Showing posts with label CCTV Camera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CCTV Camera. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

How a Hidden Camera Can Increase Security in the Home

The covert nature of a camera hidden in foliage, on a book shelf, in a wrist watch or in anything that disguises the device completely, seems a little too far fetch to be used in a simple domestic location. The very utterance of the words Hidden Camera (CCTV Camera) brings to mind images of Cold War old boys and their gadgets, and backrooms with a solitary video technician observing the pictures coming from the other side of the wall. However, this is not necessarily the case.

It is not difficult to find boxes emblazoned with the words “Secret Agent Spy Cameras” in toy shops, with young boys obviously excited to act out an imaginative part in that secretive world. However, the availability of real and quite sophisticated cameras for everyday use in homes, and of course retail areas, is in no way secret. In fact, the spy clock on the mantelpiece is not as obscure a thing as once thought.

There are many reasons why a home owner might think that a secret recording device is needed. Heirlooms of considerable value may be seen as too tempting for the house cleaner to ignore. In the time pressured modern world, where both spouses work to afford a comfortable lifestyle, it is not unusual to hire a cleaner. However, it can be difficult to be in the home when she arrives. For the sake of peace of mind alone, a surveillance camera may be desired.

If it seems a little unfair, it is worth noting that such steps are precautionary, with rarely any event happening to warrant actually using the footage. However, if the diamond necklace that grandmother bequeathed is to remain safe, security measures need to be taken, especially when household staff are new or not very well known.

It is also a reality of modern living that a nanny be hired to look after children. Since many of the nannies hired are strangers to the family, it is understandable that there would be initial concerns over their treatment of the children. Nannies are required to have background checks, but these are sometimes not performed in as thorough a manner as they should be.

The bottom line, of course, is that parents have the right to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the well being of their children, making secret surveillance necessary.

Perhaps the most obvious reason is the desire to provide extra security for valuables in the off chance that the home security system is breached. Cameras can be installed in rooms where that antique original oil painting is hanging, or solid gold candle sticks stand, or even where the house safe is located, to record any intruder that may arrive to burgle the home. By having undetectable cameras cover entry and exit points, it is possible to record the culprit and identify him.

These are just a handful of reasons why secret cameras are used in a home, though the range of camera designs and disguises are just as numerous. For example, a simple digital clock can be placed in the bedroom of the child to observe the behaviour of the nanny when no one else is looking. While it will function perfectly as a clock, a tiny hole in the case houses a lens through which the images are captured.

However, a digital alarm spy clock may look out of place in a luxurious living room, where the set of golden candlesticks is located. A smoke detector on the ceiling would look less conspicuous, so there is an imitation model available. While it seems that the threat of fire is being addressed, in fact, a tiny camera (CCTV Camera)is recording from inside the casing. Most of the cameras also have sound capabilities, as well as motion detectors to reduce footage time to only when there is movement.

Of course, it is always preferable that nothing happens at all, but should there be a situation then catching those guilty in the act can lead to them being arrested and stolen items being recovered. Secret agent style spy cameras may be reserved for the toy shop shelves, with the more modest sounding hidden camera a more suitable title. Regardless of the name, the outcome is the same, with security enhanced for the home, its occupants and their possessions.

About Author: Kathryn Dawson writes articles about Fly on the Wall, experts in spy cameras and all types of security surveillance systems. Fly on the Wall often updates its product range to ensure you get the best products with up-to-date specs, including spy clock, hidden camera and more.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Ensure Safety With Cctv Camera and Security Systems

In this day and age, you can't be too complacent about the safety of your own home. Crime abounds everywhere, and even the seemingly safest areas are not spared. Crime prevention is a near impossible feat. However, crime detection leading to prosecution is not, thanks to CCTV security systems.

CCTV Surveillance Defined
Having a CCTV security system for video surveillance and live monitoring purposes is like having an entire television network devoted to the safety of your home. CCTV security systems may comprise of a single or a group of surveillance cameras on a private in-home network. They can be linked to an observation monitor with well-placed cables or even wirelessly.

CCTV security systems are commonly used in areas in need of high-security, such as banks, casinos, and airports. But because CCTV security systems are relatively inexpensive and simple to use, they are now being used in private homes to bolster homeowners' peace of mind.

CCTV Surveillance vs. Crime
CCTV security systems rapidly gained popularity as an aftermath of the terrorist attacks on London's public transport system. Surveillance videos identified the men responsible for the attacks, leading to their capture and eventual prosecution.

