Posts Tagged ‘security surveillance system’

Surveillance Equipment – Tips for Proper Maintenance

Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 21 2009

Basically, there are two ways to accomplish surveillance equipment maintenance: you can either let the professionals handle it or take the DIY path.

4 Channel Wired USB DVR Complete SystemSelecting the Best Professional for Surveillance Equipment Maintenance
You need someone that can be trusted to make a professional evaluation of your surveillance equipment and perform a regular maintenance check from thereon. Such professional usually has a background in law enforcement or in the security industry. If you find professionals who can offer both then so much the better!

Ask the System Manufacturers
Usually, the most reliable professional to perform a surveillance equipment maintenance check on your system will be the guys who are sent by the system manufacturer themselves. This, however, may cost you quite some money and, depending on where you are currently located, it may take the company a bit of time before they can out their crew to your area.

Consider Years of Experience
If you do not have the time to wait for the service crew from your system manufacturer then you’ll have to rely on a third party service provider instead. The first thing you should consider is the number of years they’ve been in business. Avoid dealing with little-known and not-so-reputable companies. Remember, this is the security system of your home that you’re asking them to check. If you allow untrustworthy individuals to access your system, you might as well have given them leave to target your home for robbery or other undesirable crimes.

Also, please consider the relevance of their experience. Yes, they’re in the security business but have they had experience performing security system checks? More specifically, do they have expert knowledge of the exact type of surveillance equipment you are using at home?

Check with the Better Business Bureau
One of the ways to ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate company is to contact the Better Business Bureau.  Look for one that hasn’t been a target of criticism and suspected of malpractice.

Factor In Rates and Extra Services
If there is a wide array of companies to choose from, then of course, go with the company that offers you the most comprehensive array of services for the best rates! Remember, system checks must be done constantly so it’s best to stick with a company that you can afford to hire long-term.

DIY Surveillance Equipment Maintenance Check
If you want to maintain your surveillance equipment all by yourself, that won’t be a problem if you have the know-hows. You need to make sure, however, that you remain methodical and thorough with your job.

CCTV LCD Video Monitors – Get the Most of Your Hard Earned Dollars

Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 18 2009

20 Inch LCD Video MonitorCCTV LCD video monitors are simply one of the most important components of your security surveillance system. To make sure that you are getting your money’s worth, be sure to consider the factors listed below the next time you go shopping.

Response Time AKA Speed or Refresh Rate
This can be one of the most commonly mentioned aspects of CCTV LCD monitors but at the same time it’s also one of the least understood. Basically, response time or refresh rates of monitors talk about the speed of transition from one image to another. The usual speed rates are four, eight, and sixteen milliseconds.

If you are going to use a small CCTV LCD monitor – anything between fifteen and nineteen inches – you should consider something between 4 to 8 MS in terms of response time. Something slower, however, is adequate for larger sized monitors. Also, if you expect to view high-speed action footage then a higher response time is definitely called for.
Size Matters

The bigger the CCTV LCD monitor is, the pricier it will get. But of course, a bigger screen means easier or more convenient viewing, not to mention better and greater detail. The question is, however, if you can afford it. More to the point, do you really need a big CCTV LCD monitor? Last but not the least, do you have the space for it? Then again, if there is no desk space for your monitor, you could always mount it on the wall.

Resolution and Quality
Now what about image resolution? First and foremost, you need an CCTV LCD monitor that allows you complete control over all visual aspects, whether it has to do with color, brightness, contrast, or something else. This is non-negotiable. There will be times when changing the levels for these aspects can make you discern important elements in a captured shot, elements that you would have overlooked in normal resolution.
But still, it must also offer a one-touch function to resume the original or previous visual setup for your convenience.

Dead Pixels
You should be very wary of dead pixels! Even brand new CCTV LCD monitors may have them if they’ve been mishandled. Switch to an all-white screen and you’ll be able to see if there are pixels that are permanently black. If there are too many of them, they could render an image inaccurate.

Dot Pitch
Last but not the least, consider the dot pitch. The smaller a monitor’s dot pitch is, the crisper the image. It’s as simple as that!