Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Night vision cameras

What exactly is the purpose of a security camera, what were they invented for? Well as far as I am concerned as well as any one who owns one or even back to the person/s who invented it was to inhibit criminal activities, to capture the criminal right in the middle of the act on camera. But here is the problem that we face, crime does not only happen in the day but also happens at night but not all cameras work well at night without the aid of an additional external light to aid it. For one thing, it is an extra overhead expense on a companies part and particularly for nature conservationist who use cameras to monitor animals in their natural habitat at night this would hinder there progress. For that specific reason one such camera exist that takes care of this problem, night vision security cameras.

The thing is most security cameras have the ability to produce relatively decent pictures in dim or low light but is an impossibility for them in total darkness, which is the weakness in most cameras. As previously stated this is where night vision security cameras come in, but with one

slight disadvantage in that the current generation cannot record in color but in black and white. There is however an option of getting those equipped with a hybrid configuration that allows it the ability to produce color images in good lightning but returns to black and white in night vision mode. This however is an aside considering it does its job and keeps view of the surroundings even in the dark.

There are many shows and movies on television depicting night vision goggles and cameras whereby the image produce is something like a green background or coloring with shadows for images. What you should know though in reality images produced from the night vision security camera are somewhat similar but however the actual quality and detail or the produce images are much more defined and therefore are liked more by people in comparison to what is seen on television.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Home security equipment

Home security equipment used to be a luxury reserved for the rich and famous; but these days, countless companies provide average homeowners with reliable security systems. While the equipment can vary depending on the company or manufacturer, all systems are comprised of the same basic equipment.

1. Keypad: This is a small box with a numbered faceplate that performs two main functions: to initiate security commands, and to display the status of the security system. Keypads include an alphanumeric keypad and an LED display. Homeowners enter a predetermined code to activate the alarm when they are leaving the property, and to deactivate it when they return home.

Many keypads include a panic switch to alert the system immediately in case of emergency, as well as a bypass function that lets the homeowner customize the system to bypass areas where family members may be present. The LED display shows the status of the alarm system; that is, whether or not the system is active.

2. Sensors: These protect the perimeter of the home, as well as open spaces inside. Most common sensors used in home security equipment are window vibration detectors, magnetic door or window switches and acoustical detectors. These sensors are installed on doors and windows to prevent intruders from entering the house. Space protection sensors can also be installed to detect intruders within hallways and interior rooms.

Home security devices

With an increased emphasis on home security, devices have been designed to help prevent break-ins and protect lives and property by keeping the bad guys out. When home alarms first hit the market, home security devices were limited to door and window contacts and under the carpet pads but since then many innovations have been added to the homeowners’ arsenal for home protection. For many people, it is not so much that some of their possessions will be stolen as it is the potential violation of their personal property and space. Physical protection is the main driver behind a family’s use of home security devices to deny a burglar entry into their home. Infrared motion detectors and glass breakage detectors can all be connected to a home alarm system to sound an alarm if illegal entry is attempted.

Automatic dialer systems are another of home security devices being used to notify the proper authorities in the event of a break-in or other emergency. Most can be activated either by the home security devices connected to the alarm’s loop or by pressing an emergency activation switch on a remote or on the alarm panel. Most of the dialers place a call to an emergency call center that in turn contacts the police, fire or ambulance depending on the types of alarm being sounded.

One of the most common and most often overlooked home security devices are a homeowner’s car keys. In today’s automotive market, the majority of vehicles are equipped with remote window and door locks as well as a panic mode button that sounds the car’s horn or alarm. By keeping the car keys on the bedside table when sleeping, if a person hears someone attempting to break into their home they simply hit the panic button and car horn begins to sound, scaring off the would-be burglar.

Many home security devices recently developed are the result of alarm manufacturers talking with burglars concerning their ability to gain entry into a locked, secured home. There should be no misunderstandings that a professional thief who wants to get into a home will be able to do so. It is the amateur and the ones who decide to burgle a house in a spur of the moment decision that home security devices will stop in their tracks.

Infrared security cameras

Infrared security cameras are great for enclosed areas that are not well-lit like car parks and warehouses. You can also put them near your front door or backyard to keep track of what's going on outside your house at night. With the help of infrared security cameras, you no longer need to wonder what's causing the sound in your doorsteps.

