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Wink Hub or SmartThings Hub: Which Works Better?

These home automation hubs were tried out in this home to see which better handled connecting its smart devices. Many of us got into this industry because we like playing with toys. Sure, we call it work, but at the end of the day, it’s kind of fun to face a challenge head on, figure […]

Panasonic 360° Camera Stands Up to Third Degree

YOU KNOW THE OLD ADAGE, “When it rains it pours”? There seems to be a plethora of 360⁰ cameras in the CCTV market today, but that’s a good thing. Competition and innovation drive the market and result in better cameras for everyone. The WVSFV481 is one of Panasonic’s offerings in the panoramic view camera market. […]

Speco Intensifier Camera Faces Intense Scrutiny

The OiMD1 camera is one of two IP-based camera models in the Intensifier IP line offered by Speco Technologies. The technology for these cameras was adapted from the analog cameras in Speco’s product line of CCTV equipment. I have seen and read many of their advertisements for this technology but this is the first time […]

Comtrol RocketLinx PoE+ Switch Could Use a Boost

The RocketLinx ACS7106, according to the manufacturer, is the first UL294B-Listed PoE switch designed for the access control market. When we were contacted by Comtrol about evaluating this product, we were excited. I had never heard of the firm, despite it being in business for more than 30 years, and its Web site showed quite […]

The Finer Aspects of Pelco’s Sarix 5MP Camera

Pelco by Schneider Electric has many models and styles of analog and IP cameras in its portfolio. The Sarix line of CCTV cameras represents the majority of the IP product offerings in the Pelco line, and the Professional Series is the brand’s upper level. The IBP519-ER IP camera is part of the Professional Series and […]

Brickcom 360° Network Camera Has Wide Appeal

The Bickcom N-Series 360⁰ cameras are Brickcom’s offerings in the panoramic view camera market. Brickcom has two models in the N-Series, the MD-300Np, which has a 3-megapixel (MP) imager and the MD-500Np that has a 5MP imager. Both models are designed to provide maximum coverage of a location/area from a single lens assembly via their wide […]

Buffalo’s TeraStation NVR Solid Despite Setup Setbacks

Is Buffalo America TeraStation TS5200DS NVR the best solution for your installation jobs? Security industry expert Robert D. Grossman answers in the latest SSI’s Bench Test. A funny thing happened on the way to our moving past the analog camera. It hasn’t happened yet. Much like the VHS tape that hung in there far longer […]

Why Qolsys IQ Panel Is a Smart Choice for the Smart Home

Is the Qolsys IQ Panel the best possible solution for your installation jobs? Security industry expert Robert D. Grossman answers in SSI’s Bench Test. The Qolsys IQ Panel is perhaps the most difficult product I have ever had to review. Even knowing what to call it for the review headline is a challenge, as it […]

Fluke Tester Doesn’t Leave Network Connectivity to Chance

The LinkSprinter 200 is one of two LinkSprinter models manufactured by Fluke Networks, a major producer of testing equipment for the data, IT and telecom industries. The LinkSprinter lets the user test the status of a local area network (LAN) connection from a network switch through the LinkSprinter or view the status through a handheld […]

Bosch Starlight Falls Shy of Camera Heaven

The Dinion IP starlight 8000 MP network camera from Bosch Security Systems is the top of the line in its series of box cameras and, at 5 megapixels (MP), has the highest resolution within the product line. There are 10 models in the line, ranging from the traditional box camera design to outdoor “bullet”-style camera […]