Archive for the 'Home Security' Category

The Importance of a Spy Camera

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

It is practically impossible to avoid crime today and even more impractical to believe that you will never be affected in some way or the other. Trusting strangers is out of the question and people have become dependent on security alarms, IP cameras and Spy Cameras. While some think of it as paranoia, others understand the significance. A spy camera is useful everywhere- your house, a police station, educational institutions and business organizations. Over the years, the demand for these cameras has increased which has added to the list of companies that manufacture them. Due to this reason, they have become reasonable and inexpensive- making it possible for a middle-class family to install it as well.

A spy camera is very popular in business organizations as proprietors are always looking to ensure whether the employees are working well. The best part about a spy camera is its size. Over the years, it has become possible to attach them onto pens and purses- making it impossible for a third party to find it. One can also attach it onto a button to get a better view of the surroundings. Even though these condensed spy cameras are costly, larger spy cameras can be purchased which are definitely more affordable. They work as well but you have to careful about where you place them.

Many journalists make use of spy cameras during sting operations. However, this is considered to be very risky and can get the journalist into a lot of trouble. Therefore, one should take spy cameras seriously so as to avoid a legal mess.

”Nanny Cams” are also categorized under spy cameras which are used to watch the activities of individuals who have been employed to look after your children. Since it has become very difficult to trust help nowadays, spy cameras in this case are widely popular. The images from the spy camera can be transferred onto a PC or laptop which allows the viewer to pause and rewind as and when the need arises. It can also be connected to a DVR, making it possible to extract images in case proof is asked for. A nanny cam is usually hidden in a stuffed toy animal or in a clock radio- making it difficult for the help to notice it.

Apart from spy cameras, other surveillance equipment should also be used so that security is ensured. This includes video intercoms which makes it possible to hear and see the person before allowing him to enter your house. While peep holes were considered to be satisfactory a few years ago, it is hardly possible to ascertain the body language through this opening. Audio intercoms are still recommended but they hold certain limitations as well.

For a complete and fool-proof security system, you should install a DVR, an IP Camera and several spy cameras in every room of your house. When installing these devices, make sure to do a background check on the company representatives.



Julian

Hidden Cameras: Which Type Do You Need

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Hidden cameras are an important component of a surveillance system.  They can record sureptitiously and can be an effective means to monitor activities and provide evidence in case of a crime or a violation.  Get to know the different types of hidden cameras to determine which one is right for your needs.

Nanny cams

A nanny cam is a type of hidden camera that generally has the most basic functions.  It’s single focus, stationary and has low to average image quality.  The nanny cam is a good choice for a hidden camera meant for general use such as home or office monitoring and surveillance.  It works very well for a limited area, such as a small or mid-sized room but may not be recommended for large areas.  The image quality is often not sufficient to allow the user to obtain a sharp image from afar, say — 20 to 30 feet away.  For closer monitoring though, the nanny cam works very well.

The nanny cam is also the type of hidden camera that is usually disguised as something else.  It could be installed on a wall clock, for example, or a stuffed toy or even a picture frame.  

Portable hidden cameras

This is a type of hidden camera that is smaller than the usual, which means it can be installed in just about anything.  A portable hidden camera can also be worn, which makes it ideal for personal or face-to-face monitoring or sting operations.  These days, hidden cameras of this type are also equipped with audio capability in order to capture sound.  

Usually, the hidden camera contains a transmitter which sends signals to a remote receiver.  This allows for a real time live feed of the images and audio captured by the camera.  In some models, the hidden camera comes with an SD card that will record images and audio digitally.  These can later be uploaded onto a computer for viewing.

Sensor-driven hidden cameras

Some hidden cameras, particularly those used for home or office security, are equipped with a built-in sensor.  This sensor detects movement, which makes the camera ideal for 24/7 surveillance.  It will only turn on if and when movement is sensed.  Otherwise, the camera remains on standby.  

In terms of energy use and efficiency, the sensor-driven hidden camera is an excellent choice.  It will only record if activity occurs.  It can also be set up to set off an alarm if motion is detected, alerting security officers or homeowners.

Night vision hidden cameras

Night vision hidden cameras are equipped with infra red technology.  This allows the camera to record images even in low light conditions.  Some high-end models can even record even in the complete absence of light, which makes them ideal for areas such as the backyard, garages, parking lots and store rooms.  

Night vision hidden cameras can be excellent for surveillance or home security needs because they do not rely heavily on a strong source of light just to record any activities.  As such, it can be used night or day without anyone knowing that it had been installed.



Tina

Hidden Spy Camera-the Purse Complete Surveillance System

Friday, February 5th, 2010

A purse is about as common as anything in the world. That is what makes it perfect for a covert surveillance system package. You see purses everywhere you see women. You see women everywhere. Ever see a woman go anywhere without a purse?

 

The point is people are used to seeing them in all sorts of situations and places. They have a comfort level with seeing them. That is exactly what makes the purse hidden camera surveillance system so great. No one suspects what is going on.

 

That is one of the reasons why this hidden spy camera purse surveillance system may be the perfect undercover tool to catch the bad guys. When you use a hidden camera part you want to get someone doing something they shouldn’t be doing. You don’t need any undue distraction from objects that might cast suspicion.

