Hi MOM & DAD!!!!! This is a BLAST!!!!
You’ve been debating about providing cameras and live video access for your customers. You have decided it’s the right thing to do. There are options, and you’re not sure what you should be looking for. This article can help you break down some of the key features to focus on. There are some trade-offs, based on the type of access and features that matter most to you and your customers. Based on market research we’ve conducted, two of the most important factors in selecting a web camera provider are reliability and quality. If you’re someone who works at a boarding facility, you know your time is valuable. Making sure the cameras work for all customers will minimize calls about the cameras and promote an enjoyable customer experience. Select a camera service provider who not only has good system uptime, but when problems do happen, the provider is proactive in solving them. Additionally, when you inevitably do need help, make sure the provider has reputable customer support. The best place to get this information is through industry message boards and Facebook groups. Talk to other owners and find out their experiences – that’s the most authentic way to get information. Once you have narrowed down some reliable providers, lets address quality. This is a particularly tricky area since there are so many factors that can affect the quality of video provided. Without getting too technical, here are some factors to analyze:
• Facility internet UPLOAD speeds. • Local network infrastructure. • Camera quality. • Quality of end user viewing device . FACILITY UPLOAD SPEEDS The number one factor in determining the quality of your cameras to your customers is your Upload speed. Typically, Internet Service Providers are focused on advertising high download speeds. Download speeds factors into your personal internet experience, however web cameras need to leave your location, so upload has to be addressed. Most Internet Service Providers (ISP) limit upload speeds to maximize download. If your upload speeds are too slow, your camera quality will need to be reduced through lower resolution and higher compression. The total number of cameras you want to provide will also need to be considered. In order to successfully stream a number of cameras simultaneously, 150 Kbps per camera is a good number to use for calculating total Upload required. Ten cameras would need approximately 1.5 Mbps of upload bandwidth. Upload is also shared with your other devices as well, so you will want to have some
