Home Security Guide: Information | Tips On Home Security » cctv

Home Security Camera

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:41:37 +0000

The world is full of threats everywhere you go, even in our homes. The most threats happen in those neighborhoods where homes are distant from each other or they have no neighboring community at all. That is why a home security camera is very important to people whether their homes attract criminals or not.

Home security cameras are very useful in preventing crime, investigating crime scenes, and also as a gadget in other tasks that does not involve security. But it focuses primarily on security from criminals and other threats to life and property. A home security camera can also be a part of a larger security system.

Moreover, home security cameras work with a Closed Circuit Television or CCTV where footages of the camera is portrayed. Other people use Digital Video Recorders or DVRs to make the most out of the camera. The only worry about these gadgets is their prices. It ranges from $100 to $500 and can even cost more expensive than that. But if you have no trouble with money and you have the budget, then installing these devices at your home is worth it.

However, having a home security camera installed in your home will not necessarily ensure that you are not going to get robbed anymore. It only provides a peace of mind for the home owners that everything that takes place inside their homes are recorded and the response of authorities seemed faster with exact information to help them.

The installation of your home security camera does depend on the dimension of your home, number of rooms you have, compartments present in your home, and the intensity of coverage that you like to apply. You can choose from different home security cameras out there and you will be able to find one that meets your needs and purposes.

Home security cameras can sometimes be too obvious to criminals because of the place where they are installed. That is the reason why there is a need to install it in a discreet place where it will not be easily obvious that all parts of the house are being observed and watched. This is also for security from home guests and house helpers, to supervise with a hidden camera without offense.

There are various kinds, shapes and sizes of home security cameras in the market today. You can choose from either a wired or wireless system. They can be installed simply, especially the wireless system because it uses wireless technology to enable you to install without considering the place and connection that you have to have with the CCTV and the recording device. Moreover, the time of installation is faster compared to wired models.

The whole world has been experiencing continuous economic challenges nowadays and the weak hearted are the ones who threaten other people’s homes. Thus, it is a must to take extra measures that has been available for us to protect us, our families, and properties. One step that you must make is to install a security camera in your home that can lessen the threats thrown at us.

Best PC Based CCTV Surveillance Systems

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:46:20 +0000

One of the most popular choices for your home security is security cameras with DVR systems. These systems are available in different configurations and can be obtainable in both PC and standalone systems. You need not be an expert in computer to administer and handle a PC based surveillance system, although a little computer skills will definitely help. For PC phobic persons, they should better go with standalone DVR systems, where a press of a button can serve your purpose.

Now let us talk about the advantages of the PC based DVR systems. The computer will have a DVR capture card along with normal PC stuffs (network card, mother board, video board, main memory and secondary memory). The DVR capture board will have 4 / 8 / 16 video inputs. These inputs accept analog signals from the surveillance cameras which are then converted to digital. A further processing is carried out by the computer and the data is compressed by mp4 compression. This compressed video is then stored in the secondary storage device for records and playback. PC based DVR’s enjoy far better video clarity over time span. They are also more flexible when compared to standalone DVR’s. Pre-configured systems are also available in the market for purchase.

Let’s consider the merits of Standalone DVR systems. All the functions of this DVR system are activated by pressing a button thus making it very simple. You can also have an option of off-site viewing that makes it possible to have a close watch from anywhere in the world. This is also available in PC based systems but you need to have a prior knowledge of networking. Standalone DVRs are actually computer based machines that run on Linux or UNIX only designed to run one application (DVR Surveillance).

Surveillance Systems from Home Depot and Costco present poor TVL (Resolution) cameras and a DVR that offer “choppy” videos to watch!! If you want the optimal utilization of your money i.e. low costs and quality product like a professional surveillance systems then look no further! Here we with our overseas manufacture produce a cost effective PC based DVR Surveillance Systems. The prices range from $799 – $1,408. The exciting features of these systems are motion detection, remote viewing, email alerts, masking and more.

These surveillance systems come in 4 / 8 / 16 / 32 Channel DVRs. The residential Surveillance systems generally have 4 – 8 channels. For business purpose however requires more square footage and additional coverage. Our 16 and 32 channel DVRs provides more security to protect your business. These systems are custom manufactured in Northeast Ohio!

Do not stick with the big box stores for buying a home CCTV surveillance system. They will offer only one or two manufacturers and one or two systems to choose from. So before you purchase your surveillance system, give a thorough thinking where your cameras will be placed, what distance each cameras has to cover and how long you will save the videos. With your answers consult with your local surveillance specialist (not the big boxes!) and built the right system for your purpose.

