Posts Tagged ‘security cameras’

Hidden Cameras and VCR’s should be Compatible

Hidden Camera | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Jan 03 2010

Cordless Phone Hidden CameraIn this day and age, where fast-paced lifestyle meets a laid back culture, people just want to have fun without being worried of their safety. With the hectic schedule of people, trying to live their every day away from crimes, what can they do to have an honest to goodness, stress-free feeling of security?

Is hiring security guards their only option? What if they can not afford an extra employee just yet?

If you’re someone who has developed an obsession with safety, then you are not alone. Thousands of people are just like you, they also find ways in keeping themselves and their loved ones safe and secured to avoid any possibilities of crimes and untoward incidents – especially at home or in the workplace.

So why don’t you, once and for all, have a taste of the worry-free living by having a security system installed?

Often seen being used in retails stores and other establishments, security equipments like hidden cameras are a hit these days. Owning such technologies on safety has gone a long way from being just a special privilege. They can now be purchased by anyone who’ll need it – be it personal of for business purposes.

With security cameras moving towards more effective operation, most of its models are designed to record discreetly. These are what we know as hidden cameras, a kind of surveillance tool that films activities on a specific area without the knowledge of its subjects. Hidden cameras are widely used nowadays as a means of protecting families and property.

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Hidden Camera Pranks – a Legal Offense

Hidden Camera | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Jan 02 2010

When hidden cameras were invented in just about the same era as the advent of photography, its primary use is just for investigative purposes. It serves as a spy tool for detectives. Today, however, it has surpassed such limits. This technological innovation in security has soared to new heights.

Button Hidden CameraHidden cameras aren’t just a safety staple these days. From being security equipments for offices to serving as equally effective and dependable surveillance tools at home, hidden cameras carry an instant feeling of control over a situation. Unfortunately, this said control is being used by some in wayward purposes of fun. Worse, this notion of fun usually comes in the form of pranks.

Pranks using this camera said to have started in South London through what was known then as “Slap TV”. This is an act of unprovoked attacks, from minor pranks to more vicious assaults while being discreetly recorded on camera. Nowadays, it is popularly known as “Happy Slapping”

Some people might consider it a harmless fad, but filming pranks like these by using video technology such as hidden cameras and the likes is tantamount to bullying, or on more severe cases, harassment. Truth is, to be clear about it – these activities are punishable by law.

Due to the media attention gained by pranks being intentionally caught using digital media equipments, hidden cameras for example, countries like Denmark, France and the United Kingdom emphasized on the legal consequences of such acts.

Meanwhile, under federal laws, pranks using hidden cameras, or any kind of pranks, for that matter, are listed under the category of a misdemeanor. Generally, it could serve offenders up to one year in jail. This doesn’t mean though, that it will not go beyond being a misdemeanor. If the prank, regardless of the agenda, goes terrible wrong and people got hurt or worse, there were casualties, then other existing laws will come into play.

If you know anyone who, with the help of video cameras, think he or she can enjoy the thrill of playing pranks and eventually get away with it, give him a pat in the back and make him realize the consequences. You’re actually doing him a big favor.

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Warehouse Security Tips to Keep Your Business Afloat

Alarm System, Business, Security Camera | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 31 2009

The ideal warehouse security deals both with internal and external security threats with a combined use of surveillance and security employees. You’ve heard, seen, or read in news how numerous companies are constantly victimized by well-planned ambushes and burglaries. And off media records, companies also suffer from employee theft & fraud. If you want to enjoy peace of mind over your warehouse security, consider the tips below.

4 Channel Wired Digital Video Recording SystemHiring the Best Security Employees
While security technology allows for automated operation, there are still components of your warehouse security plan that would have to manually supervised and thus require careful screening and selection of your security personnel.

Whether direct hiring or outsourcing your security needs to an agency, it’s important to establish the qualifications you require from security personnel. First and foremost, security employees must be familiar with how warehouses work.

With a wide variety of people and products coming and going all the time, it’s understandably hard to keep track of them. You can help them by giving them strategic base points and delegating their responsibilities to ensure that all areas are sufficiently covered.

Give them the best training whenever needed. If you are updating your security system, make sure that all of them are properly educated and trained for it. If you are changing your security policies, be sure that they are oriented regarding the changes.

How to Make Surveillance Efficient
Surveillance–even the most expensive kind–can only be effective if they are professionally installed at the right places.

Installation Concerns
Most of the time, surveillance simply doesn’t work because they aren’t installed properly. If you are strictly against hiring a professional team to install your system then make sure the security system you purchase offers DIY, user-friendly installation.

Complete Surveillance
Complete surveillance system entails that all areas are properly covered and threats are identified ahead of time to allow your security team to take pre-emptive action.

