I recently came across a situation where a leading brand manufacturer discontinued some of their IP cameras and no longer supported them. The NVR made by the same manufacturer did not support the new IP camera models even with an upgraded firmware and they were basically told they would have to replace the system with updated cameras and NVR. The integrator was obviously upset and no longer wanted to continue using the brand. This got me think further about the fragmentation within the IP camera technology and the possibility of future problems that may exist. These concerns cover both IP cameras and NVRs.

Within the world of analog even if a manufacturer discontinues a camera model or even a line of cameras the installer can use virtually any other brand of analog camera…

It sure would be nice to see someone getting their ass beat on one of these CCTV videos after groping a child. We always seem to get the video after the fact. 

"When he comes in the store, he's not looking at any merchandise. He's not doing any bargain-hunting that day. He's kind of looking around, and he appears to focus on this one little girl," Sommer said. "He spends several minutes basically stalking this little girl and this family. It's just an eerie thing to…

 Software development company Agile Route has released shopping analytics software that uses the Microsoft XBox Kinect gaming system to track shoppers in real time. According to the company's web site, the software uses the Kinects 3-d spatial recognition capabilities to collect data about individual shopper movements. Shoppers are given a unique identifier, and multiple shoppers can be tracked at one time.

The data collected by the Kinect system are then analyzed to determine shopper movements relative to shelf locations, and real-world comparisons came be made between shopper movements when a display is set up in two different ways.

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If you have a 3G card that you use to get internet access almost anywhere, you know how much of a life saver it can be. The trouble comes when you want to share that sweet, sweet internet with someone else. You can try creating a wireless network and sharing it that way, or I’ve actually had a strange USB cable that would allow me to share a a connection. Neither one of those options is fun, or easy to setup. What you might consider is getting one of these Mini 3G/LAN to WiFi Routers.

All you need to do is plug in your USB 3G card, and turn on the device, and you’ll instantly have a wireless network that you can join. Enter the WEP key, and you can share that data connection with up to four other people. The router even uses a rechargeable battery, in case a power outlet isn’t available. If you frequently find…

Many cities and countries have began to implement strict laws when it comes to CCTV. Mandatory CCTV is quickly becoming the choice of municipalities. How soon before we start seeing this more and more here in the states? 

MANILA, Philippines -- Beginning January 2012, the Quezon City government will make it mandatory for all establishment owners to install closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) in their premises or face the non-renewal of their business permits.Tadeo Palma secretary to the mayor said that the city's Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) will strictly enforce a no CCTV no business permit policy as ordered by Mayor Herbert Bautista.

The directive is in line with the city's peace and order campaign particularly in minimizing crime incidence, especially carjacking and kidnapping cases.Palma said that the implementation of CCTV requirement will be prioritized in all high-risk establishments such as car dealership stores, both high-end and…