Archive for the ‘Surveillance Systems’ Category

Retail Store Security Tips – Get Rid of Business Worries

Business, Security Camera, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 28 2009

You need to know the best retail store security tips to ensure you enjoy lower inventory losses, higher profit margins, and constant peace of mind.

Retail Store Security Equipment
Here is a list of security equipment designed to limit access to restricted areas.

Wire Partitions and Security Cages
If you have a separate unit or storage area for inventory, this may be secured with security cages and wire partitions. Generally, these are used for properties with complete or partial outdoor areas.

Folding Security Gates
An ordinary door can be easily broken so you need to fortify it with additional barriers. Consider, for instance, the use of folding security gates.

The next set of security equipment you need is those that may deter pilferage, theft, and vandalism without the use of surveillance systems. That’s a different category altogether and shall be discussed later.

Security Mirrors
Attach these above locations leading into hallways, around corners, and those that aren’t completely visible from your location. Security mirrors come in a variety of shapes and sizes and come with vandal-proof designs.
Locks

8 Channel Wired Digital Video Recording System

Normally, nothing would beat the security of locks. Compared to all security tools, locks are one of the most affordable. Buy the best you can get your hands on. The bigger and thicker they are the better as they can’t be broken with a few thuds from a hammer.

Last, we come to security equipment that offers surveillance for remote and real-time monitoring and immediate detection of threat.

Security Cameras
There is a wide variety of security cameras sold today and each and every one of them serves a special purpose. Pinhole cameras are smaller than most security cameras, allowing you to hide them inside other objects like tissue boxes and stuffed toys. Of course, many of these are sold with predesigned casings for covert use such as cameras hidden in soda cans, air purifiers, and even desktop speakers.

Outdoor cameras are more expensive than indoor cameras because of their weatherproof design. This will allow them to continue recording footage even during snow and rainstorms.

Motion-Detecting Sensors
If incorporated with your security system, motion detecting sensors will trigger cameras into zooming to the area where movement has been detected. You can also have your security floodlights activated when your sensors detect movement. It all depends on your configuration.

Monitor and DVR
Finally, and this will depend on your security system, you can use a single monitor and have its screens divided according to the number of areas under surveillance, consequently allowing simultaneous surveillance.

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Hotel Security – Business Travelers Beware

Alarm System, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 26 2009

Travelling comes with its own risks even if you’re staying at a five-star hotel. Here are several hotel security tips you should keep in mind the next time you go out of town.

Surveillance Concerns
Don’t rely solely on the security system of the hotel. Who knows if the management is in cahoots with potential intruders of your room? Set up your own surveillance system in your room.

Start by performing a bug sweep. This may seem paranoid, but if you believe that there is great interest in what you have stored in your hotel room then there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain with this action. There are also other detectors that can be used to determine presence and location of hidden cameras.

If you are completely assured that your hotel room is secured, the next thing to do is putting it under surveillance. Install wireless, battery-operated hidden cameras in strategic locations. Toss in a dummy camera or two to mislead potential intruders.

16 Channel Wired Digital Video Recording System

Ensure your cameras are web-ready to allow remote and online access your surveillance system. Do not set up your DVR system in your hotel room as this will obviously give you away. Set it up somewhere else and make sure that you will never run out of disk space.

Install alarms and other security devices to prevent unauthorized access and break-ins to your room. Besides doors and windows, vents in your ceiling may also be another way to get into your room so be sure to fortify these as well.

Hotel Security Tips against Employees with Bad Intent
Again, you need to be always on your guard against even the individuals in the hotel’s employ. Hotel-issued keys are not enough. Use manual locks and practice common sense. Consider the tips below.

Do not allow housekeeping or any other hotel employee inside your room if you are not present. Inform hotel management about this to ensure that your room remains safe and secure.

Never leave your room unattended nor unlocked. It only takes a few seconds to create a huge amount of trouble if you know what you’re doing.

If someone requests entry to your room and identifies himself as an employee of the hotel, make sure to double check their identity with hotel management. If you have not made any request for their services, chances are hotels won’t take the initiative to send an employee to your quarters as they are entirely too busy for such fuss. Last but not the least, remember that a uniform does not an official employee make.

