When a new site opens, like a new retail store or manufacturing site, the first step may be for the network to be configured or for the wireless solution to be set up, and the physical security solution becomes the next inevitable step. However, customers often incur high deployment costs when installing physical security cameras in their space. To deploy a camera, you may need a set of cables, brackets, screws, a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch, and of course the camera itself.
This long list of deployment equipment will only cover the deployment of a single camera, but a new retail store requires a lot more cameras. Installing security cameras for a brand-new site can take a few days, and existing sites may also need additional cameras.
The increasing need for more security cameras is typically due to unsuspected blind spots that are only captured when an incident has already occurred in these areas. A single camera cannot provide 180° of seamless coverage. Managing different camera devices involves making sure they are up to date with the latest firmware and that they are online and healthy. But let’s face it, installing a brand-new camera solution in a brand-new store is time consuming and costly. Managing multiple cameras across the site can be complicated; you often may have cameras sitting in silos without updated firmware; some not even turned on. After installing and managing it, the right camera resolution power becomes a factor in a high-quality smart camera solution; you wouldn’t want a low megapixel (MP) camera setup.
But the real question becomes, why are we still installing cameras one by one when we don’t have to? Why can’t we manage all our cameras on the network in a single cloud-based dashboard alongside our network devices?
| Requirement | Traditional (2 cameras) | Dual imager (2 imagers, 1 camera) |
| Cables to pull | 2 cables | 1 cable |
| Switch ports used | 2 ports | 1 port |
| Mounting points | 2 brackets/8 holes | 1 bracket/4 holes |
| Software licenses | 2 licenses | 1 license |
Introducing the Cisco MV44X dual-imager camera
Today we are introducing the Cisco MV44X, our first dual-imager camera managed on the Meraki dashboard. This camera is a two-for-one deal! The MV44X has two varifocal imagers within a single camera body. Instead of individually deploying one camera at a time, you now have the possibility of installing two at a time to achieve 180° coverage with lower total costs and significant installation time improvement.
Overall, there is less time spent deploying cameras to brand new spaces while also reducing the equipment needed to deploy in the first place. If you want to add a camera to an existing space, a dual imager gives you higher visibility with one hardware body. MV44X provides 180° coverage with 10MP/24 FSP with extended onboard storage and 120+ days of retention.
The resolution of the camera delivers ultra-high definition with great attention to detail to make critical incidents clearer to view, and the camera is compatible with existing accessories that are used with other MV cameras, making it simpler to deploy alongside existing camera deployments or new ones.
In addition to the time savings, cost savings also play a factor in multi-imager deployments when compared to individual cameras alongside the equipment needed. Instead of two sets of cabling and switch ports, you only need one. Licensing also becomes simpler with only one multi-camera license for a device with two imagers.
Whether you are securing a retail space, a school, or a hotel, the common goal becomes more visibility into your space, especially in hard-to-reach blind spots. But this increase in need for visibility should not come at a high cost or use of deployment resources.
This is where the MV44X comes in, strategically saving time on deployment, resources, and overall reduction in hardware footprint. The MV44X camera joins our existing MV84X—four imagers in one camera hardware—to our portfolio of multi-imagers.
Monitoring with a dual-imager camera
- Retail: In a retail store, deploying the MV44X above the checkout area allows staff to monitor both the cash register and the entrance with one single camera, monitoring theft while improving customer service. In aisles, one camera deployment in the center can cover two directions of the aisle, which minimizes blind spots and enhances monitoring.
- Education: Schools and campuses can secure hallways using fewer cameras, making it easier to cover more ground while reducing installation complexity.
- Manufacturing: In manufacturing, the MV44X can monitor both the product line and the storage area with a single camera, supporting worker safety while reducing overall hardware footprint.
- Hospitality: Hotels and large venues can use the MV44X to monitor both lobby and corridor traffic, enhancing guest safety and operational awareness.
Cisco MV physical security operational benefits:
- Simple architecture: No network video recorders (NVRs) or virtual managed services (VMS) required, just the Meraki dashboard to manage your physical security solution.
- Automatic updates: Ensure your physical security solution is always up to date and camera devices are healthy on the network.
- Secure by design: Cisco smart cameras are cyber secure on your network, featuring image signing, Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and secure boot.
- Management and troubleshooting: Leverage the Meraki dashboard for maximum visibility across your network and your physical security devices.
As environments grow more complex, your infrastructure shouldn’t have to. By choosing multi-imager technology, you aren’t just buying a camera; you’re investing in a more sustainable, scalable network. Want to experience the Cisco MV44X on your Meraki dashboard? Be sure to check out our free trial or reach out to your Cisco sales representative.
Curious to see our brand new MV44X camera in person? We are currently at ISC West in Las Vegas. Stop by booth 23009 to check it out.
Want to experience the Cisco MV44X on your Meraki dashboard?
Be sure to check out our free trial or reach out to your Cisco sales representative.
