Integrators And Installers Should Take Another Look At Network Video Distribution.
Take Another Look At Network Video Distribution – According to Mark Shannon, national product manager at BGW Technologies, security installers have traditionally focused on cameras, recording systems and analytics, but customer expectations around network video and its distribution have shifted.
“Installers and integrators have focused on cameras, recording systems and analytics for years, but clients expect more these days,” Shannon said. “They want their security footage to be accessible throughout the organisation’s premises, particularly when operations span multiple sites. It’s a shift that’s quietly creating new opportunities.”
Available from BGW Technologies, the Antrica SpotBox is changing what security installers and integrators can offer clients, while opening the door to broader conversations around how video is distributed across modern organisations.
According to Shannon, the Antrica SpotBox 4K is designed to simplify video distribution across existing networks. The compact decoder receives video streams over IP and outputs them to a display using a standard HDMI connection, removing the need for complex switching systems, specialist cabling or a PC.
“Technically, the device supports 4K UHD HDMI output, ONVIF compatibility and H.264 and H.265 decoding with a maximum output resolution of 3840 x 2160 for a single stream,” Shannon said.
“The SpotBox can also decode up to 16 URL streams via an IP LAN connection at resolutions ranging from 480P and 720P to 1920 x 1080 P60. A single display view supports decoding of 3840 x 2160 P30 or 1920 x 1080 P60 streams and layouts can be automatically switched across up to 32 cameras.
Shannon said the practical benefits for installers lie in the flexibility and ease of deployment.
“When it comes to security installations, the Antrica SpotBox 4K shines as a reliable and versatile tool,” Shannon said. “It offers a full SDK if you want to control switching using 3rd party applications, the ability to save 32 cameras for multiple layouts using ONVIF, RTSP or HTTP protocols, and no PC is needed.”
According to Shannon, installers are looking for solutions that work with the networks they already deploy.
“Installers and integrators don’t want more complexity,” Shannon said. “They want solutions that work with the networks they’re already installing – and the SpotBox does exactly that.”
Instead of relying on traditional matrix switching systems or dedicated cabling, video can be distributed across the existing IP network to displays wherever it is required. Shannon explained this approach also helps maintain video quality while managing bandwidth demands.
“The unit also helps optimise bandwidth and storage utilisation by decoding high-resolution video streams without compromising quality,” he said. “This capability is critical in security installations. It allows installers and integrators to maintain continuous recording of high-quality video without overwhelming network resources.”
From an installation perspective, the system is designed to be simple to deploy.
“From an installation standpoint, the appeal becomes pretty clear,” Shannon said. “The SpotBox is a compact unit that plugs into Ethernet and outputs to a display using standard connectors and no PC is required. Powerful and yet simple with flexibility if you need it.”
Importantly, Shannon said the system is designed to be straightforward for installers working on site.
“Users don’t need any specialised training,” Shannon said. “It’s not one of those products that sounds good in the brochure but becomes a headache on site. The SpotBox is built for installers who just want things to work.”
For integrators looking to extend what they can deliver to customers, Shannon said the SpotBox can help turn security video into a more widely used operational tool.
“For installers and integrators looking to expand their capabilities and offer clients greater flexibility, the SpotBox represents a practical step forward – it’s a problem solver,” Shannon said.
“It’s the kind of tool that turns a good security installation into a strategic business asset without requiring your team to learn an entirely new skillset.”
You can find out more about the Antrica SpotBox here or read more SEN news here.
“Integrators And Installers Should Take Another Look At Network Video Distribution.”
