When you decide to invest in a camera surveillance system, the best thing you can do is to sit down and write the reasons why and then do a little planning. This is the best way to make sure that the camera surveillance system you end up purchasing will match your needs. It would be most unwise to purchase a CCTV camera whose level of focus makes it impossible to tell somebody’s head from a pumpkin if you need to identify faces. You get the idea. This article will provide an overview of points to consider when planning your camera surveillance system.
First, you have to think about how the video created by your system will be used, where it will go, who has access to it, and length of it’s retention. Questions, such as:
Will you be archiving the recordings?
If so, how long will the recordings be kept?
What times is your system active, 24hrs?
What level of detail do you need?
Do you need color?
Is real-time remote viewing desired?
need to be asked. All of those questions are concerned with the output of your system. The camera is the most important piece of the system as far as determining the format and quality of that output. Now that you know what you want for your video output, what about the CCTV cameras for your camera surveillance system? Here are some questions to ask yourself when planning for the cameras of your system:
Should the CCTV cameras be static or remote controlled?
Indoors or outdoors?
If outdoors, what are the weather conditions?
What is the lighting situation?
Is there a power source for all cameras?
Is the CCTV camera housing secure enough?
Wired or wireless?
Should the camera be concealed or not concealed?
There are probably questions that you will need to add to this list based on your unique situation. Once you have answers all of your questions, go talk to a professional to make sure you have not missed anything important. A competent pro will most likely have some suggestions for a camera surveillance system that will fit your needs. Problems arise mainly when a buyers bring home camera surveillance systems that doesn’t fit their situation and then struggle to make it fit. If you determine your needs ahead of time by answering these questions as accurately and concisely as possible, and then getting competent advice, your camera surveillance system installation should be manageable.
How to Set Up a Cheap Surveillance Camera System and Secure Your Home
Cameras are just about everywhere in today’s day and age. There are few places you can go in public that you are not being recorded by a camera. From the streets to the local fast food restaurant you are likely being recorded. Surveillance systems have also been part of the security systems for the wealthy for many years and now they can be an affordable part of your homes.
There are several things you must consider when choosing your camera system. Just like most technology you can get more features for more money. Choosing a system will require you to consider budget along with wanted features and find a happy median of the two.
The first step is deciding how many cameras you plan to use. A system for just one camera can be set up for very little cost and be very effective. If you choose to have more cameras like 4, 8 or 16 then there are complete packages available that make cameras more cost effective. Once you know how many cameras you want, you will need to decide if you want to run wires or not. Most cameras are available in wired or wireless versions and normally the wired cameras are much more cost effective.
Surveillance cameras can come with many different functions including night vision, covert, color, black & white, weatherproof, high power wireless, pan tilt zoom cameras and many other options. If you need special application cameras they are likely available at a cost. Currently the most commonly used cameras for homes and businesses are dome cameras, bullet style cameras and hidden cameras. The type of camera will greatly depend on the application.
Next you will need to find a way to record your cameras. Recording is not necessary and it is possible to just view the cameras using a monitor, but you will find that having a recorded system has many advantages. The cost of recording can vary greatly depending on your choice of recorders. Below are the different recording options you have to choose from.
VCR -The cheapest may be an extra VCR you have lying around. Most cameras can be plugged directly into a VCR or TV’s video input. If the connection is not the same then there are adaptors available. You may be limited when using a VCR to just one camera. You can split the video of more cameras and use them with a VCR if you purchase a quad. A quad splits video inputs so they take up just a portion of the screen. Most quads are 4 channel, but more channel quads are available. VCRs can’t be viewed over the internet.
Surveillance Software and Hardware – This method of recording can also be a very cheap way to record. You must have a computer with some extra RAM and a USB port . This software will turn your computer into a feature rich DVR or digital video recorder (more on this later). To connect a camera to the computer you will need a analog to digital video converter. Just plug the camera into one end and the other end into the USB port on the computer. Most software will be able to see the camera as soon as it recognizes the video converter. If you have more cameras, you will need more converters and more free USB ports. You can also use a quad between the cameras and the video converter cord to increase the number of cameras you can view using this method. This is a great economic way to go if you only have a few cameras. These systems can be connected to the internet and viewed from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.
DVR Card – a DVR card will need to be installed into one of the PCI ports in a PC in order to work. If you can’t add a card to the inside of your PC, then this may not be the best solution for you unless you can get some help. There are many people that have the ability to install a PCI card so help should be easy to come by. These cards range from 4 to 16 cameras and some can be used in sets for systems up to 36 cameras. The exposed part of the card on the back of the computer will allow you to connect the number of cameras the card allows. Most DVR cards will also allow audio microphones to be connected along with the cameras. DVR cards can be full of features and can compared with a high end DVR. DVR cards usually can be connected to the internet and viewed from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.
