Posts Tagged ‘home security’

Surveillance Systems – Top Security Device Without Installation Required

Alarm System, Home Surveillance, Nanny Camera, Security Camera, Self Recording | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 30 2009

Surveillance is the act of keeping a subject under close observation usually for security purposes or investigation. If you have any urgent need to place your own home under surveillance, here’s what you can do.

Emergency Light Hidden CameraNanny Cameras
These devices come in all shapes and sizes but one thing they have in common is their zero need for installation. Nanny cams often come with built-in memory space to store recorded images and footages. They may be hidden within stuffed toys or other objects that would not look out of the ordinary when displayed in a prominent position in your room. Whichever the case may be, you just need to find a good location for your nanny cam, turn it on, and it will get to work immediately.

Afterwards, you may retrieve the nanny camera and play the file in a connected monitor or computer.

Barking Dog Alarms
These are one of the most ingenious designs for security technology used today. A barking dog alarm is composed of two units: there’s the motion-detecting sensor that you just have to mount outside your home to establish the range of area it will monitor. The other component is the alarm—you need to mount it in some place you’ll be able to hear it immediately whenever it’s triggered.

Now, if you’re  clueless on how the barking dog alarm works, it’s quite easy. The first time motion is detected by your sensors, it will emit a barking sound akin to a dog warning intruders away. The closer the intruder gets, the fiercer and louder the barking sounds will be.

Wireless Alarm Systems
Other alarms are just as easy as the barking dog alarm to use. Just mount them next to doors, windows, fireplaces, and other possible entries to your home. As these are battery operated, you need not worry about having them wired properly to ensure that the system is working. It will work as soon as you have them mounted and activated.

During daytime, you can turn this alarm system into your home’s ringer system. Rather than a noisy, warning siren-like alarm, it will play off a melodious chime whenever a visitor comes in.

Phone Recorders
Surveillance doesn’t have to be confined to visual observation and recording. Even phone conversations may also be recorded as part of your surveillance. You just need to connect a phone recorder to your line.

Most of the time, you’ll need just one phone recorder per line regardless of the number of extensions you have. You may also configure it to automatically record phone conversations and have it stored directly into your system’s built-in disk drive.

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Outdoor Dome Camera – Home and Business Owners Protection Guide

Business, Security Camera, dome cameras | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 29 2009

To prevent and apprehend intruders from trespassing on your residential or business property, ever considered installing an outdoor dome camera? Read on and find out how these small but powerful security tools are able to protect your loved ones and assets.

Day Night Infrared Dome CameraWhat exactly is an Outdoor Dome Camera?
Basically, this type of security camera is no different from an indoor dome camera with the exception of its more durable, weatherproof casing. Its dome structure provides not only protection for its camera and lens but also lends it a professional appearance for a perfect fit in any environment.

Outdoor Dome Camera’s Features
Don’t let its compact frame deceive you. As long as it’s properly installed in the best possible location, this tiny camera is more than enough to deter most external threats you might encounter.

Full Frame Rate
The full frame rate of this device refers to the number of complete images a camera’s able to capture per second. This type of security cameras is capable of taking 25 or 30 frames per second while maintaining high image resolution.

Day-Night Camera
Instead of getting two cameras, one for day and another for night use, a lot of dome cameras offer continuous, 24/7 use with its day-night function. The camera is designed to automatically detect changes in light levels and adjust accordingly.

Zooming Capacity
The best cameras are those types that offer both digital and optical zoom options, hopefully combined with auto focus. Zooming options are important because it allows you to zero in on a subject without reducing image quality or clarity.

Video and Motion Detection
This camera is capable of recording video footage as well. Simultaneous streams of MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG may also be offered. The more advanced models can function as a motion sensor as well but only to a certain extent. Some cameras, for instance, automatically have this feature disabled when the camera is on zoom, tilt, or pan.

Alarm
When it comes to outdoor dome cameras, how about looking into those that offer at least four alarm inputs and outputs? Alarm configuration must allow both triggered and scheduled settings including automatic notifications via email, HTTP, and TCP. The more advanced models might also be designed to automatically upload images via the same methods.

