EVS :: Erdman Video Systems

Q: Why should I buy an EVS camera?
A: EVS camera systems provide the highest resolution of any web cam system available today. EVS can custom fit a system to fit your specific needs unlike store purchased cameras. Our software is the most flexible around allowing scheduling and programming options that are not available elsewhere.

Q: What are the benefits of an EVS camera over an ordinary CCTV camera?
A: Ordinary CCTV camera systems are only 640 x 480 resolution or less. Our systems can take high resolution images up to 3264 x 2448 pixels. Our cameras are internet accessible which allows live viewing and full archive viewing with a broadband connection and the live video option. Since our images are all digital they are stored locally on the system hard drive and can be uploaded to your web site automatically to give you dual archiving capabilities.

Q: Is the EVS camera complicated to install?
A: Since all the hardware setup is done here in the factory the most complicated part of an install is figuring out a proper vantage point for your camera. Once you find a suitable location, the installation is as simple as hanging a box on a wall and mounting the camera unit. One the hardware is in place and power and internet are connected, EVS will be able to access your unit and walk you through the software part of the install.

Q: What do I need to setup an EVS camera?
A: First you need to find a suitable location. Some customers have a telephone pole installed onsite to get the proper view, others use the side of buildings and roofs. The ideal location will also need to have 110V AC power available and a phone line or internet connection. The internet service that the system uses will need to be supplied by the customer. Broadband internet is the preferred connection for all systems because of the live video packages and the size of the images that will be uploaded. A phone line with a dial up connection is acceptable in situations where the upload schedule is not intense i.e. 1 image every 15 minutes. Also, the camera systems can be setup with wireless networking as an add-on feature. Other connections also available are satellite and cellular. The last option available is no internet connection. This means that all the images and video will be viewed over a local LAN connection or the images will be downloaded periodically by manual LAN connection or USB device.

Q: What are the differences between the MiniBiscuit, MicroBiscuit, and All-In-OneBiscuit systems?
A: As can be seen on the product section of our web site, we offer three distinctly different systems: the MiniBiscuit, MicroBiscuit, and the All-In-OneBiscuit. The MiniBiscuit is fully featured and provides the greatest flexibility for add-ons and upgrades. It has the capability to accept four video signals and attach up to 4 digital cameras. It also has the highest expandable hard drive capacity. The MicroBiscuit is optimized to minimize power consumption and extend the life of a solar panel and battery based power setup. It features up to two live video inputs and up to four digital cameras. The All-In-OneBiscuit is configured to be cost efficient to you. It only has one video input and can support only one digital camera. The All-In-One system makes the most sense for simple projects and more simple installs. As always the heart of the system is the software of which all three come with the same flexibility in scheduling and configuration.

Q: What kind of technology is used in the EVS camera systems?
A: EVS camera systems are built in Miami, FL in the USA. All systems use an embedded PC that runs a Windows XP operating system. All the support circuitry has been developed here in the USA by our engineers. Our support hardware controls all the functions of the system.

Q: Which is the best digital camera for me?
A: The digital cameras that we use are constantly changing. Camera selection depends greatly on the vantage point at which you have selected to mount your system. The farther away from the object you want to watch, the higher zoom you will need. The more detail you want the higher the resolution camera will be better for you.

Q: What type of locations can I install an EVS camera?
A: You probably want to make sure you locate the camera in a place you own or a site that you have permission to use. All EVS camera systems are contained in weatherproof housings and boxes so they are readily placed outdoors to suit your location. Some camera have been setup in highly remote areas where there is no power or internet connection. This is possible with the solar power option and either the cell modem or satellite modem option, both, of which, are available on the MicroBiscuit system

Q: I want to buy multiple systems. Is there a discount for volume purchasing?
A: Yes, we have a volume discount program. Call our office for details.

Q: I am looking into becoming a reseller. Do you have programs for that?
A: Yes, we have a reseller discount program and a training program for system resellers. Call our office for more details.

Q: I want to buy a system. What kind of ways can I pay for it?
A: We have flexible payment programs. We accept all credit cards. We offer monthly and quarterly payment options for rental and leasing packages and also for web hosting and service packages.

Q: What is the typical life span of an EVS camera?
A: Typically our systems can last for years if properly maintained. We have systems in the field now that are going on 8 years.

Q: What kind of protection does the system have to prevent system failure?
A: All units have watchdog circuitry that monitors the operating state of the VM95 program. If the system detects a lockup or malfunction in the software the system will perform an automatic reboot to ensure continuation of the image capture. All the units have overvolt protection on all inputs and outputs to the unit which helps minimize damage during lighting storms or other high voltage events. As always the units come with a one year comprehensive warrantee against factory defect.

Q: Is integrating the images onto my web site easy?
A: All units come with a one time web page creation and the Java viewing applet to view large sets of images on your site. Most clients do not need further setup than this.

Q: I don’t have a web site yet. Do you provide web hosting?
A: Yes, we provide web hosting. Call our office for more information.

Q: Can I get live streaming images over the internet?
A: Yes, but only if you have a broadband connection to the camera system, and a broadband connection to the computer you are using. Our system comes with a program called VMView which allows you to take control of the camera system’s vital functions i.e. panning and tilting and snapping images directly to the client's computer. It also allows you to switch video lines if there are multiple video cameras attached. Also included is a web interface that is similar to the VMView program. This is necessary if you are away from the PC with the VMView application installed.

Q: My project doesn’t last very long. Do you offer short term rentals?
A: Yes, we offer rental terms as short as three months. Call our office for more details.

Q: What types of things can I do with the images after my project is done?
A: We offer a one time DVD creation after a project is done which can be useful for time lapse projects

Q: Do you sell systems internationally?
A: Yes, in Europe orders are handled by our sister company SVM in Italy. All other international orders are handled by us here in Miami, FL

Q: I’m computer illiterate. Will I be able to set up an EVS camera system?
A: Yes, setting up a web cam is possible even if you’re computer illiterate. EVS will guide you through your project’s initial setup and installation. Web hosting is also available to take away another layer of complexity and gives the customer an online location for remote viewing.

Q: Are there any other kind of discounts that I can get?
A: Yes, EVS offers educational discounts to qualified universities and schools. Call our office for more information.

Q: Who can I contact to get a quote?
A: Call our office @ 305-252-9560 or email us.

Q: What kind of support do I get with a basic package?
A: You will receive 1 year of tech support with your system.