Thursday, October 25, 2007

Surveillance Cameras in Homes and Workplaces: Is It Worth It?

By: Abby Mckinsley

How far will you go when it comes to protecting your home? Will a watch dog suffice? A neighbor who may be too busy probably? Or a teenage kid you employed from across the neighborhood to babysit for you? Circumstances of burglaries and child s at home with or without the sitters and house-helps have been constantly increasing a few years before that; now, home video surveillance have become part of almost each household. Video surveillance is a huge help, not only in documenting incidents and whatever happenings around the premises, but in preventing untoward events as well.

Home surveillance systems nowadays allow you to regulate your home and what goes on in there even when you are miles far from home. Contemporary technology and digital video surveillance camers make it probable for us. You could have the alternative of watching live feeds remotely from your house to your PC through the Internet or saving the information for future reference or both. All these in superior-quality color representation. You can even integrate infrared technology for effective visibility at night.

For the same reasons, video surveillance security systems are also very popular in shops, offices, and other working locations. It not only monitors those customers who are entering but also the persons who are inside the premises themselves--the employees. Misbehaving employees have been causing their employers so much problem that regulating them through video security systems is just as vital as watching out for thefts and aggressive customers. The monetary damage that these employees cost is nowhere near the cost of having a competent video surveillance system installed at the workplace that's why business people were the initial ones to recognize and embrace the significance of this technology.

CCTV cameras are what we typically see in establishments such as banks, workplaces, malls, and other public locations. With closed circuit TV, you can watch several feeds from various cameras all at the same moment. This makes regulating few rooms a lot simpler. CCTV also often have motion sensors that detect movement in an otherwise vacant room and track it, or find an individual in a crammed place and track his motions. In low-light areas as well as dark locations, CCTV with infrared cameras is the ideal surveillance system, specifically if the area is prone to pranks and crimes at night.

With video security, you are not just trying to protect your business and personal belongings and properties, but also yourself and your family. Visible security cameras are enough to stop a terrible scene from occurring because would-be criminals will be hesitant to do so if they realize that they are being recorded. If it's at home, nannies and sitters are inclined to be more careful, and burglars and pranksters are more hesitant to do some misbehaving. And you can watch what your children are up to simultaneously. At the office, it is similar thing: it prevents malicious employee behavior at the same time protecting them from probable hazardous behavior from customers outside. Just like human security personnel, only less expensive. So is it worth it? I'd say it is.

Article Source: http://ezarticles.net

Best Reasons to Install a Hidden Home Security Camera

By: Corbin Newlyn

One of the biggest issues that we face in today's society is ensuring that our family and property are safe and sound at all times. Vandalism and burglary are sadly on the increase and and with it are the attempts of trying to make are homes safer to live in.

Security Systems

There are numerous security systems that are available today on the open market that gives the users everything that's needed in order to be safe, from hidden home security camera systems to monitor devices. We will explore some of the options available to us and see how a hidden system can benefit you.

A hidden home security camera system has the ability to function in many different ways for your safety and benefit; for instance, if you make the choice to put it in the children's room in order to ensure they are safe and to monitor them, a hidden home security camera system will be the best option due to the fact that your children may be tempted to play with the device if it is visible.

Another good example where a hidden home security camera system would serve a good purpose is in the event that a thief is aware of it and makes the decision to vandalize it in order to not be detected and break into the house with ease. If the cameras are hidden from view you will be able to have full-time surveillance with ease with no fear that someone can access it and interrupt your visual confirmation that there may be a thief.

Other security systems include wired and wireless home security cameras in addition to monitor home security, which is the most pervasive choice today. Having a monitored security system helps ensure that assistance will be on the way immediately if an alarm is triggered and you don't have to be concerned in the event you are away from your home or out of town as the authorities will keep a watch on your goods and property.

Helpful Advice

In order to make an informed decision for which system suits you and your property best it is a good idea to consider all the options that are available to you, in that way View can make a decision much easier where you would like to have a hidden home security camera and how to place it in such a way that it is not visible to any would-be thief's.

If a thief at various times observes obvious devices that a security system is in place it may have the effect of intimidating them and they may choose to leave your home alone; because in the end no one wants to get caught breaking the law and have to face penalties. Besides the thought goes through the mind of the would-be thief that there are many other properties that may not have a security system at all.

With the safety of your family and home it is a wise decision to install a hidden home security camera system as soon as possible as it will give you the safety and peace of mind that you will enjoy when you're away on vacation knowing that your home is always protected and watched.

