ACTi corporation have eblasted customers and press alike with what seems like an excellent offer for the purchase of cheap IP cameras. The Eblast has listed several models that are now being offered at up to 75% off. The question though we have to ask is why? We understand that ACTi may have an excess of stock. What has caused this excess? It is being speculated that IP camera prices have for far too long been held at an artificially high price. Much of the price difference however between IP cameras and analogue has been due to the vast difference in numbers of units produced i.e 80% analogue cameras V 20% IP cameras. The balance though is starting to be tipped towards IP cameras as more manufacturers flood the market. So is there more supply than demand? The uptake of IP has without doubt been slower than hoped. Even the most pro IP commentators out there have been forced to admit disappointment with the speed that CCTV installers are shifting to IP camera solutions. However when a company as large as ACTi suddenly reduces prices by 75% then IP camera manufacturers everywhere should sit up and take notice. Even if this “sale” can be put down to obsolete stock making way for new more innovative products , it still means ACTi produced too much to sell in the first place.
The UK CCTV market has been told time and time again that IP has arrived , but we have only seen IP required when we actually want to sell HD cctv solutions. This will help IP camera sales but competition from HD SDI technology will mean a mighty battle is about to place. Price will be crucial in deciding who will come out top, it must be a worry though for IP camera suppliers that as yet they have failed to make huge in-roads into analogue dominance and just when the major benefits of IP cameras can be exploited with the surge in HD camera sales they suddenly find that they have to compete with a completely new technology. Interesting times ahead.