t step on the ducks.” So, they enter heaven and sure enough, there are ducks all over the place. It’s almost impossible not to step on a duck there’s so many, and though they try their utmost to avoid standing on them, the first guy soon accidentally steps on one. St. Peter then appears with the ugliest woman the guy had ever seen. St. Peter chains the woman to the guy and says to him, “Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to this ugly woman!” The next day, the second guy also accidentally steps on a duck. Once again, St. Peter shows up and with him is another extremely ugly woman. He chains the woman to the second guy saying, "Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to this ugly woman!" The third guy has observed all this and as he really doesn't want to be chained to an ugly woman for eternity, he's extremely careful where he steps. Indeed, he manages to go months without stepping on any ducks. One day though, St.Peter appears with the most gorgeous woman the guy has ever laid eyes on. She's tall, curvaceous, tanned and extremely sexy. Without a word, St. Peter chains the woman to the third guy. The guy happily says to the woman, "I wonder what I did to deserve being chained to you for all eternity?" The woman replies, "I don't know about you, but I stepped on a duck." Pavlov is sitting in a bar enjoying a beer when the phone rings. He jumps up and shouts, “Oh my, I forgot to feed the dog!” There are two types of people in the world. Those that can extrapolate from incomplete data, and … My parents always brought me up to believe the sky's the limit. Which was a shame because I wanted to be an astronaut. The local bandstand was struck by lightning yesterday while the band was playing. Only the conductor was hit. Two blood cells met and fell in love. Alas, it was all in vein. I like looking at a chart of all the chemical elements... Periodically. Did you hear about the neutron who was arrested? He was released without charge. A father was walking past his son's bedroom one day and happened to look in. He was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up off the floor. Then he saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to 'Dad.' Fearing the worst, he opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter. It said: Dear Dad, It is with great regret and sadness that I’m writing to you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you. I have been finding real passion with Susie and she is so nice. But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am. But it’s not only the passion. Dad, she’s pregnant. Don't worry though, Susie said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children. Susie has also opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone. We'll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people that live nearby for cocaine and ecstasy. In the meantime, we will pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so that Susie can get better. She deserves it. Don't worry Dad. I'm 15 and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I'm sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren. Love, Your son Tim. P.S. Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at Jimmy's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than a lousy report card ... That's in my desk drawer. A duck walks into a pub and orders a pint of beer and a ham sandwich. The barman looks at him and says, “Hang on! You’re a duck.” “Yep,” replies the duck. “And you can talk!” exclaims the barman. “Yep again”, says the duck, “Now if you don’t mind, can I have my beer and my sandwich please?” “Certainly, sorry about that”, says the barman as he pulls the duck’s pint. “It’s just we don’t get many ducks in this pub. What are you doing round this way?” “I’m working on the building site across the road, “explains the duck. “I’m a plasterer.” The flabbergasted barman cannot believe the duck and wants to learn more but takes the hint when the duck pulls out a newspaper from his bag and proceeds to read it. So, the duck reads his paper, drinks his beer, eats his sandwich, bids the barman good day and leaves. The same thing happens for two weeks. Then one day the circus comes to town. The ringmaster comes into the pub for a pint and the barman says to him, “You’re with the circus, aren’t you? Well, I know this duck that could be just brilliant in your circus. He talks, drinks beer, eats sandwiches, reads the newspaper and everything!” “Sounds marvelous,” says the ringmaster, handing over his business card. “Get him to give me a call.” So the next day when the duck comes into the pub the barman says, “Hey Mr. Duck, I reckon I can line you up with a top job, paying really good money.” “I’m always looking for the next job,” Says the duck. “Where is it?” “At the circus,” Says the barman. “The circus?” Repeats the duck. “That’s right,” replies the barman. “The circus?” The duck asks again, “with the big tent?” “Yeah,” the barman replies. “With all the animals who live in cages, and performers who live in caravans?” says the duck. “Of course,” the barman replies. “And the tent has canvas sides and a big canvas roof with a hole in the middle?” persists the duck. “That’s right!” says the barman. The duck shakes his head in amazement and says ……. “What in the world would they want with a plasterer?” If you know any good jokes please send them to me. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How Access Control Management Software Works What is the Best Access Control Management Software Door access management software is an essential part of your access control system. It allows you to manage the door readers in your organization, enter credentials for each person, 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. The more powerful products provide a wide variety of capabilities that cover many different situations. This article reviews some of the key features and functions that you may need for your access control system. Access Control Management Determines Who Can Enter Who can enter a door is established when a credential is assigned to a person and entered into the management system. The credential number is entered manually or by swiping the card. The person’s name, their privilege level, maybe their picture, and other information is entered at this time. Access Privilege Defines Who, When, and Where a Person Can Enter Each individual can be assigned to specific groups. For example, office workers can enter the front door only from 9 am to 5 pm. The management team can enter through the front or back door, and can enter anytime between 8 am and 10 pm. The security person can open any door at any time. All this is controlled by setting up access privilege groups and then assigning the people to each of the groups. Biometric Door Readers A biometric door reader assures that the right person enters rather than the right credential. With a biometric reader, you don’t need two-factor authentication, or pass-back control, because it authenticates the person.  Biometric readers can read your fingerprint, your face, or the veins in your finger to verify who you are. When Can a Person Enter Increases Security Access management software allows you to control when people can enter. The time and day are controlled by a calendar function. When a person is entered into the access control system, you can assign them to a group, and then schedule the group for the appropriate days, times, and holidays that you would like. Enter Holidays and Special Events Advanced systems not only allow you to enter holidays, but they also allow you to establish special events. In this way, your organization can schedule an open-house and adjust who can come for that one particular event. Establish Time Zones What happens if your organization is spread over multiple time zones? You could have each area control their own doors, but what if you want to have a centralized management center? The ability to create time zones makes access control setup and management much easier. Special Times for Certain People Access management systems can also control when people enter a specific area. For example, it may be helpful to allow certain people to enter the exercise room at certain times of day, while others are allowed to use the room at a different time. There can even be special holidays assigned to different floors of a building. Where a Person Can Enter and Leave Access control management software determines what door a person can use. Each door can have its own list of rules. You can define who can enter and when they can enter. By assigning a person to a specific group, you can control everything they can do. Handling Special Situations In a crisis, it may be necessary to change how the door locks behave. In an emergency, you can prevent certain users from opening a door. This can be done using the administrator console, or a panic button. You can establish each users security level and then assign these levels to the crisis groups. In a crisis, anyone with a higher security level can use the door while the lower levels can’t open the door. Crisis mode levels management software Emergency Situations In an emergency, you may not have time to use the administrator console. The crisis mode can be initiated by using a button. The button is connected to one of the controllers and provides the trigger that initiates an emergency status. For example, a button can be pressed to create a lockdown or fire alert. Another push-button can be used to return the system to regular operation, or you can use the administrator console. Note that this type of function is usually associated with “If-Then” logic and is not available in all access control software management systems. See the description of If-Then logic below. If the software doesn’t include this function, it would be necessary to run wires to each IP door reader/controller. Management Functions of Door Access Control Software The best door access control management software should be easy to use. The software should have an excellent user interface that provides clear prompts that most people can understand. The management software is associated with the specific door access IP door readers and controllers. There are access control management software for the Isonas systems, the Hartmann access control system and the biometric IP door access systems. Multiple Site Control The advanced door access management systems are designed to be used in large multi-location organizations. Partitions can be established with different management control so that a person can be assigned to manage their own location while central management can manage and control all the locations.  For example, a school board may have many schools. The superintendent of the district can log in to the software and see all the schools, but the principal at each school can only log in and view and manage their individual building. Reports The access control management software provides reports that allow you to track the activities relating to door access. The report can show the time someone entered and the door they used. If you add door readers for exit control, you can tell when the person left. Only authorized system administrators have access to these reports. The reports can also tell you when access was denied. You can tell if an ex-employee tried to use their credential to get in, or if a credential was used in an anti-passback violation. By using an optional IP camera system, you can match the people with the credentials used to open a door. Advanced Features of Access Control Management There are a variety of things that can be provided to make it harder for the wrong people to gain access to your facility. Features such as access privilege groups, two-factor authentication, anti-pass-back control, mantraps, biometric door readers, and integration with IP camera systems provide extra levels of security. Two Factor Entry Authentication Security can be increased by adding two-factor authentication. If someone gets hold of someone else’s credential, the addition of a security pin number will reduce the chance that they can enter using a stolen card credential. The dual entry authentication requires a reader with a keypad. Anti-Pass-back Control We can’t guarantee that the users of an access control system will always follow the rules. Sometimes they bring a visitor that will use the same credential to enter the facility. Ant-pass-back control reduces this situation by allowing a credential to be used only once within a certain period of time. Now when another person tries to use it at the same door or even another door, the system will prevent entry. Mantrap Access Control Some organizations require a very high level of security. A mantrap is a small room with two doors. It’s like an airlock.  The doors are interlocked so that a person entering the first door must wait for the door to close before opening the second door. This can be automated, or it can be controlled by a guard. An intercom and an IP camera are placed in the small room so that the security guard can monitor and control entry. The mantrap function is provided by hardware and software.  The configuration requires two readers, one for the outer door and another for an inner door. A two-way mantrap requires four readers. Two-User Authentication Some systems provide the capability to add two people (or two credentials) to open the door. In this case, two people need to swipe their cards (credentials) to open the door. They must swipe their cards within a preset time period. Real-time Door Access Monitoring If you have a security department that is actively monitoring your organization, the access control management software can provide immediate alerts. For example, if an old employee tries to use their credential to enter, or if the anti-passback control is violated, the security personnel will be notified.  If then Logic access control “if-then” logic control concept Some access control management software systems include “if-then” rules. This logic control establishes a set of rules that allow you to react to specific inputs and then define output consequences. It is a powerful feature that adds flexibility to a door access management system. Some of the systems provide some form of if-then logic. For example, if a button is pushed (connected through a reader or controller), the system could lock all the doors. Another example is to use a special card to unlock all the doors. In some systems, a credential can be triple swiped to cause an output action to occur. The logic is used to implement many different types of actions such as locking all the doors, enabling an Aux output from one of the controllers that trigger an audible alarm, or to disengage a security alarm system. Elevator Control Some access control systems include elevator control. This allows you to restrict access to specific floors for certain people. An elevator control system includes specialized hardware as well as the management software. The access control management software allows you to manage all your doors and the elevators using the same management system. IP Camera System Integration Integration with IP camera systems improves the security of the facility. It allows you to see who has entered the door. This allows you to check if the right person used the credential to open the door. The simplest solution is to use an IP camera system with its own video management software (VMS). This requires two applications to be available on the computer you are using. By entering the time-date stamp from the access control system, you can locate the associated video for a nearby camera. A better approach is to use door access management software that integrates with the VMS. Some access control management software will show a snapshot of the person entering the door while others will include a video stream of the event. Integrated systems can provide multiple camera views at the same time so you can not only see who has entered a door but also other areas near the door. Access Control Management Software Summary The access control management software is an essential part of the modern door access control system. It provides the tools for entering all the users and establishing when and where they can use specific doors. The advanced management software makes it easy to control many sites and provides additional features that increase safety and security. Please contact us for help selecting the right access control system. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IP Door Access Systems Wiring Comparison of The Topography of Access Control Systems Access 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. The review includes systems that use central controller boxes, a system that uses an IP reader with a built-in controller, a biometric IP reader/controller system, and a hybrid system that uses a controller at each door. Network Attached Central Control Box In this access control system, all the intelligence for the access control system is in a central control box. All the door readers are connected to this controller, and the controller is connected to the network. This configuration is similar to the original central control boxes except the controller is connected to the network. The management software runs on your Windows computer, and there is an optional software app for your mobile phone. Access Controller Diagram Pro: The controller box supports from one to four doors and has many IO connections for REX button, sensing the door, and relay outputs to control other devices. The network connections make it easy to connect multiple control boxes. Some controller models support biometric readers and can store fingerprint credentials. Con: The controller needs to be located in a closet and mounted on the wall.  Multiple door systems require lots of wires from the controller to the door. Wires must be run to the door reader, electric lock control, REX button, and all the other door functions.  Installation labor and wire cost is higher than other topographies. The controllers support a fixed number of doors, so if you purchase a four-door controller and want to add a new door, you need to buy another controller. Summary: It is the right solution for small to medium applications and excellent for retrofitting older door controller systems. Network Attached Reader/Controller The Isonas IP reader/controller systems are located at the door and don’t require a separate controller. Isonas was the first company to introduce a door reader that included a built-in controller. This was a dramatic improvement in door access control technology. For the first time, the central controller was no longer needed. It made it very easy to install a single unit and then add units incrementally as required. Wiring was dramatically reduced, and installation was much easier and less costly. The Isonas IP reader/controller systems are located at the door and don’t require a separate controller. Isonas was the first company to introduce a door reader that included a built-in controller. This was a dramatic improvement in door access control technology. For the first time, the central controller was no longer needed. It made it very easy to install a single unit and then add units incrementally as required. Wiring was dramatically reduced, and installation was much easier and less costly. Pro: The IP door reader is attached and powered over the Network (PoE). All the door control functions such as the electric lock, REX, and door sensors are attached to a pigtail connected to the IP door reader. This is a simple system to install. You can add one door at a time. It uses the network infrastructure to connect all the doors readers. The Isonas reader/controller is powered over Ethernet (PoE), and the IP reader provides the power to the lock. The access control management software is available as a cloud management service, so multiple buildings and locations can all be administered by the same access control management software. There is also an on-site licensed access management software option. The Isonas reader/controller can use mobile credentials. Con: Reduced flexibility and functionality for enterprise access control applications. The system can’t use special door readers such as biometric readers, long-range readers for gate control, and It doesn’t include an elevator control capability.  You require two reader/controllers to provide entry and exit control at the same door. The Biometric reader/controllers require a high-power PoE injector and splitter for power. The outdoor readers require a separate external door kit to protect the reader/controller from vandalism that results in shorting the electric lock control. Summary: It is the right solution for small to medium applications that don’t require any advanced functionality. Biometric Network Attached Reader/Controller The biometric door/controller access control system is similar to the Isonas IP door readers. Like the Isonas IP reader/controller system, the IP door readers are located at the door and don’t require a separate controller. There are also controller boxes available that can be used for elevator control and multi-reader door applications. Biometric readers are more complicated and include storage of the biometric templates used as credentials. There are fingerprint readers, facial readers, and finger-vein readers. Pro: This is a simple system to install. You can add one door at a time. It uses the network infrastructure to connect all the doors in an organization. The reader/controllers are powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE). There is an elevator controller box available that is compatible with the access control management software used with the biometric door readers. Con: Support for two reader/controllers at the door is only provided by using a controller box. The Biometric reader/controllers can be powered by a separate power supply or using PoE, but they require a high power PoE injector and splitter for power. The biometric readers have limited outdoor capability. Only one of the fingerprint models can be used outdoors but has limited temperature range. The outdoor readers require a separate external door kit to protect the reader/controller from vandalism that results in shorting the electric lock control. Summary: It is the right solution for small to medium indoor applications where you need the increased security provided by a biometric reader. Hybrid Door Controller with Reader The Hartmann, access control system, is a hybrid system that moves the controller to the door and provides increased flexibility. The controller is placed over the door (inside), and there is a large selection of door readers that can be used. The controller attaches to the network and is powered by PoE. The door reader and the electric lock control, REX, door sensors, etc. are wired to the controller. The controller can power the electric lock. Pro: This is a flexible system that provides added functionality. It is similar to the central controller in that it has a large number of door input and output controls as well as the simplicity of the IP reader/controller systems. The controller is powered by PoE and can provide power for the electric lock. Two readers (entry and exit) can be attached to the same door controller. There is an optional motion detector available in the door controller that can be used as an automatic electric lock release. This is helpful when the electric lock needs to be opened automatically from inside. There is an elevator controller that can be used to control floor access. A variety of door readers can be used with the system. For example, a long-range reader can be used to open a gate. Alternatively, you can select a reader that uses mobile credentials. These advanced Bluetooth connected door readers have advanced capabilities. For example, you can open the door by waving your hand over the reader while your smartphone is in your pocket. The access control management software allows you to control a very large number of doors and the people that use them. It provides advanced functions such as logic if-then functions, control of elevators, visitor management, and integrates with IP camera systems. The software supports multiple sites. The administrators can view and manage a single location or all locations. Con: The controller needs to be mounted over the door. There is more wiring required since you need to connect the reader to the controller as well as wiring the electric lock connection, REX, door sensor, etc. It is more complicated than the simple Isonas IP reader/controller system. Summary: It is the right solution for small to enterprise systems that require advanced door access control functions. Summary of Door Access Control Systems There are several access control systems that connect to the network. They utilize access control management software that runs on your Windows Computer. Each of the systems has different topographies. The central controller box scheme requires many wire connections from the doors to the central controller. This makes the system the most expensive to install. The Isonas IP door reader/controller doesn’t require the central controller making this system the easiest to install. It is best for small to medium systems that don’t require advanced features. The biometric IP reader/controllers are similar to the Isonas system but add the additional security provided by biometrics. The Hartmann hybrid door access control system is the most flexible. It can be installed one door at a time, so it is a great solution for small access control applications, but it expands to an enterprise solution that requires advanced functions. For help selecting the right door access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-52 A man was driving down the road when a policeman stopped him. The officer looked in the back of the man’s truck and said, “Why are these penguins in your truck?” The man replied, “These are my penguins. They belong to me.” “You need to take them to the zoo,” the policeman said. The next day, the officer saw the same guy driving down the road. He pulled him over again. He saw the penguins were still in the truck, but they were wearing sunglasses this time. “I thought I told you to take these penguins to the zoo!” the officer said. “I did,” the man replied. “And today I’m taking them to the beach.” Q: How do astronomers organize a party? A: They planet. Q: What did the 30-degree angle say to the 90-degree angle? A: "You think you're always right!" A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. Some technical advice: Don’t use “beef stew” as a computer password. It’s not stroganoff. Jokes from George Carlin: The reason I talk to myself is that I’m the only one whose answers I accept. May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house. Just when I discovered the meaning of life, they changed it. I put a dollar in a change machine. Nothing changed. One great thing about getting old is that you can get out of all sorts of social obligations just by saying you’re too tired. “Meow” means “woof” in cat. Is a vegetarian permitted to eat animal crackers? If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting? Jokes of Steven Wright I almost had a psychic girlfriend, but she left me before we met. Support bacteria – they’re the only culture some people have. Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don’t have film. Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark. Many people quit looking for work when they find a job. When I’m not in my right mind, my left mind gets pretty crowded. Boycott shampoo! Demand the REAL poo! I couldn’t repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder. Why do psychics have to ask you for your name? Some Silly Jokes Why does an elephant wear sneakers? So that he can sneak up on mice! What do you call an elephant that doesn't matter? An irrelephant. What's big and grey and wears a mask? The elephantom of the opera! Jokes of Emo Philips I was the kid next door's imaginary friend. How many people here have telekinetic powers? Raise my hand. When I was ten, my family moved to Downers Grove, Illinois. When I was twelve, I found them. A man walks into a bookstore. He walks around and sees a particular book behind a counter that’s locked in a glass box. It has an interesting cover and it intrigues him. He asks the cashier about the book. The cashier says that the mysterious book was placed on display by the manager and he is the only one who knows about it. The man is even more interested and asks to talk to the manager. Moments later, the manager arrives. He tells the man that the book is actually a sacred relic which was uncovered during an expedition of some old ruins. The manager is not sure if he wants to sell the book. He warns him not to buy it. The man is intrigued and insists on purchasing it. At last, the manager agrees to sell him the book for $1,000, As he wraps the book, he warns the man of a curse that will befall him if the last page of the book were to ever be opened. The man agrees to the conditions and leaves with the book. When he gets home, he leaves the book opened on the table while he goes and washes up. When he comes back, he finds that the wind from an open window is turning the pages. He rushes to the window and closes it.  He dashes back to the book and attempts to close the book but it was too late. The book flips to the last page, and to his horror, he sees a sight that nearly shocks him to death. “Sale price: $2.50” Hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. Thank you, Dave, for providing some of these great jokes. If you have any good jokes, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Mobile Credentials the New Key for Door Access Control Mobile phones are the new Credential Have 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. What is a Mobile Credential A mobile credential is an authorization token much like a Prox card or keyfob.  The ID number is held in your smartphone instead of a card. That’s why we call it a mobile credential. Just like other types of credentials, it contains a unique number that can be used as the electronic key to open a door with an electric lock. The smartphone can connect to a door reader using Bluetooth, NFC, or even WiFi. Bluetooth (BLE) is the most common type of communication used in the security market. Mobile credentials are more likely to be brought with you than a card that could be forgotten at home. The smartphone is a personal device that has become a part of our regular daily activity. Because of its importance, it is unlikely to be given to another person. The added security of unlocking the smartphone adds additional security against misuse. Mobile Credentials Use Bluetooth Bluetooth wireless technology is used to connect the smartphone to the door reader. Bluetooth was invented in Sweden in 1989. It was initially developed to provide a wireless connection to headsets. Bluetooth connections operate at frequencies around 2.4GHz. It uses frequency-hopping spread spectrum that improves the reliability of information transmission. Spread-spectrum also has the characteristic of being more secure than fixed frequency transmission because the signal is tough to intercept. Bluetooth range is determined by the power available to the transmitter, the antenna, and the propagation conditions.  For example, the signal can be attenuated if it passes through a wall. Classes of power and range have been established. Power and distance vary from Class 1 that uses about 100mW and has an operational distance of about 100m (328 ft.) to Class 4 with a range of approximately 0.5m (1.6 ft.) The Bluetooth specifications have been defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). The specifications include among other things the protocols and how power is used. Bluetooth 1 was developed in 1998. Over the years new specifications were introduced that improved the interconnectivity of devices, increased data speed, and made better use of available power and improved the range. Bluetooth 5 is a new version announced in 2016. The specification is used by many of the latest Android and iPhones. The new specification includes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) which reduces the power required while increasing data rates and increasing range to over 400 m (1,300 ft.). How Door Readers Work with Mobile Credentials Bluetooth is used to connect the smartphone to the door reader. The Isonas IP readers and the Hartmann door access control system includes a Mobile Credential option. The door readers have a maximum range of about 65 ft. The smartphone and the Bluetooth enabled door reader use many of the features defined by the Bluetooth protocol. The door reader is continuously looking for the smartphone that’s running the mobile app. When the two devices are in range, they transfer the device name, device class, list of available services, and additional significant information required to identify the user uniquely. This transfer retrieves the unique number provided by the smartphone (key). The smartphone and the Bluetooth enabled door reader use many of the features defined by the Bluetooth protocol. The door reader is continuously looking for the smartphone that’s running the mobile app. When the two devices are in range, they transfer the device name, device class, list of available services, and additional significant information required to identify the user uniquely. This transfer retrieves the unique number provided by the smartphone (key). Each smartphone includes a unique 48-bit address which can be used as the key. This identification number is like the ID number that is provided by the card credential. The smartphone app controls the transfer of the identification number to the door reader.  The ID number is transferred from the door reader to the controller where it is compared to the list of users. If the ID number is accepted, it will unlock the door. The list of users is maintained using the door access management software. There are various ways to initiate communication between the smartphone and the door reader. In most cases, the phone is simply placed close to the reader just like using a card credential. The Isonas IP reader requires the app to be activated when you are near the door. The Hartmann control system includes a number of other ways to activate the connection. For example, one option is to keep the phone in your pocket and wave your hand over the reader. This motion causes the reader to query your smartphone. Another mode connects the smartphone to the reader as you approach the door. Your environment and security requirements will determine the best way to open the door using your smartphone. Security of Mobile Credentials The latest Bluetooth enabled door readers, such as the ones used by Hartmann Controls door access control system, include many advanced security features and modes of identification. Besides using the security provided by Bluetooth spread-spectrum communication, the system uses encryption and obfuscation methods to protect the app in the smartphone, and the data stored in the door reader. The encryption process protects data from hacking. It makes it difficult to read the data without knowing the key. Obfuscation adds another level of security. This involves using a puzzle or other challenge that locks the key itself from the hacker. Additional protection is provided by using multi-factor authentication and maintaining security audits. The latest Bluetooth enabled door readers, such as the ones used by Hartmann Controls door access control system, include many advanced security features and modes of identification. Besides using the security provided by Bluetooth spread-spectrum communication, the system uses encryption and obfuscation methods to protect the app in the smartphone, and the data stored in the door reader. The encryption process protects data from hacking. It makes it difficult to read the data without knowing the key. Obfuscation adds another level of security. This involves using a puzzle or other challenge that locks the key itself from the hacker. Additional protection is provided by using multi-factor authentication and maintaining security audits. Using a smartphone with biometric authentication can improve door access security. We have known for a long time that Biometrics provides a more secure way to open the door than using a card credential that someone carries. The card can be lost or given to someone else. It is less likely for the mobile smartphone credential to be misused in this way. Since some smartphones have embedded biometrics, it can be used to increase the security of door access systems. Summary of Mobile Credentials Mobile credentials are used in access control systems instead of prox cards or keyfobs. They are the latest way to open the door. Instead of using card credentials, they use your mobile smartphone as the key. The smartphone uses Bluetooth communication to the door readers. It is secure and easy to use. It is more convenient than card credentials and biometric readers. Smartphones are used by most people, so they are becoming more popular in access control applications. For help selecting the right door access control system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IP Paging and Automated Emergency Announcements Automated Network Attached Paging Provides Emergency Announcements Network 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. How to Create Triggered Paging Announcements Trigger Paging Announcements by Software The Talkmaster Focus Automation Software is used to create an automated event. A page can be generated from an event that is detected on the network or by date and time. The network trigger is detected by one of the IP endpoint devices such as the IP7-STX or IP7-SE8 module. It can be caused by a button, by a motion detector, or even an alert from an IP camera system. For example, an emergency button can be placed on the wall, and if it is pushed it will cause a pre-recorded message such as, “Fire reported, please leave the building!” Another example is “a door has been opened.” In this case, we may direct the page to a speaker that is close to the door rather than make a total facility page. Messages can also be triggered by the date and time. Paging Announcement Caused by an Event Detected The console software is used to create a triggered announcement. The software allows you to select the trigger type and then define the message to be sent. There is a menu used to select the types of triggers and the device where the trigger originate. This is like an “if-then” function. If the button is pushed, then send the page. The software includes a table that shows the event name (or trigger) and then the response activated. Another menu allows you to select what happens when the trigger is detected. PA over IP automated response The event response is a message that was created previously using the administration console. If you select an audio response to a trigger, you can then select the pre-recorded audio you would like to be announced: The trigger can also be modified by date and time. Another menu allows you to define when this trigger can occur.  For example, if a door is opened on the weekend, a page is generated, but during the week there is no page. Instead of making an announcement you can send an email. So if a door is opened during the weekend, you can send an email message to a security person.  The message can include a number of variables such as the device that triggered the alarm, the type of alert, and the date and time it was sent. One very nice feature is the capability to send an email to the administrator if one of the end-point amplifiers is disconnected from the network. This provides immediate notification of failure. Announcement Caused by Date and Time Pages can be scheduled using the scheduling function. This function allows you to set up automated announcements such as End of shift, End of the day, or change of class. External Emergency Alerts The automation system provides the ability to monitor messages from external services such as the National Weather Service or news feeds. The system monitors RSS or Cap/ATOM feeds. It can also convert the text messages to audio so they can be broadcast to everyone in your organization. RSS feeds typically are used by news outlets such as CNN, Fox News, or ESPN. The CAP and ATOM feeds are usually used for emergency notifications. These feeds are published by organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and others. Once the feeds have been set up, you can be automatically notified of hurricanes or earthquakes reported by these organizations. CAP is the Common Alerting Protocol used to exchange emergency alerts. ATOM is an XML-based protocol for web resources such as Weblogs, online journals, Wikis and similar content.  It stands for Any Transport over MPLS. PA over IP Alert Feeds The notifications can be directed to the location that should hear the messages. For example, you may decide to send the news feeds to the employee cafeteria and the weather emergencies to everyone in the building. The system has the capability of converting text messages received from the emergency services to audio that can be broadcast to your organization. Summary of PA over IP Automated Announcements Paging over IP provides very powerful automation features that make it easy to automatically make important announcements. These pages can be sent to the exact location in your organization. They can be triggered by a door opening or a motion detector. You can also make an announcement at a specific time of the day. The paging system can send news feeds to the organization or alert you about weather conditions or earthquakes. For help with your network attached paging system please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-51 A guy is late for an important meeting, but he can't find a place to park. In desperation, he begins to pray. "Please Lord, if you help me find a parking stall right now, I promise to go to church every Sunday and never drink vodka again!" A moment later, he sees a beautiful empty spot right next to the entrance. "Never mind. Found one!" Jokes from Old Comedians Henry Youngman My doctor grabbed me by the wallet and said, "Cough!" "Doctor, my leg hurts. What can I do?" The doctor says, "Limp!" A man goes to a psychiatrist. "Nobody listens to me!" The doctor says, "Next!" “Doctor, I have a ringing in my ears.” “Don’t answer!” A drunk was in front of a judge. The judge says, “You’ve been brought here for drinking.” The drunk says, “Okay, let’s get started.” Another drunk goes up to a parking meter, puts in a quarter, the dial goes to 60. The drunk says, “Huh. I lost 100 pounds!” My son complains about headaches. I tell him all the time when you get out of bed, it’s feet first! Groucho Marx I never forget a face, but in your case, I’ll be glad to make an exception Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend.Inside of a dog, it's too dark to readHere's to our wives and girlfriends, may they never meet! I made a killing on Wall Street a few years ago.  I shot my broker I sent the club a message stating, “Please accept my resignation. I don't care to belong to any club that will have me as a member.” Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it, misdiagnosing it and then misapplying the wrong remedies Random Thoughts: The biggest difference between time and space is that you can’t reuse time. In programming: Any sufficiently advanced bug is indistinguishable from a feature. What do you call two dinosaurs that have been in an accident? Tyrannosaurus wrecks Teamwork is essential, it means you can always blame someone else. What did the receiver say to the radio wave? Ouch! That megahertz. How many moles are in a guacamole? Avocado’s number. The optimist sees the glass half full. The pessimist sees the glass half empty. The chemist sees the glass completely full, half with liquid and half with air. Q: What's the difference between Mechanical Engineers and Civil Engineers? A: Mechanical Engineers build weapons; Civil Engineers build targets. A mathematician, a physicist, and an engineer are all given identical rubber balls and told to find the volume. They are given anything they want to measure it and have all the time they need. The mathematician pulls out a measuring tape and records the circumference. He then divides by two times pi to get the radius, cubes that, multiplies by pi again, and then multiplies by four-thirds and thereby calculates the volume. The physicist gets a bucket of water, places 1.00000 gallons of water in the bucket, drops in the ball, and measures the displacement to six significant figures. And the engineer? He writes down the serial number of the ball and looks it up. Anatomy of Film What We Learn from the Movies: It is always possible to park directly in front of any building you are visiting.A detective can only solve a case once he has been suspended from duty.If you start dancing in the street, everyone you bump into will know all the steps.Most laptops are powerful enough to override the communication systems of any invading alien civilization.It does not matter if you are heavily outnumbered in a fight involving martial arts, your enemies will wait patiently to attack you one by one, dancing around in a threatening manner until you have knocked out their predecessors.After a person suffers a massive blow to the head, they will still be surprisingly good looking.No one involved in a car chase, hijacking, explosion, volcanic eruption or alien invasion will ever go into shock.Partnering police officers with their total opposites will always, eventually, lead to buddy teams who share unbreakable bonds and gruff affection. If you want to learn more about our technology, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. If you have any good jokes and cartoons, please send them to me. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Access Control System Comparison What is the Best IP Door Access System for You? The first IP door access control system was introduced by Isonas around the year 2000. This was revolutionary at the time because each door reader included the intelligence that was typically provided by a control box. It took many years for this new technology to be accepted by the access control industry. Most security dealers were used to the centralized controller boxes with Wiegand readers at each door. Today IP door access systems are replacing the older centralized systems. This article provides a summary of the IP network attached door access control systems with the pros and cons of each type of system. The IP access control systems provide a clear benefit over the older control box systems because of their easy scalability. You can add one reader at a time without having to run cables from a central location. These smart door systems utilize the existing network infrastructure and are powered over Ethernet (PoE), significantly reducing installation costs. Comparison of IP Door Access Systems We compared three access control systems, the Isonas reader/controller system, the Hartmann control system with a separate IP controller located at the door, and the Biometric IP readers. Isonas Access Control The Isonas door access system is best used for small to medium-sized installations. It is a perfect system when you don’t require any advanced control features. They connect to a PoE network switch or use a PoE injector. The reader includes a pigtail of wires that are used to trigger the electric lock, monitor the door and provide Request to Exit connections.  Since all the wires are located at the door, the installation is simple. The Isonas management software is available as a cloud subscription or as an on-site license. The software is simple and easy to use. The cloud-based system can be managed using an app on your mobile device. It makes it easy to control a system that is located in different buildings and locations. Key Features Provided by the Isonas Access Control System No Control Panels RequiredIP Door Readers are powered using PoEOperates even if the network is down (as long as the controller has PoE power).The readers provide 12 VDC power for the electric lockWide selection of credentials and cardsYour smartphone can be used as the credential with the RC04 IP reader – Bluetooth connect using Pure Mobile AppPure Access Cloud or Pure Access Manager Software is easy to useWorks with IP intercoms to allow remote control of doors to allow entry of visitors Hartmann Control Enterprise Door Access Control We consider the Hartmann control door access control system an enterprise system because it includes advanced features that are not found in the Isonas solution. This doesn’t mean it can’t be used in a small system. It has the same flexibility as the Isonas system in that everything is located at the door. The difference between the two systems is that the controller function is in a separate box that is mounted above the door. The architecture allows you to connect two readers to the same controller. This provides the ability to include an exit reader as well as an entrance reader at the door. The Hartmann control access control system provides enterprise-level management and control of all the doors.  The door access management software provides advanced functions such as logic if-then functions, and allows you to control elevators, visitors, and integrates with IP camera systems.  We think the integration with many different IP camera systems makes this a powerful solution that increases security. The software can be administered using a web-browser interface which means you can control your system form a smartphone, tablet or PC. Key Features of the Hartmann Door Control System Network attached IP controllers that are powered over Ethernet (PoE)Includes door access control and management software for your site or from a cloud server, all controlled through a browser window that’s compatible across all platforms from desktop to mobile.The controller supports a wide range of Wiegand type door readers. You can select a simple RFID proximity reader or one that includes credentials provided from a Bluetooth enabled connection to your smartphone. It can also use biometric readers for increased security.The flexible door controller can mount on top of the door and provide a built-in motion detection function.The door controller supports one or two readers. You can select inside and outside readers, with or without motion detection, or two door control.The controller can provide power to the electric lockOperates even if the network is down (as long as the controller has PoE power).The door access management software supports flexible If-then logicThe system Integrates with many IP camera Video Management Software (VMS) and Network Video Recorders (NVRs)Supports advanced features such as dual authentication, elevator control, and Anti-passback control IP Biometric Door Access Control System The biometric access control system provides increased security because it identifies a person rather than the credential that they carry. These reader controllers attach the network and can be powered over Ethernet (PoE).  There is a choice of fingerprint, facial recognition, or finger-vein readers. They also support RFID card credentials. These biometric door readers cost slightly more than the RFID proximity type readers. The management software is sophisticated and provides easy to use management functions. It also includes some additional ability such as maps, and floor plans.  It also offers some optional advanced features such as elevator control, anti-passback, and visitor management. Key Features Provided by the Biometric Access Control System Server-Client Administration and Monitoring Software for IP Reader-ControllersEasy to Use, Menu-Driven Dashboard Displays Quick Links to All Common OperationsReal-Time Event Monitoring With Door Status Icons & Photo Pop-Ups of personnelSimple Fill-In-the-Blanks Enrollment of PersonnelIncludes Embedded Fingerprint Registration Tool For using Biometric ReadersCan Link Personnel To Photos For Visual VerificationMaps and Floorplans Can Be Imported for Site-Specific Door ManagementAlarms and Exception Events Are Logged with Email NotificationAdvanced Access Control Features Are Easily ProgrammedAnti-PassbackDoor Interlocks for Mantrap Control ApplicationsMulti-Card Opening Groups for High-Security DoorsOne Click Database back-upDetailed User Roles Are Easily Created to Allow Different Levels of Password-Protected Management of the SystemAll software modification actions are internally logged for later review Summary of IP Door Access Control Access Control Concept All the door control systems connect to the network and are powered over Ethernet (PoE). You can select the Isonas IP door readers which are excellent for small to medium installations, or the Hartmann Controls Enterprise access control system that includes advanced capability such as elevator control, and integration with IP camera systems. If you need additional security, you can select the biometric access control system.  The biometric readers cost slightly more per door than the two other systems but add additional security. Select the Isonas Door Access System when you need a simple system for a small to medium door control installation. It is the easiest system to install and manage.Select the Hartmann Enterprise Door Access System when you need a system with more capability.  The cost per door is similar to the Isonas system.Select the Kintronics Biometric Door Systems when you need increased security. If you would like help selecting the right door access control system for your organization, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IP Camera Systems - Professional Versus Consumer Systems Comparison of Professional IP Camera Systems and Home Camera Systems, What’s the difference? If you do a search for IP camera systems, you may see low-cost IP cameras advertised by Amazon, Costco, BestBuy, and other consumer sellers. You can find IP cameras starting at under $40, but are these IP cameras right for your business, school, hospital, government organization, or commercial organization? The answer is no. They are not designed for professional applications.  One of the most important things to understand is that commercial IP camera systems are “systems.” The professional IP camera system consists of an IP camera, video recording system, and infrastructure that includes the network, video management software, and display system. The consumer surveillance camera is primarily only a “camera.” The following article compares the difference between consumer type IP camera systems and commercial type IP camera systems. Quality Versus Price of Professional IP Camera Systems Commercial IP camera systems provide better quality and reliability than consumer camera systems. The commercial or professional IP camera system costs more than the home camera system but provides more capability, and reliability. Consumer cameras are available for under $100, with some selling as low as $39.99. These cameras advertise 1080p resolution. That’s equivalent to 2-Megapixel camera resolution. Think about this price. Have you ever purchased a good lens for your photo camera? I bet you had to pay $200 to $500 for the better lens. Now image what type of lens is included with the $39.99 camera. These low-cost lenses reduce the clarity of the video. This means you will not be able to identify the person’s face in the video or see the license plate number. The other day I was walking down the street, and I passed a guy selling watches.   There was one watch that looked just like an expensive Rolex, but it cost only $50. What a deal, I thought.  I think everyone tries to find the best deal. Unfortunately, we sometimes forget that old maxim, “you get what you pay for.”  I know I do.  How many times have we gotten burned by this? Better IP cameras are reliable and rugged. They are designed to last for many years of operation. The professional IP cameras that are designed for business applications provide much better video, can see areas that are further away and can operate at night. Reliability of Commercial IP Camera Systems Versus Consumer Camera Systems The commercial camera systems have better reliability than the low-cost consumer cameras. Imagine installing a camera on a pole and then having to replace it after a few months of operation. The labor cost alone will make the cheap camera much more expensive than the professional IP camera. The commercial IP cameras from Hanwha have a five-year warranty. This almost guarantees trouble-free operation for at least that long.  Take a look at our article, “What is the Best Price for Your IP Camera System?” for more about this topic. Security Provided by Professional IP Camera Systems Versus Home Camera Systems The professional IP camera systems that are designed for schools, business, government, and other organizations, provide much better protection from hacking and malware than home systems. The consumer home cameras are much more vulnerable to hackers.  The home camera systems usually consist of a small number of cameras connected to WiFi.  These Wifi connections and their ease of use make them more vulnerable than the sophisticated network attached IP camera systems for business. The consumer grade IP cameras include nice features for personal use such as viewing the video on your smartphone, but these features are not safe. They shouldn’t be used in a business IP camera system. Professional systems also have mobile apps, but these are connected to the video management software (VMS) or the NVR rather than the camera. This provides better security control. Video Recording for Professional IP Camera Systems Commercial business IP camera systems are designed to record the video from large quantities of network attached IP cameras. The number of IP cameras in these systems range from a few cameras to enterprise systems, with thousands of cameras, that are located in many different geographic locations. The professional video management software provides sophisticated IP camera management tools that make it easy to install and maintain the camera system. A home type IP camera system is designed for a small number of cameras — the IP camera systems record to the memory card in the camera, or to a cloud system. The memory cards have limited capacity, and it’s difficult to track the recording over multiple cameras. If a cloud recording system is used, it must be connected through the home internet connection to a remote server. These systems usually have limited bandwidth which means that only a few cameras can be used in the home. Consumer IP cameras have simple motion detection that triggers video recording. This means that the home video system may record quite a lot of video that you are not interested in. Recording video to the cloud can be costly, and it is also difficult to find the important recorded video. The professional grade business IP cameras have secure connections to dedicated video recording systems. The video data stream is encrypted, and the recording system can handle hundreds of IP cameras. The professional business IP camera systems have effective alarm detection that only records critical video. The recording system can be set to record video if something is a certain size, or if the person crossed a preset line. It can also detect an object left in the lobby, or trigger an alarm when the laptop is removed from the desk.  The recording systems include search features that allow you to find the video you want quickly. You can easily locate the video that shows when a laptop went missing. Performance of Professional IP Camera Systems Versus Consumer Cameras Professional IP Cameras provide advanced features that are not available in consumer cameras. One important aspect of commercial IP camera systems is that they can be adjusted to reduce false alarms. This controls the number of notifications to the security center and reduces the recorded video. The professional IP camera systems include many features and functions not found in consumer cameras. For example, the professional IP cameras are available with intelligent video capability. For information about all the features provided by intelligent IP video cameras, look at our article, “The Intelligent IP Camera.” There are also high-performance PTZ cameras with extended range that allow you to see objects that are miles away. These special cameras include IR illumination or are teamed with thermal imaging cameras to create systems that can see day and night. You can select from professional off-the-shelf PTZ IP cameras, and custom designed PTZ IP Camera systems that allow you to see things that are over five miles away. Integration of Professional IP Camera Systems and Other Security Systems Commercial IP camera systems can be integrated with door access control, IP paging systems, and IP intercom systems that can help control who enters the building. Security is increased when you can monitor who enters a door. They can also be used with license plate recognition systems, gate control systems, and biometric access control. To learn more about how to integrate security systems take a look at our article, "How to Integrate Door Access and IP Camera Systems." Summary of How Professional IP Camera Systems Compare to Consumer Home type IP Cameras IP Camera Systems that are designed for professional applications provide better quality, reliability, and functionality. They provide all the functionality required by business, schools, hospitals, government, and commercial organizations. Professional IP camera systems are designed to support large numbers of cameras.  They are more secure and allow you to easily identify security problems.  Though consumer IP cameras are inexpensive they are not right for commercial applications. For help selecting the IP camera system for your business, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-50 I used to be allergic to soap but I’m clean now. The patron saint of poverty is St. Nickeless. What did the man say when the bridge fell on him? The suspension is killing me. Do you have weight loss mantras? Fat chants! My tailor is happy to make a new pair of pants for me. Or sew it seams. Here is some advice from Phyllis Diller (a comedian from many years ago): Whatever you may look like, try to marry a man your own age because as your beauty fades, so will his eyesight. Housework can't kill you, but why take a chance? The reason why most women don't play football is because eleven of them would never want to wear the same outfit in public. The best way to get rid of kitchen odors is to eat out. A bachelor is a guy who never made the same mistake once. I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford, then I want to move in with them. Most children threaten at times to run away from home. But fortunately, this is the only thing that keeps some parents going. We spend the first 12 months of our children's lives teaching them to walk and talk, and the next 12 years telling them to sit down and shut up. Some Puns: Need an ark to save two of every animal? I Noah guy. Alternative facts are aversion of the truth. I used to have a fear of hurdles, but I got over it. Atheism is a non-prophet organization. These are discussions heard in court ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?WITNESS: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?WITNESS: My name is Susan! ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam? ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty -year-old, how old is he?WITNESS: Uh, he's twenty. ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?WITNESS: Are you kidding me? The Explanation of Quantum Theory: So the veterinarian comes out in the waiting room and says, "Mr Schrodinger, I have good news and bad news about your cat." Quantum theory is complicated but may prove helpful when you are at a party and run out of conversation. If you are only interested in the jokes and cartoons and would rather not think about anything scientific, please skip to the next set of jokes. Schrodinger was a physicist who provided a thought experiment to describe a quantum mechanics theory developed by Albert Einstein, Boris Yakovlevich Podolsky, and Nathan Rosen in 1935. Schrodinger described a hypothetical cat that may be simultaneously both alive and dead. The cat is in a steel chamber along with a special device that may kill the cat, or not. After one hour of waiting, one can imagine that the cat still lives, but there is also an equal probability that the cat is also dead. That's why the nurse had good news and bad news. Back to the jokes A man walks into a New York bank and asks for a $1,000 loan for a month-long trip to Asia. The loan officer tells him “You are going to need some collateral if you want a loan.” The man tells him “I’ll leave my Rolls Royce, it’s worth $200,000.” The bank accepts the security and laughs at him for leaving such an expensive car for such a small loan. When he comes back from his trip he goes to the bank and repays his loan plus interest, coming to $1,020. The bank manager smirks at him and asks "We know you are a millionaire, why would you get such a small loan and use such an expensive car for collateral?" The man looks at him and smiles "Where else can I park my car in the city for a month for $20?" A church puts out a wanted ad for somebody to ring their bell each day. A man with no arms replies to the want ad. The priest asks him "How can you ring a bell with no arms?" The man runs into the bell face first and the bell rings loud and beautifully. The priest gives him the job. One day he misses the bell though and falls to his death. The priest and several other people come to the man's side and one of them says "Who is he?" The priest replies "I don't know. But his face sure rings a bell." A grandmother has just moved into a new apartment. She calls her grandson and suggests that he come over to see her pretty apartment. Her grandson asks, “I would love to come visit, but where do you live?” The grandmother tells her grandson, “I live on 1486 Eighty-sixth street. Once you get to the building open the door with your elbows. Once you get to the elevator hit the up button with your elbow. I'm on the third floor so you're going to have to hit the number 3 on the elevator with your elbow. Then once you get off I'm the first to the left, just hit the doorbell with your elbow." The grandson replies, "That sounds easy enough, but why with my elbows?" The grandmother says, "What? ... you're coming empty-handed?" Miss Jones had just given her second-grade students a science lesson. She had explained about magnets and showed how they would pick up nails and other bits of iron. Now it was question time. Miss Jones said, "My name begins with the letter 'M' and I pick up things. What am I?" A little boy in the front row proudly said, "You're a mother! A Computer Poem: I think that I shall never see a computer made like me. A me that wears an overcoat And likes a risky anecdote. A me that taps his foot and grins whenever Dixieland begins. A me that likes martinis dry, And on the rocks a little rye. They make computers for a fee, But only moms can make a me. I hope you enjoyed these jokes. We thank Dave Grossman and Ellyn Goldstein for their contributions.  Contact me if you have any good jokes.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Door Access Control – Frequently Asked Questions FAQs Door Access Questions and Answers Door access control systems provide security for business, school, government organizations. Access control has become more important as the need for improved safety has increased. How does door access control work, what is the most secure access control system, and why do I need door access control management software are some of the questions and answers provided. The following list of frequently asked questions is provided to help you learn more about the technology. Click on the questions to see the answer. How does door access control work? Are smart IP Door Readers better than door readers that use control boxes? What is the most secure door access system? Do you need to add an identification number to each new credential? Why do I need door access management software? Can fire alarm systems be integrated into a door access system? Should you use on-premises or cloud-based access control software? Can you control an elevator with door access control? What are biometric door readers? How do I install an IP Door Access System? Can I use my smartphone for door access? Answers to Your Questions about Door Access Control How does door access work? Door access systems consist of door readers, a control unit, and door access control software. Some door access systems have the control unit function built into the reader. This simplifies the wiring and makes installation much easier. Door readers can use PINs, proximity RFID cards, or biometrics such as fingerprints or facial recognition. Some of the door readers can also use Bluetooth connection from a smartphone. All these things are called “credentials,” and they are used by the door reader to identify the person who would like to open the door. Door access control software is used to manage the door access control system. It helps you enter all the people who will be using the system and the credential they will use. It also controls where, when and who can enter certain doors. For more information, take a look at our article, How Door Access Control Works. Are smart IP Door Readers better than door readers that use control boxes? The smart IP door readers provide significant advantages over the older dumb door readers and central control box. The most obvious advantage is the simplicity of installation. The IP door readers connect to your network infrastructure so they require less wiring. These readers are powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE), so you usually don't have to run separate power to each door. The simple door readers connect to a centralized control box using a multi-wire Wiegand cable connection while the IP door readers use a standard network cable.  The readers and control box access control systems are less expensive, but since they require special installation, they can be more expensive to install. The IP door readers are easier to install, and In many cases, they can be self-installed. For more detail about what is the better access control system is, take a look at our article, "How to Install an IP Door Access Control System." What is the most secure door access system? Access control covers a range of door control readers. There are readers that use a PIN to gain entry. The next level uses a credential such as a card. The most secure level uses biometrics such as facial recognition or fingerprints. The door readers that use PIN system can be used on a single door, but they are not very secure. What happens if the PIN gets out? Or if one of the people leaves your organization. You will constantly have to change the PIN to keep the door secure. The most popular door readers use credentials. Using a card is more secure, but what happens if someone loses the card or gives it to someone else. Biometric readers capture the physiological characteristics of a person and make them the most secure form of door access control. To learn more about security provided look at our article, Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems. Do you need to enter an identification number to each new credential? No, all forms of credentials such as lanyard type cards (thick cards or clamshell type), thin cards (that can go in the wallet), and keyfobs come with identification numbers already embedded. There is no need to add ID numbers to the credentials. A person is registered into the door access control system by entering the number of the credential along with the person's information. The credential can be swiped using a reader at the computer, or manually entered. The additional information can include the person name, contact information, picture, and whatever else is important for reference. To learn more about door access control credentials and how they work, take a look at our article, How Door Access Control Works. Why do I need door access management software? In most cases, door access management software is required. There are some simple door access systems that allow you to enter the credential and user information into the reader, but these are minimal systems. Door access control software makes it easy to manage many door readers. The software provides a central management system that allows you to enter all the members of your organization. With the access control software, you can enter new members, delete and edit all the information. The software associates a person to an assigned credential. Each person is given a credential, and the ID number of the card (credential) is either entered manually or automatically by scanning the credential. The software also keeps a record of who has entered, a specific door, at a specific time. Some door access control systems include the option for cloud management while others are on-site or on-premises software. See the discussion below about the difference between cloud subscription and on-site licensing. For more about door access software look at our article, Advanced Door Access Control. Can fire alarm systems be integrated into a door access system? Yes, there are a number of ways to integrate fire alarm systems into access control systems. The simplest system uses a relay controlled by the fire alarm control system. The relay drops power to the electric door lock and allows people to exit. There is also a system that uses the network to control power to the electric lock. This simplifies the wiring since it uses the existing network infrastructure. The third method uses a controlled power supply that is turned off by using a signal from the fire control box. A fourth method uses a smart door reader that can provide a signal to all the other door readers. A wire from the fire control is connected to one of the input connections of a door reader. The door access control software is used to communicate with all the other door readers so an enterprise control can occur. This only works if the door reader has this intelligence. For more details about how to connect fire control systems to door access systems take a look at our article,  Access Control and Fire Alarm System Integration. Should you use on-premises or cloud-based access control software? It depends on your requirements. If you would like to be able to manage your door access from anywhere including a mobile app, then the cloud solution is a good choice. The cloud access control management service is only available from Isonas. The Kintronics door access management solution is an on-site license solution, but it does include a mobile app that can be used to remotely manage the door access system. An on-premises door access management solution is better if you are concerned about sending your personal information off-site.  The on-site license is a one-time license, but there can be optional support fees. The cloud management service is a subscription that you pay for each month, or yearly. This is a continuous cost that covers usage and upgrades. The total cost for cloud versus on-site solutions depends on the number of doors and the manufacturer of the door access system. For example, the on-site license from Isonas costs less when you have many doors. The biometric access control management software from Kintronics is only available as an on-site solution. For a more complete discussion of cloud versus on-site licenses, take a look at our article, Access Control Software. Can you control an elevator with door access control? Yes, but you do need some specialized equipment. The elevator control system consists of a door access reader and a special control box that contains a set of relays. The relays are used to control the buttons that can be pressed. The elevator control box integrates with the buttons inside the elevator and the electronics in the elevator machine room. The reader in the elevator determines what floors the person can reach. The reader can be a simple RFID type reader or a biometric reader.  When a floor button is pressed in the elevator, the signal goes through the elevator control panel, and then to the elevator system that moves the elevator. For more details about elevator control take a look at our article, Elevator Control Using Door Access Control. What are biometric door readers? Biometric door access control readers use fingerprints, facial recognition or some other biometric that can identify a person. These readers are more secure than a reader that uses a card credential because they identify the person rather than the item that they carry. Those physiological characteristics can include biometrics such as fingerprints, finger veins, palms, retinas, irises, faces, and voice.  A person’s biometric attributes are registered and collected in a templet database, so they can be used for comparison when the person tries to enter the door. The systems can be compared based on the speed of verification, and most importantly, their accuracy.  For more information about Biometric door access control, take a look at our article Fingerprint and Facial Recognition Access Control. How do I install an IP Door Access System? IP Door Access Control Systems are easy to install and provide excellent flexibility. There are RFID proximity IP readers and biometric door readers such as a fingerprint or facial recognition readers, that connect to the network. In many cases, you can use PoE to power the reader and the electric lock. An IP door access control reader is different from the older Wiegand door readers. Instead of connecting to a control panel, the door reader attaches to the network. All the intelligence is inside the reader. It maintains the rules and holds the database of users who can access the door. This means that even if the network is down, the reader will still operate (if it has power). The door access software is used to manage and edit the information that’s stored in the readers. It only communicates with the readers when there is a change in the information. For more details about installation, take a look at our article, How to Install IP Door Readers. Can I use my smartphone for door access control? There are some door access control systems that use the Bluetooth connection to your smartphone for the credential. Isonas is one of the door access control companies that include a built-in Bluetooth capability. The door reader can connect to an app running in your IOS or Android smartphone. In most cases, you enable the app when you are near the door, and by holding close to the door it will be identified by the door reader. For more details about using your smartphone, take a look at our article, Smartphone Door Access Using Bluetooth Reader. If you have more questions, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 anywhere else, or by using our contact form. ### IP Camera Systems – The Complete Reference Guide Everything you wanted to know about IP camera systems So you would like to purchase an IP camera system. You may have some idea about your goals. But, are those expectations realistic? The more you know about the capability of the IP camera system, the better you can select the system that meets your expectations. This technical summary provides the information you need to make an informed purchase of your IP camera system. How the IP Camera System Works IP cameras consist of a lens, sensor, video amplifier, microcomputer and network interface that connects the camera to the network. A complete IP Camera System includes recording software. The latest security camera systems can also include intelligence. AI-enhanced cameras and software automatically detect threats and provide alarms that prevent dangerous situations from becoming critical. This AI technology offers a paradigm change in the usage of IP Camera Systems. Read more about AI-enhanced camera systems. The sensor of the camera defines the resolution. A good lens is also required to make sure the picture is clear.  Some inexpensive cameras have mega-pixel sensors, but the lens is so bad that the picture looks fuzzy. The electronics also helps provide a clear video signal. It assures that you can see not only in bright sunlight but also when it gets dark. Some camera can see things at night that our eyes can’t see. To learn more, look at our video, How the IP Camera Works. The IP camera systems also include the video recording system. There are a number of different recording systems including special video management software (VMS), network video recorders (NVR), and cloud recording systems. See below for more about recording the video from your IP camera system. Understanding IP Camera Specifications, What’s Important IP Camera specification sheets help you select the right camera for your IP security and surveillance system. But, which specifications are important?  The important specifications for an IP camera include resolution, minimum light sensitivity, lens, WDR, signal to noise, etc.  It is important to know how to avoid being fooled by specsmanship (from the marketing department). One example, of confusing specifications, is the resolution definition. In the old days, the resolution was measured in TV lines, and they used a TV test pattern to analyze the resolution.  Today resolution is defined by the total number of pixels in the sensor or the horizontal and vertical pixels.  Marketing people also use the term “HD” and “720p” or “1080p”, and most recently “4K”.  720p cameras have at least 720 vertical lines (or pixels). Remember, IP cameras are defined by the number of horizontal and vertical pixels and not scan lines. It can be very confusing. Resolution of IP Camera Systems 720p cameras usually have a sensor with at least 1.0 megapixels. For example, the Sony SNC-EM600 has a resolution of 1280 x 1024 (or 1.3-megapixel sensor), The Axis M3044V 1.0-megapixel camera has only 1280 x 720 pixels. Most professional IP cameras provide at least 2.0-Megapixel resolution. The 1080p cameras have at least a 2-megapixel sensor, and it is considered to be the higher resolution “HD camera.”  To confuse us, some manufacturers specify their 3-megapixel or 5-megapixel camera as “1080P” as well. 4K Camera:  This usually refers to an IP camera with at least 4,000 vertical lines.  Unfortunately, some manufacturers claim 4K-resolution but provide less resolution.  For example, Axis introduced a camera with 3840 x 2160 which they call Ultra HD. The Hanwha (Samsung) PNO-9080R has a resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels.  The Sony 4K IP camera has a chip with 4096 H × 2160 V pixels which run at up to 60 fps and conforms to the Digital Cinema Initiative. The marketing people call all these cameras “4K”. To learn more about other things that affect what you can see such as minimum low light sensitivity, clarity of the lens, and wide dynamic range look at our article describing all the important IP camera specifications. Low-Light Sensitivity of the IP Camera The low-light sensitivity of the camera is a significant specification. The low light sensitivity of an IP camera is affected by amplifier gain, low signal to noise amplification, iris control, day/night filter, frame rate, and shutter speed. In some applications, it can also help to select a camera with a built-in IR illuminator. (See below for more about adding light). The resolution will sometimes affect the low-light capability of the IP camera. Usually, the 2-Megapixel cameras will provide better low-light capability than the 5-Megapixel cameras. For more information, take a look at our article about How to Set Up an IP Camera for Low Light Situations. The Lens for Your IP Camera System If you have cameras located in different locations and are viewing different things, you probably need different lenses. Many IP cameras come with a lens, so you need to select the right camera and lens system. If you are viewing a parking lot you will need a different lens than one used to view a small room. The field of view defines how wide an area you can see, and the zoom or magnification of lens will determine how far away you can see. For more information about how the lens affects what you can see with your IP camera system, take a look at our article Calculating What You Can See with Your IP Camera. Defining Your Objectives for the IP Camera System Before you select your IP camera system, you need to determine what your objectives are.  Your objectives can be different for each area that you want to monitor. For example, the purpose of your IP camera surveillance system can include increased safety, reduced theft, improved productivity, or reducing liability. It also includes how quickly you need to be notified of an alarm condition. For example, the latest intelligent IP cameras provide advanced analytics that provides immediate notifications if they see a person crossing a line, leave a package, or take a package. They can even let you know if they hear a person screaming or a gunshot. For more about cameras with analytic capability, take a look at our article, The Intelligent IP Camera. Knowing your objectives helps you determine the right camera. It will help you choose the right resolution, the best lens, the low-light capability, or whether or not you need wide dynamic range (WDR). You may also need audio capability, analytic functions, special inputs, and outputs. You also can select the best video recording and management system. Of course, we can always help you select the right components for your IP camera system. Each type of situation can affect the final camera system specifications we need. To learn more about setting objectives, look at our article about Defining Your Objectives. It includes discussions about reducing liability, catching criminals, improving productivity, controlling door access, validating a remote alarm, and even viewing animals in the wild. What Can You See with Your IP Camera System? It is important to understand what you can see with your IP camera. Can you see the target when it’s dark? How far away is the object? What detail do you need? We can predict the performance of the IP camera system by knowing the specifications of the camera and the lens. The magnification of the lens determines how far away you can see. The detail you can see is determined by the resolution of the camera. The article Calculating What You Can See With Your IP Camera describes how to calculate the performance of the IP camera. Some cameras are capable of low-light operation and can add IR illumination for viewing in total darkness. The thermal imaging camera can be used to see far away in total darkness.  The article Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria, describes what we need to detect an object, or to recognize what it is, or to identify the person. Long range IP camera systems provide the ability to see things that are many miles away. There are some medium range systems that can detect an object that is about two miles away. Specialized custom made long-range PTZ cameras can detect targets that are over 10 miles away. Take a look at our article Comparison of Long Range IP Camera Systems that describes the capability of different long-range camera systems. Video Recording for IP Camera Systems Whatever IP camera you get, you will also need some way of recording the video and managing the cameras. The video management system provides many functions. It records the video when you want it to be recorded. Sometimes we only record when an alarm condition is detected such as motion detected. In other cases, we want to only record over a specific time period. We may want to record the video at night and holidays. The video management software (VMS) allows us to set many different conditions for recording as well as when the security person should be alerted. Some of the video recording systems also include integration with other systems such as door access control. Take a look at our article, How to Integrate IP Camera Systems with Door Access Systems. There are three types of IP camera recording systems to consider. Each one provides some unique capability. Video Management Software Network Video Recorder Cloud service systems To learn more about the video recording systems, take a look at our Video Recording Systems summary. What is the Best IP Camera System The best IP camera system depends on your own requirements.  You may require increased safety, or reduce theft. You may want to improve productivity or reduce liability. One very important consideration is how quickly you need to be notified of an alarm condition. Do you want to be notified when a person steals the laptop from the desk or leaves an unattended package, or do you need to record what happens in the parking lot? Once you have answered these questions you can select a low-cost camera system or one that includes a special zoom lens. You may want an IP camera system to watch a small room or a road that is 5 miles away. If you need to see a very wide area with very good resolution, you can select an IP camera system with 4K resolution. For help in selecting the right IP camera system for your application, take a look at our article, What is the Best Camera for IP Camera Systems. Summary of IP Camera System Technology IP camera systems can provide surveillance, notification of alarms, reduction in insurance costs, stop unwanted entry, or increased productivity. Once you understand your objectives and understand how IP camera systems work, you can select the right IP camera system for your requirements. If you need help specifying your IP camera system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-49 A man was sitting reading his papers when his wife hit him in the head with a frying pan. ‘What was that for?’ the man asked. The wife replied, ‘That was for the piece of paper with the name Jenny on it that I found in your pants pocket’. The man then said ‘When I was at the races last week, Jenny was the name of the horse I bet on.’ The wife apologized and went on with the housework. Three days later the man is watching TV when his wife bashes him on the head with an even bigger frying pan, knocking him unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, the man asked why she had hit again. Wife replied. ‘Your horse phoned’ Ate salad for dinner. Mostly croutons & tomatoes. Really just one big round crouton covered with tomato sauce. And cheese. FINE, it was a pizza. I ate a pizza, are you happy? I don't mean to brag, but I finished my 14-day diet food supply in 3 hours and 20 minutes. A recent study has found women who carry a little extra weight live longer than men who mention it. Bookseller conducting a market survey asked a woman – “Which book has helped you most in your life?” The woman replied, “My husband’s cheque book!” Someone asked an old man: “Even after 70 years, you still call your wife – darling, honey, luv. What’s the secret?" Old man: “I forgot her name and I’m scared to ask her." Morris , an 82-year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm.A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, ‘You’re really doing great, aren’t you?’ Morris replied, ‘Just doing what you said, Doc: ‘Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.” The doctor said, ‘I didn’t say that.. I said, ‘You’ve got a heart murmur; be careful.’ John was on his deathbed and gasped pitifully."Give me one last request, dear," he said."Of course, John, " his wife said softly."Six months after I die," he said, "I want youto marry Bob.""But I thought you hated Bob," she said.With his last breath, John said, "I do!" I hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. If you know some good ones, please send them to me. Thank you to Ellyn Goldstein for contributing some of these jokes. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How Door Access Control Works How the Door Reader, credential and access control software work Door access control has become a very important part of our security structure. The door readers control the electric lock and determine who enters the building. The access control readers use credentials which can be cards that fit in your wallet, or thick lanyard cards with holes that can be worn around your neck, or keyfobs that attach to your keyring. The latest door readers can also use your smartphone to open the door. The most secure credentials are your biometric attribute. Your face or fingerprint provides accurate identification of you rather than the credential you carry. This article describes how door access control systems work. The Door Reader for Door Access The RFID door readers use credentials that have embedded circuits and an antenna. The reader broadcasts a signal that is received by the credential antenna. The broadcasted electrical signal from the door reader contains enough power to energize the circuit in the credential. Once the electric circuit in the credential receives the power it sends back a signal to the access control reader that includes its identification (ID) number. How the Card Reader Works The latest door readers are smart devices that connect to the network and are powered using Power over Ethernet (PoE). They connect directly to the network and hold the identification codes for all the people assigned to the system. They can work even if the organization's network is down and the central management software is unavailable. They can operate by themselves as long as backup power is provided to the network switch that connects and powers (using PoE) all the readers. The door reader transfers the ID number it receives to the controller portion of the door access control system. The Isonas door access system includes the controller function built into the reader while the Hartmann door access control system uses a separate controller. The controller compares the ID number to the list in its memory. If the ID is acceptable it will unlock the door. The door reader controls the electric lock on the door. The new readers provide the power to control the lock. They also have sensors to detect if the door is opened and Request to Exit (REX) connections to open the door using a button. Door Reader Credentials for Door Access Control System The credentials come with a unique internal number that identifies the card credential. You can select the type of RFID credential you would like. For example, there are a thin card, thick card, or keyfob formats. Each credential has a unique number. There are also credentials that use different data formats and frequency between the credential and the door reader. There are Wiegand 26-bit, HID that use 125 KHz frequency, and Smart-cards that use 13.56 MHz frequency. Since there are many different formats, It is best to order your credentials from the same vendor as the door reader and to order additional credentials from the same vendor. This will assure that you receive the next batch of numbered credentials with unique numbers. The packages of door credentials are identified and sold based on their starting and ending ID number. Smartphone Bluetooth Credential The latest readers can also read a unique number provided by your smartphone. In this case, an app running on your phone connects to the reader using a Bluetooth connection. Most Bluetooth enabled door readers will require you to enable the app when you are near the door reader. Biometric Readers and Credentials for Door Access These special biometric readers are designed to read biometric information instead of a card that you carry. There are fingerprint readers, facial readers, finger vein, and other readers that read a characteristic of the person rather than a card that they carry. This is a much more secure system but costs more per door. Door Access Control Management Modern door access systems use door access management software that runs on your Windows PC or in a cloud server. The door control management system can be controlled through your PC or an app on your smartphone. The registration data is held in a database in the computer and this information is broadcast over the network to all the readers on the network. The software maintains the database of all the registered users. It allows new members to be added, deleted or edited. The software associates a person to an assigned credential. Each person is given a credential, and the ID number of the card (credential) is either entered manually or automatically by scanning the credential. Many systems allow you to include a picture of the user so that it is easy to confirm the right person has the credential. This is helpful when the system is integrated with an IP camera system. The access control management systems allow you to determine the time and day a person can enter, as well as the door they can use. The software also allows you to assign the management person, and who can add new people to the list. In some cases, you can add additional information such as the department the person is in, and other data that may help. To assist in operating the system, some management systems include maps of the premises, that can help you monitor alarm situations. You can also establish alerts such as door opened too long, or even if an unauthorized person tries to open a door. Access Control Conclusion Door access control systems include credentials that contain an identification number. The ID is assigned to each person who will use the access control readers.  The door access control software runs on your computer or in a cloud computer. The new door readers hold all the IDs and the name of the people assigned to the system. To learn more about door access control, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425, or use our contact form. ### How to Increase Security in an Apartment Building Apartment Building Technology for Security Network attached security devices can provide walls of defense that increase safety in apartment buildings. Security can be provided by a number of different IP technologies such as door access control, IP camera systems, and IP intercoms and paging systems. Much like the walls of a castle, they provide increased safety and security. Here is a summary of the lines of defense established by security technology: Door access control provides the first line of defense. It allows only the tenets with credentials to enter the building. The second line of defense controls visitors and delivery people. The third line of defense provides surveillance of the area and provides video records of everyone on the premises. The fourth level of protection uses an IP paging system to keep people informed of any emergency situation. All the technologies connect to the local area network, so they are easy to install and integrate. Here is a summary of the lines of defense established by security technology: Access Control – The First Line of Defense for Apartment Buildings Door access control and electric gates that control parking lots secure the entrances of an apartment building. Door access control readers can be integrated with IP camera systems to provide a secure barrier to assure that only registered people can enter the facility. Door Access Readers Prevent Unauthorized Entry There are door readers that are controlled by card credentials, smartphone (Bluetooth) and others that use biometrics. Credential Type Door Readers The credential type readers are also called RFID or proximity door readers. They are easy to use but require the person to always carry the card. The credentials are also available as keyfobs that can be attached to a keyring. The latest door readers are connected to the network, so they are very easy to install. There are a number of ways to integrate the IP camera systems with door access control systems. Take a look at our article How to Integrate Door Access and IP camera Systems for more details on how to do it. Biometric door readers Biometric door readers can use a fingerprint, face or finger-vein to identify a person. These are more secure than the proximity or RFID readers because they identify the person rather than the credential (card) that they carry. Gate Access Control Prevents Unauthorized Parking Entry Electric gates can be controlled using long-range Readers. Special readers use larger antennas to provide a range of over 40 ft. This means a vehicle with a long-range credential can open the gate as the vehicle approaches. IP Intercoms for Door Access – The Second Line of Defense for Apartment Buildings An IP intercom provides access control for guests and delivery people. The intercom allows them to contact a resident on their smartphone to request entry to the apartment building. The best IP intercoms include video so you can see the person at the door as well as talk to them. The new building intercoms are easy to install and communicate with an app on the resident’s smartphone. You can answer the door no matter where you are. IP Camera Systems – The Third Line of Defense for Apartment Buildings IP surveillance camera systems are used to monitor the activities of people who enter the apartment building. They are positioned to watch all the doors, lobbies, hallways, and parking areas. The intelligent cameras can send an alarm whenever motion is detected in certain areas. The video recording system allows you to review any activity. They can record crimes as well as record accidents. IP camera systems not only deter crime they can reduce insurance rates. IP Paging Systems – The Fourth Level of Defense An IP paging system can be used to notify people of any emergency situation. If there is a fire, the security office can provide specific instructions to each floor, a single building or the entire campus.  These IP speaker systems include the network interface and the amplifier providing an all-in-one solution that is very easy to install. This network attached speaker system attaches to the local area network so there is no extensive wiring required. Summary of Access Control and Security Apartment buildings can be made safer by adding IP security devices. These network-attached security devices create multiple levels of defense against intrusion. The door access control ensures that only people with credentials or the right biometric identification can enter. IP intercoms control visitors. The capability to provide video and audio to your smartphone allows the tenant to monitor entry no matter where they are.  IP camera systems can be used to monitor parking areas and hallways. They can create a security alert if someone is detected in the wrong area. Adding IP paging systems provides information to all the tenants about any situation that affects their safety. For help selecting the right security system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or just use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 48 A priest is walking down the street one day when he notices a very small boy trying to press a doorbell on a house across the street. However, the boy is very small, and the doorbell is too high for him to reach. After watching the boy’s efforts for some time, the priest moves closer to the boy’s position. He steps smartly across the street, walks up behind the little fellow and, placing his hand kindly on the child’s shoulder leans over and gives the doorbell a sold ring. Crouching down to the child’s level, the priest smiles benevolently and asks, “And now what, my little man?” To which the boy replies, “Now we run like Hell!” Seasonal jokes Q: What breakfast cereal does Frosty the Snowman eat?A: Snowflakes. Q: Where does the snowman hide his money?A: In the snow bank. Q: What do you get when you cross a Christmas tree with an apple?A: A pineapple! Some Stories One day a mailman was greeted by a boy and a huge dog. The mailman said to the boy, “does your dog bite?” “No,” replied the boy. Just then the huge dog bit the mailman. The man yelled, “I thought your dog doesn’t bite!” “He doesn’t,” replied the boy, “that’s not my dog!” Two men are drinking in a bar at the top of the Empire State Building. One turns to the other and says: "You know last week I discovered that if you jump from the top of this building by the time you fall to the tenth floor, the winds around the building are so intense that they carry you around the building and back into the window." The bartender just shakes his head in disapproval while wiping the bar. The 2nd Man says: "What are you a nut? There is no way that could happen." 1st Man: "No it’s true let me prove it to you." So he gets up from the bar, jumps over the balcony, and careens to the street below. When he passes the tenth floor, the high wind whips him around the building and back into the tenth-floor window and he takes the elevator back up to the bar. The 2nd Man tells him: "You know I saw that with my own eyes, but that must have been a one time fluke." 1st Man: "No, I’ll prove it again" and again he jumps and hurtles toward the street where the tenth-floor wind gently carries him around the building and into the window. Once upstairs he urges his fellow drinker to try it. 2nd Man: "Well what the hell, it works, I’ll try it." he jumps over the balcony, plunges downward, passes the eleventh, tenth, ninth, eighth floors... and hits the sidewalk with a ‘splat.’ Back upstairs the Bartender turns to the other drinker: "You know, Superman, you’re a real jerk when you’re drunk." What did the electrical engineer say when he got shocked? That hertz. What did the tectonic plates say to each other after the earthquake? It’s not my fault man! What did the structural engineer say to the architect? Nice buttress. More from Steven Wright If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the precipitate. What’s another word for Thesaurus? When I get real bored, I like to drive downtown and get a great parking spot, then sit in my car and count how many people ask me if I’m leaving. I spilled spot remover on my dog. Now he’s gone. You can’t have everything. Where would you put it? I planted some bird seed. A bird came up. Now I don’t know what to feed it. I still have my Christmas Tree. I looked at it today. Sure enough, I couldn't see any forests. If you can wave a fan, and you can wave a club, can you wave a fan club? Yesterday I told a chicken to cross the road. It said, "what for?" Hope you found these fun. Send me your jokes for the next newsletter.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Mobile Panic Buttons for Business, Schools, and Healthcare How Mobile Personal Emergency Buttons Work The latest mobile panic buttons are designed for business, education, healthcare, hotels, and other organizations.  The mobile panic button provides advanced capability and operates through cell phone services so are not tethered to one location. They can be used anywhere there is a phone connection. Panic-Buttons-in-the-City The new panic buttons have key features designed for business applications. The features include GPS locating, monitored travel, two-way conversations, silent monitoring of audio, operate anywhere, and include a flexible safety center.  The safety response center can be any place you choose. It is not tied to any specific service. You can establish a response center in your corporation, at the hospital, in your school, or hotel. Historically, panic buttons were used for medical emergencies in the home. These panic button systems were generally tied to a specific emergency answering service that helped to verify and provide emergency response.  Here’s how the new mobile panic buttons are used in business, schools and commercial organizations. How the Mobile Panic Buttons Works The mobile panic button connects to your smartphone through a Bluetooth connection. To establish the link, you download the app from Google or Apple. Once the app is downloaded, it helps you pair the Panic button to your phone. It also allows you to establish a connection to your security response center. Once the system is connected to your cell phone, it provides a quick response to any situation. The panic button is activated by triple-clicking the button. A phone connection is then established to your security center. They can listen to what’s happening and see precisely where you are located. They can determine what the situation is and then send emergency help. Two-way audio is provided through the panic button so you can talk directly to your safety response center and clarify your situation. Your location is provided through the smartphones GPS locating service. Push and hold the panic button, and it provides an entirely different function. The “Push and hold” function allows you to react to non-emergency situations. You can fake a phone call to get out of a meeting or find an excuse to leave a hostile environment.  It also allows you to send a text message to a designated person providing a quick way to react to unique situations. An important feature of the mobile panic button is the “Walking Escort Function.” The tracking and timing feature allows you to automatically set an automated alert if you exceed the amount of time required to reach your destination. For example, if you need to walk to your vehicle, you can set the timer. If you don’t reset the function, it will automatically send an emergency alert to your safety center. The system provides a virtual escort to the parking lot, subway station, or even your next appointment. The safety center can be designated as a “911” call or your organization’s safety center. When the response center receives an emergency alert, the software provides the name of the person, the location of the call, and details about the person calling. This can include medical information as well as the emergency contact person. The school can use its safety center, establish an emergency center or use their administrative office to handle the alerts. The hospital can assign its security center and other location depending on the organization. This emergency help request system provides options that fit all the organization's safety requirements. School Safety Using Mobile Panic Buttons Student safety is critical. The personal mobile panic button can be used by students or staff. It can help in student medical emergencies, assault, or active shooter situations.  The mobile panic alert provides instant assistance in an emergency on and off the campus. The GPS location allows the security center to determine where the person is and then send the appropriate help. They can even use their IP surveillance camera system to view the situation. The staff can use the panic button to trigger a lockdown. The advanced features of the personal emergency panic button can automatically trigger a campus-wide announcement through the IP paging system. A student can use the personal panic button to get immediate help. The safety center can listen to the audio from the unit and determine the right response to the call. The student is protected even if they are off-campus. The cell phone communication, along with GPS location, medical information, and emergency contacts are all available to the school’s safety center. This provides assurance to the administrators and parents that the best protection is available for their students. Healthcare Personal Mobile Panic Button Applications Nurses can face challenging situations when visiting people’s homes. They may travel through unsafe neighborhoods, and deal with difficult patients. The mobile personal alert system not only increases safety, but it also is helpful when recruiting and retaining good nurses for your health service. The GPS location provided by the system assures that help can be sent to the right place. The walking escort feature ensures that the nurse gets to the next location safely. The monitoring capability allows the hospital staff to analyze and respond to the situation. The “push and hold” function that generates a fake phone call provides an excuse to leave a hostile situation. The personal panic button increases safety at hospitals and other healthcare organizations. The GPS location provided by the system assures that help can be sent to the right place. The walking escort feature ensures that the nurse gets to the next location safely. The monitoring capability allows the hospital staff to analyze and respond to the situation. The “push and hold” function that generates a fake phone call provides an excuse to leave a hostile situation. The personal panic button increases safety at hospitals and other healthcare organizations. Hospitality and Hotel Personal Panic Buttons Hotel personnel can face hostile situations during their daily activities around the hotel. The personal mobile panic button provides a quick way to communicate with the hotel security. The silent alarm allows the security center to determine the correct response. The locating capability of the unit allows the security center to view the surveillance camera closest to the incident enabling them to provide the proper response. If a fire is detected, the alert can be used to notify the security center to trigger an alarm and use the emergency paging system to alert all the occupants of the hotel. Business Safety with Mobile Panic Buttons Corporate salespeople and technicians who travel can use the personal emergency panic button anywhere there is a cell phone connection and an emergency 911 type response system. The mobile panic button provides alerts not only when the employee is at the company but also wherever they travel. This added security improves corporate recruiting. The personal panic button provides increased safety in the building, in the parking lot, or out in the field. This personal panic button helps in many different situations such as in urban offices, realtors in the field, drivers such as delivery people, Lift, Uber, or taxi services.  The mobile panic button system works on the job or even in the commute to work. Summary of Mobile Panic Buttons The new personal mobile panic buttons add a new level of security and safety to people at work or in the field. They provide an excellent way to enhance the safety of students in school or outside. The healthcare industry can make their personnel safer when they are visiting patients. Hotel staff can feel secure knowing that help is close. No matter where your salespeople, installers, and technicians go they can be confident that they can get help no matter where they are. The GPS provides quick location information that allows help to reach them no matter where they are. ### What is the Best Camera for IP Camera Systems Comparison of Surveillance Cameras for Your IP Camera Systems To determine the best surveillance camera, you must first understand your objectives.  The purposes of your surveillance system include increased safety, reduced theft, improved productivity, or reducing liability. It also includes how quickly you need to be notified of an alarm condition. Do you want to know when a person steals the laptop from the desk or leaves an unattended package, or do you need to record what happens in the parking lot? This comparison of IP cameras focuses on the cameras. The camera is only one part of the IP camera system. The complete surveillance system includes a video recording and management system, network switches, and video storage system. Objectives for IP Camera Systems: Do you want to be alerted of danger, or do you only need to record the video for later review? These are very important considerations. Your objectives affect the price and performance of your surveillance camera system. Do you want to be alerted of danger, or do you only need to record the video for later review? These are very important considerations. Your objectives affect the price and performance of your surveillance camera system. Safety and security have become a very important objective for surveillance camera systems and the latest intelligent IP cameras provide advanced analytics that increases your security. The cameras become your first line of defense against active shooter situations and increased domestic terrorism. Alternatively, you may only need to record the video to determine how many people are in the store or working in the office. In all cases, the surveillance camera has to have a certain level of performance to meet your objectives. Some of the features we compared include resolution, low-light capability, wide dynamic range, distance from the camera, indoor or outdoor environment, intelligence (or analytic functions), and of course, the price. In general, IP Cameras that are used for historical recording and review do not have analytic functions and are less expensive. The higher priced surveillance camera can trigger an alarm if an object crosses a line, or if someone leaves a package in a busy terminal. They also include better video processing that improves the video clarity. Our article Defining Your Objectives provides more details about setting your objectives. IP Camera Systems for Historical Recording Hanwha IP Cameras We reviewed the IP cameras based on their cost, the resolution or detail required, and the lens. The lens determines how far away you can see something. The resolution determines how wide a field of view (FOV) you can see at the same detail (resolution). The price determines the capability and performance of the cameras. For example, you will pay more for a variable-zoom lens, very low-light capability, or analytic video features. If you want to detect a person screaming, it will cost more. IP camera systems can include a variety of different cameras. Each surveillance camera is selected based on the unique requirements defined by the specific requirements of each location. Here are the recommended IP cameras for specific applications: The Best Low-Cost IP Camera The lowest cost surveillance cameras are used indoors in small areas. Even though 1-Megapixel IP cameras are the least expensive, the price difference for a higher resolution camera is so small that it is not worth getting anything less than a 2-Megapixel IP camera. Cameras with a fixed lens are the least expensive. They are usually used in surveillance areas such as small rooms and corridors. The starting price for an inexpensive IP camera is between $150 and $200. There are lower priced consumer grade cameras available, but the video quality is too low for commercial applications. Take a look at our article, IP Camera Price Versus Performance to learn more about what you should expect to pay for your IP camera system. We reviewed low-cost IP cameras from Axis, Hanwha, and Hikvision. Note that you can use many different types of cameras in your IP surveillance system. Hanwha LND-6031R This indoor IP dome camera comes with a fixed 6 mm lens and IR illuminator. It is one of the lowest priced cameras with decent specifications. The camera is also available with 3 mm, 4 mm and 3.1 – 10 mm variable lens. It is ideal for hallway applications because it has a “corridor view” setting. This setting provides a longer view down the corridor by turns the image 90-degrees so that the long dimension is vertical rather than horizontal. Axis M3015 The Axis IP camera is the most expensive, but it has the smallest form factor. The dome camera is a discreet IP camera that is designed to be mounted in a drop ceiling. This model doesn’t include IR illumination, so it is best used in a room with adequate lighting. Hikvision DS-2CD2125FWD-I (We no longer sell Hikvision Cameras because of Government Restrictions) The small dome IP camera is excellent for small rooms with low light. It provides low-light sensitivity of 0.008 lux in color. It also includes an IR illuminator for operation in total darkness. You can select from a number of different fixed lenses such as 2.8 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm. The IP Camera with the Best Lens We compared 2-Megapixel cameras with variable lenses. The cameras we selected have variable lenses that allow you to adjust the field of view. There are manually adjustable variable lenses and remote zoom lenses that are motorized. The remote zoom variable lens costs more but makes installation much easier. The motorized lens allows you to adjust the field of view after the camera has been installed. The lens determines how far away you can see something. Pan tilt zoom (PTZ) cameras have motors that not only adjust the zoom lens, they also move the camera up and down (tilt), and from side to side (pan). They include the longest magnification (or zoom). The lens determines the distance from the camera to the specific Field of View (FOV). All the 2-megapixel cameras can identify a license plate in a FOV that’s 38 ft wide, and identify a person’s face in a FOV of 19 ft. If you select a higher resolution camera, the FOV becomes wider at the same distance. Here are the best 2-Megapixel cameras recommended based on their lens capability. Cameras with Remote Adjustable 4X Zoom Lens We compared the Hikvision 2-Megapixel camera to the QNV-6070R from Hanwha and the Axis P3225-LV MkII dome camera. The Hikvision DS-2CD2725FWD is better than the Hanwha camera because it includes a motorized zoom lens (the Hanwha camera is manually adjustable). The Axis IP camera has a remote zoom lens but is about twice as expensive as the Hikvision IP camera. The Hikvision dome IP camera can be used indoors or outdoors and includes a remotely adjustable 4X lens that ranges from 2.8 mm to 12 mm.  At the 12 mm setting, the lens provides an angle of 35⁰.  The camera includes an IR illuminator for viewing objects at night that are up to 98 ft away (30 m) away. Based on this lens angle, the furthest distance we can identify a license plate number is about 63 ft away. As we get further away, the field of view gets too wide to see the details we need to see. IP Cameras with Extended Zoom Lens IP cameras with extended range zoom lenses are available from Axis, Hanwha, and Hikvision. For example, the Axis Q1765-LE has an 18X zoom lens. Unfortunately, this camera costs over $200 more than the Hanwha XNO-6120R (with a 12X lens). We selected the XNO-6120R IP bullet camera because of its 12X zoom lens, built-in IR illuminator, and enhanced video analytics. The camera is also available as a dome IP camera. The 5.2 ~ 62.4mm lens provides a minimum angle of 5.3°.  This zoom lens allows you to read a license plate number that’s 400 ft away. It can also be used to identify a person’s face about 200 ft away. The camera includes an IR illuminator that reaches about 225 ft (70m) away. This is the right camera for your IP camera system when you need to add license plate recognition (LPR). PTZ Camera with a Very Wide Range of Zoom PTZ cameras are available from all the manufacturers. We compared some of the low-cost PTZ models that are available from Axis, Hikvision, and Hanwha. We selected the Hanwha SNP-L6233H PTZ camera because it includes an IR illuminator which is not available from Axis. The Hanwha IP PTZ camera also provides the best cost-performance when compared to the Hikvision and Axis models. The Hanwha PTZ camera includes a 23X zoom lens that allows you to see objects that are further away than the fixed lens cameras described above.  It also includes a long-range IR illuminator that allows you to see over 328 ft (100 m) in total darkness.. The camera includes a zoom lens with a 23X range of 4.4 to 101 mm. With a minimum lens angle of 3.1-degrees, you can read a license plate that’s over 700 ft (200 m) away, and identify a person’s face that’s about 350 ft (107 m) away.  There are other PTZ cameras with even longer zoom capability. The Best High-Resolution IP Cameras The resolution determines the detail you will see in a specific field of view (FOV). The field of view (FOV) is how wide an area you can see. The higher the resolution, the wider the field of view (at the same detail). The lens determines how far away you can see the same object. To calculate the field of view, we first determine how many pixels/ft we need to see a certain detail. For example, we need about 50 pixels/ft to read a license plate. The 2-Megapixel Camera such as the Hanwha QNV-6070R allows us to read a license plate number, in a 38 ft wide field of view. To identify a person’s face, we need about 100 pixels/ft. The 2-Megapixel cameras provide a field of view that’s about 19 ft wide. Higher resolution cameras provide a wider FOV than lower resolution cameras. For example, a 4-Megapixel camera increases the FOV from 38 ft to 52 ft wide.  One problem associated with higher resolution cameras is that the low-light sensitivity tends to be worse at higher resolutions. Some manufacturers provide reasonably good low-light sensitivity even at the higher resolution.  Here are our suggestions for the higher resolution cameras. 4-Megapixel IP Cameras Both Hikvision and Hanwha have 4-Megapixel cameras. There are also 5-megapixel cameras, but the latest 4-megapixel cameras provide similar resolution at a better price. We like the Hikvision DS-2CD2745FWD-IZS and the Hanwha QNV-8070R. These are very similar cameras with 2.8 to 12mm remote zoom lenses.  The low-light sensitivity of the Hikvision IP camera (0.01 lux)was slightly better than the Hanwha IP camera. The Highest Resolution 4K IP Cameras The highest resolution IP cameras we reviewed are called 4K cameras. 4K cameras are supposed to provide at least 4,000 pixels in the horizontal direction. With that in mind, only Hanwha and Sony have cameras that meet this definition. Cameras from Hikvision, Axis, and Panasonic use 8-Megapixel sensors with 3840 horizontal pixels. The Hanwha PNV-9080R uses a 12-megapixel sensor, and the Sony SNC-VM772R uses a very large 20-Megapixel sensor. Based on price and performance, the Hanwha PNV-9080R camera is the best choice. The high resolution allows you to read a license plate in a field of view of 82 ft and identify a person that’s 41 ft away. The IR illumination has a range of over 130 ft (40m). The camera provides low-light sensitivity of 0.3 lux. The very high-resolution camera is an excellent choice for your IP camera systems when you need to view a large area. IP Surveillance Camera Systems for Security Alerts Do you want to know when a package was left unattended in the lobby, or when someone takes the laptop off the desk, then cameras with intelligence or video analytics are required. The more advanced cameras can even alert the safety officer if someone screams or a gunshot is detected. The IP cameras that provide immediate notifications are part of a complete IP camera system. To receive real-time emergency alerts, they must be used with video management and recording systems that can also handle these alerts. The alarm from the camera is sent to the video management software where the security person is notified of a threat by an alarm sound, and the video from the intelligent IP camera. Video management software that can handle immediate notifications includes Ocularis 5 from OnSSI and WAVE from Hanwha. Both Hikvision and Hanwha have IP cameras with very sophisticated analytic functions. The built-in intelligence detects real-time events and can alert you the moment an event is detected. The advanced processing not only provides the intelligence, but it also improves the video performance. To learn more about intelligent IP cameras take a look at our article The Intelligent IP Camera. Hikvision DS-2CD5546G0-IZHS Select the Hikvision Smart Series camera if you need video analytic capability and very low-light performance. This Hikvision 4-Megapixel dome is an excellent addition to your IP Camera system. It uses the new Hikvision “Darkfighter” technology that enhances low-light sensitivity. The camera is rated at 0.002 Lux (with f/1.2 Lens). The camera provides behavior analysis such as Line crossing detection, intrusion detection, region entrance detection, region exiting detection, unattended baggage detection, object removal detection. It also includes exception notification such as scene change detection, audio exception detection, defocus detection. Hanwha XNV-8080R Select the Hanwha X-Series cameras for the advanced analytic capability and sophisticated video processing. The camera is more expensive than the Hikvision camera but provides some excellent capability that can be crucial for your safety and security. It is an excellent choice for all IP camera systems that need emergency alerts. The Hanwha XNV-8080R is a 5-megapixel camera that includes some significant analytics such as loitering, directional detection, defocus detection, fog detection, virtual line, Enter / Exit, (Dis)Appear, audio detection, face detection, motion detection, digital auto tracking, sound classification. It can detect audio alarms such as an explosion, glass breaking, gunshot or a person screaming.   It is also the best choice if you need digital image stabilization that includes a gyro sensor. If you plan to mount the camera on a pole or anywhere there can be vibration, select this IP camera. The highlight compensation feature blocks the overexposed areas caused by headlights, which makes it a good choice when you need license plate recognition. Summary of What is the Best Camera for Your IP Surveillance System The best surveillance camera depends on your requirements. The least expensive IP cameras have fixed lenses, while the most expensive provide the enhanced capability that can be very important to improving your security. Cameras are part of a complete IP camera system and sometimes are integrated with IP intercoms and door access control. They can also be used with personal mobile panic buttons that can be used for immediate notification of emergencies. For assistance in selecting the right surveillance camera, contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 47 Wi-Fi went down during family dinner tonight. One of the kids started talking and I didn’t know who she was. Don’t you hate it when you pack the family into the VR room for some recreational virtual time travel, and the damn kids keep asking, “Are we then yet?” My email password has been hacked. That’s the third time I’ve had to rename the cat. I assert dominance over millennials by responding to their texts with phone calls. What’s the difference between a lawyer and a jellyfish? One is a spineless, poisonous blob. The other is a form of sea life. A first-grade teacher had twenty-five students in her Clarkston, MI class. She presented each child in her class the first half of a well-known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. It's hard to believe these were actually done by first graders. Their insight may surprise you. While reading, keep in mind that these are just 6-year-olds. Don't change horses........................... until they stop.Strike while the.................................. bug is close.It's always darkest before................... Daylight Saving Time.You can lead a horse to water but....... how?Don't bite the hand that..................... looks dirty.news is.......................................... impossible.miss is as good as a......................... Mister.can't teach an old dog new.......... math.If you lie down with dogs, you'll........ stink in the morning.An idle mind is.................................. the best way to relax.A penny saved is............................... not much.Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and............................. you have to blow your nose.Children should be seen and not....... spanked or grounded.When the blind lead the blind........... get out of the way. Two robins were sitting in a tree. “I’m really hungry,” said the first one. “Me too,” said the second. “Let’s fly down and find some lunch.” They flew to the ground and found a nice plot of plowed ground full of worms. They ate and ate and ate until they could eat no more. “I’m so full I don’t think I can fly back up to the tree,” said the first one. “Me neither. Let’s just lay here and bask in the warm sun,” said the second. They plopped down, basking in the sun. No sooner than they had fallen asleep when a big fat tomcat snuck up and gobbled them up. As the cat sat washing his face after his meal, he thought, “I just love ‘baskin’ robins.'” I would tell you a UDP joke, but you might not get it. * * Sorry, this joke is for Internet people. Take a look at our article Abbreviations and Acronyms and look up “UDP”. Answers by 15-year old students: What does the word “benign” mean? Benign is what you will be after you be eight. What is the correct use of a semi-colon? Only to be used as a last resort, a semi-colon is a partial removal of the intestines. Name the four seasons. Salt, pepper, mustard, and vinegar. What is a fossil? A fossil is an extinct animal. The older it is, the more extinct it is. How can you delay milk turning sour? Keep it in the cow. What is the Fibula?A small lie. It's late fall and the Indians on a remote reservation in South Dakota asked their new chief if the coming winter was going to be cold or mild. Since he was a chief in a modern society, he had never been taught the old secrets. When he looked at the sky, he couldn't tell what the winter was going to be like. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, he told his tribe that the winter was indeed going to be cold and that the members of the village should collect firewood to be prepared. But, being a practical leader, after several days, he got an idea. He went to the phone booth, called the National Weather Service and asked, 'Is the coming winter going to be cold?' 'It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold,' the meteorologist at the weather service responded. So the chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more firewood in order to be prepared. A week later, he called the National Weather Service again. 'Does it still look like it is going to be a very cold winter?' 