Posts Tagged ‘camera’

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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Video Surveillance Equipment – How to Use One

Hidden Camera, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 24 2009

4 Channel Embedded DVR with MonitorVideo surveillance equipment is not just exclusive to government private detectives, secret agents,  and potential blackmailers or even extremely wealthy families and organizations. Anyone can purchase them now and that’s both a good and bad thing. If you want to protect the safety and privacy of yourself and your loved ones, you need to beat them in their own game and invest in video surveillance yourself.

Different Types of Video Surveillance Equipment
One important consideration in using video surveillance equipment is to determine what kind of system you need. This will largely depend on the area you wish to monitor and your purpose for surveillance.

In-Car, Residential and Commercial Video Surveillance Equipment
When you factor in areas under surveillance, systems for commercial and residential use are virtually the same. They just differ in terms of quality and quantity. With in-car video surveillance equipment, there is currently only a single type of system available and which uses two kinds of cameras: a rear view mirror hidden camera and an external camera that you can mount on your rear dash or anywhere on your car’s exterior.

Crime Prevention
If subtlety is not your best skill and you want potential assailants and offenders to know that you have taken all necessary precautions for your home or office’s safety then you’ll need to use huge, in-your-face cameras that have heavy-duty, weather-proof, vandal-resistant housing.

But just to be on the safe side, you could also use hidden cameras for additional coverage.

Internal Monitoring
There is the danger of inside jobs. If you have new people working for you or with temporary access to your property, you need to be on your guard with them until they’ve sufficiently proven their trustworthiness.

In this case, you need to use completely hidden cameras —if possible, those with deceptive housing. Browse the Internet to know your options. There are cameras hidden in tissue boxes, pens, air fresheners, and radios. You just need to find something that will completely fit in with the design and function of the area being monitored.

DVR System
This is of utmost importance if you want to enjoy real-time monitoring. A DVR system may be a dedicated server or a simple program for your computer. Either way, you’ll need to configure all your cameras for the DVR to work.

If you also want to consider remote access to your surveillance system, this is possible too but only with proper network and IP configuration. After that, you can access your system online and be able to personally monitor the areas under surveillance.

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Surveillance Systems for Restaurant Owners – Finding the Best One

Business, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 17 2009

The appropriate surveillance system, if installed properly, can help protect your restaurant from all kinds of dangers within and external.

4 Channel Wireless USB DVR Complete SystemAlarms
This is the most basic of all the parts of a surveillance system. Attach them to any possible opening that a vandal or thief might make use of to sneak inside your restaurant. If the alarm is triggered, you can then use your surveillance system to monitor the area broken in and find the culprit without risking actual confrontation.

Alarms would also inform you whether people have gained unauthorized entry into private or classified areas like your kitchen, inventory or storage room, and personal office.

Cameras
A restaurant is better protected if different types of surveillance cameras are used instead of just one.

Outdoor cameras are more effective when they are discreetly installed, if not hidden, to see what your employees are up to outside the restaurant during breaks. It must also be used to scan for prowlers that might cause potential trouble to your patrons. Outdoor cameras are different from indoor cameras so be sure you’ve purchased the right equipment for this area. They must be weather proof and have heavy-duty casing to withstand all kinds of damage.

All view angles of key locations such as your preparation and serving area must be covered by your hidden and visible surveillance cameras. You may also use decoy or dummy cameras to mislead troublemakers. Full coverage will ensure that nothing escapes your notice. If your employees are conspiring against you, they may simply turn their backs against the camera and huddle to prevent you from seeing what they’re up to and ditto with customers who are looking for trouble.

All surveillance systems must have backup power in case of power shortage. Customers could run out to escape the tab, but if your surveillance cameras are still working, they can continue recording video footage even while your restaurant is under the cover of darkness.

It is also important to ensure that they have high built-in memory and external memory slots. Wouldn’t you hate running out of disk space just when you needed to capture an image or footage of a particular incident?

Finally, a wireless network for your surveillance system is also very indispensable. When you have an out-of-town trip, you won’t have to worry excessively about what’s going on back home because you can access your surveillance system online. Just input your login details and you’ll see with your own eyes if your customers are still leaving with a smile and a full belly.

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Surveillance Equipment For a Casino – Money Without Scrimping on Quality

Business | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 15 2009

complete surveillance systemIf you are planning to use casino surveillance equipment on your property, be informed that these require regular maintenance in order to continue working at tip top condition. Fortunately, you don’t have to hire the professionals to do maintenance work. You can do it yourself without having to worry about adverse effects by considering the tips below.

Switchboard Checking
All surveillance systems have main switchboards or control panels. You need to check that every switch and button on it works. If you don’t recall the function of a particular button, get your manual out or call the customer support department of your system manufacturer.

Batteries
Always check both your main and backup battery supply. Backup batteries, whether used regularly or not, must be replaced at least every five years. As for your main batteries, just make sure that they are still responding quickly and able to perform at optimum level. If there has been any rewiring done in the past, be sure to double check that your batteries are still plugged at the appropriate voltage.

Alarms
It is high time to activate your surveillance system and see if every alarm is working. But before doing this, you might want to inform your neighbors about your plans. That way, they’ll know they won’t have anything to worry about when they hear your surveillance system blare out an alarm nonstop. Also, it’s good practice to inform them about the expected noise you’ll create with your system maintenance check.

Sensors
Sensors should be maintained the way alarms should be. Check if every sensor is working and if it’s still able to operate at its designated range. See if it works at every possible location within the specified area it’s supposed to monitor.

Camera Cleaning
Your surveillance system’s lenses must be cleaned daily with proper the right materials or tools. Avoid using any abrasive fabric. Test its camera and video-recording function and double check the quality of its photos and videos. If the camera can change viewing angles, be sure to test that, too. Lastly, check how much disk space you have remaining. Is it time to buy an external memory card or perhaps you’d like to transfer recorded data to another storage device?

Wireless or Remote Control
Finally, always check if the remote or wireless control is properly functioning. Again, double-check the range and make sure it’s still working up to its maximum distance.

Maintenance checks will not take more than an hour of your time. If you perform them weekly, you can be sure that your surveillance system will remain to be your toughest bodyguard!

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