High-definition television images offer ultra-sharp images of the antennae on an ant, the hair on a tennis ball and the pain on a footballer’s face. With access to applications by the thousand, mobile phones have ceased to be mere phones, but have become pocket computers.
1. Be clear on what you want.
“Stipulate in writing what you want from your new system. So much poor design and deployment is down to a failure of communication between customer and integrator. Talk about the quality of the images you want to see; talk about how long you want to keep them, and talk about what your objective is in gathering the data in the first place.”
2. Don’t assume that your existing analogue system must be completely replaced.
“Always ask for quotes for upgrades of existing systems as well as seeking quotes for new scenarios. A move to network video doesn’t necessarily mean you have to rip out existing systems. Get the right encoder, and you may be able to keep some existing cameras and cabling. Perhaps functionality can be retained and integrated, and costs will be reduced as a consequence.”
3. Examine the relationship between your chosen integrator and the equipment manufacturer.
“How good is their working relationship? Ask to see some references. Talk to the manufacturers yourself; their specialist knowledge may make your project more cost-effective through suggestions for fine-tuning of a proposed system, or the offer of alternative equipment that may better suit your needs.”
4. Think long term.
“Make sure any new or upgraded system will grow with you. Saving a few pounds now may mean you have to spend much more a year, two years or three years down the line. Think what you may want to do in the future, and examine ways in which integrators and manufacturers might be able to work together to provide that, thus making your system future-proof.”