A Few Things You Should Know About Wireless Security Systems

If you are on the market for a surveillance system, your timing is impeccable because right now we are at the crossroads of this migration to a new, more efficient, and more cost-effective solution for home and business security requirements. In a world with increasing crime and criminals, wireless surveillance equipment has turned into an icon for security.

Like many people, I have been afraid of electronic products in the past. As soon as I started thinking of setting up my own surveillance system for business or home I realized that the Camera, is but one element of a multi part System.

Let's explore the make-up of today's complete wireless surveillance systems.

The 5 basic components of wireless video surveillance equipment are:


1. cameras


2. transmitters


3. receivers


4. Recorders (DVR/VCR) DVR=Digital Video Recorder. VCR=VideoCassette Recorder.


5. video displays(Monitors or Television)

All 5 of these components are fitted in some combination to create a complete video surveillance system.

How does a wireless Surveillance System Work?
The wireless camera transmits a signal to a receiver that is connected to the DVR or VCR.
Wireless cameras usually have a built-in transmitter that sends the video signal to a receiver. The receiver connects to your recording and/or viewing device. There the signal is either recorded or thereby saved or simply viewed.

Different Types of Wireless Cameras


 Dome Cameras are simply board cameras built into dome housing.

Day-night domes equipped with high-power INFRARED Leeds for use indoors, outdoors

and low-light conditions. The day/night feature makes the camera color in the day light and then automatically switch to black and white in low light conditions.


 Professional cameras can be mounted on walls, ceiling brackets, buildings,

indoors and outdoors. Professional security cameras can be weatherproof,

waterproof, day/night, low-light and even a snake camera that can access almost

any space. Professional security cameras are usually high resolution

resulting in a very sharp image with great detail. They come in color or black & white.


 Hidden Cameras are so small they are virtually invisible to the naked eye.

Hidden cameras are in disguise as common household items such as Baby Wipes,

dolls, clocks, teddy bears, smoke detectors and radios.

Transmitters


Wireless Cameras usually use 2.4GHz transmitter---Video and Audio whose standard range varies from 200' to 700' depending on environmental conditions. There are however more powerful transmitters on the market. You will find that most wireless cameras come equipped with transmitters.

Receivers


The receiver intercepts a signal transmitted by the wireless camera then feeds that signal into the DVR or VCR that it is connected to.

Recorders

VCRs - VCRs record to a video cassette tape which creates the need to change tapes. Recently released VCRs with time-lapse and video motion detection features allow the VCR to begin recording only while motion is detected. Time-lapse is a series of images taken in a set number of time intervals. This means that not every frame is recorded as it is with Real Time. Time-lapse and motion detection help space on your 9 hour videotapes.

Depending on how much activity is detected one 9 hour tape could last you weeks. Because it only records when motion is detected...cuts off after 30 seconds, resets itself and waits for the next movement.

Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
Unlike VCRs, DVRs record video to a computer hard drive or other media such as a CD or DVD. This makes a DVR easy to maintain because there are no bulky tapes to change or the risk of losing video quality when recording over previous footage. Many DVRs can be operated and monitored remotely from anywhere in the world using the Internet.

By selecting to implement this fairly simple solution for your business and home surveillance, you fulfill a clear need while gaining security and comfort.

Shopping malls, schools, hospitals, parking garages, office buildings, airports, casinos, government services, warehouses, estates and financial institutions all now commonly use video based surveillance equipment in order to protect their wares and limit costly losses.

In conclusion, for a business or home surveillance system it would be advisable to select a complete system. Being a simple system does not deduct from its importance, or its surveillance function. The expenses incurred from buying wireless video surveillance equipment is worth the effort and cost, because this equipment not only reduces the costs of security, but also helps in curbing crime and vandalism.

The Benefits To A Wireless Security Camera

Wireless security cameras offer many more benefits than the wired surveillance models. The ease in which they can move around is only one reason these security cameras have become so popular.

