Krittarth Kaul asked:


Digital video recovering software or DVR helps in complete monitoring control and access from the computer. It is a personal video recorder which records video in a digital format on to a disk drive or some other format.

The video capture and playback to and from the disk is enabled by stand alone set-top boxes and software for PC. Some televisions are already come with DVR hardware and software built within the television. But for those who need to install should know what they are looking for.

The important features one should look for installing DVR software. Those are:-

? Motion Detection Function- various DVR software programs offer different levels of motion detection function and you should consider about them before selecting one. Choose that software which has the capability to detect movement as soon as any kind of movement is detected. One more option is there, you can go for software which allows the camera to remain focused on the object and help track it.

? Control and Configuration of Cameras- you should look for cameras which have properties to adjust the images on each camera. Though some basic software applications allow the system to automatically adjust images but are not as good as manually adjusting the cameras. Instead you can go for those programs which have functions like zoom, tilt or pan features.

? Maintenance of Alarm/ Event logs- software with facilities to record and track events which causes the surveillance system to be triggered. This will give a better understanding of the reason which caused the trigger. It would be better to choose such system.

? Storing and Search Feature- find out software which allows to store the video images being recorded as well as carry out searching by using certain criteria’s. This helps in reviewing the information recorded and could be stored much easier. All this characteristics make your software an efficient one.

To get a good DVR you should spend a little more time on research. You should find your software according to what your requirements are which will ensure you to use the maximum out of the surveillance system.

DVR programs are designed to get most out of your camera which is connected to your computer. This helps in checking your employees though you are far away from them. Apart from monitoring you can playback previous recordings of more than one camera and could be accessible to your computer.



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Andy Youtz asked:


Cameras are just about everywhere in today’s day and age. There are few places you can go in public that you are not being recorded by a camera. From the streets to the local fast food restaurant you are likely being recorded. Surveillance systems have also been part of the security systems for the wealthy for many years and now they can be an affordable part of your homes.

There are several things you must consider when choosing your camera system. Just like most technology you can get more features for more money. Choosing a system will require you to consider budget along with wanted features and find a happy median of the two.

The first step is deciding how many cameras you plan to use. A system for just one camera can be set up for very little cost and be very effective. If you choose to have more cameras like 4, 8 or 16 then there are complete packages available that make cameras more cost effective. Once you know how many cameras you want, you will need to decide if you want to run wires or not. Most cameras are available in wired or wireless versions and normally the wired cameras are much more cost effective.

Surveillance cameras can come with many different functions including night vision, covert, color, black & white, weatherproof, high power wireless, pan tilt zoom cameras and many other options. If you need special application cameras they are likely available at a cost. Currently the most commonly used cameras for homes and businesses are dome cameras, bullet style cameras and hidden cameras. The type of camera will greatly depend on the application.

Next you will need to find a way to record your cameras. Recording is not necessary and it is possible to just view the cameras using a monitor, but you will find that having a recorded system has many advantages. The cost of recording can vary greatly depending on your choice of recorders. Below are the different recording options you have to choose from.

VCR -The cheapest may be an extra VCR you have lying around. Most cameras can be plugged directly into a VCR or TV’s video input. If the connection is not the same then there are adaptors available. You may be limited when using a VCR to just one camera. You can split the video of more cameras and use them with a VCR if you purchase a quad. A quad splits video inputs so they take up just a portion of the screen. Most quads are 4 channel, but more channel quads are available. VCRs can’t be viewed over the internet.

Surveillance Software and Hardware – This method of recording can also be a very cheap way to record. You must have a computer with some extra RAM and a USB port . This software will turn your computer into a feature rich DVR or digital video recorder (more on this later). To connect a camera to the computer you will need a analog to digital video converter. Just plug the camera into one end and the other end into the USB port on the computer. Most software will be able to see the camera as soon as it recognizes the video converter. If you have more cameras, you will need more converters and more free USB ports. You can also use a quad between the cameras and the video converter cord to increase the number of cameras you can view using this method. This is a great economic way to go if you only have a few cameras. These systems can be connected to the internet and viewed from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