'Yes,' the man at National Weather Service again replied, 'it's going to be a very cold winter.' The chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every scrap of firewood they could find. Two weeks later, the chief called the National Weather Service again. 'Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going to be very cold?' 'Absolutely,' the man replied. 'It's looking more and more like it is going to be one of the coldest winters we've ever seen.' 'How can you be so sure?' the chief asked. The weatherman replied, 'The Indians are collecting a huge amount of firewood.' Hope you found these jokes funny. If not, send me some that you think are better. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Panic Buttons and Security How to Integrate Panic Buttons into Your Security System Panic buttons can be added to security systems to increase safety and security. For example, these alarm buttons can be integrated into a security system such as surveillance camera systems, Paging systems, and door access control systems. Placing panic buttons in strategic areas can help to assure quick response to emergencies. There is even a mobile personal panic button that can be carried with you. Emergencies occur without warning. It could be a health problem, an active shooter situation, or a criminal attack. The panic button provides rapid emergency notification. Here’s how to add panic buttons to security systems. Add Panic Buttons to IP Surveillance Camera System Panic Button for IP Camera Surveillance Systems Many network attached surveillance cameras have I/O connections. The button can be attached to the I/O input to provide a signal to the video management software. The alert appears on the security person’s console, along with the video from a nearby camera. Once the security person is notified of the emergency, they can determine the best course of action. The surveillance camera system provides the information they need to make a decision. It is important to use video management software that includes the ability to notify the security person. For example, the WAVE software and the Ocularis software have menu selections that determine what happens when a camera IO is detected. The Ocularis software displays the video and makes an alert sound that notifies the person of the alarm condition. Panic Button Added to the Paging System Emergency Camera System Automated Response An IP paging system can utilize a panic button.  The button can notify your organization about emergencies such as a fire. The fire alarm notification can be completely automated. The button connects to the IO input of the IP audio input device. The signal alerts the command control software. The “if-then” logic generates a pre-recorded announcement, such as “Fire detected, Please exit the building!” The system can be programmed to alert the security person, so instead of generating an automated message, it can allow the security person to make the decision. Either way, the panic button alert provides a very quick way to react to dangerous situations. Panic Buttons Added to Intercoms A button can be attached to an intercom, to provide a controlled response to a situation. For example, an intercom in an administrator’s office can be used to alert security of a hostile event. The security person can listen in to the conversation in the administrator's office. The audio can be recorded and provide the information needed to correctly react to the situation. This system uses an IP intercom with a remote button. The command software provides the capability of listening to a conversation. The security person is notified so they can respond. Panic Buttons Added for Fire Alarms Panic button for fire alarm door exit Door access control systems control electric locks in your organization. They prevent the wrong people from getting in, but in emergencies, it may be necessary to assure that the doors are all unlocked. This is especially true when magnetic locks are used.  A panic button can assure that all the doors controlled by electric locks are unlocked in an emergency, like a fire.  There are a few ways to control the electric locks. For example, you can attach the button to a relay that opens the power circuit to all the locks. Alternatively, you can add a device-side PoE adapter that provides power to the electric lock. When the alarm button is pressed, the controlled power to the lock is removed.  A dedicated network cable is required between the Altronix transmitter and receiver adapters. A number of receivers can be daisy-chained to one of the receivers connected to the transmitter. Mobile Panic Buttons for Security The latest security innovation is a panic button that you can carry with you. The mobile panic button attaches to your keychain and provides instant emergency notification. The button and service enhance your organization's security. Instead of mounting buttons around the campus, you can have a panic button that travels with you.  Whether you are in a school building, on the campus, inside a corporation, or work in a hospital, you can utilize the mobile panic button. The ability to provide a very quick notification allows the school administration or hospital staff to quickly respond to medical emergencies, fire, active shooters, or any other emergency. The silent-alert capability provides a measured response. The silent alarm capability allows you to make a call to the emergency responder without making any noise. The responder can listen through the button and then decide what action to take.  For example, this silent alert can be used by a teacher in a school. The call to the administration office can determine whether it’s an aggressive student, an active shooter, or a medical emergency. The button provides an open telephone call to the security center so they can analyze the situation by listening to the conversation. Conclusion Panic buttons integrate with network-attached security and surveillance systems. These panic buttons add to your security and safety by providing immediate notification of emergencies.  They can be added to IP cameras, IP intercoms and paging systems, and door access control systems. The mobile panic button provides increased personal safety in your workplace or out on the road. If you would like help selecting the right panic alert system, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Abbreviations and Acronyms of Computers and Security Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms used in the security business When I started working for IBM many years ago, all the new employees had to go to training classes. They taught us all about their products. I found that I not only had to learn about their technology but also about the abbreviations and acronyms they used. When I left IBM to work at another engineering company, I learned that many of the abbreviations I learned at IBM were not used in the general industry. I had to learn a new set of abbreviations and acronyms. You may have also noted that the government has their own language. Here are examples of some technical abbreviations and acronyms: The language continues to change every day.  Some abbreviations such as WWW are universally recognized, but others are unique to a technical area or organization. For example, MAC can stand for “mandatory access control,” “media access control,’ or “message authentication code.” AC:                   Alternating Current, which is usually used to describe our standard 60 Hz 120 V power. Alternating current is an electric current that periodically reverses direction.  We can thank Tesla for winning the war with Thomas Edison on power distribution. Edison believed that direct current (DC) was better while Nikola Tesla thought that AC was better. ACL                   Access Control List is used with computer file systems. It provides the list of permissions attached to an object.  Or, in the medical world, it’s the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. That’s the medical condition you don’t want. AD                    Active Directory was developed by Microsoft to help manage all the users. It provides authentication and authorizes all users in a Windows domain type network. Of course, we have also seen this abbreviation used to define the epoch year for the Julian calendar. AI                      Artificial Intelligence is machine-based intelligence that is attributed to computer devices. This contrasts with natural intelligence that is sometimes attributed to certain humans (and other animals). ANSI                  American National Standards Institute is a private non-profit organization that manages standards for products and services in the United States. These are voluntary standards created at meetings where all the manufacturers tell each other that they don’t know anything, and then all yell at the government representative.  Later they have coffee and donuts. API                      Application Programming Interface is a set of instructions that can be used to interface with another program. It makes it easy for a programmer to add an application program that enhances the capability of the original program. ASCII                    American Standard Code for Information Interchange is the binary coding used to describe characters, some graphic symbols, and control characters in a computer system. It all started with only five bits and has grown to seven bits. But since computers like to use bytes which are eight bits, the characters are defined with eight bits or one byte. Which is also equal to two nibbles (and maybe a bagel and cream cheese). BCD                        Binary-coded decimal is a coding scheme that only defines the decimal numbers. We only need four bits to define all the decimal numbers. For those who need clarification, decimal uses ten digits because we have ten fingers. If you are an octopus, you can use octal coding. BIOS                      Basic Input/Output System is firmware used in a computer system to perform the lowest level initialization of a computer. It runs some hardware checks and gets the computer ready for operation. The BIOS runs as soon as power is turned on and starts the main operating system. It gets Windows 10 or Mac OS booted and running. Bit                     Binary digit is the information that computers use. It only has two values or states, a “1” or a ”0”. I thought that Charles Babbage was the first to define this, but I just learned that Basile Bouchon and Jean-Baptiste Falcon invented the punch card (back in 1732). For those of you who don’t remember punch cards, they are stiff paper (cards) that had holes punched to represent a “one” while no hole was a “zero”. In the early days of computing, a stack of these cards held your program. The first thing you learned was to number the cards so that you could put the stack together after you dropped them on the floor. BNC                       The Bayonet Neill-Concelman Is a type of connector that is used with coaxial cables. There is a male and female end that connects with a quarter turn. The connector uses two bayonet lugs on the female connector. Many of the original analog surveillance cameras used this type of connector. bps                         Is a measure of data transfer performance used in telecommunications and computing. It equals the number of bits over a unit of time. For example, the bit rate is quantified using bits per second. If we have a fast network, we like to see up to 1 Gbit/s (or 1,000Mbits/sec) data rate. We must be careful not to confuse this with B/sec which is Byte/sec. We use the “b” to define bits, and the “B” to define a byte. Booting                The boot program is a low-level program that gets the computer going. It’s like the starter in your car. This is like running the BIOS at initial power-on of the computer. Boot is short for Bootstrap. This is when the computer picks itself up by its own bootstraps and gets the operating system running so we can use it. BW                         The bandwidth is the maximum data transfer rate across some connection. We usually define network bandwidth or digital bandwidth across a wired or wireless connection.  We also measure the bandwidth consumption required by an IP camera.  This abbreviation is also used by cameras that provide a black and white (gray-scale) image instead of a color image. BW                         The bandwidth is the maximum data transfer rate across some connection. We usually define network bandwidth or digital bandwidth across a wired or wireless connection.  We also measure the bandwidth consumption required by an IP camera.  This abbreviation is also used by cameras that provide a black and white (gray-scale) image instead of a color image. BYOD                     Is the policy of organizations that allow employees to bring their own laptops, smartphones, or tablets to work. It also means that my company is too cheap to buy me a new computer and want me to carry my own laptop to work. Byte                       This is a unit of binary information that consists of eight bits. The byte was originally defined by IBM.  Eight bits was convenient because it matched the early architecture of computers and provided enough information to encode a single character of text in a computer. CAD                       Computer-Aided Design is used to help people design new things. It was first used to increase the productivity of drafting. The latest software systems go well beyond drawing and provide design tools that provide analysis and optimization of designs. The output of the system can be used to create manufacturing processes. CAPTCHA             Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart is a type of challenge provided by a computer program to determine if there is a human using the computer. Now I must prove I’m not a robot or if I’m a robot I have to prove that I’m a human.  I’m so confused. CCTV                     Closed Circuit Television is the original name for video surveillance. The concept provided video display on a limited number (closed) of monitors. This contrasted with video broadcast systems that were designed to be viewed by a large number of TV systems.  The CCTV security system consisted of analog cameras, video mixers, and videotape recorders or DVRs. They were all connected using a coax cable. CMOS                   Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor, is a semiconductor technology used in microprocessors, static RAM, and camera video sensors.  The CMOS sensor is a more complicated device than the CCD (charge-coupled device) sensors used in some cameras. Many IP cameras use the CMOS sensors because of lower power required. DDoS                     A Distributed Denial-of-Service is an attack over the Internet that comes from many different sources (IP addresses). Since the message traffic is very high and comes from different IP addresses, it is very difficult to filter. DHCP                     Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a network management protocol used on UDP/IP networks. It uses a DHCP server to assign IP addresses to all the devices on the network. Each computer can request an IP address.  It makes the network administrators job much easier since they don’t have to go around assigning static IP addresses. DNS                       The Domain Name System provides nice names for all the computers on the Internet. Instead of having to remember that The IP address is 156.119.12.56, we can type in “Kintronics.com” and the DNS server will find our web server location. Now I forgot where I live… DOA                       Dead on Arrival is used to describe a product that doesn’t work when it is received. This is an out-of-box-failure.  It can also mean that the person was dead when the medical assistance arrived. Ugh! DVD                       Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc is an optical disc. The originally DVD-ROM disc was developed in the 1990’s and was used in the consumer entertainment industry to store movie video, and in the commercial sector to store computer data. The information was stamped on the DVD-ROM disc and was read-only. The DV-R disc allowed us to record the data, while DVD-RW discs allowed us to write, erase and read many times. DVR                       Digital Video Recorder is a device that records the analog video from analog CCTV cameras. The NVR (Network Video Recorder) has replaced the DVR because it supports IP cameras. EEPROM              The Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory is non-volatile storage used in computers. This is different than the EPROM which is Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. Both can be erased, and new data can be written to it, but all the memory stored in an EPROM is erased at one time by using an ultraviolet light source, while the EEPROM can electronically change one byte at a time. eSATA                   This External Serial AT Attachment that is used to connect hard drives to a computer bus interface.  Hard drives and optical drives use this interface. This is a form of SATA that provides better cable connections and different voltage levels that are designed for external drive connections. FTP                         File Transfer Protocol is a network protocol standard that is used to transfer files between a computer server and a client. FUD                       Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt is a disinformation strategy used in sales, marketing, and propaganda. It is used to spread false information that could create fear and uncertainty. I think we are all familiar with this disinformation tactic.  We sometimes refer to it as “Fake News” which is specifically related to journalism. I was reading all the Facebook posts the other day and I got so confused I started to doubt the recipes articles. GB and Gb           There is a difference between GigaByte (GB) and GigaBit (Gb).  The prefix Giga stands for a large number with 9 zeros (1,000,000,000 or 109). The Gigabit has 109  bits. The Gigabyte has 109  bytes. Since a byte has 8 bits, the gigabyte contains 8 Gigabits. GUI                        The Graphical User Interface uses graphical pictures or icons to help users interact with their computer. The concept is to make it easier for people who don’t like text navigation. The Apple Macintosh computers were the first popular use of GUI. It made the computer more user-friendly. HTML                    Hypertext Markup Language is what we use to bring you this web page. It’s a markup language for defining what the web page will look like. The HTML elements are the building blocks of the web page. The web browser interprets the HTML elements to provide the display. It allows us to define the text, add images, and provide nice formatting to make the page look nice. Hz                           Hertz is a unit of frequency defined as one cycle per second. The power used in the United States has a frequency of 60Hz. WIFI radios use 2.5 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Sound can also be measured in Hz. Voice frequency is about 300 to 3000 Hz.  The Hertz is named after Heinrich Hertz who proved the existence of electromagnetic waves and has led to among other things, people wearing tin-foil on their heads. IP                            Internet Protocol is the communication process used on the Internet. IP helps information move from point to point on the Internet. This protocol is usually used with the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and together is usually referred to as TCP/IP. The task of IP is to deliver packets of data from one host to another. Among other things, it includes the address of the source and the destination. TCP provides a communication service between an application program and the Internet protocol (IP). TCP provides increased reliability of the connection. I/O                         Inputs and outputs of a computer device. The term is used for general communication between the computer and an external device, but in IP cameras we have very simple “on” or “off” states.  For example, the Input of an IP camera can be used to sense that a button has been pushed. The output connection can be used to sound an alarm or open a door. The camera provides low-level power output so if you want to open a door, you need a relay to provide the higher power required by the electric lock. JBOD                     Just a Bunch of Disks (or drives) is what it sounds like. Instead of arranging disk drives in a RAID configuration, the drives are attached as individual disks that can be used independently. JPEG                      A standard from the Joint Photographic Experts Group. It is a graphics compression scheme that is used for encoding digital images.  It is also part of the M-JPEG (Motion-JPEG) format where each frame of a video is compressed separately. MAC Address     The Medium Access Control Address is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for network communication. Every network attached device, such as an IP camera or a network attached door reader, have unique MAC addresses. The MAC Address is used in the in the data link layer of a network.  The MAC protocol is part of layer 2 of the OSI (Open System Interconnection Model) network model. Along with the Logical Link Control (LLC), it makes up the Data Link Layer. MJPEG         Motion JPEG is a compression scheme used in IP camera video compression and transmission. MPEG                   The Moving Picture Experts Group is a working group of professionals that define a set of standards for audio and video compression and transmission. MPEG4         MPEG-4 Is a video compression scheme that improved on the MJPEG compression by introducing the concept of transmitting only the parts of the video that are moving (objects). For example, if a person moves across a field only the person’s movements are sent from frame to frame rather than the field and person. New compression schemes such as H.264 and the latest H.265 compression schemes provide much better compression. MTBF                    Mean Time Between Failure is the predicted time between failures of electrical equipment. This term is supposed to be used to define the elapsed time between failures of equipment that can be repaired. I have seen this used for IP cameras and other devices that are not repairable. For non-repairable devices, we should use MTTF or Mean Time to Failure.  Once it fails, you throw it away. NAS                       Network Attached Storage is a computer storage device that connects to the network and can be shared by multiple computers. NAS usually includes RAID, which is a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (or maybe … Inexpensive Disks). RAID provides increased reliability and can operate even if one of the disk drives fails. NTSC                     National Television System Committee is the analog television color standard used in North America. The early video surveillance camera systems used NTSC. Engineers joked that NTSC stood for “Never the Same Color” because of the uncertainty of this analog technology. NVR                 The Network Video Recorder is a network-attached device that manages and records the video from IP cameras. The NVR is a specialized network attached computer system with hard drives for recording the video. There are NVR systems that include network connections for each IP camera, and there are others that utilize separate network switches to connect to the IP cameras and the general LAN network. This is different than the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) which recorded video from analog video cameras. The software used in an NVR is similar to Video Management Software (VMS) that runs in a general PC. NVR                 The Network Video Recorder is a network-attached device that manages and records the video from IP cameras. The NVR is a specialized network attached computer system with hard drives for recording the video. There are NVR systems that include network connections for each IP camera, and there are others that utilize separate network switches to connect to the IP cameras and the general LAN network. This is different than the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) which recorded video from analog video cameras. The software used in an NVR is similar to Video Management Software (VMS) that runs in a general PC. OnSSI                    On-Net Surveillance Systems is a software company that was founded in 2002. The company provides video management software (VMS). Their Ocularis 5 software is a multi-server multi-client solution that manages IP cameras and records video. PoE                        Power over Ethernet is a method of including power along with the data over an Ethernet cable. There are various techniques for providing PoE using the same wires as the data or using different wires in the same cable. RAM                      Random-Access Memory is semi-conductor data storage. RAM is used to hold the current program and data used by the computer. The data is usually held in Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM) which is a volatile memory that is lost when the computer power is turned off. RFID                       Radio Frequency Identification is the technology used for reading information on credentials (tags or cards) from an RFID reader. There are short range and long-range credentials. Take a look at our article about How Long-Range Access Control Systems Work. SaaS                       Software as a Service is a software delivery system that is licensed on a subscription basis rather than an on-site license. Software subscriptions have become more popular because they provide almost instant delivery and updates. As an example, Pure Access door control software from Isonas is provided on a subscription basis. The yearly charge is based on the number of IP door readers supported. SDK                        Software Development Kit is a set of programming development tools that make it easier to interface with another program. The SDK can work with application programming interfaces (APIs). An API provides the rules or command structure for interacting with another program. UDP                       User Datagram Protocol is one of the Internet protocols. UDP uses a simple communication mechanism that doesn’t include any handshaking between devices. This provides very quick communication but can be unreliable. There is no guarantee of delivery that is provided by TCP/IP protocols. VGA                       Video Graphics Array is a graphics standard for the video display controller. The original standard used a 15-pin D subminiature connector and provided 640 x 480 resolution. This standard was also used by early analog surveillance video cameras. VMS                      Video Management Software is used to manage and record the video from IP cameras. It is one of the ways to record video from IP camera systems. VoIP                      Voice over Internet Protocol is a methodology for delivering voice communications over IP networks. This digital technology is the next generation for analog telephone technology. SIP (Session Initiated Protocol) is a standardized VoIP protocol. VoIP can be used in phone systems, Intercoms, and IP paging systems. WDR                      Wide Dynamic Range is the method used by digital cameras to increase the light range of IP cameras. For example, it is difficult to see a person standing in front of a bright window. By adjusting the camera, you can either see the person or the background. High Dynamic Range(HDR) is a similar technique used by cameras in our smartphones. If you would like to learn more about any of the computer and network acronyms and abbreviations, just contact us at 1-800-431-1685 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 46 Comments from George Carlin Electricity is really just organized lightning. Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac? I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, “Where’s the self-help section?” She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. If we could just find out who’s in charge, we could kill him. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor. Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that. Most people work just hard enough not to get fired and get paid just enough money not to quit. Reflections of Steven Wright It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to paint it. I’ve been getting into astronomy so I installed a skylight. The people who live above me are furious. I got a new dog. He’s a paranoid retriever. He brings back everything because he’s not sure what I threw him. I stayed up one-night playing poker with Tarot cards. I got a full house and four people died. Thoughts from Ellen Degeneres My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She’s ninety-seven now, and we don’t know where the hell she is. In the beginning, there was nothing. God said, ‘Let there be light!’ And there was light. There was still nothing, but you could see it a whole lot better. The good psychic would pick up the phone before it rang. Of course, it is possible there was no one on the other line. Once she said “God Bless you” I said, “I didn’t sneeze.” She looked deep into my eyes and said, “You will, eventually.” And damn it if she wasn’t right. Two days later I sneezed. I have just learned that penguins are monogamous for life, which doesn't really surprise me all that much because they all look exactly alike. It's not like they're going to meet a better-looking penguin someday. Comments from Woody Allen I am not afraid of death, I just don’t want to be there when it happens. I don’t believe in the afterlife, although I am bringing a change of underwear. I don’t think my parents liked me. They put a live teddy bear in my crib. If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name in a Swiss bank. It is impossible to travel faster than the speed of light, and certainly not desirable, as one’s hat keeps blowing off. And more silly puns: Q: Why are teddy bears never hungry? A: Because they're always stuffed. Q: Why are frogs are so happy? A: They eat whatever bugs them. Q: How do you befriend a squirrel? A: Just act like a nut. Q: What do you call a snowman on a hot day? A: Puddle. A geneticist perfected his greatest project: a perfect clone of himself; an utter copy with no noticeable differences in appearance. Having finished his work, he decided to use the clone as his replacement at work. The clone went to work while the geneticist went on vacation. Within days, reports came back from his friends about the bizarre behavior of his doppelganger. The duplicate had cussed out the boss and his receptionist and behaved in a very outrageous manner. The geneticist was terrified and took the next plane back to the States. He confronted the clone in their twentieth story office and braving a three-minute uninterrupted litany of expletives, pushed the unreasonable double out the window, where he fell to his death. The police arrived, and once the situation was explained, the geneticist laughed, disbelieving any statute covered the destruction of one's genetic clone. After interviewing all concerned parties, the geneticist was arrested. The charge? Making an obscene clone fall. I hope you enjoyed these cartoons and jokes. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How to Integrate Door Access and IP Camera Systems The best way to integrate IP Video and IP door access systems Door Access Control and IP Camera Systems provide security by themselves. When the two systems are integrated, they provide a higher level of security and safety. There are some different ways to integrate cameras and door control systems. There are proprietary systems that only support specific hardware, and there are non-proprietary system solutions that can use more general hardware. This article provides the pros and cons of the different methods for integrating these security systems. Simple Non-Proprietary Access and Video Integration The simplest way to integrate an IP door control system and an IP system is to use the timestamps provided by the access control software and the video recording and management system. In this example, an IP camera placed near the door can view people entering and leaving. When the door reader is triggered, the access control software records the time and person (credential) using the door. The same timestamp can then be entered into the video recording software to see the person using the door. Pros: This is a non-proprietary solution. Any door access control system and any surveillance system can be used. It’s a very flexible solution. Cons: Since it is not integrated, it takes more time to use. It also requires two applications running at the same time. Integrated Proprietary Systems Integrated solutions automatically associate a specific camera with a door.  Integrated systems are available from door access control manufacturers or video management software companies. The type of system depends on your requirement. For example, if you are primarily interested in door control, you would select the enhanced door access control system, but if you are primarily interested in a video surveillance system, then select the enhanced video management software solution. For example, the Pro-Series door access control system includes video integration. When you use the TVIPTirSoft software, the video from an IP camera or an embedded camera inside the door reader can be displayed on the same computer screen as the access control information. Since the door access system includes a picture of the person assigned to the credential, it is easy to see if the right person entered the door. The TVIPTirSoft software only supports the proprietary door readers. It is somewhat flexible in that it supports a few different IP camera manufacturers. This door access control system includes some door readers that include a built-in camera. You can use either a snapshot from these readers or an IP camera. Pros: It provides a single display that shows the information about the person entering the door and the video snapshot or video stored when the person used the reader.  It uses a single software solution to manage and control the doors and the cameras. Cons: This is only used to enhance the door access control system. It supports a limited number of manufacturers. It is not a general IP camera recording system. Integrated Non-Proprietary System Solution Access Control Integration Maybe I should say that this is almost non-proprietary because you can use different access control and IP camera recording systems. This solution uses a 3rd party software solution from Convergence to Pixels (C2P) to integrate video management software and Door Access. The software works with OnSSI, Milestone, and other VMS solutions. It also works with Isonas, the Kintronics Pro-Series, and other access control systems. The C2P software captures the data from the door access control system and enters it into a very powerful database. The information from the database can then be displayed next to the video provided by the video management software system.  This convergence of technology allows the user to search a database while displaying the related video. One of the advantages is that this integrated solution can create complex alerts.  For example, if a person, who has been removed from the access control system, tries to enter a door, a notification is automatically sent to security.  We can also create alerts when the door is held open, or when a door is forced.  In this case, the video from the camera at the door is automatically popped up on the OnSSI Ocularis screen, and an alert sound notifies the security person that action is required. Besides receiving alerts, the database provides much more powerful analytic tools. The security person can search for specific information such as; who entered after a certain time, or what person tried to enter using a bad badge, etc.  If you need to know who came in late, or when a specific door was used and who came in, the database can be displayed in a new window, and the search parameters can be entered. Pros: This is a more open solution that integrates a number of different IP camera systems and Door Access Control systems., You can use almost any IP camera. It provides enhanced search and retrieval functions including boolean search terms such as “contains,” and “equal to,” so you can search for partial names related to a certain door, while also searching to a specific time and date. It makes it very easy to find what you need. Cons: This solution is more complicated to install and use. It costs more because there is an additional software license for the C2P integration software. Conclusion IP camera systems and door access control can be integrated in different ways. The simplest and most flexible solution uses timestamps to determine who entered, a certain door at a specific time. Some video management software provides optional integration with some door access control systems. There are some door access control systems that include IP camera support. These systems are usually proprietary systems that require the use of specific hardware and software. The most flexible solution uses special software from C2P to provide the integration. Contact us for help selecting your integrated IP camera system.  We have much experience with these systems, so can make sure you purchase the right system for your organization.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 anywhere else.  Alternatively, use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 45 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? Two antennas meet on a roof, fall in love and get married. The ceremony wasn’t much, but the reception was excellent. A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, “I’ll serve you, but don’t start anything.” A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm and says: “A beer please, and one for the road.” The doctor gave a man six month to live.The man couldn’t pay his bill, so the doctor gave him another six months. The Doctor called Mrs. Cohen saying, “Mrs. Cohen, your check came back.” Mrs. Cohen answered, “So did my arthritis!” While walking down the street one day a US senator is hit by a truck and dies.  His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.  “Welcome to heaven,” says St. Peter. “Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem.  We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we’re not sure what to do with you.” “No problem, just let me in,” says the man. “Well, I’d like to, but I have orders from higher up.  What we’ll do is have you spend one day in hell and one day in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.” “Really, I’ve made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,” says the senator. “I’m sorry, but we have our rules.” And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open, and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.  Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.  They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar, and champagne.  Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.  Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises… The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. “Now it’s time to visit heaven.”  So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing.  They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns. “Well, then, you’ve spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity.” The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: “Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.” So, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he’s in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.  He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.  The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. “I don’t understand,” stammers the senator. “Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there’s just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable.  What happened?” The devil looks at him, smiles and says, “Yesterday we were campaigning…… Today you voted.” A woman is sitting at her deceased husband's funeral. A man leans over and asks, "Do you mind if I say a word?" "No, go right ahead." the woman replies. The man stands, clears his throat, says, "Plethora," and sits back down "Thanks," the woman says, "that means a lot." Hope you enjoy these jokes and cartoons. If you know any good ones, please send them to me. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How to Install IP Door Readers IP Door Access Control Systems are easy to install and provide excellent flexibility. There are RFID proximity IP readers and biometric door readers such as fingerprint or facial recognition readers, that connect to the network. In many cases, you can use PoE to power the reader and the electric lock. An IP door access control reader is different from the older Wiegand door readers. Instead of connecting to a control panel, the door reader attaches to the network. All the intelligence is inside the reader. It maintains the rules and holds the database of users who can access the door. This means that even if the network is down, the reader will still operate (if it has power). The door access software is used to manage and edit the information that’s stored in the readers. It only communicates with the readers when there is a change in the information. This article takes the mystery out of network attached door access control systems and describes how to install them. All the door control signals that were on multiple wires between the reader and the control box, are now encoded on the single Ethernet network cable. They are just as secure as the older technology. The control signals that used to come from the control box now come from the reader. The pig-tail on the back of the reader includes connections for the electric lock, power, REX button connection, door sensors and many other connections that allow you to control the door.  Since all the wires come from the reader, you don’t have to run all the wires to the control panel. Installing the Network Attached Door System These new IP door readers are much more flexible. You can install a single reader and then incrementally add readers whenever required. There is no (practical) limitation to the number of readers on the network. The IP readers are small computers and contain the same (or more) intelligence than the central control box. The door reader/controller stores all the information about the people using the system. The reader makes decisions about status of the door, decides when to unlock the door, and what time of the day a credential can be used.  Since all the information is in the reader, it will operate even if the network is down. A Windows computer running door access control software is used to enter all the information about the people and the badge/credentials. The software allows us to set up who, when, and where people can enter. Once the information is entered into the computer the information is sent to the door readers. IP Door Readers The new IP reader uses network wire and connect to a network switch.  In many cases there is network infrastructure in place, so all we need to do is run a network Cat5 to the nearest switch.  We don’t have to run wires all the way back to the home base. Network Connection:  Some of the readers can be connected directly to a network switch that includes PoE. Alternatively, the reader may require a higher power PoE injector and splitter or use 12 VDC from a power adapter. Once the IP reader is plugged into the network, we can set the IP address and set up the software manager.  We set unique the IP addresses for each reader just like any other computer on the network.  Once the reader has an IP address, it can be seen on the computer using the door access management software running on your Windows computer. Pigtail to the door:   The IP reader also has a set of wires that include all the signals needed to control access to the door.  This means we don’t have to run the door sensor wire, AUX, or any other control wires back to the control box; they all go right to the reader that’s at the door.  It’s very easy. The reader also includes 12 VDC output power that can control most electric locks.  It has a built-in relay to control the door.  As long as the electric lock doesn’t exceed 600ma of current at 12 VDC, you just run the network wire to the reader and you’re done. Nothing else is required. What about security?  What happens if someone hits the reader with a hammer and breaks it off the wall? How do we prevent someone from shorting the wires together and opening the door? Well, there is a special security box that is placed on the secure side of the door.  The door reader then communicates with the internal box, using an encrypted signal, to remotely control the door relay.  There is no way for anyone to break in using the wires at the reader. Door Access Control Management Software Door Access Control Cloud Management Software The latest door management control software allows you to control your IP door readers on your local area network or across the Internet at other facilities. There is a choice of door management software. One type supports the Isonas readers and the other type manages the biometric readers. There is also a choice of software that runs locally on your computer or another that runs on a remote (cloud) server. Both systems can control door readers located at multiple sites and include mobile apps for managing the software. The software allows you to define who can access and control the system, define each door, define and set up groups, and define a shift.  This is very flexible yet powerful software that allows you to easily set up the system and enter the people assigned to each card (or credential).  Here are some examples of the things you can do. Setting up Each DoorEach reader can be given a name, so it is easy to find in the software.  The IP address can be added so that the software knows where all the readers are located. Defining Groups of UsersUsers (the people who use the system) can be assigned to groups, and then that group of people can have the same permissions for entry.    Now you can tell the system that the group has access to a specific door and control when they can enter the building.  There is an easy calendar that can help you define the “shifts” for your organization.  You can name shifts so that you can easily identify them.  For example, the “weekday shift”, or the “night shift”, etc.  In this way, you can lock the doors after a “shift” or open them so that badges (cards, or credentials) are not needed. Credential Registration Each person can be entered and assigned to a group.  You can enter the badge number for the person, or simply swipe the badge using a reader.  It’s easy to add, modify and delete users. Conclusion IP door access control systems are wired to the network. They are intelligent readers that do not require any additional control box to provide all the functions of door access control. Instead of using a wire harness, you can use an easy to install network wire.  Door access control software allows you to easily manage the door readers whether they are on your local network or at another facility across the Internet.  Since many organizations already have a network infrastructure it reduces the length of wire runs dramatically. If you need help defining, specifying, or installing an IP door control system, just contact us for help.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else; or just use our contact form. ### IP Paging Systems for Schools How to select the speakers and the number required in your school IP paging speaker placement and sound volume settings are key to providing clear sound in the school. Whether there is a general announcement or an emergency message, it’s important that the instructions can be heard and understood by everyone. Network attached IP speakers are easy to install, but they must be placed in the right location, and the sound volume must be correct so that all locations are covered with clear sound. This article provides guidelines for selecting the right IP paging speakers for your school. The article also helps you determine the number of speakers you need, and the amplification required. Sound Level Required To get some idea of the right sound level, here is a review of the sound levels we hear. Noise Level Comparison Chart The sound level is measured in decibels or dB (or dBA). The dB level measures relative sound levels and is usually used to describe very loud sounds. The dBA measurement also measures the sound levels but at the frequency of 1000Hz which is the frequency most people can hear clearly. The sound chart shows typical sound levels from different sources. It provides some indication of how long you can hear sound at a loud level. Sound levels vary from “0” which is the lowest sound a person with good hearing can discern, to 190 dB which is the loudest possible sound. Very loud sounds can be hazardous to your ears. Any sound above 140dB can be painful. Hearing damage from sound is related to the loudness and duration of the sound. For example, it is recommended that you shouldn’t operate a chainsaw (with a sound level of 110 dB) for more than ½  hour a day. Government research says that 85 decibels is the maximum sound level for eight hours a day. Anything above that level requires ear protection. From the chart above, we can see that the best sound level for our speakers is from 60 dB to about 85 dB. In some cases, we can provide sound levels above 85 dB, but for relatively short periods. Sound Versus Distance Diagram of Inverse Square Law The sound level decreases as you move away from the speaker. That’s why it’s better to be in the back of the audience at a rock concert. If you want to be in the front row, wear ear protectors. The sound level decreases based on the inverse square law. This is an idealized calculation because it doesn’t consider the reflections off surfaces or barriers that block the sound. The inverse square law is used for many different types of applications. For example, we also use this law to predict how much light will fall on an object that’s at a certain distance from the illuminator. There are some calculators online that can be used to predict the sound level at a certain distance.  You can also use a rule of thumb that predicts the sound level decreases by 6 dB for every doubling of the distance from the speaker.  For example, if the speaker provides 90 dB of sound at 1m (3.28 ft.), at a distance of 2 m (6.56 ft.) the sound level is 84 dB (90 – 6 = 84). Sound Level Versus Power The sound level from a speaker is directly related to the input power of the signal. The sound level will increase by 3 dB for every doubling of power. If a speaker is rated at 100 dB at 1-watt, then it will provide 103 dB at 2-watts. If the power is increased to 4 watts, the sound level increases to 106 dB. Speakers also have a maximum sound level, so you can’t increase the power indefinitely. If the speaker has a maximum output of 120 dB, adding more power will only burn it out.  We can also reduce the sound level by reducing the power. Selecting a Speaker for the Classroom The sound level in a school classroom depends on the background sound level. If the children are quiet, the sound level can be lower, but if the class is very noisy, we need more volume from our speakers. As a rule of thumb, the sound level from the speaker should be 10 dB above the background noise. The performance of a speaker is specified by their sound level at 1 meter away and using 1 watt of power. Let’s assume that we need a speaker with a maximum sound level of 83dB. In many cases, a standard classroom requires only one speaker, but if it is a noisy room, an additional speaker can be added. A speaker can be placed on the ceiling or the wall.  If we have a drop ceiling, it is very easy to install a speaker that’s made to fit in one of the ceiling panels. For example, the Spkr-IP System12 fits in the drop ceiling. This PoE powered network attached speaker is specified at 92 dB at 1 meter, at 1 watt. Alternatively, we may decide to place a speaker on the wall.  For example, the model SPKR-IP SYS 1HD  wall speaker provides the same sound level as the ceiling speaker. In many cases, a standard classroom requires only one speaker, but if it is a noisy room, an additional speaker can be added. A speaker can be placed on the ceiling or the wall.  If we have a drop ceiling, it is very easy to install a speaker that’s made to fit in one of the ceiling panels. For example, the Spkr-IP System12 fits in the drop ceiling. This PoE powered network attached speaker is specified at 92 dB at 1 meter, at 1 watt. Alternatively, we may decide to place a speaker on the wall.  For example, the model SPKR-IP SYS 1HD  wall speaker provides the same sound level as the ceiling speaker. Whatever speaker we select, we need to calculate how much power we need to apply to the speaker. The more power we use, the louder the sound. If we double the power, we increase the sound level by about 3 dB. We can also reduce the sound output by reducing the power level. If the classroom is about 25 ft by 30 ft, we usually can use only one speaker in front of the room or one ceiling speakers. The height of the ceiling and the dispersal angle of the speaker will determine how many ceiling speakers we will need.  The wider the dispersal angle of the ceiling speaker ceiling, the more coverage we get. If the ceiling is 10 ft high, we estimate that the student's ears are 4 to 5 ft from the floor or 5 to 6 ft (about 1.5 to 1.8 m) from the speaker, we can then determine the sound that they will hear. Using the sound distance rule, we calculate that at 2 meters, the sound level is 92 – 6 = 86 dB. If the classroom is usually quiet, we can decrease the sound level by reducing the power to the speaker.  If we decrease the power to ½ watt then the sound level drops by 3dB to 83dB. Speaker Coverage Calculation The speaker coverage is calculated using the ceiling height, the distance to the person’s ears and the angle of the speaker.  For example, let’s assume the speaker has an angle of 100°. We use a triangle to calculate the coverage distance (C). We first draw a triangle with a 100-degree angle from the speaker. Split the triangle into two 90-degree triangles with a top angle of 50-degrees. The distance from the speaker to the ears of the students is equal to the height (H) of the room minus the distance from the floor to the ears (L)  As we assumed before, the height of the room is 10 ft and the distance from the floor to the ears is 4ft, then the distance to the ears (D) is 6ft. Now we can calculate the opposite side of the triangle using a right-triangle calculator. The side C/2 equals 7.15 ft and C equals 14.3 ft. Since the sound reflects off the floor and walls, we actually get more coverage than the speaker angle predicts. Speakers for a Large Room Distance Between Speakers Illustration Larger rooms require more speakers. You can’t just increase the volume level. The number of speakers required depends on the size of the room, the height of the ceiling and the angle of coverage of the speakers. We can get a rough calculation of the number of speakers required by using the same coverage formula.  The distance between speakers is about the same as the coverage distance. As an example, if the ceiling is 16 ft high, the distance to the ears is 12 ft. The coverage distance and distance between speakers (with 100-degree angle) is calculated to be 14.3 x 2 = 28.6ft (or about 29 ft). The total number of speakers required in a room is calculated by dividing the dimensions of the room by the speaker separation.  For example, if the room is 80ft wide by 100ft long, we divide 80ft by 29 ft to get 2.76 speakers (about 3 speakers) in the wide direction. We divide 100ft by 29 ft and get 3.45 speakers (about 3 speakers), in the long dimension. Multiplying the two numbers, we calculate that the room should have about 9 speakers. We will also have to adjust the volume since the speakers are further away. Selecting a speaker for the Hallway Hallway speakers can be placed on the ceiling or the wall. Dual speakers are available that project sound from the front and back. This means you can place the speaker in the center of a hallway and have sound projected both ways. For example, the SPKR-IP-11-BD is a dual network attached speaker. It’s powered by PoE and can provide about 8-watts to the speaker.  Since the speaker is rated at 92 dB at 1 watt, and at 1-meter, it provides more than enough sound level in a noisy hallway. Speaker for Large Outdoor Area A weather-proof horn speaker is used for large outdoor areas. The horn must be placed high enough so that the sound level is not too loud for people who are close. The horn can provide very high sound output. For example, the model 132-8D horn provides over 110 dB at 1 watt at 1 meter. The speaker should be mounted higher than 13 ft. (4 m) so that the sound level close to the speaker doesn’t exceed 98dB. This speaker can be heard over 400 ft. (128 m) away. A weather-proof horn speaker is used for large outdoor areas. The horn must be placed high enough so that the sound level is not too loud for people who are close. The horn can provide very high sound output. For example, the model 132-8D horn provides over 110 dB at 1 watt at 1 meter. The speaker should be mounted higher than 13 ft. (4 m) so that the sound level close to the speaker doesn’t exceed 98dB. This speaker can be heard over 400 ft. (128 m) away. Summary The number of speakers required at the school depends on the area to be covered. If you have too few speakers, there will be points where the sound is very loud and other areas where the sound is too low. The more speakers, the better the sound distribution. Historically paging systems used a large amplifier with a microphone. The speakers were wired to this central amplifier. It required quite a lot of work to wire everything together. It was difficult to adjust each of the speakers so that they would provide the right volume. Today, paging systems utilize the existing local area network. All the speakers can be attached and powered over the network. The installation is much simpler and can be done by anyone who knows how to install a computer.  The volume at each speaker can be adjusted from your computer. If you would like help determining the type of speakers and their location, please contact us for assistance. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 44 Save early, save often. Used to refer to how to handle your money. Now it refers to anyone who uses a computer. Any science or technology which is sufficiently advanced is indistinguishable from magic. – Arthur C. Clarke Any technology that is distinguishable from magic is not sufficiently advanced. – Gregory Benford Never let a computer know you’re in a hurry. – Anonymous Some days I amaze myself. Other days I look for my phone while I’m holding it. Tech Support Conversations Help Desk: What's on your monitor now, ma'am?User: A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me at the mall. Help Desk: How may I help you?User: I'm writing my first e-mail.Help Desk: OK, and what seems to be the problem?User: Well, I have the letter 'a' in the address, but how do I get the circle around it? Help Desk: Click on the 'my computer' icon on to the left of the screen.User: Your left or my left? Help Desk: Your password is the small letter "a" as in apple, a capital letter V as in Victor, the number 7.User: Is that 7 in capital letters? A man is dining in a fancy restaurant and there is a gorgeous redhead sitting at the next table.He has been checking her out since he sat down but lacks the nerve to talk with her. Suddenly she sneezes and her glass eye comes flying out of its socket towards the man. He reflexively reaches out, grabs it out of the air, and hands it back. "Oh my, I am sooo sorry," the woman says as she pops her eye back in place. "Let me buy your dinner to make it up to you," she says. They enjoy a wonderful dinner together, and afterward the theater followed by drinks. They talk, they laugh, she shares her deepest dreams and he shares his. After paying for everything, she asks him if he would like to come to her place the next night for dinner. Needless to say, he says "Yes." She cooks a gourmet meal with all the trimmings. The guy is amazed!! Everything had been incredible!!!! "You know," he said, "you are the perfect woman. Are you this nice to every guy you meet?" "No" she replies, "You just happened to catch my eye." I bought a bag of air today. The company that made it was kind enough to add some potato chips as well. A man who was lonely decided life would be more fun if he had a pet. So he went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet. After some discussion, he finally bought a centipede, which came in a little white box to use for its house. He took the box back home, talking gently to the centipede as he walked home. In the house, he found a good location for the box, then decided he would start off their friendship by taking his new pet to the bar to have a drink. He asked the centipede in the box, “Would you like to go to Frank’s with me and have a beer?” There was no answer from his new pet. This bothered him a bit, but he waited a few minutes and then asked again, "How about going to the bar and having a drink with me?" But again, there was no answer from his new friend and pet. So he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation. He decided to ask him one more time; this time putting his face up against the centipede's house and shouting, "Hey, in there! Would you like to go to Frank's place and have a drink with me?" A little voice came out of the box: "I heard you the first time! I'm putting on my shoes." Some actual conversations that were recorded in the courtroom: ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?WITNESS: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?WITNESS: My name is Susan! ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam? ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?WITNESS: Huh....are you qualified to ask that question? Hope you like these jokes and cartoons. Thanks to Ralph Escribano and Dave Grossman for contributing some of the cartoons and jokes. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Extreme Environment IP Camera Enclosure Systems How IP Camera Enclosures are Designed for High-Temperature Applications Do you need to view a rocket launch or the inside of a blast furnace? The usual IP camera systems won’t survive these extreme conditions. These applications require a special camera enclosure that is designed for these extremely hot environments. This article describes how high-temperature camera enclosures are made. IP camera systems that operate in extreme temperature conditions need a special enclosure, a cooling system, high-performance glass, and special cable connections. This is not your normal 120°F (50°C) environment.  The ambient temperature can reach over 752°F (400°C). When a thermal camera is used instead of an optical camera, the enclosure requires special modifications. Housing for Optical Cameras The enclosure is the first level of defense in high-temperature environments. The enclosure must survive the harsh environment, and also provide thermal insulation that protects the camera. They can’t be plastic or standard aluminum housings because this material can’t survive the extreme temperature. The housings are made from polished stainless steel. These enclosures have double chambers so that cooling air or liquid can be used to reduce the heat transfer from the ambient to the camera. The foundries and cement plants that require video monitoring are very dirty environments. One of the challenges is keeping the glass window clean. A wiper with water won't do the job in these high-temperature environments. The better enclosures include air barriers (or an air blade) that keep the front glass clean. The system uses an air compressor to reduce the maintenance required by preventing the formation of dust deposits on the glass. When using these extreme temperature enclosures, everything needs to be considered, from the mounting hardware to the special cable connections. Special cable glands are used that can withstand the high-temperature environment. The Enclosure Window The housing window is made from special material. The glass not only has to survive the high temperatures, but it also needs to resist thermal shock. Thermal shock occurs when different parts of an object expand at different rates. It places a lot of strain on the material. You may have seen thermal shock in action when you pour very hot water into a cold glass. Pyrex® glass, quartz Glass, and tempered glass are examples of heat-resistant glass. The glass used in optical camera systems is not only heat resistant it is also lens-quality. Tempered glass can be used if the temperature doesn’t exceed 260°C (500°F). Quartz glass is required if the temperature reaches 400°C (752°F) Thermal cameras require different glass because they have sensors that operate at a different wavelength than optical cameras. For example, they use Zinc-Selenium glass that can be used at a temperature of up to 200°C (392°F). This glass provides transmission of 7.5 - 14μm wavelengths. Sapphire glass is used when you need to operate at up to 400°C (752°F).  The glass is very clear and can pass wavelengths of .75μm to 4.5μm. Sapphire glass is a synthetic sapphire that is manufactured by subjecting aluminum oxide powder to very high heat and pressure. It has been used as a very durable watch crystal and is predicted to be used in the new Apple iPhone. Cooling Cooling can be provided by air or water. Air cooling will allow operation at an ambient temperature of up to 80°C(176°F). Water cooling provides the highest temperature operation. The water needs to be relatively cool. The incoming water should not be hotter than 20°C (68°F). The rate of flow determines the maximum operating temperature. For example, if the flow rate is 2l/min we can operate at up to 200°C (392°F), and the inside of the housing will be kept to a temperature of 2°C (89.6°F).  If we increase the flow to y 6.5l/m, we can operate at an ambient temperature of 400°C (752°F). In this case, the internal temperature can reach 44°C (111.2°F). Meeting the Certifications There are special certifications provided by different regulating agencies. These specifications are designed to keep people safe and protect the equipment, and the environment. The certifications include: Electrical safety (CE): EN60065 This standard assures that the equipment protects people from certain hazards such as electric shock, implosion, radiation, and fire. Electromagnetic compatibility (CE): EN50130-4, EN61000-6-3: The standard assures that the equipment will not radiate electromagnetic signals that can affect other equipment. IP environment protection degree: EN60529, IP66/IP67: This standard assures that the equipment will survive in environments that have dust, gas or water. It will keep out the contaminants and protect the camera. For example, IP67 indicates the camera won’t get wet even if the system is immersed in water. EAC certification indicates that the product has been accepted in the Eurasian market. It indicates that the equipment has passed certain tests of technical conformity. Summary If you need to view the inside of a blast furnace or other extreme environments such as a rocket engine test, you will need to use a specially designed camera enclosure that protects the cameras. The enclosure includes insulation, special glass, and cooling that protects the camera from destruction. If you need help selecting the right extreme temperature IP camera system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425. Alternatively, use our contact form. ### Thermal versus Optical IP Cameras Applications for Thermal and Optical IP Camera Systems Thermal and optical IP cameras use different technologies to capture video. Each type of camera system provides a unique role in an IP video surveillance system. Systems that combine thermal and optical cameras provide a synergistic solution for long-range surveillance. Long-Range Camera Concept Thermal cameras are better for night viewing since they don’t require any light. The optical IP cameras require daylight or illumination at night and are best for identifying details such as a person’s face or a license plate number. This article describes when to use these camera systems. Applications for Optical and Thermal Cameras Optical IP cameras are primarily used for general surveillance. We use IP camera systems indoors and outdoors to view and record everything from criminals to wildlife. Thermal IP cameras are excellent for nighttime surveillance and can also be used to provide non-contact temperature measurements. The thermal imaging camera not only can be used at night, it can also “see” through rain, snow, and fog so can be used to enhance surveillance applications. When two separate cameras are combined, it makes it easier to find the object that was detected by one of the cameras. By combining the optical and thermal cameras, we create a very effective long-range camera surveillance system. Since the cameras are mounted together on the same pan-tilt mechanism, the system is effective for the detection, recognition, and identification of the target. The dual IP camera systems are also good for viewing objects that are many kilometers away. In these applications, we use a thermal camera with a wide lens to get a larger field of view. This allows us to detect the object. The optical camera has a zoom lens so you can recognize or identify what the object is. The optical camera can also be fitted with a laser illuminator that can light-up a target that’s over 3 miles (5 Km) away. There are off-the-shelf thermal-optical PTZ cameras as well as custom-made PTZ systems that are built to meet a specific application. How the Long-Range Camera Systems Work The camera systems consist of an IP camera head and sensor, lens, pan-tilt mechanism, and illuminator. Thermal cameras are designed to detect the heat energy coming from an object, while an optical camera detects the visible light reflecting from the object. Sensors for Optical Cameras: The optical sensors used in high-performance long-range camera systems provide megapixel resolution and can operate in low-light. The higher the resolution, the more detail you can see at a distance and the wider the field of view. There is a trade-off between resolution and low-light sensitivity. 2-Megapixel optical cameras have the best low-light sensitivity, while the latest 4K cameras (12-Megapixel) provide the widest field of view but less low-light sensitivity. Sensors for Thermal Cameras The thermal cameras use special sensors that view the infrared spectrum of the electromagnetic spectrum. The video image displays the temperature difference between the object and the background. There are cooled or uncooled sensor systems. The cooled systems provide better detection because they provide less thermal noise and can see objects with less heat contrast than uncooled sensors. In some applications, they provide the only way to detect objects that are very far away, but they are much more expensive and require periodic maintenance to keep them operational. Thermal sensors with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels are the most popular but are also available with lower and higher resolution. The price of the thermal camera depends on the resolution of the imaging systems. The higher the resolution the wider the field of view and the easier it is to spot the target. Even though they provide lower resolution than the optical camera the thermal camera can detect an object at a greater distance than the optical camera. This is because the object will bloom brightly if its temperature is hotter than the surrounding area. Lens for Optical IP Cameras The optical cameras use special long-range zoom lenses. For example, one of the systems uses a lens that zooms from 32mm to 2050mm. These high-performance lenses need to have good light transmission (low f-stop), and IR correction to maintain focus day and night. The higher the mm number the further you can see. For example, a 140 mm lens provides enough magnification so that you can tell if a person is carrying a rifle at a range of about ½  mile (829m) away. If the camera uses a 500mm lens, you can see the person over one 2500m (1.5 miles away). For more examples, look at our article, How Far We Can See With with PTZ Camera. Lens for the Thermal Camera The thermal camera uses special germanium lenses that can pass the infrared spectrum. There are fixed lenses and variable zoom lenses available. For example, we can select a wide lens to view a border crossing, or a narrow lens to view a road. Fixed lenses vary from 50 mm to over 100 mm, and there are variable lenses that zoom from 34 mm to 155 mm. The Pan-Tilt Mechanism: The pan-tilt mechanism needs to be very stable. The further away you try to see, the more small movements disturb the video. The high-performance pan-tilt mechanisms move the camera by 0.01 degrees. The very high-performance pan-tilt mechanism moves the camera very quickly (up 240-degrees/sec) to the exact position with almost no backlash. You can look at our article about IP Camera Stabilization for more details about camera stabilization. The pan-tilt mechanism needs to be very stable. The further away you try to see, the more small movements disturb the video. The high-performance pan-tilt mechanisms move the camera by 0.01 degrees. The very high-performance pan-tilt mechanism moves the camera very quickly (up 240-degrees/sec) to the exact position with almost no backlash. You can look at our article about IP Camera Stabilization for more details about camera stabilization. The pan-tilt mechanism gets more expensive as the viewing distance increases. This is because it needs to move a heavier camera lens assembly. Pricing also increases when the Pan-tilt mechanism needs to move quickly to track fast-moving objects. Laser Illumination: Laser Illumination versus Thermal Imager Camera The laser illuminator can provide focused IR light up to 5 Km away. The effective range is determined by the camera low-light sensitivity and lens low-light capability (maximum f-stop).  Cameras with larger sensors provide better low-light sensitivity, which maximizes the nighttime range of the camera system.  The better-quality laser illuminators adjust the focus angle so that it maximizes the light depending on the focal distance of the optical zoom lens.  This reduces hot spots that can affect the video quality. Laser illuminators must be used with care. Lasers with over 15-Watt power levels can exceed the danger limit for human eyes at close range. This is called the Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD). Usually, we recommend safety measures with lasers that use over 15-Watts of power. The risk of eye damage can be reduced by preventing people from being too close to the illuminator.  For example, a person should not be closer than 185 m (607 ft.) when a 15 W laser is used.  To protect the people, an active range finder system can be added to the camera system that automatically turns off the illuminator whenever an object is closer than this minimum range. Summary Comparing Optical and Thermal Cameras The thermal IP camera is designed for nighttime viewing while the optical IP camera works best during the day. IP Surveillance camera systems that combine both optical and thermal cameras provide a powerful surveillance system that is designed for long-range camera applications. With the right lens, you can see things many miles away day and night. Please contact us for help in defining your long-range camera system. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 43 On the last day of kindergarten, all the children brought presents for their teacher. The florist’s son handed the teacher a gift. She held up the box and said, “I bet it’s some flowers!” “That’s right!” shouted the little boy. Then the candy store owner’s daughter handed the teacher a gift. She held up the box and said, “I bet it’s some chocolates!” “That’s right!” shouted the little girl. The next gift was from the liquor store owner’s son. The teacher held up the box and saw that it was leaking. She touched a drop with her finger and tasted it. “Is it wine?” she asked. "No," the boy answered. The teacher touched another drop to her tongue. "Is it champagne?" she asked. "No," the boy answered. "What is it?" she said. "A puppy!" I'm in shape... Unfortunately, it's the shape of a potato. I failed my driver's test today. The instructor asked me "What do you do at a red light?" I said, "I usually check my emails and see what people are up to on Facebook." Scientists say the universe is made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. They forgot to mention morons. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice. The shinbone is a device for finding furniture in a dark room. Someday when scientists discover the center of the universe, many people are going to be disappointed to find out it isn't them. Back in the 1800's the Tates Watch Company of Massachusetts wanted to produce other products and, since they already made the cases for pocket watches, decided to market compasses for the pioneers traveling west. It turned out that although their watches were of finest quality, their compasses were so bad that people often ended up in Canada or Mexico rather than California. This, of course, is the origin of the expression; "He who has a Tates is lost!" A man rushed into the doctor's office and shouted, "Doctor! I think I'm shrinking!" The doctor calmly responded, "Now, settle down. You'll just have to be a little patient." I love how people say they're "expecting" a baby, as if it might be something else, like a penguin. My doctor told me to watch my drinking. Now I drink in front of a mirror. Hope you enjoy these jokes and cartoons. If you know any good ones, please send them to me. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How Face Recognition Works in a Crowd Facial Recognition in a Crowd There are different methods used for matching facial biometrics. The simplest method measures various features of a person’s face, such as the distance between the eyes, or the position of the mouth to the nose.  These geometric measurements or vectors are then coded and stored in a database for later comparison. This type of system is usually used in biometric door access control readers. The second method is more complex. It uses IP cameras to capture the full facial image and uses as much information as it can. The software then uses various computer algorithms, including machine learning, to build a set of definition data.  This statistical database increases the reliability of the facial recognition system. The more complicated face recognition algorithm is used to identify a person in a crowd.  Facial recognition used to identify a person's face in a crowd is different than biometric access control systems. They have different requirements and challenges.  Door control systems capture the face in a controlled environment. There is a relatively small database of faces to compare. The subsequent comparison is also made in a controlled environment. The lighting conditions and face position are the same for both capture and comparison.  Recognizing a person in a crowd is much more complicated. The faces in a crowd can be oriented differently than the initial picture. The illumination can be different, there could be different facial expressions, and shadows that modify the images detected. The face could be partially obscured by other people of the environment they are in. How 3D Facial Recognition Works 3D facial recognition extends the traditional methods of facial recognition to live-stream accurate capture and identification. In this system, the three-dimensional geometry of the human face is used. There are several techniques for capturing the 3D faces. One method uses multiple sensors to create a 3D model of the face. Another method captures the 2D face and then converts it to a 3D image. This transformational process reduces the cost of capture yet maintains reliability. A standard high-resolution IP camera can be used for capture.  The full frame-rate search process has increased levels of difficulty when compared to a controlled environment. The high-performance algorithm used for 3D identification must work even when there is a cluttered background. Subjects are not only in motion, but the direction they are moving is not optimal for face matching purposes. A sophisticated 3D facial recognition system can identify people even when there is motion blurring. It does this by tracking faces through time. The system operates even when there are busy backgrounds, variations in lighting and the possibility of faces being hidden (occluded) by objects or other people. In the real world, there are multiple people present and each one requires simultaneous detection, tracking, and matching. Faces must be recognized even when there is degradation of facial details because of lossy compression that is present in almost all video transmission and storage. The better 3D-facial recognition systems are constantly learning how to perform better by utilizing convolutional neural networks which allow them to train the algorithms to deliver ever-increasing performance. IP Camera System Integration C2P Software facial recognition system An IP camera can be used to capture faces in a crowd. The IP camera must be positioned to capture the faces correctly and to provide a minimum of 30 to 35 pixels across the face. To maximize performance the lighting should be well controlled. Cameras that include good wide dynamic range (WDR) are best when there is a large variation of lighting. When it’s dark, the cameras should have enough low-light sensitivity to operate without introducing a lot of noise.   Some video management software (VMS have options for integrated facial recognition. For example,  Ocularis from OnSSI integrates a high-performance 3D facial recognition system. This allows the security person to be notified when a person of interest is detected. It also allows the recorded video to be searched for all the instances when a certain person has been recorded. The biometric integration with Ocularis utilizes the C2P software. This combination allows the user to see the recorded video along with the information about the identified individual. Summary of Facial Recognition Facial recognition is a challenging biometric. It is especially difficult when recognizing a face in a crowd. 3D facial recognition systems are one of the most reliable ways to provide facial recognition in a crowd. An IP camera and new software algorithms have become available that reliably recognize faces in a crowd. If you would like help selecting the right facial recognition system for your application, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, and at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IP Cameras Price Versus Performance How much should you expect to pay for your IP camera?  IP cameras range in price from under $200 to over $1000. Since the price depends on what you need, you should always make sure you understand your objectives. For help in defining your requirements, take a look at our article, Defining Your Objectives. Price varies with performance. The least expensive cameras have fixed lenses. Do you need a camera for a small room or an outdoor camera that can recognize a person over 300 ft. away? The more expensive cameras include variable lenses that you can adjust from your computer. Some high-performance very low-light outdoor cameras can see things by starlight. Dome and bullet cameras have similar performance and price. Bullet cameras are usually used outdoors and are easier to mount on a wall, while dome cameras are better for ceiling mounting. The IP camera is only one of the components that make up your IP camera system. The surveillance system also includes the video recording system. It is important to make sure that any camera you select is compatible with the video management software (VMS) or NVR.  When to Use a Camera with a Fixed Lens A camera with a fixed lens is best used indoors in small rooms or maybe viewing a door. You usually can select fixed lenses with 2.8mm lens, 3.6mm or 6mm lens. The lens determines how far away you can identify a person’s face or license plate. For example, a 2-Megapixel camera with a 2.8mm lens (116-degree angle) can help you identify a person’s face that is about 14 ft away. The field of view is about 12 ft. wide. If you use a narrower lens (6mm), you can see the person further away (about 27ft.). IP Cameras with higher resolution allow you to see further away and provide a wider field of view. When to Use a Camera With a Variable Lens A camera with vari-focus lens allows you to adjust the field of view (how wide the shot is). There are manual adjustable lens and remote zoom or motorized lenses that allow you to adjust the camera from your computer.   A camera with a variable lens is much better if you are not sure about what the field of view should be. The remote zoom allows you to adjust the field of view from your computer and makes installation much easier. When to Use an IP Camera with Increased Capability Some new cameras include analytic capability that notifies you if a person screams, or if a gunshot is heard. The cameras with advanced analytics will trigger an alarm if a person crosses a defined line, or when someone leaves a package in the airport lounge. Take a look at our article about Real-Time Notifications. If you need to see at night, you can select cameras with very low-light sensitivity. These cameras can see by starlight. The higher resolution cameras allow you to view wider areas with the same detail and can view things further away. IP Camera Cost to Performance Table Here’s a price performance table that can help you determine the right camera. For simplicity, we only included dome and bullet cameras. There are also pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, panoramic cameras and special long-range cameras that can see things many miles away.   Note on costs: We used average costs for good quality cameras available from major manufacturers. You may find lower cost cameras, but be careful because you get what you pay for. You may find a $25 camera but you will be disappointed by the reliability, or by the lack of technical support and service. Your camera system also includes a video recording system. The cameras we considered for this chart are supported by many different types of recording systems.   CAMERA TYPEDESCRIPTION AND featuresPRICE2- Megapixel Indoor Dome CamerasBasic Indoor 2-Megapixel Dome cameraFixed 3.6 mm lens$120Add IRFixed 3.6 mm lens with IR with a range of about 15 m (49 ft.)$1502-Megapixel Outdoor Dome or Bullet Cameras   With IR illumination Basic outdoor Dome IP Camera with IR and fixed lensFixed lens can be selected. Lens types such as 6 mm, 3.6 mm, or 2.4 mm.   Low light is about 0.1 lux in color IR range of 20 m (65 ft.) $200Add a  variable lens.Manual adjusted variable lens and focus: 2.8 to 12mm adjustment   Low light is about 0.1 lux in color IR range of 20 m (65 ft.) $285Add a remote zoom auto-focus lensRemote zoom and focus. Provides about 3X zoom. Includes longer IR range of about 30 m (98 ft.)$5502-Megapixel Higher Performance IP CamerasAdd analytic functions and better low light, longer distance IR illuminationLow light performance improves to 0.015 lux in color   IR Illuminator: 50m (164ft.) Advanced analytic functions include: Loitering, Directional detection, Fog detection, Audio detection, Digital auto tracking, Sound classification, Tampering $690Add longer zoom lens and longer IR distance.Uses longer range zoom lens. 12 X remote zoom and focus with increased IR distance of 70 m (229 ft.)   Includes advanced analytics. The long 62mm lens allows you to identify a person you know that's over 300 ft away. $900Add extra low-light capability   No IR illumination Increases low light capability to 0.004 lux in color. BW is 0.0004 lux allowing you to see by starlight on a clear night.  Includes 4X remote zoom lens, and advanced analytic functions. $840Add IR to the Extra low-light capabilityThis is a bullet camera instead of dome camera. it has similar capability to the dome but adds 70 m (229 ft.) IR distance.$810High-Resolution Cameras with Remote Zoom and Focus4-Megapixel domeRemote 3X zoom and focus. Low-light sensitivity of 0.15 lux, and IR range of 30m (98ft.)$3355-Megapixel domeRemote 2.4X zoom and focus. Low-light of 0.07 lux, and IR range of 50m (164ft.)$93012-Megapixel dome (4K-camera)Remote 2.2X zoom and focus. Low-light sensitivity of 0.3 lux, IR range of 40m (131ft.)$1,020 Summary The price of IP cameras depends on the performance they provide. We compared IP cameras that vary in price from under $200 to over $1000. When you consider IP cameras for your application you can use inexpensive IP cameras with a fixed lens at a doorway or small room, while using a more expensive camera to view the parking lot. Cameras with advanced analytical functions can notify you in real-time about critical events. Take a look at our video about Real-Time Camera Systems.     If you would like help selecting the right camera for your application, please contact us. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or at 9149-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons - 42 I changed my iPod’s name to Titanic. It’s syncing now. I don’t enjoy computer jokes. Not one bit. When chemists die, they barium. Jokes about German sausage are the wurst. The teacher of the earth science class was lecturing on map reading. After explaining about latitude, longitude, degrees and minutes the teacher asked, “Suppose I asked you to meet me for lunch at 23 degrees, 4 minutes north latitude and 45 degrees, 15 minutes east longitude…?” After a confused silence, a voice volunteered, “I guess you’d be eating alone.” I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time. I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me. This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I'd never met herbivore. Cartoon by Peter Mesnik I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. I just can't put it down. I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was a play on words. They told me I had type-A blood, but it was a Type-O We're going on a class trip to the Coca-Cola factory. I hope there's no pop quiz. I didn't like my beard at first. Then it grew on me. Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn't control her pupils? Teacher: “If you had one dollar and you asked your father for another, how many dollars would you have?”Vincent: “One dollar.”Teacher: “You don’t know your arithmetic.”Vincent: “You don’t know my father.” When you get a bladder infection urine trouble. Broken pencils are pointless. I tried to catch some fog, but I mist. An old couple go to the doctor.The old man goes first to have his physical. When the doctor is done with him, he sends the old man back into the wating room and calls the old woman in. The doctor tells her, "Before we proceed with the examination, I would like to talk to you about your husband first." The old woman says, "Oh no, it's his heart. I told him to lay off the eggs." The doctor says, "No, physically he is OK, but I'm worried about him mentally." The old woman questions, "Whatever do you mean?" The doctor says, "Well I asked your husband how he is feeling and he told me he felt great. He said that when he got up to go the bathroom, he opened the door and God turned the light on for him. When he was done, he would shut the door and God would turn the light out for him." The old woman responded, "Son of a gun, he's peeing in the fridge again!" What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus. England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool … I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest. I dropped out of communism class because of lousy Marx. All the toilets in New York ‘s police stations have been stolen. The police have nothing to go on. I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded dough. Haunted French pancakes give me the crêpes. A cartoonist was found dead in his home. Details are sketchy. Some of these jokes were contributed by Dave Grossman. If you have any good ones, just send them to me. Thanks. ### Automated Emergency Notifications and Response How to Create a One-Button Emergency Response System When seconds count, a single-button alert system is essential for your organization’s safety. Whether you need to establish a lockdown or let everyone know about a fire, the rapid notification capability is important. Emergency alert buttons can be placed at various parts of the facility and connected to your IP security system. This means you can provide different responses depending on the location. You can also have unique buttons for specific emergencies. For example, you can respond to a fire or establish a lockdown depending on the button pushed.  Here’s how it works: The secret behind automated emergency responses is the addition of "if-then" logic in the latest security software systems. This powerful programming feature is now available in video management software, advanced door access control systems and in facility-wide paging systems. The if-then action tables allow you to detect a specific alarm and then react accordingly.  Video Management Software Logic Artificial intelligence can be added to your surveillance system. For example, the X-series IP cameras include an analytic capability that can detect IO inputs, motion detected in specific areas, line crossing, gunshots and even screams. They also have input and output connections that allow them to be connected to external buttons and trigger other devices. If-then logic is built into the Wisenet WAVE video management software (VMS) and the Ocularis 5 VMS. The rules and events engine allows you to define a specific response based on the camera's alarm. Video Management Software Set Up For example, the screens from the WAVE software show how you can respond to motion detected, by notifying the security person. Video Management Software Motion on Camera Notification A variety of sounds such as an alarm clock or siren can be selected to notify the person viewing the video.   The camera system can also be configured (by selecting the “Speak” option) so that a button connected to an IP camera can cause a recorded message to be played over the paging system.  The message can be broadcast to everyone in the facility. Emergency Camera System Automated Response Door Access Control System The professional door access control system includes advanced door control software that allows you to respond to alarms that are detected at the door. A linkage can be established between a door reader and other systems on the network. The alarms include situations such as access denied, anti-passback, duress alarm, an emergency password used, etc. When one of these conditions occurs video from a camera can be popped up on a security guards monitor. Door Access System Automated Response The linkage table provides the if-then logic that makes it easy to automate a response to an emergency situation. For example, a button can be attached to one of the door readers. If the button is pushed, all the doors can be locked or unlocked. A signal can also be sent to an IP paging system that includes its own if-then logic capability. Now you can make a campus-wide announcement or an announcement to one building that instructs everyone what to do in the emergency.   Emergency Audio Paging System The network attached paging system can also be automated using its own if-then logic tables. You can connect a number of buttons to the system.  Each button can cause a different type of announcement. IP Paging System Emergency Response Diagram One button can be used to announce a lockdown, while another button can make a fire alarm announcement.   Since the IP paging systems have many zones, it is possible to have one button trigger an announcement in one part of the campus or facility, while another button triggers a different message in a different building. Summary Security systems that are connected to the network are getting much smarter. The addition of the logic tables, provide very flexible reactions to all types of situations. We can react to dangerous alarms very quickly. When time is critical, these automated systems are essential for improving our safety.   If you would like help selecting the right IP security system, please contact us. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Real-Time IP Camera Systems How to create a real-time IP camera system It was a dark and threatening day. Thunder could be heard in the distance. Fog blanketed the building, weakening the remaining daylight. Strange sounds were heard in the basement, and the security center was called to investigate. The guard walks anxiously along a dark and long hallway. As he turns the corner, he is suddenly confronted by… Yes, this sounds like the beginning of a TV mystery show. Unfortunately for the mystery show, the latest IP video surveillance systems have removed the uncertainty and surprise. Sorry, we ruined the classic plot line. This article describes the newest way that IP camera systems are adding real-time functionality that handles the uncertainty of real-time security. Notification in Real Time With the increase of terrorist activity and gun-related tragedies in our schools, it is essential to respond quickly to emergencies. Video surveillance systems have taken on this new and demanding role. The latest IP camera systems provide immediate notification of dangerous situations. New intelligent IP cameras can notify the security center if a person screams. They can detect if a person crosses a predetermined line, or enters the wrong door. They can cause an alarm if a gunshot is heard. They can notify the security center if a laptop is removed from a desk, or even tell the guard that an unattended package has been left in the lobby. The professional X-Series Hanwha cameras include these advanced analytic capabilities. For example, the X-Series Hanwha cameras provide the following analytics: Behavior Analytics: Appear, Disappear, LoiteringPassing: Virtual line, Enter/Exit, Directional DetectionDetection: Motion Detection, Tampering, Face Detection, Audio detectionAudio Analytics: Explosion, glass breakage, gunshot, scream For more information about camera analytics, take a look at our article “The Intelligent IP Camera.” Now that the camera has detected a specific event, what can you do to react to the situation? It is important to use a video recording system that supports these advanced features Video Recording Systems that Support Real-Time Alarms Many video recording systems support general alarms from the IP cameras, but only a few are able to identify each type of alarm and then react to the specific threat. For example, you may detect that a box was left in the lobby. Since you are notified immediately about this specific event, you can dispatch the right people to the lobby or call for outside help. Ocularis 5 from OnSSI and WAVE from Hanwha both support if-then management of alarms.  Wisenet WAVE Video Management Software Wisenet Wave is a new video management software solution with some very nice advanced real-time response capability. It provides similar if-then rules that have been available in Oculairs 5 for many years. The “Events and Rules” engine in the WAVE software provides a host of different automated capabilities that can increase safety. The software can be easily integrated with IP paging systems and door access control. For example, if a person screams, the camera detects the event and passes it to the WAVE video management software. This automatically notifies the security center of the situation. The location of the camera provides the information necessary to immediately respond to the emergency. Another example is the detection of a person who enters a secure area, you can automatically send an audio announcement to the area such as, “Please leave the area,” or “The police are on their way.” The audio signal is passed through the IP camera to an attached powered speaker.     This if-then logic can also help you respond to lockdown emergencies. It can do a number of different things at the same time. For example, if an emergency button is pushed, the system can automatically lock all the doors in the building (if you have an access control system), and at the same time make a general announcement over the PA system (if you have an IP paging system). You could program the paging system to say something like, “Shelter in place.” Since each camera provides its own detection capability, you can create very specific messages based on the location of the event. If a gunshot is detected, the announcement can automatically tell everyone where it occurred. It can say, “A gunshot was heard in the cafeteria”, or maybe “Gunshot heard in the parking lot.” Mobile Video Viewing App No longer does the guard have to walk into an unknown situation. The security guard can use his smartphone to view all the cameras on the premises. He can select the specific camera and view the suspicious area. This allows the security officer to see what he is walking into. For example, the Wisenet Mobile app from Hanwha and the Ocularis 5 Mobile App from OnSSI allow the user to live stream from IP cameras that are attached to their video management software. It also provides remote playback of recorded video. It is almost like a mobile command center. Mobile Camera and Viewing App The Ocularis 5 Mobile App from OnSSI not only allows you to view all the camera on the network, but it also allows you to turn your smartphone into another camera on your surveillance system. This adds the capability to record live situations wherever there is a person with a smartphone. Smartphone Integration with VMS Many police departments use body-cams to help record their interactions with the public. These systems usually record the video to onboard storage, but the new Mobile-to-Ocularis feature provides a continuous video stream to the command center. This allows the security command center to keep in constant video contact with the responding officer.   The mobile app and the Ocularis video management software improves the safety of security guards by providing a live video feed that can be viewed at the security command center. Since the smartphone video connects to the video recording system just like any IP camera, the video can be easily recorded and managed.   Summary The latest IP camera systems provide increased safety and security by providing real-time event notifications. The mobile apps allow you to view all your cameras and even add your mobile smartphone as another camera on your video management recording system. These new technologies are replacing the older concept of just recording the video and reviewing it later. To learn more, take a look at our video, Real-Time Camera Systems. To learn more about the latest IP camera systems, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else. You can also use our contact form.  ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-41 What do Alexander the Great and Winnie the Pooh have in common? They both have the same middle name. A man walks into a bar and sits on a stool. After being served a beer, the bartender leaves the bar and goes into the back room. The man is alone in the bar, sipping his beer when he hears, “You’re looking pretty good. Have you been working out?” The man looks around and doesn’t see anyone.   He turns back to his beer and hears the voice again, “That’s a nice shirt. It goes well with your pants.” Again the man looks around and doesn’t see anyone. When the bartender returns to the bar, the man says, “The funniest damned thing has been going on. Someone seems to be talking to me, but I can’t see anyone. "Oh that," says the bartender. "It’s the peanuts. They’re complimentary." Q: What's the difference between a poorly dressed man on a unicycle and a well-dressed man on a bicycle? A: Attire. Q: What did the buffalo dad say to his son as he left? A: Bison. A drunk was in front of a judge. The judge says, “You’ve been brought here for drinking.” The drunk says “Okay, let’s get started.” When does life begin? Many religions have debated this theological question. Here is a summary: The priest: Life begins at inception The minister: Life begins at birth The rabbi: Life begins when the child graduates from medical school. More from Steven Wright I’m writing a book. I have the page numbers done; now I just have to fill in the rest. I almost had a psychic girlfriend, but she left me before we met. How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink? Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have.   And more Steven Wright Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now. When I'm not in my right mind, my left mind gets pretty crowded. What happens if you get scared half to death twice?  Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks. Borrow money from pessimists-they don't expect it back. Hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. I always need help finding the new jokes. If I you have some suggestions, please send them to me.  Thanks. bobm@kintronics.com ### Advanced Door Access Control The Intelligent Access Control System This is certainly not your father's door control systems. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to push a button to initiate campus-wide lockdown? What about integrating IP door access with your IP surveillance system, or controlling what floor a person can go to in the elevator? Or, maybe you would like to use the access system as a visitor management system? Well, the latest network-attached access control systems provide these advanced features as well as many others that can make it easier to control security. Advanced door access control systems include features such as: Integration with IP video surveillance systems Visitor management Passback control If-then logic Lockdown and Fire Emergency Dual authentication Elevator control Integration of Door Access and IP Surveillance Systems You may have heard about the integration of door access and IP camera systems. The latest IP door access readers make this easier than ever. Some of the new door access control readers include built-in cameras. When a person activates the door reader, it automatically snaps their picture. Now you have a simple way to check if someone is using someone else's credential. Alternatively, you can use a separate IP camera mounted near the door. This provides additional capability since it can take a snapshot or record the video. One or more IP cameras can be placed near a doorway. Viewing and recording can be triggered by receiving a notification from one of the readers. For example, when the security person is notified that a credential has been used, they can check that only one person enters the door. This helps to prevent multiple people from entering the door (piggybacking).   An intelligent reader can notify the security person about some abnormal event at the door. This can include door open situation, or an attempt to open the door with the wrong credential. In all cases, the video can be captured from one or more cameras in the area. The security person can also view the video from various IP cameras around the organization. This provides a real-time surveillance capability that can augment your video surveillance system. Some of the professional readers can create an alarm if a person is under duress. The new fingerprint reader includes the capability of automatically notifying the security person if the door is being opened under duress. The alert is triggered by using a different finger on the fingerprint door reader.  It allows the security person to see who is near a door, and react to the alarm. Visitor Management The door access system can also be used as a visitor management system. The optional visitor system allows you to enter information about the visitor. This includes the person’s name, who they are visiting and the department they will be visiting. It can include other information such as their mobile telephone number, the reason for the visit, and their company. The software can print a badge, or issue a credential for a higher level of control. It automatically adds the date and time of entry. You can also assure that the person signs out when they leave. The system allows you to set the specific door that they can enter, and a time period for the visit. To increase security you can even capture their fingerprint so that the credential can’t be given to someone else. You can also grant access to elevators or specific areas of the building that have door control readers. The visitor system provides a log that collects the visitor history and provides charts for easy review of the visits. Passback Control The new systems prevent people from misusing the door access control system. For example, it prevents people giving their credentials to other people. The passback control establishes a controlled sequence of how a credential is used. Pass-back at the Door The anti-passback feature can be set to prevent a credential from being used twice within a certain period of time. It can also prevent a credential from being used at another door reader within a specified time. If-Then Logic Advanced door access software includes logic that responds to certain inputs and then causes specified outputs. This if-then logic provides some very powerful advanced access control functions. The input can come from the software or a reader. Inputs from the software can cause a trigger such as an exception trigger, alarm canceled, enable or disable an auxiliary output, and a device has started. Inputs from the reader’s AUX input can cause a trigger that can control other readers. Outputs from the software can control other readers on the network. For example, the software can control different output conditions. This can include unlocking or locking all the doors. It can also cause an output to occur on a specific readers IO output.   The software can also tell the system to pop up the video so that the security person can see an event. It can also save a snapshot or record the video when an alarm condition is detected. Lockdown and Other Emergency Responses The door access control system can be used in emergency situations.  It can be used to lock all the doors when a lockdown occurs, or it can be used to unlock all the doors when a fire or other disaster requires everyone to exit the building. Access control software that includes an “if- then” logic function can respond to emergency situations. The “if-then” software creates a linkage between inputs and predetermined output functions. For example, a button can be attached to the input of a door reader. When someone pushes the button, it sends a signal to the software that is interpreted by the logic and causes all the door readers to lock their doors. In the same way, the button could cause all the readers to unlock their doors. The global unlock signal can also come from a fire-control panel instead of a button. This provides the fire safety feature required by many municipalities. It is usually used when magnetic locks are used instead of electric strikes. For more detail about controlling doors take a look at our article, Access Control and Fire Alarm System Integration. Not only can all the door locks be activated, the access control system can be integrated with an IP paging system. This allows the access control system to trigger a prerecorded audio announcement. The message can say something like, "Emergency lockdown!" or if there is a fire it can say, "Please exit the building." You can also send a local message just to the security room, telling them that there is an, "Alarm at the front door."  Dual Authentication If you are concerned that a stolen card is being used at your organization, dual authentication is one way to decrease this risk. Advanced door access control systems provide the capability to use both a card and a PIN number.  This helps to eliminate the threat of stolen, lost or copied cards being used for entry. The most secure form of door access control is the biometric reader.  This is much more secure than a credential because it confirms the person rather than the card they carry. For example, the finger-vein biometric reader provides a very secure entry control system because it uses the vein pattern in the finger. The vascular patterns are unique to each individual so this is almost impossible to counterfeit. Elevator Control Elevators can be made more secure by adding elevator access controls.  These controllers determine who can reach certain floors. For example, we can assure that only the approved people can get to the 3rd floor where the accounting department is located. With this type of system installed, the people who work in accounting only have access to the third floor, while people in advertising can only go to the 5th floor. Floors that contain general areas such as cafeteria or fitness center, would typically be available to everyone. We can also program the system to allow certain people, such as the executives to go to any floor.  For more details about elevator controls, take a look at our article, Elevator Control Using Door Access Readers. Summary The latest advanced door access control systems go beyond the capability of older door control systems. The new access control systems connect to the network and include powerful management software that adds many security features. They increase security by assuring the right people enter the facility, providing facility and campus lockdown in emergencies, and assure safety in fires or other alarm situations. They make it easy to integrate with video surveillance systems, and can control elevator access. For help defining your door access control system, contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### IP Camera Motion Stabilization How IP Camera Image Stabilization Works Have you ever tried to take a snapshot of something that’s far away? When you are using a long distance lens (higher focal point), you probably found it hard to keep the camera steady. The higher the focal length of the lens, the more difficult it is to stabilize the image. This problem is especially significant with very long-range IP camera. When a surveillance camera is mounted on a swaying pole, or on a ship at sea, movement can affect the quality of the video. Image stabilization is used in IP cameras to reduce the effects of this motion. This article describes the various mechanisms used to stabilize an IP surveillance camera. In general, the method used to stabilize the video depends on the range of camera motion expected and the vibration frequency.  The diagram shows how a small change in angle results in more movement the further away the field of view is. Camera Stabilization Diagram The example compares a camera with 10-degree lens to another camera with a 45-degree lens. If both cameras rotate 1-degree, the camera with the 45-degree lens, changes the field of view by 1/45 (= 2% of the field of view), while the 10-degree camera moves the field of view by 1/10 (= 10% of the field of view). The very long range cameras use very long lenses with focal lengths greater than 2000m. The very small angles of less than 1 degree, require a high degree of stabilization. There are a number of different ways to provide stabilization. Optical image stabilization moves the lens or the sensor to compensate for angular tilt and pan motion. Electronic digital image stabilization shifts the image from frame to frame to compensate for the movement. Active physical camera stabilization attaches the camera to a pan-tilt platform that provides the stability.  Lens-Based Stabilization Lens-based stabilization uses one of the lens elements to stabilize the image that reaches the sensor. Stabilization With the Lens Motion is detected using an angular velocity sensor such as a piezoelectric velocity sensor (or gyroscopic sensor). One detector measures horizontal motion while the other measures the vertical movement. The lens is moved using electromagnets. This methodology provides more accurate autofocus functions than the sensor-based stabilization method, but the lens is more expensive. Sensor-Based Stabilization This type of stabilization moves the sensor rather than the lens to compensate for the angular motion of the camera. Sensor Based Stabilization Concept The gyroscopic detector measures the camera motion and then adjust the position of the sensor. The advantage is that you can use a less expensive lens (one without the built-in stabilization).  This method provides less motion correction than the optical lens stabilization so is not the best technique for very long distance (large focal length) lenses. Digital Image-Based Stabilization Electronic image stabilization is used in many of the high-performance dome PTZ IP cameras. It is helpful when the camera is mounted on a pole where the wind can cause camera vibration. Digital Stabilization The technique tracks the image from frame to frame. It adjusts the relative position of the total image to compensate for motion. This methodology can reduce the size of the image because it uses pixels along the border of the picture as a buffer region for adjusting the picture. Hikvision includes digital image stabilization in many of their new PTZ cameras.  The Hanwha X-series IP cameras use digital image stabilization along with a gyroscopic sensor. This combination of technology improves the stabilization. Hanwha X-series Image Stabilization Active Camera Stabilizer In some cases, the motion of camera system is more than the internal camera stabilization can handle. For example, if the IP camera is mounted on a moving vehicle or ship at sea. An active stabilization platform is used in this case. The video camera is attached to a pan-tilt platform that provides the stabilization. The system uses a gyro and special processing circuits to keep the camera pointed at the target. It works well in situations where the motion frequency is very low (around 1 Hz). This type of stabilizer can maintain a target of interest on swaying poles, or on boats. It can maintain a target with up to 10-degrees of motion.  It can also be used to stabilize a camera system on a vehicle where there are low-frequency motion disturbances. But, it doesn’t work when the vehicle is bouncing around on very rough terrain. Active gyro stabilization detects movements of the camera head. When the gyroscope detects movement, it moves the pan-tilt mechanism to compensate for the camera motion. The performance is dependent on the accuracy of the gyro sensor, the latency of the system, and the speed and precision of the pan-tilt motors. Summary IP cameras can be stabilized so they can be used on unstable platforms. A stable video stream can be achieved using a gyro-controlled lens, or sensor, or using digital image stabilization. A long-range camera system can be stabilized by mounting it on an active platform that adjusts the pan and tilt of the camera assembly. This provides better stabilization when the camera is on a ship at sea, or on a moving vehicle. Image stabilization is usually found on the very long-range cameras. If you need help selecting the right IP camera and stabilization, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-40 A physicist, an engineer, and a mathematician are all locked in separate burning buildings. The physicist runs to a chalkboard, calculates exactly how much water he will need to put out the fire, runs and finds that amount, puts out the fire, and survives. The engineer pulls out a calculator, calculates exactly how much water he will need to put out the fire, runs and finds 10 times that amount, puts out the fire, and survives. The mathematician runs to a chalkboard, calculates exactly how much water he will need to put out the fire, declares, “There IS a solution!”, and then burns to death. ____________________________________ Teacher: “If I gave you 2 cats and another 2 cats and another 2, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Seven.” Teacher: “No, listen carefully… If I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Seven.” Teacher: “Let me put it to you differently. If I gave you two apples, and another two apples and another two, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Six.” Teacher: “Good. Now if I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Seven!” Teacher: “Johnny, where in the heck do you get seven from?!” Johnny: “Because I’ve already got a cat!” ______________________________________________________________________ Some puns I used to be allergic to soap but I’m clean now. The patron saint of poverty is St. Nickeless. What did the man say when the bridge fell on him? The suspension is killing me. A relief map shows where the restrooms are. There was a big paddle sale at the boat store. It was quite an oar deal. How do they figure out the price of hammers? Per pound. The answer to the test question is as follows: Cartoon Triangle Test Answer So the Pope is SUPER early for his flight. He asks his driver on his way to the airport if he could drive around for a while because they have time to kill and he hasn't driven a car since becoming the pope. Naturally, he's a bit rusty, so he's driving poorly when suddenly he sees police lights behind him. He pulls over and when the officer comes up to the window his eyes go wide. He says to the pope "Hold on for a minute," and goes back to his car to radio the chief. Cop: "Chief we have a situation. I've pulled over an important figure." Chief: "How important? A governor or something?" Cop: "No sir. He's bigger." Chief: "So, what? a celebrity or something?" Cop: "More important, sir." Chief: "A major politician?" Cop: "No sir, he's much more important." Chief: "WELL WHO IS IT!?" Cop: "Well actually I'm not sure. But the pope's his driver." I wish I had this teacher in school. I think I got this message on my computer  … I hope you like these jokes and cartoons. If you want to contribute, please contact me. ### How to Connect Audio to Networks and IP Cameras Did you ever want to yell at someone you see on your video surveillance display? Maybe you want to tell them to get away from your parking lot or to yell at an intruder that the police are coming.  Perhaps you would like to talk to someone at your door? Then you could let the delivery man enter the back door at your office. IP audio interface systems provide connections to speakers for paging or intercom devices. This article describes how audio can be added to your network or IP camera system. Paging Connected to Network The IP audio interface unit connects to the network and includes an amplifier with audio output that drives one or more speakers. These IP audio amplifiers can be used to provide campus-wide paging. Since each IP amplifier can be uniquely addressed over the network, you can make a page to a single room, one floor, one building, or the entire campus. The IP amplifier is also available embedded inside a speaker. This creates a powered speaker that is very easy to install. You just plug the speaker into the network. No additional wiring is required. These IP paging systems are excellent for campus-wide paging since you can connect speakers wherever you have a network connection. IP paging is also an excellent system for emergency paging. The Talkmaster software has an option for pre-programmed messages. You can place strategic emergency message buttons around your facility. This makes it easy to send a warning message such as, “Intruder detected with a weapon, please shelter in place!” or notify everyone that there is a fire, by pushing a single button. These IP paging systems are excellent for campus-wide paging since you can connect speakers wherever you have a network connection. IP paging is also an excellent system for emergency paging. The Talkmaster software has an option for pre-programmed messages. You can place strategic emergency message buttons around your facility. This makes it easy to send a warning message such as, “Intruder detected with a weapon, please shelter in place!” or notify everyone that there is a fire, by pushing a single button. Intercom Connected to Network This IP intercom interface box connects to the network and includes audio in and audio out connections so you can attach an intercom panel. The intercom Includes a call button and door release relay, and is powered using PoE. The built-in relay allows you to control an electric lock. There are indoor and outdoor versions available. Talkmaster Audio console software runs on your computer and allows you to talk to each intercom. This Windows application provides door bell notification, two-way audio and door release. The intercom system can be used to control entry at a door. It can also be used to communicate with many rooms from a central office. Schools use this type of system to keep in touch with all the teachers. Intercom Connected to IP Camera If you would like to see who is at the door, you can add an IP camera. A different IP camera audio interface box is used in this application. In this case, instead of connecting to the network the intercom is attached to the IP camera through the interface unit. The IP camera must support two-way audio for this system to work. The added video provides additional security. This IP intercom system allows you to view people at the door. The interface box uses PoE from the network to power both the camera and the intercom. The two-way audio interface includes an output that allows you to release an electric lock. There are indoor and outdoor intercoms available. This IP video-intercom system is an excellent way to control a remote door. The system integrates with some video management software and NVR recording systems, which allows you to provide door control within your video management and recording system. Speaker and Microphone Connected to Camera An IP camera can be used to monitor audio at a viewed location. This application can also include a separate speaker so you can not only talk to a remote location but also hear what they are saying. The interface box is very similar to the intercom interface. There are some regional rules about recording audio, so make sure you understand the local ordinances describing what you can record using your video recording system. This system provides an excellent way to add more information and interaction to an IP camera surveillance location. Speaker Attached to an IP Camera Instead of connecting both the speaker and the microphone a different interface provides a connection for just a speaker.  The speaker interface can only be attached to an IP camera that has an audio out connection. The signal is amplified so it can drive a speaker. These interface boxes provide more power than the two-way audio systems. The more power, the louder the audio from the speaker. There are many different amplifiers and speakers available depending on the application. This system can be integrated with some video management and recording systems that support audio. It is an excellent way to deter intruders without having to send a security person to the location. Summary Audio can be attached to your network or directly to an IP camera using special interface units. The devices are very easy to install since they connect to the network and use PoE for power. The wiring is simple, yet the systems you can create are very powerful. You can protect people in a school or add audio to a camera location. Many of these systems integrate with video management and recording systems providing increased security when you need it. If you need any help connecting audio to your IP camera or network, just contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 anywhere else or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-39 There was a power outage at a department store yesterday. Twenty people were trapped on the escalators.Steven Wright I went to the museum where they had all the heads and arms from the statues that are in all the other museums.Steven Wright I hate it when my foot falls asleep during the day because that means it’s going to be up all night.Steven Wright The bird, the bee, the running child are all the same to the sliding glass door.Demetri Martin The worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades. Demetri Martin Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes? Groucho Marx Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies. Groucho Marx Rebecca was driving home from one of her business trips in New Mexico when she saw an old Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the old Navajo woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car. Resuming the trip, Rebecca tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a black leather bag on the seat next to Rebecca. “What in bag?” asked the old woman. Rebecca looked down at the leather bag and said, “It’s a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband.” The Navajo woman was silent for a few seconds. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said, “Good trade.” An engineer was taking a walk when a frog spoke to him and said, “If you kiss me, I’ll turn into a beautiful princess.” He picked up the frog and put it in his pocket. The frog spoke again and said, “If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I’ll become your girlfriend.” The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket. The frog spoke again and said, “If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I’ll become your wife.” The engineer took the frog out of his pocket again, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket. Finally, the frog said, “What is the matter? I’m a beautiful princess. Why won`t you kiss me?” The engineer said, “Look, I’m a busy engineer. I don't have time for a girlfriend or a wife, but a talking frog, now that’s cool.” A little boy enters a barber shop and the barber whispers to his customer, ‘This is the most foolish child in the world. Watch me. I prove it to you.’ The barber puts a dollar banknote in one hand and two quarters in the other, then calls the boy over and asks, ‘Which do you want, son?’ The boy takes the quarters and leaves. ‘What did I tell you?’ said the barber. ‘That child never learns!’ Two hours later the customer sees the same young boy coming out of the candy shop. ‘Hey, son! May I ask you a question? Why did you take the quarters instead of the dollar banknote?’ The boy licked his candy and replied, ‘Because the day I take the dollar, the game is over!’ Some Good Advice Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in his shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away and have their shoes. Piping Specifications (The government version) All pipe is to be made of a long hole, surrounded by metal or plastic, centered around the hole.All pipe is to be hollow throughout the entire length – do not use holes of different length than The I.D. (inside diameter) of all pipe must not exceed the O.D. (outside diameter) – otherwise, the hole will be on the outside of said pipe.All pipe is to be supplied with nothing in the hole, so that water, steam or other stuff can be put inside at a later date.All pipe should be supplied without rust – This can be more readily applied at the job site. Some vendors are now able to supply pre-rusted pipe. If available in your area, this product is recommended as it will save a lot of time on the job site.All pipe over 500 feet (153m) in length should have the words “long pipe” clearly painted on each end, so the Contractor will know it is a long pipe.Pipe over 2 miles (3.2 km) in length must have the words “very long pipe” painted in the middle, so the Contractor will not have to walk the entire length of the pipe to determine whether or not it is a long pipe or a very long pipe.All pipe over 6” (152 mm) in diameter must have the words “large pipe” painted on it, so the Contractor will not mistake it for a small pipe.Flanges must be used on all pipe. Flanges must have holes for bolts quite separate from the big hole in the middle.When ordering 90 degrees, 45 degrees or 30 degrees elbow, be sure to specify right hand or left hand; otherwise, you will end up going the wrong way.Be sure to specify to your vendor whether you want level, uphill, or downhill pipe. If you use downhill pipe for going uphill, the water will flow the wrong way.All couplings should have either right hand or left-hand thread, but do not mix the threads - otherwise, as the coupling is being screwed on one pipe, it is unscrewed from the other. Hope you like these jokes. Many were contributed by Dave Grossman. If you know of some good jokes, please contribute. ### Security Provided by Access Control Systems What You Can Do to Improve Security With all the gun-related tragedies at schools and other facilities, what can we do to increase our security? Securing your facility, school, sporting events, or concerts have become more complicated. Door Access Control Concept IP camera systems used to be enough to monitor the facility, but today we want to do a lot more.  We want to prevent unauthorized access to our buildings, prevent people from bringing in weapons, and we want to provide campus-wide paging systems that keep everyone informed of any emergency.   Access control systems include more than just a door reader. They can include intercoms, cameras and even walk-through metal detectors. Each of these security systems adds another level of safety. The different components play unique roles in your overall security. This article reviews the various parts and when to use them. It provides guidance about what technology to use and an overview of how they work. Door Control Readers: IP door readers control who can get into your facility. Access is controlled by credentials which can be a card or key fob. There are also biometric readers that can detect your face or fingerprint. When to use IP Door Control Readers: They are best used when you need to control entry to your building, department or individual room, and don’t have a guard.   How IP Door Readers Work: The simplest readers use credentials that a person carries. More complex readers utilize biometric information. Credentials are available in different form factors. There are thin cards that can be placed in a person’s wallet, thick cards that usually have a hole that allows them to be worn on a lanyard, and key fobs that can be placed on a person’s keyring. Some new door readers can also use a person’s smartphone as the credential.   Biometric readers use a person’s fingerprint, face, or even finger-vein to identify a person. It is a much more secure way of controlling entry since you are verifying the person rather than the credential they are carrying.  To learn more about the security provided by the different types of door readers, take a look at our article, Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems. Walk Through Metal Detectors Metal detectors are used in schools, sporting events, government offices, and concerts. They are part of a total security system that includes cameras, door access control, and emergency paging systems. When to Use Walk-through Metal Detectors Metal detectors are used to prevent weapons from entering a facility. They can detect guns and knives and any other metal object that could be used as a weapon. How Walk-Through Metal Detectors Work The metal detector works by generating a short pulse induction magnetic field across the opening. If a metal object passes through the detector, it creates an echo pulse that can be detected by the electronic circuits.  To learn more about how they work read our article, How Walk-Through Metal Detectors Work.We also have a video posted that provides the science behind this technology. Intercoms at Doors IP intercoms are placed near the door you want to control and allow a visitor to contact the security person. They interface with door readers or electric locks to allow a remote security person to open the door. They work with IP cameras systems to increase security. When to use Intercoms Intercoms are used to manually control entry of visitors. When they are used with cameras, they allow the security person to see and talk to the person at the door.    How IP Intercoms Work IP audio intercom system diagram The intercom is connected over the network to a computer. When a person pushes the call button on the intercom, an alert sound occurs.  This notifies the person assigned to security that someone is at the door. They can then talk to the person and release the door lock (or not). If an IP camera is placed at the entrance, the security person can also see the person at the door. The camera provides additional security since it allows you to determine if the visitor is alone or not. IP Camera Systems IP Cameras placed at strategic points inside and outside the building help detect dangerous situations. When to Use IP Cameras: IP camera systems have primarily been used to record video of essential areas. They can be used to determine who stole the laptop, but historically have not been able to notify you when the actual theft occurs. The latest IP cameras provided immediate alarms. The built-in video analytics can detect problems and notify security as soon as they happen. How Smart IP Cameras Work: The latest IP cameras include analytics that creates an alarm if a person crosses a predetermined line. They can also detect if a person leaves an object or takes an object from a room.  These automatic features dramatically increase security by providing alarms as soon as the danger is detected. Our video describes, How the IP Camera Works. You can learn more camera analytic features in our article, The Intelligent IP Camera.   IP Emergency Paging Systems Network attached paging systems use the local area network to distribute sound. The small amplifiers have a network connection and can drive a few speakers. A page can be sent from a computer on the network or a VoIP phone. Network attached paging systems use the local area network to distribute sound. The small amplifiers have a network connection and can drive a few speakers. A page can be sent from a computer on the network or a VoIP phone.   When to Use an IP Paging System When you need a paging system that allows the security person to give instructions to many buildings on a campus, or to just page to a single building, to a floor or even a single area. The IP based paging system provides precise control of where the page will be heard. The same system can also be used as an intercom system. This allows the security person to have a conversation with people located in key locations.   How IP Paging Works The network attached speakers include a built-in amplifier, micro-computer, D to A Converter, and a network connection.  They also can include an optional microphone so you can use these speakers as intercoms. For more details about how they work take a look at our article, How IP Powered Speakers Work. Summary IP security technology can be used to increase our security. This includes IP camera systems, Intercoms, Walk-through metal detectors, door access control, and paging systems. To learn more about How Technology Can Help in Active Shooter Situations. To learn more about the security systems available, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or just use our contact form. ### How Walk-Through Metal Detectors Work Anyone who has traveled by airplane has probably gone through a walk-through metal detector. These security devices have also been used in schools, sporting events, government offices, and concerts. They are part of a total security system that includes cameras, door access control, and emergency paging systems. Metal detectors are effective and safe.  Just like IP cameras and door access control, they add to your safety and security.  Here’s how they work. The Science Behind Metal Detectors The metal detector utilizes the laws described by a Scottish physicist named James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879). He discovered that magnetism and electricity are related. An example of the relationship is a coil of copper wire wrapped around a metal nail. When current is applied to the coil, the metal nail becomes magnetized. When an electric pulse is sent through a coil of wire, it creates a magnetic field. When the field hits a metal object, it reflects back and can be detected using another coil of wire. The size and timing of the detected pulse is used to define the size and position of the object.   How They Work Walk-through metal detectors typically use pulse induction (PI) technology. The PI systems send powerful, short bursts (pulses) of current through the coil of wire. Each pulse generates a short magnetic field. When a piece of metal passes through the magnetic field, a reflected magnetic field is created. This magnetic field then reacts with the receiver coil, which, in turn, triggers the alarm system.  This initiating spike lasts a few microseconds (millionths of a second) and causes a current to run through the coil. This subsequent current is called the reflected pulse and lasts only about 30 microseconds. A typical PI-based metal detector sends about 100 pulses per second, but the number can vary based on the manufacturer and model, ranging from about 25 pulses per second to over 1,000. The walk-through metal detectors create large magnetic fields that cover all of the space inside the rectangular arch of the metal detector. If a person walks through the metal detector and sets off the alarm, airport security is informed that this person could potentially be hiding a dangerous, metal-based weapon, such as a knife or a gun, and further research is conducted. The latest metal detectors have multiple zones that not only sound an alarm but also can tell the security person where the metal object is located. Metal detector object location display The multi-zone walk-through metal detectors contain multiple coils that create the separate detection zone. They can detect multiple objects, and display all the areas where they can be found. Systems are available with up to 33 zones. There are alarm lights on the side of the unit making it much easier for the security person to find the object.  To learn more, take a look at our video about "How Walk-through Metal Detectors Work." Walk-Through Metal Detectors are Safe and Effective The Health Physics Society wrote a fact sheet on airport security that said, “Even though magnetic fields [created by metal detectors] are a form of radiation, the radiation the machine emits is nonionizing … [and] does not cause biological damage. Therefore, even repeated exposure to metal detectors has no associated radiation risk.” With this in mind, airport metal detectors provide a very effective and safe method of enforcing security in airports, schools, and businesses. Summary Walk-through metal detectors utilize magnetic fields to detect metal that passes through them. The science behind how they work is based on Maxwell’s equations. The latest detectors include multiple detection zones allowing them to pinpoint the location of the metal causing the alarm. They have been proven to be a safe and effective method for maintaining security. If you need help selecting the right walk-through metal detector, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or just use our contact form.   ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-38 Infinity  –  where no-one can get, but where all lines meet. Some Puns: Have you ever tried to eat a clock? It’s very time consuming. The other day I held the door open for a clown. I thought it was a nice jester. The meaning of opaque is unclear. I used to have a fear of hurdles, but I got over it. Did you know they won’t be making yardsticks any longer? What is a thesaurus’s favorite dessert? Synonym buns. Some interesting quotes: Magnetism, as you recall from physics class, is a powerful force that causes certain items to be attracted to refrigerators. Dave Barry If it’s zero degrees outside today and it’s supposed to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold is it going to be?- Steven Wright Space isn’t remote at all; it’s only an hours drive away if your car could go straight upwards.- Fred Hoyle If it weren't for electricity we'd all be watching television by candlelight.- George Gobel From Murphy’s Law: If it is green or it wiggles – it is Biology.If it stinks – it's Chemistry.If it doesn’t work – it is Physics.- Young's Handy Guide to the Modern Sciences He has left his body to science… and science is contesting the will.- David Frost I heard that in relativity theory, space and time are the same thing; Einstein discovered this when he kept showing up three miles late for his meetings.- Steven Wright Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.- Albert Einstein I can levitate birds… no one cares.- Steven Wright If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it.- Albert Einstein If anyone has some jokes and cartoons, please contribute.  This month we thank Dave Grossman for some of the excellent puns. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-37 If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the precipitate. Right now, I’m having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I’ve forgotten this before. You can’t have everything. Where would you put it? Just because nobody complains doesn’t mean all parachutes are perfect. A chemistry joke: What kind of fish is made of only two sodium atoms? A: 2 Na fish. My theory of evolution is that Darwin was adopted. How much room does it take for fungi to grow? As mushrooms as possible. Two pirates, Jack and Pete, meet in a bar.  Jack has a patch over one eye, 
