CCTV Home Online

2005-11-09T13:21:00.000-05:00

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Security Camera System - Buyers Guide

Security Camera System - Buyers Guide

Although the
application of CCTV security have not changed very much over the past years,
the tools and equipment have significantly. Cameras became smaller, cheaper and
better, but the major breakthrough happened in recording equipment.

Therefore
many customers shopping for complete CCTV monitoring and recording systems are
confused by such a verity of available products. Goal of this article is to
guide buyers toward best possible and most economical type of CCTV equipment,
based on intended implementation and requirements.

Selecting
the right cameras.

It is
virtually impossible to describe all types of available security cameras in
this short article. We will focus our attention on most popular and widely used
camera types instead.

CCTV security
cameras produce images using CMOS or CCD (Charge Couple Device) chips. Tiny,
very low price CCTV cameras usually use CMOS technology, produce poor quality
images and have very poor light sensitivity. Decent quality CCTV cameras use
CCD technology. The size of the CCD chip is normally 1/4", 1/3" or
1/2". As a rule of thumb, the larger the size, the higher the quality of
the image produced and the higher the price. However, higher density 1/4"
and 1/3" CCD chips can now produce as good an image as many 1/3" or
1/2" chips.

The number of
TV lines in the security camera image is a measure of picture resolution
(sharpness). The larger the number of TV lines, the better the resolution and
hence, overall picture quality. Standard resolution camera may have 350-380
lines, over 400 TV Lines is generally considered good resolution while over 500
TV lines is considered high resolution. B/W chip cameras produce greater
resolution and better light sensitivity, therefore suitable for use in dark
areas where light conditions are poor most of the time.

On the other
hand color cameras offer more realistic and natural picture. CCTV cameras are
usually divided into different types based on the body of the camera used.

Professional
grade cameras.

Have box type
body with the ability to use different types and size of lenses. Exchangeable
lenses enable this camera, to monitor objects from virtually any distance.

Although for
indoor use, they can be used for outdoor when combined with weatherproof
housing. They are considered to be the most flexible and widely used by
professionals for commercial installations.

Bullet
cameras.

Bullet
cameras are, as the name suggest contained inside bullet shaped housing.

Most bullet
cameras are weatherproof and sealed without the ability to use different
lenses. Great advantage of bullet camera is the small size and integrated
design, some bullet cameras will even have infrared LED future built-in.
Infrared technology is simply LED light in infrared spectrum (not visible to
human eye). This light will illuminate viewing area, making possible monitoring
in complete darkness. This is great future, but it only works up to certain
distance (usually between 10 and 50 ft. depending on model) Vary simple to
install and estheticly designed, bullet cameras are great choice for
residential and do-it-yourself installations where monitoring objects are
within about 25ft from the camera location (with standard 3.6mm lens).

Board
Cameras.

Board Cameras
are basically fixed lens mounted on a circuit board. These cameras may be
packaged in a small case (Mini Cameras) or dome (Mini Dome) or simply sold
unpackaged, for mounting by the purchaser. Lenses in these cameras are either
of a normal industry aperture or a "pinhole" lens of very small aperture.
Pinhole lens cameras are often called "spy" cameras and may be
mounted in a concealed way for covert surveillance purposes. The most popular
examples of covert board cameras are smoke detector and motion detector
cameras.

Since the
lenses in board cameras are pre-mounted, have a fixed iris and are usually of a
short focal length (i.e. wide angle), their flexibility of usefulness is
limited. However, this type of camera can provide a low cost solution in the
right situation, particularly in a home environment.

We have
shortly described most popular types of cameras, lets now discus, how and where
they mite be used.

Professional
type cameras with C/CS mount lens attachment generally offer best performance
and many important futures, like lens control output, Back Light Compensation
and many more�

Distance from
monitoring object to the camera is not an issue, that is why ability to select
different lenses, based on camera location is so important. Installation is bit
complicated and professional installation strongly recommended. We recommend
this type of security cameras for commercial installations.

Most Bullet
cameras in comparison, do not offer high resolution and lens selection
flexibility, but are likely to be weatherproof, some will have infrared light
built-in and most of all they are relatively easy to implement.

Bullet
cameras usually come with 3.6mm lens witch are considered to be suitable for
most standard installations (good for covering small to medium size room or
equivalent).

For larger
roomsor longer distances, cameras with 6mm or higher lens may be required.

They are
great choice for any do-it-yourself installation.

