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LATEST ISSUE

AUGUST 2010 The August 2010 issue brings together group testing, individual product testing, product assessments, technology challenges and 'at-a-glance' guides to performance. The lastest issue has in depth tests of Bosch Security's 400 Series DVR, the Serage heavy-duty exteranl integrated camera from G-Tec, ESP's Guardcam ad Genie CCTV's entry-level BDVR. The August edition also includes assessments of Infinova's V2216 video management system, Veracity's Coldstore recording solution and Dedicated Micros' Closed IP TV solution which brings IP functionality to a traditional CCTV approach. For those seeking entry level IP cameras, infrared illuminators or active IR beam detectors, Benchmark includes at-a-glance guides for both product groups. There is also a look at the pros and cons of HD and megapixel cameras. Finally, the latest issue includes two group tests. The first is the opening part of a day/night camera test, which includes models from Pelco, Samsung, Sony and Vista. Additionally, Grade 2 dual technology detectors are tested for ease of installation, with models from Bosch, Cooper Security, Optex, Pyronix, Risco Group, Texecom and Visonic. Read this issue...

BENCHMARK STATUS

Benchmark Recommended Status is awarded to products that undergo the independent testing process and receive an overall rating of 80% or higher. Products which receive this status are then permitted to use the Recommended logo, which illustrates they have passed application-specific testing and have reached a very high standard.

Benchmark Outstanding Status is awarded to products that undergo independent testing and receive an overall rating of 90% or higher. Products which receive this status are then permitted to use the Outstanding logo, which illustrates they have passed application-specific testing and have reached the very highest standards.

Because products and systems in the electronic security industry are varied, there are inevitable price differences between products designed to do the same job. It may be that one device offers a credible level of performance equivalent to its peers, but has more competitive price. Alternatively, the device may have a similar price to its peers, but delivers additional features and functions. In such cases, these products are recognised by the award of Benchmark Best Buy status.

THE TEST PROCESSES

Benchmark Group Tests are an essential part of delivering real-world information. These comparitive tests select products based upon specific criteria, and then pit the devices against each other to see which is best suited to the task. These products deliver a genuine and independent experience of using the actual product. Group tests deliver final ratings for all products included.

Benchmark Professional Tests take a single product and produce an in-depth report, looking at all aspects of installation and performance. This delivers useful unbiased information, and allows installers to 'get under the skin' of a specific device. Professional tests include full ratings for the products.

Benchmark Product Assessments are designed to address products that either have very specific requiremnents such as large sites, or other system elements for integration. They can also address products that are in the R&D stage. Product assessments differ slightly from other tests, in that manufacturers may have some involvement in the test process. However, the reports are independent, honest and unbiased. Product assessments do not carry final ratings.

Benchmark Technology Challenges look at differing technologies and working practices. Although products are involved, the intention is to see the differences between two varied approaches to a similar problem. As the challenges are not product-specific, these do not carry final ratings for the devices involved.

© Pro-Activ Publications Ltd, 2010.

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While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of material included in Benchmark (both the hardcopy publications and this website), the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein, or any consequence arising from it.

In the case of all product reviews, tests and assessments, judgements have been made in the context of the equipment supplied at the time of the review. Any judgements are based upon situations relevant at the time of writing, and comments relating to cost are based upon published prices available from major UK distributors.

Comments are based upon products and systems currently available in the UK market-place. Although some products are available in other parts of the world and may carry similar designations or names, overseas products' specifications may vary due to local laws, regulation and standards.

BENCHMARK CONTACTS
EDITOR	PETE CONWAY Tel: 020 8295 8303
ADVERTISING MANAGER	WENDY THOMAS Tel: 020 8295 8305
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR	DAVID LEWIS Tel: 020 8294 8309
PRODUCTION	MATT JARVIS Tel: 020 8295 8304
ADMINISTRATION	TRACEY BEALE Tel: 020 8295 1414