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Saturday, October 31, 2009

Monitor Your Safety With Video Security Systems And CCTV Cameras

By Bryon Marwick

For good quality security systems use a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). It varies from broadcasting signal that not openly transmitted so it is usually point-to-point links. Using the video cameras either digital or analog can quickly transmit a signal to a designated portal so that the owner of the system can watch the video feed in actual time, or perhaps do some review after a crime scene occurred. The footage on the video is very helpful because it provides some evidence to the police and that would surely help to solve the crime. There are so many uses of the cameras and some of that are being seen in factories or at the manufacturing facilities where it helps them to ensure rules and regulation are being met and strictly adhered. Thus, it provides evidence of security surveillance to those who opposed to the rules and regulations of the government. The cameras will also serve as the witness to the events that may lead to accidents which results in Workman's Compensation claims or Personal Injury lawsuits. All the accidents can be testifying by providing the recorded injury scene. So having the CCTV really helps in protecting companies from future fraud.

Places like banks, airports, banks, stores, and even casinos that are prone to fraud or any mishaps frequently used CCTV for their surveillance protection. Homeowners as well are also utilizing some hidden cameras in their security systems for their own convenience. Whenever you used staffed surveillance situations CCTV it is much better to do a monitor that has a multiple parts of a location from a central control room with a collection of monitors for a secure and safety process.

CCTV is most frequently used for surveillance in places like banks, airports, banks, stores, and even casinos. Many homeowners also utilize hidden cameras in their security systems. When used in staffed surveillance situations CCTV makes it possible to monitor multiple parts of a location from a central control room with a collection of monitors. Instead of several security guards being stationed in multiple locations, ideally one security guard could survey a bank of monitors receiving a feed from several hidden security cameras. When they noticed something awry, they would investigate and alert the authorities.

In the crime cases that have already occurred, footage from a CCTV camera would be reviewed. Frequently cameras have recorded crimes like kidnappings, unrelated to the business that installed them, and provided leads for investigators. Most CCTV recordings are stored on a hard drive, although older and less expensive cameras record to videocassettes. Storage is a concern, and how long the footage should be kept before being erased is up to the owner of the system. Whether the security system records to video cassettes or directly to a hard drive, the footage is held for a predetermined length of time before being erased, ideally not without determining the camera didn't record anything valuable.

Breakthroughs in technology made it possible to have motion detector and email alerts installed in digital video recorders. Now you can notice the current systems have features of zooming and panning. Emerging cameras and high-definition and can be connected to computers to be able track individuals and objects. This feature is referred to as Video Content Analysis or more commonly known as VCA.

Common use of the CCTV becomes questionable to individual privacy rights against the public interest that they raised. Most of the metropolitan areas cameras are at such a high concentration following a person every move in an entire city block. But beware to those hackers since it is possible for them to exploit the weaknesses in such systems. They can definitely cross feeds or upload unrelated videos that can cause more troubles. Furthermore, cameras are susceptible to tampering. There are some attempts to protect the cameras from vandalism and being neutralized which making them less effective. Other use a laser pointers to temporarily blind a cameras well as broadcasting another wireless signal at the accurate frequency which jam up the camera. Nevertheless, all of these things are easily counteracted with more vigilant placement and manufactures that have features that claimed that it makes the cameras less unsusceptible to vandalism. And now these small limitations cannot affect the volubility of a hidden security camera.

Defend your assets, properties as well as staff or employees especially your loved ones by utilizing closed-circuit television and hidden security cameras as part of your security system.

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Monday, October 26, 2009

Why You Need A Hidden Video Camera In Your Home

By Walton Arns

Hidden Video Camera is one of the best hidden detectives you want to have. The world that we live in is becoming a very dangerous place. Do you know exactly what is going on when you leave your home? This may be something you want to know. The threat of violence out there can happen to anyone of us anywhere. It does not matter where you live.

According to the FBI, in the United States, there's a burglary that happens every 10-15 seconds. And 67 percent of burglaries happen in the daytime when you and your love ones are not home. You are at work and your children are in school. There's a chance that your house could be burglarized and the many things you have worked hard for are stolen. No one wants this to happen. This is why you should be thinking about extra security for your home because we no longer live in the same world that we use to.