Board cameras
in contrast are widely used in covert camera installations, sometimes called
Spy Cameras. Many wireless cameras are basically board cameras with built-in
transmitter.

We are not
going to go into wireless cameras right now, as this would be enough material
for completely new article.

Board cameras
are sold as plain circuit board, for integrating into hidden camera devices.
They are also available in dome housing, as vary popular Dome Camera or
integrated with Smoke Detector, Motion Detector, Exit Sign and so on.

Most board
cameras also come with 3.6mm lens although some will allow lens to be replaced.

Over the
time, most practical design has been Dome Camera with its esthetic appearance
it blends into surroundings, especially with drop down sealing, great for use
in stores, lobbies, gas stations and other public places. Practical solution
for covert installation are also, Motion and Smoke Detector cameras, they are
absolutely not substitute for your security alarm or fire protection.

Cameras
should always be selected based on the location of the camera (inside/outside),
distance from the monitoring object, light condition and budget.

When shopping
for security cameras, customers are faced with the fact that they will need to
select one or another recording device.

The days of
well-known CCTV time-lapse VCR recorder are almost over.

Although some
customers still prefer this old fashioned recording solution, it is well worth
to invest some extra money to purchase a good quality digital video recorder
(DVR). Digital recorder transfers analog camera video feed into digital format,
and stores it on hard drive. There are two major types of digital recorders on
the market right now.

PC
Based Systems.

A special
board and software installed on the computer will allow camera inputs and store
video on the hard drive.

Many people
are under the misconception that personal computer with additional hardware
installed, will do the job. This explains the hundreds of companies that have
hung up a sign, taken out some ads and begun working out of basements and
garages, holding themselves out to be DVR manufacturers and security
specialists. The main problem with this type of CCTV recorders lies in the main
component of it� Yes, it is a computer, designed to do unlimited tasks, but non
well. The truth is that any computer based digital video recorder is, and will
always be vulnerable to software crashes, hang-ups, system instability, virus
related problems etc�

Stand
Alone Systems.

Very similar
in appearance and control functions to standard VCR recorders, are truly
remarkable devices. Most video processing is done by hardware, therefore eliminating
system crashes, video is also stored on hard drive in digital format. The basic
operating system, usually Linux, is permanently stored on special processor,
witch is impossible to overwrite or corrupt. Designed and manufactured with
single application in mind, it is by far better in performance and reliability
to its PC based rival.

Some DVR
systems will even have remote monitoring capability, useful when monitoring is
required in different locations thru Internet or network. Most important
futures to look for when selecting the right DVR recorder are motion detection
and frame speed. The higher the frame speed the more fluent video recording.
Motion detection will allow recording video from each camera only when motion
is detected; this is great for extending video recording time.

Security
Monitors.

Video from
Security recorder could be displayed on regular TV monitor. It is OK to do it
this way, for baby monitoring or residential application, when quality of the
picture is not that important. However for professional installation, security
monitors are as much important as cameras. They offer extended life of picture
tube (necessary with any static picture, that can cause picture burnout) and
much grater resolution.

Cables
and wiring.

Finally any
camera installation will require proper wiring. Good quality cable will prevent
video degradation over long distance runs. It is recommended to use RG59 or RG6
coaxial cables as it is fully shielded and will prevent video loss up to 400
ft. Coaxial cables will require BNC connectors and proper installation possibly
done by experienced technician. In short runs plug and play non-coaxial cables
with factory installed BNC connectors may be used (up to 150 ft.). The plug and
play cables are easy enough to install by not experienced users.

Cables for
CCTV cameras consist of two cables bundled in one jacket. One cable for video
and one for power delivery.

Conclusion.style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>

Every CCTV
system is as good and reliable as its weakest component. With this in mind,
investing on highest quality and performance cameras, while purchasing low
performance recorder, from economical and practical standpoint just does not
make sense.

For example,
why use cameras with 500 TV lines of resolution with monitor that offers only
380 or less. All the benefit of high-resolution camera is affectively
sacrificed by limited capability of monitor. Asking questions is important
before purchasing video security system, and your vendor will probably be able
to give more details and recommend equipment for specific needs and
requirements.

To see original article go to:

http://www.2flyer.com/sc/Security-Camera-Systembuy.htm

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Wokingham, Berkshire, UK May 7, 2004 -- VideoCent...

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2005-11-06T13:18:00.000-05:00

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CCTV � What Are The Advantages

CCTV � What Are The Advantages? How Do I Decide, What I Need?

