Security Surveillance Signs

Security Cameras: Why Everyone Should Have Them

 

In modern America, most of us (especially city dwellers) are getting used to the idea of video surveillance cameras watching what we do in stores, at work, and even at traffic lights. It's no surprise, then, that home security cameras are becoming an increasingly popular way for homeowners to keep tabs on their property. Whether you want to make sure that your children are safe with their babysitter, or you want to deter intruders from entering your home (or have some footage to help police should a break in occur), security cameras are an excellent addition to the other safety precautions you take for your family.

Security cameras are everywhere, and I mean everywhere. You can't walk down the street and not be recorded by someone somewhere. When driving down the street look up and you will see video cameras on traffic lights, news stations use video surveillance to tell us about the traffic and catch news as it's happening. Law enforcement agencies also rely on video surveillance to be there eyes when they can't be there physically. Recently home security surveillance has become more popular as well.

Once considered the exclusive realm of the rich, video surveillance equipment, like most high-tech products, has become increasingly affordable. With the wide selection of security cameras on the market today, it is very likely that even homeowners on a budget will be able to find a surveillance system that will suit their needs without breaking the bank in the process.

Security Camera Systems

Most video security systems consist of several cameras. They can be concealed in many places, including smoke detectors, telephones, and even in the frames of artwork hanging on the wall. These security cameras are generally used to monitor activity inside the home. Some outdoor systems leave one or two cameras exposed as a deterrent, while the other cameras capture happenings in other areas. These cameras can be connected to a VCR or DVR so you can review footage at your leisure.

It is also possible to have remote monitoring, allowing someone with the proper equipment installed on their personal computer to look in on a video surveillance system at another location. This is a feature offered to parents at a growing number of daycare centers, and is becoming increasingly popular for parents who want to check on their older kids who are home alone after school, etc.

Some surveillance cameras are designed to record sound as well as video, while others record only images. While signs warning consumers that they are being filmed and recorded must be posted on the doors in all public places that use audio and video systems, there are no such requirements in private homes.

Pricing Security Cameras and Surveillance Equipment

Though consumer grade surveillance cameras are coming down in price, high-end technology is never what you'd call "cheap". It is a good idea to consult with an industry professional to get an informed opinion on what will work in your specific situation. Not only will a security professional be able to suggest what kind of equipment will work for you, he or she will also be able to give you good advice on where security cameras can be placed to do the most good.

Each individual component of surveillance equipment can range in price from less than $100 to several hundred. When combined to create a surveillance network, prices start at less than $1,000 and go up from there. In most cases, a security professional will be able to find you a system that fits your budget, and will give you the peace of mind you want from your security equipment.

Homeowners have many options when they want to see what is going on in and around there property. While most video surveillance is in black and white, homeowners can spend a little extra money to get video surveillance in color. Now you can see the Fed ex guy or your expected guests in living color.

You can choose to buy the equipment for your home security surveillance and install it yourself or you can hire a home security company to install your cameras for you. For the exterior of your home you will need cameras at all doors including the garage door as well so that you can see out onto the street. This will allow you to see who is approaching your house from the street, this is useful for looking at makes and models of cars if there is a car involved in a home invasion.
You can also choose to install dummy cameras around the exterior of your house. Dummy cameras are cameras that aren't really cameras at all they just look like cameras to fool the home invader. Burglars usually do their homework as to where the cameras are, if the perpetrator believes that he can be spotted at all different angles then chances are that he will pick an easier house. While you still have cameras at the front and back doors the dummy cameras really save you the homeowner and considerable amount of money.

If you want to see what is going on inside your house there are many different options for interior surveillance as well. In the movie meet the Parents they make light of such cameras. While the movie was funny, interior surveillance is a great way to protect your valuables and your family. Make sure a babysitter is treating your child like they are supposed to be treated, as well as keeping an eye on any valuables that might be in your house.
Home security surveillance does for your family what the public cameras do for the media and the law enforcement agencies. It provides protection from harm and records criminal activity it there happens to be any. So invest in a home security surveillance system today and keep your family and your home secure.

 

About the Author

http://1800securitycamera.com/

Security Cameras and Home Safety

To most homeowners, home security is of the utmost importance. It is no surprise that families feel the need to protect their homes with security cameras and other forms of surveillance. With more than 1/7 of American homes being broken into every year, the need to protect one’s home must be taken into serious consideration. More and more home surveillance equipment is sold as better technology becomes available. But what kind of video surveillance is sufficient to protect you and your family from the threats posed by burglars or other criminals? This is an important question to consider when one is intent on placing safety first in their home and in their life.

Every 15 seconds, a home burglary occurs, and 16% of homes are broken into every year. It is no surprise that some people feel it essential to install security cameras. With an IP security camera, a person can see through the security camera in any room where there is an Internet connection. With this technology, parents can monitor their children playing in the yard from inside the house. This system also allows for remote monitoring, such as checking in on the home while hundreds of miles away on vacation. The ability to view any area of the house from any room of the house is a big step towards home safety.

As newer and better equipment becomes available, the number of IP security camera sales were estimated to be about 1 million in 2008. Since then, it is estimated that 2.5-3 million have been sold. Newer models of cameras can fit into clocks, stereo speakers and even smoke detectors. Wireless cameras are even more flexible and can be positioned in almost any location. They can be placed in plain view to scare a burglar off or hidden in places for discrete monitoring. Some cameras remain inactive until they detect movement, and then begin recording when the motion sensors are tripped. The effectiveness of a home security system has become much greater with these technological advancements.

