SSI put the Sony SNC-VM772R fixed dome camera under the microscope. SONY has been supplying products to the CCTV industry for many years. Its video surveillance offerings have primarily been based on the IPELA line of CCTV cameras. Sony is now expanding its offerings with two cameras that employ a 4K (20-megapixel) sensor. We will examine […]
3 Reasons Why Product Knowledge (Not Price) Is Crucial When Bidding on Security System Projects
Too often security dealers complain that consultants only evaluate price when looking at bids. That’s not the case. In our consulting practice we frequently get questions from bidders about products we have specified. And while I certainly don’t speak for all consultants — or even any consultants other than the ones that work for our […]
Grossman Tells How to Get Going When the Going Gets Rough
SSI Bench Test products reviewer and well-known industry consultant addresses top integrator challenges. My April issue editorial discusses security integrators’ top 10 challenges as indicated inSSI’s annual Systems Integration Study. I consulted with a handful of trusted colleagues and contributors to the publication for ways integrators can best overcome these challenges, perhaps even turning them […]
Why Kwikset Electronic Deadbolt Locks Will Have You Ditching Your House Key
SSI’s test found the SmartCode 916 and Signature Series Deadbolt to be extremely reliable. In June 2014 we reviewed the Kwikset SmartCode electronic door lock models 912 and 914. At the time we started out less than enthusiastically — in an industry full of high-tech toys, it was hard to get excited by a couple of […]
Bench Test Returns to Security Sales & Integration
Bob Grossman explains the review process and explains how he comes up with the answer to the question, “Do I want to use this product?” With the May 2016 issue of Security Sales & Integration, we are resuming our Bench Test section. As in the past, the reviews focus on product features, usability, construction and […]
Does the Orion Online Pro Series UPS System Pass the Test?
Orion Power Systems (Orion) is a Florida-based manufacturer of powerline conditioning and protection systems, including several lines of uninterruptable power supply (UPS) systems. The company prides itself on customer service and support, and limits distribution to prevent conflicts — you won’t find Orion systems at your local (or online) big-box retailer, which should preserve some profit […]
Wink Hub or SmartThings Hub: Which Works Better?
These home automation hubs were tried out in this home to see which better handled connecting its smart devices. Many of us got into this industry because we like playing with toys. Sure, we call it work, but at the end of the day, it’s kind of fun to face a challenge head on, figure […]
Panasonic 360° Camera Stands Up to Third Degree
YOU KNOW THE OLD ADAGE, “When it rains it pours”? There seems to be a plethora of 360⁰ cameras in the CCTV market today, but that’s a good thing. Competition and innovation drive the market and result in better cameras for everyone. The WVSFV481 is one of Panasonic’s offerings in the panoramic view camera market. […]
Web Exclusive Product Reviews
We’ve been writing product reviews for a year now, and the feedback we’ve been getting from manufacturers, integrators, and end users has been extremely positive. As you may have seen, the reviews focus on product features, usability, construction, and ease of installation, as these intangibles are often difficult for an end user or integrator to […]
Speco Intensifier Camera Faces Intense Scrutiny
The OiMD1 camera is one of two IP-based camera models in the Intensifier IP line offered by Speco Technologies. The technology for these cameras was adapted from the analog cameras in Speco’s product line of CCTV equipment. I have seen and read many of their advertisements for this technology but this is the first time […]
