This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Humans have always had the desire to memorialize certain things with an image. Pictures may tell a story, convey an emotion, or simply be a tribute to a momentous event. Though the history of painting pictures dates back to the earliest etchings on cave walls, the first official “photograph” wasn’t taken until 1817, by a man named Nicéphore Niépce. The first video camera was developed in 1951 by Charles P. Ginsburg, and sold for a whopping $50,000. However, it wasn’t until 1983 that Sony released the first video camera designed specifically for consumer use.

The use of video cameras as a security device is a concept that only became widely available to consumers within the past 15 years. It’s incredible to think about how advanced the new generation of security cameras is, compared to just five years ago. Lately, a new type of surveillance camera has gained a bit of consumer attention, and has been tentatively dubbed the “IP Camera”. Here is a quick guide to the IP camera, and how it differs from most conventional surveillance cameras.

General Construction
The video capturing components of an IP camera are generally the same as most basic surveillance cameras. It captures video at intervals that can be programmed into the device, and may sometimes have a motion-activated recording capabilities. However, the camera could be defined as a “mini-computer”, with its own processor, memory and image sensing capabilities. Some IP cameras can carry out sophisticated video analyzing tasks.

How is an IP Camera Different from a CCTV Camera?
The primary difference between an IP camera and an analog CCTV (closed circuit television) camera is that an IP camera can both send and receive different types of data over the internet, or a computer network. Many basic CCTV cameras do not have this feature.

Two Types of IP Cameras
There are two main types of IP cameras:

Centralized IP Cameras
This type of IP camera works by using a separate NVR (network video recorder) to handle most recording and video tasks.

Decentralized IP Cameras
A decentralized IP camera already has a NVR supporting device built-in. This means that the camera itself can directly record to a digital storage medium (hard disk drive, flash drive, etc).

Are IP Cameras Useful for Home Security?
It is possible to incorporate an IP surveillance camera into your home security measures. However, when choosing a surveillance camera for your home, there are many factors to consider. This may include price, network availability, the type of system that you have, etc. Some security system control panels may not be compatible with a stand-alone IP surveillance camera.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

The year 1999 was full of excitement, as many people predicted that the new millennium would bring amazing technological advancements. The Disney Channel took advantage of this perception, and released “Smart House”, a made-for-TV movie about the technology of the future. In the movie, a family wins a “computerized house”, which eventually takes on a life of its own! The family struggles to bring the intelligent house under control, and eventually comes to a heartwarming finale.

With the amazing new developments technology, our society is gradually moving closer to using ‘smart’ electronics. Aside from just performing simple tasks, the electronics of tomorrow will be able to change their functions, adapt to new situations, and provide a completely customizable experience for their users. One example of this type of technology in the home security field is the introduction of ‘smart’ security cameras. Here are three unique cameras that do the thinking for you!

Archerfish Solo – The Thinking Camera

Click here to view the embedded video.

TRENDnet SecurView Wireless Day/Night/Pan/Tilt/Zoom Internet Surveillance Camera

Click here to view the embedded video.

Panasonic BL-C230A Wireless Internet Security Camera

Click here to view the embedded video.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

If you’re a fan of horror movies, you’ve already become familiar with some of the most common horror themes. Monsters will fall from the ceiling, ghosts will jump out around corners, and at least one blond-haired girl will run screaming through a dark, murky forest. However, another less well-known tactic used in horror films is to feature ghosts that only appear in photographs, or in security camera footage. The concept of seeing ghosts in security camera footage has spurned a cult phenomenon, with thousands of “ghosts” captured on film all over YouTube.

While you may not be capturing ghosts on your home security cameras, your focus should still be on capturing unwanted intruders. Burglars, thieves and other criminals may be deterred simply by the sight of a security camera, if it’s placed properly. More seasoned thieves may try to disable a camera, which makes proper placement even more important. Here are a few tips to help you to strategically place your home security cameras around the outside of your home.

Entry Points
The first-floor entry points of your home are one of the most vulnerable sections of your home. When installing your security cameras, be sure that they are placed so that they can easily view all of your entry points.

Parking Areas
In some cases, a burglar may attempt to break in to your vehicle, even if it’s parked close to your home. Place your surveillance cameras so that they can capture a wide angle view of the parking areas outside your home.

Back Yard
Many people mistakenly believe that the front of their home is always where an intruder will attempt to break in. While its true that the majority of burglars use front-of-the-house entry points, it’s still important to place cameras that can capture footage of your back yard.

Basement Access
Did you know that many people forget that basement access can be used by burglars to gain entry to a home? If you have outdoor basement access (such as a stairwell or access hatch), be sure that your security cameras are able to view all activity around that area.

Attached Garage Access
Many people mistakenly forget about the vulnerability of their attached garage as a potential entry point for burglars. If you have an attached garage, be sure that you have at least one security camera that has a clear view of your garage’s doors (interior or exterior).