Secured Online Access
Finally, for those outdoor dome cameras that may be accessed online, be sure to look for those secured with password protection, multiple levels for user access, IP address filtering, and encrypted communication via HTTPS.

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Board Camera – When Do You Need One

Board Cameras | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 22 2009

It’s so tiny you can probably wear it disguised as a pendant and no one would ever know. It’s so tiny in fact that if you’re not careful, you could even use it. A board camera is one of the latest equipment to come out that’s designed to make security easier and surveillance that much more efficient. Think it’s not that much of a gadget for you? Here are the top situations when you’ll need a board camera to pump up your viewing and surveillance capabilities.

Black and White Closed Board CameraEquipment for super-covert surveillance
There’s surveillance and there’s covert surveillance. You can easily tell one from the other by their conspicuousness. If a person can detect they’re being filmed or that there’s a camera hiding behind that flower vase or picture frame, you’re not really doing a good job as a spy.

For highly surreptitious surveillance you will need a board camera. It’s thin and light enough to be mounted on just about anything — a cigarette case, a stuffed teddy bear, a cookie jar, even a key chain — and still be difficult to notice. So if you want to improve your spying abilities or just simply want a better nanny or hidden cam, a board camera is your best choice

A lightweight camera that’s unobtrusive enough to be used for your hobbies
Board cameras are also efficient to use for hobbies such as DIY security equipment and robotics. If you’re a hobbyist, this is the best type of camera you’ll want to work with because it can easily be mounted, tweaked and turned on. It also gives superb video quality, allowing you to take great footages 99% of the time.

A camera you can take to your playground and back
Whether it’s driving a motorbike through mud and dirt or going cross-country on a bicycle, it’s always a good idea to get footage from an angle no cameraman can shoot from: under the saddle or mounted on the handlebars. Kept within solid casing, spruced up and weather-proofed, a board camera can also be used for a variety of sports such as surfing, wakeboarding or even skydiving.

For home and business security
If you need a reliable camera for home or business security, the board camera is one of the most affordable and efficient cameras you can buy. Retailers frequently sell them discounted, allowing you to purchase several cameras even on a budget. Since they’re easy to mount and can pretty much work from anywhere in the house, shop or office, you can build a highly customized security/surveillance system without the usual expense.

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Dome Camera – Tips on How to Maximize Its Use

dome cameras | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 16 2009

The dome camera is easily one of the choice security systems to use with business establishments. It’s small and unobtrusive yet very effective in monitoring a room or an area. Learn to maximize the use of this security gadget to enhance and improve the security of your business. Here are ways how:

dome cameraLocate the right area prior to installation
The dome camera can be installed on a wall or on the ceiling. Before installing one, try to survey the premises first to determine where the camera should be placed for the best angles. Would you like it to monitor the doorway or the cashier’s corner or would you rather that it focuses on high-end items next to the wall? Remember that what the camera will see is ultimately what will appear on the monitor and get recorded, so choose the best location for the device.

If you will be using multiple dome cameras to cover wider spots, plan your installations carefully. Be aware of blind spots especially with single-focus lenses. If you want more flexibility, consider getting a vari-focal dome camera that can be panned a full 360 degrees. This will offer you a good view of the entire room or shop. Because the lenses can be adjusted, you can change your viewing angle from narrow to wide, depending on what you want to see.

Night surveillance considerations
If you want to secure your business at night but don’t want the extra strain to your pocketbook for keeping the lights on or spend money in hiring security personnel, consider using this type of security camera with a night vision. This type of camera will be able to capture images at low light conditions or even in total darkness. Cameras that are meant to work in day or light mode only will not do as well for this type of environment.

If you want efficient coverage for your store or office at low light, check the LUX rating of this type of camera you’re buying. The lower it is, the better it will be for capturing images in dim light or darkness.

