DSD - Digital Security Diagnostic - FAQ

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FAQ

General
Security
Network & Hardware
Bandwidth
Deployment
Support

General

1.		What is DSD™ Digital Security Diagnostics?
		DSD™ is a software product that monitors the health and overall operation of large-scale video security systems. It detects and reports problems with digital video recorders (DVRs), cameras and related equipment, ensures reliable operation of all components and creates new levels of reliability for the entire system.

2.		Why was DSD™ developed?
		DSD™ was developed to improve the effectiveness of video security systems, to ensure that video data is acquired when needed and available when needed. It optimizes protection by enabling administrators to proactively manage their video-security systems.

3.		What are some of the actual parameters that DSD™ monitors?
		Confirms DVR is operational. Confirms cameras are recording usable images and are not over or under-exposed. Confirms cameras are pointing in the proper direction and have not been displaced. Monitors DVR's peak operating temperature. Monitors DVR's disk capacity. Checks for inactive POS devices. Synchronizes the DVR's clock to a time-reference.
		This is not an exhaustive list and many other parameters can be monitored depending on the make of the video system.

4.		Which Digital Video Recorders is DSD™ compatible with?
		DSD™ is compatible with many of the well known and reputable brands of Digital video systems. Please inquire regarding the level of monitoring DSD™ can offer for your particular system.

5.		How often is my security system checked and verified by DSD™?
		DSD™ operates according to a user-defined schedule. It can monitor a video-security system on a daily basis or whatever frequency you require. It is flexible and can be instructed to perform some tests more often than others.

6.		Why do I need DSD™ for my old or new video security system?
		Video security systems are used to provide evidence of an incident. They operate quietly in the background and are called upon only when video evidence is required. Sadly, this is often the moment one discovers there is no video evidence, or it is unusable, because of an undiagnosed equipment failure. When solid evidence cannot be produced, employees, clients, and law enforcement agencies, lose confidence in the organization's ability to protect itself. DSD™, Digital Security Diagnostics, enhances your corporation's investment in video security. It optimizes its performance and helps to increase its ROI. DSD™ gives you peace of mind knowing that your video security system is protecting your interests.

Security

1.		How secure is DSD™?
		To ensure security, data may be encrypted through the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The availability of a VPN depends upon the capabilities of your network router.

Network & Hardware

1.		What brand of DVR do I need to run DSD™?
		DSD™ is brand-agnostic and compatible with DVRs from many well known manufacturers. Please inquire regarding the level of monitoring DSD™ can offer for your particular system.

2.		What kind of Network do I need to run DSD™?
		DSD™ communicates via most networks including DSL and Cable broadband, ISDN and POTS. It is restricted to the networks supported by your DVR.

3.		What if my DVR's aren't networked?
		DSD™ can also be deployed over your existing Point of Sale Network

4.		What kind of computers do I need to run DSD™?
		Server: Win2003, XP, 2.8 GHz CPU, 1280x1024 Min.,2GB RAM Client: XP, 2.8 GHz CPU, 1280x1024 Min., 1 GB RAM

Bandwidth

1.		How can I use our POS network for DSD™ when I need the bandwidth for transactions?

		To ensure DSD™ data does not consume excessive network bandwidth, it may be processed at a lower priority. Modern network routers can ensure Quality of Service (QoS) by prioritizing network traffic. The availability of QoS depends upon the capabilities of your network router.

2.		How often do I run DSD™?
		Our support team has a Suggested Job Schedule document that recommends a Daily, Weekly, and Monthly schedule of different Jobs to run. This can be modified to your liking.

3.		Does DSD™ stream video to my central?
		No. DSD™ needs only to take a single frame (usually 320 x 240) from each camera in order to diagnose image quality or camera displacement.

4.		Just how much bandwidth does DSD™ need?
		Depending on your job schedule, this can vary, but based on our recommended schedule, you can expect the DSD™ will need to send under 500K of data once per day.

5.		Do I need to run all my jobs at once?
		The only job that is required during the daytime is the image retrieval. The other tasks can be scheduled at any convenient time.

Deployment

1.		How long will it take to install DSD™?
		The installation and verification of DSD™ takes a couple of hours. A Discovery Job is then run to examine the network and report back on found DVR's and cameras, and if there are any non-functioning products. Depending on the size of the network, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a day.

2.		Do I set up DSD™ on my own?
		Professional Services are available to assist you with the deployment of DSD™.

3.		I have a number of people that need to access DSD™. Can I do this?
		The DSD™ Director supports multiple users at different locations, and allows for the management and reporting of security information as needed.

Support

1.		How long will it take to train my people on DSD™?
		DSD™ Director is easy to learn and intuitive. A half or full day depending on the number of people has shown to be sufficient.

2.		What if we run into problems after you leave?
		DSD™ is fully supported. Our Helpdesk is available from Monday to Saturday 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM Eastern Time.

3.		What if I hire new people or replace those using DSD™?
		Training is available to help the new employee learn how to configure and operate DSD™.

DSD™ has become the ultimate tracking technology which has achieved best-in-class performance across varied platforms.