By href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jimmie_Newell">Jimmie Newell src="./CCTV_files/image001.jpg" alt="Platinum Quality Author" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025">style='color:#4B4B4B'>

Closed
circuit TV systems have been available for many years, they have also undergone
some almost miraculous transformations in recent years. What used to be very
expensive, cumbersome and hard to configure systems are now very reasonable,
easy to configure , and easy to maintain, and they provide much more
versatility and usefulness than just a few years ago.

When
choosing system components the first decision you need to make is what are you
using it for. The primary uses for CCTV systems are surveillance, traffic
control, theft, shoplifting, employee theft, and/or robbery deterrence, and
identification. Surveillance and traffic control probably do not require color
cameras, black & white may actually provide better resolution. However
theft, shoplifting and/or robbery deterrence and identification may require
color cameras, if there is an arrest and prosecution a court will require color
to make positive identification, on a black & white recording a red
sweatshirt would appear to be gray.

Next
you need to decide what exactly do you want to see, how far away is it, what
are the lighting conditions, is it indoor or outdoor, how wide a viewing angle
is desired? The answers to these questions will help you choose the correct
kind of camera and lens combination, the correct mounting or enclosure, even
what kind of cabling needs to be provided.Deciding how you will view, record
and store the information is next on the list.

The
choices for viewing include a central monitoring point, multiple monitors,
single monitors that can show multiple images, on your computer via the
Internet, how about on a special cell phone from anywhere in the world.
Recording and storing information can range from a time lapse recorder, your
computer, or a DVR recorder. If you use a time lapse recorder, you need to be
aware of the limitations on what is recorded and when, and you may need more
equipment, such as a switcher and/or multiplexer. Storage of video tapes can
also be a challenge. With a DVR recorder, all you need to decide is how long to
you want to save events at one time, the longer time frame you want to save,
the bigger hard drive you need. Events or time periods that need to be saved
can be downloaded to a computer, or burned to a CD, very economical and easy to
manage. A DVR, unlike the time lapse recorder will record continuously from all
camera's, they also incorporate the switcher and multiplexer functions into one
unit. A few years ago DVR recorders were very expensive, today they are very
reasonable, and will continue to go down in cost and provide more advanced
features.

When
you are ready to spec your system contact your local CCTV expert for the latest
information and a competitive quote, these professionals are in the business,
they have access to all of the new products, they know how they work, and what
works in any given situation.

A
couple of words of caution; Some businesses will display a fake camera in their
place of business with the idea that this will deter shoplifting, robbery or
employee theft. In light of some recent court case this practice should be
discouraged, it has been successfully argued that the presence of a
"dummy" camera can provide patrons or employees with a false sense if
security that is not there. This false sense of security has led to injury.

Buying
your security system as an all in one set from a "big box store" can
save some money, however you will almost surely end up with equipment that is
inferior and not specified correctly for you needs, and when you need service
or adjustment, you may not be able to get service.

Jim
Newell

Please
visit http://www.SecureYourStuff.com
for links to manufacturers sites and crime prevention sites, many of which have
additional security tips.

Jim
Newell a Security Professional and Consultant for over 35 years, operates a wed
site who's mission is to bring you information about security systems ,
security devices and security hardware. To help you to make informed and
educated decisions about securing your personal property, your home and your
business property. Visit http://www.secureYourStuff.com
for more info.

Wokingham, Berkshire, UK May 7, 2004 -- VideoCent...

Orlando, FL February 17, 2004--Your most private ...

security cameras - wireless security camera
security cameras - wireless security cameras
security cameras - wireless surveillance

2005-11-05T13:17:00.000-05:00

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A Wireless Third Eye

A Wireless Third Eye

How often could you use an extra eye on
something important? Security cameras are built for just such a task, but they
can be costly and difficult to install because they usually require a hardwired
connection.

But using a wireless networking connection can let you
position just such a camera exactly where you want it--that is, within range of
a Wi-Fi hot spot. We've been testing just such a camera from Cisco Systems'
(nasdaq: href="http://www.forbes.com/finance/mktguideapps/compinfo/CompanyTearsheet.jhtml?tkr=CSCO">CSCO
- news -
href="http://www.forbes.com/peopletracker/results.jhtml?startRow=0&name=&ticker=CSCO">people
) Linksys unit--the Linksys Wireless B Internet Video Camera--and
found there is a good deal of potential for just such a product, though it
still needs some improvement.

