Archive for June, 2008
There are are number of reasons why you should choose an IP network camera for your surveillance system. Sure, analog cameras have been around longer, but the IP camera has proven its worth in performance.
The IP tetwork camera has existed since 1996. During its release, network cameras lagged a mile behind analog cameras in professionalism. In the early years, IP network cameras were simply thought of as web cameras used for broadcasting events or objects over the Internet. Fast forward to a decade later, and the good ol’ web cams are now part of hundreds of operating surveillance systems.
Catching Up with the Analog Camera
A few years after it’s introduction, the IP network cameras have been updated and upgraded to catch up with the analog camera in terms of function. Today, the IP camera is at par with the best analog camera in the market, even surpassing it in some aspects.
Winning the Race Against the Analog Camera
Before you choose the model of the camera you want for your surveillance system, you will first have to decide whether you’re getting an analog cam or an IP network camera. For you to make the right choice, it is important that you first understand the important differences between two. By the end of this article, you should be able to understand how the IP network surveillance camera gives you more value for your money.
Interlacing
The first notable difference is seen in the camera’s interlacing. The IP network surveillance camera is at an advantage in this criteria as analog cameras have significant problems with interlacing. High resolution analog camera are not able to capture fast-moving objects and keep the quality of the image because, with in an analog video signal, images are made of lines and all images are created from two interlaced fields. While the analog camera produces blurry images of fast-moving objects, the IP network camera provides crystal clear images because the whole image is captured at one time.
Power Over Ethernet
Getting power to an analog camera means hurdling a major obstacle and shelling out a major amount of cash. With the IP network camera, you have an IEEE 802.3af standard PoE (Power over Ethernet), which means that your networking devices get its power from an PoE-enabled switch over a standard cable that transmits data and video. The device offers major savings to IP camera users as the standard in place means all models or equipment are compatible with the device. PoE also gives the camera centralized backup power, so they continue to work even with a power failure.
Megapixel Resolution
The analog camera follows the olf NTSC/PAl specifications, which corresponds to 0.4 megapixels at 4CIF. The newer IP Network cameras require a higher megapixel range. The higher the resolution of the camera, the more the detailed the coverage of large areas. The camera’s higher resolution also enables essential surveillance functions such as tilt, pan, and zoom.
The above mentioned comparisons are just three of many advantages offered by IP cameras over the analog version. If you want to get a good surveillance camera, get an IP network camera.
Get an IP network camera to serve as your nanny camera, or add it to your digital video surveillance system for maximum surveillance performance. Visit Video-Surveillance-System.com today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nahshon_Roberts
By Robert Moskal
Introduction:
This guide is written for those who do need video security and can’t afford costly installation services, or if the CCTV installer is not available in your area - the later is more common than one could think. We will cover most common security equipment types, as it is virtually impossible to go over such a wide rang of different security cameras and recording/video processing equipment available on the market.
I assume anyone considering do-it-yourself CCTV installation has basic knowledge of wiring techniques and practices. I am not to be held responsible or liable for damages to the equipment due to mishandling or misuse. Remember; during the installation always pay attention to safety. Working at heights and using tools can be dangerous, please follow all safety practices. Lets jump right to it now.
Planning: First step of any camera installation is to plan camera and monitoring equipment locations. When planning for camera locations please take in consideration light condition, never install cameras in low light room pointing straight into the sunny area it will add glare to the picture, even if your camera has back light compensation it will not be enough. Use infrared cameras for very dark conditions and/or B/W cameras with as low LUX number as possible. I am not going to discuss proper equipment selection, as this was subject of my last article.
