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 […]
Category Archive: Infrastructure RSS feed for this section
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 […]
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 […]
TRENDnet Surveillance Kit Has Basics Covered
There seems to be no end of small, pre-packaged camera systems available to the general public these days. People like Mr. Joe Citizen see video on social media of some lowlife making off with a package from a front porch and decides that he could use that same level of protection. So, the next time Joe […]
Hikvision Network Camera’s Image Lives Up to Its Value
Once upon a time in the far off past (well, 15 years ago) you really didn’t have much of a choice when you wanted an IP-based camera. At that time there were just a couple of manufacturers providing cameras to the U.S. market and as we all remember the selections were mighty pricey! Fast-forward to […]
Yale Keypad Lock Is One to Keep in Stock
WE HAVE TESTED AND REVIEWED keypad access locks in the past, including models from Schlage and Kwikset, most recently the Kwikset SmartCode 916 Touchscreen Deadbolt (securitysales.com/ kwikset_deadbolt_locks_reliable), and are big fans. After looking at promotional material for the Yale nexTouch keypad access lock, we asked for a test model but were really expecting a product […]
TRENDnet Industrial Network Switch
The TRENDnet TI-PG1284i network switch is an attractive solution for locations that are less than ideal. TRENDnet has introduced a new industrial-grade hardened network switch that promises to become a “go-to” component for installers when they have network locations that don’t have the best environmental conditions. TRENDnet has been involved in the electronics world since […]
Minuteman PRO1500RT UPS Has Few Downsides
This uninterruptible power supply bests comparable units in both price and performance. Minuteman Power Technologies’ power protection products are manufactured by Para Systems, based in Carrollton, Texas. Now in its 35th year, the company’s product line is well supported and respected, and we tested its remote power management system in August 2016. Our positive experiences […]
Minuteman Power Management Proven to Prevent Hours of Downtime
The RPM Series from Minuteman received high marks when put to the test, particularly the eight-port RPM1581HVN. Many moons ago I had the privilege of working as director of product line management for what ultimately became Tyco Security Products’ video products division. I’m not sure if other companies do this, but we used to break […]
