Tag Archives: video

Uses & Benefits of CCTV Testers

CCTV (closed circuit television) installations are a line of defense that companies and individuals employ to increase the security of a building or home through remote surveillance of selected areas. Depending on the premises, the number of camera installations required may range from one to one hundred, or more. Most configurations will include a DVR (digital video recorder) for storing footage, and sometimes monitors and computers for viewing live feeds in a particular location. With the cameras set up in separate areas, installers may need to run between the video feed and camera in order to fine tune the settings. CCTV testers, also known as LCD field monitors or CCTV field monitors, offer installers an ideal solution that enables them to view the video feed from a camera in real time, as well as calibrate and troubleshoot based on the additional features they provide.

The most basic feature of a CCTV tester is an LCD screen, usually between 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches (diagonal), which allows installers to view the camera feed on the spot. Additional features for video calibration may include video test patterns, brightness/contrast/saturation adjustments, video signal intensity testing, and support for PAL and/or NTSC video. Some testers are capable of providing power to the camera, often up to 12VDC, enabling installers to mount and focus cameras in the optimal spot before running power cables.

Other functions a CCTV installer might require in a CCTV tester or in a separate device are: a multimeter, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) control, and a network/coaxial cable tester/tracer. The multimeter can usually verify that the camera is receiving the correct amount of AC or DC power and check the resistance of a cable. PTZ cameras enable remote directional and zoom control, which, depending on the type of camera, could be controlled by RS485, RS232, software, or web interface, amongst other options. With PTZ control on a CCTV tester, users can bench test or set up a camera without any additional equipment. Cable testers are great for troubleshooting cables for shorts and miswires. Some also include a cable tracer, making it easy to locate the other end of a cable during installations.

Regardless of additional features, most CCTV testers are compact and portable devices that allow easy field calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of CCTV installations. Higher-end units tend to support more functions, thus reducing the need to acquire and operate multiple devices for a single job. Video Products Inc (VPI) offers a selection of CCTV testers that can simplify the installation and troubleshooting process.

VPI’s TESTER-CCTV-W CCTV Tester with Wrist Strap displays NTSC/PAL video on a 2.5 inch LCD screen with a resolution of 480×234. Users can adjust the brightness and color of the video feed on the spot. The unit runs on a 3.7V Li-ion polymer battery and boasts a runtime of up to four hours. Secured by a wrist strap, the unit enables easy and hands-free installations without the hassle of running between a camera and DVR located in separate areas.

The TESTER-CCTV-P Professional CCTV Tester and Multimeter is a multifunction device for CCTV installations and maintenance. With the ability to display video on a 3.5 inch TFT-LCD 960×240 screen and supply 12V DC power, cameras can be set up on the spot without having to run power cables or move between locations. The unit can generate seven forms of PAL/NTSC color bar patterns and adjust LCD brightness, contrast, and color saturation for video calibration. The built-in cable tester can test LAN (local area network) cables for connection status and display the wire sequence.

TESTER-CCTV-P also provides PTZ control and supports more than twenty PTZ protocols, such as PELCO-D/P, Panasonic, and Samsung. Its digital multimeter not only checks the voltage, current and resistance of cables, but can also test for electrical continuity and diode function, and confirm capacitance of a capacitor. The unit supports RS232, RS485, and RS422 interfaces, and baud rates ranging from 150 to 19,200 bps. RS485 data can be captured and displayed for convenient troubleshooting. Requiring only a 3.7V Li-ion battery, the unit possesses a runtime of up to 12 hours. With multiple features consolidated into a single device, the TESTER-CCTV-P is ideal for a wide range of applications.

CCTV testers provide a quick and convenient way to test, calibrate, and troubleshoot CCTV installations. VPI’s selection of testers is suitable for both simple and extensive configurations, making them an essential addition to any professional’s toolkit.

Unifi Communications achieves Advanced Video Specialization from Cisco in the UK

London 02/06/2016– In response to rising demand for video conferencing solutions, Unifi Communications have announced today that they have achieved Advanced Video Specialization status from Cisco. This specialisation recognises Unifi Communications as having fulfilled the stringent training and qualification requirements set by Cisco to provide end-to-end business phone systems and collaboration solutions, such as Cisco Business Edition 6000.

Video conferencing is becoming the tool for all organisations wanting to enable all of their stakeholders to work together more effectively. It is being adopted quickly and the demand for innovative, user-centric video endpoints is ramping up for every mid-sized business in the UK.

Based on Eel Pie Island in Twickenham and with nearly 15 years’ experience as a Cisco partner, Unifi Communications have made a name for themselves supporting clients ranging in size from 20 to 2,500 employees to communicate with colleagues and customers more quickly, from any device.

