Posts Tagged ‘personal safety’

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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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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Travel Alarm – Do You Know Why You Need One?

Alarm System | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 10 2009

If you’re going on a vacation or a business trip, probably the last thing you’d think of packing is a travel alarm. But you could be compromising your safety and that of your family if you do not utilize a gadget that’s designed to prevent burglary, theft or even physical harm – crimes that could occur during your trips. Travel alarms are handy enough to be carried in a small purse or bag and they are quite easy to install and use, so why leave home without them? If you still do not recognize the importance of this security gadget, here are the top 5 reasons why you need this gadget:
mini travel alarm
It functions as a personal alarm
A travel alarm can help prevent a crime from occurring by deterring a potential culprit. It can keep you safe from bodily injuries in case of an attack by emitting a loud sound to either scare a criminal or call attention upon yourself.

It can help prevent intruders from entering your hotel room
You will need this type of alarm to keep your doors secure. This device can be temporarily installed on a door frame or anywhere in the room. If it has a motion sensor, it will be able to detect an intruder and sound an alarm to alert you or hotel security.

It can help secure hotel room windows
One of the most vulnerable spots in any room or house is the window. Unfortunately, many tourists and travelers simply overlook this area. If you will be staying at a budget hotel or a place that’s located in a remote area, it’s a good idea to secure your room with a travel alarm installed at the window. This is also a good security measure to implement in case your room is located on the ground floor or if it is easily accessible from below.

It can serve as alert for smoke in case of fire
Another important reason why you need a travel alarm is for protecting yourself against fires. Hotel fires have taken the lives of travelers before and tragically, these could have been prevented if they had some sort of alarm to warn them. This product models have built-in smoke detectors that can alert you with a high-decibel siren so you have enough time to escape.

It can help protect your luggage
While this device may not be able to prevent your luggage from getting lost, it can prevent theft of your luggage once it’s deposited in your hotel room. This tool can be installed at the door and prevent unauthorized entry or you could even use it to secure the door to the closet, where a burglar will most likely look for something to steal. A travel alarm will not only alert you or hotel security, it will also frighten the burglar away.

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Rear View Mirror Hidden Camera Review – Driving Safety Guaranteed

Hidden Camera, Vehicle Surveillance | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 26 2009

rear view mirror hidden cameraIt does not matter what type of vehicle you’re steering, the mere act of driving comes immediately with its own share of risks. Most of these – if not all – can be effectively addressed with the use of a rear view mirror hidden camera.

Rear View Mirror Hidden Camera – What’s in it for you?
As this surveillance and safety may be too costly for your budget, it’s understandable that you’d like to be completely assured of its projected benefits. Listed below are its essential features. See for yourself what you can enjoy when you purchase hidden camera for your own car.

Rear View Camera Components
This device utilizes two kinds of cameras and the first one is installed directly inside the rear view mirror of your car. It is about a quarter of an inch in size and able to capture images in digital CMOS color. This is important as you’ll be able to provide more accurate details for any photo you might need to submit to the authorities in case of theft, vandalism, or any other vehicular accident. More importantly, this camera is also capable of recording audio, allowing you to record conversations without alerting potential troublemakers or any subject under surveillance.

This system will usually include an 8GB SD card that you can use with the camera’s built-in memory card slot. If, however, that’s not enough for you then you can use a 16GB SD card.

This hidden camera is rotatable up to 360 degrees, which consequently allows you to record what is happening not only inside your car but also what’s in front or next to your car.

You need to insert your system’s SD card to your computer or any other video-playing device for image or video playback.

It’s simple to install this camera – just clip it on to your built-in rear view mirror. This camera also comes with a rechargeable battery which you can charge either by USB or plugging it to the auxiliary cigarette lighter of your vehicle.

Second Camera
You can attach the external camera outside your car – perhaps below your bumper for a less obtrusive location – or on your rear dash. Unlike this type of camera, this one allows instant playback because it comes with a 3.6 inch thin-film transistor LCD monitor. Videos may also be played back at the real-time speed of 30 FPS. You can even use it to playback videos or images caught by your rear view camera.

With the help of a rear view mirror hidden camera, you might as well have a hundred eyes working to guard your safety and your car’s!