This proves that a CCTV security system is an effective tool for crime detection and can provide solid evidence. Furthermore, with constant vigilance, a CCTV security system is a powerful deterrent and may even stop crime before it actually happens.

CCTV Cameras and Your Home
CCTV security cameras are simple enough to be used at home. They can take images with resolutions as high as 1600 x 1200 pixels on a time lapse or motion detection basis, depending on your setup. Some CCTV security systems have add-on features like tilt-zoom, low light, and infrared. CCTV security cameras are relatively inexpensive. Prices vary, depending on factors such as size, type, display, resolution, zoom, and connection. CCTV security cameras are commonly available as domes, bullets, and standard c-mounts. They are available in black and white or colored, with audio or without audio.

With a good setup, CCTV security systems can monitor up to 16 rooms and areas in your home, all the while providing clear and highly visible images. You can monitor your garage, your kitchen, your front yard, and even your mailbox. CCTV security systems are able to record suspicious activities real-time. The cameras subsequently transfer the captured images to a PC or laptop through a USB, coaxial cable, or a wireless adapter.

Study your needs before you install your CCTV security system. Consider the area that you want covered, as well as consider future expansion. If installed outdoors, invest in specialized weatherproof housings and proper protection from vandals. Lighting is also an important thing to consider. The absence of proper lighting will produce muddy pictures that could end up being useless. Lastly, ensure that you have a stable power source and power supply.

CCTV Surveillance and the Law
Video surveillance is subject to privacy laws. Your home is your private domain and you have every right to protect it. A CCTV security system is a powerful addition to your home security system. However, you have to check the legality of your system. It is best to consult with a lawyer or at least get in touch with your local law enforcement department to ensure that all local, state, and federal requirements are met.

About the author :
Nahshon Roberts

Installing Your Own Cctv System

CCTV systems are now been used in an increasing amount of domestic properties. Domestic CCTV systems offer the house holder an extra level of security and many CCTV installations are now been installed by the end user. Many home owners are buying professional DIY CCTV kits or CCTV packages and cutting out the CCTV installation companies, this often means you can install much better quality components for half the price of what you would pay for an installed system.

Installing your own CCTV system is straight forward and can be done in a number of ways. The easiest method is to use ready made RG59 cables that carry the cameras power and video signal to a CCTV DVR, which in turn is connected to your TV via a BNC to Scart connector. A CCTV DVR will allow you to record more than one camera’s images at the same time directly to an internal hard disk, while adding the time and date. The type of DVR you select for your installation will depend on the number of cameras you require or may need in the future, as standard they range form 4-16 cameras. CCTV DVR’s allow you create a split screen so you can see multiple cameras at once or you can just select the camera you are interested in. If you want the feature to connect your DVR to the Internet to allow remote viewing this too is possible. Configuring your DVR to allow you to see your property across the internet is becoming extremely popular and requires a little IT knowledge to configure the Router, Firewalls and your DVR.

Selecting the type of CCTV camera depends on your budget and the quality you desire. An external camera will have an Infra Red distance, this is the maximum the camera could see in darkness, bare in mind that the rating means there and back as the Infra Red has to reflect back to the camera for the image to be visible. Also its worth noting that IR Cameras don’t work too well if they are just pointing at grass, trees or bushes are these are very absorbent. Cheaper cameras usually have a fixed lens, these are the easiest to install but don’t offer the flexibility of a vari-focal lens camera that allows you to change the focal length. A CCTV cameras resolution is measured in TV lines ie a camera with a 540 TVL sensor will generally have a higher resolution that a camera with a 400TVL CCD image sensor. Although the quality of a CCTV camera depends on more that just the TVL rating, the lens, circuitry and build quality can be more determental. Also the best cameras at night use whats called an ICR filter, this is other wise know as a True Day Night Camera and these cctv cameras generally offer up to a 30% increase in image at night compared to non ICR cameras. Buy your cameras with care from a reputable dedicated CCTV supplier as the quality can vary enormously.

To install a system in your own home firstly work out where you would like to put the cameras and how far these points are from the likely location of the CCTV DVR recorder, work our how much cable you will need before you purchase your CCTV Kit to ensure you will have enough to reach your desired location. You will need a drill with a long drill bit, some ladders and just a little common sense!

About the author :
Edwin Earl