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Crime reports are always in the news. Homes are robbed, cars are broken into and property is stolen. Maybe you feel safe because those kinds of crimes do not happen in your quiet neighborhood. Or maybe you’re not sure if home security systems even work. Here is proof that you could be a victim to burglary and that home security is not only important, it works, too.

Early Saturday morning, thieves broke into Ken Warner’s vehicles that were parked outside his garage. The thieves went on a crime spree through Hastings, Wisconsin and stole various items from six different vehicles. From Ken Warner’s truck, the thieves stole a laptop.

Luckily, Warner had installed security cameras on his garage. As the burglars broke into the cars, the cameras captured footage that could be used to find and arrest the thieves. When Warner discovered his trucks had been broken into, he checked the security cameras and watched the burglars in action. Warner then uploaded the video to Facebook, and the video spread to the Star Gazette.

The security camera’s footage led to various leads and police have already made one arrest. Police are still searching for the other burglars, though, and Warner’s stolen laptop.

The thieves broke into Warner’s vehicles at 2:24 a.m. – a time when most people are asleep and would not see a burglar breaking into a car. This is why home security cameras are so important. Cameras capture crime when homeowners are away or asleep.  

You might believe your town is quiet and safe enough that you do not need any kind of home security. But you can never know for sure. If your car or home is broken into and property is stolen, then you might wish you had installed security cameras. Without the security cameras, the police in Hastings might have been without any leads and the burglars would have escaped.

Sources:

http://www.piercecountyherald.com/event/article/id/28934/

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An 87-year-old man from Florida can testify that home security systems actually work and catch criminals. He has his monitoring system and police to thank for his safety and rescue from three burglars.

The elderly man had been a victim of burglars twice already, and he decided it was time to have some home security. Working with his local Brevard County police, he had surveillance cameras installed. The Brevard County police monitored the video surveillance, and the 87-year-old did not mind at all. Instead, it gave him a sense of security to know someone was watching.

Early on August 30, the surveillance cameras paid off. When detectives entered their office, they saw three burglars on the live feed from the elderly man’s home. The burglars were walking around the home, and police immediately drove to the man’s aid. When the police arrived, the three burglars were attempting to force the 87-year-old man into his car. They planned on driving the man to his bank and forcing him to completely empty his bank account. They would then steal his money.

The burglars were never able to implement their plan because police arrived before they could back out of the driveway. Police arrested Christopher Comella, Anthony Millar and Matthew Zachas and charged them with kidnapping and home invasion. Thanks to the man’s 24/7 surveillance cameras, he was saved from a kidnapping and robbery.

Sources:

http://blog.brickhousesecurity.com/2010/08/31/home-invasion/

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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 several options available to you. While the less expensive cameras may not have the expansive features of high-tier security cameras, they can still be used as an effective way to monitor your home’s security. Here are four of the least expensive, best-selling cameras that currently have good ratings by consumers.

Note – Prices are subject to change. All prices are from bestselling camera systems on Amazon.com.

Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security–Indoor Master System and Camera

Price: $250
Rating: 3/5 Stars

This camera is different from other security cameras because it comes with “command center” software, which gives the system the ability to send you email and cell phone alerts. The software also allows you to remotely view the video footage from your cell phone, PDA or PC. Though the range of this camera is somewhat limited (it only comes with a 10-foot Ethernet camera cable, you will have to purchase your own cable for longer distances), the software can handle up to five different cameras. Though this system only comes with one camera, you can purchase extra cameras: around $185 for indoor cameras, and $175 for outdoor cameras. (NOTE: A common customer complaint was that the outdoor cameras only last a few months, so you may be better off having outward-facing indoor cameras on your windows instead.)

Q-See QSC48030 High Resolution Weatherproof CCD Camera w/80ft of Night Vision (Color)

Price: $117
Rating: 4/5 Stars

This outdoor color video camera contains a 1/3″ Sony image sensor, which is able to record 480TV lines of resolution. Because the camera is equipped with 36 infrared LED lights, it is able to see up to 80 feet away in dark conditions (night vision is in black-and-white). The weatherproof design allows it to be installed outdoors, such as over entry points or on the outdoor corners of your house. With a 60 foot included cable, there is some flexibility as to where you install this camera. It does not come with any included software, and will need to be integrated with a device (such as a home computer) for good video surveillance.

Defender STEALTH1 Covert MPEG4 DVR Recording System with Built-in Color Pinhole Surveillance Camera Hidden in a Motion Sensor

Price: $199
Rating: 4/5 Stars

The unique feature of this camera is that the camera component is concealed within a motion detector. It is able to record up to 45 days of footage, storing this video on its 2GB SD card. Since the system is battery-operated (and stores video footage internally), there is no need for any connected cables. The video records in MPEG-4 format, which is able to be played on most computers. With “Auto-Resume” recording, the system begins capturing video footage as soon as it is turned on. Many customers gave this camera positive reviews, mostly due to its effectiveness as a “nanny cam” or for checking in on their children’s activities when they aren’t able to be at home.