a hook for a hand, and a wooden peg leg. “Ye gads, matey,” says Pete. “What happened to ya?” Jack says, “Me pirate ship was attacked, and a lucky shot lopped off me leg. So now I got me a wooden peg.” “And yer hand?” asks Pete. “When me ship sank, a shark bit me hand off. So now I got me a hook.” “OK, but what’s with the eye patch?” “I was standin’ on a dock, and the biggest seagull I ever saw poops right in me eye.” “But ya don’t go blind from no seagull poop.” “True,” says Jack. “But it was me first day with the hook.” A skeleton walks into a bar. The bartender says, “What’ll you have?” The skeleton says, “Gimme a beer and a mop.” Darling, you’ve always been with me on life’s long, bumpy ride. Through sickness, hair loss, bankruptcy, You’ve been here by my side. My heart attack and the house burning down, That night the lightning struck. And liver cancer—and now suddenly, I’m starting to think that you’re bad luck. A grasshopper walks into a bar and the bartender says, “Hey, we have a drink named after you.” The grasshopper says, “Really? In that case, give me a Kyle!” Hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons. Send me an email if you would like to contribute. ### Security Technology Review for 2017 In 2017 there were a number of technology advancements. Faster processors provided higher performance IP cameras that enhanced the security provided by IP camera systems. Other technology introduced included, long-range PTZ cameras, new biometric door access control readers, and more advanced network attached paging and intercom systems. Over last year, technology for IP security systems continued to add new features that made it easier to use and improve our safety. This article reviews some of the key technology introductions. IP Camera Technology Both Hanwha (used to be Samsung) and Hikvision introduced new cameras that included very low-light sensitivity cameras, and improved wide dynamic range (WDR). Hanwha also focused on providing very useful video analytics, and camera to camera communication that provided a handoff between a fixed camera and a PTZ camera. The new X-series cameras include a high-performance processor called Wisenet 5. The faster speed processing power allowed them to improve the performance of their 2-Megapixel and 5-Megapixel cameras. They also added gyro sensors that provide video stabilization. This dramatically improves performance when the cameras are mounted on poles that can be affected by wind.   Very Low Light Performance The latest Hanwha and Hikvision cameras provide low light-level sensitivity that enables viewing in very dark conditions. The very high-performance cameras can see in partial moonlight.  As an example, the Hanwha XNV-6085 provides low-light sensitivity of 0.004 lux in color. The Hikvision DS-2C4526FWD specs low-light sensitivity at 0.0027 lux in color. When these cameras switch to BW mode, you can view scenes illuminated by starlight (on a clear night). Smart Analytics By adding advanced video analytics, IP cameras are now able to notify you of security problems in real-time.  This includes virtual line-crossing that provides an alarm if someone enters a secure area, detection of an item removed from a location, and even object left unattended.  The audio analytics offers even more security protection by providing notification when a gunshot is heard, or even when a person screams. These analytic functions allow security persons to respond immediately to threats to your security.  For more information about analytics, take a look at the article, The Intelligent IP Camera. Hanwha introduced a very nice feature that enables a PTZ camera to zoom into a pre-selected location when an alarm trigger is received from another camera in the same surveillance system.  For example, if a fixed wide angle view camera detects motion at a gate, the associated PTZ camera can move and zoom to the gate area. This is perfect for automatically monitoring a large area.  It is also possible for more than one fixed camera to cause the same PTZ camera to view an alternative location when it detects motion or another alert. Hikvision announced that there would be some advanced capability in their new NVR and IP cameras. This is not available yet, but it’s expected to provide some very nice capability in 2018.  “Deep Learning.” is the name of the process added to their new NVRs.  It provides an artificial learning function that helps the IP camera system identify people, and ignore false alarms caused by animals, falling leaves or changing shadows. The increased capability in the IP cameras is called “DeepinView,” and it adds algorithms that can identify a person’s face or license plate. Long-Range PTZ Cameras A number of off-the-shelf long-range PTZ cameras were introduced in 2017. These cameras include long-range lenses, IR illumination, and additional thermal imaging cameras. Previously these features were only available in custom-made long-range camera systems, but today high-performance cameras are available for less cost. During the day, long-range cameras can detect a person over 3 miles away. They can recognize the difference between a person and a dog over 1-mile away. They can identify if the person is a man or women (based on how they are dressed) about ½-mile away.  At night the IR illumination has a range of up to 1,000 m (0.6 miles) away. A number of off-the-shelf long-range PTZ cameras were introduced in 2017. These cameras include long-range lenses, IR illumination, and additional thermal imaging cameras. Previously these features were only available in custom-made long-range camera systems, but today high-performance cameras are available for less cost. During the day, long-range cameras can detect a person over 3 miles away. They can recognize the difference between a person and a dog over 1-mile away. They can identify if the person is a man or women (based on how they are dressed) about ½-mile away.  At night the IR illumination has a range of up to 1,000 m (0.6 miles) away. Biometric Door Access Control New fingerprint readers were introduced last year that provide a higher level of reliability and improved ease of installation. Or example, these door readers offer much better recognition of hard to read fingerprints. If you need hands-free door control, then the new professional facial recognition door readers should be considered. Since they don’t have to be touched, they are popular in hospitals and other organizations where hands-free operation is essential. They have been improved so that they operated faster and more reliably.   Other new multi-modal biometric readers were introduced last year. These readers provide increased flexibility, allowing dual authentication (such as fingerprint and facial recognition) or alternative identification when appropriate. The latest finger-vein door readers offer much better reliability.  They included live-person detection for increased security.  The TVIP-3F-ProX fingerprint reader now includes built-in PoE capability making it much easier to install. IP Paging System The latest IP Paging system allows a page to initiated from a Windows computer running Talkmaster software or a VoIP SIP type phone. This makes the paging system much more flexible and easy to use. Installing a network attached paging system is extremely easy. The amplifiers connect directly to the network. The lower power IP amplifiers can even use Power over Ethernet (PoE). New IP speakers are available that include a built-in IP amplifier. This means you can mount the speaker on a wall, and just plug it into a nearby network drop.  There is no need for wiring back to a central amplifier. Summary Security technology was enhanced in 2017. IP camera systems, door access control, and paging systems all added significant capability. The higher performance processors used by all these systems enabled functions that provided increased intelligence at the camera, and at the door.  This resulted in improved safety and security at the same price point as the older technology. For more information about the latest IP connected security systems, just contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or just use our contact form.    ### How to Protect IP Camera System from Cyber Attack Protecting Your IP Camera from Hacking IP camera systems are supposed to protect us. That is their purpose. However, do we need to protect the camera system?  It turns out that in this brave new world of cyber threats, even our cameras are vulnerable. There are some things you can do to protect your IP camera system from cyber-attack. Some of them seem obvious, yet many of us have not implemented them. Your IT staff can implement many of these things, but we do have a simple solution that can be installed by almost anyone. Here is a list of things you should do to protect your IP camera system. IP camera systems are supposed to protect us. That is their purpose. However, do we need to protect the camera system?  It turns out that in this brave new world of cyber threats, even our cameras are vulnerable. There are some things you can do to protect your IP camera system from cyber-attack. Some of them seem obvious, yet many of us have not implemented them. Your IT staff can implement many of these things, but we do have a simple solution that can be installed by almost anyone. Here is a list of things you should do to protect your IP camera system. Camera Password Late in 2016, there was a massive distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack that prevented access to major websites such as Amazon and Twitter.  The hackers were able to use many different network-attached devices including IP cameras to participate in the attack. Unfortunately, many IP cameras are installed with default or weak passwords that made it easy for the “Mirai” virus to penetrate the cameras.  What is interesting is that the cameras still worked, they just sent some additional messages. When you get over 100,000 cameras and other devices working together, it can overwhelm the targeted system. It is very easy for a hacker to log in to an IP camera if you have not changed the password. The default username and passwords are even listed on the manufacturer’s website. Even the simplest hack can get into a camera that uses “root” and “pass” or “admin” and “1234”. We have all learned that it is critical to use strong usernames and passwords to protect our computers. It is just as important to change the username and password to protect your IP cameras. By adhering to this simple rule, we can block most incursions. Isolate the Cameras The best practice for installing your IP camera system is to place all the IP cameras on an isolated network that is controlled by the video recording system. The video recording server should have two network connections, one for all the cameras and the other for the general network. When the cameras are placed on an isolated network, it reduces the bandwidth on the general network and moreover, prevents any outside connections to the cameras. The security person (or assigned person) can still view the video from the cameras on their workstation located on the general network side. Assure that Your Network Connections are Secure Network connections can be secured by locking a port to a MAC address of the camera, as well as adding encryption to the camera video feed. In some cases, our IP cameras are located outdoors or at other locations. We must prevent hackers from replacing a remote camera with a laptop that allows access to the camera network.  To protect your system, use a smart network switch to control network access. An intelligent switch can assign a specific MAC address to a port. Since the MAC address identifies a specific camera, any other device will be rejected by the switch. If you do not want the wrong people to view the video, you can use video management software that supports increased security features. Some video management software, such as Ocularis from OnSSI, supports HTTP/SSL encryption from the camera to the recording server. The software also prevents unauthorized persons from viewing or copying exported video by using password protection and database encryption in the exported video database. Use Antivirus Software Antivirus software not only protects your IP camera recording system, but it also helps to keep your computer systems safe from cyber attacks. There are a number of anti-virus programs available that rely on detecting the signatures of malware.  This type of software detects and then removes computer viruses. Unfortunately, cyber attacks have become more sophisticated. New malware can enter your system from websites, and email messages. Hackers have used phishing techniques to add ransomware to your system. One example of software that protects your computer system from these latest attacks is called CylanceProtect from Cylance. It uses artificial intelligence to analyze files and processes on the computer. The software works differently from the classic virus detection systems since it doesn’t require constant updates of malware signatures. Using machine learning to monitor the operation of the computer system, it constantly looks for unusual events and processes.  This advanced method detects threats and quarantines harmful code before they damage your computer system. More Security Precautions There are additional things that you can do to assure security.  For example, the video recording system should allow different levels of access. Only one or two persons should be assigned as the administrator and be allowed to do everything needed to manage the system, while other people can be granted the rights to just view the video. There have been some issues reported by people using certain brands of cameras. Being aware of the reputation of the camera manufacturer is important.  For example, it is important to assure that ports in your router are not automatically opened when certain cameras are installed.  Even if you have IP cameras from less than trustworthy manufacturers, moving them to a separate network that does not have a router connected to the Internet will limit your risk. Utilize a Security Enabled Network Video Recorder System If you do not have a network security person, then you can always select a smart network video recorder with embedded security features. To review, network video recording solutions (NVR) systems make it easier to implement an IP camera surveillance system. The NVR contains a powerful computer that runs specialized video recording and management software. It includes the storage for recording the video from all the cameras for many weeks. Some include built-in network connections, while others rely on additional network switches to attach the cameras. Recently, a new NVR system called CyberShield-NVR has been introduced that protects IP camera systems from cyber-attacks.  This smart NVR includes many of the protection schemes mentioned above.  Since these are easy to install appliances, you do not need a sophisticated IT person to implement everything. The secure NVR can be used instead of a standard NVR or even your computer running VMS.  It includes a secure architecture with the ability to isolate the cameras from your general network. The system locks the connection between the cameras and the NVR, by recording the MAC address and preventing unauthorized devices from using the Ethernet connections. The video recording system supports video encryption and even integrates virus and malware protection from Cylance.  This means that it can help predict attacks and proactively prevent malware execution on your total system. Conclusion It has become more important to protect your IP camera systems from malware and other intrusions that can cause problems on your computer systems. There are a number of solutions including making sure the IP Camera passwords are secure, using a smart switch that can lock-down the network connection of the camera, as well as isolate the cameras from the general network and use anti-virus software. The alternative is a smart NVR that includes malware protection. If you would like help selecting your IP camera system, and protecting the video recording system from cyber-attacks, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-36 Jack made his way through veterinary school working nights as a taxidermist. Upon graduation, he decided he could combine his two vocations to better serve the needs of his patients and their owners, while doubling his practice and, therefore, his income. He opened his own offices with a shingle on the door saying, “Dr. Jones, Veterinary Medicine and Taxidermy – Either way, you get your dog back!” Here are some silly puns and jokes. An invisible man marries an invisible woman. The kids were nothing to look at either.Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.A man takes his Rottweiler to the vet and says, "My dog's cross-eyed, is there anything you can do for him?" "Well," says the vet, "let's have a look at him." So he picks the dog up and examines his eyes, then checks his teeth. Finally, he says, "I'm going to have to put him down." "What? Because he's cross-eyed?" "No, because he's really heavy." Two cows standing next to each other in a field, Daisy says to Dolly,"I was artificially inseminated this morning." "I don't believe you," said Dolly. "It's true, no bull!" exclaimed Daisy.I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find any.I went to a seafood disco last week... and pulled a mussel.Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly; but when they lit a fire in the craft, it sank, proving that you can't have your kayak and heat it too. What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.A sandwich walks into a bar. The bartender says, "Sorry we don't serve food in here."Two antennas meet on a roof, fall in love and get married. The ceremony wasn't much, but the reception was excellent.Two hydrogen atoms walk into a bar. One says, "I've lost my electron." The other says, "Are you sure?" The first replies, "Yes, I'm positive..."A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, "I'll serve you, but don't start anything."Two peanuts walk into a bar, and one was a salted.A dyslexic man walks into a bra.A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm and says: "A beer please, and one for the road."How does a spoiled rich girl change a light bulb?She says, "Daddy, I want a new apartment." Historical Resumes Julius Caesar: My last job involved a lot of office politics and back stabbing. I'd like to get away from all that.Jesse James: I can list among my experiences and skills: leadership, extensive travel, logistical organization, intimate understanding of firearms, and a knowledge of security measures at numerous banks.Marie Antoinette: My management style has been criticized, but I'd like to think of myself as a people person.Joseph Guillotin: I can give your company a head start on the competition.Hamlet: My position was eliminated in a hostile takeover.Pandora: I can bring a lot to your company. I like discovering new things.Genghis Khan: My primary talent is downsizing. On my last job I downsized my staff, my organization, and the populations of several countries.Macbeth: Would I go after my boss's job? Do I look like the kind of guy who would knock off his boss for a promotion?Lady Godiva: What do you mean this isn't business casual? I had a dream the other night. I was in the old West riding in a stagecoach. Suddenly, a man riding a horse pulls up to the left side of the stagecoach, and a riderless horse pulls up on the right. The man leans down, pulls open the door, and jumps off his horse into the stagecoach. Then he opens the door on the other side and jumps onto the other horse. Just before he rode off, I yelled out, "What was all that about?" He replied, "Nothing. It's just a stage I'm going through." Scientists have shown that the moon is moving away at a tiny, although measurable distance from the earth every year. If you do the math, you can calculate that 85 million years ago the moon was orbiting the earth at a distance about 35 feet from the earth's surface. This would explain the death of the dinosaurs - the tallest ones, anyway. Hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons.  If we you know any good ones, don’t hesitate to send them to me so we can share with everyone. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Biometric Door Control Misconceptions Do You Believe Facial Recognition Readers Store Your Picture? There are many misconceptions about science and technology. One of the misconceptions is that biometric IP door readers store a picture of your fingerprint or face. Another one is that the Earth is a flat disc that rests on top of four elephants, on top of a turtle*. For clarity, biometric door readers do not store a picture of your fingerprint or face, and the Earth is not flat. This article describes the technology behind biometric door readers. We are all sensitive to information being gathered about us. Privacy is very important. We do not like the government or even the organization we work for knowing all about us. With all the hacks going on, who would not be worried about our fingerprint getting stolen.  However, do not worry. This is one of those misconceptions.  Your fingerprint cannot be stolen from today’s biometric readers. Instead of storing a picture of our actual fingerprint or face, the biometric readers captures only a small subset of data and then convert these minutiae points to encrypted binary data.  The code can only be retrieved using a mathematical algorithm that has no physical relationship to the biometric. Biometric door reader facial encoding diagram The sensors are very accurate and impossible to deceive. The readers include integrated security components that make them safe from hacking. Special algorithms optimize the capture process. This reduces the false rejection rate. The fingerprint scanner uses subsurface multispectral imaging technology to see beneath the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) and view the live layer of the skin (dermis) where the true fingerprint resides.  This means that conditions on the outer skin’s surface (such as calluses, dryness, dirt or contaminants, moisture, or the effects of aging) do not limit the ability of the sensor to capture fingerprint minutiae data. The latest scanners include anti-spoofing technology that rejects a fake fingerprint. The reader detects the live finger rather than a rubber mold or other fake fingerprint. To learn more, take a look at our video, "How Biometric Readers Work." What happens if the biometric doesn’t work? The latest readers have other modes of entry besides the biometrics. They can use a credential if their biometric doesn’t work.  Just remember that a biometric is much more secure than an RFID credential. The fingerprint identifies the person and not the card that they carry. You can also use dual authentication. A person can carry a credential and also require that their face match the credential applied. There are various levels of security provided by door access control systems. Door readers that just require a PIN number are the least secure.   It is difficult to control pin numbers when people change. For example, if a person no longer works at the facility, all the numbers may have to be changed. Door readers that use credentials such as cards are much safer, but the cards can be copied or stolen.  The most secure level of security is provided by a door access control that identifies the person.  For more about the various levels of security, take a look at our article, “Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems.” Another misconception is that network attached biometric readers are much more expensive than RFID IP readers.  In reality, all this great new technology is about the same price as some of the IP RFID door readers.  Biometrics is becoming the new standard for door access control. The world is not flat, and biometric readers maintain our privacy. They are safe and more secure than RFID door readers. *Note, in the Discworld books by Terry Pratchett, the world is described as a disc, resting on the top of four elephants who, in turn, stand on the back of a giant space-faring turtle. Contact us to learn more about the biometric door readers. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-35 Some groaners: Back in the 1800's the Tates Watch Company of Massachusetts wanted to produce other products and, since they already made the cases for pocket watches, decided to market compasses for the pioneers traveling west. It turned out that although their watches were of finest quality, their compasses were so bad that people often ended up in Canada or Mexico rather than California. This, of course, is the origin of the expression; "He who has a Tates is lost!" A three-legged dog walks into a saloon in the Old West. He sidles up to the bar and announces: "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw." Air Traffic Control Communications A DC-10 had come in a little too fast and thus had an exceedingly long roll out after touching down. San Jose Tower:  "American 751, make a hard right turn at the end of the runway, if you are able. If you are not able, take the Guadeloupe exit off Highway 101, make a right at the lights and return to the airport." : Tower: "Eastern 702, cleared for takeoff, contact Departure on frequency 124.7"Eastern 702: "Tower, Eastern 702 switching to Departure. By the way, after we lifted off we saw some kind of dead animal on the far end of the runway." Tower: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff behind Eastern 702, contact Departure on frequency 124.7. Did you copy that report from Eastern 702?"Continental 635: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff, roger; and yes, we copied Eastern... We've already notified our caterers." Some Jokes for the Young (mind) What do you call a boomerang that doesn't work? A Stick.What do you call cheese that isn't yours? Nacho Cheese.What do you call Santa's Helpers? Subordinate Clauses.What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Frostbite.What lies at the bottom of the ocean and twitches? A Nervous Wreck.What's the difference between Roast Beef and Pea Soup? Anyone can Roast Beef.Energizer Bunny arrested - charged with battery. Jimmy and his brother Ralph both lived in the same town. Jimmy lived with their 90-year-old mother, and Ralph lived across town with his 12-year-old cat, Silky. Ralph was obsessed with Silky and treated her like a queen. The two were never apart. But one day, Ralph learned he had to go to England on business. He couldn’t take the cat with him. Ralph asked Jimmy to care for his cat, and Jimmy agreed. So, Ralph brought Silky over, spent an hour explaining the nuances of servicing the aging feline, and departed for London. Every night Ralph would call and ask “How’s Silky?”. The first four nights, Jimmy, holding in his growing irritation at his brother’s cat-obsession, answered, “Silky’s fine,” but the fifth night, in response to the question, he blurted out, “Silky’s dead!” Hearing that, Ralph almost died of shock, himself. When he recovered, he said to his brother, "Jimmy, that's not the way to break news like that to someone. You don't just blurt out information like that. You have to prepare a person." " Tonight when I called," Ralph went on, "You should have said, 'Silky's fine, but she's up on the roof.' Then tomorrow you could have told me, "Silky fell off the roof and I took her to the vet's." Then, the next day, you could have said, "Silky didn't make it, Ralph, she's dead," and I would have been able to handle the news." "By the way, Jimmy," Ralph asked, "How's mom?" "Oh, she's fine," said Jimmy. "But she's up on the roof." If you would like to contribute to these jokes and cartoons, please send them to me.  Thanks. ### Long Range Camera Systems – Custom Vs. Off-the-Shelf Review of Long-Range Day-Night IP Camera Systems If you want to detect an object many miles away, you will need a special long-range PTZ camera.  While custom-made cameras are best for very long-range applications, the latest off-the-shelf cameras provide some of the same capability for less money. These long-range PTZ cameras are very cost-effective, and allow you to detect a person almost 4-miles away. They have built-in IR-illumination or an additional thermal imaging camera that allows you to see an object over ½ mile away.  Prices range from less than $3,000 to about $25,000. If you want to detect an object many miles away, you will need a special long-range PTZ camera.  While custom-made cameras are best for very long-range applications, the latest off-the-shelf cameras provide some of the same capability for less money. These long-range PTZ cameras are very cost-effective, and allow you to detect a person almost 4-miles away. They have built-in IR-illumination or an additional thermal imaging camera that allows you to see an object over ½ mile away.  Prices range from less than $3,000 to about $25,000. The basic difference between the off-the-shelf cameras and the custom made cameras is their performance. The custom long-range cameras take much longer to build because they use special components.  The custom long-range cameras generally will provide much better operational distance, especially at night.  Custom-made systems can view objects at night that are over 8 miles away. They include very long distance lenses, specialized laser illuminators, special thermal cameras, and very high-performance pan tilt mechanisms.  Off-the-shelf long-range cameras cost less than $25,000, while custom cameras range in price from $50,000 to well over $150,000. Here is a summary of the systems available: Off-the-Shelf PTZ Camera System There are different configurations available. The following PTZ system contains an optical camera plus an IR-illuminator for night viewing. We used our modified Detection, Recognition, Identification (DRI) definitions to compare the camera's performance. For more details about DRI definitions take a look at our article Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria. XNP-6550RH PTZ Camera With IR This high-resolution 2-Megapixel PTZ camera has excellent performance. It includes a 55X zoom lens (4.75 ~ 261.4mm), with an additional 16x digital zoom. The long zoom lens allows you to identify a license plate number over 1,800 ft. (567m) away during the day or 1,600 ft. (500m) at night. At a selling price of less than $3,000, it is the lowest price long-range camera system. During the daytime, the 261 mm zoom lens has the capability of detecting a person at a distance of over 4 miles. “Detection” means that something is seen, but there isn’t enough resolution to determine what it is.  It could be a person or a large dog. The XNP-6550RH can “recognize” if it is a person or dog at a distance of about 1.2 miles (1950 m). We can “identify” if the person we see is a man or women (based on how they are dressed), at a distance of about half a mile (977 m). All this is during the day. At night, the IR-illuminator restricts all the distances to less than a quarter of a mile (500m). Y9236-LIR and Y9250-LIR PTZ Optical Camera With IR Both of these 2-Megapixel PTZ cameras include a very long-range IR illuminator. The Y9236-LIR has better low-light sensitivity than the Y9250-LIR. The Y9236-LIR has a low light sensitivity of 0.002 lux in color. This is better than many other cameras. When it switches to gray-scale (or BW mode), the Y9236-LIR can see things at an amazing 0.0002 lux. It can operate in partial moonlight. During the daytime, the Y9250-LIR camera with the 6.6 mm to 330 mm (minimum of 1.1-degrees) zoom lens can detect a person that’s 7000 m (over 4 miles away).  If the field of view is partially illuminated by the moon or standard lights, it can recognize a person at over 1900 m (over 1.1 miles) away. At night, the built-in IR illuminator in the Y9236 has a range of 800 m. The Y9250-LIR has a range of 1000 m. This camera has the longest range of all the off-the-shelf PTZ cameras. D6266-75/100 PTZ Thermal-Optical Camera This camera system includes an optical camera with IR illuminator and thermal camera in one unit. A thermal camera provides different viewing characteristics than an optical camera. It does not require any light, but rather detects the thermal radiation from the target. The more the target temperature differs from the surrounding area, the brighter the object will appear.  For example, it is excellent for detecting a warm human in a cold snowfield. You may miss the person in an all-white outfit on a snowfield, but you will not miss them with the thermal camera. The “hotter” the object the further away it can be detected. The thermal camera has a resolution of 640 x 512, and there is a choice of 75 mm or 100 mm thermal lens. Using the 100 mm thermal lens, you can usually detect a person about 2445 ft (745 m) away but the distance can be greater (over 1000 m) depending on the temperature difference of the object you are viewing. The optical 250 mm zoom lens provides daytime detection at about 4.5 miles (7300 m) away. When there is enough light, the camera can “recognize” if it is a person or dog at a distance of about 1.2 miles (1950 m). We can “identify” if the person we see is a man or women (based on how they are dressed), at a distance of about half a mile (977 m). All this is during the day. At night the IR-illuminator has a range of 500 m. A very nice feature of this camera is that the IP video for both the thermal and optical camera is on a single network connection, with two separate streams. The price for thermal-optical camera systems varies from $22,000 to $25,000 based on the thermal lens required. Custom Long Range PTZ Cameras Do you need a camera that can identify an object that is 5000 m away in total darkness, then you probably require a custom camera. As the name implies, these cameras are built from the ground up to meet the exact requirements of an application. You can select the optical camera, the IR illumination, the thermal camera, the optical and thermal lens, and the pan-tilt mechanism. They can be designed to operate in difficult environments including high vibration situations. Lens Optical lenses: You can select an optical lens with a very long telephoto capability. The lenses are defined by the widest to the narrowest angle (or telephoto) For example, a camera with a focal length of 6 mm to 222 mm has a zoom ratio of 37X.  There are extremely long-range lenses that go up to 9000 mm. The quality of the lens can be selected to support the highest resolution camera.  These special lenses are designed to gather the maximum amount of light.  Yes, these can be quite expensive, with costs exceeding $65,000. Thermal lenses: There are also special lenses for thermal imaging cameras. Thermal wavelengths are longer than the optical wavelengths. The lenses are usually made from germanium which is more expensive than the standard lenses.  There are fixed lenses and variable zoom thermal lenses. Thermal Imager The thermal imager can be cooled or uncooled. You can select thermal imagers with 380 x 250 resolution or 640 x 512 resolution. The cooled version provides greater detection but costs quite a lot more than the uncooled version. Special Laser Illumination You can add very long range IR illumination by using a special laser.  The high-performance illumination systems include active focusing that provides even illumination that adjusts to the zoom lens magnification. The longest laser systems have a maximum range of 5000 m. However, be careful. If you direct the laser at someone who is closer, you can damage their eyes. Some of the advanced systems include range-finding that shuts off the laser if something gets too close. Pan-Tilt Mechanism When you are viewing objects many miles away, the pan-tilt mechanism needs to be very precise. The Pan-Tilt mechanism requires a positioning resolution of better than 0.003-degrees. If you need to track a fast moving object, the pan-tilt mechanism needs to move fast. The challenge is to move a camera that has a heavy lens quickly and precisely. The more precise and faster pan-tilt speeds add to the cost of the system. Examples of Custom-Made PTZ Camera Systems The special systems have been designed with very long range lenses, with an IR laser illuminator, as well as an additional thermal camera.  The lens for the optical camera and the thermal camera are selected for the specific application For example, One of our custom systems was designed for a military application. It includes a 16 to 2050 mm zoom lens with autofocus that is corrected for IR lighting. The long-range IR-laser illuminator has a range of over 4000 m. The system is mounted on a two-axis gyro controlled mount for added stability.  It operates in rugged conditions (IP67) and at temperature ranges that are between -40C° C and +60 °C. This special unit sold for over $175,000. For more information about how long-range PTZ camera systems are designed, take a look at our article, “Comparison of Long Range IP Camera Systems.” You can also see a video that shows how various PTZ long range IP camera systems actually perform. If you would like some help selecting the right long-range night-vision PTZ camera, contact us 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### How to Ensure Video Chain of Evidence How Write-Once Storage is Used to Protect Video Evidence From Your Ip Surveillance System One of the objectives of a video security system is to help law enforcement prosecute miscreants. It is important that this digital evidence follow the rules for chain of evidence so it will be acceptable by the courts. It must be treated just like fingerprints, confiscated weapons, and other physical objects that need to be authenticated in court. Ensuring the immutability of digital information can be challenging because a knowledgeable person can modify the evidence if it is not secured. How can we assure that the information has not been edited, deleted, or modified in any way?  This article reviews some of the methods for protecting the video chain of evidence. Procedures Required In all cases, defined methods of handling and storing the video data need to be followed. Once an incident occurs, the organization should follow a procedure that protects the video. The first step is to transfer the video evidence to secure storage that can't be changed.  This can be DVR-R disc or a protected hard drive. Once the video is transferred, it can be provided to law enforcement. Exporting the Video Video can be preserved by transferring it to a DVD-R disc. There is one problem with this solution. These days it is hard to find a DVD-R drive.  Instead, we can transfer to a USB-drive. Unfortunately, this is not as secure. If you can find a DVD-R drive, you can transfer the video to the DVD using video management software (VMS) or your Network Video Recorders (NVR). They both have export functions that make it easy to transfer the information to a DVD (or other media). The recording system exports the video to a .avi file that can be played back on any computer. This works well when there is a short segment of video that depicts the crime. Some video recording systems can export the video in the same database file structured that is used within the recording program. The application for playing back the video is also exported. This allows anyone to view the video and search for the interesting segments.  This technique is best for video evidence that is recorded over a long period. Using Controlled Hard Drive Video Storage Instead of using a DVD or USB drive, you can use protected hard drive storage. The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) recommends that you should preserve evidence from the time it is collected to the time it is presented in court. To prove the chain of custody, and ultimately show that the evidence has remained intact, prosecutors need service providers who can testify: That the evidence offered in court is the same evidence they collected or received.To the time and date, the evidence was received or transferred to another provider.Assure that there was no tampering with the item while it was in custody. A challenge in proving chain of custody can arise when the prosecution fails to properly initial and date the evidence or fails to place a case number with it. The storage protected video solution is a good solution for chain of evidence protection. It has security protection build into the hardware-level. It uniquely protects not only the video but also the audit information and audit tools, applications and executables from modification, deletion, sabotage, manipulation and unauthorized access. HDWrite1X is the product that provides the critical write-protected storage. It can be used with any video recording system. It complies with the CJIS requirements. Video protection is an important addition to your IP camera surveillance system, especially if you are interested in preserving your video for law enforcement. The Criminal Justice Information Services also requests that any attempt to modify information in the computer be logged.  HDWrite1X supports multiple types of real-time intrusion detection. When data tampering is attempted, log entries are generated identifying the attempted intrusion, and the attempt is aborted. Protecting Your Computer from Malware Evidence can be destroyed if your computer system is attacked by a virus, ransomware, or other malware. The storage used by your computer system can be protected not only from a person who deliberately tries to change the evidence but also from an external hacking event.  The article, “Protecting Your Computer from Malware” describes how to protect your computer system. If you need help selecting your IP Camera System and the video recording system for your cameras, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-34 An engineer died and reported to the Pearly Gates. An intern angel, filling in for St Peter, checked his dossier and grimly said, “Ah, you’re an engineer. You’re in the wrong place.” So, the engineer was cast down to the gates of hell and was let in. Soon, the engineer became gravely dissatisfied with the level of comfort in hell and began designing and building improvements. After a while, the underworld had air conditioning, flush toilets, and escalators, and the engineer was becoming a pretty popular guy among the demons. One day, God called Satan up on the telephone and asked with a sneer, “So, how’s it going down there in hell?” Satan laughed and replied, “Hey, things are going great. We’ve got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators, and there’s no telling what this engineer is going to come up with next.” God’s face clouded over, and he exploded, “What? You’ve got an engineer? That’s a mistake. He should never have been sent down there. Send him up here.” Satan shook his head, “No way. I like having an engineer on the staff, and I’m keeping him.” God was as mad as he had ever been, “This is not the way things are supposed to work, and you know it. Send him back up here, or I’ll sue.” Satan laughed uproariously, “Yeah, right. And just where are you going to get a lawyer?” My mother-in-law said, “When you’re dead, I’ll dance on your grave.” I said, “Good. I’m being buried at sea.” - Les Dawson Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I met a beautiful girl last night, but she was rather thin. I mean this is a skinny girl. You never saw anybody so thin. She turned sideways you didn’t see her. I took her to a restaurant, and the maître ‘d said to me, ‘Check your umbrella?’”  - Mel Brooks A doctor says to a man, "You want to improve your love life? You need to get some exercise. Run ten miles a day." Two weeks later, the man called the doctor. The doctor says, "How is your love life since you have been running?" "I don't know; I'm 140 miles away!"  - Henny Youngman A man goes to a psychiatrist. The doctor says, "You're crazy" The man says, "I want a second opinion!" "Okay, you're ugly too!"  - Henny Youngman My wife and I have the secret to making a marriage last. Two times a week, we go to a nice restaurant, a little wine, good food. She goes Tuesdays; I go Fridays. - Henny Youngman Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. - Dr. Seuss Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. - Oscar Wilde I hope you liked these jokes and cartoons. If you would like to contribute any jokes or cartoons, please send them to bobm@kintronics.com ### Protecting Your Computer from Malware How to Protect Your Computer from Ransomware and Other Malware What if you didn’t have to worry about ransomware or any other viruses? Unfortunately, cybercrime has become a major problem for the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) who is tasked with protecting the company's computer systems, as well as the CEO who has to deal with the consequences of an attack. Large corporations such as Merck, Mondelez, Sony and DLA Piper have been infected by malware. Hospitals and organizations around the world have not been spared. It has become a global problem. There are a number of virus protection programs that attempt to block malware from entering the system, but none of the solutions work all the time.  A good solution is to be more careful with email, but it is hard to control everyone in the organization. An extreme solution is to take the computer off the Internet, but this prevents access to people who need the data. What if we could prevent any virus from changing the data in our hard drives? Well, now there is a new solution that provides the malware protection we all need. HDWrite1X technology was initially developed for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure the integrity of digital evidence. An early application was to protect video evidence recorded from IP camera systems. To understand the new technology, let’s go back to the early 1980s when Sony introduced the Write Once Read Many (WORM) discs.  The WORM disc was the precursor to CD-discs. This optical technology provided archival media but also had the characteristic of only writing once. It meant that any data you placed on the discs could not be changed.  Now there is a new way to do the same thing using a standard hard drive. The virus protected storage solution uses modified hard drives instead of WORM optical discs. The secret is to add special hardware controls that emulate write-once capability. Unlike optical discs, this emulation technology allows you to turn the write-once function on as required.  The write-once technology prevents data from being changed, yet the storage system looks exactly like a standard hard drive system to all your application programs and operating system. HDWrite1X Protection There are two versions of HDWrite1X. The first type, called HDWrite1X-OS protects the operating system by preventing any changes to the master boot records and partition tables.  The second version, called HDWrite1X-HD protects all your static data files. In general, the system can protect data temporally, provide incremental permanent protection, or lockdown a complete disk. It can even provide instant lock-down of data when a cyber-attack is detected. This type of system provides a much more secure barrier to malware attack than anti-virus tools. The HDWrite1X solution has been tested by Defense Information System Agency (DISA), Department of Justice (DOJ), disk manufacturers, NIST, Raytheon, and others.  Nobody has been able to penetrate it. How to Protect Your Computer There are various types of malware. Malware includes viruses, worms, Trojans, bots, and ransomware. Here is how to protect your computer from these threats. Ransomware Protection This is a crypto virology type threat that prevents user access to files. Used to extort money.  By using HDWrite1X-OS to protect the operating system and HDWrite1X-HD to protect the data, files such as .doc,  .pdf, .xls, etc. cannot be modified. Worms and Virus The worm malware replicates itself so that it can spread to other computers. Virus malware tends to be more complex than the worm. In both situations, the code is replicated and can infect both the operating system as well as other applications. It usually hides within other programs. By using HDWrite1X-OS to protect the operating system and HDWrite1X-HD to prevent changes to data files, the attack is blocked. Trojans and Backdoors A Trojan uses a misleading method to gain access and load malicious software. Even if malware infects your computer system, all the HDWrite1X protected files and disks cannot be modified. Any program that tries to modify data is aborted by the protection system. The backdoor malware bypasses normal authentication and can get into your computer system, but HDWrite1X protection is at the hardware level. This means that you can even remove the hard disk and try to modify data using special equipment. The protections built within the HDWrite1X drive protects the data. Strategy for Malware Protection Malware Protection Total protection of the computer system is more than just write-once protected disks. Normal computer operation requires the rewriting of data, so we cannot prevent changes all the time. Database programs constantly change their information as new data is added or old data is modified.  Even the email data that is resident on your server changes data just like the database programs.  How do you handle this? Backup to HDWrite1X protected drives By consistently backing up your data to a drive that can’t be modified by malware, you always have a way to recover if you are hacked.  What if you did not do anything else? What if you did not segment your data or prevent people from clicking on contaminated emails? The backups protect your data. You can go back in time to previous generations of backups and find uncontaminated versions that allow you to recover quickly from a malware attack. Controlled Protection You can protect your data at various security levels, either temporarily or permanently. You can select protection of a complete disk, or incrementally protect files as they are changing, or you can protect a disk or files temporally. Complete disk protection is the simplest operating mode. In this mode, you write your data to the HDWrite1X protected disk. When operations are complete, the disk is finalized (write-protected). This is very similar to the way a DVD-R works. Incremental disk protection protects your data as you process information. In this case, you write data, have it protected (Enforce), then at a later time write more data, have that protected, and continue until you are done. Once the data is enforced it can't be modified. At some point, the disk either fills up, or you choose to protect the entire disk by finalizing the disk. The disk is now permanently protected from modification or deletion.. Temporary disk protection allows an area of the disk to be temporarily protected against data changes. This is a lock function that sets the files to read-only. It can be unlocked and data can then be changed. HDWrite1X-OS is configured so that the sensitive operating system boot and partition information is permanently protected. This allows the OS to operate normally but prevents a hacker from damaging these sensitive areas of the disk.  Your systems will remain bootable even after a cyber-attack. Summary of Malware Protection Malware is one of the challenges that keep the CTO and CEO from sleeping at night. Many organizations think their data is secure, only to discover a major breach that allows their valuable information to be stolen or lost. The latest write-once technology protects the operating system and the data from being modified thus protecting the computer system from malware attacks. To learn more about how you can protect your computer system from ransomware and other malware, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-33 There was once a man named Odd. People made fun of him because of his name so he decided to keep his gravestone blank when he died. Now when people pass by the burial site, they point and say, “That’s odd.” I told my doctor that I broke my arm in two places. He told me to stop going to those places. Where do you find a cow with no legs? Right where you left it. “Doctor, there’s a patient on line 1 that says he’s invisible” “Well, tell him I can’t see him right now.” Why did the scientist install a knocker on his door? He wanted to win the No-bell prize! (A chemistry joke) I wanna make a joke about sodium, but Na.. A women accompanied her husband to the doctor's office. After his checkup, the doctor called the wife into his office alone. He said: "If you don't do the following, your husband will surely die: Each morning, fix him a healthy breakfast.Be pleasant and make sure he is in a good mood.For lunch, make him a nutritious meal.For dinner, prepare him an especially nice meal.Don't burden him with chores as he probably had a hard day.Don't discuss your problems with him.And most importantly, satisfy his every whim." On the way home, the husband asked his wife what the doctor said to her. "You're going to die" she replied. COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF NEW VIRUS’S Donald Trump virus — Your IBM suddenly claims it’s a MAC Titanic virus — Makes your whole computer go down Disney virus — Everything in the computer goes Goofy Prozac virus — Screws up your RAM but your processor doesn’t care Tim Allen virus — Appears helpful, only to destroy your hard drive upon contact X -files virus — All your Icons start shape shifting Want to learn how to prevent viruses or learn more about the latest security technology? Just contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Detection, Recognition, Identification: The New Criteria The Real-World Resolution Requirements I was not sure what to call this article. I first thought it should be titled, “Why The Johnson Criteria is Wrong.”  We use this criterion to predict how far away we can see something using a specific camera and lens.  The criteria define the threshold for detection, recognition, and identification (DRI). The industry has used this criterion since World War II. It has not been updated to reflect today’s technology and resolution requirements. Detection Recognition Identification Better criteria can help us select the right long-range camera for an application.  It can be used to predict the working distance of long-range thermal and optical camera systems. What Affects the Details of What We Can See The number of pixels required for detection, recognition, and identification will determine the working distance of a specific camera. To review, in the 1950s John Johnson defined a criterion for visual thresholds using image intensifiers cameras.  His criteria were based on line-pairs because the imaging equipment used a scanning system that was like the original TV system. He used volunteer observers to define the minimum resolution for detection, orientation, recognition, and identification. The volunteers could identify these benchmarks only 50% of the time.  That is why it was defined as threshold measurements. Today we would like a method for specifying the range of a camera that will work all the time, not something that works 50% of the time. If we do not use the Johnson criteria, then what should we use? This article describes better criteria for today's surveillance and security camera systems. Various parts of an IP camera contribute to the visual performance of the system. We must consider not only the sensor, but also the lens, camera sensor, amplifier, the mounting system, and the mechanism that moves the camera view up and down (the Pan, Tilt mechanism). Look at our article, Understanding IP Camera Specifications, What’s Important, for more about the camera system. Both the thermal camera and the optical camera have similar components, but each provides a different type of images. This means the resolution required to see something could be different in some situations. For example, a thermal camera may be able to pick up a hot (relative to the background) object better than an optical camera. The higher energy from the heated object will cause the image to bloom, and appear much brighter than the equivalent view from an optical camera. The optical camera is much better at identifying objects because it provides better contrast and color than a thermal image. Heat distortion diagram The environment affects how well we can see.  It could be very windy, or dark, or there could be fog or other atmospheric problems. The further away we try to see something the more atmospheric conditions affect performance.  For example, heat waves can distort the image enough so we cannot recognize the object. The suggested criteria try to take into account all these factors. Calculating the New Standard for Resolution We use the pixel resolution to determine what we can see.  Take a look at our article, What IP Camera Resolution Do You Need. The more pixels required, the shorter the actual distance to a target. The Johnson criteria state the following thresholds that are achieved 50% of the time: Detection:  We need 1.0 +/− 0.25 line pairs to detect an object 50% of the time.Recognition:  The type object can be discerned, a person versus a car (4 +/− 0.8 line pairs)Identification: A specific object can be discerned, a woman versus a man, the specific car (6.4 +/− 1.5 line pairs) The new criteria should provide enough information so that we achieve 100% detection, recognition, or identification.  The first thing we need to do is convert line-pairs to pixels. Converting Line Pair to Pixels How many line pairs do we need to detect something 100% of the time? First, let's convert line pairs to pixels because the resolution of today's cameras is specified in pixels rather than lines. Line pair resolution is defined as at least one black and one white detection. Theoretically, you could have one pixel per line, but in reality, it requires more than 2 pixels. We need at least one pixel that detects black, a second that detects white, and a third that detects another black.  At a minimum, we need at least 3 pixels to detect a small white object. However, there’s more to this. We need to take into account a certain amount of statistical uncertainty of a sensor picking up the signal. The Kell Factor In the real world of detection, the white spot could appear somewhere in between the pixels of the sensor. This means we need more pixels to actually detect the small object. The concept of the uncertainty of where an object appears on a sensor was introduced in 1934 by Raymond Kell. It was first applied to sampling an image to avoid beat frequencies affecting the image. The Kell factor is a fudge factor that attempts to adjust for the uncertainty of analog sensors. The number has changed depending on how it is used. Kell said the number should be 0.64, but today people usually use 0.7. The Kell factor increases the number of pixels required. We adjust the pixels using the formula: pixels/kell factor 3 / 0.7 = 4.29 vertical pixels. The Mesnik Factors Besides the Kell factor, there are other real-world factors that can affect what we see. For example, long-range lenses sometimes do not have the clarity they require to accommodate the higher resolution sensors. Other factors include low-light operation and atmospheric conditions that affect visibility. The atmospheric conditions can be very obvious like rain or fog or can be subtle like heat waves or higher humidity. The view can be reduced dramatically by fog, haze (smoke), rain, or snow. Unfortunately, the amount of reduced vision can vary depending on the intensity of fog or rain.  Thermal cameras can see through fog and haze while optical cameras can not. Some optical cameras include fog filters. This can help in some situations. Less obvious conditions such as higher humidity can reduce visibility because it reduces contrast. The further away an object is, the more light scattering occurs. Long range cameras must also be mounted to very stable platforms. Placing a camera on top of a tower can cause vibration that affects the clarity of the video. Some long-range cameras include image stabilization. There are electronic and mechanical mechanisms for stabilizing the cameras. We can adjust for some of these real-world visual problems.  We have come up with the following factors that result in the need for increased pixel count for meeting the visual criteria. Lens factor: from 1 to 0.6 depending on the actual lens clarity selected Low light noise factor: When there are low light conditions, the amplifiers in optical cameras can introduce noise as they try to amplify the available light. Thermal cameras are not affected by this.  However, thermal cameras are affected by the difference in temperature between the object and the background.  The factor for low light conditions using optical cameras varies from 0.9 to 0.6 depending on the noise introduced by specific camera amplifiers. Atmospheric Factors: heat waves and other clear day factors such as humidity increase with distance. Atmospheric Distance Factor. These are all estimates of atmospheric effects on visibility. Actual visibility is affected by the difference in contrast between the object and the background. For distance less than 1000 m (0.62 miles) = 1.0for distance between 1001m – 2000 m (1.24 miles) = 0.9,for distance 2001m to 3000 m (1.86 miles) = 0.85,for distance over 3001 m to 5000 m = 0.8for distance 5,001 m to 10,000 m = 0.75for distance 10,001 m (6.2 miles) to 15000 m (9.3 miles)  = 0.7for distance 15001m to 20000 m (12.4 miles) = 0.65 In reality, the earth's curvature limits how far away we can actually see something. A camera that's mounted 6 ft. above the ground has a maximum visibility of about 4700 m (2.9 miles). If the same camera is mounted on top of a 100 ft. tower, it can see 19600 m (12.2 miles) In general, the more you pay for a specific camera system, the higher these numbers are and the clearer the image will be.  For example, you pay more for better optics, cameras with better low light capability and low noise, cameras with fog filters, and those with more stable pan and tilt mechanisms. An example of using the factors: The following example is a camera system used at night, that will observe objects about 2-miles away. We excluded severe atmospheric conditions such as fog that could reduce visibility dramatically. We calculated the pixel counts for an optical camera and a thermal camera with similar lens magnification. Reasonably good lens (costs a lot) = 0.9Used at night: = 0.75 for optical, 1.0 for thermal cameraDistance = 3219 m (2 miles) = 0.8Total for Optical camera = 9 x 0.75 x 0.8 = 0.54 Total for Thermal = 0.9 x 1.0 x 0.8 = 0.72 Optical Camera Adjustment to the pixels required = Pixels / Mesnik factors = 4.29 / 0.54 = 7.9 pixels (round up to 8 pixels) Total Pixels for Thermal Camera = 4.29 / 0.72 = 5.96 pixels The fewer pixels required, the further away we can see.  In this example, we need more pixels for the optical camera than for the thermal camera. This means we can see further at night using a thermal camera than using the optical camera. The New Standard Criteria Here’s the summary of the new DRI standard. Detection: 8 vertical pixels across the target Recognition: We calculated we require eight times the 4 line pairs or 32 vertical pixels across the target Identification: We calculated we need eight times the 8 line pairs = 64 vertical pixels across the target Note that these are all vertical pixel counts so that we can be consistent with the original Johnson criteria. We generally use the horizontal pixel counts to calculate the field of view. Since the pixels are square, we can use the same definitions for our field of view calculations. Summary The Johnson Criteria is outdated. It does not provide the right measure of resolution for today’s camera systems. We need a better way to define the information required to calculate the expected camera performance. The new criteria provide a better estimate of the pixels required to achieve our performance objectives. The calculations reduce the expected distance for thermal and optical cameras but provide a much more realistic prediction of actual performance. For more about predicting what you can see, look at the article Calculating What You Can See with Your IP Camera For help specifying the right IP camera system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems What Is the Most Secure Door Access Control System? How secure are door access control systems?  Pricing can range from less than $100 for a single door to over $1100 per door. What do you get for the money? In some cases, the security level provided can be crucial to your safety. How can we stay ahead of miscreants that are dedicated to breaking through our security systems?  This article summarizes the various levels of electronic security provided by different door control systems. Level 1 provides the least overall security while level 4 provides the highest level of protection. We compared the cost against the effectiveness of each type of system. How secure are door access control systems?  Pricing can range from less than $100 for a single door to over $1100 per door. What do you get for the money? In some cases, the security level provided can be crucial to your safety. How can we stay ahead of miscreants that are dedicated to breaking through our security systems?  This article summarizes the various levels of electronic security provided by different door control systems. Level 1 provides the least overall security while level 4 provides the highest level of protection. We compared the cost against the effectiveness of each type of system. Level 1 Security – PIN Numbers Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) readers provide the lowest level of door access control security. A security system that uses PIN access is usually used when you have a small number of users. The system can accommodate a small number of different pin numbers. It is usually used in single family residences, but can also be used in small organizations. The problem is that they may not use unique pin numbers for each person, but rather issue a number that everyone can use. Problems with pin numbers: Pin numbers can be forgotten, or they can be given to other people. This is a very insecure situation where the wrong people can gain access to the facility.  It is difficult to control pin numbers when the approved people change. For example, if a person no longer works at the facility, all the numbers may have to be changed. One other thing identified in some TV shows. Multiple entry of a fixed pin number can create dirt marks on the four keys used for entry. Not the best situation for security. Cost of the System: These systems cost the least. Some door locks include keypads for pin number entry. The prices for the locks range from under $100 to over $350 depending on capability and quality.  The alternative is to use a centrally controlled door access system that includes door readers with keypads, and a central access control panel box.  These systems can handle more people and make it easy to assign unique pin numbers to each person.  The readers cost under $100, but the central control panel can cost over $500, so the total cost depends on how many doors you need to control. Level 2 Security - Credentials This type of door reader uses credentials. IP door readers have become very popular because they are easy to install.  There are a variety of technologies used for the credential such as bar code, magnetic stripe, Wiegand, and RFID.  Today we mostly use RFID credentials that use 125KHz or 13.56 MHz frequencies.  The credential can be a card (like a HID card), or keyfob. Each person must be registered in the system, and they are given a unique credential that allows them to enter at certain times and places. This is probably the most popular type of door control. There are new readers from Isonas that use your smartphone as the credential. These systems use Bluetooth connections and validate the phone by using a unique number that is embedded in your smartphone. Problems with RFID Door Reader Systems: Probably the most insecure part of this system is the credential. It does not actually identify the person; it only identifies the credential that they carry. If a credential is lost or given to another person, it could cause a serious security problem.  There is also a problem with “tail gating,” where another person enters the open door right after the authorized person enters. Cost of RFID IP Readers: IP door readers cost more than the older Wiegand readers (with control box), but they are much easier to install and manage.  The IP readers contain all the intelligence, so you do not need a central control panel. These IP door access systems are very easy to install because they connect directly to your network, and the electric lock connects to the pigtail of each reader. Door access control software runs on your Windows computer or you can purchase a subscription to a cloud service. Here are two examples of IP door readers that use credentials.  The ProRFID IP Readers (model TVIP2R-Pro-POE) cost about $500 (with PoE), while the Isonas IP readers range from about $750 to over $1000 depending on capability. You also require software to register the users and manage the system.  The total system cost includes door readers, access control software, and electric locks.  There is a choice of on-site access control software and cloud based access control software.  The subscription for the Isonas cloud software costs over $395 per year for up to 5 doors. The TVIP-TIRSoft On-site licensed software used with the professional readers costs about $35/door (and is a one time cost). Level 2.5 Credentials With Video It is polite to hold the door for someone else, but it could become a security problem.  We classify a 2.5 level system as one that augments the door access system with other security technologies. Integration of Access Control and IP Cameras For example, an IP camera system adds the capability to check who actually entered the door. This adds the ability to assure that the right person has entered the door. The security system would display the picture of the person assigned to a specific credential. The security person can then compare the picture on their screen with the person entering the door.  The security person can also check that another person has not entered before the door has shut (tailing). IP cameras systems can be integrated with access control.  The integration can be as simple as using another monitor or Window to view the door, to more complex systems that display the access control software and the video on the same screen. Problems with RFID Integrated Systems: These systems work well when there is a security person available to monitor the doors. Automated systems that provide automated redundant security are not available at this level. Cost of the integrated surveillance plus access control: The cost of the system includes the camera at the door plus video management software.  The cost for the camera can vary from under $200 to over $500 depending on the size of the area and the environment. Outdoor cameras cost more than indoor cameras. The software cost depends on the video recording system selected. It can range from $100 per camera to over $250 per camera. Total integration of access control with video management software can add about $1300 depending on the number of doors supported. Level 3 Security - Dual Authentication Systems These systems use more than one verification mode. This is usually a credential plus a pin number.  The person entering the door not only swipes their credential but must also enter a pin number. This can prevent a person with a stolen credential from entering the door. Cost of RFID IP Readers with Keypad: The professional RFID readers come with keypads so are priced at $350 per reader. The Isonas readers cost about $800 or more when the keypad is added. Isonas doesn’t currently support dual authentication, but it is expected to be available in early 2018. Problems with Door Reader with Keypad: The dual authentication provides better security, but does not prevent entry of the person uses a stolen credential and also knows the pin number. It does not authenticate the person. It also does not prevent tail gating. Level 3.5 Dual Authentication Plus Video Adding video helps to prevent tail gating, but requires a security person to monitor the video. Cost of the Integrated Surveillance: The cost of door readers and software is the same as mentioned above, but it does add the cost of a security person. Level 4 Security - Biometric Readers These IP door readers utilize biometric readers instead of RFID credentials. Biometric IP door readers provide the most security because they identify the person rather than the credential. Biometric readers can use fingerprints, or have facial recognition systems. There are also palm readers, and finger-vein systems. Each of these biometric readers provides a variable level of reliability. Fingerprint readers are the least expensive but sometimes have difficulty reading worn out fingerprints. Facial recognition readers provide better reliability but can have problems if someone is wearing dark glasses or something that obscures the face. Finger-vein readers are the most reliable but cost more. They have all been improved so are impossible to spoof using pictures or fake fingerprints. They all check for a live person. The most secure biometric readers provide multiple modes of verification such as fingerprint plus RFID credential, finger-vein plus fingerprint, or facial recognition plus fingerprint plus credential. The price for these biometric readers has gone down while the reliability has increased. The pricing is almost the same as some of the RFID IP readers. For example, the model TVIP3F-Pro fingerprint plus RFID reader costs about $825.  The model TVIP4FF-Pro fingerprint, plus facial recognition, plus RFID reader costs less than $900 (with PoE connection).  The TVIP4FV-Pro that includes finger-vein, plus fingerprint, plus RFID costs less than $1100. As mentioned before, the total system cost includes access control software and electric locks.  On-site access control software is available but cloud based access control software is not available yet.  The TVIP-TIRSoft On-site licensed software used with the professional readers costs about $35/door (and is a one time cost). Level 4.5 Biometric Readers Plus Video Adding video helps to prevent tail gating, but requires a security person to monitor the video. Cost of the Integrated Surveillance: The cost of door readers and software is the same as mentioned above, but it does add the cost of a security person. Comparison Table of Access Control Readers The following chart summarizes the security level and price of different systems. It provides the cost per reader as well as the cost for a 2-door system. TYPE OF READERPRO AND CONCOST    Level 1   Lock with keypadPro: Least expensive. Additional electric lock not required. Additional software is not required.   Con: PIN number can be shared or forgotten. Only supports a small number of people $100 - $350 per reader   Cost of 2-door system: $200 - $700 Door Reader with keypadPro: Supports more people. Provides central control of all people   Con: More complex installation requiring a central control box. Requires electric lock at the door. $100 per reader plus $500 for the central box   Cost of a 2-door system: $700     Level 2   ProRFID IP ReaderPro: Connects to the network. Supports RFID credentials. Can be powered using PoE injector plus splitter. A central control panel is not required. Software supports some advanced features such as elevator control and dual authentication.   Con: Requires high power injector and splitter near the door reader. Only has an on-site license access software available (at the moment). $500 per reader (with PoE network power). This reader includes a keypad.   Cost for 2-door: $1000 plus $70 software license Isonas IP ReaderPro: A central control panel is not needed. The Door Reader can use your smartphone using Bluetooth as a credential as well as standard RFID credentials.  The reader is small. Can select mullion or wall style.  Connects to the network. Supports RFID credentials. and can be powered using PoE injector, and it doesn't require a splitter. Optional smartphone credential supported.Optional Cloud based access control software subscription is available.   Con: More expensive solution. Doesn't support some advanced features $700 to over $1000 per reader.   Cost for 2-doors: $2000 plus $395/year software subscription for cloud service     Level 3   ProRFID IP ReaderPro: Includes both keypad and RFID reader. Connects to the network. Supports RFID credentials. Can be powered using PoE injector plus splitter   Con: Requires high power injector and splitter near the door reader. Only has an on-site license access software available (at the moment). $500 per reader (with the PoE network power). Same reader as above.   Cost for 2-door: $1000 plus $70 software Isonas IP Reader with KeypadThe Isonas solution does not currently support dual authentication.     Level 4   ProBiometric IP ReaderPro: Provides multi-modal biometric capability.  Reads fingerprints, facial recognition, and finger-vein.  Connects to the network. Supports RFID credentials. Can be powered using PoE injector plus splitter   Con: Requires high power injector and splitter near the door reader. Cloud service not available at this time. $700 to $1000 per reader (with PoE network power).   Cost for 2-door: $2000 plus $70 software license Summary IP door access control readers provide various levels of security. We classified four levels of security. The lowest and least expensive door control uses a keypad for pin number entry.  The highest level of security is provided by biometric readers such as fingerprint door readers, facial recognition readers, and finger-vein type readers. The multi-modal biometric readers provide the highest level of security because they identify the person rather than the credential they carry or the pin number they remember. Additional security is provided by adding IP camera systems. If you need assistance selecting the right IP door access control system, just contact us.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-32 Let’s start with some more Steve Wright – I do like his humor. I was walking down the street wearing glasses when the prescription ran out. I was trying to daydream, but my mind kept wandering. Someone asked me, if I were stranded on a desert island what book would I bring… ‘How to Build a Boat.’ What’s another word for Thesaurus? I remember when the candle shop burned down. Everyone stood around singing ‘Happy Birthday.’ Right now I'm having amnesia and deja vu at the same time... I think I’ve forgotten this before. If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back? They say the universe is expanding. That should help with the traffic. What language do they speak in Cuba? Cubic! What is a myth? A female moth! What do you mean by telling everyone that I'm an idiot? I'm sorry, I didn't know it was supposed to be a secret! If you want to catch a squirrel just climb a tree and act like a nut. Why can’t you hear a pterodactyl go to the bathroom? Because the “P” is silent. Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance? Why is it that no plastic garbage bag will open from the end you first try? Here’s a story with a moral. Benny worked at a Museum. His job was to keep the exhibits clean. One day was dusting around the Arabian exhibit, and he noticed an ancient, dirty urn. He got out his dust rag and began polishing. Low and behold, an enormous Genie appeared. “Master,” the Genie began, “I am the Genie of the urn. I can grant you three wishes, but there is one condition: You must never shave or cut your beard for the rest of your life, or you will be forced to take my place inside the urn forever.” Benny thought about it and decided it was a fair condition for three wishes. So Benny wished for a gigantic mansion which was promptly granted. Then he wished for the most beautiful woman in the world as his wife, and low and behold, she was. Finally, he wished for the fanciest sports car ever built, and it was his. Over the years, Benny’s beard became longer and longer until it almost reached the floor. As it grew longer, it began to itch. He tried to ignore it, but the itch became more and more irritating, while the memory of the Genie’s warning faded. Finally, he decided he had to get rid of the beard and he shaved it off. Instantly he was trapped inside the urn, forced to stay there forever. The moral of the story: A Benny shaved is a Benny urned. If you would like me to explain the last joke, or if you need help with your security system, please contact me at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Comparison of Panoramic IP Cameras How far can you see with an IP panoramic camera? Panoramic Camera View A panoramic camera provides a very wide unbroken view in all directions. The panoramic view can be achieved using a single sensor or an array of sensors (or cameras). Single-sensor 360-degree or fisheye cameras have been around for many years. The problem with panoramic cameras has always been the lack of detail available at a distance. The latest high-resolution cameras and multi-sensor cameras provide much better resolution. They can be used in standard surveillance applications, as well as situational awareness. I define standard surveillance applications as situations where you want enough resolution to identify people in the view. This article describes how to determine the viewing distance of different panoramic IP cameras. It compares single-sensor, multi-sensor, and multi-directional IP cameras. Multi-directional cameras are not considered to be true panoramic, but in many cases, can be used in the same applications. Single Sensor Panoramic Cameras IP cameras that provide 360-degree views use special wide-angle lenses. We sometimes refer to them as fisheye lenses. I guess the lens looks like the bulging eye of a fish. Unfortunately the wider the angle of the lens, the more distortion occurs. The barrel distortion makes straight lines bend. The distortion can be corrected or de-warped using special software. The de-warping software can reside in the video management software (VMS that runs on your computer) or in the camera. For example, Immervision provides both a lens and algorithms that run in VMS. The company provides special Panamorph lenses and software that improves the quality of the video. Single-sensor panoramic cameras are smaller than the multi-sensor panoramic cameras but have less resolution. The early fish-eye cameras did not have enough resolution to see the details of person’s face unless the person was very close to the camera. The latest single IP camera solutions use 4K cameras, with up to 12-Megapixel resolution. Calculating Visual Distance for Single Sensor Panoramic IP Cameras How far can you see? You can see the moon which is 238,900 miles (384,400 km) away. Of course, you cannot see too much detail at that distance. The effective distance of an IP camera depends on how large the object is and how much detail you would like to see. For example, if you would like to see all the craters on the moon you will need a powerful telescope. In previous articles, we described the resolution required to detect, recognize or identify objects in the field of view of a standard camera with narrow lens. For example, the article calculating “What You Can See WIth Your IP Camera,” described how to do the calculations. The article “What IP Cameras Resolution Do You Need?” defined the resolution required for identifying a person’s face or a license plate number. Calculating the viewing distance of a panoramic camera requires some different calculations. The viewing distance is determined by the resolution of the camera and the lens angle (magnification).  As an example, let’s assume that we need at least 80 pixels/ft. This resolution provides enough resolution to identify a person that we know. We require higher resolution to identify a person that we do not know, and even higher resolution when using facial recognition software. When the angle of the camera lens is very wide, we use the formula for calculating the radius of a circle.  The radius is the effective distance for identifying a person’s face. C= circumference R = distance (or radius of the circle) A= angle of the lens R = distance (or radius of the circle) S= The line segment that equals the field of view The panoramic camera has an 180-degree lens. The field of view (S) is equal to the semicircle. The length of the 180-degree segment is calculated by dividing the resolution of the camera by the pixels/ft required. Let’s assume that we use a 4K camera like the PNF-9010 from Samsung Hanwha.  The resolution of this camera is 4000 x 3000 pixels. Since the field of view is square for a panoramic camera, we use 3000 pixels for our calculations. Field of View (FOV) = total pixels / Pixels/ft FOV = 3000/80 pixels/ft = 37.5 ft. (11.43 m) Note that the field of view equals the 180-degree segment S S = 37.5 ft so the total circumference is: C = 2 x S = 37.5 x 2 = 75 ft. (22.9 m) Now we use the radius formula to calculate the distance: R = C/(2π) R = 75 / 2 x 3.14 = 11.9 ft. (3.6 m) So the calculations for the panoramic camera indicates that there is enough resolution to recognize a person that is less than 11.9 ft (3.6 m) away from the camera. Further away we see less detail. This camera is a good choice for situations where the area is small. It can also be used in larger areas where you just need situational awareness. Note that the resolution of the panoramic camera varies from the center to the outer edge of the view.  The resolution is best at the edge and worst in the middle. Fish-Eye Camera Resolution The dark blue area provides about half the resolution of the light blue area. Multi-Sensor Panoramic Cameras Multi-sensor (or camera) panoramic cameras are larger than the single-sensor camera but provide much more resolution. These panoramic IP cameras have a single network connection and are considered a single camera by the video recording systems. This means you only require a single camera license for the video recording software. The cameras (or sensors) are positioned so that the software can stitch the video together to create one large panoramic image. The camera direction can not be changed. They are available with the capability for 180-degree, or 360-degree view. Arecont Vision introduced one of the first multi-camera panoramic cameras. These early cameras were large and had limited frame rate capability. New panoramic cameras from Avigilon, Axis, Hanwha (Samsung) and Pelco provide much better resolution and performance. The new cameras can provide a single panoramic image or separate views (and video streams). The Hanwha PNM-9020V contains four 2-Megapixel cameras. Calculating the Visual Distance for Multi-Sensor Panoramic Cameras First, let’s note that there is a difference between 180-degree cameras and 360-degree cameras. The 180-degree panoramic camera, such as the Hanwha PNM-9020V IP camera, mounts on the wall.  The 180-degree field of view provides twice the working distance when compared to the 360-degree view. The distance is greater because the 180-degree configuration uses 45-degree angle lenses, while the 360-degree view uses 90-degree lenses. The wider the view, the shorter the working distance. To do the calculations, let’s assume we are using the Hanwha PNM-9020V panoramic camera that includes four 2-Megapixel cameras with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. We also assume that each sensor uses a 45-degree lens. This is an unusual camera in that it uses hall-way mode for each camera. Hallway mode rotates the view by 90-degrees providing a wider vertical view. This increases the vertical distance that can be viewed when the camera is placed on the wall.  It also means we must use the 1080 pixel resolution instead of the 1920 resolution to do the calculations. The field of view equals 1080 pixels / 80 Pixels/ft. = 13.5 ft. (4.1 m) Each lens covers 1/8th of the circle. The circumference is equal to 8 X 13.5 ft. = 108 ft. (33 m) Using the circle formula, C/(2π) = R R= 192 ft. / 6.28 = 17.2 ft. (5.2 m) A 360-degree panoramic system that uses 2-Megapixel cameras mounts on the ceiling and provides a wider view of the room, including the area under the camera.  Since it uses 90-degree lenses, the working distance is cut in half. R = 8.6 ft (2.6 m) An advantage of the multi-sensor camera is improved resolution and less distortion. The resolution stays fairly uniform through the total image. The disadvantage is that the cameras are larger than the single-sensor panoramic IP cameras. Multi-Sensor, Multi-Directional Panoramic Cameras The latest cameras contain four or more high-resolution cameras (or sensors) that can be adjusted independently. These multi-direction cameras can be used in similar applications as the panoramic cameras. The difference is these cameras do not stitch all the views together like the panoramic cameras.  Multi-directional IP cameras are available from Axis, and Hanwha (Samsung).   For example, the Hanwha PNM-9081VQ IP camera contains four camera heads. This is a multi-sensor, and multi-directional camera system. Each camera can be separately adjusted, and remotely zoomed and focused. Calculating the Visual Distance for Multi-Sensor, Multi-Directional Cameras There are two models available from Hanwha, the PNM-9080 which uses 2-Megapixel cameras, and the PNM-9081 that uses 5-Megapixel cameras.  The lenses of each camera can be set independently. If each of the 5-Megapixel camera lenses is set to a 90-degree view, we can calculate how far away we can identify a person. This camera has a resolution of 2560 x 1920.The field of view equals 2560 pixels / 80 Pixels/ft. = 32 ft. (9.8 m) This is for ¼ of the circle instead of ½ the circle. The circumference is equal to 4 X 32ft. = 128 ft. (39m) Using the circle formula, C/(2π) = R R= 128 ft. / 6.28 = 20 ft. (6 m) The advantage is that the four cameras can be positioned independently providing higher resolution where you need it. A camera system that has individually positioned cameras is useful when you would like to observe specific regions of an area. For example, you can be viewing a large room and focus one of the cameras at a doorway where you would like to identify a person’s face as they enter. If the lens is set for to a narrower angle, the operating distance increases. For example, if you set the lens to 45-degrees, the range increases to about 41 ft. (12.5 m). The disadvantage is that the camera is larger, and requires more power.  For example, the PNM-9081VQ camera requires high power PoE injector (which comes with the camera at no extra charge). Summary Panoramic cameras provide a continuous 180-degree or 360-degree view of the surroundings. They are excellent for situational awareness because you can see everything in an area. The single camera panoramic cameras require special software to de-warp the video. Multi-sensor panoramic cameras provide higher resolution and provide enough resolution to identify a person’s face at a greater distance than the single cameras. The multi-directional IP cameras use multiple sensors, but don’t stitch all the views together. We calculate viewing distance based on the resolution we need and the type of lens. The multi-sensor camera can view more detail, and allow you to identify a person’s face up to 20 ft (6 m) away, while the single sensor camera has a range of only about 11.9 ft. (3.66 m). For help selecting the right IP panoramic camera, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Access Control and Fire Alarm System Integration How to Integrate Access Control with Fire Alarm Systems Integration of Access Control and Fire Alarm Door access control systems control the electric locks. They allow authorized people to enter through the controlled doors. However, what happens in the event of a fire? The access control system could prevent people from escaping or prevent the fire department from entering the building. Many municipalities provide rules for how the fire alarm integrates with the door access system. This article describes how to integrate access control and fire alarm systems. Most fire codes designate that when a fire alarm occurs, the access control system should open all the electric locks to provide free access and exit.  Each municipality has different regulations. In some cases the system can be controlled through the network, in other cases, they may require a directly wired system that controls power to each lock. Integrating Fire Alarm Control Using Direct Wiring The door access control reader and the electric lock can be wired to the fire alarm in a number of different ways. We can use a relay to drop power to the electric lock, or use an IP device that drops power using the network connection, or add a power control box that drops power when the fire alarm system detects a fire. The wiring used in these examples should conform to the fire codes. Here are the examples of how to control your access control system using direct wiring from the fire alarm control box. Using a Relay to Control Power to Electric Lock In this example, the fire alarm provides a ground signal to a relay that controls power to all the locks. In this configuration, the 12 VDC power to the lock originates from a central power supply. It can be used with a mag lock or a strike that is configured in “fail safe” mode. Power Control to the Electric Lock The type of relay used depends on the total power distributed to all the locks. There are various configurations of this type of control. For example, the relay can also control power to one lock that is powered by the reader. Connecting the Fire Alarm Using Power Over Ethernet This power control method is designed for IP door readers. It uses the Altronix Entrada2DMK IP access control adapter kit. The kit includes two adapters, one is placed near the fire alarm box and the other near the IP door reader and electric lock. Door Access and Fire Control Using Altronix-PoE The device-side adapter provides power to the IP reader (using PoE) as well as to the electric lock. When a fire alarm signal is detected, the controlled power to the lock is removed. The adapter maintains power to the IP door reader. This system is very flexible so you can select normally open or normally closed trigger from the fire alarm box, and 12 VDC or 24VDC to the lock.  A dedicated network cable is required between the transmitter and receiver adapters. A number of receivers can be daisy chained to one of the receivers connected to the transmitter. Controlling Access Readers Using a Power Supply Controller Power to all the locks can be controlled through a power control box. The Altronix Power Controller AL125UL is an example of this type of power control. Other controllers include UPS battery backup. Door Access and Fire Control with Altronix Power Supply The power controller includes relays that control the power that is supplied to all the locks. When the fire alarm unit provides a signal indicating an alarm condition, the power to all the electric locks is removed. When power is removed, all the electric locks should open. They must be wired so that they are in “Fail Safe” mode so that they open when power is lost. Emergency Fire Release Using Software to Control Doors One of the easiest fire control systems uses door access control software. Not all access control software will work. The software must be able to sense the alarm trigger, and then send a command to all the IP door readers, to “unlock.” Fire alarm integration Using Software Control An example of software that can provide this function is TVIP-TIRSoft software. It has the option to detect and control all the IP door readers. The alarm trigger from the fire alarm panel is connected to the AUX input of one of the compatible IP readers. The professional door readers such as the TVIP-2R-Pro, or Pro Series biometric IP readers have this capability. Once the trigger is detected, the software commands all the IP readers to open all the doors. An alternative system uses different software and requires an additional IO type interface box (like the Adam6060). The alarm trigger is used to trigger the software to tell all the readers to open all the doors. Once the emergency is over, the doors can be reset to normal operation using the software. A software solution is the easiest type of system to implement because only a single wire is required between the fire control box and the closest IP reader. In general, this type of system can be used to open all the doors (in a fire) or close all the doors (emergency lockdown). The diagram above shows a button connected to one of the IP readers. In this emergency application, all the doors are locked to prevent entrance. Both applications can be programmed with the TVIP-TIRSoft solution. Door Control When a Fire Alarm System is Not Installed Some buildings may not have a fire alarm system. In this case, there are some things that can be done to assure that everyone exits safely. Usually, an electric strike does not require any special exit devices because you can turn the knob to exit. A magnetic lock requires special exit controls since it holds the door closed. There are 3 ways to open the mag lock at each door. An exit button can be used and marked clearly with an EXIT sign. The button is connected to the REX input of the door reader and causes the reader to open the door.A motion detector can be added that detects when someone approaches the door. When a person is detected, it provides a contact signal to the reader. The signal can be connected to the AUX input (if available), or wired in parallel with the REX wire.Crash bars can be used that release the door lock when someone pushes against it. The crash bar and the electric lock bypass the reader to open the door. There is one other way to add an emergency exit. It is possible to use a button connected to one of the IP readers. This is very similar to the software solution described above. A number of strategically placed buttons can be wired to IP readers. Any button that is detected would notify the software to release all the locks. Summary When the fire alarm detects a fire, the electric doors should all be opened to allow people to exit and the fire department to enter. The system connection rules depend on the local fire codes.  There are a number of ways to implement this safety system.  The electric locks can be wired to the fire panel, or software can be used to control the IP readers. For help in selecting the right solution, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### How Long Range Access Control Systems Work Long-Range Access Control Readers Long-range access control systems are similar to the standard IP door access control systems. They read a credential and determine if the door or gate should be opened. While the standard systems have a very short range, measured in inches, the long range readers can operate at a range of over 25 ft.  When you want to open a gate to a parking garage from your vehicle, you really can’t use a standard reader. You need a system that provides a much longer range. Long Range Access Control System How Access Control Readers Work All the readers use the same technology for communicating with the credential. The standard short-range IP door access control readers use frequencies of 125KHz or 13.56MHz. These standard credentials are called proximity cards or smartcards (like MiFare). How the Card Reader Works This proximity card system consists of two components, the reader, and the credential. The proximity system has an inventive way of providing power to the credential (or card). It actually uses the energy sent from the reader's antenna. The credential includes an antenna, a capacitor and integrated circuit that contains the ID number. When the card is placed within range of the reader, the antenna coil, and capacitor, which form a tuned circuit, absorb and store energy from the field. This energy is rectified to direct current which powers the integrated circuit. The chip sends its ID number or other data to the antenna coil, which transmits it by radio frequency signals back to the reader unit. Long range access control reader systems are very similar except they use larger antennas for the reader. The larger antenna allows more energy to be directed at the credential. Some systems use passive credentials while others use active credentials. The active credentials include batteries so the credential must be replaced when the battery dies. Long-range Card Reader system diagram The TVIPUHF-LR long-range reader is connected to the control box through a serial Wiegand type connection. The control box and the computer are both connected to the local area network.  The software controls all the credentials. If the credential is accepted, the control box sends a signal (relay connection) to open the gate. The long-range reader uses higher frequencies, such as 865MHz, or 902MHz.  Since this is a different frequency than the standard door readers, the credentials are different. These special credentials are available as a card or as a stick-on tag for the vehicle. The same access control software (TVIPTirSoft) is used for standard readers and the long-range readers. This means that all the readers can be integrated into the organization's system (except using different credentials).  You can select IP door access readers that use proximity credentials, or even biometric readers. Summary Long-range readers can be used for many applications such as controlling a parking lot gate.  They are similar to the IP door access control readers but use different credentials. The reader includes a large antenna that is used to communicate to the credential that can be over 25 ft. away. Contact us for help in selecting the right access control system; we can even integrate IP cameras and intercoms to enhance your safety and security.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Jokes and Cartoons - 31 Some thoughts: The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends. The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement. He who hesitates is probably right. If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody. If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame. The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble. Foreign Idiomatic Phrases A number of years ago, I visited Sony in Japan with another engineer. We were both nervous about our first encounter with the Japanese marketing and engineering staff in Atsugi, Japan. When my engineering associate became nervous he used many idiomatic expressions. The Japanese spoke English, but were confused by the idioms used. They were confused by, “back to the drawing board”, or ”the ball is in your court”, or ”barking up the wrong tree”.   I spent my time translating idioms into clear English. We would have the same problem with foreign language idioms.  Here are some phrases from other countries. Spanish: Eating a cable To be in financial difficulty If you’re down to your last savings, perhaps you’ll only have your cables left to eat. Russian: To ride as a hare To travel without a ticket. If you’re traveling without a ticket, you’ll be shaking like a hare when the ticket inspector comes to you. Japanese: To have a wide face To have lots of friends and to be well liked. These days this could be interpreted to mean you have a wide friendship circle on social media Deutsch: To live like a maggot in bacon To live a life of luxury If a maggot found some bacon, they really are living high. Armenian: Stop ironing my head! Stop annoying me! Traditionally used to stop nagging wives, but said now to anyone who’s being irritating. French: To have long teeth To be ambitious By this logic, you can argue that vampires are certainly ambitious Polish: Not my circus, not my monkey Not my problem This is certainly a more colorful way to wash your hands of a problem. Maltese: My eye went with me I fell asleep After all, your eyes can’t see anything if you’ve fallen asleep Dutch: I’m sweating carrots! Literary means “I’m sweating very heavily” This is a slightly nicer way of saying “I’m sweating like a pig.” Ukrainian: Work is not a wolf; it won’t run off into the woods You can always return to the work later. This is a good phrase to use when you panic and can’t stop working on that assignment. Swedish: It fell between chairs When you want to say, Yeah, I know, I was supposed to do it, but I forgot This happens when two people were meant to do something, but both forgot all about it. I guess it’s not the same as when “something falls through the crack”. Ukrainian: My cottage is at the edge Means: I’m only slightly involved”. You’re only at the periphery of the problem so you’re not that worried about it. These expressions were contributed by Dave Grossman Hope these jokes and cartoons brightened your day. Please contribute any good jokes you have heard. ### Elevator Control Using Door Access Readers Elevator access control determines what floors the elevator can go to Elevators In multi-floor buildings can be made more secure by adding elevator access controls.  These controllers determine who can reach certain floors. For example, we can assure that only the approved people can get to the 3rd floor where the IT department is located. With this type of system installed, the people who work in accounting only have access to the third floor, while people in advertising can only go to the 5th floor. Floors that contain general areas such as cafeteria or fitness center, would typically be available to everyone. We can also program the system to allow certain people, such as the executives to go to any floor. Elevator Control Overview The elevator access control panel controls the floors that a person can reach.  The door reader is installed inside the elevator, and determines which floors a specific person can select on the button panel. The door reader can just read a card credential or use a fingerprint or other biometric credential. It is also possible to place a reader at the entrance of the elevator to restrict who can use the elevator. This can be used by itself or with the reader in the elevator cab. The access control software establishes the rules for the people, and the times they can access certain areas. The general control software controls not only the elevator access but all the doors in the facility.  Security control at doorways and in the elevator can be set to allow entry at certain days and times. For example, it can allow access during working hours but block entry at night or on weekends. We may also elect to keep certain areas, such as the data center or executive offices secure at all times. How Elevator Control Works The elevator controller panel integrates with the buttons inside the elevator and the electronics in the elevator machine room. The reader in the elevator determines what floors the person can reach. The reader can be a simple RFID type reader or a biometric reader.  When a floor button is pressed in the elevator, the signal goes through the elevator control panel, and then to the elevator system that moves the elevator. The elevator control panel includes relays that disconnect the button from the elevator system. If the person has permission to a specific floor, the relay is closed and provides the connection between the button and the elevator system (in the elevator control room). The example wiring diagram shows how the model TVIP-EC10 control panel can be used to control the elevator. Elevator Floor Control Diagram In the example, the buttons go through the NO (normally opened) contacts of the control panel. When an authorized person is detected by the reader in the elevator, it closes the relay (Common to NO side) and provides wire continuity to the elevator system in the elevator room. In some cases, the elevator buttons are connected to the NC (normally closed) side of the relay. This allows the elevator to operate even if power is lost to the relay controller. In this case, the authorization function is not operational and all buttons will operate.  When power is available, the logic for controlling the relay is reversed (from the NO example). When the credential is accepted, it causes all the wrong floors to be disabled, and only the allowed floor(s) are enabled (contact closed). The control panel can be located inside the elevator or in the elevator control room. Installing inside the elevator will save external wiring, but requires a panel with some intelligence (like the TVIP-EC10).  This controller is used with an access control reader in the elevator. Since the system is isolated inside the elevator, you must use a laptop to set up the panel and add credentials. The downside is that you must go to each elevator to change any credentials. If the control panel is installed in the elevator control room, the internal door access control reader has to be wired, through the elevator harness, to the external control panel (in the elevator room). The advantage is that the readers and control panel are all accessible to the network, and can be easily updated through the door access control software running on the central computer. The downside is that it may cost more to wire through the elevator harness. The TVIP-EC10 controller supports up to 10 floors, but there is an extension unit that can be added. The TVIP-EX16 adds an additional 16 floors. A maximum of 3 extension controllers can be added to extend the control up to 58 floors. Two Software modules are required to control the elevator controller module.  Besides the per-door reader software (TVIPTirSoft), you need to add TVIPTirSoft-EC, which is required for the elevator control panel. Security Issues to Consider Selecting the Floor in the Elevator Unfortunately, using the elevator with access control doesn’t provide complete security. Elevator controls provide a certain level of security, but there are ways to bypass them. People have learned how to interact in an elevator. They hold the door for others, they stand in a certain way as the elevator fills up with people, and they press buttons for other people. This social behavior sometimes works against our security procedures. If there are other people in the elevator, there is nothing to stop them from getting off on the same floor as an authorized person.  If an unauthorized person wants to get to a certain floor, all they need to do is stay in the elevator until someone enters who is going to the floor they want. Things That Can be Done to Improve Building Security We can do a number of things to increase safety. For example: IP cameras can be added to the elevator and to the elevator landings to monitor for suspicious activity.Speakers or Intercoms can be used with camera surveillance to help control security. For example, if an unauthorized exit is detected, an announcement can be made by the security person.If you require increased security on a specific floor, then it is wise to add door access control readers at doors that control entry to the secure area.Train all employees about how they handle security situations not only in the elevator but throughout the organization. If you need help controlling your elevators, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### History of Kintronics Kintronics is Forty! Kintronics was founded May, 1977.  The Kintronics history is one of change.  Over the years, we constantly reinvented ourselves to assure that we were providing the right technology products to the market. Kintronics Security Technology In the beginning, we were a small regional distributor providing electronic components such as relays, power supplies, and monitors. In 1989 we hired a more technical staff, and our business model changed.  We started selling complete systems such as CD-ROM drives and CD-recorders to schools and libraries. We provided a high level of technical support, and service. As technology changed, so did the products we offered. The CD-ROM drives became network attached CD-ROM servers, and in 1990 we added optical disc libraries from Panasonic that automated archiving of computer data. In 1997, Kintronics was one of the first system solution companies to offer IP camera systems. The Axis IP cameras started the trend towards complete network attached security systems. In a few years, other companies such as Mobotix, Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung joined the transition from analog to IP cameras. Kintronics participated in this revolution, providing complete IP surveillance system solutions. In 2004, our solutions included video recording systems from OnSSI.  We were one of the first integrators to provide this advanced video management software. We now provide other video recording solutions such as Network Video Recorders (NVR), and cloud recording systems for IP camera surveillance. The digital revolution continued over the next few years. By 2007, network attached amplifiers and intercoms were introduced by Digital Acoustics. IP Intercoms and PA over IP made it much easier for organizations to install paging systems. In 2009, Isonas introduced the network attached IP door access control readers. Kintronics was one of the early providers of this technology.  We introduced integrated solutions that not only included door access control, but also intercoms and IP camera systems. The advantage of the IP door reader is that it doesn’t require a central control box. Everything is attached to the network making it much easier to install an access control system. New products continued to be introduced. In 2009, long-range day/night cameras were introduced.  The latest long range camera systems can view people over two miles away. They include optical or thermal cameras as well as laser illuminators. The latest biometric door access control readers use your fingerprint, face, or finger-vein biometrics to assure the right person is entering the door. Biometric readers that identify the person rather than the card credential they carry, were introduced in 2011. It made door access control much more secure. So Kintronics has been in business for forty years. Our products continue to change, yet our business model stays the same.  We provide complete solutions at the very best prices. Our staff includes engineers and system integrators who have the experience and expertise to help our customers select the best products for their application. We know that one system doesn’t fit all; each system is designed to fit exactly what they need. For more about what Kintronics offers go to our page About Kintronics. Contact Kintronics for help designing your system. We can be reached in the USA at 800-431-1658. Or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Jokes and Cartoons - 30 Bill walks into his boss's office one day and says, "Sir, I’ll be straight with you, I know the economy isn't great, but I've got three companies after me, and I'd like to  respectfully ask for a raise." After a few minutes of haggling. the boss finally agrees to give him a 5% raise, and Bill happily gets up to leave. "By the way", asks the boss as Bill is leaving his office, "which three companies are after you?" Bill replies, "The electric company, water company, and phone company." Two factory workers are talking. The woman says, "I can make the boss give me the day off." The man replies, "And how would you do that?" The woman says, "Just wait and see." She then hangs upside down from the ceiling. The boss comes in and says, "What are you doing?" The woman replies, "I'm a light bulb." The boss then says, "You've been working so much that you've gone crazy. I think you need to take the day off." The man starts to follow her and the boss says, "Where are you going?" The man says, "I'm going home, too. I can't work in the dark."   Some Silly jokes: Q: What do you call an alligator in a vest? A: An Investigator Q: Why did the picture go to jail? A: Because it was framed. Q: What happens if you eat yeast and shoe polish? A: Every morning you'll rise and shine! Q: What do you call a fake noodle? A: An Impasta Q: "What's the difference between a guitar and a fish?" A: "You can't tuna fish." Q: What do you get when you cross a cow and a duck? A: Milk and quackers! When I got to work this morning, my boss stormed up to me and said, "You missed work yesterday, didn't you?" I said, "No, not particularly." New Senior's Exam, You only need 4 correct out of 10 questions to pass. 1) How long did the Hundred Years' War last? 2) Which country makes Panama hats? 3) From which animal do we get catgut? 4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution? 5) What is a camel's hair brush made of? 6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal? 7) What was King George VI's first name? 8) What color is a purple finch? 9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from? 10) What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane? Remember, you need only 4 correct answers to pass. Check your answers below .... ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ 1) How long did the Hundred Years War last? Answer: 116 years 2) Which country makes Panama hats? Answer: Ecuador 3) From which animal do we get catgut? Answer: Sheep and Horses 4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution? Answer: November 5) What is a camel's hair brush made of? Answer: Squirrel fur 6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal? Answer: Dogs 7) What was King George VI's first name? Answer: Albert 8 ) What color is a purple finch? Answer: Crimson 9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from? Answer: New Zealand 10) What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane? Answer: Orange I sent these questions to my granddaughter who told me she got an 80% on this.  I have to go back to school. I thought catgut came from a tennis racket. Hope you enjoyed these silly cartoons and jokes.  If you know of any good ones, let me know. ### How to Design Your IP Paging System The secret to designing your sound system is to start at the ears. The design of an IP paging system starts with the sound level required for people to hear an announcement. Once we know the right sound level, we can define everything else. The sound level we hear is affected by the background noise, the distance from the IP speaker, and if we are indoors or outdoors. We require different paging equipment if the system is used in an office building, or a noisy manufacturing plant. We select different IP speakers and amplifiers when we are inside a classroom, or when we are in the hallways of the school. This article describes how to calculate the speaker, the power required at each speaker, and the best place to mount the speakers. How Sound is Measured - The Decibel Sound level is measured in dB or decibels. This is a relative measurement that starts at 0 dB, which is the lowest sound level that a healthy ear can hear. It measures the relative difference between sounds levels. Sound travels through a medium such as air or water to be heard. That’s why you can’t hear anything in a vacuum. It creates slight changes in the pressure of the medium, which are defined as sound pressure changes. The decibel level is a measure of this sound pressure level change in the air. It is also measured at a specific frequency. There are two types of sound specifications that help us define the right type of IP paging system.  There are the frequency response curves that define what we can hear, and there are amplifier and speaker frequency curves that define what our paging system can provide. What We Can Hear Most people can hear sound at 1000 Hz but we may not hear any sound at over 20,000 Hz. This variance in the perceived sound levels at different frequencies is measured using a slightly different measurement called dBA or A-weighting. Acoustic Levels A-weighting consists of a family of curves that relate frequency (Hz) and perceived sound level (dB). There are A, B, C, D, and Z weightings curves. The A-frequency chart was the first one used, and it’s used by the international standard IEC 61672. What the Paging System Can Provide The output audio quality from the IP paging system is determined by the amplifier and the speaker frequency response. The “speaker frequency response” curve define what the speaker is capable of providing.  The curve shows the speaker audible response (dB) at a range of frequencies. When we select the speaker, we look at this curve to determine if it can be used for voice or music. Audio Frequency Output Chart Even though there are a number of ways to measure sound, we usually stick to a simplified measure that just measures the dB at a certain frequency.  When you look at the specifications for a speaker, it will define the sound level (in dB), 1 meter away, using 1 watt of power, and at a specific frequency. Sound at the Ear The normal sound level of a person talking is about 60 dB. At this level, we can easily hear a person talking, but if we are outside and there is traffic noise, we may not be able to hear them. There are two factors that affect how we hear something, one is the background noise and the other is indoor or outdoor location. If we are indoors, the sound seems louder because it can echo off the surrounding walls and ceiling. Outdoors the sound dissipates and it’s harder to hear. As a rule of thumb, we suggest providing a sound level that’s about 10 dB above the background noise. To learn more about sound levels, look at our article, What is The Right Sound Level for Your Paging Speakers. Sound Levels at a Distance Sound levels decrease as we move away from the source of the sound. The inverse square law defines the sound level at a certain distance. According to this law, the sound pressure level is inversely related to the radius from the source (1/r2). This law works best in an ideal environment, where the sound propagates equally in all directions, and there are no reflective surfaces. Sound Distance Diagram Instead of calculating the sound level based on the inverse square law, we use a simple rule of thumb. The sound level decreases by 6 dB for every doubling of the distance from the speaker.  