How They Work

This type of camera can record images in total darkness because it illuminates figures in the dark using infrared light. This spectrum of light is invisible to the human eye but not to the cameras image sensor. Unlike standard cameras that use the regular lighting spectrum to receive and display images, infrared security cameras use the reflected infrared light to produce an image. This results in pictures that can only be displayed and recorded in black and white.

Choosing the Right Infrared Security Camera

If you plan on putting the security camera outdoors, you can opt for a Day/Night infrared security camera. This type of camera uses an image sensor that can record images in full color during the day then switch to B/W at night and use infrared light to maintain picture quality. Since you will be placing the camera outdoors where it would be at the mercy of the changing weather, you should make sure that it has a weatherproof structure. This feature will ensure the

durability of your security camera. Some infrared security cameras even come with a heater and a blower that would save it frosty winters and hot summers. Choosing a camera with the right lens for the viewing area desired is also important. Wide angle lenses such as the 3.6mm or 4.3mm provide a very good overall view of an area but may not provide enough detail if objects are more than 40 feet away. If you are unsure of the lens size you want or need you can opt for a camera with a varifocal lens. The most common varifocal lenses are 3.5-8mm or 4-9mm and can be easily adjust for the field of view you need.

Outdoor security cameras

Outdoor security cameras are used for the surveillance of exterior of the building, home or office. These cameras are helpful in providing security to banks and home. Outdoor security cameras should be weather proof and sturdy, as these cameras are installed outside the building.

Outdoor security camera comes in different models. Some models can capture color video and some can take black and white. Some outdoor cameras are even capable of taking color videos in day time and black and white video in the night. Outdoor surveillance cameras with advance features may also have infrared illumination (IR) with a passive infrared detector (PIR). This feature lights up the moving objects in complete darkness, which is really helpful for the surveillance of area with no lights. There are outdoor security cameras available, which have audible or visual alarms, threat imaging, or built-in camera speakers and microphone. For monitoring, an outdoor security camera with a wide angle lens will be useful.

You can get wired as well as wireless outdoor security cameras. Wireless security cameras are very convenient to use because they do not have cables. Wireless security cameras are weather proof. Mostly, these cameras are covered in a box or a shield, which protects the camera from a harsh weather. But the drawback of wireless security camera is high battery-consumption.

There are many advantages of an outdoor security camera. Few of them are:

• Weather resistant – Outdoor security cameras have weatherproof lenses. These lenses are clean and dry even in rain or snow. However, you should cover these cameras with some shade, because constant exposure to rain and sun may damage the camera lenses.

Business security cameras

As business owners we sometime like to trust our staff 100% but in a perfect world this may not be the best possible scenario. While it is good to have that warm fuzzy feeling inside and feel good about your staff but sometimes the temptation is to much for even the most honest of staff.

Many business believe that the largest problem with theft at their business is customer theft but it has been proven time and time again that in fact the largest theft by far is from staff. This is not just an off the cuff remark but a problem that is documented time and time again.

So as a matter of coarse when installing security cameras for business you are watching your staff and your staff are watching your customers. Many businesses also use cameras to check not only for theft but for performance , just say your jobs aren’t completed when they should be and imagine your staff telling you they have been busy . Imagine your absolute shock when you watch the replay and find them chatting to their friends for the bulk of their shift.

Many times after security cameras are fitted at a business the amount of stock loss almost stops , initially causing a jump in profit that may surprise even the most pessimistic and trustworthy of owners and bosses. The main thing to think about when initially installing cameras is to hide them or have fully visible types.

Generally owners may think that a hidden camera would be best , but from experience this may not be the best option. The reason for this is quiet simple from the numerous installations of hidden cameras we have witnessed , it was without a doubt6 every single staff was found doing something wrong. Im not saying stealing but , sleeping , deliberately breaking things , its really quiet a shocking statistic.

Dummy security cameras

From the outside, dummy cameras appear to be real security cameras, but they lack the expensive recording components inside. Without physically taking a dummy camera apart, there is no way of knowing it is actually a fake. Dummy cameras provide added security without the high costs of additional cameras. When a criminal sees a security camera, or what is thought to be one, he is likely move on. When faced with a tight budget, dummy cameras are an excellent alternative to fully functioning security cameras.