People generally use a wireless security camera to watch over areas that they need to know what is going on at all times. For example, an office or business. It could even be in your home so you can be sure the babysitter is watching your kids properly and not entertaining other friends while you're away.

You can never be too cautious when it comes time for your children. A security camera will alert you to any problems. I don't know about you, but I want to know that children are being taken care of the right way. You're putting your trust in someone who may be a stranger, or not very well known to you.

A wireless security camera will not only allow you to see that your children are safe, but that your home is safe as well.

Business owners find hidden security cameras especially useful in keeping an eye on employees. You'll be able to know if an employee is working or goofing off while you're away. These cameras can also be placed in sensitive areas where money is exchanged, such as a cash register or office. Theft is a serious issue for businesses and most of the time it occurrs from within, not from a robbery.

A wireless security camera is simple to install, and it is portable, so you can put it anywhere you need it. It's always ready to use and provides surveillance around the clock.

You can't be everywhere to look in and see what is going on. Now you can have some help with a wireless security camera.

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Wired And Wireless Home Security Cameras - Which One Is Better

Wireless home security cameras are becoming very popular these days. But how to decide which type of camera is suitable to you? Read on..

It is important that each and every house to have home security cameras these days. Even rural areas are not safe anymore. Most people have started installing surveillance cameras around their houses because of this. The surveillance camera, or in other words home security camera, is a piece of equipment that works like your eye but could monitor the all around the house all the time, even if you are asleep.

The purpose of installing home security cameras, as you know, is to protect your assets and also prevent theft and robberies. Apart from that there is another reason; that is protecting your house against any possible hazards, such as fire and so on. To serve this purpose there are two different types of home security cameras, they are the wired and the wireless home security cameras.

A simple camera, wired or wireless would cost not more than a thousand dollars. Many companies in the trade of home security offer both wired and wireless cameras at very affordable prices combined with special packages from which the customers can much benefit.

Deciding On a System

Irrespective whether the camera is wired or wireless it has to give quality pictures at least to identify, or clearly see, the face of the persons who are entering or trespassing the house or building. However, the expensive one has added features such as zoom function, infra red viewing, and so on. Perhaps theses features are not necessary for a house, yet sometimes they can be very helpful, especially if you are using the wireless home security cameras located far from the targeted spot where it is usually dark.

Anyway, unlike the wired ones, the wireless home security cameras have more maintenance to take care of, such as batteries, transmission and so on. When the data is transmitted on air over say ten meters you have to make sure that the path is clear without any disturbances. Finally, it is up to you to decide what is best for you. If you think you should spent bit more on securing your properties, then you could go for wireless home security cameras. On the other hand, if you are just looking for common and plan security system, and not willing to spend much or you can't afford much, then you might as well just go for conventional wired home security cameras.

How to Protect Your Property and Your Family

This article is going to be looking at Alarm systems. Alarm system means any mechanism, equipment or device which is designated to detect an unauthorized entry into any building or onto any property, or to direct attention to a robbery, burglary or other emergency in progress, and to signal the above occurrences either by a local or audible alarm or by a silent or remote alarm or that is designated to detect smoke or fire hazards.

A burglary takes place every 12 seconds and produces an average loss of $1,675 per event. Most homeowners only think about installing a home security system after they themselves or a neighbor has been a victim of a burglary.

Statistics show that homes without burglar alarm systems are four times more likely to be targeted. Therefore Alarm systems are seen to be a visual deterrent to burglary and a worthwhile investment in the protection of your home. Losses due to burglary average $400 less in residences with security systems than for a residence without security systems and 90 percent of police believe alarms deter burglary attempts.

All alarm systems generally have the same three components; the actual alarm, the sensor (which senses intrusion) and the control that causes the alarm to go off once the intrusion has occurred.

