Video Surveillance Growing Faster Than Ever

May 31st, 2008 by Brad

Many more people are installing video surveillance cameras in their homes these days because they tend to be home less often and want to have the added peace of mind that such a security system can offer. In addition, we live in a time when the neighbors are also at home less and less frequently and are generally less aware and watchful of what might be happening in the area.

These situations have combined to make home security surveillance systems more desirable to people, and to cope with rising crime in many areas of the country. People feel less safe even when they are in their homes because of increasing crime trends. This is particularly true when the reported crimes start to encroach into neighborhoods that had once been thought of as very safe.

Another reason for the rise in popularity of security surveillance equipment for the home is that it has become much more affordable because of the great technological advancements that have been made. So, even average homeowners can afford to have a system that also includes such features as remote video security.

In addition, there are even portable surveillance cameras systems that have more recently come on the market for those who rent a home or an apartment, so they too can have a home security system. Most of these portable systems use wireless video surveillance cameras, so they are easy to install and also very easy to remove and reinstall at a new location as needed.

Another advantage of these wireless surveillance camera systems is that the installation costs are much lower than the traditional hard-wired security systems. In fact, many people are able to install these kinds of systems themselves, which once again helps to make them more affordable.

Home security surveillance systems are most often used to monitor the happenings around the exterior of the home. This allows the homeowner to know what is happening on their property, which is especially helpful if there has been evidence of an intrusion of some type. However, simply having an operating network of surveillance cameras can be a huge deterrent to crime in and of itself.

These surveillance camera systems can also be used to keep an eye on things going on inside the home. This can be helpful in a game room type setting where teenagers like to gather but want to be away from adult supervision. They can also be used in the case of having a babysitter in the home, as there have been many reported incidents of an abusive babysitter being caught by camera video surveillance, and many include audio surveillance.

One of the more recent innovations in security surveillance systems is the option of allowing the homeowner to view the video feeds from a remote location. It doesn’t matter if they are traveling half way across the globe or are just across town, they can see in real time what is going on at home with this surveillance software and an internet connection.

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Video Security Systems - The Top 5 Misconceptions

May 27th, 2008 by Brad

If you have any concerns at all about the safety and security of your business, then it makes a lot of sense to consider installing a burglar alarm system. Quality burglar alarm systems are very effective, not to mention cost effective, at protecting your inventory, your premises and your employees. However, many business owners hesitate to invest in security surveillance systems because of some common, but incorrect, myths about the products.

As most people know, burglar alarms are designed to help you detect break-ins and intrusions into stores or warehouses. When the alarm is tripped, a monitoring company is alerted and they are able to dispatch local police to the scene to handle the problems. Most systems also have integrated fire alarm systems and a monitor for that as well. Today, even the most basic systems also include video surveillance systems and even remote video surveillance, adding an extra layer of functionality.

Now is the time to dispel some of those myths and rumors so that you can make an informed decision about security systems based on solid facts.

They are just too expensive to install and monitor. Not so these days. Costs have come down considerably in recent years and basic systems can be purchased and installed for a few hundred dollars, depending on the facilities needs. Monitoring is generally charged on a monthly basis and usually is under $30 per month.

It’s an unnecessary expense and won’t boost my bottom line. While it’s true that you may never have an incident, the fact is that the cost of one break-in will more than likely pay for the security surveillance equipment many times over. Also, your insurance company will probably give you a break on your insurance premiums if your business premises are protected by a burglar alarm system.

They are difficult to use and I don’t have time to train my employees. Actually good security systems are quite simple to use. If you can use an ATM, then you can certainly handle a burglar alarm system. The same applies for employees and typically a demonstration and training session will take less than an hour.

The system will be useless is the power goes out or the phone lines are cut. The reality is that any decent video security system will have sophisticated battery backup in case of a power outage and an integrated cellular line to back up your phone system. Both of these backup systems automatically kick in if problems are detected.

False alarms are too common and will get us in hot water with local authorities. A monitored system will first alert the monitoring center. They will attempt to contact you, or someone on your contact list, to determine if there is a real problem. This step keeps most false alarms from ever being reported to emergency agencies. If you entered the wrong code, then you will get a warning signal and still have time to re-enter the code.

If any of the above misconceptions have been responsible for keeping you from making the decision to install a security surveillance system in your facility, or from having a home safety security system installed, then this clarification should clear the way for you to make the best decision possible.

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Video Security Cameras are Perfect for Many Uses

May 24th, 2008 by Brad

Video security cameras are available for use by homeowners and business people for viewing selected premises areas on a TV monitor. The most basic system of this type comprises a single video camera which has a video signal connected through a cable to a television monitor at a different location.