Various dummy cameras offer an assortment of capabilities, and it is important that you think about the different features and abilities available to you when choosing dummy cameras. Your choice of dummy cameras depends on which elements you feel are the most important and which ones fit your needs and budget the best.

Choosing dome style dummy cameras will lead burglars to believe you have the ability to view a 360-degree range of an area, while bullet style dummy cameras give off the perception that a close-up picture of his or her face is being recorded.

Home Use

If you have already installed surveillance equipment in your home, but would like to give the impression of having more cameras, dummy cameras are the way to go. Burglaries are not hasty crimes. Homes are usually staked out by burglars before any crime takes place, and the presence of cameras, especially more than one, is enough to send any burglar on his or her way.

Home security monitoring

If you do not already have a home security monitoring system, you might be completely unaware of the options that are available to you. Even if you already have home security monitoring, you still might not be fully aware of the options available beyond your current home security monitoring system. In its most basic sense home security monitoring protects your family and possessions from burglary but it can do so much more than that.

Protection from fire is just one of the other capabilities of a home security monitoring system. While a home security monitoring system will not prevent fires, it can sound an alarm that could summon the fire department quickly enough to prevent catastrophic damage to your property. Many home security monitoring systems have a built in smoke detection system that enables the security system to detect the presence of smoke which could indicate a fire in the house.

When this alarm is triggered, a message is sent to the home security monitoring station which alerts the staff that smoke has been detected in the home. The personnel will then contact the property owner to determine whether it is a false alarm or a true emergency. If it is an emergency the home security monitoring staff member will contact the local fire department to alert them to the fire on the property.

Another aspect of home security monitoring is the use of security cameras inside the home. Security cameras are often installed in the home when there are employees such as daycare providers or cleaning personnel who are unsupervised in the house. Using security cameras for home security monitoring enables the homeowners to oversee the work of their employees while they are out of the house or to review the recordings from the cameras when they return home.

Security alarms

Many home owners today have elected to invest in security alarms for their homes. As many news program will report, crime is on the rise in our country, and many Americans feel the need to take extra measures to protect themselves and their families.

Security alarms help protect families in several ways.

When a family is away from the home, security alarms can be activated. In the event of an intrusion, door and window monitors are tripped, an alarm sounds, and a signal is sent to the control center.

Once the control center receives a signal from a security alarm, a staff member places a telephone call to the family’s home. If someone answers the telephone call and can give the staff member at the control center the family’s password, the staff member knows that a false alarm has occurred.

On the other hand, if someone who answers the phone after a security alarm has been sounded is unable to give the staff member the correct password, authorities are dispatched to the home.

Also, if no one answers the telephone call placed by the staff member from the control center, the staff member alerts authorities and they are dispatched to the home.

So, in the scenario above, when a family is not at home and an intruder attempts to invade the home, no one would answer the call from the control center when the security alarm is activated. The next step in the chain is then placed into motion and the proper authorities are alerted.

Wireless cameras

Today we are aware of the superiority of present tools which are intended to give us full assistance whenever and however we use them. Even we cannot deny the fact about the rising crimes all over the world and the administration and the other higher authorities are constantly worried to find the way out to the solutions to all the rising problems. They wanted ways where they could give complete security to the citizens and then they found out revolutionary ways

where they could give security to the citizens and protect them from the entire crimes which often take place in all the parts of the world. Yes, they recognized and got familiar with the beneficial hidden cameras, the spy cameras, the nanny cameras, the CCTV cameras, the CMOS cameras, the CCD cameras and several other cameras which can be used for supervision dealings in all the fields of work. Earlier the hidden cameras were used only by the administration in some

of the important places where people would likely gather at large, like the airports, the railways stations, the taxi stands, the auditoriums, the universities and so on. But these days almost every individual is opting to buy these hidden or the spy cameras so that they can protect their belongings by themselves and even secure themselves always.