There are remote alarms which automatically call the local police department. On the other hand, there are also alarms that simply let out a siren noise. There are alarms that activate due to sensing motion, alarm systems that require an access code, wireless so that you can move them, alarm systems that will dial a neighbor instead of the police if preferred, and many more.

Burglary alarm systems can be divided into two broad categories: active and passive.
Burglary, robbery or other emergency alarm systems which use a local audible or visual alarm device to attract the attention of the public will be equipped with an automatic cutoff device which will terminate the audible or visual alarm within thirty minutes.
Whether you buy from a national alarm monitoring company, or choose to install your own alarm system, make sure you understand why you need an alarm

Just like your home, businesses without alarm systems are more likely to be burglarized than those that have an alarm system.
Alarm systems are also great for fires and other emergencies. Alarms systems for homes or small to even medium sized businesses can take up to eight hours to install.

Monitored alarm systems are a key component to deter crime, and protect your loved ones. The best alarm systems are those which combine perimeter and interior detection devices. Some alarm systems are tied to video surveillance systems so that current video of the intrusion area can be instantly displayed on a remote monitor, not to mention recorded. Most burglar alarm systems are equipped with sophisticated battery and/or cellular backup systems that kick in right away should your power or phone connection fail.

It is crucial to assess your home security needs before you begin consulting with a home security advisor or alarm company. With the variety of alarm systems out there, it is important to understand what you need before you begin shopping.

Summertime and the Thieving is Easy!

There is no doubt that the long lazy days of summer perk us all up and put a smile on our faces. No doubt either that the burglar is also perked up by summer because it is the season that many homeowners make things so easy for him.

The summer warmth means that it is time to open up the windows and let the breeze blow through the house. After all you are at home so what risk is there in opening up a window or two? Unfortunately many a homeowner has suddenly made the decision to take advantage of the weather to go out back and attend to a spell of gardening, forgetting that the windows at the front of the house are open.

Along comes Mr. Opportunist burglar. It does not take him long to size up the situation and see his opportunity. He may not even need to climb in through the window, he sees a couple of your items that are close, reaches in and takes them. The thief is not particularly looking for a rich haul, just something he can sell on to a fence to get him his fix for the day.

If he does climb into your home and rummage through your stuff, you will be unlikely to hear him; you are preoccupied with tending to your gladioli and hollyhocks.

Worse than leaving windows open and working in the back yard is making a trip to the store and leaving open windows. You are not safe by leaving upstairs windows open. Some burglars are very agile and it is no problem for them to climb on top of your garage or find some way to get in the window.

Burglars have also been known to climb in the open window of one room while the family sat in front of the TV in another room, no doubt with the sound turned up a little too loud.

Consider fitting window alarm screens. That way you can enjoy air blowing through your home and a good degree of protection. (You should not leave your home with the windows open even with alarm screens.)

Summer is vacation time, the great get-away. And that means more opportunity for the burglar. Before you leave for the big trip arrange with a neighbor that you trust to keep your lawns cut and your garden tidy. Ask you neighbor to pick up your mail and any flyers left in your porch, perhaps even park his or her car in your drive for part of the day. The idea is to make your home appear occupied.

Timer switches are not expensive and can be set to make a good job of switching on and off lights, TV sets and radios. Exterior lights should also be controlled by a timer. Activate your alarm system before you head off and have your home phone divert to your cell phone.

The longer summer days, in some neighborhoods, mean an increase of gangs and groups of teenagers hanging around street corners. Most of these mean no harm but sometimes can get a little rowdy. For others the longer days mean increased vandalism and petty crime. Not much you can do on your own, but by being an active member of your neighborhood watch you help prevent things getting out of hand.

Enjoy the summer, it is over much too soon, just take simple precautions to prevent the burglar from enjoying summer too much.

