Industry Perspective

A conversation with Jeffery Vollmar

• By Security Products Staff
• Nov 01, 2006

IN today's converging market, digital devices are quickly beginning to make headway in the once overwhelmingly analog-only marketplace. As the industry begins to transition, many end users are looking for hybrid solutions that leverage the advantages of both platforms. We spoke to Jeffery Vollmar, vice president of video solutions provider DynaPel, to get his take on the ever-changing industry dynamics.

The truth of the matter is full, digital video systems/networks only comprise a very small fraction of the total installation base in the marketplace. Analog or hybrid systems make up the overwhelming majority of video surveillance installations.

Q. It seems as though digital video systems and networks are on everyone's wish list. How are you competing in this marketplace?

A. The truth of the matter is full, digital video systems/networks only comprise a very small fraction of the total installation base in the marketplace. Analog or hybrid systems make up the overwhelming majority of video surveillance installations. Even as the industry moves steadily toward a digital platform operating environment, I believe analog-based systems will be with us for quite some time to come because of their proven reliability, ability to accommodate large systems and cost efficiencies.

Most networks in use today do not provide enough bandwidth for full-function video monitoring and recording, which is crucial for real-time remote control, viewing and recording. Typically, networks with 1 GB capacity are required for real-time imaging, but the lack of high-capacity network switching devices -- specifically matrix-type switching devices -- has limited the implementation of large-scale systems. There also is considerable cost considerations to evaluate when contemplating a system upgrade versus a system rebuild.

Additionally, if you look at the product lineups of most camera manufacturers, you'll find the bulk of the offerings are still analog cameras, albeit with internal DSP -- not digital or IP output. Other than DVRs or NVRs, many of the components in most video surveillance systems also are analog such as quads, matrix switchers and monitors. Not only are the devices self-contained and less vulnerable than IP-based devices running on a networked platform, the devices are generally much easier to maintain and swap out internally versus re-programming IP-based components.

With this in mind, DynaPel has developed a series of products to enhance capabilities of analog and hybrid video surveillance systems. For instance, DynaPel's CloseView video tracking and detection system simultaneously tracks multiple objects with a PTZ system (analog or digital), allowing users to capture a usable ID shot. Video analytics built into CloseView® direct, PTZ cameras to zoom in on tracked objects provide clear identification for applications such as parking lots, warehouses and entrance/exit roads with license plate recognition systems. And DynaPel's SteadyEye® digital, real-time video stabilizer improves shaky images, provides a clear picture and can be used with any standard, analog camera and downstream devices such as recorders, multiplexers or transmission systems. It's ideal for use on bridges, mobile applications, near machinery and in other wind- or shake-prone locations to improve the performance of analog cameras.

Q. What are the advantages of DynaPel's technology compared to PC-driven technology?

A. DynaPel's core competency is in digital data analysis algorithms of video data to enable innovative multimedia applications in digital compression and enhanced, video-based interactive services. Translated, that means DynaPel excels in creating intelligent video surveillance software and hardware solutions that improve overall performance for a wide range of applications. DynaPel's products can be implemented to enhance existing systems, greatly improving unsupervised and supervised coverage capabilities, as well as picture quality.

A good example of the technology is our CloseView video surveillance tracking and detection system. The one-time investment is minimal and the return is significant. Additionally, we believe our technology has the ability to impact camera design and sales, ultimately revolutionizing the video surveillance industry. Traditional video security requires implementation of many fixed cameras to cover a wide area. The reason multiple cameras are installed is to attempt to capture video, regardless of the direction the subject approaches from. DynaPel technology takes surveillance to the next level by delivering effective identification and tracking.

Q. Being a competitive industry, how do you bring your products to market and who is your competition?

A. Our basic business operation is a triumvirate of manufacturing, marketing and distribution/sales. We have recently moved our corporate headquarters from Florida to Memphis, Tenn. From this new, more centralized location, we can offer our dealer network the technical, marketing and sales support necessary for our mutual success.

Because we have virtually no competition to our intelligent video surveillance solutions, there is a unique opportunity for growth -- both for our dealers and the company. Some of the most frequent feedback we receive pertain to our customers' delight in finding a product that solves their problem without having to undergo massive retrofitting or huge expenditures. It's a solution with value-based advantages that can be applied across multiple applications.

The distribution structure for the DynaPel video security products is through a traditional, dealer-centric sales organization. This sales channel is supported by intense training and support to better assist our dealers in overcoming barriers through education and by maximizing the technology to yield the greatest capabilities. In fact, DynaPel recently launched a certified dealer program for preferred sales partners who are granted special access to products and promotions based on sales volume and capabilities. System integrators who qualify for the status of certified dealer exhibit high standards for professionalism, experience and technical capability. Some of the benefits available to the certified dealers include a protected marketing territory, proprietary products, a certified dealer Web site listing, direct lead referral and specialized product training.

We believe we offer our sales partners a solid value proposition that is both enticing and realistic -- our products offer proven solutions at a reasonable price and with virtually no competition. I don't believe there are many manufacturers in the video security marketplace that can make the same claim and offer the same prospect for growth.