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The NW blog
Archive for the ‘Small Business Security’ Category
Securing your small business IP camera network
If you’re looking to protect your small business by installing IP cameras, take a look at the steps below for ways to make your installation more secure. This blog covers the system set up aspect of your camera network security.
Date and time setup
Setting the right date and time at system set up ensures that your recordings show the correct time information. This makes it much easier to find and review incidents, rather than having to watch hours of footage. If you’re using a video management systems (VMS), it’s important that all parts of the system are in time sync at all times otherwise components can be prevented from functioning correctly.
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5 reasons to choose a modular IP camera system
A modular IP camera is comprised of a camera body (often referred to as the main unit) and one or more sensor units which each consist of a lens and image sensor, and are connected to the main unit via a cable.
The main unit typically houses the processor, any edge storage such as an SD card, plus power and network connections. The maximum resolution and angle of view for each sensor unit is determined by the combination of lens and image sensor, as it would be for a regular IP camera. Sensor units can be purchased separately from the main unit and come in a wide variety of lens and feature combinations, allowing you to put together the hardware specification that best suits your needs.
The modular approach is incredibly flexible, allowing you to easily build a standalone CCTV system, deploy cameras discreetly into tight spaces or monitor several closely situated areas in a very cost-effective way. A handful of manufacturers offer modular IP camera ranges, but the most popular by far are from Axis and Mobotix.
Here are 5 great reasons to choose a modular IP camera system.
Why consider the Samsung Wisenet QNO-6070R for a small business CCTV solution?
CCTV systems of up to 16 IP cameras are becoming increasingly sought after by small businesses to help boost protection of their premises, staff, stock and other assets. In addition to this, the implementation of these small surveillance systems can also give businesses more of an insight into customer activity, whilst providing visual evidence against potential fraudulent slips, trips and falls claims. However, when it comes to selecting an IP camera from the wide choice available that can offer all of these benefits – you are often left with more questions than answers.
To give you some clarity, we thought we would highlight a model that we feel is up to the task – introducing the Samsung Wisenet QNO-6070R.
The Axis M31 series – smart and affordable IR domes
Axis has responded to strong demand for compact and cost-effective infrared (IR) domes with their new M31 series.
This versatile range consists of three indoor and three outdoor models, all of which deliver clear images round-the-clock in up to 4 megapixel resolution – even in difficult lighting conditions or near darkness.
Milestone Essential v Express
On October 10th this year, Milestone replaced XProtect Go with XProtect Essential as their free Video Management Software (VMS) option for entry-level users.
Ahead of this change, we posed the question “What’s the real cost of making Milestone Essential free?” in a blog post that highlighted the known limitations of the newly positioned product. It was clear even back then that it would actually make more sense for many users to use Milestone Express rather than Essential but, the real difference in cost was still unknown.
It’s now 6 weeks since Milestone launched the new free 8ch version of Essential and we now know more about the new annual subscription packs, the availability of key features and software updates plus the associated costs.
Milestone XProtect Essential is now a non-starter whether your CCTV system is large or small and it all boils down to one crucial element – provision of Care Plus.
What’s the real cost of making Milestone Essential free?
Milestone has worked hard to nurture XProtect into a mature and comprehensive Video Management Software (VMS) suite and this year they’ve been pruning their offering to promote further growth. We’ve seen the phasing out of Milestone Enterprise and now a further trim has been announced.
Starting October 10th 2016 – Milestone XProtect Go, the free VMS product will be discontinued and Milestone Essential will take its place as Milestone’s free VMS. When this happens, Milestone Express will take up its position as the entry-level product in the “paid-for” software suite.
These changes make sense in many ways and bring distinct benefits for many entry-level users, but unsurprisingly, there will be some limitations in the newly positioned Milestone Essential. It’s these limitations that need careful consideration and based on what we’ve learned so far, it appears that for many users, it may actually make more sense to use Milestone Express.
Creating a free to use CCTV system easily with an app and no PC
If you’re a small business or home user seeking a simple CCTV solution, you’d probably like to be able to mount your new IP camera in a suitable location, connect it to your network and then use a free app on your mobile phone or tablet to access live video and recordings whilst on the go. That’s it – safeguard your business or home with no complicated set-up and configuration. Some might call this approach “Plug and play”.
Until recently, it’s not been that easy and as a minimum, a PC was still required during the installation of the IP camera. Now it’s possible to do using just a mobile app and although we probably wouldn’t use the phrase “Plug and play”, the solution is certainly very straight forward.
Both Axis and Hikvision support this app-based approach and we’ll outline how to get up and running, weigh up each brand’s offering and consider the limitations.
Build your own surveillance system with the Axis F series
The Axis F series offers a very flexible way of creating a high performance IP CCTV system – complete with video management software and remote access – all without the need for a dedicated PC, server or Network Video Recorder (NVR).
An F series camera consists of separate HD sensor / lens units which connect to a main unit (the body of the camera) via a cable. Axis refer to this design as a ‘divided concept’ and a choice of 7 lenses offers users the flexibility to build a surveillance system to meet their exact needs.
Since the series was launched in 2014, we’ve seen the Axis F series used for a wide variety of indoor, outdoor and mobile surveillance applications. The ultra compact design and options for discreet installation make these cameras particularly popular with small office-based businesses, independent retailers and restaurants.
We’re going to show you how you can put together your own system in 3 easy steps.
The phenomenon of Viewer Creep in IP video systems
A well-known form of ‘Creep’ many of you will have heard of is Mission Creep linked to humanitarian interventions in war-torn countries which escalate into, initially unintended, long-lasting military campaigns.
In the world of software coding, programmers talk about Feature Creep as system features or capabilities are extended mid-way through projects. Meanwhile, project managers frequently bemoan Scope Creep, the process by which a project grows beyond its originally anticipated size or complexity.
Review: Y-cam Cube HD 1080
We get great feedback on the best seller in the Cube range, the Y-cam Cube HD 1080. The Y-cam Cube 1080 variant of the Cube range is essentially the same camera as the Cube 720 but with an increased sensor size (2 megapixels as opposed to 1 megapixel on the Cube 720).
Following on from our first look at the Y-cam Cube 720 in April 2013 and the recent sales success of the Cube HD 1080 version we thought it worthwhile to take a further in-depth look at the unit and share it with you here.
Ideally placed for surveillance and monitoring in offices, small retail outlets and at home, the Cube 1080 retains the same ‘just right’ small form factor that we noted in our review of the Y-cam Cube HD 720 and with the same 15m infrared night vision capability remains suitable for use indoors all day and in all lighting conditions.
