Q&A From the Top: Gary Perlin
Opinions vary on the right time to deploy IP video surveillance
systems. One factor is certainly the economy;
the other is getting the most use from what is already
working. We wanted to know more, so we talked with
Gary Perlin, the vice president of video products at Speco
Technologies, for more information.
Q. There has been a steady migration from
analog to digital IP, even during the recent
recession. How has this affected the management
of your products?
A. The intensity of the migration from analog
to IP varies depending upon your geographic
location and the industries you service. At Speco
Technologies, we do not see anything resembling a
steady migration.
It is a more cautious, gradual shift and only done
when and where it makes economic sense. Now that
the IP hype has died down, dealers are learning when
it makes sense to use IP and when analog is still the
best choice. Speco Technologies continues to introduce
new IP products, including a line of H.264 megapixel
cameras, but analog is still king for the time being.
Q. What is your take on the continued growth of IP
video surveillance through the rest of 2010 and
into 2011?
A. The growth is real and will continue at an even
pace. Don’t be fooled by numbers like 50-percent
growth because the base numbers are too small
to have meaning. IP will continue to grow as more
people become comfortable with the technology and
the infrastructure improves, but growth will be tempered
by the availability of higher-resolution analog
cameras and HDcctv technology.
Q. What challenges do you foresee in terms of
growth, and what technology advantages do you
anticipate in the future?
A. Challenges include a lack of networking
knowledge, high camera prices when used in
small to mid-sized systems and limited bandwidth.
Future advances will include better compression, reducing
bandwidth requirements, lower prices, products
that are easier to network and standards, like
ONVIF, which will unify the products of competing
manufacturers.
Q. What advice do you have for system integrators
considering IP?
A. Analyze the security requirements and infrastructure
of a facility before deciding upon IP
or analog products. There might be advantages of
one over the other, and often, a combination of the
technologies will serve your client best. Finally, take
a moment and talk about the recent introduction of
HDcctv.
Q. What does HDcctv mean to Speco and to many
others looking at security systems?
A. HDcctv will have a major impact upon the
industry in the near future. It is the bridge
between analog and megapixel IP cameras. In many
cases, it will allow existing analog systems to be upgraded
to megapixel resolution using existing cables
and connectors.
It also will allow analog installers to compete
against their network-savvy counterparts in many
situations. Speco Technologies has joined the HDcctv
Alliance and believe that this technology will co-exist
with analog and IP cameras for many years to come.
These three different technologies, if used judiciously,
can work together to accomplish surveillance goals
once deemed impossible.