Archive for November 2nd, 2008

Attention Home Spy Camera Shoppers! Read These Buying Tips First!

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008
Nahshon Roberts


The research and consulting firm of Frost & Sullivan estimated that by year-end 2007, the figures would have risen by $100 million! Indeed, nanotechnology provides for more-than-nano figures.

But before you go contributing your hard-earned money on these spying devices, be aware that there are good spy cameras and there are bad spy cameras. Threshing the chaff from the wheat can be confusing with the wide array available. But with these purchasing tips, you will be able to select the perfect home spy camera for you.

Determine your Spying Purpose

Your final choice of a home spy camera will depend on your reasons for installing it. The store can help you choose, which makes it a good idea to outline your needs based on the following criteria.

First, you have to determine the time of day the camera will be in operation. Nighttime cameras utilize different lenses than daytime cameras. Second, you have to decide where to mount the camera – outdoors or indoors. There are special considerations necessary to prolong the useful life of an outdoor spy camera.

Third, you need to settle on recording requirements. If you want recording and playback capabilities, you have to choose from a host of choices ranging from desktop personal computers to Internet feeds to your laptop. Your home spy camera can record either through manual operation, or on a preprogrammed schedule, or through motion sensors.

Fourth, determine the range of movement and field of vision you want your home spy camera to have. You can choose from wide angle cameras, zoom lenses, or a combination of both. You can also choose a movable camera to follow movement or a stationary camera to focus on one area only.

Fifth, decide on image resolution and audio capabilities. You can choose from either black and white or color images. You can also choose between an audio capable home spy camera and a non-audio capable camera. These have distinct pros and cons, so choose wisely.

Reconcile Your Needs with Your Budget

Admittedly, you would want the higher-priced spy camera. More features mean more uses, and higher quality means higher benefits, ergo higher price. However, our wants and needs even in spying requires compromises in relation to our budget. Not unless you are Bill Gates himself, of course.

With the help of a more experienced person, try to reconcile your spying needs with your spying budget. First, look for basic features that answer your spying purposes as outlined above. Second, if your budget still allows it, then ask for more features or accessories to complement your initial choice.

Third, never forget to ask for assistance in installing the spy camera; ask questions if you are unclear about installation procedures. You can have it tested in the store itself to determine working functionality. Inquire about after-sales services, if there are any, including warranties and guarantees. You do not want lemons as your surveillance system.

When you are satisfied with your choice, install the home spy camera as soon as possible. You can complement this high-tech security system with similar high-tech burglar alarm systems and low-tech alarms like a guard dog. Using these might just save your property and your life, as many satisfied users have known before you.



Bug Detectors Are Not All The Same

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008
Phil Washington


The advent of listening and recording devices has significantly increased the number of cases involving illegal surveillance. This is cause for concern, primarily due to ethical considerations that often threaten an individual’s right to privacy. Bugs, also known as Covert Listening Devices, make it possible for anyone at any time to spy on you, with or without your knowledge or permission. Next time you stay at a hotel, motel or resort or become a new tenant in an apartment building, you might want to consider buying a bug detector to determine if you’re being watched. Here are some purchasing tips you should keep in mind:

Know the level of surveillance you may be facing

Most bugs you’ll probably encounter are low-level types, the kind used by amateur spies, voyeurs and landlords. If this is the case, a basic over-the-counter type of bug detector will work just fine. This type of detector will be able to sense bugs running on radio waves.

Look for a good range of detection

When purchasing a bug detector, check the range. This is usually expressed in MHz. A basic bug detector that can sense radio waves running from 1 MHz to about 3 MHz should work nicely for general needs.

Decide on the best warning feature that works for you

When purchasing a bug detector, ask what kind of warning feature it uses. Some bug detectors send out an audible alarm (usually beeps), while other units vibrate. Others have a small LED light that flashes to indicate the presence of a bug.

For general use, you might want to invest on a quiet bug detector. In case you go on a trip and decide to check a room, it will be discreet enough to use. That way, you can sweep a room, detect bugs and clear them without anyone else knowing it.

Too high-tech for you?

There are certain bugs that may not register on your bug detector. This usually happens if your detector can only sense radio waves. If a bug works on infra red, you could sweep a room completely and think it’s ‘clean’ when it’s not.

If you tried sweeping an area and nothing comes up and yet, there is still a bug present, it could be because the bug installed is the type used by government operatives or law enforcement officers. If this is the case, you might require the use of specialized bug detectors. These are usually made available to professionals such as detectives and law enforcement, which means you might have to hire someone to help you detect the bug and remove it. Your basic bug detector may not work in this case.