Many businesses have learned to protect themselves without the threat of violence, by making their CCTV systems visible, many would-by crooks walk away for fear of being caught. There are numerous television shows that broadcast actual CCTV footage of people breaking the law, and in most of the videos, the culprits are readily recognizable.

With cameras located in front of the doors capturing the faces of people as they enter, as well as over the checkout counter aimed at the customer, a person planning to commit a crime may think twice before taking the risk of having their picture broadcast on the evening news. A person who is desperate enough to ignore the potential to get caught, will most likely find themselves getting a free ride in a police cruiser.

CCTV evidence is not limited to external theft, as many companies also use systems to keep their employees honest. Typically, a less than honest employee may immediately deny their involvement in an illegal act, but when confronted by the availability of video evidence, they will generally tell a different story. Most employers do not even show the employee the video, just being able to describe the specific action the employee took to commit the crime, is generally enough to get to the truth.

With almost three-fourths of all crime committed against businesses being committed by employees, CCTV is becoming one of the best investments a company can make in protecting its assets. While even the best CCTV system may not stop all crimes by employees, it does work as a deterrent and helps to keep honest employees from making a mistake.

Video is everywhere these days, between camera phones with video capability and surveillance systems in most retail establishments, businesses have long realized the deterrent effects that closed circuit television systems have on their business. As a result, more people are becoming interested in CCTV systems for their home.

With the digital age, there is no need for the expense of vide cassette tapes and large amounts of storage room. Many digital video recorders can store over 30 days worth of video from up to 16 cameras per unit and your home computer, if properly connected and configured, can be used to pull the video from the recorder with by the minute access available.

An additional benefit is being able to burn that video onto a DVD to hand to the police in the event of an illegal activity occurring on your premises. Most people looking to break into a house will walk away if they see a CCTV system on the outside of the home. It may only be a dummy camera and a wire that goes nowhere, but they do not want to take the chance. For those who really want to catch a potential crook, a residential CCTV system can be purchased and installed by the homeowner.

Whether you install cameras only on the outside, or in various parts of the interior will be your choice, but as many police departments have declared, video evidence of a crime in progress is the best method they have, short of a confession, of securing a conviction.

Many people are choosing to purchase an IP camera to protect their homes and businesses. There are many security companies out there, offering IP cameras and other security gadgets. However, as a consumer, you should always be well aware of who you are working with. This is especially true when it comes to security. Any security company you work with should be one that you respect and trust. After all, they are setting up systems that are meant to protect you and your family.

The first thing you should do is try a demo from your prospective companies. When you find the demo software you like best, you can move on to doing a background check on the company offering it. One way to find information is to browse the Web. You can look at reviews of software or even go into message forums to get customer opinions.

Calling the technical support team is also a good idea. If they are friendly on the phone, you can expect them to be friendly if you ever have a problem. Since customer service is important, you want to know you are working with people who are there to help you, should you need them.

When you dig in and do some research, you may find that you are making the right decision, or you may find that you would rather go with another company. Overall, your confidence in the company you choose to work with will have an overall effect on your satisfaction with your system.

IP cameras are one of the most popular security gadgets today. People are using IP cameras to monitor both their homes and businesses. It is a relatively inexpensive way to upgrade your security system. However, before you rush out to purchase a new IP camera and security system, there are a few things you need to think through. Take a look at what you should look for when choosing an IP camera.

Features

One of the most important things you need to consider when purchasing a new IP camera and security system is the features each particular model offers. Each camera might do the same basic things, however all software is different. Finding software you feel most comfortable with, and one that offers everything you desire, may take some time. However, putting in the extra effort to ensure you are getting what you want is worth the time.

Demo

Most of the best companies that offer IP cameras and security systems will offer their potential customers a free demo. This basically means you can download a trial version of their software and test it out, to be sure you are comfortable with it. Although the cost of IP cameras has dropped since their introduction, purchasing an IP camera and an entire security system can be costly. Therefore, you don’t want to put a lot of money into something you haven’t tried first.

If you are selective with an IP camera and its software, you will feel more confident with your purchase, and feel safer knowing you have a terrific IP camera and security system in place.

When you take the time to maintain your video surveillance system you can be assured of a system that is in proper working order.

Think about where you place any advertising posters in your business. Sometimes these posters are attached to ceilings and hang right in the view of the camera. A clear view is not possible if this happens.

The camera lens of your video surveillance system should be cleaned once a month. You can use paper and an approved lens cleaner. Don’t put the cleaning fluid directly on the lens but place a few drops on the paper and wipe it in a circular motion.

If you are using a VCR as part of your video surveillance system you should have it serviced professionally once a year. It is also a good plan to have an extra VCR in the event of a malfunction. When you use a time lapse VCR the recording heads need to be cleaned every month using a high-quality wet-tape cleaning cassette.

Every day you need to make sure that the correct time and date are generated by the multiplexer, VCR or DVR. The correct time and date should always be displayed on the monitor. There are instances when a brief power outage may cause the time and date to be reset. Also remember to make the needed changes regarding Daylight Savings Time.

It is a good idea to have a large wall mounted clock and a large single numbered calendar that are displayed so that at least one camera captures them in the background. This is an easy way to provide necessary documentation.

A maintained video surveillance system is one that will operate correctly and provide you with the security you need.