DVR Card – a DVR card will need to be installed into one of the PCI ports in a PC in order to work. If you can’t add a card to the inside of your PC, then this may not be the best solution for you unless you can get some help. There are many people that have the ability to install a PCI card so help should be easy to come by. These cards range from 4 to 16 cameras and some can be used in sets for systems up to 36 cameras. The exposed part of the card on the back of the computer will allow you to connect the number of cameras the card allows. Most DVR cards will also allow audio microphones to be connected along with the cameras. DVR cards can be full of features and can compared with a high end DVR. DVR cards usually can be connected to the internet and viewed from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

DVR – is a digital video recorder. This device basically allows your cameras video to be recorded onto a hard drive or internal disk. There are 2 types of DVRs, windows based and embedded. Windows based DVRs are similar to a computer and use the Windows operating system to run surveillance software. Most people find Windows based DVRs much easier to use than embedded DVR. The embedded DVR does not use any software and all functions are embedded on software encoded computer chips. Embedded DVRs are cheaper than Windows based DVRs in most cases. DVRs are generally the most expensive way to record your cameras. Both types of DVRs allow you to connect the cameras directly to the back of the DVR. Some DVRs can be connected to the internet and viewed from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

You may also want to hook a monitor up to your system. The monitor will allow you to review the recorded video and also watch it live. Depending on the system you are setting up, the monitor may be a TV or may be a computer monitor. Monitors are available in all different sizes and qualities. If you plan on building a surveillance system you may want to consider one of the many systems available that provide everything you need in one discounted package. For the beginner it is many times easier to purchase a complete surveillance system then to try to piece together each thing individually.

These basics should be enough to get you started on finding a home surveillance system to meet your budget. Many times if you speak to a surveillance expert you can simply tell them your needs and your budget and they will put together a system that will work well for you. There are a lot of options for you to protect your home and family, be sure the system purchase will meet your security needs.



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Larry Zolna asked:


You are thinking about purchasing a wireless hidden camera but, like many people, are afraid of electronic products. You keep reading about words like “lux” and “camera resolution” and “line of sight” — do I really have to know what these mean? And, isn’t the wireless hidden camera hard to install?

The answer is NO and I’m going to tell you how easy it is to install and use your wireless hidden camera. I will also explain some of the “difficult” terms in plain, understandable English so you won’t be intimidated any more.

The best thing about a wireless hidden camera is just that — it’s WIRELESS! You won’t have to run any wires through your walls or under your rug.

These wireless cameras are called “hidden” because they are built into an existing everyday object that you see in your home or office. Most of these objects are functioning electrical appliances, e.g. clock radios, cordless phones, and even computer speakers.

Each object contains a wireless camera. The camera will function as long as the object is plugged into the wall outlet. For example, even when you turn your radio off, the camera is still working! These objects look natural when plugged into the wall, so your camera remains hidden and unsuspected.

Don’t forget — the object in which your camera is hidden is usually portable, e.g. clock radio. So even if you disconnect the plug from the wall — perhaps to move the object — you can still use your wireless camera with batteries. The batteries work for about 4-8 hours, so it’s best that you have another set handy or use a battery charger for a fresh supply.

You want to purchase a wireless surveillance camera system that is “Plug and Play.” This means just what it says — plug it in and begin using it! Your wireless hidden camera comes with 2 main components: 1) a camera and a transmitter connected inside an everyday object; and 2) a receiver which is attached to your VCR or TV. That’s all there is to it — you’re now ready to record!

Record what? There are unlimited uses for your wireless hidden camera.

How about as a hidden nanny camera — you can watch your children while they are being cared for by their nanny or baby sitter. What about your mother or father who is getting up in years and needs special care. Wouldn’t it be great to know who’s on your property all the time or even at the door? And how about your children — you can keep an eye on your tots with your hidden nanny camera to make sure they don’t leave the house or property. And, now with your small security camera, you will know the real time your teens return home at night!

By using wireless hidden cameras in the workplace, you will always be aware of what’s going on in your store, office and warehouse. Just set up a hidden camera to view your cash register, entrance and exit doors, loading dock, or just about anywhere.