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Jewelry Store Security – How to Avoid Costly Losses

Business, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 24 2009

Jewelry stores are one of the most difficult places to secure because their valuable contents are highly portable, making them an attractive target to potential thieves. If you own a jewelry store, here are essential security tips to provide maximum protection for your merchandise regardless of where you’re currently setting shop.

4 Channel Wired Digital Video Recording SystemMind the Store Layout
Security should always be taken into utmost consideration when you are designing the layout of your store. Display counters must be as far away as possible from the main entry and exit points of the store. The distance between these two points is equivalent to the time you can buy for yourself in order to apprehend the thief or other necessary courses of action.

Never put the cash register or booth in a location that will have you facing away from the door. You must always see people coming in and going out of the store because their appearance and movement might alert you ahead of time regarding potential trouble.

Secure Entry and Exit Points
During operating hours, do ensure that your entry and exit points lead through metal detecting archways. This will discourage potential thieves from carrying the usual array of weapons with them. At night, these must be additionally secured with alarms that are connected to your security insurance provider or local police station.

Surveillance Systems
Your jewelry store will be more secure if it is armed with a surveillance system. Surveillance cameras with motion detecting sensors and floodlights must be installed not only within the store premises but outside as well to detect possible signs of trouble. The best locations for your cameras are those that can get a bird’s eye view of the area without being easily reachable and prone to attacks of vandalism.

Surveillance cameras must allow for remote control or operation as well as web-based access. It must also be connected to a DVR system for remote monitoring. The best DVR systems will have sufficient disk space for your needs and save files in formats that are easily playable in your desk PC or laptop.

Manned Security
While automated security equipment is undeniably helpful, it is never a sufficient replacement for manned security. Always have your business guarded by professional and experienced security personnel.

Access Restriction
First and foremost, make it a strict store policy to keep all jewelry display cases locked. If you are taking out a sample for a client’s perusal, be sure to lock the display case immediately. It’s a cumbersome process but it could save you thousands of dollars in terms of theft and loss.

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Surveillance Video Recorder – How Do You Use One

Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 20 2009

Security is an issue that should never be taken for granted, whether it’s for residential, commercial or institutional use. This explains the widespread use of surveillance equipment in many industries in order to ensure the safety of property and personnel. One of the most commonly used security gadgets is the surveillance video recorder, a device that is often chosen for its high functionality and reliability. Learn how to use this type of surveillance system correctly to maximize its features. Here are ways how:

4 Channel Digital Video RecorderWhat do you want to monitor
Do not use a surveillance video recorder simply because you can afford one or that it seems like the ‘in’ thing to do. In the end, it will simply become an unnecessary expense. Before buying and installing this surveillance system, consider your security needs first. It’s likely that your home or building has its own unique requirements, depending on its design, structure and location.

The type and number of security products you need to use will also depend on the number of occupants or personnel you have in the building and on the type/s of property you want to protect. A small home, for example, will have different security needs from a warehouse. Ask yourself what exactly it is that you want a surveillance video recorder to monitor and record. Do you want to protect yourself from burglars? Are there cases of vandalism in the neighborhood? Do you want to see what your children and pets are up to when you’re not around? Knowing how you want to use this device will allow you to plan its location more effectively.

Select a surveillance video recorder with the right specs
When using surveillance video recorders, remember that you do pay for quality. Although technology has improved significantly over the years and has made good quality video recorders more affordable, it’s important that you consider the right specifications for your security needs. Look for type, model, design, image resolution, viewing options (wide angle, pan, tilt, zoom, etc.) and power options for the perfect fit.

Avoid recording in private locations
There are locations in the home and places of business where this type of surveillance system must never be installed. This includes areas such as the toilet, bathroom, wash room, locker room, changing area and closet. Whether a surveillance video recorder is employed as a nanny cam or as a regular security gadget, it is considered illegal for a video recorder to monitor or record areas that are for private use. You could, however, install the camera at hallways leading to these rooms but never put them in areas where they can catch people at their most private moments.

