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LATEST ISSUE

October 2010 The October 2010 issue brings together group testing, individual product testing, product assessments, technology challenges and 'at-a-glance' guides to performance. The latest issue has in-depth tests of Samsung's SCB3001 camera, Honeywell's DT7540UK2 dual technology detector, Leeds Electronics' 2Y-Link and Brickcom's FB100A megapixel camera. The October edition also includes an assessment of the Concept 4000 system from Inner Range. For those seeking CCTV lenses or Grade 3 dual technology detectors, Benchmark includes at-a-glance guides for both product groups. There is also a look at the pros and cons of coax and UTP in CCTV cabling. Finally, the latest issue includes two group tests. The first is the final part of the day/night camera test, which includes models from CBC, Bosch, Honeywell, Genie CCTV, JVC and Dedicated Micros. Additionally, acoustic glass break detectors are tested, with models from Pyronix, Risco Group, Texecom and Siemens. 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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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