Recorders: Recording CCTV video

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:39:55 +0000

Most CCTV systems use video cassette recorders (VCRs) to record video images from the monitors. Recordings make it possible to view events that may have gone unnoticed at the time they occurred or that may require close investigation later. Technological advances now make it possible to record
images in digital form on a computer disk. This new type of recorders is called digital video recorders (DVRs).

There are 2 types of DVRs:

Standalone DVRs:This type of DVRs look similar to a standard VCRs. It’s connected to the CCTV monitor for video capturing and display. A computer disk inside the DVR will be used to store the video footage. Some comes with built it CD-RW to enable video footage to be stored in CDs.
Computer based DVRs:Computer based DVR system makes use of frame grabber cards such as the Geovision DVR cards to capture video. The DVR card is plugged into the computer’s motherboard and receives video input from the CCTV cameras. The video input will then be displayed onto the computer’s monitor or stored into the computer’s hard disk.

Standalone DVRs

offers more video input channels as compared to computer based DVR systems. A standalone DVR can be connected up to 64 cameras!

VCRs are still presently the most common recording method but the number of current systems upgrading to digital is rapidly increasing due to the advanced features available and the increased recorded image quality. When digital systems are compared side-by-side to VHS format TLRs most clients opt for the superior quality and features of today’s DVRs. The latest DVRs are now able to record up to 480 frames per second divided by the number of cameras used in the system.

VCRs designed for CCTV can record video images in either real-time or time-lapse modes. In the real-time recording mode, the tape moves at the same speed as home VCRs (2 to 6 hours) and captures 30 pictures per second. This produces high quality recordings, but requires operators to change tapes every two to six hours. The 24-hour real time VCR will record 24 hours of video on a single tape at 20 pictures per second. It is considered a real time recorder because 20 pictures per second approximate the ability of the human eye to easily distinguish moving images.

Time-lapse recording makes it possible to record video over long periods of time on a relatively small amount of videotape. Time-lapse recording can capture from 12 to 960 hours of video on one T-120 tape. However, the number of pictures recorded per second in time-lapse mode decreases significantly as the recording time increases. As fewer pictures are recorded per second, critical images may not appear on tape, and movement may appear jerky.

Both the DVRs and VCRs offer video capturing through alarm recording. With this method, the VCR usually runs in time-lapse mode until an alarm occurs. This would enable the VCRs to record for a longer period of time without having to change tape. As for the DVRs, some DVRs come with built in Motion detection technology. This means that digital footage is only recorded when the motion sensor is triggered.

With the maximum storage space of computer disk increasing rapidly, it has enables DVRs to record long hours of non stop video footage. It can be left recording without being attended to as opposed to VCRs whereby you will need to change the tape after hours of recording. This is where the DVRs gain the edge over the VCRs. Computer based DVRs also offers the ability to search for scenes with just a drag of the mouse button.

Monitors for CCTV home security systems

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:32:56 +0000

The monitor receives the transmitted electronic video signal from the camera and displays the image using a cathode ray tube (CRT). Although similar in function to a TV set, a CCTV monitor provides higher lines of resolution (better picture quality) and accepts only video signals rather than RF/antenna signals.

Lines of resolution refer to the total number of horizontal lines the camera or monitor is able to reproduce. The more lines on a screen, the better or sharper the video picture will appear. CCTV monitors can provide up to 1000 lines of resolution compared to an average of 300 lines provided by television sets.

Several factors can affect the monitoring function: Size of the monitor (9″ and 14″ are popular sizes), its positioning and angle relative to where the viewer sits, the quantity of monitors, and the quality (resolution) of the monitor itself. In all cases, sufficient growth must be factored into any console design. It’s also important to note that all monitors generate heat. Whether on a table or enclosed in a console, be sure to provide adequate ventilation and air-conditioning.

Most CCTV systems use both dedicated monitors and switch able monitors. A dedicated monitor displays the video from only one camera. A switch able monitor enables operators to “call or switch” different cameras to the monitor.

Lens for CCTV home security systems

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:26:23 +0000

Lens is made up of curved, ground and polished piece of glass or other transparent material used for the refraction of light. Their main function is to collect reflected light from objects and focus a clear, sharp image on the camera’s imager. Typically, the more light that passes through a lens, the better the quality of the image. The size and clarity of the image obtained are affected by factors such as distance from the scene, focal length, desired field of view, lighting and format used.