Article Source: http://ezarticles.net

How To Best Use A Limited Security Camera System

By: Dean Caporella

If you haven't gone down the route of purchasing and installing a security camera system in your home yet then it's something you should give serious consideration to.

With crime rates up and home burglaries and invasions on the rise, at least with a security camera system, the rate of deterrent is heightened.

No, simply having a system installed in your home is not going to stop a criminal breaking in if their minds are set on it but with one in place, at least they'll think twice about desecrating your private place and possessions.

Security Camera Technology

Security cameras have certainly made a quantum leap in technology and affordability. With the introduction of the internet, quality security systems at low prices have invaded the marketplace and the tough decision on your part is actually deciding which one you need and is best suited to your home.

From a budget point-of-view, you obviously want to get the best "bang for your buck" but taking shortcuts may not be the best option. If you have gone through the unpleasant experience of having your home burgled then you'll know it's one of the worst feelings of invaded privacy you can experience.

How much do you value your most expensive possession and it's contents? There is little value in putting in a sub-standard security camera system if it only partially covers your home.

Protecting Your Home's "Blind Spots"

For those people working on a budget then one of the best ways to get the most benefits from a security system is to concentrate on the "blind spots" inside and outside the home.

It's natural for an intruder to avoid being seen so they'll be looking for areas away from both natural and artificial light to make their entry. A security camera system restricted by the number of cameras contained within it's system would be better utilized by concentrating on these blind spots.

For example, a side of the house may offer protection to an intruder from the outside world and would be a good entry target for them. Having a camera positioned here would make sense. Or a dark entry point to your property which could allow someone to slip onto your premises undetected by sight is another prime camera target.

In other words, if you are restricted by your budget initially then use the available cameras you have for maximum benefit.

Drawing up a plan of your property layout and then speaking with a professional about how to best utilize the number of cameras you want should be your very first step before spending your hard earned cash on a security camera system. Make sure you highlight the main blind spots leading into and in your home.

Article Source: http://ezarticles.net

How a Wireless Home Security Camera Functions To Help Keep You Safe

By: Corbin Newlyn

Numerous households and nearly every businesses utilizes some kind of security cameras to perform surveillance at the corners that the owners unable to do. Small or large cameras can be wired to viewing monitors and/or tape recording instrumentation to keep track of the security. Nowadays, the majority of technology is operated by programmable computers.

That is really the benefit of the wireless home security camera system. It is controlled by a computer. The wireless signals are received by a control box and the integral computer determines what action to take in regards to the signal. Those choices are predefined by the individual who programs the computer. The more modern user friendly computers are not required to have somebody write a computer program each occurrence of a change that is made. Easy-to-use interfaces, such as control pads, mean a alteration can be recorded with a simple press of a button or two.

What They Are Capable Of

Each wireless home security camera is integrated into a wireless security system. Once you determine what you require your camera to do, you can hook it up. For example, your porch wireless home security camera calls for it to be remotely operated so it can be triggered whenever the doorbell rings. It can be incorporated into the porch light so that it does not require an infrared system.

You can swivel the camera through remote control to find out if anybody is hiding close to the door. An infrared camera close to the carport can be controlled by a motion detector so that you can discover whether anybody is creeping into the garage while the door is wide open. A wireless home security camera can be installed to store its pictures on a VCR or TiVo, broadcast its images to whichever TV set you choose at that point or transmit its images over the world wide web to a web site you can set up to observe from wherever you may be at the time. And you have the ability to alter that set up from day to day or hour to hour.

All you need that needs to be performed by you is to set up your wireless system or have it completed for you. Then determine where you should position your cameras. You could set up a camera to keep a steadfast eye on a doorway or an individual or you can erect a camera for those just-in-case occurrences so that you can activate it remotely when required.

A wireless home security camera can be as little as a lipstick case if you wish it concealed or as big as the security cameras in your local delicatessen so possible thieves will recognize that your household is defended. You could possibly set up a camera in the family room or your children's bedroom for the times the kids are at home unsupervised. They will get a sense of being more secure and you will then be able to focus on what you are expected to be carrying out when you both realize that you are watching.

Article Source: http://ezarticles.net

Internet Home Security Camera System - The New Breed!

y: Dean Caporella

Buying an internet home security camera system is a smart decision in today's society given your home is generally your biggest investment. So why wouldn't you want to protect it and it's belongings?