This surveillance system comes with all sorts of enhancements. The biggest is it is available as a stand alone complete system which includes a self-contained rechargeable digital video recorder (DVR) and camera unit allowing you to spy and record at the same time.

It is powered by a 12 hour rechargeable battery pack, no wires or cords to plug in. It includes the pocket dvr and all necessary power supplies, cables and battery pack. The dvr can record as many as 400 minutes at 30 fps with motion detection and a time stamp.

When you are not sure what equipment to get to do the job, this system takes all the guesswork out of it. It is one of many complete systems that provide solutions for a wide variety of problems and applications from domestic use to business applications.

X vision is an option available that allows for images in almost complete darkness. This option is only available with a black and white camera

 

So when you need to find out what is going on when you are not around or when you need documentation for a domestic violence or harassment case this could be the tool for you.

 

Jack Krohn is the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country. He owns SECURITY SOLUTIONS a one stop resource that provides solutions and answers for all your self defense and home security problems.

 

 



Cormac

Hidden Camera Dvr, the New Age of Home Security

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

A new age of home security has definitaly begun with the new the Hidden Camera DVR. The unit is portable and completely self contained, no wires or receivers to worry about. Just plug it in, point the camera in the direction you want to record, and push the record button on the remote. It really is that easy. Everything is recorded in color, on an 8 GB SD card that you simply plug into the SD card reader on your computer to view the recording.

This marvel of modern technology makes video surveillance surprisingly simple. Each Unit has two resolution settings. The 352 x 240 resolution setting records in real time at a rate of 30fps. High quality for 16hrs, medium quality for 96hrs and low quality for 144hrs. The 640 x 480 resolution setting records in real time at a rate of 12fps. High quality for 8hrs, medium quality for 48hrs and low quality for 72 hrs.

The Hidden Camera DVR comes with an 8 GB SD card. It can be motion activated or scheduled for recording. They also feature motion detection area masking, time and date stamp, remote control operation, sampling rate at 44.1 KHz, MPEG4 file format and composite video out.

This high tech surveillance system is available in eight models that are perfect for keeping an eye on things around the home or office. There are four Wall Clock models that will go with any decorating scheme. The Sony Dream Machine Clock Radio is actually a fully functional clock radio. The Boom Box is an actual AM/FM radio and CD player.

If you need to keep an eye on the outside, there is the Utility Box model. It can be mounted on the side of the building or on a pole and is completely weatherproof.

For the office there is the Exit Sign model. This camera can be mounted to either the wall or ceiling for a birds eye view of what your employees are actually doing.

With statistics showing that 1 in every 10 families will be a victim of some sort of crime, these high tech, user friendly hidden cameras will not only give you added security, but more importantly, a little piece of mind. For a purchase price of around $500.00 they are certain to fit any budget.



Lara

Spy Cameras Can Be Quite Useful and Often Necessary

Friday, December 18th, 2009

When you hear the words spy cameras, you may instantly flash back to thoughts of your childhood and recollections of the comedy series “Get Smart.” Spy cameras aren’t just talking about nifty gadgets that are hidden in shoes and other inanimate objects around the home or office.

These days, you never can be too careful. The economy has forced people to do desperate things, and many times, these things are downright unlawful. For years, companies have worked to keep their industrial and commercial sites protected. Paying for security guards and off duty police officers to watch over your location can be incredibly expensive and doesn’t always yield the results we’re hoping for.

There are several kinds of cameras that are available and serve several conditions and purposes. Bullet cameras are one of the easiest types of spy camera to conceal and mount in your store, home or industrial space. These cameras don’t require much lighting, they virtually see in the dark. They are perfect for areas such as parking lots or alleyways. They are completely weatherproof, so they’re perfect for nearly any location, indoors or out.

There are numerous kinds of spy cameras that are available. You can get one or several and link them together to keep an entire warehouse or complex monitored. Bullet cameras are easy to install and conceal. They are highly visible and require special wiring that leads from the camera to the access point and viewing screen. Many times companies rely more on the presence of these obtrusive cameras as a theft deterrent than the actual cameras, themselves.

Bullet cameras don’t require any special lighting and many of them are actually infrared based. These are your eyes that see in the dark. Night vision bullet spy cameras see in the dark and allow you to do so, too. When something is going on at your home or business in the dark, rely on these cameras to let you see what’s really happening.

Wireless spy cameras can be set up around the house to keep an eye on kids, the babysitter or the family pets. Many times when there are unexplainable situations occurring, families or business owners will set up wireless spy cameras to keep an eye on things and get some explanations.

Wireless spy cameras include the ever popular teddy bear camera surveillance system. You’ve probably seen these on TV or the movies. These tiny little recording devices are quickly and easily concealed within an object and broadcasts to a television or recording mechanism.

Some of the most popular wireless spy cameras are teddy bear cameras and cameras that have been placed inside of inanimate objects like smoke detectors or shelf clocks. With all of this wireless technology, it’s very easy to keep an eye on your belongings and loved ones at all times. If you need to make sure your employees are doing everything above the board, purchase a spy camera and keep an eye on things.



Cindy