Remote Video: The View Looks Very Good From Here

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then how much are real-time or archived images viewable anytime from anywhere in the world worth? The promise and emerging reality of remote video has begun answering that question for the electronic security industry.
Seemingly No Limit to the Managerial Possibilities

Alexandria, Va.-headquartered Sonitrol Corp. has recently added remote video to the audio detection services the company staked its reputation on more than 30 years ago. It is targeting new as well as existing customers for these services.

The firm, which has assisted police in the apprehension of more than 147,000 intruders, now offers customers alarm verification via remote digital video and remote management capabilities. The latter allows business managers to monitor and supervise multiple remote locations using an application installed on a computer or laptop.

"Once customers understand the managerial opportunities that can be gained from this product, the growth opportunities will be endless," says Frank Minni, Sonitrol's business development manager. "Anyone who has an existing CCTV system can take the next step to remote video at a minimal cost. Security dealers should find profit in both new installations and RMR [recurring monthly revenue] side of the business."

Sonitrol Security Systems of Toronto, one of Sonitrol's 170 franchisees spanning the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, began deploying remote video seven years ago. Today, the operation has more than 75 accounts, mostly commercial, with an average of four cameras per site and a maximum of 16. According to General Manager Ed Bodbyl, monetarily, the difference between localized CCTV and remote video is insignificant.

"The cost of the remote video transmitter is similar to that of a digital video recorder," he explains. "So, the cost to the customer of remotely monitored video is very similar to having on-site recording, with the benefit that a monitored system can be responded to for after-hours events that could otherwise only be reacted to many hours after the event."

Source: Security Sales & Integration (January 2003) by Scott Goldfine, Editor

About Sonitrol:
Sonitrol Corporation is the leading provider of Verified Response security solutions for businesses and schools in North America. Founded by a policeman, the company's technology was created to reduce false alarms and increase apprehensions. Sonitrol's proprietary audio verification capability has assisted local law enforcement in the apprehension of more than 155,000 suspects since 1977. Its integrated suite of offerings includes audio intrusion alarms, access control, video surveillance and fire detection. For more information on Sonitrol and its integrated security solutions, please visit the company's website at www.sonitrol.com.