I would personally like to share my distressing experience and how thereafter I regularly carry a Wireless Spy Camera along with me always. I still remember the dreadful when I completed my work around something not too late by today’s’ standards of life. I thought I’d meet my friend for dinner before heading home. The city had been home for me since a past few years and I

didn’t even think to sitting in the edge of a cab enjoying the view of the glittering city with the glass of the cab open least knowing that there was a accident awaiting for me at a traffic signal as soon as the driver pulled light near the signal.

School security cameras

In recent years, the school has been the setting of many tragic and violent incidents. To prevent further bloodshed, educators and legislators have united to make schools safe once more. Some of the strategies that sprang from the collaboration include the deployment of a full-time security officer in school buildings. Another is training students how to handle potentially explosive situations involving their peers. A third, and certainly the most controversial, strategy is the placement of school security cameras.

What Are School Security Cameras?

School security cameras are cameras placed in key areas within school grounds. These cameras use a recording system that allows easy storage, easy recall, and even easier viewing from different monitors, either individually or simultaneously. School security cameras monitor activities taking place within their viewing range. A school personnel or a police officer keeps track of recorded images.

Benefits of School Security Cameras
Supporters of the move claim that school security cameras serve as a good crime deterrent. Because students know that they are being watched, they will not engage in vandalism, for example, or physically hurtful acts. In addition, school security cameras will alert authorities to potentially difficult situations. For instance, security guards can see that a brawl is about to take place, and, therefore, intervene before the fighting even starts.

Another benefit of installing school security cameras is that it provides concerned authorities with evidence that is not likely to be available anywhere else. Because footage is monitored on a regular and timely basis, suspicious activity, criminal or otherwise, can be spotted in a timely manner.

Drawbacks of Installing School Security Cameras
Opponents of the scheme to install school security cameras, on the other hand, aver that school security cameras do not make students and teachers any safer. Everyone knows where the cameras are. Thus, eluding the cameras won't be a problem to someone intending to do a teacher or a student harm.

dome security cameras

All business owners spend a lot in establishing their business. Consider the thousands of dollars spent in developing the site and add in other factors, such as office furniture and equipment, and it’s not hard to see why business owners value their investment very much.

Considering the enormous amount of money they have shelled out in developing their business, these owners do their utmost to make sure their investment is safe. Indeed, business owners fear the loss of their investment through burglary. In minutes, cunning thieves can cart away thousand of dollars worth of valuable items. Unscrupulous employees can steal confidential company papers, download programs that are not supposed to be downloaded, or just doing something against the company rules while the superiors or the owner is not there.

To protect themselves from these possible transgressions, owners invest in surveillance systems to monitor and record activities, internal or external, that happen in their establishments. One of these methods is to install high-tech security devices in their edifices. This could range from motion sensors to infrared-beam-triggered alarms.

One of the most common surveillance systems is the security camera. And one of the most preferred types are security dome cameras. As the name implies, these cameras are shaped like domes. They are compact enough to fit into a large light socket.

All dome cameras are PTZ systems, initials for pan, tilt, and zoom. That means dome cameras can move, or pan, left and right, or tilt, which means, left and right movement, rendering full 360-degree movement. The camera can also zoom in or out on selected areas.

Fake security cameras

A security camera is an indispensable method for catching criminals in or around your office, storefront, or home. If your budget is tight, you may be interested in knowing that a fake one often does the trick just as well as a real security camera. As a homeowner or business owner, you must make careful decisions about what security measures are necessary. Many security camera systems are cost prohibitive for all but the larger businesses, and even basic systems for homes and businesses can be expensive. If the cost of such a system is out of your price range, do not despair. Fake security cameras offer many of the benefits of real ones.

By far the most important reason to purchase security cameras is to dissuade criminal activities, particularly theft or other property crimes. Dummy cameras look exactly the same as a real camera, and can put an end to many of these problems. Many even have blinking lights and other features to make them look authentic, although they are not connected to anything.

These cameras should be mounted in public, highly visible areas where they are sure to be spotted by anyone considering illegal activities on your property. Criminals will not closely examine the camera to see if it's a dummy before making their move. Even if they do get close enough to look at the device carefully, replicas camera look just like the real thing. There is simply no way for potential criminals to distinguish fake camera from real ones. The worry of being caught on tape is a strong deterrent.