Selecting the best possible camera locations is not easy, and will directly impact the camera views. Besides light conditions, the distance to the monitoring object is equally important. There are many different types and focal lengths of lenses; your selection will depend on light condition and distance from the camera to the monitoring object. In small rooms around 500sq. ft. cameras with standard 3.6mm lens should be OK. Keep in mind that most bullet and board type of cameras come with 3.6mm lens, the greater the distance to the monitoring object the longer focal length of the lens will be needed. There is no ease way of judging lens selection, you can eider guess or buy professional lens selector tool.. Alternatively you can start with your lens selection and if needed get longer or shorter focal length lens later. Other option as far as lens selection goes, is to use variable focus lens, which is very versatile approach and takes the guess out of the lens selection process. For those who do not know what variable focus lens is, it’s basically adjustable focal length lens that will allow to change the focal length within specified range, fore example: 2.6mm - 8mm or 5mm - 50mm.
To maximize cameras coverage and get the most out of the CCTV system for least amount of money minimize number of it by placing cameras in strategic places, unless complete area coverage is needed. Avoid overlapping camera views, do not install them with source of light directly in front of it and do not place infrared cameras pointing at each other to eliminate risk of overexposure. These are the most common mistakes that need to be avoided. After the initial camera locations are predetermined, lets look at cable placement. Make sure that it is actually possible and practical to run cable to each location, if running the cable to any camera location is for some reason impossible opt-out for alternate location.
Wiring: The most time consuming and important part of any camera installation is wiring. Plan your installation carefully to minimize cable lengths and insure good quality video signal. Never run cables alongside high power electrical lines, at least 12″ spacing between video cable and power lines are recommended. Keep the cable lengths below 400ft and use good quality cable, most people take the cable for granted, but it is actually very important aspect of any installation. The CCTV system is only as good as its weakest component. I usually stick with RG59U with power Coleman cable (YES it is US made) sometimes called Siamese type cable. It is combo cable and will transmit video and power, as an alternative it is sometimes possible to use less expensive RG6 standard coax cable with separate run of 18/2AWG for power.
The Siamese cable is less bulky and easer to run, distribution power supply is recommended with this type of cable as power will be supplied from common place right next to monitor and recording equipment. Using Siamese cable makes for more clean and neat installation, as only one line is required for each camera. Running RG6 cable with separate run for power is the likely solution if power outlets are available near each locations. In this case individual plug in power supplies are used to power them with power cable running as separate and independent line to the camera. Both types of cables are available at dvrexperts. When running the cable it is good practice to leave couple of loops of extra cable at both camera and monitoring locations. This extra length of cable is needed if in the future monitoring or location will have to be moved slightly. After the cable is in place, the labor-intensive part of installation is over, now we can get to the fun part of installation.
Camera mounting: Most s come with mounting screws and bracket included, attach the bracket firmly and remember that in some cases different brackets than the ones supplied with the cameras could be needed.
Attach the camera to the bracket and adjust the position approximately at this time, we will come back to it later. Typical security camera is powered by 12VDC or 24VAC and power input type is screw or push terminals or 2.1mm plug. Power connection will differ for each type of power supply and input style. Most cameras are 12VDC, in this case it is important to observe polarity or you may damage the camera. The power cable has two conductors and in most cases it will be red or white and black cable. Use the red or white for positive and black for negative terminals. If it has screw or push terminals power input connect the cable directly observing polarity, if it is 2.1mm plug, a special 2.1MM Female DC Plug with Flying Leads have to be connected to the cable again keep attention to polarity. The 24VAC connection is very similar, with one major difference - polarity is not important.
Next step will involve some special tools and accessories. We will attempt to go over installation process of BNC crimp-on video connector, I will post video demonstration of BNC crimping techniques shortly so please check the web sites mentioned in this article often.
Steps: 1. Remove about 1/2-inch long outer jacket from the end of video cable exposing braid. 2. Slide the crimping barrel onto the cable with the larger diameter facing end of the cable. 3. Pull the braid backwards exposing the inner isolator material and remove 3/8-inch of it so you have now core conductor exposed. 4. The main part of BNC connector has a small hole on one side; push the exposed core conductor of the cable into that hole as far as it will go. 5. Push all the braid folded backwards in step 3 onto the BNC connector and spread the braid evenly around connector. 6. Push the crimping barrel onto the BNC connector all the way. 7. Using crimping tool, squeeze the crimping barrel onto the BNC connector, now the cable braid is compressed in between crimping barrel and BNC connector assuring secure connection.