Video security cameras are often hidden behind clothes racks and mirrors, or disguised as cute, little, seemingly innocent pots of makeup or inconspicuous accessories that will never see the light of a runway. This way, the sanctity of fashion is guarded without offending any inflated egos.

Video security cameras are of great help in designing a security system against criminals. You can find these cameras being used at different places. Video security cameras are a useful tool for enhancing safety in public and/or secure areas. A security camera allows activity to be monitored for identification, for alerting the occurrence of unwanted activity or intrusions and/or for providing a signal that may be recorded for later reference or potential use as evidence.

Video security cameras are on every level and at the front door. Security deposit box available at reception. Video security cameras are on every level and at the front door. Security deposit box available at reception. Video security cameras are often set up at key points throughout a building or area. The video cameras may provide feeds to a central video monitoring station, where security personnel can visually monitor the areas.

Digital cameras have come a long ways in the past few years. They are now more affordable and feature rich than ever. Digital scanners, cameras, image files and Kodak Photo CDs are possible input sources for the printer. Image resolution is 1088 x 840 pixels and can be downloaded to a PC for storage or manipulation.

Video security cameras are placed strategically around the property to protect particular features (cars, boats, barns, etc) and are often monitored from a central recording station. Traditionally, homeowners have used analog CCTV cameras, which record footage onto cassette
tapes.

Video security cameras are a choice that is becoming more and more accepted. The safety of your family and your home is made more secure by choosing the right security camera. Video security cameras are on every level and at the front door. Security deposit box available at
reception.

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Protect What’s Important to you with a Video Security Camera System

May 21st, 2008 by Brad

Start protecting what’s important to you with an affordable wireless video security system!
Whether you’re starting new construction, renovating facilities or upgrading an existing security system. When you’re ready to install a video surveillance security camera system to your home or business you can rest assured you’re about to feel a whole lot safer.

People install these video security camera systems for so many different reasons. With the help of a digital camera or web cam and a PC, you can create office or home security system. While obviously a priority, crime prevention isn’t the only application for the system. Digital video surveillance cameras come in so many varieties that choosing the right one for you may seem daunting.

What makes one camera different from another? We now have video surveillance or cameras monitoring nearly our every move, documenting and securing each area in which we live our lives. This added surveillance has provided security and peace of mind for several generations. You must have a video source available on your PC, either a web camera or Windows Media file such as an avi file. Video cameras designed specifically for surveillance give an extra measure of safety and security.

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Video Security And A Day Out With The Girls - Part Two

May 18th, 2008 by Brad

The first part of this article dealt with the video security used as a woman and her friends spent the day shopping and enjoying each others company. We pick up where we left off; about four in the afternoon as the girls are getting ready to while the evening away.

The day was great, shopping was incredible and now it’s time for the evening fun to begin. Decked out in new clothes, you and your companions are ready for an evening of excitement.

Before you leave the mall, someone suggests a short visit to the jewelry store to find a bauble or two that will accessorize all the new clothing. Not a bad idea. Do you spot a video security camera as you enter the store? You can be pretty sure you do! Many stores of this kind have quite an inventory of expensive jewelry.

But wait- you needs to stop at the ATM for some extra cash, (someone hit the sales a little too hard?) Take a close look and you may see the video security camera is taking in the entire transaction.

After dinner you are all ready to attend the newest art opening at one of the galleries. Quite a few of these galleries now use some form of video security as a way to protect the work of the artists.

The art opening was very inspiring and you have decided it’s time for a quick drink before you head to the casino. Look for the video security in the bar. Many larger bars have added video security systems as a way to monitor both employees and patrons.

It’s on to the casino for a chance to recoup some of the money spent earlier in the day. You can “bet” the casino will have an up-to-date video security system. They have a lot to protect and this type of system gives them the chance to watch the people in the casino and prevent problems before they become serious.

The day is drawing to a close. You tell your friends good-bye and head for home. Unfortunately you take a look at your gas gauge and notice you do not have enough gas for the return trip. One final stop at an all-night gas station. Any video security cameras in place here? Probably, especially with the price of gas; people have been taking off without paying. Robberies are also a possibility so it is highly likely you will be observed on a video security camera. Pay for your gas, wave to the camera and call it a day!

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Video Security And A Day Out With The Girls - Part One

May 14th, 2008 by Brad

You probably never stopped to think about it but even a day filled with friends and shopping is probably being closing monitored by the means of video security. Read on in Part One of this series and you will get a glimpse into a day in the life of an average person taking a little time to relax and have fun. This person could be you!