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Black and White Color Quads – Basic Guide to Using One

Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 18 2009

Many of today’s surveillance equipment are multi-functional devices. Gone are the days when one camera can only be connected to a single monitor and recorder. Thanks to black and white and color quads, it’s now possible to hook up several cameras at once and view footage from different angles and locations. So what are quads and how do they work?

4 Channel Color or Black and White QuadWhat is a Quad?
A quad is a type of video equipment accessory that is used to handle multiple feeds from more than one camera. This allows the user to view images on a split screen. In most cases, a quad can handle feeds from up to 4 cameras at once, although there are also other types of accessories that can process even more.

A quad also lets one have a full screen view from only one camera. Simply toggle the switcher mode so you can change the viewing angle from one camera to the next.

A black & white quad can show images for a black & white monitor while a color quad can transmit color images to a color monitor. Both types of monitors can be used with a single quad at once.

When do you need a black & white and color quad?
Not every type of surveillance or security equipment requires this type of quad. A quad is used only when there are multiple cameras running. You could, for example, use a quad to connect four cameras at once, record their footage or monitor them. It also doesn’t matter whether you will be recording or not. If you wish to simply monitor the footage from several cameras, a quad can help you do so.

A black & white or color quad if you have a DVR running that’s recording the footages. DVRs often have a quad already built into them.

Limitations of black & white and color quads
Quads are very useful and they help bring down the cost in terms of equipment purchase. Since they can split a monitor two to four ways, there’s no need to buy an extra set of monitors just to be able to view images from several cameras simultaneously.

Most often, video or image quality is still maintained if the quad handles two to four camera feeds. Video quality often begins to suffer once feeds from one or two additional cameras are processed. There are products, however, that can readily handle videos with good quality images even if they are transmitting up to 8 feeds at once. When buying a quad, always check the quality of the videos that come out. That way you will have a product that can perform satisfactorily.

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Surveillance Camera – Buying Tips

Professional Surveillance Cameras, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 09 2009

220x Day Night Zoom CameraGo to any gizmo store today to ask for a surveillance camera and you will probably be directed to a shelf that’s several feet long. This gadget comes in all shapes, sizes and specifications and if you have no idea what to look for based on what you truly need, it can be very easy to get lost with the confusing choices and techie mumbo-jumbo. To make your search shorter and easier, here’s a checklist for purchasing the right security camera for your home or business:

Lens Considerations
An ordinary surveillance camera is usually equipped with an autofocus lens. This type of lens produces a sharp image with sufficient depth of field, so objects near and far are usually viewable. On the downside, this type of lens can only provide a good view of objects within effective distance. In case of live viewing, it will not be able to produce a closer image of a specific object.

A good substitute to this type of lens is a surveillance camera equipped with a zoom lens. Zoom lenses can be manipulated to produce larger images of far objects — a useful feature in case you need to focus on something that’s farther away.

Connectivity Options
There are basically two kinds of connectivity features you can expect from this type of cameras: wired systems and wireless systems. Wired systems transmit signals from cameras to another gadget, such as a monitor, a recorder or a computer. A wireless system utilizes radio frequency to do so.

Connectivity is an important factor when purchasing this product because the right choice can offer efficiency and convenience. Either type has its own list of pros and cons and should be considered carefully.

Number of cameras
An insufficient number of surveillance cameras is as unhelpful as having no cameras installed at all. Determine the areas that require a surveillance camera carefully. Otherwise, you could be spending more than you should.

Location Factors
Before buying this camera, consider whether it will be installed indoors or outdoors. Outdoor cameras are especially designed to be tougher and resistant to external conditions such as heat, rain and snow.

Budget Constraints
Last but definitely not the least item on this checklist is your budget. The prices of surveillance cameras vary greatly, depending on the brand, make and model. Built-in features, extras, warranties, accessories and installation services can also affect how much you’ll pay for a specific unit. Learn to find a balance between what the camera can offer versus what you really need.

