Posts Tagged ‘surveillance system’

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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Hotel Security – Business Travelers Beware

Alarm System, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 26 2009

Travelling comes with its own risks even if you’re staying at a five-star hotel. Here are several hotel security tips you should keep in mind the next time you go out of town.

Surveillance Concerns
Don’t rely solely on the security system of the hotel. Who knows if the management is in cahoots with potential intruders of your room? Set up your own surveillance system in your room.

Start by performing a bug sweep. This may seem paranoid, but if you believe that there is great interest in what you have stored in your hotel room then there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain with this action. There are also other detectors that can be used to determine presence and location of hidden cameras.

If you are completely assured that your hotel room is secured, the next thing to do is putting it under surveillance. Install wireless, battery-operated hidden cameras in strategic locations. Toss in a dummy camera or two to mislead potential intruders.

16 Channel Wired Digital Video Recording System

Ensure your cameras are web-ready to allow remote and online access your surveillance system. Do not set up your DVR system in your hotel room as this will obviously give you away. Set it up somewhere else and make sure that you will never run out of disk space.

Install alarms and other security devices to prevent unauthorized access and break-ins to your room. Besides doors and windows, vents in your ceiling may also be another way to get into your room so be sure to fortify these as well.

Hotel Security Tips against Employees with Bad Intent
Again, you need to be always on your guard against even the individuals in the hotel’s employ. Hotel-issued keys are not enough. Use manual locks and practice common sense. Consider the tips below.

Do not allow housekeeping or any other hotel employee inside your room if you are not present. Inform hotel management about this to ensure that your room remains safe and secure.

Never leave your room unattended nor unlocked. It only takes a few seconds to create a huge amount of trouble if you know what you’re doing.

If someone requests entry to your room and identifies himself as an employee of the hotel, make sure to double check their identity with hotel management. If you have not made any request for their services, chances are hotels won’t take the initiative to send an employee to your quarters as they are entirely too busy for such fuss. Last but not the least, remember that a uniform does not an official employee make.

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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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Counter Surveillance Equipment – How to Use One

Bug Detectors, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 25 2009

bug detectorIf you have ascertained that you are under surveillance and you wish to protect and safeguard your privacy and that of your loved ones, you need to invest in counter surveillance equipment.

Learn How to Use Common Counter Surveillance Equipment
Information management is the greatest and most important way to handle business nowadays whether in relation to your personal life or business. To do that, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the various uses of counter surveillance equipment.

Spy Cameras and Tap Detectors
Spy cameras and phone taps are the most frequently used surveillance devices so these are what you should target when shopping for counter surveillance equipment.

Phone taps function by transmitting radio signals to a remote receiver. Tap detectors use these signals to determine their presence and establish their location. After that, you’ll want to use a phone jammer next.

Camera detectors determine the presence of spy cameras in your properties by searching for a strong reflection of light coming from hidden cameras.

Types of Bug Detectors
If you need thorough “bug sweep”, you’ll need to use several types of bug detectors, with each corresponding to a different type of bug device.

Telephone line and radio spectrum analyses are the most commonly used tests, but there are many other tests and special bug-detecting devices you can use to detect the presence of bugs. All these tests are necessary to enable you to detect whatever type of radio signal the other party is using.

Simply “scanning” the area is not enough. You’ll also have to perform inspections of the telephones and other electronic equipment in your home or office. These may have been subjected to modifications that would allow an unauthorized party to eavesdrop on your conversation. Counter surveillance equipment used often for this type of inspection utilized a specialized technology referred to as time domain reflectometry.

You need to be aware that numerous surveillance devices make use of deceptive housing. This won’t be a problem if you’re using a non-linear junction detector. The latter is capable of detecting even the presence of spy cameras and transmitters planted behind ceilings and walls.

Noise Generators and Audio Jammers
If you have detected the presence of taps, you can prevent it from completing its job with the use of audio jammers and noise generators.

Noise generators operate by creating voice band noise, which then prevents the other party from receiving a clear and coherent signal. Audio jammers, on the other hand, simply produce a masking noise that prevents nearby microphones from functioning effectively.