Field of View
The field of view (FOV) is the area covered by the lens’ angle of view. Consider using a wide angle lens to get more coverage of an area.
Camera lenses can be divided into two basic types: fixed focal and varifocal (or zoom). A fixed focal lens has a constant focal length, while a varifocal lens can change its focal length. Focal length is simply the distance from the optical center of the lens to a focal point near the back of the lens. This distance is written on the lens (in millimeters) and indicates the field of view produced by the lens.

Depth of Field
Depth of field is defined as the range of object distances within which objects are imaged with acceptable sharpness. This means that when you focus precisely on a subject, a certain distance in front of and behind the subject also will be in focus, although not as sharp. Depth of field increases or decreases based on the length of the lens, the lens aperture and distance from the camera to the subject.

Each of the three depth of field factors will yield the following:

Lens length
Short lens (i.e. wide angle) = longer depth of field
Long lens (i.e. telephoto) = shorter depth of field

Aperture
Wide aperture = shorter depth of field
Narrow aperture = longer depth of field

Distance to subject
Short distance = shorter depth of field
Long distance = longer depth of field

A variable focus 1.8mm ~ 3.6mm lens is ideal for monitoring hallways, doorways, and average size rooms.
A 5.0mm ~ 40mm lens has the ability to be used for monitoring hallways and doorways and can be easily adjusted to monitor long driveways or areas several hundred feet away.

Manual iris lenses provide an effective solution for applications where the scene and lighting requirements are relatively stable, especially when used with security cameras that are equipped with electronic shutters.
Auto focus lenses are slightly more expensive than manual lenses but it offers flexibility when used outdoor or indoor with varying light.

CCTV for home security systems

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:17:38 +0000

A Closed Circuit TeleVision (CCTV) is a video magnification system consisting of a monitor interfaced with a video camera. Video magnification is achieved in two ways – the electronic conversion from the small camera imager to the larger display screen and the optical effect of the cameras zoom lens. The CCTV system provides high contrast, inverse video display, gray scale, false colors, natural colors, and/or control of contrast level and brightness.

A CCTV system allows you to monitor the interior and exterior of your house anytime of the day and you may want to consider it as a supplement to your home security system. Such a system includes a surveillance camera or cameras, lenses specially selected to watch particular areas of the home, and a recorder that records what the camera or cameras see. It comes in hardwired or wireless form.

A home CCTV system can be used in many ways. Depending on the size of your home, you may need as little as 1 camera for your system. You can install just one in front of your front door if you just want to see who is at your front door. It can be recorded while you are away and you can check the recorded video to see who dropped by and identifying burglars before they strike. While you are at home, you can use it to watch over your child’s playtime while you are doing your chores. The use of a CCTV system is limitless but before getting one, follows these steps:

	1. What to monitor. Exterior cameras are used to monitor areas such as the garage, backyard, or outside a gate or fence. Interior cameras can be used to monitor your kids while you are away. This will determine the number of cameras you need.
	2. Field of view of the CCTV systems. This will determine the size and type of lens. There are four types of lenses for CCTV use: fixed aperture, manual iris, auto iris and zoom. A zoom lens enables you to perform close-ups and get a better view of object.
	3. The number of cameras used will determine whether you need a switcher, a multiplexer or multiple monitors.
	4. If you plan to record more than 4 to 6 hours, you will need a commercial grade recorder. Otherwise, you can use a standard VCR. If you want full screen recording of multiple cameras, you will need to include a multiplexer.

CCTV security systems are not expensive by itself. The common thinking is that CCTV security systems are for the rich and most commonly installed in big houses. That is where you are wrong. With the number of manufacturers increasing, the price of CCTV security systems has dropped drastically over the years. A package that includes a monitor and 4 black and white cameras can be bought at less than $500.

Automated CCTV Security system
An automated CCTV security system does not require human intervention. Not so long ago, this type of security system is normally associated with the hiring of security guards to constantly monitor the monitors for intruders. Now, CCTV systems can be fully automated and is capable of detecting intruders on its own. All it needs is to be connected to sensors such as motion sensors. If the motion sensor is triggered, the alarm will sound and the CCTV recorder will start recording video.

