Kim Beckers asked:

I want

you to consider the following:

We are more technologically advanced than

ever before.

2. Digital video surveillance equipment is cheaper than

ever, no matter what type of surveillance you need.

3. You can never be too safe when it comes to

your family and home.

Many

people have considered the three facts above and decided to go with a digital

video surveillance equipmentsystem. In this

article, I will discuss the different options available to you, if you choose

to go down this road as well.

The

Internet is a wonderful way of delivering information. One of the things that the Internet has now

provided is the ability to deliver streaming digital video. This means that you can send a video feed

from your home to another computer thousands of miles away. So what does that have to do with digital

video surveillance equipment?

Just like

you can watch streaming digital video from anyone who makes it available on the

Internet, you can also create streaming digital video from multiple cameras in

your home, and access them from a computer no matter where you’re at, as long

as you have Internet access.

This

allows you real time access from several different cameras set up in your home. At the same time, the resolution is top

quality, so you’re not getting a grainy and pixelated video. Also, digital videos are easier to store and

keep track of than the old analog tapes.

This is

just one scenario that you can use to set up a digital video surveillance equipment

system in your home. There are other

more sophisticated systems, but this is the one that you can get done and set

up for a few hours of work and on a budget.

You can

also use wireless spy cameras, placed at strategic locations in the house, and

sent to a remote feed location. In this

instance, you can even use a DVD player or VCR to feed the wireless signal to,

so you can watch it on television from a location outside of the place you are

monitoring.

The point

is that digital video surveillance makes surveillance easier to do than ever

before. And, with the state the world

currently is in, it makes sense to go to these measures to properly ensure that

nothing funny or duplicitous is going on in your home when you’re not around.

In

conclusion, take this information into consideration when deciding whether or

not a digital video surveillance equipment system is right for your home.

theipacademy asked:

See the new IP video surveillance technologies being released by MOBOTIX, early 2009. Also, see highlights of the MOBOTIX exhibition stand at Security Essen 2008.

MISSISSAUGAWATCH asked:

Welcome to MISSISSAUGAWATCH! Please visit our Blog at: www.mississaugawatch.ca October 28, 2008: BOTTOMLINE: TORONTO CITY HALL PASSES initial test! MISSISSAUGAWATCH

Wes Fernley asked:


Copyright (c) 2008 Wes Fernley

Video Analytics (VA) is one of the most rapidly growing fields of the video surveillance industry. It is also known as Intelligent Video Surveillance. Video Analytics greatly enhances the power and analytical capabilities of network camera software.

As the name suggest, the purpose of Video Analytics is to carefully analyze video surveillance footage. Most forms of VA network camera software are even able to perform these analyses in real time. The analyses can take many shapes and forms. One of the more common (and simplest) forms is that of motion detection.

Taking video from network cameras which record images in a digital format, the video analytic software examines images not just frame by frame but pixel by pixel. A pixel is the most basic unit of information contained in a digitized image or video. What might appear to be only a minor change when looking at the full picture might actually cause a major change to a group of pixels, which the software recognizes and then informs the user. Video analytics software can catch even the slightest changes in an image from frame to frame by catching differences in the information sent.

When using VA software, then, it is good to have high resolution images. The higher the resolution of the video, the more precisely the software can analyze. This is because the higher the resolution of the camera, the more pixels are used to capture the image and thus there is more information for the software to analyze.

This network camera software can also be configured to recognize and distinguish certain objects, or tell objects apart. For example, if you are monitoring a specific item your shop, you could program the software to recognize that object and notice if it should change at all or go missing. Because it can differentiate between objects, it would also be able to tell if the item were replaced with something else.

Video analytics network camera software can also be used to do things such as count people walking on a sidewalk or cars passing down a busy street. With its detailed analyzing capabilities it is able to tell people and cars apart from each other and from the background, providing accurate statistics on these occurrences.

While an important part of network camera software, video analytics is not the only part. It is used to analyze information, but the software in general can also be used for many other purposes. For example, should the VA tool pick up something unusual, such as a missing object, or motion when there should be no motion or something of that sort, it can activate alarms in the building, contact the police or other authorities and even send you an e-mail notification of the event. This is known as advanced event management and is one of the many added capabilities of network camera software which utilizes video analytics tools.

Nahshon Roberts asked:


Are you ready to wire your home for security video recording and deciding between stand alone or PC based system? Read on to find out which is which for your home and property protection.

Security Video Recording Now and In the Future

There are different reasons to choose a surveillance system to protect your family and property. Choosing the right system is like choosing the fitting wedding theme to reflect your personalities or pay homage to your love story.

Choosing a home security system is a serious matter to consider after the honeymoon. You have the security of your future family to think of.

