The Elgato Stream Deck controllers may primarily be for video game streaming, but they have the potential to be an invaluable differentiator for integrators. We are always on the lookout for crossover products — hardware or software designed for one industry that works well in another. Sometimes the impetus is to solve a specific problem […]
Kwikset Converter Will Win Over Smart Lock Converts
Kwikset Convert is Z-Wave connected and works with a variety of existing deadbolt brands including many of the most popular ones such as Kwikset, Weiser, Baldwin and Schlage. While we have reviewed several electronic smart locks in the past, the Kwikset Convert is the first conversion kit we have run across. Billed as letting you […]
Veracity Time Server Syncs and Wins
The TIMENET Pro Master NTP time server synchronizes the time and date on all computers on a network without having to expose the system to outside Internet sources. Sometimes we run into fairly niche problem-solver products in the course of planning our reviews. A casino project led us to look at time servers — as […]
An Inside view of Chicagoland Village’s Video Venture
Background The Village of Schaumburg is a well-known northwestern suburb of Chicago and recognized by many in our industry as the former home of Motorola. With a population of just under 75,000 residents, Schaumburg was recently ranked as the best place to live in Illinois (2018) and the 9th best place to live in the […]
Ideal Network Tester Will Pass Any Tech’s Test
Let’s face it, most (if not all) of us who work in electronics are gadget nuts. We like to work with tools that make our daily lives easier. We also like them to have a “neat” factor, the type of tools that make a task fun to work through. Last, but certainly not least, we […]
Review: Hikvision Budget PTZ Delivers on Value Promise
The Hikvision DS-2DE4220W-AE is a p/t/z camera available in three variations; one for in-ceiling mounting, one for surface mounting and one for outdoor pendant/wall mounting. When I look around today’s CCTV market I’m always amazed and amused by the number of manufacturers with IP-based cameras in their portfolio. As I’ve said before, the IP market […]
Review: Kwikset Obsidian Touchscreen Deadbolt Enlivens Door Security
The Kwikset Obsidian is a motorized deadbolt lock with a touchscreen keypad for control and utilizes Z-Wave Plus. We have reviewed a number of electronic locks, including units with touchscreens (deadbolt and lever handle models), push-button locks of both types, and even a deadbolt-only smart lock with no means of exterior access (other than the […]
Is Panasonic Selling Its Chinese Security Camera Factory?
Panasonic is reportedly selling a security camera factory in China due to disappointing sales outside of Japan. TOKYO — Panasonic may be considering selling its security camera manufacturing business in Suzhou, a city in southeast China’s Jiangsu province, due to disappointing sales outside of Japan, according to Nikkei Asia. The news outlet is reporting that […]
Review: TRENDnet NVR PoE+ Switch Displays Its Value
To a large extent, network switches are becoming (or have become) commodity items. At a given price range there are more similarities than differences; with durability, throughput, and features marching in lock-step up the price range for different manufacturers. Low-end switches are unmanaged, and the PoE models are just fine for low power devices. Higher-end […]
Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Is a Hub Above
In December 2014, we reviewed the Qolsys IQ Panel, mentioning that it was an extremely difficult product to review. This is not a single function device but rather what I would term a partnership product. It requires the panel itself, myriad accessories, the back-end support of Alarm.com, and the involvement of a skilled and trained […]
