Complicated machines up for grabs

The security industry has benefited substantially from breakthrough technology developments during the past six years. Video surveillance seems to be the hottest product in the mind of many end-users even though it is only one component of a comprehensive approach to a complete security plan. This is very understandable since we are a society who likes to watch and wants to see and generally prefers visual media over audio, text, or any other method of communication.

The security experts of today's world pick from myriad of video recorders that are based on cutting edge digital technology. The cost of these sophisticated machines is available to the reach of virtually anyone, thanks to the stiff competition between the supplying companies. The manufactures of DVR machines have developed products that serve a designated consumer. These patrons are motivated by one of two components the first of which is the cost, which usually leads to limited performance; or performance, which in turn, leads to a higher. Multiple categories of products, pricing and performance emerge as the dust settles.

To start with, there is the memorable VCR substitute, tenderly referred to as a "supreme VCR." Next in line, is an assortment of mid-range solutions which try to aim at that magical median between low performance, low price and high performance, high price. And the customers have to make up their minds between the two choices. However, believe it or not, they are generally all the same deal. And lets not forget to mention high-performance, high-cost machines which, of course, is the third category of selection. As it is clearly observable, there is something for everyone.

Area of Concern

Not everything is truly what it looks like, so do not believe something just because it appears so. Think about this: dozens of proprietary software built on multiple operating systems lie within each category of niche solutions. The unique of each and every product is dependent upon the terms of user interface and how it carries out its operations. For that reason, each solution must be mastered by a sales and deployment sector. Significant barriers can be established through having capable technical expertise across multiple product lines.

Numerous dealers unwillingly end up supporting solutions that are misunderstood by technical people and sales. The alternative is to endorse a single solution (high-end, low-end or middle of the road) to fit all applications or simply leave a considerable quantity of customers neglected and unaddressed.

According to the director of product development for American Sentry Guard "That was exactly what encouraged development of the POWERViZion line of NVR/DVRs. The whole plan behind POWERViZion was to simplify manufacturing, distribution, preparation and support expenses. They needed to provide an 'all for one, one for all' solution layout. For all intents and purposes, it is single-base software with the ability of carrying out varying levels of sophisticated procedures. In terms of hardware support each level requires a separate platform.

The final outcome is a solution that can be sold to an entry-level customer or one that can be sold to an enterprise-class patron. Both systems could talk to one another, and both clients could easily operate the other's interface with little or no additional instruction. The director of dealer development for American Sentry Guard approves of approaching the issue in this manner.

He pointed out that this solution can be specially modified regardless of budget constraints or performance fundamentals  His catch statement is; envision having a solitary solution that can be affordable to the local convenience shop, yet also take care of the most sophisticated casino, bank or high-profile government facility. This sentence almost always catches the patron's attention.

Performance vs. Cost
POWERViZion's main mission was never to produce a no-hoper DVR capable of competing for shares of the mass market.

The idea of being able to sell and support essentially a single product is very appealing to dealers. A subway franchise might be the ending location of any given system. Another system might end up in a subway station in New York City. It is simply dependent on the way that you apply it. According to the national sales manager over the POWERViZion product line; the actual performance of the machine, is never the main issue of concern.

At the same time, a sales administrator for Diamond Security of Monroe, La., searched for competitive DVR products for a project of public school.

According to the sales administrator, their business at Diamond Security required us to be able to provide solutions that were as cost-sensitive as possible. They very efficient at sourcing solutions with varying price points and associating functionality requirements to that specific price point. He also pointed out that POWERViZion gave them the reputation of being able to grant adequate solutions in spite of of budgetary worries."

Glamorous honor

Another industry that took notice of this technology is the gaming industry. A fifteen-year veteran and director of video surveillance in the gaming industry had the chance to test several digital solutions.

He explained that in the gaming industry, they really have two completely different interfaces. Protocols controlling how they execute surveillance within actual gaming areas are very restrictive. On the other hand, the regulations controlling areas generally referred to as back of the house are more lenient in contrast. Almost everybody wants a shot at the casino business, so I never have a deficiency of DVRs to analyze.

The idea that performance is everything and price is no object is a common misperception about the gaming industry, where video surveillance is concerned. Regrettably, casinos still look at security as an expensive bargain. Even though the performance standards are high, that doesn't mean security departments are providing their services for free.

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