Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the system work?
Can I watch live video with the system?
Does the camera pan and zoom?
How much does the system cost?
What is the lead time on getting the camera to the site?
What makes up the monthly service fee?
Do I need a computer on the site?
What happens to the images when my project's finished?
How big is the webcam?
Can the system be used in extreme weather conditions?
Who are your customers?
Can a photo from the webcam be included on another webpage?
Who does the installation?
Can the webcam be moved once it is set up?
Do people use OxBlue for monitoring interiors projects?
What kind of ROI can I expect?
How long has OxBlue been in business?
How does the system work?
A 3 mega pixel digital photo is taken every 10-15 minutes (approximately) and transmitted over a
wireless cellular connection to our data center in Atlanta. The images are uploaded to the project's website on the Internet (also hosted on OxBlue servers). When you log on to the project website the latest image is automatically displayed, embedded in the OxBlue user interface. You can click on the archive calendar and time select to access other images and use features in the interface such as zoom, pan, email, etc. See OxBlue User Interface for more details.
Can I watch live video with the system?
No. Video systems are a poor choice for construction industry applications. Video can be as low as 1/40th the resolution of the OxBlue system, making it unsuitable for serious
project analysis and team coordination. Video also requires costly high bandwidth Internet connections, which
typically
are not available at most jobsites. Perhaps the most serious deficiency with video systems is archiving, most video systems write over the previous week's or day's images unless very large servers are dedicated for video archiving. The inherent problem of video archiving, combined with their generally poor image quality, makes these systems unsuitable for construction industry application.
Does the camera pan and zoom?
The webcam does not need to physically pan and zoom - we use a digital pan / zoom system because it is more effective, less costly and is not susceptible to mechanical failure.
How much does the system cost?
Please call OxBlue at (888) 849-BLUE or complete our information request
form and someone will contact you shortly. Pricing is simple,
straightforward and
all-inclusive. Our pricing consists of a one-time cost for the hardware and a recurring monthly service fee, there
are no long term contract obligations. There are no hidden charges or fees.
What is the lead time on getting the camera to the site?
The lead time on is approximately 5-10 business days. OxBlue requires payment for the hardware prior to shipping.
What makes up the monthly service fee?
The monthly fee covers unlimited image storage on our high speed servers, the hosted project website, software for viewing the images, cellular wireless image transmission, 24/7 monitoring of connections and all service/support. If there is a problem with the system, there are no additional charges to fix it.
Do I need a computer on the site?
No, unlike some webcam systems, a computer is not required at the site.
What happens to the images when my project's finished?
We often produce time lapse videos of a project for clients using the archived images. See Time lapse and DVD services for more details.
How big is the webcam?
It's about the size of a small tool box, 21 inches long
by 6 inches square. It weighs about 20 pounds.
Can the system be used in extreme weather conditions?
Yes. The hardware is housed in a hardened, weatherproof enclosure capable of operating in temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit and above 130 degrees F.
Who are your customers?
OxBlue has clients in most major vertical construction markets, including retail, commercial, health care, industrial, hotels, public sector, universities and schools, heavy/highway and marine work.
Can a photo from the webcam be included on another webpage?
Yes. Many clients integrate the OxBlue system into their corporate or public websites so they can have automatically
updated project images. The OxBlue system also generates various sized thumbnails of the current image for use on a
clients website. Contact us for more details and to discuss the possibilities.
Who does the installation?
OxBlue systems are typically installed by the contractor, however, because installation simply
requires plugging the unit in to a power outlet anyone can do it. The setup of the camera typically takes about 30
minutes after it is plugged in.
Can the webcam be moved once it is set up?
Yes, just take it down, reposition the unit and reconnect the power line. Our clients typically
relocate their OxBlue systems to new projects upon completion at the jobsite.
Do people use OxBlue for monitoring interiors projects?
Absolutely. Several of our clients use the webcam system exclusively for interiors work, mounting it in an area where they can get a full view during the build-out. Other clients re-locate their exterior webcam for interiors monitoring after the building shell is substantially complete.
What kind of ROI can I expect?
Like any technology, measuring ROI on an OxBlue webcam system varies according to the metrics used
and the specific application. Tangible ROI typically is categorized by 1) revenue increases (for example, early
completion on a retail store) 2) cost reductions (e.g. the ability to manage more projects with less staff) and 3)
Cost avoidance. This might include fewer dollars and time spent resolving claims and disputes, less rework due to
poor communication and better warranty accountability after the project is completed. For more detail See Benefits / ROI.
How long has OxBlue been in business?
OxBlue started in 2001. Since then we have focused exclusively on making reliable, high quality
webcam systems for the construction industry.