In the chart above, the 90 dB sound level drops to 84 dB (90 - 6 = 84) when we are 2 m away, and 78 dB when we are at 4 m away. Selecting the Speaker and Amplifier Suppose we want to hear a page from a speaker that’s 8 meters (26 ft.) away. Here’s how we calculate the sound level required at the speaker.  Suppose we are in a busy building lobby and the background level is 70 dB.  The person will need to hear sound levels at 80 dB to hear above the background noise (10 dB more than the background).  Let’s assume that the speaker is 8 meters (26 ft.) away.  Now that we know the sound level at the person, we can select the speaker and the amplification power we will require to achieve this sound level. As we move closer to the speaker the sound level increases. At half the distance (4 m) the sound level is 6 dB more or 86 dB, at half of the remaining distance (2 m), the sound level is increased another 6 dB (to 91 dB), and finally at half of that (1 m), we need the speaker to provide 97 dB at 1 m. Now that we know the sound level, we can select the speaker and the amplifier power required. As I mentioned, speakers are specified by their dB level at 1 m at 1 watt of sound power.  For example, the wall speaker, model PBC6XT72K, can provide 91 dB a 1 watt, at 1 meter. Since we need 97 dB, we need to increase the amplification provided by our IP amplifier.  In this application we have selected the IP7-SE8 network attached amplifier from Digital Acoustics. We can adjust the power to the speaker. The amplification of the sound level to the speaker increases the sound output. The rule of thumb is that doubling the power will increase the sound level by 3 dB.  At 2 watts, the speaker will put out 94dB (91 dB + 3 dB = 94dB). By doubling the power to 4 watts, we get another 3 dB or 97dB. In summary, the speaker required for this application is model PBC6XT72K, the IP7-SE8 amplification power should be set at 4 watts, and the speaker on the wall, is 8 meters away from where the sound will be heard. To learn more take a look at our article, Selecting the Right Speakers for Your Paging System.  It reviews the different speakers and where they should be placed. Real World Considerations Real-World Sound Illustration In the real world, we may need to adjust the volume from the speaker. There may be people further away from the speaker, or too close to the speaker.  We should be careful because people who are very close to the speaker (1 meter away) will hear a sound level of 97 dB. This may be too loud in some situations because repeated exposure to sound above 85 dB can cause hearing damage and should be avoided. The best way to solve this problem is to use more speakers that are placed closer to the people. For example, instead of using one speaker on a wall, we could use a number of speakers in the ceiling. In most cases, paging systems are used for voice announcements.  If we want to support high quality music, we may select a different paging system. A system that supports a wider audio range will cost more so we need to make sure we understand our objectives. Summary We select the speaker and the power required based on the sound level we want to hear.  We can use the speaker specifications, and then use the distance calculations and speaker power to adjust the sound level. If you need help selecting your IP paging system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 in the USA, or just use our contact form. ### The Intelligent IP Camera Intelligent IP cameras are providing advanced detection capability. Would you like to know the moment when someone takes your laptop? Would you like to know when someone screams in the lobby of your building? How about detecting a gunshot? The latest IP cameras have quite a lot of built-in intelligence.  They help protect people and assets. They notify you of dangerous situations, help deter terror attacks, and even tell you how many people have visited your store. The first video cameras consisted mostly of analog electronics. They were mostly amplifiers, filters, and power supplies. Today’s IP cameras are digital and include powerful computers. The computers provide many different functions from processing the video image to connecting the IP camera to the Ethernet network. The latest processors provide analytic functions that dramatically increase the effectiveness of the camera. In the past, we needed security people to watch many cameras, but in today’s complex world we can monitor more cameras with fewer people. Rather than looking at the captured video, the new IP cameras provide immediate notification of alarm conditions. They provide a new level of security for your IP camera system. The Wisenet X-series of IP cameras includes many of these advanced features. Here’s how it all works. Face Detection IP Camera Face Location The face detection algorithm detects the features of a face which are not affected by rotation, size, angle and lighting changes. It looks for eyes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth. The detection depends on the number of pixels across the face. In most cases, the process will require at least 45 pixels across the face to perform the detection. The latest processor from Hanwha can actually use only 25 pixels, which dramatically improves the range of detection.  The computer can detect up to 35 faces at a time. When to use Face Detection Use face detection to reduce motion alarms caused by animals, vehicles, and other moving objects. It only causes an alarm when a person enters a specific area. Intelligent Motion Detection The very first analytic function was motion detection. If anything moved in the field of view, an alarm was triggered. It could be triggered by moving leaves, or by a squirrel running across the field. The latest motion detection systems can be controlled by a set of defined event rules greatly reducing the false alarms. With the new motion detection sensors, we can adjust the sensitivity to reduce events caused by changing lighting or other noise in the video. We can also create zones where we want to detect motion and exclusion areas where we don’t want to detect motion. When to Use Intelligent Motion Detection You can use advanced settings of intelligent motion detection if you want to detect vehicles instead of people. You can set the IP camera to filter out the small changes that normally occur. You can also adjust the settings to ignore areas in the warehouse where there is usual traffic, but detect when something moves in the storage area. Virtual Line Crossing Detection IP Camera Line Crossing Detection In some cases, we may not care about general motion. We may only be interested if something unusual occurs, such as a person or object crossing a virtual line. We can set the alarm function to alert us if an object moves left to right, right to left, or in either direction.  We can detect if a person enters a secure area, climbs over a fence, enters a restricted area, or even if a vehicle veers off the road. When to Use Line Crossing Detection The line crossing function allows you to detect when a person crosses an imaginary fence, or when a vehicle crosses a line. It is a very effective way of responding only to the important alarm. You can use it to secure a storage area, or monitor if a vehicle enters the parking lot. Advanced Protected Area An extension of the line crossing function is the ability to select a closed area, and when an object crosses into (intrusion), or out of the area, trigger an alarm.  The same function can be used to determine when someone enters the secure area, or leaves. It also provides the ability to detect an object that is left behind, or even when an object is removed. IP Camera Secure Area Analytics Objects entering or exiting a closed area can cause an alarm. The Samsung (Hanwha) cameras allow you to set up a number of different closed areas. You can look for an intrusion, objects entering, objects that leave, or even objects that appear or disappear in the selected area. This function is also useful for detecting if an object has been left inside a designated area. A box, or suitcase that appears and stays in the same position for a certain time period can be flagged. Loitering Detection can be used to detect suspicious behavior. The camera looks for similar movements and patterns that are within a designated area. Once the patterns are detected for a certain amount of time, the loitering alarm is triggered. When to Use Appearing Detection This is an excellent analytic feature for detecting terror attacks. It allows the security team to know in advance that there is a potential threat. If a person or object suddenly appears in a secure area, the camera creates an alarm. This allows the security team to take immediate action. When to Use Disappearing Detection If an object, like your laptop computer, is removed from the desk and is absent for a certain time, the security people can receive an automated alert.  Quick detection allows you to catch the thief before they leave the building. When to Use Loitering Detection This is a nice feature that allows you to detect suspicious activity in a designated area.  You may not want a person hanging around the school yard, or waiting outside a loading dock.  This feature warns you to take action before the crime is committed. Audio Analytic Detection The addition of audio analysis makes the IP camera even more powerful. It adds another level of protection. This technology detects audio levels that exceed certain defined levels. Now you can detect abnormal situations without seeing any troubling video. When the security operator is notified, they can take a better look at the video to confirm the problem.  The combination of audio with video dramatically improves safety. This detection system first listens to the general background noise. When a sound level exceeds the normal background noise the computer system can analyze the sound to determine what type of alarm should be sent. The analysis can determine if someone has screamed, or if there was a gunshot. It can even tell if there was an explosion or crash. The operator can select the type of sounds it would like the system to respond to. When to Use Analytic Audio Detection Audio detection can be used in the lobby of a building, or even in an elevator, to detect screams. The IP camera system not only can see and record vehicles in the parking lot, it can be used to quickly notify you about accidents in the lot. Summary IP cameras have become very intelligent. They analyze the video and audio to provide reliable alarms. The analytic capability provides instant notifications with less security personnel. The immediate alarm capability provided by camera analytic functions, allow the security people to respond very quickly to threats.  Analytic functions include both video and audio analysis. Today’s motion detection algorithms have become very sophisticated and reduce false alarms. It makes our world safer. To receive help selecting the right IP cameras, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-29 Question to IT Help Desk Dear Tech Support, Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and I noticed a distinct slowdown in the overall system performance, particularly in the flower and jewellery applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0. In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5 , and then installed undesirable programs such as NEWS 5.0 , MONEY 3.0 and ESPN 4.1. Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. Please note that I have tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail. What can I do? The IT Help Desk Responds DEAR Madam, First, keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband 1.0 is an operating system. Please enter command: ithoughtyoulovedme.html and try to download Tears 6.2 and do not forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update. If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewellery 2.0 and Flowers 3.5. However, remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Silence 2.5 or Beer 6.1. Please note that Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will download the Snoring Loudly (Beta version). Whatever you do, DO NOT in any circumstances install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources.) In addition, please do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0 program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0. In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. Good Luck Madam! Concepts to think about Black holes are where God divided by zero.Evolution is God’s way of issuing upgrades.Latest survey shows that 3 out of 4 people make up 75% of the world’s population.I’m not anti-social; I’m just not user friendly. Programming thoughts If at first you don’t succeed; call it version 1.0.My software never has bugs. It just develops random features.I would love to change the world, but they won’t give me the source code. A group of protesters in front of a physics lab:“What do we want?”.“Time travel”“When do we want it?”.“Irrelevant.” Hope you enjoyed the cartoons and jokes.  If you know any good ones please send them to me. ### How ALPR Works How Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Works You may not have realized it, but Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology is all around us. It is used for toll collecting, to control access to parking lots and even to capture criminals. The technology has improved over the years and has become more economical. Besides the analytic software that converts the image to computer characters, the system requires a good IP camera. It also requires proper lighting and the correct physical placement of the camera. The analytic conversion software is similar to optical character recognition (OCR) software.  ALPR is available as a standalone LPR system or included as an option with some IP camera video management systems. Here are the details about how the license plate recognition system works. IP Cameras Capture the License Plate The IP camera is a very important part of the ALPR system. It is critical that the camera provides the very best image. It has to have the right resolution, and be able to capture the license plate image day or night. During daytime, when there is enough light, most IP cameras will work, but at night the requirements are more challenging. If there isn’t standard lighting available, IR illumination can be added.  This can be a separate light or provided by an IP camera that has a built-in IR illuminator. Many license plates have reflective paint that enhances the number when illuminated by IR. The camera should also support wide dynamic range (WDR) to handle the extreme lighting that may be present.  If you would like to capture license plates from oncoming cars, then the IP camera needs the ability to block out headlight glare. For example, the Samsung X-series of IP cameras has Highlight Compensation (HLC) that blocks the glare from the headlights. Here’s an example: The faster the vehicle moves the more challenging it is to capture and process the license plate images. The IP camera must have a fast frame rate and short shutter time to prevent image smear. The faster the vehicle moves, the shorter the shutter speed required. In many cases, a shutter speed of less than 1/1000 of a second is required to prevent blurring. The camera should be positioned so the license plate is not viewed at an extreme angle. In most systems, the camera captures one lane at a time. The size of the car lane can determine the required camera resolution.  The wider the field of view, the higher the resolution required. Camera Resolution We need enough resolution so that the license plate reader system can see the characters clearly. Many LPR systems will define the resolution required for their specific system to work reliability.  This is usually defined by pixels across the license plate, pixels across a character, or pixels/ft. People can recognize a blurry character better than a computer. The computer requires more resolution than the human eye. How much resolution is required? For this analysis, it doesn’t matter how large or small the character is.  The right resolution is determined by the number of pixels across a character. The camera's field of view can be adjusted so that the pixels across the characters are correct. The chart below shows the lettering used on the tail of an aircraft, and according to FAA regulations, is 12-inches high. The chart shows lettering displayed using 100 pixels high, 50 pixels high, 25 pixels high, 12 pixels high, and 6 pixels high resolution. Pixels Required to identify Characters As you can see, the characters that are 12 pixels high are identifiable to a person, but the OCR algorithm requires more resolution. The software will be more reliable with characters defined by 25 vertical pixel resolution.  Since these letters are 12 inches tall, we need 25 pixels/ft to read them correctly.  We can use this information to determine the right camera resolution for reading license plates. A typical license plate in the US is 12-inches long.  Each character is 2.5 inches high. Since we need 25 vertical pixels across the character, we need a camera that will provide 25 pixels / 2.5 inches or 10 pixels/inch. Once we know the resolution across the license plate, we can calculate the resolution of the IP camera.  Suppose we want to view a standard US highway. The width of a standard highway lane is 12 ft. (3.7 m).  To calculate the total horizontal pictures required, we multiply 10 pixels/in. X 12 ft x 12in./ft  = 1440 pixels.   A 2-Megapixel camera provides 1920 x 1080 resolution, so this is more than adequate to cover the highway. It actually provides a maximum field of view of 16 ft. We can also calculate the lens we should use.  The lens will determine the distance from the camera. We use trigonometry to calculate the angle of the lens we need.  Lenses for IP cameras are defined by their “mm” or angle, so it’s easy to select the right lens.  For example, a camera with a 20-degree lens can be placed about 46 ft. away from the point where the camera reads the license plate. For more about selecting the right lens, read our article, Calculating What You Can See With Your Camera. License Plate Recognition Algorithms The software that analysis and converts the image to computer data uses a number of different algorithms to provide the conversion. The primary technology is optical character recognition (OCR).  Before using the OCR function, there are a number of preprocessing functions used to prepare the image for OCR. Preprocessing of LPR Image To improve successful recognition, there are several processes used:Plate location - This process locates the license plate in the imageDe-skew, orientation, and sizing - The camera can capture a plate at various distances and locations within the field of view.  This process corrects the skew, location, and size.Filtering - This filtering process removes small spots and anomalies.Normalization - License plates can be different colors, brightness, and contrast.  The process normalizes the image so it can be used by the OCR function.Character Isolation - The process identifies and defines each individual character.Pass the processed image to the OCR function Character Recognition There are two types of algorithms used by OCR engines. The first technique matches the images.  It stores all the pixels and matches the pattern of the image against stored images.  The second method extracts features such as lines, curves, and intersects to create a match. In all cases, the license plate image is converted to a coded computer character. This information can be compared to a database or just recorded for later use. Applications ALPR systems are used all over the world.  The success of implementation in individual countries depends on the standardizations of the license plates used. Applications include: Parking entry control - A gate controlled by an ALPR system can be used to control access to a garage.  A list of allowed tenants can be used to restrict parking lot usage.Automated Parking Fee collection - Systems that use ALPR can be used to automatically collect the parking fee.  This also requires a database of all people who can use the parking facility.Electronic Toll Collection  - The ALPR system is usually used as a backup to long range transponders that are in each vehicle.  The database is provided by the government so that fees can be billed.Housing Area Gate Control - This is similar to parking lot control. A gate is used to control access to a gated community, and automatically opened based on license plate match.Stolen Car identification - A list of stolen vehicles can be provided by law enforcement and compared to vehicles on the road.Locating Vehicles against watch lists - Locating a criminal, or tracking suspicious persons can be implemented using LPR.Traffic enforcement - These systems can be used to capture the license plate of vehicles that go through a red light, or that are speeding. Summary Automated or automatic license plate recognition requires a good camera that is designed for the environment. It requires the right resolution based on the size of the lane. The software requires the image to be preprocessed so it can be used by the optical character recognition software.  ALPR systems have become more reliable and are now included with some video management recording systems. These systems are also called Car Plate Recognition (CPR), Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI), or just License Plate Recognition (LPR). To make sure you get the right system, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### How IP Powered Speakers Work IP powered speakers connect to a PoE type network switch. The speakers include built-in amplifiers. They use PoE, so no additional power connections are required. Just plug the speaker into your network switch. Each speaker can be addressed individually by the paging software. You can make a page to a single speaker, a group of speakers, or to all the speakers on the network.  These IP powered speakers are very easy to install and provide excellent flexibility. How the IP Speakers Works The network-attached speakers include a built-in amplifier, micro-computer, D to A Converter, and a network connection. They also can include an optional microphone so you can use these speakers as intercoms. The diagram shows the block diagram for the powered network-attached speaker. The amplifier module inside the speaker includes a network interface with a specialized micro-computer. The D to A converter (digital to analog converter) provides the analog audio signal that is amplified. The amplifier increases the sound power level so that it can drive the speaker.  Since this is all inside the speaker it makes it very easy to install. The powered speakers are part of the total network paging system.  Besides these IP powered speakers, you can select individual IP amplifiers that drive multiple speakers or intercoms to create a complete audio system. There are a number of different IP speakers available. You can select ceiling type, bi-directional hall speakers, wall-mounted, or speaker panels that fit in a drop ceiling panel. Sound Level of PoE Speakers The IP powered speakers can provide a lot of sound output.  For example, a wall speaker provides a maximum of 99 dB at 1 meter away.  This is about the sound level from a lawnmower or jackhammer. As the distance increases the level of the sound is reduced.  In a classroom application the paging sound level should be less than 70 dB (as long as the students are not all yelling). You can reduce the sound level by reducing the power to the speaker. Outdoor applications usually require a separate amplifier. The sound level can be dramatically increased by selecting higher power IP amplifiers.  Speakers with higher sound levels allow you to project the sound over a larger area.   Audio Chart Sound levels above 85 dB can be harmful.  The danger depends on how close you are to the speaker, and how often you are exposed to this sound level. Speakers that are very loud are usually mounted high up, on a pole or ceiling. Take a look at our article, “What is the Right Sound Level for Your Paging Speakers?” for more detail about sound levels. Digitized Sound Sound from a microphone attached to your computer is converted to digital code. The digitized audio is compressed and then transmitted over the network to any designated IP speaker.  The type of encoding and compression is defined by the transport protocol and bandwidth.  Our previous article, “How Network Attached Amplifiers and IP Intercoms Work”, described how the network amplifiers communicate on the network. Sound Quality of Powered Speakers Sound quality depends on the speaker and the digitized audio bandwidth. Many of the IP systems use a transport bandwidth of 64 Kbps or more. These IP paging systems assume that we are making voice announcements rather than providing music, so the frequency ranges are matched to voice quality sound. You can also provide better quality sound, for background music.  In this case, a network-attached audio unit (IP7) is used to inject music audio at bandwidths up to 176 Kbps.  For example, the IP wall speaker from Digital Acoustics provides a very clear, high-quality sound, of 65 Hz - 17 kHz.   Software for IP Speakers You can make an announcement from your computer or from a VoIP phone.  One example, is Talkmaster software from Digital Acoustics.  This software allows you to make announcements from one or more computers.  The software allows you to select any speaker or group of speakers to make an announcement. You can talk to one classroom, to one building, or everywhere on the network. Speakers Associated with IP Cameras Powered speakers can be used with an IP camera system. You can use a network-attached speaker or a speaker attached to the audio output of an IP camera. A network-attached speaker located near an IP camera can be used to notify people that they should move away from a patrolled area. You can even yell at your dog. Paging software such as Talkmaster, allows you to specify a specific speaker on the network. You can make very specific notifications.  Some IP speakers, such as the one from Axis, can only be used with their video management software.    Speakers Attached to IP Camera Speakers can also be connected to the audio output of an IP camera. These are powered speakers and require separate power for the amplifier. This configuration is supported by certain IP cameras and requires a video management and recording system that supports this configuration. For more information about camera attached speakers, see our IP camera system solutions page, or contact us at 914-944-3425 in the USA, or at 800-431-1658 everywhere else, or just use our contact form. Summary Network-attached powered IP speakers can be used for general paging announcements, as well as notifications to a specific area.  It is easy to add network attached powered speakers since they connect directly to your network and don’t require separate wiring to a central amplifier.   In all cases just check with our engineering consulting group for help selecting the right combination of devices.   To learn more about network-attached powered speakers, please contact us at 914-944-3425 in the USA, or at 800-431-1658 everywhere else, or just use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-28 I changed my password to "incorrect". So whenever I forget what it is the computer will say "Your password is incorrect". A clean house is the sign of a broken computer. We just got a fax. At work. We didn't know we had a fax machine. The entire department just stared at it. I poked it with a stick. Tonight's Procrastinators Anonymous meeting has been postponed to tomorrow. The trouble with jogging is, that by the time you realize you're not in shape, it's too far to walk back. Wifi went down during family dinner tonight. One kid started talking and I didn't know who he was. I've told you all a million times not to exaggerate! Teamwork is important; it helps to put the blame on someone else. I saw a bank that said ‘24 Hour Banking,’ but I don’t have that much time. I got an odd-job man in. He was useless. Gave him a list of eight things to do and he only did numbers one, three, five and seven. A Ford dealership mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of a V8 when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his workshop. The doctor was there waiting for the service manager to come and take a look at his car, when the mechanic shouted across the garage, "Hey doc, do you want to take a look at this?” The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, "So doc, look at this engine. I opened its heart, took the valves out, repaired and replaced anything damaged, and then put everything back in and when I was finished, it worked just like new. So how is it that I make $48,000 a year and you make $1.7 million when you and I are doing basically the same work?” The cardiologist paused, leaned over and whispered to the mechanic: "Try doing it with the engine running!" Hope you liked these jokes and cartoons.  You can contribute by just sending me an email. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How Does Facial Recognition Work? Facial recognition systems are now available as part of video recording software systems. The Technology for Facial Recognition There are two primary methods for capturing and matching facial information. The first measures various features of a person’s face, such as the distance between the eyes, or the position of the mouth to the nose.  These geometric measurements or vectors are then stored in a database for later comparison. The second method is far more complex.  It captures the full facial image and uses as much information as it can. It then uses various computer algorithms, including machine learning, to build a set of definition data.  This statistical database increases the reliability, as well as the cost of the system.  There are some other methodologies used such as 3-D modeling, skin texture analysis, and the use of thermal cameras.  Some of these technologies require more computer resources, so there is a trade-off of performance versus cost.  Facial recognition systems used to be standalone systems, but today the analytic software is available as part of IP camera recording systems. The Camera Environment is Important No matter what technique is used, facial recognition works better when there is a good set of facial images to work with.  It is very important to have consistent and controlled lighting, camera resolution, face position, and limited motion.   Lighting The lighting on the face must be bright enough so that the camera sensor doesn’t introduce noise.  There also needs to be enough light to provide enough contrast for the recognition algorithm. Many of these systems require at least 300 to 500 lux of illumination. This is about the light we see in a normal office working environment. The lighting should be consistent so that shadows don’t introduce spurious or false representation of the face.   Resolution IP Camera resolution depends on the type of recognition system used and the total field of view. In general, the wider the field of view the more resolution you will need. Many systems require a certain minimum number of pixels across certain facial features.  For example, you may require 60 pixels between two eyes (interpupillary distance). Some other systems require at least 80 to 120 pixels across the face.  Once we know the resolution requirements of the facial recognition system, we can calculate the resolution of the camera.   Here’s an example.  If we use a system that uses the distance between two eyes, we first need to know what this distance is expected to be.  A database and study were done for the 1988 Anthropometric Survey of US Army Personnel.  In this study, the mean dimension for men was about 65 mm, and women averaged about 62 mm.  The largest distance measured was 74 mm, while the shortest distance was about 55 mm.  To calculate the IP camera resolution required for this type of facial recognition, it is best to use the shortest dimension of 55 mm.   We need 60 pixels per 55 mm or 60/55 = 1.09 pixels/mm.Next, we need to decide what field of view (FOV) we would like.  Suppose we decide that the horizontal field of view is 1524 mm (which is about 5 ft wide).  To achieve 1.09 pixels/mm across the 1524 mm FOV, we need 1.09 x 1524 which equals 1663 horizontal pixels. Next, we look for a camera that has at least this number of horizontal pixels. More is better.A 2 Megapixel (1920 x 1080) camera exceeds this requirement, while a 1-megapixel camera (1280 x 1024) would not work. The 2 Megapixel IP camera, with 1920 pixels across the horizontal is best for this application. As an example of IP cameras available, take a look at the Hanwha (Samsung) IP cameras available.  If we want to view a larger area, then we would need to increase the camera resolution.  For example, a 10 ft wide area, would require twice the resolution.  Take a look at our article, Calculating What You Can See With Your IP Camera, for more information.  Face Position One facial recognition software product has been used in churches to determine who has attended. Churchix software works quite well in the church where the lighting level is right, everyone is facing forward, and they even have the same expression on their face (most of the time).  In many applications, the challenge is to assure that everyone you are scanning is looking in the right direction. It is best to install a face recognition system in a doorway or gate area where it is likely that everyone is facing the right direction, and they are approaching the camera a few people at a time.  There are some systems that can be used in less constricted environments. As an example, take a look at our article, How Face Recognition Works in a Crowd. Limited Motion Camera systems need to be able to capture the face, and if there is too much motion, it could produce a bad video image.  To improve performance when people are moving quickly, facial systems require cameras that can support high frame rates.  Usually, 30 fps is adequate, but if more motion is expected, a camera with 60 fps may be required. Facial recognition algorithms need some time to process data, so if there are too many people flowing through the system, the recognition process may not be fast enough.  Higher performance computer servers are required as the number of detections increase.   Applications There are two major applications for facial recognition systems.  The first can detect predetermined people in a crowd, while the second is used for door entry control. These systems are available as part of video management software or as standalone door control units. Detection of Certain People in a Crowd Facial recognition systems are used to recognize good customers in a store or even a gambling casino.  They are also used to detect criminals. Recognizing a face in a crowd is harder than biometric face recognition used for door access control.  The latest 3D facial recognition systems are getting much better at finding people in a crowd. The systems are most effective at choke points where a few people at a time can pass across the camera.   Biometric Facial Door Access Control Facial recognition systems are also used for door access control.  Simple systems require the person to stand in front of the door access unit.  This method controls the light, position, and field of view so that these simple facial door control systems can operate correctly.     Please contact us for assistance in selecting the right facial recognition system for your application.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, and at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### What is the Best IP Camera Recording System There are NVRs and VMS Recording Systems, but what is best for your IP camera system? The video recording system is a key part of the total IP camera system. There are many solutions available, but what is the best one for your application? Most NVRs, video management software systems, or even a cloud system will provide basic video recording. But, if you want to support many cameras at multiple sites, you need a more advanced system. This article helps you determine the best recording system for your application. It compares simple systems that are used for a handful of cameras, to complex systems that can handle thousands of cameras at multiple sites. Your total system requirements will determine the best video recording system. Small Scale IP Camera Recording System These recording systems are best for sites that have less than 64 cameras. They provide the basic video recording function, and are the easiest to install and use. The recording systems include Network Video Recorders (NVRs), and video management software (VMS) that run on your own PC.  The NVR is easier to install and use, while the VMS provides an easier growth path.  For example, if you have a 16-channel NVR and need to add another camera, you will need to purchase another NVR.  But, if you use a VMS platform, you can easily add an additional camera license. Network Video Recorder The Network Video Recorder (NVR) is a specialized computer that connects to your network and includes pre-installed video management software. It provides basic video recording and camera control functions. There are proprietary and nonproprietary (or open) NVR systems available. Proprietary systems are available from camera manufacturers. Non-proprietary (or open systems) are provided by a 3rd party such as Exacq and support many different camera brands.   Proprietary NVRs     NVR systems from camera manufacturers like Hanwha (Samsung) or Hikvision are the easiest to install and use. These proprietary systems connect to the network, and use a web browser for setup, control and monitoring. Cameras are automatically installed (as long as they are from the same manufacturer).  Some of the proprietary NVRs advertise that they can also support cameras that conform to the OnVIF standard. In many cases this is true, but not guaranteed. Some NVRs (usually up to 16-channels) include all the network camera connections so you can plug all your IP cameras into the back of the NVR. Open Platform NVR Exacq provides a wide range of non-proprietary NVR systems that are designed to support many different camera brands.  This is a bit more complicated to set up but adds many more features and functions. You can select the computer's horsepower and storage depending on the size of your surveillance system. It also adds the capability of using multiple NVR servers to support a much larger number of cameras. The Exacq NVR systems support small to medium size IP camera systems. Video Management Software Recording systems that use video management software are more of a build your own system. The software must be installed on your own Windows PC. The PC you select must have enough horsepower, RAM, and storage to support the total number of IP cameras. It makes these systems more complicated, but it provides a much more flexible solution. TruViewIP VMS software This is an example of a basic VMS solution that provides camera viewing and recording functions for a small to medium size camera installation.  It includes a number of nice features such as mapping to help you locate your cameras, a mobile client, and optional central camera management. It is one of the easiest VMS platforms to install and use. This software is suggested for surveillance systems that have up to 128 cameras. Medium Size Recording Systems Medium performance recording systems support up to 128 cameras.  You can select the top end of the Exacq NVRs, or video management software (VMS).   NVR Systems There are advanced models from Exacq that can support 128 cameras per server, with up to 120 TB of storage (RAID 6).  Multiple servers can be used to support hundreds of cameras.  These NVRs include some advanced features such as a Mobile view of cameras and optional central camera management. VMS Systems Recording systems that use video management software are more complicated but provide more features and growth capability.    Ocularis PRO Ocularis Professional is one of three software platforms available from OnSSI. The platform can be selected depending on the size and complexity of your surveillance requirements.  The Professional version is designed for small to medium-size systems.  The Enterprise version is suggested for mid to large systems, while the Ultimate version is best for very large systems. The Professional level supports up to 128 cameras per server, it includes centrally managed camera views, events, and operator user rights.  This is more difficult to install than TruViewIP, but has additional features such as advanced investigation tools, encryption of video, and multi-level maps. Large Video Management Systems High-end recording systems support thousands of cameras at multiple sites. They have advanced features that help you install, administer, and use the video recording system. These advanced systems are designed to run on multiple servers.  In most cases, they will use video servers for recording, administration, and in some cases for handling remote clients. These systems can use either a web browser for video display or special client application.   These sophisticated IP camera recording systems include analytic alerts caused by a variety of alarm conditions, such as movement in a restricted area, a person crossing a line, a package being left inside a lobby, or even a computer being removed from a desk.  The alarm condition can result in an email message or even a video pop-up on a person’s PC.  They have additional add-on functions such as automated license plate recognition and face recognition.  Ocularis 5 The Enterprise and Ultimate Ocularis platforms are designed to support cameras that are distributed over many sites.  The products support centralized user management and video encryption for high-security environments. They also support the Critical Camera Failover that switches to an alternative camera when there is a camera failure.  Since it is sometimes difficult to find a specific event from all the recorded videos, this software includes advanced investigation tools that provide fast access to incidents. Everything is designed for large camera support including central management of camera views, video walls, and handling of alarm and alert conditions. Summary Video management and recording systems are a very important part of the total IP camera system.  Their primary job is to record video.  Small camera systems can use an NVR or a simple video management software platform.  As the number of cameras increases, or if you need special analytic functions, you will need a more sophisticated and complex recording system.   The proprietary NVR is the easiest to install and use. The open platform NVR is best when using a mix of different types of cameras.  They are both excellent choices for small to medium systems that don’t require any special analytic features. Larger camera systems, and those that require special functions, require more sophisticated VMS software. Ocularis from OnSSI is best for very large camera systems that require centralized management and control. For help selecting the right video recording system for you, please contact us. We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-27 How to translate responses from your boss: I’ll look into it.  =   I’ve already forgotten about it. I tried my best.  =   I did the bare minimum. Happy to discuss further.  = Don’t ask me about this again. No worries. = You really messed up this time. Take care. = This is the last you’ll ever hear from me. Technical Support A client called my help desk saying she couldn’t send an e-mail. When I was done troubleshooting the problem, she interrupted me to ask, “Wait a minute, do I type @ in lower- or uppercase?” Tech calls: Customer: My 14-year-old son has put a password on my computer and I can't get in. Advisor: Has he forgotten it? Customer: No he just won't tell me it because I've grounded him. Tech Support: 'Ok, in the bottom left of the screen, can you see the 'OK' button displayed?' Customer: 'Wow. How can you see my screen from there?' Advisor: Can you click on 'My Computer'? Customer: I don't have your computer, just mine. And some silly ones for your children: What’s fuzzy and green, and if it fell out f tree could really hurt you? A pool table. Why does a chicken coop have only 2 doors? Because if it had 4 doors, it would be called a sedan. And some stories to think about: A young boy enters a barbershop and the barber whispers to his customer, "This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch while I prove it to you." The barber puts a dollar bill in one hand and two quarters in the other, then calls the boy over and asks, "Which do you want, son?" The boy takes the quarters and leaves. "What did I tell you?" said the barber. "That kid never learns!" Later, when the customer leaves, he sees the same young boy coming out of the ice cream parlor. "Hey, son! May I ask you a question? Why did you take the quarters instead of the dollar bill?" The boy licked his cone and replied: "Because the day I take the dollar the game is over!" A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A rabbit asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?" The crow answered, "Sure, why not." So the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow and rested. A fox jumped on the rabbit and ate it. Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very high up. I’ve given up social media for the New Year and am trying to make friends outside Facebook while applying the same principles. Every day, I walk down the street and tell passersby what I’ve eaten, how I feel, what I did the night before, and what I will do tomorrow. Then I give them pictures of my family, my dog, and me gardening. I also listen to their conversations and tell them I love them. And it works. I already have three people following me—two police officers and a psychiatrist. Do you have any jokes to contribute? Please send them to me.  It's always a challenge to find good ones. Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### What is an Explosion Proof Camera? An explosion-proof camera includes a special enclosure. The camera and enclosure can be used in a hazardous potentially explosive environment. This means that the camera system will not cause an explosion, rather than survive an explosion outside the enclosure. The camera and enclosure used in these environments are designed to prevent ignition of the surrounding gases or dust. They will either contain any explosion within the device or prevent sparks exiting the device and triggering an explosion. Normally, we don’t worry about sparks.  For example, a household light switch may emit a small, harmless visible spark when switching. In an ordinary atmosphere, this arc is of no concern, but if a flammable vapor is present, the arc might cause an explosion. Explosive environments can be found in a number of places such as oil and gas tankers, chemical processing plants, hospital operating theaters, aircraft refueling, and hangers, coal mines or oil refineries, sewage treatment plants, grain handling, sugar refineries, and printing industry.  These environments can contain flammable gases such as acetone, propane, methane, hydrogen, or coal dust.   Specifications for Explosion Proof Equipment To be considered explosive proof the equipment must meet the standards defined by ATEX or IECEx.  IECEx is an international standard, while the ATEX directive was created to protect workers from explosive risks and provide common standards for equipment traded within the EU. These related standards define the type of environment and the protection level provided by the equipment.  UL in the United States has also provided designations for various hazardous locations. The standards apply to all types of equipment, but this article discusses explosive proof surveillance IP cameras.   In general, the camera and enclosure prevent ignition (or sparks) from igniting the gas or dust in the environment.  This can be done in two ways, the housing can be strong enough to prevent an internal explosion from getting outside the enclosure, or it can contain inert gases that prevent the explosive gases from entering the enclosure, and causing an internal explosion.    The specifications define certain types of environments, such as areas where combustible gases are present all the time, some of the time, or where it is unlikely to be there at all.  The specifications also describe the type of combustible material that can be present.  Different materials are defined by how easily an explosion can be triggered and how much energy is released by the explosion.  For example, acetylene and hydrogen have a low flash-point, so they are very likely to explode and cause damage. Pressurized Enclosures Standards for pressurized enclosures are provided by the International Society of Automation (ISA).  This is a non-profit technical group that provides guidelines and recommendations for the design, construction, testing, and labeling of electrical apparatus.  ISA-12.04.01 (IEC 60079-2 Mod) is the ISA standard relating to pressurized enclosures for electrical apparatus used in explosive gas atmospheres. It provides the requirements for the design, construction, testing and marking of electrical apparatus for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.  Specifically, the standard deals with camera enclosures that use a protective gas maintained at a pressure above that of the external atmosphere.  This is used to guard against the formation of an explosive gas atmosphere within enclosures. The pressurized inert gas prevents any flammable gases or dust from entering the enclosure so that even if there’s a spark it won’t cause an explosion.  This standard includes requirements for the apparatus and its associated equipment including the inlet and exhaust ducts, and also for the auxiliary control apparatus necessary to ensure that pressurization and/or dilution is established and maintained. The inert gases suggested by the standard include nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, or any gas which can reduce the hazard of explosion. The recommendations include controlling the maximum internal pressure, providing enough pressure to keep out any flammable gases and dust. It also discusses how to prevent the enclosure from becoming too hot, and assuring that all the gaskets and connections are sealed and can operate in the pressurized enclosure. Explosion Proof Camera Systems Explosion-proof camera systems are available from a number of specialized manufacturers such as Pelco, and Videotec.   It is not easy to manufacture explosion-proof camera systems.  The difficulty includes testing and meeting the certifications from IECex and ATEX. There are a number of other manufacturers that offer explosion-proof camera systems, but some of these don’t comply with the certifications. An explosion-proof camera consists of the special explosion-proof enclosure and the camera.  Almost any IP camera can be used inside the special enclosure. If you need help selecting the right explosion-proof cameras or enclosures, please contact us.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or just use our contact form. ### Access Control Software Cloud Versus On Site License for Access Control Many software applications are offering cloud-based, subscription software rather than on-site (or on-premise) license software.  For example, Microsoft 365 and Adobe provide cloud-based, subscription plans. Recently Door Access Control software has become available in the cloud. What exactly does this mean and what is better for you? The article compares the two methods and provides pros and cons that can help you decide what is best. What is the difference between cloud and on premise software? On site software is the classic model of providing a perpetual license that allows you to run the software on your own computer.  Cloud software runs on a remote server and is provided under a monthly or yearly subscription plan.   For example, there is on premises door access software called Pure Access Manager.  The cloud application is called Pure Access Cloud. Cloud Computing Background The concept of cloud computing began in the 1960s with the introduction of time-sharing systems. This was the original “cloud” system.  Many computer terminals (like the IBM 3270) were connected to the mainframe computer or connected over phone lines (using modems). Many users could share the resources of the central computer system. This concept allowed smaller companies, who couldn’t afford the large mainframe computer, to utilize the services of a centralized resource. For example, an accounting program could be used by many people located in different locations. Today, much more powerful computer systems are able to handle many applications as well as many remote users (over the Internet). The advent of high-speed Internet connections has helped to make this approach much more feasible. Multiple computers are operated in server farms and provide increased performance, reliability, and security. Some people differentiate the terms “cloud storage” and “cloud computing”.  Cloud storage is used to just store information, rather than provide computing services.  It can be considered a subset of cloud computing. Various services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and Apple iCloud are popular storage applications.  Cloud Computing provides computer resources for applications such as web sites, scientific simulations, and computations, as well as door access control and remote IP security video management. Cloud Systems Cloud computing is more than just shared resources. Besides providing faster computing processors, it also increases reliability and security.  The computer resources are also more flexible, allowing easier expansion of services.    The pros of Cloud Computing Cost reduction for software services: Capital Expense is reduced because you don’t require a local computer server, and the software is considered a monthly expense rather than a capital purchase. Device and location independence: Users can use a web browser no matter where they are. As more and more people work off-site, remote access capability becomes very important. This is an excellent solution for multi-site organizations that would like central or even regional control. Maintenance and support of cloud computer systems are much easier to handle since you don’t need to install anything on any of the local computers. Your information is backed up at the center.  This provides secure data retention that can be used in case of any disaster. Software upgrades are handled by the cloud service rather than your own staff.Reliability improves since cloud services typically provide redundant systems. Security: This is both a pro and a con (see below). Managed services include increased security. There are arguments that suggest that server farms have dedicated people that maintain security which is more sophisticated than a small organization can provide. On the other hand, this can also be considered a problem because any services that use the Internet can theoretically be hacked. Improved disaster recovery: We usually back up our computers, but we don’t always remove the backups from our facility.  If we don’t then some disaster could cause quite a problem.  Cloud systems are off-premises, thus making much easier to recover from a local problem. The Cons of Cloud Computing Loss of local Internet connectivity:  If the Internet is down at your location, then so is your application. There is a fall back plan for those applications that also run on your smartphone.  A cell connection can be used instead of your Internet connection to provide an alternative communication path to the cloud.  Cloud service failure:  There are some cases where remote servers become unavailable.  The reasons for failure range from loss of Internet at the host site, to computer system failures.  System failures include hacking, hardware failures, and even operator error.  Amazon services were down for 5 hours in March 2017 because of a typo. I have to also mention that these failures are extremely rare.  Ongoing subscription cost:  There is a monthly or yearly charge for the application. This is usually considered an expense rather than a capital purchase. In some organizations, this is a pro rather than a con.  It depends on your organization and how they handle the budget. Security: There are some organizations that don’t allow Internet connection to key computer resources.  In this case, the on-premises solution is best.  In general, it depends on the level of security your own organization can provide.  If you are confident in your own security organization, you can feel more comfortable using an on-site solution. On-Premise License The on-site license is the classic way of purchasing software.  It allows you to load the software on one or more network-attached computers. Pro of On-Site License Internet Security: An on-premises license, can be isolated from the Internet.  Some governments and other organizations require this level of security.Less expensive over time: The standard license is less expensive in the long run. Unfortunately, it may take over 3 years to achieve a cost-benefit.  At that point, you may have to purchase the next-generation software.  Since you only purchase the software license once,  it is considered to be capital equipment rather than a monthly expense.  There is usually a software upgrade plan that provides software updates that should be added to your total cost calculation.Availability: Software that runs on your own computer network is independent of the Internet. It is available even if your local Internet connection is down.The flexibility of Solutions:  You are not locked into a specific solution.  You may find more than one vendor providing similar solutions.  You have the easy flexibility of changing your software platform at any time.Privacy and Security:  You control your own data. It is not available to anyone else including government intrusion or hacking of large cloud services.  You must provide your own security, but at least it’s under your control. Con of On-Site License Higher initial expense: On-site licenses can cost up to 3 to 5 times the monthly cost of cloud service. It can take over 3 years to break even.Multi-site organizations could require more than one site license.Maintenance and support: There is usually some software upgrade plan for maintaining your software. As operating systems and networks evolve, it is important to update your software to be compatible.Security is a challenge: This depends on the level of security you can provide on-site.  This can be a challenge for smaller organizations. Summary The latest versions of door access control systems are moving to cloud platforms.  These systems are not for everyone, but they certainly are becoming more popular. Internet speeds and the availability of flexible cloud services have increased the benefits of these systems. Determining whether these are a good fit for your system is all about evaluating options. The question to ask is: Does one build it, buy it, or manage and maintain their system locally? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If you need help deciding which door access software platform is best for you, please contact us.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, and at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form.   ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons - 26 Customer service jokes: If you understand English, press 1. If you do not understand English, press 2. While I was out to lunch, my coworker answered my phone and told the caller that I would be back 
in 20 minutes. The woman asked, “Is that 20 minutes Central Standard Time?” When asked for his name by the coffee shop clerk, my brother-in-law answered, “Marc, with a C.” Minutes later, he was handed his coffee with his name written on the side: Cark. Before Google, there were librarians. Here are some queries posed to the poor, suffering staff of public libraries: A woman wanted “inspirational material on grass and lawns.”“Who built the English Channel?”“Is there a full moon every night in Acapulco?” “Music suitable for a doll wedding to take place between a Shirley Temple doll and a teddy bear.”“Can the New York Public Library recommend a good forger?” Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine, they laid down for the night and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend. "Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see." Watson replied, "I see millions and millions of stars." "What does that tell you?" Watson pondered for a minute. "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies, and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all-powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?" Holmes was silent for a minute, then spoke. "It tells me that someone has stolen our tent." A photon walks into a hotel. The desk clerk says, "Welcome to our hotel. Can we help you with your luggage?" The photon says, "No thanks, I'm traveling light." Q: What did the 30-degree angle say to the 90-degree angle? A: "You think you're always right!" Steven Wright I was walking down the street wearing glasses when the prescription ran out.It doesn't make a difference what temperature a room is, it's always room temperature.It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to paint it.There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.Last year I went fishing with Salvador Dali. He was using a dotted line. He caught every other fish.What's another word for Thesaurus? How many mystery writers does it take to change a light bulb? Two. One to screw the bulb almost all the way in, and one to give a surprising twist at the end. Please help this writer find more jokes.  I hope you enjoyed these. Send an email to bobm@kintronics.com with your contributions.   Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Cloud Archiving Systems Optical Jukebox Library in the Cloud We define archival information storage as a mechanism for writing data that can’t be modified or erased, storing information for a very long time (over 50 years), and providing easy retrieval. Information archiving has evolved over the last century; from paper to microfilm, and then to optical discs in jukebox libraries. Optical discs were introduced in the early 1980s.  The Write Once Read Many (WORM) 12-inch discs, introduced by Sony and other companies, provided archiving media that allowed organizations to archive their paper information to optical storage. CD-ROM discs were introduced by Philips and Sony in 1985. A couple of years later Sony introduced DVD-discs and Magneto-Optical discs.  Jukeboxes or Libraries were designed to handle over 500 discs, creating a complete archiving storage system.  Blu-ray discs were introduced by Sony in 2003, and became the archiving media standard. Are you ready for the next step in Archiving?   Cloud-based archival object data storage is the latest technology for information archiving.  It uses sophisticated hierarchical storage algorithms and a storage methodology that includes redundancy, backup, and multiple geographic storage points with fail-over.  As an example, one cloud storage service expects an annual loss of 0.000000001% of objects. For example, if you store 10,000 objects with a storage facility that utilizes all multiple redundancies, you can on average expect to incur a loss of a single object once every 10,000,000 years. Cloud-based archiving provides a number of benefits over optical storage libraries.  Even though the optical media was archival, it was difficult to guarantee that the drives that read the media and the formats used would be available 50 to 100 years from now.  The original 12-inch WORM discs may be holding the data, but the drives for playing these discs are no longer manufactured. With the new storage paradigm, the data can be constantly moved to the next generation of storage thus assuring availability in the future. Performance is actually improved with cloud based storage.  Optical drives provide data transfer rates of about 36 Mbps, and have very high latency when the disc has to be moved to the reader (over 3 secs).  The cloud data systems have data rates that are limited by the Internet speeds and latency in milliseconds.  For example, Verizon provides internet speeds of up to 500/500 Mbps.   Large organizations can certainly create their own local archival systems, but the remote storage servers and storage points available from very large big data facilities can provide better security and redundancy.   Storage in the Cloud, has now made this technology available to anyone.   There are cloud storage systems such as those available from Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, Microsoft OneDrive, and other remote data storage systems, but there is a difference between standard cloud “storage” and “Cloud Archiving”.   Cloud archiving includes intelligent data handling.  It is an automated processes that helps you “integrate” this storage technology in an intelligent and intuitive manner.  More than just “connecting” to the cloud, it is important to determine how to manage the process of identifying and processing data for migrating and archiving to the these remote storage servers. Policy Based Archiving Automated policy based archiving software, that has been used for optical jukebox libraries, is now used for cloud-based archiving.  It provides the database indexing required for unstructured data (objects), as well as providing the decision about when and where to move the data.  Each file or folder can be assigned a set of policies.  The policies include:  what to archive, when to archive, and where to archive.    The latest hierarchical storage managers provide almost transparent data migration.  This is all very similar to archiving data to a blue-ray optical jukebox library in that all the files are udf image files, creating a virtual jukebox library in the cloud.   There is even an option of maintaining the file structure that you have on your hard drive or network server after the files are actually moved to the cloud archiving server.  The file structure is still in the same directory.  This is different than moving your information to dropbox or Google drive.  The files still look like they are in the same place.  The pointers to the file have just moved to the cloud storage.   It provides a single path to all your files.   Cloud Archiving Benefits “Cloud Archiving” is the new paradigm for data storage.  It provides an alternative to traditional file- and block based storage.  Advantages of Cloud object storage compared to traditional storage are its scalability, its method for processing metadata and the ability to simplify data protection. For these reasons Cloud archiving is perfectly suited for inactive data and data which needs to be archived.  Data Objects can be located on an external storage device which can be accessed by internet/intranet connection using internet protocols.  This makes it useful for achieving off site replication for disaster recovery as well as providing secure remote access to data from any computer.   Need help selecting the archiving system that’s best for you?  Please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Comparison of IP Intercoms Pros and Cons of Different types of IP Intercoms There are two types of intercoms.  The first type connects many intercoms to a number of central computer stations, while the second type connects one intercom to many smartphones or VoIP phones. In general, IP intercoms can be used to notify you that someone is at the door or provide communication between many locations (like schoolrooms) and a central office.  The intercoms are all wired to the local area network. These complete systems enhance your total security, assuring a safe environment in this uncertain world.  Here is a comparison of the different systems available.   Intercom to Central Station: IP audio intercom system diagram This Digital Acoustics IP intercom connects to the network and provides two-way audio.  The system requires one or more central command computers that are attached to the same network.  It is used in two types of applications.  It can be used at doors to control access, or it can be used in various locations around an organization to provide general communication. In the door control application, the intercom can be wired directly to an electric lock to control door entry, or it can be connected to an IP door access control reader.  This network-attached intercom system is usually used by large organizations that have a designated person(s) to control access to the facility.  You can also have more than one person (and computer) controlling entry.  When a person pushes the call button, a sound at the computer notifies the control person that there is a person at the door.  The control person can talk to the visitor, and make a decision to grant entry or not.   Authorized people can gain access using their credentials or even using biometrics (like a fingerprint reader), while visitors can be monitored for controlled entry. In the centralized communication application, the intercoms are used to communicate back to a central office.  For example, classroom teachers can communicate with the administration office.  When the teacher pushes the call button, an alert sound occurs at the office computer.  The intercom system can also be used to listen to a specific classroom at any time.  This type of intercom system can also be part of a central emergency alert system. Take a look at our network attached PA systems for more details about paging systems.   Audio-Video Intercom to Central Station: IP Paging System This audio-video intercom system is an extension of the audio-only intercom.  It adds the ability to display video, from an IP camera, at the central intercom command station.  This system is best for small organizations that have multiple people responsible for controlling door access.  The IP camera can be located near the door so you select the best viewing area.   These are best used when you need to view large areas around the door.  It can integrate with an existing IP camera system. Smartphone Intercom: IP Intercom with Mobile Connection Smartphone IP intercoms are wired to your router and provide access to remote wireless smartphones.  You just provide power and a single network connection to your router.  It allows you to answer the doorbell from anywhere in the world (that has a cellular connection).  The camera is integrated into the panel to provide a live video of the person at the door.  It includes options for WiFi, network connections to VoIP phones, as well as communication through the Cloud to your smartphone.   This intercom is best used when you need to answer the door from your smartphone or another mobile device.  It works with iPhone and Android devices. Multi-apartment Intercom: The larger IP intercom includes a touch screen and can be used to contact people in an apartment in a large building. It uses cellular communication to connect to smartphones. This multi-tenant intercom system is designed for use in a large complex.  It communicates with multiple mobile smart devices.  It allows each person to use their smart-phone, iPad, Android, and other mobile devices to answer a call from the intercom at the door.  This multi-dial unit allows you to reach many individuals in the organization. It is a complete system that includes a built-in IP camera so you can see who’s at the door. It can also allow you to view the video from all your remote IP cameras. more … This intercom is best used in multi-tenant facilities when you need to answer the door using your mobile device and would like to see a person’s face. Need help selecting the right intercom? Don’t hesitate to contact us.  We have a lot of experience with these systems and can help you select the right one for your application.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or just use our contact form.   ### Surge Protectors for Network Attached Devices How to Protect Your IP Security Systems from Power Transients Surge protectors protect network-attached devices from power transients. Lightning is only one of the many power disturbances that can damage these IP devices. There are a number of surge protectors available that can be used to minimize the damage from these power transients. Surge protectors protect network-attached devices from power transients.  Lightning is only one of the many power disturbances that can damage these IP devices.   There are a number of surge protectors available that can be used to minimize the damage from these power transients. Anything that’s attached to your network, can be affected by power surges.  For example, your computer, door access system, IP camera, network switch, and router can be affected if there is a power spike.  Transients can occur not only on the power lines but also on the data connections.  Surge protectors, from Ditek, are used to suppress the effect of these power spikes. Here’s a summary of the surges and spikes that can occur, and how you can protect your equipment. Causes of Surges and Spikes There are a number of causes for surges and spikes.  These include LightningBrownouts or BlackoutsUtility grid switchingInductive loads on the same circuit Lightning: Lightning is a major cause of electronic circuit damage.  It is important to note that a direct hit, to your IP door reader, from lightning, is usually going to cause catastrophic damage. No matter what you do, lightning travels many miles through the atmosphere, so it’s not going to be stopped by any surge protector.  But let's not worry too much about a direct hit.  According to the National Lightning Safety Institute, the odds of getting a direct hit are 1 out of 280,000. What we are concerned about are the spikes from nearby lightning strikes.  Lightning can hit a remote power transmission line or even strike the ground close to your location. This could occur many miles away, but the surge can wreak havoc with the IP camera outside your building.  When lightning hits the ground close to your building, it can cause ground surges.  When there are non-direct hits, the surge protectors will help protect your electronic equipment. Brownouts or Blackouts: Under voltage can be caused by high power use in your area.  You may experience light flickering or dimming.  When this happens there is a good chance that a high voltage transient could follow as the power company adjusts to the extra load.  The high voltage spike can damage network equipment unless you have a suppressor that limits the voltage and current swing. Utility Grid Switching: When the utility company switches transmission lines from one power source to another, it is possible to get a transient voltage spike.  Utilities try to control this, but it is always possible to get an unexpected power surge. Inductive Loads: Electric motors are the usual source of inductive loading that can result in voltage transients.  The motors could be inside your building or even outside the facility (but located on the same power circuit.  Air conditioners and some heavy equipment are sources of these inductive transients.  The voltage transient could cause your computers to shut down. How to protect your system To protect your outdoor equipment, surge protectors are placed on all the network-attached devices.  Suppressors should be added to devices such as IP cameras, IP door readers, and IP intercoms.  The Ditek suppressors are designed to be used with IP devices that use PoE. Inside the building, an additional protection device can assure that any outside transients on the ground lines are prevented from damaging the inside equipment.  This suppressor protects your computers, network switches, routers, as well as any other network-attached devices. Surge protection diagram The system diagram shows how various surge protectors from Ditek can be used to provide maximum protection.  Surge protectors can also be placed on power input lines to protect computers and other equipment. Conclusion Power surges can destroy expensive network-attached equipment.  This can lead to long downtimes and interruption of important services.  Surge protectors are low-cost insurance that can prevent damage from most voltage transients. If you would like help safeguarding your network-attached systems, please contact us.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons - 25 I promise you cannot read these and not laugh out loud.  These are real notes written by parents in the Memphis school district.  Spellings have been left intact. Please excuse Roland from p.e. For a few days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip.. John has been absent because he had two teeth taken out of his face. Chris will not be in school cus he has an acre in his side Please excuse ray Friday from school.. He has very loose vowels. Please excuse tommy for being absent yesterday. He had diarrhea, and his boots leak. My son is under a doctor's care and should not take PE today. Please execute him. Please exkuce lisa for being absent she was sick and I had her shot. Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday. We thought it was Sunday. Sally won't be in school a week from Friday We have to attend her funeral. Now we know why parents are screaming for better education for our kids. Here are paraprosdokian phrases.  (Today’s homework: Google the meaning of this word) The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on my list. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice. War does not determine who is right - only who is left. Here are some paraprosdokians from famous people: Albert Einstein: “The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. Winston Churchill: “You can always count on the Americans to do the right thing—after they have tried everything else” Groucho Marx:  I've had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't it. And, a contribution from Rodney MacLean:  A nine-year-old is in trouble with the law. It appears he took a squirrel to church.  ‎Homeland Security has charged him with having a weapon of Mass Disruption. Thanks for your contributions to this month's jokes and cartoons.  I hope you enjoy them. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How IP Intercoms Communicate with Smartphones IP Intercoms for Mobile Applications By Bob Mesnik Smart IP intercom devices are making it easier to control access to your home, business, school, or any other organization.  They use your smartphone to see the person at the door, talk to them, and allow entry (or not). There are single-button intercoms and multi-tenant intercoms. Both versions have built-in IP cameras. The IP intercom systems can use local intercom servers as well as remote cloud servers to provide the communication path between the intercom and the smartphone. These systems utilize various protocols such as VoIP SIP protocol, audio over IP, IP video, or other protocols to establish the connection between all the devices. Smart IP intercom devices are making it easier to control access to your home, business, school, or any other organization.  They use your smartphone to see the person at the door, talk to them, and allow entry (or not). There are single-button intercoms and multi-tenant intercoms. Both versions have built-in IP cameras. The IP intercom systems can use local intercom servers as well as remote cloud servers to provide the communication path between the intercom and the smartphone. These systems utilize various protocols such as VoIP SIP protocol, audio over IP, IP video, or other protocols to establish the connection between all the devices. Here’s how the latest IP intercoms work. Single Button Intercom Systems The intercom server allows you to connect to smartphones associated with a single apartment.  They are simple to configure, but you do need to know something about your network. Intercom System Diagram These IP intercom systems, with IP cameras, can connect to smartphones on your local network, or smartphones outside your facility using a VoIP SIP service.  For example, IP Intercoms from Baudisch connect to smartphones on your local Wi-Fi network using an Intercom server (PBX server). To connect to a remote smartphone, a cloud server such as an Internet SIP cloud service is added.  These systems are very easy to set up.  The Loxone Intercom server is an example of an intercom server that can be used to connect to remote smartphones as well as control other smart home devices such as security systems, door locks, lights, IP surveillance cameras, and thermostats. 3D House Model illustration Multi-tenant Intercom Systems Apartment houses or large organizations require IP intercoms that provide a lookup screen with all the people you can contact.  These systems utilize remote cloud servers. The intercom provides unique identification for each set of smartphones assigned to each of the apartments or departments. IP Intercom System Diagram The remote server provides the communication path between the multi-apartment intercom and the smartphones.  It also provides the telephone switching function (private PBX) required to reach the unique set of smartphones assigned to each apartment. How IP intercoms Communicate with Smartphones Whether you are using a single button intercom or a multi-tenant panel, special protocols are used to communicate to your smartphone.  One of the most popular is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), which is mostly used with VoIP phones.  This is a peer to peer type application layer of a TCP/IP network.  SIP is responsible for signaling and session management and controls the end to end connection of a call between computer type devices (like VoIP phones or IP intercoms). For more detail about this protocol take a look at our article, How Networked Attached Amplifiers and IP Intercoms Work. Once the connection or channel between the peers has been established, communication can begin. SIP is then used as the signaling portion of the protocol to handle audio and video communication.  In some applications, IP video is sent using a different protocol. The smartphone app is now able to notify the user that someone is at the door, display the video, provide the two-way audio communication, and allow a special command to be sent to the Intercom that opens the electric lock at the door. Summary IP Intercoms provide manual access to your home or organization.  The intercoms provide two-way audio and video that can be displayed on your smartphone.  They connect to your smartphones over Wi-Fi or the Internet.  Special protocols are used to provide a communication path between the intercom and smartphone.  They can be integrated with other security systems such as IP camera systems and door access control systems. To learn more about IP intercoms, please contact us.  We have a lot of experience with IP intercoms and will make sure you select the right one for your application.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-24 Things that Started the Fight: I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order first. “I’ll have the rump steak, rare, please.” He said, “Aren’t you worried about the mad cow?” “Nah, she can order for herself.” And that’s when the fight started…. My wife sat down next to me as I was flipping channels. She asked, “What’s on TV?” I said, “Dust.” And then the fight started… One year, I decided to buy my mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift. The next year, I didn't buy her a gift. When she asked me why, I replied, "Well, you still haven't used the gift I bought you last year!" And that's how the fight started.... Some things to think about Just read that 4,153,237 people got married last year, not to cause any trouble but shouldn't that be an even number? Today a man knocked on my door and asked for a small donation towards the local swimming pool. I gave him a glass of water. I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car. If I had a dollar for every girl that found me unattractive, they would eventually find me attractive. A recent study has found that women who carry a little extra weight, live longer than the men who mention it. Relationships are a lot like algebra. Have you ever looked at your X and wondered Y? My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We'll see about that. I have a preoccupation with finding good cartoons and jokes.  I need help so please send any suggestions.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Security Year in Review - 2016 New Security Systems for 2016 By Bob Mesnik 2016 will probably be known as the year of the 4K IP cameras.  A number of manufacturers introduced these very high-resolution cameras. Besides the increased camera resolution, new compression schemes were introduced that reduced bandwidth and storage requirements.  The latest network-attached door readers are now controlled through the cloud. The readers also include Bluetooth connections that allow your smartphone to be used as the credential.  Video management software was integrated with other devices like door access control and digital cash registers, increasing total security.   Here's a review of the technology introduced in 2016. 4K IP Cameras A number of manufacturers introduced 4K cameras. These new cameras used improved larger sensors and enhanced video processing systems that achieve not only excellent resolution but very good low light sensitivity.  Samsung introduced the P Series of 4K cameras, that includes bullet, dome, panoramic, and PTZ cameras. Sony introduced a dome and box 4K camera. Hikvision introduced their 4K bullet, box, and dome cameras.   We reviewed the 4K cameras.  The testing included the Axis P1428-E, the Hikvision DS-2CD4A85F-IZH, the Samsung PNO-9080R, and the Sony SNC-VM772R. These manufacturers use larger sensors, with the Sony SNC-VB770 using a 35mm full-frame sensor.  This new Sony camera, which if you can afford it, is the best 4K IP camera we have seen.  It is the only camera that can be used at night when there is only a partial moon in the sky. New Video Compression, H.265 H.265 compression finally became more of a reality in 2016.   This compression improved on H.264 but required higher performance video processors in the IP cameras.  It also required higher performance decompression computers for the storage system.  Samsung introduced the Q and P Series of cameras, with H.265 compression. We expect many of the other camera manufacturers to introduce IP cameras with H.265 next year. IP Door Access Control 2016 was the year of door access cloud management, and the integration with other security systems.   One of the most exciting introductions, was the Isonas Pure Access service, a cloud-based software control for the door access system. This allows full installation, administration, and management of the Isonas access control hardware from anywhere.  Not only can you use your computer, you can also use a mobile device. In 2016 Isonas introduced their new RC04 series of door readers.  Now you can select from a number of different models that support RFID, Smart cards, or MiFare, keypads, and even dumb readers (without controllers). One of the most interesting additions is the ability to use your Smartphone to open the door. With the Isonas Pure Mobile app, your smartphone (using Bluetooth) turns into a credential that can open the door.   Another significant introduction was the integration of IP door access control systems with IP intercoms that allowed manual door control of visitors using an app on your smartphone. And, let’s not forget the new fingerprint, facial recognition, and other biometric readers that were introduced.  They provide increased security at a much lower cost. IP Camera Video and Database Solutions IP Camera Integration In the video recording software market, one highlight was the introduction of automated software updates from OnSSI.  Now your video recording software works like many other applications, keeping you safe and up to date without any intervention. The other highlight for 2016 was the integration of database software from Convergence to Pixels (C2P) with Ocularis 5 VMS from OnSSI.  This allowed Ocularis video management software to be integrated with many different network-attached devices. The software can be used to integrate the IP door access control system from Isonas, or Point of Sales (POS) systems, as well as any other digital system into the video displays of the video management software.    This convergence of technology uses the power of a database to search and order the data we have collected while displaying the related video.  Now various security systems can be used more effectively, and provide enhanced security.    Paging Automation The most interesting introduction in 2016 was the new Automation Tools software added to the IP Paging systems from Digital Acoustics.  This new software automated the paging system.  It introduced “if this … then that” programming control of audio, as well as triggers from various outside sources.  For example, if a button is pushed, a special announcement is automatically made.  Different inputs or even a time of day can cause different audio messages to be broadcast.   To learn more about any of these IP security technologies, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### How Fingerprint Readers Work What is the Most Reliable Fingerprint Reader? By Bob Mesnik Fingerprint readers scan the features of a person’s finger and create a digital code that can be used as a unique digital template.  That’s the concept, but how do fingerprint readers actually work? There are a number of different technologies used to scan the features of a fingerprint. The engineering challenge is to reliably read the ridges and valleys on the fingerprint so that it can be converted to a digital image. This article reviews the most popular technologies that use Optical, Ultrasonic and Capacitive sensors. Fingerprint readers scan the features of a person’s finger and create a digital code that can be used as a unique digital template.  That’s the concept, but how do fingerprint readers actually work? There are a number of different technologies used to scan the features of a fingerprint. The engineering challenge is to reliably read the ridges and valleys on the fingerprint so that it can be converted to a digital image.    This article reviews the most popular technologies that use Optical, Ultrasonic and Capacitive sensors.   Fingerprint Sensors There are a number of different types of fingerprint readers.  Here is a summary of the current techniques used. Optical Readers: Optical scanners use a light source and sensor to detect the ridge and lines in the fingerprint.  The sensor is similar to a digital camera.  When the finger is placed on the sensor, a light source is used to illuminate and highlight the raised fingerprint pattern.  The challenge is to read fingerprints that have very small distinguishing features, as well as keeping the scanning surface clean.  As an example, the system has difficulty reading worn-out fingerprints. Capacitive Sensors Reading the Fingerprint Capacitive sensors use the distance between the high and low parts of the fingerprint to capture the image of the print. There are passive and active types of capacitive systems.  The capacitive systems measure the epidermal level of the finger, and in many cases provide better results than optical scanning systems. Passive Capacitive Systems: A passive capacitance sensor detects an image of the fingerprint patterns on the layer under the surface of the skin, or dermal layer. Capacitive sensor pixels are used to measure the capacitance at multiple points of the sensor array. The picture is created by measuring the variation in capacitance created by the distance of the ridges and valleys from the sensor surface.   Active Capacitive Sensors: Active capacitance sensors use a charging cycle that applies a voltage to the skin before measurement takes place. The application of voltage charges the effective capacitor. The electric field between the finger and sensor follows the pattern of the ridges in the dermal skin layer. On the discharge cycle, the voltage across the dermal layer and the sensing element is compared against a reference voltage in order to calculate the capacitance. This eliminates the need for clean, undamaged epidermal skin and a clean sensing surface. Ultrasonic Scanning Sensors Ultrasonic sensors make use of a similar technology used in medical ultrasonography in order to create visual images of the fingerprint. These sensors use very high-frequency sound waves to penetrate the epidermal layer of skin. The sound waves are generated using piezoelectric transducers. The reflected energy is also measured using piezoelectric materials. Since the dermal skin layer exhibits the same characteristic pattern of the fingerprint, the reflected wave measurements can be used to form an image of the fingerprint.  This type of sensor also provides a more reliable image than optical systems. Data Methodology In the past, fingerprint systems captured the complete fingerprint. Fingermatrix was one of the early innovators in fingerprint technology.  Back in the 1970s, they provided state-of-the-art equipment, to read and encode the arches, loops, and whorls that defined the fingerprint.  The cost was over $50,000.  Now fingerprint reader systems are available for under $400. New systems capture only key data points (or minutiae) defined by the fingerprint pattern.  This digital representation of the information contains far less detail, so it can’t be used to reconstruct the actual fingerprint image.  This method requires less storage and is more secure. When a person is registered into the fingerprint system, the unique fingerprint mask is stored with other information about the person.  Later when the person’s fingerprint is read again, the coded template is compared to all the people in the database. This comparison of one code to many, allows fingerprint readers to control doors.  A simpler algorithm is used to allow access to your phone or computer.  In this case, the comparison is just one to one, and your fingerprint is confirmed to only one pattern that’s stored in the system.    Security and Reliability of Fingerprint Readers Some fingerprint readers are susceptible to hacking.  Using 3D modeling or even playdough, people have demonstrated that fingerprint readers are vulnerable. There are also reliability problems when the fingerprints are worn out or damaged. There are a number of multi-mode biometric readers that increase security and reliability. These multi-mode systems add facial recognition, vein reading, or even proximity credentials. By using multiple biometric measurements, reliability is increased. If you need help selecting the right fingerprint scanner, please contact us at 80-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 23 Here are some things to think about: There are so many different kinds of apples, that if you ate a new one every day, it would take over 20 years to try them all. Our brain uses the same amount of power as a 10-watt light bulb. Sometimes I pretend to be normal, but it gets boring… so I go back to being me. Just in case you need an appropriate message to your boss, here is an Arabian blessing: “May the fleas of a thousand camels invade the crotch of the person that ruins your day. And may their arms be too short to scratch” And the Jokes A Tennessee couple, Dave and Rebecca, both bonafide rednecks, had 9 children.  They went to the doctor to find out about getting Dave “fixed”.  The doctor gladly started the required question procedure.  He asked the couple what made them make the decision. Dave replied that they had read a recent article that 1 out of 10 children being born in the USA was Mexican.  They didn’t want to take a chance on having a Mexican baby because neither of them spoke Spanish.   How to become a computer expert And, by popular demand, here’s some more Steven Wright: If you want the rainbow, you have got to put up with the rain.I almost had a psychic girlfriend... But she left me before we met.If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy.Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines. More Technical Jokes Teacher: Can you name the three kinds of blood vessels? Student: Yes. Arteries, veins and caterpillars. Q: What is the name of the first electricity detective? A: Sherlock Ohms. Always remember this: People who laugh a lot are healthier than those who don't.  So if you want to live longer, always go to Kintronics.  If you know of any better jokes, just send them to me.  I’ll even give you credit. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Reliable IP Paging Systems What is the Most Reliable Paging System? By Bob Mesnik How important is your paging system?  Is it critical that it continues to work reliably?  Well, if your answer is yes, then paging over IP is a good choice for you. What does IP Paging do that the older analog paging systems can’t do? It provides increased reliability and redundancy. What happens if your analog amplifier stops working? Well, your paging system is down and out.  There’s no easy recovery except to replace the amplifier.  With a network attached IP paging system, all the amplifiers are decentralized, and the paging console station can be redundant, providing a much more reliable system. Here’s why IP paging systems are more reliable. IP Paging Versus Analog Amplifier Paging Here’s a quick review of the difference between the two systems.  While analog paging systems are centralized, IP paging systems are distributed.   Analog systems connect all the speakers to one large amplifier, while digital IP systems connect speakers to many small IP amplifiers. Some analog amplifiers have a number of discrete outputs that define each zone.  Once a speaker is attached to an amplifier output, it is part of that specific zone.  The only way to change it is to physically move the connections to another amplifier output. Good luck finding the right speaker wires. Digital IP paging systems use small IP amplifiers.  In the Digital Acoustic IP system, all the amplifiers connect to the network, so they can be located anywhere you have a network infrastructure.  All the audio is digitized and directed to the IP amplifiers.  Since each amplifier has its own IP address, the sound can be directed to any or all the amplifiers. It’s very simple to create zones, and the zones can be dynamically changed from the command control software. For more about how IP paging works, take a look at our article How Network Attached Amplifiers and IP Intercoms Work IP Paging Provides Increased Reliability Increased reliability starts with the Talkmaster Focus software that runs on Windows computers.  It provides notification of amplifier failures as well as running on multiple Windows computers for redundancy. Amplifier failure notification:  All the IP amplifiers keep in touch with the Talkmaster console communication software. Each IP amplifier periodically sends health messages to the central console. If one of the amplifiers sends a failure detected message or doesn’t send any message within a certain amount of time, the software notifies the user about the problem. Command Console Redundancy:  The Talkmaster console software can run on multiple Windows computers.  This means that if the primary console is down (the computer is off), the amplifiers switch to a backup command console. You can actually install more than one backup depending on the reliability you need.   Since each amplifier is in touch with the central console software, if it detects no response from the designated computer, it automatically looks for the secondary back computer.  This patented Fail Forward technology in Digital Acoustics’ IP Endpoints allows them to determine when the TalkMaster FOCUS Server is no longer available, whether due to a network outage or maintenance to the TalkMaster FOCUS Server.  Once detected, the IP Endpoints can automatically “fail forward” to a redundant TalkMaster FOCUS Server. IP Paging Operates Even When Power is Down One nice thing about IP amplifiers is that they can be powered using Power over Ethernet (PoE).  The power comes from network switches that support PoE to a device, or by using power injectors. By using uninterruptible power sources (UPS) to power your network switches, you can increase reliability.  When your network uses UPS, you can make a page even if there is no AC power. Conclusion IP paging systems are more reliable than the older analog paging amplifiers. They provide notification when an amplifier is not working, and allow you to use multiple redundant consoles.  They can even operate when there is no AC power available. If you need help selecting your IP paging system or IP intercom system, just contact us.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Why Can’t I Recognize a Person With My IP Camera? What Type of Camera Do I Need? By Bob Mesnik There was a break-in at your warehouse, but, you were prepared. Last month you installed a complete IP camera system.  Now you have evidence you can share with the police. Uh oh! You can’t identify their faces. There are two people in the warehouse, but you can’t tell who they are. Ugh!  What did you do wrong?  You have just discovered that having a surveillance camera, is not enough.  You have to have the right resolution camera and the right lens. This article reviews what you need to assure you meet your security objective. The Right IP Camera Resolution The correct camera for your surveillance application has the resolution you need and the right lens to frame the shot. The wider the view the more resolution you will need to see all the details.  Take a look at the ruler below. When you use a wider angle lens, the field of view widens and the distance between pixels increases, so the pixels/ft. is less.  Pixel Resolution Example What’s the right resolution to identify a person’s face?  To calculate the right resolution, you need to know two things.  First, you need at least 80 pixels of horizontal resolution per foot.  Second, you need to know the width of the horizontal field of view.  Once you know this, you can calculate the right resolution and lens.   Here’s an example, suppose I want to see an area that’s 20 ft (6 m). wide. Since I need 80 pixels per ft. across, I need at least 20 ft. x 80 pixels/ft. = 1600 pixels across the total field of view.  Therefore, I need to select a camera with a horizontal resolution of at least 1600 pixels.  Let’s see what cameras are available.  Sony has the 1-megapixel (720p) camera, SNC-EM600, that provides 1280 x 1024 pixels, while the Samsung SND-6084, 2-megapixel camera (1080p) provides 1920 x 1080 pixels of resolution.  Since the 2-megapixel camera provides over 1600 horizontal pixels, this is the right choice. What if you want to see a larger area?  In this case, you will need a higher resolution camera.  The wider the field of view, the more resolution you will require. If you double the field of view then you will need twice as much horizontal resolution. For example, if you use one of the latest 4K IP cameras, such as the Samsung PNO-9080R, you can identify a person’s face in a field of view that’s about 48 ft. (14.6 m) wide. This camera provides a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.  The maximum field of view is calculated by dividing the total number of horizontal pixels (3840 pixels) by the number of pixels/ft (in this case 80 pixels/ft.).   For more information about how much resolution you need, take a look at our article, What IP Camera Resolution Do You Need?   The Lens defines the Field of View The camera lens must be selected so that you get the right field of view at a specific distance.  In the previous example, we assumed a field of view of 20 ft.  The lens defines the field of view. To calculate the lens angle, we need to know the distance from the camera.  The closer we are, the wider the lens angle.  The further away, the narrower the lens angle. Here’s an example:  If the area we want to see (field of view) is 30 ft away, and the field of view is 20 ft. we can calculate the lens angle required.  To do this we use a right triangle and some trigonometry. The camera lens must be selected so that you get the right field of view at a specific distance.  In the previous example, we assumed a field of view of 20 ft.  The lens defines the field of view.   To calculate the lens angle, we need to know the distance from the camera. The closer we are, the wider the lens angle.  The further away, the narrower the lens angle. Here’s an example:  If the area we want to see (field of view) is 30 ft away, and the field of view is 20 ft. we can calculate the lens angle required.  To do this we use a right triangle and some trigonometry. Triangle Calculation Using the triangle, the hypotenuse (c) equals 30 ft. and the Opposite side (a) is ½ our field of view or 10 ft. To make life easier, go to the triangle calculator and enter the values for “c”, and “a” .  The calculator says that the angle "A" is 19.5 degrees. Remember that we have to double the angle since this is only one-half of the field of view.  The lens angle should be 39 degrees. We need a camera that has a lens that can be adjusted to 39 degrees.  As an example, the Samsung SND-5084 has an adjustable lens that ranges from 93.4°(Wide) ~ 33.1° (Tele), so it will be a good choice for this application.   What Specifications Are Important The resolution and lens are two important factors to consider, but what other IP camera system specifications are important?  Other things include low light sensitivity, frame rate, wide dynamic range, and the capability of the video recording system.  Take a look at our article, IP Camera Specifications, What’s Important for more details about all the things to consider. Need some help selecting the right IP camera, just contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons - 22 Observations from Children On the first day of school, a first-grader handed his teacher a note from his mother.  The note read, 'The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents'. A woman was trying hard to get the ketchup out of the bottle.  During her struggle the phone rang so she asked her 4-year-old daughter to answer the phone.  'Mommy can't come to the phone to talk to you right now.  She's hitting the bottle.' A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women's locker room.  When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover.  The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, 'What's the matter, haven't you ever seen a little boy before?' While taking a routine vandalism report at an elementary school, I was interrupted by a little girl about 6 years old.  Looking up and down at my uniform, she asked, 'Are you a cop?  'Yes,' I answered and continued writing the report.  'My mother said if I ever needed help I should ask the police. Is that right?'  'Yes, that's right,' I told her.  'Well, then,' she said as she extended her foot toward me, 'would you please tie my shoe?' While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds.  She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs.  One day I found her staring at some false teeth soaking in a glass.  As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, 'The tooth fairy will never believe this!' Strange Thoughts I plead contemporary insanity. I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it. I am out of my mind, but I’ll be back in five minutes. I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are still missing. New Rules for golf: A ball hitting a tree shall be deemed not to have hit the tree. Hitting a tree is simply bad luck and has no place on a scientific game. The player should estimate the distance the ball would have traveled if it had not hit the tree and play the ball from there, preferably atop a nice firm tuft of grass. More Thoughts: Ambivalent? Well, yes and no. Chaos, panic, & disorder - my work here is done. Did you hear the news?  The energizer bunny was arrested on a charge of battery. Our thanks to Peter Grosskopf, from VideoTec and Dave Grossman for contributing many of these jokes. If you know of any better ones, just send them to me.  I’ll even give you credit. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How to Integrate Door Control With Other IP Systems 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. IP Camera Systems Integrate with Door Control IP cameras systems were introduced almost 20 years ago.  They replaced the older analog camera systems, and are now the primary surveillance camera technology.  In the last few years, door access control integrated with IP surveillance systems to provide a very effective way of viewing the doors and monitoring the people who entered.  This integration increased total security. Access Control and IP Camera Integration The latest integration of IP camera recording systems and door access control uses a database platform to dramatically enhance the capability of both systems.  Convergence to Pixels (C2P) database software captures the data from IP readers on the network.  The data can be displayed with the video captured by the video management software system.  For example, the Ocularis video management software platform integrates IP door access control system, or Point-of-Sales (POI) systems, as well as any other digital system into the video display.   This convergence of technology allows us to use the power of a database to search and order the data we have collected while displaying the related video. IP Intercoms Integrate with Door Readers IP intercoms were introduced over 15 years ago by Digital Acoustics. These network attached intercoms provided a system that was much easier to install than the older analog systems. The first IP intercom units were audio-only and allowed people at many locations around a facility to communicate to a central command center.  For example, teachers in a schoolroom could talk to the central office.  The latest IP intercoms include options for video and make it very easy to integrate with other digital systems Intercom Connected to IP Camera About 5 years ago Intercoms were attached to IP cameras that include two-way audio and Input/output connections.  A special interface box makes it much easier to attach the intercom to the panel.  This approach integrates intercoms with the video surveillance system.  Now the person in charge of security can see the visitor and talk to them using their computer and video management system.    The latest intercoms communicate with smartphones as well as VoIP phones. They include video so you can see the person at the door.  Now you can talk to visitors at the door, and then release the door lock from wherever you are.  This provides a flexible way of controlling visitor entry at a remote door.  The intercom can be connected directly to a door lock, or to the IP door reader.  The release signal from the remote person is sent through the system to open the door.    There is also an intercom designed for apartment houses.  It includes a touch panel that provides easy selection of the person you would like to contact.  These multi-apartment IP intercom systems connect directly to the network or can be used in wireless applications.  The most sophisticated systems communicate with your smartphone no matter where in the world you are.   Summary of the Complete Door Control Security Systems Creating a complete security system has become much easier.   We can easily integrate network-attached cameras, IP door control readers, IP paging amplifier and speakers, and IP intercoms to create a complete safety and security system. These digital devices attach to the network and use common protocols. Messages can be passed from one system to another, and the software has become much easier to use.   Door control is not only easier to use, but it is also less expensive than before.  This is all good because it means we can provide integrated solutions that provide a much higher level of physical security.   If you would like help integrating your door control system with IP camera systems, or iP intercoms, just contact us.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else.  Or you can use our contact form to reach us. ### 4K IP Camera Review and Comparison 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. IP Camera Test Procedure The cameras were tested in two environments.  The first test area was in a room with no windows where we could test the resolution and low light levels in a controlled situation.  The second area was a room with a large window with bright sunlight outside.  This was used to test wide dynamic range (WDR).   The cameras were placed side by side, and we used VMS software to view 4 cameras at the same time.  We decided to keep the camera adjustments at their nominal settings.  The only thing we changed was the Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) setting when we tested this function. There is some confusion in the industry about 4K resolution terminology.   The 4K label was originally used by TV display manufacturers and found its way into the surveillance camera market.  This is similar to the 780p and 1080p nomenclature from the TV world.  As usual, it’s confusing.  The only thing that is agreed upon is that 4K displays and cameras have at least 4,000 pixels in the horizontal direction.  Sony, Samsung, and Hikvision all meet this requirement, while Axis uses an 8 Megapixel sensor that is not quite up to this measure. We tested which IP camera provided the best resolution, the lowest light capability, and the best wide dynamic range.  We compared the video and captured video frames using the same test settings.  The following sections describe the details about each test and the results we found. Resolution: Resolution was tested using normal room lighting.   The cameras were placed next to each other, and their lenses were adjusted so that we could get the same field of view.  We then captured the video using VMS from Exacq.  We had to make sure that the video recording software captured the video at the correct resolution.   We used a graphic program to digitally expand the video.  This allowed us to examine the test pattern and compare the pictures from each camera. Resolution Chart The sensor resolution, as well as the quality of the lens, affects the maximum resolution of the IP camera. The Sony camera has the largest (20 Megapixel) sensor.  Samsung uses a 12.4 Megapixel sensor, while the Hikvision camera has an 8.85 Megapixel sensor, and Axis has an 8 Megapixel sensor.   Even though they all have different sensor resolutions, we set the aspect ratio to 16 by 9 (3840 x 2160) so they all appeared the same for this test. The resolution displayed by all the cameras was very similar, with Samsung and Sony showing slightly better pictures.  At lower light, the Sony and Samsung cameras had the least amount of noise.   We rated the Sony and Samsung slightly higher than the Hikvision and Axis cameras. Minimum Light Level Sensitivity We were quite amazed at the low light performance of these very high-resolution IP cameras. Usually, the higher resolution cameras have problems at low light, but these 4K cameras did very well. All the cameras were set at 5 fps, with WDR off and IR off.  We adjusted the light level in the room so that we could compare the performance of all the cameras.   The first test determined which camera stayed in color the longest as the light level was decreased.  The second test measured the lowest light in black-white mode. In general, the larger the sensor, the better the low light capability.  Sony uses the largest sensor at 1”.  Samsung and Hikvision both use a 1/1.7” sensor.  Axis uses the smallest sensor (1/2.5”),  As predicted by the sensor size, the Sony and Samsung had the best performance, while Axis had the poorest low light sensitivity.   This test also demonstrated that other factors can affect low light performance, including the f-stop of the lens and the signal to noise of the video amplifiers. Low Light Sensitivity in Color We reduced the light level gradually until we observed the camera that stayed in color mode the longest. Low light color-test The Axis camera was the first one to switch to BW mode, followed by the Samsung camera (0.3 lux).  The Sony camera stayed in color as the light was reduced to about 0.2 lux. The Hikvision was a bit difficult to test because the camera automatically turns on the IR illuminator when it switches to BW mode.  We were able to turn off the IR and then the camera just stayed in color though the test.  Even though this camera was always in color, it did very well.  It exhibited more noise than the Sony camera, but was better than the Axis camera (which provided a more washed out image). The Sony camera performed the best in this low light sensitivity test. Low Light Sensitivity Test at Black-White Mode All the cameras, except the Axis camera, include built in IR illuminators.  In very low light, the cameras with IR illuminators rely on their IR light to illuminate the field of view.  To get some idea about low light sensitivity, we turned off the IR.  This also allowed us to determine performance outside the range of the IR illuminator, In this test, we also turned off WDR.  WDR affects the low light capability of the cameras.  The light level was reduced until we couldn't see any visible video from at least one of the cameras. Low-light-BW test The Samsung camera was the best at low light capability.  All the cameras exhibited some noise at the lowest light levels.  The Sony camera does a better job than the other cameras in reducing noise and compression artifacts when there is motion.  The Axis camera was the first to lose video clarity at low light.  The picture shows all the cameras when the light level was reduced to about 0.1 lux. We were surprised that Samsung was the clear winner in this test because it has a smaller sensor than the Sony camera.  It exhibited some noise at the lowest light level but provided the best video image. The new Sony SNC-VB770 was not part of our formal testing, but we were able to observe its performance in very low light situations. This is an amazing camera.  It was able to provide a clear color display way below the light levels of any of our other cameras.  When all the cameras had switched to BW, the Sony camera stayed in color.  This is an expensive camera ($7K), and the E-type lens is more expensive than the lenses used with the other 4K cameras.   But, if you need a very low light level camera and don’t want to spend the money for a thermal imaging camera (that can cost well over $20K), this is a good choice. Wide Dynamic Range To test wide dynamic range (WDR), we pointed the cameras at an area that had a large window in the background.  We had to wait for a nice sunny day so that we could observe the light difference in the scene.  We also added some objects in front of the window.  We turned on WDR and made some other adjustments for this test, and observed how well each camera performed. Wide Dynamic Range Test We looked at the details inside the room as well as outside the room.  We looked at the color crayons and the scale inside, and at the trees and sky outside. Outdoors the Hikvision camera provided a nice image with nice tree colors and blue sky color.  Inside the room, we observed that the crayon colors on the right were very dark so we couldn’t make out the colors.  We were not able to see the scale numbers on the left. The Axis 4K camera had very poor contrast, both inside and outside the room.  We tried to adjust the sensitivity, but when the inside was good the outdoor sky was all white.  When we adjusted the sensitivity to see the sky, the inside scene was too dark.  This is a typical problem when the camera has a limited dynamic range. The Samsung, and Sony cameras displayed the blue sky, and provided good indoor contrast.  The crayons were darker with the Sony camera.  The Samsung camera provided a better image. We were able to clearly see the crayons as well as the scale on the left. The Samsung 4K IP camera was the winner of this test.  It had the best wide dynamic range.  As a note, the specification for the Samsung camera says it provides 120 dB of dynamic range while the Sony is spec’d at 90 dB.  The test matched these specifications. What is the best 4K camera? Based on all our testing the Samsung, PNO-9080R, 4K IP camera was the all-around winner.  The resolution, low light, and wide dynamic range demonstrated that you can rely on this camera for a wide range of applications.  The camera with the highest resolution was the Sony SNC-VM772R.  It has a 20 Megapixel sensor with a very good lens, so if you need to really see everything possible, then select this IP camera.   And, if you need the ultimate camera for low light situations at very high resolution, then the new Sony SNC-VB770 is the best choice. When you compare the cost to the performance of all the cameras, the Samsung camera provides the best value for the money.   This camera is a good choice when you need a very high-resolution IP camera for your IP camera system. If you need help deciding on the right camera, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons – 21 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!” A frugal widow goes to 
the newspaper to take out an obituary notice for her late 
husband. “How much?” she asks the fellow behind the counter. “One dollar per word,” 
