Posts Tagged ‘surveillance equipment’

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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Embedded Surveillance DVR – What It Is and How It works

Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 02 2009

Surveillance is one business, particularly for the reason that it could help save lives and secure property.  Of the wide variety of surveillance equipment currently in use, the DVR or digital video recorder is probably the most popular.  A DVR is an efficient way to record and manage images and has since taken a huge share of the market from earlier competitors still running on analog.  Unfortunately, the older types of DVRs are still bogged down by their limitations, specifically in terms of connectivity and functions.  To address this problem, surveillance equipment manufacturers have come up with the embedded surveillance DVR.  Is this the answer to your security needs?

8 or 16 Channel Embedded Digital Video Recorder

What Exactly is an Embedded Surveillance DVR?
If you are looking for surveillance equipment with digital video recording capabilities that also offers efficient operation, then an embedded surveillance DVR is for you.  This type of DVR offers the convenience of plug and play installation and use, enhanced by user-friendly features that significantly decrease the usual learning curve.  This means that even beginners will find it easy to install, set up and run.

The embedded surveillance DVR is easily programmable, so it can be configured to record events at certain times for a pre-determined length of time.  It can also support multiple cameras, which means feed from different angles can be processed simultaneously using just one device.

Embedded DVRs come with many features, such as automatic, remote and Internet backup functions and motion detection.  Images are saved onto a built-in hard drive and may be viewed using a computer monitor or a TV.  Recorded events may also be viewed via the Internet, provided the DVR comes with this specific function and appropriate software.

For external storage, images may also be downloaded and saved onto a flash drive, card reader or recordable disc.  Images may be converted to the most popular video formats to make it easy to play back using a separate device.

How do you know that you need one?
Due to its onboard functionality, the embedded surveillance DVR is used by professionals across a wide variety of industries.  It is also quite reliable and offers a host of features that are otherwise not available with other surveillance equipment.

For the most basic of security or surveillance requirements, you might find the embedded surveillance DVR equipped with too many functions, some of which you might not use that often.  However, if you want features that pretty much allow you to do many things all at once, then the embedded DVR is the right choice.  It’s priced slightly higher than a similar device with fewer functions but with the number of features it’s packed with, it’s certainly worth way more than its cost.

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Hidden Camera Equipment – Buying Tips

Hidden Camera, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 02 2009

Surveillance equipment can cost a leg and an arm, especially if they are not chosen well. If you are planning on buying a system for home security or to keep your business safe, here are some of the most important things you need to consider before purchasing:

Hidden Camera EquipmentResolution Information
Resolution is the capability of the camera to produce clear images. This is an important consideration if there is a need to focus on a subject, zoom in to a particular area or capture images for enlargement. This feature is also important if the camera will be placed in an area with low lighting.

Resolution is commonly expressed in number – the higher the figure, the better the image it will produce. The only downside is that higher resolution lenses on hidden camera equipment tend to be expensive. They are well worth it, though. Look for a figure that can handle 400 or 420 lines at the very least.

What will also determine the clarity of the image from hidden camera equipment is the type of lens. In general, a lens is either a CMOS or a CCD. If you want better resolution even at conditions with less than ideal lighting conditions, choose a hidden camera operating with a CCD.

Range
Range can refer both to the working frequency of the device and the maximum distance at which it can transmit signals. The frequency, with which the equipment will work usually starts at 900 MHz and can go as high as 2.4 GHz.

Choose one that has the frequency range that will not affect other electronic devices within the area where the equipment will be installed. Lower range camera equipment will usually interfere with common electronic items such as wireless phones, so it pays to find out if this is a concern.

Range also refers to the effective distance that a hidden camera will be able to transmit signals to a receiver. This limit is generally indicated in feet or meters. Beyond the limit indicated, transmission is likely to be less than effective and might even fail.

Wireless or wired
A wireless hidden camera is more convenient, allowing the user to choose virtually any location within or without the building. Wireless equipment works by transmitting signals by radio frequency.
Wired systems require cables to connect one equipment to another and can provide a reliable means for surveillance. They require more work in terms of installation, however.

Lux rating
Lux rating refers to the capability of the camera to operate in low light. The lower the Lux rating indicated, the more effective the hidden camera equipment will be in semi-darkness or total darkness.

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