SVAT CV31 Hi-Res Outdoor CCD Security Camera w/Long Range Night Vision

Price: $71
Rating: 4/5 Stars

This surveillance camera does not come with any extra software, or a base control system. However, it does contain many features that seem to work well for most customers. It has 24 infrared LED lights, which can see up to 45 feet away even in dark conditions. The resolution of the camera is able to produce 420TV lines, which is good resolution for its price range. The night vision on the camera automatically activates as soon as it gets dark, making day/night surveillance much easier. The one-wire connection system is different from some other cameras, which may require a power cord as well as a video cable (the included wire for this camera is 60ft long). Overall, this camera has pretty good reviews on many retail websites.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

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 went on to produce the Hughes Telegraph, which was the first telegraph machine that could print out text messages that were transmitted over long distances.

Today, wireless technology has become extremely common, with most residential households now having their own wireless internet connections. In relation to home security, wireless technology helps to improve versatility and effectiveness of home security devices. One of the most notable devices that improves the security of a home is the wireless security camera. Using wireless technology for security cameras has several important advantages.

1. Versatility.
When placing a wireless security camera, one of the most important benefits is the versatility that you have with the placement. Since you don’t need to take into account the length of the wiring, you have more freedom to place your wireless security camera in an optimum location. This can also help you to improve the effectiveness of your video surveillance system.

2. Flexibility
If you install a wired security camera surveillance system, it can be extremely difficult to move your cameras after they have been installed. With wireless security cameras, you have the flexibility to move them at any time. This can help you to have more control over the level of surveillance captured by your cameras. For example, if you have an outdoor pool that only requires surveillance during the summer, you have the freedom to move your cameras to other locations.

3. Inconspicuous Surveillance
With a wireless security camera, you aren’t required to place it in a specific location. This gives you the ability to hide your camera in any location that you deem appropriate. While some of the benefit of having a video surveillance system lies in the cameras being a visual deterrent against burglars, there may be times when you wish your cameras to remain hidden. Examples of when hidden cameras may be useful are: interior surveillance cameras, “nanny cams” and motion-activated security cameras. Also, with wireless security cameras, you don’t have to worry about drilling into your wall to find a place to hide the wiring.

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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 to ensure that your camera is able to work with your computer. These drivers are often contained on an installation CD that came with your webcam. If you lost your installation CD, you can usually find the proper drivers by navigating to the website of the company that manufactured your webcam.

Webcam Video Surveillance Step 2 – Install Dorgem.
There are hundreds of different programs which can be integrated with your webcam for security purposes. However, most of them cost a significant amount of money. For this particular guide, we will cover using Dorgem, which is a free open-source program. Though the program has been “discontinued”, you can still download it, you just won’t be able to access support (and there won’t be released updates). The installation is fairly straightforward – simply proceed through the installation screens by clicking “Next“.

Download Link

Webcam Video Surveillance Step 3 – Select Your Webcam.
In the Dorgem application, your webcam should be able to be selected from a drop-down list. If your webcam doesn’t appear, you can either try restarting your computer, reinstalling your webcam drivers or updating your operating system.

Webcam Video Surveillance Step 4 – Adjust Your Webcam.
By clicking the “Preview” button, you can see the capture area of your webcam. Adjust your webcam to cover the area that you would like to monitor.

Webcam Video Surveillance Step 5 – Make a “Storage Profile”.
Click the “Store settings” button to set up where/how the captured images will be stored. Select “File” for the type, then click “OK“. Enter a name for the recording “event” (such as “porch-camera“), check the box for “Enable“, and then decide on an interval setting. This interval setting will determine how often the program will take a picture of what is being captured by the camera. It’s recommended that you set this to 1-2 seconds to capture the most frequent images. However, if you are low on disk space, you may want to set this interval to 10-20 seconds. Click the “…” button that appears next to filename, and choose a folder to save the images. When you choose a file name, be sure to use the “%g” tag, which will allow each file to be named including the timestamp of when it was captured. So, your filenames could be “porch-camera%g“. Click the “OK” and “Close” buttons to return to the main Dorgem screen.

Webcam Video Surveillance Step 6 – Check Your Settings.
As long as the program is running, your camera should be capturing images. Move around a bit in front of the camera, and then check the storage folder you selected. If you set your camera up correctly, you should have several images in the folder capturing your motion. If there are no images in the folder, try double-checking your settings.