BNC connector is on, lets hook it up now and repeat the steps for each camera, if you have purchased 16 camera system you may want to get some coffee first.
Monitor and recorder connection:
Cameras are on, its time to make final connections. I will focused on standard CCTV monitor, standalone DVR recorder and distribution power supply, as this is the most popular and likely solution for most CCTV installations.
First we have to install BNC connectors on this side as well - its time for that coffee again. It is good idea to make room for monitor and recorder now and setup some type of desk, shelf or rack to place all the equipment on.
We need the monitor and recorder in place so we can determine proper power supply location. Power supply should be mounted within couple of feet from the DVR video inputs. After power supply is secured separate the power conductors from the Siamese cable, and run it to power supply. Like we did with the cameras if 12VDC power is used, we need to watch the polarity, each terminal on the power supply is marked, so there should not be any doubt. Make sure the power supply is not plugged in to the power outlet yet.
Connect video cables to the DVR video in ports. We need one video cable to connect the DVR with the monitor, if you do not have one you may cut piece of Siamese cable separate the power conductors from it and install BNC connectors on both ends, you now have the cable. Connect the DVR monitor out port to monitor video in. We are almost ready to power up everything; there is only one more thing to take care before we do that.
We need to protect the equipment from power spikes by plugging it into power conditioner or better yet, buttery backup unit. If the installation location is experiencing frequent power outages, the backup unit is strongly recommended. To extend the backup time only plug the DVR and camera power supply to the backup unit and the monitor to regular power strip, this way if we do loose power for some time the DVR and cameras are still functioning as normal while monitor is off. Turning off monitor will not affect DVR and cameras in any way; it is actually good habit to turn the monitor of if not used to extend its life.
Power on and final adjustment: Yes… we are now ready to power it up for the first time, if this is your first installation it may be nerve-racking experience. Start with turning the cameras power supply on, turn the monitor on as well followed by DVR system. The stand-alone DVR, after self-test will show cameras or setup menu on first power up depending on your model.
To setup the DVR refer to the manual for proper settings. Go over each camera view to determine if the view is actually what you want, hardly ever it will be without additional readjustments. To properly and easily adjust the positions, the test monitor will be very handy if not essential tool. Go to each camera location and connect the test monitor to adjust the position to your preferences, if satisfied secure camera bracket adjustment screws - we will not go back to this camera anymore.
Conclusion: Congratulations! You have just completed your most likely, very first installation of CCTV system. Visit our store fore more information on surveillance cameras, DVR recorders, tools and accessories.
About The Author
Robert Moskal is Technical Department Manager at V2Comp, Inc., a major distributor of CCTV cameras and other surveillance equipment located in Chicago area. More information about new products can be accessed at http://www.amazingoutlet.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Moskal
By Nahshon Roberts
There’s much buzz over DVR surveillance systems. With so much information flooding the Internet, it becomes difficult to choose one that’s just right for your small scale or corporate needs. But knowing what’s best for you before you get a system saves you all the trouble, time, and money.
Sorting the CCTV and DVR Surveillance Systems
Non-techie consumers have a difficult time getting the gist of the technical information on home or office surveillance systems. What they want is a system that works best. They want to know what’s going on behind their backs, see who has been dipping fingers into the till, and nab the nanny after proof of her roughshod handling of the toddler.
Consumers also want clear pictures on the monitors, a video playback functionality, access to the home surveillance systems via the Internet, and real-time recording of everything happening in the home or office. While some want to catch the mouse while the cat is away, others need the security of knowing family and workers are safe some intruders. Whether it’s CCTV or DVR surveillance systems, knowledge about these systems is consumer power.
Between the CCTV and DVR surveillance systems, the DVR system is getting all the popular attention for its affordability and flexibility. This system can use the home PC as the nucleus for the system, which knocks off some installation expense. With the CCTV system, the cameras are hooked to a central monitoring system, which comes with the package.