Modern CCTV security system even has remote surveillance capability.
Using the internet, it allows the owner to view the video stream from remote location such as the work place.
An example of how this type of system operates:

	1. The sensor is triggered.
	2. The alarm starts giving off loud siren.
	3. The CCTV recorder starts recording.
	4. The owner is notified through phone.
	5. The owner will connect back to the home CCTV system using the internet.
	6. The owner can decide through the live stream video whether it’s a false alarm or a real situation.
	7. He or she can immediately call the police or remotely switch off the alarm.

With advancement in image processing, intelligent software connected to the CCTV cameras is able to tell whether the image obtained by the cameras show an intruder. It is an alternative to using the sensors.

Automated CCTV security system will significantly reduce the cost of a security system by eliminating the need to hire security guards. It also offers peace of mind because you don’t have to monitor the cameras all the time or worry whether your guard is sleeping on the job.

An
axiom in CCTV security applications is:
The better the light, the better the picture

Home Security System: Your home’s best defense against intruders

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:58:29 +0000

There is a wide variety of home security system manufacturer providing different types of security components. With advancement in technology, new components are increasingly being incorporated into security system by manufacturers to gain edge over the competitors. New technology such as wireless sensors has recently become very popular as it provides ease of installation and with no unsightly cables running around. The method of signaling warning has also evolved from the conventional method to provide new ways of scaring off the burglars rather than just blasting out loud siren.

Because of the wide variety of alarms available, it is important for buyers, especially beginners to understand the different types of security system and components available before getting one. At its simplest form, how an alarm system works still remain the same.

Home Security System

Control Panel	Sensors	Respond	Connection
A typical home security system model

It is important to remember that even with the installation of a security system, it does not mean that you can stop taking precautions and throw away the locks that you have been using to keep intruders out. Doors and windows still have to be locked. All the normal precautions still apply.

DIY Home Security System: Guide to installing your own security system

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 08:59:00 +0000

Want to install a new home security system, and you want to do it yourself (DIY). But where to start? A security system usually starts with a control panel and end with an alarm but with new
innovation in home automation that’s going toward smarthome, it has enables new functionalities to be added to a security system. It can do more than just detecting and then sounding off alarm. Lighting, home appliances and many more can be assimilated into the security system and be controlled from just one place which is usually the computer.

So many things can be changed or added and only if you do it yourself can you customize your home security
system to your needs. With a DIY system,you’ll have greater control over the components.

The easiest type of home alarm systems, installation-wise, is wireless alarms. Wired alarm security systems involve drilling up the walls, running cable through them, and other noisy, tedious chores that the other family members might not appreciate. With
wireless systems, it can be as simple as buying a kit and hooking everything up. However, if you are considering a monitored home security system, or a system that calls/pages you when something is amiss (requires hook up to the telephone system), installation will be more complicated, even with wireless.

The basic elements of a standard home security system include:

Control Panel: This is the location where the system wiring terminates, the backup battery is located, and where it is connected to the phone lines if it is a monitored system. More about control panel…

Keypad: This is where the system is armed and disarmed. Additional keypads can be installed. For example, a keypad can be installed next to the homeowner’s bed. If the alarm sounds in the middle of the night and the security system had the capability, the keypad display could indicate which door, window, or motion detector caused the
alarm. More about keypad…

Siren: A loud siren sounds when there’s been a break-in and it also lets an intruder know they’ve been detected. More about siren…

Inside Motion Detector: Passive infrared, microwave, or photoelectric detectors sense changes in a room caused by human presence. Special motion detectors are available for people who
have pets. More about motion detector…

Door and Window Contacts: Magnetic contacts form a circuit between a door and doorframe or a window and a sill; when the door or window is opened (and the system is on), the
circuit is broken and sounds the alarm. More about magnetic sensor…

A Central Monitoring Station: If the system is monitored, in the event of an alarm, the control panel sends a message over a telephone line to a central monitoring station, which is manned 24 hours a day. After attempting to contact the homeowner, the central monitoring station will contact the
police, fire department, or medics. There is usually a monthly fee for this service. More about monitoring services…

The heart of a decent DIY security system is the same popular X10 technology used for networking home computers, household appliances and other domestic gadgets. By plugging window and door sensors, motion detectors, inside and outside lighting and video cameras
into the X10 network, you can control the operation of all these components from your computer (or via a stand-alone control console). The beauty of X10 security is that you can pick and choose the components you want. You decide based on your needs and budget and if you choose to upgrade later on, you just add
the components in. For example, if you choose to add a front cam to your current x10 security system, you can just add into your network easily.