Employee theft and customer accidents are two of the largest contributors to a business’s expense line that can be controlled through the use of video surveillance equipment. Being able to dispute an accident claim with video evidence that the alleged accident did not occur in the way in which it is claimed, can save you money as well as your company’s reputation.

According to national statistics, employee theft makes up about 45 percent of a company’s losses and external theft about another 32 percent. Video surveillance equipment can help the bottom line on two fronts, first as a deterrent to theft and as a powerful witness to the crime in a court of law. In a majority of cases, when confronted with video evidence, a suspect will admit to their wrongdoing.

Video surveillance equipment has also been successfully used to counter claims of employee accidents to save money on insurance costs and to counter accusations, which could cause claims of your business offering an unsafe working environment. Typically a person who has filed a fake accident claim will drop it once they are aware a video exists, however since the claim was filed they may also be subject to prosecution by the insurance company for attempting insurance fraud.

Whether you are looking for video surveillance equipment to be used as a deterrent or as prosecution evidence, it can serve either role with perfection. Provided you have selected the correct equipment for the specific surveillance you want to conduct, the investment can offer a good return on protecting your property.

Taking care of your video surveillance system is crucial. There are several things you can do to maintain your system.

Purchase two books. Use one of the books to keep track of maintenance and the other to record repairs. When you make use of two books it will be easier to keep good records.

You should always record certain information about your video surveillance system. Write down the model, make, and serial numbers of all equipment including the cameras, DVR’s, time lapse VCR’s and multiplexers. You may need this information if the police are called for a problem.

Take the time to review the camera position set-ups. This will ensure that your video surveillance camera is in the best location and that the focus is correct.

The camera focus can be adjusted to focus in on the area most likely to capture a suspect or to show an area that you need to monitor. The lighting should be considered also because it won’t do you any good to use video surveillance if the lighting is poor. You don’t want the light sources aimed incorrectly at the camera either because this will cause interference.

Another lighting situation to keep in mind is “back lighting.” When you are adjusting the camera angle of your video surveillance camera you do not want a dark outline that does not allow you to see important identifying details. If you have a camera in an area with sunlight that comes in through the windows you can be faced with this problem if the light is directly in the line of the camera lens.

These tips will help you maintain your video surveillance system. Part two will give you even more ideas.

For those wanting to protect the assets of their home or business, the price of video surveillance equipment has, in recent years, fallen enough to make it worth the investment. Not only does installing it serve as a deterrent to crime, but also offers an effective measure to offer undisputable evidence in the event a crime is against you or your property.

The good thing is that today’s equipment not only works together, it can be connected to your home computer network for monitoring from a remote location. For example, if you are away on vacation and have access to a computer, you could access your computer network and observe what is happening at your home or business.

The two main parts of video surveillance equipment are the cameras and the recording device. Cameras are available in many sizes and designs and some are offered in everyday items you would have around the home or office such as built into smoke detectors, flower vases, light fixtures and light switches. For those who want to deter crime, they can be left obvious to make people aware of their existence.

Cameras can be mounted inside or outside, in special weatherproof housings, with as many as 16 individual cameras connected to one recording device by using what is called a multiplexer. Through a typical multiplexer system, the individual camera views can be seen one at a time, or in individual pictures on your monitor screen. When played through a computer, the views can also be copied to the computer’s hard drive for later distribution to the proper authorities.

There was a time when video security was only used for large corporations, businesses or by people who were involved with certain government agencies.

There was also a time when many doors were not locked and people knew and trusted most of their neighbors. We were willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. We also were able to judge many people on the way they dressed, their appearance or their manner. Video security was not even considered in most circumstances.

The times have changed and many of us do not know our neighbors. We may not be well acquainted with a majority of the people who work for us or with us. We can not leave our doors unlocked or answer the knock on the door without wondering who it is.

This is where video security comes in. It is a great way to help people protect their homes and their businesses. By utilizing video security the home and workplace can become safer places.

Because of all the changes in safety and the increase in home invasions, violent crimes and thefts in businesses, video security has become quite popular. When a video security system is installed in a business the owners will be able to watch their workers and customers. They will have a record of what is going on at all times if needed. This information is important for documentation purposes if a crime is committed.

Even in well-established neighborhoods and areas of expensive homes, crimes are committed. In fact, sometimes these areas are hardest hit because of the high-end furnishings, jewelry and electronics. A video security system can be used to monitor the entire property, therefore making an invasion less likely.

A video security system can be a life-saver.

Is video security protection really necessary? Who uses it and why?

Video security is used to protect homes, valuables, property and people. It is used when homeowners want to protect their families and their property.

Homeowners can use video security cameras outside in strategic locations around their property. Entrances can be covered, both front and back. Video security can also be used to track suspicious behavior on any other part of the property.

It used to be that video security was only used by people who were very wealthy. This is not the case anymore. Because of increased crime in many towns and cities, people of all incomes are utilizing video security protection. When you consider what you might lose in a home invasion or a theft the cost is worth it.

When you are installing a video security system outside you will want to make sure it is properly installed. The surveillance camera should be placed out of the elements so that it will not be damaged.

Video security protection for the inside of the house is also helpful. The camera can be placed in the locations in your home that make the most sense. Cameras are usually positioned at each of the doors to the home. This maximizes the effectiveness of the video security camera.

Another reason for video security protection is documentation. If a crime is committed in your home you will have a record of it. This evidence is readily available and can be quite valuable.

Video security protection is a wonderful tool that can be used to protect your home and the people you love.