SentinelAVE asked:

3D video visualization system improves assessment and response in security and video surveillance for military and high value installations. Simply fly over buildings, sites, and cities and

MISSISSAUGAWATCH asked:

For more information visit MISSISSAUGAWATCH at: www.mississaugawatch.ca I semaphored “DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER” because it would take too long to semaphore “BIG

James McCann asked:

Buying a CCTV system is by no means easy. The vast array of products available nowadays could confuse anyone so we have tried our best to put together a guide to help you make an informed decision about what system should fulfill your requirements.

Before we go through how to choose a complete CCTV System, some people may only want to connect a camera to a TV/Monitor to view and record via a video recorder.

This is simple to do, when you have selected the camera you want pick the option with the correct length ‘Plug & Play’ cable. Make a note of the ‘connector’ type, this is usually BNC, then check your TV connections. They will probably be phono or scart. Then you will need to buy a BNC to Phono connector, and if necessary a scart connection. And you’re done; you simply plug these connections into the end of your cable, and into your TV. Place the camera where you want and record images on to your video recorder, keeping in mind that it can only record for as long as there is space on the video tape. Of course you will need to “tune” in a channel on your TV to see your camera.

Below we go into more details about the two main parts of a CCTV security system, the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) and the Camera’s.

Digital Video Recorder Basics…

The Digital Video Recorder is the “brain” of a CCTV system; it takes the images from the cameras and stores them on to a hard disk drive. You can then look at the images recorded on the hard drive, and review what the cameras have been viewing by connecting a monitor (or other form of display unit) to the DVR. You can forward and rewind through the images in much the same way you may have done so with a typical Video recorder. On many you can search for specific dates and times to quickly find the footage you want to view.

Once you have your images recorded on the hard drive, from time to time there may be an incident which you will be required to give to the police as evidence, you will then need to back up the Data they require from the hard drive on to another storage device.

Backing Up Data…

All Digital Video Recorders store information on a hard drive, something you should consider when choosing your Digital Video Recorder is how you will back-up this Data if there is ever an incident that you may be required to provide evidence of to the police.

Common forms of back-up include:

• Connecting to Video recorder: This is mainly only for ‘budget’ Digital Video Recorders and involves connecting the Digital Video Recorder to a video recorder and recording the information on to tape.

• USB to PC link: Quite common, and simple to do, simply connect the Digital Video Recorder to a PC via cable and copy information to PC Hard drive, from there you can write on to disk, pen stick etc.

• USB Pen Stick: Quite common and simple to do, amount of storage depends on USB pen stick used.

• CD Rewriter (built in or external): simple to do, some Digital Video Recorders would also require you to load software on to any device that you wanted to then watch the CD on. You should keep this in mind if giving CDs to police as with this software they would not be able to view the CD. Also bare in mind CDs are limited to 750 Megabytes.

• DVD Rewriter (built in or external): simple to do, some Digital Video Recorders would also require you to load software on to any device that you wanted to then watch the DVD on. You should keep this in mind if giving DVDs to police as with this software they would not be able to view the DVD. 4.7Gigabyte of space available.

• Networked: You can copy data from your Digital Video Recorder on to any PC while viewing it over the internet

Digital Video Recorders are available as Standalone units or PC based units. Choosing which one is a personal preference, but I’ll take this opportunity to point out a couple of things. Although many PC based Digital Video Recorders offer lots of added features and familiar use, standalone Digital Video Recorders are purpose built for the job and are considered more reliable and therefore less likely to fail. With PC based units we would strongly recommend the pc is used as a security device only and not used as a standard pc with surveillance, this should reduce the risk of failures.

Also if you are “PC savvy” and decide to buy a Digital Video Recorder PC Card and install it into your PC yourself, please check that you will not void your PC warranty before you do.

Last but not least, and this goes for all Digital Video Recorders, where possible try to use a purpose built hard drive. By this we mean that some people, to save costs, use a normal PC hard drive in a Digital Video Recorder. Unfortunately this usually ends up with the hard drive failing simply because a pc hard drive is not designed to be constantly “working” twenty four hours a day - seven days a week. Also please check the compatibility of the hard drive with your Digital Video Recorder, as some may require IDE drives, others SATA, and some may work better with Seagate, others Maxtor.

Ok, now hopefully you have a better idea about what a Digital Video Recorder is, and its purpose, now let’s consider the Cameras.

CCTV Camera Basics…

For those who know little or nothing about what a CCTV camera is, or what it does.

CCTV Cameras are the “eyes” of a CCTV system, you place them inside and outside buildings to enable you to see and also record (via a Digital Video Recorder) what the camera is looking at.

Unfortunately that’s where it stops being easy, we cant emphasize enough how you need to educate yourself as much as possible about what CCTV cameras are capable of and then look seriously as to what you want to use a camera for and what you need that camera to do. By this we mean there are literally thousands of cameras available nowadays, but this is because there are so many different situations where a camera is required that there isn’t just one camera for all jobs.

So how do you go about choosing a camera, well you have to start with basics….

