Communication Protocol  This is the language that is spoken by the joystick controller/DVR to the PTZ camera, carried by an RS-485 signal over one Unshielded Twisted Pair of wires (like those found in Cat5e/network cable).  If your DVR, controller, and PTZ can't speak the same language, a minor bout of depression will soon follow.  For the most part, manufactures who make equipment for the largest consumer base have informally settled on Pelco D as the standard to ensure maximum compatibility. Please make sure that all PTZ equipment support at least one common protocol.

 Support For Presets  This very important feature is the ability to direct the camera to a key location and then store this position in memory. The idea is that the "preset" position can be quickly recalled at a later time. There are many uses for one or more presets. Using presets is very handy when directing the camera over the internet when choppy bandwidth makes control difficult. Our DVRs can even use presets to automate PTZ movement to a location based on an alarm or motion detected by a fixed camera.  The use of presets extends to programming tours, auto guard positioning, scanning between multiple way points, etc.

 Endless Panning Rotation  This is the ability of the camera continuously move in the horizontal direction without limit.  Some PTZ cameras will actually encounter a stopping point while panning left to right and vice-versa.  In order to get to the next incremental position along the same line of travel, the user is forced to swing around 355 degrees in the opposite direction! This will make you grumpy. Make sure your PTZ has endless rotation.

 Heater / Blower  If you live in inclement weather, this feature is a "must have" to prevent the clear dome from fogging up or accumulating frost on cold days.

 Outer Dome Construction Material  When looking at product images it is often difficult to discern the outer dome housing and wall mount bracket construction materials. While many budget models are made out of plastic, all of our models use high-strength powder-coated aluminum.

 Day / Night Mode  Although most PTZ cameras do not have LEDs, most decent quality units go into a "night mode" with the onset of low-light conditions and become sensitive to IR light like our night vision cameras. Without this feature, the PTZ will become almost useless after sunset. With night mode, however, many PTZ cameras are quite good at utilizing small amounts of natural light to achiefve surprising picture quality during the evening hours.