When choosing the security video recording for your home, you’ll have to decide if you need a stand alone or a PC-based system. The cameras that record the activities in the different parts of the house, indoors and outdoors, are wired to a mother system that spells the big difference in budget, functionality, and flexibility.

When you are shopping for a video security system, have a general idea of what will work for you at present and how you envision to work when the kids start coming. With kids around, that would be a different matter and you and your spouse can brainstorm about the present and future requirements for your home video security system.

Stand Alone vs. PC-based System

You have seen those surveillance cameras everywhere, and got used to the idea that you are on camera at the malls, in the office, on the street, and even in the restroom (though this is outlawed). So deciding on a security video recording system should not be much of a puzzler. You know what you want, but you do not know how to get around the multiple products offered.

As a newlywed couple and living in a small apartment, you’ll need a simple but effective surveillance system. You want to know who is buzzing the doorbell, or what the cleaning woman is doing when she does her Monday chores. You will be thinking in terms of two to three cameras and the idea of a stand alone model.

A stand alone model sounds a good idea for the set-up but when the babies start coming or getting a bigger house, you cannot easily upgrade your surveillance network. You are tied to the number of cameras indicated in the DVR box. Here are more snags with the stand alone option; you cannot store the images directly in the hard disk of your PC, which makes it difficult to manage your files.

A PC-based system allows for the transition from a four-camera system to 11 to 46 without giving you much technical headaches. All you need is a corresponding video capture card to meet your surveillance needs. It sounds easy, and it sure is easy to upgrade your system when you’re using a PC-based system.

Going Digital

Using the PC-based system for your digital security video recording will enable you to easily view all images from the different working cameras. The advantage a DVR PC-based system does away with unnecessary recording. It only records when it detects detection so this frees up a large chunk from your hard disk drive.

So between the stand alone or PC-based system for your security video recording, which would you choose?

Peter H Williams asked:

Not long ago security and surveillance systems were based around the VCR. The new DVR incorporating digtal technology provides vastly improved functionality, ease of use and avoids the problem of changing the tape the most basic of human errors. Security and surveillance systems are now available to most of us who have a need or wish for such systems.

DVRs providing Security and Surveillance in your home or office

Just a few years ago perhaps the simplest of CCTV systems was just a camera linked to a display or screen and then the next major step was the Video Recorder. This major step was how things stayed for quite a while with a range of enhancements and technical developments but the VCR has remained the key element of CCTV systems for 20 to 30 years. The CCTV systems for home or office security included switching systems and multiplexers enabling multiple monitoring or camera points to be included onto the same tape. The great hurdle however was the tape which was always the same length and always had to be changed. Hence multiple recorders could be batched together, at a cost, almost like a jukebox thereby providing further recording time. How often have we heard of systems where the tape was full or just hadn’t been inserted into the recorder!

Now we have a major step forward with the Digital Video Recorder or DVR. The DVR employs many of the basic features of the VCR but by using Digital technology is able to provide a complete new meaning to CCTV, home or business security and surveillance systems. The DVR avoids many of the human errors made by VCR users. The software developments have become more and more sophisticated but the relatively low cost of hard disk space has transformed how data can be stored. It’s not long ago that the 1 terra-byte of storage would require several drives incorporated into some sort of RAID array. We are now seeing 1 terra-byte low cost drives in the stores. The cost between a RAID array 5 years ago and a single 1 terra-byte drive is probably in the order of 100 to 1 and that alters entirely how security, surveillance and CCTV are able to embrace the new technologies.

The DVR can be a standalone device or increasingly a computer system incorporating a multi-channel data capture device typically enabling the connection of 4, 8 or 16 cameras via a wired or wireless technology. Bosch and Sanyo are two reputable manufacturers marketing stand alone devices but inevitably the cost of a PC plus the cost of a data capture card from Geovision or Avermedia for example is little more than the stand alone DVR and you get a PC to use. Equally you could just add the cards to an existing PC if you have a modern machine with adequate disk storage.

DVR software is obviously important and would normally be shipped with the appropriate card or system. There are software vendors supplying third party software which they believe provide added functionality or increased ease of use. Clearly how you go about choosing your system depends very much on your own requirements so try and list what you think you need. Is your system for home security and surveillance or business security and surveillance? A small business system maybe similar to a home system in specification. It’s also possible now to have mobile systems which link a small camera and satnav or gps system to provide an exact location of where the recording is being made. This could again be useful for a business to locate its drivers.

If a system is intended for home use you will need to establish how many points you wish to monitor and do your cameras need to be fixed or moveable with tilt and zoom features. Would you wish to have remote access from any web based location? How many hours of information would you like to record? Would you like to include movement sensors or infra-red cameras? Do you have a budget?