All this and much more can be viewed from your VCR tape or live on your TV. And, with special software, you can watch what’s going on in your home or business on your computer screen, even when you’re away.

Should you choose a Black and White (B/W) or Color Camera? That is a personal choice that you should make. A Black and White camera does better as a low light wireless camera than a color camera because it has a lower lux. Color Cameras, however, would be more helpful to the police in identifying the burglar, shoplifter, assailant, etc. by giving a better description — for example, “the man with red hair in the green and yellow shirt.”

Finally, I promised to explain some technical camera terms. Here are some of the general questions you might ask about your wireless hidden camera:

• What is a Wireless Camera? A wireless camera consists of a camera with a transmitter attached to it and a receiver which connects to a VCR or a TV.

• What is “Plug and Play”? Plug and Play is the easy way to install your wireless surveillance camera system. Just connect the power supply (either AC for wall power or the battery pack) to your camera. Place the object containing the camera to show what you want to review. Connect the receiver to your TV or VCR using the red and yellow RCA cable from the receiver. You are now set up.

• What is a Transmitter? A transmitter is a device that converts video signals into radio frequency signals and transmits them as radio waves.

• What is a Receiver? A receiver is an electronic device that receives radio signals from a transmitter and decodes the signal for use as pictures on your VCR or TV.

• What is “Lux”? Lux is a method of measuring a camera’s sensitivity to light, i.e. it is the amount of light the camera needs to provide an image. The lower the number, the less light the camera needs to reproduce a clear image. A Black and White camera usually has a lower lux than a color camera. It will hold an image longer than a color camera. For example, a B/W camera with a .05 lux will be better in low light than a color camera with a .5 lux.

• What is the meaning of “camera resolution” for security cameras? Camera resolution is a measure of the clearness of a security camera. It’s determined by the number of horizontal video lines that the camera must have to reproduce the correct image. The higher the resolution number, the sharper the image.

• What is a Monitor? A monitor is what you use to view your camera image. The monitor could be a TV, CCTV (closed circuit TV) or even your computer screen.

• What is “Line of Sight”? Line of Sight means that the video signal travels from the transmitter in your camera to a dedicated receiver (e.g. VCR or TV) placed a certain distance away with no obstructions or interference between the two. The signal can go through walls and floors. Low Power Cameras usually have a line of sight of 700 feet. However, you can upgrade to a High Power Camera which has a line of sight of 3,500 feet.

So there you have it — you don’t have to be a camera buff to install or operate your wireless hidden camera. Just plug and play!

Don’t Become the Next Crime Statistic! A wireless hidden camera will show you

what’s REALLY happening in your home or business.

For more information on hidden cameras, please click on this link:

http://www.feelsafeandsecure.com/wireless_hidden_cameas.html

Feel Safe and Secure is a seller of home security products, self defense products and wireless hidden cameras. To view these amazing products, please visit our website: http://www.feelsafeandsecure.com  and Don’t Be the Next Victim!



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Thomas L. James asked:


A new age of home security has definitaly begun with the new the Hidden Camera DVR. The unit is portable and completely self contained, no wires or receivers to worry about. Just plug it in, point the camera in the direction you want to record, and push the record button on the remote. It really is that easy. Everything is recorded in color, on an 8 GB SD card that you simply plug into the SD card reader on your computer to view the recording.

This marvel of modern technology makes video surveillance surprisingly simple. Each Unit has two resolution settings. The 352 x 240 resolution setting records in real time at a rate of 30fps. High quality for 16hrs, medium quality for 96hrs and low quality for 144hrs. The 640 x 480 resolution setting records in real time at a rate of 12fps. High quality for 8hrs, medium quality for 48hrs and low quality for 72 hrs.

The Hidden Camera DVR comes with an 8 GB SD card. It can be motion activated or scheduled for recording. They also feature motion detection area masking, time and date stamp, remote control operation, sampling rate at 44.1 KHz, MPEG4 file format and composite video out.

This high tech surveillance system is available in eight models that are perfect for keeping an eye on things around the home or office. There are four Wall Clock models that will go with any decorating scheme. The Sony Dream Machine Clock Radio is actually a fully functional clock radio. The Boom Box is an actual AM/FM radio and CD player.