Limitations
This device comes with an operating temperature. Always check the environment where they will be placed to ensure maximum utility. If the camera can only withstand temperatures of up to 112oF, make sure that they are not located in an area that will be exposed to temperatures higher than this limit. Otherwise, the camera lens will be damaged.

Protecting the System
If you want to keep your dome cameras safe from vandals, there are units that are especially designed with a tough outer casing. Usually referred to as armor dome or vandal-proof dome cameras, these units can withstand attacks from thieves or burglars who might attempt to break or destroy the unit.

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Motion Alarms and Their Functions

Alarm System | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 12 2009

Motion alarms are excellent for use as a component of a security system. As long as there is power available, this type of alarms will work even without direct supervision or manual intervention. They are easy to install and can be very reliable in detecting the presence of any intruder. If you’re looking for a good security device for your home or business, a motion alarm system may be the best choice for you. Learn the most common types of alarms to find out which one will be the perfect fit.

motion alarmMicrowave motion alarms and how they work
This type of alarm uses microwave energy to detect movement and trigger a signal, usually an audible alarm. The device emits microwaves within a given area, which then bounce off any obstacle that may be present and return to the source. The frequency of these returning waves is then measured and analyzed. If someone or something enters that area, it will cause a disturbance in the flow of microwaves and change the frequency. Once the sensor detects this, a signal will be transmitted to a remote device and the alarm will be set off.

Microwaves are advantageous in that they work better at covering a larger area. Microwave energy can also pass through obstacles, so this type of alarm can be comfortably placed behind walls, for example, and still work. The only drawback is that microwave motion alarms are quite sensitive and will react to electrical gadgets such as radios, wireless phones, etc.

Another issue about the sensitivity of microwave motion alarms is that they tend to react at the slightest disturbance, which can often lead to false alarms. Their sensitivity level can be adjusted, however, so they can fit the environment where they are installed.

Infrared motion alarms and how they work
This type of alarm was developed in the 80s and has since become the most popular technology used for security systems. An infrared-powered security device uses light energy that is in the frequency beyond the limit of visible light, which is red – hence the name ‘infrared’. The wavelength of infrared light is longer than lightwaves and shorter than radio waves, making it ideal for use in detecting heat.

In order for it to work as a type of alarm, an infrared device uses a sensor that detects and measures the temperature of an object that passes through the beam of light coming from the device. If it measures sufficient heat, such as that coming from a human body, the sensor will trigger an alarm.

Infrared motion alarms are cost-effective, making them a top choice as security devices. They cannot provide coverage for a full area but if installed in the right location, they can be very helpful for catching intruders in the act.

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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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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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Window Alarms – Home Security Help

Alarm System | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 30 2009

Burglar Window AlarmIn the kind of society we have nowadays, where crimes can happen at just about any given time, the “s” in safety should take on a whole new meaning. And when it comes to your home, it stands for “security measures” – because it simply won’t do to merely put every possible entrance of your home locked.

This is the main reason why companies that produce home security equipments are thinking well beyond the box to create new technologies to ensure the safety of your residence. Such technologies include window alarms.

Windows are known to be one of the most critical points of any house. This is due to the fact that this is where trespassers and other unwanted elements are most likely to come in. Thus, the demand to have a window alarm is high – regardless how ideal your neighborhood seems to be.

Since no one can predict when situations like burglary or other similar cases will strike, it is best to protect your home by installing alarms. This way, you won’t be bothered of sleepless nights worrying that the shelter you built from hard work, a sanctuary for you and your family might not be intruder-free. Window alarms are there to provide you with a much-needed peace of mind, being at ease with the feeling that if any untoward incident would happen, you will be adequately warned.

Setting up alarms doesn’t require a lot of work. Most of it are simply mounted on the frames and will already get the job done. Also, window alarms come in a wide array of models you can choose from – depending on your needs. There are advanced ones that are keypad operated while some are hassle-free because it’s wireless.

Moreover, window alarms also serve other purposes besides its primary function of providing preemptive protection. Specialized types also cater to special children and adults with Alzheimer’s disease to keep them away from harm, particularly if they are within an area that could put them in danger. You will be immediately alerted if they are any near the swimming pool, the front door or the kitchen cabinet.

