This was not an easy test to carry out. Approaches to cabling are varied, and standardising on equipment can be an issue. Add to this the rate at which technology changers, and how do you assess coaxial links against netwok technology? In order to provide clarification of our gaols, the Benchmark test team set some quidlines in place, which need to be repeated here.

     PRODUCT                                   OVERALL RATING

Coaxial Cable                                     7/10

Twin Bell Wire Leeds                          8/10

UTP  NVT                                    8/10

IP over coax Veracity                     8/10

Dedicated IP Network                         9/10

All testing done by Benchmark magazine

Samsung Techwin has introduced the STC-14, a fixed thermal imaging camera with a built-in 14mm lens and 4x digital zoom suitable for effective detection over large areas. Unlike traditional cameras that rely on light to see images, thermal cameras pick up heat signatures of subjects and objects so are unaffected by extreme conditions such as complete darkness, harsh weather, bright lights, fog and smoke.

This makes the STC-14 suitable for use in a wide range of high security environments such as airports, coastlines, prisons and ports. The STC-14 is particularly powerful for perimeter protection over large areas.

Peter Ainsworth, Product Manager for Samsung Techwin’s professional security division, stated, ‘The STC-14 is competitively priced compared to other thermal cameras in its class. In addition to security applications, the STC-14 is therefore likely to be an attractive option to customers who are looking, for example, to use thermal imaging cameras to detect or identify problems with plant room machinery. There are also situations where the STC-14 may be considered a more desirable option than standard CCTV cameras including residential estates where traditional imagery could cause concern about privacy.’

Operating up to a distance of 360 metres and weighing 2Kg, the STC-14 is supplied in an IP66 rated weatherproof housing and comes complete with a full three-year warranty.

When it comes to cost-effective security, then access control in its various forms has to be consided. There are some very flexible options allowing most applications to implement an additional layer of security. All of the systems were tested simultaneously, and all were mounted as per the manufacturers specifications. cable runs were of a similar lengh. The object of the exercise was to see how easy the units were to install, and to access the audio quality.

     PRODUCT                                   OVERALL RATING

Bitron Video AV2058/51                       8.12/10

BPT Villa1N/HP-YCUK                             8.25/10

Fermax Citymax                                 8.25/10

Raytel 885H/240                                 8/10

Videx 3000 Series                               8/10

All testing done by Benchmark magazine