DVR – is a digital video recorder. This device basically allows your cameras video to be recorded onto a hard drive or internal disk. There are 2 types of DVRs, windows based and embedded. Windows based DVRs are similar to a computer and use the Windows operating system to run surveillance software. Most people find Windows based DVRs much easier to use than embedded DVR. The embedded DVR does not use any software and all functions are embedded on software encoded computer chips. Embedded DVRs are cheaper than Windows based DVRs in most cases. DVRs are generally the most expensive way to record your cameras. Both types of DVRs allow you to connect the cameras directly to the back of the DVR. Some DVRs can be connected to the internet and viewed from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.
You may also want to hook a monitor up to your system. The monitor will allow you to review the recorded video and also watch it live. Depending on the system you are setting up, the monitor may be a TV or may be a computer monitor. Monitors are available in all different sizes and qualities. If you plan on building a surveillance system you may want to consider one of the many systems available that provide everything you need in one discounted package. For the beginner it is many times easier to purchase a complete surveillance system then to try to piece together each thing individually.
These basics should be enough to get you started on finding a home surveillance system to meet your budget. Many times if you speak to a surveillance expert you can simply tell them your needs and your budget and they will put together a system that will work well for you. There are a lot of options for you to protect your home and family, be sure the system purchase will meet your security needs.
Home Surveillance Camera System
Home Surveillance Camera System using Hidden Cameras
Before installing a home surveillance camera system, one has to decide if the cameras need to be visible to naked eye or hidden with some technique. A hidden surveillance camera system, also called as covert surveillance, is always a smart way to track the movements going around in your home. You may need to keep a watch on your children when you are not at home, or your babysitter or some guest whom you do not trust. The most popular type of hidden cameras are the nanny cameras. These cameras are installed in toys, clocks, books, or any object in your house that can easily record the activities of your children or the babysitter, or anybody else. While using nanny cameras for keeping watch on your suspicious babysitter, be careful with the legalities, as in some parts of United States it is illegal to monitor a person who is unaware about being monitored. Nanny cameras have helped provide foolproof evidence for abusive babysitters who mistreat the child. You can always ensure the safety of the valuables at home, with the help of hidden cameras. The tapes can help track the thief in case of robbery.
CCTV Home Surveillance Camera System
It is not that CCTVs can be used only in public places, as they have become fairly cheap to be installed at homes and help prevent crimes. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is the most effective way to surveillance the activities at your home, and also is the most popular type of home surveillance camera system. These cameras are normal TV systems that record the activities in front of the camera, but the only difference is that they do not broadcast the signals to all the television monitors, but only to the monitor they are connected to. The recording can be saved and can be viewed for references or for tracking suspicious activities. With CCTV Home Surveillance Camera System, you will need more than one camera and a professional to install the whole system.
CCTV are very useful for surveillance of a property spread over a large area. The cameras used in CCTV surveillance system are CCD video cameras that generate the video. This video can be transmitted to the monitor with different techniques like, wireless, internet, cables. Remote surveillance is possible with the help of web camera that uses the Internet to transmit the signals. Placing the CCTV cameras should be done with proper care. Care should be taken that you the camera is focused only in the area of your property and you do not spy on someone else's property. Do not place the cameras very high as it can make the maintenance difficult. Home surveillance camera system using CCTV can be quite expensive, but the security of your valuables is more important.
Wireless Home Surveillance Camera System
If you have a limited budget, wireless home surveillance camera system can be a good choice for you. The wireless cameras come in different shapes and sizes and you can use the one that suits your interior. Inverted dome-shaped cameras that are installed on ceiling are commonly used. This system is also a good option for people who travel often and want to keep a watch on their home in their absence. The wireless system for surveillance is easy to install, small in size and portable. The wireless surveillance cameras can be connected to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or a VCR for recording the activities. The system prevents thefts and helps in investigation after a robbery.
Some people have been successful in avoiding robbery, using fake cameras. These cameras do not record or transmit anything, but are just made up of plastic material and look like real security cameras. However, use of such home surveillance system may not be a good option for complete security of your home.
It is noticed that 75% of the crimes that take place in the United States are related to thefts of property. Security of the property is mandatory and home surveillance camera systems are the best ways to prevent thefts at your home. So, if you are thinking of installing one, consult your nearby dealer and install a home surveillance camera system that will fulfill your security requirements.