The ultimate luxury status for the home is no longer state-of-the-art appliances – it’s already the warm feeling of safety enjoyed by homeowners and their families.

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Keep Your Kids Safe During this Holiday Season – Top 5 Tips

Nanny Camera, Security Camera | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 22 2009

The holiday season must be always fun and never dangerous for your kids. As this is the time when you and your kids will be spending most of the time outside your home, whether it’s for trick or treating or Christmas shopping, here are the top 5 tips to ensure your children’s safety.

Cordless Phone Hidden CameraHealth and Cleanliness Considerations
H1N1 virus is not the only disease you should be scared of. There are many other kinds of illnesses or disorders that your children can contract without knowing it. Are you aware that germs are able to live up to two days on any surface and even longer than that if there’s water present? Remind your children not to touch anything unless they’re sure it’s completely clean. If they have to dirty their hands, remind them to wash their hands thoroughly before eating or touching their faces in any way.

Location Safety
Wherever your destination is, do not forget to instruct your child about their limits or boundaries. In the event that you and your child get separated, your child should know the safest areas he can wait for you. He must know up until where he can explore and which areas are explicitly off-limits, such as leaving the mall or going to any place that would require him to cross the street.

Remind Them about Important Contact Information
Provide your children with a list of names and numbers to contact in case of emergency. If possible, help them memorize such contact information. Children are smarter than we often give them credit for, but they’ll fare better if we give them something helpful to use right from the start.

About Strangers
Do remind your kids that strangers must always be avoided at all costs. You can’t stress this enough to your children. It’s important that they’re aware of the dangers of accompanying strangers and how they can act deceptively kind. It’s also important to establish a routine for them to determine whether people they know are truly trustworthy. You may, for instance, tell your children that you will never forget to call and inform them about any change in plans and having someone else pick them up. If they don’t receive a call then they must not allow anyone to take them away.

Adult Supervision
Finally, avoid leaving your children unaccompanied anywhere anytime. There is no better way to ensure your children’s safety than keeping a strict eye on them! If you can not monitor them 24/7, a nanny with the help of a nanny cam might help.

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Home Surveillance Camera Purchasing tips

Home Surveillance | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 14 2009

Security is a one top requirement for your home. You may have youngsters who could be taken from you. You could have a lot of liquid savings saved there. You could have a lot of expensive furniture and appliances. You could have a lot of things at stake that you need to keep safe from thieves. The only way for you to do this is to invest in home security; and one way for you to add to your home security is through buying and installing a home surveillance camera.

56 Infrared LED Day Night Professional CameraA home surveillance camera can be helpful in several ways: you can use it to tape the proceedings that it is picking up, and then you can review the tapes later; you can also monitor your home from afar through the internet if you are using a wireless camera. A wireless camera will allow you to record and transmit footage online, which can thus make it easier for you to view without you having to rewind and fast forward through taped footage.

Purchasing a home surveillance camera, however, can be difficult without the proper guidance. First of all, do a lot of research on what kind of surveillance you need. Do you want to watch your children, monitor your nanny, or keep an eye on the playground in your backyard? Do you want to keep watch over your expensive electronic equipment in your basement? Such needs will also require different cameras, so do research first to avoid bad purchases in the future.

Second, ask the advice of security and security retail pros. There may be brands out there that will work best for you without taking out a lot of your budget. There may also be brands out there that are too expensive for you but that you might want to invest in, considering your current needs. Look for these people in your security stores, and ask for referrals from friends who have had their own security systems installed.

Do you know if it’s legal to use a home surveillance camera where you live? Can it be used as evidence in the court of law? You need to know the legalities or you may be purchasing something that has no worth when it comes to convicting criminals. Take care that you have a camera that works within legal bounds or you could be the target of the law.

These are only a few factors to consider when buying a home surveillance camera. For more information, talk to the security experts, and do more research.

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