he says. She says, “Make it, “MacGregor died.’” “It’s a five-word minimum.” She nearly faints but collects herself. “Very well, make it ‘MacGregor died. Volvo for sale.” And remember, everything is in walking distance if you have enough time. Some groaners: A local monastery was going bankrupt. The abbot didn't know what to do. The brothers had a meeting, and decided to open a great Olde English Fish-N'-Chips stand. One day, a man knocked on the door. After one of the brothers answered the door, the man asked, "May I have just an order of fries?" The brother said, "Hold on a moment. I'm the fish friar. You want the chip monk." Rick was sitting in a kayak and he got chilly, so he lit a fire in the craft.   It sank - proving once and for all that:   you can't have your kayak and heat it, too. A three-legged dog walks into a saloon in the Old West. He sidles up to the bar and announces: "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw." Is it worth it to tell jokes that need an explanation? You have to first hear the explanation and then say, “Oh yeah, funny!”  Maybe it’s too much work.  If you know some of the Marvel comics heroes, here’s a joke with an explanation. If the Silver Surfer and Iron Man team up, they'd be alloys. Explanation: In chemistry, an alloy is a mixture of metals. Silver and Iron are both metals, so if these guys teamed up they wouldn't just be allies, they would be alloys too. Hope you like these cartoons and jokes.  If you know of any better ones, just send them to me.  I’ll even give you credit. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Video and Door Access or POS Integration 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.   The latest VMS includes a database that can be used to integrate other digital systems.  Convergence to Pixels (C2P) and Ocularis from OnSSI is an example of this type of combined solution.  This synergy enables integration of IP systems such as door access control, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and other digital systems that provide data.  The key feature of this integration is that it is not limited to just access control or POS, it is an open system.  It can integrate many different types of IP devices.  If the device provides data, it can be integrated.   This solution dramatically increases the capability of the OnSSI platform. Integrated Systems Available:   Historically a number of video recording systems have provided integration of IP door access control or POS systems.  Door access control has been the most popular integration.  What is the best way to utilize door access control data in the video management system?  We looked at a number of ways to do this, and here is a review of the technology available. The simplest solution is to just match time stamps on two different systems. Almost every system allows you to do this. For example, you can see when a door reader was used, and match it to the time stamp from the video management system, and then view the video from a specific IP camera.  This technique requires two separate viewing screens. A more integrated solution provides a single display point for both the door access system and the video. There are a number of VMS and NVR systems that include this simple integration.   For example, the TruViewIP video recording software can automatically display the door access data next to the IP camera video stream.  This system provides real-time alerts but doesn’t provide complex forensic search features.  Milestone VMS provides a more complex integration that allows you to manage the door access system through their interface. It provides some simple search tools as well as real-time notifications. Open Database Integration:   The combination of the C2P database and OnSSI VMS is the most sophisticated solution.  This software captures the data from an IP device into a very flexible database that can be displayed on the Ocularis video management software platform.  It can be used to integrate IP door access control system, or Point-of-Sales (POS) systems, as well as any other digital system into the video displays. Access Control and IP Camera Integration This convergence of technology allows us to use the power of a database to search and order the data we have collected while displaying the related video. Door Access Control Integration When Door Access Control, such as the system form Isonas, is integrated through C2P, we can create complex alerts.  For example, if a person, who has been removed from the access control system, tries to enter a door, a notification is automatically sent to security.  We can also create alerts when the door is held open, or when a door is forced.  The video at the door is automatically popped up on the OnSSI Ocularis screen, and an alert sound notifies the security person that action is required. Besides receiving alerts, the database provides much more powerful analytic tools. The security person can search for specific information such as; who entered after a certain time, or what person tried to enter using a bad badge, etc.  If you need to know who came in late, or when a specific door was used and who came in, the database can be displayed in a new window, and the search parameters can be entered. How this works:  Messages from the IP door reader, that include complete information about a door transaction, are passed through the network to the C2P database server.  This information is then converted to a video stream that is integrated with the camera video.  The timestamps provide an automated correlation between the video and door information.  Since it is completely integrated, all the information can be reviewed on a single display. The C2P database allows you to use Boolean expressions to drill down multiple levels to specific events, using either broad term to find events such as “contains”, or specific terms such as “equal to”, applied to the metadata packet. For example, the security person can search using only a partial name, combining that with a specific door, and search during a specific date and time, to find what they are looking for. The complete database can be exported to CSV file so that various reports and graphs can be made.  It also allows you to export video evidence.  This combination of IP door access control and IP camera systems provides much more information than was previously available. Point-of-Sales Integration Point of Sales and IP Camera Integration Integration of Point-of-Sales (POS) systems with IP surveillance systems are made much more effective when you can use a database.  Now you can search, and create charts that help you to better understand your business.  For example, you can search for how many products were sold above a certain price. You can also find the video for a specific time, or when a specific transaction occurred.     You can do complex database searches and then create a table that shows all the details.  For example, you can look at all of the transactions that may have occurred over a selected time range, and at the same time display the video associated with the transactions. C2P-Software You now have a complete history that includes both IP camera video and cash register information.  This makes it easy to do an audit.  You can monitor performance, detect cash register fraud, or track missing inventory. The convergence of video and database information makes it much easier to audit your business. Integration of Other Digital Devices The convergence of information with IP camera systems can also be used with many other IP connected devices. LPR – Automated license plate readers convert the video captured from the license plate into digital data. The integration of the data collected with the IP camera video provides an easy way to monitor the license plates, and trigger alerts if a specific number is detected.  It can also be used to audit the number of license plates and when they were detected.  This allows you to easily follow a vehicle through a parking facility or across a city. ATM and Teller Transactions -  The video from a specific ATM or teller workstation can be viewed and displayed with information collected when a person uses the ATM.  Using the database, it is easy to find specific transactions and see the actual video that was captured at that time.  Using the C2P features, it’s easy to settle any customer disputes or uncover fraud.    Asset Tracking – Attach an RFID tracking device to a high-value item, and now you can track the item as it moves through specific portals in your organization.  For example, you can track a hospital medical cart, and be alerted if it is removed from a storage area.  Or, even detect when a computer leaves the building.   Product Control at the Loading Dock - There are many other applications that can benefit from the convergence of video and data.  For example, products coming into your facility can be monitored at the loading dock.  A bar code reader can be used to help detect and flag alerts at the receiving dock.  If a product recall is sent by a manufacturer, you can now stop the contaminated food or dangerous products from getting past the loading dock. Conclusion A number of IP video recording systems claim that they integrate door access control, but when you look carefully, the systems are not that effective.  We looked at some of the systems that integrate IP surveillance camera recording systems with other network-attached devices such as door access control or Point-of-Sales devices.  We found that the most powerful system uses C2P and the Ocularis VMS platforms.  This is the next generation of IP video management.  This combination of software can integrate almost anything that provides digital data over the network. Contact us for help selecting your integrated IP camera system.  We have a lot of experience with these systems, so we can make sure you purchase the right system for your organization.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 anywhere else.  Or use our contact form.   ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons - 20 "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 Jokes from George Carlin If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted? If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled? Here are some conversation starters for your next social gathering; especially if you want to be alone. Did you know that… YOUR SHOES ARE THE FIRST THING PEOPLE SUBCONSCIOUSLY NOTICE ABOUT YOU. WEAR NICE SHOES.IF YOU SIT FOR MORE THAN 11 HOURS A DAY, THERE'S A 50% CHANCE YOU'LL DIE WITHIN THE NEXT 3 YEARSTHERE ARE AT LEAST 6 PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WHO LOOK EXACTLY LIKE YOU. THERE'S A 9% CHANCE THAT YOU'LL MEET ONE OF THEM IN YOUR LIFETIME.SLEEPING WITHOUT A PILLOW REDUCES BACK PAIN AND KEEPS YOUR SPINE STRONGER.A PERSON’S HEIGHT IS DETERMINED BY THEIR FATHER, AND THEIR WEIGHT IS DETERMINED BY THEIR MOTHER.IF A PART OF YOUR BODY "FALLS ASLEEP",YOU CAN ALMOST ALWAYS "WAKE IT UP" BY SHAKING YOUR HEAD.THERE ARE THREE THINGS THE HUMAN BRAIN CANNOT RESIST NOTICING: FOOD, ATTRACTIVE PEOPLE AND DANGER. More jokes from George Carlin Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker? Why do croutons come in airtight packages? Aren't they just stale bread to begin with? What hair color do they put on the driver's licenses of bald men? "If toast always lands butter-side down and cats always land on their feet, what happens if you strap toast to the back of a cat and drop it?" It's not easy finding technical jokes, so if you know any, please send them to me.  You tell me the jokes, and I'll help with all your technical questions.  Does that sound like a good deal? Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Fingerprint and Facial Recognition Access Control 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 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. Unfortunately, sci-fi action movies and TV shows like NCIS have provided high expectations for biometric recognition; some of which are beyond the capability of current technology.  For example, can these systems reconstruct a blurry face of a felon in a crowd of people at the airport?  Not quite.  At least not at a reasonable price.  Facial recognition and other biometric systems can do quite a lot, but technology has some limitations.  The good news is that today’s biometric technology, when used instead for basic door access, is surprisingly affordable and easy to learn and operate. Biometric recognition is the automated method of identifying a person based on their physiological characteristics.  Those physiological characteristics can include biometrics such as fingerprints, finger veins, palms, retinas, irises, faces, and voice. Biometrics is better than RFID card credentials, but historically the cost has limited the growth of these systems. New systems have recently been introduced that are less expensive and yet quite effective.  They are also network-attached, making them very easy to install.  The IP biometric reader integrates nicely with IP camera systems and is now part of the overall safety and security system.   In all cases, a person’s biometric attributes are registered and collected in a templet database so they can be used for comparison when the person tries to enter the door.    The systems can be compared based on the speed of verification, and most importantly, their accuracy.  Can the system repeatedly identify a registered person no matter what the conditions?  We don’t want false rejections, and even more important, no false acceptance.   Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of some of these systems. Fingerprint Readers Fingerprint door readers The basics are simple.  Each person’s fingerprint is unique, and the pattern created by the fingerprint has been quantified by law enforcement.  It includes a number of basic patterns such as arch, loop, and whorl.   Some fingerprint systems capture the complete fingerprint while the new systems capture only key data points defined by the fingerprint pattern.  The digital representation of the information contains far less detail, so it can’t be used to reconstruct the actual fingerprint image.  This method requires less storage and is more secure. There are many manufacturers of fingerprint readers, and they use different types of sensors such as optical, ultrasonic, and capacitance.  Each of these methods claims to provide better performance, but the differences are not significant.  They all work reasonably well when the fingerprint is well defined. There are some fingerprints, especially from people who have worn-out fingerprints, that are not easy to read.  No matter what sensor is used, there is always a small group of people that have problems.    There is also a security problem with fingerprints.  Devious minds have determined how to forge fingerprints using duplicating aids like latex, digital photography, and believe it or not – gummy bears. And social media being what it is, the information is readily available on the Internet.   Fingerprint readers are becoming more popular and provide secure door control access.   The latest IP readers include more powerful microprocessors, increased storage, and better analytic algorithms.  The new IP biometric readers attach to the network so they are very easy to install.   Finger Vein Readers Finger vein readers are another method of providing unique identification.  This technique captures an image of the vein patterns beneath the surface of the finger.  In this case, the vascular pattern is detected using a near-infrared LED.  The system detects the hemoglobin in the bloodstream, providing a distinct pattern. This technique is much more reliable than the surface detected fingerprint readers.  It is much harder to falsify because it only authenticates the finger of a living person.  Finger vein readers are a more reliable system, but cost more than the standard fingerprint systems.  The extra cost is worth the increased performance.  Facial Recognition Systems To identify a face, we need a certain amount of resolution across the face.  Take a look at our previous article, “What IP Camera Resolution Do You Need?”.  This means that a face must appear in a significant portion of the field of view.  There are also other challenges such as the lighting, the head rotation to the camera, glasses, and other factors that change how the camera sees the face.  Different algorithms are used to help maximize the effectiveness of these systems and the technology is continuing to improve.   Technology Used in Facial Recognition The basic facial recognition system includes a good camera with a lens that provides the correct field of view for detecting all the features necessary and a computer software algorithm.   Some systems use a separate camera and computer, while others are included in one unit.  The latest facial recognition systems are self-contained units that attach directly to the network.  These IP Facial readers are very easy to install.   There are two classes of systems, one that attempts to detect a person in a crowd, and another that provides door access control using a known and relatively small templet database.  Just to give you some idea of the problem associated with recognizing a face in a crowd, some systems can match a face, but not if the person has a different expression on their face than the original stored image.  So if you don't want to be recognized in a crowd, just make a funny face.  The systems that provide door access are less complicated, and cost less than systems that attempt to identify a face “in the wild”.   Facial recognition systems use various analytics, such as the shape of the face, the distance between eye pupils, skin texture, and 3D recognition.   At least one system, FST,  adds body shape and motion to the algorithm to improve accuracy.   This system is more expensive but can actually confirm a person’s identity as they walk towards the door (camera).  It can also detect if there are other people approaching the door and make a decision about whether to unlock the door or not.   Multi-mode Biometric Readers What happens if a person is wearing a hat, or sunglasses and the facial recognition system doesn’t work?  Or if someone has fingerprints that are hard to read?  Well, now there is a solution.  There are new multimodal biometric IP readers available that dramatically improve reliability and security. For example, there is the multi-mode reader that reads both fingerprints and vein patterns.  If one doesn’t work the other will.   If you would rather use a facial recognition system, there are IP readers that provide both facial recognition and fingerprint analytics.   There are even readers that provide fingerprint, facial, RFID credentials, and even pin number access control (total 4 credentials) which can be mixed and matched when configuring door access permissions.   Multi-mode bionic systems also can provide a higher level of security.  Suppose you would like to assure that the right person enters the building and then want to control access to certain secure areas in the building.  You can use a multi-mode bionic reader at the front door, and then have less expensive RFID readers at the internal doors you want to control.  You have now increased security throughout the building by assuring that the right person has entered, and then only used a credential for further access control.  Of course, you can place bionic readers everywhere, but this is a strategy for saving some costs.   The latest multi-mode bionic readers provide much higher reliability than the single-mode readers, yet are in the same price range.   Summary Biometric IP readers improve safety and security by controlling access of a person’s “identity” rather than the credential they carry, or what they know (i.e. PIN code).    The new biometric readers attach to the network, are more powerful, yet easier to install than the older systems.  Multimode biometric IP readers are more reliable and flexible because they measure a number of different biometrics.   They offer users more choice when authenticating.   Since pricing has decreased, more people have started to use these new IP door readers and the market has grown.   For help selecting the right door access control system, just contact us.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, and at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or just use our contact us using our form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 19 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. A man and his dog walk into a bar... The man proclaims, "I'll bet you a round of drinks that my dog can talk." Bartender: "Yeah! Sure...go ahead." Man: "What covers a house?" Dog: "Roof!" Man: "How does sandpaper feel?" Dog: "Rough!" Man: "Who was the greatest ball player of all time?" Dog: "Ruth!" Man: "Pay up. I told you he could talk." The bartender, annoyed at this point, throws both of them out the door. Sitting on the sidewalk, the dog looks at the guy and says, "Maybe I should have said Mantle?" Personally, I don't think there's intelligent life on other planets. Why should other planets be any different from this one? I believe hard work will never hurt you....provided you watch it from a safe distance. Q: Did you hear oxygen went on a date with potassium? A: It went OK. Explanation: The atomic symbol for oxygen and potassium are "O" and "K," respectively. They get together they spell OK. Have you heard the one about a chemist who was reading a book about helium? He just couldn't put it down. A photon checks into a hotel and is asked if he needs any help with his luggage. He says, "No, I'm traveling light." My dog used to chase people on a bike a lot. It got so bad, finally I had to take his bike away. Secretary: “Doctor the invisible man has come. He says he has an appointment.” Doctor: “Tell him I can’t see him.” Dentist: "You need a crown." Patient: "Finally someone who understands me" Why did the physics teacher break up with the biology teacher? There was no chemistry. Hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### The History of Video Surveillance 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. Early CCTV equipment and TV broadcast equipment shared technology. Both camera systems supported grey-scale video (not color) and measured and defined performance using NTSC standards. Note the USA used NTSC (525 lines at 60 fps) while Europe used PAL (625 lines at 50 fps).  A camera with 525 vertical scan lines, actually had only 480 visible lines. EIA-1956 Camera Test Chart There is a difference between scan lines and lines of resolution.  The TV line of resolution is defined as one black and one white line, so the actual resolution was less than 240 TV lines of resolution. To measure resolution, the camera was pointed at the EIA-1956 resolution chart which was viewed on a monitor (with hopefully better resolution than the camera).  It primarily measured the horizontal resolution because the vertical resolution was restricted by the fixed number of vertical lines (525 in NTSC).   This was a very subjective measurement, because TV engineers determined the maximum resolution as the point where they could not discern converging lines. Color cameras became available in the 1950s, and there was a debate on whether or not color was better for surveillance.  Black-white (or grey-scale) cameras provided better resolution and low light sensitivity, while color made it easier to identify someone by the clothes they were wearing. The early camera systems were primarily used for real time viewing, because of the lack of reliable video recording systems.  There was some reel to reel tape solutions available from Sony and Ampex, but they were not easy to use.  The introduction of videocassette recorders (VCR) in 1970 led to the increased popularity of video surveillance. Evolution of Technology The introduction of network attached IP cameras was a significant technology change for the CCTV industry.  Axis introduced the first IP cameras in 1996.  These new cameras used the Ethernet network for communication rather than coax cable.  Video signals were now sent as digital encoded signals instead of analog signals. The new communication method proved to be a difficult concept for the older analog security dealers to handle.  It took a while for the new technology to become popular.  It was only after computer dealers (who understood computers and networks) started selling IP camera systems, that the market began to grow. The first IP cameras provided 4CIF (704 x 480 pixels) or VGA (640 x 480 pixel) resolution.  This was similar video resolution to the older analog cameras.  One of the first megapixel IP cameras was introduced in 2002 by IQinvision.  This 1.3 megapixel (1280 x 1024 pixels) cameras provided over four times the resolution of the older VGA cameras.  Other companies such as Arecont Vision, introduced 2-megapixel cameras in 2004.  The high resolution of the IP camera provided a dramatic improvement over the older analog camera technology. It took some time for the traditional CCTV camera manufacturers to get on board with the new IP technology.  By 2003, major surveillance camera companies such as Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic started to embrace the new technology.  By 2007 they developed high performance, megapixel IP cameras.  Even though Axis dominated the market because of their early entry, the new megapixel IP cameras from the CCTV companies quickly outperformed the Axis cameras.  For example, Samsung (Hanwha Techwin) and Sony, developed IP cameras with better performance that are priced more aggressively.  Take a look at our camera review, which describes the results of our testing. By 2014 there were more IP cameras sold than analog surveillance cameras.  Today, it is estimated that over 30 million surveillance cameras are used in just the United States, with over 100 million cameras worldwide (analog and IP cameras).  It’s amazing how far we have come in the last 20 years. The Changing Market Today there are a very wide range of IP cameras available.  The market is now split between low-cost consumer grade cameras, and professional surveillance cameras. Consumer Cameras In 2011, Lower cost cameras were introduced by large Chinese camera companies such as Hikvision and Dahua.  These lower performance IP cameras have led to a dramatic increase in home IP surveillance systems. Lower cost IP camera systems and ease of installation have made it possible for large organizations to self-install instead of relying on CCTV installers.  This has dramatically changed the market and increased the number of IP surveillance camera systems. High Performance Professional Cameras In the last couple of years high performance IP cameras were introduced for the professional security market.  This included ultra-high resolution cameras, those with better low light and wide dynamic range, and those that included very long range lenses. In 2015 very high resolution 4K cameras were introduced.  Sony was one of the first to develop the sensor required for this new class of camera.  4K camera specifications are somewhat confused because the term was originally used for the display of video on TVs and monitors.  IP cameras that provide at least 4,000 horizontal pixels, are considered to be 4K, but there are actually a number of different 4K IP cameras available.  For example, there is the 8-megapixel Axis 1428, the Samsung 12-megapixel SNB-9000 camera, and the 20-megapixel SNC-VM772R camera from Sony.  All considered 4K cameras, but all with different capability. It is important to note that these very high resolution cameras require much better lenses than are used in the lower resolution cameras.  Be careful, when you see a relatively low priced 4K camera, you are probably not getting the best lens.  The lenses for these cameras are a significant part of the overall cost of the camera and can cost well over $2,000.   If you find an IP camera that costs under $1,000 it probably won’t provide the resolution you expect. High performance cameras also include very long range IP cameras that can view objects that are miles away in total darkness.   Not only can IP cameras be used for typical surveillance applications, they can be placed on top of mountains to help detect forest fires, or placed underwater to view sea life. More Than Just Surveillance Surveillance is everywhere, and its growing in popularity.  Now almost anyone can install IP camera systems.  Camera systems watch our homes, schools, businesses and cities.  They are being used by law enforcement agencies around the world.  When we watch the news today, we are not surprised to see video from the latest robbery or terror attack. Surveillance has also become part of our mobile world.  Anyone with a smart phone is now able to capture video. Is this pervasive surveillance good or bad?   The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) continues to be concerned about public privacy.  In spite of these concerns, the general feeling is that surveillance is helping us become more safe and secure.  Today CCTV is no longer “closed circuit” it is available to all of us, and it is improving our safety and security.   Not only does it help law enforcement arrest villains, it also helps to make our lives safer. If you need help selecting your surveillance technology, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or ever 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### How to Select the Right IP Video Intercom 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. Video Intercoms that Connect to IP Cameras TVIP-IntercomV Intercom Connected to IP Camera These video intercom systems connect through IP cameras that support two-way audio and IO connections for door control.  Video management software (VMS) that supports two-way audio is required for this to work.   The output from the camera can be connected to the REX or I/O input of many door access readers.  It can also connect through a relay to an electric lock. When the relay is connected to the electric lock other things need to be considered such as power for the lock.  This intercom is primarily used to remotely control a door, and is usually integrated with a door access control system.  It does not provide any paging features. Features to consider include: Ease of installation.Wiring required between intercom panel and amplifier-interface unitPower from PoEVideo Management Software compatibility. This means that the software will alert the user whenever a call button is pushed.  It will also pop the video on the user’s screen so they can see who is at the door.  The software allows the user to talk to the person at the door and then release the door lock.Ease of useEase of talking back and forth. Is the audio half duplex or full duplex?  Does it require the operator to push a key to talk?Control of doors – electric locks, relay, sensors, etc. IP Video Intercoms for Mobile Applications: - TVIP-InterCAM, InterCAM-Touch, InterCam-Mod The video intercoms in this class of products are for single-resident and multi-resident apartments and organizations that require intercoms for door access control.  They all include IP cameras.  The IP video intercoms operate like a phone in that they can dial many cell phones or other smart IP devices such as VoIP phones that conform to the SIP protocol. These IP intercoms can be connected though cellular networks or directly to the network.  The cellular communication channel is very convenient and easy to use, but not as reliable as connecting to the local area network. The video intercoms in this class of products are for single-resident and multi-resident apartments and organizations that require intercoms for door access control.  They all include IP cameras.  The IP video intercoms operate like a phone in that they can dial many cell phones or other smart IP devices such as VoIP phones that conform to the SIP protocol. These IP intercoms can be connected though cellular networks or directly to the network.  The cellular communication channel is very convenient and easy to use, but not as reliable as connecting to the local area network. There are a number of different versions of this type of product. TVIP-InterCAM:  Single button, single resident IP video intercomInterCAM-Touch: A multi-apartment unit that includes a touch screen that allows the user to select one of many apartments (people) to communicate with.InterCAM-MOD: This is a modular type intercom system that can be assembled to meet specific requirements.  Options include multi-call buttons, keypads for multi-apartment (people) calling), and single line LCD screens.  One example is the InterCAM-MOD4B.  This can include up to 8 call buttons.InterCAM-LCD:  Multi-apartment intercom that includes a single line LCD display and up/down control buttons.  This is used when there are about 20 apartments. Features to Consider: Ease of setup and management. Initial setup of users – web based management control softwareMonitoring of statusManagement of users – Edit, delete and add usersFlexibility in utilization of network attached, Wi-Fi, and cell communications Apps for smart devices How it notifies the user that a call button has been pressedEase of useAbility to see multiple intercoms at different doorsAbility to view video and clarity of video (HD or standard video)Ability to select and view other IP cameras at a facilityCompatibility of apps with various smart devices such as IOS or Android Intercom Ease of use – large displays, conformity to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standardsFlexibility of intercoms available – Single button intercoms, multi apartment intercomsModular intercoms for creating intercoms for specific applications Compatibility with VoIP devices, as well as other SIP type devices Summary When considering the right IP video intercom for your application, sound quality, video quality, and communication reliability are at the top of the list.  The best intercom for you depends on your application.  IP video intercom systems are becoming more popular and there are a number of different features to consider.  Reliability is important since controlling doors is an important part of your safety and security. If you need help selecting the right IP video intercom systems, please contact us.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1656 (in the USA), or at 914-944-3425 (everywhere else), or use our contact form. ### How to Select the Best IP Intercom 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. In general, all the systems we reviewed can control an electric lock or interface to a door access control system.  We have not considered the consumer grade intercoms.  These are priced under $200 and are made from plastic materials instead of metal, so are not designed for commercial use.  The following review considers the features that are important for intercoms that can be used in schools, businesses, and apartment complexes where quality and reliability are important factors. Common Functions that are important for all Intercoms: The sound quality is very important when considering an intercom.  The audio filtering and control are very important for successful operation.  The reliability of the communication channel is also important.  Here are some things to consider: Echo canceling – Many systems use full duplex communications that can cause feedback and echo. Echo suppression prevent the sound from the speaker reflecting back through the microphone. Noise filtering – Intercoms can be used outdoors where there may be a high level of noise.  Bandpass filters are used to suppress the background noises from traffic and allow the voice frequencies to be heard. Microphones – Directional microphones help with noise control and increased clarity. Sound amplification for different environments.  In some cases, there is a need to amplify the sound from the speaker so that an intercom can be heard across the room, or over background noise. Sound frequency range – fidelity or sound quality.  The average voice frequency range is approximately 300 Hz to 3000 Hz.  Many IP type communication systems support 64 Kbps over the network, which supports normal voice frequencies (200 Hz to 4 KHz).  There are some paging and intercom systems that support higher frequencies and provide better music acoustics. Communication Reliability:  Wired systems are more reliable than wireless systems. Look for intercoms that have optional communication channels. IP Intercoms for Windows Computers IP Intercom-Diagram There are two types of intercoms in this class of products.  The first is a network attached intercom and paging system that communicates with a centralized computer, while the second utilizes an IP camera as part of the transport structure.  Take a look at our other article "How to Select the Right Video Intercom" for more details about video intercoms.  In both cases these systems attach directly to the network.  They provide the most reliable connections and are available as long as the network is working.  All these systems are considered many-to-one type systems, in that many intercoms communicate with a central control station.  This allows you to communicate with many intercoms around the organization.  They can be at the doors, or in many different rooms. Network Attached Intercom System (with some video integration) - TVIP-IntercomPA These IP intercom systems use small network attached interface units that include an intercom panel.  They have their own IP address so each intercom can be selected independently or you can select any number you want (groups). These can be made into video intercoms by adding an IP camera and additional software.  Many IP intercoms can contact the central control station (usually a Windows computer).  The central computer can also broadcast announcements to some or all of these intercoms. Here are some things to consider: Windows Command and Control Center provides notification of when an intercom call button has been pressed.  It allows the person at the command center to speak and then control door entry.  The software should have an easy to understand user interface. Standalone dedicated station (instead of a computer).  Examples are using a VOIP phone, a dedicated IP7 with mic.  There is another system available that can use a dedicated interface unit (Terracom IP based intercom system). Intercom Ease of use – Clearly marked buttons and controls. Conformity to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards PoE for end points (Intercoms).  Most intercoms can be powered using PoE, though there are some that require separate power supplies. These are used when it’s necessary to have increased output sound levels. Control of zones when broadcasting. The control software should allow the user to select zones or individual intercoms.  Zones should be easily preconfigured for easy selection. Number of end points supported.  IP intercom system can usually handle thousands of end points because they are only limited to the IP addressing of an Ethernet network. Queuing of intercom calls.  Ability to define a group of intercoms that can be monitored by one or more operators.  Define call overflow to operators monitoring other queues based on certain conditions such as how long a person has been waiting, or the number of unanswered calls that are in the queue. Multiple command control center support.  In some cases, it is important to assign certain incoming calls from a set of intercoms to one or another command center.  In other cases, it is important to have multiple command centers that can handle large numbers of incoming calls. Failover support:  If one computer system, used as a command center, is not working (powered off), then the system should be able to automatically switch to a secondary command center (or even a third station). Health Monitoring of all end intercoms or amplifiers.  This allows problems to be corrected quickly. Video integration: Some systems can utilize separate IP cameras.  The video displayed should be matched to the specific intercom that has its communication channel open. Prerecorded messages:  In some cases, it is helpful to have prerecorded messages provided for intercoms as well as for paging.  The control software allows you to record many different messages. For example, a general emergency message can be broadcast, “Emergency! Please leave the building”. Use of alert buttons:  Alert button that can attach to the network.  For example, utilize IP7 device as interface to network and generate pre-recorded messages.  This can be used as a “panic” button, to generate a general announcement. Mounting options and ease of installation.  The flexibility of mounting an intercom is important for installation.  Usual mounting hardware includes surface mount, and flush mount.  Intercoms can be used outdoors but usually require some protection from the weather. Some other features to consider: Integration with SIP VoIP phones. This feature allows VoIP phones to be used instead of the central computer to make pages.AutomationControl of doors – electric locks, relay, sensors, etc.Integration with scheduling softwareConformity to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards Summary The new video IP intercom systems are an excellent choice for new installations, and are the best solution when you need to replace old analog intercom systems that have reached the end of their useful life.  When considering the right intercom for your application, sound quality and communication reliability are at the top of the list.  The best intercom for you depends on your application.  IP intercom systems are becoming more popular and it’s important to be able to differentiate between the good and the bad.  Reliability is important since controlling doors is an important part of your safety and security. If you need help selecting the right IP intercom systems, please contact us.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1656 (in the USA), or at 914-944-3425 (everywhere else), or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons - 18 Math and Science for Engineers, and Others: As an engineer, I found that it was important to learn certain basic mathematical concepts. Since, you also may need to know about scientific things, I put together some examples.  By the way, all these diagrams are from Instachaaz, Probability Density Function:  The probability histogram shows how likely it is for something to occur over time, or over some other variable. For example: Here’s a different type of probability curve: Venn diagram:   Shows the logical relationships between a number of different sets.   John Venn introduced this concept in 1880, and it has been popular with engineers ever since.  Here are two examples: Flow Charts:  Engineers sometimes use flow charts to plan their work.  Programmers create flow charts so they can define the sequence of functions that need to be coded. They can also be used as decision trees that help come to some conclusion.   Here are two examples: And, here's another flowchart that describes how to act in New York city.  I think it applies to some other cities as well. ‘ Some of the strangest laws in the USA Alabama:  Bear wrestling is illegal. In case you were thinking about it… Colorado:  Catapults cannot be used to fire at buildings. This law isn’t just old; it’s medieval. Connecticut:  A pickle must bounce if it’s to be considered a pickle. Well…finally someone said what we were all thinking. Florida:  It is illegal to sell your children. Oy, Florida… Hawaii:  No coins shall ever be put in ears. Looks like Hawaii is where your grandpa’s favorite magic trick goes to die. Kentucky:  You must bathe at least once a year (what’s that smell?). Missouri Single men between 21 and 50 must pay the state an annual $1 tax. It pays to date, people. North Dakota:  Beer and pretzels cannot be served at the same time. Rhode Island:  You probably already knew this, but it’s illegal to bite off a person’s leg. Vermont:  FYI, it’s illegal to tie your giraffe to a telephone pole. Comments from Bob: The less we know The easier the task looks Rules of Project scheduling: It takes 20% of the time to complete 80% of the project It takes 80% of the time to complete the remaining 20% Hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons.  If you have a good joke, please send it to me.  Oh, and we can also help if you have any technical questions about IP camera systems, IP door control, and IP intercoms.  Yeah, we know a lot about this stuff.  914-944-3425 or use our contact form. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Detection, Recognition, and Identification - Thermal vs. Optical IP Camera 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. Thermal Cameras In military circles, “identification” is used along with “detection, and “recognition” as part of the DRI criteria established by John Johnson in 1958.   This standard was established to define the performance of thermal imaging cameras rather than optical IP cameras. Thermal cameras do not provide the real-world color. They can provide color based on the heat from the object they are viewing, but it does not help to define the object. The generals expect “identification” to mean that they can determine if a person is a man or women, or if they are wearing a hat, or maybe caring a gun.  Unfortunately, the Johnson criteria is sometimes misused for optical systems.   As a review, here is the criteria for DRI. The Johnson Criterion defines “Detection”, “Recognition” and “Identification”. This is the ability  of an observer to detect the criteria 50% of the time. Detection: Ability to distinguish an object from the backgroundRecognition: Ability to classify the object class (animal, human, vehicle, boat …)Identification: Ability to describe the object in details (a man with a hat, a deer, a Jeep …) The following pictures illustrate these definitions: Detection-Recognition-Identification Left image: Detection – At several kms, 2 targets are detected out of the background  Center image: Recognition - a human is walking along the fence  Right image: Identification – 2 males with trousers and jackets are identified – one is smoking. Optical IP Cameras Optical IP cameras provide color images and this can help identify or recognize the object. They will switch to monochrome or black-white when it gets very dark.  We use the terms detection, recognition and identification differently in surveillance applications.  Sometimes we have different meanings depending on the application.  Here are some examples: Detection: can mean a number of things.   We sometimes detect or observe something moving in the distance, but in many cases it refers to alarm conditions.  Alarms can include such things as “motion detection”, object removed, object left, line crossing, and other intelligent automated alarm conditions that help provide security.  We require different resolution for each of these applications, so we have to define what we mean before calculating the resolution Recognition: Sometimes we use this term when we want to recognize the object as a man or a woman, but in some other cases we talk about situational awareness.  In this case we are interested in how people or vehicles are moving, rather than the details (identity) of the objects. Identification: In surveillance applications we usually mean identifying who a person is, or the license plate number, or maybe the numbers on the tail of a plane. Comparison of Thermal and Optical Technology Thermal cameras and optical cameras use totally different technology.  The thermal cameras provide images based on the heat energy (Infra-Red) emitted by the object, while the optical camera provides an image from the light reflecting off the object. The electromagnetic spectrum consists of radiation that includes visible light (to our eye) and invisible frequencies. Optical cameras can “see” the visible portion of the spectrum and some of the near infrared spectrum.  The infra-red spectrum includes Near infrared, Mid and Far infrared frequencies.  Thermal cameras operate in the Mid to Far infrared frequencies. Electromagnetic Spectrum There are “Uncooled” and “Cooled” types of thermal imaging cameras.  The uncooled thermal cameras operate in Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) band from 7-14UM (7000nm-14000nm, while the cooled thermal cameras operate in Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) and typically use wavelengths of 3-5UM (3000nm ~5000nm).  The cooled thermal cameras are more sensitive to heat differences than the uncooled variety, but cost more. The optical IP cameras provide better detail than thermal cameras because they provide color video rather than the false color provided by monochrome thermal cameras.  Color provides much more information and makes it easier to identify things.   Since, the thermal cameras use heat energy from the target, they operate in total darkness, while optical cameras require some light source. To “see” at night with an optical IP camera, we use standard white light or IR light that reflects off the target.  Optical cameras are sensitive to infra-red (IR) light, but at a different frequency than the thermal cameras.   IR illuminators that operate at 850 nm or 940 nm can be used with IP cameras for night vision.     For more information about the right camera to use when it’s dark, take a look our article, Seeing in the Dark. We usually measure thermal resolution in line pairs, and we measure IP camera resolution in pixels. Resolution Criteria for Thermal Cameras The Johnson criteria was based on experiments using observers.   It estimates the number of line pairs required across a target, and indicates that there is at least a 50% chance that an observer can accurately achieve the criteria.  This criterion was the first attempt at predicting performance, it has many limitations and should be used with care.  The Sandia Report, History and Evolution of the Johnson Criteria, describes some of the problems with this criterion.  For example, thermal cameras can sometimes detect objects at a further distance than optical cameras because a hot object (relative to its surroundings) can give off a lot of energy and bloom in the video.  This complicates the definitions because in some cases you can “see” a small hot object further away, but if it’s the same temperature as the surroundings, may be impossible to see with a thermal camera. Here’s a summary of the criteria for resolution.  Note that the Criteria was defined in cycles on target (or line pairs across a target). Table 1: Summary of Johnson Criteria Discrimination Level              Cycles on Target                         Description Detection                                  1.0±0.25                                         Object is of military significance Orientation                               1.4±0.35                                         Object aspect Recognition                              4.0±0.8                                           Class of object (Jeep, tank, etc.) Identification                           6.4±1.5                                           Member of class Resolution Criteria for Optical Cameras IP cameras use different criteria for detection, recognition and identification.  Instead of line pairs, we use the pixel count to measure resolution.  This provides a more defined way of determining what detail we can see.  The resolution of IP Cameras is defined by how many megapixels they provide (1.2 megapixels, 2.0 megapixels, etc.).  This is further defined by the horizontal and vertical pixel count (i.e. 1280 x 720, or 1920 x 1080, etc.).   We also use pixels /ft. (or pixels/m) rather than pixels on target to determine the resolution we need for specific applications.  In some cases, we convert the pixels on target to pixels /ft. for consistency.  This criterion is based on a much higher level of certainty of actually meeting the requirement. Here is a summary of the criteria, with a description of what we can discern at a certain resolution (defined in pixels/ft.).  These are estimates from various manufacturers, and documents published by Homeland Security. Table 2: Summary of IP Camera resolution terms Discrimination LevelPixels/ft. DescriptionDetection:1.6 pixels/ft.Assumes that we require at least 9 pixels across a target, for example, a 5’ 7” person     Recognition2.7 pixels/ft.This assumes we need at least 15 pixels across the target (that’s 5’ 7”), and allows us to determine if the target is a man or women (if they are wearing different clothes).     Identification80 pixels/ft.Usually refers to being able to identify a person you know, and requires about 40 pixels across the face. To learn more about how much resolution is required to identify an object using an optical IP camera take a look at our article, What IP Camera Resolution Do You Need?  To learn more about detection, recognition, identification (DRI) take a look at our article How Far Can We See with the PTZ IP Camera. Summary Thermal camera resolution is measured differently than Optical IP camera resolution.  They use different technology.  Thermal cameras are measured using line pairs and the DRI criteria, while optical cameras generally use pixels/ft. (or pixels/m). If you need help in determining the best camera for your application, please contact us at 800-431-1658 (in the USA), or 914-944-3425 (everywhere else), or use our contact form. ### What IP Camera Resolution Do You Need? How to determine the resolution required for your IP camera systemBy 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. Identification of a Person Using an IP Camera It’s easier to identify a person you know than one you don’t know.  In many cases you can identify a person not only by their face, but also by the clothes they wear, and how they walk.  The police would like a more objective (or forensic) identification.  Forensic identification provides enough detail so that you can compare the video to a picture of a person’s face.  You need a lot more resolution to identify a person you don’t know. The Homeland Security Digital Video Quality Handbook, describes how the number of pixels on target (pixels/face) affects image quality.  The example below shows that you can get a very good picture when there are about 64 pixels across the face.  This detail is close to forensic quality. Samsung and Axis both say that you need about 40 pixels across the face to identify a person you know.  Axis also says that you need up to 80 pixels across the face in challenging conditions.  Samsung estimates that you need 40 pixels across the face to be able to see more forensic details such as scars, birth marks and color of eyes.  Their IP cameras provide clearer video. The resolution required also depends on the lighting conditions.  In challenging conditions, such as when it’s dark, the cameras switch to monochrome (B/W mode), and the camera’s amplifiers are working hard to “see”.   Since the video noise level increases as amplification increases, more pixels are required for identification.  Cameras with very good signal processing, can identify people in challenging lighting conditions.  For example, Samsung and Sony have better signal processing than the Axis cameras, so they can be used in more challenging lighting conditions.  Take a look at our Low Light Test of Sony vs. Samsung vs. Axis. Notice that there is a difference between pixels per face and pixels per ft. (or meter).   You can convert pixels across the face to pixels per ft.  The average width of a person’s face varies between men and women and can range between 5.7 and over 7 inches (according to a chart I found on the Internet).  Let’s assume a face is about 6 inches wide.  To convert from pixels per face we just multiply 2 faces/ft. x 40 pixels/face = 80 pixels/ft. In summary, the required pixel resolution is: Identification of a person that you know – 80 pixels/ft.Forensic identification of a person you don’t know – 160 pixels/ft.Best identification when there are poor conditions – 180 pixels/ft. More resolution is required when we are using automated facial recognition software.  The pixel count will vary depending on the software that is used.  It’s usually much higher than 80 pixels across the face. Resolution to Identify an Alphanumeric Character There are some applications that require identification of numbers or letters.  For example, if you want to read the identification on a ship, or on the tail number of an airplane, you will need a certain level of resolution.  The resolution and field of view required depends on the size of the alphanumeric. The lettering used on the tail of an aircraft should be 12-inches high, according to the FAA regulations. The following chart shows lettering displayed using 100 pixels high, 50 pixels high, 25 pixels high, 12 pixels high, and 6 pixels high resolution. At about 12 pixels across the target we start to see the number clearly.  Since the letters are 1 ft. high, we require at least 12 pixels/ft. to identify the lettering.    Since some applications have alphanumeric characters that are not very clear because of font, upper and lower case, or the letters are dirty, we suggest using at least 15 pixels across the alphanumeric. When the object is moving, the identification becomes even more challenging.  For example, many people recommend at least 50 pixels/ft. to read a license plate.  This is especially true when using an automated license plate recognition. How Much Resolution is Required to Identify Anything? To identify things such as markings on a meter, cracks in a wall, bar codes, etc. we need to know the size of the object and the details we need to discern.  For example, if we want to see a crack in the wall, we need to know the dimensions of the crack.  How wide and long is the crack.  This will give us some idea of the resolution required.  We first look at the smallest detail we need to see, then we estimated the number of pixels it will take to see the detail. Take a look at the example below.  If we want to see a crack or a line, we will need a lot more pixels to see the smallest portion of the object.  At a minimum we need a pixel to detect each edge of the element.  This means we need at least 3 horizontal pixels for detection of a single element. There are some other factors that determine the resolution of the camera.  For example, there is always some uncertainty about the sensor picking up a specific element.  This is referred to as the Kell factor (usually considered to be 0.7).  It accounts for a number of factors affecting element detection.  If we include this fudge factor, the 3 pixels becomes 3/0.7 = 4.3 pixels.  The size of the crack or line will then determine the pixels/ft. we need.   For example, if the crack or line is 12-inches long, but the smallest element is 1-inch wide, we will need to use this smallest part of the object.  We will need at least 4.3 pixels/inch (or 51.6 pixels/ft.) to see the crack or line. Now that we know the resolution required, how do we select the right camera and lens?  We use the pixels/ft. (or meter) and the field of view required, to determine the horizontal resolution of the camera.  To get the resolution we multiply the pixels/ft. X the field of view (in ft.).  For example, if we need to see a person’s face in a field of view that’s 20 ft. wide, the camera resolution needs to be 80 pixels/ft. x 20 ft. = 1600 pixels. A 2-megapixel camera with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 meets this requirement and is a good choice for this application.     For more about calculating the lens and distance for a camera, take a look at our article “Calculating What You Can See with Your IP Camera”. Summary The right resolution required by your IP Camera System depends on what you need to see.  To identify a person’s face you need to consider the application.  If the police require a forensic identification, you will need much more resolution than identifying people you know in a manufacturing plant.  The brand of IP camera can also affect the resolution required.  In challenging conditions, you should select a camera from Samsung or Sony rather than the Axis or some Chinese brands which have less video signal processing. If you need any help selecting the right IP camera or any other parts of the total IP camera system, please contact us for assistance.  We are an engineering group that provides consulting on complex system applications.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the US, at 914-944-3425 (everywhere else), or just use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 17 Definition of an Engineer:Someone who solves a problem you had no idea you had, and does it in a way you don’t understand. Tech support Issues: Helpdesk: What's on your monitor now ma'am?Customer: A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me in the supermarket. During a recent password audit, it was found that a blonde was using the following password: "MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofyParis" When asked why she had such a long password, she said she was told that it had to be at least 8 characters long and include at least one capital. More tech support calls: Customer: My keyboard is not working anymore.Helpdesk: Are you sure it's plugged into the computer? Customer: No. I can't get behind the computer.Helpdesk: Pick up your keyboard and walk 10 paces back. Customer: Okay.Helpdesk: Did the keyboard come with you? Customer: Yes.Helpdesk: That means the keyboard is not plugged in. Is there another keyboard? Customer: Yes, there's another one here. Ah...that one does work! And here are some old ones: The doctor gave a man six months to live.The man couldn't pay his bill so the doctor gave him another six months. The Doctor called Mrs. Cohen saying, "Mrs. Cohen, your check came back. " Mrs. Cohen answered, "So did my arthritis!" The irony of life is that, by the time you're old enough to know your way around, you're not going anywhere. Every morningis the dawn of a new error. Hope you enjoyed these jokes and cartoons.  If you have a good joke, please send it to me.  Oh, and we can also help if you have any technical questions about IP camera systems, IP door control, and IP intercoms.  Yeah, we know a lot about this stuff.  914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### How Power Over Ethernet Works PoE makes installation very easy By Bob Mesnik 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. PoE Injector Diagram Power over Ethernet is one of the things that make installation of IP camera systems very easy. The device that inserts power onto certain pairs of wires in the Ethernet cable is called an “injector” or “midspan”.  Power is injected onto the Ethernet cable using a separate power source (injector) or using a network switch that includes built-in PoE.  Many devices, that use PoE, conform to the IEEE standard.  But be careful, there are some devices that don’t conform to this standard.  It’s important to know exactly what voltage and current the device needs before using PoE.   Here is a review of the technology. Standards Used for Power Over Ethernet IEEE 802.3 is the standard that defines the physical layer for Ethernet cabling.  It includes the type of wire, the signal levels, and the bandwidth.  In 2003 the standard was updated to include PoE.  IEEE 802.3af defined the voltage and power available power for devices on the network.  This specification provided PoE that provided up to 15.4 watts. The specification was updated again in 2009.  IEEE 802.3at provided higher powered (25.5 watts) which is referred to as PoE+. PoE injectors that conform to IEEE standard provide between 44 and 57 volts.  The effective distance of cable is the same as the standard Ethernet distance of 100 m (328 ft.).   There are two modes, A and B, for powering the devices.  The modes define the wires pairs and polarity of the voltage used for power. New PoE injectors can provide over 50 watts of power to the network attached device. These higher power over Ethernet devices use two pairs of wires to carry the power to the device. PoE Injector Technology:  In all cases, power is sent over the network wires.  In the mode A configuration, the power is provided on the same wires as the signal. In the mode B configuration, the power is provided over two alternative sets of wires in the network cable. The diagram below shows Mode A configuration.  The power is provided by a network switch that includes PoE on the ports or by an injector that connects between the switch and the device. PoE Wiring Diagram Mode A The following diagram shows the Mode B configuration. In this case, the power from the switch or the injector is provided on separate network wires. Many devices are designed to accept power using a mode A or mode B configuration. PoE Mode B Diagram The wires are a quite narrow gauge (24-gauge) so cable resistance reduces the power available at the device and depends on the distance from the source.  Take a look at our article, Calculating the Wire Gauge for Power to Your Device, to learn more about voltage drop.  The standard defines the nominal PoE voltage at 48 volts.  The voltage level at the injector is designed to be about 57 volts but is then reduced by the resistance in the wire to about 44 volts by the time it gets to a distant device.  There are various injectors available that can provide more power to the device.  This means they have a higher current capability and thus provide more power at 48 volts. There are some passive PoE sources and there are “active” or “smart” type sources.  The “active” type communicate with the device. This provides device protection that can prevent damage caused by short circuits, as well as providing overcurrent and overvoltage protection. The passive PoE sources are less expensive and provide power without any verification from the device. Power sources that conform to the IEE standard include network switches individual or multiport PoE injectors (or midspans). PoE Network Diagram Power Source Using a Network Switch that includes PoE There are a number of network switches that include PoE source on some or all their ports.  Even though many switches will say they provide power, they can be quite different in capability.  Most of these switches will provide 15.5 or 25.2 watts (PoE+) on the PoE port.  Some switches include power on some of their ports and not others.  You have to be careful about which port you use for the PoE device. Some switches have PoE on all the ports but have a power budget that limits the total power available to the connected devices.  For example, if an 8-port switch has a power budget of 32 watts, it can actually support only 2 devices that use 15.5 watts each. Power sources using a Mid-span or Power injector Power injectors are available as a single device or multi-port units.  Multi-port injectors are available from a number of manufacturers and support standard PoE or PoE+ power to multiple devices. They are available with 4-port, 8-port, 16-port, and even 24-port configurations.  Since these devices also pass the data on the network, make sure you select an injector that meets your network speed.  They are available in 100 Megabit or Gigabit bandwidth. Single device injectors are available with much higher power levels.  These very high power units can provide up to 100 watts, using 4 wires in the network cable.  This higher power level allows you to power some of the PTZ type cameras that require much higher power levels.   Always check that the PoE source is compatible with the camera. If you still have questions about PoE or need help selecting the right PoE for a specific IP camera system, just call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 16 The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends. The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement. He who hesitates is probably right. If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody. If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame. The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble. While walking down the street one day a US senator is hit by a truck and dies.  His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.  "Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem.  We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you." "No problem, just let me in," says the man. "Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up.  What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one day in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity." "Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,” says the senator. "I'm sorry, but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it  are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with  him.  Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.  They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.  Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.  Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises... The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit heaven."  So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing.  They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns. "Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity." The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers:  "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell." So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.  He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.  The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable.  What happened?" The devil looks at him, smiles and says, “Yesterday we were campaigning...... Today you voted." Why Tech Support is Always Interesting: Tech Support : "What type of computer do you have?" Customer : "A white one." Customer : "How do I print my voicemail?" Tech support : ?????? Air Traffic Control/Airport Tower communications with various air crews. Tower: "Delta 351, you have traffic at 10 o'clock, 6 miles!"Delta 351: "Can you give us another hint! We both have digital watches!" ATC: "TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 Degrees. TWA 2341: "Center, we are at 35,000 feet. Just how much noise can we make up here?"ATC: "Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?" A Cessna 150 with a student pilot became lost during a solo cross-country flight. While attempting to locate the aircraft on radar,ATC asked, "Cessna 1947 R, what was your last known position?"Student: "This is Cessna 1947 R I think my last know position was when I was on the runway number one for takeoff?" Need help finding what you need?  Just contact us for help.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, and 914-944-3425 everywhere else., or use our contact form. ### An IP Prescription for Hospitals How IP Camera Systems and IP Access Control Systems Increase Safety in Hospitals By Virginia Fair The following appeared on NBCLA.com, the website of the Los Angeles NBC affiliate station. “A man who allegedly dressed as a nurse to fool security personnel was arrested for stealing medical supplies from a Fountain Valley Hospital, police announced Monday. The suspect is accused of stealing from Fountain Valley Regional Hospital three separate times since May.” Fountain Valley Regional Hospital is not alone. According to the 2012 Crime and Security Trends Survey, underwritten by the Foundation of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS), the crime rate of hospitals rose by close to 37 percent in just two years, from slightly less than 15,000 in 2010 to over 20,500 in 2012. This increase occurred in all crime categories: larceny, theft, simple assault, vandalism, rape and sexual assault. The highest-ever number of homicides occurred, as well, with 8 reported by responding hospitals. Sad to say, 98 percent of today’s healthcare facilities experience day to day violence and criminal incidents, the type of crime varying from location to location, with urban hospitals facing different challenges than rural ones. Specific locales may face different security challenges as well. For example Hospital A’s Emergency Room may be susceptible to gang violence while Hospital B’s pharmacy may be vulnerable to the prevalence of local, or even in-house narcotic use. Overall, what accounts for the vulnerability of hospitals? A number of commonalities include 24/7 - 365 day access Proportionately female staffing Reduced night and weekend staffing Increase in mentally ill patients Stress and anxiety among family members of patients Access to drugs and money Frustration caused by long waits in emergency departments or outpatient areas Cultural diversity and lack of understanding of these differences It’s easy to see that providing security is a challenge. But IP technology can solve many of a hospital’s problems. Areas of Concern It has been said that the infrastructure of a hospital is only slightly less complex than that of a nuclear facility with all its corridors, labs and rooms full of hulking machines. Light conditions vary, with some areas being uniformly well-lit and others remain relatively dark due to equipment requirements or to conserve energy overnight. The entire hospital requires coverage, but several areas require more security than others: Infant Nursery Occasions of abduction are rare but hospitals must be prepared. Pharmacy The controlled substances stored here are under lock and key, with each hospital drawing up its own particular security routines for access and inventory control. However staff members with a drug habit or seeking to supplement their incomes, dealing drugs, can find ways to circumvent controls. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Emergency Room With emotions already on high, it’s easy for a distraught, worried family member to lash out at triage nurses or security guards, or the person waiting next to them. Add to this mentally ill persons reaching crisis stage, and the increasing number of homeless coming in out of the cold, and it’s trouble waiting to happen. Psychiatric WardsConcern is a two way street in this, quite often, remote area. Access needs to be restricted since the patients within are quite vulnerable. Egress also is a concern since some patients could pose a threat to the general well-being if free and unsupervised. Let’s look at how IP technology can be put to work to provide security. IP Camera Systems IP Camera Security Systems The areas noted above, as well as the parking areas, entrances, lobby, cafeteria, and elevators would benefit from having an IP camera system in place. Every area of a hospital presents its own problem but, fortunately, the features built into today’s IP cameras provide an arsenal of weapons to neutralize them. High Resolution Video:   Megapixel cameras are an excellent choice for overviews of areas such as the pharmacy and nursery where clarity and detail are necessary not only for real time viewing but also for sharing recorded video with police for use in forensic investigation. Low light Capacity:   Just because the lights are dimmed in admin areas after most administrators and staff have left for the day doesn’t mean the offices and corridors don’t warrant monitoring. Intruders like the individual noted in the beginning of this article, may be lurking about. In any low light area, a camera’s light sensitivity must be considered. Light sensitivity refers to the smallest amount of light necessary for the camera to produce a video of usable quality. Wide Dynamic Range:   Another challenge posed by hospitals is areas where light levels vary simultaneously within a single scene. This is known as wide dynamic range.  Areas in a hospital affected by such a contrast might be the main entrance doors with bright daylight outside giving way to darker lighting in the entry vestibule during the day, and the opposite at night, the parking garage where vehicles enter with glaring headlights, or areas filled with reflected lights such as the ER. The beauty of employing an IP network of cameras is that one is not limited to one type of camera. A hospital might employ standard resolution cameras in one area, ones with wide dynamic range in another, and some with low light sensitivity in yet another. Since IP cameras are network-attached, security personnel can monitor all these areas in real time from their command center or any Windows PC.  And, with the proper Video Recording system (VMS or NVR) in place, alarms and alerts can be sent to designated personnel if the security in any area has been breached. The video recording system can be used in a number of ways. Real time viewing: Allows a security person to watch sensitive areas Video recording:  Allows you to review the video that can help identify a person or missing equipment. Alarm Notification:  Can alert the security person that a person is in a secure area, a bag has been left, or equipment has been moved. IP Door Access Control IP Access Control System Unlike financial institutions or government agencies, hospitals cannot institute near total shutdowns overnight nor can they totally restrict large areas since medical staff needs to navigate the hospital quickly and efficiently.  Yet not everyone has to be everywhere all the time. IP door access can be configured so that individual badges and credentials only allow access to the specific areas that concern them.  In addition, when combined with Video Management Software, the validity of the credentials can be further pinpointed to grant access only during the hours of their shifts. IP door access control’s modular system allows a hospital to add new reader controllers as situations arise. Ideal locations for readers include doors to the Pharmacy, as well as any cabinets storing controlled substance medications that could be abused Records office Nursery Psychiatric wing Since visiting relatives to the last two areas listed above will not have been issued credentials, an IP intercom with an embedded camera could offer manual door release once they were identified. Perhaps after reading this, you can understand, why in the keynote address to the 2011 Secure Cities conference Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake referred to network camera systems as force multipliers. Hospital administrators and security officers wanting information about how Kintronics can design an IP camera system or IP access control system can call us at 914-944-3425 to speak to one of our sales engineers or fill out a request for information form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 15 Zen Sarcasm Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead.Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow.Do not walk beside me either.Just pretty much leave me the hell alone. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a leaky tire It's always darkest before dawn , so if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else. Never test the depth of the water with both feet. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes. If at first you don't succeed...... skydiving is not for you. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. Some days you're the bug, some days you're the windshield. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put back in your pocket. A closed mouth gathers no foot. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together. There are two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither one works. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it. If people say they just love the smell of books, I always want to pull them aside and ask, To be clear, do you know how reading works? Need some help with technology?  We can help.  Just contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Challenging Real Time Applications for IP Cameras  Interview with Todd Vohs of Holstein AG Services About IP Camera with WDR by Virginia Fair In our thirty years of being, Kintronics has had the pleasure of doing business with the armed forces, the education sector, library systems, and businesses of every stripe and niche, not to mention quite a few enterprising individuals intent on monitoring such natural phenomena as: salmon swimming upstreamseals in underground caveseagles nesting in treesHawks perched in New York City’s famed Washington Square. However, we rarely get a chance to see any of our IP cameras in action once they leave Kintronics.  That was, until we had the pleasure of doing business with Todd Vohs of Holstein AG Services. He’d consulted with Keaton Baker, one of our sales engineers, in February, for suggestions about a camera that would help him overcome lighting problems he was encountering in monitoring his warehouse out in Iowa. Keaton recommended an IQ862, a camera with Wide Dynamic Range. WDR If you recall dynamic range is a measure of the minimum and maximum amount of light a camera can process per frame.  A camera with wide dynamic range can capture details in a field of view which encompasses a wide or contrasting range of lighting conditions; brightly lit areas as well as darker ones. A nighttime hotel or apartment building entrance where entering guests or residents are filmed at the intersection of the brightly lit lobby with the dark street is one example. A parking garage where the bright headlights of cars are constantly altering the levels of light is another case in point. In such conditions a camera without WDR will either capture the details of the darker area, burning out the bright area in the process (overexposure), or make the bright part visible but lose the details in the darker area (underexposure).  On the other hand, an IP camera system with good WDR capability is able to process both extremes at the same time, capturing all the details in one image. But as they say, one picture is worth a thousand words.  Mr Vohs purchased the IQeye Sentinel IP camera, and so pleased was he with its WDR capabilities that he sent Keaton before and after pictures, along with his own commentary: Hey! This one works when I enable the WDR setting. Here is a pic without WDR setting and the door open with the sun blaring in. Bright Camera Scene Without WDR Same thing with WDR enabled. This is what I was looking for! Camera with WDR With WDR on Intrigued that a customer would be so satisfied with the results, that he’d take the time to share the results, I decided to find out more. I went to Keaton and learned that there is a back story here. In 2012 Vohs had purchased an IQM32NE Alliance MX outdoor dome IP camera, and had been perfectly satisfied with it until this past winter, the never-to-be forgotten 2013-2014 year of the Polar Vortex. The Alliance which is rated to stand up to a temperature range of -4 degrees F to 122 degrees Fahrenheit actually froze. And oh yes, by the way, it was mounted inside Vohs’ Holstein AG Services Warehouse.  So he turned to us once more and taking Keaton’s recommendation purchased the IQ Sentinel megapixel camera with an outdoor enclosure. It has a temperature rating of -22F to 122F. He also purchased TruView video management software to complete his IP camera system. But let’s hear it from Mr Vohs himself, who, when I contacted him to find out more, was gracious enough to grant me an interview. Kintronics:  Thank you so much.  I know your time is precious so I’ll get right to the point. What is your main objective in setting up the camera? Vohs: My office and warehouse are not in the mainstream area of our town of 1400 people.  I have a lot of pickup/deliveries of product and needed a way to “verify” what is going in and out.  I use the cameras for different aspects of monitoring and aligning machinery. K: What area did you want to monitor?V: I have a warehouse, office and bulk seed equipment.  I wanted to monitor the people going in and out of the office and warehouse.  I wanted to verify alignment of equipment when customers bring their bulk seed tenders and also when I am using the system. K: Do you view it from off-site? Yes, I have a Cisco VPN into my site and can access the cameras via an app called IP Cam Viewer but also use the TruViewIP Monitor station for reviewing stored video.  I can access via mobile phone, laptop or any IP device with a browser once VPN is established. K: I know you are particularly pleased with the advanced WDR capabilities of the camera, the IQ862WE-W2 Sentinel. Are there any other features you especially like about this camera?It has quite a bit wider view than the 32N.  So much so that I will probably have to lower it a little since there is a pipe it is picking up on the left side of the screen that the 32N did not. K: Are you still using the Alliance? If so, where?Yes, I moved it to the office where it is better suited anyway. K: I've studied your website, and see you provide quite a full line of services. But being a city slicker I'm slightly overwhelmed and stumped as to how give a synopsis of your business for the newsletter. Maybe it would be easier. If you tell me what would you like "the world" to know about Holstein AG Services LLC?AG Services LLC assists growers from planting the right product on the right acre in the right place at the right time and managing those products through the growing season by offering consulting services for management of disease and insect pressures but also by monitoring how and where the seed is placed, how to leverage markets through crop insurance and how to preserve the crop up until end use. To that end, we are a Dupont Pioneer Hi-Bred International Sales Agent as well as a Milborn Seed Representative and we sell hi-bred seed corn, alfalfa, soybean, sorghum seed, hay, oats, rye, pasture mix, and a soybean seed treatment that includes a fungicide, insecticide and inoculants We also offer federally licensed crop insurance and a full-line of Multi-peril and Crop/Hail policies to area growers through Rain & Hail K: Lastly, please tell us about your drones, that fits right in with one of our latest Kintronics blog posts  Weoffer crop scouting services during the growing season and, depending on FAA regulations, have the capabilities to utilize drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(s) for crop scouting via near-infrared imagery and other technologies currently in the market place.  Kintronics sells IP camera surveillance systems with infra-red illuminators as well as wide dynamic range.  Should you want information on these, IP access control, or IP intercoms, call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or fill out an information request form. ### The Difference Between Jukeboxes and CD/DVD Servers CD Servers, RAID, Optical Disc or Cloud Storage? That is the questionby 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”? The answer depends on your specific application and objective. For example, one of the first things to consider is whether or not you need to archive your data or just store it for a short period.  Archiving means you plan to keep it for over 25 years, while just storing it means you probably only need it for less than a year.  To learn more about the difference between archiving data and storing data take a look at our article “How to Comply with the Archiving Regulations Without Paying an Arm and a Leg”. Another thing to consider, is where you feel comfortable storing your data. You may decide that you would prefer to control your data at your own facility, or you may like the concept of using a remote storage system in the Cloud. This article provides information that will help you select the right product for your application. Optical Jukeboxes or Libraries for Archiving Data: An optical jukebox is excellent for archiving data in your own facility.  If you have critical data that you are concerned about leaving your location, then this is the best solution for you. The jukebox contains multiple drives that allow you to quickly write data to discs. Jukeboxes hold from 35 to over 500 Blu-ray optical discs. Here are the pros and cons of this type of storage: Pros: They are easy to integrate within your computer system structure.They connect to a Windows computers and use special software to write and retrieve the data.Users on the network can copy or drag and drop data to the server which automatically transfers the data to an optical disc in the jukebox.Once data is written to the discs, it can be accessed by users on the network.Data caching can be used to increase access time. For example, PoINT Jukebox Managerprovides tiered storage that supports high speed hard drives for caching frequently used data.  This dramatically increases the speed for retrieval of data.Large files and directories can be spread over multiple media using File Spanning.Larger jukeboxes have six or more drives, so more users can simultaneously access the different discs. Cons: Jukeboxes are relatively slow when compared to hard drives or remote Cloud servers (if you have a fast Ethernet connection).All the jukeboxes work best when only a few users need to access the discs at the same time.Small jukeboxes have only one or two multi-function drives, so only one or two users can share the jukebox at the same time. If additional users want to use a new disc, they have to wait for the disc to be swapped by the robotics in the jukebox.It takes about 4 to 9 seconds to swap a disc. Cloud Storage Cloud storage is a remote set of servers and storage devices that are controlled by some other company and available on the Internet.  For example, Cloud storage is provided by companies such as Amazon, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Verizon and others.  These companies charge at a rate of GByte/month, so large amounts of storage can get expensive. Pros: Data is accessible from any place that has an Internet connection.It is easy to use with desktop folders that make it very easy to store the data.There is usually very good disaster recovery. Cloud storage facilities usually provide redundant servers and storage that assures your data is safe.In some situations, Cloud storage can be cost effective. For example, besides saving money on capital equipment, you may also require less staff, and save money on power. Cons: The bandwidth of your Internet connection can affect the availability and speed of storing and accessing your data, especially if you have large files.If you have no Internet connection, you can’t get your dataEven though many companies try to provide assurances that your data is safe, there are some concerns about piracy of important remote data. Tape Libraries:  The tape library is a very popular way to store data. It has been used for decades as an inexpensive off-line storage system.  Today there are tape libraries that have automated the off-line storage of tape cartridges. Pros: It is a low cost solution that can hold many TB of data.Tape has historically been less expensive than optical media. Cons: Tape is not archival media.Tape is linear storage, so it takes a long time to randomly retrieve data from the middle of a tape reel.Optical media costs about the same as tape and is the better choice if you need to archive your data. Summary Optical storage and Cloud storage are both excellent technologies for archiving data.  Cloud Storage is faster and requires less work for your IT people, but Optical storage provides better safety and security. Need more information?  Please give us a call at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 everywhere else. You can also contact us for more information. ### How to Comply With the Archiving Regulations Without Paying an Arm and a Leg Optical Archiving Libraries make it easy to protect your data.by Bob Mesnik So you are being dragged kicking and screaming to archive your e-mails and data. What can you do that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Well, the new jukebox library systems with the latest 100 GB media are now an economical alternative to tape, and provide the best way to archive your data. The library software makes the jukeboxes easy to use so you can archive your data quickly and automatically.  Blu-ray media is now the same price per megabyte as the tape media, and provides archive quality that’s not available with tape. So you are being dragged kicking and screaming to archive your e-mails and data. What can you do that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Well, the new jukebox library systems with the latest 100 GB media are now an economical alternative to tape, and provide the best way to archive your data. The library software makes the jukeboxes easy to use so you can archive your data quickly and automatically.  Blu-ray media is now the same price per megabyte as the tape media, and provides archive quality that’s not available with tape. Whether you select a small library with a single drive or large multi-drive libraries, you can use library software to automatically copy data to the optical discs.  Data can span across multiple discs making it very easy to store large files.  The latest jukeboxes include magazines that hold up to 35 discs, so you can store the discs off-line in a drawer or cabinet until you need to read them. You can read the discs using the same library by placing the magazine back in the library. If you need faster access to the data, you can use a larger jukebox or library system that can hold hundreds of discs. The jukebox or library is more complex and provides not only archiving (writing), but also easy on-line accessing (or reading) of the disc. The Difference between Backing up and archivingMost people can’t recover emails from even a year or two ago. Why? Because even if system backups are performed regularly, the emails are often deleted from servers during routine tape rotations. Tape can also break, wear out and become demagnetized. But what happens when some of those emails or files are needed in a lawsuit? Or what if a regulatory agency asks for specific emails and you can’t produce them? The liabilities to an organization can be substantial Tape backups are relatively short term storage of data. It protects your data from inadvertent erasures, system crashes that destroy the data or catastrophes that damage your data center.  Tape is usually used because it’s fast and relatively automatic. But, it is not archival media.  Archiving means you will copy data to media that will last for over 20 years. Optical discs are the only media that is rated for this long term storage, with estimated life of 50 to 100 years. Experts agree that optical media is the most rugged and reliable backup media available. Blu-ray WORM (Write Once Read Many) is Non-erasable, non-rewritable optical media that can be stored off-site. This is a critical specification for publicly-held corporations, healthcare, brokerage and financial institutions and others who must meet the strict email, data and document retention requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley, SEC 17-a, HIPAA and a host of other government regulations. Blu-ray disc technology is also highly desirable for any organization that needs to be able to quickly and reliably retrieve data and files of all types without overburdening primary storage devices or media. In this case, Jukeboxes or libraries are used. Not only can they be used to archive your data, they can also be used to easily retrieve the stored data. Jukebox or Library Archiving Systems The Jukebox - BackgroundThe jukebox concept hasn’t changed much over the years.  It consists of a number of drives, shelves for holding the media and robotics that pick the media and move them in and out of the drives.  The mechanisms have improved, becoming more reliable, and moving the media quickly and safely. One of the major improvements has been made in the availability of data caching which improves the overall performance of the system.  The first optical jukeboxes used 12-inch WORM media.  Sony sold one of the first commercial large scale systems to the US Patent and Trademark Office in 1984.  Later jukeboxes switched to CD-R, and then DVD-R media.  Today they use Blu-ray media. Example of an Optical Library:  HIT-StorageHIT Storage has libraries that range in capacity from 35 to 560 discs.  They use 35 disc magazines that make it easy to remove and store off-line.  It is important to note that each magazine has an identification (using RFID) that allows the user to easily identify the magazine when it is in or out of the library.  After all, if you store many magazines on a shelf, it would be very nice to be able to find the one you are looking for. You can add up to 16 optical drives and the disc capacity is not affected by the addition of drives. You can store up to 28 TB of data. Features include: Exchangeable 35-disc magazine with built in RFID tags for easy off-line indexing.NAS caching option to improve performance.Redundant power supplies The Media – the Key to compatibility One of the first writable optical media was developed by Sony in the mid 1980s.  This 12-inch platter held about 6 G Bytes of data. A number of other manufacturers also came out with competing media.  Each was different and claimed advantages over the competition.  Unfortunately, this resulted in a lot of confusion and uncertainty from the users. The confusion continued into the early 2000s when much larger capacity discs became available. Again there were multiple standards and media types. HD DVD discs, UDO and Blu-ray competed for a share of the same market.  The winner was crowned when Sony’s Blu-ray technology captured the movie market. One of the first writable optical media was developed by Sony in the mid 1980s.  This 12-inch platter held about 6 G Bytes of data. A number of other manufacturers also came out with competing media.  Each was different and claimed advantages over the competition.  Unfortunately, this resulted in a lot of confusion and uncertainty from the users. The confusion continued into the early 2000s when much larger capacity discs became available. Again there were multiple standards and media types. HD DVD discs, UDO and Blu-ray competed for a share of the same market.  The winner was crowned when Sony’s Blu-ray technology captured the movie market. Currently Blu-ray discs hold up to 100 GB of data. Future generations will hold up to 200 GB on 8 layers. It will increase recording speed to 288 Mbits/sec. For more about Blu-Ray, take a look at our article How Blu-ray Optical Discs Work. Archiving Software for Jukeboxes and Libraries Storage Tiers There used to be many software solutions available for tracking the information on optical discs, but today StorageQuest and Point Storage are the primary solutions available.  StorageQuest provides an appliance that includes hard drive caching that speeds up access.  Point Storage provides a software solution that provides a complete storage manager for your optical library. Besides providing easy archiving and retrieval of data it adds powerful storage management functions that make it easy to assure that your information is secure and easy to retrieve. The Multi Tier Storage Architecture is one of the primary features of this software.  It migrates data to an appropriate storage tier depending on its status. A tiered storage concept combines the advantages of different storage technologies (hard disk, tape and optical) into an optimal storage mix. The easy migration of data from high speed memory, hard drives, optical media and then off-line archived media make the jukebox libraries very easy to use. Need help deciding which optical archiving system is best for you? Just contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 (everywhere else) or use our on-line form. ### Let the Recorder Beware You can record audio and video but be careful of the law.= by Virginia Fair These premises are under video surveillance.Convenience stores post this no nonsense warning at their front doors.  Banks who display a height chart at their exit door are indirectly issuing the same warning. This conversation may be recorded for training purposes. Most if not all companies and utilities issue this warning before connecting a customer to a representative. IP camera surveillance is a given these days. In most cases the camera warnings are intended to warn the “bad guys”, and the recording notice is for “the rest of us.” The majority of people take these messages as givens and the concept rarely registers. A few however will protest that to record the conversation is unconstitutional and violates their rights under the Fourth Amendment:  “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” This provision was ratified by Congress and added to the U.S. Constitution on December 15, 1791. Over the years, its scope has been the target of arguments and interpretations in courts high and low all the way up to The Supreme Court. But two hundred and ten years later the events of one day, September 11, 2001 blunted resistance to surveillance literally over night. It’s hard to venture out today, without your presence being documented on someone’s surveillance system. Airports, parking garages, parking lots, building lobbies and elevators, stores of every kind, hospitals, parks, you name it, cameras are in use. Washington DC, among other locales, is in the midst of creating a city wide surveillance system, consolidating and integrating more than 5,000 cameras already deployed independently by multiple district entities. When completed nearly 5.6 million people will be monitored daily. Audio recordings fall under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986. The ECPA is an amendment to Title lll of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (the Wiretap Act) extending restrictions on wiretaps beyond phone calls to include electronic data transmissions. As written, it protects wire, oral, and electronic communications as they are being made, are in transit, or when they are stored on computers. It applies to email, telephone conversations, and data stored electronically. So how does this apply in the real world? As mentioned before, in most municipalities, if you leave your house you’re going to end up on a video recording somewhere, and that’s that. But any conversation you may be having is still considered private. For the most part, business owners are okay if they display camera warning signs but the same is not true when it comes to audio recording. They can record all they want, but they are on thin ice when it comes to audio recording. Federal law permits very few exceptions to the rule. This brings up the question of that recording warning you hear while on hold awaiting customer service. What of it? State laws cover the recordings of telephone conversations and this is where it becomes complicated. Each state has its own particular wording but it boils down to the need for one party or two party consent. One party consent requires the recording party to inform the other party that she is being recorded. Two party consent goes one step further and requires the recorded party to give consent. Under ether law if a person stays on the line it is implied consent.  Thirty eight states and the District of Columbia are one party states while twelve states, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington require both parties to consent. Audio capability is not a problem if it is not being recorded; for example, when an IP video camera is being used to monitor entrance to a facility.  In this scenario an IP intercom with a call button is located at an electronically locked door. Both the button and the intercom are connected to an IP camera.  You can use a standard web browser to view and talk to the person at the door, or even use your smart mobile device to talk to the person and release the door. If you need help with a system that includes audio, just contact us and we will help you define the right system.  We can be reached at 914-944-3425 or 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA), or use our contact form. ### How Blu-ray Optical Discs Work The technology for storing data continues to bring us ever-increasing capacity. First, there were CD-ROM discs, next the DVD-discs, which increased capacity and data transfer speed.  Now we have blu-ray discs that provide 100 GB of storage. They are used in optical jukeboxes or libraries for archiving computer data Blu-ray Discs (BD) was introduced by Sony in October 2000. Even though this new technology was developed for the consumer market, it also was capable of handling computer data.  As a matter of fact, Blu-ray became the standard in both markets. In the early days of optical discs, there were other formats such as UDO from Plasmon and HD DVD jointly developed by Toshiba and NEC. Blu-ray discs won the battle of the formats because of the consumer demand for this type of disc. The name Blu-ray Disc is derived from the blue-violet laser used to read and write this type of disc. Because of its shorter wavelength (405 nm), substantially more data can be stored on a Blu-ray Disc than on the DVD format, which uses a red, 650 nm laser. Originally Blu-ray Disc could store 25 GB on each layer, and now they can hold 100 GB.  They actually compete favorably with tape, costing about the same per megabyte.  The advantage is that the optical media is archival, lasting for over 50 years. A current, single-sided, standard DVD can hold about two-hours of standard-definition movie with a few extra features. But a high-definition movie, which has a much clearer image, takes up about five times more bandwidth and therefore requires a disc with about five times more storage. Building Blu-ray DiscsBlu-ray discs not only have more storage capacity than traditional DVDs, but they also offer a new level of interactivity. Using the latest consumer Blu-ray systems, users will be able to connect to the Internet and instantly download subtitles and other interactive movie features. With Blu-ray, you can: record high-definition television (HDTV) without any quality lossinstantly skip to any spot on the discrecord one program while watching another on the disccreate playlistsedit or reorder programs recorded on the discautomatically search for an empty space on the disc to avoid recording over a programaccess the Web to download subtitles and other extra features Discs store digitally encoded data, video and audio information in pits -- spiral grooves that run from the center of the disc to its edges. A laser reads the other side of these pits -- the bumps -- to play the movie or program that is stored on the DVD. The more data that is contained on a disc, the smaller and more closely packed the pits must be. The smaller the pits (and therefore the bumps), the more precise the reading laser must be. Unlike current DVDs, which use a red laser to read and write data, Blu-ray uses a blue laser. A blue laser has a shorter wavelength (405 nanometers) than a red laser (650 nanometers). The smaller beam focuses more precisely, enabling it to read information recorded in pits that are only 0.15 microns (µm) (1 micron = 10-6 meters) long -- this is more than twice as small as the pits on a DVD. Plus, Blu-ray has reduced the track pitch from 0.74 microns to 0.32 microns. The smaller pits, smaller beam and shorter track pitch together enable a single-layer Blu-ray disc to hold more than 25 GB of information -- about five times the amount of information that can be stored on a DVD. Each Blu-ray disc is about the same thickness (1.2 millimeters) as a DVD. But the two types of discs store data differently. In a DVD, the data is sandwiched between two polycarbonate layers, each 0.6-mm thick. Having a polycarbonate layer on top of the data can cause a problem called birefringence, in which the substrate layer refracts the laser light into two separate beams. If the beam is split too widely, the disc cannot be read. Also, if the DVD surface is not exactly flat, and is therefore not exactly perpendicular to the beam, it can lead to a problem known as disc tilt, in which the laser beam is distorted. All of these issues lead to a very involved manufacturing process. How Blu-ray Reads DataThe Blu-ray disc overcomes DVD-reading issues by placing the data on top of a 1.1-mm-thick polycarbonate layer. Having the data on top prevents birefringence and therefore prevents readability problems. And, with the recording layer sitting closer to the objective lens of the reading mechanism, the problem of disc tilt is virtually eliminated. Because the data is closer to the surface, a hard coating is placed on the outside of the disc to protect it from scratches and fingerprints. The design of the Blu-ray discs saves on manufacturing costs. Traditional DVDs are built by injection molding the two 0.6-mm discs between which the recording layer is sandwiched. The process must be done very carefully to prevent birefringence. The two discs are molded.The recording layer is added to one of the discs.The two discs are glued together. Blu-ray discs only do the injection-molding process on a single 1.1-mm disc, which reduces cost. That savings balances out the cost of adding the protective layer, so the end price is no more than the price of a regular DVD. Blu-ray also has a higher data transfer rate -- 48 Mbps (megabits per second) -- than today's DVDs, which transfer at 10 Mbps. A Blu-ray disc can record 25 GB of material in just over an hour and a half. Formats Unlike DVDs and CDs, which started with read-only formats and only later added recordable and re-writable formats, Blu-ray is initially designed in several different formats: BD-ROM (read-only) – for pre-recorded contentBD-R (recordable) – for PC data storageBD-RW (rewritable) – for PC data storageBD-RE (rewritable) – for HDTV recording If you would like more information about any of the technologies described, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else.  You can also use our contact form. ### How to handle all the Information that needs to be Archived Meeting the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act As I recall, the first optical discs became available in the fall of 1984.  I was working for Sony at the time, and one of the engineers from Japan visited our office in New Jersey.  “Bob”, he said, “Do you want to sell WORM in the US?” I looked at him kind of funny and said, “We don’t eat worms in this country”. “Oh no Bob-san, not worms, Write Once Read Many - W, O, R, M. This is optical disc”.  This was my first introduction to optical storage. The technology has improved dramatically over the years and the market for the product has grown.  Today optical disc systems are starting to replace tape libraries.  The cost per megabyte is about the same, but optical storage is archival while tape is not. As I recall, the first optical discs became available in the fall of 1984.  I was working for Sony at the time, and one of the engineers from Japan visited our office in New Jersey.  “Bob”, he said, “Do you want to sell WORM in the US?” I looked at him kind of funny and said, “We don’t eat worms in this country”. “Oh no Bob-san, not worms, Write Once Read Many - W, O, R, M. This is optical disc”.  This was my first introduction to optical storage. The technology has improved dramatically over the years and the market for the product has grown.  Today optical disc systems are starting to replace tape libraries.  The cost per megabyte is about the same, but optical storage is archival while tape is not. There are many reasons to archive corporate and government information. For example, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 defines regulations for saving information. Here is a summary of some of the reasons for using optical jukeboxes to meet these requirements: Companies and public entities must retain records for a variety of reasons: To comply with laws and regulations that mandate records retention,To retain the “corporate memory” of activities and events that may be required to meet ongoing business and historical needs, andTo provide evidence in the event of an investigation or lawsuit in both regulated and nonregulated industries. Increasingly, electronic records are defined in laws and regulations as being equal to traditional paper and micrographic records. This legal and regulatory evolution is recognition that the great majority of contemporary fixed content business and public records are now “born” electronic or converted to an electronic format. A second factor is that the volume of this fixed-content or “reference” information is growing at 50-80% or so per year – a growth that is well beyond the ability of an ever-expanding number of organizations to continue relying on manual intensive paper and micrographic formats as official records. The majority of electronic fixed-content and reference records (like their non-electronic predecessors) must be retained in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements as well as for business needs. The risks of improper retention and management of records has grown substantially, especially after the the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that embody penalties consisting of greater fines and jail terms. Optical disk storage, like all forms of digital storage has a very important role in establishing and maintaining the accuracy, reliability and trustworthiness of electronic records. To date, optical disk storage has achieved this without any known legal exceptions. The durability, robustness, removability, longevity (including backward read compatibility) and flexibility of access (in near-line, off-line and selected on-line applications) suggest that optical disk storage will continue to play an important role for archiving electronic records in a trustworthy manner. The Risk and Cost The risk and cost of not retaining records in a trustworthy and readily accessible manner can be substantial, as shown by these relatively recent examples: A major company was fined $1,000,000 by the court, which found repetitive instances where employees had destroyed records in defiance of a court ordered Records Hold relating to current litigation.Five Wall Street brokerage firms were fined a total of $8,250,000 because they had “inadequate procedures and systems to retain and make accessible e-mail communications.”Arthur Andersen & Company literally “paid with its life” for the illegal destruction of records –- both paper and electronic – in the face of a pending regulatory investigation.When a record is offered as evidence in any formal legal or regulatory proceeding, it needs to be able to pass two tests: Admissibility – should the record be admitted as evidence into the proceeding at hand, and Credibility – is the weight ascribed to the record’s contents by the respective parties in a litigation or regulatory investigation.  Thus, even if a record meets the test of admissibility in evidence, the content and context of the record, as well as the process by which the record was stored and managed, can be challenged in the course of a legal or regulatory proceeding. Summary of Requirements:Laws and regulations stipulate one or more of the following three methods for protecting the integrity of records: Establishment of a basic set of requirements that must be met for the full retention period of the record: The integrity of the record must be protected; Accessibility to the records must be provided; and, In some instances, an audit trail of events related to the record must be kept; Delineation of a system of controls that are designed to protect a record’s integrity as well as provide accessibility and accountability (audit trail) for the full retention period; andEmploy a media technology that inherently protects against alteration and deletion, e.g., non-rewriteable and non-erasable or WORM. Cartridge-based, 5¼ inch Blu-ray optical disk technology provides an important set of attributes that support the requirements established by these laws and regulations, as well as supporting overall good practices for managing electronic records: A durable medium – designed to be relatively impervious to environmental contaminants and housed in a robust, fully encased cartridge. Non-rewriteable and non-erasable storage – offering protection of the electronic record at the lowest level of the chain of trust – the media and storage management components. Removeability – offering solutions for inactive, archival and, in certain cases, active access requirements, and making it particularly well suited for creating and retaining disaster copies of electronic records. Media longevity – the longest shelf life of any digital media. Backward read compatibility – a history of successfully providing the ability to read older media generations with newer write/read drive generations. In turn, this potentially reduces the number of migrations which then reduces the risk of record alteration or loss. Due to the explosive growth of electronic records, the mandate for trustworthy storage and management of electronic records is greater than ever before. Each user organization must have a solid and comprehensive plan for managing electronic records, including up-to-date retention schedules. Every application should be evaluated based on its requirements for protecting the integrity, accessibility and retention life of the electronic records being created, received and stored. Industries and applications with higher risks for litigation or regulatory investigation (or both) must be extra diligent in establishing a chain of trust that inherently and obviously protects electronic records from alteration and premature deletion. While there will undoubtedly be an increasing number of application, file management and digital storage solutions offered in the quest to address the explosive growth and expanding requirements for managing electronic fixed-content and reference records, cartridge-based, 5¼ inch WORM optical disk storage and DVD recordable discs will continue to play an important role in establishing a storage environment that is accurate, reliable and trustworthy. If you would like to explore the optical jukeboxes available, please contact us.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA) or 914-944-3425 (everywhere else). ### How Surge Protectors Work Ligtning's Thief, by Virginia Fair Once upon a time a major university installed IP cameras throughout its campus in reaction to a wave of violence perpetrated against female students. All went well until a passing thunderstorm brought a lightning strike which just happened to hit an IP camera mounted on the parapet of a dorm. Of course the camera was destroyed, but have you ever heard the phrase “greased lightning”? It’s a very descriptive term for within seconds, the surge created by the lightning traveled through the IP camera system, and the network destroying both the server and the switch, creating havoc right down to the network cards in students’ laptops at the end of the cable runs. Once upon a time a major university installed IP cameras throughout its campus in reaction to a wave of violence perpetrated against female students. All went well until a passing thunderstorm brought a lightning strike which just happened to hit an IP camera mounted on the parapet of a dorm. Of course the camera was destroyed, but have you ever heard the phrase “greased lightning”? It’s a very descriptive term for within seconds, the surge created by the lightning traveled through the IP camera system, and the network destroying both the server and the switch, creating havoc right down to the network cards in students’ laptops at the end of the cable runs. Was there any collateral damage? Only if you count the building’s entire IT backbone, including the surveillance system which went down; in monetary terms, over $100,000. But beyond money, the greater loss was the female students’ sense of security.  Without the cameras and network recorders they were left vulnerable until replacements could be secured. How could this be? Was it possible that no one in the affected building had a surge protector in place?  They probably did, but calling a lightning strike a power surge is like calling a tsunami a hot tub. It’s been said that lightning never strikes twice but the university was taking no chances.  That’s when they realized the need for specialized surge protection.   They could then protect their servers, IP cameras, and networks. But first things first, let’s start with a couple of definitions. VoltVoltage is a measure of this difference of potential electrical energy. Just as water flows out of a hose because there’s higher pressure at the faucet than at its other end, electric current flows from place to place due to an imbalance. One end of a wire has greater electric potential energy than the other, so, electric current flows from one end to the other. Power surgeA surge in power occurs whenever the voltage exceeds the designated level, which in the USA is 120 volts and in Europe 240 volts. Transient Voltage Surge Protectors A transient voltage surge protector fits between the AC outlet and the equipment it is protecting. These are available with a single outlet or with a number of outlets like a power strip.  There are also surge protectors that protect the network, including some that are designed specifically for IP cameras that use PoE. A transient voltage surge protector fits between the AC outlet and the equipment it is protecting. These are available with a single outlet or with a number of outlets like a power strip.  There are also surge protectors that protect the network, including some that are designed specifically for IP cameras that use PoE. Most surge protectors have a component called a metal oxide varistor or MOV which connects the hot power line to the outlet’s grounding wire so it can divert excessive voltage away from the device it is protecting. The MOV consists of three parts: a piece of metal oxide in the middle and two semiconductors. The semiconductors connect the hot power wire to the grounding line.  The semiconductors have what is called variable resistance that see-saws in depending on the electric current. If the voltage flows below an optimum level, the semiconductors maintain a high resistance, keeping it in the circuit, if it rises above that level, the semiconductors adjust, drops to a lower resistance that dumps the excessive current to ground.  If the voltage is correct, the MOV does nothing at all. Surge protectors such as those from Ditek have two modes of operation. In the first, it dumps power to ground. The second kicks in when the power is very high.  It then will sacrifice itself by shorting to ground and burning out like a fuse. Most transient voltage surges are the result of a boost of electrical charge anywhere in the power lines, increasing the electrical potential energy, which in turn increases the flow of current to your wall outlet. The usual suspects are voracious power hogs like air conditioners, elevators, and refrigerators that gobble up a lot of energy when their compressors and motors cycle on and off. Such brief sudden demands for power can upset the voltage flow in the system.  Other surges can be attributed to downed power lines, faulty wiring or utility company’s equipment failures. In today’s world, where electricity flows from power plants through a complicated maze of lines, transformers, and more lines to our home and office walls, the possible points of failure are myriad, and any glitch can cause an uneven power flow.  So installing a surge protector isn’t a case of preparing for if it’s preparing for when. Network Surge Protection Diagram The diagram above shows an example of a network system with IP cameras that is protected by various surge devices.  More or less surge protectors can be added depending on the environment.  One precautionary warning though, is lightning. We travel a slippery slope when it comes to a lightning strike. A direct lightning hit to the wire or device itself will not only fry them but will take out the surge protector, but lightning that strikes nearby causes a surge that can usually be controlled by a surge protector. Need help with protecting your equipment?  Call us -  before lightning strikes.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 (outside the USA) or just use our contact form. ### Comparison of the Classic Analog Paging System to the PA over IP Systems This article compares central analog amplifiers to distributed digital network attached amplifiers. The latest IP paging systems utilize the Ethernet network to distribute sound over your organization.  This is quite different than the classic systems that used a large central amplifier with wires to all the speakers. How good is this new approach to paging? The following article compares the traditional approach that utilizes one large amplifier to the latest PA over IP systems. The classic method of providing a paging system was to connect many speakers to a central very large amplifier.  The latest IP amplifier method is much more flexible.  It connects a few speakers to many small network attached amplifiers that are distributed around the organization.  You can attach several speakers to one small IP amplifier or attach one CAT5 ready IP speaker directly to the network.  Here’s a comparison the two types of systems. Single Large Amplifier The classic paging system used one large amplifier.  The equipment cost for a large amplifier approach is less, but the installation cost is higher.  For some people, the single amplifier solution is easier to operate because it doesn’t require a computer to make the page.  Since it is a simple system, the single amplifier is not as flexible and provides fewer zoning options. You can use an amplifier that has multiple channels, but then the system gets more complicated.   Each amplifier channel can page the speakers in the zone selected using a switch setting.  A zone could be a building, a floor or large area.  This solution will not allow dynamic creation of paging zones, and provides less reliability. Since a single amplifier is used to power the paging system, failures could be more significant.  For example, if the amplifier fails, the entire building (or large area) will no longer have paging.  Because there is no end point monitoring of the amplifier, an amplifier failure will not be reported to the command center. The labor cost of running the wires is a significant part of the installation.  Many wire runs have to be made back to the central amplifier.  This is much more time consuming than using the existing network infrastructure that’s already in place. Network Attached Amplifiers The latest approach utilizes a number of network attached amplifiers.  This IP solution provides the ability to create unlimited zones and to create new zones as needed. IP Intercoms can be added to the network just like the IP amplifiers.  You can place intercoms in any room that you have a network drop available. A network attached sound system allows you to customize and tailor the system to exactly what you need. In an emergency situation it may be advantageous to page to a specific floor or room, while not creating PANIC on the floor or in the building. Each IP speaker or group of speakers, because it has an assigned IP address, can be dynamically accessed or grouped to define a zone. This approach also provides higher reliability. The IP Amplifiers are associated with either an individual speaker or a small group of speakers. In the event of failure, only the speaker(s), associated with the IP amplifier module, will be affected. The remainder of the paging system will operate as usual. Because of health monitoring, if a module fails, the command center will be notified within 60 seconds of that failure, and repairs can be implemented. A network attached sound system allows you to customize and tailor the system to exactly what you need.  In an emergency situation it may be advantageous to page to a specific floor or room, while not creating PANIC on the floor or in the building.  Each IP speaker or group of speakers, because it has an assigned IP address, can be dynamically accessed or grouped to define a zone.  This approach also provides higher reliability. The IP Amplifiers are associated with either an individual speaker or a small group of speakers. In the event of failure, only the speaker(s), associated with the IP amplifier module, will be affected.  The remainder of the paging system will operate as usual.  Because of health monitoring, if a module fails, the command center will be notified within 60 seconds of that failure, and repairs can be implemented. A page can be made from more than one location.  A special Windows software application called Talkmaster is used to control where you send the pages.  At the computer, you can use a microphone connected to the sound card to talk to the selected zones. If the computer that is normally used to make a page is not working for any reason the system automatically defaults to a backup computer, and if that one is also not working, you can select a 3rdbackup.  This makes for a very robust and reliable system. You can also have more than one computer station or command center in use at the same time.  For example, you can have one center at the administrative office of a university that makes general pages, and another center used by the campus police for emergencies.  With additional SIP gateway software, you can also use a VoIP telephone (that's SIP compatible) to make a page. One of the most important features of these systems is that it is very simple to create paging across many buildings and locations.  As long as you have a network connection, you can add multi-building paging. Multi-building and multi-location pages can be made as long as all the locations are on the same network.  You can even use the Internet to make pages to remote sites. System Cost Comparison For the purpose of this cost comparison we have assumed a labor cost of $100/hr.  This labor cost can vary depending on where the work is done. Network attached amplifiers can be placed very close to the speakers, and in some cases you can use a speaker that has the built in network attachment so much less wiring is required.  Based on the number of wire runs required, let’s assume that it takes twice as long to install the centralized single amplifier system when compared to the network. Now this labor time can vary depending on how the building is constructed.  It also assumes that there is an existing network infrastructure in place. Let’s assume we would like to install a paging system in a single building.  You would like to have paging in a number of small rooms, hallways and outdoor areas.  Let’s assume that this building requires 100 speakers.   Each speaker location may require different power and sound output, but to simplify this analysis let’s assume that each speaker requires an average of 2 watts each. The single large amplifier requires an output power of at least 250 watts.  We calculated that we require at least 100 x 2 watts = 200 watts at the speakers. We also need to have some overhead (overhead allows for loss in transformers and wiring) so let’s assume that the total power required from the amplifier is about 280 watts. Since both systems require the same speakers I have left it out of the comparison. Cost for Single Large Amplifier System Single 280 watt amplifier = $900 (est) Time to install 2 hours/speaker x 100 speakers = 200 hours x $100 = $20,000 labor cost.Total cost is $20,900 Cost for Network Attached Amplifier System A network amplifier costs about $365 (est.) and can provide 20 watts.  You will require a number of these amplifiers to drive all the speakers. 280 watts / 20 watts/amp = 14 IP amplifiers x $365 = $5110 Time to install = 1 hour/speaker x 100 speakers = 100 hours x $100 = $10,000 labor cost. Let’s assume that there are no open ports available on the existing network switches.  In this case you may have to add small network switches in different locations that are accessible to where you want to place the IP amplifiers.  Let’s assume you will need to add 7 switches at $100 each = $700. Adding up all the components and the labor, the total cost is $15,810. There is a savings of $5,090 or about 25% for the Network Attached System. Conclusion Network attached amplifiers have an advantage over the classic central paging system.  Not only are they more flexible, reliable and provide more zone control, they are actually less costly.  They have a significant advantage when you need to send a page to more than one building or even across the Internet to another part of the world. To learn more and get help defining your network attached paging and intercom system, please contact us.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, and at 914-944-3425 everywhere else.  You can also use our contact form. ### IP Cameras in Action: Fighting Fires with Technology How the University of Montana College of Forestry uses the IP camera system by Virginia Fair When a customer calls Kintronics seeking information about IP cameras, our sales engineers ask questions such as “What are your objectives? What do you want to monitor?” And “In what type of environment will you be mounting the camera?”  They are accustomed to hearing answers like parking areas, corridors, storerooms, entry areas, rear exits, elevators and so on. But every once in a while, the answer is unique and intriguing. Such was the case when Bob Mesnik received a call from Jim Riddering, a research professor at the University of Montana, College of Forestry and Conservation. He needed cameras to monitor fires ……. forest fires ....... in Montana ……. in wilderness areas ……. very remote wilderness areas.  In short, he needed a PTZ IP camera to install on a mountaintop, and it needed to be capable of viewing surrounding mountains of higher elevations.  No, this was not your typical call. It was not a typical query, nor is Professor Riddering your typical professor. He is also a program manager for the National Center for Landscape Fire Management, heading the remote sensing program. The Fire Center is a technology transfer project, administered and overseen by the UM College of Forestry and Conservation and funded by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior. It engages in research and development to help fire-fighters all over America As is Kintronics’ procedure, Bob Mesnik took note of all Riddering’s requirements and promised to get back to him with his recommendations. To recap: the IP cameras had to monitor wild-land fires that may be burning not only above their horizon, but at varying angles to the left or right, and oh yes, at considerable distances. They had to withstand the harsh Montana climate. And since they would be left in areas so remote as to be accessible only by helicopter, they needed to be capable of attaching to high bandwidth data radios to relay the video back to the fire center’s managers. It was indeed a challenging application. But this is the type of project Bob specializes in.To address all these conditions, he recommended a specially engineered Kintronics system, the KM-401-ESVPoE. Let’s see why. The outdoor-ready IP PTZ camera would give clear images, and placing it in a special dome enclosure equipped with a heater/blower would enable it to withstand frigid winters, hot summers, and a smoky atmosphere. The camera system also needed to be able to tilt above the horizon so it could see higher mountains around the camera location. And it goes without saying Power over Ethernet (PoE) would be a necessity due to the intended location. Other essential features included: A pan angle range of 360 degrees and a tilt angle range of 100 degrees (-90 degrees to 10 degrees) to provide maximum viewing.The IP66 enclosure is custom-modified to accommodate the added vertical range of motion needed to view higher terrain.2.0-megapixel resolution to give high definition video and 30X optical zoom for the distances involved.Since light levels would also be an issue, the IP camera requires minimum illumination:  Color – 0.3 Lux (F.1.6, 1/8 sec, SSC ON); Black and White - 0.03 Lux (F1.6, 1/8 sec, SSC ON) Fascinated by this application, I reached out to Jim Riddering for more background information about the Fire Center, and he was kind enough to take time out of his hectic schedule to talk to me. He explained that the majority of fires they are called into are caused by lightning and have progressed beyond being simple fires to complex fires. A complex fire is typically a long burning, uncontrollable fire located nowhere near any roads. At this point, the usual protocol is for local firefighters to call in outside resources. And it is these outside fire agencies who may choose to seek the help of the Fire Center’s Fire Intelligence Module, of which his Remote Sensing Unit is a part. Riddering emphasizes that the Fire Center “is called in to provide a service.” That service is not to assist in firefighting, nor is it to advise on fire suppression. They are a technology transfer project, and as such, they are there to gather data. They judge where to set up their equipment, the cameras, radios, weather stations, and other data collection devices. They gather information and pass it on to the fire authorities to aid them in making their own decision on how to proceed. The cameras play a key part in the decision-making process. Networked with the long-distance data radios they provide real-time fire intelligence in the form of time streamed 30-second images. Since these are available to anyone having web interface access, the fire can be monitored by firefighters at nearby command stations as well as authorities and agencies near and far. Riddering says the work of the Fire Intelligence Module is not limited to Montana. They have been sought out by, and have responded to, fire agencies all over the country. And when they arrive, they arrive with a lot of experience under their belts, and not only technological. Riddering, as well as his team members, have all put in many hours on the ground battling fires. He served as a Hotshot, the elite National Forest Services fire-fighting crew. When called to serve, Hotshots arrive in twenty-person hand crews to battle forest fires all over the country. When asked about his work as Professor Riddering, he says he engages in “academic research, applied work” to help fire agencies build on their knowledge and understanding of fire. As such, most of the students in his graduate program have a fire affiliation and are working toward a Master of Science in Forestry Services. I asked Professor Riddering how well the IP PTZ cameras performed out in the field and he declared the quality and resolution of the videos “a dramatic improvement” over the cameras they replaced. He also appreciated the hardiness of the enclosure, allowing him to mount one of the cameras on a fire watchtower, leave it up over the winter, and find no damage incurred when checked upon in the spring. Kintronics is glad to have aided Riddering and the rest of UM’s Fire Center in their quest. And if you want a first-hand look, (or maybe a second) – take a look at this Youtube video that’s taken from footage captured by one of the cameras catching the smoke and fury of a complex fire.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz4uONTapg8 If you have a special requirement for an IP camera system, please contact us.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, and 914-944-3425 outside the USA, or use our contact form. ### Viewing Your IP Cameras from the Cloud Recently there was an article in the IEEE technical journal that declared, “Video Telephony has Finally Arrived”.  They described how the Jetsons first predicted this in 1962, and now we can use our computer and Smartphone to do exactly what George did with his boss Cosmo Spacely.  This animated sitcom described the world in 2062.  I guess we did this sooner than expected. Today we can use Skype and similar services to see and talk to each other across the world.  The videophone has become a reality, but what about viewing our IP surveillance cameras remotely on our mobile devices?  More specifically how feasible is it to use a Cloud system to view and record video from an IP camera system?  Does new technology allow us to replace a local video recording system?  Well almost. When we use our smartphones to see each other, we are usually just looking at a person’s face.  If we try to view a wider area, say the complete room, more resolution and consequently more bandwidth is required. Bandwidth Considerations When Viewing an IP Camera using your Smartphone Let’s look at the complete communication channel required to get the video from our cameras to our cell phones or even to a remote computer server (in the Cloud).  You can picture the communication components of the system as a set of water pipes connected together.  The bigger the diameter of the pipe the more water can flow.  The smallest diameter pipe will determine how much water flows through the complete system.  There are basically 4 components to the system. First is the IP camera.  It needs to compress the video so that it uses as little data as possible to see the video without reducing the resolution.Second, the outbound bandwidth available at our cellular modem must be high enough to handle the data flow we need.Third, the phone company cellular system must have enough bandwidth.Finally, the Smartphone has to have good enough performance to support the latest cellular services and be able to display the video. For example, if the bandwidth from the IP camera is 1000 K bits/sec but the cellular network bandwidth is only 200 K bits/sec. the maximum bandwidth through the complete system is limited to 200K bits/sec.Compression It is important to select the best video compression.  It is better to use H.264 instead of MJPEG compression.  Most IP camera systems utilize H.264 compression, which dramatically reduces the bandwidth required for transporting the video across a communication network. The bandwidth used by a 2 Megapixel IP camera can range from 1 Mbit/sec to 4 Mbit/sec, depending on the complexity and motion in the video scene.  Even with data compression, you still may see performance issues because of the limited bandwidth available through the cell phone system.Cellular Network One of the limiting portions of the communication channel is the cellular network.  This is usually the smallest pipe in the system.   4G networks provide a bandwidth of about 1 Gbits/sec.  This allows us to support higher resolution cameras.   It should work, but the reality is that cell phone providers need to share bandwidth with all the available users.  They sometimes will throttle the bandwidth used by that camera location whenever many people try and use the same tower connection. Another important aspect of using cellular systems is the cost of cell service.  You will have to purchase a data package from your local cell phone provider.  There are sometimes limitations to the data bandwidth that they will provide. Viewing Many Cameras on Your Remote Computer When we use a remote computer that’s attached to the internet, there are four things to consider, the compression from the camera, the outbound Internet connection, the Internet speed, and the inbound Internet connection. Many Internet connection companies provide good inbound bandwidth but much less outbound bandwidth so always check.  The outbound Internet bandwidth can dramatically affect the frame rate you can see.  If your provider only gives you an outbound bandwidth of 512K Bits/sec, you will see a much lower frame rate at the remote viewing point. The bandwidth to the remote viewing client depends on the total number of cameras you are trying to view, so the total bandwidth through the system available becomes very important.  If you have limited bandwidth at any point in the system, you will see reduced frame rates. Summary Some of the same technologies used by our Smartphones to create a video presence are used by our IP camera systems. You can view IP cameras using your Smartphone, but you can’t expect full frame rates because of limited bandwidth through the cellular phone system.  To view recorded video or view live video from multiple cameras, you will need a fast connection to the Internet. If you need help figuring out the best solution for your application, please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### Seeing in the Dark Very low light optical cameras, IR illumination, and thermal cameras are options for seeing in the dark. It was a dark night with just a small sliver of the moon shining through the trees. The mouse nosed its way through the underbrush using its nose to find small nuts and berries.  Unknown to the mouse there was something watching from a tree limb high above. The owl was able to see the mouse clearly even though there was hardly any light.  Poor mouse.  He had no idea he was in trouble. How does the owl see in the dark?  This article describes the various ways that animals, and more importantly, video cameras can see in the dark. We discuss how cameras make use of the limited light available, IP cameras that use IR illumination and thermal cameras that use thermal imaging technologies. Owls and other nocturnal creatures have very large eyes and have many more light receptors in their eyes than we do.  This dramatically improves their night vision, but they do require some light.  To better understand how IP cameras see at night let’s first review how we measure light. Measuring Light Lumens A LUMEN is also a unit of measurement of light. While a foot-candle is how bright the light is, a lumen is a way of measuring how much light gets to what you want to light up! One LUMEN is equal to one foot-candle falling on one square foot of area. For example, if we take the candle and place a book one foot away from the candle, and if that book happens to be one foot by one foot (one square foot), then all the light falling on that book equals one LUMEN! Foot-Candles A foot-candle measures how much light is generated from a light source. For example, if you have a birthday cake with only one candle (Happy Birthday) and stand one foot away from it you will see one foot-candle of light. Also, note that if you stand further away you see less light and if you stand closer you see more light.  