If you need to keep an eye on the outside, there is the Utility Box model. It can be mounted on the side of the building or on a pole and is completely weatherproof.

For the office there is the Exit Sign model. This camera can be mounted to either the wall or ceiling for a birds eye view of what your employees are actually doing.

With statistics showing that 1 in every 10 families will be a victim of some sort of crime, these high tech, user friendly hidden cameras will not only give you added security, but more importantly, a little piece of mind. For a purchase price of around $500.00 they are certain to fit any budget.



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Michael Austin asked:


The problem for consumers when selecting one of today’s DVR CCTV systems is not having the proper information and knowledge. When you’re unfamiliar with the latest equipment and how its features may benefit your particular situation, it’s easy to select the wrong equipment. Sadly, you’ll never know until it’s to late, and that’s not the time to find out.

A digital video recording (DVR) CCTV surveillance system is only as good as the equipment purchased. That may seem like a simple & obvious statement, but unfortunately, a few will try to save money by taking short cuts or purchasing cut-rate equipment. Whereas others simply believe that having visible “dummy” cameras will scare someone away. EyeSpyL.I. does not carry any “fake” or “dummy” cameras. They believe this is like having a safe made out of cardboard, worthless.

As with all security systems, a professional thief can find ways to bypass systems, but knowing a few tricks of the trade can help prevent or at the least, make it harder for them to get away with committing a crime. Let’s get started!

One of the first things a thief will look for when they notice security cameras around a home or business is the digital video recorder and security VCR’s. Each item has a value at a pawnshop, but most importantly, if they take the DVR / VCR there’s no evidence. The good news is there are several things you can do that will help.

Look for a DVR that has an Internet connection with email notification. When someone walks into the cameras frame of view, email notification activates the DVR that in turn sends an email to your cell phone*, or any programmed email address. This feature alerts you via email that something is going on, instead of finding out when you come home or open up your business. ESLI believes it’s better to be alerted while the incident is occurring then just reporting it to the police after the fact.

Most DVR’s have a feature that allows you to connect to your existing alarm system. When the DVR detects motion, the DVR will trigger your alarm system, thus making your DVR part of your overall security system.

A trick used in the CCTV industry to mislead a thief is too purchase an inexpensive VCR, then, hide the DVR and make the VCR as visible as possible. Be sure to keep a tape in the unit so the intruder will believe they have escaped with the evidence.

Hard drives found inside DVR’s are used to store video and audio. Depending on the length of time you want to store information determines your HD size. Fortunately, ESLI has a DVR Storage Calculator, which will help.

Power surges can decrease the cameras life. An excellent way to avoid this is by purchasing a distributed CCTV power supply. Many installers and CCTV suppliers will sell you a power supply for each camera. This costs less, but it can leave the power cords visible and can easily be unplugged if located next to the camera. When using a distributed CCTV power supply, power to the cameras are centrally located. Each camera is individual fused offering a greater reliability factor when compared to individual transformers.

Like the DVR, CCTV cameras are a vital part of your system. Yet, people will spend $49.00 for a camera. Do you know what you get when you spend $49.00 for a CCTV camera? You wind up with a $49.00 camera! That’s all right if you’re using it to watch your baby from one room to another but not to protect your home or business.

There are several features you need to look for when it comes to selecting the proper CCTV camera. A great place to start is here. Also, keep in mind that if the camera doesn’t incorporate Infrared technology, it will be useless in a dimly lit or dark area such as a bar or parking lot.

Finally, never leave camera wires exposed. This provides the thief with an easy and accessible way of disabling your system. This may seem obvious but you would be surprised how many installers cut corners by not doing something as simple as safeguarding the CCTV wires. Just look around at some cameras at your local stores and you’ll see what we are saying.

Remember, cutting corners and saving a few bucks may seem reasonable at the time, yet in the end, it may windup costing you a lot more.

Because each CCTV situation has distinctive requirements, you should contact one of our trained representatives to help with your actual conditions.

By Michael Austin

EyeSpyL.I. Surveillance

http://eyespyli.com



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