Toshiba, VEO Wi-Fi Cameras Key For Any Vertical Market

networking

Resellers may want to consider the Toshiba IK-WB11A or Veo Wireless Observer video cameras, both of which the CRN Test Center reviewed for usability and feature set.

Both cameras attach easily to wireless networks and eliminate the need for dedicated wiring, special monitors or specialized video-centric equipment when setting up a surveillance system.

Wi-Fi cameras serve a variety of applications,among them, monitoring activities in a nursery or day-care center and deploying motion-detection surveillance systems in warehouses,and solution providers should be able to find a fit for these devices in almost any vertical market.

While dedicated video surveillance systems are often costly and complex, the latest Wi-Fi video cameras are inexpensive and easily deployed. Key features for solution providers to consider include ease of setup, environmental needs (indoor or outdoor mounting), remote pan and tilt, and zoom and motion-sensing capabilities.

Toshiba offers industrial-strength wireless video with its IK-WB11A, which provides both Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet connectivity, as well as outdoor mounting capabilities. The unit includes several mounting brackets and enclosures, but solution providers will have to use a tripod or other device to mount the video camera on a desktop.

Test Center engineers installed the IK-WB11A on a small network built around a Netgear wireless router and several wireless PCs. Because each PC had to be associated with the video camera's Service Set Identifier, initial setup of the unit for wireless connectivity was quite cumbersome. Oddly enough, a Toshiba notebook with integrated 802.11a and 802.11b capabilities refused to recognize the camera, while an Intel Centrino-based Fujitsu laptop immediately associated with the camera for setup.

In addition, Test Center engineers were hampered by the documentation and setup utilities that came with the camera. Both, however, were preshipping versions, so solution providers should expect more refined documentation and software with shipping units.

Another area that may cause some grief: The IK-WB11A works only with Sun Microsystems' version of Java and displays no video when used with Microsoft's version of the language, so solution providers will need to install Sun Java on any PC that's attached to the camera.

But once set up, the IK-WB11A offers outstanding video that's both crisp and clear. Solution providers will appreciate the unit's accurate remote pan, tilt and zoom operations. The camera can be integrated into alarm systems for motion detection and can send video clips to e-mail accounts on a scheduled basis or when motion is detected. Solution providers selecting the Toshiba product will find that it offers an impressive list of features for most any location, although it's less intuitive to use than some other video cameras.

The Wireless Observer from Veo has the look and feel of a consumer video camera, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The unit incorporates all of the basics needed for a Wi-Fi security camera in an easy-to-use package that includes 2X zoom capability and full pan and tilt.

Initial setup, however, was tricky. It has to be done via a serial connection, which can be hard to come by on most notebook computers today. Further, setup options were limited by the lack of wired Ethernet, a USB port and wireless setup capability. Once a serial cable is connected, however, the setup wizard makes final installation a snap. The Observer's browser-based console is simple to use. Almost any user will be able to connect and control the camera quickly via the integrated Web server utility,aptly called the Veo Observer Web Client. Those seeking additional functionality can use Veo Observer Studio, a stand-alone utility that's included with the camera. Observer Studio, which has video recording and basic video editing capabilities, adds camcorderlike functionality.

Test Center engineers found that video produced by the Observer was acceptable for surveillance applications, although the maximum resolution is only 640 x 480. At that resolution, the camera was able to sustain a rate of about 10 frames per second, which is not fast enough if someone's looking to replace a camcorder but is adequate for surveillance. The Observer proves itself to be an adequate unit for light indoor surveillance, and solution providers will find the unit the perfect compromise for homes and small businesses.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS

>TOSHIBA IK-WB11A V401
PRICE: $799.99
MARGIN: 33 percent
DISTRIBUTORS: D&H, Tech Data
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

CHANNEL OVERVIEW: Irvine, Calif.-based Toshiba launched its new Preferred Partner Program in early July 2003 for solution providers in the SMB and enterprise markets. The program provides marketing tools, financing assistance and business development support. Also included are monthly rebates and periodic incentives, MDFs based on sales performance, sales and technical training, a dedicated bid desk and a new trade-in program.

>VEO WIRELESS OBSERVER
PRICE: $299.99
MARGIN: 25 percent
DISTRIBUTORS: D&H, Ingram Micro
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

CHANNEL OVERVIEW: San Jose, Calif.-based Veo plans to introduce a channel program in September, which will include 5 percent MDFs, marketing resources focused on specific end-user applications, and online technical training. The vendor will be unveiling a white- box version of its Wireless Observer later this year.

Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.