How To Choose A Camera System
There are many reasons to install a camera system. If you own a business, you may want to be able to identify or avoid theft or keep vandalism from your property. Or you may just want to be able to keep an eye on things without actually being there physically. As a homeowner there are a bunch of other reasons to have a camera system. You may be having trouble with a neighbor, trespassers, vandals, or perhaps you have kids and want to be able to keep an eye on them but you can't be there every minute of every day.Whatever your reason for wanting a camera system if you don't get the right kind of equipment based on your needs, you will just waste your money.
So if you are thinking of getting a camera system, you will need to look at your situation in order to get the right system.Some questions to ask yourself:1. Is what you want to see indoors or outdoors?2. How many areas do you want to see at your location?3. Is there a lot of light available throughout the day and night?4. Do you want to see a wide area, such as a parking lot, or a specific location, like the front door?5. Is it important to see the small details or is a general idea good enough?6. Do you need to see the picture only on sight or is off sight viewing necessary?7. Do you need record what the camera sees?8. Do you need to record for a long or short period of time?Okay, now that you have an idea of what you are trying to view, we can take a closer look at the equipment.Camera-First let's look at the camera itself. There a hundreds of cameras to choose from. There are even fake cameras that you can use if you only want to give the illusion of having a system. Of course there are different prices ranging from cheap (poor quality) to the ridiculously expensive but does everything. If you don't know what to ask for, you could be disappointed in what you get.
Do you want color or black/white? If you need to see the details clearly and you have good lighting throughout the time you need to keep watch, then a color camera is probably going to be the way to go. Color cameras are typically more expensive than black/white and they don't see very will in the dark. If you only need to have a general idea of what is going on in the area then you can go with black and white. Don't misunderstand me, you can get a nice clear picture with a black/white camera but if you are looking to be able to identify someone and not have there be any question, then color is for you. If the lighting in the area is bad then color may not be the best camera for the job.
If you only have lighting issues at night then you can get a day/night camera. That will get you a color picture in the daytime and a black/white picture at night.Lens-Now let's focus on the lens for a while. The type of lens you want will depend on what you want to see, how far away it is, and how wide of an area you want to see. For most applications you can get a lens that is adjustable to fit just about all your needs. There are some cases where only a very specific lens will work, but those usually only occur in high end jobs.
If money is real tight, then you can get a camera that has the lens built in. I would like to caution you here and say that once you get a camera like this, you can't just go and adjust it to get the picture you originally wanted. So, make sure you get a camera with the right lens.Quads/Multiplexers-A quad processor will give you the ability to view more than one camera on one screen or one at a time. If you have a system with four cameras you can see all of them on one television screen or if you see something going on one camera you can choose to see only that location. Caution ? the recorder you put on a quad will only record what the quad is allowing you to see.
A multiplexer is a step up from that. You can view your cameras any way you want. You can see each camera individually and multi cameras on the screen, in intervals. The playback, allows viewing the cameras in any form you like. Recording devices-First you must decide how long you want to record.
If you have a business and you are closed on the weekends and holidays, you may want to record for at least 72 hours. If it's for your house and you go out of town for long periods of time you may want to consider a longer recording time. There is a time lapse recorder (very reasonably priced) that can record for 960 hours. That's 40 days and a whole lot of video to watch if you are looking for something that happened a week ago.Something that has been on the market for a while and is finally coming down in price to something that is almost reasonable is the Digital Video Recorder (DVR). The DVR comes with so many features it's a little scary.
First the picture quality is improved because you aren't viewing it from a tape that has been recorded over again and again and again. Second, it has a built in multiplexer that will let you view more than one camera at a time on the same screen. Third, it's easy to upgrade so that you can view your cameras remotely. So if you want to go on vacation and still keep an eye on things you can. Forth, the video is stored internally and it's a whole lot easier to view video without having to rewind and fast forward.
Plus there is no need for a tape library. There are probably a few more things a DVR can do but these would be the most popular.Monitors-What do you want to see the picture on? Monitors can vary in size and picture quality depending on your budget and how much space you have. You can view cameras on your existing television or you can view them on your computer screen or over the Internet.Wireless Systems-A word about wireless systems. Wireless technology has come a long way. It's more reliable and the picture quality has improved greatly.