The power of the light is inversely proportional to the distance from the light source. Foot-candle Diagram LUXIn the metric system, Illuminance is measured in Lux.  It’s the light reaching an object that is 1-meter x 1-meter square.  rather than the light hitting the object.  One Lux equals one lumen per square meter, so this is measured in metric units rather than English units of measure. To reinforce this, LUX is the measurement of actual light available at a given distance from an object.Illuminance is what results from the use of light. You turn your flashlight on in a dark room, and you light something up. That's illuminance. Turning on a light in a dark room to make the burglar visible gives you illuminance. It also gives you another problem when you note the burglar is pointing your duck gun at your bellybutton. Here are some practical examples.  Typical illuminance values are: 0.1 – 1 lxFull moon (depending on geographic location)10 lxStreet lighting or twilight100-1,000 lxWorkspace lighting10,000 lxSurgery lighting100,000 lxSunshine Night-Vision, Seeing in the Dark Seeing in the dark is actually a relative term.  The mouse thinks it’s too dark to see while the owl is able to see perfectly fine at night.  If there’s a full moon we can see things dimly, but if there’s no moon it’s too dark for us and the mouse to see anything. There are three ways to improve what we see at night:  We can amplify the small amount of light available with a good low light camera. We can illuminate the area using an IR illuminator or we can detect the heat levels coming off an object using a thermal imaging camera. Low-Light Sensitivity Cameras Cameras with good low light sensitivity are just like the owl.  They are able to see even when it's too dark to see with our own eyesight. The owl and all other nocturnal animals have big eyes. So cameras with good night time vision use lenses that accept as much light as possible. Lenses with an f-number of 1.4 or lower allow a lot of light to get to the camera's sensor.   The lower the f-number, the more light can get through the lens, so it’s a good idea to select a lens with the lowest f-number available. Low-light cameras also have very good image sensors.  Usually, the larger the sensor the more light is detected, but the latest sensors are extremely good at picking up the light. Low-light IP cameras are able to switch from color to monochrome to improve light sensitivity, and they do a good job of amplifying the available light. The owl was able to see even when there was hardly any moonlight. A full moon provides about 0.1 lux of light so if we want to see as well or better than the owl, we need to have a camera with a low light sensitivity of less than 0.1 lux.  Good low-light cameras operate at very low light levels.  For example, the XNO-6085R bullet IP camera has a color low-light sensitivity of 0.004 lux. It includes an IR illuminator and switches to monochrome (BW).  Cameras that can see at this very low light have to increase the video amplification dramatically. Unfortunately, at the limit of their amplification electrical noise is introduced, so it’s likely to get fuzzy images at this very low light level. IR Sensitive Cameras Day/night cameras not only can operate at low light levels, but they are also sensitive to IR illumination.  IR stands for infrared which means below red (lower frequency).  It is similar to standard light except it is below the visible red light that we can see. The wavelength of this light is between 700 and 1400 nm. Day/night cameras usually have filters that control IR light entering the camera sensor.  During the day the IR light is blocked because it affects the color. When it’s dark and the camera switches to monochrome (or BW) mode, the filter is removed to allow the IR light to hit the camera sensor.  The camera also requires a lens that doesn’t block the IR light. For an IR camera to work you need IR illumination.  We can always use an external IR illuminator, but some cameras have the IR illumination built-in.  For example, the Hanwha SNP-6320RH, PTZ IP camera has an IR illuminator that allows the camera to see without any other light source within a distance of 490 ft. (150M).  IR light is absorbed by the water in the air so it doesn’t have a very long range. To get ranges of over 500 ft. we use special laser light sources with focused beams. An IR sensitive camera is usually used when you don’t want people to know you are viewing them.  The IR light is not visible so just like the mouse; they don’t know they are being watched. Thermal Imaging Cameras Thermal imaging or thermographic imaging cameras are able to see when there is absolutely no visible light. They go beyond the capability of the owl. An owl or night vision device acquires what little light is available from the moon or stars and amplifies that light to allow it to see at night.  If there is no light available, then the night vision device will not work.  Only a thermal imager can see in absolute darkness. These cameras are sensitive to heat radiation that comes from an object that’s warmer than the surrounding environment.  They can see the heat coming from a person or animal.  Thermal imaging cameras can detect emitted energy through smoke, dust, fog, blowing sand, rain, and snow.  Visible light wavelengths bounce or are reflected off the obscurant particles due to the wavelength being short.  The long wavelength of the infrared spectrum can pass through obscurants allowing a thermal imager to detect the emitted energy. Thermal imaging cameras are sometimes referred to as FLIR (Forward Looking InfraRed) cameras. The name came from the military application of placing a camera on the front of an airplane (forward-looking). The resolution of thermal imaging cameras is considerably lower than that of optical cameras.  Thermal cameras have a resolution of 320x 240 or 640 x 480 pixels. These thermographic cameras are much more expensive than their visible-spectrum counterparts, and higher-end models are often export-restricted.  The newest technologies use low cost and uncooled micro-bolometers FPA sensors.  A micro-bolometer is a specific type of bolometer used as a detector in a thermal camera.  Infrared radiation with wavelengths between 8-13 μm strikes the detector material, heating it, and thus changing its electrical resistance.  This resistance change is measured and processed into electrical signals which can be used to create an image. Unlike other types of infrared detecting equipment, micro-bolometers do not require cooling. Thermal imaging cameras require a special lens that works at this light frequency. Germanium is most widely used for lenses and windows in IR systems operating in the 2 µm - 12 µm range.  Standard lenses block the thermal light while germanium lenses are transparent to this spectrum of light. These lenses are expensive and take a long time to make. For an example of various cameras that can be used at night, take a look at our Long Range Night Vision Cameras.  Thermal imaging cameras are much more expensive than standard cameras with prices starting at around $10,000 and can be as high as $60,000 or more. Low-Light Cameras Summary Cameras with very good light sensitivity can see things the human eye can’t see; they can even see better than the owl.  By adding IR illumination the camera can see when there’s no visible light.  Thermal imaging or thermographic cameras can see without any light at all, using the thermal energy coming from a heated object. In general, if there is some light it’s best to use a camera with good low-light sensitivity.  If there is no light, you can add IR illumination, but the least expensive solution is to add standard lights.  IR illumination is added only if you don’t want the person to know that they are being watched.  A thermal imaging camera is usually used by the military because it is best for very long-distance detection. So if you want to learn more about how to see as well as an owl, please contact us at 914-944-3425, or by completing the contact form. ### What is the Best Price for Your IP Camera System?  The other day I was walking down a street in Manhattan and I saw a guy selling watches.   There was one watch that looked just like an expensive Rolex but it cost only $50. What a deal, I thought.   I think everyone tries to find the best deal. Unfortunately, we sometimes forget that old maxim, “you get what you pay for”.  I know I do.  How many times have we gotten burned by this? I’m not sure how to tell if the watch is worth $50, but I can provide some guidance about what to consider when purchasing an IP camera. IP Cameras range in price from under $50 to well over $1000.  What is the difference?  As you may guess it’s the functionality and quality.  The low-cost cameras are usually sold to the home consumer market and are not designed for commercial security and surveillance applications.  The more expensive camera lasts longer and allows you to see things clearer.  So how does this relate to getting the best IP camera for your money? A more expensive camera has a better sensor and video processing circuit which provides much better light handling capability. The IP camera also has a faster internal computer so it can handle the best compression algorithms, and provides the video at higher frame rates.  It includes a good quality lens which means you will be able to see the detail you expect.  Some very low-cost megapixel cameras come with such bad lenses that the 2 megapixel (1920 x 1080) camera video looks like a VGA (640 x 480) video resolution. Before purchasing any camera, think about your surveillance and security objectives.   If your objective is to catch a person who is stealing from you, then you certainly want to be able to identify their face in the recorded video.  If you want to make sure that the camera continues to capture critical video, then you need to pay for this added reliability.  On the other hand, if you just want to create a deterrent, then all you need is a cheap camera.  As a matter of fact, you can get a camera carved out of a block of wood or even a potato.  At least you can eat the potato if it doesn’t work. If you purchase the wrong camera it can cost more than you expect.  Let’s assume that you want to catch people who are breaking into cars in your parking lot.   Since it’s a large area you need a megapixel IP camera.  You have a choice of purchasing a low-cost IP camera for about $500 or a higher quality camera for $900. Choice 1: Low-Cost Camera No matter which camera you select, you need to get someone to install it on the pole. Let’s estimate that this cost $800. The total initial cost of the system is $1300. Since you selected the cheap camera, there are two consequences to consider.  The first issue is that the video may look acceptable when you are viewing the parking lot, but after the first incident, you realize that the resolution is not good enough to recognize a person’s face.  If this is true, you wasted money on a system that doesn’t meet your objective. The second issue is reliability.  Even if the camera has a one year warranty, if the camera fails after 3 months the system becomes a lot more expensive.  When it fails, you will have to call the installer back to go up the ladder and replace the camera.  He charges you $600 to replace the camera.  The total cost for your IP camera system is now $1900. Choice 2: Better Camera The more expensive camera costs $900, and when you add the $800 installation the total is $1700.  Based on this scenario, the higher priced camera was actually $200 less expensive and provided a much better video that allowed you to catch the criminal.  Since the less expensive camera is not as reliable, you may be looking at another failure in the near future.  If this happens you have lost a lot more money in the deal. Examples of IP Camera ManufacturersIn general, the best IP cameras are made by well-known manufacturers such as Sony and Samsung.  There are also excellent megapixel IP cameras available from IQinvision.   Less expensive cameras are available from some Chinese manufacturers such as Hikvision.  Be careful that the camera you select is compatible with the video storage system.  Some inexpensive cameras are not supported by the popular video management software (VMS), so it should be avoided.  You certainly can contact us for advice is selecting the total IP camera system.  We will make sure that everything you get is compatible and does exactly what you expect. The IP Camera is part of a Complete Surveillance and Security System Compatibility with VMS and NVR systems brings up the last thing to consider.  The IP camera is really part of a complete IP surveillance system. It not only includes the cameras but also the lens, enclosures, network system, and video recording system or NVR. It is important to make sure that all parts of the IP camera system are compatible.  If you purchase a camera before considering the rest of the system, it could be an expensive mistake.  Using a camera from one of the major manufacturers will assure better compatibility. In summary, if you want a camera system that meets your expectations and is reliable you need to pay more for the camera, but in the end, you will save money.  By the way, does anyone want to buy a watch? Need help selecting the right IP camera for your surveillance system, just give us a call at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 14 A wife sent her husband a message on a cold winter evening: "Windows frozen". The husband sent an answer back: "Pour some warm water over them". Some time later husband receives an answer from his wife: "The computer is completely messed up now". How can you tell which one of your friends has the latest iPhone? Don't worry, they'll let you know. A wife sent her husband a message on a cold winter evening: "Windows frozen". The husband sent an answer back: "Pour some warm water over them". Some time later husband receives an answer from his wife: "The computer is completely messed up now". How can you tell which one of your friends has the latest iPhone? Don't worry, they'll let you know. A man was crossing a road one day when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess." He bent over, picked up the frog, and put it in his pocket. The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will tell everyone how smart and brave you are and how you are my hero" The man took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it, and returned it to his pocket. The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will be your loving companion for an entire week." The man took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it, and returned it to his pocket. The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I'll stay with you for a year and do ANYTHING you want." Again the man took the frog out, smiled at it, and put it back into his pocket. Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess, that I'll stay with you for a year and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?" The man said, "Look, I'm a computer programmer. I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog is cool." Funny facts about Google users: 50% of people use Google as a search engine, while the other 50% of them use it to check if their internet is connected 'Two cannibals were eating a clown – one said to the other, 'Does he taste funny to you?' Thanks for your contributions.  As always, if you have any jokes you want to share, just send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Selecting the Right Speakers for Your IP Paging System One of the most important components in a paging system is the speakers.  So before we define any paging system, we start by determining the amount of sound required at each location. Once we know the type of sound required, we can select the right speaker. After we have defined the speakers, we can determine the right amplifier to use. What’s the best speaker for you?  Well it depends on a number of things.  For example, do you want to hear music or just voice paging? The type of speaker also depends on how large an area you want to cover with sound. The background noise and where you want to place the speaker is also important.  It may be necessary to select a different speaker for each location.  This article reviews how to select the right speaker for the job.  We will review the sound output which is measured in decibels (dB), the sound quality (or frequency range), and the power required at the speaker. Types of Speakers There are many types of speakers available such as ceiling speakers, wall speakers, and horns.  They are also available with direct (8-ohm) or transformer type (25 V or 70 V) inputs. You can only connect up to four 8-ohm speakers to one of the 8-ohm outputs of an amplifier.  A 70-volt speaker system has a transformer inside each speaker, as well as a single transformer at the output of the amplifier.  You can daisy-chain many 70-volt speakers to a single 70-volt amplifier output. For example, you can attach about eight 70-volt speakers to a single 70-volt amplifier, with 40-watt power output. The IP7-SS40 is an example of a 40-watt, network-attached IP amplifier.  The more speakers you attach the lower the power available to each speaker, and thus the lower the maximum sound output level from each speaker. Power and Sound Output Speakers are rated at a specific sound level (measured in dB), at a specific power level (1 Watt), and at a specific distance away from the speaker (1M).  DB or decibel is the measure of sound level output.  A Watt is the electric power that comes from the amplifier.  For example, 60dB is the sound level of normal conversation.  120dB is the sound of amplified rock concert, and by the way experts recommend using earphones when the sound level is continuously over 85dB. For more about sound levels take a look at our other article, “How Loud is Loud”. To increase the volume, we increase the audio power to the speaker.  The rule of thumb is that every time we double the power, we get an additional 3dB of sound out.   So if we select a speaker that has a specification of 94 dB @ 1W/1M, and we double the power to 2 watts, we increase the sound level to 97dB, and if we double the power again (4 watts), we get another 3dB or 100dB of sound. Let’s take a look at an actual speaker. Suppose we select the PH20T horn from Penton, and mount it on the side of the building. The specification says we get 105 dB @ 1W/1M.  It also says that this speaker is rated at 40Watts maximum.  This means we can power the speaker with up to 20W without damaging it.  We can use an IP amplifier like the IP7-SS40 to provide the audio power.  We attach the amplifier directly to the network and the speaker to the 8-ohm output of this small amplifier.  A separate power 24 VAC adapter is also needed. At the maximum power, we will get about 118 dB of sound. This is the sound level at 1M from the speaker and it’s pretty loud so don’t stand too close to it. Sound Level and Distance from Speaker The further away you are from the speaker the less sound you hear.  The sound level goes down 6dB every time we double the distance from the speaker.  For example, a speaker that provides 118 dB of sound at 1M will have a sound level of 112 dB at 2 M from the speaker.  At 4 m (13 ft.), the sound is 106 dB; at 8 m (26 ft.), it’s 100dB; at 16 m (52.5 ft.); and at 32 m (105 ft.), it’s 96dB, etc.  Just for your reference, 96 dB is the sound of a power mower. So you can see that this speaker and amplifier would provide enough sound to allow children playing in a large yard, to hear an announcement. Sound Coverage Speakers are also rated by the angle of coverage.  The coverage is measured in angle.  If you are directly in front of the speaker it will sound much louder than if you are off to the side.   For example, the Penton PBC6T mounts on the wall and it can best be heard at an angle within 115 degrees. If the speaker is mounted on the ceiling, you would like to select one that has as wide a coverage area as possible. Sound Quality or Frequency responseJust like your home stereo system, the wider the frequency range of the speaker the better the sound quality will be.  The specifications will tell you the range of frequency response for the speaker.   If you are playing music, you want a frequency range that’s as wide as possible.  Better speakers will cost more, so you have to first determine what you want to hear.  For example, the Penton LIS8T72 ceiling speaker has a very good frequency response of 60 to 20,000 Hz so it’s great for both music and voice paging.  Other speakers have frequency ranges of 300 Hz to 15 KHz, which is just fine for listening to a person talking. Where they are placedThere are a variety of speakers available, some mount in drop ceilings, others go on the walls.  There are those you can use outdoors and others that are only used indoors.  As we discussed the sound level changes the further away you are and the further off centered you are form the speaker.  If you place a speaker in the ceiling it will sound very good when you are close to it.  The higher the ceiling the more dispersion you will get.  So if you have a room with 10 ft. ceilings you may be able to hear the speaker when you are about 5 ft. off center, but if you have a ceiling that’s 20 ft. tall you can be 10 ft. away from the center of the speaker. Speaker Sound Coverage If you have a drop ceiling and the room is less than 30 ft. by 30 ft. in size, you can usually use one of the Penton LIS8T72 ceiling speakers or the Quam System 5/70 speaker system.  These are easy to install because they just replace a ceiling tile.  If you want to save money, use the small round speakers that require a cut out of the ceiling tile such as the Quam C5 or Penton RCS ceiling speakers. If you have a long hallway, there are dual speakers that send the sound in two different directions.  You can select the Cell10BDT or the Quam System 11 bi-directional speakers.  Outdoors you can use a weatherproof horn type speaker such as the Penton PH20T or the Quam QH16T paging horn. Powered speakersThe powered speaker is the easiest type of speaker to install, but they cost more.  It includes a built in amplifier.   The SPKR-11-BD-P, from Digital Acoustics, is an example of a bidirectional speaker that attaches directly to the network.  The speaker includes a built in 8-watt amplifier.  It’s very easy to install, since all you need is a network connection that includes PoE.  The IP powered speaker includes software (for your PC) that allows you to send pages or music right from your computer.  For more about network attached paging systems take a look at Paging Over IP Systems. Conclusion:The best speaker for your IP paging system depends on where and how you want to use it.  You can select the right speaker by looking at the speaker specifications.  It describes the power required to achieve a specific sound level.  It also shows the frequency response and angle of sound dispersal.  You may also select the speaker for the ease of installation or even how it looks. If you need help selecting the right speaker, just contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### How Digital Processing in the IP camera Improves Video Quality The latest IP cameras have much better video quality than the early analog CCTV cameras.  Even though they both capture video, IP cameras do it dramatically better.  The reason; they contain high performance digital processing computers.   The computers provide reduced noise, improved wide dynamic range, reduced smearing, and enhanced low light performance. This article reviews how these processors work and why they are important to the total IP camera system performance. How Computers Improve the Video Quality In the past, analog video cameras used low noise amplifiers and filtering circuits to improve the video image.  The new IP cameras add special purpose digital signal processing computers that greatly improve the quality of the video. Digital signal processing uses frame buffering and sometimes complex Fourier transforms to improve image quality.  The amount of computer power available, determines how much video improvement can be obtained. For example, the higher the resolution of the camera, the faster the processor needs to be.  Today, video processors are fast enough to support cameras with up to 2 megapixel of resolution. IP camera manufacturers continue to increase the performance of their video processing computers.  As the computers get faster they will be able to handle the higher resolution cameras, including the latest 4K IP (8 megapixel) cameras. Improving Image Quality Sony, Axis and Samsung have digital signal processors.  For example, Sony has the IPELA Engine system, which provides a number of separate functions such as View-DR™, that enhances the wide dynamic range of the camera, and XDNR™ technology that reduces noise. The latest IP cameras from Samsung include powerful signal processing that improve the image quality.  They call this “Samsung Super Noise Reduction” (SSNR).  The image processing is achieved by buffering a frame of video and then comparing groups of pixels.  Using special digital processes, which they call “Adaptive Temporal Infinite Impulse Response Filter”, Samsung is able to smooth out the noise in the image.  This also greatly reduces the smearing that can occur when objects are moving at night.  Their “Motion Edge Adaptive 2D filter” process, detects the edges of objects and reduces smear. Here is an example of the image noise reduction achieved: Video Noise Reduction Video Noise Reduction On Why this is important?  Clearer images not only allow us to see things better at night, they also reduce the amount of video storage required.  When it’s dark, the low light video includes a lot of noise.  This noisy video can’t be compressed effectively, so it uses a lot more bandwidth than clean video.  The higher the bandwidth the more storage is required.  The processed video cleans up the noise so it uses almost one quarter of the storage when viewing low light scenes.  Improved video greatly increases the effectiveness of your IP camera system. Wide Dynamic Range The dynamic range of a camera determines the range of light that can be seen.  Some scenes can have bright sunlit areas as well as areas in dark shade.  Wide dynamic range allows us to see everything.  Digital processing has greatly increased the wide dynamic range (WDR) available.  To increase WDR, the computers in the camera average a number of frames together (using slightly different amplification levels for each frame).  The dark frames and the light frames are averaged to create one frame with greatly increased dynamic range.  Wide dynamic range is increased from 40 dB to over 120 dB using digital processing. Why this is important?  WDR means that we can see scenes that have very dark areas as well as very bright areas.  For example, the new cameras allow us to view a person inside a room that has a very bright window in the background.  We are able to see not only the person’s face inside, but also the faces of the people outside the window in bright sunlight. Image Processing The special computer processors in the camera provide more than improved video images.  They also provide many analytic functions.  For example, Samsung currently offers the following analytics (specific analytics may vary by model): Appear/disappearAudio detectionAuto trackingCountingEntering/exitingFace detectionHeat mappingIntelligent motion detectionPassingTampering/scene change detection Why are analytic functions important?  These features are used to notify a security person when an alarm condition occurs.  This means the security person doesn’t have to look at the video all the time. Your IP camera security system becomes much more powerful.  It can actually reduce the number of security people required. Summary As you can see, IP cameras include some very powerful digital computers.  They can improve the quality of the video as well as providing analytic functions that improve the functionality of the total IP camera system. If you need help selecting the best IP camera or any of the other components that makes up the total IP camera system, please contact us.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, and 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or just use our contact form. ### Comparison of Long Range IP Camera Systems Do you want to be able to read a license plate over a mile away?  You can do it with the latest very long range PTZ IP camera systems.   There are long range camera systems that are best for daytime operation and others that can be used day or night.  Be careful about low priced systems that claim long range capability. They don’t have the high quality zoom lenses or laser illuminators that are used in professional camera systems. In our previous article How Far Can We See with the PTZ IP Camera, we reviewed the difference between detecting a person or vehicle, recognizing the type of object, or identifying who the person is.  Each criteria requires a different amount of resolution on the target. This article reviews the components that make up a long range camera system, and shows how total system performance determines the price. The Long Range IP Camera System The least expensive PTZ camera systems are all-in-one cameras with zoom lenses, pan, tilt control and sometimes IR illuminators, built into one dome housing.  During the daytime these cameras provide detection ranges of up to 3200 m (1.9 miles). For example, the Sony PTZ camera has 30X zoom, and the Samsung IP camera has 32X zoom. Both are excellent cameras for daytime applications.  There are also dome PTZ cameras with built in IR illuminators.  For example the Samsung 32X PTZ model includes an IR illuminator with a range of 150 m (492 ft.). As the range increases, separate specialized components are required.  These systems are custom made for the specific application. They have a range of over 10 miles.  These very long distance IP camera systems include a high performance, high resolution camera with special long range zoom lens; a very precise pan, tilt mechanism, optical illuminators, and possibly an additional thermal camera.  Each part of the system plays an important part in assuring the right level of performance.  Everything must work together to assure that you get what you expect. Cameras that only operate during the day, are much simpler than ones that also see in the dark.   The performance of daytime cameras are determined by the zoom lens, and pan-tilt mechanism.  Cameras that can operate at night are much more complicated (and expensive).  In this application a special high powered laser illuminator is added, or we add a thermal imaging camera that operates in total darkness.  These complex systems include thermal cameras for detecting objects and then optical cameras with a laser illuminator for zooming in to see the details. The Optical Camera The IP cameras used in the longest range camera systems have very high performance sensors that provides at least 2 Megapixel resolution, as well as good low light performance. The camera systems accept a variety of different zoom lenses, have auto-focus, and possibly connections for the pan, and tilt control.  These special cameras use 1/2.8 inch, or 1/1.8 inch sensors.  The larger sensors usually provide better low light performance (0.002 lux in color) versus the smaller sensor (0.02 lux in color). The Thermal Camera The thermal camera operates in total darkness.  Instead of using reflected light from the sun or IR laser, it detects the heat differences from all the objects in the field of view.  It has less resolution than the optical camera.  Most of our systems use 640 x 480 resolution cameras, but there are 320 x 240 resolution cameras available as well, which cost less.  These cameras provide gray-scale (BW) video so it provides less image detail than we can get from an optical camera. Special germanium lenses are used that allow thermal radiation to pass through them.  Regular CCTV lenses reflect the thermal energy so cannot be used for this application.  There are fixed lenses and special zoom lenses available for thermal cameras, but their range is much less than the optical lenses available. Lens for Optical Camera The long range zoom lens systems are one of the most expensive parts of the system.  The lens not only has to provide excellent zoom capability, it must also be able to allow the most light through it.  It should also focus correctly with standard or IR lighting (IR corrected).  We measure the performance of the lens by the line pairs per millimeter of resolution, the lens aperture or f-stop, minimum horizontal angle at full zoom, auto-iris, motorized focus and zoom. The longer the range of lens, the more the lens weighs.  This increases the requirements for the Pan-Tilt mechanism, and consequently increases the cost. Pan-Tilt Mechanism Pan, Tilt Mechanism The pan-tilt mechanism controls the horizontal and vertical direction of the camera system.  The performance is measured by the speed of motion and accuracy.  The further away you want to view an area, the more precision you need. There are different types of pan-tilt drive mechanisms with some using belts and others using gears.  The gears are more precise. The pan-tilt mechanism may also include position sensors that make sure the mechanism reaches the exact location required.  With the right control system it can be positioned to 0.01 degrees of accuracy. When the camera system is used in mobile applications, the mechanism must be very rugged, allowing it to survive mechanical vibration and shock. The speed of motion required depends on what you want to see.  If you plan to track a ship at sea, or maybe a truck moving down a road, you may be able to use a system that moves about 12 degrees per second.  Tracking faster moving objects is much more difficult, and you may need a state-of-the-art high speed, and higher cost mechanism.  The maximum speed of the pan-tilt mechanism depends on the weight of the total camera system.  For example, the Samsung PTZ dome camera with IR illuminator pans at up to 120 degrees/sec. while the heavier multi-sensor long distance cameras can only pan at about 20 degrees/sec. Laser Illuminator The laser illuminator provides focused IR light up to 5 Km away.  The effective range is determined by the camera low light sensitivity and lens low light capability (maximum f-stop).  Cameras with larger sensors provide better low light sensitivity, which maximizes the nighttime range of the camera system.  The better quality laser illuminators adjust the focus angle so that it maximizes the light depending on the focal distance of the optical zoom lens.  This reduces hot spots that can affect the video quality. Laser illuminators must be used with care.  Lasers with over 15 Watt power levels can exceed the danger limit for human eyes at close range.  This is called the Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD). The risk of eye damage can be reduced by preventing people from being too close to the illuminator.  For example a person should not be closer than 185 m when a 15 W laser is used.  An active range finder system can be added to the camera system that automatically turns off the illuminator whenever an object is closer than this minimum range.  Usually we recommend safety measures with lasers that use over 15 Watts of power. Cost-Performance Comparison of Long Range Camera Systems The following chart provides examples of IP camera systems that are available.  Remember that we custom design cameras for your exact requirements, and the chart is just providing some examples.  It will give you some idea of how much it costs for a certain level of performance.  The camera systems are designed and assembled with specific lenses, thermal cameras, laser illumination and pan-tilt mechanisms. As you may imagine, the longer the range the less detail you can see.  At the farthest range, you can just detect that something is there, but you can’t really determine what it is.  For example, at the maximum range, the model SNP-6322RH-WM, provides enough zoom and resolution to be able to detect a human at a distance of 3.8 miles. As the target gets closer, you can just about recognize that it is a human and not a vehicle.  At the closest range you can start to identify if the human is a man or a woman.  For example, the camera can identify a human at a range of 0.5 miles.  You would have to be a lot closer to be able to identify who the person is.   If the object was a vehicle, then you could detect it at over twice the distance away, depending on the size of the vehicle. The chart provides the range for detecting to identifying a human target.     At some point between the detection range and identification range, you can recognize that it is a human, rather than a vehicle. The pricing is provided just to give you some idea of what to expect.  It is estimated based on system performance and may be different depending on specific features required.  For example, you may require special mounting, video management software, and video recording system. MODELDescriptionRangeEstimated PricingSNP-6322RH-WMPTZ Dome camera with 32X zoom lens and maximum zoom of 140 mmDaytime only: 3.8 to 0.5 miles (6.2 Km to 0.82 Km)$2,900 - $3,500TVIP-LR33-500PTZ System with 33 X lens and maximum zoom of 500 mmDaytime only: 11 miles to 1.5 miles (18 Km to 2.5 Km)$24,000 - $28,000TVIP-PHX-640-30X-50HDMulti-sensor camera system with 37X zoom lens with up to 129 mm of zoom and, 640x480 thermal camera with 100 mm lensDaytime: 3.7 miles to 0.49 miles (5.9 Km to 0.7 Km.)   Night:  0.72 miles to 0.09 miles (1.1 Km to 0.153 Km) $22,000 - $26,000TVIP-SGMA-1000M-500mmVery long range day-night camera with laser illuminatorDaytime:  14 miles to 1.8 miles (22 Km to 3 Km.)   Night:  0.62 miles (1 Km with laser)   $32,500 - $35,000TVIP-OPTH-5000M-1500-HDExtreme range multi-sensor camera with laser illuminator.  Includes up to 1500 mm zoom lens, thermal cameras with 35 - 155 mm zoom thermal lens, and 5000 m range laser.Daytime: 32 miles to 4.27 miles (51 Km to 6.8 Km.)   Night: Thermal Camera:  0.96 miles to 0.13 miles  (1.5 Km to 0.2 Km). Laser Illuminator:  3 miles (5 Km) $130,000 - $150,000 Summary Long range camera systems can be used to see objects many miles away.  These cameras include a number of components.  As you can see from the chart above, as the range and performance increase, the price goes up. If you need help designing your long range IP camera system, just give us a call.  We have many years of experience with these systems, so we can help assure that you get the exact system you need, at the right price.   We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, and 914-944-3425, everywhere else.  You can also use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 13 Science Jokes Biology is the only science in which multiplication is the same thing as division. An interesting paradox: Noses run but feet smell. A neutron walked into a bar and asked, "How much for a gin and tonic?" The bartender smiled wryly and replied, "For you, no charge." What does a subatomic duck say? Quark! Some puns (groaners) Reading while sunbathing makes you well red. What's the definition of a will?  It's a dead give away. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. She was engaged to a boyfriend with a wooden leg but broke it off. Cartoon PhysicsIn words attributed to Art Babbitt, an animator with the Walt Disney Studios: "Animation follows the laws of physics—unless it is funnier otherwise." Cartoon Law I Any cartoon character suspended in space will remain in space until made aware of its situation. Daffy Duck steps off a cliff, expecting further pastureland. He loiters in midair, soliloquizing flippantly, until he chances to look down. At this point, the familiar principle of 32 feet per second per second takes over. Cartoon law II Any body passing through solid matter will leave a perforation conforming to its perimeter. Also called the silhouette of passage, this phenomenon is the specialty of victims of directed-pressure explosions and of reckless cowards who are so eager to escape that they exit directly through the wall of a house, leaving a cookie-cutout-perfect hole. The threat of skunks or matrimony often catalyzes this reaction. Cartoon Law III Any violent rearrangement of feline matter is impermanent. Cartoon cats possess even more deaths than the traditional nine lives might comfortably afford. They can be decimated, spliced, splayed, accordion-pleated, spindled, or disassembled, but they cannot be destroyed. After a few moments of blinking self-pity, they reinflate, elongate, snap back, or solidify. Corollary: A cat will assume the shape of its container. (Corollary 2: Cartoons cats have the uncanny ability to emit piano sounds when their teeth are transformed into piano keys after having a piano dropped on them.) Cartoon Moving Curve In a fifth-grade class, a teacher asked students various science questions, of which the following were the funniest: Teacher: "What is the definition of a protein?'Student: "A protein is something that is made up of mean old acids." Teacher: "What kind of tails do opossums have?"Student: "Reprehensible ones" Teacher: "What is the spinal column?"Student: "A long bunch of bones. The head sits on the top and you sit on the bottom." Teacher: "How long does it take the Earth to rotate about its axis?"Student: "The Earth makes a resolution once every 24 hours."Teacher: "That's wishful thinking." Hope you like these jokes and cartoons.  We have to thank instachaaz on Instagram for some of these cartoons. If you have any cartoons or jokes to contribute, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How to Install an IP Door Access Control System IP Door Access Control Systems are easy to install and provide excellent flexibility, yet many people who are used to the older type systems have concerns about using them.  This article tries to take the mystery out of network attached door access control systems, and describes how very easy they are to install and use. You will find that all the signals that were on multiple wires, are now encoded on the single Ethernet network cable. They are just as secure as the older technology. Here’s how they work and how to install them. Installing the Network Attached Door System In the past door control systems included door readers at each door and a central control box.  It was basically an analog system with many wires running between the central control box and the remote door readers.  The control box supported a maximum number of doors, so we usually tried to install the complete system at one time.  It was hard to add additional doors, especially when we exceeded the maximum for the control box. These new Isonas IP door readers are much more flexible.  You can install a single reader and then incrementally add readers whenever required. There is no (practical) limitation to the number of readers on the network. The IP readers are really small computers and contain the same (or more) intelligence than the central control box.  This door reader/controller stores all the information about the people using the system.  The reader makes decisions about status of the door, decides when to unlock the door, and what time of the day a credential can be used.  Since all the information is in the reader, it will operate even if the network is down. A standard Windows computer running Crystal Matrix software is used to enter all the information about the people and the badge/credentials. The software allows us to set up who, when, and where people can enter.   Once the information is entered into the computer the information is sent to the door reader. IP Door Readers The new IP reader use network wire and connect to a network switch.  In many cases there is network infrastructure in place, so all we need to do is run a network Cat5 to the nearest switch.  We don’t have to run wires all the way back to the home base. Network Connection:  The Isonas reader uses PoE (or 12 VDC) so in many cases all we need to do is run a network wire from a switch that includes PoE.  Once the IP reader is plugged into the network, we can set the IP address using a software tool called “PlugNPlay”.  We set unique the IP addresses for each reader just like any other computer on the network.  Once the reader has an IP address, it can be seen on the computer using Crystal Matrix software running on your Windows computer. Pigtail to the door:   The IP reader also has a set of wires that include all the signals needed to control access to the door.  This means we don’t have to run the door sensor wire, AUX, or any other control wires back to the control box; they all go right to the reader that’s at the door.  It’s very easy. Isonas Reader Wiring The reader also includes 12 VDC output power that can control most electric locks.  It has a built in relay to control the door.  As long as the electric lock doesn’t exceed 600 ma of current at 12 VDC, you just run the network wire to the reader and you’re done. Nothing else is required. What about security?  What happens if someone hits the reader with a hammer and breaks it off the wall? How do we prevent someone from shorting the wires together and opening the door? Well, there is a special External Door Kit (EDK) that is placed on the secure side of the door.  The door reader then communicates with the internal EDK, using an encrypted signal, to remotely control the door relay.  There is no way for anyone to break in using the wires at the reader. How to Integrate Old Readers into the New IP system What do you do if you already have an existing door control system, and would like to add additional doors?  Or maybe, you have a new building and would like to add access control to those doors.   There is another device available from Isonas that can convert any reader that uses Wiegand connections to IP connections. The IP Bridge is available in a 2 reader version and a 3 reader version.  This allows you to place this converter close to the readers and limit the wiring required. IP bridge diagram Crystal Matrix Software Crystal Matrix software runs on your Windows PC.  It allows you to define who (each person associated with each badge/credential), when (the person can enter), and where (what doors they can use). Access Control Software The software allows you to define who can access and control the system, define each door, define and set up groups, and define a shift.  This is very flexible yet powerful software that allows you to easily set up the system and enter the people assigned to each card (or credential).  Here are some examples of the things you can do. Setting up Each DoorEach reader can be given a name so it is easy to find in the software.  The IP address can be added so that the software knows where all the readers are located. Defining Groups of UsersUsers (the people who use the system) can be assigned to groups, and then that group of people can have the same permissions for entry.    Now you can tell the system that the group has access to a specific door and control when they can enter the building.  There is an easy calendar that can help you define the “shifts” for your organization.  You can name shifts so that you can easily identify them.  For example, the “weekday shift”, or the “night shift”, etc.  In this way you can lock the doors after a “shift” or open them so that badges (cards, or credentials) are not needed. Credential Registration Each person can be entered and assigned to a group.  You can enter the badge number for the person, or simply swipe the badge using a reader.  It’s easy to add, modify and delete users. Conclusion IP door access control systems are similar to the older analog systems, except they are just wired differently.  Instead of using a wire harness, you can use a thin easy to install network wire.  Since many organizations already have a network infrastructure it reduces the length of wire runs dramatically.  For more about IP Door Access take a look at our video. If you need help defining, specifying, or installing an IP door control system, just contact us for help.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else; or just use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 12 All the jokes are from famous comedians.   If you remember Groucho, you are probably in the baby boomer generation, and if you know Ellen DeGeneres then your'e probably a member of the Millennials. Here's some from George Carlin. He was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, actor, and author.  I'm not into working out. My philosophy is no pain, no pain. Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them? I've always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific. Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song? Ellen DeGeneres,  is an American comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer. 'My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She's 97 now and we don't know where the hell she is.' Jerry Seinfeld, is an American comedian, actor,  writer, and producer It's amazing that the amount of news that happens in the world every day always just exactly fits the newspaper. Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason. Groucho Marx was a comedian, film and movie star who was popular from the 1920's to the 1960's.  He made many films with his brothers Chico, Harpo and Zeppo.  I sent the club a wire stating, Please accept my resignation I don't care to belong to any club that will have me as a member Marriage is the chief cause of divorce Room service? Send up a larger room. Steven Wright is an American comedian, writer, actor, and an Oscar-winning film producer. He is known for his deadpan delivery of ironic, philosophical and sometimes nonsensical jokes.  I had to stop driving my car for a while...the tires got dizzy... Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time. I recently moved into a new apartment, and there was this switch on the wall that didn't do anything...so anytime I had nothing to do, I'd just flick that switch up and down...up and down...up and down....Then one day I got a letter from a woman in Germany...it just said, "Cut it out." I put instant coffee in my microwave oven and almost went back in time. I spilled spot remover on my dog and now he's gone. I went to a place to eat. It said "breakfast at any time." So I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance. Steven Wright I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How Technology Can Help in Active Shooter Situations This article was updated on 2/18/2018 We have seen more and more incidences on school campuses that involve active shooters.  In the wake of this violence many colleges, universities, and elementary schools are searching for ways to respond to this threat. There has been a lot of discussion about how to react. With the latest tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the discussion continues.  Emma Gonzalez, a senior at the high school, provided excellent perspective on the situation when she said, "Since the time of the Founding Fathers and since they added the Second Amendment to the Constitution, our guns have developed at a rate that leaves me dizzy. The guns have changed, but our laws have not". Of course, the best way to prevent these tragedies is to prevent the gunman from getting the guns. Unfortunately, it is not easy to do. The only thing we can offer is advice on how technology can help. Technology and the active shooter Here’s a summary of what technology can provide: Provide intelligence. In all situations, the challenge is for the safety officer or administration to quickly learn what is happening.Provide potentially life-saving instructions to the people on the campus.Lock-down certain areas to contain the situation.Use walk through metal detectors Surveillance provides the Information you need to respond It is essential that the security team know precisely what is happening.  The safety officer is like the general in charge of a battle.  Sun Tzu said in his The Art of War, “It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles.”  Good advice.  When the safety center has the right information, they can make informed decisions.  This information is helpful, both before the police come and after they arrive. Many schools have surveillance cameras.  Review the camera locations to make sure that they can be used in active shooter situations. Add additional cameras as necessary to meet this objective. This may be different than using cameras to watch people in the cafeteria or stores. We don’t want to save money; we want to save lives. Make sure that the security team knows how to operate the video management system. Using IP Camera systems, we can locate the danger, determine where people are located who may be in danger, decide where to send emergency response teams, and determine when and where to send medical assistance.  Some IP camera systems allow people to view the live video on their smart devices, providing up to the minute surveillance of the situation. Many IP cameras also can support audio.  This allows the system to create an alarm situation if the camera detects gunshots.  Microphones can be attached to IP cameras and placed in strategic areas.  This can help the safety center gain valuable information about the intentions of the shooter. There are some video recording systems available that include audio capability.  These include Video Management Software (VMS) as well as Network Video Recorders (NVR) Providing Instructions - Reacting to the Situation It is important to provide instructions to the people on the campus.  They must be told where to go, when there is danger, and when the situation is corrected. In emergency situations, it is best to provide directions to the right location. After all, we don’t want to make a general announcement that says, “Leave the building,” if we only want one building to be evacuated.  We just want the people in one building to leave.  We may tell the people in the other buildings to stay in place. IP paging systems that use network attached amplifiers can provide this very specific zone control.  These systems allow you to make announcements to everyone, or to one building, to one floor of a building, or even to a single room.  This allows you to provide critical instructions exactly where you need them. IP Paging and intercom stations around campus can provide communication points that can supplement other emergency systems such as text messaging.  Intercom stations can allow people on campus to communicate to the safety center and either provide current status or gain specific instructions. The latest IP paging and intercom systems can also be used to create pre-determined general messages by pushing one button.  To learn more about IP type intercom and paging systems, take a look at our Paging over IP System page. Lock Down.  Establishing Safety Zones Suppose you have a situation where you know there is an active shooter approaching a dorm.  Wouldn’t it be nice if you could remotely lock down that building?  The latest IP door access control systems, allow the safety center to do just that.  You can lock the dorm, or just one lecture hall, or one of the student buildings, or any other large gathering area. IP Access Control System IP door access controllers are very easy to install because they connect to the network.  They integrate very nicely with the IP camera systems and IP paging and intercom systems. Each door can be controlled to contain the situation.  Not only are door readers excellent in emergencies, but they can also be used to prevent some situations from happening.  If the intruder can’t get into the building without having a credential, then the situation is contained even before it starts. General door control becomes an important tool for security, as well as creating safe areas in emergencies. Walk Through Metal Detectors Even though this article describes how technology can help when an active shooter situation occurs, walk through metal detectors can help prevent the situation from happening in the first place.  It is unfortunate that this technology has become essential not only at airports but our schools and businesses.  This is certainly not an easy solution, but it may be the best way to prevent the danger from entering the building. The latest walk-through detectors include multiple detection zones, so you can identify where the metal object is located. For example, a single zone walk-through detector only indicates that metal was detected. A two-zone detector can indicate if the metal is on the right or left side.  The more advanced detection systems can pinpoint the location with higher accuracy. For example, it can determine if there is a gun located at the ankle or belt. Summary Active shooter situations in our educational institutions are very scary.  We are all searching for ways to improve our children’s safety.  By using the latest IP security systems that include IP cameras, IP door control and IP paging systems we can help improve our awareness, reaction to emergencies and control of access to buildings. Another source of information is the booklet, Active Shooter, How to Respond published by The Department of Homeland Security.   It includes advice about how technology can provide some of the basic requirements for improving safety not only at our schools but also in large organizations. If you need help defining your safety and security system, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, and at 914-944-3425 everywhere else; or use our contact form. ### How to set up an IP Camera in Low Light Situations IP Camera Settings for Low Light (This article was updated to reflect new IP cameras, 10/16/2017) When selecting cameras for your IP camera system, one of the most challenging situations is when you have very little light.  When it’s dark, there can be motion smearing and amplifier noise that degrades the image. All IP cameras handle low light by opening the lens iris, increasing amplifier gain, increasing shutter time, and switching to day/night mode.  But, what is the best IP camera for low light operation, and what are the correct settings?  This article provides guidelines for selecting the right camera and adjusting the image settings. Selecting the IP Camera for Low Light Conditions The low light sensitivity of the camera is a significant specification, but it’s not the only thing to consider.  You should also select a camera that includes adjustments for amplifier gain, iris control, frame rate, and shutter speed.  The camera should also have a good signal to noise ratio and include a day/night IR filter.   In some applications, it can also help to select a camera with a built-in IR illuminator. (See below for more about adding light). One thing to note is that the camera and the settings can be different depending on your specific application.  For example, a camera used to see people walking close to the camera (within 50 ft.); will be different than a camera used to view a parking lot. Camera Lens: The lens is an important factor in low light operation. The lens should have a low f-number. The lower the f-number the more light the lens can pass. When selecting a variable lens, the highest light transmission light (the lowest f-number) is when the lens is set to its widest angle. As the lens is zoomed (magnified) less light is passed through the lens. For example, a camera that has a variable focal length of 2.8 mm to 12 mm will have a variable light transmission of f1.4 (wide) to f3.6 (tele). Some Camera Examples: The better low-light cameras can see by the light of the full moon. This provides about 0.1lux of light. Some of the latest cameras can see with less light. In general, low light performance depends on the size of the sensor and the resolution. The highest resolution and lowest light level camera we have tested is the Sony SNC-VB770. This amazing camera not only has very high, 4K resolution, it also has a minimum low light sensitivity of 0.007Lux (in color). It's an expensive camera (around $7500), but at night it can see things no other 4K camera can see. There are a number of more reasonably priced 4K IP cameras that are priced at under $1000.  For example, the Hikvision 8-Megapixel dome camera, model DS-2CD4585F-IZH, specifies the low light performance at 0.014 lux @ (ƒ/1.4, AGC on). You can also consider the Hanwha PNO-9080R 4K bullet camera. This 12-Megapixel camera specifies the low light sensitivity at 0.3lux @ F1.6 in color. It includes an IR illuminator and a motorized zoom lens. Some of the new 2-Megapixel cameras have better low light sensitivity than the higher resolution cameras. For example, the Hikvision DS-2C4526FWD-IZH IP dome camera has an amazing 0.0027 low light sensitivity. Low Light Noise Processing Some new cameras, such as the Hanwha X-Series, include special noise reduction technology. The processor removes noise artifacts that appear when the amplifiers are struggling to amplify the video signal. Camera Settings Here are some guidelines for adjusting the camera settings, but please remember you may have to experiment to get the right settings for a specific situation. Sony IP Camera settings Iris:  The iris controls the amount of light that hits the sensor.  When there is a lot of light the iris opening is very small, and when there is very little light, the iris opens up as much as it can.  In most cameras the iris setting is automatic, but in some IP cameras, you can make some fine adjustments.  When you open the iris, you can get the most light on the sensor, but unfortunately, this also reduces the depth of field.  The depth of field is the distance between the nearest and closest distance where objects are still in focus. When the iris is closed, the depth of field is very long, but when the iris is opened, the depth of field is very short.  This means that at night, especially when you are close to the camera, the picture may not be clear. Shutter speed (Frame Rate):  The longer the shutter is opened, the more light falls on the sensor, but a long shutter period can also cause motion blurring.  The shutter time is also related to the frame rate.  If the frame rate of the camera is 30 fps, then the maximum shutter period is 1/30th of a second.  The best shutter opening will depend on what you are viewing.  If you are viewing people walking, then you can reduce the frame rate (maybe around 10 fps) and keep the shutter open longer, but if you’re viewing moving vehicles, you will need to keep the shutter time short. Amplifier Gain: In some IP cameras you can set the amplifier gain to 50 IRE or 30 IRE.  At 50 IRE the camera circuits will amplify a video signal that is 50% of the maximum value, while at 30 IRE the camera will operate with signals that are 30% of the maximum signal level.  When operating at 30 IRE, there is usually quite a lot of noise seen in the video.  Sometimes IP cameras use different terms to describe the amplification.  For example, some of the Sony cameras provide amplifier gain in dB, while Hanwha allows the gain to be adjusted from low, medium, to high. Day/Night Mode:  The better day/night cameras have IR filters.  If you plan to use the camera when it is dark, make sure the Day/Night mode is turned on.   The camera will automatically switch to B/W and removes the IR filter when it gets dark. Wide Dynamic Range:  Many of the high-performance cameras include dramatically increased wide dynamic range ( over 130 dB WDR).   They do this by taking multiple frames at different exposure values and then averaging the results.  This excellent feature allows you to see areas where there is a large difference in the light.  For example, if you are viewing a lobby with large glass windows, and you want to be able to see people inside as well as outside in the bright sunlight, WDR will allow you to do it. The problem with this technique is that you require very fast frame rates and consequently short shutter times for this to work.  This reduces the low light sensitivity of the camera.   It is best to turn off WDR in low-light situations. There’s one camera that we know of that uses a different technology to allow viewing high contrast images.  The Sony EM600 and VM600 family of cameras provide an additional feature called “Visibility enhancer” technology.  This adjusts the brightness and contrast of the image on a pixel by pixel basis and allows you to see everything in the view.  This is not quite as good as the frame averaging technique (which Sony calls “View-Dr) technology), but it's an excellent alternative when you have to use the camera in both daytime and low light nighttime applications. Compression: The type of compression can determine the video quality at night.  H.264 doesn't perform when there is a lot of amplifier noise, and it uses much more bandwidth.  It’s best to switch to MJPG compression. Adding Light:  Some cameras are available with built-in IR illuminators.  The IR-illumination range can vary from 20 m (65 ft.) to over 200 m (656 ft.) depending on the type of camera. Some of the more sophisticated PTZ cameras include IR illumination that varies depending on the zoom of the lens.  It also means you will see the image in gray-scale (BW), instead of color. You can also add separate IR illumination.  Separate IR lights are more powerful and have a range of over 1000 ft.  (300m). The Hanwha (Samsung) model XNV6080RV is an example of a dome camera with built-in IR.  It has an IR operating range of up to 50 m (164 ft.). If you need a surveillance IP camera system that can see at very long distances, there are some special long-range PTZ cameras with laser illumination that can see things over 5,000 m (3-miles). The alternative to an IR-illuminator is standard white light. If there is enough light, the IP camera will stay in color mode rather than switching to B/W mode.  This allows you to see the color of the vehicle.  For example, if you are viewing a parking lot at night, and you add more lights, you will see everything much clearer. Conclusion: Higher performance IP cameras can be used to view nighttime areas.  You can select the camera and then adjust the settings for the best performance.  Unfortunately, the same settings don't work in every application.  You may have to experiment to get the best results for your specific environment. If you need help selecting the right IP camera system, or in adjusting the settings, please contact us.  We have a lot of experience with IP camera systems.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 (everywhere else), or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 11 A doctor held a stethoscope up to a man's chest.  The man asks, “Doc, how do I stand?” The doctor says, “That's what puzzles me!” Patient:  “I have a ringing in my ears.”   Doctor: “Don't answer!” A drunk was in front of a judge.  The judge says, 'You've been brought here for drinking.'  The drunk says 'Okay, let's get started.' You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption. Two fish swim into a concrete wall.  One turns to the other and says 'Dam!' No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery. A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at him and says, 'I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger.' I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call. I think the freezer deserves a light as well. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said? Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my behind everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time! Do you need help finding the right IP security solutions?  Just contact us at 914-944-3425 or us our contact form. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Selecting the Right Equipment for Your IP Camera Surveillance System How do you select the right equipment for your IP camera system?  The surveillance system is more than just the IP camera. It also includes the video recording system, lens, lighting, camera enclosures, network switches, and mounting brackets.  Everything has to work together so you get the security system you expected. Selecting the right equipment for your security system can be quite complicated. Sometimes it’s like putting together a puzzle.  We need to make sure we have the right camera, but does the camera work with all the other equipment? We would like to be notified of alarm conditions, but does the video recording system provide alarm notification?  We would like to mount the camera on a pole, but does the camera include image stabilization?  As we decide on one thing, it can affect other parts of the system. In this article, we provided a real-life surveillance example and then defined a complete surveillance system. Acme Manufacturing would like to view a parking lot and a tool crib area.  We need to define the cameras for each area, the video recording system, and determine what the most cost-effective solution will be.  Here’s how we do it: Setting the Objectives for Your IP Camera System First thing we need to do is understand what our objectives are for each area.  Each area could have a different objective. So here’s a summary of things we need to define: How large an area do we want to view?What detail do we want to see with our cameras?  Do we want to just view people or be able to identify their faces?Do we want to operate day and night?Do we want to be alerted to alarm conditions?How long do we want to store the video? Acme manufacturing had some cars broken into in the parking lot so they want to be able to monitor this area.  Tools have vanished from the tool crib in the manufacturing area so they want to see who is going in and out of the area. In the parking lot management would like to be able to read a license plate number.  In the tool crib, they would like to identify a person’s face.  They would like the system to let them know whenever someone is in the tool crib, and to record the video when motion is detected.  They have also decided to add additional cameras in the future to monitor their manufacturing area. Defining the Viewing areas and Camera Distance Field of View Example The next thing we need to do is define our viewing areas.  The area we would like to view is called the field of view.  We then need to determine how wide this area is, and then how far away the cameras will be. Take a look at our previous article, “Calculating What You Can See with Your IP Camera”. The distance depends on where we can mount the cameras.  For example, in the parking area, we may decide to mount the cameras on a pole or a wall. We need to measure the distance from each camera to each field of view that the camera is monitoring. Cameras for the Parking Lot The parking area is 80 feet wide by 160 feet long.  There are some lights which provide about the same light as a full moon. We will select cameras with good low light capability. Since it is possible to have wide differences in light in the morning and in the evening when the sun is low in the sky It would be a good idea to use a camera that has a better wide dynamic range (WDR). The parking lot can be monitored using a PTZ camera, or by a number of fixed high-resolution cameras. If we use the PTZ camera we can set the camera to automatically patrol through a number of different positions, but there is the chance we may miss something when the camera is looking in the wrong direction. If we use many fixed high-resolution cameras we can view the entire parking lot at the same time.   Since the parking lot is 80 ft. wide and 160 ft. long we will require a number of cameras at each side of the parking lot to cover most of the area. So which way should we go?  Let’s compare the cost and labor involved between the two approaches. Using a PTZ Camera First, let’s look at using one PTZ camera to view the parking lot.  We can also add some fixed cameras to view the entrance and exit of the parking lot. This can provide more detail such as the license plate number of all the cars entering and leaving. The PTZ camera can be placed in a patrol mode and sweep the entire parking lot area.  If we use a high-resolution PTZ IP camera we require less positions than if we use a standard VGA resolution PTZ camera. PTZ Camera view Samsung has very nice outdoor PTZ cameras with 2-megapixel resolution. They cost around $2,500.  This camera allows us to see a field of view that's about 35 ft. wide. We can also use two outdoor fixed IP dome cameras from IQinvision (now part of Vicon).  They recently introduced the 3-megapixel IQM63 dome IP camera, which provides good low light capability and WDR. The camera has a remote zoom and focus lens that allows you to adjust the camera’s field of view from your computer.  It makes it much easier to install.  They cost about $650 each. The total before labor is $3,800. Using Fixed Cameras The alternative approach is to use a number of fixed cameras.  Here’s a diagram of one possible layout.  The actual camera positions will depend on where you find the easiest place for mounting the cameras. They can be placed on a pole or on the side of a building. IP Camera Viewing Areas The IQeye IP cameras cost about $650 each so the total cost of this configuration is $3,900. Cost comparison of IP Camera Systems So which approach is better?  We know that the two approaches have different capabilities.  The PTZ system can view a large area, but sometimes the PTZ camera can miss things.  The fixed IP camera system requires more cameras and will cost more. Here are more details about the comparison. The PTZ system costs about $3800 for the camera equipment.  Next add the Video recording system. The Video Management Software license costs about $200 per camera (3 x $200 = $600).  This can vary depending on the recording system and computer costs.  So the subtotal for the PTZ system (cameras plus recording software) is $4,400.  Next, add labor for getting the wiring to the cameras and installation of the system.  Let’s use $500 per camera for this, so it adds another $1500.  Of course, this can vary quite a lot depending on the local labor rates. The grand total for a PTZ system is $5,900. The 6 fixed cameras cost $3900 for the cameras.  Add 6 x $200 / camera for the recording software license, and the total is now $1200 more, or $5100.  Next add the installation cost at $500 per camera = $3,000. The grand total for the fixed IP camera system is $8,100. Yes, the fixed camera system is more expensive, but if your objectives is to see everything all the time, this is the best choice. The best system will depend on your objectives and budget. Camera for the Tool Crib The camera for the tool crib will be easier to select.  Since this is a relatively small area, the 30 by 30 feet area can be monitored by only one camera.  Since the goal is to identify a person coming into the tool crib area, we can face a camera towards the doorway and still see what happens inside the crib area.  We can even consider a camera with a fixed lens (rather than a variable lens). The Sony XM-632 camera is a good choice since it has a wide 113-degree wide-angle lens and 2-megapixel resolution.    It even has a built-in microphone so we can hear what’s going on in the tool crib. The camera costs about $525. Video Recording System There are a number of different types of video recording and management systems available that will work with our IP camera system.  We can select video management software (VMS) that runs on a standard Windows computer, or a network video recorder (NVR) that includes the computer and software in one box. The NVR is very easy to install.  You just need to tell the system about each of the cameras that will be installed.  It is important to select an NVR that supports the cameras you selected.  Many new cameras conform to the OnVIF standard and some NVRs also support OnVIF cameras.  This provides a standard interface for the cameras.  Unfortunately, there could be issues with certain cameras, so it’s best to select the NVR that supports the specific manufacturer’s cameras.  The NVR also supports a maximum number of cameras.  For example, you can select an 8-camera, 16-camera or 32-camera NVRs.  If you plan to add additional cameras you may need another NVR. Video Management Software is a good choice when you have an IT person who can help install and support the VMS software.  It is the most flexible solution since you can incrementally add cameras.  The software is usually licensed with a base (or server) license plus individual camera licenses.  In this example, we selected the VMS from OnSSi.  The latest Ocularis VMS supports a very large number of manufacturer’s cameras, and provides a very easy growth path.  The license for Ocularis Enterprise solution is: The Enterprise base license is $999. Then add the individual camera licenses, at $189 per camera x 7 = $1323. The total software cost is $2322. Conclusion: A complete IP camera system includes cameras, recording system, and much more.  All the components need to be compatible. The type of equipment and recording system depends on our objectives for the complete security system. Well, this covers everything you need, from soup to nuts.  Of course, your application will be different, so just contact us and we will customize the system to exactly what you need. Need more information about video systems?  Just contact us at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425.  You can also use our contact form. ### How Network Attached Amplifiers and IP Intercoms Work How do the latest network-attached IP audio systems work?  The latest digital IP systems use protocols that are similar to Voice over IP (VoIP) protocols. This communication method also uses Power over Ethernet (PoE) to power the telephones, IP paging systems,  and IP intercoms. These IP audio systems use the network cable rather than using individual wires that go from an amplifier to a speaker.  What is the magic behind sending multiple paging announcements on the same wire at virtually the same time?  Arthur C. Clark said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Here’s how the magic works. Communication Concepts for IP Intercoms and Other Network Devices Before we get into the specific way that network paging, intercoms and phones work, here’s a review of how information is transported over the network.  Everything is digital or in a binary form.  This means that information such as video, images, or sound is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal that is coded in binary.  It’s the same concept that I described in my article “How does the Computer Work”. To transfer information from one computer to another, on a network, we use a protocol.  A protocol is the detailed set of commands or rules that control how information is sent from one device to another on the network. Here is a simple example of a network protocol: Device-147:  Hey you! Device-135:  Who me? Device-147:  Yeah, you at address 135. (Establishing the address of the device to talk to) Device-135:  What? Device-147:  How are you doing? (Getting status) Device-135:  Fine. Device-135:  Who are you? Device-147:  I’m the computer at 147 (Establishing a connection) Device-147:  I plan to send you some data. Device-135:  OK, what kind of data? Device-147:  Some analog sound. Device-135:  What format? Device-147:  I’ll use SIP using G.711 compression Device-135:  OK Device-147:  I’m sending 25 packets (sending the sound files) Device-135:  Thanks I received 25 packets (checking for errors) Device-147:  Any errors? Device-135:  Nope.  Looks good. Device-147:  Thanks.  Goodbye. (Disconnect) The messages on the network go back and forth very fast so that many different messages with payloads such as video or audio can be sent to many different devices at virtually the same time.  Of course, the more devices and the more messages we place on the network, the more bandwidth we use, but in most cases, it works very well.  The video takes up the most bandwidth (about 2,500 Kbps).  Audio takes relatively small amounts of bandwidth (about 65 Kbps) so we can make many different announcements on the paging system, or have many conversations between phones on the network. Protocols used in VoIP When we move audio packets across the network, we are mostly concerned with the session and transport-level of the network layers. Note that the levels are described differently depending on if we use the OSI model or TCP/IP Internet model. I’m not going to get into this here, but just understand that there are different protocols that have responsibly to provide specific functions. The most popular VoIP protocol is Session Initiated Protocol (SIP).  This is a peer to peer type application layer of a TCP/IP network.  SIP works with other application-level protocols such as Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP).  SIP is responsible for signaling and session management. It controls the end to end connection of a call between computer type devices (like VoIP phones or IP intercoms).  Here are more details about how devices that use the SIP protocol work. SIP devices or agents can be one of the following. A user agent client (UAC).  This is a client application that initiates the SIP requestA User agent server (UAS).  A server application that contacts the user when a SIP request is received and the connection is established. A device can take on the role of a client or server during a specific transaction. SIP uses a unique address that is similar to an e-mail address.  For example, addresses can be in the form of "usera@gateway.com."  When a device (user) initiates a call, a SIP request is sent to a SIP server (which can be a proxy or redirect server).   Just like an e-mail message, the request includes the address of the caller as well as the address of the intended phone it is going to. Once the connection is established, the digitized and compressed audio payload is sent back and forth between the two devices using RTP.  This same Presentation protocol is used to transport not only audio but also other media such as video. Video is compressed using MPEG-4 or H.264.   Audio is compressed using schemes such as G.711, G.723, G.726, G.729, GSM, QCELP, MP3, and DTMF.   It is important to make sure that both sides of any communication protocol support all the commands and compression schemes used. How Digital Paging and Intercom Devices Work Here is an example of an IP amplifier.  The IP7-SS40 digital IP amplifier is a device that connects to the network and uses some of the same protocols as a VoIP phone.  It contains a special purpose computer and firmware that allows it to understand the protocols used to transport the compressed audio.  It also contains a digital to analog converter and amplifier so it can drive a speaker.  This IP amplifier connects to a Windows computer running special software called Talkmaster.  Many IP7 amplifiers can connect to this central command computer at the same time. The IP amplifier and intercom devices can use SIP to connect to other computer devices or VoIP phones, and it can also use a different protocol to establish a connection with the central computer.  For example, to assure a constant connection between the IP7-SS40 amplifier and the central Windows computer, the IP address of the Windows computer is entered into the IP7 amplifier’s memory.  The IP amplifier contacts the central server periodically to let the server know where it is located on the network, and that it is ready to receive an audio page.  It also has a list of 3 other computer servers in its memory, so if the first computer is unavailable it will try to contact the next one on the list.  This makes the system more redundant and reliable. The Complete IP Intercom and Paging System PA over IP System The complete system includes a Windows computer with an attached microphone, and Command Console software (Talkmaster).  When a person talks into the microphone the audio is digitized by the computer system, and the software sends the audio packets to the right amplifier on the network.  The amplifier is identified by its IP address.  Talkmaster software can be used to talk to one or many different IP amplifiers at the same time. Intercoms work in a very similar way.  In this case, a connection is established between the intercom and the central computer.  The intercom has a microphone as well as a speaker, so you can have a two-way conversation with the person at the computer. IP Intercoms and Paging Summary Computers and network-attached IP amplifiers and intercoms are all connected to the local area network.  Audio can be sent over the network so that many different audio announcements can be sent at virtually the same time.  These audio systems use special protocols to assure that the audio is sent to the right place and that the sound is clear and understandable.  Using the network infrastructure makes these systems very easy to install and maintain.  They provide the flexibility that wasn’t available with the older analog paging systems.  Now you can make emergency paging announcements across a campus to many buildings at the same time.  It’s a new world out there.  One that has made the magic into a science that everyone can take advantage of. If you need help sorting out the magic from the science please contact us at 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA), 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 11A I love the wisdom of Steven Wright.  Here are some of his comments: You may know the speed of light but, what's the speed of dark? Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have. Many people quit looking for work when they find a job. An engineer, a physicist, and an accountant were being interviewed for a position as chief executive officer of a large corporation. The engineer was interviewed first, and was asked a long list of questions, ending with: "How much is two plus two?" The engineer excused himself, and made a series of measurements and calculations before returning to the boardroom and announcing, "Four." The physicist was interviewed next, and was asked the same questions. Before answering the last question, he excused himself, made for the library, and did a great deal of research. After a consultation with the United States Bureau of Standards and many calculations, he also announced, "Four." The accountant was interviewed last, and was asked the same questions. At the end of his interview, before answering the last question, he drew all the shades in the room, looked outside the door to see if anyone was there, checked the telephone for listening devices, and asked, "How much do you want it to be?" More Steven Wright: Important question: What happens if you get scared half to death twice? Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it. For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism. The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up. I like to reminisce with people I don't know. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor. If you need technical assistance and don’t want to ask Wally, just give us a call at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### How Far We Can See With the PTZ IP Camera How far away can we see things using a long range PTZ camera? Obviously, we can see the moon which is 238,900 miles away, but of course we would need a powerful telescope to see the small craters.  We can see people in a crowd, but when we want to identify their face, it gets a lot harder.  The distance is determined by what detail we need to see. Do you want to be able to detect a vehicle moving, or identify the person driving the vehicle?  The objective will determine the type of IP camera system you will need. In general the distance is determined by the lens, the type of camera (thermal camera or optical camera), the camera resolution, and sometimes the IR illuminator available.  This article describes how we can specify the IP camera system required for long distance viewing. What detail do you need? The detail we see depends on the number of pixels across the object we are viewing.  To get a better idea of how many pixels are required take a look at the following picture: Pixels Required for Face Recognition As you can see as the more pixels the clearer the face will be.  First determine your objectives.  There is a difference between detection, recognition and identification of an object. Detection of a Person or Vehicle Detection is defined as seeing something (probably moving) in a field of view. We may have some idea what it is based on the size and place we are viewing.  For example, we may be looking at a road, and when we see something moving assume that it is a vehicle.  Detection requires a minimum of pixels across the target or object.  If it’s moving you require less than if it is stationary. There are thermal imaging cameras and long range optical IP cameras.  Thermal detection is different than optical recognition because different image information is displayed. It is estimated that thermal detection can be made at about 1.5 to 2 pixels across the target.  This is especially true when the object is moving.  Since the thermal image also displays a heat signature, it can make it easier to detect a person or hot vehicle. Optical cameras use different detection criteria based on day or nighttime operation.  During the day the image is clearer and includes color that can help with detection.   We estimate that during the day, the optical camera can detect a person when there are about 6 pixels vertical pixels across the person.  Note that we can detect a vehicle further away simply because it is larger than a person.  At night the camera switches to gray-scale, and we usually use an illuminator.  The range of the illuminator then becomes an important factor in detection distance.  Since the image is nosier and doesn’t include color information, we estimate we will need about 9 vertical pixels across the target. Recognition of a Vehicle This is a general term that has different meanings depending on who you talk to.  In the early days of thermal imaging, recognition was defined as the point where you could determine what type of vehicle was seen.  With enough pixels across the target you can determine if the object is a person or a truck.  “Recognition” was not usually used to determine what person was approaching. A thermal imaging system requires about 8 - 10 pixels across the target to provide recognition. Optical system recognition can vary depending on conditions.  We estimate that 10 – 15 pixels across the target will provide a good chance of recognizing the object. Identification of Vehicle or Person This term “identification” is defined differently depending on who you talk to. For example, military organizations would like to see enough resolution (from a thermal camera) so they determine if the vehicle approaching is a M1-Abrams tank or a T-72.  In the security world we talk about identifying a person's face. Vehicle: Thermal cameras are estimated to require 11 – 16 pixels across the target for identification.  Optical cameras may require about 20 to 25 pixels across the target. Person: In the security world we use the term “identification” to determine who a person is.  We would like enough resolution to know that the person robbing the cash register is Tom and not Bob.  This can also vary depending on whether we know the person and can identify them not only by their facial features but also by clothes they are wearing and how they walk.  If we don’t know them and need to compare the video to a picture (forensic) we need better resolution.  In optical systems we use about 40 pixels across the face for identifying someone we know and about 80 pixels across the face for forensic identification. Determining the Lens we need Now we can determine the lens angle we need using some trigonometry. The “hypotenuse” is the distance to the target.  The “opposite” is ½ the field of view. “X” is the ½ the angle of the lens we need. Once we know how far away we would like to see, we can then determine the resolution required to see exactly what we want.  We can select the right lens for detection, recognition, or identification. For more details about using trigonometry to calculate the right lens take a look at our other article, Calculating What You Can See with Your IP Camera. Lens for Detection To detect a person we need about 9 vertical pixels.  If a person is 5’ 7”, then we have a total of 67” across the person.  Convert this to pixels per inch.  9 pixels/67” = 0.1343 pixels/inch.  This is equal to 1.6 pixels/ft. If we use a 2 megapixel sensor we have 1920 x 1080 pixels.  The vertical field of view is 675 ft.  We usually use the horizontal pixels since the lens angle is provided in horizontal.  In this case the horizontal field of view is 1920 / 1.6 pixels/ft. = 1200 ft. If we want to detect something that’s 2 miles away (10560 ft), and the opposite side is the ½ maximum field of view we calculated above (600 ft.), then the angle is 3.26 x 2 = 6.52 degrees.  We will need a zoom lens that allows us to reach this angle (or magnification).  We will need about a 100 mm zoom lens. Lens for Recognition To recognize a vehicle, we need about 10 – 15 pixels across the target.  Let’s use 15 pixels across the target.  To convert to pixels/ft. we need to estimate the size of the target.  Let’s say we want to detect a person (which is smaller than a vehicle).  Again the person is 67” tall, so we need 15/67 = 0.224 pixels/inch or about 2.7 inches/ft. Using the 2 megapixel camera we get 1920/2.7 = 711 ft. for the field of view. Using our trig calculator the lens angle required at 10560 ft. away is 1.93 x 2 = 3.86 degrees horizontal angle.  So the lens we select requires a zoom capability that will reach the angle. The lens we select will depend on the sensor size, but we probably need about a 140 mm lens. Lens for identification To identify the type of vehicle, we need a lot less pixels so we can use a wider angle lens.  To identify a person’s face (who we know), we need about 40 pixels across the face. Here are the details of how to calculate the right lens for identifying a person's face using a 2 megapixel IP camera. Facial Identification: Let’s estimate a person’s face to be 6 inches wide or about 40pixels/6 inches = 6.7 pixels / inch or 80 pixels / ft.    These are rough calculations and can vary depending on the type of camera and the lighting conditions. The field of view using the 1920 x 1080 camera is calculated as 24 ft.  The lens angle required is less than 0.1 X 2 = 0.2 degrees.  This requires a very long range 2000 mm lens. For more information about selecting the right IP camera system please contact Kintronics at 914-944-3425. ### How the Computer Works in IP Cameras Computers are all around us.  These sneaky little critters are not only on our desks, they are in our phones, cash registers, refrigerators, stoves.  They are also in IP cameras, door access control readers, and network attached paging amplifiers. The world is certainly getting smarter, but have you ever thought about how these computers actually work? Probably not.  And, you’re probably saying, ‘Why do I need to know any of this? Bloomberg Business Week recently published a complete issue dedicated to “Coding”. Why go to the bother?  Well the Business Week article says that learning about technology, is good, it’s important, and sometimes essential for helping you keep your job. Here’s some basic information that could help you stay current. It will help take the magic out of the computer technology we use every day. Computers speak binary We speak English, Spanish or Chinese, but computers only speak binary.  They understand “1” or “0”.  If we string enough “1’s” and “0’s” together we can do everything we want, even speak English. Here’s how binary works.  In the decimal system of numbers we use 10 symbols (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 …9).   In binary we only have two symbols (a “0” and a “1”).  In decimal we have numbers we place into columns.  We have the “ones” column, the “tens” column, the “hundreds”, etc.  In binary we have the “ones” column, the “twos” column, the “fours” column, the “eights” column, etc.   Take a look at the binary to decimal chart, and you will see that the number 4 is 100, and the number 5 is 101 in binary. In decimal, adding “4 + 5” together we get the number “9”. Using binary code we add “100” plus “101”:  and get "1001", or 9 in decimal. Binary not only represents a number, it also can represent a character.  To define the full set of characters we usually require at least 8 bits. When we place 8 bits in a group, we call this a “Byte” (and, 4 bits is a “nibble”).  The table below shows the ASCII code used for numbers and characters.  ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, and has been around since the early 1960s. Computer Hardware Basics Computers use logic gates to do the computation and control of information.  There are “and” logic gates, “or” gates, and “exclusive or” gates.  Here’s an example of an ‘and” gate: Two-input And Gate The “and” gate provides an output (a “1”) if both input A and input B are “1”, otherwise the output is “0”.  That’s a simple binary statement. The “exclusive or” is very important because it is actually the circuit that’s used to do arithmetic. Exclusive-OR gate If we place a number of these gates in parallel we create an arithmetic unit, which is one of the most important parts of the computer.  The following set of gates and add or subtract in binary: Digital Adder-Subtractor This circuit adds two 4 bit words (a nibble).  Here’s an example of how two 4-bit words (nibbles) are added together. For homework you can try out some more examples.  There will be a test on Friday (or not). Binary Addition Example A Computer System The basic architecture of a computer was defined in 1945 by physicist John von Neumann.  It included all the basic elements that make up the computer.  It is amazing to realize that this basic structure still defines the architecture of today’s computers.  The computers have gotten smaller and more powerful, but still use the same architecture.  The stored-program computer keeps its program instructions in memory, and processes them one at a time.  The “control unit” and the “Arithmetic Logic Unit” are used to make sense out of each instruction. The following diagram is a slightly modified architecture that provides more detail, and makes it easier to explain how the computer works. Computer Diagram In the following explanation we assume a simplified computer based on the diagram above.  The first computers used one byte (8 bits) at a time, but today's computers can use eight bytes at a time (64 bits).  Since it handles more data at the same time (in parallel) these computers are much faster. Input Device An input device can be a keyboard, network connection, USB, wireless connection, etc.  It’s the place we input the instructions and the data that the computer will process.  When you push one of the keys on the keyboard it is translated into binary code and then sent to the control unit.   An IP camera has a computer that gets instructions from the network, and video from its sensors.  These are all input processes.  The IP door control reader has multiple inputs such as RFID reader, network data and input IO. Memory Back in 1963, when IBM introduced the 360 series of computers they referred to the memory of the computer as “storage” instead of “memory”. They did this because they were afraid that people would be worried about computers that had “memory”, which was a very human thing. The memory in a general purpose computer is any component or device that can hold the binary data for a period of time.  The memory holds the data and the instructions.   The memory can be volatile, meaning that it can be lost (forgotten), when the power is off, or it can be permanent memory, that is remembered even when power is off.  Random Access Memory (RAM) is volatile, while ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or hard drives are permanent.  The IP camera and the IP door control unit have a number of different types of memory, such as RAM, ROM, or EPROM. Control Unit The control unit contains logic gates that control the most basic operation of the computer.  The control unit can also use machine code to step through hard-wired instructions that perform all the basic steps needed make the computer work.  The microcode is usually stored in Read Only Memory (ROM).   This is sometimes referred to as firmware or microcoding.   This includes such operations as controlling the input, the output, fetching data or writing data to memory, and fetching instructions from memory.   We use microcode to load the operating system into RAM. This is referred to as “bootstrapping”.  It gets the computer going.   Once the operating system is loaded the computer can provide all the typical resources that we see on our computer screen. The IP camera and the IP door readers have very simple operating systems and are mostly controlled by the microcode. Arithmetic Logic Unit The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) does all the computations.  This includes adding, subtracting, and even logic operations such as comparing one set of data to another.  It does everything in binary.  When the IP camera performs analytic functions it uses the ALU.  For example it can compare one frame to another to determine if movement has occurred.  The IP door reader compares the code that is read from the credential to a list of codes stored in its EPROM, so it can make a decision about opening the door. Output The output of the computer goes to the monitor, the network, USB port, printer, etc.  It is the place the controller sends the result of all the processing that goes on inside the computer.  For example, the IP camera sends encoded video out to the network.  The IP door control unit provides a relay contact to open the door. The Clock The clock module is usually not shown in computer architecture drawings.  It wasn’t present in the von Neumann architecture, but I think it is relevant to this discussion.  The clock provides the basic timing for the computer.  The clock speed determines how fast the instructions are processed.  The clock speed is determined by how long it takes to get a process through the ALU, or store and fetch data from memory.  It actually determines how fast the data moves across the "data bus". Coding and Programming The computer doesn’t do anything unless it is programmed.  The programmer creates step by step instructions that converts the computer into a processing device.   There are a number of levels of computer coding or programming.  There is firmware or microcode (which is the lowest level), the operating system, programming languages, and application programs (which are at the highest level). The microcode creates machine language instructions that are used to create the operating system.  An "assembler" is used to convert alpha instructions into binary.  For example the "write" command is converted to 0000 0001 by the “assembler”.  The instructions tell the computer exactly what do do.  The instruction goes to the "controller" and creates a sequence of events such as move one byte of data from the input area to the ALU, fetch a byte from memory, add these two numbers, and place the result back in another location in memory. It’s all very detailed and intense. The machine level instructions are also used to create higher level languages such as C++, Java, Python, etc.  Using the higher level languages, the programmer creates applications such as order processing systems, web browsers, spread sheets, etc.  They also create higher level applications that need to be programmed by the user, such as Excel or databases.  So if you have used a spread sheet, you are actually doing coding.  Welcome to the club. Summary Now you know everything, or at least enough to talk intelligently about a computer and what goes on inside the IP cameras, IP door controls, and other network attached security systems.   Arthur C. Clark said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”  Well, hopefully the computer is no longer “magic”. If you need more information about any advanced technology, please contact us at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons-10 A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any invention in human history – with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila. Tech Support: "I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop."Customer: "Ok."Tech Support: "Did you get a pop-up menu?" Customer: "No."Tech Support: "Ok. Right click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?"Customer: "No."Tech Support: "Ok, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?"Customer: "Sure, you told me to write 'click' and I wrote click'."A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any invention in human history – with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila. The story about the artist, lawyer and computer scientist: An artist, a lawyer, and a computer scientist are discussing the merits of a mistress. The artist tells of the passion, the thrill which comes with the risk of being discovered. The lawyer warns of the difficulties. It can lead to guilt, divorce, bankruptcy. Not worth it. Too many problems. The computer scientist says "It's the best thing that's ever happened to me. My wife thinks I'm with my mistress. My mistress thinks I'm home with my wife, and I can spend all night on the computer!" Miss Jones had just given her second-grade students a science lesson. She had explained about magnets, and showed how they would pick up nails and other bits of iron. Now it was question time. Miss Jones said, "My name begins with the letter 'M' and I pick up things. What am I?" A little boy in the front row proudly said, "You're a mother! Jokes for Physicists: Why does a burger have less energy than a steak? Because a burger is in its “ground state”. What did the sub-atomic duck say? “Quark” A neutron walks into a bar and asks how much for a beer. Bartender replies “For you, no charge” Have you heard any good ones?  Just send them to me.  Thanks. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### How Network Attached Paging and Intercoms Increase Security IP Paging System Diagram This article was updated on 10/15/2019 to include new IP paging systems. There’s more to security than door access control, intrusion alarms, and video surveillance.  It is also important to tell people what to do in an emergency.  Emergency public notification is one of the important applications for IP paging and intercoms.  There are also many other new applications possible with the latest IP paging and intercom systems. Remember the old days of 500-watt amplifiers with hundreds of speakers attached. It was almost impossible to provide multiple buildings, public address systems.  The great thing about network-attached paging systems is that everywhere you have a network, you can install a small network-attached amplifier. This means it’s just as easy to install a system in one building, multiple buildings, or buildings across the Internet.  Since the IP amplifiers and IP intercoms are just like any other device on the network, they can be connected through wireless radios. This article provides an overview of the technology and describes a number of new applications that weren’t possible using the older equipment. How the IP Amplifiers Work The IP amplifiers all have an RJ45 network connector and screw connections for multiple speakers. They are available in different power ranges.  You can get amplifiers that are powered over Ethernet (PoE), or higher-powered amplifiers (using separate power supplies) that drive many speakers. Each IP amplifier or intercom contains a small computer that connects it to the network, decodes and amplifies the audio.  When you talk into the microphone on the computer, the audio is converted to a digital signal that is broadcast to the IP address of one or more small IP amplifiers.   This network-attached device decodes the audio and converts it back to an analog signal that is amplified. This approach also provides higher reliability. The IP Amplifiers are associated with either an individual speaker or a small group of speakers. In the event of failure, only the speaker(s), associated with the IP module, will be affected.  The remainder of the paging system will operate as usual.  Because of health monitoring, if a module fails, the command center will be notified within 60 seconds of that failure, and repairs can be implemented. Powered IP Speakers The IP powered speaker is the easiest type of speaker to install, but they cost more.  It includes a built-in amplifier. There are several speakers available such as the Spkr-IP SYS1 wall-mounted speaker.   The SPKR-11-BD-P, from Digital Acoustics, is an example of a bidirectional speaker that attaches directly to the network.  The speaker includes a built-in 8-watt amplifier.  It’s very easy to install since all you need is a network connection that includes PoE. Intercoms IP Intercoms are just as easy to install and use. The intercom module contains the amplifier, speaker, microphone and call button controls.  This is also a network-attached appliance that can be located anywhere on the network. The same command control software is used to answer an intercom call.  Using a microphone connected to the sound card you can talk to one intercom or many.  With some additional SIP gateway software, you can also use a VoIP telephone to make a page. The command control software The paging and intercom software runs on your Windows computer.  It is the point where you can make an announcement or talk to all the intercoms.  This easy to use software is also redundant.  If the command computer goes down, you can use a second or even a third computer as the command control. There are many new things you can do with this type of system General Paging and Intercoms:  IP paging and intercom systems are now replacing the old centralized systems.  Schools use paging for general announcements, class changes and emergency announcements.  The nice thing about these new systems is that they can be integrated with other applications such as School Bell Scheduling software. Selective paging: The IP paging system provides the ability to create many zones, and add new zones as needed. Each amplifier can be assigned to a unique zone.   In an emergency situation it may be advantageous to page to a specific floor or room, while not creating PANIC on the floor or in the building.  Each IP speaker or group of speakers, because it has an assigned IP address, can be dynamically accessed or grouped to define a zone.  You can also create a group that includes all the amplifiers so you can make a general announcement to everyone. Adaptive Audio Paging:  The volume level of a set of speakers attached to one amplifier, can be automatically adjusted based on the background sound level.  If the kids are yelling, the sound level of the announcement gets loud enough so it can be heard. Automated Panic Button Announcements:  Panic buttons can be used to generate a pre-recorded emergency announcement.  Panic buttons can be mounted in strategic locations so that if something happens, you can push the button to make a pre-recorded announcement. Emergency Lock-down: The same panic button can be used to lock down the building(s). Notify the police with a pre-recorded message. If an emergency situation occurs, and you need to notify the police, you can use a prerecorded message and send it out over the phone system.  All this using the resources available from this IP based paging system. Listen to audio from a remote location: Intercoms not only allow people to talk to a central location, but they also can be used to just listen to a remote location.  Intercoms have been used to silently notify the central security center that there is a problem.  For example, what can you do if an irate person comes into a principal’s office?  Well by pushing a hidden button on an intercom, the conversation in the room can be broadcast to the safety office. Intercoms can control access:  An intercom can be used at the front door to monitor visitors.  Adding an IP camera allows you to not only talk to the person at the door but also see what they look like. This added door control can be used to increase convenience as well as increasing security. Summary of IP Paging and Intercoms Since the system is connected using the standard network, you can make pages or talk to intercoms at multiple remote sites.  The command control center can also be at multiple locations. The system is easily expanded since all you do is add amplifiers and speakers as required. It even has the ability to be used with IP surveillance cameras, providing a total safety and control system.  A UPS can be used to assure that the network switches and computers used for the PA system stay available even if power fails.  Because this is a computer type network solution, wireless connections can be used to make it easier to install. Need help defining your audio system, or how to integrate into your security system? Just give us a call.  We have experienced engineers available to help you define the right system for your application. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA), or 914-944-3425 (everywhere else), or use our contact form. ### How to Select the Right Video Recording System for Your IP Camera System If you’re serious about your security, you need a full featured video management system.  This is one of the most important parts of your IP camera system.   But, what is the right IP video recording and management system for you? In general the IP camera recording system provides the recorded video history, can notify you of alarm conditions, provides some analytic functions, and helps you control your cameras.   It may also provide enhanced analytic capability such as detecting when someone leaves a package, or when someone takes a computer off the table.  Here are some thing to consider: There are three types of systems available. They each have some advantages and disadvantages to consider. Video Management software (VMS) runs in your own computer.VMS provides the most flexibility. You can add computers and storage as you need.  On the con side, it is more complicated to install and use.Network Video Recorder (NVR), includes both the computer and the software.The NVR is easier to install, but not as expandable as the VMS system.Cloud or remote server system.These services record the video on a remote server. The number of cameras is limited by the outbound bandwidth of your Internet connection. What is the right IP recording system for you?  First determine what your objectives are.  Do you want to just have a record of someone who stole the laptop, or do you want to catch the person when they are doing it?  Do you have a security team that is watching the video in real time?  Do you want to stop people from climbing the fence or entering a secure area?  Take a look at the article about understanding your objectives. Here are the things to consider: Ease of installation:  Some systems are very simple to install while others require a trained support person. This is not necessarily a bad thing, since the more sophisticated the system, the more likely it is that you will need some help. Ease of use: Some of the systems are intuitive and easy to use while others require some training.  The more functionality the more likely training is needed. How the camera video is displayed: In real time applications, where you have security people watching the video, it is important to have video displays that make it easy to see everything you need.  Note that there is some limitation to the number of views or windows a person can view effectively. A display with 64 cameras, provides very small widows, and is impossible to monitor. Reliability:  Unfortunately when you read the specifications of a product you can’t tell how reliable it will be in the field.  Obviously this is very important characteristic.  We have tested a number of systems, and only provide products that have proved their reliability. Map function:  Maps show the location of all your IP cameras and can help you locate the one you would like to see. IP Camera System Concept Finding recorded video:  If you have many cameras and something happens that you would like to review, tools that help you find the video clip can save a lot of time.  Some of the more advanced systems, have excellent tools to find missing items, and can look for motion in certain parts of the recorded video. Mobile Devices: Support for mobile devices can be an important feature.  If you’re out and about, it may be a good idea to stay in touch with your security system. PTZ control:  If you are using PTZ cameras, then this can be a helpful feature. PTZ controls can be manual and automatic.  It is nice to have a recording system that includes automatic and intelligent patrolling.  This means you can set the camera to patrol through many fixed positions and stop to record only when motion is detected. Alerts:  In some applications it’s very important to be notified if there is a security problem.  Some systems just send an email message while others push video from the camera that detected the alert, and pop it up on a security person’s monitor.  This can be a very important feature if you have a security person monitoring lots of cameras.  It is also helpful in applications where you want to be notified if someone is at the door. Audio:  In some applications it’s important to hear what’s going on as well as to record the audio with the video.  Police interrogation room applications require recorded audio and video, but be careful, sometime the audio and video is not synchronized exactly. If you want to add an intercom to your access control system it can be done using an IP camera that supports two-way audio and IO.  Some video camera recording and management systems support this capability.  It is important to select the right camera and make sure that all the functions are supported by the video management system. IP cameras supported:  You want to be able to select a recording system that supports as many camera brands and models as possible, so that you have the widest choice of cameras. There are some video management systems that support more brands of cameras than others.  Some will support the ONVIF standard, but others don’t. Support for analytic functions.  Analytic functions include such things as motion detection, removed object, object left behind, line crossing, etc.  Advanced functions include such things as facial recognition, license plate recognition. In some cases you can use an IP camera that includes some of the functions, but in other cases it is better to have the centralized video management system handle it. Integration capability:  Some of the systems provide easy integration with other systems such as door access control, intercoms, and paging.  For example, it is nice to be able to see a person’s identification information alongside a video of them entering a door that has an access control reader. Video Recording System Review and Buyers Guide: We did a video recording system review and compared a number of different VMS, NVR and Cloud systems.  We compared the VMS from OnSSi with three different NVR systems and one cloud system.  The three different NVR systems were selected because of the different capability they provided. The chart tries to highlight the differences and advantages of each recording system. The common features such as viewing multiple cameras, scheduling recording, and client viewing software were not reviewed, since they all support this. Summary: The best IP camera recording system is the one that meets your objectives. We listed a number of functions to consider, only some of them may be important for your application.  In general make sure the systems is reliable, supports the features and functions you need, and is easy to use.  There are different types of systems including VMS, NVR and Cloud services.  Each type of system has some advantages and disadvantages.  The choice will depend on the number of cameras you want to support, the application, and of course your budget. Selecting the right recording system can be complicated, so please contact us for help.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA), or 914-944-3425 (everywhere else), or use our contact form. ### Integration of Audio and Video in IP Camera Systems Back in 1927 audiences were amazed by the latest motion picture technology.   The “Jazz Singer” was the first full-length motion picture to incorporate synchronized dialogue.  The new “talkies” had come of age.  Today we are seeing the introduction of audio into our video security systems.  The confluence of IP cameras, IP intercoms, and IP paging systems are enabling more versatile security and control systems. IP camera systems have been around since 1996.  They changed the way CCTV surveillance cameras transported and recorded the video.  IP cameras have included two-way audio for many years, but this capability was not used effectively.  Adding audio was not as easy as it appeared.  There were many problems to be solved, including audio feedback, background noise, and microphone sensitivity.  The addition of special audio filters and feedback control made this technology more viable.  Today we see new opportunities created by adding intercoms to IP camera systems.  Intercoms can also be integrated with IP door access control readers, providing a complete door control system. The control point for all this new technology is the Video management software (VMS) from OnSSi.  The latest software can now control not only the IP cameras but also the intercoms, IP door access control, and emergency IP paging systems.  There are many new applications that can be supported by this integrated technology.  Here are few examples: Door Control for Visitors Imagine this. A person comes to a remote gate (or door). They push the call button and a security person can see the person at the door using their computer.  They then can talk to them and decide whether or not to let them in. This system uses video management software which provides an audio alert whenever someone pushes the call button.  The video from the IP camera at the door (or gate) pops into a window on the guard's computer.  The guard can see the people, talk to them, make a decision about entry, and then release the remote door (or gate).  Not only do you have control of the door, the video system keeps a video recording of the occurrence. Assured Access Control The same door could have an IP reader installed that allows employees with credentials to get in automatically, while visitors use the intercom. The video management system records the people who enter and provides a complete visual history of all the people who have used their credentials.  The video enhances security by allowing you to detect people who “piggyback” into the facility when someone swipes their credential.  The software allows you to review who used their credentials alongside the video of the event. Maintaining Control of Your Security Suppose someone opens a door and keeps it ajar for a long time.  Now a security person can be notified by the door control system. The alarm condition causes the video to pop into a window on the guards viewing screen.  He can see exactly what’s happening and can even talk to the people near the door using a speaker attached to the IP camera. What if you see people congregating in an area they shouldn’t be in?  Now you can use a powered speaker that is attached to a video camera to yell at them.  “Hey, get out of the area or I’ll call the police!” You can stop problems before they happen using audio. All this under the control of the VMS. Emergency Notification What if an intruder forces their way into your facility?  You can view the person on your IP surveillance system, and then warn people using the paging software, running on the same computer. You can make an emergency announcement, warn people of the problem as well as provide specific instructions.  This complete network attached emergency paging system can broadcast the warnings to the exact location necessary to control the situation. PA over IP Campus System Remote door control using a smart device Need a mobile intercom system?  Another new system allows you to control your doors using your smart device.  These new video intercoms communicate, not only over your WiFi network but also over the phone system. Intercom to App Diagram No matter where you are in the world, you can receive a notification that someone is at the door.  Using your smartphone, you can see the person, as well as review other IP cameras around the facility.  You can then talk to the person at the door, and release the door to let them in.  The video management software can also record all the video. Summary In 1927 people were amazed by the talking movies.  Today we are witnessing the integration of sound and video that will transform the security market.  The combination of video with audio is making your life easier and safer.  The totally integrated security system is now a reality. Contact us for more details about all the systems available.  We know that one system is not right for everyone, so we create the system that fits your exact requirements.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or 914-944-3425 (everywhere else), or use our contact form. ### IP Camera System Bandwidth We are often asked about how much bandwidth is required by an IP camera system.  It is a valid question, and one we are constantly reviewing. Megapixel IP cameras generate quite a lot of data. The latest 4K cameras will generate even more; requiring more video storage, and more network resources. It is important to understand what contributes to the bandwidth, and what steps can be taken to control it. This article describes the various compression schemes, the factors that affect bandwidth, and the practical things you can do to reduce the bandwidth in your IP camera systems. Raw data from a Video Frame The raw data generated by a frame of video can be quite high. The higher the resolution, the more pixels are in an image, and of course, the higher the raw bandwidth.   As an example, let’s consider the data generated by a frame from a typical 2 megapixel camera.  Both the Samsung SNV-6084 and the Sony EM630 have 2.1 Megapixel sensors.  Each pixel contains a lot of information. A pixel is actually an element that is made up of 3 color combinations (red, blue, green) that combine to create the full color spectrum.  Each color element is digitized to provide a range of intensity.  We usually use 8 bits (1 byte), to create 256 ranges.  So this means, each pixel contains 3 bytes or 24 bits of data.  So one frame consists of 24 x 2.1 megapixels = 50.4 Megabits.  If we wanted to send 10 frames per second, then we generate a raw bandwidth of 504 Megabits/sec. Compression Concepts In data signal processing, compression is the method of reducing the amount of data or bit rate required to describe information.  The objective of good compression is to achieve the lowest bandwidth while maintaining some reasonable level of video quality.  It’s kind of subjective. The data (like a video frame) is compressed by the source (like a camera) and then decompressed at the receiving end (like the computer running Video Management Software).  The challenge is to reduce the data required, and still allow the data to be recognizable when it is decompressed. There are two general forms of compression called lossless and lossy.  As its name implies, lossless compression, which removes statistical redundancy, doesn’t remove any information. Lossy compression methods reduce the information content, but still allow the receiving end to recognize the information. Usually this works quite well when a person is viewing the results of the compression.  For example, we can recognize the meaning of wrds evn whn sme of the leters ar misng. IP Camera Compression Cameras have imbedded computers that (among other things) compress the video data. Usually the better the compression, the more computer power is needed to implement it.  You may have noticed that some cameras run very hot to the touch.  This is because their little computers are working very hard to provide the best compression.  Compression schemes used by IP cameras include M-JPEG, MPEG4, H.264, and H.265. M-JPEG, was the first type of compression used by IP cameras. It compresses each frame of video.  It requires the least amount of computer power, and is probably the most ubiquitous, allowing many different applications to use the video data.  It works primarily by removing redundant information from the video.  For example, if there is an area of blue that is the same for 25 pixels, the compression scheme indicates that there are 25 pixels that are all the same, rather than sending 25 pixels.  An indoor scene where the walls are the same color, can be compressed quite a lot.  But an outdoor scene, viewing many trees, can’t be effectively compressed. M-JPEG provides about 10 x reduction in data, which means that 500 Mbps is reduced to about 50 Mbps. MPEG4, was introduced in 1998.  This lossy type of compression, added frame to frame compression.  It dramatically improved compression by processing the changes in the video from one frame to the next.  It captured all the information in the first frame and then sent only the information that changed in the next frame.  For example, if you were looking at a parking lot and viewed a person walking (who occupied a very small part of the field of view), only the person walking was sent in the following frames, while the stationary cars were not retransmitted.  This compression works very well when a small part of the field of view is changing, but is not very good if there is a scene where there is a lot of motion.  For example, it doesn’t work too well when viewing a field of view that contains a crowd of people on a busy street. MPEG4 achieved about 50 to 100 X reduction of data.  It can vary quite a bit depending on the motion detected. As an average, we usually estimate that data rates of about 5 mbps can be achieved from a 2 Megapixel IP camera. H.264 or MPEG4 part 10, was introduced in 2003.  This compression scheme required much more computing power and provided additional algorithms that improved the data compression of IP camera video.  H.264 introduced the concept of blocks of video and predicted the movement from frame to frame. H.264 achieves 2X to 4X reduction of data over MPEG4.  Again, this type of compression depends on the content of the video.  The more things that are moving the less compression is achieved. H.265 or High Efficiency Video Encoding, is the latest compression scheme. It was introduced in 2013.  The latest revisions were completed in 2015, and there will be more to follow.  It is not available yet in most cameras.  It requires the highest computer performance. H.265 is targeted at a reduction of 1000 X (depending on application).  It has been shown to achieve about 30% bit rate reduction, when compared to H.264. Factors that affect IP camera bandwidth The bandwidth used by an IP camera depends on resolution, compression, frame rate, motion, and noise levels.   It can be controlled by increasing loss and throttling the bandwidth at the camera. Resolution of course is one of the major factors in bandwidth.  The more pixels, the more data required.  A 5 megapixel IP camera requires more bandwidth than a 1 Megapixel camera. Frame rate is another contributor of bandwidth.  If you send a frame 30 times per sec, it requires 10 X more bandwidth than a frame every 3 seconds. Motion in the field of view affects the bandwidth.  When using MPEG4, H.264, or H.265, the higher the percentage of motion in the field of view, the lower the overall compression.  M-JPEG is not affected by motion, but is primarily sensitive to the complexity of each frame of video. Video noise is very important factor in compression.  As it gets darker, and the camera video amplifiers work harder, they generate noise.  Noise is random and looks like motion to the compression algorithms.  The more noise the less compression can be achieved. Things you can do to reduce bandwidth Reduce the frame rate to the minimum required.  Don’t use 30 fps. Unless you are watching a very fast changing scene, like testing of rockets and explosions, you won’t need high frame rate.  Smooth video can be achieved at frame rates as low as 10 fps.  Sometimes the frame rate is affected by the network bandwidth.  If you don’t have enough bandwidth, the frame rate will go down.  This is usually seen when you try to view an IP camera over the Internet. Select the right compression. Many cameras provide a choice of M-JPEG or H.264 (or MPEG4 or H.265). Some people feel that M-JPEG provides a better quality picture, but this is not universal.  I have seen differences depending on the specific camera (and the CODEC).   In general don’t use M-JPEG if you need to reduce the bandwidth as much as possible. Crop the video. Some cameras allow you to crop the video so you can reduce the total video frame size.  For example, if you crop the sky (which hopefully doesn’t have interesting video), then you can reduce the size of the frame. Throttle the bit rate.  In some cameras, you can control the maximum bandwidth limit.  By throttling the bit rate, the video will become lossier.   A number of the Axis, Samsung and Sony IP cameras have some form of bit rate control. Reduce the compression.  Sometimes you can reduce the compression and accept more loss in the video. Utilize motion detection.   Motion detection can be detected by the camera or by the software in the computer.  By detecting motion at the camera, you can dramatically reduce the overall bandwidth and the storage required. Note that not all cameras include motion detection, so be careful when selecting the camera.  