If you had video cameras installed in your home, this will allow you to monitor the inside of your house and your outside property too. If there is a burglary ever in your home, this can be recorded and you will have very powerful proof because the intruders have been caught on video.

Are you working faraway from home? Your loved ones may be home alone .They know that they should not be with strangers. What if there are bad things that may happen when you are not around. This is a serious reminder to all working in far away offices and leaves their loved ones alone.

Do you trust somebody to watch your home or do you have a housekeeper? How much do you trust her? Is something in your home suddenly missing? You can answer these questions once you put security cameras in your home and see the thing that happens when you are not around.

If you are ready to invest in the best Hidden Video Camera on the planet, then you need to check out Supercircuits.com for the best in quality. This is a company who has been awarded in the Guinness World Record 7 times for having the world's smallest video camera. News organizations like ABC, CBS and NBC use Super Circuits devices and accessories to help with their undercover reporting. And that should tell you something right there because they are the best.

This company has a huge array of video cameras to choose from. The different designs in their tiny cameras are easily disguised in a wall clock, a plant, an electrical outlet, a water bottle, how about a tissue box, in a smoke detector, a cell phone, a pen, a digital picture and so many other designs you can choose from. The elegance of this small device has clear vision and very high picture quality. Battery operated controlled as well.

In addition, if you don't like the ready made designs, the company can customize a camera suited to your requirements. Worry no more. These guys are specialist in their own field.Supercircuits.com is the most renowned pioneers in home video security for over 19 years and is continuously booming. This company is well-known to be the superior in quality service and total satisfaction guaranteed along with the excellent live support.

Hidden video camera placed in your residence will guard you and your friends and relatives .Your home should be secured because your loved ones matters a lot. Such helpful device will let you manage your home. If you are looking for innovative and most advanced surveillance cameras for your home, http://www.supercircuits.com is the answer to you needs.

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Saturday, October 17, 2009

What Video Surveillance Camera Systems Are Most Effective?

By Herschel Kersten

No matter where a person lives, they could have use for a surveillance camera. The benefits of having one camera, or several are numerous. This article will outline the benefits of both traditional and digital video surveillance systems. It will also cover your options of types of cameras, and touch upon a few brands so that you might have some basis for comparison. By the time you reach the end of this report, you will find yourself knowledgeable and savvy to the ways of these devices that can keep what you care about safe.

Since there are many types of video surveillance systems, this article will give emphasis on Closed circuit television (CCTV), and the above mentioned digital surveillance camera .If you are setting up surveillance camera, it should be attached to any a computer or a network so that you or the staff in charge can see what's going on. Early security cameras are big and full of hassle and provide low quality images.

In recent times with the aid of IBM and other Info Tech companies, surveillance camera is upgraded and highly modernized. A camera may be programmed to do an assigned task. Just like for example, a camera programmed to sound an alarm once it sees movement .The performance of the system actually depends on the type of security program and price of the security camera.

Video Content Analysis (VCA) is another effective surveillance system .It can determine colors of items like shirts and automobiles. VCA protocol can be programmed to make certain commands depending on the users needs. It can capture people doing there activities at a certain time, this can be an important factor in solving criminality.

Digital surveillance products today is upgrading and far more advanced .The good thing is that, it is now available in the market for consumer use. With the use of internet cameras you can now monitor your place in any location with internet connection. Even through a cell phone, remote viewing can also be done.

The quality of pictures produced by digital cameras is much better than the older video format cameras. You can edit and modify the settings to accurately get the picture quality you like. Plus, you can connect it to a computer for processing and editing allow for more detailed analysis of the video or picture taken.

With this technology, it is now easy to enhance video and image for camera owners to get the desired picture they want. To be able to get the best camera you have to invest to it. Outdoor security cameras are weatherproofed and more durable to outside elements. However, it is limited on range of motion and range. A digital surveillance camera has both of these qualities but on a higher price. It's always a good idea to compare needs and requirements to find out the best camera for you.