I also like the idea that you can easily move the system. There is a system that just came out that has an awesome price. I have no idea how long the system will last, what the range is or if there are some environmental factors that can interfere with the picture. But if you are on a serious budget, this could be the answer for you.I would like to thank you for reading this report. I hope this report has helped you learn a little more about camera systems.
It's not easy to make an informed decision when you know very little about the subject. I hope now that you have read this report you have gained some insight into what kind of system would work best for you. If your system is driven only by cost, then please don't expect to get a great quality picture. If your system is driven only by features, then you had better open you wallet a little. I would highly recommend that whatever you are looking for, that you talk to a security consultant and discuss what is available for you in your price range.Listen I have only scratched the surface when it comes to cameras.
There are so many varieties available today it can be a little overwhelming for someone who doesn't know what they are doing. There are cameras that can Pan-Tilt-Zoom. There are covert cameras that would make James Bond proud. You just have to know what you want and how much you can spend. I'm sure you wouldn't go shopping for a car or a house and not know what your budget is or have an idea of what you wanted.
Take this information and use it wisely.
Amy Howard has been in the security industry for more than 13 years. She understands the frustrations that people can go through when trying to find a camera system that will fit their needs and not break the bank in the process. She has created a website for people to get more information on camera systems and camera equipment. You can visit her website at www.cctvhomeonline.com.success4acb@yahoo.comAvalonics Inc Announces lLaunch of Its Security and Surveillance Site
Levittown, NY (ContentDesk) July 14, 2006 -- Avalonics, Inc has recently launched a fully loaded website, http://www.security-cameras-cctv.com, now offering the most modern and cutting edge security devices on the market to the public.The site allows the buyer to browse through the companys product catalog in its entirety, providing a selection wide enough to appeal to customers ranging from large corporate offices to small businesses and restaurants to do-it-yourself inclined patrons interested in providing top of the line security to their families and homes. The company also hopes to extend their hand to the public sector as well and foster a relationship with local communities by offering their services to schools in the hopes that they will implement their security systems within their buildings- keeping intruders out and students in. There is expectation that implementing security systems in highly populated areas...
Avalonics Inc Announces lLaunch of Its Security and Surveillance Site
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S&C?s PureWave UPS? System Protects Computers at U.S. Government Facility
Franklin, WI (ContentDesk) February 11, 2004 -- Power quality is imperative for a government installation at the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. The existing standby generator set needs 15 seconds to start up . . . much too long for the facility's computers to endure.
Facility managers recognized this vulnerability and sought an uninterruptible power supply system that could serve the computers for the crucial 15 seconds. They selected an S&C PureWave UPS System.
It's designed to protect an entire facility against voltage sags and power outages for a minimum of 30 seconds at 100% load.
The 480-volt, 1250-kVA/1000-kW PureWave UPS System was installed in December 2003. It is the first installation of the PureWave UPS System with a large, natural-gas-fueled generator set.
The unique design of the PureWave UPS System provides maximum reliability at minimum cost.A broad range of power protection solutions are available from S&C Electric Company's Power Quality...
S&C?s PureWave UPS? System Protects Computers at U.S. Government Facility
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Satellite TV vs. Cable TV -- Which is Best?
The move is on. Last year millions of Americans switched from cable TV to satellite TV.Why? When you compare satellite TV to cable TV you'll discover the main reasons are cost, picture quality, program choices, and customer satisfaction.Let's check out the differences ... Cable vs. Satellite TV Fees<> Cable TV fees across the country average $39.99 per month. In our area the cost for cable TV is $37.30 a month for 64 channels, plus $10.95 a month to add digital channels.
Installation in one room is $39.95, plus $9.95 for each additional room.<> Satellite TV fees from Dish Network are $31.99 per month for 60 channels, while DirecTV charges $41.99 per month for 115 channels. Both satellite TV providers currently offer free satellite TV equipment and free installation in up to four rooms. Cable vs. Satellite TV Programming<> Cable TV in most areas offers almost as many channels as satellite TV, and is broadcast in analog (over-the-air) format. If you want to have digital picture...
