System Selection

The following points will help you select the right system

(1) Have a camera installed for testing purposes and compare the stored and printed images since stored images in particular often display significant differences. Check to make sure that the image quality remains the same for the number of cameras you plan to install.

(2) Test the backlight performance of the camera against a window or vehicle headlights – this will work only if the system has variable exposure windows.

(3) IP cameras are digital network products and IT equipment. Hence, the installer should have solid experience in working with networks and IT in particular.

(4) Crosspoint switches, analog or digital (!) video recorders, 2-wire transducers, camera heaters and 115V/230V power supplies are no longer required.

(5) Additional software is generally not required, even when using digital or analog PTZ cameras made by other manufacturers in hybrid systems. The free MOBOTIX control center software is used in some 10,000 systems, including very professional systems installed at airports, train stations, football stadiums and embassies.

(6) Avoid pan, tilt and zoom cameras (PTZs) or reduce these to the minimum. PTZs are sensitive, require monitoring by personnel and are usually “parked” in places where nothing happens anyway.