There are so many questions to consider and browsing various vendors’ websites will give you more of an insight to what products are available and the costs of components. Some sites provide screen shots, video and download demonstrations.

Wes Fernley asked:

ght (c) 2009 Wes Fernley

In hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities, it cannot be stressed enough how important video surveillance is. It not only increases the security within the facility, but also controls costs. The patients are protected, the employees are protected, and the administration can keep an eye on the employees in order to increase productivity. To make this possible, Internet Protocol cameras, or IP cameras are being utilized in many healthcare facilities due to the fact that remote video monitoring is possible.

Benefits of Hospital Video Surveillance

Security and safety is increased - Crimes, break-ins, and injuries to patients and employees are prevented or documented if they occur within the hospital. This also allows the hospital personnel to monitor patients and watch out for unauthorized visitors.

Productivity - If employees know they are being watched, their productivity will increase. Communication can improve, the administration knows what is going on, and more will get done.

Prevent dishonesty - There are times when a visitor or a patient may state that they were injured on the hospital’s property. When there is visual evidence through IP cameras, these claims can be proved either way. This can save the hospital from being sued, which can save them money in their insurance premiums.

Take care of employee disputes - If two employees are in the middle of a dispute, the visual proof can put an end to it. It is amazing what surveillance cameras can do in this instance.

Monitor in real-time - There is no having to go back and watch a recording of footage. You can do that if you wish, but you can also watch what is going on in real-time.

Storage - IP-based surveillance systems can take advantage of digital storage. The footage is recorded on network servers, on hard drives, or on NVRs. This makes the footage easily accessible to those who have authorization to view it. Searching is also made easier through digital recordings.

Remote monitoring - Remote monitoring is an important aspect of IP cameras for the fact that what is going on within the hospital can be viewed from a remote location. If an administrator needs to view a particular area of the hospital while they are vacationing in Mexico, they can. If they want to check in while they are at home, they can. All they need is access to the IP camera’s network via the Internet.

An Assessment of the Risks

As with anything, there are risks associated with monitoring a hospital through surveillance systems. Those risks include:

Relying too much on the video surveillance system because physical security is also very important.

Making sure patient privacy is respected. The IP cameras should monitor those areas that are open to the public and nothing more.

Tampering is a risk with any security system. The video signal can be lost if there is any tampering with the system. There should be alternatives put in place in order to make up for a signal that is interrupted. This includes vandal resistant IP cameras or installing the cameras in areas out of reach by intruders.

Setting Up Your System

Make sure there is a view of all entrances and exits so everyone going in and out can be seen.

Monitor the hallways to keep watch over visitors and the overall flow of activity.

Make sure fire escapes and elevators are covered.

Make sure the parking lots are within view, as well as loading areas.

Restricted areas need to be monitored.

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.

Tommy Robinson asked:

Drive-offs, shoplifting, loitering and employee theft are just some of the challenges that convenience store operators face every day.  Video surveillance provides an efficient tool for the shop owner to keep track of inventory and protect the assets of the business.  Many shop owners need help deciding what to watch and how.  That’s when the services of an experienced surveillance system company can make the difference. 

Many shop owners want to place their security focus on the pumps to prevent driveoffs beliving that this will be enough.  Others are interested in just watching the beer and the cigarettes to prevent losses from shoplifting.  Often, when receipts seem unexpectedly low, some store owners inquire about point of sale POS systems, hidden cameras and microphones to catch dishonest employees in dishonest acts.   But, the most effective solution is a blended solution that includes some or all of the above. Scheduling a site evaluation is the first step to creating that effective surveillance solution.  These are just a few of the things a store owner should expect during a site evaluation:

Site Inspection -  the surveillance company professional will inspect both the outside and the inside of the property. Your representative will want to come out while your business is in operation to see the flow of foot and vehicle traffic.  The inspection will include retail areas and office space.

   Site Graph Preparation - during the inspection and the interview, the surveillance company representative will create a site graph to identify sight lines, natural and artificial lighting, and potential locations for placement of monitors, cameras, microphones and recording equipment. 

Store Owner Interview - the surveillance company professional will ask you questions concerning operation of any current equipment, issues, concerns, special needs and budget.  This is key to ensuring that the store owner’s needs are considered and any questions or concerns addressed before any recommendations are made.

Surveillance Company Recommendations - once the site has been inspected, a site graph prepared and the store owner interviewed, now the surveillance company professional uses their expertise to craft a solution that will meet the needs of the customer while respecting their budget.

Working with a surveillance company with experience in retail installations will ensure a successful installation providing the desired results.

tlocalgary asked:

SPY CITY’s EYEONET Video Surveillance System, a would-be car thief looks around for an easy target. … Spy City CIty EYEONET Video Surveillance Thief Car