Sep 23

There are many solutions today for medical cables and connectivity. However, not every cable solution will provide the actual connectivity required. There are two key factors that should be considered when selecting a cable.

The first item of consideration is the manufacturer of the cable. If you are purchasing the cable from the camera manufacturer, you will be certain to get the connectivity that you are looking for, however you may not get the best price or the desired cable length. Most camera manufacturers subcontract their cable assemblies out to cable manufacturers. This will lead to higher pricing due to multiple delivery channels.

The second item to consider when purchasing directly from the cable manufacturer is their understanding of the camera and its connectivity (pin outs, shielding, and length requirements). If this is not taken into account, you will certainly have a cable, but not necessarily the desired solution.

The use of a Value-Added Distributor and/or System Integrator will provide your best solution and value. They have the knowledge base of both camera and cable manufacturers, an in-depth understanding of what key connectivity factors are important, and can provide competitive pricing.

Here is a form that will help you and your value-added distributor decide what cables best meet your needs.

A small sample of available cables include:

  • Daisy Chain Cables
  • S-Video Cables
  • RS-232 Cables
  • BNC to BNC
Sep 16

If a “B-stock” item is as good as an “A-stock” item, then why go through the hassle of making the distinction?  The answer in most cases is because the item classified as “b-stock” has been slightly used or has been removed from the original manufacturer packaging. Once removed from packaging for use or even just for display, the classification is changed which usually reduces the purchase price of the item (in most cases).

Taking a closer look, the difference between the two classifications of inventory is as follows:

At first glance, “A” stock refers to brand new, unopened (factory-sealed) products that are purchased either directly from the manufacturer or though a manufacturer’s distributor. Prices are typically higher because it is a brand new item. Most people prefer “A-stock” products because it leaves a sense of security that this product comes with zero defects, a full manufacturer warranty and is yours and only yours.  Sorry to “burst your security bubble”, however, A-stock cameras are not immune to manufacturer defects right out of the box.  Faulty products, whether A or B are usually either sent to a repair house or replaced with a different unit depending on the status of the warranty.

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“B” stock - refers to

(1) items where the factory seal has been broken for one reason or another or

(2) unopened/factory-sealed products that might have been returned due to a manufacturer distributor’s yearly stock rotation of unsold products.

Products might be classified as B-stock because they were:

  • Used at a trade show booth by the manufacturer;
  • Used for product photography by the manufacturer,
  • Used as some other kind of display requiring it to be removed from the box.
  • Products with cosmetic blemishes (scratches, sloppy paint jobs, dents, gouges in rubber pieces, etc.)
  • In a box that has been damaged (not the item).

IMPORTANT: B-stock items are usually not customer returns or items that have been repaired but it has been known to happen which is why you should ask! In most cases, returns normally go back to the store or the manufacturer’s distributor the product was purchased from…it is not returned to the manufacturer, so those typically do not qualify as “manufacturer’s B-stock”. Items that have been to a service center, even if they were working fine when they got there, usually go into the “refurbished” or “reconditioned” categories, not B-stock.

To sum up WHY b-stock products should be considered - a small portion of b-stock inventory might have had operational problems but in MOST cases, the product has nothing wrong with it, comes with a full manufacturer’s warranty and can be purchased at a substantially lower price then it’s “A” stock counter-part.

Most manufacturers and their distributors carry a limited amount of B-stock, it doesn’t hurt to ask if you are looking to save money without ultimately giving up quality.