From the category archives:

Cameras

Affordable Video Surveillance Systems

by Carolyn
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It’s no secret – video surveillance systems can be quite expensive. If you’re serious about protecting your home’s security (and have the budget to do so), it’s possible to spend upwards of $1,000 for a high-quality, reliable video surveillance camera. If you have surveillance cameras that are separate from a monitored security system, it’s easy to spend upwards of $3,500 on a 3-camera, fully interactive video surveillance system for your home. If you’re looking to be more frugal, there are…

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3 Advantages of Wireless Security Cameras

by Carolyn
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Most people view wireless technology as being a relatively new invention. However, the first successful wireless transfer of electronic signals actually took place in 1879, by a man named David E. Hughes. Hughes was able to transmit radio signals several hundred yards, all by using a keyed transmitter. However, it was a long time before Hughes was fully recognized for the breakthrough that he’d made, since he did not satisfy the proper “scientific requirements” of the time period. Hughes eventually…

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Using Your Webcam for Video Surveillance

by Carolyn
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Let’s face it – video surveillance systems are expensive. However, they represent both an effective and reliable method to help you to protect your home’s security. For a temporary solution, you can use your computer’s webcam as a makeshift home surveillance system. This guide covers the use of a single camera, though it is also possible to set up more sophisticated system with multiple cameras. Webcam Video Surveillance Step 1 – Install Your Webcam Drivers If you haven’t already, install the appropriate drivers…

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Fake Video Surveillance Cameras

by Carolyn
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The art of capturing surveillance actually dates back several hundred years, to ancient China. Chinese military strategists such as Sun-Tzu (who wrote “The Art of War”) authored texts which extensively documented how to capture and use enemy surveillance. Though recording devices weren’t present at the time, Chinese soldiers often gained intel by infiltrating enemy camps, spying on important military events and taking notes on intercepted communications. In the 1200′s, the Mongols made extensive use of surveillance gathering in order to move through Asia and…

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Surveillance Video Quality – The Basics

by Carolyn
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Understanding factors that affect the quality of your video surveillance is an essential part of maintaining your security system. Poor surveillance video quality will affect how efficient your security system is at protecting your home. Here are some of the basic concepts of surveillance video quality. Resolution Resolution is a very important factor in surveillance video quality. However, the quality of your recording isn’t entirely dependent on the resolution of your security camera. Camera resolution is measured in how many…

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2 Ways To Record Video Surveillance

by Carolyn
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Setting up the hardware for an effective video surveillance system does take a bit of technical expertise. However, another important part of making your security surveillance effective, is figuring out how to record video. By capturing the video from your security surveillance, you have the ability to re-play it at any time. Here are two effective methods for recording video surveillance. 1. DVR DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder, which is the recording system that has replaced magnetic tape in recording video.…

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Hidden Camera Video Surveillance – Is It Legal?

by Carolyn
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Installing hidden cameras around your home can be an effective way to constantly monitor any activity. Hidden camera surveillance can help you to identify any potential burglars or intruders, as well as allow you to keep an eye on your children’s babysitter. However, a question that many people often ask – “Is Hidden Camera Surveillance Legal?” is subject to a lot of controversy. Hidden Camera Laws In general, it’s illegal to obtain video surveillance of someone with the intent of…

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Child Safety – Installing a ‘Nanny Cam’

by Carolyn
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If you are a parent, it’s natural for you to experience some anxiety when leaving your children alone with another person. This may be a nanny, a babysitter or even a family friend. To help lessen the anxiety of leaving children under the care of someone else, many parents are now choosing to install a ‘Nanny Cam’ to keep an eye on how a caretaker interacts with their children. However, how useful is a ‘Nanny Cam’? Is it legal to…

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An Introductory Guide to Wireless Security Cameras

by Carolyn
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Having wireless security cameras installed is a great way to have access to 24/7 video monitoring of your home. With recent advancements in security technology, you are now able to purchase wireless security cameras that aren’t required to be directly connected to a video transmitter. However, before installing wireless security cameras in your home, it is best if you have a general knowledge of how these devices are able to function. Basic Components A wireless security camera system usually includes one…

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Security Cameras – Methods of Low-Light Surveillance

by Carolyn
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Installing security cameras around your home and property is a great way to increase your overall level of security. However, a common question that many homeowners often ask is: How can I improve my camera’s surveillance in the dark? While a basic security camera system will be able to capture fairly clear footage during the daytime hours, a lack of sufficient light will result in a significant degradation of your camera’s surveillance abilities. How Cameras Improve Low-Light Video Many security companies…

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