If the camera only sends video when it detects motion, then the average bandwidth over a period of time is reduced. Increase lighting at night.  By increasing the light, you reduce the noise levels and consequently reduce the bandwidth. Summary IP camera bandwidth is determined by the resolution, frame rate, compression schemes and other factors.  You can control the bandwidth by selecting the right compression, decreasing frame rate, increasing the lighting, and various other things. If you need help determining how to control the bandwidth used by your IP Camera system, please contact us.  We can be reached at 800-431-1658 (in the USA), and 914-944-3425 (everywhere else), or just use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 8 What is the difference between mechanical engineers and civil engineers? Mechanical engineers build weapons. Civil engineers build targets. Two policemen (Constable Ken and Bob) call the station on the radio. "Hello. Is this the Sarge?" "Yes?" "We have a case here. A woman has shot her husband for stepping on the floor she had just mopped clean.". "Have you arrested the woman?" "No sir. The floor is still wet." You may have to think about this one … A wife asks her husband, a software engineer... "Could you please go shopping for me and buy one carton of milk, and if they have eggs, get 6!" A short time later the husband comes back with 6 cartons of milk. The wife asks him, "Why the hell did you buy 6 cartons of milk?" He replied, "They had eggs." How to Tell a Real Engineer Real Engineers buy their spouses a set of matched screwdrivers for their birthday. Real Engineers say “It’s 77 degrees Fahrenheit, 25 degrees Celsius, and 298 Kelvin” and all you say is “Isn’t it a nice day?” Real Engineers know how to take the cover off of their computer, and are not afraid to do it. Real Engineers sometimes have a note pinned to them saying “Don’t offer me a ride today. I drove my own car”. Real Engineers don’t find the above at all funny. Jar of Rocks A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, rocks about 2" in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full? They agreed that it was. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. "Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this is your life. The rocks are the important things - your family, your partner, your health, your children - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff." "If you put the sand into the jar first, there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal." "Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand." But then... an engineering student then took the jar which the other students and the professor agreed was full, and proceeded to pour in a glass of beer. Of course the beer filled the remaining spaces within the jar making the jar truly full. The moral of this tale is: no matter how full your life is, there is always room for BEER. Hope you like these jokes and cartoons.  If you have any to contribute send me a note. I hope you liked these cartoons and jokes.  If you have any jokes to contribute, please let me know.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Understanding IP Camera Specifications, What's Important This article was updated on 4/12/2018 to reflect new IP cameras IP Camera manufacturers provide product specification sheets that help you select the right camera for your IP security and surveillance system. But, which specifications are important?  They include such things as resolution, minimum light sensitivity, lens, WDR, signal to noise, etc.  This article reviews the important camera specs, and how to avoid being fooled by specsmanship (from the marketing department). The importance of each of the camera specifications depends on your objective and application for your IP camera system.  For example, if you want to use the camera outdoors where it can get dark, then the low light specification is important. If you are only using the IP camera indoors, you may be more interested in the how wide a viewing angle you can achieve.  Here is a review of the important specifications. Resolution This is an important specification.  In the old days, the resolution was measured in TV lines, and they used a TV test pattern to analyze the resolution. Today resolution is defined by the total number of pixels in the sensor or the horizontal and vertical pixels.  Marketing people also use the term “HD” and “720p” or “1080p”, and most recently “4K”.  It can be very confusing.  Here’s what each of the terms means: Megapixel Camera:  This is a general term used for any camera that has over 1 million pixels in the sensor. There are many cameras that have over 1-megapixel resolution.  For example, there are 2.0, 3.0, 5, 8, 10 and higher megapixel cameras. The pixels are organized in a matrix of horizontal and vertical pixels.  The relationship between the horizontal and vertical pixels is called the aspect ratio.   The aspect ratio (vertical to horizontal ratio) is usually 4:3 or 9:16 (wide).  For example, a 1.2 Megapixel sensor on the Sony SNC-EM600 camera has 1280 horizontal pixels and 1024 vertical pixels.  The aspect ratio is 1280/1024 which is 1.24 or close to the 4/3 ratio (1.3).  The 2 megapixel Samsung SND-6084 dome camera has 1920 x 1080 pixels, and the aspect ratio is closer to 16:9.  The latest sensors (especially the ones that claim 4K resolution) have different aspect ratios that are similar to the very wide formats used in the cinema market. HD Camera:  This is more of a marketing term and is defined as either a 720p or 1080p type HD camera.  This specification comes from the video broadcast market rather than the security market and can be totally confusing.  Back in the old days, TV had only 525 horizontal scan lines per frame.  This is not the actual resolution, but rather physical scans of an electron beam on a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). The total number of horizontal lines in a frame was made up of two fields (262.5 lines per field). The fields were interlaced, so we wouldn’t see the flicker. Today 720p refers to 720 pixels in the vertical direction. The “p” indicates "progressive" rather than "interlaced." The older TVs used two interlaced fields to make one frame. Each field had half the number of lines. Today the cameras and displays (monitors and TVs) have a single progressive frame that includes all the lines (pixels) at one time.  The 1080p HD camera has at least 1080 vertical pixels (or horizontal lines). 720p cameras usually have a sensor with at least 1.0 megapixels. Pixel resolution is 1280 x 1024 (like the Sony SNC-EM600 1.3 megapixel camera), or it can be 1280 x 800 (like the Axis M3004 1.0 megapixel camera). 1080p cameras have at least a 2-megapixel sensor, and it is considered to be the higher resolution “HD camera”.  To confuse us, some manufacturers specify their 3-megapixel or 5-megapixel camera as “1080P” as well. 4K Camera:  This usually refers to a camera with over 8 Megapixels of resolution.  It has approximately 4,000 horizontal pixels. There is some difference between the definitions of the television industry and the security market.  The number of vertical and horizontal pixels and the aspect ratio are defined differently. For example, Axis introduced a camera with 3840 x 2160 which runs at up to 30 fps (which they called Ultra HD).  The Sony 4K IP camera has a chip with 4096 H × 2160 V pixels which run at up to 60 fps and conforms to the Digital Cinema Initiative. The Hanwha (Samsung) PNO-9080R has a resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels.  The marketing people call all these cameras "4K". Other Things that Affect Resolution: The resolution of a camera is defined not only by the sensor, but also the lighting, lens and the electronic circuits. We sometimes see megapixel IP cameras selling for under $200.  Be careful.  You do get what you pay for.  The sensor may have the megapixels, but the lens may be plastic, and the result is a very low-quality image. For more about IP Camera Resolution take a look at our blog article. Minimum Illumination (or Low Light Sensitivity) The minimum illumination is the lowest light level that provides a reasonable image from the IP camera. It is measured in lux. This can be very subjective. It depends on what you think is an acceptable image.  The low light level image you see is not only dark but can also be very noisy. At the low light level, the amplifiers are working very hard and there can be circuit noise that affects the video image.  This is called the signal to noise (S/N) ratio.  The better manufacturers also include the relative level of the signal (IRE), which is a measure of how hard the amplifier has to work.  For example, a camera that is operating at 30 IRE is receiving 30 percent of the signal from the sensor circuits, while one operating at 50 IRE is receiving 50 % of the signal.  The lower the IRE number, the harder the amplifier has to work to boost the signal so it can be seen.  The noise level can be as high as 20% of the signal so the resulting video can look very noisy when the signal level is very low. The minimum light level is also affected by the shutter speed, which relates to the frame rate.  The longer the shutter is opened the more light can reach the sensor. The longer the shutter stays open, the lower the frame rate. There are some camera specs that indicate very low minimum illumination (0.0001 lux), but this is measured at a shutter speed of 0.5 sec.  This translates to a maximum frame rate of 2 fps. The minimum illumination level is also determined by the lens.  The lower the f-number of the lens the more light it will let through.  For more details about this take a look at IP Camera Low Light Sensitivity blog article. For a more practical guide to how IP cameras perform at low light, take a look at our “IP Camera Low Light Test” which compared a number of IP cameras at low light levels. Lens: Many IP cameras come with a lens.  The lens allows you to frame the area that you want to see.  For example, a wide-angle lens could be used to view a small room, while a narrow-angle lens (with more magnification) can be used to see an area that’s far away.  The lens also can affect some of the other specifications such as minimum illumination, frame rate, and resolution.  If the IP camera doesn’t include a lens, it usually includes a standard type CS (or C) mounting capability, so you can use various third party lenses. Lens angle:  The lens is measured in mm (millimeter).  The lower the number the wider the viewing angle. A 2 mm lens may have an angle of about 110 degrees, while a 50 mm lens has an angle of about 5.5 degrees.   The angle of the lens depends on the size of the sensor and the distance from the sensor to the lens.  Many manufacturers make it easy and provide both the mm and the angle of the lens in the specification. Once you know the distance and field of view, you can select the right lens. Lens light capability:  The f-number of the lens indicates how well the light is transferred through the lens.  A camera with an f-number of f1.2 can pass more light than one that has f2.0 lens.  The f-number will also appear as part of the minimum illumination spec.  The lens angle can affect the f-number, the wider the angle the more light can get in, so the illumination spec is usually measured at the widest lens angle (when a variable lens is included). Types of Lenses: There are fixed lenses, variable, and zoom lenses. Fixed lens, as the name implies, has only one mm or angle setting. A variable lens can be manually adjusted through a range of angles. The zoom lens is similar to the variable lens, but it can be controlled remotely. This allows you to adjust the setting of the camera lens from your computer making it very easy to install. Iris:  Iris control adjusts how much light falls on the sensor.  There are manual iris controls, DC auto iris, and p-iris lenses.  The iris affects the depth of field.  The smaller the iris opening the longer the depth of field. When the scene is very dark the lens iris opens and the field of view is reduced.  This means some areas that are close or far away are not in focus. The manual iris is manually adjusted and depends on how much light is expected in the scene. A manual iris lens is usually used with indoor cameras where there is a small light variation. The DC auto Iris lens is usually used with outdoor cameras.  The camera electronics adjust the iris opening depending on how much light it detects. At night it opens the iris and when there is bright sunlight it closes the iris. P-Iris lenses are similar to the DC auto iris lens, except they add additional intelligence to the lens opening.  When the iris is closed all the way, it can reduce the clarity of the image (when used with megapixel cameras).  It has to do with the pixel size.  A P-iris camera system works with the camera electronics to prevent the iris from closing all the way.  On the other hand, when the view is very dark, the camera tries to open the iris to let in as much light as possible.  As the iris increases the depth of field is reduced.  The p-iris lens prevents the lens from opening all the way and compensates by increasing the camera amplification of the video signal. IR Corrected Lenses:  Lenses bend the light to achieve the right focus and magnification.  IR light can bend at a different angle than visible light when the wrong type of glass is used in the lens.  IR corrected lens compensates for the focal difference and provides a much clearer image.  This is most apparent at the higher resolution.  If you plan to use a megapixel IP camera system, then make sure you get the IR type lens. Focus:   The focus of the IP camera can be adjusted either by manually adjusting the lens or by remotely adjusting the distance between the lens and the sensor (back focus).  Lenses can have a fixed focus (that can’t be changed), manual focus or auto-focus.  “Back focus” is not part of the lens, but is usually listed with the lens specification.  This is a very nice feature that makes installation much easier.  The focus can be adjusted at the computer, instead of at the camera. Many of the new Sony and Samsung cameras have this feature. Special Applications that Require Specific Capability Wide Dynamic Range When you are trying to view an area with challenging lighting conditions it’s best to select a camera that provides a good wide dynamic range (WDR).  For example, when you view a lobby with a large window, you will need a camera that either provides backlight control or better yet WDR.  The wide dynamic range has been dramatically improved in the latest cameras.   WDR is measured in dB.  The older cameras provided about 50 dB of WDR, and the new Sony and Samsung cameras provide over 120 dB.  In many cases you don’t have to pay more for this capability, you just have to select the right camera. Frame Rate I moved this specification to this section because these days frame rates are not critical in most applications.  Most megapixel cameras support reasonably good frame rates.  What is reasonable?  Well, it depends on the application.  In the old days, people said you needed at least 30 fps.  That, of course, is not true in most applications. The video is very smooth even at 10 fps.  Take a look at our video “How the Video camera Works” for more details about frame rates and how they have evolved from the old days of TV.  Yes, there are a few applications where you want higher frame rate, such as in gambling casinos, or in special testing situations, where you need to see very fast motion, but in most cases, you can save bandwidth and storage by reducing the frame rate. In certain cases, the frame rate has to be reduced.  For example, frame rates tend to be lower in very high-resolution cameras (over 3 Megapixel).  The Arecont 10 Megapixel cameras support frame rates up to 7 fps, which isn’t too bad for most applications.  The frame rate can also be affected by very low light situations. By increasing the time that the shutter stays open, you can improve the low light performance of most cameras. But, be careful.  If you increase the shutter speed to 0.5 seconds, the maximum frame rate is only 2 fps. Audio Audio capability can be very important in some applications.  For example, if you would like to connect an intercom to the camera you will need two-way audio. You also will require audio in applications like police interrogation rooms.  In this case, you need a camera with audio input capability.  You can also select a camera with a built-in microphone, but be careful because it’s always best to have the microphone close to the person talking. Input and Output (I/O)    If you plan to release a door lock, you need an output signal to control a relay that can open an electric lock.  If you want to detect that a door has been opened and start recording video, then you will require an IO input connection to the camera. Summary Understanding the specifications, allows you to select the right camera for your IP camera system.  Before reviewing the specifications, make sure you know your application and objectives.  Sometimes the specs are confusing, so always check with us if you have questions. Camera specifications such as resolution, low light sensitivity, and the lens are some of the important factors to consider when selecting your camera. If you need help understanding the IP camera specifications and selecting the right camera, don’t hesitate to give us a call or send a message.  We have a lot of experience with IP security systems, so I’m sure we can be helpful.  We can be reached at 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA), or 914-944-3425, or use our contact form. ### Calculating the Wire Gauge for Power to Your Device How do you get the power from here to there? A number of people have asked us about the gauge of wire required between a device and the power supply. They also want to know how far away these two devices can be.  This article describes how to select the right wire and calculate the maximum length of the wire. Your surveillance IP camera, electric door lock, an audio amplifier, or even an electric heater needs a certain voltage and current to operate. When the power is transmitted across a wire there is a voltage drop caused by the resistance of the wire.  If the surveillance camera (the load) is 500 ft. away from the power supply (the source), and it requires 12 VDC, what type of wiring is required to assure that the device gets the right power? You could always use a very thick wire (low gauge), but that can cost a lot more than thinner wire (high gauge). To calculate the right wire and length you first need to understand a few electrical engineering concepts and equations. Electrical Engineering Formulas: Don’t panic.  This will be easy.  The three most basic units in electricity are voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (r). Voltage is measured in volts, the current is measured in amps, and resistance is measured in ohms. A neat analogy to help understand these terms is a water hose. The voltage is equivalent to the water pressure, the current is equivalent to the flow rate, and the resistance is like the hose size.  For example, if you are using your hose to water the lawn, you can spray the water further away by increasing the water pressure and consequently the flow rate of the water.  There is a direct relationship between pressure, flow, and the hose diameter. In a similar way, voltage, current, and resistance are related to each other by an electrical engineering formula called Ohm’s law. V= I x R Another important relationship defines electric power which is measured in watts. In an electrical system power (P) is equal to the voltage multiplied by the current. P = VI We can use this formula to calculate the current required by the load.  If the camera requires 10 Watts (P) and it also uses 12 VDC, then the current can be calculated: I = P/V I= 10 watts / 12 V = 0.833 Amps The Voltage Drop Voltage drop is the reduction in voltage in an electrical circuit between the source and load.  It is caused by current flowing through the wire which has some resistance. The DC resistance of the conductor depends upon the conductor's length, cross-sectional area, type of material, and temperature. Wire Voltage Drop The local voltages along a long line decrease gradually from the source to the load. If the voltage between the conductor and a fixed reference point is measured at many points along the conductor, the measured voltage will decrease gradually toward the load. As the current passes through a longer and longer conductor, more and more of the voltage is "lost" (unavailable to the load).  This is due to the voltage drop developed across the resistance of the conductor. In the diagram above the voltage drop along the conductor is represented by the shaded area. The local voltages along the line decrease gradually from the source to the load. If the load current increases, the voltage drop in the supply conductor also increases. Voltage drop exists in both supply and return wires of a circuit. We can calculate the voltage at the load when we know the power used by the device and the source voltage.  Take a look at the following diagram.  This is a simplification of the total system that includes the resistance of the wire, the load, and the source. Voltage resistance circuit diagram R1 is the resistance of the wire.  R2 is the resistance of the load. V is the Source voltage.  You can calculate the voltage drop at the end of the wire if you know the resistance of the wire and the current expected. The value of R1 can be found in a table that lists the resistance per foot (or meter) for specific gauge wire.  You can find these tables on the web. For example, look at http://www.bulkwire.com/wireresistance.asp.  This chart is for DC (direct current). The values are slightly different for AC (alternating current), so make sure you use the right chart for your calculations. An Example of the Calculation Now let’s do a sample calculation.  Let’s use the camera that requires 12 VDC and uses 10 watts. We determined that it requires 0.833 amps.  Using Ohm’s law we can calculate the resistance of a camera. R = V / I R = 12 VDC / 0.833 amps = 14.4 ohms. So this means R2 in our diagram equals 14.4 ohms. Next, let’s use the table to determine the resistance of the wire.  Let’s assume that we have a wire run of 500 ft. and we decide to use 18 gauge wire. Looking at the chart the wire has a drop of 6.5227 per 1000 ft.  Since we only want to go 500 ft. we get: R1 = 6.5227 / 2 = 3.26 ohms Now we can determine the voltage at the load R2.  To do this we calculate the current through the circuit: I = V / (R1 +R2) = 12 / (3.26 +14.4) = 0.68 amps Finally, we calculate the voltage across the load (the camera). Note many cameras will operate at 10% less than the nominal voltage.  So if we have a camera that requires a nominal 12 VDC, it will operate correctly if the voltage is 10.8 volts. V2 = 0.68 x 14.4 = 9.79 volts. Uh oh, we’re in trouble!  Since the calculated voltage is lower than 90% of 12 V (10.8V), this camera will not work.  We need to do something to increase the voltage at the camera.  We can either increase the source voltage or change the wire gauge so it doesn’t cause so much voltage drop. Let’s go back to the table and see if we can adjust the wire gauge. If we use 12 gauge wire, the resistance drop is 1.19 ohms (2.37 / 2).  The total current is then: I = 12 / 15.59 ohms = 0.77 amps. And then the voltage across the camera is 0.77 x 14.4 = 11.08 Volts. That will work. We can also calculate the allowable wire resistance since we know the current we need.  Once we know the resistance, we can use the chart to select the right wire gauge.  I don’t want to get too complicated so we will leave this calculation to a future article. Power over Ethernet (PoE) What about devices that use Power over Ethernet (PoE)?  Do you need to worry about the wire and the length?  Actually, you don’t need to worry about this. Devices that use PoE are a lot simpler to deal with.  You don’t need to deal with the cable since it uses the standard Ethernet wiring.  You just have to make sure the PoE midspan or injector provides enough power for the device.  The wire length is controlled by the maximum Ethernet network cable run which is 100 M (328 ft.). The network cable type is 22 gauge.  There will be a voltage drop from the source (the network switch or midspan), but it is all handled by the PoE design. PoE power sources provide more than the nominal 48 volts specified to allow for the voltage drop.  Higher power PoE midspans or injectors provide higher source voltage.  And the powered devices (load) are designed to support a much wider voltage range so they will operate at plus or minus 20% V or more. Summary IP cameras and other security systems won’t work correctly unless they have the right power.  The gauge of the power wiring is key to installing a working system.  By using Ohm’s law you can calculate exactly the right size wire. So that’s how we do it.  If you need help determining the right cable please contact us.  We have a lot of experience with the total security system, so I’m sure we can be helpful.  We can be reached at 914-944-3425 or 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA) or just use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons - 7 A priest, a doctor, and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers. The engineer fumed, "What's with those guys? We must have been waiting for fifteen minutes!" The doctor chimed in, "I don't know, but I've never seen such inept golf!" The priest said, "Here comes the green-keeper. Let's have a word with him." He said, "Hello George, what's wrong with that group ahead of us? They're rather slow, aren't they?" The greenskeeper replied, "Oh, yes. That's a group of blind firemen. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime." The group fell silent for a moment. The priest said, "That's so sad. I think I will say a special prayer for them tonight." The doctor said, "Good idea. I'm going to contact my ophthalmologist colleague and see if there's anything he can do for them." The engineer said, "Why can't they play at night?" Some interesting flyers: Another engineer type joke: One-day, a mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, chemical engineer, and computer engineer were driving down the street in the same car when it broke down. The mechanical engineer said, “I think a rod broke”. The chemical engineer said, “the way it sputtered at the end, I think it's not getting enough gas”. The electrical engineer said, “I think there was a spark and something's wrong with the electrical system”. All three turned to the computer engineer and said, “What do you think?” The computer engineer said, “I think we should all get out and then get back in”. Puns I break into song if I can’t find the key.A dyslectic poet writes inverse.Your calendars days are numbered.If a clock gets hungry, it goes back for seconds. Handy Guide to Modern Science: If it's green or it wiggles, it's biology. If it stinks, it's chemistry. If it doesn't work, it's physics. Learn what's important The most important thing to learn in Chemistry is to never lick the spoon. Notes: I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to find one. I changed my password to "incorrect". So whenever I forget what it is the computer will say "Your password is incorrect". Funny facts about Google users: 50% of people use Google well as a search engine. The other 50% of them use it to check if their internet is connected. Every morning is the dawn of a new error. Scientists rated this joke as one of the best ones: A man and a friend are playing golf one day at their local golf course. One of the guys is about to chip onto the green when he sees a long funeral procession on the road next to the course. He stops in mid-swing, takes off his golf cap, closes his eyes, and bows down in prayer. His friend says: “Wow, that is the most thoughtful and touching thing I have ever seen. You truly are a kind man.” The man then replies: “Yeah, well we were married 35 years.” Let me know what type of jokes you like, puns, stories, cartoons, groaners, etc. I’ll try and find the ones you like. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Calculating What You Can See With Your IP Camera What is the right lens and resolution for your IP camera? When you put together your IP camera system, you want to make sure that the camera you select for each location meets your expectations.  It is important to first know the objectives for each area you are viewing.  Do you want to identify a person’s face, a license plate, or just detect a person walking far away?  In general, the more detail you want, the higher the resolution you need.  This article shows you how to determine the viewing area and distance you should expect. Resolution Required Note: this article was updated on 8/15/2017 to correct an error in calculation. First understand that the number of pixels per ft. (or per m) determines the detail we can see.  The higher the resolution of the IP camera, the wider the area we can see at a specific pixel/ft. When there are enough pixels covering a person's face, we can recognize the person. The lens allows us to frame our field of view.  We can select a lens that allows us to see an area 10 ft. (3 m) away or a different lens that magnifies an area that's over 10,000 ft. (3048 m) away. Camera field of view The lens controls how wide our field of view will be. The wider our field of view the less pixels per ft (or meter) we will get.  Let’s look at a simple example.  Take a look at the line below.  The line is broken into small sections or horizontal pixels.  The more elements per distance (pixels/m or pixels/ft.), the more detail we can see.  As we adjust our lens to provide a wider view, the number of pixels/ft. (m) decreases and the less detail we can see. Determining the Viewing Area or Field of View. In a previous article, we discussed the resolution required to identify a person’s face.  We determined that if there is good light you will require about 80 horizontal pixels/ft. (260 pixels/m) to identify someone you know. But, if you need to identify a person you don’t know then you need a lot more resolution. It requires about 150 pixels/ft. (492 pixels/m).  We consider this higher pixel count to be more of a forensic identification than a personal identification. Calculating the field of view: How wide a field of view can we see and still be able to identify a person’s face?  To calculate the widest field of view, divide the number of horizontal pixels (available from the camera) by the pixels/ft. you would like to achieve.  The following formula is used to determine the field of view: Total Horizontal Resolution / Pixels per ft. = Field of View For the following example, let’s assume you would like to identify the face of a person you already know.   If the camera resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels (2-megapixel), then our widest field of view is: 1920/80 = 24 ft. (7.3 m). If we have a 5-megapixel camera with a resolution of 2592 x 1944, then the widest horizontal field of view is 32.4 ft. (9.9 m).  And, a 10-megapixel camera, with 3648 x 2752 pixel resolution, provides a 45.6 ft. (14 m) field of view. We can also do this calculation in reverse.  We can start with the field of view and then calculate the resolution of the camera.   Use the following formula to calculate the resolution of the IP camera: (Field of View) x (pixels/ft.) = Horizontal Resolution If we want a field of view of 20 ft. and we need 80 pixels/ft. then the formula indicates: 20 ft. x 80 pixels/ft. = 1600 pixels (horizontal) We can now select a camera that has at least 1600 horizontal pixels.  For example, the Sony SNC-EM630 IP camera has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.  This is a very nice 2.0 mega-pixel camera with enough resolution to meet these requirements. It is also one of the newer IP camera models that provides excellent low light sensitivity and wide dynamic range (WDR). Calculating Distance based on the Camera Lens Angle Someone once asked, how far away can I see with my IP camera?  Well, you can see pretty far away.  You can view the moon which is 238,900 miles (384,400 km) away.  Of course you can't see too much detail at that distance. So how do you calculate the distance based on the detail you want to see.  Well, there are a number of ways to do it. There are some calculators available from various manufacturers, but they tend to use the F-number of the lens (mm) rather than the lens angle or are very specific to the manufacturer's cameras.  The best way to measure the distance is to use trigonometry. Hopefully, you didn't sleep through that class in school (like I did).  We start with the angle of the lens mounted on specific cameras. The lens plus the sensor size determines the actual angle so we rely on the angles provided by the camera manufacturer or the lens manufacturer. We can use the segment of a circle or a right-triangle calculator to calculate the distance from the camera. The circle segment is more accurate, but the triangle method is easier because we can use a right-triangle calculator. Using the triangle to calculate the distance when we have a 30-degree lens Let’s use a 2-megapixel camera in this example.  The resolution of the camera sensor is typically 1920 (H) x 1080  (V) pixels.  Let’s assume we want to identify someone we know, so we need 80 pixels per ft. to do this. Step one is to draw a triangle with the peak of the triangle at the lens and the base at the field of view.  To make the calculations split the triangle into two right triangles. We will use the right-triangle calculator to calculate the distance to the viewing area. For example, there’s a calculator located at http://www.cleavebooks.co.uk/scol/calrtri.htm, and another at http://www.mathportal.org/calculators/plane-geometry-calculators/right-triangle-calculator.php As I mentioned, the 2-megapixel camera provides a maximum width of 24 ft (7.3 m).  Since we cut the triangle in half, the opposite side (O) is equal to 12 ft (3.7 m). Suppose the camera we select has a variable lens, and we decide to set the lens at 30-degrees, cut that in half and Angle x equals 15- degrees.  Using the right-angle triangle calculator, we find that the hypotenuse side (H) is 46 ft. (14 m) away from the camera lens. Using the Segment of a Circle  Calculating the distance using a segment of a circle requires a different formula. C= circumference S= segment of the circumference A= angle of the lens R = distance (or radius of the circle) To calculate the radius (distance) using the segment method, we use the formula C=2πr. Since a 30-degree segment of the circle is 1/12 of 360-degrees we need to calculate the circumference using the following formula: C= S x 360/A In this case C= 24 ft.  x 360/30 = 24 x 12 = 288 ft. (87.8 m) Now we have the circumference, we can calculate the radius: C/(2π) = R 288/(2 x 3.14) = 45.9 ft. (14 m) As you can see, both methods provide similar answers, but as the angle increases the segment method is more accurate.  The difference between the arc and the chord of the circle become greater as the angle increases.  When the angle approaches 180 degrees the triangle method doesn't work. Calculating the Distance Using a Panoramic Lens Note: this section of the article was updated on 8/15/2017 to correct an error in calculation. How far can you be from a panoramic 360-degree camera and still be able to identify a person’s face?  The triangle calculation won’t work, so we must use the circle calculation for this. First we must make sure we have enough resolution in the total circumference.  In the example above we were only looking at one segment of the circle (1/12th of the circumference, or 30-degrees), but in this example, we are looking at the 180-degree view provided by the panoramic camera. This is equal to 1/2 the circumference (or 180 degrees). So let's start the calculations again.  As mentioned before, we need 80 pixels/ft.  The 2-megapixel camera, provides a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.  When calculating the field of view for a panoramic lens, we use the vertical resolution rather than the horizontal resolution. This is because the filed of view is square rather than rectangular. The field of view  required to identify a person's face in a linear field of view is 1080/80 = 13.5 ft.  This is half the total circumference. Since the segment covers 1/2 the circle the circumference is 2 x 13.5 ft = 27 ft.  Again we use the formula to calculate the radius (which is the distance from the camera): C/(2π) = R 27/(2 x π) = 4.3 ft. (1.3 m) If you want to recognize people further away, you would need a lot more resolution.  The higher the resolution, the more pixels are in the circumference (field of view), and consequently the further away we can see the same detail.  As an example, a 12-megapixel camera, provides a maximum 37.5 ft. (11.4 m) FOV. It provides enough resolution to identify a person’s face 11.9 ft. (3.6 m) away from the camera. Summary We first determine what we want to see, and then we can calculate the IP camera resolution and lens to use.  Once we know how much resolution we need, we can calculate the size of the field of view and distance from the camera, based on the lens we select.  To get a rough idea of how far away we can see a certain amount of detail, we can use the right-triangle calculator, but when our angles get very large it is better to use the circle calculation. If you need help with these calculations, don’t hesitate to give us a call.  We have a lot of experience with IP camera systems and can help you get the exact surveillance system you need. Contact us at 914-944-3425 or 1-800-531-1658 (in the USA), or just use our contact form. ### Just What is a PTZ Camera? As the name implies, what gives Pan/ Tilt/ Zoom cameras their range is the combination of A motorized pan/tilt camera head with enough left/right horizontal range  (pan) and up/down vertical movement (tilt ) to cover a large area plus…..A high-resolution lens that can zoom in to discern detail and zoom out again. PTZ cameras go to extremes to capture an image.  Unlike a fixed camera, they provide an adjustable field of view that can cover a wide swath of a shopping mall, then zoom in to focus on a group of people or even a single face. In terms of budget-sensitive surveillance, this means one PTZ camera can often replace up to four fixed cameras. Zoom: Optical/Digital The zoom capability can be optical, digital or a combination of the two.  With optical zoom, the lens actually moves in to zoom closer to an object of interest and enlarge it by virtue of proximity.  Digital zoom enlarges an image after it has been recorded. Optical is preferable since the resolution of the image is preserved whereas, with digital zoom, the quality can be diminished by zooming in too close resulting in a pixilated image. Indoor/Outdoor PTZ cameras are a useful addition to any IP surveillance camera system in that they can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications. Outdoor PTZ cameras are built with sturdy, enclosures that include heaters, blowers, and sometimes IR illuminators. Indoor models are less expensive and optional mounting brackets are available for attaching the cameras to a wall, ceiling, pole, or parapet. PTZ Dome Cameras Domes provide protection for the camera and can be clear, transparent, or opaque for discrete operations. The cameras have an auto-flip feature that kicks in when the camera is viewing something directly beneath it, allowing it to rotate so that the person viewed remains upright in the image. Then, and Now Early versions of the PTZ camera were slow to catch on. Some would-be users were put off by their weight and size or the fact not only did they need to be connected to a DVR, but they needed multiple cables, one for video, another for controlling the PTZ, and a third to supply power. Thanks to built-in microcomputers, today’s IP PTZ cameras have a lot more intelligence than the old analog cameras and require only a single network cable rather than three. As for the DVR, it has been replaced with the NVR (network video recorder) or VMS (video management software) both of which add additional capability. Auto-patrol mode    This is available in both the camera and the video recording system. Although most cameras do have built-in auto-patrol mode, using VMS (from OnSSi) brings an added benefit. The software controls the camera and when the software detects motion, it stops the camera and records the video. It also ignores motion (detection) when the camera moves from one position to another. This is a very important capability since it limits the amount of false motion detection alarms caused by camera movement. Day/Night Use For situations where surveillance is needed in both bright and lowlight situations, there are day/night cameras. These cameras operate in a wide range of lighting conditions. They include IR filters and special IR lenses that assure that the image stays in focus day or night. For darker applications, there are night vision  IR PTZ cameras that come with an attached long-range infra-red light illuminator that casts its light up to 650 feet and automatically adjusts its beam, angle, and intensity to fit the camera’s zoom. The bottom line PTZ cameras work best when someone is actively watching the video. Automatic patrol modes and analytic functions work best when there is very little activity in the viewing areas. When one person is walking through a parking lot, the camera can automatically record the video, but when there are many people walking through the lot the automatic PTZ mode will miss a lot of activity. The downside of PTZ cameras is that they can be looking in the wrong direction and miss some important activity. In this case, it is better to use one or more fixed cameras. Kintronics carries a variety of IP security cameras to fit whatever your needs may be  Call 914-944-3425 to speak to a sales engineer  or if you prefer,  just fill out an information request form and someone will reply promptly. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 6 Technical thoughts: Home is where you hang your @ The E-mail of the species is more deadly than the mail. A journey of a thousand sites begins with a single click. You can't teach a new mouse old clicks. How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on. A chat has nine lives. Sniglet Is a word that isn’t in the dictionary but should be.  Sniglets are the brainchild of comedian Rich Hall who, with a little help from his friends, wrote a series of books containing sniglets in the mid-eighties.  Here are some new ones: animousity - vigorously clicking your pointer device because a page is loading too slowly. See also: screen spasm - pages that try to load simultaneously on your computer screen as a direct result of your animousity. egosurf - to search for yourself on Google or another search engine ohnosecond - that very short moment in time during which you realize that you have pressed the wrong key and deleted hours, days, or weeks of work. e-mnesia -- the condition of having sent or received an e-mail and having no recollection of it whatsoever. analog-retentive - those people who obstinately cling to outmoded technology. Like still using analog cameras instead of the latest IP cameras. blogorrhea- compulsive, excessive, and/or meaningless ranting/raving by an individual on a blog -- essentially, blog-based logorrhea, meaning a tendency to talk on and on. I hope I don’t have bogorrhea.  But, do hope you enjoyed these interesting thoughts and cartoons. As always, please feel free to contribute any good jokes you may have heard. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Head to Head Comparison of Sony and Axis Dome IP Cameras We are often asked, what is the best IP camera for my security or surveillance system? Over the last year, we tested a number of different IP cameras. We compared their published specifications and more importantly how they actually performed in our tests. We found that sometimes the less expensive camera can be a much better value. In the following head to head test, we compared the Sony SNC-VM601 to the Axis P3384V.  Both of these dome IP cameras have similar specifications and provide the latest wide dynamic range (WDR) capability. The test determined which camera provided the best value and performance. We compared camera resolution, low light sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and actual usage in a specific application. Of course, these are not the only characteristics to consider, but we have found these to be the most important in many applications.  Here are the results: Resolution test There are many cameras that claim high-resolution capability, but what is their actual performance?  Resolution is more than just the number of pixels in the sensor.  It is also determined by the lens and amplifier circuits in the camera.  For more details about camera resolution take a look at our article Understanding IP Resolution Specifications. Our testing compared the resolution of the two 1 megapixel cameras. EIA1956 TV Test Chart To test the resolution we used a TV camera resolution chart that has been around for many years.  The chart has converging lines with resolution numbers at the side of the lines.  To determine the best resolution, one observes where the converging lines blend together.  The point where you can see just the black and white lines clearly is the point of the best resolution. The number on the side of the lines is the resolution measured in “TV lines of resolution”.  This is an old test chart but we found it was the best way to actually make the comparison. The results indicated that the Sony SNC-VM601 provided the best resolution when compared to the Axis P3384 camera. Wide Dynamic Range Test Wide dynamic range (WDR) can be very important when you are viewing a very bright scene where there are dark shadow areas, or when you are viewing people against a large window with bright sunlight.  Many IP cameras have WDR of about 50 dB, but the latest cameras have more than doubled the performance. We compared the WDR capability of the Axis P3384V to the Sony VM601 IP dome camera.  Both cameras specify a wide dynamic range of around 120 dB.  We found that there was very little difference between these two cameras, except that the Sony camera provided more flexibility in a variety of lighting situations. As a review, WDR can be provided in two ways. You can use non-linear amplification or you can take multiple frames at different amplification levels and average them together.  When you use frame averaging the shutter speed is reduced and thus reduces the low light sensitivity performance. Here’s why the Sony camera was more flexible.  When WDR is used, the low light sensitivity (lightfinder in the Axis) is automatically turned off.  You can’t have them both on.  Both cameras include the frame averaging technique, but the Sony camera also includes the non-linear method they call “visibility enhancer".  This function accomplishes almost the same thing as the frame averaging WDR but doesn’t affect the shutter speed.  The nice thing about this capability is that you can turn on both the higher performance low light function (“View-DR”) as well as the WDR (“visibility enhancer”).  The combination of very low light sensitivity and WDR works very well to improve visibility when there is a situation where you have low light levels at night and WDR requirements during the day. Low Light Sensitivity We tested the low light sensitivity of the Sony IP camera against the Axis camera.  We slowly reduced the light level in the room and observed the visibility and noise levels of the scene. The Axis camera stayed in color longer than the Sony camera, but surprisingly at the lowest light levels, where both cameras switched to BW mode, the Sony camera outperformed the Axis camera. Real-World Test We focused both cameras on a parking lot which is a typical application for IP cameras.  These are not outdoor cameras so we positioned them at the window and reduced the glare using light shields.  For reference, both of these cameras are also available in outdoor versions.  This test demonstrated the need for an adjustable lens that allows you to focus on the specific area of the parking lot you want to see. When looking at a large parking lot, you have to be careful to adjust the lens so that you see the detail you would like.  For example, if you want to be able to identify license plate numbers the view can't be too wide, but if you just need an overview the lens angle can be much wider. Both cameras include remote zoom and focus which makes it very easy to adjust the viewing area from your computer.  The viewing angle of the Sony camera can be adjusted to be slightly wider (93 degrees) than the Axis P3384V camera (84 degrees).  They both could be adjusted to provide about the same magnification (30 degrees vs. 31 degrees for the Sony camera). We observed that both the Sony and Axis cameras provided relatively the same performance in this test. Comparison Chart of Axis vs. Sony IP Cameras The following chart summaries the specifications and tested the performance of the Axis and Sony cameras. Model Axis P3384V Sony VM601 Resolution   Specification 1 megapixel (1280 x 960) 1.3 megapixel (1280 x 1024) Test Performance 3 5    Low Light Sensitivity   Specification 0.15 lx in color, 0.03 lx with lightfinder on, WDR off 0.03 lx in color, 0.02 lx BW with video enhancer on, WDR off Test Performance 4 5    Wide Dynamic Range   Specification 120 dB 130 dB Test Performance 5 5    Price    Street Price $850 $760     Summary Based on our testing, both the Axis P3384V and Sony SNC-VM601 are very good cameras, but when you consider the price you have to pay for the Axis camera, the Sony is a much better value.  The Sony IP camera tested better than the Axis camera and is our top choice.  Remember that the camera is only one part of the IP camera security system. You should also consider the software, enclosures, ease of installation, and other factors that are important in your specific application. If you need help selecting the right IP camera, please contact us at 914-944-3425 or 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA) or just use our contact form. ### How Motion Detection Works in IP Camera Systems Many IP cameras include motion detection capability. It is also available using video management software (VMS) or a network video recorder (NVR).   This is a very important analytic function because it controls when an alarm is triggered and when the video is recorded. Motion detection seems to be a simple concept.  All we do is compare one frame to another and look for things that change.   For example, a moving white ball can trigger an alarm by comparing two frames. Well, it isn’t that simple.  The early engineers who worked on motion detection discovered that this was a difficult engineering problem. Back in the 1970’s, I worked on a project to detect moving particles in fluids.  What I discovered was that it is sometimes difficult to discern the difference between a moving object and signal noise. When the camera sees a simple object, like the ball shown above it creates an electronic signal or waveform that is used by the camera. Unfortunately, the waveform is not very stable from frame to frame. It could vary in height and width.  The ball is really not moving, but the waveform is different from one frame to the next. To make sure we didn’t get false alarms we added circuits that allowed the signal to move slightly so that motion alarms were not triggered.  The circuits included variable amplification and time delays that adjusted for the shifting signal. I received one of the first patents for motion detection based on this design concept. Today motion detection has become much more sophisticated.  We can make adjustments either in the camera or in the video management software (VMS) that determine where and how motion is detected. For example, the Sony SNC-VM630 IP camera provides a number of sophisticated adjustments that allow you to fine-tune the alarm settings.  You can allow for slight changes in the brightness so that an alarm is not triggered when there are shadows moving across the field of view. We can also adjust for the size of an object or even how fast it moves.  This way we can trigger an alarm when a person walks through the warehouse, but not when a mouse runs across the floor. We can also create areas where motion is not detected at all.  For example, if we are looking at a scene that has a tree with moving leaves, we can create an area that ignores this motion. Some video recording systems also provides powerful controls for motion detection.  For example, OnSSi, Ocularis video management software allows you to adjust for sensitivity, degree of motion, intervals between detection, percentage of the image used for detection, and the area that should be included and an area that should be excluded from detection. By using all these fine-tuning functions you can reduce the number of false alarms, as well as keeping the amount of video recorded to a minimum. It may take some time to get everything right, but it’s well worth the effort. Who wants to be awakened at night because a mouse ran across the warehouse floor? If you need help selecting the right IP cameras or video recording system, just contact us at 914-944-3425 or 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA) or use our contact form. ### What is the Right Sound Level for Your Paging Speakers? Whether it's an emergency announcement or page in a school, how do you determine the speaker and amplifier required for a specific location? IP paging systems can provide exactly the right sound level to exactly the right location, but what is the right sound level? How loud does the emergency paging system need to be? How much sound is needed to hear an announcement in a classroom or in a sports field where there is a lot of background noise? This article provides the technical background and practical information needed to help you determine the right power and speakers required. What does "loud" mean? Just how loud does sound need to be to hear it and how loud is too loud?  If you ask the people in the city, too loud is the noise from traffic or the noise from the garbage collection or in the suburbs the sound of the lawn mower too early in the morning.  Sound levels can even be loud enough to damages your hearing.  On the other hand is the sound loud enough to be heard? We measure the loudness of sound in decibels (dB). It is sometimes referred to as the Sound Pressure Level (SPL). 0 dB is the minimum sound level a person with good hearing can hear. 130 dB is the point where the sound is painful.  Even sound levels above 85 dB can be a problem. Most experts recommend that you use earplugs when continuously exposed to 85 dB and above.  But what does 85 dB mean? The following chart shows common sounds and their associated sound levels. 20 dB Ticking watch 30 dB Quiet whisper 40 dB Refrigerator hum 50 dB Rainfall 60 dB Normal conversation (about 3 ft. away) 70 dB Loud singing or Washing machine 80 dB Alarm clock (two feet away) 85 dB Average traffic 95 dB MRI 100 dB Blow dryer, subway train 105 dB Power mower, chainsaw 110 dB Screaming child 120 dB Rock concert, thunderclap 130 dB Jackhammer Sound Levels and Distance The further away from the speaker the lower the sound.  Sound level is reduced using the law of squares. As an estimate, the sound level is reduced by 6 dB for every doubling of the distance. The following chart provides an example of how the sound level is reduced. Distance Sound level Is about like the sound of 1  M (3.28 ft.)100 dBBlow dryer2  M (6.56 ft.)94 dBLoud traffic or diesel truck4 M (13.1 ft.)88 dBCity traffic inside the car8 M  (26.25 ft.)82 dBTelephone dial tone or loud singing16 M  (52.49 ft.)76 dBVacuum cleaner, shower32 M  (105 ft.)70 dBSingle Passenger car.64 M  (210 ft.)64 dBLoud conversation128 M  (420 ft.)58 dBNormal conversation Selecting the Right Amplifier A speaker is specified by the amount of sound it can provide at a distance of 1 meter and a power level of 1 watt.  It is also defined by the nominal speaker angle and the maximum output at a certain power level. By adding power to the speaker (measured in watts) we can increase the sound level.  The sound level increases by 3 dB for every doubling of power (watt).  Each type of speaker has a maximum limit to the power that can be applied. The following chart provides an example of the sound level based on power applied to the speaker. If a speaker is rated at 100 dB  at /1 w/1M, then the following sound levels apply: Power in WattsSound level at 1 Meter away  from speakerIs about like the sound of1  watt100 dBBlow dryer2  watts103 dBPower mower at 3 ft. away4 watts106 dBChain saw8 watts109 dBScreaming child16 watts112 dBJet engine at 325 ft. away32 watts115 dBSandblasting64 watts118 dBHearing damage possible128 watts121 dBRock concert, thunderclap  (close) What is the right sound level? The lowest sound level most of us can hear is about 20dB.  Normal conversation is between 58 dB and 65dB.  The threshold for pain and hearing damage is about 130 dB.  We want to select sound levels that are between these extremes and hopefully above the background noise. The optimal volume is the point where everyone hears the page. How to do it To select the right components for the paging system, we start at the point where people will be listening to the sound, and then work backwards to the speaker and amplifier.  Here’s an example that shows how to select the right sound level in a classroom. To make sure everyone hears the page in a noisy room, the sound level needs to be at least 10 db above the ambient noise level. If we are in a classroom that has a noise level of 60 dB, then we should provide a minimum sound output of at least 70 dB.   If the speakers are located in the ceiling which is 3 meters (10 ft.) high, and the children are sitting at their desks, they are about 2 meters (6.5 ft.) away from the speakers. To calculate the right sound level from the speaker we can use the chart of distance vs. sound level.  If we start with 78 dB at 1 meter from the speaker then at 2 meters (6.5 ft.) the sound level is 72 dB. One other thing to consider is the angle of the speakers.  In the classroom, we would like to select speakers with as wide an angle as possible. This allows us to use fewer speakers and still have everyone hear the page. As an example, there are some ceiling speakers that fit into a drop ceiling with 100-degree angles. This means that the maximum sound will be heard in a circular area with a diameter of about 15 ft.  In most situations, we can get away with one speaker in a classroom that's about 25 ft. x 25 ft. in size.  The power required is usually only 0.5 watts. Conclusion The sound level of the paging system needs to be loud enough so that people can hear the announcement over the background noise, but not loud enough to hurt their ears.  We can select speakers for the wall, ceiling, or even mount them on a pole.  We just have to know the sound required at a certain distance and we can work backward to select the speaker and amplifier power. If you need help with your emergency paging or classroom notification system, just contact us.  We have a lot of experience with these systems so I’m sure we can be helpful. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 5 Actually many of these jokes are not really technical, but us tech guys think they're funny... Answering machine message, "I am not available right now, but thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life.  Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes." Some more puns: ... He had a photographic memory which was never developed. ... When she saw her first strands of grey hair she thought she'd dye. ... Acupuncture is a jab well done. That's the point of it. ... Those who get too big for their pants will be exposed in the end. Bad Parrot An old man named Steve received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to 'clean up' the bird's vocabulary. No matter what he did, the bird would repeat over and over, "Your golf game sucks." Finally, Steve was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. Steve shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. Steve, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, Steve quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto Steve's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior." Steve was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird spoke-up, very softly, "May I ask what the turkey did?" My wife and I had words, but I didn't get to use mine. COMPUTER TERMS - Translation for New York State (the northern part) LOG ON: Making a wood stove hotter. LOG OFF: Don't add no more wood. MONITOR: Keeping an eye on the wood stove. DOWNLOAD: Gettin' the firewood off the truck MEGA HERTZ: When yer not careful gettin' the firewood HARD DRIVE: Gettin' home in the winter time PROMPT: What the mail ain't in the winter time WINDOWS: What to shut when it's cold outside SCREEN: What to shut when it's black fly season BYTE: What them dang flies do CHIP: Munchies fer the TV MICRO CHIP: What's in the bottom of the munchie bag MODEM: Whatcha did to the hay fields LAP TOP: Where the kitty sleeps KEYBOARD: Where ya hang the dang truck keys MOUSE: What eats the grain in the barn MOUSE PAD: That's hippie talk fer the mouse hole MAIN FRAME: Holds up the barn roof Hope you like these.  If you know any other jokes, just let me know.  If you need help with your keyboard, mouse, and windows don’t call me.  But, if you need help with your security systems we’re here to help. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### In Cases of Emergency An emergency once set in motion,  can not be taken back. All we can do is assess the situation, spread the word, then throw roadblocks in its way.  No one knows this better than those responsible for school safety. Whether it's the principal, vice-principal, or security officer, all he or she can do when an emergency looms is is learn as much as he/she can, and based on the specific situation, alert teachers and students in classrooms - and oh, yes, hope that the countless hours spent in repetitive fire, evacuation, or lock-down drills have taken root. The good news is that if the school is protected by an IP Physical Security System, they'll have a head start. District-Wide IP Physical Security  System Gone are the days when Physical Security and IT departments had nothing to do with each other. The connectivity of today's IP Technology means all of the components of an IP Physical Security System can reside on the district's Ethernet along with all its computers and smart equipment, allowing IT to not only implement surveillance but provide a complete safety and security system as well. IP Camera System All the cameras are attached to the network and can be viewed on any computer on the network. IP Intercom System Network-attached IP paging and intercom systems attach to the same network, and are powered over Ethernet. IP Door Access Control System IP door control systems utilize small RFID readers that connect directly to the network IP Door Access Control System IP Ring of Protection An ideal IP Ring of Protection for each school  might  include: Hardware IP surveillance camerasIP door readersIP intercomsEmergency buttonsSensors Software Video Management SoftwareDoor Access SoftwareEmergency Paging Software IP Convergence In such a system,  the IP security cameras,  PA over IP, emergency buttons, door sensors, and IP door control can be integrated into a sophisticated security management system. Since all hardware attaches to nodes on the network, each can provide signals to the Video Management Software (VMS) which contains an alarm control matrix to determine what should be done for each type of alarm. For example, a specific alarm can cause the video to pop up on a security guard's screen, alerting him to the situation so he can decide how to respond. Let's look at a couple of very different roles an IP Physical Security System can play at a high school. First, we’ll look at the TVIP-InterCAM, an intercom with a built-in IP camera, and a call button that attaches to the network. It allows the security guard to speak to monitor visitors at the front door before they enter the building, thus controlling access from his security station inside Lost Deliveryman A security guard is seated in his office when a buzzer sounds on his computer and the face of a deliveryman pops up on his computer screen. He has ten cases of copy paper to deliver. Had it been a parent or school district employee the guard would go to the entrance to check their IDs, but in this case, the guard speaks through the interCAM to direct the deliveryman to the receiving area at the back of the building where he will find another interCAM he can use to summon the supplies clerk in her office. Now we take a frightening but unfortunately plausible scenario. In this case. We examine  the convergence of a door sensor, tP camera surveillance system (including the VMS) signal a very serious situation and the IP7-EDW intercoms and  IP emergency paging system afford instant communication when it  matters most Armed Intruder The security guard is in his office when his computer receives an alert from a door sensor that a door in the gymnasium is ajar. He brings up the IP security camera located there and sees the gym is empty. The VMS allows him to switch to a carousel view of all the school's cameras. In one view he makes out a dark-clad figure carrying what appears to be an assault rifle. In quick succession - He uses the IP intercom to alert the principalHe dials 911 on his telephoneUsing the IP emergency paging system, the principal alerts all classroom teachers that their students need to go into lock-down mode immediately,The principal then brings up the IP camera in the hallway to assess the situation so she can further direct her teachers. It is up to individual school districts to set policy as to whether security personnel should pursue an intruder or wait for the police, but nonetheless as we see in this case,  using an IP physical security system is an excellent way to throw roadblocks into the way of harm. For more on IP Physical Security Systems, see this previous blog entry. If you are interested in getting more information about Network Surveillance Camera Systems, IP Door Control, or Network Attached Paging Systems, contact Kintronics at 914-944-3425 or fill out an information request form and a sales engineer will get back to you. ### VCA and Safe/Smart Cities: Applications of the Future Cities are getting smarter and safer,  thanks to VCA and video surveillance. But before we get started, let's define the difference between VMS and VCA which is actually a trick question since  Video Content Analysis  (VCA)  stems from algorithms written into Video Management Software (VMS). Also, known as Video Analysis, VCA analyzes streaming surveillance video to detect spatial and temporal events. The earliest applications were used to alert security personnel to the real time presence of intruders, loiterers,  unattended packages, and cars in a no park zone. Connectivity Today, most cities are developing Safe/Smart City projects that stress connectivity, combining video analysis and streaming video, and sensor data to  create comprehensive dynamic real time situational awareness.   City planners all over the world are seeking to create an interconnected environment, that maximizes safety and efficiency. While security applications are still in the forefront, there is a growing emphasis on combining VCA with sensors and other systems to develop citywide solutions. Let's look at  several cities who are currently working on smart/safe city initiatives. Singapore: Crowd Analytics In this time of global civil unrest, the ability to  monitor a crowd  and read its mood can be a matter of life and death.  As part of its Safe City Test Bed Project, Singapore is developing a video analytic solution that uses biometrics to detect aggressive actions. The system uses VCA to extract real-time motion-related features of a gathered crowd and feeds them into a data base of video images associated with acts of  human aggression. Biometric technology  can be adapted for use In law enforcement:  Crowd analysis can detect incipient demonstrations, gang fights, riots, looting rampages. It might also come in handy to protect police and security guards from ambush.In museums or convention centers:  VCA  can extract real time information such as crowd size, walking speed and direction, and tally the number of visitors in a specified time frame. This metadata can then be mined and used to gain insight into popular  preference for one path over another or the strength of exhibit spaces as points of interests.In Civic applications:   Crowd sensing and  activity profiling in train stations, airports, banks and shopping malls can be used to estimate waiting times and queue sizes for preemptive planning of personnel schedules. Chicago: Environmental Analytics What if Video analysis and smart street lights could work together to automatically brighten when pedestrians approach at night? One of the goals of a safe/smart city creation should be to create an interconnected environment that conserves energy without sacrificing the security of its citizens. Chicago, as part of its Array of Things initiative, is installing a network of modular, interactive sensor boxes around the city to collect real-time data on the environment. infrastructure and  climate in an effort to  help officials monitor air quality, noise level and degree of pedestrian activity. The array includes thermal cameras aimed at the sidewalk and/or road to monitor the ambient temperature. Pinpointing what needs to be salted, and when, rather than blanketing the entire city with salt will go a long way to save both roads and money. London: Traffic Analytics Transport for London, the city department responsible for keeping London moving has adopted a system that integrates image recognition and incident detection . IN a recent incident in which  a car lost control and overturned,  blocking a well-traveled road, it took but thirty seconds for the system to register that this was an accident  requiring a rapid response.  In keeping with programming. it alerted the appropriate personnel who in turn activated the diversion of traffic. Such an "always on"  traffic control system has proven effective in keeping London's roadways open and its travel times at a minimum. The Big Picture None of this is saying that VCA should not continue to be used, as it has been for years, in  forensic investigations of  incidents. As the response to the Boston Marathon bombing showed, video analytics can be valuable in post-event investigation and reconstructing a scenario. Yet how much better would it be if  Video Content Analysis can give officials a heads up that a potential incident is in the  making, and in so doing, improve both the speed and the quality of the response? If you would like to know more about Video Management Software, Infra-red or thermal imaging cameras, or any kind of IP surveillance cameras, just fill out an information request form or call 914-944-3425. While you're at it, ask us about long range IR cameras too. ### Surveillance News Flash! It's always rewarding to find that one of the technologies we specialize in has been cited in a story. Wednesday, November 12 was just such a day. An article in The Journal News which covers our area, New York's lower Hudson Valley bore the headline Harrison Cops Bust Cul-de-sac Burglary Ring. The arrests came after a two-month long investigation by the Harrison, NY Police, the Westchester County District Attorney's Organized Crime Division, and the Special Investigation Squad of the Bergen County, NJ Prosecutor's Office into what grew to be twenty-five break-ins  in the tri-state area. The burglary ring would strike the expensive homes between 10 AM and 1 PM, when no one appeared to be at home,  to steal jewelry and other property, often  hauling away safes that contained them. Seven burglary suspects were taken into custody as well as a Diamond District Dealer who was acting as ring leader and "fence." The capture could not have happened without the cooperative effort of the three agencies who trailed the suspects for weeks into nearby New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, using the latest forensic technology to obtain evidence -  video from IP security cameras, and information obtained from  police license plate readers. Anyone  interested in information about license plate recognition systems or IP surveillance camera systems is invited to contact Kintronics at 914-944-3425 . An info request form can be found on our website. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 4 "Lexophile" is a word used to describe those who have a love for words, such as "you can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish", or "to write with a broken pencil is pointless."  Here are some examples: When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate. A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months. When the smog lifts in Los Angeles U.C.L.A. The batteries were given out free of charge. A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail. A will is a dead giveaway. With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress. A boiled egg is hard to beat. When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall. Police were called to a daycare center where a three-year-old was resisting a rest. Here are some technical concepts.  How many do you get?  If you need help contact me, and I’ll explain it.  On second thought … 1. I’m reading a great book on anti-gravity. I can’t put it down. 2. I have a new theory on inertia but it doesn’t seem to be gaining momentum. 3. Why can’t atheists solve exponential equations? Because they don’t believe in higher powers. 4. Schrodinger’s cat walks into a bar. And doesn’t. 5. Do you know the name Pavlov? It rings a bell. Well another month another set of jokes and cartoons that are more groaners than laugh out loud type.  If you know some better jokes, please don’t keep them to yourself.  We would all like to laugh. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Digital Doorman on Duty One of the draws of the luxury apartment buildings on New York's Park and Fifth Avenues has been the access control provided by uniformed doormen; trusted employees who know every resident by sight and can be counted on to screen all visitors and grant them access only after announcing them and gaining permission over the apartment's intercom. The cost for such security: co-op and condo prices that reach into the two-digit millions. But there's an alternative for those of us who cannot afford to live in such luxury -  a digital doorman. The Digital Doorman and Face Recognition What does he do? Much like the human variety, if you're on his list of authorized persons, the digital doorman will recognize you as you approach and open the door for you. What does he look like? The Digital Doorman is an all-in-one In Motion Identification (IMID) access control solution. Its components include Wide Dynamic Range IP cameraVOIP or IP Intercommini-serverIMID software What is In Motion Identification? IMID is an identity-based access control system. It is built on the latest biometric recognition technology, incorporating facial recognition with behavioral characteristics analysis. Facial Recognition Technology is a non-intrusive method of instant recognition based on a mathematical code that describes a human face. It writes the code by measuring the distance between twenty different nodal points located in the area between the temples and the lips. Behavioral Characteristics Analysis is the latest and most sophisticated method of identity recognition. Its basis is the detection of the repetitive motion each person employs when entering the building. After the initial filming, a self-learning algorithm updates and refines each tenant's full-body movement profile each time he or she enters the building. Once the initial analysis has been completed and the tenant is entered into the system all she has to do is walk toward the IP camera mounted at the building entrance and the Digital Doorman will seamlessly identify her and unlock the door. With IMID, she has no need for keys or an entry pad and no need for the obligatory exchanging of pleasantries with the doorman if she is not in the mood for pleasantries. Visitor Management Unauthorized persons trying to enter will not only be denied entry, but their image will also be recorded and logged into the system along with the time of the attempted entry. it will also send an alert of the event to designated persons. It can also detect if a second person is trying to enter on the heels of an authorized visitor. Visitors use the intercom or their phone to alert the tenant of their arrival. She can then use her smartphone to control the system and grant them access. If she is expecting a guest or having a party, she can email a V-code, a unique QR code, to each visitor which they can either print out or display on their smartphones. Upon arrival, they need only show it to the camera to gain entrance. Data Collection Just because there is no visitor log to sign doesn't mean the Digital Doorman isn't keeping track of entries. The IMID Digital Doorman software logs all entries and incidents, providing data for employee attendance reports, visitor records, unauthorized or restricted person entry reports, as well as traffic and hourly usage reports. And one more thing - with the holiday season fast approaching, unlike a flesh and blood doorman, you don't have to give him a year-end gift. If you'd like more information about the Digital Doorman or other Biometric door access control systems, call Kintronics at 914-944-3425 or fill out an information request form. ### Long Range IR PTZ Cameras - How Long is Long? IP surveillance cameras are ubiquitous today. Everyone who sets foot out his door is well aware that somewhere, sometime on his journey he will enter into and out of several cameras' fields of view. Since very few everyday security cameras are covert, one has only to look several feet up at buildings, light poles, retail store ceilings to see this is true. There is a reason for this -  the sight of a surveillance camera can be beneficial in deterring crime. But there are also cameras capable of surveying an area, sight unseen,  from, literally, miles away. These surveillance cameras fall under the heading, long-range cameras. How Long is Long Range? There are long-range IR PTZ cameras and there are thermal vision long-range cameras.  Before we can define how far a camera can see, or which technology is most appropriate, it is necessary to know what the user means by "see" , and when she wants to see it. Does she want to detect, recognize, or identify? To detect is to discover or ascertain the presence of a person or object.To recognize is to perceive from knowledge or characteristics.To identify is to ascertain or determine the origin, nature, or characteristics of a person or object. If a user's objective is to detect that a border has been breached or recognize the presence of a tank or group of people, thermal imaging long-range cameras are sufficient. Some models can actually pick up a man-sized target more than 11 miles away or a vehicle -sized object 13+ miles distant. Although thermal imaging can work at longer distances than IR and cut through fog, mist, and smoke, IR comes out ahead when it comes to resolution and grayscale, so if the user wants to see faces, or even read license plates in the dark, the long-range IR PTZ camera is the better choice. How Do IR PTZ Cameras Work? The answer lies in the lens....and the image sensor....and the laser IR  illumination system. Long Range Lens In understanding how a long-range lens works, it helps to first consider a standard telephoto lens. Also known as a long lens, a telephoto lens is built with a special-construct that gives it a longer focal length than the lens itself. These focal lengths generally range from 85 mm to over 800 mm. Long-range cameras use an IR corrected motorized zoom lens making it capable of seeing the actions of a person  2.4  miles away in daylight and 0.9 miles away at night Image Sensor Long Range IR PTZ cameras use 1/2-inch light  CCD image sensors that enhance both day and night light, enabling them to process images in virtually any environment. Laser IR Illumination System Long-range cameras operate in the absence of light by using a zoom laser IR diode capable of providing illumination up to distances of 2.5 miles. Perimeter Security  Remote installations and facilities that are vital to the security of our country install long-range cameras, both thermal and IR, to guard against terrorists and trespassers. Such applications include PortsAirportsOil PlatformsOil and Gas PipelinesPower plants Our Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan also use IR and thermal cameras in deserts and mountainous regions to detect snipers hiding in the rugged terrain. For information about long Range cameras, IP security camera systems, IP door control, or IP intercom systems, call Kintronics at 914-944-3425 or complete an information request form. ### Physical Security Systems A physical security system is a collection of equipment and software that provides security and safety. It can use a variety of network-attached devices as well as a number of software products that can be integrated to provide a unified solution. Safety and Security banner To be more specific, the integration of the latest video management software (VMS), with door access control software, and emergency paging software along with IP cameras, IP sensors, IP door readers, and IP paging amplifiers can provide a very complete physical security system.  These IP based security systems provide similar capability to Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software at much less cost. The convergence of IP technology has made it easy for the IT department to not only implement surveillance systems but to also provide complete safety and security systems. Here is an example of how to do it. The Security and Safety System The following diagram shows how alarms from an IP camera system, environmental system, IP door control system, and emergency buttons can be integrated into a sophisticated security management system. Everything attaches to the network and provides signals to the video management software (VMS) system.  An alarm control matrix in the software determines what should be done for each type of alarm.  For example, a specific alarm can cause the video to pop up on the security person’s screen. This makes them aware of a situation and allows them to react accordingly to each situation. Security System with Alerts IP door access control software controls entry to the facility and connects to the VMS to provide alerts. Emergency paging software can also be added to automatically or manually create warning announcements that improve safety. Here is a summary of what can be done: Video Management Software Ocularis from OnSSi provides quite a lot of PSIM functionality.  Here are some of the things it can do: Provides an alarm screen that is automatically triggered when an alarm occursUses a variety of sensor inputs from devices that provide triggered outputs. These include sensors such as Over-temperatureUnder temperatureDoor openWindow openSmoke detectedProximity detectionEmergency button Uses analytic functions provided by sophisticated IP cameras such as Motion detectionLine crossingLoud noise detectionObject left behindObject removed Integrates with IP door access control The wrong badge used for entryDoor left open Integrates with intercom systems Remote door control for visitorsTwo-way audio and door release Access Control Systems and Software IP Door Access Control System The access control system controls who enters a facility. The database keeps track of who can enter when they can enter and which door they are authorized to use.  A sensor can be used on the door to assure that it is closed. The access control system can also notify the safety officer if someone who is not registered tries to enter. For example, he can be alerted if an ex-employee tries to use their credential. An IP camera can be used to view who entered a specific door.  You can review if multiple people entered the door using only a single key, or determine if the door has been left open. Intercoms and Paging Network-attached audio systems can be added to create a more secure environment. An intercom can be used at remote doors to control the entry of visitors.  There are a number of intercoms available that either connect directly to the network or connect through an IP camera.  The cameras and intercoms also include output signals that can be used to open an electric lock or interface directly to an IP door control reader. PA over IP for the Campus The paging software also provides an easy way to automatically make an emergency page. A prerecorded message can be triggered by a button or contact closure from a sensor.  The IP paging system utilizes small network-attached amplifiers. Each of the small amplifiers can be uniquely addressed allowing for multiple zones. You can make a page to one room, one building, and one floor or to all buildings. Pages can be made from the same computer that you use for monitoring the video system.  This provides a single point of control and management of all alarm conditions. Summary Network-attached cameras, IP door control readers, IP paging amplifier and speakers, and intercoms can be integrated to create a complete safety and security system.  Today’s network-attached devices make it simple to install, manage, and control. The safety and security system can get complicated so please contact us for help defining and implementing the system that’s right for you.  We can be reached at 914-944-3425 or 800-431-1658 (in the USA), or just use our contact form. ### Are IP Cameras Better Than Analog CCTV Cameras? Comparison of IP Cameras and Analog Cameras Why should I use an IP camera when the analog cameras are so much cheaper?  That’s a question we get especially from those people who have been using analog CCTV (closed-circuit TV) systems for many years. Actually CCTV has been around for over 45 years. Olean, NY was the first municipality in the US to use cameras on its main street to help reduce crime (according to Wikipedia this was back in 1968). Not only have the analog CCTV systems been around for a very long time, but they also haven’t really changed from their original capability.  Well yes, they have gotten much cheaper, and there are efforts to use higher resolution cameras, but their capability hasn’t changed.  The first systems were based on the TV standards established by the National Television System Committee (NTSC).  The standard indicated that there should be 525 vertical TV lines, with a frame rate of 30 frames per second. Take a look at our video, How the Video Camera Works. Today the same standard is still used by most analog cameras. The new HDcctv standard supports resolutions up to 1080p (2 megapixels). The only significant benefit is that the cameras can use existing coax cables, but you still need to change the DVR so that it will support the higher resolution. In most cases, it’s not the best choice for new security systems. I can’t say that IP cameras are the new kid on the block because they have been around for over 15 years. We started selling them in 1997.  Today they are beginning to dominate the CCTV market. What do IP cameras bring to the table? Well among other things, they provide much higher resolution.  Today resolution is only limited by the sensors, microcomputers, and lenses of the camera, and can provide over 8 MegaPixels of resolution.  And by the way, IP cameras are starting to come down in price and are now very close to the analog camera pricing.  Take a look at our video, How the IP Camera Works. Here are the reasons to consider IP camera systems. The Resolution Makes a Big Difference I think the much higher resolution makes the best case for using an IP camera system. Higher resolution means you can see a much wider area with the same detail. For example, if you need to see 50 pixels per foot (so you can identify a license plate number), you can see an area that’s about 12 feet wide (3.6 m) with an analog camera (with VGA resolution), but you can see an area that’s about 70 feet wide (21.3m) using a 10-megapixel camera. This means you can actually save money by using fewer cameras to see the wider area.  Of course, this also allows you to get a much better view of the area.  For example, you can see many more cars in a parking lot and still read their license plates. Camera Frame Rates First, let me mention that you shouldn’t confuse the frame rate with the resolution or detail that you can see.  This is totally different.  Back in the old days of analog cameras, there was a need to synchronize the camera and the monitor so that video would not roll.  The 60 Hz power signal was used to synchronize everything.  The early camera systems used two fields per frame.  Each field used 1/60th of a second (and locked to the power line frequency), so the total frame rate equaled 30 frames per second (fps).  And that’s where 30 fps came from.  It didn’t come from the need to see smooth motion video. Smooth video could be achieved at 12 to 15 frames per second. 30 frames/sec. was just an engineering requirement. Today’s IP cameras can run as high as 120 fps.  I think the only time we recommended 120 fps was for some scientists in a laboratory that required high-speed video of a special experiment.  Usually, IP cameras run at 10 fps and provide very smooth video for normal motion. The nice thing about IP cameras is that each camera can be set to the right frame rate for a specific purpose.  Since the frame rate affects the bandwidth and storage required, it’s best to keep the frame rate as low as possible.   Just don’t be concerned that the cameras are not running at 30 fps, you will still be able to make out the bad guys face. The Computer in the Camera IP cameras have a very nice capability that the old video cameras don’t have.  They have a computer built-in. The computer provides the capability to perform video analytic functions such as motion detection. Many IP cameras also have the ability to use a memory card to store the video.  Now you can place a camera on a pole somewhere in the middle of nowhere and record video whenever the camera detects motion. Some cameras such as the ones from Sony and Samsung have some very nice advanced analytic features such as detecting someone leaving a package, or removing an object like a laptop from a desk; all this computed by the built-in computer. Network Attached Cameras make it Easy to Self-install Because IP cameras use the same network connections as computers, they can easily be attached to the existing Ethernet network.  They can use the network infrastructure already in place, which dramatically reduces the complexity and cost of wiring. Most new IP cameras are powered using power provided over the Ethernet cable.  This is called PoE and is available in many network switches. If the network switch doesn’t provide PoE then you can also add a separate PoE power injector (or midspan).  This means you only need to run a single CAT 5 or CAT 6 network cable to the camera. Even outdoor cameras can use PoE for power, but they will sometimes use high power PoE so the optional heater can be powered. Because IP cameras are so much easier to install, the IT departments of many organizations have taken over the role that was usually provided by a security person. Additional Features Provide New Applications Many IP cameras support two-way audio and have input and output connections that allow them to detect a button being pushed and to release an electric door lock.  The two-way audio provides a very simple intercom function.  Using the right software on your Windows computer you can see and talk to a person at a remote door, and release the door lock to let them in.  You can’t do this very easily with an analog camera. Take a look at our IP intercom web page that provides more details about this capability. The audio plus computer analytics can also be used to detect a loud noise. Your safety office can be notified immediately if some yells or there’s a gunshot detected. View the Video on Your PC or Smart Device IP cameras provide much greater flexibility for viewing rea time and stored video. Apps running on your smartphone or tablet can be used to access the video management system or even directly view the video from the camera. This allows you to be anywhere and still see the important video. And More You may be able to think of more benefits such as the ability to incrementally add cameras, connect using wireless connections, lower-cost wiring, etc.  I know there are many people who still like the analog systems. Some companies have even introduced higher resolution analog cameras.  But, today IP camera security systems are growing very fast and those who don’t change will miss out on the new technology opportunities. If you need help specifying and using IP camera systems, just contact us.  We have a lot of experience with this technology and can help you get exactly what you need.  You can reach us at 914-944-3425 or 1-800-431-1658 (in the USA) or just use our contact form. ### Wireless IP Security Cameras and Perimeter Protection The question is Who needs wireless IP security cameras? The answer is schools, transport companies, oil companies, entertainment venues, and construction sites. Wireless IP cameras  are the perfect solution to the problem of monitoring areas beyond the scope of traditional network cameras. They can be mounted close to their intended subject and connect to high performance radios with directional antennas that use their own wireless protocol to stream high bandwidth video to the VMS. (For a detailed explanation of how wireless IP cameras work, see our earlier post) Outside, Outback, and the Outer-Reaches Schools Schools, like every sector of twenty-first century life, have faced their share of violence. Most districts have installed IP surveillance camera systems  but administrators struggle with how to make the school a welcoming place while protecting students and staff from external violence. Wireless IP cameras can provide relatively unobtrusive surveillance. Wireless camera systems can be installed in parking lots, playgrounds, athletic fields and stadiums to stream live video back to the central VMS to monitor against intruders, prevent crime, and monitor student misconduct and accidents. Construction Sites With their undefined perimeters, construction sites can be a security nightmare, whether located in urban, suburban, or rural areas. Since guards can't be everywhere all the time, thieves have easy access and exit, and the resulting loss of tools, equipment, and raw materials leads to scheduling delays and higher insurance premiums. Since no cabling is required, other than a power cable,cameras can be moved around to monitor different areas as construction continues, as long as there is an AC outlet available; and when the project has been completed, the cameras can be packed up and taken to a new site. Logistics and Trucking Facilities Truckers keep our country running, transporting food, merchandise, equipment or households from coast to coast.  When they're not on the road, their huge trucks with their valuable cargo can be wide open targets for thieves and vandals since logistics facilities and yards are usually located in isolated open areas. Because of their importance to the economy and presence on the roads, the government regulates the trucking industry to prevent illegal activity, protect assets, and insure safety. Wireless cameras can be perfect supplements  to an IP security camera system already in place, providing complete coverage of the site. When incidents can be pinpointed immediately, they can be resolved sooner and valuable cargo can get to its destination sooner. Gas and Oil Fields If trucking keeps the economy running, the oil industry is its heart. Any incident that disrupts access to oil and gas, be it an accident or a natural disaster, invariably results in global panic. An industry so vital to the world is always at the mercy of terrorists, and so it is imperative that not only must access be monitored and controlled, but that 24/7 situational awareness be maintained This is no easy task considering that oil refineries, gas fields, and the like are in remote, often harsh locations far from the nearest town. That's why employing wireless cameras is the answer. Their wireless protocol means the radios can maintain a secure connection and reliable transmission of streaming video to the nearest network access point so that should a response be called for, it will be rapid and immediate. Entertainment Venues Sports stadiums, which often host concerts, are built to hold audiences numbering in the tens of thousands so they must be located in wide open areas with multiple access and exit routes. By the very nature of the beast, attendees at concerts and sports games pose risks to themselves since fans often overindulge and can become unruly at the drop of a dime. The fact that large gatherings are often on the scopes of terrorists adds to security concerns. Wireless cameras can be installed and redeployed to meet the needs of whatever events are being held. Furthermore they can monitor the far reaches of the parking areas so that security can respond to any vandalism or attempted theft and not only the fans but their vehicles can emerge safe and sound. Kintronics has helped security personnel  in each of the above sectors select  IP security camera systems,  and if we can help you, please call 914-944-3425 to talk to a sales engineer or if you prefer, fill out an information request form. Reliability of Wireless Thanks to years of research and development, today's robust wireless data technology  can transmit more data farther and are less affected by interference, and better able to maintain a connection with the receiver. Perhaps the best news overall is that Wireless surveillance was able to take a giant step when the FCC released the FCC 14-30 rule increasing spectrum availability for high-capacity, high-speed wireless and other unlicensed uses in the 5 gHz band. ### Emergency IP Paging Using Panic Buttons Emergency paging increases safety because it provides immediate notification of dangerous situations.  By adding panic buttons, you can make these emergency pages very quickly. Push the button and the paging system will let everyone know that the school is in lockdown, or that they should exit the building.  These prerecorded announcements can cover many emergency situations. Of course, you don’t have to use just the panic buttons, a person can still make a manual announcement.  Since IP Paging systems connect to your network, they can handle many different emergency situations.  They also can be used not only in one building, but in multiple buildings, or even on multiple campuses. Here’s how to add an emergency IP paging system that includes panic buttons to your organization. How Does IP Paging Work You may be familiar with the classic analog paging system.  A microphone is connected to a large amplifier and then many speakers are all connected to this amplifier.  This requires speaker wire to be run from the amplifier to all the speakers in the building.  Unfortunately, the extensive wiring required is expensive and it doesn't work when you have more than one building. Digitized Sound The latest network-attached amplifiers use small IP amplifiers that can be attached anywhere on your Ethernet network.  You can connect one or more speakers to each of these amplifiers.  An announcement can be made from your computer, VoIP telephone, or be initiated by a push of the button.  The nice thing about this type of system is that the messages can be directed exactly to the location you want.  You can make an announcement to one room, to one floor, to everyone in a building, or to multiple buildings. PA over IP for the Campus Network Attached Amplifiers These new IP sound systems digitize your voice and encode it so it can be sent over your Ethernet network just like digitized music or VoIP.  The small network attached amplifier decodes the digitized audio and amplifies the sound so it can be heard on the speakers.  It’s just like the music from your smart phone.  The nice thing about this is that each amplifier has its own IP address which means the software can direct the sound to exactly where you want it.  To learn more, take a look at our IP paging system description. How to Integrate Panic Buttons into Your Paging System Buttons can be placed wherever you want. The contact closure from the button is connected to the IP interface unit that notifies the Talkmaster software to send the message.  The software runs on a Windows computer and allows you to record many different messages. Panic Buttons The IP interface unit can be located next to the button making it very easy to install.  A pre-canned message can be generated for many different input signal so you can generate many different alarm messages. Why is an audio emergency message important? As you may know, an alarm sound and flashing light can be confusing. Even with training, people need to be reminded what to do in an emergency. It’s always a good idea to have an audio message that instructs people where to go in a particular situation. General Announcements When there is a situation not covered by the pre-canned messages, you can always make an announcement from a microphone attached to your computer or from a compatible VoIP phone.  This allows you to handle situations that were not anticipated when the pre-recorded messages were created. Other Application Examples Intruder alertsEmergency pages can be made to a building, to one floor of a building or even to one room to let people know about a lock down, or to provide specific instructions such as to leave the floor, room or building.  This allows you to handle specific emergency situations. Natural Disaster AnnouncementsThe IP paging system can handle inputs from many different sources.  For example, an emergency announcement that comes from the US weather service can be automatically rebroadcast to everyone.  This means you can notify people in multiple buildings on your campus or to multiple campuses to let them know about natural disasters.  Specific instructions can be sent exactly where they are needed. Intercoms for improved SafetyThe same IP system includes intercoms as well as paging amplifiers.  This means that a person in a remote location can quickly notify the central safety office of a problem.  It allows you to make the right decision and provide the right response to any emergency.  An IP intercom can also be used with an IP security camera system and door access system to control access and improve safety. Conclusion An IP paging system can easily be used with panic buttons to broadcast very quick pre-recorded messages.  There are many more applications for this type of system. It can be used not only for emergencies but also for general announcements.  You can use it to make automated class change announcements in a school, or even work shift announcements in a factory.  For help designing your system, please contact us at 914-944-3425 or 1-800-431-1658, or just use our contact form. ### Technical Jokes and Cartoons 3A We included the latest technical topics as well as some classic jokes from Henny Youngman, a comedian who was popular years ago.  He was known for his "one-liners".  for example, I've been in love with the same woman for forty-one years. If my wife finds out, she'll kill me.Henny Youngman  And, some more from Henny Youngman, I told the doctor I broke my leg in two places. He told me to quit going to those places. A doctor gave a man six months to live. The man couldn't pay his bill, so he gave him another six months. When God sneezed, I didn't know what to say. I once wanted to become an atheist, but I gave up - they have no holidays. I've got all the money I'll ever need, if I die by four o'clock.Henny Youngman Famous people have given us some great one-liners as well: Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.Margaret Mead Borrow money from pessimists -- they don't expect it back.Steven Wright "Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer.Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza."Dave Barry Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.Mark Twain People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.Isaac Asimov A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man.Lana Turner Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!Dr. Seuss OK, so many of these jokes are not really technical, but they are silly.  So for those kids among us let's end with another Dr. Seuss: I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities.Dr. Seuss If you have any jokes (clean ones) to contribute, please send them to me.  Thanks. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### Access Control and Electric Locks for Secure Cabinets When most people think of access control systems,  they  picture authorized personnel using a credential and keypad to gain entry to a secured office building or complex. But did you know door access control can be applied to storage cabinets and drawers as well? Small electric cabinet locks are ideal for situations where security dictates that certain items not only be kept under lock and key, but also that access be limited to authorized persons.  These cabinet locks are just as secure as door control locks yet small enough to mount on cabinets and drawers. Since authorized users must use their access credentials to unlock them, a record is kept of who opened them and when. Since these surface mounted locks are electric, they do require power but for locations lacking an outlet, battery-powered locks are available. One particular lithium battery lock has proximity built into it making it ideal for situations when its security function needs to be concealed. There are even locks made especially for frame-less glass doors. Special Electric Lock Every facility can benefit from installing electric cabinet locks in key areas. Let's look at a few. Schools in the nurse's office on the cabinet where prescription medicines brought in by parents for use as needed are kept.on the audio-visual closet where teachers come to check out projectors and sound equipmentin the electronics storage room on the cabinet where laptops and iPads are charged and storedon the door of the musical instrument roomin the administration office on the file cabinet where state-mandated test papers are stored prior to test day.Any file cabinet holding confidential student information protected by  the Family Educational Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA ). Retail Businesses Cash cabinet for replenishing cash registers during the dayjewelry counters Pharmacies Cabinets  and drawers holding opioids and other controlled substance prescription drugs Hospitals and Medical Offices drug cabinetsdrawers where prescription pads are keptrecords  room  where patient histories and other sensitive information must be secured  to meet strict HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations. Gambling Casino cash drawerschip cabinets Restaurants cash drawerscabinets holding expensive wines Complete electric lock systems include not only the lock but the software necessary to enable them them to work with an IP door access control system or, when monitoring is called for, to integrate them with IP surveillance camera systems. Some systems even provide notification when a door is opened. For information about electric cabinet locks and locking systems, fill out an information request form, or call Kintronics at 914-944-3425 to talk to a sales engineer and while you're at it, ask about our IP camera systems and IP door readers. ### IP Access Control + Bluetooth = Germ Protection In these days when Ebola is ravaging West Africa and Enterovirus D68 is sending children home from school, it is especially troubling to learn that Chinese health researchers testing thirty-eight ATMs in downtown Taipei, found an astonishing average of 1,200 germs - per key! Included in the count were E.coli, as well as cold and flu viruses. The most deadly key? Enter - which if you think about it makes perfect sense -  every transaction ends with a hit to the enter key. Scary, huh? Now think about the access control keypad you use every morning to gain access to your office building or facility.  Health experts advise using a knuckle since you're less likely to spread the germs to your eyes or mouth with your knuckles. But what if you could do away with the keypad altogether and gain access with a touch of your smartphone instead? People who work in buildings equipped with IP door access control systems paired with Bluetooth adapters never have to come near any germ-ridden keypads. IP Access Control Systems IP door control is a no-panel approach to securing a building. The system taps into the building's existing network to bring decision-making intelligence to the door or gate. The only equipment needed at each entry point is a network connection, a CAT5 ethernet cable, and a reader-controller. Since the intelligence is built into the reader, even if the network goes down,  the reader keeps functioning. Yes, the reader does have a keypad but read on. There's a way around that. Smart Phone Access By using a Wiegand connection you can add a Bluetooth adapter to the door reader,  making your phone an access control credential that lets you unlock the door to your building or the gate to your parking facility. Blue tooth adapters with short-range capability can allow your phone  to unlock a door as you come to it while long-range adapters let it control a gate to a parking facility or lot as you drive toward it As for keeping your phone germ- free - that's up to you! To learn more about IP door access control systems and Bluetooth adapters, give Kintronics a call at 914-944-3425 or just fill out an information request form. ### Can Drones Help Firefighters Contain Wildfires? 2014 is proving to be a historic year for wildfire activity in California and the Pacific Northwest. The National Fire Inter-Agency Center, in a report they update daily, put the combined number of fire-ravaged acres in California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, to date, at over half-million. Due to the prolonged drought in California, the number of wildfires in that state alone is 123% of the state's average - and we're only halfway into August. With local firefighters working round the clock and, out-of-state teams journeying cross country to join them, one has to wonder if drones and IP camera systems might be able to play an assisting role. Adding Drones to the Mix Last year, during the Rim Fire in California that destroyed 257,314 acres in Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains, the National Guard launched a Predator Drone to aid firefighters by using infrared sensors to detect hot spots along the fire's perimeters or in isolated spots. The technology packed into the drone proved to be effective since it was able to use infra-red cameras to see through the smoke and dust to detect a spot-fire with the potential to spread to populated areas. Since it had technology to pick up the precise longitude and latitude it was able to pinpoint the coordinates so planes could be dispatched to drop water and fire-retardant chemicals over the site to keep it from spreading. The drone also made passes from one side of the fire to the other, using I-R to see through the smoke all the while detecting and keeping clear of two helicopters whose crew members were keeping an eye on the blaze from opposite sides. The Twin Falls Times-News reports that the Oregon Forestry Department is planning to equip a small remote control helicopter drone for the purpose of flying into smoky canyons where conditions would be hazardous to crews piloting helicopters. It could then share the data its infra-red camera footage and GPS systems gathered with fire crews on the ground. If it proves effective, they plan to equip firefighters with such small drones as regular equipment by 2016. With an estimated cost of $5,000 and a gas tank that can keep it flying for 30 hours, the heli-drone would be a bargain compared to the $17m dollar Predator Drone that can stay aloft for 20 hours. But First Some Questions While drones are definitely an untapped resource in fighting the increasing numbers of wildfires, their use raises several doubts in firefighters' minds. First and foremost is the question of connectivity and second is also a question of... Connectivity... For a firefighter, viewing video and interpreting data supplied by a drone's cameras and sensors is not the same as actually flying over the fire, hearing it, tasting it, seeing it and smelling it. This type of virtual intelligence is better than no intelligence at all but it's not enriched by the intuition fire experts flying over the scene of the fire and connected to it by their senses depend on to predict what is apt to do. and.......Connectivity How will command centers on the ground connect with the drone pilot receiving the drone's data first hand. If they are located within an urban interface, connectivity to his iPad will be good, but out in the mountains and canyons where fires usually range? Lots of luck, Charlie. The biggest concern of all is safety. Will the drones remain at their restricted altitudes or will they stray into the airspace of planes engaged in air attacks. As one official told the Times-News, "It's bad enough to get hit by a bird. Think if you hit a 40-lb piece of metal..." Kintronics is eagerly awaiting the day when technology for using IP camera systems in drones is developed, but at present only analog cameras are used in drones, with video encoders being used to enable network connectivity. Meanwhile, Kintronics has supplied cameras to The National Center for Landscape Fire Management, which is overseen and administered by the University of Montana College of Forestry and Conservation to be used in their remote sensing program, as well as to the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Whatever your IP camera needs, call 914-944-3425 to speak to a sales engineer, or fill out an information request form. ### A New Role for IP Camera Systems - Operations Manager In this business era, when companies are focusing on getting the best return on their investment, a sizable number are looking towards extending their use of IP camera surveillance systems beyond security and into overseeing business operations. According to a recent issue of Security Watch Info, a survey in which IT and video surveillance professionals were asked what their business plans were for video surveillance revealed that 68% of respondents plan to use their IP camera systems for improving operations while 32% planned to restrict their usage to security. Many retail businesses with more than one outlet, perhaps because they are already familiar with how IP cameras systems and video management software deliver remote real-time multi-screen viewing of several locations, have already made the move. Managers feel that using the cameras will improve their ability to: manage multiple locationsmonitor everyday business activitiestrack employees over the course of a daykeep a watchful eye on inventory and sensitive customer and business data They are particularly fond of VMS’s ability to record and store video and easily access it for future viewing and plant to use it for: ensuring employees are following safety protocolgaining insight into employee-customer interactionkeeping an eye on their assetsproviding evidence in disability and accident incident investigations Video analytics scores big too, as small business owners have come to appreciate how event-triggered notifications allow them to stay in touch with their home base from anywhere in the world via smartphones, tablets, or other internet-connected devices, and plan to help them manage from afar. Lest the respondents appear to be too homogeneous, there were a few outlier replies. One of the most interesting came from a manager who oversees 1,600 stores. He has 32 surveillance cameras at each location. His biggest problem is neither managing employees, keeping track of inventory, nor preventing theft. It's evaluating the value of items brought in for sale.Since it's impossible to have an expert at every location, he's looking into using video to enable experts to do remote evaluations. We hope this spurs you on to think about how IP camera systems can help you manage your business operations. Give Kintronics a call at 914-944-3425, or fill out an information request form. Our sales engineers would love to help you transform your ideas into day-to-day reality. ### IP Camera Tech Support in Action Bug, now that's a word that covers a lot of ground. Eeck, there's a bug on the table.I'm sick. I have some kind of bug.Don't bug me!Bug off!I love my Volkswagen bug. And then there's dreaded. There's a bug in the system.  Our customers rarely find a bug in the IP cameras Kintronics sells, but in the rare instances one finds its way in,  they can rest assure we won't rest until we've debugged the system. The First Bug Bug has been a buzzword in the world of computers since 1947 when a dead moth was found in a relay in the main frame of Harvard University's Mark II electro-mechanical computer and programmer Grace Hopper and her staff started using bug to describe any issue that interfered with data input or writing/loading/running programs. But recently, Bob Mesnik sent me an article in which I learned that the word, bug, has actually been floating around the technical world for over 140 years. Thomas Edison was the first to use it to describe a flaw in the design or operation of a system. His bug  resided in a quadriplex telegraph system he was working on that would allow his patron, Western Union to increase their message capacity by transmitting or receiving four separate telegrams on the same wire at the same time. In perusing the article I came upon the following quote from one of the  many notebooks Edison kept: "Awful lot of bugs still ....let [Dr Otto] Moses .....try.....to get rid of them." It gave me the idea for this blog. You see, historically Bob Mesnik has been our primary go-to guy in bug-riddance, and thus our "Dr Otto Moses "but for the past three years, more times than not, customers seeking help will be referred to our sales engineer Keaton Baker who also answers to The Tech Support Guy.  Kintronics Tech Support While IP camera systems are rarely bug-ridden, people sometimes encounter difficulties, and here at Kintronics we consider solving these difficulties part of our responsibility to our customers. Not only do we devote as much time as it takes  to understand  their intended application so we can make sure they select the right components to get the job done, but we place equal emphasis on supporting them should they encounter any problems either getting the system up and running,  as well as any difficulties  - or bugs - they may encounter with networks or hardware. Kintronics many repeat customers know thatcan count on Kintronics to debug the system whether its an IP surveillance camera system, and IP door access control system,  or PA over IP. Meet the Exterminators I decided to ask Bob and Keaton about the kinds of problems customers call about, and what they consider the easiest to solve.... as well as the hardest. Let's start with Bob. "The most common question is 'what is the user name and password on my camera'. It is also the easiest." Keaton: " I agree. The easiest tech support call might be something like this. ' I'm the new person in charge of the IP camera system for my organization but no one knows or remembers the user names and  passwords to access the cameras. Is there a way to retrieve this information? How do I reset all of the user names and passwords without physically touching the cameras?' "There is no way (I know of) to access an IP camera settings page if a user name and password is required but forgotten. Most of the time the camera must be set to factory default by manually pressing and holding the small reset button inside the enclosure. The user name and password can then be configured as if it were just purchased. This may affect any video management software that has been communicating with the camera i.e. viewing or recording video." Bob: The most difficult is when we can't determine if the problem is in the camera firmware, the video recording system or the area between the keyboard and the chair." Keaton: The most challenging? Other than network problems and configuration/communication problems, I think the most challenging tech support calls would be hardware and software compatibility issues, audio/video integration for surveillance, software/firmware bugs, and data communication problems." Bob: "One of my  most challenging was 'The two-way audio is not working.' After a lot of investigating and experimenting, the audio in the camera settings had to be matched to the  settings in the video management software to get it to work correctly." Super Tech-Support Sometimes Keaton needs a little more information than he can get over the phone. Just this morning  when he was responding to an IP system intercom system call, I passed by his office to hear him say."Can you email me a picture of that button so I can get a better idea?" And sometimes he goes out of his way to make sure they never have to call in the first place. One morning this summer I looked out of my window to see I  went out for a closer look. He'd placed a wireless radio on the roof of his car and hooked it up to a camera so the camera could communicate with our IP network inside. The camera was aimed at a line of parked cars in the parking lot across the road. I inquired and learned that he was making sure a particular camera would fit a customer's specific application, or in his words "Testing a 14 megapixel camera and lens to make sure the horizontal pixels per foot  based on the horizontal field of view  would be enough  to identify a license plate number." He was also testing the camera's compatibility with the VMS. And last but not least, having the customer's bottom line in mind, wanted to make sure that using a 14 megapixel camera supplied sufficient benefit to justify the increased cost. So should you be in the market for an IP surveillance camera,  IP door control, or IP paging system, be assured that at Kintronics we'll be with you every step of the way from selection to installation, and for the rare bug that you most likely will never encounter. Give us a call at 914-944-3425 or just fill out an information request form. ### The Ubiquitous Intercom The intercom has been with us for a long time, although we rarely acknowledge its presence. That's because an intercom on its best behavior prefers to avoid the limelight and let the voice take all the attention. Like any staple of technology, the Intercommunication Device has seen its share of change over the years. Analog intercoms The earliest intercoms were analog, and there are still many in use today. An analog intercom takes the human voice which is analog in nature since it makes variations in the amplitude of the air around us. An analog intercom transforms these variations into continuous electronic pulses that replicate the original wave created by the speaker's voice and transmits it through the wires. At the receiver end, the pulses are translated back into sound waves and the speaker's voice is heard by the intended person(s). Two-Way Communication, One-Way Initiation When intercoms first began to be used, they were not at all democratic. A boss could initiate a conversation with a secretary in the reception area or her office, or a principal with a teacher and class in a classroom, by speaking into a master, or base station and while they could hear and verbally respond to him these early version desk-mount or wall-mount substations offered no way to initiate a call. It was strictly a matter of speak when you're spoken to. Digital Intercoms Digital intercoms sample the voice's analog sound waves and convert them or encode them to a digital signal of 1's and 0's. They then send them across the wire in packets of digital information. These bits of information modulate the amplitude of the carrier wave rather than create an actual analog wave. When the packets arrive at the substation or receiver, they are decoded into audio waves, or in other words, the speaker's voice. Digital intercoms perform an analog-to-digital operation when encoding the voice's sound waves, and a digital-to-analog operation when decoding the signal at the receiver end. The benefits of digital intercoms are more simultaneous communicationbetter voice qualityless noise or "interference" Channels of Communication Intercoms have evolved to offer broader communication with a "division of labor"  or operational hierarchy when it comes to units. Master or Base Stations control the system and initiate calls to all substations and make announcements over a P.A. loudspeaker Substations can initiate a call to a base station but not to any other substation in the system. Door stations are capable of initiating a call to a master station, or in some systems to any connected office or apartment intercom. These usually have a built-in loudspeaker, and sometimes a camera. Other components Intercoms also have a paging signal to alert whoever is at the station that someone wants to initiate a call. Wired intercoms systems, have a power supply incorporated into the base station to not only power it but to feed all the connected units via power cables. Wireless Intercoms In situations where it is impossible to run the cables and wires necessary for supporting an intercom system, wireless intercoms are an alternative. In the United States and Canada, several radio frequencies are set aside for wireless intercoms and systems. The benefits of having a wireless intercoms system are that they are easy to install since no wires or cables have to be run between intercom stations which means they are readily scalable and easy to move around when necessary. The downside is they are susceptible to interference from electrical appliances and other wireless devices. IP Intercoms IP intercom systems are a new way to page or provide an intercom using the  TCIP/IP network which is already in place in virtually any office, school, hospital, or retail business. TCIP/IP network technology is the basis of the internet and local area networks. Using this same protocol that allows information to move between computers on a network and over the internet, IP intercom systems send vocal conversation in digital form across a LAN. Also known as network intercoms, IP intercom systems use a standard PC equipped with a sound card and microphone as a base or master station.  Also, core to the system is an audio amplifier that attaches to the network and drives the IP intercoms residing there. Depending on the size of the IP intercom system, (which precisely because it is network-attached, can range from one intercom to thousands) either PoE or external power supply can power the system, and again, according to the size, maybe one or several universal 25/75v transformers will be needed. While the hardware can vary according to need, it is the software that controls it all. It can be loaded to any PC and allows users to configure and manage all the intercoms on the network, control communications, and even archive audio. Benefits of Using an IP Intercom System Reliability - Like other intercom systems, IP based intercoms allow two-way communication but unlike wired intercoms, an IP solution allows users to customize and tailor the situation. Each intercom or group of intercoms has a specific IP address and can be individually accessed or grouped to define a zone. The IP amplifiers can be assigned to either an individual intercom or a small group. In the vent of a failure, only the intercom(s) associated with that particular amplifier module will be affected while the rest of the network-attached paging system continues to operate.  In such an event, thanks to a health monitoring feature of the software, the command center is notified within 60 seconds so repairs can be performed to get it up and running again.Scalability -  Since the system resides in the network, additional zones can be created as needed without the need to lay additional wires. This feature is both time and money-saving doing away with the expense of the wire itself and the labor involved.Cabling - Since IP intercoms and amplifiers connect to the network switch using standard network cabling, there is no need for long speaker wire connections from a central amplifier. Intercoms are showing up everywhere in our connected worlds. Some are able to incorporate connections to public address loudspeakers, telephones, walkie-talkies, and other intercom systems.  Some can even incorporate IP cameras and provide IP door control. If you are interested in IP intercoms, access control, or IP cameras, Kintronics is your IP experts. Call t914-944-3425 to speak to a sales engineer or simply fill out an information request form and we'll get back to you. ### Comparison of Door Access Control Systems Remember when door readers were connected to the central control panel and how difficult it was to run all the connections? Oh wait, people are still doing that.  The new IP connected readers have been available for a number of years and it’s surprising that they haven’t made more of an impact in the market.  I talked to a number of people about this and the conclusion is that security dealers like to do what they know and find it difficult to work with computers and networks. Are the IP door readers actually better, or as some people say, too expensive? In this article, we reviewed the cost of the two technologies for an 8 door system. System that Uses the Classic Central Panel Type Access Control There are a number of manufacturers that sell this technology. In general, there are one or more door readers that connect to a central control panel. There could be one or more controllers in the system depending on the number of door readers. Usually, readers use the Wiegand protocol for communication. The cable also includes power and a number of door control signals such as Request to Exit and Door contact sensors Classic Door Control System Here is an estimate of an 8 door control system. Equipment Cost Equipment cost includes the readers and the central box with power supply. Each door requires a door controller and a prox card reader. 8 - Door controllers = $500 x 8 = $4,000 8 - Prox readers = 195 x 8 = $1560 The central control box and power supply are required: 1- Site Controller        $570 1- Software                $775   (This can be a lot higher depending on the company) 1- Power supply          $495 Wiring Traditional 18-2 or composite wiring from the panel to the reader can range from $0.90 to $1.30 per foot.  Assuming the 6 readers average 50 feet from the panel at minimum, wiring cost will be $270 Installation Labor Cost Installation is a variable because it depends on the prep work for mounting panel enclosure, distance from the central box, the type of walls and ceilings, and other physical considerations in the building. It goes without saying that multi-building installation adds to the complexity. We used the labor costs at one installation which required about 5 days at about $1000 per day = $5000 Total cost for the system is $12,670 System That Uses IP Door Readers The new IP door control readers are actually more than just readers, they also include all the intelligence that was in the central door panels.  The readers connect directly to the network and use PoE for power. Technology continues to make these readers smaller and smarter. The latest readers from Isonas are small enough to fit on the door mullion and can read the classic RFID cards as well as the latest Smart cards.  Since all the smarts are in the reader, you can start with just a single reader and grow incrementally.  There is no initial expensive panel to purchase when you just need a single door reader. System That Uses IP Door Readers There are a number of other great advantages when using this type of system.  Not only do these readers get their power from the network, they also can provide power to the lock.  Now you don’t need to run separate power to each door.  Each reader holds the complete database of people enrolled in the system, so even if the computer fails or is not available, the doors are still safely controlled. For more about this type of system take a look at our web page about network-attached door control systems. Here are the details about the cost of this type of system: Equipment cost Door access control reader-controller $700 x 8 = $5,600 Software is free 8 port network switch with PoE support = $200 Total equipment is $4900 Wiring Cat 5/6 wiring from the network switch to the reader-controller is about 0.30 per foot.  Assuming the 6 doors average 50 feet from the network switch the wiring cost will be $90.00 Installation Labor Cost Labor cost is again somewhat variable but since there are fewer devices to configure and install at the door, physical installation is simplified. As for electrical work, since wiring of the reader-controller to the door strike is contained at the door and PoE supplies power to the lock, we have cut out the need for wiring back to one central point. Thus labor costs are much less.  