All locations must be equipped with weatherproof and vandalproof hidden cameras. Decoys must be installed as well. These cameras must have high image resolution capabilities, day and night function, and motion-detecting sensors. If possible, integrate them with security floodlights and door and window alarms.

Telephone conversations must also be placed under surveillance. Consider installing a phone line alarm as well. This will give you a means to contact the outside world even if your main phone lines have been cut off deliberately or accidentally.

By implementing these suggestions, you can be sure that your warehouse security will be virtually impenetrable.

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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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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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Mobile Home Security Tips for Round the Clock Safety

Alarm System, Hidden Camera, Home Surveillance, Professional Surveillance Cameras | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 25 2009

If you are travelling or residing in a mobile home, security is definitely one of your major concerns. As mobile homes are easier to access, once your property has been breached, you will have a harder time avoiding direct confrontation. Use the tips below to secure the safety of your loved ones or whichever valuable assets you have stored in your mobile home.

56 Infrared LED Day Night Professional CameraWired Meshes and Grills
Stock windows and doors of mobile homes are ordinary and thus easy to break into. You can fortify this, however, by installing wired meshes or even grills. Even if intruders were to smash the glass of your doors and windows, they would still have to contend with the additional security tools you have taken.

Security Alarms
You need at least two kinds of security alarms for your mobile home. Firstly, attach alarms to windows, doors, and any other possible area that intruders could use to obtain access to your mobile home. If you’ve subscribed for security coverage, authorities will respond whenever the alarm in your home has been triggered.

Another alarm you probably need to install is a barking dog alarm. For this to work, you will need to set up an area that would create the impression you own a guard or security dog. Under the cover of darkness, intruders would have a hard time of visually verifying whether or not you do own one but with the barking dog alarm, they’re sure to be convinced.

Barking dog alarms sound off when they detect motion. In this way, they work like motion sensors but with barking alarms to serve as a deterrent against potential troublemakers.

Surveillance Cameras
When strategically positioned, a single surveillance camera would be able to cover the entire area of your mobile home. Partially obscured areas may still be under surveillance with the use of security mirrors.
The outside perimeters of your home may also be under surveillance if you see the need for it. But you’ll need surveillance cameras designed for outdoor use this time around. They are slightly more expensive but work the same way indoor cameras do.

To give intruders a false sense of security, you may also install dummy cameras. Destroying these might make them more lax, not knowing that their actions are still being monitored.

DVR
Also, you need to use a DVR system so that all images or video footages recorded by your cameras will be directly stored in a secure drive. The ideal DVR system must have sufficient disk space to allow continuous recording.

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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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Infrared Surveillance Camera – How to Buy One

Infrared Surveillance Camera | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 16 2009

The advent of the CCTV camera technology has made crime that much more difficult to commit and criminals that much easier to apprehend. Even crimes committed in low lighting or complete darkness can be monitored and recorded, thanks to infrared technology. If you need a security camera that is reliable and effective, consider using the infrared surveillance camera. Here are some buying tips to keep in mind:

Resolution Capacity
Resolution refers to its ability to produce good, clear pictures. This is usually measured in terms of TVLs or TV lines (the horizontal lines that appear on a monitor screen that form the images), or in pixels.

If there are budget constraints, you may want to look for a good-priced infrared surveillance camera that has a high TVL resolution. This will ensure that you get good, sharp images every time, even if the camera took them at night time. If budget is not really a concern, consider a surveillance camera with a high megapixel count. It will cost you but if you want high-end coverage and image clarity, that’s the way to go.

Control Functions
There are basically two kinds of infrared surveillance cameras you can buy: the fixed type and the PTZ or pan, tilt and zoom type. Either one works very well for monitoring specific areas and has its own advantages and limitations.

A fixed camera is a good option for monitoring smaller locations because it can only be focused in one direction. It can also be used to monitor larger or wider areas if it is installed at a higher location. The PTZ infrared surveillance camera, on the other hand, can be set or controlled to move from left to right, up and down. It also has a zoom lens so it’s easier to get a closer view of an object from a remote location.

Before you buy a particular type of surveillance camera, consider what suits your needs. Is a PTZ camera the better choice for your building or will a fixed camera do? How wide is the area or room you need to monitor? Will you require a closeup shot of objects that appear onscreen or will footage from a wide angle be enough?

LUX Rating
The LUX rating refers to the ability of the camera lens to process images at low lighting. Before buying an infrared surveillance camera, factor in the general environment of the area you want to monitor. Will it be pitch dark or is a source of light available from somewhere, such as a lamp post or an outdoor light? Buy a camera that has a day/night mode so you can switch the settings when needed and look for one that has a sufficient capability to process images at different levels of lighting.

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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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