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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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Hidden Cameras for a Holiday Gift Show How Much You Care

Hidden Camera | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Oct 16 2009

Wall Clock NeonTime is gold – as cliche’ as it may sound, it’s something that money can’t really buy. There’s no way to turn it back or speed it up. Life is relative to time and it’s yet another thing you can not place a price tag on. The best gift you can give to anyone is something that can prolong his life or the time he spends in this world. Consider, for instance, hidden cameras. They’re simple, easy to use, and they can go a long way in protecting your loved one from all sorts of harm. With it, you ensure that your friend or family member one can look forward to another day.

Selecting the Right Hidden Camera
Here are a number of factors you should remember when shopping for hidden cameras.

Feature to Consider: Image Quality and Resolution
It’s important to know what kind of images your hidden camera is capable of taking and up to what range. Knowing such details would enable the user to use the camera more effectively. He’ll know how much distance he can afford to place between him and the target without skimping on image quality.

Also, be sure that you choose one that is capable of recording videos as well. Lastly, images and videos must be captured in color for better accuracy.

Video Recording Feature
Select hidden cameras that allow time setting for recording videos. This way, you can rest assured that the area or person under surveillance is consistently being recorded at the most pertinent time of the day.

Know what video formats the recordings are saved and if there are compression formats also offered. Instant playback options must be included for your convenience.

Memory Options
Hidden cameras always have built-in memory and the larger, the better. Besides that, you should also look for external memory slots to allow you to record longer videos whenever necessary. Please do check memory card compatibility while you’re at it.

Setup Options
Is the hidden cam wired or wireless? The latter is better because it will add to the covert design of the hidden camera. With a wireless setup, you can place your hidden camera just about anywhere.

Also, look for hidden cameras that you can connect with your network or incorporate with your home or business security system. If it is part of your network, you can access it remotely through the Internet or LAN.

Security, of Course!
Finally, look for hidden cameras that offer highly secured use through password protection and other security technologies. The videos they record can be quite sensitive and it’s best that they don’t fall in the wrong hands.

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Rear Mirror Camera with Front and Rear Color – Top 3 Why You Need One

Vehicle Surveillance | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Oct 16 2009

Today’s marketplace offers you a good variety of hidden cameras but if you want to be completely sure that you are safe every time you’re using your vehicle then you only need one camera set alone: a rear view mirror camera with built-in front and rear color cameras.

rear mirror cameraYour Options
Before we get into the three important circumstances where your rear view mirror camera can be your lifesaver, let’s see what kind of equipment will suit your requirements.

Both your rear view and wireless camera display footage in color allow for manual adjust focus. With its 330 degree rotation, this camera can be positioned to face the road ahead or shoot what’s happening right inside your car. As for the wireless camera, it’s your call whether you want to set it up outside your car or safely inside on your rear dash.

The DVR function of your cameras allows for recording of video footage and lets you do instant playback. Switch view or playback from either camera with easy push-button operation. You need not worrying about storage space for your recordings with 32MB internal memory and an 8GB SD card included in your purchase. For additional storage, your rear view mirror camera can be used with a maximum of 16GB SD card.

Files recorded can be configured for automatic overwrite if your memory card has been consumed. Password setting is also provided to prevent unauthorized access. Other essential features are its built-in microphone and time setting recording.

To recharge your camera, you can plug it immediately to the cigarette lighter of your vehicle or your computer using its USB cord.

How this Security Gadget Can Save You
Here are three situations where you can ensure your safety with the help of this kind of set up for your vehicle.

Dangers Ahead
If a car, pedestrian, or vandal in front has involved you in an accident that’s no way in your fault, get your camera to record the entire incident for your insurance agent’s perusal.

Dangers at the Back
Did someone not in his right mind or a newbie driver just hit your car from behind? Is there actually a crime taking place right behind you? Whether it’s you or someone else who’s the victim, do the right thing and record what’s happening then submit it to the authorities.

Dangers Inside
Harassing hitchhikers and unwanted passengers are more trouble than they’re worth. If what they’ve done against you is worth a lawsuit then get your rear view camera to work and you’ll get the evidence you need to have the Prosecutor on your side.

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