Advanced Video and Collaboration Solutions for our customers

Following years of steadily increasing investment, Cisco have been named as a leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for delivering simple, innovative, and connected user experience and they are revolutionising the communications market with video conferencing solutions that encompass mobile devices, desktop phones and video endpoints to the most advanced room and immersive systems.

“As part of our commitment to our customers, Unifi Communications continually invest time in training to achieve the highest levels of expertise so we can deliver differentiated business value by offering the range of advanced Unified Communications and Video Collaboration solutions that our customers require”, comments Managing Director Rob Coleman.

A business consultant for the most advanced communication trends

The Cisco Advanced Video Specialization indicates that Unifi Communications are a dedicated team of professionals, providing an end-to-end service that translates into cost-effective solutions, including a broad portfolio of network infrastructure, security, Cisco phone systems, wireless products and advanced collaboration solutions such as Cisco Business Edition 6000, Contact Centre and video conferencing based around Cisco TelePresence.

This is supported by Cisco Expressway, which is designed specifically to enable remote and mobile workers to communicate more effectively with their office-based colleagues by using their device of choice, or a mobile app such as Cisco Jabber.

As a highly responsive, customer-focused small business, Unifi Communications’ service portfolio spans the entire Service Delivery Lifecycle – from design, fulfilment, deployment and integration through to maintenance, operational support and managed services.

Rob Coleman adds “Unifi’s success has been built on technical expertise and a commitment to outstanding customer service. Our successful implementations of Cisco Business Edition 6000 and TelePresence solutions have proven that our on-going commitment to Cisco gives our customers the confidence that they are dealing with a reliable partner who offer only the most appropriate Cisco collaboration, networking and video solutions for their requirements.

Their bond with Cisco also provides Unifi Communications with an award-winning partner program to deliver financial strength, with the ability to address budget constraints thanks to Cisco Capital; technical support, with a 24-hour response time for problem resolution and 24-hour on-site response capabilities and an industry-leading portfolio of products and services to provide their customers with an unparalleled offer in the business phone systems market.

Unifi Communications achieves Advanced Video Specialization from Cisco in the UK

London 02/06/2016– In response to rising demand for video conferencing solutions, Unifi Communications have announced today that they have achieved Advanced Video Specialization status from Cisco. This specialisation recognises Unifi Communications as having fulfilled the stringent training and qualification requirements set by Cisco to provide end-to-end business phone systems and collaboration solutions, such as Cisco Business Edition 6000.

Video conferencing is becoming the tool for all organisations wanting to enable all of their stakeholders to work together more effectively. It is being adopted quickly and the demand for innovative, user-centric video endpoints is ramping up for every mid-sized business in the UK.

Based on Eel Pie Island in Twickenham and with nearly 15 years’ experience as a Cisco partner, Unifi Communications have made a name for themselves supporting clients ranging in size from 20 to 2,500 employees to communicate with colleagues and customers more quickly, from any device.

Advanced Video and Collaboration Solutions for our customers

Following years of steadily increasing investment, Cisco have been named as a leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for delivering simple, innovative, and connected user experience and they are revolutionising the communications market with video conferencing solutions that encompass mobile devices, desktop phones and video endpoints to the most advanced room and immersive systems.

“As part of our commitment to our customers, Unifi Communications continually invest time in training to achieve the highest levels of expertise so we can deliver differentiated business value by offering the range of advanced Unified Communications and Video Collaboration solutions that our customers require”, comments Managing Director Rob Coleman.

A business consultant for the most advanced communication trends

The Cisco Advanced Video Specialization indicates that Unifi Communications are a dedicated team of professionals, providing an end-to-end service that translates into cost-effective solutions, including a broad portfolio of network infrastructure, security, Cisco phone systems, wireless products and advanced collaboration solutions such as Cisco Business Edition 6000, Contact Centre and video conferencing based around Cisco TelePresence.

This is supported by Cisco Expressway, which is designed specifically to enable remote and mobile workers to communicate more effectively with their office-based colleagues by using their device of choice, or a mobile app such as Cisco Jabber.

As a highly responsive, customer-focused small business, Unifi Communications’ service portfolio spans the entire Service Delivery Lifecycle – from design, fulfilment, deployment and integration through to maintenance, operational support and managed services.

Rob Coleman adds “Unifi’s success has been built on technical expertise and a commitment to outstanding customer service. Our successful implementations of Cisco Business Edition 6000 and TelePresence solutions have proven that our on-going commitment to Cisco gives our customers the confidence that they are dealing with a reliable partner who offer only the most appropriate Cisco collaboration, networking and video solutions for their requirements.

Their bond with Cisco also provides Unifi Communications with an award-winning partner program to deliver financial strength, with the ability to address budget constraints thanks to Cisco Capital; technical support, with a 24-hour response time for problem resolution and 24-hour on-site response capabilities and an industry-leading portfolio of products and services to provide their customers with an unparalleled offer in the business phone systems market.