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Surveillance Systems for Restaurant Owners – Finding the Best One

Business, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 17 2009

The appropriate surveillance system, if installed properly, can help protect your restaurant from all kinds of dangers within and external.

4 Channel Wireless USB DVR Complete SystemAlarms
This is the most basic of all the parts of a surveillance system. Attach them to any possible opening that a vandal or thief might make use of to sneak inside your restaurant. If the alarm is triggered, you can then use your surveillance system to monitor the area broken in and find the culprit without risking actual confrontation.

Alarms would also inform you whether people have gained unauthorized entry into private or classified areas like your kitchen, inventory or storage room, and personal office.

Cameras
A restaurant is better protected if different types of surveillance cameras are used instead of just one.

Outdoor cameras are more effective when they are discreetly installed, if not hidden, to see what your employees are up to outside the restaurant during breaks. It must also be used to scan for prowlers that might cause potential trouble to your patrons. Outdoor cameras are different from indoor cameras so be sure you’ve purchased the right equipment for this area. They must be weather proof and have heavy-duty casing to withstand all kinds of damage.

All view angles of key locations such as your preparation and serving area must be covered by your hidden and visible surveillance cameras. You may also use decoy or dummy cameras to mislead troublemakers. Full coverage will ensure that nothing escapes your notice. If your employees are conspiring against you, they may simply turn their backs against the camera and huddle to prevent you from seeing what they’re up to and ditto with customers who are looking for trouble.

All surveillance systems must have backup power in case of power shortage. Customers could run out to escape the tab, but if your surveillance cameras are still working, they can continue recording video footage even while your restaurant is under the cover of darkness.

It is also important to ensure that they have high built-in memory and external memory slots. Wouldn’t you hate running out of disk space just when you needed to capture an image or footage of a particular incident?

Finally, a wireless network for your surveillance system is also very indispensable. When you have an out-of-town trip, you won’t have to worry excessively about what’s going on back home because you can access your surveillance system online. Just input your login details and you’ll see with your own eyes if your customers are still leaving with a smile and a full belly.

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Surveillance System for Apartment Building Owners – Selecting the Best

Business | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 16 2009

As an apartment building owner or administrator, one of your responsibilities is to ensure that your tenants enjoy a safe and secure living environment within your property. Installing a surveillance system is just the first step. You need to make sure you’ve installed the right equipment at the right place and for the right purpose.

4 Channel Wireless USB DVR Complete SystemComponents of a Surveillance System
For improved security, your apartment building must be equipped with the devices listed below.

Door and Window Alarms
These must be positioned on every possible entry point that is within the public or main domain of the apartment building. You are not required to install alarms for doors and windows within your tenants’ apartments but it wouldn’t hurt if you ask them about it. They might want to install similar alarms and maybe even have it integrated with the overall security or surveillance system for the building.

Phone Alarm
A line alarm, when triggered, will automatically dial preset numbers and play a pre-recorded message. If the first number cannot be contacted, it will move on to the next number in its list. It may also be installed in such a way that it uses another phone line. In this case, even if the main phone line of your apartment building doesn’t work, the phone alarm will still be able to function.

Automatic Lock System
It is also a good practice to establish a curfew for your tenants. This way, it’s fine to install an automatic lock system and not worry about having to wait for tenants who hadn’t yet come home. But even without a curfew, it would be simple for your night manager to ascertain the person’s identity before disabling the auto-locking system.

Fire Alarm
You may also want to integrate your surveillance system with the fire alarm in your apartment building. That way, if there is any sign of smoke or fire, the entire building may be alerted with your alarm. Your surveillance system may also be used to determine which areas had been first and severely hit and relay it to the authorities.

Surveillance Cameras and Network
Finally, you need to install cameras in each hallway and floor. Some of them may be visible, some of them should be hidden, but definitely all important areas within the building and its outside perimeter must be monitored. It must also use a wireless system so that you can access it remotely or online. With this, you can personally ensure that your apartment building is safe at all times wherever you may be.

