The concept of video kits is not a new one. For many years retailers such as Sam’s Club and Costco have sold prepackaged systems; but these kits generally feature more inexpensive, lower-end cameras with lower resolution than professionally installed systems. There is little variation in types of technology available in these systems, which are mainly targeted to the residential and small business DIY markets.
The non-professional surveillance market has traditionally been the source of much of the sales of video kits, says Jeff Whitney, vice president of marketing, Arecont Vision, Glendale, Calif. “A gas station, convenience store, dry cleaner, or small company are typical users, where either the business buys and self-installs the kit or a mom-and-pop system dealer or small systems integrator does the installation.”