You can deploy these systems in your home with simple connections to your personal computer or to your business with multiple networks and several cameras. The most likely locations are the backyard, garage or front lawn. You can utilize them depending on how effective you want it to be. Maybe putting up a storage room where all the cameras are networked and also serve as your monitor room might be great. There is no limit to the potential of video surveillance systems. Just be creative.

As last advice, the excellent thing to consider is making up your mind and think of reasons why you want surveillance camera. Research and study the best camera system and its combination right for you that are suited for your needs.

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Thursday, October 15, 2009

Understanding Digital Zoom And Buying A Camera

By Andrew Kelly

When the first cameras appeared they were large bulky items available only to the few who could afford them and understand the science of photography. To take a simple photograph you needed to understand both the mechanics of the gadget, some mathematics and a sound understanding of chemistry. Over the years the camera was developed into something which could be more accessible to ordinary folk. Eventually cameras became tiny little boxes which even children could operate but using film meant that once the photo had been taken it was necessary to have the film developed by a photo lab before we could see the results. These days we have the digital camera and there is no longer the need to send off film and most folk don't even print our their photo's but are they easy to understand?

As soon as you look to buying a digital camera you begin to realize how difficult it can be to make a decision. There are more companies producing cameras now than there has ever been. Well known manufacturers such as Canon and Nikon are still around but the infinite number of smaller companies appearing all the time just make the matter worse. These small firms often release fantastic bargains but it is often very difficult to understand if the digital camera deal before you is actually a bargain or not.

Before you purchase a digital camera there are a small number of things you must become familiar with. You may know of the megapixel but do you know what interpolation is? You must understand this to a degree as a camera which interpolates an image will not be as good as another with the same number of megapixels. The digital process takes an image of, say 6mp and increases it to become the same as one take with, say, a 12mp camera.

Zoom is further word which can lead to confusion. If you want to bag yourself a digital camera bargain you will need to understand the differences between optical zoom and digital zoom.

Digital zoom is often the most commonly quoted number on digital camera packaging. Unfortunately it is not as great as it sounds as it actually degrades the image. It does this by taking your image, cropping it (cutting it down to the zoom area) and then enlarging it. Therefore the greater the amount of digital zoom the more blocky the image will be.

On the other hand, optical zoom, is something of importance. Optical zoom does not have an effect on the quality of your photo. Therefore you can zoom in and your image will still be as good quality as before. The greater the optical zoom the better the camera. However not all optical zoom is equal as the quality of the lens can vary between cameras.

The lens used in a camera can make a huge difference and a photograph taken using a camera with a $3,000 lens will be far superior to one taken using a camera that cost a hundredth of this. For a high quality lens expect to pay a premium price.

What will you be using your camera for? This is important because if most of your photos will be of friends and general snaps you will not need to spend a small fortune on a DSLR camera with a large mm lens with a large optical zoom. In such cases a compact digital camera would be the best buy.

The world of the DSLR camera is huge, far too complicated to cover here in one article. Many people are buying them for home use now but they are usually only used by professional photographers.

Personally I use a professional Canon DSLR and a superb Canon PowerShot A480 for quick snaps. I think the A480 is fantastic for the price and suitable for all manner of photography. It only has a 3.3x optical zoom but this is ok for most situations. When comparing cameras look at the specifications carefully and always read reviews before making your final decision.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Determining the Right Security Camera for You

By Chad Buie

Deciding upon a security camera can be complicated, with decisions that must be made about lenses, lighting, and camera type. This guide will cover the first three different camera types: bullet, infrared, and dome cameras.

Things change, but when they do so can a bullet security camera. A bullet camera's interchangeable lenses allow it to adapt to changing security needs, which often makes it less expensive than other cameras. Also many bullet cameras lenses have infrared technology that automatically detects when there is not enough light to capture color video.

Bullet security cameras make excellent outdoor cameras, as they are able to be used in hot, cold, rain, and even hurricane winds. They are extremely hardy cameras.