These cameras can be placed anywhere you would place a regular security camera. They work best in areas where you would expect heavy security measures and where they will be immediately spotted by anyone trying to determine if your property is a good target. Common places include near doorways, outside under the eaves of a home, or near valuable objects in need of extra protection.

A dummy camera, giving the effect that someone is watching, can be invaluable not only to stop criminal activities such as burglaries, but also to dissuade those inside your home such as house cleaners or nannies from doing anything they shouldn't. Anytime you can't be there to stop such activities in person, a dummy camera will make anyone uncomfortable carrying out criminal activities within sight of the cameras. Many potential criminals change their mind as soon as they catch sight of these cameras.

Audio surveillance

There’s nothing better than wearable spy equipment when performing a secret surveillance operation. It’s undetectable to the naked eye and it’s just as powerful as some larger spy devices. One type of such wearable spy equipment is spy listening devices.

Spy audio surveillance devices, like phone bugs, distant audio recorders or cell phone-like audio spy gadgets are simply ideal for secret spying missions. While video is very useful, in some situations, you simply can’t getaway with it alone. You need audio surveillance equipment to do the job. So these devices help private investigators and police forces to capture critical conversations over the phone, or face to face.

Phone bugs are probably the most common audio surveillance device. We’ve all heard the phrase in the movies - bug. Phone bug is simply a small audio spying device that is attached to the phone (usually inside the phone) and which performs an audio surveillance. It sends signals to other location to stream the voice of the suspect.

Sometimes, phone bugs are not necessarily put into the regular phone directly. In some cases, a phone bug may be put near the phone and still be able to capture the conversation and send the signal to another location. Such bugs may look like everyday objects – clocks, radios, cell phones, watches and so on.

A very neat feature that phone bugs have is that they do not need to record the audio all the time, non-stop. They can turn on and record the conversation only when someone is talking. Why would you need to keep listening to the silence just to find the part when the suspect starts talking? Such more advanced phone bugs sort of guard until the phone is picked up and someone starts talking. You can hear only recorded voices, which makes it very convenient to perform an audio surveillance.

Video monitoring systems

Deciding on whether or not to purchase an alarm monitoring system needs to be thought through thoroughly as it can be a large annual expense. For most of us it gives us that extra sense of security for our house. Often the decision is influenced by where one lives or where the

office is located and also by the contents of your house or office. They will always be certain areas that not only is it mandatory to have an alarm it is also expected that one has monitoring facility in order to have adequate security.

Is the reality of having a monitoring system as good as the idea of having one? There are so

many companies that supply this type of service one needs to be sure before you sign any contract. Regardless of what company you employ for these services one year minimum contract generally applies and sometimes it can be up to three years minimum contract especially if the price of fitting the alarm is bundled in as part of the overall package. Having the alarm fitted for

free is great at the beginning of the contract however be careful that you don't pay the price later on. Very often when the alarm is free, the monthly monitoring fee can be a little higher than their competitors. But the one that can catch people out is that automatic renewal clause that can be hidden in the small print of a contract.

Surveillance equipment

There are many different varieties of surveillance equipment widely available for purchase. This equipment ranges from very small and movie-like (pens and lighters) to more practical (nanny cams and audio recorders). But no matter what type of surveillance equipment you use, there are some essential pieces of equipment that are practically indispensable.

The best surveillance equipment is the kind that helps you protect your home. Hidden cameras are the best for this kind of work. They help you keep track of your valuables, and they allow you to keep tabs on babysitters, nannies, and housekeepers. Additionally, when located on the outside of the home, they are ideal for alerting you to visitors, and identifying vandals.

Another very practical piece of surveillance equipment is a listening device of some sort. After all, even though you may be able to see what is going on, context is often lacking without audio to accompany what you are seeing. Even worse is when a visual cannot be established. In such a case having the audio portion can be very beneficial. It is important to make sure that the device of choice can be plugged into a recorder. Many are now compatible with digital recorders, and this can be very helpful in finding specific portions of the audio.

Night vision products are also a piece of surveillance equipment that can come in very handy. Whether you use goggles, monoculars, or binoculars, it is possible to see at night. This helps with surveillance in such a way that requires no moon and no stars. You surveillance does not have to be weather permitting when you are well equipped with surveillance equipment that allows you to see at night.