Before you even get out of your neighborhood you have decided that a cup of coffee is going to be absolutely necessary. When you stop at the convenience store at the end of your block for that cup of java, the video security system is in full swing.

If you live in a larger city, the video security may continue as you pull onto a busy, major highway. There very well could be cameras being used to keep track of traffic and monitor accidents and violations.

Pull into the underground parking garage and the use of video security is used to keep people safe and watch for incidents that could be problematic. Of course this means that your actions are being watched as well. Pull in a little too close to that car next to you and accidentally scratch the driver’s side on that Mercedes? Whoops! Caught on tape!

Before you meet your friends you need to make a stop at the bank branch that is conveniently located inside the mall. Here is a place where video security abounds. It is used to keep track of the actions of employees and to tape any type of possible robbery. These tapes are highly useful at trial because they often provide excellent documentation.

On to meet your friends and get started with the shopping spree. If you pay attention you will find that there is video security in many different places in the mall. There may be cameras in the common areas as well as in many of the stores. Video security is one way to keep an eye on shoppers who may have sticky fingers.

Well, you are about halfway through your day of shopping and fun. Have you noticed all the video security systems that are in place as you shop? Tune in for Part Two and see what happens as day turns into evening. The fun will continue and so will the video security!

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Are There Benefits To Digital Video Security?

May 8th, 2008 by Brad

What are you looking for in digital video security? Do you need perimeter security, emergency management or loss prevention? Maybe your needs run more toward protection of high-risk environments. Are you a business owner who needs a new security system or an update? All of these scenarios are possible with the use of a digital video security system.

When you need any kind of digital video security surveillance you will find there are many benefits that can be reaped with the use of such a system. Look into digital video security and you may find that some of these advantages may be helpful to you.

One advantage of a digital video security system is being able to detect, alert and dispatch when a threat is at hand. You can analyze the threat and act on it before the incident even takes place.

Another benefit is having a digital security system that can stand up to environmental demands that can be brutal. A good system can provide you with a video based security network that will monitor your critical assets and keep them secure in almost any situation.

Some digital video security monitoring systems can deliver a very wide surveillance capacity. This means that more locations can be monitored without additional staff. Some areas that are normally dark, cost prohibitive, or hazardous can often be monitored by some of the newer surveillance systems.

There are digital video security systems that are so sophisticated, they miss very little. This means your security is improved and errors are greatly reduced.

You will be able to find systems that provide digital video security that can intelligently detect a potential threat and automatically inform those who need the information. A team can then be dispensed to handle the situation.

Because these systems are being constantly upgraded and improved, your costs may actually be less. You will not need as many security employees and it is also less expensive to update an existing system rather than replacing the entire thing.

Digital video security is essential for many businesses and corporations. It can be used in casinos, banks, convenience stores and shopping centers. The benefits of using digital video security are many and as the technology continues to improve, the benefits and advantages will increase.

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Combining Campus Video Security With Information Technology

May 3rd, 2008 by Brad

Digital video security is often used on college campuses. Most college campuses also make use of information technology. Can the two areas be combined as a way to strengthen both areas?

There may certainly be some hurdles to jump over to achieve a working partnership but there would be many benefits as well. Those who are responsible for the use of security on the campus, which includes digital video security often feel they will loose control if they work with the IT people. They may also worry about not understanding the technology employed in the IT department.

The IT folks may think that those in charge of campus security are old fashioned and not up on the newest technology. There are also times when the techies get so caught up in the latest technology that they don’t appreciate the older things that continue to work well and have proved reliable.

So, the question still remains; can these two groups get together and put their differences aside long enough to reap the benefits? Can those in charge of digital video security work with those who know all the latest technology?

Here are some of the benefits of the two areas working together:

Budgets can be shared. Instead of having separate budgets, neither of which cover all the needs, the budgets can be pooled and used for larger purchases such as updates on older digital video security systems.

Technology departments often receive grants to improve the network’s infrastructure. Colleges and universities may also budget for high-speed connections between campuses and buildings. Funds for digital video security equipment may be piggy-backed into this budget. In both situations, everyone wins.

When digital video security systems are not working properly, surveillance is greatly decreased. The campus police are busy taking care of campus security and may not have the time to troubleshoot or fix problems that are essentially technology situations. When the two departments assist each other, security is enhanced.

Campus security is a serious issue and digital video security systems are becoming more sophisticated. These sophisticated systems will improve campus security but they will require the expertise of those in the IT department.

The benefits of campus security departments working with those in IT departments far outweigh the struggles they may face at the beginning of the working relationship.

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