Infrared security cameras are the second type of camera, which only capture in black and white. This is caused because, infrared cameras work by measuring infrared radiation (IR). Infrared technology converts IR, which is a byproduct of heat, readings into video.

Considering an infrared security cameras have two rather large negatives to consider before deciding whether to implement one into your security camera setup. Number one, they do not work in daylight. This is because infrared security cameras measure infrared radiation, which is a byproduct of heat and the sun. Secondly, because they capture heat, like night vision goggles, they capture in black and white rather than color video.

Dome Cameras are the last type of camera discussed in this guide. Dome cameras are known for the tamper proof dome that encases their lens. Dome cameras are also the cheapest cameras around. They mount from the the top, and thus are used almost exclusively inside.

The dome on a dome security camera does have two drawbacks. First, it prevents most dome cameras from being used outside as most dome cameras must be hung from the ceiling. Secondly, dome camera's domes prevent these cameras from installing long distance lenses, so you will not be able to capture video beyond 300 feet.

In short, if you want to use a security camera outdoors it is best to use a bullet camera. If you need to see in complete darkness, the only option is to use an infrared camera or at least one with infrared technology. And lastly, a dome camera is an excellent camera to use inside, especially in hallways.

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Use the Rule of the Third Correctly

By Morten Elm

It might seem a little bit complicated. But actually the Rule of the Third (also named the Golden Section) is pretty simple to use, if you just know how to divide a square into nine equal parts.

Try to turn on your TV. Look for the newsreader at one of the news channels. Is he sitting in the middle of the picture? No, he is placed according to the Rule of the Third in either the left or the right third.

Since the earliest days (long before the photograph) painters found out, that if you place the main subject either about one third or two thirds from the top and/or from the left side, the painting will be more balanced.

To be absolutely correct the right place to put the main subject is not exactly one third (or two third) from the border. There is a complicated mathematically rule that describes the exact place. But it is so close to one third that is fine enough for practically use. So as long as you are not showing your pictures to a mathematician, you will be fine.

So try to place your main subject in the third parts, when you are photographing. It can be either horizontal or vertically; or it can be both.

This is especially important when you are photographing subject that includes the horizon. A typical mistake is to place it in the middle of the picture, but the only thing that does, is to divide the photo in two; and that is not normally what you want.

So what is the most interesting part; the above the horizon or the one below? Is the sky full of beautiful clouds or is it gray and boring? Place the most interesting part of the subject according to the Rule of the Third.

On some cameras the subject has to be in the middle to make it sharp. In this case you shall just place the subject in the middle of the frame, press the releaser half down and then turn the camera so it points to the subject. Then press the releaser completely down.

Like all other photographic rules it is okay to break the Rule of the Thirds; as long as you do it on purpose and knows what you are doing.

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Sunday, October 11, 2009

How To Get Superior Pictures Using Camera's Flash?

By Meera Watts

Photography is becoming very popular nowadays due to the glamor involved in this industry. A large number of people are choosing to work as professional photographers. These proficient photographers use different digital cameras for taking extraordinary immobile pictures for entertaining or saleable purposes. The part-time photographers as well take pictures on diverse festive occasions just to keep their reminiscences alive. The job of a professional photographer is not easy by any means.

Now, in this article we would read about certain important things that could certainly help you take good quality pictures with the help of your camera's flash. A flash is a trouble-free device that is used for producing an instant run of non-natural light. It simply helps in illuminating a motionless picture. This type of equipment is fixed up inside the camera itself. This makes it simple to take good still pictures. A flash could certainly assist you take enhanced pictures.

It is of utmost importance for you to adjust the settings of your camera's flash according to the needs. A good camera flash helps you take snaps and pictures in the places where the natural light is not sufficient. Are you one of them who are looking for some cool tips and ways to click better pictures using a camera's flash? If yes, then given below are some of the finest tips for your help:

1. Make certain that when you are taking pictures on a bright day you regulate the flash to the forced-flashed alternative. It would positively avoid the damaging effects of the dazzling sunlight on your image.