Install a Camera Surveillance System for Peace of Mind
Camera Surveillance System
No matter what you are looking to protect or investigate, a camera surveillance system can help do the job. Whether it is home or business protection and monitoring or investigative work you need done, camera surveillance systems provide the visual proof needed to prosecute criminals or uncover a mystery. Also, their mere presences is a factor in reducing crimes around the cameras. In order for this to be true; 1) The criminal must be aware of the cameras and 2) the perceived risk presented by the cameras must be greater than any reward of the criminal activity. The only reason to hide the cameras is if you need to catch someone in the act of wrongdoing. In that case a hidden camera is required.
Wireless camera surveillance allows you to install a camera anywhere you need to monitor. It allows the cameras be be more easily hidden, if you want to go that route. When you compare home security systems, make sure that you know if you want hidden cameras. It make a huge difference in the type of cameras you need, and their price. Keeping an eye on a new babysitter or nanny is easy with a wireless hidden spy camera as part of your system. Ensuring an elderly loved one or is being properly cared for and treated well while you are away from is easy when the wireless surveillance system is in place. Recording and monitoring your home is an easy way to make sure caretakers are responsible, trustworthy and attentive to their charges. Easy to use, there are no wires to worry about and no extensive knowledge about cameras or electronics is needed to install a wireless camera. The small unit size makes using these wireless spy cameras easy and discreet. You can even buy spy cams pre-installed in common household items such as clocks and books.
Keeping a watchful eye on your home or business is a smart way to stay safe. A night vision security camera installation can be useful for monitoring driveways, garages, parking lots and loading docks, and to keep track of visitors and employees as they come and go. Home security system installation plans should always include entrance doorways or other entries. It is a wonderful way to see who is visiting, making deliveries or soliciting business so you can decide for whom and when to answer the door at your discretion.
There are many types of camera surveillance systems available on the marketplace today. Visit a local security expert for advice, tips and help making the best decision for your home or business needs. A security camera and monitor system is an investment in the safety and security of your home or business, so make sure you spend time researching what areas to cover and what systems you chose. Whether it is a wireless camera surveillance system or a wired monitor, having camera surveillance will provide peace of mind and evidence should a crime or problem be recorded and uncovered. Shop around for information, price and selection and take the time to buy the system that fits your budget, surveillance needs and recording preferences. Do not be afraid to ask experts for help, they will be happy to guide you in the right direction and help make choosing your system easy and stress free.
Camera Surveillance System Technologies
The technologies for camera surveillance systems has evolved dramatically over the last 20 years. This article will educate you on basic system technologies currently available. After reading this, you should be able to make the right choices when designing a video camera surveillance system that will meet your expectations.
First, we have to understand the different surveillance camera systems technologies, their operations and benefits. The technologies range from 25 year old “Analog” to cutting edge “Digital”. Your goals and what you want to accomplish will dictate which technology is right for you. There are three types of surveillance technologies that you have to consider.
The first is analog recording systems. Basically, these systems consist of the cameras, some sort of muliplexor to comverge the signals, and a VCR. There are many advantages to this type of system. No post processing required in the field/lab. Data storage (VCR tapes) is cheap, $2 – $3 /tape. Changeout time in field is quick, as long as it takes to swap out a VCR tape. Easily display output on analog monitors. Most television repair stations can service the recorders. Sampling techniques can easily be implemented to save storage with the analog camera surveillance system.
The next type is the digital recording camera surveillance system. Digital recording systems can be broken down into two categories, but they have many things in common. Most digital video security systems are intended for short bursts of important data (i.e. the five minutes while an entry is compromised) or for some few hours (i.e. while the robber is checking out the casino without his mask on). The video data being stored on the hard drives is immediately available to the police or security for downloading to the internet, digital storage cards, DVD’s, etc. When the event is over and the small amount of critical data is archived off of the hard drive, the hard drive is then placed back on line to record new video data. At some point in the future, depending on DVD capacity, it will start to write over the data previously recorded but the small amount of security critical data has been saved. Many resolution levels are available and they go to much higher levels than most analog systems. Various compression schemes are available MPEG 2 , MPEG 4, etc. Tremendous range of storage capacities from 20 gig to terabytes. The variety of hard drive video recorders is growing explosively. Digital systems generally require less power than analog systems. Moisture in the environment is generally less of a problem than it was in the past because the hard drives are sealed much better.
The two types of digital recording video surveillance systems are PC based systems and hardware based systems. PC based systems are more flexable and have a wide range of functionality. They are also the most popular for home surveillance systems. Limitations are that the system runs on a PC with the Windows Operating System and all of its flaws and limitations. Also, users must have average or better computer skills. The hardware based system is built specifically for camera security systems and is much less likely to experience operating system issues. However it is the more expensive of the two options.
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