Apples to Apples
When shopping for any product, we all do comparisons. We look at capabilities, aesthetics, and analyze our objectives. Let’s also not forget price. But how do we, as consumers, ensure that we get the best product for the job at hand? How do we know that we are comparing apples to apples?
An employer once did what I thought at the time was a bold move. She encouraged her employees to shop around…see what else was available in the job market. Looking back, I realize she wanted to ensure that everyone on her team was happy with where they were and what they were doing. It makes sense and is a method that I have adopted. When demonstrating CaseCracker to potential customers, I always encourage them to investigate what else is out there for recording interviews. Bold, maybe, but I want them to know what they are getting and to be happy with their decision, knowing that they have chosen the best product for their application.
Let’s return to the “apples to apples” analogy: Would it be fair to compare a BMW and a Ford? Probably not. It is very important that as you research your options, you know what the outstanding benefits are of the product and what will fill your bill of requirements. A few very key items to consider include:
- How easy is it to use? How reliable is it? Any interview recording system is only useful if you know, with 100% certainty, that every interview will get recorded correctly. If the system is complex to operate, there’s a greater likelihood that someone, sometime, will mess up. An easy-to-use, reliable system, on the other hand, saves time for everyone, and gives command staff the peace of mind to know that all the interviews are being recorded correctly.
- What is the recording frame rate? Are the audio and video always 100% synchronized? This video/audio sync is crucial. If they are not in unison, then the digital evidence will not be admissible in court.
- How do you transfer information off of the recording system and prepare it for court? Knowing if the format of that information is proprietary or nonproprietary plays a large role in your workload. It definitely will hinder your progress if every time you take an interview to court you have to also haul and set-up the only computer that it plays on.
- How many camera views can the recording equipment capture per room? Is it important to see a tight facial image of the person that you are interviewing? Having two cameras per room will allow you to capture both the door and wide-angle view of the room, as well as the sought after facial image.
Happy shopping!
