Per Camera fees - Let's Follow the Money

[dive_instructor]

Hi,
Synology (Surveillence Station) and similar manufacturers, and IP camera software companies, charge serious high fees per-camera, for those camera users that exceed one or two cameras. As far as I can tell, they never reveal how those revenues are disbursed.

Are we expected to believe it's labor intensive to write the source code to accept each additional camera?
Are we expected to believe that fee revenue is disbursed to the manufacturer of the additional camera brand?

If they are, in fact, disbursing the additional fee revenue to involved camera companies, then why don't camera companies allow that fee to be paid directly to them at time of camera purchase?

There are hundreds of camera manufacturers. What's the probability that each one charges the exact same per camera fee demanded by Synology and others? A better way to ask, "what percent of the per camera fee is disbursed to each involved camera manufacturer?" My guess is, zero. Am I right?

Do we, as payors, have the right to even a partial answer as to how our payments are disbursed? "Ohhhhh Noooo!"

 

[samplenhold]

Are we expected to believe that fee revenue is disbursed to the manufacturer of the additional camera brand?

Why would you even think that?

The 'fees' are based on how much people will pay. It has nothing to do with the cost of the service. Prices for anything are never based on the cost of production, except that it needs to cover that cost. It is ALWAYS based on how much they believe people will pay for it.

Why do you think that auto makers will drop prices by thousands? The cost of manufacture did not mysteriously drop overnight. People did not buy it at that price so they dropped it.

 

[bigredfish]

I have a lot of security camera systems I manage and dont pay a single penny. $0

Maybe switch to an system that doesnt rape you?

 

[quiet.tea]

I always thought that the cost was for Synology to maintain their software. It is a one time cost per active camera and can be transferred to another Synology NAS.

 

[paul@austins.tv]

I've been aware of Synology (SS) costs to add additional cameras for many many years, think it's well documented from Synology themselves.
Surely it's a choice of either an NVR as I have, or go "pay as you go" with the NAS Synology route!
Cannot understand someone moaning about the the incorrect route they have taken and the extra costs involved. It's their fault.
Not one of silly jokes again!