Of all home burglaries, 60% are made through open doors or windows. Although security measures like cameras are a good way to protect your family, this begs the question: Is video surveillance enough? If a majority of burglaries are made through unlocked doors or windows, the need for a security camera becomes overshadowed by the need for locks on doors and windows. Even with security cameras installed, an unlocked door isn’t much of an obstacle for an experienced burglar. With these facts in mind, making your home safer requires more than just a surveillance system. Door alarms, “beware of dog” signs, and motion activated stoplights are all ways to protect you and your family, along with cameras. Even fake cameras could help deter criminals if placed in the right locations. With the abundance of safety gear available, a safe home is something that is becoming a realistic goal.

The concept of placing safety first is one that has been ingrained into most of us and continues to be relevant even today. Tthe significance of this idea has become more important today as the size of properties increase. As more and more homes are becoming the targets of criminals, homeowners are forced to take steps to ensure their family’s safety. While the need to protect one’s family will never truly disappear, newer and better ways to achieve a safe home will continue to be available to homeowners everywhere.

If you use security surveillance cameras at your home, do you have to post a sign that lets people know?

I live in Hamilton, ON. There are no signs posted and I can't seem to find any information online regarding this. The camera looks as if it is pointing straight at my house...into my 3 yr old daughters room! Now I may be mistaken, but I do know the 2nd camera seems to be pointed at their car which is parked on the street. I have asked and they do say yes they have cameras. Must it be posted? How much of the street or others house can be on the video? Or do they have to stop at their property line?

No

It is your private property do as you please.

Here is a DVR that will work perfectly for you.

http://www.ascendentgroup.com/x4s.htm

I would recommend a Standalone DVR as they are more reliable and since they are linux based they are virus ans spy ware free.

The X4S Series DVR is an intelligent and professional CCTV management solution, integrating the latest technology and the most advanced features while maintaining a simple, intuitive, and graphical interface. The X4S Series DVR is a 24/7 turn key solution that meets demanding security needs to suit industrial and commercial applications. The X4S DVR is compatible with the X4 platform, allowing it to act as an IP server, while still remaining a standalone solution and allows you to view your cameras instantly over the internet with a PC or cell phone like the I-phone.

For Cameras:

http://www.ascendentgroup.com/cameras.htm

also here is some information on DVR and cameras you may want to read before buying a CCTV system.

Not all DVRs and security equipment are created equal, in fact there are many options that offer varying performance much like the automobile industry. In the world of DVRs you can find the equivalent of a $10,000 Kia and a $350,000 Ferrari and everything in between. Both have 4 wheels and windshield but that where the similarities end, it’s under the hood that counts. Just like any other consumer electronic in the end you get what you pay for.

I suggest you buy a PC based DVR has they have more processing power and normally have a much smaller file size and offer more features then Standalone DVR's. I know many people buy a cheap standalone DVR, only to upgrade to a PC based in 6 months especially when they are using it to manage a store remotely. Also PC based allows you to record up to 64 cameras where a standalone will have a limit of 16.

Many people have the misconception that a PC-Based DVR is simply an off-the-shelf PC with video capture (encoder) cards, display (decoder) cards and some generic OEM software. A true DVR requires years of research and development to facilitate the seamless integration of both the hardware and software. DVRs are highly complex systems that must run 24/7, processing millions of images per day. This makes consumer-level hardware inadequate for DVRs which is why Ascendent uses custom-built PCs with performance-level hardware.

My personal favorite DVR is Ascendent X4 series: Ascendent’s Tri-Fusion Hybrid Platform allows for the creation of a true hybrid surveillance system by utilizing the advantages of Analog, Megapixel, and IP technologies for unparalleled customization and expandability. I am working on government projects and use Ascendent cameras and DVR because the offer superior performance and cost less then comparable brands like bosh, Honeywell and pelco.

The X4 also uses the latest H.264/SVC codec offer video substantially better quality,. While its file size sizes is 30% smaller than MPEG-4, 60% smaller than MPEG-2, and exponentially smaller than MJPEG.

File size is crucial to streaming because most DVR’s on the market record at real time performance (30FPS per channel) so on a 4CH is trying to send 120, 8CH 240, and a 16CH 480 images per second which requires way too much bandwidth even for the most extreme internet connections.

The smaller the files size the more images are able to be sent, and the faster they can be processed improving both FPS and speed. File size is the heart of any DVR and goes far beyond just its streaming capabilities, as it also determines the recording storage time, how much you can back up at once, how fast it renders and searches video. The file size of a DVR impacts the performance of the DVR in just about every aspect from speed to longevity and is often the most important spec of any DVR.

If you are buying a DVR and streaming is a high priority I suggest you ask for a demo and connect to the DVR to make sure it is able to stream fast enough for your needs. Most DVRs say they have remote viewing but it is often too slow and laggy to be of any use especially if it is a standalone. Some good DVR brands that I recommend are Bosch, Pelco, Honeywell and Ascendent. These brands are what security professionals use.

I recommend Ascendent as they are less expensive because they cameras for companies like Bosch and Pelco and offer better performance but any of these 3 brands will work well.

http://www.ascendentgroup.com/home.htm

Recognizing the 8 Signs of Terrorism - CIAC - Colorado Information Analysis Center with John Elway