2. When you are clicking pictures from a small distance you need to switch on the alternative point-and-shoot flash. You also need to bring down your camera's flash control a bit. If your camera doesn't come with such an alternative then you could keep a little butter paper in front of your cameras flash in order to fetch down its effect.

3. If you are making use of a peripheral flash then you could stimulate certain lightning effects by turning the flash towards the wall or ceiling.

4. To take a snap of a subject that comes with a setting or background then you need to select the slow-sync flash option in your camera. This would present definite ambient light to the background and make it appear good along with the foreground.

You could also make your pictures look good by experimenting with your camera's flash and settings. If you pursue all these steps and ways then you would surely be able to take brilliant motionless pictures. This article could really help you a lot.

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Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Outdoor Security Cameras In Low Light Conditions

By Steve Goldman

One of the most challenging obstacles to outdoor surveillance is the lighting levels required to effectively record with your outdoor security camera. There are three basic ways we can overcome this aspect of the outdoor environment. We can try to control the lighting conditions ourselves, or we can use specialized tools to effectively record conditions ranging from low light to complete darkness.

While it is not always an option, installing additional lighting to the area is one way we can make sure the outdoor security camera captures usable video footage. A simple system like a light that is controlled by a person is not always viable when there may not be a person to do the job. There are also motion activated lights as well as motion activated cameras that begins recording only when there is some movement detected. The important part is that the light is sufficient in illuminating the security camera's entire field of view.

When additional lighting is not an option or not the ideal solution and it is low light conditions a black and white camera may suffice. This is only effective up to a point and some amount of lighting is still required for the camera to produce quality images. Black and white cameras work because they have lower light requirements than colored cameras.

For lower light levels where black and white cameras are useless, night vision cameras are the next option. They use infrared technology to detect lights at wave lengths outside the visible range in the spectrum. The minimum light level a camera requires is measured in LUX ratings and a rating of 0 means the camera can record in complete darkness.

The sole purpose of an outdoor security camera is to record activity in an area for increased security and darkness is more reason to increase the level of security. Psychologically people feel more secure committing crimes under the cover darkness and that is why we have a need to protect our things, our families, and ourselves with security surveillance cameras.

The most effective way to protect your camera is by installing it properly in the first place. Install the camera inside a housing unit if necessary and it usually will be necessary, and mount the camera flush to the wall or ceiling if possible. Minimize the exposure of the cables to avoid tampering. Take as many threats into consideration when installing the camera to minimize the chances of an attack, and minimize the effect of the attack when it does happen.

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Monday, October 5, 2009

Outdoor Security Cameras In Low Lights

By Steve Goldman

One of the most challenging obstacles to outdoor surveillance is the lighting levels required to effectively record with your outdoor security camera. There are three basic ways we can overcome this aspect of the outdoor environment. We can try to control the lighting conditions ourselves, or we can use specialized tools to effectively record conditions ranging from low light to complete darkness.

The first option is simple. Installing additional lighting might be the most straight forward solution to the low light conditions but it may not always be the best solution. Either the infrastructure required to install the lamps are not available or the environment requires that there are no lights, such as surveillance of a dark room. Also, the controls for the light are another consideration with this strategy. Leaving the lights on 24 hours can be costly but turning the lights on and off could require additional hardware, such as light sensors. Sometimes additional lighting is not sufficient for the conditions, whatever the case there are two other options.

When additional lighting is not an option or not the ideal solution and it is low light conditions a black and white camera may suffice. This is only effective up to a point and some amount of lighting is still required for the camera to produce quality images. Black and white cameras work because they have lower light requirements than colored cameras.

In especially low light conditions near complete darkness, night vision cameras are also available. Cameras with night vision use infrared to detect light that travel at waves beyond what we can see. A security camera's minimum light requirement is measured by the LUX rating. The higher the rating the better lit the area must be for the camera to be useful. A LUX rating of 0 means the camera is designed for conditions with no light at all.

The sole purpose of an outdoor security camera is to record activity in an area for increased security and darkness is more reason to increase the level of security. Psychologically people feel more secure committing crimes under the cover darkness and that is why we have a need to protect our things, our families, and ourselves with security surveillance cameras.

