Posts Tagged ‘home security system’

Home Security – Absolute Security Dos and Don’ts

Home Surveillance, Security Camera | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 04 2009

Pro Series Dome CameraDO choose a system that will fit your security needs
Home security systems have a wide array of features, from the very basic to the latest, most sophisticated functions. While it can be tempting to purchase the meanest, newest model, keep in mind that not every feature offered by the system may be useful to you. Buy the one that will offer you sufficient protection and enough flexibility to allow you to expand it in the future, should your security needs change.

DO test the system regularly
Once you’re able to install the home security system, test if it works. Depending on the type of system you’re using, you might have to set the parameters for it. Try to check if it will work within those parameters and without, so you know what its limitations are. You can then make the proper adjustments to the settings depending on your specific requirements.

DON’T assume power will always be reliable
This device requires a source of power in order to work. Always provide a reliable source of backup power for your system to ensure constant security. A system running on AC alone might open you to vulnerability if there is a sudden power outage, so you might want to choose one that can run on battery power in case power fails.

Do check the batteries often and change them with fresh cells. Rechargeable batteries are usually longer-lasting but they should also be checked as well. Most units come with an indicator light that shows the level of battery power left. Pay attention to this indicator so your security is always reliable.

DON’T ever disclose your password or security code to anyone other than your family
The password or security code is used to configure, edit and change settings in this system. Anyone who knows the code will be able to disable it, rendering your security system worthless. Avoid passwords that are too common or easily linked to you, such as birthdays, street numbers, favorite numbers, etc. Keep the secret code in a safe place or memorize it to avoid any risks.

DON’T rely on your home security system like it’s everything you need for security
Always remember that no home is resistant to burglars. Home security systems only make buildings more difficult to get into, so it discourages crime. You could have the most sophisticated security system in the world but if you are careless and overly confident or lax about security, you could put yourself and your loved ones at risk. Use common sense and employ non-electronic techniques for extra measure to ensure your safety.

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DVR Surveillance System User Guide

Hidden Camera, Home Surveillance | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 27 2009

DVR surveillance systems do not have to cost you an arm and a leg. Security systems are not exclusive to big, beautiful homes. If you want to protect your loved ones with a DVR surveillance system, here’s what you can do.

Wall Outlet HC OUTLT DVRParts of a Basic Security System
There is no need for your home security system to consist of high-end equipment in order to be effective. Combine strategic installation with proper safety awareness and orientation for your loved ones and they’re as secure as they can be.

A basic security system usually includes motion sensors, a CCTV camera, security lights, and a multiplexer. The latter is needed if you are managing more than one security camera in your system. With a multiplexer, video input from all cameras are combined into a single channel for organized record-keeping and more effective surveillance.

A simplex multiplexer will produce one full-screen image to show you at a time while continuing to record footage from other cameras. Duplex multiplexers, on the other hand, offer split-screen options for two or more monitored areas.

If you have the budget, invest in decoy equipment not only for your cameras but for your DVR devices as well. Purchase any used VCR, wire it, and install them in plain sight.

Selecting a DVR Device
The price is understandably most people’s primary concern when it comes to DVR devices. But if you compare its performance to that of VCRs, you’ll know that DVR is truly the better choice. VCRs not only produce inferior video quality but they are also unable to produce stream-by-stream separation.

If you are shopping for DVR devices, you usually have three options.

The most costly option, but undeniably the most feature-rich as well, would be a dedicated DVR. It’s about the size of a desktop computer and comes with its own monitor. It is slightly more complicated to install compared to other DVD options but you can always contact customer service for help.

A second and more reasonably-priced option would be to install a DVR card in your CPU and turn your computer into a video recording system. If you know your way with computers, you won’t have to pay for professional installation. This is virtually the same with installing a new video or memory card.

Lastly, you can simply install a program or hardware system in your computer for a DVD interface. It’s a fraction of what a dedicated server would cost but its functions are vastly limited. With this option, you can only view and store footage. But if this is all you wish to do then it’s the best DVR device for your needs.

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Day-Night Color Camera – Can It Make a Difference on Home or Workplace Security?

Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Oct 27 2009

Are you are considering upgrading your home or business security system with the addition of a day-night color camera? Here is a rundown of the most important things about them. Then it’s your call whether or not to go ahead with buying this type of camera.

Day Night Color CameraColor or Black and White Cameras – What’s the Difference
To know how you can really benefit from a day-night color camera, you should first learn the basic difference between cameras that can capture images in color and those that can only produce black and white photos.

This device works by having an IR cut filter positioned on top of its imager. This filter is what allows the camera to capture colored photos, but this capability is limited to a range of 400nm to 750nm or the visible spectrum. Anything lower or higher, darker or lighter, than the light produced in that range will render the colored camera ineffective.

A black and white camera, on the other hand, can work without these limits. It can capture sharp images even in settings with low-light levels by using alternative lighting like infrared illuminators, fluorescent lighting, or incandescent lights. Of course, it’s a given that all those photos won’t be in color.

Two in One – Benefits of Using a Day-Night Color Camera
With the help of a day-night color camera, you get to enjoy the advantages of using a color and black & white camera at the same time.

Details, Details, Details
Color is not only for aesthetic purposes, they also provide greater and better details, details that can make all the difference in the world when you’re using the photo to determine the identity of a burglar or vandal that had broken into your place.

Color gives you more information about the person’s skin tone, hair and eye color -characteristics that a black & white camera won’t be able to specify.

Automatic Transition
A day-night color camera includes a removable IR cut filter. When the dark sets in, the camera will sense the decrease of light levels in the setting and this will prompt the automatic removal of the IR cut filter in order to remain useful after dark.

Do You Need a Day-Night Color Camera?
This can be best answered by another question: do you need a single security camera that can operate 24/7 on its own? If the answer’s yes then you do need a day-night color camera.

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Security Camera Tips on How to Properly Install

Home Surveillance, Security Camera | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Oct 19 2009

Motion Detector Hidden CameraMost homeowners do not feel skilled enough to install a home security system on their own.  But now that manufacturers have made home surveillance systems more affordable and easier to use, they have also successfully taken the complicated procedures out.  So would you want to DIY?  Here’s how to install a home security camera the proper way:

Getting Familiar
There are general features found in all home security cameras but certain functions differ depending on the brand and model.  Before attempting to install the device, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the equipment.

If you’re using a wired type, for example, careful planning is important to ensure the optimal placement of the camera.  Wired systems will sometimes require you to drill holes on walls and if you make a mistake, it could mean time and effort wasted, not to mention extra expense on the repairs.

Wireless ones don’t always require a lot of work, so they pretty much rely only on correct placement and location.

Where to Place
Location will dictate how effective your home security camera will be.  Before installing the camera, try to survey your home or office and decide which locations require surveillance.  In general, you might want to consider installing the camera in areas such as the front door, back door, patio or hallway.  If you have a backyard or a pool and want to monitor your children’s activities in those areas, you might want to consider placing a security camera there.

Placement is also important.  Consider the height, direction and angle of the camera.  This is a particular concern if you’ll be using a stationary unit.  If the camera automatically pans or tilts, consider only the height and direction.  Decide whether or not the area you wish to monitor is sufficiently covered.

Power Source Info
If you’ll be using a home security camera that will rely mainly on an electrical power source, you will have to install it near a power outlet.  If that is impossible, you might have to consider using an extension, provided of course that it’s safe.

Caution, Caution, Caution
If your home security camera comes with a warranty, be careful about damaging the product.  Breaking open any seal or misplacing certain components during do-it-yourself installation could void the warranty, which means you will have to pay for replacements or repairs.

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