The basic idea behind this camera is that it lets you position it
near pretty much anything you want, where the camera can watch for you, notify
you if there's any movement, or simply take a picture and send it to you. style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>

One feature we liked right away and which worked very
well was the integrated motion sensor. If the camera notices movement within
its field of view, it will automatically start taking pictures. We set it up
near the office candy machine and caught a few co-workers grabbing a snack. We
were able to watch from a Web page that wasn't visible to the outside world.
But it does come with software that makes publishing a live picture on the
Internet easier.

The camera contains its own embedded server software and
doesn't require a direct connection to any computer, only to a local area
network. This creates some powerful options. One setting lets the camera
automatically send a still picture by e-mail whenever it detects movement. If
it's pointed at something that shouldn't be moving, it can let you know right
away and send a short video. These e-mails can also be sent to you on a regular
schedule if you prefer. This feature works as the company advertises, though we
were surprised to find these video clips could only be five seconds long. Also,
there's no sound, since the camera has no microphone.

The obvious applications are obvious. This camera could
make a good baby monitor. And though we liked the features, getting to a point
where we could actually test them was a frustrating process.

Our chief complaint was with set up. It took us several
tries--and several of those were with the help of a professional network
engineer--before it actually worked with our Wi-Fi network. We were about to
give up on this test but gave it one last try, when it finally worked. We never
did figure out what we had done wrong in the first place. This set-up process
is in terrible need of some improvement for the sake of simplicity and the user's
sanity.

For this product's purchase price of $190, we like it
overall, but we don't love it. Linksys has done several things right only to
botch the set-up process. Future revisions should focus not on adding new
features but on streamlining and simplifying how users without an education in
computer network architecture can it up and running

To see original article go to:

http://www.2flyer.com/sc/A-Wireless-Third-Eye.htm

September 14, 2004 -- Spy cameras are growing in ...

January 8 2004--There is a great need for crime p...

security cameras - wireless cctv
security cameras - wireless hidden camera
security cameras - wireless hidden cameras

2005-11-04T13:16:00.001-05:00

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A Wireless Third Eye

A Wireless Third Eye

To see original article go to:

http://www.2flyer.com/sc/A-Wireless-Third-Eye.htm

Orlando, FL February 17, 2004--Your most private ...

January 8 2004--There is a great need for crime p...

security cameras - video surveillance system
security cameras - video surveillance systems
security cameras - wholesale security cameras

2005-11-03T13:15:00.000-05:00

Wokingham, Berkshire, UK May 7, 2004 -- VideoCentric and its reseller partners have been selling the successful EVI-D31 and EVI-D100 models for many years and introduced the revolutionary black version of the EVI-D70 during October 2003. The new white version just launched using the slogan "perfect vision � perfectly hidden", is also capable of being mounted upright or inversely from a ceiling bracket which is supplied as standard.

David Shimell, Sales Director for VideoCentric, said, "although we have worked with many cameras over the years, the exciting new EVI-D70 is clearly the best we have seen to date. Over the last six months it has undergone extensive testing by VideoCentric, SONY and a major UK customer and out of the five cameras tested, the D70 came out on top."

Six reasons to buy the new white EVI-D70PW include:-
1 Outdoor or indoor use, even in the poorest lighting conditions. This is achieved through outstanding sensitivity of one lux, twice the sensitivity of the nearest competitor.
2 18x optical plus 12x digital zoom giving a possible combination of 216x zoom.
3 Flexible mounting options. Upright or ceiling mounted using bracket supplied. VideoCentric also supplies a range of wall, window and tile brackets for specialist applications.
4 Fast 340 degree pan and 120 degree tilt
5 Connect up to 7 cameras at up to 1.2km apart
6 Rapid pre-set of up to 6 camera positions (can be recalled even after switch off)

VideoCentric will begin supplying the new EVI D70 to end-users and trade partners in May 2004. For full details including data sheet please visit www.videocentric.co.uk

About VideoCentric Ltd.
VideoCentric is a UK/International Distributor of best-in-class video products from SONY, Canon, VCON, Polycom, Tandberg, RADVision, Codian and StarBak.. Headquartered in Berkshire, England, VideoCentric markets its products and services primarily in the UK but has also formed associations with other Companies worldwide to facilitate the global supply and support of major corporations and system integrators.

For more information, visit www.videocentric.co.uk or contact www.sonybiz.net/vision or telephone +44 (0)118 974 0125.

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