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Surveillance Techniques – Business Security Evolution

Business, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 06 2009

8 Channel Wireless DVR Complete System

It is inconceivable to think of today’s businesses thriving without resorting to some sort of surveillance technique. Business is simply an industry that’s vulnerable to crimes such as theft and pilferage, encouraging the need for effective and reliable business security techniques. Today, business security is a million-dollar industry, thanks to its popularity for residential, commercial and even personal use. Business techniques have been refined and polished over the years but it did have a not-so-stellar past. Here’s how the modernization of surveillance techniques for business security occurred:

Cameras were first recommended for use in surveillance as far back as 1965, to watch over citizens in public areas. It was in 1969 when the U.S. began installing police cameras in the Municipal Building in New York City. Other cities followed suit. It was also during this time when the CCTV (closed circuit television) system was used by the police.

The advent of the video cassette recorder technology further improved and modernized surveillance techniques, although initially it wasn’t used for business security yet. The use of video surveillance also spread to the UK in the mid-70s, where it was used to monitor train stations.

At around this time, commercial establishments such as retail outlets, banks, gas stations and shops began using video surveillance as a surveillance technique to improve business security. Because of these establishments’ vulnerability to crime, particularly pilferage and theft, the practice became commonplace.

During that time, surveillance for businesses was largely limited to the use of the VCR. Although it helped prevent crime and apprehend criminals, it had its own set of limitations. The tape, for example, produced grainy black and white images that oftentimes made facial recognition difficult. Users also often failed to use fresh tapes, opting to re-use older ones and simply overwrite older footages. Footages captured in dim or low lighting were also less than ideal. Technology during this time was still in its infancy.

It wasn’t until the late 80s and early 90s when surveillance techniques have considerably improved. After the advent of the CCD or charged coupled device, surveillance cameras and other gadgets improved greatly, improving the quality of images and making it possible to capture footages even in low light or total darkness.

Even more useful is the evolution of features and functions, not just for cameras but also for recorders as well. The use of digital equipment also helped boost surveillance techniques, thanks to the availability of functions such as zoom lenses, faster frame speed mode, night vision, motion detection and motion-only recording. Computers and the Internet has also paved the way for multiple viewing options (including remote viewing), faster playback and image handling.

Thanks to the modernization of surveillance processes, businesses can even customize their security and safety settings, ensuring the safety not just of their establishments but also of their customers.

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Hidden Video Recorder – Is It For You?

Hidden Camera, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 03 2009

The hidden video recorder is an important component of every surveillance and security system.  Over the years, they have steadily improved, becoming more portable and better in terms of functionality and performance.  If you’re still confused which among the dozens of hidden video recorder brands and models is for you, here are some of the things you might want to consider:

HC BMBOX DVRPortable Enough
Portability is definitely a no-brainer for a device such as a hidden video recorder since for purposes of surveillance or security, the recorder has to be lightweight and small in size.  If size is a concern for you, you’ll be glad to know that hidden video recorders come in a good variety of sizes and even shape.  These days, hidden video recorders range from the clunkier types that record on VHS to the handheld types that can be disguised as key chains or mobile phones.

So which system is right for you?  The type of hidden video recorder you should choose is one that will meet your specific needs.  If you intend to use it to monitor a room, area or a building, for example, a larger yet portable unit will do.  Hidden video recorders of this type will offer better memory so you can record events running several hours and take a larger number of photographs.

If you’re looking for better flexibility in terms of placement or if you prefer a gadget you can carry or wear, smaller hidden video recorders are a better choice.  They can be placed virtually anywhere — stashed behind pots or on top of the cupboard or inserted into a stuffed toy or an everyday item such as a wall clock, a lampshade or a figurine.  They can also be carried around or worn as pens or watches.

Memory and storage capacity
This gadget uses a storage device onto which recorded images are kept.  These devices include tape, CD and DVD.  Frequently, images are stored to a detachable SD card.  Images are then uploaded onto a computer in order to be viewed.

Should it be Analog or digital?
In spite of newer technologies, analog video recorders are still available and are quite useful.  However, most users are leaning toward digital video recorders for their convenience, programmability and functionality.  Digital video recorders record on images digitally, so they do not take up too much space in terms of memory and storage.  Playback is generally easier, especially during reviews because there is no need to flashforward or rewind to view events.  Events are easier to locate and playback if they are digitally recorded.

