Security Products – stick to what you know or go with change?

Ok, those that read this blog regularly will know I am an Apple Fanboy

iPhone cctv

if it is white or aluminium, I’m going to buy it

Recently, I purchased an Android phone – purely for home/private use and because it was CHEAP – much cheaper than the iPhone that I treasure for Professional/Work use

But with CHEAP comes compromise………sure, it is a great phone, does everything that the iPhone does, but just differently……..everything just takes a little longer whilst I work out how to do it on a different OS/Platform

And the quality ? well, it’s good, but I have been spoilt with the almost space age quality of Apple – it’s almost like the strive to get the best quality components into their products…….and charge accordingly…….and people still buy

So, I got to thinking how similar that is in our industry……..

There are still a lot of people using DVRs from the likes of Dedicated Micros – a hugely successful company that has made great products for many years.

DM is not without it’s critics, but say what you will, their kit is well made, feature rich and, well, er, expensive……….

So many mid range DVRs now compete with DM on cost, performance, reliability etc that it is a surprise why DM has not seen their market diminish……..yet, just like Apple, rather than make their current product cheaper, they make their next product BETTER, and very often MORE expensive!

It’s like BMW…….top of the range models often have LESS comforts and yet cost MORE !!!

Pelco for many years has sold on quality and reliability, rather than join the discount brigade and slash costs on their PTZ Dome products – in keeping their prices at the right point it has allowed them to introduce IP alternatives at the price point they need and want……

So, the question is this………do you stick with what you know and trust (and appreciate) or do you try something different?

Sometimes, it’s just about what does the job the best………. remember the old saying, the sweetness of price is forgotten long after the bitterness of quality!

Honeywell HREP DVR range

Honeywell HREP range.

Honeywell has introduced the new HREP DVR series to its selection of CCTV products.

The HREP DVRS are embedded digital recorders and are economically priced in order to compete against the influx into the UK of cheap highly functional DVRs from the far east.

Classed as an entry level device the Honeywell HREP can be accessed via a web browser and uses H.264 video compression for easy fluid remote access.

Simple installation and set up via a USB mouse means the unit is childs play to navigate and requires the minimum of training to familiarize yourself with the functions available. This reduces time on site for installers and service engineers alike.

With no software to install and remote access via the web browser, Honeywell hope the HREP range will be a big hit with installers and customers in both domestic and business scenarios.

A bold move from Honeywell? well we will just have to wait and see.

Honeywell HRDP iPhone app

Honeywell HRDP iPhone app.

Honeywell have joined with Apple to enable the HRDP DVR to be accessed via iphones and iPads.

This is the way many manufacturers are going as the Apple app gives end users the ability to view CCTV images from their HRDP recorder whenever and where ever they may be.

Honeywell HRDP iPhone

The Honeywell HRDP H.264 DVR now supports  the iPad/iPhone feature that makes it comparable to many high-end embedded DVRs but at a much lower price something many end users are currently looking for. The DVR has always boasted crisp clear images but now this added benefit brings it into line with many of its competitors.

Honeywell HRDP
Honeywell HRDP

So if you want to upload the the HRDP iphone app simply click on the link below to take you to the apple store.

Honeywell HRDP iphone app click below

http://itunes.apple.com/en/app/remote-view/id403753495?mt=8

CCTV – does it always need to be about Security?

Interesting meeting during this week

An integrator was looking for ways to increase sales of Electronic Security Systems, mainly CCTV.

End user customer base is predominantly agricultural……not many cows get stolen methinks!!

But, it turns out that in fact, the farming community is actually a prime target for CCTV based system solutions……why?

CCTV farming
CCTV helps farmers

Well, during the breeding/birthing season, the farmer is practically living in the animal pens/sheds, waiting for that moment to leap into action!

So, instead, how about a decent static camera (or even internal PTZ for closer action shots !) connected via wifi, through to the main farmhouse……….connected into a decent DVR which the farmer can either view through his residential TV or a connected PC………..

Sophisticated motion and sensor alarms can be created to provide notification…..

Take it even further – add a text dialler or email notification and the farmer can even leave the premises, literally waiting for an SMS or email on his Blackberry or iPhone device, allowing him to connect back to the DVR and view the live image streams……

With cost effective leasing plans allowing low weekly payments and also tax deductible, the farmer can utilise the system as a part of his business!

CCTV – not always about Security !