| BENCHMARK TESTING |
   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. |
BENCHMARK ISSUES |
 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 ISSUE NOW... |
 The August 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 Bosch Security's 400 Series DVR, the Serage heavy-duty external integrated camera from G-Tec, ESP's Guardcam and 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 these 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 ISSUE NOW... |
 This issue includes the concluding part of our test of access control kits for ease of installtion, including equipment from BPT Security Systems, Raytel, Kantech and Siemens. There is also a full assessment of single channel video servers with products from Bosch, Vivotek and VS2 CCTV, as well as a look at the products from the first part of the test. The issue includes individual tests of Luminite's Genesis LGWP1520 PIR, Compro Technology's IP70 megapixel camera, Axis Communications' P1346 HD camera and Vicon's Kollector Strike hybrid recorder, alongside product assessments of Texecom's Ricochet technology and Panasonic's new Smart HD concept. The technology challenge considers PIRs versus dual technology detectors; which are best for intruder detection? The issue also contains at-a-glance guides to the best performing WDR cameras and static dome cameras. READ ISSUE NOW... |
 This issue includes the second part of a group test of Grade 2 PIR detectors with products from Siemens, Texecom, Optex, Honeywell, Guardall, Cooper Security and Bosch. There is also a full assessment of single channel video servers with products from Samsung, Videcon, Vista, Verint, Genie CCTV and Axis. The issue also contains the first part of a test of access control kits for ease of installtion, including equipment from BPT Security Systems, Raytel, Kantech and Siemens. READ ISSUE NOW... |
 This issue includes a group test of IR-enabled static dome cameras, including units from Bosch, CBC, Cop Security, Xeno, Vista, enie CCTV, Videcon, Samsung and Pecan CCTV. The technology challenge pits infrared illumination against white light, delivering an assessment of which technology is best for CCTV applications. There is also the first part of a group test of Grade 2 PIR detectors with products from Siemens, Texecom, Optex, Honeywell, Guardall, Cooper Security and Bosch. READ ISSUE NOW... |
 Detector-activated speech annunciation units are tested in this issue, with products from Optex and Takex. There is also the concluding part of the group test for wide dynamic range cameras, including models from CBC, Dedicated Micros, Mintron and Panasonic. The issue also include a group test of fully functional IP cameras, with equipment from Panasonic and Samsung. Benchmark also takes a look back at the best tests of 2009, with products from Bosch, NVT, Samsung, Takex, Videcon, Panasonic, Texecom, CBC and Digimerge. READ ISSUE NOW... |