Webcam Video Surveillance Step 7 – Completion
You’re done! Now, as long as both your computer and the Dorgem application are running, your webcam will capture images at set intervals. You can view these images as a slideshow to gain a better understanding of any events that the camera captured.

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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 Europe. In today’s society, surveillance is used in modern espionage, criminal prosecutions and also to help keep residential homes safe from burglars.

The market for hidden surveillance cameras expands each year, with more people purchasing “spy cameras” in order to capture people in the act of doing something bad like robbing a home. However, there is another market for security cameras, one which relies on the mere presence of a camera to scare off potential burglars. These fake surveillance cameras have been rapidly increasing in popularity, since they are a cost-effective way to give the appearance of having an active video surveillance system, without the cost.

How Do Fake Surveillance Cameras Work?

Essentially, a fake video surveillance camera is nothing more than an electrical device shaped like a camera, which may have a battery-powered LED light to give the impression of being active. Some of these cameras may have other features, such as having fake “night vision” infrared features, or rotating to “scan” an area.

Proper Placement of Fake Surveillance Cameras

It’s possible to take full advantage of the use of a fake surveillance camera (or a dummy surveillance camera) by paying close attention to placement. Depending on the model of your camera, you may have to be careful about using your dummy camera outdoors. Not all models are weather-resistant, and may be damaged by heat, cold or excessive moisture.

The most effective placement for fake security cameras is around the entry points of your home. If your camera model has an LED light, be sure that it is clearly visible. Never place a dummy surveillance camera in an area where it can be easily taken down and examined. Be sure that it is attached securely to its location, making allowances for high wind conditions or other potential hazards if it is outdoors.

Advantages of Fake Surveillance Cameras

There are a few important advantages associated with the use of fake surveillance cameras. This includes:

• They are inexpensive.
• For simple models, the battery only needs to be changed every few weeks.
• They can help scare off would-be burglars.

Disadvantages of Fake or “Dummy” Cameras

Just like with any other security device, there are some disadvantages that pertain to dummy surveillance cameras. This includes:

• Having a fake surveillance camera may make a homeowner have a false sense of security.
• Some people may believe they can use dummy cameras as a replacement for an actual security system.
• A criminal may be able to tell that the camera is fake, making it ineffective.
• When placed within arm’s reach, a criminal may be able to easily take down a fake video surveillance camera.

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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 lines of pixels it takes to recreate the image the camera captures. However, purchasing a high-resolution camera doesn’t necessarily ensure that you can capture recordings at that resolution. You need to make sure that all of your video equipment is the same (or higher) resolution as your surveillance camera.

For example, if you had a camera that captures video in 500 line resolution, purchasing a time-lapse security recorder that has 350 resolution will only allow you to record video in 350 line resolution, despite your camera’s ability to capture video in 500 line resolution. Be sure that all of your video surveillance equipment is around the same resolution.

Changes in Light

One of the main problems that people experience with security surveillance cameras is how the quality is affected by changes in light. To improve the quality of your recording in changing light conditions, you need to have a basic understanding of WDR (Wide Dynamic Range). WDR technology allows a camera to capture images with two separate Charge Coupled Devices (CCD’s).The variation in speeds of the CCD’s captures two images for every image frame. Essentially, a camera with WDR technology will scan each frame twice, to produce a higher quality picture in a wider range of light conditions.

Color vs. B&W

Contrary to what you may believe, color video is not always superior in quality to black & white video. This choice will depend on the placement of your camera, the time of day you wish to capture surveillance, and your budget. If you plan to capture video in low-light conditions, black and white video is the best choice. In low light conditions, color video will appear nearly grayscale. However, if you want to capture video surveillance during the day, you may want to make the extra investment in a color surveillance camera. This will allow you to differentiate between colors, which is helpful when there is a high amount of light. It’s important to remember that color surveillance cameras tend to cost about 30 – 60% more than black and white surveillance cameras.

Wired vs. Wireless

Another factor that will influence the quality of your surveillance video is how your camera transmits video signals. With a wired security camera, the video signal is transmitted directly through a hard-wired line. A wireless security camera sends a video signal through a transmitter, which is caught by a receiver and converted into video. Both of these systems have several disadvantages:

• Wired – Restricted placement due to being hard-wired.
• Wired – Invasive installation procedure.
• Wireless – Can be prone to interference.
• Wireless – Video Signal may sometimes be unstable.

Also, both of these systems have several advantages:

• Wired – Stable signal, consistent quality.
• Wired – Not prone to interference.
• Wireless – Flexible camera placement.
• Wireless – Cameras can be moved as-needed.

As you can see, it all comes down to flexibility. Wired security cameras tend to have better signal quality, since they aren’t prone to interference from moving objects, walls, weather conditions and other electronic transmitting devies. However, wireless security cameras can be useful for capturing video in areas which can’t have wiring easily installed.

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