First where is the camera going? Indoors or outdoors? If outdoors use the weatherproof guide to choose what kind of an IP rating your camera requires.

Weather Proof Rating…

Weather proof is measured using an IP Rating, if a camera doesn’t state an IP rating you can consider it is for internal use only.

IP Ratings Guide

The IP classification system designates the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against solid objects or water ingress.

There are always two digits in an IP rating, the first digit refers to the protection against solid objects (dust) and the second digit refers to the protection against water.

Dust Protection (first digit):

0 = Non-protected

1 = Protected against a solid object greater than 50mm, such as a hand.

2 = Protected against a solid object greater than 12.5mm, such as a finger.

3 = Protected against a solid object greater than 2.5mm, such as wire or a tool.

4 = Protected against a solid object greater than 1.0mm, such as wire or thin strips.

5 = Dust-protected. Prevents ingress of dust sufficient to cause harm.

6 = Dust tight. No ingress of dust.

Water Protection (second digit):

0 = Non-protected

1 = Protected against dripping water.

2 = Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15º.

3 = Protected against spraying water at an angle of up to 60º.

4 = Protected against splashing water from any direction.

5 = Protected against jets of water from any direction.

6 = Protected against heavy seas or powerful jets of water. Prevents ingress sufficient to cause harm.

7 = Protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water.

8 = Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water.

So for using CCTV cameras outdoors, I would recommend a very minimum IP rating of 55, but preferably 65 and above.

Once you know this, go to the area where you want to install the camera and look at what you want the camera to see. How far is the scene you want to capture from the camera? How big is it? Think about this and make sure you know what lens size you need to be able to see the scene you want at the distance it is away. There are many CCTV Lens Calculators on the internet to help you.

Consider, will you need to be able to see in dark conditions? Or only during the day time? If its needs to see in low light conditions, how dark does it get? Is there a street lamp near by? Or is there a security light on the premises? Go back at night time and see how dark it actually is, then use the Lux guide to see what kind of “minimum illumination” your camera requires. Keep in mind during the winter it gets dark very early, no good having a camera that’s only useful during the summer.

Lux Guide:

0.00005 lux = Starlight

0.0001 lux = Moonless overcast night sky

0.001 lux = Moonless clear night sky

0.01 lux = Quarter Moon

0.25 lux = Full Moon on a clear night

1 lux = Moonlight at high altitude at tropical latitudes

3 lux = Dark limit of civil twilight under a clear sky

32000 lux = Sunlight on an average day (min.)

100000 lux = Sunlight on an average day (max.)

Is the camera going to be installed in such a place it may be subject to vandalism? If so make sure you use a vandal resistant camera.

Ok, now hopefully you have a better idea about what a CCTV camera is and what kind best suits your situation. With all the above knowledge, I hope it helps you choose a suitable CCTV system for your needs.

And good luck with your security project…

Vikram kuamr asked:


If you have a business in Campbell, you need to make sure it is protected.  Using Campbell access control and Campbell video surveillance are two ways that you can protect your business as well as the employees of your business. When you have a business, you have a responsibility to protect your employees from harm that can befall them when they are working for you or leaving the premises. 

 

Having Campbell video surveillance is one way that you can keep track of what is happening in your parking lot as well as around the premises of your business. By having Campbell video surveillance surrounding your building, you are keeping track of who is coming in and going out as well as providing your employees as well as yourself with protection. Having the video surveillance around also tends to make employees more productive. 

 

You should look for a locksmith in the Campbell area to help you with getting your Campbell video surveillance set up. Locksmiths are not just for making keys any longer. A good Campbell or San Jose locksmith can set up a state of the art security video system for your business. This includes both Campbell access control as well as video surveillance. Keep in mind that a good locksmith should provide a free security assessment

 

Your video surveillance should also focus on the interior of your business, especially if you deal with cash. If you deal with cash, you will not only want to have Campbell video surveillance but also Campbell access control.  Having a video surveillance system also reduces your liability with you insurance company as well. You may be able to get cheaper premiums. 

 

Campbell access control allows you to control who goes in and out of your business. If you have an office, you will most likely want to secure the building so that while employees can easily get in and out of the business, those who do not belong inside your business will not be able to get in. You can use Campbell access control that uses a keypad for entry as well as a swipe card. No more keys - you can secure your building in a way that will not allow anyone who used to have a key to enter. 

 

It is up to you to keep your business as well as your employees safe. You can do this when you use Campbell access control that is provided by a good commercial locksmith. It is worth the cost for the keyless entry system to give both you and your employee’s peace of mind.

 

Another reason to use access control is to prevent employees from entering the business after hours. You can set up your access system to allow employee entrance at certain times of the day or night. You can also keep track of your employees by using an audit of the access control to find out when they are coming in and leaving. 

 

Hopefully, you will never have a need for a video surveillance system or Campbell access control, but it is always better to play it safe. Studies show that businesses that have security systems are less likely to have criminal activity, including employee crime, than other businesses that are not protected.

