June 2013
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ARTICLES - View all Articles
Surveillance: A Question of Compression
In video surveillance, the race for higher resolutions is well and truly on! As an ever increasing amount of video is archived on digital devices, or transmitted over network infrastructure, so the need to consider data file sizes becomes more important. ...
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Cause and Effect: Alarm Handling Reconsidered
Surveillance systems typically include advanced alarm handling options, but the full potential of these is not always realised. Whilst this functionality can be employed in a simple switch-like configuration, taking a fresh look at the possibilities can c...
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CASE STUDIES - View all Case Study reports
The Best Credentials?
NFC, as a technology, has much to offer marketeers, technology suppliers and the consumer sector. In essence, it allows a higher degree of interaction between devices, and allows sharing and exchange of data. The principle certainly seems to suit access c...
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A Transport Solution
The design of a modern video surveillance solution can result in the use of the latest technologies, simply because of a fear of being ‘left behind’ if established options are selected. However, a considered approach can see budgets kept under control...
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VIDEO TESTS - View all Video Test reports
Group Test: PSUs for Video Surveillance
When designing a system, the delivery of power sometimes doesn’t attract much consideration. This could prove to be a significant error, as many businesses take green credentials seriously, and today’s higher technology devices are proving to be less ...
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Professional Test: Axis Camera Companion
Video management software has grown in popularity, because it offers a more flexible approach to system design. Some of that functionality is available free-of-charge! Benchmark took a look at the Axis Camera Companion to see what it offers. For some, ...
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ACCESS TESTS - View all Access Test reports
Professional Test: Fermax Kit Marine
It’s not uncommon to see the term ‘ruggedised’ applied to door entry equipment. These devices often have external panels mounted in public places, typically in areas that are not secured. As a first point of contact for visitors, it is essential tha...
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Product Assessment: Lumidigm MSI Sensor
One of the biggest issues with biometric-based fingerprint readers is that many models will struggle to obtain a clear and usable scan if the digit being presented is damp, dirty or damaged. This is because most sensors rely on an optical scan only. Howev...
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INTRUDER TESTS - View all Intruder Test reports
Group Test: External Detection
In the past, it probably would have been fair to say that external detection was something of an add-on. It was typically used for switching other systems, or for adding a pre-emptive layer of security at some sites. However, the changing profile of crimi...
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Professional Test: Texecom Ricochet
Wireless technology is enjoying something of a renaissance in the intruder alarm sector, and with advances in the quality and performance of systems, the demons of the past seem to be well and truly laid to rest. Texecom’s Ricochet technology employs a ...
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FIELD NOTES - View all Field Notes reports
Void Property Protection
Empty properties exist for a wide range of reasons, and whilst they might seem to be a low risk, the reality is that crimes against vacant sites are on the increase. Such sites may be in isolated areas, or within on-going construction works, and could be ...
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Visitor Management
Access control is a very beneficial technology, allowing authorised persons to gain entry and egress when permitted, whilst also keeping unauthorised persons out. However, it is vital that visitors to any site are also granted access, and controlled, in a...
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GUIDES & CHALLENGES - View all Guide & Challenge reports
10 to Try: Video Peripherals
The move to a predominantly digital platform has opened up many opportunities for those using video surveillance. Benchmark looks at ten options that add benefits to modern systems. Briefcam – VS Forensics The VS Forensics software suite from B...
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10 to Try: VMS Software
In the search for truly ‘open’ systems, an increasing number of security professionals are opting for VMS solutions over the traditional approach of hardware, which can sometimes be a limiting factor. Here Benchmark looks at ten of the leading VMS opt...
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UNDER THE SKIN - View all Under the Skin reports
Paxton Net2 Anywhere
Paxton has upgraded its control options with Net2 Anywhere; Benchmark got under its skin to see what's on offer! There is something of a trend emerging in the electronic security sector to deliver control of systems, status reports and remote viewing of v...
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CheckMySystems CheckMyCCTV
CheckMySystems offers CheckMyCCTV; Benchmark got under its skin to see if it offers real value to integrators and users. If ever there was a product that held a clue about what it does in its name, then that has to be CheckMyCCTV! If you want it in a nuts...
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COMMENT - View all Comments
Have intruder alarm standards alienated the customer?
The current intruder alarm standards are still evolving, but the base for much of the work belongs to a time when technology wasn’t as advanced as it is today. The risk landscape has evolved, but the changes aren’t reflected in industry thinking. Have...
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There's a difference between clever and essential
I’ve seen plenty of ideas that are clever, but that doesn’t always mean I’m happy to spend my hard-earned money on them! I have a friend who has spent the last ten years perfecting what he likes to call his special skill. It’s one hell of a par...
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