The most effective way to protect your camera is by installing it properly in the first place. Install the camera inside a housing unit if necessary and it usually will be necessary, and mount the camera flush to the wall or ceiling if possible. Minimize the exposure of the cables to avoid tampering. Take as many threats into consideration when installing the camera to minimize the chances of an attack, and minimize the effect of the attack when it does happen.

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Determining the Right Security Camera for You

By Chad Buie

Deciding upon a security camera can be complicated, with decisions that must be made about lenses, lighting, and camera type. This guide will cover the first three different camera types: bullet, infrared, and dome cameras.

Bullet Cameras are the most flexible cameras around. They have interchangeable lenses that can be swapped out to meet changing security needs and are lightweight, small, hearty security cameras. Some lenses are also available with infrared technology. Bullet cameras are multi-functional cameras that can be used for almost every purpose needed in a security setup.

Bullet cameras are also very durable, and can still work in extreme conditions, such as heat, cold, rain, and even high wind (some models can even withstand hurricane conditions). They make excellent outside security cameras.

Infrared security cameras are the second type of camera, which only capture in black and white. This is caused because, infrared cameras work by measuring infrared radiation (IR). Infrared technology converts IR, which is a byproduct of heat, readings into video.

Considering an infrared security cameras have two rather large negatives to consider before deciding whether to implement one into your security camera setup. Number one, they do not work in daylight. This is because infrared security cameras measure infrared radiation, which is a byproduct of heat and the sun. Secondly, because they capture heat, like night vision goggles, they capture in black and white rather than color video.

The third type of security camera is a dome security camera. Dome cameras are the least expensive cameras around, but are generally only used inside, as they generally mount from above. Dome cameras also have protective shields which make tampering with them very difficult.

The dome on a dome security camera does have two drawbacks. First, it prevents most dome cameras from being used outside as most dome cameras must be hung from the ceiling. Secondly, dome camera's domes prevent these cameras from installing long distance lenses, so you will not be able to capture video beyond 300 feet.

In summary, dome security cameras make excellent and inexpensive indoor cameras. Infrared cameras allow security personnel to see in complete darkness by interpreting video from heat signatures. And bullet cameras are extremely adaptable security cameras that really shine when used outside.

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Sunday, October 4, 2009

Keep Your Memory With A Waterproof Camera

By Amanda Li

Many people like playing water-sports, like surfing, snorkeling, swimming etc, and you will feel disappointing when you found no chance to have a snapshot. People always want to capture these precious moments, therefore, a waterproof camera can be a solution. Waterproof camera brings you to the undersea world and take as many photos as you can.

A wide variety of waterproof cameras with different styles, sizes and shapes can be found in the market. For example, you can buy a camera with a zoom lens or one with a wide lens that enables you to capture the outlook of the undersea world. Or you can choose between digital cameras and disposable cameras that can only be used once.

If you want high quality underwater photos, you can buy a professional diving camera. Basically, a diving camera which can work at least 40 meters under the water is effective already. This kind of camera somehow is expensive, but it can be long-lasting if you take care of it well.

It is necessary to buy a protective cover for your waterproof camera or diving camera. These covers are made from plastic or vinyl, which protect your cameras from any accidents, damages or the effects of salt water.

There are a variety of cameras available for sale on the Internet. The average price for a waterproof camera is around $200. If you want to upgrade the functions of your camera, there are a lot of accessories that are available as well.

After you bought your camera, you must take good cares of it! Otherwise, you can get the best use of it. First, rinse the camera with fresh water immediately when you come out of the water. This can prevent salt water affecting the camera, as well as dissolve the salt crystals.

If your camera is not a digital one and uses films, check if your camera is dried completely before you take out your films as you surely do not want your films to get wet. Also check if there are dirt, sands or any other things in the O rings.

It is easy and cheap to get a waterproof camera. However, a camera can also be damaged easily. If you want your camera to function well, ask a professional to check it for maintenance occasionally. With an effective camera, you can capture your precious moments in the undersea world and share your happy memories with your family and friends.

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