Typically an install requires ½ the time and resources to install so 3 days at $1000 per day is $3000 for labor. The total system cost is then $8,890. Summary and Conclusion Classic System that Uses Central Panels Pros: The classic system has been around for many years so there are many experienced licensed electricians available. Cons: Usually more expensive. Not as flexible.  You need the control panel even if you are only controlling one door. New IP Reader System Pros: The IP access control system costs less than the older panel type systems. It can be self-installation. Many organizations have an IT staff that can run the network wire, so they have no problem connecting to the same RJ45 connections that are used by computers.   The readers can be installed in more than one building, so if you have a campus that is connected by your Ethernet network, you can install and control the access control system from one computer location. Cons: Since the new IP door control systems use computer networks, a new breed of installers with network and computer expertise is required. There are fewer dealers who can install these systems.  You may need help with the installation of the electric lock.  In this case, you can bring in locksmiths who are familiar with these types of locks.  The locksmith installs the electric lock and wires to the pigtail of the reader. Conclusion The new IP door control system is less expensive and provides greater functionality than the older central panel systems.  You may need to search a little harder to find a security dealer that can install your system, but the new IP door systems are worth it.  We can actually help you find the right person in your area.  These systems can easily be integrated with IP camera systems and IP intercoms to create a complete safety and security system. If you would like help finding an installer in your area, or help selecting the components for your door access control system, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### Biometric Authentication - the New Kid on the Access Control Block Once residing only in the realm of science fiction, biometric authentication has moved into our everyday worlds. And if it's not part of yours, hold on, it soon will be. Once upon a time a driver's license or photo ID was all it took to gain access to a secure building. Life was simpler then. But then, terrorism reared its loathsome head and made it apparent that these simple tokens of identification are woefully inadequate. Today's security climate demands that secure access control be based on identity authentication. It is not enough that a person may already have security clearance. Biometric authentication has stepped up to fill that need since the cardinal rule of authentication is that proof of identity be based on a trait or characteristic that is unique to the person, not just a piece of plastic or badge that has the potential of being misappropriated. The Biometric Credential Biometric identification employs methods of analyzing a person's physiological and/or behavioral characteristics, which are presumed to be unique to the individual.  The chosen characteristic becomes his or her access control credential so that when the person approaches an access point, the characteristic is compared to a database containing information linked to his/her identity. Choice of a biometric modality should be limited to characteristics that are common to all individuals,  but unique to each in its particular parameters.  For example, everyone has five fingers but no two individuals, even identical twins share fingerprint ridge patterns, nor do we share palm-prints or wrist vein patterns. Since the authenticating process is quick and non-invasive, fingerprints and palm-prints, even footprints, have long been used as identity authenticators. However, the modality must also be such that it cannot be falsified. Devious minds have determined how to forge fingerprints using duplicating aids like latex, digital photography, and believe it or not - gummy bears. And social media being what it is, the information is readily available on the Internet. However, we do have several physical identifying features that , as of yet, have proven to be tamper-proof, the face, the retina, and the iris, being three examples. Facial Recognition Facial Recognition technology is the most rapidly evolving area of biometrics since any photo or digital image can readily be converted to a mathematical code that describes an individual's face. This code is created with computer analysis that looks at nodal points (facial landmarks) such as nose, cheekbones, shape, shape, and position of the eyes. Although every face has about eighty nodal points, analysis usually centers on twenty points between the temple area and lips. Concentrating on this portion of the face ensures that obscuring factors like beards, glasses, or the natural aging process will not be a complication in the authentication. Improvements in technology continue to provide tune-ups to facial recognition. For example, 3-d facial recognition methods have been developed that are more impervious to lighting differences,  facial expressions, or head orientation during imaging. Adding skin texture analysis increases the accuracy of the 3-d image even more. Facial recognition is also combined with body motion to dramatically improve recognition. Iris Recognition Moving up a rung on the accuracy and reliability scale, we find iris recognition technology. The structure of the iris, like one's fingerprints, is determined during embryonic development, so no two individuals, not even those who are genetically related, have the same iris patterns. Iris recognition consists of taking a high-resolution image of a person's eyes and converting it to a digital format that can yield a mathematical iris representation that can be stored in a database and used for cross reference when the person's identity has to authenticated. Eyeglasses and contact lenses do not pose a problem for iris recognition and the topography of the iris remains unchanged, barring injury, throughout life. Retina Recognition Iris recognition should not be confused with a retinal scan. An iris scan can be conducted from a short distance away while a retina scan involves an individual's looking through a scanner's eyepiece for a minimum of ten to fifteen seconds so that the eye's blood vessel patterns can be examined. Retinal measurements can be affected by astigmatism and cataracts. Hybrid Combinations Some facilities have chosen to combine biometric authentication with more traditional access control. San Jose State University is adopting a system requiring students to use an app that stores biometric information on their smartphones or mobile devices. In order to gain access to a residential dining hall, they must place their finger on a biometric reader. The reader then uses mid-range contact-less technology to compare the fingerprint to the data stored on the device. Kintronics is staying abreast of all these exciting advances in secure access control. We currently recommend IP access control systems.  Should you want more information, or be in the market for an IP security camera system, give us a call at 914-944-3425 to speak to a sales engineer or fill out an information request form. ### Now for the Jokes and Cartoons 3 What happens to a frog's car when it breaks down?It gets toad away. If you ever get cold, just stand in the corner of a room for a while. They're normally around 90 degrees. Q: What did the duck say when he bought lipstick?A: "Put it on my bill." In a religious school cafeteria, a teacher places a note in front of a pile of apples, "Only take one. God is watching." Further down the line is a pile of cookies. A little boy makes his own note, "Take all you want. God is watching the apples." Q: How do astronomers organize a party?A: They planet. A Mathematician, a Biologist, and a Physicist are sitting in a street cafe watching people going in and coming out of the house on the other side of the street. First, they see two people going into the house. Time passes. After a while they notice three persons coming out of the house.The Physicist: "The measurement wasn't accurate.".The Biologist: "They have reproduced".The Mathematician: "If now exactly one person enters the house then it will be empty again." H2O: Dangerous Chemical!A student at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair, April 26. He was attempting to show how conditioned we have become to alarmists practicing junk science and spreading fear of everything in our environment. In his project, he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict control or total elimination of the chemical "dihydrogen monoxide." And for plenty of good reasons, since: it can cause excessive sweating and vomitingit is a major component in acid rainit can cause severe burns in its gaseous stateaccidental inhalation can kill youit contributes to erosionit decreases the effectiveness of automobile brakesit has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients He asked 50 people if they supported a ban of the chemical. Forty-three (43) said yes,six (6) were undecided,and only one (1) knew that the chemical was water. The title of his prize winning project was, "How Gullible Are We?" He feels the conclusion is obvious. I hope you enjoyed these technical cartoons and jokes.  If you have any new ones you would like to share just contact me. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment.   ### IP Camera Low Light Test and Evaluation – Sony vs Samsung vs Axis We tested a number of IP cameras so we could recommend the right camera for low light level applications. Other key features include resolution, wide dynamic range, and frame rate, which we evaluated in our other posts. In our latest product test, we compared the low light performance of the new Sony SNC-VM630, Samsung SNV-6084R, and Axis P3384 IP cameras. The Samsung dome IP camera includes a built-in IR illuminator which we turned off for the test. The Published Specifications Before we did the testing we reviewed the published specifications.  All the cameras had about the same low light level when in color.  The Samsung camera had the best B/W low light sensitivity specification.  The test would tell us if the cameras met their specifications. Samsung SNV-6084RColor: 0.1 Lux (F1.2, 50IRE)B/W: 0.01 Lux (F1.2, 50IRE)Image sensor: 1/2.8" PS Exmor 2.38M CMOSSony SNC-VM630Color: 0.1 lx (F1.2, 50IRE, View-DR OFF, VE OFF, AGC ON, 1/30 s, 30 fps)B/W: 0.07 lx (F1.2, 50IRE, View-DR OFF, VE OFF, AGC ON, 1/30 s, 30 fps)Image sensor: 1/2.9-type progressive scan Exmor CMOS sensorAxis P3384Color: 0.15 lux, F1.2,B/W: 0.03 lux, F1.2 with LightfinderImage sensor: Progressive scan RGB CMOS 1/3” Note that it is very important to make sure the specifications are using the same frame rate (shutter speed) and IRE.  The frame rate relates to the shutter speed.  The longer the shutter is opened the lower the frame rate.  If the IRE is at 30 IRE instead of 50 IRE, the lux value will be much different and the noise level will be higher.  Take a look at our article about IP Camera Low Light Sensitivity for more details about how low light sensitivity is measured. Low Light Test We tested the cameras under various low-light circumstances.  We compared the Samsung and Sony 2 megapixel cameras to the 1 megapixel Axis P3384 because it has a reputation for good low light performance (this is their specialty low-light camera).  Please note that a 1-megapixel camera is expected to have a better low light performance than a 2-megapixel resolution camera.  In spite of this, the 2 megapixel Sony and Samsung cameras outperformed the 1 megapixel Axis camera. All the cameras viewed the same image under increasing levels of darkness. Our summer intern, Eli Schildkraut, devised a nice test box from cardboard boxes.  It’s always nice to have a smart intern around. We first viewed the images at relatively low light where they all provided decent images. We gradually decreased the lighting until all the cameras could not see anything.  All the cameras tested did not have an IR illuminator or had them turned off. We didn’t include cameras that couldn’t turn off the IR light. We set each camera for the best performance at low light without reducing frame rates.  This included turning off WDR, turning on the light enhancers (which is called different things depending on the camera), keeping the cameras at 30 fps, and keeping amplification at 50 IRE. Note that it was difficult to measure the actual light level (lux) because most light meters do not go below 0.1 lux.  We took snapshots from each camera at four light levels.  The goal was to capture images at each level of darkness and to compare all the cameras at the same relative lighting level. We observed which camera displayed the clearest image with the least noise level. Test at approximately 0.5 luxAt this light level, all of the cameras displayed little to no amplifier noise with good visibility and brightness.  For reference, the light from a full moon is about 0.3 lux to 1.0 lux depending on how close to the equator you are.  The moon is brighter as you get closer to the equator. The Sony and Axis cameras had the least amount of amplifier noise and the highest brightness. Additionally, it is important to note that because the Axis camera has a 1-megapixel sensor, it displayed the image in color while the 2 megapixel Samsung and Sony cameras had switched to black and white mode.  In this regard, the Sony and Samsung camera did not meet their published low light specifications in color.Sony SNC-VM630: The image is very bright and clear. We can see the details of the scale. (Note this is a 2-megapixel camera).Axis P3384: The image is in color. We can see the colors of the pen and the details of the scale are visible. (This is a 1-megapixel camera) Test at approximately 0.2 lux With the light level reduced, all three cameras displayed high-quality images. The Axis camera stayed in color.  All the cameras showed detailed clarity and only a small drop-off in brightness with low noise. Samsung and Sony compared well with the Axis camera. The Sony displayed slightly better image quality at this light level.Sony SNC-VM630: Display is bright and clear with low noiseSamsung SNV-6084R: Noticeably darker image, but is still displaying a fairly clear image with little to no amplifier noise. Lower Light Level (approximately 0.05 lux)With the lighting reduced the Axis switched to B / W and showed the darkest image with noticeable amplifier noise.  Sony displayed the brightest image with the most amplifier noise.  The Samsung displayed average brightness with the least amount of amplifier noise. Overall the Samsung displayed the image with the best combination of brightness and low amplifier noise. Sony Camera at very Low Light Axis P3384: Noise level increased and it was difficult to make out the details of the scale.Sony SNC-VM630: Increased noise but can make out more details than the Axis cameraSamsung 6084: The image is dark, but the least amount of noise with the clearest image. The Lowest light level (approximately 0.01 lux) Samsung Camera at very low light level This test was done at an extremely low light level. It was below the light sensitivity of the Axis camera. Under these conditions, the Samsung tested best.  Despite showing a dark image there was very little amplifier noise and the objects are visible. With the Samsung, you can clearly see the markers and the scale. The Axis camera displayed very little and it was nearly impossible to identify our objects, the scale, and the markers. Sony showed the outline of our objects to some degree. The image is hard to see because of the lack of brightness, but the extreme level of amplifier noise is the main factor causing our inability to view the image on the Sony. Conclusion The Samsung 6084 was the winner in this test.  It was interesting to note that Sony provides conservative specifications for its IP cameras.  The tested performance was better than their published specifications. Even though the camera has a published specification of 0.07 lux, it was almost as good as the Samsung camera, with a published specification of 0.01 lux. All the cameras displayed good images at light levels as low as 0.5 lux.  The Axis camera stayed in color longer as the light was reduced, but didn’t perform well when it switched to B / W mode.  At light levels down to about 0.05 lux, the Sony camera provided a bright image and low noise, but at the lowest light level of about 0.01 lux, the Samsung camera displayed the lowest amplifier noise and best image. For assistance in selecting your IP camera, please contact us for help.  ### IP Camera Test and Review of Wide Dynamic Range – Sony vs Samsung vs Hikvision Some applications require IP cameras with a wide dynamic range (WDR). What is a wide dynamic range? It means that the video will look much better in situations where there are very wide light differences in the scene. You may have seen this type of problem, where you are viewing a person in front of a bright background. The background is clear, but the person is very dark and hard to see. The older IP (and analog) cameras used “Back Light” control to enhance the darker area (foreground) and ignore the background. In this case, you can see the person but the background is lost in a bright haze. If there are people in the background you can’t see them. Today’s new IP cameras use a wide dynamic range to allow you to view both the foreground and background. There are two ways to improve dynamic range. The first way is to use non-linear amplification of the video. This reduces the very bright areas and enhances the dark areas. It works, but the better method is to use multiple frames and average them together. The latest cameras are fast enough to use the multiple frame technique so they have dramatically improved wide dynamic range (WDR). We tested the WDR in the new Samsung, Sony, and Hikvision cameras. Wide dynamic range has been dramatically improved from about 50 dB to over 120 dB. We tested each camera with WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) on and off.  To do this test, we looked at objects positioned in front of a window looking at a bright sunlit scene. This was the ideal setting to test for WDR as the sun-light coming through the window was making it hard to see the color and detail of our objects in the foreground. We tested the Sony SNC-VM630, Samsung SNV-6084R, and Hikvision DS-2CD7254FWD-EIZ.  Here are the results: Sony SNC-VM630 The camera has a number of controls for getting the best picture. The camera specifications indicate that the camera has WDR equivalent to 90 dB with View-DR technology. In some cases just turning on the Visibility Enhancer will brighten the image.  The Visibility Enhancer uses non-linear amplification to adjust the dark and light portion of the video. The best image is achieved by turning on WDR which uses the multiple frame averaging technique. Here’s what we observed.  With WDR turned off the foreground looks dark and we can’t see the subtle differences in the green of each leaf of the tree clearly. With WDR turned on, we could clearly see the different shades of green on the trees. Also, we can see the plant on the table is a lighter green at its root and progressively becomes darker toward its ends. Finally, we can see the shadows produced by the scale are less noticeable with WDR turned on. This difference is most apparent at the top of the scale by the numbers and where the scale meets the edge of the table. Samsung SNV-6084R The specifications for the Samsung camera say that it has 120 dB of WDR.  Our testing showed that it met all our expectations.  The difference between WDR on and off was dramatic with the Samsung camera. With WDR off, the lower portion of the picture was shadowed in darkness. By turning WDR on, we can see this area in much higher clarity and brightness. The colors of each pen are hard to distinguish when WDR is off, but clearly recognizable with WDR on. The bookcase and the plant pot are black with WDR off, but appear brown with WDR on. The leaves on the trees can’t be distinguished when WDR is off, but with WDR turned on we can see the leaves, and the blue sky with white clouds. The Samsung camera, like many other cameras with WDR averaging, exhibits bars on the image that are caused by the fluorescence lights.  This can be removed by adjusting the lighting controls in the camera video set up.  The Samsung camera demonstrated an excellent dynamic range. Hikvision DS-2CD7254FWD-EIZ (Note we no longer sell Hikvision camera because of US government restrictions) Even though this is an economic camera, the WDR works well.  The specifications indicate the camera has 120 dB of WDR.  We discovered that the default white balance settings should not be used. The video had a slight yellow tint with the white balance set to “natural light”.   After a call to tech support (who was very helpful), we were able to correct the color by switching the white balance to “AWB1”.  This points out the need to make sure all the camera adjustments are right for a specific application. With the WDR off, the color of the toy truck is hard to see, and the clouds can’t be seen at all. It is also hard to see the scale clearly because of the shadow. With the WDR on, we could see the blue sky and the white clouds.  The color of the toy truck becomes more apparent and the scale numbers are easy to read.  With WDR off, the leaves on the trees are not clear, but with WDR on they have a light-lively green look and can be seen clearly. Conclusion The wide dynamic range has been dramatically improved in the latest IP cameras.  Samsung, Sony, and Hikvision all demonstrated very good performance. The Sony camera provided the best image but required some additional adjustments. The Samsung camera was the best without requiring any adjustments.  We liked this camera the best for situations that require WDR. The Sony camera provided the best image but only after we turned on the "image enhancer". The Hikvision camera also showed great improvement in its image once WDR was activated. When using the nominal camera settings, the Hikvision image had a yellow tint, which was corrected by making the adjustment in white balance. If you need some assistance selecting the right megapixel IP camera for your application, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  We can be reached at 914-944-3425 or use our contact form. ### Wireless IP Camera Systems Wireless IP cameras can be used whenever you can’t wire the camera to your network switch. Cameras with built in wireless radios are used indoors, while cameras with external radios are used outdoors and in remote locations. Cameras with built in radios are usually for indoor home use. But when it comes to outdoor use, cameras that use external radios are preferred because they are reliable and can cover much longer distances. There are two types of wireless connections; Wi-Fi radios that use a dedicated connection between two points, and 3G / 4G that use the telephone wireless network. Wireless Cameras There are a number of economic wireless IP cameras that are available, for example Sony and Samsung cameras. Features include: High resolutionOptional edge storageOptional IR motion detectionVoice alert optionsLED lightSmartphone monitoring on some models Wireless IP cameras usually are not as reliable as wired connections because of the low signal strength and need for line of sight between the camera and the access point.  Yes, it sometimes works through walls but sometimes there are problems. Wireless Radios that attach to IP Cameras Wireless with two cameras on pole The best way to connect a camera, where wiring is not an option, is to use a set of wireless radios with directional antennas.  The camera is attached to the network connection of the wireless radio. This can provide a bridge between the remote location and your central location. High performance WiFi wireless radios with special directional antennas have a range of many miles.  They have recently come down in price with some costing under $200. Performance depends on the price.  Radios with more power, higher bandwidth, security, and flexibility are more expensive. These radios can provide bandwidth up to 50 Mbps or more depending on signal strength. There are a variety of radios available. Most use frequencies of either 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz.  Frequencies such as 900 MHz and 4.9 GHz are available as well.   Most IP camera applications use the 5.8 GHz radios.  In remote applications where there may be limited power, it is best to select radios that require the least power. When we provide the complete wireless IP camera systems it includes the radio with directional antenna, camera, power system, and surge protectors, as well as network switches with PoE, special environmental enclosures and mounting brackets. Everything is designed for compatibility with power, electronics and connectivity. One or more IP cameras can be included in the wireless system solution. They can be fixed or PTZ type cameras.  Cameras are selected depending on the requirements and objectives. The power can be provided by local AC power or by adding a solar power system. Features include: IEEE 802.11a CompliantRange up to 15 miles with line-of-site between radiosLow power operationUp to +23dBm Transmit Power with Adjustable OutputModels that feature dual Ethernet Ports Tunneling Protocol Support (VPN, PPTP, RSA, etc)Alignment LEDs (in CPE mode)Configurable in Point-to-Point, Access Point or Client modes 3G / 4G Wireless Broadband Solutions 3G / 4G phone communication can be used whenever WiFI radios are not practical. They use special modems which depend on your local service provider. Since they make use of the telephone communication systems, they require a SIMM card or license code. 3G / 4G channels don’t provide high bandwidth so should only be used in applications that require low resolution and low frame rate. 4G upload bandwidth is rated at over 500 Mbps (the specification says 1 Gbps for fixed installations) but in real world applications you may not get better than 40 Kbps because there could be other data traffic on the cell tower. 3G is rated at about 3 Mbps so provides much less bandwidth. These modems can automatically select an alternate communication channel such as WiFi or wired broadband solution to maintain a reliable and redundant connection. Main Features Integrated 4G LTE, HSPA+, WiMAX, and 3G EVDO models (no modem option available)Ruggedized metal housingExternal 3G/4G modem antennasAdvanced routing and security features including VPN, VLAN, WAN Affinity, and moreAdditional advanced security and routing features with an Extended Enterprise LicenseCloud-managed Summary Wireless cameras are available with the radio built in or with external radios.  You can select Wifi  or 3G / 4G modems.  The radios have gotten better and pricing has come down.  They provide an excellent way to connect your remote surveillance cameras to your central security center. Please contact us for assistance in specifying the best solution for your specific application. ### Thermal Imaging Cameras Take on a New Health Role in Light of Ebola Crisis A Center for Disease Control advisory states "People who have been exposed to Ebola should not travel on commercial airlines until there is a period of monitoring for symptoms of illness lasting 21 days after exposure. "This has presented a conundrum for officials in West Africa, especially airport security workers. How to determine symptoms in passengers who are in their presence for but a few moments? One solution they've been employing is to take temperatures, a time-consuming practice. Might using thermal Imaging cameras speed up the process? Since one of the symptoms of Ebola is a temperature of 101.5 or more, temperature-taking has emerged as a daily routine in some countries. You know those signs posted in US bathrooms reminding employees to wash their hands ? They're nothing compared to Liberia's Ebola-fighting hygiene requirements. Hygiene and Health Surveillance Nicole Beemsterboer, a NPR producer,  just back from ten days in Liberia, reports in her blog , Goats and Soda, that there are buckets of chlorine everywhere, and before granting admittance to any government buildings, officials watch employees and visitors wash their hands. Then they take each person's temperature  with an ear-gun thermometer. The temperature is then written or printed on an ID tag and attached to the person's clothing where it will be visible to all inside (who are also wearing tags). Anyone with a temperature is sent to a medical facility for further screening. One can only imagine the long queues forming each morning as employees arrive for work. But that's nothing compared to the lines at airports. As if clearing customs didn't take enough time, passengers departing from many West African airports also have to have their temperatures taken with an ear-gun. When Beemsterboer 's plane landed in Casablanca from Liberia, the passengers underwent a different type of screening. In an effort to both speed up the process , and provide officials with a bit more distance from potentially Ebola-infected passengers, many airports are turning to thermal imaging cameras. Thermal Imaging  Cameras as Homeland Security Reuters also reports that several Asian countries are employing thermal imaging screening as a pre-boarding requisite , as well as  at major entry points along their borders. SInce everything  whether animate, or inanimate, gives off heat in the form of energy waves, thermal imaging sensors have long been used to measure the intensity of the waves. Military applications like night goggles, heat-seeking sensors, and cameras have long been a wartime staple. And now, thermal imaging cameras are perched on a new threshold of possibility. Since the human body is constantly radiating thermal energy the cameras' sensors are able to collect and convert it into temperature measurement. Thermal imaging cameras and sensors portray temperature on a progressive rainbow palette,  with cold at the purple, blue, green end, and hot at the yellow,orange, red end. When detecting temperature in humans, exposed skin of the arms and face will always show up warmer. The warmest area is the area surrounding the tear ducts, the coolest area is the nose, since it is the cooling mechanism for the air we breathe as it enters the body. It is usually seen as blue or green. However should a person be running a fever, there will be a higher proportion of reds in the thermal image and perhaps a few white areas. The image on the left is of a healthy individual, on the right is an individual running a fever. An elevated temperature can be caused by any illness or inflammation, so using thermal cameras is far from a solution to detecting Ebola. But they can be a tool for filtering out people travelling while ill, and will allow security officials to remove the individual from the boarding line and put him/her into isolation until a blood test, which is the only definitive test for Ebola, can be administered. Should you want information about thermal imaging IP cameras for surveillance purposes or any other type of IP camera system, Contact Kintronics at 914-944-3425 to speak to a sales engineer, or just fill out an information request form. ### IP Surveillance Camera Systems Can Play a Non-security Role in Retail At the end of any day, retail businesses equipped with IP camera security systems are sitting on a valuable cache of high resolution video.  Conventional thinking would hold with its being stored for a set period of time, and if no forensic need arises, being deleted. However, forward thinking  management recognizes its value in optimizing a store's bottom line performance. In this age of big data, the retail sector, like so many other verticals, is finding value in leveraging video technology with other data-collecting technology. Many stores are empowering their IP camera surveillance systems with real-time analytic applications like traffic counting, heat mapping,  and queue management to manage day-to-day operations, while others are looking at dwell time to analyze customer behavior. Dwell time tells them how long a particular customer stands in front of an item before selecting it for purchase, or in the opposite instance, moving on to another product or aisle. Integrating  this data with Point of Sale (POS) transactions, helps retailers manage what to stock on their shelves (and where) to enhance the customer's shopping experience and drive up sales. Make do doubt about it, the retail sector primarily relies on IP camera systems to monitor their stores in the interest of customer and asset protection, but more and more businesses are also looking to them for aid in making decisions that can give them a competitive advantage a bit further down the road, ultimately leading to an improved bottom line. No matter what your intentions are in looking for an IP camera, the experts at Kintronics can help you make the right choice. Call 914-944-3425 to speak to a sales engineer, or fill out an information request form. ### Sony SNC-WR632 The SNC-WR632 is part of the Sony W-series of PTZ IP camera systems. Representing the high-performance outdoor model, this 2.0-megapixel camera is a good choice for your greater exterior surveillance needs, like parking lots, stadiums, and other such areas. The Sony W-series is known for its superior performance. Each of these camera systems is highly reliable, offering sophisticated video technology to increase your chances of identifying an individual’s face in a wide range of applications. As a PTZ, or pan, tilt, zoom camera system, this unit can be remotely manipulated with a full, 360° endless rotation, a 220° tilt, and a maximum optical zoom of 30x. Intelligent Surveillance Software This camera system features intelligent video and audio analytics, including intelligent motion detection, face detection, object removed, object left behind, passing, and intrusion detection. Video Quality This camera system features a resolution of 2.0 megapixels, at 1920 x 1080 and a maximum frame rate of 60 fps. A sophisticated video processing chip helps the camera to capture quality images under even challenging lighting conditions. With a 130 dB of wide dynamic range, it can recognize objects against a very bright background. Meanwhile, a low-light sensitivity of 1.4 lx for color images and 0.15 lux for black and white images lets you continue to record under dark conditions. A gyro-based image stabilizer provides for greater clarity when viewing objects at a distance. Even if the camera is mounted on a less-than-stationary surface, you can still expect to recognize a face viewed at 30x zoom. Extras and Peripherals The camera has a slot for an optional SD/SDHC memory card for local audio and video recording. Recording to the memory card can be triggered by events, like attempts to tamper with the camera system. Protective Features This camera has tamper detection, allowing it to trigger an alarm when it is interfered with. Designed for outdoor use, this unit is IK10-rated for vandal resistance and IP66-rated against environmental hazards like water and dust. It can also operate reliably in temperatures from -40C to 50C. ### Sony SNC-WR602 The SNC-WR602 is part of the Sony W-series of PTZ IP camera systems. Representing the economical outdoor model, this 1.3-megapixel camera is a good choice for your smaller exterior surveillance needs, like front doors, small parking lots, or similar regions. The Sony W-series is known for its superior performance. Each of these camera systems is highly reliable, offering sophisticated video technology to increase your chances of identifying an individual’s face in a wide range of applications. As a PTZ, or pan, tilt, zoom camera system, this unit can be remotely manipulated with a full, 360° endless rotation, a 220° tilt, and a maximum optical zoom of 30x. Intelligent Surveillance Software This camera system features intelligent video and audio analytics, including intelligent motion detection, face detection, object removed, object left behind, passing, and intrusion detection. Video Quality This camera system features a resolution of 1.3 megapixels, at 1280 x 1024 and a maximum frame rate of 60 fps. A sophisticated video processing chip helps the camera to capture quality images under even challenging lighting conditions. With a 130 dB of wide dynamic range, it can recognize objects against a very bright background. Meanwhile, a low-light sensitivity of 1.0 lx for color images and 0.03 lux for black and white images lets you continue to record under dark conditions. A gyro-based image stabilizer provides for greater clarity when viewing objects at a distance. Even if the camera is mounted on a less-than-stationary surface, you can still expect to recognize a face viewed at 30x zoom. Extras and Peripherals The camera has a slot for an optional SD/SDHC memory card for local audio and video recording. Recording to the memory card can be triggered by events, like attempts to tamper with the camera system. Protective Features This camera has tamper detection, allowing it to trigger an alarm when it is interfered with. Designed for outdoor use, this unit is IK10-rated for vandal resistance and IP66-rated against environmental hazards like water and dust. It can also operate reliably in temperatures from -40C to 50C. ### Sony SNC-WR630 The SNC-WR630 is part of the Sony W-series of PTZ IP camera systems. Representing the high-performance indoor model, this 2.0 megapixel camera is a good choice for any interior location where you need superior resolution and low-light sensitivity, like banks, malls, and casinos. The Sony W-series is known for its superior performance. Each of these camera systems is highly reliable, offering sophisticated video technology to increase your chances of identifying an individual’s face in a wide range of applications. As a PTZ, or pan, tilt, zoom camera system, this unit can be remotely manipulated with a full, 360° endless rotation, a 220° tilt, and a maximum optical zoom of 30x. Intelligent Surveillance Software This camera system features intelligent video and audio analytics, including intelligent motion detection, face detection, object removed, object left behind, passing, and intrusion detection. Video Quality This camera system features a resolution of 2.0 megapixels, at 1920 x 1080 and a maximum frame rate of 60 fps. A sophisticated video processing chip helps the camera to capture quality images under even challenging lighting conditions. With a 130 dB of wide dynamic range, it can recognize objects against a very bright background. Meanwhile, a low-light sensitivity of 1.4 lx for color images and 0.15 lux for black and white images lets you continue to record under dark conditions. A gyro-based image stabilizer provides for greater clarity when viewing objects at a distance. Even if the camera is mounted on a less-than-stationary surface, you can still expect to recognize a face viewed at 30x zoom. Extras and Peripherals The camera has a slot for an optional SD/SDHC memory card for local audio and video recording. Recording to the memory card can be triggered by events, like attempts to tamper with the camera system. Protective Features This camera has tamper detection, allowing it to trigger an alarm when it is interfered with. ### Sony SNC-WR600 The SNC-WR600 is part of the Sony W-series of PTZ IP camera systems. Representing the economical indoor model, this 1.3-megapixel camera is a good choice for smaller interior locations like offices, entrance ways, and similar rooms. The Sony W-series is known for its superior performance. Each of these camera systems is highly reliable, offering sophisticated video technology to increase your chances of identifying an individual’s face in a wide range of applications. As a PTZ, or pan, tilt, zoom camera system, this unit can be remotely manipulated with a full, 360° endless rotation, a 220° tilt, and a maximum optical zoom of 30x. Intelligent Surveillance Software This camera system features intelligent video and audio analytics, including intelligent motion detection, face detection, object removed, object left behind, passing, and intrusion detection. Video Quality This camera system features a resolution of 1.3 megapixels, at 1280 x 1024 and a maximum frame rate of 60 fps. A sophisticated video processing chip helps the camera to capture quality images under even challenging lighting conditions. With a 130 dB of wide dynamic range, it can recognize objects against a very bright background. Meanwhile, a low-light sensitivity of 1.0 lx for color images and 0.03 lux for black and white images lets you continue to record under dark conditions. A gyro-based image stabilizer provides for greater clarity when viewing objects at a distance. Even if the camera is mounted on a less-than-stationary surface, you can still expect to recognize a face viewed at 30x zoom. Extras and Peripherals The camera has a slot for an optional SD/SDHC memory card for local audio and video recording. Recording to the memory card can be triggered by events, like attempts to tamper with the camera system. Protective Features This camera has tamper detection, allowing it to trigger an alarm when it is interfered with. ### An IP Camera with WDR Can Produce a Picture Worth 1,000 Words IP cameras with Wide Dynamic Range capability are the answer to monitoring areas where bright illumination coexists and contrasts with low light or shadows within the camera's field of view. That's why we've written about them and our sales engineers have recommended them so often. But who would believe one of Kintronics "very own" would find himself in a situation where a camera with WDR might have made things a lot easier for the detectives charged with identifying the suspects caught on a security camera? Wide Dynamic Range is the function of cameras designed to produce clear, actionable images in settings where backlight and intense illumination vary excessively, particularly where a dark area and a bright one appear in the same frame. Any IP surveillance camera system should have at least one camera with WDR capability if it monitors areas like these. toll plazas and gasoline stations where car headlights are facing  a camerasubway stations, tunnels, and parking garages where people or vehicles are entering from the bright daylight to an area substantially less well-litplaces where a person of interest is standing in front of bright back-lighting such  as a wall of windows in an office building lobby or an airport terminalplaces with light reflecting off banks of windows, mirrors, or cascading fountains such as shopping malls or gambling casinos. The last instance is where our Kintronics person found himself a couple of weeks ago - in a mall, though - not a casino. It was just like a scene out of Law & Order. A jewelry store robbery had just taken place.   Luckily it had no impact on him, but it was fodder for Monday morning water cooler chat. I had all but forgotten it though when I found the photo (above) online. Not only did it corroborate his story but it provided me with a perfect example of a place where a camera with WDR capability would have made all the difference! If you need to monitor areas that would benefit from an IP camera with Wide Dynamic Range capability, or if you are interested in IP camera security systems in general, one of Kintronics' knowledgeable sales engineers can help you. Call 914-944-3425 or fill out an information request form. ### Vivotek IP8372 The Vivotek IP8372 is a high-performance, 5-megapixel bullet camera system. With a durable protective casing and a sophisticated night vision capability, this camera is ideally designed for outdoor surveillance. A good choice for parking lots, outdoor sports complexes, building exteriors, and similar locations. Intelligent Surveillance SoftwareThe IP8372 comes with triple-window video motion detection. The system can be programed to trigger alarms or events with a series of sophisticated sensory functions, including video motion detection, which can discern when something moves within the field of vision, or camera tampering detection, which can discern when the camera is compromised. Video QualityThis system comes with a full 5 megapixel video, with 1080p HD resolution. Frame rates and resolutions are adjustable, with a frame rate of up to 30 fps available at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a frame rate of up to 13 fps at a resolution of 2560 x 1920. Combined with H.264/MPEG-4/MJPEG compression technology, this is a camera that offers superior image smoothness and width of coverage. The camera is also armed with an auto-iris lens, an IR-cut filter, and IR illuminators with a range of thirty meters to provide for clear video recording under both light and dark conditions. Users of this system can take advantage of the ePTZ function, which enables them to remotely zoom in and focus upon a region of interest (ROI) in the field of view. Extras and PeripheralsThis camera features a built-in microSD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot, allowing for on-board data storage in the event that the camera becomes disconnected from the network. The camera also supports audio input and output, with an external microphone and an audio output line. Optional accessories allow for versatile camera mounting, wireless capabilities, and power adaptations. Protective FeaturesIP67-rated housing protects the camera system from environmental effects like rain and dust, ensuring continued operation in all weather conditions. To protect against tampering, the tampering detection function allows the camera to trigger an alarm if it is suddenly moved, struck, or obstructed. The mounting bracket also provides containment for the cables, protecting them from being cut. ### Video Management Software and IP Door Control - Partners in Security Access control used to be a mostly mechanical application with basic functions until IP door control software breathed new possibilities into it. Used alone,  door control systems can deny unauthorized access to secure areas but it provides no visual evidence as to just who an intruder is.On its own, video management software can report on an event that has happened or is happening, but it cannot act upon it. However recent advances in IP technology make possible the seamless integration of IP access control systems with network camera surveillance systems, resulting in a comprehensive, efficient security solution capable of integrating with video and intrusion detection systems. The solution provides a single interface that controls doors, manages access control system and video management software events and alarms, enabling fast decision-making in the event of an emergency. Should an access control event occur, security can quickly access the video from an integrated ACS/VMS rather than rushing over to a separate IP camera recording system to see who is attempting to enter. Quicker investigation of an event equals quicker response and situational awareness than would be achieved by relying on either system on its own. Some solutions regard the access control system as the command for the integrated system since door control, on its own, can actually prevent an event from taking place while backing it up with evidential information, Door Access Control System ISONAS, one of the first manufacturers of IP door access control systems, has come up with a solution that empowers the video management system by putting it at the front end of a unified system,  in essence, providing one powerful interface for managing ACS and VMS events and alarms and controlling doors. Should an alarm occur, the video will quickly alert security and if further investigation is warranted, ISONAS powerful alarm management features will permit security personnel to search, push alarms and update their status, while bookmarking the event to provide a comprehensive security management solution. Ocularis, from ONSSI, is a perfect VMS partner. Used alone it combines the best quality video surveillance and security while providing a comprehensive event management platform. However integrating it with ISONAS door control, expands its capabilities as the single command and control for video, access control, and license plate recognition. And should its video content analytics determine events such as a camera being tampered with, an object left behind, or a secure zone barrier breached, it will send an alert to the appropriate personnel and if needed restrict access. If you're interested in combining your Video management with access control give Kintronics a call at 914-944-3425 or fill out an information request form and a sales engineer will respond. ### What Twenty-First Century Security Guards Need to Know About IP Cameras Today’s security professional’s duties bear little resemblance to those of the security guard of the mid-twentieth century. Gone are the days when padlocks and fences were sufficient to keep intruders at bay; back when a guard’s duties consisted of making patrols and authorizing admittance consisted of the wave of a hand. When the twenty-first century ushered in the adoption of IP camera systems, a new era of security dawned. Anyone hoping to become a security professional today needs, at the very minimum, working knowledge of IP cameras and video management software. The growing prevalence of IP devices tore down  the wall separating IT and security.  The very fact that IP cameras reside on an organization’s local area network (LAN), links the two.  And when you come down to it, it's all about risk management;  catching intruders, whether they're virtual intruders like hackers or physical intruders like thieves or gunmen. However this doesn’t mean IT and security require the same skills. Just because an individual knows how to install a firewall doesn’t mean she knows how to assess an IP camera.  So more and more, we see the responsibility for choosing  IP camera systems being assigned to the security department. Accordingly, security guards wishing to say in the field are arming themselves with knowledge. With that in mind we present questions security executive charged with selecting an IP camera surveillance system should be asking him/herself Do I need to see a stranger’s facial features for the purpose of forensic identification?Do I want to recognize that individual as a known employee?  Do I just want to detect that an individual is on the premises? Resolution? In digital imaging, the smallest element of a picture is called a pixel. Pixels are usually square and arranged in a two dimensional grid. An image with a resolution of 1280 x 1024 is a frame containing a count of 1280 pixels from left to right and 1024 from top to bottom. Work out the math and we have a frame composed of 1,310,000 pixels. And since every 1,000,000 pixels is expressed as 1 megapixel. We are looking at a resolution of 1.3 megapixels. If facial recognition is required, features must be clear so a minimum of 70 – 80 pixels/foot is recommended. If the purpose is to recognize an employee or a known visitor, 50 pixels/foot should suffice since the mind tends to “connect the dots”  If the purpose is mere detection of the person with no notice given to his facial characterisitics, a camera need only supply a resolution measuring 5 pixels/foot In short, the more megapixels, the better the resolution. Will I be placing some cameras in areas that are fully lit during business hours, but minimally lit after hours? Light? Day/Night Cameras  Most cameras have an IR filter over the lens to filter out the infra-red lightwaves. Day/night cameras automatically set them aside when the lighting is low so that more light can reach the sensor. Some day/night cameras switch from color to black and white mode after hours which increases light sensitivity.   Will some cameras be in areas of contrasting light where the field of view includes well-lit areas as well as darker ones places like the main entrance of a hotel at night where guests are crossing over from the relative darkness of the street to the bright illumination of the lobby, or a parking area or garage where the bright headlights of cars constantly alter the range of light. Wide Dynamic Range (WDR)? In areas with a significant range of light variation, a conventional camera cannot change its shutter speed or iris settings to adjust so it will either focus on the foreground and black out the background or light the background while in the process burning out the foreground. However, a camera with Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) capability uses a special technique called multi-frame imaging to capture the light variations and heighten all the details in the area of view. Video Management Software Whether he/she is responsible for a single office building, a flowing hospital setting, or a multi-building college campus, a security official needs to understand video management software, since it is critical in controlling, storing, and managing video. Video management software (VMS) can be installed on any Windows computer and its applications tailored to meet many situations. At its most basic, VMS will allow guards and administrators to stream live video from each camera separately or from several simultaneously on a video wall or divided monitor. Another useful feature in a large facility is carousel viewing in which the security officer can determine which cameras are included in a rotating cycle. A live feed will be highlighted and featured for a set period of time before giving way to the next camera’s field of view. This allows the guard on duty to cycle through different areas or sections without the monotony brought on from trying to view the whole screen of windows at once while also having the full set in view. With the right VMS, the guard on duty can Record and retrieve video,Control PTZ cameras with a joystick Add digital PTZ function to a live feed. Video management software with video analytics can also be set to issue alerts if motion is detected or a camera has been tampered with. Alerts can also be issued if an object has been left attended for a set period of time   or a boundary has been crossed And should police request stored video for a forensic investigation, VMS will allow security to find and retrieve specific recorded events without going through all the archived video. The Takeaway? An ambitious security guard should take it upon himself to continually update his or her computer skills, for who knows what degree of technical expertise will be required in the future. Think about it -  as more and more organizations adopt The Cloud, the day may soon be upon us when IT and Security will find themselves sharing the same office. Kintronics is more than happy to supply information to anyone seeking it. We are the experts in  IP camera systems and VMS. Call one of our sales engineers at 914-944-3425 or fill out an information request form. ### Now for the Cartoons and Jokes 2 Cartoon-Covert Camera Technical support call: Caller:          'Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?'Operator:     'I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about.' Caller:          'On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the number for Jack?' Operator:      'I think it means the telephone plug on the wall.' Psychology; the science of pulling habits out of rats. Some things to think about: The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand. Okay, so what's the speed of dark? When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane. An engineer gets home from work and sees a note on the fridge from his wife: "This isn't working, I'm going to my mom's." He opens the fridge, checks the light, grabs a beer, feels it cold and drinks it.And then he utters: "WhaddaheII, the fridge works fine!" And some word-play: I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian. She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still. Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off?  He's all right now. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger.  Then it hit me. If you know some more jokes that you would like to share, please send them to us.  Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Camera Low Light Sensitivity Specifications Versus Real-World Low Light Camera Performance This post was updated on 11/27/2017 to reflect new cameras available. The low light capability of an IP camera will determine if you can use the camera outdoors at night or inside with minimum lighting.  This article reviews the IP camera specification for minimum light level and the factors that affect the low light performance. Low-light sensitivity for IP cameras is defined as the lowest level of light that still provides reasonable video clarity.  Most cameras will work well in the daytime or at normal room lighting, but we have to take a careful look at the specifications to determine if the camera will work when it’s dark.  The low light sensitivity defined in the camera specifications can be misleading.   IP camera specifications use lux (lx) to define minimum light level, but there’s more to the comparison than just the lux level. What is Lux? Illuminance or illumination is measured in metric units. Lux (Lx) is the measurement of actual light available.  One Lux equals one lumen per square meter. This is a measure of light perceived by the human eye. Here are some examples of typical lux values: light in luxexample0.0001 lxMoonless night with overcast night0.002 lxMoonless clear night sky with air-glow (star-light and other atmospheric effects)0.01 lxQuarter moon with clear night0.05–0.36 lxLight from a full moon on a clear night6 - 10 lxStreet lighting100-1,000 lxWork-space lighting10,000 lxSurgery lighting50,000 - 100,000 lxBright sunshine What affects the light sensitivity of a camera? Low light sensitivity is determined by a number of different camera factors such as the size of the sensor element, the light transmission of the lens, signal to noise of the camera amplifier, and shutter speed. As a rule of thumb the bigger the pixel elements the more light can be collected over a period of time. Unfortunately, as the resolution is increased the smaller each pixel element will be.  This means that less light is collected by the individual pixel element.  To increase the light capability, the size of the camera's CMOS sensor must be increased. If we double the size of the elements, we will collect more light.  For example, a ½-inch CCD sensor collects more light than a ¼-inch CCD sensor. Lens f-number The larger the lens aperture and clearer the glass of the lens the better it can transfer the light. This light transfer capability is measured in f-number.  The lower the f-number of the lens the more light is passed to the camera's sensor.  Conversely, the higher the number the less light is transferred.  This means that an f 2.8 lens will pass 1/4 as much light as an f 1.4 lens. Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N) The small electrical signals from the sensor chip are amplified so they can be seen. The signal from the sensor varies depending on the ambient light.  More amplification is required when the picture is darker, but this also can increase the noise. Camera specifications usually indicate the amplification that they use to measure the light level.  This is measured at IRE level.  100 IRE is the maximum level and the signal is at 100%.  30 IRE indicates the amplifier is providing a signal level of 30%.  Since the noise level can be as high as 10%, we will see more noise in the video at lower IRE levels. This electronic noise appears as graininess in your video.  Better video circuits amplify the picture signal while adding very little noise. The result is measured using the SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO (S/N) which is measured in dB units. The higher we can make the S/N ratio, the better. Frame Rate and Shutter Speed The time that the shutter is opened determines how much light falls on the sensor.  By increasing the exposure time we increase the low light capability of the camera. As a matter of fact, you may see specifications that indicate very low light sensitivity but at very long shutter times.  Be careful because we may not want to run a camera at a shutter time of 1 second. The longer the shutter is opened the more motion smearing will occur.  Shutter speed or exposure time is also related to the frame rate.  If a camera has a frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps), it has a maximum of 1/30th of a second to collect the light and convert it into a video signal.  If the camera runs at 10 frames per second, the sensor chip would have 3 times longer (1/10 sec.) to "look" at the picture and absorb the light. Of course, the shutter speed can be set to a shorter time. Sometimes we have to compromise between low light performance and video smearing. Lens Angle A wide-angle lens (or a variable lens that is "zoomed out") captures light from all over the scene.  The f-number is affected by the lens angle.  A close-up lens (or telephoto lens) catches the light from only a small part of the scene. Naturally, a lens that is zoomed out gives a brighter picture than one that is zoomed in. Normally you do not see this difference but in very low light situations, the focal length of the lens (how far it is zoomed in) affects the camera's sensitivity. The IP Camera Specifications: Camera manufacturers try to make this simple by providing a minimum lux (lx) rating, but it is not that easy.  What they should do is provide the Lux rating at a certain lens f-stop, frame rate, and IRE amplification level.  Unfortunately, there is no uniform way that manufacturers measure their cameras and indicate the information on their specification sheets. For example, the Axis P3364 low light specifications are:  Axis P3364 light sensitivity Color: 0.1 lux, F 1.2 BW: 0.02 lux, F 1.2 Unfortunately, the specification doesn't indicate the amplification level, shutter speed, or the frame rate used to determine the light sensitivity.  It makes it difficult to actually compare to another camera. On the other hand, let's look at the specification provided by the Hanwha (Samsung) XNV-6085 dome IP camera. Hanwha XNV-6085 light sensitivityColor:Color : 0.004 Lux (1/30sec, F0.94), IRE 30BW:B/W: 0.0004 Lux (1/30sec, F0.94), IRE 30 This provides much more information and allows us to make a better decision. This camera has enough low-light sensitivity to be used on a clear night with just starlight. As you can see the low light capability of a camera is sometimes very difficult to determine from the specification, so that’s why we do the camera testing.  It’s the only real way to determine the actual performance.  Take a look at our IP camera test and review which compares Sony, Axis, Canon, and Hikvision cameras.   Summing it All Up Light sensitivity is measured in Lux units. The less light available, the more sensitive the camera has to be.  The lux value listed in the specification is not the only thing to consider.  You need to look at the lens, shutter speed and signal to noise to make sure the camera will meet your requirements. A camera that sees down to 1 Lx, has the ability to see an image during early evening hours or just before dusk. A camera that's down to 0.1 lx has the ability to see an image in let's say a parking lot with some lights.  A 0.05 lx sensitivity can enable a camera to actually see better than the human eye at night! To learn more about how the IP Camera works take a look at our video. Need more information or help defining your IP camera system?  Please give us a call at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 everywhere else. You can also use our contact form to receive more information. ### IP Camera Resolution Test and Review – Sony vs Samsung vs Hikvision vs IPX As we have mentioned in the past, the best IP camera is related directly to the application.  In our current comparison testing, we focused on the features that are most important such as low light performance, wide dynamic range, and resolution. In this review, we compared the resolution of the Samsung SMV-6084R, Sony VM630, Hikvision DS-2CD7254FWD, and IPX DDK-1700D cameras.  The test was carried out in good lighting and with similar lens angle settings. Note that actual resolution is also affected by the amount of light, dynamic range, and camera noise. All these factors must be considered in real-world applications.  Please take a look at our article, Understanding IP Camera Resolution Specifications that discuss this in more detail. We used the EIA-1956 resolution test chart which was originally designed for analog cameras. A TV line is different than pixel resolution that is used with IP cameras, but it still is a good way to compare cameras. The maximum resolution is determined by the smallest black and white transition that can be seen. Our intern, Eli Schildkraut, spent a lot of time making sure that the field of view covered the edge to edge region of the chart.  The maximum resolution is defined as the point where the converging back and white lines become indistinguishable.  With the camera focusing exclusively on the test chart we were able to record where the lines became indistinct (where you could not see black and white transition). Once we captured a picture of the complete chart we used a graphic program to digitally zoom in to a portion of the chart that showed the detail of resolution. This area of the chart has three sets of converging lines.  The bars on the left indicated a resolution of between 200 and 400 lines.  The set on the right ranges from 400 to 800 and the bars in the center range from 800 to 1600.  Since we were measuring megapixel IP cameras, we always examined the center bars. Because we couldn’t always match the aspect ratio of the camera to the 3:4 aspect ratio of the test pattern we usually only measured horizontal resolution.  We did some tests that indicated that the vertical resolution matched the horizontal measurement.  This is not true with the old analog cameras which provide different resolutions in the horizontal (usually more) and the vertical direction. Samsung SNV-6084R This 2-megapixel camera is rated at a maximum of 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution.  This provides a wide aspect ratio of 9:16 which is similar to other 2 megapixel cameras. It has a motorized lens that can be adjusted between 3 and 8.5 mm, providing a viewing angle of 105.5 and 37.1 degrees.  The camera also has remote focus. We tested the SNV-6084R.  There are three other models in this series that have similar resolutions. The SND-6084 (indoor), SND-6084R (indoor with IR), SNV-6084 (outdoor), and SNV-6084R (outdoor with IR). Result: The camera provided a clear and sharp image.  The resolution of the Samsung camera was measured at just under 1200 lines. Sony SNC-VM630 The Sony dome IP camera is specified at 2-megapixel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080.  The aspect ratio is 9:16.  The camera includes a motorized zoom lens and remote focus capability.  The lens varies between 3 mm to 9.0 mm (105° to 35.0°).  There are two series of cameras that have the same resolution. The economic “EM” series doesn’t have all the features and the “VM series that include audio, IO, and storage.  Both series include indoor, indoor, and vandal resistant, and outdoor models. The camera provided excellent resolution.  We measured both the horizontal and vertical resolution. The section of the test chart shown below is showing the vertical resolution. To do this test correctly, we had to make sure that the field of view for the chart was adjusted correctly so that the chart covered the full vertical area viewed. The Result:  The lines converged at just over 1200 which was the best of all the cameras tested. Hikvision DS-2CD7254FWD This is a 3 Megapixel camera, with a maximum resolution of 2048×1536.  This provides an aspect ratio of 3:4. Note that there is a small horizontal resolution difference between 2-megapixel cameras that have aspect ratios of 9:16 vs 3-megapixel cameras with a 3:4 aspect ratio.  The horizontal resolution is 1920 pixels in a 2-megapixel camera, while it is 2048 pixels in the 3-megapixel camera.    To compensate for the slight horizontal resolution we changed the resolution to 2 Megapixel (1920 x 1080) so it would be at the same resolution as the Sony and Samsung 2 megapixel cameras we tested. The camera has a motorized zoom lens that varies between 2.7 ~ 9 mm (101° - 30.4°).  It also has a remote focus making it easy to set up. All these adjustments are available in the live view screen, so you don’t have to switch to the setup screens. The result: We measured the camera at about 1100 lines. IPX DDK-1700D This is a 2-megapixel camera with a resolution of 1920 x 1080.  It has a manual lens that can be varied between 3 to 9 mm.  It does not have a remote focus which makes it more difficult to set up. This economical indoor/outdoor camera surprised us.  We had expected that there would be reduced resolution, but it provided the same clarity as the more expensive brands. The result: Resolution was measured at close to 1200 lines making it almost as good as the Samsung camera. Conclusion Our test and review of megapixel IP cameras compared four megapixel IP cameras. We normalized the camera configurations and settings so we could provide head to head comparison of performance.  The best camera was the Sony VM630 which was measured at just over 1200 lines.  The Samsung dome camera displayed almost the same resolution. The camera resolution test was performed with good lighting, so care should be taken when using any of these cameras in a real-world environment where there is low light or very wide lighting conditions. ### Samsung SNP-6320H The SNP-6320H is part of the Samsung family of PTZ dome IP camera systems. As a PTZ, or pan, tilt, zoom system, it is ideally suited for monitoring a particularly large space. The camera is capable of endless, 360° rotations and a 210° tilt, allowing you to effectively monitor an area that might otherwise take several cameras to fully cover. The 6320H model is designed for outdoor use, offering protective features that are not found in the indoor Samsung SNP 6320. It is recommended for large, exterior locations like parking lots, and outdoor sports complexes. Intelligent Surveillance Software Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA) software in the 6320H system offers many sophisticated tools in automatically monitoring activity. Cameras can be programmed to patrol the area, focusing on unusual activity as needed. Face detection allows it to discern when there are people within the monitored area. Tripwire and enter/exit direction lets it know when someone or something passes through the perimeter. Object appear/disappear detection lets it know when there are foreign or missing objects within sight. Video Quality This IP camera system captures high quality color video, with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and an ultra fast frame rate of 60fps. Its sophisticated light sensitivity features allow it to produce images of scenes that contain both very bright and very dark areas. Under poor weather conditions, like rain, fog, or thick smoke, the Defog feature kicks in to reduce loss of clarity. Under vibrating conditions, the Digital Image Stabilization can negate the effect on your image. Extras and Peripherals The camera has a built-in SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot, allowing for local video storage that can be retrieved remotely by authorized users. It can also interface with a local PA system to provide support for bi-directional audio. Protective Features This IP camera system is specially equipped for outdoor use, with a sophisticated anti-tampering mechanism that sends out an alert if the camera is moved without authorization or if the lens has paint sprayed over it. It also comes with a heater to combat the effects of extreme weather conditions. ### Samsung SNF-7010 The SNF-7010 is a panoramic 360° camera from the Samsung line of dome IP camera systems. With a panoramic fisheye lens and digital PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) technology, it is an ideal system for smaller, interior locations like stores and office spaces. This IP camera system’s digital PTZ differs from conventional PTZ in that, while a conventional PTZ system shifts its focus by physically moving the camera itself, a digital PTZ captures a full panoramic image and moves your display across this image. A drawback of this system is that your zoomed-in image is limited to the resolution of the original image, so you cannot capture fine detail on distant objects in the way you would with a conventional PTZ camera. Therefore, it is not recommended for watching large areas. However, since a digital PTZ camera system does not rely on delicate moving parts in the way that a conventional PTZ system does, it is more reliable in the face of harsh conditions and gradual wear and tear. Additionally, while a conventional PTZ camera can only capture the image of the zone it is pointed at, a panoramic camera is constantly capturing video of its complete range. Video Quality This camera system offers a three megapixel, 1018P HD image at 20fps with Samsung’s advanced imaging technology. It supports a variety of views, including Single and Dual Panorama, Quad view, region of interest (ROI), rectangle mode, and more. Supported by 120dB rated WDR (wide dynamic range), defog features, and digital day/night function, it can deliver a quality image under a variety of conditions. Extras and Peripherals The 7010 has a built-in microphone to support two-way audio and an on-board SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot for local video storage. Protective Features This system is equipped with a number of event notifications and alarms, including motion detection, audio detection, and anti-tampering functions that send out an alert if the camera is disconnected from the network or otherwise interfered with. ### Samsung SNO-6084R The SNO-6084R is part of the Samsung line of bullet IP camera systems. Good for mounting on a wall, a ceiling, or a level surface, these versatile cameras can be used to cover a wide variety of security needs. Unlike PTZ camera models, a bullet camera has a fixed position that will neither pan nor tilt, unless the camera is adjusted by hand. However, this model allows for remote zooming and focusing. It works best when monitoring a fairly limited field of vision, like a hallway, a doorway, or a single room, or when used in tandem with additional bullet cameras. Intelligent Surveillance Software This IP camera system is built with intelligent video analysis that helps it to track specific events in its field of vision, including motion detection, audio detection, and face detection. When the system picks up sounds, movements, or recognized faces, it can be programmed to trigger events in response. Video Quality This camera system delivers a 2 megapixel image with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, recording at a frame rate of 30fps. Day and night detection allows it to determine a recording mode appropriate to the light level, switching from color images in daylight conditions to a black and white image at night, providing for a sharper image during low-light conditions. It also comes equipped with a series of IR LED’s, allowing you to get a clear picture in even complete darkness. To combat the effects of sub-optimal recording conditions, this camera features both defog and vibration compensation to clear up a foggy image or stabilize a shaking video. Extras and Peripherals An SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot is built directly into the camera itself, allowing for local storage of video. The system also supports bi-directional audio. Protective Features The SNO-6084R is built with a dustproof and waterproof casing, making it safe for outdoor areas that may be exposed to rain and other harsh conditions. Tampering detection sends out an alert when the camera is compromised, like when the framing direction is changed, the lens is blocked, or the video image is suddenly and dramatically altered. ### Samsung SNV-6084R The SNV-6084R is one of Samsung’s line of dome IP camera systems. With an adaptable camera and a durable, climate-resistant structure, this is a good option for external locations. The camera can be manually rotated and tilted, but its field of vision is otherwise fixed. A good choice for parking lots, building entrances, and similar locations. This camera system is designed for ceiling mounting. Optional accessories can be purchased to allow for practical wall-mounted installation. Intelligent Surveillance Software This IP camera system is built with intelligent video analysis that helps it to track specific events in its field of vision, including motion detection, audio detection, and face detection. When the system picks up sounds, movement, or recognized faces, it can be programmed to trigger events in response. Video Quality This camera offers a 2 megapixel image, with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a frame rate of 30fps. Day and night detection allows the camera to determine a recording mode appropriate to the light level, switching from color images in daylight conditions to a black and white image at night, providing for a sharper image under low-light conditions. It also comes equipped with a series of IR LED’s, allowing you to get a clear picture in even complete darkness. To combat the effects of sub-optimal recording conditions, this camera features both defog and vibration compensation to clear up a foggy image or stabilize a shaking video. Extras and Peripherals An SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot is built directly into the camera itself, allowing for local storage of video. The system also supports bi-directional audio. Protective Features The SNV-6084R is built with a dustproof and waterproof casing, making it safe for use in outdoor areas that may be exposed to rain and other harsh conditions. Tampering detection sends out an alert when the camera is compromised, like when the lens is blocked, the framing direction is changed, or the video image is suddenly and dramatically altered. ### Sony SNC- EM602R The SNC-EM602R is part of Sony’s line of 1.3-megapixel dome IP camera systems. With a versatile camera, a wide dynamic range, and a durable protective casing, it represents a good choice for outdoor locations like building entrances and parking lots. The camera can be remotely or manually focused and zoomed. However, the camera position itself is not motorized and must be adjusted manually. The EM series represents an economical dome camera system, with fewer features than Sony’s VM series and a smaller price tag to accommodate more limited surveillance budgets. Intelligent Surveillance SoftwareDEPA Advanced Intelligent Video Analytics gives you the power to program your camera system with protocols that will trigger an alarm based on certain events. These analytics include face detection, to discern when a human face has entered the field of vision, line crossing, to detect when a certain boundary is breached, object removal, to discern when something has been taken from the field of vision, or object left behind, to discern when a foreign object has been left in the field of vision. Video QualityThis camera is armed with 1.3 megapixels, a resolution of 1280 x 1024, and a frame rate of 30fps. True day/night functionality allows it to adjust to lower or higher levels of light, delivering the best image throughout the day. Visibility enhancer technology and XDNR noise reduction work to optimize the brightness and color reproduction of a captured image on a pixel-by-pixel basis, producing a cleaner, sharper image. Extras and PeripheralsThis IP camera system can be mounted on indoor wall mount brackets, pole mounts, and gooseneck wall mounts to accommodate a number of different needs. Protective FeaturesThe EM602R is designed for outdoor use, with a durable water-resistant and dust-tight casing to protect against damaging environmental effects. ### Sony 2 Megapixel Dome IP Cameras SNC-EM630 and SNC-VM630 The SNC-EM630 and the SNC-VM630 belong to the Sony line of 2-megapixel high-performance dome IP camera systems. Both of them give users a sophisticated set of tools that make them ideal for surveillance in low-light conditions. They also come with zoom and focus lenses that can be adjusted manually or remotely, from a computer. These systems work best in indoor locations that do not require a wide field of vision, like offices or hallways. The SNC-EM630 represents a relatively economical camera system, offering a basic but sophisticated surveillance option to fit a budget. The SNC-VM630 costs more but gives you a wider range of features. Intelligent Surveillance SoftwareDEPA Advanced Intelligent Video Analytics gives you the power to trigger alarms based on a set of preset rules. These analytics include face detection, to detect when a human face has entered the field of vision, line crossing, to discern when a set boundary is breached, object removal, to discern when something has been taken from the field of vision, or object left behind, to discern when a new object has been left in the field of vision. Video QualityThese two camera systems offer a 2.1-megapixel image with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080. The SNC-EM630 comes with a frame rate of 30fps, while the SNC-VM630 features a superior image with 60fps. True day/night functionality allows it to adjust to lower or higher levels of light, delivering the best image throughout the day. XNDR noise reduction technology serves to offer sharper images with little motion blur under low illumination. Image stabilizers help to minimize the effect of camera shaking upon the captured image. Extras and PeripheralsEither camera can be paired with indoor wall mount brackets, pole mounts, and gooseneck wall mounts to accommodate various needs. The SNC-VM630 gives you additional functionality, including two-way audio, alarm output, IO connections, and an SD card slot to allow for local video storage for when the network is down. Protective FeaturesBoth of these IP camera systems are available in outdoor or vandal-resistant versions, with optional features for protecting the camera against the elements and against tampering. ### Sony 1.3 Megapixel Dome IP Cameras SNC-EM600 and SNC-VM600 These two IP camera systems belong to Sony’s line of high performance 1.3 megapixel dome cameras. Both of them offer a sophisticated set of tools that make them ideal for surveillance in low-light conditions. They also come with zoom and focus lenses that can be adjusted manually or remotely, from a computer. These systems work best in indoor locations that do not require a wide field of vision, like offices or hallways. The SNC-EM600 represents a more economical camera system, offering a basic but sophisticated surveillance option to fit a budget. The SNC-VM600 costs more, but gives you a wider range of features. Intelligent Surveillance Software DEPA Advanced Intelligent Video Analytics allows you to trigger alarms based on your own preset rules. These analytics include face detection, to recognize when a human face has entered the field of vision, line crossing, to detect when a set boundary is breached, object removal, to detect when something has been taken from the field of vision, or object left behind, to detect when something new has been left in the field of vision. Video Quality Both of these cameras offer a 1.3 megapixel image, with a maximum resolution of 1280 x 1024. The EM600 offers a frame rate of 30fps, while the VM600 gives you a sharper image with 60fps. The true day/night function allows it to adapt to lower or higher levels of light, delivering the best image throughout the day. XNDR noise reduction technology helps to clear up images with little motion blur under low illumination. Image stabilizers serve to minimize the effect of camera shaking upon the captured image. Extras and Peripherals Either camera can be paired with indoor wall mount brackets, pole mounts, and gooseneck wall mounts to accommodate various needs. The SNC-VM600 gives you extra functionality, including two-way audio, IO connections, alarm output, and an SD card slot to allow for video storage within the camera itself for when the network is down. Protective Features Each camera system is available in alternative outdoor or vandal-resistant versions, with optional features for defending against the elements and against tampering. ### IP Camera Systems and the Police - Partners in Crime Telephone system, highway system, transit system, heating system, cooling system. We talk about systems all the time, but just what is a system? Merriam-Webster.com defines a system as a group of devices or artificial objects, or an organization, forming a network especially for distributing something or serving a common purpose. This holds true for IP camera systems too. Their common purpose is to provide situational awareness. But this is possible only if the cameras are working together, and optimally placed. As police come to depend more and more on the forensic assistance IP camera systems can give, they are also becoming increasingly frustrated when a video is of such poor quality that it cannot be used to furnish positive identification of a suspect. To this end, several police departments have taken to the Internet to offer assistance to citizens wanting to install cameras. The Philadelphia Police Department devoted a post on their Philly Police Blog. to proper mounting practices for installing IP camera systems on the typical row houses found in so many Philadelphia neighborhoods.The Oakland Police Department offers for downloading what it calls a Security Systems Tool Kit, an 11-page white paper that amounts to a crash-course in surveillance camera systems, starting with what they are, what is needed, an explanation of terms and features, then on to the best installation and maintenance practices, and finally, how to contact them should a camera capture video that can be of forensic value to their detectivesThe San Francisco Police Department posts one of their press releases entitled Retail Video Tips for Crime Prevention that covers a wide range of points, including camera selection, placement and placement. Lights, Cameras, Action The FBI has gone Hollywood in its efforts to advise on the optimum usage of surveillance systems. Their Operational Technology Division created a 20-minute fictional video, using real actors and narrated by Annie Wersching, co-star of TV's 24, which they make available to law enforcement, business owners, schools, security camera vendors, and installers at no charge. Caught on Camera portrays fictional terrorists shopping for bomb-making supplies in a pharmacy and a home improvement and how one store's properly installed, well-maintained security cameras are able to aid the FBI in apprehending terrorists while un-maintained cameras placed without much forethought produce a flawed video that is next to useless in terms of forensic value. In the end, one of the characters sums it all up quite nicely. "When the system works, it can make all the difference... If you are going to install a security camera system, do it right, for yourself, for law enforcement, and for your community." Kintronics, as ever, is available to answer all questions about IP technology, whether it's IP camera systems, IP door access control, or PA over IP. Call 914-944-3425 to speak to a sales engineer or fill out an information request form. ### IP Camera Systems Tell the Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth It's been nearly two years since militants, armed with grenades and anti-aircraft weapons, stormed the diplomatic mission in Benghazi, killing the US ambassador to Libya and three others. However, the man suspected of orchestrating the attack was finally captured in Benghazi in mid-June. Last week, Ahmed Abu Khattala appeared in federal court in Washington DC court to face formal charges of conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists, resulting in a death. It’s not going to be an easy trial, but fortunately, the country has the benefit of IP camera systems fighting the good fight. Fraught with Controversy Perhaps as a sign of this contentious era, this incident of terrorism is not only tragic for its loss of life and destruction of property but it has been mired in domestic political infighting as well. Those on the receiving end of criticism include: President Obama for his national security policiesHillary Clinton for how she responded to the ambassador's call for securitySusan Rice, the then UN Ambassador for her press appearances where she followed State Department talking points proclaiming the attacks spontaneous rather than a concentrated terrorist attack. And now that a suspect is in custody, there's a new swirl of controversy including, the choice of Washington DC as a venue for the hearing since the prisoner must be escorted through city streets, whereas if the prisoner were tried in the federal courthouse in New York or Virginia, the facility has an attached prison. no consideration being given trying him before a military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay as an alternative to a criminal trial.Since it is a criminal case, the fact that Khattala was advised of his Miranda rights. A Trial for the Books Senior federal prosecutors and FBI agents occupied the first two rows of the courtroom at the United States District Court (not your everyday courtroom spectators). This may be because, as the former United States Attorney for Eastern District Virginia put it, "This trial won't be a walk in the park." That's putting it mildly: In contrast to a typical trial where crime scene investigators have promptly vetted the scene of the crime for forensic evidence, security concerns in Benghazi following the attack prevented FBI investigators having access for over two weeks. Whereas your typical trial relies on witnesses who come forth voluntarily or are subpoenaed, the hostile environment in Libya, first of all, made tracking down, let alone questioning witnesses difficult, and what cooperative ones were found will have to be flown in from Libya and may not stand up well to cross-examination.While intercepted electronic conversations have yielded evidence that could be valuable, their classified nature precludes most of them from being presented at a public trial. Surveillance Cameras to The Rescue According to the New York Times, In addition to eyewitness accounts, the prosecutor is expected to rely on video from IP camera systems. Thanks to Video Management Software, Justice Department investigators were able to analyze over one hundred hours of video that allowed them to construct a narrative of the period leading up to the attacks, the actual attack, not only on the mission, but on the CIA annex as well, and the time following the siege. As to how valuable the cameras' eyewitness accounts will be, the former United States Attorney has this to say " The Department of Justice bats nearly 1,000 percent in these kinds of extraterritorial cases, but that's because they put so much diligence on the front end of the investigations." Kintronics has faith in IP camera systems as well. If you are interested in finding out how IP surveillance cameras can served your home or place of business, call 914-944-3425 to speak to an engineer, or fill out an information request form. ### A Report from the Field Syracuse PD - Home Grown Cameras You've heard of baby booms, well the Syracuse NY police department is in the midst of a camera boom. They began installing surveillance IP camera systems in 2011 and the total number has grown to over 40, and counting. If all goes as planned, Syracuse will add 20 more by summer's end. The police call their camera network the Criminal Observation and Protection System, or COPS for short. Believing in transparency, the city lists the location of all its cameras on a special COPS Cameras map. According to the city's website, Police Chief Frank Fowler says they're not done yet. He plans to continue deploying cameras as long as funding holds out. He may be installing as fast as he can, but a growing number of homeowners are taking matters into their own hands and installing their own cameras on their property. Other residents, some pro and some con, wonder if, like the cities of San Jose, California and White Plains NY (which we previously reported on), Syracuse PD will eventually seek to tap into these private camera feeds. - which brings us to Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids, MI - Imported Video Feeds Like many cities, Grand Rapids has sought to rejuvenate their downtown area with new restaurants, bars, and music venues. And like many cities, they have found that when after-dark activity increases, criminal activity does, too. The most recent example was a shooting incident that injured three youths after a Bruno Mars concert, and another one outside a downtown drinking establishment. According to a post on www.mlive.com, a Michigan local news site, the Grand Rapids PD and Kent County Sheriff's Dept has been putting Dept of Homeland Security funding towards expanding their surveillance camera presence in the downtown area with new and upgraded security cameras. Inspired by how footage from privately owned security cameras helped authorities apprehend the Boston Marathon bombers, they are also looking to supplement their own real time surveillance capabilities by enlisting the help of downtown businesses who have mounted cameras on their buildings. Prior to this program, when investigating an incident, police had to request footage from businesses whose outdoor cameras might have captured part of it. But with the new program in place, they'll be able to tap into the video feeds from IP camera systems whose owners have agreed to participate in the voluntary, opt-out-at-any time project. So far, 100 businesses have signed on and made their cameras feeds available to the police. According to the Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator the agreement only applies to outdoor cameras, and they will not be used for "day-to-day" but only " in the event of an emergency. There would have to be an event serious enough to trigger us to monitor the cameras." Speaking of serious events .....Dayton Ohio, has an ongoing one. Dayton Ohio - No Dumping Over the past three years, the Dayton Dept of Public Works has spent over $1million to clean up illegally dumped refuse. In 2013, in an effort to stem this practice, the city installed 23 mobile, motion-activated, day/night cameras to monitor 46 sites where the most dumping occurred. Each day, DPW staff reviews approximately 600 images to see people discarding old recliners, plumbing fixtures and piles of trash on abandoned lots, some even backing trucks filled with building materials and debris, dumping them onto empty lots or abandoned properties."It's an on going battle," the director of the Dayton DPW told the McClatchy News Service. "When we put cameras up, we see less dumping at that particular site." IP camera systems may not have put an end to illegal dumping, but they have resulted in dozens of prosecutions for illegal dumping and unlawful transportation of tires, leading to 20 misdemeanor convictions and five cases of property seizures. City commissioners are satisfied enough to approve spending $14,000 from this year's budget to purchase and install 18 more surveillance camera systems IP security camera systems can be used to monitor situations like these, as well as to monitor everyday retail operations, to keep track of assets, or as a resource in new-hire training. To speak to a sales engineer about the best camera for your application, call Kintronics at 914-944-3425, or fill out an information request form. ### Three Pointers to Help Get the Most Out of Your IP Camera Surveillance System IP surveillance camera systems are here to stay. You know it. We know it. Criminals know it. The Police know it. As we mentioned in our last post, the surveillance video can be supremely valuable to the police--- or it can be totally worthless. To summon more of the former, and less of the latter, police department after police department has taken to giving advice and offering assistance to citizens wishing to install cameras. They all cite the same three factors that can make or break a video's forensic value. line of sightlightingmaintenance Line of sight How many times have we watched the evening news and heard the anchorman plead, “If you've seen this person, please call the police." The problem is all we see is a Yankees cap or a hood because the camera is looking down on the suspect. High-mounted or wide-angle cameras are a must in any bank, convenience store, or lobby since they allow for surveying the scene and observing a crime as it takes place, but when it comes to getting a quality shot of a suspect’s face, one that can stand up in court, they just don’t fit the bill. This is why it's important to have multi-camera IP camera systems, with every camera having its own place and its own purpose. But if only one camera is to be used it should be in a prime location where it can capture a close-up facial shot capable of recording recognizable features. As a rule of thumb, mounting a camera at a 10 to 15-degree angle gives the best line of sight for facial identification. In a convenience store or bank this could be right behind the cash register or teller, or at the door to catch a fleeing shoplifter. An added value of a low mounted camera is that it can deter crime just by its obviousness. Camera Line of Sight Lighting Quite often surveillance video will be too dark to be of much use. Sometimes it's because the camera was installed during the day when the business was open and well-lit, without giving much thought to the fact that burglaries and break-ins most often take place at night. Bright lighting should be employed at all times. Better yet, if the business can afford it, the best step to take is to install low light performance cameras that perform well in dark situations. When using outdoor cameras, one should always consider the various light changes that occur in the course of a day. Direct sunlight will "blind" the camera and reduce image sensor performance. The best position for mounting a camera, if possible, is with the sun shining from behind a slightly downward-angled camera. Back-lighting can also an issue. Problems occur when the object of focus is in front of a window or brightly lit door. The camera will focus on the well-lit background while whatever is going on in front of the door or window will be dark and hard to identify. In the case of a window, curtains, plants, or posters will help, as will the most obvious, re-positioning the camera. Adding a camera with wide dynamic range to the system is the best solution if one can afford to spend a little more. Maintenance Obviously maintenance involves making sure each and every camera is functioning at its best. This involves not only cleaning them but keeping them up to date with all the current software updates. In the case of outdoor cameras, care should be taken that surrounding trees and bushes haven't grown to the extent that they are blocking the camera. Indoor camera sites should be checked to make sure all lights are functioning and that the addition of any new equipment isn't blocking the light. Any changes since the camera was installed, such as a new paint color or the addition of floor tiles, can also make a room darker and require extra lighting. If all this sounds familiar, it's because these are the same three points Kintronics, has been hammering home in our newsletters and blogs for years and years. If you have questions about setting up your IP camera or anything IP  give us a call and speak to one of our sales engineers. 914-944-3425 or, if you prefer,  fill out an information request form. ### Evolution of Access Control: From the Keys in Your Pocket to The Eyes on Your Face Remember when access control was limited to fitting a key into a lock and turning? You know the drill. You probably used one to lock your door this morning, and you'll use it again when you go home this evening. Turn it one way you retract the deadbolt that holds the door closed and gains access. Turn it the other way, you fit it back into place, denying access to anyone without a key. Unfortunately, the lock and key system is an ancient innovation that is not up to the challenge of many of today’s security needs; this is where we need to upgrade to IP camera systems, electronic access cards, biometrics, and other modern technology. The First Lock and Key The first key unlocked the first lock close to 6,000 years ago in Egypt. The Egyptians used a very simple wooden locking mechanism composed of several small pins inserted into a wooden bolt close to its locking slot. When the pins were in place, gravity held them down, locking the bolt. When a small wooden toothbrush-type key was inserted, it reached the pins and raised them, unlocking the bolt. Locks and keys have worked for us through the ages. They are easy to install, universally available, and offer simple secure access control. But they are hardly ideal. Who among us has not lost a key? Keys can break off in the lock if too much pressure is applied. Then you need a new key. ...and maybe a new lock. And there's no way to revoke a key's "security clearance". When a roommate moves out you can't take her off an authorized list nor can a new homeowner or renter be certain they hold the only keys. In all these instances, security demands getting the lock changed. And with it comes a new set of keys.  Access Cards Keys and keyholes may still be sufficient for residential use, but are all but obsolete at most workplaces, having been replaced by IP access cards and card readers. But cards, too, are going through a flux of change. Barcode A bar code is made up of a pattern of lines and spaces of varying widths and sequences. It may or may not contain alphanumeric characters. The information contained in this computer code is scanned into memory and resides on the card. When presented to a barcode reader at an entryway, it will unlock the door if the employee seeking access is authorized. Bar codes were the first type of code to be used in access control. They are easy to create, simple to use, and cost little to produce. In fact, a user can print his own barcode using a PC-based application and apply them to blank cards and badges. This plus is also a minus. Since the barcode is there for all to see, anyone who sees it can reproduce, or counterfeit it. One way to get around this fault is to cover the barcode with an opaque film of some sort so that it must be read with a UV bar code reader but this adds to the cost. Magnetic Stripe When most people think of swiping a magnetic stripe, they think of their credit card. Swiping a magnetic access control card is no different The magnetic stripe, actually, a piece of coated magnetic recording tape holds information that identifies the holder as someone authorized to enter the facility just as a credit card holds account information. Magnetic stripe access cards and badges are one of the most economic solutions since they are easy to produce. However, since swiping them puts them through the reader, they wear out and need periodic replacement. Add to this the fact that they are easy to forge and you can see why, although they are good for companies requiring only simple access control, they are not the answer for facilities with a need for tight security. Proximity Cards Proximity cards, like those used in IP access control systems, fill both voids left by magnetic stripe cards. Proximity cards contain a microchip embedded with encoded identity and authorization data, and an antenna to transmit it to the point of entry. When the employee approaches the door, he presents his proximity card, activating a so-called wake-up field that powers-up the electronics in the microchip so it can send the encoded identity data to the reader at the door. Because the proximity card never comes into contact with the reader, it can last indefinitely. And the reader, since it can be hidden inside the structure, is resistant to vandalism and tampering, making proximity cards a secure, durable means of access control. Biometric Cards Keys, barcode badges, magnetic stripe and proximity cards all share a common security deficiency. They will permit access for whoever is presenting them whether that person is the rightful owner or someone who has stolen or found it. Biometric cards fill the gaping need for identity authentication. The biometric card places the authenticating technology on the card. In many solutions, a fingerprint scanner resides on the card, enabling the card, itself to read the cardholder's fingerprint in seconds. Users authenticate themselves right there on the card. If the fingerprint matches the encrypted fingerprint, the card system opens the lock, granting access. Access control systems using biometric fingerprint and thumbprint authentication provide a higher level of security than systems that just verify a card anyone might be carrying. They do away with the possibility of a stolen or lost card being used for unauthorized access. Biometrics in DevelopmentAt this time, the fingerprint is the most prevalent form of biometric authentication, but the technology is moving on, basing itself on a person's unique features. Facial recognition technology, currently used as a forensic tool promises to be the authenticated access control solution of the future. And beyond that, a futuristic-sounding biometric door access control system is in the works, one that does away with cards altogether. It bases access control on biometric recognition of the entry seeker's mannerisms and gait as he approaches the door. If everything measures up the door unlocks. Is it just me, or does anyone else wonder whether the day will be soon upon us when all we have to do is to request "Beam me up, Scotty."? While we await that day, if you'd like help in selecting the right IP door access control for your facility or information about IP surveillance camera systems, call 914-944-3425 to speak to a Kintronics sales engineer, or just fill out an information request form. ### An LA Experiment in Surveillance How do Wide Area Surveillance systems measure up to IP camera surveillance systems? The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department wanted to determine if Wide Area Surveillance would work for them. According to the Center For Investigative Reporting, they chose Compton, an area long plagued by crime as their "lab". The Set Up A civilian aircraft with several high powered cameras strapped to its underbelly was used to fly over a ten square mile area for six hours at a stretch all the while streaming live video of everything it saw in that time frame and locale. Similar to Tivo, the technology allowed them to rewind and view any incident they might have missed in real-time. The Hypothesis The premise was that if they could keep the area in their sights at all times, as soon as a crime was reported, the camera operator could zoom in and monitor the situation in real-time, gathering information for police officers on the ground. How do Wide Area Surveillance systems compare to ground-based IP camera surveillance systems? Wide Area Surveillance Yay - According to CIR, this particular wide-area surveillance system was rated to be able to take in 10,000 times the area a typical police helicopter could. So it was more than capable of covering large swaths of the city to provide real-time surveillance and valuable leads to officers patrolling the streets. Nay - On the downside, the individual cameras' fields of view left a lot to be desired. In one case, a necklace-snatching on the street was reported, and the plane was able to capture the fleeing suspect's car on camera until...... the car drove out of camera range. Yay - it proved to be of forensic value. since the video could be rewound to trace a perpetrator's starting point, his route,  whom he met up with, and where. This feature can also be used internally to determine whether correct police procedures are being followed. Yay - it proved to be of forensic value. since the video could be rewound to trace a perpetrator's starting point, his route,  whom he met up with, and where. This feature can also be used internally to determine whether correct police procedures are being followed. Nay - When it comes to clarity and resolution, the resolution of the images are not sufficient to produce identifiable facial features, thus they cannot stand up in court IP Camera Systems Yay - IP camera surveillance systems produce high-resolution images and have the zoom capacity to capture valuable details. Nay - Since IP cameras are ground-based, they can not cover vast areas of the city at once as plane-mounted cameras do. Yay- IP camera systems have the capacity to zoom in on faces and other identifying details, which the plane's cameras could not. As a result, police and district attorneys are almost always able to use their video footage as evidence in court. In an ideal World In a world where municipalities had unlimited funds and access to all the latest technology, we might turn on the news and hear the following account of how police apprehended a suspect.  A male robs a bank. He is caught on the IP camera video as he exits.Since it is always in "the right spot", a plane equipped with wide-area surveillance cameras is able to follow and film his red Mazda, while keeping police up to date on his route of flight.The robber drives into a municipal garage, managing to elude both the airborne cameras and on-the-ground police.Review of the  WAS video, stream reveals that in the midst of his flight, he drove under a traffic camera, and since he was speeding, it captured his license plate number, speed, date, and time.License Plate Recognition determines that the Mazda is registered to a certain R.D MacThief residing  at 7822  Slippery StreetAn unmarked police car is dispatched there and discoversthe Mazda parked in front. They stake out the house, waiting for him to emerge so they can see if he fits the image captured on the bank's IP security camera.He does.They take him into custody. Kintronics doesn't specialize in WAS but they are the experts in IP technology. If you want information about IP camera systems, call Kintronics at 914-944-3425 and speak to a sales engineer, or if you prefer, fill out an information request form. ### Expanded Replay Review? An IP Thing? Are IP Cameras part of Major League Baseball's expanded replay review? It seems like I was just counting the days until Pitchers and Catchers would be reporting to spring training. It would be a promise that the end of the horrendous winter of 2014, and its polar vortex would be coming to an end. Now, all of a sudden, we're halfway through the 2014 baseball season! As usual, time flies, although that might be a point of discussion when it comes to the flow of some games. Yes, baseball is a leisurely sport, and it just may have gotten a tad slower – or not. It all depends on how the new expanded replay review rule affects the pace. Commissioner Bud Selig, in announcing its approval at the January owners' meetings, had this to say. "This is really big. I'm proud of the changes we've made..... because they won't disturb the game as we know it.....Yes, there will be some differences, but because of our own technology, we've been able to do this." IP Technology? Our own technology? This piqued my curiosity.  Are they using IP camera systems? It sure would seem so, but since MLB is tightly closed mouth on exactly what technology they've employed, we can't say for sure. What we can say is that MLB put a lot of muscle and manpower into setting up the video camera systems in time for opening day.  Consider these numbers: 32,178 person-hours and 682,788 person miles went into shipping and installing 42 tons of equipment at 30 ballparks, and running 172.14 miles of cable.  And don't forget that back in New York City at the operations center, 37 HD monitors had to be mounted. So How Does it Work? Each manager starts a game with one allowed challenge. If it’s upheld, he retains the right to another challenge. If it’s overturned he’s out of challenges. This limit on the number of challenges is intended to keep the rhythm of the game going. But there are a lot of instances that are challenge-allowable – (like 90% of all plays!) -  including home runsground-rule doublesboundary callsplays at first baseforce, tag, and trap plays Each manager is able to dispute a call by requesting a video review. How does he do this? He must "verbally inform the umpire in a timely manner." (Hmm!) So How Does it Really Work To ensure impartiality, the umpires on the field do not review the videos and make the calls. This is carried out in the 900 square foot replay operations center in New York City on the top floor of a former Nabisco factory, now the fashionable Chelsea Market.  Current MLB umpires rotate through duty there,  reviewing video feeds.  In order to fill the need for manpower, two additional four-man umpire crews had to be hired. In the interest of uniformity, cameras have been mounted at the same twelve angles at each ballpark, so no matter which ballpark the video feed is coming from, the ops center umpires always see the play from the same advantage. Once the review has been completed, the on-field crew chief and at least one of his umpires are called to the designated communications center where the decision whether the replay review umpires have upheld or overturned the manager's challenge is relayed through hard-wired. The crew chief then relays the news to the team managers. The Bottom Line Most team managers have shown a willingness to give it a try. San Franciso Giants manager Bruce Bochy told the Associated Press, "It's about getting it right, and with our technology today we can do that in a way I don't think interrupts the flow of the game." You have to wonder, though, will baseball be the same? Just as some NASCAR racing fans consider car crashes part of the viewing experience and hockey fans, the fight, some baseball fans eagerly await sometime the comic scenes of the volatile manager's disputing umpire calls. For instance, Earl Weaver Billy Martin Those fans are in luck. Ball/strike calls are not subject to expanded replay review, and so managers are jumping on them (sometimes literally!) So far, more have been ejected along with players and coaches than this time last year. But in defense of the impartiality of the video, roughly half of their out/safe calls challenges have been upheld. One fact that's never challenged is the expertise Kintronics sales engineers bring to the table in helping customers choose  IP camera security systems that best fit their needs. If you're thinking about installing  IP surveillance camera systems, video management software, or paging over internet  give us a call at 914-944-3425, or if you prefer, just fill out an information request form. ### Now for the Jokes 1 Proverbs for Today If at first you don't succeedskydiving is not for you. Artificial intelligence is no matchfor natural stupidity. Customer: "I received the software update you sent, but I am still getting the same error message."Tech Support: "Did you install the update?"Customer: "No. Oh, am I supposed to install it to get it to work?" Miss Jones had just given her second-grade students a science lesson. She had explained about magnets, and showed how they would pick up nails and other bits of iron. Now it was question time. Miss Jones said, "My name begins with the letter 'M' and I pick up things. What am I?" A little boy in the front row proudly said, "You're a mother! The optimist sees the glass as half full. The pessimist sees the glass as half empty. The engineer sees the glass as twice as big as it needs to be Two engineering students were walking across a university campus when one said,"Where did you get such a great bike?"The second engineer replied, "Well, I was walking along yesterday, minding my own business, when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike, threw it to the ground, took off all her clothes and said, "Take what you want." The second engineer nodded approvingly and said, "Good choice; the clothes probably wouldn't have fitted you anyway. Regarding all these jokes and cartoons, no copyright infringement is intended. The content is only for your enjoyment. ### IP Cameras and Smartphones Provide Remote Door Access Control Network-attached IP cameras and intercoms combine with your smartphone to create the latest technology for door access control.By: Virginia Fair New Information Technology News BYOD and Convergence are two of the buzziest words around. BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device and refers to the policy many schools and businesses have adopted of allowing workers and students to work on their own laptops, smartphones, or tablets. Convergence is defined as the merging of two or more existing technologies to produce a new application or media. For example, the collaboration of broadcast media and online services has brought the internet to TV and TV to the internet. What has made convergence a priority for so many sectors are those BYOD devices. Convergence and IP Based Technology IP cameras systems may be viewed as forerunners of technological convergence. Network cameras based on IP standards have long been able to connect to the ethernet or the internet for remote real-time viewing and video storage from any place in the world. Likewise, IP door access control, by making use of the existing Ethernet infrastructure, can be installed in less time and at less cost overall. They are also extremely scalable since additional cameras and card readers can be installed as needed without shutting down the system. IP access control systems do away with the need for a central control panel since they connect directly to IP networks. When integrated with IP camera surveillance systems, the two provide a complete security system. 3G/4G Networks It was only a matter of time before BYOD would make its mark in the world of security and access control. The InterCam Mobile system marries smartphones and video intercoms. This system connects to your smartphone through WiFi or 3G/4G and allows you to stay connected to your home or business, so you can hear your doorbell and see who’s at your door from near and far. How InterCam Mobile Works The InterCam system sends push notifications (real-time alerts sent directly to Android or iOS phones or tablets) when a visitor is at the door or in the lobby. When a visitor presses your doorbell or intercom button, InterCam Mobile App starts up on its own and the view just outside your door appears on your screen. In other words, you see exactly what you’d see if you opened the door or looked through a “peephole”. If you recognize the person and wish to speak to him, just press the green button on your phone’s screen and you’ll be able to speak and listen to him. If your door is fitted with an electronic lock, your phone can unlock it. Just tap the Open Door icon on your screen.  If you don’t recognize him, or just don’t want to be bothered, do nothing. The InterCam mobile is discrete; the visitor will have no idea he is being observed. The three components of the InterCam Mobile System are Video IntercomInterCam Mobile appInterCam Mobile controller Single Intercom This intercom is best for a private house or a commercial building with but one tenant.  It connects to the Internet and runs on Power over the Internet. When a visitor pushes the intercom’s call button, the homeowner, be she home, at work, on a business trip, or just in the back yard, gets an audio alert that she has company, allowing her to choose to see a video of the person before deciding to answer or let him in. Multi-Dial Intercom Equipped with an LCD display listing all tenants, the multi-dial intercom is meant for apartment houses, dormitories, and office buildings with a network. Once the visitor finds the name of the person or business she’s looking for, she merely selects it and in so doing, activates the InterCam app. As with the single intercom, the tenant gets an instant push-through notification and can choose to reply and/or buzz her in. Concierge Desk Console This unit is designed for use at the front desk of an office building or the lobby of an apartment building. The InterCam idea remains the same,  but a middleman is added. When a visitor arrives, the doorman, receptionist, or concierge will use the InterCam unit to notify the intended visitee that they have a visitor. If an optional IP camera has been installed in the lobby, tenants have the option of viewing the visitor via the Mobile App. The Desk Console can also serve as a security tool since the security officer or doorman can view cameras anywhere on the property on its screen. The Mobile App The Mobile App is the remote app for the InterCam Mobile system and works on any WiFi or 3G/4G network. As long as your phone can connect, you can view your front door. Once the connection is made, the app will immediately notify you whenever your doorbell is rung, and the face of your visitor will appear. Push the screen’s green button to speak to him. Or don’t press it, don’t respond, and he’ll never know you saw him. In cases where you’re expecting a workman you trust, the mobile app means you don’t have to hang around waiting to let him in.  InterCam will let you know he’s arrived so you can disengage your electronic lock and let him in. The mobile app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play for Android. The InterCam Mobile Controller The compact InterCam mobile controller ties everything together. On the one hand, it connects to the video intercom via the ethernet network.  On the other hand, it connects to your iPhone, iPad, or Android device via either a WLAN or 3G/4G network. The process requires only a couple of custom settings – your IP address and the controller’s port or that of a SIP provider.  Once connected, you’ll be able to adjust your camera’s settings, SIP gateway, the video intercom, and all switches and controls. Not Appy? For those who don’t want to use an app, there is a VOIP phone option.  It has all the features normally found in VOIP, plus it lets you see and hear the person at your door. Video Surveillance The InterCam App will also let you view IP cameras on your property – up to four at a time. This means you can not only keep an eye on your door but on your driveway, pool area, or yard in the case of a single-family home, or the elevator, lobby, pool area and parking lot in a high rise or condo. When you have the iMobile APP, it doesn’t matter whether you’re at home or halfway around the world, you’re never far from your door. Kintronics is pleased to announce we've added the video intercoms and apartment Intercoms to our access control systems solutions.  If you have any questions or would like more information, give us a call at 914-944-3425 or fill out an information request form. ### Understanding IP Camera Resolution Specifications Resolution Test Chart Resolution is a critical metric for selecting the right IP camera for your surveillance system. After all, if we want to be able to read the license plate on a car in the parking lot, we need to have enough resolution. But how is resolution measured? Can we rely on the manufacturer's specification and what other factors affect the image that you finally see? In the old days of B/W analog cameras, we used a test chart to determine the resolution of the camera. Today’s megapixel color IP cameras require more complex measurement techniques. This article will help you understand the resolution specification so you can select the best camera for your application. Resolution Classic camera resolution was measured by observing the number of lines that could be seen on a standard test chart. The camera was pointed at the test chart, the field of view was adjusted, and the lens focused as best it could be so that video could be viewed on a monitor. The image was scrutinized to determine the maximum number of black and white lines that could be seen. To assist in this measurement, the test pattern provided a series of converging lines with resolution numbers next to the lines. The idea was to look at where the lines converge. When you get to the point where you are just able to see the black-white pattern converge into all black, you have reached the point of the maximum resolution. You may have seen analog camera specifications that indicate 500 or 600 lines of resolution. This was just the horizontal resolution because the vertical resolution was limited by the 525 scan lines of a standard TV. This means the maximum vertical resolution was less than 250 lines (remember we look for black and white transitions). Today camera manufacturers indicate the resolution of the camera by the total number of pixels (rather than TV lines of resolution). They also use the resolution defined by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), but I don’t like using this because it is really not a clear definition for surveillance cameras. SMPTE defines two different measurements that you may see on the IP camera product sheets. There is HDTV 720p (also known as SMPTE 296M) which translates to a resolution of 1280x720 pixels. And, there is HDTV 1080p (also known as SMPTE 274M) which translates to a resolution of 1920x1080. The SMPTE standard also indicates that the picture should have a 16:9 aspect ratio. The resolution of the IP camera system is affected by the sensor, the lighting, the lens, and the camera’s signal to noise ratio. The Sensor The resolution of the camera starts with the manufacturer’s sensor resolution. A pixel (or picture element) is the smallest element of a picture. Each pixel consists of 3 or 4 color elements. The more pixels the higher the potential resolution. Sensor resolution starts at about 288 K pixels (VGA resolution), and are available with over 5.0 Megapixel resolution. IP camera manufacturers are now coming out with 8 and 10 Megapixel resolution sensors (commonly referred to as 4K resolution because there are over 4,000 pixels in the horizontal direction). The sensor resolution can also be defined by the number of horizontal and vertical pixels. The ratio of pixels in the horizontal and vertical direction is called the aspect ratio (H:V ratio). In most cases, we can choose a 4:3 ratio or 16:9 ratio which is the newest format. For example, a camera with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 has a 3:4 ratio. A camera with 1920 x 1080 resolution has the 16:9 aspect ratio. The wider 16:9 format means that if you are looking at a parking lot you will see less sky. Lens Resolution There is more to the clarity of what you see than the number of pixels in the sensor. For example, if you have a poor (low cost) lens on a 5-megapixel camera, the image you see will be terrible. Lens Resolution Chart Lens resolution is measured by considering the line pairs that can be discerned (just like measuring the complete camera system resolution using the test chart). A Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) quantifies how well a subject's regional brightness variations are preserved when they pass through a camera lens.Line pairs are used to quantify the MTF of the lens and is often described in terms of their frequency: the number of lines that fit within a given unit length. This frequency is therefore usually expressed in terms of "LP/mm" — the number of line pairs (LP) that are concentrated into a millimeter (mm). Yes, this can get complicated but things are getting easier because lens manufacturers are now specifying their lenses with megapixel ratings. So if you have a 3-megapixel camera look for a lens that provides at least 3-megapixel resolution. Low light levels and Signal to Noise Another factor that affects the image you see is the noise level of the camera at low light levels. At night, when there are low light levels, you may find so much noise that you can’t recognize a license plate that you could see quite clearly during the day. The low light performance of the camera is determined by the lens, the sensor, and the amplifiers. The better the camera’s low light performance, the less noise. The low light capability of the camera is determined by a number of things. The f-number of the lens determines how much light passes through the lens. The sensor size and light gathering capability determine the minimum light it can see, and finally, the amplifiers in the camera determine the level of noise introduced at low light levels. For more details about the low light performance of the IP camera take a look at our article, "How to Set Up a Camera for Low Light". Summing it All Up Resolution determines how clearly you can see the image. The resolution depends on the number of pixels in the sensor, and many other factors such as the lens, the lighting, and camera circuits. It is important to understand all the factors that affect resolution so you can select the right camera for your application. Remember the camera is just one part of the IP camera system. The total system includes the recording system, the network, and computers. All the components of your IP camera surveillance and security system need to be considered to make sure everything is compatible so you achieve the best possible performance and reliability. Need more information or help to define your IP camera system? Please give us a call at 1-800-431-1658 or 914-944-3425. You can also use our contact form to receive more information. ### Situational Awareness and IP Technology Is it just me, or does it seem as if each morning we turn on the news only to find yet another incidence of first responders selflessly putting their lives on the line to remedy a situation? Some days it's a man-made tragedy like a mass shooting or a hostage-taking, other times it's an act of nature like a mud slide, sinkhole or a wildfire roaring out of control as it edges ever nearer to hillside homes. We're seeing the big picture, the situation from all angles, but have you ever thought about what it's like for the individual responder, limited to only what his five senses tell him? That's why situational awareness is of critical importance, and why it is important to make use of IP camera systems and other available technology to facilitate this awareness.The Bubble In its training materials, the United States Coast Guard defines situational awareness as: "The ability to identify, process, and comprehend the critical elements of information about what is happening to the team with regards to the mission. More simply it's knowing what is going on around you." (That's their italics) Then they go on to elaborate "when we lose the bubble, i.e., situational awareness, we increase the potential for human error."Putting Situational Awareness into Action Situational awareness depends on the synchronization of three components: The People It is critical that those who need to make fast-paced, critical decisions get the right information, analyze it, and predict what may happen next. In most situations, several agencies are in the midst of things - police, fire, EMT's, and maybe military. If the situation is to be brought to as safe a conclusion as possible, they must coordinate their courses of action. The Technology Having technology in place is the best way to… Discover where things or people areGather information from several sourcesEnable critical decision-making IP Camera Systems If mounted in a locked-down building, IP camera systems can allow responders to keep track of the whereabouts of an armed individual. If any wireless cameras are in place to observe wildlife in preserves or parks near a wildfire, they can be used to provide information as to the direction a fire is taking or its level of containment. Thermal Imaging Thermal imaging cameras, since they work by mapping images based on the detection of heat, do not require light like a conventional IP camera system. A thermal imaging camera would be of use in areas where dense smoke keeps out light. They would also be invaluable in a darkened building, as would I-R cameras. Infrared cameras IR cameras do require external light, the light supplied by infrared illuminators. Since this form of light is invisible to the human eye, it can be used in a dark building without the intruder being aware of its presence. License Plate Recognition A synchronized license plate recognition system can be used to identify any suspicious cars parked in the area. A license plate reader would record the number, extract the alpha-numeric information, and compare it to a database containing license plate numbers of suspected terrorists or traffic scofflaws. In addition, it may be possible to retrieve time-synchronized video of the car in question. IP Network Attached Paging and Intercom If a campus-wide PA over IP intercom system, which connects to the ethernet school system, is in palace SWAT teams could stay in contact with personnel in the school or even negotiate with the intruder. PA over IP System The Process Most courses of action that turn out to be erroneous can be blamed on a lack of, or lapse in, situational awareness. Because any emergency situation can change from second to second, it is important for responders to communicate with each other and stay connected to their technology. Kintronics has outfitted the military, police departments, fire departments, and municipalities of all sizes with IP camera systems. Should you need information about these, IP door access control or Emergency Paging over IP, call 914-944-3425 to speak to an engineer or fill out an information request form.