Satellite TV vs. Cable TV -- Which is Best?
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SnapStream Media Announces Launch of Firefly Mini PC Remote
(ContentDesk) March 8, 2006 -- SnapStream Media, Inc., a leader in digital home entertainment products, announced today the launch of the Firefly Mini PC Remote.
The Firefly Mini PC Remote features a small form factor and fewer buttons, infrared (IR) technology, driver-free installation, and seamless integration with SnapStream Medias Beyond TV and Beyond Media.
Firefly Mini builds upon the popularity of SnapStreams original PC remote control, Firefly.Responding to customer demand for a PC remote control that employs infrared technology, SnapStream Media began shipping the Firefly Mini PC remote today.
The Firefly Minis use of infrared technology allows it to work with universal remotes and integrate with existing home theater systems. The Firefly Mini PC remote features easy setup and fewer buttons, for a smaller and simpler PC remote control.
Driver-free installation allows the user to simply plug the USB PC remote receiver into his PC and instantly...
SnapStream Media Announces Launch of Firefly Mini PC Remote
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How to Choose the Right Webcam Surveillance Software?
Many people want to have some kind of spy equipment for better home security. However, besides wireless spy cameras, VCR or DVR systems, there is also special software used to control those surveillance gadgets.
Large companies use professional security systems along with already built in (embedded digital video recorder or PC based DVR soft) spy camera control software. But what about smaller guys? Do you also have to spend thousands of dollars for professional spy security system and software to feel safe and secure in your house? And the answer is not necessarily.
Webcam for Spying Purposes
You have the ability to use your webcam (connected to your PC) as a surveillance tool. And to control it, all you need is inexpensive webcam surveillance software.
As a matter of fact, such software allows you to connect more than one camera. It can display as much as 16 webcam views on your computer screen.
Moreover, webcam...
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TheArmchairGeek.com Technology News/Info Site Launched Earlier Than Expected Due to Traffic
The web is full of sites promoting their own products. TheArmchairGeek.com is a one-stop site for all of the latest news/articles/how-to's/info/etc. on all of the best of technology: TiVo/DVR, web design/development, digital cameras, VOIP, home entertainment, gadgets and more.http://www.thearmchairgeek.com/The Armchair Geek aims to provide the level of technical data to the 'average person.' With articles, news items, press releases, self publish posts and more, The Armchair Geeks hopes to being the greatest of technology to the masses.If you want to setup a web page, but don't know where to begin, The Armchair Geek is the site. For topics like TiVo/DVR to cellphones to just plain gadgets, The Armchair Geek is all you need.The Armchair Geek is a free resource of information and news - it is solely supported through click-based advertising on the site itself.Visit http://www.thearmchairgeek.com/....
TheArmchairGeek.com Technology News/Info Site Launched Earlier Than Expected Due to Traffic
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Chemical Manufacturer Improves Power Quality with S&C's PureWave UPS System
An ethylene manufacturer in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, chose S&C Electric Company's PureWave UPS? System to eliminate production interruptions due to power outages.Natural gas furnaces called "crackers" are used in the process of manufacturing ethylene. Within these crackers are fans and heating elements which control the temperature of the process. Power outages were stopping the fans, causing damage to the heating elements ? just one power outage caused thousands of dollars in lost production time and lost product.The facility required an outdoor installation of a power protection system. S&C's PureWave UPS System was chosen because it's the only whole-facility system that can be installed outdoors. In August 2002, two 500-kW units were installed: one rated 380 V, the other 690 V, 50Hz.
Applied with a back-up generator, the PureWave UPS Systems provide consistent, reliable power to the crackers, with 100% protection from the periodic power outages in the area. This reduced downtime...
Chemical Manufacturer Improves Power Quality with S&C's PureWave UPS System
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TheGiftBasketStop.com Unveils Unique Gift Basket Designs for the Holidays
Galt, CA (ContentDesk) November 30, 2005 -- New Gift Baskets from the Gift Basket Stop include snowman confection baskets, a selection of custom holiday baskets featuring
baskets
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