 

If you want to protect your employees as well as take proper care of your business, you need to play it safe and find a good commercial locksmith in the Campbell area that can provide you with not only Campbell access control as well as Campbell video surveillance. You are acting prudently by protecting your business using the state of the art security that is provided by a good San Jose locksmith. 

 

Brooke Coin asked:


Video surveillance cameras have different purposes. It could be for crime prevention, traffic observation, transportation safety or industrial safety. Basically, the use of surveillance cameras is for the safety and welfare of people in a particular location which the camera is installed in. In other words it is for security purposes and in this modern world security is a top priority. Casinos, banks, corporations, offices, airports, shops, government and military buildings and offices make use of video surveillance cameras in order to protect either their money or important information. A video surveillance system consists of several cameras which can be viewed from a single control room so that even one person can guard and protect several locations at one time and all the while documents everything for future reference or evidence.

            Because of the need for security video surveillance cameras are fast becoming popular not only in the United States but around the globe as well. They may be expensive but for most people it is worth all the cost and effort in installing them as they defer the cost of losing something, cost of extra security and effectively reducing crime rates. Today, video surveillance cameras are now available and affordable to any average citizen who wishes to protect themselves, their love ones, their homes and property.

            There is a wide variety of surveillance cameras available to everyone. There are hidden or spy cameras which can be hidden in everyday household objects so that people do not know they are being watched and can be caught red handed in video recordings. Then there are wireless video surveillance cameras which can easily be installed by anyone without any professional help; these video surveillance cameras can also be relocated easily. Then for permanent installation there are wired surveillance cameras; however these may need professionals to install.

            Mainly surveillance cameras are used for protection. The main problem however is that there is those who disapprove of the use of these cameras especially in public placed due to privacy issues. It is an ongoing debate wherein naysayers don’t want video surveillance cameras everywhere they go because it violates their freedom or the fourth amendment in the United States which prohibits unreasonable searches. Plus they argue that instead of preventing crime video surveillance cameras simply relocate crime.

            Those who approve of the use of video surveillance cameras on the other hand argues that these are important when it comes to finding suspects, locating accidents and being able to respond faster to emergencies. Especially after the terrible terrorist attacks in September 11, 2001 which proved that with proper video surveillance cameras around response to such tragedies could be faster. They also argue the fact that a closed circuit television surveillance camera was able to capture the image of the suspects of the London Underground bombings which was a big step in the investigation.

            These video surveillance cameras are intended to help secure and ensure the public safety. Basically they are there for protection against any misconduct and a tool for emergencies.

safetyspeaker asked:

sony surveillance cameras at good prices. Camera outdoor video surveillance wireless cameras and affordable security cameras, and video surveillance kits. … sony surveillance cameras camera outdoor

Vikram kuamr asked:


 

Is your business in the Saratoga area? If so, you need to find a good Saratoga locksmith to find out about Saratoga video surveillance. Any business today needs to have both video surveillance as well as access control whether it is a retail establishment or an office. Video surveillance can end up saving your business money when it comes to insurance premiums as well, as it limits your liability. 

 

For a retail business, Saratoga access control is usually used for the room where the cash and receipts are kept. It is vital that you protect your assets when you have a business. If you have a room that has limited access, you not only deter theft from the outside, but also from the inside as well. It is prudent to use Saratoga access control installed by a certified Saratoga locksmith in the room where you keep your cash. This should be accessible only to trusted individuals.

 

When you use access control, you can prevent employees from coming into the building after hours or when they are not permitted to be there. Access control also allows you to see when employees come in and go out.

 

If you have an office, you still want to use Saratoga access control to control who comes in and out of the office. You need to be careful of those who might come in the office to do you or your employees harm, as well as those who might cause vandalism or other types of crime in your office. You work hard to maintain your office and to get to the point where you have an office of your own. You need to protect your office from outsiders by using Saratoga access control. 

 

Your Saratoga locksmith can talk to you not only about Saratoga access control and how that can help secure your building, but also about Saratoga video surveillance. A good locksmith should provide a free security assessment. Saratoga video surveillance can protect your property from crime. Cameras are one of the most popular of all Saratoga video surveillance. Most often, they act as an effective theft deterrent.  

 

Some businesses invite theft even if you have obvious cameras. If you deal with cash most of the time or have valuables in your office, you want to make sure that you have cameras installed. Your Saratoga locksmith will be able to inform you as to the type of Saratoga video surveillance that you should use. 

 

Saratoga access control consists of state of the art security that can protect your employees, yourself and your assets. You can get several different types of access control for your business, including keyless entry. There is no reason any longer to use keys that can easily be duplicated for a business.  For safety reasons, it makes sense to look towards a Saratoga locksmith and look towards your security solutions for your business. 

 

It makes sense to protect yourself, your employees as well as your property from anyone who might want to hurt your business or your employees.  Everyone will have a sense of security when you install Saratoga access control in your building including yourself. You owe it to yourself as well as your employees to do all that you can do to protect your premises by using state of the art technology such as Saratoga video surveillance. A good commercial locksmith will give you options that you might not even know about when it comes to the safety of your business and will give you a free estimate.