The question then needs to be asked...do you need to spend thousands of dollars to have a home camera security sytem installed to give you greater peace of mind. The short answer is...no you don't.

Internet Security Systems

There are many excellent systems on the market today and the most encouraging aspect is, if you possess just a little technical ability, in most cases you can install them yourself.

Depending on your budget, you can start off with less than $100 and if you have a bigger budget to work with then yes, you could conceivably buy systems running into the hundreds or thousands of dollars in cost.

Internet home camera systems are growing in popularity over their cabled cousins simply because they offer a cheaper alternative. For example, if you have a computer, and an internet connection, you can operate a wireless system to cover the inside of your home. Some of the more elaborate systems can operate up to 15 to 20 cameras however, you'll certainly be parting with more money to own and operate one of these.

It all depends on the level of coverage you're after. For basic coverage, 3-4 cameras should suffice to cover the main areas of your home. With an internet connection, you'll have the ability to access your system from either within the home or outside it for greater peace of mind.

Many Features

These internet home camera systems have many features such as operating them online allowing the user to tilt and zoom. An alert function such as if the camera detects some motion within the home can be set up and you will be notified of it. Connecting to a TV and VCR unit is optional but a sensible option particularly if you are away from home a lot and restricted in the number of times you can log into the system from an outside source.

One of the biggest advantages these systems have over the wired s is you can be very flexible with where you place your cameras. Usually, once wired systems are fixed that's it but with an internet home security camera system you can reorganize your placement when desired. The best news is these systems can be installed by the buyer for minimal cost.

Article Source: http://ezarticles.net

Making Sense of your Home Securty Camera System

Home security camera systems can be a good way to monitor your surroundings, however, the options available on a home security camera can be frustrating to sift through in order to find the best system for your needs. People have different reasons for wanting a home security camera in place. There are those that find a security system necessary in order to be a more participating entrepreneur, while others feel like they need the benefit of a home security camera. Whatever your reasons, all security systems can be costly, so make sure to sit down and assess your budget before investing in camera for personal or professional use.

The first kind of home security camera is known as a dome camera. Obviously, this camera comes in the shape of a dome and it fits conveniently on the ceiling of your home or business. You will find the dome cameras often times in casinos where they are used to monitor the tables. You will also find home security at its most fashionable with the dome lens. There are dome cameras that can be placed outside, however, you must use a special armor type in order to do this kind of mounting. Sony carries two different types of dome security cameras and they are a leader in the industry. You can choose from the Verifocal dome camera, which has the highest resolution (420 lines) and an adjustable lens. You can also purchase Sony's Infrared Armor dome camera, which acts as a hidden camera and is the most durable of all of the dome cameras. Dome cameras are the most popular security cameras because they are impossible to detect which angle they are viewing unless you are at close range. They come in black or white and they all have adjustable lenses.

The second type of home security camera is the bullet camera. The lens is long and resembles a rifle, which is where the camera finds its name. Bullet cameras are easily visible and can be mounted to a wall or a ceiling. They use a 12V DC voltage, and the power cable should be included when the camera is purchased. Most of these cameras will film in color and then change their resolutions to black and white when the light levels are lower. The resolution during the day is much better with the bullet security systems, but if you have an alternate form of lighting, like a streetlight, people can sometimes be seen from up to 70 feet away. The most popular brand of bullet security cameras is the SPECO CVC-6805SX, which is color and has a fixed lens of 4mm.

No one can be on call twenty-four hours a day for security, and most people cannot afford to hire a home security service to monitor their home or business. However, if you purchase the third type of home security camera, the infrared lens camera, you will feel like you are watching daytime footage. The camera comes with small lights that surround the lens, but they are not included in the night vision cameras, which can confuse consumers. Most people find that the color outdoor camera, made by Digital Peripheral Solutions (model number QSVC422 CCD) is the most reliable camera for the price. Remember that because of the extra lighting, so you will find that home security with these cameras do not do well when they are placed outside because decorative glass windows can create a glare. These cameras are also small but they will not do well being hidden because they produce a lot of light for maximum-security visuals.

Sometimes people just want to feel they have a secure home no matter what. Installing a home security camera because it gives you piece of mind, or setting up a camera at work to keep an eye out when you can't be there could cut down on stress and anxiety. There is nothing wrong with wanting to protect your home, your business, your investments, or the people that you feel a responsibility towards. Setting up a type of monitoring alarm system in order to make yourself feel better when you cannot be around is a hands-on way to run your life.

Article Source: http://ezarticles.net