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Embedded Surveillance DVR – What It Is and How It works

Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 02 2009

Surveillance is one business, particularly for the reason that it could help save lives and secure property.  Of the wide variety of surveillance equipment currently in use, the DVR or digital video recorder is probably the most popular.  A DVR is an efficient way to record and manage images and has since taken a huge share of the market from earlier competitors still running on analog.  Unfortunately, the older types of DVRs are still bogged down by their limitations, specifically in terms of connectivity and functions.  To address this problem, surveillance equipment manufacturers have come up with the embedded surveillance DVR.  Is this the answer to your security needs?

8 or 16 Channel Embedded Digital Video Recorder

What Exactly is an Embedded Surveillance DVR?
If you are looking for surveillance equipment with digital video recording capabilities that also offers efficient operation, then an embedded surveillance DVR is for you.  This type of DVR offers the convenience of plug and play installation and use, enhanced by user-friendly features that significantly decrease the usual learning curve.  This means that even beginners will find it easy to install, set up and run.

The embedded surveillance DVR is easily programmable, so it can be configured to record events at certain times for a pre-determined length of time.  It can also support multiple cameras, which means feed from different angles can be processed simultaneously using just one device.

Embedded DVRs come with many features, such as automatic, remote and Internet backup functions and motion detection.  Images are saved onto a built-in hard drive and may be viewed using a computer monitor or a TV.  Recorded events may also be viewed via the Internet, provided the DVR comes with this specific function and appropriate software.

For external storage, images may also be downloaded and saved onto a flash drive, card reader or recordable disc.  Images may be converted to the most popular video formats to make it easy to play back using a separate device.

How do you know that you need one?
Due to its onboard functionality, the embedded surveillance DVR is used by professionals across a wide variety of industries.  It is also quite reliable and offers a host of features that are otherwise not available with other surveillance equipment.

For the most basic of security or surveillance requirements, you might find the embedded surveillance DVR equipped with too many functions, some of which you might not use that often.  However, if you want features that pretty much allow you to do many things all at once, then the embedded DVR is the right choice.  It’s priced slightly higher than a similar device with fewer functions but with the number of features it’s packed with, it’s certainly worth way more than its cost.

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Briefcase Surveillance System – What It Contains and How It Works

Spy Cams, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 29 2009

Briefcase Surveillance SystemIt’s too usual that it’s almost often ignored. The handy briefcase has been the equipment of choice by a wide variety of professionals ranging from teachers to salesmen to detectives and yes, even spies.  The unassuming briefcase is every spy’s best friend, capable of keeping secrets, storing fascinating spy equipment and, thanks to innovations in recent years, even storing a complete surveillance system.  Thinking of buying a briefcase surveillance system?  Here is a short guide to its contents and how it works:

Camera
A briefcase surveillance system usually includes at least one camera integrated into its physical structure in order to record images.  These cameras are capable of producing high resolution images and may be played in color or black and white.

Because this is used for surveillance purpose, the cameras are capable of handling images in low lighting.  In some models, black and white cameras have the advantage of having lenses with maximum illumination of as low as .003 lux, a feature that allows it to produce good images even in near darkness.

Dependent on the model, the lenses on a briefcase camera are auto-focal lenses, although there are others that may be equipped with zoom lenses that can be manipulated remotely.

Microphone
The microphone is also included in the briefcase surveillance system so it can receive audio transmission during a video recording.

DVR
The briefcase also has a mini digital video recorder connected to the camera.  All images captured by the camera are recorded by this device and may be uploaded onto a computer or viewed through a monitor later.

Power supply
Each briefcase contains cables, battery packs and power supplies.  Because the briefcase surveillance system is essentially a wireless device, it derives its power from a battery pack.  Batteries are generally rechargeable and capable of running the briefcase for a few hours.

How it works
The briefcase surveillance system is used basically to obtain and record information.  It has been used for many years but only by professionals.  Recently, though, it has been made available to private individuals.

The most usual function of this surveillance system is for recording still and video images using cameras built into the bag.  The cameras are activated by a hidden switch or by way the bag is carried.  One model, for example, uses its side camera if it is lifted and carried by the user.  If the bag is laid on its side, it automatically switches to the camera located in its bottom panel.

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