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Surveillance Video Recorder – Which One is For You

Surveillance Systems, Video Recording | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 05 2009

surveillance video recordingSurveillance video recorders are at the heart of most surveillance equipment. They are used to record the images captured by a camera and are relied upon to produce images that will be used for review later. Unfortunately, surveillance equipment units are not created equal. Learn what you can expect from the available surveillance video recorders today and determine which one is right for you:

What are the types of surveillance video recorders
They generally come in two types: one for recording analog images and another for recording digital images. The analog type often uses VHS tapes and is one of the older types of surveillance video recorders. DVRs, on the other hand, record on disc or a memory card.

The main distinguishing point between these devices that use VHS and those that use DVRs is the recording medium. Images on VHS are analog and tend to deteriorate over time. Reviewing images can also be a challenge because it requires manual rewinding and playback. Surveillance video recorders of this type also have a limited number of viewing hours, depending on tape capacity.

On the other hand, DVRs, can capture events and save them as digital images. DVRs usually rely on memory cards or hard disk drives to store the data. Digital recorders are for easy access to events by freeze framing, so review is generally convenient. Events may also be indexed according to date, time, subject, users or events. Storage is also not an issue with digital recorders because images are stored electronically.
Which one suits you? For most purposes, an analog recorder will work very well. This recorder is generally cheaper, although the tapes tend to be more expensive in the long run. A digital surveillance recorder may be the preferred choice in terms of convenience, storage and future archiving.

When choosing these gadgets, do take into consideration the pros and cons of each type to see which one will be more useful to you. Factor in your needs, the main purpose of the recorder, how long you expect or require the recording time to be and whether or not you will be recording over the tape or disc again and again.

Other features
Surveillance video recorders are now built with multiple channels, so it’s possible to record captured images from several cameras all at once. This is frequently helpful if you intend to monitor several sites. There are video recorders that can process feeds from two to four channels to as many as 12 channels. Feeds may be recorded simultaneously and viewed later for reference.

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Complete Surveillance System – So You Need One?

Alarm System, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Oct 31 2009

Nowadays, having a complete surveillance system has become essential in many situations. Learn why.

CSSWhat are the Components of a Complete Surveillance System
Knowing what a complete surveillance system consists of will help you determine if such a system is appropriate for your home or workplace.

Entry Alarms
These alarms should be attached to every possible entry point within your property. This includes but isn’t limited to doors, windows, chimneys, and any other space that a person could squeeze himself into and gain access to your home.

The entry alarm is the first line of protection for your property. If any of these is triggered, all other components of your surveillance system will be activated.

Motion Alarms
These devices will sound an alarm or activate other security component of your surveillance system when it detects movement in the area it is monitoring. Barking dog alarms are particularly effective for deterring criminals. The barking noise they make increase in proportion to the shortening distance of the intruder from the alarm.

Floodlights
The best of these systems allow floodlights to automatically switch on if light levels diminish or when movement has been detected by an integrated motion-sensing alarm. These are no ordinary lights and their beams are powerful enough to provide you a clear view of your entire yard, maybe even determine the identities of your intruders if they linger long enough.

Surveillance Cameras
There is a wide variety of surveillance cameras and each and every one of them has their respective uses. Outdoor cameras are fashioned to work in all kinds of weather. Pinhole cameras may be hidden in various objects like piggy banks, pens, stuffed toys, and other things that would not have looked out of place in your home or office. Decoy cameras may be used to mislead intruders about the actual location of your real security cameras and valuables.

There are also a lot of features you can consider so it’s important that you take note of what your home or office needs to combat every possible security threat. A complete surveillance system requires surveillance cameras that can record images or footage in full color during the day and sharply defined black and white images at night. They must also come with their own IP address to allow you to watch real-time or previous footage wherever you may be.

Monitor and Recorder
Finally, the surveillance cameras must be linked to a monitor, allowing you to view what’s happening in any part of your home or workplace, as well as recorder, to obtain a hard copy of your recordings.

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