What’s Best for Your Home?
For a small apartment or a mansion, there will be different surveillance solutions for different needs. A small apartment owner would want to know what is going on in the nursery or the bedroom and who is at the door, while the lord of the manor would like to have the vast grounds and all rooms watched.
For a small home or a mansion, the need is for clear images, real time monitoring and recording and safe storage of files. Beyond these parameters, consumers get lost when sorting the information. If you’re looking researching surveillance systems tell the vendor what you need, such as:
* You don’t want playbacks with too much interruption and blurry images. Concerning this, you’re referring to the speed of the frames per second or the rate the capture video can be viewed and you want image images from the different cameras mounted in the different parts of the house or business establishment.
* You don’t need a big storage; you just want something that can store a day’s recording because you’ve heard that small storage space affect the quality of the images. The DVR surveillance systems offer smaller storage space compared to the analog (mechanical) systems.
* You need a small but practical system for your home, something easy to install and upgrade without costing you too much. The system should be able to provide clear images. This is the entire purpose of the system, getting superior images on the monitor.
* You need different cameras for indoor and outdoor surveillance and you want a working combination of flexibility and functionality plus affordability. Be ready with the estimated distances of the cameras to the monitoring station as these will be counted in the cost estimates.
* Ask for the available starter packages for surveillance systems if you are using your PC.
Knowing what to ask from the vendor gives you the edge when you are shopping for CCTV or DVR surveillance systems.
DVR surveillance systems work well with a video capture card for security cameras. Indeed, remote DVR surveillance has come a long way. Visit Video-Surveillance-Guide.com today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nahshon_Roberts
By Timothy Croy
In many retail establishments, police stations, prisons, and high security scientific and manufacturing facilities, the use of wireless CCTV security cameras are common. But is there any real advantage to using these types of cameras over other forms of visual security. Many supporters believe there is ample reason for going with wireless closed circuit solutions. Here are a few of the advantages of utilizing this form of security.
One of the immediately obvious advantages is that the unit is no subject to the failure of any type of wiring. The cameras make use of wireless technology to accomplish the task at hand. This absence of wiring that could fail or be cut means there is much less chance of something going wrong with the unit, or that a clever thief can circumvent the system by severing the connection. Short of ripping the entire camera out of place, there is not much that will slow the unit down.
Another advantage has to do with the clarity of the images that are captured. Most of these wireless units have a high-resolution image that makes it very easy to identify faces and other physical characteristics. This makes the cameras ideal for use as part of the security for research facilities and other establishments. Security personnel can easily monitor all activities within range of the cameras, and clearly note any suspicious or unauthorized behavior, while getting a clear image of the person engaged in the activities.
Recording is another advantage of these wireless cameras. In times past, storing recordings could be quite a task. From magnetic tape to VHS tapes, storage could become quite a problem. Many of the units on the market today make use of CDR technology, making it possible to store more hours of surveillance on a single disk. This can be crucial for law enforcement officials, as well as persons who are responsible for conducting security in office buildings and manufacturing facilities.
Another advantage of these newer models of wireless surveillance units is that they are usually less expensive than most people would think. In fact, it is possible to purchase these types of cameras at a significantly less amount per unit than many of the wired counterparts on the market today. Coupled with the fact that wireless units make for much easier installation, it should come as no wonder that more and more people are choosing to go wireless for their security camera needs.
http://security-cameras101.info is a website devoted to giving you the best information concerning security camera systems. Whether you’re searching for different kinds of wireless security cameras, or want to know more about your babysitter with a nanny security camera, we’ve got you covered!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Croy
By Nahshon Roberts
CCTV stands for closed circuit television. It is a system where the circuit is closed and all the elements are linked. This is different from broadcast T.V. where tuners pick up the signals from the airwaves. For purposes of this article, linked means connected by wiring, microwave, infrared, etc.
What’s It Used For?
