Digital Shuffle: March 2012
Guardian Relaunches 15-Year-Old Website
After several months of work, Guardian Protection Services launched its new website. Guardian described the process saying, “An expansive task, this site utilized nearly all the skills the company offers — from information architecture, design and programming on down to copywriting, animation and more.” In redesigning, Guardian paid particular attention to the user experience and reflected on the needs of different user groups — existing homes, new construction and business security. An interactive slider highlighting product features makes certain different types of users can easily find solutions they can apply.
This is the first significant revamping of Guardian’s website since it launched in 1997, and some of its missions were to provide more consistent messaging and branding, better navigation and more interactive features.
As a lead-generating tool for the company, the website not only targets existing and potential customers for home or business security, but also the recruitment of entrepreneurs for its authorized dealer program.
A new “Customer Care” section provides for a personalized, password-protected log-in and the serving of customized data, such as billing history, certificate of ownership for insurers, and alarm data.
Touch-Controlled DVR
Digimerge Technologies’ DH230 and DH250 “Touch Series” DVRs can now be controlled and operated by tapping and swiping a Windows® 7 Touch Screen enabled monitor. Adding touch screen capability is easily accomplished by downloading and installing the firmware update available on the Digimerge website.
According to Digimerge executive vice president Wayne Hurd, “Digimerge is the first manufacturer of professional CCTV equipment to offer a commercial-enterprise grade DVR with a touch-enabled user interface.”
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The touch screen monitor connects to the DH230 / DH250 Series DVR via USB cable and drivers are automatically installed. Video can be transmitted by VGA, HDMI, or DVI cable (using a DVI-to-HDMI adapter).
Mobile Keypads Keep Getting Better
Digital Monitoring products released the latest version of the ePad Mobile Keypad. The ePad 5.0 provides users with the full functionality of their physical keypad from a completely secure virtual keypad accessed from any Internet-connected computer or even by smart phone or tablet through the new Virtual Keyboard App. All of the keys and functions of the physical keypad are available on the virtual keypad, giving the user the feel of real keypad with the expanded functionality of remote access that the ePad 5.0 has to offer.
App Opens New Doors
Access Hardware Supply (AHS), a leading national wholesale distributor of access control equipment and mechanical and electronic locking hardware, debuts its newest creation: the “Retrofit Installation iPad App.” This app will effectively eliminate many of the problems associated with attempting to retrofit a door. Using a form provided by the app, the user will fill out the aspects of the door, all potential parts necessary, whether the door currently jams or not and photos of the current door and hardware, giving AHS a comprehensive conceptualization of the issue at hand. Once, all of this information is compiled the app sends this information directly to an expert at AHS who will review the information and respond with every piece of hardware necessary and the total cost to fit the user’s budget. This app is free and available for download on the iPad.
Redesign Enhances Website Navigation & Efficiency
Potter Electric Signal Company LLC unveiled a major overhaul of its website, facilitated by research into its existing website and feedback from customers. The major focus of the updates includes enhanced navigation and product information as well as a more robust back-end platform.
This is the first stage of a continuous plan by Potter to improve the capabilities of its web-based interaction with its customers. Some of the updated features include improved search capabilities and updated customer order tracking. Future additions include such things as enhanced training services and social media options allowing users to get updates in the ways that are most convenient for them.
Per Mar Website Revamp Features Account Management
The newly renovated website from Per Mar Security Systems dons a streamlined exterior with an easy to navigate structure. The collaboration between Per Mar and the Arizona-based Rocket Media includes features such as online account management and bill pay, the ability to view requested background checks and a referral program, all of which create an efficient headquarters for online business. The new website also benefits Per Mar as well, as it allows the company to quickly update the website using a simple web interface, ensuring that the content of the website is up to date and accurate.
Samsung App Provides Remote Access to Video
Samsung Techwin America released the new iPOLiS Mobile app for remote video viewing of Samsung’s iPOLiS network video cameras and DVRs using either the iPhone or Android mobile platforms. The new app enables viewing of live video and basic pan-tilt-zoom control and is compatible with Samsung network video surveillance cameras as well as several 4/8/16 Channel Samsung DVRs running version 1.06 firmware. A list of compatible devices can be found on the app.
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