Managing Home Automation Products

Newer ways to manage your home automation systems are soon appearing in markets. There are some leading providers of home automation systems in the US who are making use of networking technology to reduce and manage consumption of energy. They have introduced a new integrated circuit, which promises to simplify and speed the functioning of home automation products, much faster and convenient then it is now at present. There are some transceivers available in the market today, which allow manufacturers to create home control products that are networked and automatically get installed when they are plugged into some wall. This reduces the fear that most consumers face or think of when they consider home automation product installation and other technology complication. These new transceivers are really making all the home automation hardware and software products really popular in home control markets.

The main idea behind efficient home automation is that of effective energy management and all the devices that help in making homes more convenient, such as air-conditioners, blinds, lights, fans, etc are already well wired to the power supply. The power line technology helps to connect these devices wirelessly to the network. All these home automation appliances come with an in built smart chip which facilitates easy and automatic installation the moment all the devices are connected to the network. So these smart chips are giving rise to wireless networks for home automation systems in homes, which are completely installation and other general setup related hassles free.

The best part about these solutions is that is extremely convenient, easy to set up, available at affordable rates and does not need an electrician to come over and do all the installations. Just look at the amount of time, effort and money one is saving in this process! This new chip technology makes an allowance for all those products that were created in agreement to the CECED, the European community of domestic appliances manufacturers. It is inexpensive to create and can be manufactured without problems.

Outdoor Security Cameras - Keeping Reality TV Larger Than Life

Big Brother and Cheaters have one thing in common: an abundance of people who gossip and connive against each other. The two shows have another similarity, too: the presence of an army of cameras.

Reality TV has a glut not only of eager participants, but also outdoor security cameras that monitor these participants' interaction with one another. In fact, in a reality TV set, it is not uncommon for there to be as many as ten outdoor security cameras. What goes on outside enclosed spaces is just as interesting as the goings-on from within, after all.

What Are the Functions of Cameras in Reality Shows?
Reality shows focus on human activity and interaction – from the mundane to the unusual. For each reality show episode, it is not uncommon for hundreds of hours of film to be shot. That's right—hundreds of hours! To ensure that the juicier parts of these activities and interactions are captured, cameras are placed in strategically located places. Inside Big Brother's house, it's not very easy to hide these electronic eyes. Outdoors, however, outdoor security cameras can be quickly camouflaged to lull people into a sense of complacency. People are at their most honest when they are at their most unguarded.

Are Outdoor Security Cameras As Useful As Indoor Surveillance Cameras?
In reality shows, indoor and outdoor cameras have equal importance. Again, what goes on inside the house is just as telling as what goes on out of it. In Cheaters, for example, many a husband or wife has been caught in flagrante delicto with a lover inside the master's bedroom. Outdoor security cameras are as effective as indoor cameras. Guilty parties have been captured by outdoor security cameras riding boats, having picnics, and even using a car for more than driving!

What Is an Outdoor Security Camera?
Outdoor security cameras are one type of surveillance camera. They are used for a variety of everyday purposes, such as securing banks and homes. There are several reasons outdoor security cameras are ideal for filming reality shows:

- The lens is protected from rain and snow. This ensures that the lens remain clear and dry.

- Outdoor security cameras can work even in complete darkness. This feature is particularly useful for shows such as Cheaters, where there is a need to catch those who believe that night time is the right time.

- Outdoor security cameras do not produce any noise or flash. This helps the camera remain hidden.

- Outdoor security cameras do not require wires or film. This makes the filming of reality shows lighter on corporate pockets.

- Outdoor security cameras don't need to be focused, and they have no complex settings. This makes it the perfect device for upholding the rule of KISS (Keep it simple, stupid).

- Outdoor security cameras contain a time and date setting. Therefore, it's easier to organize the miles of footage shot for each reality show episode.

Reality shows hold audiences spellbound because they depict what people do in real-life situations. They provide us with mirrors we can use to look at ourselves. Some say reality TV has peaked and will soon lose its popularity. Whether or not reality TV continues its iron grip on primetime ratings, one thing is certain: as long as there are reality shows, there will be outdoor security cameras.