The most obvious and common use for CCTV is for security. This type of installation is used in a variety of locations such as stores, banks, and government buildings. However, there are so many other uses. It can be used for monitoring traffic. It is used in sports stadiums to focus on the audience. It can be hidden in trains and buses to detect vandalism. It can be used to monitor animals in a zoo. It can even be used to reproduce infrared vision. The applications are almost limitless.
What’s In It?
It all starts with the camera. This creates the picture that is transmitted to the control area. Most CCTV cameras are not fitted with lenses. They must be obtained separately and screwed on. There is a standard screw thread although there are different mounts. Not all lenses have focus adjustment. Most have iris adjustment. Some wide angle lenses do not have a focus ring. There is a BNC jack for connecting the video cable. In the case of line powered cameras, this coaxial cable also provides power. The monitor is what receives the signal that the camera creates. A CCTV monitor is similar to a television set but it does not have tuning circuits.
Simple CCTV systems consist of a camera connected to a monitor with coaxial cable. This cable also carries the power needed for the camera. This is called a line powered camera. The Pye Observation System was such a system and was popular during the early days of CCTV. It was affordable and could be set up with a minimum of difficulty. The next big step in the technology was allowing for four cameras to be connected to the monitor simultaneously. The view could be programmed to cycle through the available cameras or go to a particular camera chosen by the user.
Record For Posterity
Another big advance was when footage could be recorded and stored. The footage would be played back according to the viewing cycle the user chose. Once the footage is recorded, it cannot be changed to go to a different camera. The next step would be cameras that were able move and swivel. Simple platforms that move on a horizontal plane are called scanners. If a platform moves on both vertical and horizontal units it is called a pan, tilt unit.
The concept of CCTV is simple enough to understand. It is the application of such technology that still holds many undiscovered gems. Such a simple concept can be tapped for its limitless potential. And for the end user, it can serve as a great tool to accomplish many different things. In the end, that is the most important thing.
Have you decided to invest in CCTV? Visit Video-Surveillance-Guide.com for more information before you choose a CCTV camera or home surveillance camera.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nahshon_Roberts
By Damian Sofsian
CCTV stands for closed-circuit television. CCTV Hidden Cameras are used in places where there is a need for added security measures such as banks, supermarkets, department stores, schools and more. The entire network of cameras in various locations is connected by means of cables to a television or monitor in a single place. Images from all cameras can be displayed simultaneously on this screen. Images can be paused and zoomed in.
The basic use of CCTV Cameras is crime prevention and detection. Someone continuously monitors the images produced by CCTV Cameras on the screen. Any untoward activity is immediately brought to notice and a security alarm is raised. The use of CCTV Cameras in crime prevention and detection originated in the UK, but today most countries all over the world use them for surveillance. Several shoplifters are being booked daily using CCTV Cameras. There was also a sensational case where a child was rescued from his kidnappers when the kidnap was recorded over a department store CCTV Camera.
Another use of CCTV Cameras is in controlling road traffic. CCTV Cameras are placed at various strategic points on roads and their screens are placed in traffic control towers. Such surveillance helps to control the traffic and also to prevent accidents. In case there is an accident, immediate assistance can be rendered at the spot.
The use of CCTV Cameras is not without controversy. There is a section of the public that feels the use of CCTV Cameras is an invasion of privacy. There are restrictions to the use of CCTV Cameras in most states. Installation of a CCTV system requires letters of permission from the concerned authorities in some states.
Early CCTV Cameras were expensive. But now with growing technology, their prices have come drastically down and they are well within the reach of the common man. Modern CCTV Cameras are available with wireless technology. They can also be connected to the USB port of computers and can produce digital images. CCTV images can be uploaded to the net and made available over long distances.
Installing a CCTV surveillance system in a small office, with four cameras and a monitor, may cost about $750. Prices fluctuate depending on the company and sophistication of the equipment.
Hidden Cameras provides detailed information about hidden cameras, hidden security cameras, hidden video cameras, wireless hidden cameras and more. Hidden Cameras is the sister site of Security Cameras Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damian_Sofsian
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